173
A powerful candidate for the student council president has recommended another candidate for the position.
Under normal circumstances, this new candidate would immediately become a serious contender.
‘But come on, he’s still a first-year student.’
The position of student council president is one that only the finest students of Lumeran can aspire to.
Certainly, Leo is currently the standout student this year throughout all of Lumeran. However, he is still a first-year.
Even if all the fifth-year students graduate, there are still three more classes above him.
It’s an impractical suggestion.
The real issue is that the person who recommended Leo is none other than Elena.
The acting principal of Lumeran and known as the Queen of the school, she has a reputation as a formidable and influential figure.
She not only controls the entire third-year but wields significant influence even among the fourth-year students. If she takes this matter seriously…
‘It’s bound to become troublesome.’
Of course, were Leo to be nominated as a class representative, Elena herself would undoubtedly face significant opposition.
Right off the bat, the fourth-year students will likely react strongly, and there will be no shortage of resistance among third-year students as well.
And then there’s the second-year students to consider.
This is bound to create tremendous confusion throughout the entire school.
“Who else knows about this?”
“For now, only me, you, and Elena. Just the three of us.”
At Riss’s words, Leo gave him a sympathetic look.
“You didn’t manage to stop her, huh?”
Leo’s expression clearly showed his genuine concern, causing Riss to burst into a hollow laugh.
In his nonchalant tone, Riss added, “You don’t seem interested in the student council president position, huh?”
“Well, I’m a first-year. There are many excellent seniors around. I don’t think I’m the right choice.”
Leo shrugged.
Even if he were to reach higher grades, he doubted he would ever have interest in the position.
‘Seems troublesome enough already.’
Though he intends to give his all to his school life, he wasn’t interested in taking on unnecessary burdens.
“Actually, in my position, Elena’s suggestion is both ridiculous and tempting at the same time.”
At Leo’s reply, Riss smirked and continued, “If my cousin becomes the unprecedented first-year student council president, that would be excellent for me as the heir to the Zerdinger family.”
Even now, the Zerdinger family holds high prestige.
But were Leo to serve as student council president from his first year until his fifth, making him an unparalleled graduate in Lumeran’s history…
The Zerdinger family might become even more distinguished.
“Furthermore, in a way, you are even better suited to the role than I am.”
“Me?”
“That’s right. A hero has the ability to lead people.”
Riss gave a meaningful smile. “However, it’s rare to find someone who can lead even a hero. I believe you are far more talented than I am in that regard, Leo.”
Leo absentmindedly scratched his cheek.
‘Yeah, probably because I learned from Lissinas.’
The leader of the party who once saved the world, Leo himself was deeply influenced by Lissinas’ leadership.
“Anyway, stop thinking about it in a negative light.”
Riss grinned.
“There’s no such thing as an impossible task, right?”
Later that day, after classes.
Having tidied up his desk, Leo stood up.
Seeing him, Kal waved his hand, “Leo! We’re studying at Big Library to prepare for the midterms. Come along!”
Around Kal gathered a group of friends, including Chelsea, the top student of their class, and Nella.
“Sorry, I’ve got something to do after school.”
“Huh, that’s a shame.”
Kal clicked his tongue.
“Leo, if you finish, you know where we’ll be. Feel free to join anytime.”
Nella, with her trademark lazy smile, suggested. Leo nodded.
Once his classmates dispersed, Leo headed alone towards the third year block.
Ordinarily, a first-year would rarely dare to visit the third-year area, let alone someone as junior as him.
First-year students tend to regard higher grades with a healthy dose of respect, or even fear.
Which is why Leo sticking his neck out and walking into the third-year block caught attention.
In particular, third-year students receive extra classes, so their school day was still ongoing.
‘Wasn’t Elena in Class 4?’
Walking into the first floor, Leo approached Room 4.
Unlike the first and second years, third-year classes only extended up till Class 5.
