The Greed of Kronos

Dinner

59: Dinner

Nevertheless, it was out of their business, so they did not press into it furthermore even though it was very obvious.

While they were merely looking at them arguing, Senior Tatiana felt like they were in their own world again and left the poor first years behind. Which was why she shoved Senior Steffi off and straightened her back before looking at Astian. “In any way, Astian.”

“Yes?” Astian asked attentively.

Reviewing their roles means that Astian and Kronos should expect for some questions. The two of them were aware that the Seniors were not leading the drama club just for fun. As soon as they got their hands on the scripts, their aura changed. It was as if Senior Tati and Senior Steffi were on a battlefield and that their lives were on the line. That just shows how big their passion is towards acting and making the stage play as perfect as it should be.

Hence, everything that the Seniors would say if it’s regarding to the stage play, both Astian and Kronos knew that it would be for the best. And as far as Kronos calculated everything, it was either Astian would be asked to find a new role to play because there’s a better character on the pile of scripts or questioning if he was forced into the role or not. After all, it was an odd role, and the audience would interpret it based on the story of the play.

Shortly after pondering, Senior Tatiana asked the latter question that Kronos guessed. “Are you okay about this? You will be addressed as a ‘she,’ and we can have a real female play this part.”

Of course, it was not a big deal. But the words, ‘not a big deal,’ were applicable for the senior members only. They already played a decent role before playing a role of the opposite s*x, so there was never a problem. However, it would be the very first stage play for Astian. In other words, it would be his debut role, and that role is a girl crossdressing. Hence, it might not be a good role to be chosen as a debut role. Although Senior Tatiana could easily manipulate their opinions so that Astian could have a peaceful Academic life. Regardless of that, how could she manipulate the teachers, faculties and other higher-ups that would watch the show?

Senior Steffi also shared the same thoughts as Senior Tatiana. Which was why she leaned closer towards Astian and smiled widely while helping her dear friend convince the adorable first year. “Yeah. You can be the female lead’s brother, too, since they have the same personality. You can have more appearances on stage too!”

With that being said, Astian pondered for a moment. “Hmm.”

And as a son of a duke, Astian was not naive enough to know that even if it would not ruin his image inside the drama club, it would destroy his reputation in the school if he were to play the role of a lady as his first role to be played in the public. However, Sir Samael only mentioned that they should get along with the other kids in their club, not everyone. More importantly, their reputation in the school has already hit rock-bottom. What else was there to get ruined? It would be an advantage if one were to see it in a different light because Astian chose a lady role for a debut role, they could convince the public that there’s nothing special in Exi class, and it was just a bunch of spoiled and ill-mannered brats.

Hence, after pondering for a moment, Astian looked at Kronos with a smile before he shifted his gaze towards the two Seniors in front of him. “I don’t mind! Kronos will be playing in a flashback together with the female lead. I want to play together with him, so I don’t mind!”

His reputation would be no big deal. Moreover, Astian’s parents do not care about his school reputation since it would gain no effect from the social circles and politics. Patrician Academy, after all, nullifies nobility statuses.

Upon hearing this, Kronos stared at Astian for a moment before pulling him for a hug. Look at how loyal Astian was to Kronos. If anything, Astian would seem to follow Kronos wherever he may go. Kronos could not help but to get touched as the people surrounding him in his new life were far different from his past life. Although, there was one person Dylan treasured the most.

When Kronos was about to get drown in his own thoughts, the nonchalant laugh of Senior Steffi snapped him back to reality and made him aware that Astian was already snuggling below him.

“So you don’t want to get separated from your beloved Kronos, huh?” Senior Steffi asked as she meaningfully stared at the both of them getting extra clingy without even considering the poor seniors in front of them.

With that being said, Astian slowly lifted his head that was buried on Kronos’ chest and nodded as he showed off a warm expression on his face. “Yes! So it’s okay if I will be addressed as a ‘she’!”

Because Astian was born with good looks, his disheveled hair while snuggling under Kronos was an adorable sight to see. Especially for the two seniors who never had the chance to have some younger siblings or at least one, not in that lifetime at least they hoped.

Hence, in a big sister perspective, Senior Steffi gave Astian a pat on the back and then replied in a playful tone of voice. “Well, if you say it like that, then I would be moved into tears. Alright then, I respect your decision! The two of you should slowly start practicing and memorizing your lines!”

On the other hand, Senior Tatiana looked at Astian fondly for such a long time that Astian could not help but to look in her direction and showed off a smile together with a confused look. With That, Senior Tatiana flinched as she looked away with her ears as red as tomato before handing them over a badge with ‘Drama Club’ inscribed on it.

“Ahem. You can come here directly to the building with this badge. It’s like a teleportation badge. The club is open after every regular class schedule, so you may not forget about having a club and then would go straight to your dorm. Understand?” Senior Tatiana uttered.

With that being said, Kronos nodded while Astian replied as he pushed himself away from Kronos to stand. “Yes, Senior!”

“Also, you do not need to worry about befriending the kids here. I’ll just make it so that they would respect the two of you. However, you two must also show off to be an outstanding member to match their favor.” Senior Tatiana added as she handed the scripts back to their owners.

The seniors were not sure about Kronos. However, It was a good thing to see that Astian seemed to take the drama club seriously. If that’s the case, then they could leave the drama club in their hands when the time comes.

Also, it would be a waste for them to hide their beauties. Surely they needed to hide their potentials, but that does not mean that they also need to hide their faces.

“Noted!” Astian answered in an energetic tone of voice.

