"Yes."
Mary nodded.
"In the world I lived in, I was just an ordinary student. Back then, like Miss Kumiko, I was thinking about what job I should pursue after graduation and what my future self should do. But then I t Mr. Duanmu, and my life changed as a result."
"Speaking of which, how did you et the teacher, Mary?"
Huang’zen Kumiko beca interested upon hearing this and stared at her curiously.
"It’s actually quite simple. At that ti, my friend Shirley... got caught up in a conspiracy between the Ancient Dominator and the Cult, and fell into a deep sleep. No matter how the doctors diagnosed her, nothing worked. anwhile, I beca the target of the monsters created by that Cult, and they were fixated on my right eye. Just as I was trying to escape their pursuit, Mr. Duanmu appeared and saved , then helped solve the trouble my friend was in."
As she spoke, Mary twirled the parasol in her hand.
"It was then that I realized the world I lived in wasn’t as peaceful as it seed. Many evil monsters and demon beasts were eyeing our world, and they had their eyes set on mine too. So, to protect myself and my friends, I chose to join the Tribunal and fight to guard the world."
"Miss Mary, do you have any regrets?"
"Hmm... it’s hard to say. So actions of the Tribunal can be quite ruthless. Although I can understand why Mr. Duanmu does what he does, it’s still sowhat difficult to accept. However, I won’t oppose it."
At this point, Mary looked at Huang’zen Kumiko.
"Miss Kumiko, please rember that joining the Tribunal isn’t just about becoming a righteous hero. As Mr. Duanmu said, the Tribunal is the guardian of humans, but we are not ssengers of justice. If necessary, for the survival of humanity, we might even do things that seem cruel and evil, so I hope you will think carefully before making a decision."
"Sigh... it’s really hard to decide."
"If you regret joining the Tribunal, you can quit. Mr. Duanmu isn’t that strict, as long as you don’t beco an enemy of mankind."
"An enemy of mankind... that’s too big a scale for to even consider."
Hearing Mary’s words, Huang’zen Kumiko smiled wryly and then changed the subject.
"Actually, I’ve always thought, if only you were still here, Mary."
"Hmm?"
"Because that way, the solo could just be you and Reina, right? Then no one would be left out, and our low brass section could continue quietly being the background..."
Huang’zen Kumiko looked up at the sunset before her. She was sincere. The reason the club didn’t have any discord for the past two years was fundantally because Reina and Mary dominated, and the entire wind ensemble’s performance revolved around them, so no one felt anything was wrong.
But this year, things changed.
Although Kuroe Mayu, like Mary, was a transfer student, she didn’t have the sa absolute dominance. Huang’zen Kumiko felt threatened, but that was all. To her, Kuroe Mayu felt sowhat threatening; if it were Mary, Huang’zen Kumiko wouldn’t even have thought of comparing herself to her.
The difference is like that between a street baller and an NBA champion.
That’s the problem. No one thought they could compete with Mary or Kousaka Reina for solo rights, but with Kuroe Mayu, everyone felt she had the skill, but not to the extent of replacing Huang’zen Kumiko.
Thus, the conflict arose.
But what should be done?
As they spoke, the two had already arrived at the door of the Tribunal’s chapel, and Huang’zen Kumiko felt a bit nervous, unsure how Duanmu Huai would view her thoughts.
But as she understood Duanmu Huai, the teacher definitely wouldn’t comfort her... and in that sense, Huang’zen Kumiko was indeed correct.
"Don’t be a coward! Just go for it! What are you afraid of?"
"Uh..."
Watching Duanmu Huai shouting loudly in front of her, Huang’zen Kumiko stayed quiet while Mary quietly shook her head beside her.
"I think I got it."
Duanmu Huai leaned back in his chair.
"Kousaka Reina’s idea is that whatever that pretty boy says is right, and everyone should just listen to him. anwhile, Shuichi Tsukamoto’s idea is to maintain the atmosphere of the club because wind ensemble is a team effort, and the spirit of cooperation must be preserved, right?"
"Yes."
"Then what’s your opinion?"
"I..."
Facing Duanmu Huai’s inquiry, Huang’zen Kumiko was suddenly rendered speechless.
"You’re now the president of the wind ensemble club. Did you forget that? No matter how great that pretty boy is, he’s just an advisor. You’re the one with the authority to decide the direction of the wind ensemble club because of your position."
Duanmu Huai swung his hand fiercely.
"So, your opinion is the final say. So, what’s your opinion?"
"I..."
His questioning made Huang’zen Kumiko break into a sweat, unable to speak.
"A president is just a leader. A leader must lead their subordinates forward, just like in that Isekai. As a hero, didn’t you always charge at the forefront in every battle? Are you going to hide behind others now? It’s the sa principle. Just do it. In short, as long as you’re strong enough to overpower that Kuroe Mayu, wouldn’t that solve everything? Or do you think you’ll lose?"
"..."
Huang’zen Kumiko said nothing, lowering her head silently.
"Hesitating won’t help. You’re worried about defeat before even starting. Whether you win or lose, you’ll only know once you’ve tried. A slash if you stretch your neck out, a slash if you don’t. Do you think you can dodge the blade by keeping your eyes closed?"
"Can’t dodge it, right?"
"Of course not, you can’t dodge it!"
Duanmu Huai slapped the table suddenly, scaring Huang’zen Kumiko into a shiver.
"You’ve fought your way out of that world, so what are you afraid of? Can this be more dangerous than facing the Angel Demon Army?"
"I’d rather face angels and demons..."
"Hmm?"
"No, nothing."
Seeing Duanmu Huai glaring at her, Huang’zen Kumiko quickly shook her head.
"Now, the problem doesn’t lie with Kousaka Reina or Kuroe Mayu, but with you. You’re the president, and your stance is most important. It’s because you’ve remained neutral that so many chaotic things happened. You should just make your stance clear in public and then ask who agrees and who opposes, got it?"
"I, I got it..."
"Good, then go ho. I’ll be waiting to see you win that gold award."
After Duanmu Huai finished speaking, he waved, and Huang’zen Kumiko hurriedly lowered her head, bowed to Duanmu Huai, glanced at Mary, and then turned to leave.
Watching Huang’zen Kumiko leave the chapel, Mary blinked at Duanmu Huai.
"Mr. Duanmu, you seem to really like Kumiko."
"She’s a cute girl, just a bit timid. She needs a bit of tough love to wake her up."
Duanmu Huai shrugged.
"So, Mr. Duanmu, do you think the wind ensemble will win the gold this ti?"
"That, I don’t know. Let’s hope they do."
While speaking, Duanmu Huai let out a cold snort.
"If they don’t... well, don’t bla for showing them so tough love."
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