HE really is the student council president… Yuffie thought when she saw Noah sitting in the president’s seat. It was a bit unlike him when she recalled how he’d been the other day, reading a book by himself in the lush courtyard. Then again, his mysterious aura and unfazed demeanor were the perfect traits for a leader.
“Excellent, everyone’s here,” Lyle greeted, clapping his hands and sporting his usual grin. Sitting on one of the sofas in the center of the room were Lyle, Edward, Jack, and Erina. “By the way, is Hans still on his expedition?”
“Yes. I’m sure he’s achieving great things abroad even as we speak,” Noah answered Lyle’s question matter-of-factly.
“Then let’s start today’s meeting with the six of us.”
Crud, it’s finally starting… Yuffie groaned internally.
Next to Lyle, Yuffie was looking down at her trembling hands placed on her knees. Compared to yesterday, the air in the student council office was as heavy as lead. When she considered that she was the cause of it, she felt like digging a hole in the floor and hiding.
“Today’s agenda revolves around Yuffie’s future here. But first…” Looking around the room, Lyle addressed the three who’d witnessed Yuffie’s magic. “Have you all finally managed to accept the truth?”
Edward was the first to answer his question. “Frankly, I still think it’s ridiculous that a girl can even use offensive magic. However, based on all the information I’ve seen with my own eyes, it’s an indisputable fact that Yuffie Abisus is one such female. Making her defeat of the Flame Cerberus also likely.” He paused, grinding his teeth a bit, before continuing. “As strong as my desire is not to believe this, that is nothing more than an unwillingness to change my mindset simply because of what I thought was the way of the world. Until now, that is.”
“So you acknowledge her talent?” Lyle prompted.
“If I were to shake my head at this point, it would mean I’m blind.”
“Good, good. Just goes to show how reasonable you are. Erina, how about you?”
“I suppose I agree with Edward. I can’t believe it, but I saw Yuffie use attack magic with my very own eyes. It would stretch the bounds of reality to treat the experience as an illusion or hallucination.”
“I appreciate it.” Finally, Lyle focused his eyes on Jack.
“…I’m a loser. I don’t have a say in this,” Jack huffed.
“Do you at least recognize that Yuffie can use attack magic?”
“I fought her and I lost. If I don’t admit it now, I’d be lying about my own magic. And that’s the only thing I won’t do.”
“Typical Jack. All right then, with all three of you agreeing that Yuffie can use attack magic, we’ll move forward with this discussion.”
Yuffie sighed in relief at his words.
“Having said that…” Lyle’s easygoing smile disappeared, and a serious expression settled on his face as he turned to Noah. “The president, who has the power to make decisions here, has yet to see Yuffie’s magic. So I propose we move to one of the training grounds now and have her do a demonstration.”
“There’s no need for that,” Noah, silent up until then, finally spoke.
“Are you sure?” Lyle asked, raising an eyebrow.
“All four of you aren’t liars, nor are you in a position to do so. In light of that, if everyone is saying the same thing, there’s no need for me to verify it myself.” His words echoed through the room, calm and persuasive. Despite the fact that everyone else was younger than him, Noah didn’t pull rank. He spoke politely, exuding an air of someone who knew his worth. “Because I trust you all.”
The student council members nodded earnestly in response to his words. It was like they shared an invisible bond.
Wow, he’s exactly what I think of as the perfect student council president… Yuffie sighed in admiration.
Next to her, Lyle murmured so low only she could hear him. “…I’m honored, Brother.”
Brother…?
An invisible question mark sprang above her head, but Noah pressed on.
“Considering the items on today’s agenda, we should prioritize making decisions. Time is of the essence. I’d like information to help me with that, so allow me to hear what each of you has to say. Be honest.” Noah looked at Edward first.
“I’m opposed to Yuffie being a part of the student council,” Edward started with his arms crossed. “First, I believe we should report to the school right away that Yuffie can use offensive magic and leave the final decision to the national government. A woman who can use offensive magic… Her outrageous existence isn’t something the student council can or should hide. If we do, in the worst-case scenario, we may be charged with treason.”
T-Treason…?! A chill ran down Yuffie’s spine. On second thought…that is a possibility, huh…?
She clasped her hands together tightly. Her very existence was an anomaly. Yuffie had no idea how much of an impact it would have on the country, let alone the school. So, as Edward said, it would be better to let the adults decide what to do with her.
But then Lyle’s words echoed in her head…
“When that power inevitably comes to light, if you don’t have someone to back you up…you might be in a bit of trouble. After all, your very existence overturns the building blocks of our world. Which means there will be both people who’ll try to erase your existence, and ones who will try to investigate every inch of your body to find out the truth.”
