**Chapter 82: An Invitation from the Student Council**
The proposal from Andrew Aiwood, the Student Council President and Second Prince, was straightforward: to join the Student Council Executive Committee and take on the role of overseeing other students.
“Are you saying… that you want me to keep an eye on your brother?” Rest asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Not just him. The Executive Committee for the first-year Magic Department has yet to be formed, so I genuinely need capable individuals,” Andrew replied.
“This is a yearly occurrence, but typically, the Student Council officers and Executive Committee members come from the same department as the president. Since I’m a student of the Knight Department, most of the council members are also from the Knight Department. To balance things out, I appointed a vice president from the Magic Department, and Celestine is also on board.”
“Ah… I see.”
Rest recalled hearing about this before. The Student Council President is usually elected, but in most cases, the candidates are either from the Magic or Knight Departments. There’s no formal rule about it, but royal family members and high-ranking nobles tend to enroll in either the Magic or Knight Departments, making it easier for them to gather votes. Despite the academy’s claim that social status doesn’t matter, no one wants to oppose those in higher positions, and many wish to curry favor with them. When a member of the royal family or a high-ranking noble runs for president, supporters flock to help gather votes, and other candidates often withdraw, disappearing without a trace.
It’s particularly evident when someone like Andrew, a member of the royal family, is involved. Other candidates typically withdraw unless they are completely oblivious to the situation. In Andrew’s case, all other candidates had stepped down, leading to his automatic appointment as Student Council President without an election.
(If a foolish prince like Rodel were to run, it would be a different story… But since Andrew is a Knight Department student, it naturally results in most council members being from the Knight Department. There’s also tension between the Magic and Knight Departments, and it’s simply easier to approach students from the same building.)
“I would prefer to gather members from various departments, but it seems that’s not so easy. The divide between the departments is quite significant,” Andrew continued.
“So… why me? Since you’re the president, surely there are others who want to join the Student Council?” Rest inquired.
“Well, there are some. A fair number of candidates. But… it wouldn’t make sense to inflate the numbers with people who are useless, would it?” Andrew shrugged, a sardonic smile playing on his lips.
“The Executive Committee is responsible for maintaining discipline among the students. You need to have enough power and influence to make others think, ‘With him around, no one can misbehave.’ In that regard, you’re more than qualified.”
“………”
“You’re a student from Class A of the Magic Department and the son-in-law of the Chief Court Magician from House Rosemary. Not to mention, you’ve defeated Danira, the second-ranked student of the Knight Department in ‘swordsmanship,’ making you quite the talked-about newcomer. If you join the committee, you’ll be able to keep the first-year Magic students in check… except for my foolish brother, of course.”
“Ah… so your relationship with your brother isn’t great?” Rest asked, curious.
“Not at all. It’s quite terrible,” Andrew replied, narrowing his eyes and curling his lips into a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.
Viola and Primula, seated on either side of him, seemed to sense the tension and flinched slightly, though the ominous atmosphere dissipated quickly.
“That one is an unparalleled fool. Among those blessed with power and noble blood, there are occasionally those who disregard their surroundings… but he is particularly egregious. He looks down on Celestine, who is not only his fiancée but also a daughter of a duke, and he insults me by saying I entered the Knight Department because I lack magical talent. I can’t count how many times I’ve thought about beheading him.”
“That sounds… quite serious.”
If only he would go ahead and do it, Rest thought, it would save him some trouble. As Celestine had mentioned before, there were likely complications that made simply punishing him not an option.
“As a member of the Executive Committee, you would be allowed to use magic against students who commit infractions. You wouldn’t have to resort to indirect methods like using a Smoke Screen.”
“………”
“What do you think? Your internal evaluation would improve, and it would be advantageous for your job prospects after graduation… though I suppose that doesn’t really concern you.”
Andrew shrugged again. For Rest, who was set to marry into House Rosemary, internal evaluations were not particularly necessary. Becoming a Court Magician was within his reach based on merit alone, and he also had the connections from House Rosemary. There was no reason for him to join the Student Council just to seek approval from teachers.
(Still… being able to retaliate openly is quite appealing. Outside of classes, using offensive magic is strictly prohibited at the academy… it’s an unexpectedly troublesome restriction.)
“Well then…”
Rest casually glanced to his sides.
“……..”
Viola and Primula silently returned his gaze, indicating they would leave the decision to him.
“…Could I have a little time to think it over?”
“Of course. Just let me know once you’ve made up your mind,” Andrew replied.
With that, Rest gave a noncommittal answer, leaving the matter open for consideration.