This showed that more than half of the third-year students had failed the progression exams from the earlier grades.
‘Considering that, our class is pretty impressive.’
Among the few classes not losing a single student so far since joining.
Leo stopped in front of Room 4.
Inside, the sound of ongoing lessons echoed.
A moment later,
Ding-dong-dang-dong!
The bell signaling the end of class rang across the building.
Creak! Thud-thud-thud!
Sounds of desks being moved came from the classrooms. The teachers exited.
When the teachers noticed Leo waiting in the hallway, they looked at him curiously.
‘A first-year in the third-year block?’
‘Leo Flove. He truly is an exceptional one.’
Even the teachers were amazed at the courage of the first-year representative. Moments later, the third-year students poured out of their classrooms.
Upon noticing Leo sitting on the chair outside the classroom, they paused.
“Wait, isn’t that Leo Flove, the first-year representative?”
“Really?”
“Come on! Look!”
Female students from Class 4 swarmed around Leo.
“Hello, seniors.”
As Leo stood up and greeted them, the girls looked at each other briefly before breaking out in squeals.
“Cute! So pure! This is something I’ve thought before, but you’re absolutely handsome!”
“Look at those ruby-red eyes! They’re so beautiful!”
“Speaking of which, weren’t you mentioned as the student council president’s cousin?”
The gathered girls showered Leo with attention.
Their reactions were much different from those of the second years.
Most second years didn’t look favorably on Leo, but the third years were different.
They simply found their first-year junior adorable.
Other male students also looked at Leo curiously.
Perhaps to them, the audacity of a first-year confidently entering their domain was intriguing.
“Try calling me ‘sister’, Leo.”
“Hmm…”
“Oh my goodness! Look at how firm he is!”
“But strangely, it makes him more appealing.”
“Do you prefer younger guys?”
Giggling, the girls teased Leo before asking,
“So, what brings a first-year to the third-year section?”
“To meet Senior Elena.”
At that, the girls’ atmosphere shifted drastically.
Not only the girls but also other third years observing the situation sensed the tension.
“Elena? You’re here to see her? For what?”
A boy from Class 4 smirked.
“She’s not someone a first-year like you can just casually meet, you know? Who do you think you are? Just because you’re the first-year representative and excel in every class, it doesn’t mean you can see her whenever you want.”
‘I expected some backlash, but this is a bit harsh…’
The rivalry for Elena’s favor among her peers is a known story.
Many first years aspire to join “Blue Moon,” the adventuring party Elena leads.
And Leo has been someone who caught her interest consistently.
‘Seeing this reaction now… Oh, I get it.’
From a previous group task, Elena was supposed to be with her party mates exploring the dungeon.
But she abandoned everything to come where Leo was.
‘Followers of the queen are jealous, it seems.’
Recalling a comment from Lil, the second-year representative, Leo sighed lightly.
In the midst of this, the Blue Moon members were blatantly glaring at Leo, regardless of gender.
Just then,
“Master Leo?”
As Leo was approached by a girl walking down the hallway.
‘Niel Loda. Selia’s personal knight, right?’
Though in school they’re separated by a grade, they were acquaintances since childhood, being part of the Zerdinger family.
Niel formally greeted Leo as befitting a knight.
“I am not from the Zerdinger family, but thank you.”
“You are cousin to Master Riss and Miss Selia, after all. It is only polite. By the way, what brings you to the third-year section, Master Leo?”
“I’ve come to see Senior Elena.”
Niel’s index finger touched her lips as she tilted her head in thought.
“Hmm. Elena had classes in the morning, but found them boring after lunch and went off to the clubroom, I believe?”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. Allow me to guide you.”
Niel smiled and turned her gaze towards the Blue Moon group, glaring at them.
Being a third year herself, she had an idea of how they reacted to Leo’s presence.
The Blue Moon third years flinched visibly under her gaze.
Elena has, in a sense, ruled over the entire third year.
