Well then… uh, just chatting should be fine, right?
The two didn’t arrive late. After reaching the auditorium, Xiliya deliberately led Ximo to sit in a less conspicuous spot.
The following proceedings were somewhat boring. It seemed enrollment ceremonies were tedious no matter the world: first the principal’s opening address, then teachers introducing the school, former seniors performing… Ximo didn’t pay much attention to these but specifically noted everyone’s paths on and off the stage.
Hm, everyone went directly backstage from the other side of the stage. Normally, auditoriums have a back door… Ximo pondered for a moment, then quietly stood up.
“Miss, my stomach hurts a bit.”
“Oh, there’s no restroom in the auditorium. Go out and turn right. Are you okay, Ximo? Want me to go with you?”
“No need, no need…”
Ximo hurriedly left. The senior at the door kindly pointed the way, but after exiting the auditorium, she didn’t go to the bathroom. Instead, she sneaked around to the back.
Sure enough, this path led straight there… After confirming, Ximo cautiously checked that no one was following her before casually returning to the auditorium.
Better safe than sorry, though subconsciously Ximo felt there wouldn’t be any issues. It was just striking up a chat—way simpler than previous tasks.
When Ximo returned to the auditorium, the enrollment ceremony was at its final segment.
“Next, please welcome the current Student Council President to give a speech to the freshmen.”
The surrounding students erupted in excitement. Watching their thrilled and expectant faces, no wonder Xiliya had asked if she “remembered” Melrose—this Student Council President was clearly very popular.
However, unlike the others, when that poised and elegant figure slowly ascended the podium, Xiliya couldn’t help clenching her fists, her gaze toward the stage tinged with hatred.
“Thank you everyone. I’m very happy to see you all here today…”
Melrose scanned the audience. Xiliya quickly restrained her overflowing emotions.
Calm down… Right now, she and Melrose didn’t know each other, and Melrose hadn’t done anything to her yet. If possible, Xiliya wanted to never have any dealings with this woman.
Meanwhile, Ximo boldly and curiously sized up Melrose. The moment she took the stage, enthusiastic applause erupted. Ximo could tell this applause was different from the previous polite claps—the freshmen genuinely anticipated her.
But Ximo couldn’t see anything special about the Student Council President. Melrose wore the standard academy uniform like other upperclassmen: short pleated skirt, half-tube socks, small leather shoes, with only a Student Council badge on her chest. Her long hair, like a red rose, was neatly tied back.
Honestly, from her outfit, you couldn’t tell she was the noble princess of the Roland Empire—just an ordinary senior sister, and one who seemed more approachable than others.
Perhaps Ximo stared too long. When Melrose shifted her gaze, their eyes met. Before Ximo could look away, the president gave her a faint smile.
…Weird, she seems pretty nice. Why did Xiliya tell her to stay away?
Ximo didn’t dwell on it because the speech had begun. It was a standard, ordinary address, yet the applause afterward lasted a long time.
Whoa, she’s that popular…
The enrollment ceremony ended after Melrose’s speech. As the Student Council President stepped down, teachers and other seniors helped maintain order for dismissal. Ximo seized the moment, darting out of the auditorium.
“Ximo, slow down—”
The auditorium was packed and chaotic. With Ximo doing it on purpose, she quickly put distance between herself and Xiliya.
“Miss, too many people here. Let’s meet up outside—”
After successfully shaking Xiliya, Ximo weaved through the crowd, exiting the auditorium as fast as possible, then dashed down a small path toward the back.
Sure enough, Student Council President Melrose hadn’t gone far. She hugged a stack of documents, chatting and laughing with a few students, showing no airs.
Well, this revised task was much simpler.
Spotting her target, Ximo sighed in relief. Next up… charge! Charge! Charge!
Ximo lowered her head and sped up, barreling straight toward Melrose like a dump truck.
“Watch out—”
The startled cries from nearby students didn’t stop Ximo’s steps. She brushed shoulders and collided right into the Student Council President, scattering the papers from Melrose’s hands across the ground.
“Ah, sorry, sorry! I was walking too fast…”
Ximo apologized with a panicked expression, but Melrose didn’t seem angry at all.
“No problem. Are you okay, classmate?” Melrose’s tone was concerned. “You’re a freshman, right? How’d you end up here?”
“I got lost by accident,” Ximo scratched her head. “Ah, let me help you pick them up, Senior.”
Ximo bent down and quickly gathered the scattered papers for Melrose. The task completion chime from System rang in her mind, and Ximo couldn’t help curving her lips.
Seriously, compared to her previous tasks, this was child’s play. Just chat, right? Done.
“Thank you, Ximo.”
“Eh?”
To Ximo’s surprise, after handing back the documents, Melrose accurately called her name.
“I look over the freshman roster in advance to get to know the new students,” Melrose smiled warmly. “So, Ximo, I’m heading back to the Student Council office and will pass by the freshman dorms. Mind if I show you the way?”
Ximo froze. She’d thought she’d slip away after the apology, but Melrose was so nice she was even offering to escort her?
“Ximo—”
However, before Ximo could refuse, an unexpected call came from behind her. The next second, Xiliya came running over and pulled the little maid behind her.
Ximo hadn’t expected Xiliya to arrive so quickly, but on second thought, it made sense. After all, she had been reborn once in the second playthrough, so she was surely familiar with the paths around the academy.
“Xiliya, right? Nice to meet you.”
Melrose remained as proactive and enthusiastic as ever, but Xiliya vigilantly refused to shake the extended hand. Melrose didn’t get upset; she simply said goodbye and left with the others.
“Phew…”
Xiliya let out a long breath. Even though it had just been a simple greeting, she still checked Ximo’s body over with excessive concern.
“You okay, Ximo? How did you end up here? What did that woman talk to you about? She didn’t do anything to you, did she?”
Seeing Xiliya react like she was facing a formidable enemy, Ximo quietly swallowed.
