"Lloyd-kun, you're unusually relaxed today."
As I was preparing to head home after classes, Connie spoke to me.
"Yeah, every once in a while."
Today was a rare day when neither Noah nor Gazel had summoned me, so I had intended to head back early to get a head start on my studies.
A student's primary duty is to study, after all. Although I already possess most of the knowledge being taught, I'm largely self-taught, which means I have a lot of gaps when it comes to the basics.
Honestly, I’m really glad I enrolled in this academy.
"Even with power like yours, Master Lloyd, it seems there’s surprisingly much to learn from these other folks, huh?"
"Your reputation is already high due to your diligent attitude. As is only natural, of course."
Speaking of high reputations, Connie had one as well.
Applying the understanding of spell formulas she’d honed through crafting magic tools, she was keeping up with the classes perfectly despite her lack of mana.
Magic Department classes normally assume a certain level of proficiency with magic, but Connie manages through sheer volume of knowledge and technical skill.
She really must love magic. I’m impressed. Truly.
"By the way, have you heard? Apparently, someone incredible recently joined the Student Council."
"Ghk!"
I choked at Connie’s sudden remark.
"People say they’ve seen incredible magic being unleashed near the Student Council's workspace. They’re keeping it a secret, but my guess is that it must be one of the recent transfer students."
"Ha, haha..."
Damn it, Noah. So much for "keeping it a secret." It’s painfully obvious.
"For what it's worth, it seems that Noah fellow is being fairly considerate, Master Lloyd."
"Indeed. It is simply that Master Lloyd is overdoing things beyond all measure."
Mmm, and here I thought I was holding back quite a bit.
I suppose the students here really are excellent. It seems there are a few who can see through even my concealment magic.
...Well, as long as it's just rumors, it should still be fine.
"And besides that, I heard an amazing newcomer joined that School Delinquent Group—the one said to run the academy from the shadows."
"Hack!"
I choked even harder. Gazel and his guys run the school from the shadows? I mean, they do all sorts of odd jobs at the request of other students, but still.
"They’re doing great things, apparently—capturing escaped magical beasts and secretly punishing students who do bad things. Word is that even Gazel-kun was praising him."
"H-Heh... I see..."
That Gazel. He's running his mouth, even though he promised to keep my involvement under wraps.
"Master Lloyd, it seems he is at least keeping your name out of it."
"As expected of an unofficial organization, it appears they are more loose-lipped than those in the Student Council."
Geez, this is a problem. Helping Gazel is fun, so I tend to get over-enthusiastic; I wish he’d back me up properly.
...You two, don’t look at me with eyes that say "you brought this on yourself."
"Good grief, this is what happens when you take on too many roles, sir."
"Look at it the other way. It's precisely because I'm juggling so many things that nobody has been able to identify me yet."
"That is one way of looking at it, I suppose..."
"What an enviable thought process..."
"Don't praise me so much, you two. You'll make me blush."
"We weren't praising you. Definitely not."
Their voices harmonized perfectly. For all their bickering, those two actually get along quite well.
As we were talking, I noticed Connie let out a heavy sigh.
"Haa... I'm so jealous, though. I'm the only new member in our club."
"Oh right, you joined the Magic Tool Club, didn't you, Connie?"
In this academy, there are club activities in addition to regular classes.
The difference is that these are conducted voluntarily by the students. I was recruited by all sorts of clubs right after I transferred. I was too busy balancing my roles with Noah and Gazel to join any, but I was always a bit interested.
"Yeah. But the seniors all left right after I joined, saying they had to prep for graduation exams. Now I'm the only one left. I really wanted someone to teach me the ropes."
Seeing Connie look dejected, I gave a firm nod.
"Hey, Connie. Would it be okay if I joined the Magic Tool Club too?"
"...You, Lloyd-kun?"
"Is that a no?"
"No, you're more than welcome! But... you seem so busy every day. Are you sure it's okay?"
Connie looked surprised. Grimo and Jiriel, even more so.
"What are you thinking, Master Lloyd?! You're already on the verge of being exposed!"
"He's right! Besides, with your work for Noah and the others, it's physically impossible for you to be in two places at once!"
"No, not necessarily."
As we were having that conversation, the Student Council Badge pinned to the back of my collar vibrated.
It’s a communication magic tool that alerts me when I’m being summoned.
By the way, Gazel gave me something similar.
"See? A summons the moment you mentioned it."
"Noah, huh... Yeah, that's perfect."
I gave a thin grin, stood up from my seat, and headed outside.
"Hey, Lloyd-kun, where are you going?"
"I'll be right back."
Waving my hand, I slipped away to a deserted spot and reached into Shiro's fur as it followed me.
"Let's see, it should be around here... Found it."
I reached in and pulled out a doll that was a spitting image of myself—a Wooden Effigy.
It’s a wooden doll created through magic that reshapes wood to almost perfectly replicate a human body.
"Grimo, get inside this thing and go to Noah."
"...In other words, you want me to handle the work in your place, Master Lloyd?"
"Yeah. I'm going to be busy with the Magic Tool Club for a while. Just handle things appropriately, Grimo."
Right, Grimo is better at holding back than I am.
I’ve mostly gotten the hang of the work for the Student Council and Gazel, and I’m genuinely interested in the magic tools Connie makes.
"Oh, and if anything interesting happens over there, let me know right away. I'll swap with you immediately."
"You're far too free-spirited, Master Lloyd..."
If I’m in the deserted Magic Tool Club, no one should see me, and there won’t be any chance of running into the Student Council members. It’s a truly perfect plan.
"Well, I'll do my best. It's a bit troubling to be trusted this much, though."
"That's not true. You're always doing a great job, Grimo."
"Wha—! H-Hmph! Flattery will get you nowhere! Come on, Kee-bou, let's go!"
Grimo dashed off along with the nodding Wooden Effigy.
Was he blushing? No, it must be my imagination.
"Even for a Majin, he is truly pitiful..."
Jiriel muttered quietly while watching Grimo go.
I don’t quite get it, but that side is sorted out.
"Now then, time to go enjoy the Magic Tool Club."
And with that, I headed back to Connie.