After Song Cheon-gi left to handle the procedures related to the statue—
I met with Dang Gyu-young and explained everything that had happened.
“—and that brings us to where we are now.”
“So now you’re gathering materials. What do you want us to do?”
“Promotion.”
If it’s the Thieves’ Club, they should be able to spread any rumor in no time.
I gestured toward the Sculptor Club president sitting beside me.
“This large-scale statue project is her first public-facing work.”
“Then there’s going to be a second and third one too, right?”
Dang Gyu-young’s eyes sparkled with interest.
I nodded and replied.
“Nothing’s set in stone yet, but that’s the plan.”
“As long as you open up for commissions, there’ll be plenty of takers. It’s nice to have some statues in the clubrooms.”
The school only counts sculptures with useful effects toward official achievements, but for the clubs, there’s interest in a wide range of practical lifestyle benefits as well.
For example, maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature or creating a relaxed atmosphere.
Because of this, a lot of clubs are already thinking of submitting requests, and once the first project proves her skills, the demand will likely come pouring in.
“But we can’t just take everyone.”
“She’s the only member, after all.”
“Right, we’ll need to prioritize.”
We looked at each other and shared a knowing smile.
On the other hand, the Sculptor Club president still looked a bit confused, so I added an explanation.
“Even if we’re doing this to rack up achievements, from others’ point of view, it’s a public-benefit project.”
“That’s true.”
Since the effect range is large, every student who uses the training center would benefit.
“Since it’s something that helps everyone, there’s no reason for us to shoulder all the burden. We’ll be accepting sponsorships.”
“So that’s what you meant.”
Only then did the Sculptor Club president nod in understanding.
If they could enjoy a buff equivalent to a rank boost until graduation, would a few materials really feel like a waste?
Even third-years who are graduating soon would probably see it as a worthwhile investment.
“So that’s what you meant by prioritization.”
“Just accept requests based on the sponsorship ranking.”
To sum it up, clubs would gain two benefits through sponsorship.
The honor of contributing to the public good, and request priority equivalent to a [VIP Crafting Ticket].
The Sculptor Club president’s expression was now far brighter than it had been at the start.
“So the material issue is solved too, then?”
“It’s too early to say for sure, but I’m optimistic.”
Maybe not 100%, but over 90% for sure.
Dang Gyu-young chimed in.
“If you ask me, it’s all set. All that’s left is to sell it. I’ll spread the word, so be ready. And if you could make one for us too later, that’d be great.”
“Yes, senior.”
“Then I guess that wraps it up. I’ll take her with me. Good job.”
Leaving the Sculptor Club president bowing her head behind, we walked off together.
While we were walking, Dang Gyu-young glanced at me, narrowing her eyes gradually.
So I spoke first.
“Why are you interrogating me again today, Qyu-Qyu?”
“I’ve been thinking a bit.”
“About what, exactly?”
Dang Gyu-young jerked her chin toward the Sculptor Club room.
“You and her… no matter how you look at it, this is such a cliché.”
I mentally replayed what had just happened.
A heroine in distress.
A protagonist who listens to her troubles and offers a solution.
The two of them facing the crisis together.
Gradually growing closer in the process…
“Now that you say it, it really does sound like one.”
“Is this another girl being added? Are you going full trash monarch now?”
Dang Gyu-young reached out with both hands, grabbed my arm, and slowly began bringing it toward her mouth.
Her message was clear. Depending on my answer, she wouldn’t hesitate to bite.
In response, I gave her the benevolent smile of a righteous hero.
“Haha, that’s a misunderstanding.”
“Are you sure? A misunderstanding?”
“I mean, I am a trash monarch, but it’s not like I hit on every girl I see.”
“…You don’t?”
“Of course not. I’d be hurt if you saw me that way.”
Dang Gyu-young stared into my eyes for a moment, as if trying to read my true intentions.
Then she slowly nodded.
“…If that’s what you say, I’ll believe you.”
“Thank you. Now would you kindly let go of my arm?”
At that, Dang Gyu-young glanced down at my arm—
And bit it.
Chomp.
“You said you believed me. Why’d you bite?”
“It was just funny. Chomp.”
“You’re basically a beast at this point.”
***
Setting aside the whole “trash monarch” suspicion, Dang Gyu-young carried out her role perfectly.
It hadn’t even been a full day before the rumor had spread across the entire school.
– I heard they’re putting a statue in the training center?
– All of a sudden? Why?
– How should I know? They were clearing out a space for it.
– What’s the effect supposed to be?
– Something like a rank boost? Whatever it is, it sounds great.
You could overhear students having conversations like that all over the place.
Most of them seemed pleased. After all, a new buff being added was good news.
Meanwhile, various clubs reacted quickly as soon as they caught wind of the rumor.
In the form of what you could only call a “sponsorship bomb”.
