Chapter 46

Chapter 45

Our Exhibition is Open for Business - 4

While there's no miraculous recovery from a sudden burst of worry, at least we can make an effort to dispel the gloomy atmosphere. Honestly, it was a bit humiliating to receive comfort from Ryutis, whom I had considered one of the dimwits.

Even if it was Louis' words relayed through Ryutis, it was still spoken by Ryutis. If Louis used Ryutis for shock therapy, it was indeed a wise choice. The fact that I felt so miserable from being worried about by such a guy made me snap out of it.

'Thank you, anyway.'

Of course, I am grateful to both Louis and Ryutis. But it feels like being a 5-year-old, squatting in an alley, and receiving a lollipop from a passerby out of pity.

Still, what can I do? Since I created this situation, I can't blame anyone else.

"So, can you stop now?"

"Hehe..."

Looking at me with tired eyes, Louis awkwardly smiled and turned his gaze away. Louis' quest was not a solo mission for Ryutis but a shared quest for the entire club. I was amazed at how many people, like Lathier and Tannian, lined up to talk to me while I was pondering Ryutis' words.

(L) I couldn't help but admire Louis' aggressive approach. Our Louis is really good at diversifying investments. He's so business-savvy, it's like he's the protagonist of a novel.

The three guys from the club sitting next to me one by one, Villar looking at me with pitiful eyes each time, and even Ainter seemed to be the next in line, so I rushed to Louis. No matter what, I couldn't accept comfort from someone I had already scolded.

"I'm so sorry..."

"Why did you do something to be sorry for?"

Louis, with his head bowed, dragged out his words but still glanced up at me with a bashful smile. I couldn't help but smile back.

It seems he noticed that I wasn't angry. That's why Louis, who had been shrinking at every sigh, is now smiling.

"If you need help in the future, just say so."

"Yes, big brother!"

"Don't do things like this anymore."

"Yes!"

Finally, after giving the answer Louis wanted, the relay of the five could stop. Of course, I'm not in a desperate situation where I need Louis' help, so it's like writing a blank check.

No matter what, I can't rely on a kid who just had his coming-of-age ceremony. This is a matter of pride and face, regardless of anything else.

It was already the last day of the booth operation.

During this time, I couldn't even meet the 1st Head, who seemed to be intentionally playing around with Margareta, and could only occasionally meet the 4th Head when I went to the forest. He must be somewhere in the academy, but I don't know where he's wandering around. Maybe it's Raiko, not me, who is the 1st Head.

"I'll be back."

And I was still being chased out every morning. Even with my blank check, Louis' ban on my work remained firm. I thought it might be okay to loosen up a bit at the end.

"See you."

Seeing Louis smiling and seeing me off, it seemed unlikely. If the top-ranked member of the baking club doesn't want to change, there's nothing I can do. I'm probably around 7th place.

Glancing at the display on my way out, I noticed that Louis' cookies were placed less than the other snacks. The cookies hadn't sold well, so there were many left. That's why they made fewer to begin with. Fortunately, Louis doesn't seem to care much if his cookies sell or not.

"Is the ranking announcement tomorrow?"

"Yes. It takes a long time to compile, so it's tomorrow."

"Since it's the last day, I hope everything sells out."

Even though I can't be involved in the work, I left a kind word as a club advisor and moved on.

On my way to the academy's main gate, I quietly took out the communication device when no one was around. Since I mentioned it yesterday, it should be fine to ask now.

***

Brother's expression has brightened a bit recently.

'That's a relief.'

It doesn't seem like he has completely let go, but that was expected. If it could be resolved with a few words, Brother would have already done so. I just wanted him to feel a bit better, and I'm satisfied with the results.

In fact, I don't know what Brother is harboring in his heart or how much he is holding onto it. In such a situation, a forced approach might even be harmful to Brother.

Still, I approached Brother because, at that moment, it wasn't about the poison. It felt like something would explode if I didn't immediately help him. Fortunately, Brother smiled it off, but I was so anxious about whether he would get angry.

"It won't be easy. The shackles one puts on oneself must be undone by oneself."

I felt it was insufficient to do it alone, so I asked the club members to comfort Brother. During this process, Lathier gave me serious advice. The mysterious shackles that Brother carries can only be undone by Brother himself.

