Our class project had been finalized: a maid cafe. Preparations were already underway, and under Amelia’s leadership, our classmates were working as one, pouring their hearts into the tasks at hand.
In the midst of all that, school had just let out for the day.
I made my way toward the student council office to submit our class’s formal proposal.
The office was located on the west side of the school building’s third floor. I had never been there before, but I had a general idea of where it was.
"Autumn is almost here..."
It was mid-September.
While the heat characteristic of late summer still lingered, the days were noticeably shorter. It wasn't quite twilight yet, but the sun had begun its gradual descent.
I arrived at the student council office alone, proposal in hand.
As I recalled, Rebecca-senpai was the student council president, and Dina-senpai was the vice president.
I didn't know the treasurer or the secretary, but since I was already acquainted with the two leaders, I felt no hesitation about visiting.
Besides, Amelia had her hands full, so I had volunteered to handle the submission myself.
Knock, knock, knock. After I rapped three times, a clear, melodic voice drifted from inside. It was Rebecca-senpai.
"You may enter."
"Excuse me."
I opened the door, gave a polite bow, and stepped inside.
The interior was modest, looking much like a standard classroom. The only real differences were the whiteboard covered in sticky notes and the master schedule for the cultural festival written across it.
Glancing around, I saw Rebecca-senpai sitting at the desk furthest back, offering me a warm smile. Beside her, Dina-senpai also spoke up.
"If it isn't Ray. It’s been a while."
"Dina-senpai. It has been some time."
"Are you here to drop off your class proposal?"
"Yes. Here it is."
I presented the document with both hands. Dina-senpai took it and skimmed the contents.
"Wait, a maid cafe?"
"Yes. Class A is officially entering the festival with a maid cafe."
"...Looking this over, I don't see any technical issues, but I'm impressed you got the class to agree to it. Doesn't Class A have a high concentration of nobles?"
"I managed to secure their approval. Besides, it’s not as if every single student will be dressed as a maid."
"Hmm. Well, with you there... I suppose that explains it."
"I'm sorry? What do you mean by that?"
"Nothing. Anyway, I’ve received the proposal, so you're free to head back."
"I understand. Excuse me, then. Rebecca-senpai, I'll be taking my leave as well."
"Of course. Until we meet again, Ray-san."
Her voice sounded strained—or rather, something about her demeanor felt off. I looked closer at her face.
As I studied Rebecca-senpai’s eyes, I realized the truth.
Despite her attempt to hide it with makeup, there were clear dark circles under her eyes. It was the same for Dina-senpai. They were likely layering on foundation to mask the exhaustion, but once I noticed it, there was no mistaking that they were struggling to maintain a brave face.
"If I may ask, where are the other student council officers?"
"...You really should have just left when I told you to. Honestly, Ray, you're either too perceptive for your own good or just... I don't even know."
Dina-senpai let out a heavy, conspicuous sigh.
So, there was something going on after all.
"Rebecca-sama. I think we can tell Ray."
"I suppose you're right. To answer your question... the other three officers likely won't be showing up here anymore."
"Why is that?"
"...My engagement is the most likely cause."
"I don't follow..."
"The three of them come from families belonging to a specific noble faction. I learned later that one of them was originally intended to be the fiancée of the man I am now engaged to. To put it simply, they bear a grudge against me and refuse to help. As a result, Dina-san and I are managing the entire student council's operations by ourselves."
"I see..."
The internal politics of the nobility were rearing their head again.
It wasn't just limited to the world of adults. My own class was relatively peaceful now; despite some friction at the start of the year, my classmates now treated me, an Ordinary, as one of their own.
However, that was strictly our class. The nobility was far from a monolith. It seemed Rebecca-senpai and Dina-senpai were caught in the crossfire of factional infighting.
They were pushing themselves to the limit to keep the student council running alone.
I looked at the "In Progress" section of the whiteboard and the mountains of documents piled high on their desks. They had to review proposals not just for classes, but for every club and organization in the academy.
Processing that much work with only two people was madness.
Now that I knew, there was only one thing to do. I didn't hesitate.
"I understand. Please, let me help with the student council's workload for the cultural festival."
"Good grief... I knew you'd say that if you found out. That's why I tried to shoo you away..."
"Ray-san, that's very kind, but... you have your own class project to worry about, don't you?"
"I can handle both. My roles this time are limited to being a propagandist, a server, and a cook. I've already coordinated my schedule meticulously with Amelia. Even if I help you here, I can manage both responsibilities without any drop in performance."
This wasn't a hollow boast.
In truth, I had been handling administrative work since I was a young child.
It was a somewhat pathetic backstory—Master is completely incompetent when it comes to paperwork, so I ended up doing everything for her.
During my time as a soldier, there were countless forms and procedures to manage as well. I had handled all of them, including Master’s share.
"Ray~! More papers arrived~!"
"Ray! There's more! This is a conspiracy! I'm a warrior, not a clerk!"
"Phew... what a drag. Ray, you take care of this!"
"Another one? Here, Ray."
Thinking back, my comrades might have been hesitant at first, but by the end, they were tossing work my way without a second thought.
Honestly, if Master hadn't been a genius sorcerer, she’d be a total deadbeat. Actually, even now, she’s barely holding it together as a functioning member of society.
Regardless, with my experience, I was certain I could be of use to them. I was constantly being looked after by the Gardening Club. I wanted to use this opportunity to return the favor.
"But it would be a burden on you, Ray-san... and this is my own personal problem. I'm already causing so much trouble for Dina-san..."
"Rebecca-sama! We promised not to talk like that! I've sworn to support you no matter the circumstances!"
"Dina-san..."
"Rebecca-senpai, I feel the same way. Both of you have looked after me since the day I enrolled. You allowed me, a man who was being shunned, to join the Gardening Club and taught me so much about the natural world. Please, let me repay that kindness. You don't need to worry about me. I simply wish to help from the bottom of my heart."
"Ray-san..."
"Ray..."
I noticed their eyes beginning to shimmer.
The mental strain must have been immense. They had likely been working late into the night, every night, desperately trying to finish a volume of work that was physically impossible for two people.
I was more determined than ever to be the support they needed.
"Honestly... you really are a good guy. Rebecca-sama, let's rely on him. With Ray here, I'm sure we can make this work. I'm asking you as well."
As Dina-senpai bowed, I followed suit and bowed to Rebecca-senpai.
"Rebecca-senpai. Please, let me help."
"...Dina-san. Ray-san."
Her voice sounded as if it were trembling.
Beyond my desire to help, there was another motive behind my offer. It went back to what happened before.
I wanted to find the truth behind the expression I saw on her face that day—at the very end of summer break.
I believed Rebecca-senpai was hiding something.
Whether it was related to her engagement or something else entirely, I didn't know. Prying into it might be considered meddling, but I refused to have any more regrets.
If I didn't apply the lessons I learned from all I lost during the Far East Campaign now, then when would I? I knew my fallen comrades were watching over me.
I would choose the path that left me with no regrets.
"Both of you, please raise your heads. I understand. Ray-san... I'll be in your care until the cultural festival is over."
"Yes, ma'am!"
Bathed in the glow of the setting sun, Rebecca-senpai’s face was lost in the shadows of the backlight.
Even so, I had the distinct feeling she was smiling happily.