As a result, one side of the clubroom was stacked with ingots all the way to the ceiling, while the other side had a small mountain of gemstones.
The Sculptor Club president looked a bit dazed.
“…Isn’t this a bit too much?”
“There’s more coming. It’s only the first day.”
“Hey, hey, I can’t handle this if it keeps up.”
“What’s there to handle? It’s just sponsorship.”
It’s not like they’re saying, “We gave you this up front, so pay it back later!”
It’s more like, “We support the Sculptor Club. Please keep up the good work~!”
“Anything not used for the project becomes club assets.”
“I know that, but still… it feels like way too much.”
“If that’s the case, maybe you could use the extras to make a nice piece or two for your kind juniors?”
Only then did the Sculptor Club president seem to catch on.
“…You. This is why you wanted the sponsorships, isn’t it?”
“I didn’t plan it, I swear. Just think of it as a side benefit. I did invest an A-rank item, didn’t I?”
“…That’s true.”
She couldn’t really argue with that.
If not for the core material extracted from the statue, things wouldn’t have gone this smoothly.
Just as she was about to say something else, a sudden message came in.
After checking the contents, I couldn’t help but narrow my eyes.
“Now? At a time like this?”
Sensing something unusual, the Sculptor Club president asked,
“Who is it?”
“The principal.”
“The… principal?”
“Looks like the news spread all the way up.”
The Thieves’ Club really did their job too well.
With rumors flying all over the student body, it would’ve been strange if the administration hadn’t caught wind of it.
Not to mention, this was a rare project involving the installation of a huge statue. This was something definitely worth their attention.
It was a bit surprising that they had even figured out I was involved, but then again, it wasn’t exactly a tightly kept secret.
So I just shrugged and relayed the message.
“He’s asking me to come by for a moment.”
“…Are you sure this is okay?”
“At the very least, he’s not going to shut us down. If anything, there’s a good chance it’s something positive.”
And with the Sculptor Club president still looking somewhat skeptical, we left the clubroom together.
***
When we stepped into the principal’s office, the first thing we saw was the principal himself, fully armed.
He was wearing a full suit of armor, complete with a helmet, and was staring out the window with a large golden greatsword held in a reverse grip.
Even when he fought the Witch of Exhaustion, I don’t think he went this far.
Judging by the vice principal’s expression of thinly veiled disapproval, I wasn’t the only one thinking that.
Still, the principal didn’t seem to care. He stayed in his dramatic pose a bit longer before finally turning our way.
“Oh, you’re here.”
“Good afternoon.”
“I heard from Song Cheon-gi. Sounds like you’re doing something worthwhile, so approval should come through quickly.”
“Thank you.”
With both the student council president and the principal backing us, getting a spot in the training center shouldn’t be a problem.
But that was just the beginning.
The principal let out a strained “Ugh…” like he was about to bring up something awkward, while the vice principal looked at him like she couldn’t believe this was happening.
From his expression, I could pretty much guess what he was thinking.
Can’t we just not do this?
Even so, the principal looked determined as he stiffened his expression and spoke.
“So… about the statue.”
“Yes.”
“Have you decided on the model?”
The item extracted from the A-rank statue held the spirit of a heroic warrior.
It didn’t necessarily have to be another “Orc Hero”. The useful effect would remain intact either way.
Of course, it was entirely up to the one making it, so I turned my gaze to the side, and the Sculptor Club president replied in a reluctant tone.
“We’re still… in the conceptual stage.”
“Ahem! Then how about a former Hero? What do you think of that?”
“…….”
So that’s why he was suddenly in full armor. He wanted to be the model himself.
In his usual shabby tracksuit, the chances would’ve been even lower.
Not that the armor was any less embarrassing for those around him.
The vice principal buried her face in both hands and spoke in a voice that sounded close to sobbing.
“Please… I’m begging you, act your age…”
“Come on, I’m the principal. Wouldn’t it be nice to leave something behind for the school during my term?”
“I’d really prefer if you didn’t.”
“Why not?”
“Because I’d feel secondhand embarrassment every time I saw it.”
Normally, when the vice principal went this far, the principal would sheepishly back off.
But this time, he seemed determined to push through.
Watching the two adults bicker, I leaned in and whispered to the Sculptor Club president.
“He really does seem to want to be the model.”
“Yeah… was he always like this?”
“He’s never been great at acting his age.”
“….…”
“If you don’t have anyone else in mind, maybe the former Hero wouldn’t be a bad choice. Let’s just say we’re granting a wish.”
“Fine. Let’s go with that.”
She looked like she was agreeing against her better judgment, but a yes was a yes.
So I turned to the two still-arguing adults and said,
“I think it’s doable.”
“Really?”
The principal lit up with joy…..over a statue, no less.
I gave a small smile and added,
“I’d like to attach a few conditions, though.”
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