No, no, no, no! I don’t want to be some lab rat!
A dimly lit laboratory, a cold bed, a thick syringe…she saw it all vividly in her mind.
“Respectfully, I disagree with Edward’s opinion.” Just as Yuffie’s delusions were about to go into overdrive, Lyle’s remark interrupted them. “If our people discover that she can use offensive magic… Who knows what the Fundamentalists might do to her?”
His words gave Edward pause. “While I admit that can’t be ruled out…”
“Um, excuse me… What do you mean by Fundamentalists…?” Yuffie asked timidly, and Edward’s eyes widened.
“You don’t even know that? It’s part of the basics of the Valencian religion.”
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry! I think we were taught a little bit about it at the church school in my village, but…it was just the tiniest bit. I didn’t even know that there were sects, plus they didn’t bother mentioning anything about magic because it’s not relevant to us commoners.”
“This is the problem with country bumpkins,” Edward sighed in exasperation.
“Clearly, the national government needs to provide administrative guidance to whatever school is in Yuffie’s village,” Lyle muttered, scaring her, but she pretended not to hear.
“Listen up, commoner,” Edward said, his voice stern. “The teachings of the Valencian religion emphasize valuing harmony and coexistence with all living things and nature because God created everything, so Valencians must respect and protect all life. Are you with me so far?”
“Y-Yes. I remember learning that at church.” Yuffie nodded.
Lyle, watching the exchange between the two, commented with a smile, “Edward, I appreciate how caring you are despite your harsh words.”
“Stuff it. I merely concluded that we couldn’t move forward unless we shared a common language. Anyway, back to the topic at hand. There are multiple sects in the Valencian Church. The two main sects are the Fundamentalists and the Moderates, and each has a different interpretation of the doctrine.”
“I see, I see. Go on…” Yuffie nodded some more.
Edward held up an index finger. “The Moderates interpret the doctrine faithfully and apply the spirit of coexistence to all beings. They claim that they respect all beings equally, humans and nature, regardless of social position or role. In simple terms, they’re a group of pacifists who don’t want conflict.”
He held up another finger and continued.
“In contrast, the Fundamentalists hold a broad interpretation of certain doctrines and believe in using any means possible to protect them—they’re zealous and aggressive. In particular, they strongly believe in the doctrine that ‘offensive magic is a gift from God only given to men.’ In other words…” His expression turned grave as he touched on the crux of the matter. “The Fundamentalists will never accept the fact that you, Yuffie, a girl, can use it. You’ll meet with intense hostility from them, and your life may even be threatened— What’s wrong?”
“Don’t kill me…” Yuffie muttered tremulously as her eyes welled up with tears.
“As if I would! Besides, I very much doubt you’d go down that easily!”
“Hm. That’s a good point…” She realized he was right as she recalled the Flame Cerberus.
“Moreover, I’m not a Fundamentalist; I’m a Moderate, so stop looking like a frightened lamb… What a bloody pain in the neck you are.” Edward scratched his head.
“Don’t worry, Yuffie.” Erina came over and hugged her gently. “Everyone here, including me, is a Moderate. No one has any intention of harming you.”
“Lady Erina…” Yuffie sniffled.
“Oh, please, none of that. Just call me ‘Erina.’ I cherish you as a friend, you know?”
“Erina…”
Yuffie was touched by her compassionate words, drawn in by the kindness that might as well have been a shining beacon amidst such a frightening conversation. She let herself lean into the other girl’s embrace. Erina’s ample chest was soft enough to envelop her, like pillows. Truly, the epitome of a Saint…
“Gosh, you’re so sweet… I just want to gobble you up…” Erina muttered.
Yuffie quickly removed her face from Erina’s chest. “What did you just say?”
“Nothing?”
Yuffie sensed something other than affection from her newfound friend, almost like a leopard staring greedily at a feast in front of it…
“I’m glad to see you two getting along, but can we get back to our talk?”
“Oh, forgive me, Lyle. Yuffie was just too adorable and I…”
“It’s fine that you like cute things, but don’t lose your head and spirit her home.”
“Not to worry. I already have a Black Hole Seraphim and a Demon Overlord God Phoenix at home,” Erina stated.
“I don’t think that’s the problem… Anyway. Tell us your thoughts, Erina,” Lyle beckoned in an attempt to steer things back to the matter at hand. Yuffie remained befuddled by their exchange.
“Well, if there’s a possibility that Yuffie might be in danger, perhaps we shouldn’t reveal her powers. But…I also don’t think it’s right to hide them from the school or the country, so…” Erina propped her hand on her chin and thought deeply. She was obviously undecided.
“Jack, what about you?” Lyle asked.