Episode 16

Welcome Party

　The White Tiger class building is a two-story building.

　The first floor has a chapel, a dining room, a locker room, and a medical office.

　The second floor has a classroom, a homeroom, a laboratory, a library, and so on.

“How was your first unofficial class meeting?”

　While sitting on a pew in the chapel, Vice-Principal Harman told me this.

“You know people with leadership positions, people who are in high places in reputable circles, people who are really up there now. Not bad.”

“I’m so happy you think so highly of me.”

Sarcasm bitter and clear in my voice, I recall a question I was intent on asking.

“There is something I’m curious about. First of all, why are you, the vice-principal in charge of any class? It’s a bit out of the norm, more so when you consider the odds… 7 percent chance of that happening out of 100.”

“Don’t use math against me. It’s simply because your class happened to excel. The other Vice-Principal’s have, respectively, taken over their own classes. As for why it happened to be yours that I chose..”

“I thought it would be fun.”

I snort at that.

“The second question. Why are there only 18 people in this class? Too few compared to the  other classes.”

“Let me correct that. This class consists of 20 people.”

“No. I’m sure I counted 18…”

“There are two students who refused to attend the entrance ceremony.”

“Shouldn’t they be kicked out?”

“No, I never said you actually have to show up to the entrance ceremony. Your class just had to pass the game.”

“Huh. Anyway, tell me about these new students?”

“They are quite mad. In the crazy sense. Most broken toys I’ve ever collected.”

“Toys?”

“For me, students are toys. I just live to mess with students, y’know?”

I’m positive this woman shouldn’t be a teacher.

“Question and answer session over! Also, no shoes in the building either.”

“What? You’re wearing shoes.”

“These are slippers, maybe I’ll get you a gift.”

We move from the chapel to the main entryway.

　Slowly, students fill the main hall.

“Charles!”

　Ganette walks over to me and gives me a tight hug.

　I really don’t want to do this. However, I keep smiling.

“My, you have a lot of muscle.”

“That’s not…”

“Charles! You’re amazing.”

　Monica grabs my shoulder and praises me.

　Then I get compliments from my classmates one after another.

　When the place was settled down, Vice  Principal Harman came forward.

“I’m your homeroom teacher, Vice-Prinicpal Harman.”

　Everyone knew the face of Vice-Principal Harmane, and there were some surprises, but the reaction was less than I expected even though the Vice Principal was in charge of a class.

　Everyone was exhausted. They;ve been walking for 8 hours. it can not be helped.

“You guys are tired. Come to the cafeteria. Sake! Meat! Sweets! Gorgeous dishes prepared by our chef are waiting for you!”

　Hearing the words of Vice-Principal Harman, Rand, Ganette, and Monica drooled. Not very ladylike Monica.

“It’s rice!”

　Rand ran to the cafeteria, but Vice-Principal Harman pulled him by his ear and stopped him in his tracks.

“What?”

“Change into slippers. No shoes are allowed here.”

“I don’t have any!”

“We decide the rules here. If you can’t follow them, drop out–“

　Everyone puts their shoes in a shoe box called a geta box, then we change and head to the cafeteria.

“You.”

　In front of the dining room door, Himari stopped me.

“Tell me your name.”

“Charles-Henri Sanson”

“Charles. I’ll remember.”

　Himari goes into the cafeteria, her hair swishing behind her.

“Hey, Himari! I’m Rand Taylor! Remember–“

“Go away, monkey.”

“Oh…”

　I heard Rand’s disappointed voice from inside the dining room.

　Rand, be happy. At least you’re not a monkey anymore.”

 The cafeteria makes a lot of noise. I stopped before I entered the cafeteria.

　Guilt stops me. Should someone who’s taken so many lives be allowed in such a happy place?

　These feelings nearly make retreat.

“Hey, what are you doing Charles! Look inside? Great meat, bone meat!”

　When I raised my head, I saw Rand and Himari.

“Come early! Himari is hungry and waiting!”

“I’m hungry, hurry up!”

　I hear a growling sound. 

“~~~ !?”

　The red-haired girl who’s stomach rang out slapped Rand.

“Why!? What?””

　Rand, who was hit by, protests against Himari, but Himari crosses her arms and ignores him. As I watch them my legs begin moving naturally.

　I walk towards the entrance of the cafeteria where Rand and Himari are waiting.

“I’m coming.”

　I enter the light of the cafeteria.

　I eat with everyone in the class.

　It was the first time for me to be at such a noisy dining table.

　If you were here, you would have enjoyed it more honestly. A school.. Huh, right, Henri?