Chapter 13: Chaos in the Volunteer Club — Part 1
“Hahaha! I’m so happy! I never expected Camilo-kun to join our club!”
I sat in my seat with my head down in front of the laid-back club president, wondering how this happened.
Did Camilo even mention joining the club? I don’t remember him saying anything about it.
“It’s great that we have more members. Luna-chan was the only new member this year.”
“I’m happy too! More people means more fun, and we’ll have more opportunities for activities, right?”
Crustia-san and Luna were innocently delighted. Wait, doesn’t anyone question this sudden and unnatural entry into the club?!
“I’ll do my best to be useful. Nice to meet you!”
Camilo, who sat next to me, greeted the president in a refreshing tone, and the president responded with a handshake and a big smile.
“Don’t be so formal! No, we should be the ones being formal, shouldn’t we?”
“No. I’m a junior, so we should prioritize the hierarchy of grades regardless of status. That’s the rule of this Academy.”
Yes, there are rules like that in this Academy. They were apparently established at the time of its founding to prevent confusion in the hierarchy.
Thanks to them, it’s easy to interact with students from different grades. Even after graduation, the relationships formed during our student days can come in handy in navigating the hierarchy of the social world.
“Well said, humble and fair. You’re wonderful, Leticia-kun.”
“Eh?! Uh, yes, I suppose…”
I nodded when the club president suddenly spoke to me, but I’m not one to be fooled easily.
After all, Camilo is the ace of the Mardiq Club and has an incredible record of winning the national tournament as a first-year student last year.
Mardiq is a popular sport that combines magic and swordplay in competitions.
Many dragon knights and royal guards have achieved high rankings in the national tournament of Mardiq, and there are also amateur leagues, attracting many spectators during matches.
I remember in my past life, the first time I spoke to Camilo was when he won the Mardiq tournament in front of everyone.
Camilo was so strong that even I, who didn’t know the rules at the time, could tell how impressive he was.
It’s ridiculous for the ace of the popular sports club to also be in the sober cultural club.
“U-Um, should I address you as Camilo-sama?”
“We’re classmates. You don’t have to use honorifics or call me Camilo-sama, Leticia.”
His refreshing smile and shining red hair were dazzling. He’s still as pushy as ever, but there are some things I need to ask him.
“S-So, Camilo, you’re doing both clubs? Are you okay?”
“Nah, I quit the Mardiq Club.”
“You quit?!”
I couldn’t help but raise my voice.
However, the other three also widened their eyes, so it’s a natural shock.
Why did he quit when he was the ace? Sensing my question, Camilo tilted his head in confusion.
“We won the national championship last year, and there was nothing more for me to do. This is more important to me.”
Even so, there were still goals like defending the title, right?
I tried to continue speaking, but I noticed something and stopped myself.
Come to think of it, Camilo’s magic power had rapidly grown to the level of a dragon knight due to his regaining of memories.
Physically he’s only 17 years old, but he already has a strong build. Camilo was already an accomplished dragon knight with battle experience, so his instincts and reflexes must be exceptional.
…I see. It’s like an adult fighting a child, so it’s understandable that he would feel sorry for the opponent. What a shame.
His Mardiq Club teammates must have been disappointed. He would have been a reliable asset in a team battle.
“Well… It’s not the kind of activity you’d expect royalty to do.”
“There is nothing more admirable than volunteer work that goes unnoticed. It deserves respect.”
“I’m glad to hear you say that, but…by the way, why did you choose our Club?”
With an almost certain feeling of foreboding, I asked Camilo an important question.
In response, he returned with a smile on his face.
“Of course, it’s because I’ve always admired volunteer activities!”
——That’s a lie! It’s definitely a lie!
I don’t think this is just me being conceited. If it weren’t for me, he wouldn’t have even considered joining the Volunteer Club, right?!
I’m scared. What is his intention? Is he watching me to make sure I don’t mess up…?
“Isn’t it wonderful!”
“You seem really motivated.”
“Very reliable!”
Oh, all three of them have completely believed him. Wait, really think about it. Something’s not right!
But despite my silent protest, Camilo wrote and submitted his application right there on the spot.
We bought some snacks at the store, raised our cups of coffee in a toast, and had a lively impromptu welcome party for the new club member.
Thus, the new Volunteer Club got off to a chaotic start, with each party having its own ideas and intentions.
… What’s that? Isn’t Luna the only one who is purely a volunteer?