Not just the third year, but even among the second year and even the generally dissatisfied fourth year, she holds considerable influence.
However, not all third years are under her influence.
Some remain neutral, and Niel is one of them.
Moreover, she is one of the top five students in combat among all the third-year students in the Department of Knights.
She was far from a pushover.
After Niel led Leo out of the classroom block, a few students grinded their teeth.
“Ugh! What an arrogant kid!”
“A bit too self-important, huh?”
The Blue Moon members gnashed their teeth.
Looking at their behavior, nearby students clicked their tongues.
“They won’t gain Elena’s attention with behavior like this. Why get so agitated?”
“Typical behavior from those who’re mediocre at everything.”
A few third years looked at them with disdain.
Leo followed Niel to the club building.
“The shortest way is through the fourth-year block.”
A place he hasn’t visited much since the start of the semester.
Niel cheerfully explained the club activities to Leo.
“I’m in the Art Club. You might know Miss Selia is also a member. Master Leo isn’t interested in art, I take it? Although given how versatile Master Leo is, I imagine you’d be good at painting too.”
Celia’s pastime, befitting a noble young lady, is art. And she is quite gifted at it.
“No, not particularly. I have no knack for painting.”
“Perhaps sculpture or other forms of art activity?”
At the mention of art, Leo’s mind naturally drifted to his past.
“Kyle, my friend, I must say this. You seem cursed by art. Not only cursed but cursed and detested. Can you truly call this scribble art?”
Dwenno pointed with great disdain at a drawing Kyle held for Luna to see. Standing beside Luna, Aron chuckled uncomfortably.
“J-j-ust a bit alike…”
“Do you want to d*e?”
“No, sorry!”
“It’s better than Luna’s drawing.”
Kyle protested irritably, causing Dwenno to nod.
“True, apart from her magic and graceful demeanor, Miss Elf has no merit. But her elegance alone is art itself. So, you aren’t cursed by art. You’re Kyle.”
“d*mn perverted old man!”
Luna proceeded to strangle Dwenno’s thick neck using her staff.
Of course, Dwenno remained unperturbed as always.
“Behold! This beauty unchanged by even such violence!”
“That’s my personality!”
“Anyway, Kyle, it’s sacrilege to pursue art. Abandon it.”
Ignoring Luna’s gnawing on his own hair, Dwenno spoke with unprecedented seriousness.
“My friend here advises me against pursuing art?”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
Just then, as Niel expressed her pity,
“Ugh. What’s a Zerdinger’s lackey doing here?”
“Ah? You, the lackey for the weakening Lodalyn family, shouldn’t you know better than to make trouble?”
Niel abruptly dropped her kind smile, projecting a menacing aura as Leo turned to the man who addressed her.
Looking at the badge on his chest, it was revealed he was a fourth-year.
Even as a senior, Niel didn’t seem the least bit intimidated.
The tag read: Marchel Luzia.
‘Wait, isn’t Marchel Luzia part of the Lodalyn family that serves the Rwalynd?’
Like the Ryalin family, they aligned with the Zerdinger family.
Chelsea mentioned this once before.
‘Makes sense they wouldn’t get along.’
Just considering the relationship between Selia and Chelsea—already significant rivals—and Selia and Abad Rwalynd, who don’t fight or growl at each other but consider each other rivals.
It’s only natural their respective vassal families are at odds too.
“This mid-term, we’ll prove that Miss Selia is better than Abad Rwalynd in everything, including combat evaluation!”
“Ho, sounds like we’re on the same page. I too think so, just in different terms. I believe Abad will defeat Selia Zerdinger.”
The third and fourth years were busy boasting about their respective lords.
“Come on, Selia is way more impressive! She’s super popular! If she wanted, she could charm anyone as a femme fatale!”
“Tch. Our Abad is a Casanova at will! No girl can resist his gentlemanliness!”