"Still, with someone's help, it might be undone faster."

Lathier added a positive note and accepted my unreasonable request.

'With someone's help...'

If someone helps Brother, can he undo the shackles faster? Will he end up collapsing like before?

No, no. Brother is a bit brighter now. I shouldn't think dark thoughts. Brother will eventually let it go, no matter how long it takes. Yes, he definitely will.

While thinking this, I saw a customer coming from afar. It's the principal.

'He came yesterday too.'

I'm glad he liked what we made. Now, it's time to get to work, so I need to focus. I shouldn't get distracted by ominous thoughts and neglect my duties. Yes, let's do our best.

While steadying my mind, I greeted the principal with a smile as he approached the booth—

"The cookies seem like a good snack."

The principal bought all the cookies I made.

...Huh?

***

Unfortunately, today I couldn't go with Margareta because there was a student council meeting. With the person responsible for my morning schedule gone, my day was in disarray. It's a sad day.

With nowhere to go, I headed to the forest where the Black Light Brigade was stationed and found the 1st Head there. They were all planning to withdraw today, so it was a good thing they were gathered. I could say goodbye to everyone here.

While passing the time until the afternoon, the topic of my request to the principal came up as I was leaving the booth.

"Sir, that seems unfair."

"Anyway, it's fine if someone buys them."

"No, that's not the issue—"

"Sir is right."

"I have no allies."

The 1st Head's challenge and the 4th Head's support. It's always the same, and it calms my mind.

The unfairness the 1st Head mentioned is nothing much. I was concerned that Louis' cookies always remained, so I asked the principal to buy them all. It would feel good if they all sold on the last day of the booth, and it would leave a lasting memory.

Of course, I planned to pay the principal back when I received the cookies. Louis' cookies didn't seem to suit the principal's taste, so I would have to eat them.

"Is it right for an advisor to buy all the club booth items?"

"Everything? I only bought the cookies."

"If you buy the cookies, you've bought everything. They were the only ones left at the end."

That's true.

With no way to refute it, I remained silent, and the 1st Head's gaze became sharp.

"Isn't Sir too soft on Louis? You seem to like him more than Penelia."

At this, the 4th Head flinched and looked at me with a wistful expression. I shouldn't have said something strange and disturbed the 4th Head's mood.

"My juniors really worked hard..."

"Your juniors? They were bound to lose anyway."

Unfortunately, even if I hadn't bought Louis' cookies, the baking club would still have won. There's no lineup in any other club that could surpass the royal, noble, and saint candidate lineup. But the 1st Head, despite my realistic statement, was indignant and huffed.

"My juniors won't bow to injustice!"

"Whether it's injustice or not, they learned to adapt to society this time."

I don't understand why he shows such affection for the club juniors he barely knows. He won't even remember their faces when he returns to the Inspection Department. If it's just the 1st Head's way of having fun, there's nothing to say.

After bickering for a while, I decided it was time to go.

"Everyone, take care. I hope to see you again, not at the academy but at the Inspection Department."

"Of course, you miss us, don't you?"

I don't miss where the trio is, but I hope there won't be any incidents that send the 1st Head and the Black Light Brigade back to the academy. Of course, with four groups, including the Third Glory, it's a futile hope. But I will definitely see the Black Light Brigade again.

Quietly pulling on the 1st Head's lips, he flailed his arms. I wonder when he will learn.

Returning to the booth, an excited Louis ran up to me. Looking at the display, it was empty, so the principal must have already been here. Indeed, the principal is quick to act.

"Oh, big brother!"

"What's wrong? Did something happen?"

Pretending not to know, Louis flapped his arms and excitedly boasted about the sellout. Even if he didn't care about the cookies remaining, he must have felt happy to see them all sold.

"It's natural because they're delicious."

Smiling, I replied, and Louis beamed.

Thank you, Principal. Let's keep this secret forever.

Author's Note

Yesterday was a meaningful day, combining Mother's Day and Buddha's Birthday. I hope everyone had a fulfilling day.

I've been drinking for two days, and my stomach isn't feeling well. Still, I'm glad I could post this chapter safely. I've been drinking a lot lately, so I need to cut back.

Thank you for reading this chapter!