Alone Together

Although she had accidentally made a slight noise, Vivian still did not look up. Only the fingers gripping her pen seemed to tighten slightly.

The others, caught up in the shocking news, didn't seem to notice the minor disturbance at the President's desk.

On the other side of the conference table, the trio of boys exhaled a collective sigh of relief the moment they heard those words. Their faces even displayed expressions of near-gratitude.

This terrifying figure was finally leaving!

They wouldn't have to tremble every day under his oppressive presence!

Yelena, on the other hand, was completely blindsided. Her light brown eyes widened instantly, and her mouth hung slightly open in disbelief.

"W-Why?! Junior, is it... is life here making you unhappy? If there's a problem, I can help you!"

The girls who had just dispersed immediately chimed in, offering their own pleas and advice in a cacophony of voices.

"That's right! Greg, if there's anything you're unhappy with or any difficulties you're facing, just say it! We'll all help you!"

"Is the work too exhausting? We can share the load!"

"Don't go, Lord Greg! The Student Council will be so boring without you!"

Greg calmly pulled his hand away from a girl who had quietly tried to grab it again without him noticing.

A slightly apologetic smile appeared on his face as he explained.

"I truly appreciate everyone's concern and for wanting me to stay. During my time in the Student Council, I've been well-cared for by all of you. I've learned a lot and enjoyed myself. My choice to leave isn't because this place is bad."

He paused for a moment before delivering the reason he had prepared.

"It's primarily because I've just received notice from the academy. I've been pre-selected as one of the Second-year Representatives to represent the academy in this year's Hundred Academy Exchange."

His gaze swept across the room, his tone sincere.

"I'm well aware of my own situation. I might be able to handle practical combat, but compared to the true elites, my theoretical foundation still has a significant gap."

"Therefore, in this precious time before the exchange officially begins, I want to focus all my energy on making up for my shortcomings and making the best possible preparations. I hope everyone can understand."

It had to be said that when Greg wasn't acting like a complete scoundrel, he was very good at maintaining the persona of a dedicated student.

This reason was almost unassailably noble.

It showed that his resignation stemmed from a desire for self-improvement while also elevating his status, making it difficult for anyone to argue against it.

Sure enough, after hearing this, the regret in the girls' eyes was quickly replaced by admiration and praise.

"I see! You've already been chosen as a representative? That's amazing!"

"As expected of the person who single-handedly defeated an Undead Knight! The academy certainly has a keen eye!"

"Actively training and improving himself for the sake of the exchange... Greg is so responsible!"

"We support you! You must bring glory to the academy at the exchange!"

Even Yelena's initial shock and desire to keep him there transformed into understanding and support when she heard Greg was a representative and was resigning to prepare for the competition.

She even nodded vigorously, her light brown eyes shimmering with light.

"I understand, Junior Greg! Competing on behalf of the academy does require full preparation. I'll definitely work hard to become one of the third-year representatives as well!"

To her, Greg had completely transformed from a junior who needed her protection into someone she needed to learn from.

Greg nodded as he watched Yelena's energetic display. Then, he leaned in slightly toward her and spoke in a volume only the two of them could hear.

"Senior Yelena, finally... could I ask one more favor of you?"

"Of course!"

Yelena agreed almost without hesitation. She even felt a flicker of joy because Greg needed her help.

"Tell me, Junior. As long as it's within my power, I'll definitely help you!"

Greg then continued to whisper into Yelena's ear. Except for Yelena, who was right next to him, no one else in the office could hear a single word.

They could only see Yelena's eyes widen as she listened, her expression a mix of surprise and understanding before she nodded firmly at Greg.

Meanwhile, Vivian, who had been secretly watching Greg's every move from the corner of her eye, felt her fingers tighten on her quill pen again almost imperceptibly as he leaned in to whisper to Yelena.

What are they talking about?

A mixture of curiosity and a spark of exclusion—one she was unwilling to admit even to herself—began to gnaw at her heart like tiny ants.

Her heart felt itchy, as if tickled by a feather, and she desperately wanted to know the content of their low-voiced conversation.

However, her loss of control in the classroom that morning rang in her mind like a warning bell.

Calm down. That's not how I should behave. My emotions and actions should no longer be influenced by him. What they say or do has nothing to do with me. I only need to focus on my own work.

She forcibly suppressed the urge to look up. Her ice-blue eyes fixed even more intently on the documents before her, attempting to use the dry regulations and data to fill her turbulent thoughts and return to being the cool-headed Student Council President.

At that moment, Yelena, having received her secret orders from Greg, put on her sweet and charming smile again.

She clapped her hands together, the crisp sound drawing everyone's attention.

"Oh, everyone! I just remembered a temporary notice from the academy!"

She blinked and continued.

"The Logistics Department just received a shipment of Moonlight Flower Tea said to be traded from an Elf caravan! It's for an upcoming major event, but the professor in charge of the inspection is busy and asked the Student Council to send people to help count the stock. And... we can even sample some while we're at it!"

The girls' eyes lit up at the mention of something good to taste, and they immediately voiced their agreement.

"Moonlight Flower Tea? I've heard of that! It's supposed to have calming and beautifying effects!"

"Yelena, let's go quickly! If we're late, it might be all gone!"

"President, please excuse us for a moment!"

While the trio of boys wasn't particularly interested in snacks, the chance to temporarily leave the office while Greg was there was a godsend.

They hurriedly stood up as well, chiming in, "Right, right, let's go!"

Yelena looked at Vivian and asked, "President, may we go take care of this now?"

Vivian finally lifted her head. Her ice-blue eyes looked calmly at Yelena, then swept over the expectant and excited crowd, finally brushing past Greg, who was standing by the door.

She nodded, her voice cold and steady.

"Mhm. Go. Count carefully and keep accurate records."

"Yes, President!"

Yelena gave a cheerful response and then waved her small hand. "Alright everyone, let's head out!"

With that, she led the way to the door, and the other Student Council members followed in a single file.

The office door opened and closed. The sound of cluttered footsteps and excited conversation quickly faded away, disappearing at the end of the corridor.

In an instant, the previously bustling Student Council office became empty and silent.

The rays of the setting sun streamed through the stained-glass windows, casting large, colorful patches of light and shadow onto the carpet.

Now, only two people remained.

Greg, standing by the door, and Vivian, still seated in the President's chair with her documents spread out before her, appearing as if she were in a world of her own.