Chapter 49

PROLOGUE Fond of a Chaotic Life “—When you reelect me, Luna Artur, as student council president, I promise you’ll all have the most wonderful time on campus!” “WHOOOO-HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” At present, the grounds of Camelot International High School were buzzing with a strange energy. Someone had erected a stage in the dead center of the schoolyard, where a throng of students had packed in like sardines. Standing heroically in the center of the platform was Luna, armed with a microphone. The questionable sash over her shoulder read: VOTE LUNA ARTUR FOR A BETTER, BOLDER, BRIGHTER ACADEMY. Her hoisted banner screamed, FOR AN HONEST, HONORABLE STUDENT COUNCIL. She was making a passionate speech that sounded more than a little phony. “A vote for me is a vote for three-day weekends! A vote for no midterms! A vote to abolish school uniforms! I will make a media room where students can stop by to read manga and watch anime! I promise to double the budgets of every club and organization! Who’s more deserving of your vote than me?!” “Yeeeah! I knew you had our backs, President Lunaaaaaaaa!” “I’m shaking! I wish I could be you!” “Another term for President Luna!” The courtyard was crowded with Luna’s supporters… “Oh please! That’s impossible!” “Spare us the empty promises!” “I wish you would keel over and die!” …Meanwhile, the anti-Luna faction was about to burst in anger. “And now, I’d like to hand over the mic to students who will give their endorsements! Up first…the person you’ve all been waiting for! Li’l Kay is in the house!” “H-helloooo. I’m here to endorse Luna for president! It’s me—Camelot High’s permanent idol! Li’l Kay! ” Barely covered in a glittering, frilly bikini, Sir Kay got up on stage. The outfit accentuated her smooth, pale skin and curves. More scantily clad than usual, Sir Kay was flushed red in embarrassment, eyes wet from tears. She waved at the students below as if she’d just given up on resisting. “WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-HOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” It was like the air was electric. Luna strained her voice, refusing to be drowned out by the cheers. “But wait! There’s more! It’s still my turn in this Battle Phase! Allow me to introduce a new face that will join Li’l Kay!” ““““Wh-whaaaaaaat?!”””” “A late bloomer and a rising star with popularity to rival Li’l Kay! Her pure and plucky looks are sure to capture your hearts! She’s a younger idol—one you’ll want to protect! Please give a warm welcome to Emma!” “Uh, um…L-Luna…? Wh-wh-wh-why am I…?” The event planners shoved Emma to the center of the stage. She was in a revealing maid outfit that was intentionally cute. Unlike Sir Kay’s model physique, Emma didn’t have any curves to speak of and still had room to grow. There was something young and wide-eyed about her that made everyone want to protect the timid, squirrelly girl. Showered in the stage lights, Emma started to fidget, tears wetting the corners of her eyes. “Whoooooo-hooo!” The air was charged with more energy at the appearance of the underclassman with a secret cult following. “I-I’m going to s-s-sing to show my support for Luna! This song is called ‘Fit to Be Our King’! Hope you like it!” Sir Kay’s introduction cut to flirty pop music that came from nowhere. Colorful strobe lights pulsed on the stage. “Aaaaah… Why… Why do we have to do this again?!” “Desperate times, Emma. We’re already here. Let’s just get this over with. Ha-ha-ha-ha…” For whatever bizarre reason, the campaign speech had turned into a concert for Sir Kay and Emma. As the two sang and danced themselves to death, the students basically began to mosh, losing themselves in the frenzy…