Chapter 167
The opening ceremony was held at the cathedral. This is the introduction of the candidates. It was attended by all the students of the academy and the ceremony itself was extremely strict and dignified. The candidates had to put on special clothes for this.
In order to carry out the scared service of being candidate of the student council, candidates needed to wear holy clothing for the ceremony. The first piece of the ensemble was a thin veil made of a pure white material, which was to be worn over the head. In keeping with the theme of chastity, the hair was to be kept loose. No ornaments – not even simple hairpins – were allowed. Next came the dress, which was a long white robe that hung from the shoulders down to the ankles. An equally white belt was then fastened around the waist, a small dolphin embroidered along its length was the only decoration.
Clothed with this simple attire, the candidates face the priest presiding the ceremony. As such, the candidates would be facing the students. Being born as a princess, Mia was accustomed to feeling the gazes of crowds on her, and she was confident – perhaps, overconfident – with her good looks. But even a veteran like her would feel the pressure of the other candidate who was a big favorite of the academy.
“Somehow, it’s been a long time, Mia-san.”
Rafina sat with a soft smile.
“Well, was that so? Oh, oh, I guess we have both been busy…”
In response to Rafina’s gaze, Mia smiled awkwardly. Mia haven’t seen Rafina since the day she and Bel came to see her. It was awkward … of course, but it was even more scary. Mia thought that it would be unavoidable to meet Rafina if she summons for her. But since she did not, then she wanted to avoid meeting her as much as possible. However, on this day, Mia cannot avoid her.
When Mia thought that she has to sit next to Rafina for almost an hour, cold sweat trailed down on Mia’s spine.
“Sorry, Mia. I wanted you to work for the Student Council under me. I wanted the next student council president to be you. I wanted you to learn… “
“Rafina-sama…”
Rafina looks a little sad, but Mia feels sorry for her… The next moment, Rafina smiled at her.
“But it’s also fun, because not wanting to join the student organization under me means that Mia has different ambitions for the council, right?”
“……What?”
“If you can run a better student organization than me, I think, it’s great. It’s good for you. That’s right, Mia.”
Mia noticed there and then. Rafina’s lips may be smiling… but her eyes weren’t smiling at all.
Hi, hiiii! Rafina is mad at me…!
Mia trembled from the bottom of her heart.
“I’m really looking forward to what kind of election promise Mia will make.”
When she heard Rafina’s words, Mia felt the horror from within.
Eventually the ceremony began.
The scriptures are read aloud and the candles in the shrine are lit. Then they stood up and sang the chant together, and the prayer text was read aloud. All of that must be done in the eyes of all the students.
This… this is quite stressful even if Rafina wasn’t sitting next to me…
After all, it was very likely that the students saw her as an idiot who thought way too highly of herself and decided to pick an unwinnable fight against Rafina. Those gazes she felt, if not pitying, were probably of embarrassment. The more she thought about it, the sorrier she felt for herself.
Oh, I feel like everyone is looking at me. I’m sure they are secretly laughing in the inside. Ugh, this is terribly humiliating.
As a matter of fact, there were of course some who thought exactly the same as Mia did. But, at the same time, there were quite a few who were in admiration of Mia’s appearance. The white outfit looks like a bridal gown, depending on how you look at it. The bridal gown worn by girls around the age is a mysterious and beautiful one that gives off an indescribable charm.
What’s more, since the summer vacation, the hair that shines healthy with the horse shampoo effect, the skin gloss maintained by Anne’s care, and the thin veil make it look mysterious, which has the effect of stirring people’s imagination.
Human delusional power is great.
By the way, in terms of pure beauty, Rafina is completely superior. It won’t be a match. However, unlike Rafina, who often wears sacred clothes at ceremonies, this is the first time that people have seen Mia in such an attire. The so-called rarity is completely different! It’s an SSR!
Naturally, the students’ attention was drawn to the less familiar sight, and a roomful of eyes focused themselves on the veiled beauty before them.
Eventually … the ceremony finally entered the climax, and it was time for the candidate to make their oaths.
“Then both candidates should make an oath before God.”
Rafina’s oath as made as if singing with a dignified voice. Following that, Mia stands up and raises her face. Ranks upon ranks of eyes were focused on her, and she thought for a moment that she might pass out on the spot.
To calm her down, she took a deep breath and exhaled, then Mia screamed.
“I, Mia Luna Tearmoon, will run for the student president of St. Noel Academy, and will fight this election honoraply…”
…bit.
The silence after she fumbled the word was deafening.
“…This I swear…”
Mia managed to continue to the end.
By the way, the god of the Central Orthodox Church is tolerant, so there is no blame for biting or stopping in the middle of the declaration. However, there were countless pairs of eyes and ears that just bore witness to her flub, and she hadn’t the nerve to look them in the face after that.
Uh, I want to go home. I want to go back to my room in the Imperial Capital and sleep for a week.
Tears welled up in her eyes, but unfortunately – or fortunately – no one can see them through the veil.