Extra's Descent

"If it really is him. We don't have any solid proof. That piece of metal isn't enough."

"True."

Brandon nodded at Raven's words.

"Evidence aside. What about his motives?"

Reinhard added.

The three currently sat together in one of the Academy's gazebo.

"I have a couple of guesses. But it would only throw us off."

Raven replied to Reinhard's question.

"Let's just stick with what we have currently."

"Alright."

Reinhard nodded.

He then looked at Brandon who looked back at him.

"Do we tell the class about the situation, Leader?"

"No. They're already stressed enough. Let's handle this by ourselves."

"Same thoughts."

"Yeah."

Brandon then stood up and informed them.

"I'll be meeting with the Committee now. Call me if there's any developments on the case."

"Sure."

"Lucky."

Raven nodded while Reinhard frowned at him.

Reinhard then turned towards Raven and continued their discussion.

"Still going with that plan?"

"Yeah. He's dealing with too many tasks at once. We should deal with this case ourselves and leave him out of it. He deserves at least that much."

"Agreed."

The entire discussion, Brandon seemed like he was in a daze.

The two could see subtle dark circles in his eyes.

When they noticed all the signs, they privately discussed behind Brandon's back to leave him out of the case.

If they couldn't do this much for him, then what was the point of being his assistants?

"Right."

At that two stood up and roamed the halls together. Shortly after, they arrived at their destination and entered the lecture room.

As soon as they entered the room…

"Welcome home, Mast-er…"

What greeted their sight was Rachel who adorned a maid uniform.

Her expressions were lively at first. But soon contorted to a sad look.

"..."

Reinhard was taken aback.

Noticing the displeasure on Rachel's face, Raven leaned close and whispered to Reinhard's ear.

"It's because Brandon isn't here."

Reinhard's eyes lit up and a smirk escaped his lips. He leaned close and whispered back at Raven.

"Ah, right. She does have a thing for him after all."

"..."

They then shifted their gaze at Rachel whose brows were knitted as her face scrunched up.

"I can hear you two, you know. What do you mean I have a thing for him. I don't like—"

"Shh now, young Rachel."

Reinhard cut her off as he motioned his finger on his lips.

"We know."

"...What are you—"

"All of us in the group knows."

Raven interjected her to support Reinhard's statement.

Rachel then darted her eyes around and her face flushed red slightly.

She mumbled in a low voice for only the two of them to hear.

"Do… Do you think he knows?"

Blinking, Raven looked at Reinhard before answering.

"Pftt…"

"Pftt…"

A strange sound escaped his lips and the same went for Reinhard who was having a hard time holding back his laugh.

Raven then looked back at Rachel as his shoulders trembled.

"Pfft… That guy? He won't notice until you say it right to his face."

"Yeah, he's dense as fuck."

"..."

Rachel was taken aback. But the fact that Brandon didn't know but their friends knew made her lips unknowingly pulled up.

She appreciated the fact that they hid it from him despite knowing all this time.

But truth be told, she was unsure about her feelings for him.

They started out as friends and she could agree that they were good friends.

She could even consider him a best friend.

But after spending time with him alone in the apartment for the past two months, something changed about her feelings for him.

She didn't know when it even began. But before she knew it, she started looking forward to spending time with him alone in their apartments.

Was it a crush, or was it something more than that?

She didn't know.

But what she was certain about was the fact that she was most especially conscious of Brandon.

'Yeah, I like him.'

She admitted to herself.

Snapping her out of her thoughts was Raven's voice.

"You should ask him out during the festival."

"..."

Rachel was taken aback.

Her friends…

They were good friends.

Looking down, she nervously replied without meeting their gazes.

"...Would he agree? I don't think he sees me that way."

"That depends…"

Raven crossed his arms and continued.

"But what I do know is that nothing will happen between the two of you if you don't make the first move."

"...Okay, I'll try."

She lifted her head up and finally met their gazes.

"Thanks for not telling him, and for helping me out."

The two nodded with a smile.

That being said, the preparations carried on and they entered their lecture room.

***

The committee members sat on their seats. In front of them was a rounded table shaped like a ring.

And what stood in the center of the ring was a figure with golden locks.

Her appearance grabbed everyone's attention at every word she spoke.

Adorning a simple white jacket, her curves were highlighted by a black crop top that fit her like a glove.

"The Festival will officially kick off next week. I want all of you to be present two hours before the opening ceremony."

The entire room was silent with only Amelia's voice resounding.

They were instructed to adorn a simple outfit that was light and would allow them to move freely.

While the opening ceremony entailed a parade. The committee members won't be joining their class for the parade.

Instead they will stand in specific locations. In particular, the checkpoints of the route the parade will be heading.

There were a total of six checkpoints.

Each checkpoint would only have one committee member standing and would lead the parade to the next checkpoint.

Their objectives were to keep the parade in check and to ensure the students would follow procedures.

The discussion continued on for the next hour.

There were several questions, but Amelia was able to answer all of them.

Silence ensued as no other questions emerged. They took it as a sign to end the meeting and they were then dismissed.

The committee members got up and left shortly after.

The only ones left in the room were Brandon and Amelia.

Amelia turned to look at him and asked.

"Still have something to add?"

"No."

"Then?"

"Could you give me advice…?"

Noticing the seriousness in his tone, Amelia sat down beside him.

Pursing her lips, he mouth parted open.

"Advice on what?"

"Actually, I'm the one leading my class right now. Things were going well until something happened last minute."

"Hm? What happened…?"

At that, Brandon started recounting the events that transpired.

Amelia stayed silent the whole time and listened attentively to Brandon.

As soon as he finished, Amelia pinched her chin and pondered.

This persisted for a few seconds until her voice reached his ears.

"This is actually serious…"

"Yeah. And if things don't work out, we won't have anything for the Festival."

"I'll try to ask my contacts if they know any company that could supply you immediately."

"Oh, you don't have to—"

"It's fine, I insist. I'll help my junior out in any way I can."

Brandon was taken aback.

He was only there for advice on how to handle the situation. He didn't expect Amelia to offer assistance on the issue.

Gathering his thoughts, Brandon met her gaze and nodded in appreciation.

"Okay, I'll repay you someday."

"No need. I'll even cover the cost."

"But—"

"In exchange, I need you to accompany me during the Festival."

Blinking his eyes repeatedly, Brandon was once again taken aback.

"Sure, but what for?"

"A Delegate from the Imperial Army is going to visit. Belle is really busy during that time. And I don't want to ask Adrien."

Brandon had an idea of where this was going.

Amelia continued.

"So that leaves you as the only option. We'll be attending to the Delegate during the festival. Will you help me?"

There was no room for hesitation.

Amelia was the one asking.

She was also helping him out in return.

It was a mutual exchange.

With such thoughts, Brandon pursed his lips and met her gaze.

"Sure."

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