Miss Witch Doesn't Want to be a Diva

After leaving the 'Hats and Short Swords' club, Kolter walked through the campus with Tilan and Annelli, shadows of branches and plants danced across their bodies under the sunshine, falling on the mottled ground, intermingled with the persistent buzz of summer insects in their conversation.

"Although there are many clubs within the Academy, the membership is quite scattered. 'Hats and Short Swords' has 62 members, which is already quite large. There are only two other clubs with more members," Kolter explained.

"Do you see that building over there, resembling a birdcage? That's the activity building for the 'Indigo Cornflower' club."

"The entire building?"

Looking at the distant structure, its exterior made of entirely blue transparent glass, Tilan could see various flowers and plants inside. The building had five stories, each with a ring of greenery, and the central area was reserved for activities. The building had an elegant, fairy-tale appearance, and the interior's decoration was equally exquisite, exuding an aristocratic vibe.

"Yes, the 'Indigo Cornflower' club has about 120 members, all female. They don't admit male members; it's a gathering place for the Academy's young ladies and debutantes."

"So what are their regular activities?" While not surprised by such a gathering of debutantes, Tilan was curious about their everyday doings.

"Their activities are nothing out of the ordinary, mainly consisting of drinking tea, caring for plants, raising small animals, discussing fashion, socializing, and going out for fun," Kolter said, his tone conveying a hint of disdain for the young ladies.

"These debutantes, although seemingly harmless, can be particularly difficult to handle when they stir up trouble. They're also quite unified internally, and once the club president sets a requirement, everyone must adhere," he continued.

"There have been instances in the past where they've played pranks out of boredom. For example, a member who lost a bet within their club had to confess to a boy from a less affluent background in the school and date him for a month without letting on. It was all for show."

"During that time, other members would secretly observe and record, and the farce would become a long-lasting source of ridicule for that member on campus."

"And what happens after the month is over?" Annelli asked, suddenly intrigued.

"They would, of course, dump the boy, often in some humiliating way to clear their own name, demonstrating the 'nobility' of their actions and that it was all just 'a bit of fun' and 'flirting.' If anyone were to actually develop feelings, they would no doubt be mercilessly mocked within their group," Kolter said, pushing up his glasses, his voice cold and detached.

"Kolter, have you experienced something similar?" Tilan picked up on something.
Your journey continues with empire

"I haven't, but a friend of mine did. The ordeal led to his eventual withdrawal from school."

"I see..." Annelli didn't feel it was appropriate to probe any further.

The three of them entered the birdcage-like blue building, which was much cooler and more comfortable inside than outdoors. The first floor seemed quiet, probably meant for receiving guests, as there were no members around, just a few stationary Autonomous Units.

"Please identify yourself; non-'Indigo Cornflower' club members are not permitted upstairs," an Autonomous Unit, about waist-high, approached slowly, powered by wheels at its base.

"I am Kolter, a member of the Student Council. I would like to meet your president upstairs," he said, extending his left hand, allowing the chip implanted in his wrist to be scanned by the Autonomous Unit. His photo ID and basic information appeared on the screen.

"Received, please wait... Connecting," the Autonomous Unit halted.

Shortly after, the Autonomous Unit's front screen lit up green and then made way for them to pass.

"Request approved, the president allows you upstairs. Please follow this way," it directed them to the elevator, and then they all entered together.

Soon, the elevator stopped on the fourth floor, and the Autonomous Unit led them out, continuing forward.

Along the way, they saw many small cubicles separated by lattice, each with a round table and chairs surrounded by potted plants. Occasionally, they passed groups of members chatting and drinking tea, or playing card games and tending to their plants.

The young ladies dressed fashionably and were skilled in their adornment. Their gazes shifted curiously towards the three as they passed, though none approached to speak.

Guiding them deep into the garden-like interior, they found a woman in a cream, ruffled ball gown with large golden spirals in her hair seated at a table. She had a full figure, with blue teardrop earrings and a dress embellished with sparkling jewels, her style lavish and opulent.

Besides her within this cubicle stood a servant-dressed girl with deep aqua hair neatly tied into a small knot behind her head, looking quite efficient.

"Long time no see, Kolter," she said, setting down her teacup and looking up as they arrived.

"Good afternoon, President Serasilence," Kolter greeted her with impeccable manners and, once standing again, he introduced the two ladies beside him.

"This is Miss Tilan and Miss Annelli. Miss Tilan will be joining the Student Council as a new member and will be handling related matters from now on," he gave a brief introduction.

"Oh, you're Tilan?"

With a slight curl of her finger, Serasilence propped her head to the side and observed the new member with black hair and glasses. She remained seated without rising and seemed to have no intention of inviting Kolter to sit.

"I've heard your name. Kinsenke recently joined your club, right?" she continued, picking up her teacup leisurely, blowing gently on it, and then sipping with composed grace.