CHAPTER 37: CLASS REPRESENTATIVE [2]

Even after professor finished listing the perks, the room was filled only with the faint rustle of papers and the occasional yawn.

’These aren’t the kind of benefits that appeal to nobles,’ I thought, suppressing a sigh.

For commoners, activity funds and recognition might sound valuable. But for the nobles here, who were practically bathing in family allowances and influence, none of that meant much.

’Yeah, that’s not going to motivate anyone to step up.’

Professor Dominic cleared his throat again, trying to sound encouraging, but the apathy in the room was palpable.

I glanced to my side—Elena sat there, as calm and composed as ever, her eyes barely leaving the open page of her textbook.

"Aren’t you interested in being class representative?" I asked casually, trying not to sound too curious.

She looked up at me, tilting her head slightly. "Me? Well... I’m not particularly drawn to it."

As expected.

Not even a hint of interest.

Elena wasn’t someone who cared about recognition or power. She was the type who preferred quiet diligence over public roles. But if I wanted to fix the story’s flow and get her close to Ed again, I needed her to care—about something.

Something that could actually tempt her.

And then, a thought struck me.

"The Student Council President is the Imperial Princess, right?" I said, pretending to ask offhandedly.

Elena blinked, slightly puzzled. "Yes, she is. But why do you ask?"

"I heard there’s a special benefit that the Princess personally gives to Student Council members."

Her brow furrowed slightly. "A... special benefit?"

"Yeah." I leaned in a little, lowering my voice as if sharing a secret. "Apparently, she treats them to exclusive desserts made by the Imperial chef. Stuff you can’t find anywhere else—not even in the capital’s luxury shops."

At that, Elena’s usually composed expression flickered ever so slightly.

Gotcha.

I knew from the webtoon that she had a notorious weakness for sweets. The Imperial Princess—being the social butterfly she was—had often used that to get closer to her subordinates, especially Ed.

Of course, the whole dessert thing had been her subtle ploy to charm him, but technically, what I said wasn’t a lie.

Elena really loved desserts.

Maybe that could be my angle—something to spark her interest in running for class representative.

I brought it up half-heartedly, not expecting much.

Sure, she had a soft spot for sweets, but surely she wouldn’t be tempted by something as trivial as—

"...Imperial desserts?"

I froze.

Wait. It’s working?

Her calm expression shifted, her usually composed eyes glimmering with curiosity and just a hint of temptation.

"That’s right," I said quickly, seizing the moment. "Made directly by the Imperial chef. Desserts you absolutely can’t eat anywhere else."

Gulp.

She actually swallowed. Unconsciously.

The image of Elena Bellahart—usually dignified, graceful, the perfect noble lady—looking so easily swayed by the promise of sweets... it was almost surreal.

At this point, she was teetering on the edge.

"Actually," I added casually, "I heard the class representative doesn’t even have that much work to do. So it’s basically free desserts for minimal effort. Wouldn’t it be worth it?"

She hesitated for a moment, glancing down in thought. Then, in a quiet voice—

"...Maybe I should give it a try?"

Nice.

I barely held back a grin.

Just like that, she’d taken the bait—hook, line, and sinker.

"Is there anyone else who wants to run?" Professor Dominic’s voice rang out across the room.

Perfect timing.

Before I could even blink, Elena’s hand rose into the air.

"I’d like to run as well."

"All right," Dominic said with a small nod. "Elena Bellahart will be added to the list of candidates."

Her name was written neatly on the blackboard, glowing faintly under the sunlight filtering through the window.

And just like that, my mission was complete.

I exhaled a quiet sigh of relief. Everything was going exactly as planned.

"I raised my hand, but..." Elena turned to me, looking a little uncertain. "What if I don’t get elected?"

"Don’t worry," I said with an easy smile. "From what I can see, you’re definitely going to win."

"Do you really think so...?"

"Of course," I replied confidently. "It’s inevitable."

And it was.

Every male student in the class was practically bewitched by Elena’s charm, and most of the girls admired her for standing up to those who’d mocked me before. She was respected, kind, and beautiful—an unbeatable combination.

If she didn’t win, I’d start questioning reality itself.

"According to the voting results," Professor Dominic announced moments later, "Elena Bellahart is now appointed as Class C’s representative. Everyone, please applaud."

Clap, clap, clap.

The room filled with applause, and Elena stood up gracefully, though her eyes flickered toward me for a brief moment—a small, triumphant smile tugging at her lips.

I leaned back in my seat, arms crossed, feeling oddly satisfied.

As expected, my prediction was spot on.

During the class representative election, Elena was chosen almost instantly. She didn’t even have to campaign—her calm demeanor and quiet charisma earned her near-unanimous support.

When the class erupted into applause, Elena blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting the attention. Watching her flustered expression, I couldn’t help but smile quietly to myself.

Just as planned.

"Now then," Professor Dominic said, glancing around the room with his usual calm tone. "Let’s have the new class representative, Elena, choose the vice representative. Any objections?"

"No!"

The response was immediate. Apparently, everyone trusted Elena enough to make the decision on her own.

Normally, the student with the second-highest votes would automatically become vice representative—but this wasn’t a normal situation.

I leaned back slightly, thinking about how things were unfolding. Everything was proceeding smoothly so far. All that was left was for Elena to choose Ed as vice representative, just like in the original story—

"Then..."

Elena turned her head.

Toward me.

Our eyes met.

My heart sank.

Wait. No way. She’s not—

"Could you help me out, Louis?"

"...Huh?"

For a second, I genuinely thought I’d misheard her. But then her eyes softened, a small hopeful smile tugging at her lips as she looked directly at me.

The classroom went silent.

Every single gaze in Class C shifted to me. I could practically feel the weight of their stares pressing down on my shoulders.

This... was not part of the plan.

I wanted to nudge the story back on track, not throw myself directly into the middle of it!

But if I refused now, it would only create an awkward scene. And Elena—well, she looked so sincerely expectant that saying no would make me feel like the villain.

"...Alright," I sighed, scratching the back of my neck. "I’ll be the vice representative."

"Really?" Elena’s eyes brightened instantly, her face lighting up with relief and genuine joy.

Why does she look that happy about it?

"Louis," Professor Dominic said, clearly pleased with the decision. "From this moment on, you are officially Class C’s vice representative."

And just like that, my small, harmless plan to fix the story had gone completely off-script.

I’d only wanted to guide Elena and Ed closer together.

Yet somehow... I’d ended up right beside her instead.

I could already feel a headache forming.

"...This is going to be troublesome," I muttered under my breath, while Elena smiled cheerfully next to me—utterly unaware that she’d just turned all my plans upside down.