The entrance ceremony was held several days later, and there Louise experienced her first failure as student council president. Following the example of her predecessors, she made several changes to the deans speech, but the dean read the manuscript he prepared for himself.

Dear freshmen! Lastly, remember this one thing was repeated seven times.

I hope to cooperate with the parents who have entrusted their children with us was repeated four times.

At least Dear guests only appeared three times.

The dean has to understand that one is enough.

Thats true. Heres the menu from the caretaker.

Dean handed over an important-looking red file. Recently, the caretaker had been less interested in experimental cooking. They praised her for her wonderful dishes, and a battle was likely to be averted this year. However, the report in front of Louises eyes shattered her dreams of a peaceful diet.

Roasted eggplant with chocolate.

Dean! We have to go to the caretaker right now!

The students already had to endure the deans long-winded speech, and the students may turn riotous if they were forced to eat that ridiculous menu. If public sentiment was bad, learning efficiency would drop, as well the Academys reputation. A disaster was waiting to happen if Louise failed to stop the roasted eggplant with chocolate.

Perhaps this years student council will also be a group that fought against an unjust diet.

*

*

*

Umhello?

Louise greeted the boy tentatively, looking at his hair that was as blue as a beautiful lagoon.

My name is Louise Sweeney. Im the student council presidentah, do you know what a student council president is?

The reason Louise asked was because this young man was an international student from a distant kingdom. He had the opportunity to take the Academy entrance exam in his own native language, and he surprisingly took the top spot.

The boy thought for a moment and then nodded.

I know.

He had a subtle accent, but Louise was relieved that they could communicate.

I came here to tell you about the Academys traditions.

Tradi?

Traditions.

Trady-shuns

Good enough. It refers to behavior that is handed down from generation to generation.

Ah, like customs!

He clapped his hands and chuckled. It was cute to see him act so happily when learning a new word.

Its custom for the top student to work for the student council.

Louise left out relics of an old age because he wouldnt understand.

Its like a relic of an old age, correct?

Alright, how did he know those words without knowing what tradition was? In any case, Louise was more interested in his curious accent. This boys voice was pleasant on the ears.

Yes, just like a relic.

Louise gave a giggle.

Im sorry. I was just so amazed by how you spoke.

Is it adequate?

He scratched his blue hair nervously.

Yes. You know the word order, and the word choice is good. Your accent is fine too. But.

But?

You sound a little old-fashioned.

Huh?

I mean, the words sound old.

Ah, old!

The boy smiled at the word he had just learned.

Well, how is this?

He took on a more casual tone.

I like that, but its more natural to say, Hows this?

Hows this?

The boy carefully imitated Louise.

Now you sound friendlier.

Its hard.

Youre doing great!

Louise turned the topic back to the student council.

Joining the student council is not mandatory, so if you dont want to

When she thought of it, learning to speak and write a new language was already difficult by itself, so having him work for the student council would probably be overwhelming for him.

Basically, we help students, but you can also get help yourself.

I need a lot of help.

WellI guess so too.

So I will obey the custom. No?

You can obey it. No, I mean follow the customs.

He practiced the phrase several times, then he immediately looked squarely at Louise and answered her with a serious expression.

Ill follow you, President.

Louise shivered. A strange phrase was spoken.

*

*

*

President! Ah Youre not the president anymore, but I already wrote it down so Ill call you that. Anyway, how have you been? There are so many interesting people at the student council. This years top student is from another country. Theyre very pretty when they learn the words so enthusiastically. They follow me around a lot, and Im excited to have a younger sibling.

Teaching is the best way to learn. You have a habit of changing the word order when youre flustered, so be sure not to confuse him. Teach him well.

We started preparing for the new semester banquet! This year will be even better than the last.

If by any chance Claire writes down slander about me and sends it to you, its all false.

Claire doesnt say false things. Instead, give her at least a small vacation as she says shes tired.

If Claire goes on vacation Ill be dust. Anyway, how was the new semester banquet? I regret that we couldnt go together last year.

We danced together though! This years banquet was a success. I danced a lot. This years top student dances as skillfully as you, so I was able to stay comfortable.

Ian read Louises letter again, his eyes narrowed. She was comfortable with the top student?

Claire.

He called his young aide to his side immediately.

Yes, Your Highness.

Claire answered, adjusting her new glasses. Her long hair was pulled into a bun so it wouldnt interfere with work.

Did you hear about this years top student?

You mean Louises new friend? Ive heard rumors.

Claire smiled as she remembered the neat handwriting of Louises letters.

The top student.

Yes.

What kind of person are they?

There was a strain to Ians words, and Claire peered at him carefully. His lips were trembling, as if he were trying to suppress his unease. Claire instinctively understood the situation. Ian was thinking that this new friend might be the kind women liked.

However, Claire answered in an expressionless tone.

Very bright. Has a great personality.

And what else do you know? Do you happen to know the genderah no, their grades?

They are the top of the class.

Just because theyre at the top of the class, doesnt mean anything! Ah, no, I mean

I heard that theyre popular because of their blue hair and beautiful features. A bit clumsy, but thats also an important factor in popularity. I heard that the caretaker was completely smitten.

What? That strict woman?!

Yes, hes said to be the most popular boy at the Academy these days.

Boy?

Ian looked as if he had swallowed a bite of chocolate roasted eggplant.

Yes, a handsome schoolboy.

Claire didnt mean to tease Ian, but she gave particular emphasis to her reply.

He always sticks to Louises side and learns to speak from her.

N-no way!

Ians imagined a handsome male student clinging to Louises side.

Ian couldnt do anything on the matter except count out the days before Louise graduated. There were too many left.