“Nah, he seems more like butter.”
“More like a lackey, don’t you think?”
The two grumbled.
Naturally, students finishing their classes turned their attention to the two arguing seniors.
“Here they go again.”
“Can’t these seniors feel a little embarrassed around the underclassmen?”
“Frankly, I would love to bring Selia and Abad here to see this.”
“That could be interesting.”
“Hey! Who wants to bet on who wins?”
As the seniors left the classroom, many of them chuckled at the common sight.
Watching the two senior rivals going at it, Leo asked,
“When will this end?”
“Ack!”
Niel seemed to suddenly remember Leo’s presence and reacted with surprise.
“Apologies, Lord Leo. I’m sorry for the interruption from this unpleasant one.”
Niel smiled gently and stood beside Leo.
“Shall we go?”
“Hold on.”
Marchel blocked their way. Niel frowned at Marchel, who ignored her glare and looked directly at Leo instead.
Being unusually tall for a wizard, Marchel looked down at Leo.
‘Does he dislike me because of my maternal family ties to Zerdinger?’
“Marchel Luzia, at your service, Lord Leo. Miss Chelsea often owes favors to your house.”
Contrary to Leo’s expectations, Marchel introduced himself with utmost politeness.
“My maternal family is Zerdinger, but…”
“I do not hold it against you. Considering your friendship with Miss Chelsea, I respect it.”
Marchel smiled warmly, far gentler than when addressing Niel.
“How about paying a visit to our house some time? Our lord anticipates meeting Lord Leo—”
“Hey! What nonsense are you trying here? Get lost! Huff! Huff! Lord Leo, let’s go!”
Niel stepped in between the two with a menacing glare.
“An irritating lackey of Zerdinger!”
“Tch! Better than being some sly lackey of Rwalynd!”
The two began arguing again.
Watching them silently, Leo approached the fourth-year students who were spectating outside.
The fourth-year students looked at Leo curiously as he approached.
“I’ll place a bet on Begin.”
Deciding this would take a while, Leo decided to enjoy the spectacle.
“Sorry, but no such option, junior.”
“That’s unfortunate. Then I’ll bet on Niel-senpai winning.”
“Ooh! Welcome over here! Leo Flove!”
Those betting on Niel side enthusiastically welcomed Leo.
“Challenge!”
“Challenge!”
In the end, Niel and Marchel ended up in a duel.
*
“… Niel, what happened to your face?”
“Stuff happened.”
Niel, looking somewhat dejected, dabbed a cloth soaked in potion on her injury.
The tie against Marchel was an impressive feat considering it was against a fourth-year student, but in reality, Niel and Marchel have been on par since childhood, apart from the year-level difference.
Elena chuckled while looking at these equals and then turned her gleaming eyes toward Leo.
“Anyway, it’s surprising to see Leo coming to see me.”
“The student council president has a pretty interesting story.”
“Mother me!”
Elena covered her mouth and sighed dramatically before grinning.
“Let’s talk privately for a moment?”
At her words, the students present frowned.
“Isn’t this student council related? Shouldn’t we be part of the conversation too?”
“Yeah.”
At this, Elena smirked,
“I won’t let you waste my time further.”
The students from Blue Moon flinched momentarily before leaving the room.
As they exited, none dared glare at Leo. No one present was foolish enough to risk angering Elena emotionally or otherwise.
Niel too, though slightly puzzled, quietly obeyed and stepped out.
Once the room was down to the two, Elena stretched comfortably.
“Before we talk about the student council, Leo, there’s something I need to say.”
“What is it?”
“It’s about the Restricted Library.”
Elena grinned.
“You’ve been granted official permission to access the Restricted Library.”
![[TS] The Protagonist is Conquered](https://i3.wp.com/novelhitam.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/1743806812-5548-TS-The-Protagonist-is-Conquered.png?resize=85,105 "[TS] The Protagonist is Conquered")
