Chapter 23
Backed by the Student Council PresidentBacked by the Student Council President
"Follow me. As the senior representative, I must address today's incident."
When Sophia spoke, I was bewildered. I couldn't grasp the situation. I had just tried to calm things down by serving the trial sponge cake, but now it seemed she was going to scold me.
'I thought the earlier scolding was enough. Wasn't that supposed to cover for me?'
Unable to understand Sophia's intentions, I stared at her. Maybe she was genuinely angry.
"What are you staring at? Come on."
"Oh... Yes, ma'am."
I followed Sophia, who didn't even glance back as she walked out.
—Of course, Sophia! Always doing her job well.
—Yeah, it was a bit much. Even if he's new, his sense is lacking.
—The new cake? Bread? Whatever it was, it tasted good.
—But serving such a tiny piece? Is he mocking us?
—Sophia, don't be too harsh. He does have some skills.
—Isn't it odd for Sophia? Didn't she usually show compassion to short-lived species?
—I don't know, but it had to happen. It's satisfying.
—Quite unexpected. If she had continued to defend humans, I wouldn't have voted for her in the next student council election.
The dragons watched as Sophia and I left, evaluating her actions. Most seemed pleased, but some worried about me. Those who disliked Sophia welcomed her change, saying it was good she finally upheld dragon pride.
"Let's get this over with."
With those words, Sophia led me to a secluded area behind the lounge—the spot where the destroyed barn used to be. It was a shaded, quiet place, often avoided due to the lingering smell of animal waste.
"Sophia...?"
"Yes, Breeder?"
Suddenly, Sophia stopped and faced me. I backed up, startled, but found myself against the wall of the building.
"Phew..."
She sighed, her hot breath hitting my face. We were close, and her radiant beauty was mesmerizing, though the atmosphere was tense. Her beautiful yet intense gaze made me nervous.
It reminded me of being scolded by my superiors during military service. Was she going to physically punish me?
"Please, raise your head."
"No! I must apologize sincerely for earlier—"
"Haha, did I scare you? I'm sorry."
"What...? What did you say?"
Just as I was about to bow in apology, her gentle tone made me pause. Looking up, I saw Sophia smiling warmly.
'After all that intense atmosphere, she's suddenly apologizing?'
"It was necessary. If I hadn't stepped in, my peers might not have spared you."
"Wait, are you saying you did this for me...?"
"Yes. You need to make that dessert for me, don't you? And as student council president, not everyone is on my side."
"I see. So, you dragged me out here to put on a show?"
"Exactly. You understand quickly."
Sophia's explanation and her smile relieved my tension. It was all for my sake.
I had misread her intentions. She wasn't angry; she was protecting me. Her strategic move kept me safe and maintained her peers' respect.
"Honestly, I didn't expect you to bring me out here."
"Sorry about that. Some of my peers dislike my leniency towards short-lived species, so I had to act tough."
"Ah, I see. It's for their sake, too?"
"Yes. With dragons' pride at stake, this was the only way."
Haha, that damn pride. It could get me killed. Customer service was a deadly job here.
"Thank you for understanding."
"Of course. I was the one who caused the problem in the first place."
"Good to know you understand."
Sophia was humble, unlike the other girls. She didn't cling to her pride and was considerate. I was grateful she was on my side.
She had cleverly balanced her peers' pride with my safety by pretending to scold me outside.
"Thank goodness. I thought I was done for. Thank you for thinking of me."
"I expected you to catch on, but you looked so scared and nervous. It was... kind of cute."
"Uhm... Your demeanor threw me off."
"That's what made it cute."
Calling my nervousness cute? She had peculiar tastes. But it was better than being hated.
"So, should we roll in the dirt a bit?"
"What? Why the dirt?"
"To show the others how hard you scolded me."
"Are you serious?"
"Yes. It might change the opinion of those who dislike you."
Words alone might not convince the tougher girls. This was an opportunity to solidify Sophia's position while securing her protection.
"No need to go that far..."
"The barn's gone, and the ground isn't bad. One roll should do it."
The ground was just dirt now, not mixed with manure. The maintenance crew had cleaned up the debris.
"No, really... This doesn't fit my usual image. My peers might find it odd if I go too far."
"Hey, Sophia!"
"Sophia? Are you there?"
Sophia's peers called out from a distance. Hearing them, Sophia turned quickly.
"Ah!"
In her haste, she stumbled, and I tripped over something, falling to the ground.
"Whoa!"
Dust flew up as I hit the dirt hard. My body curled up from the impact.
"Sophia, we have to get ready for class... Oh? You're still scolding the servant?"
"Wow! Our president is really serious. Making him roll in the dirt?"
"Guess there really was a bug in her room. I've never seen her this mad."
"Let's go. Don't disturb Sophia."
As the dust settled, the girls left, seemingly satisfied with Sophia's "punishment."
"Cough, cough—"
"Breeder? Are you okay?!"
"Did you just trip me on purpose...?"
"No, I swear! I turned too quickly and... tripped over your leg..."
"Nothing's broken, but what tripped me?"
"Sorry! It wasn't on purpose! I was just startled..."
Sophia's frantic apologies made it clear she hadn't meant to trip me. It was an accident from her sudden movement.
Well, it looked like it worked. The others were convinced. But I had a bruised pride and sore back to show for it.
"Ouch... At least I'm fully awake now."
"I'm really sorry... How can I make it up to you?"
Though I wasn't happy, seeing Sophia so genuinely apologetic made it hard to stay mad.
"Well, if you truly feel bad, can you help me with one more thing?"
"Another favor? Besides the chocolate?"
"Yes, there's something else I need your help with."
Might as well take advantage of the situation and ask for more assistance.
"Alright! I was planning to sneak out for the chocolate tonight anyway. What do you need?"
With her sincere apology and offer to help, my spirits lifted. Perfect timing.
I could use her help with another tricky issue.