He was overly excited about the fact that they would be presenting on the stage. Even though he merely followed Kronos, Astian was, in all honesty, pretty much enthusiastic the moment that they were both accepted as the newest members of the drama club. Was it because he had prior experience and received acting lessons that he wanted to show it to the public? Perhaps so. Nevertheless, the fact that Kronos picked the club that Astian was curious of, the latter could not help but to be in a good mood.

‘I’m not the only one who knows the other party so well~.’

Even though Kronos picked it randomly.

Shortly after a moment of pondering, Astian blinked when Senior Steffi also got up and cleaned the table as she was talking to the first years. “Then, you two can go back to your dorm, or you can stay here and lounge around. Up to the two of you!”

With that being said, Astian beamed and was about to get permission from them to lounge around the room. “Then can we st-”

However, Kronos was quick with his hands and feet. He stood up abruptly and dragged Astian away. When they were about to leave the room, Kronos halted and looked at the two seniors who were left agape. “Bye. Thanks.”

Astian, on the other hand, was in a daze because of Kronos, who suddenly dragged him. But when he heard that they were leaving, Astian got back to his senses and tried to talk to Kronos while they were walking away. “What… Kronos! Let’s stay here for a while!”

He still wanted to talk with the Seniors, and more importantly, Astian wanted to greet the other members inside. But Kronos merely passed on them as if they were invisible. With that, Astian could not help but to smile or wave at the other kids who noticed them leaving.

‘Seniors told us not to leave a bad impression, but what is this?’ Kronos could not even care any less.

“No.” He even answered in a stern tone of voice. Meaning no one could stop him.

That was why Astian gave up arguing and merely replied in a grunt. “Oh, come on!”

When they got out of the building, the sun was already setting. It has been some time since they entered the drama club room. That must be why Kronos wanted to go to the dorms. After all, they were fighting corrupted monsters before picking a club to join. It sure was an exhausting journey not just for Kronos and Astian but also for everyone.

Hence, they were expecting to welcome a quiet dorm. But who would have thought that they could hear the laughter and chatters that came from the dining room as soon as they got inside the dorm?

Because everyone seemed to be in a lively mood, the two of them decided to show up in the dining room. And the first person who spotted them, Mikhail, greeted them with a wave. “Astian! Kronos! You two are just on time for dinner!”

Since when did some plates of snacks and finger foods considered as a dinner? Well, it would still be, considering that they ate a buffet at the cabin and also had some snacks on the way home. Everyone was full enough to eat a dinner course meal. Hence, they decided to order some snacks and refreshments instead of steaks.

While Kronos took a seat beside Asisi, Astian also took a seat beside Kronos while looking at his classmates with his usual warm expression. “Guys! How was your day?”

With that being said, Luca answered as he took a bite of the snack that was in front of him. His other hand was holding the phone in a landscape as if Luca was playing some games. “It’s fine! The Literature Club was very considerate. When I said that I only play games, they still took me in together with Naouii, who’s interested in the club. The others were hostile, but they did not speak up, so there was no problem!”

Kronos could imagine.

Shortly after that, Mikhail laughed as if he remembered something funny and then looked at the other kids. "Really? Then you would not believe the Imperial History Club is scared of Kallen.”

The choice of words perked up everyone’s ears that they attentively stared at Mikhail and asked in chorus. “What? What happened?”

Whatever happened for an Exi student to be seen as someone scary? Was it always the other way around? But somehow, Kallen seemed to turn the tables and dominated one club. But what actually happened?

Their questions were then answered by Mikhail, who cleared his throat and started telling what happened earlier at the Imperial History Club. “When we both applied for the club, Kallen dragged the book sample at the stall and said her opinions. After that, they invited us to the club room and begged Kallen to help them with their theories and research.”

Hearing this, the others laughed nonchalantly as the other clapped their hands and praised Kallen, who was silently eating her snacks. “As expected of our brainy Kallen!”

Kallen seemed to be secretly fond of praise and favors that she did not fret like usual and acted like it was nothing when, in reality, her ears getting red was so prominent.

If one was silently hostile, then it was different from Artem and Yohan’s experience. “Well, we really were not accepted by the basketball club at first. They even offered an unfair match. Me and Yohan versus the rest of the basketball team. But we won because of Yohan, so they could not kick us out.” Artem shook his head with his hair, following every movement of his head in a graceful manner.

Somehow, Kronos could not seem to get used to Artem having a floral background every time he would have something to say.

With that being said, Yohan looked at Artem with his eyes widened and gently waved his both hands while correcting what really happened. “No, it’s not because of me. Artem enchanted the ball.”

He was holding back because of his strength. How could it be possible that it was because of him? But Yohan seemed to miss something at some point.

“Did you guys just show off your potential?!” Inoa screamed as she jumped out of her seat.

That was why Artem fabricated his story. But Yohan could not follow that he told the truth because it seemed like he was stealing someone’s merits when it was not certainly him who made them win in the first place.

Hence, because Yohan started the mess, he also tried to clean it up. “We made sure no one noticed!!”

“Even so!” Inoa retorted.

And with that, Aeria seemed to have had enough that her veins were visibly popping as she shortly after gave Inoa a smack on the head. A hard one. “Cut it, we’re eating! Forgive Inoa. She’s out of the weather because of the Agricultural Club.”

“Why?” Ajax asked as he was sitting on Yohan’s lap while nibbling a cookie.

Hearing this, Aeria then looked at Ajax and then the others, who seemed to be also curious about what happened. Hence, she heaved a sigh and explained. “When we applied for the club, it happened to have one slot left, but the members were not that much. So she was furious and made a fuss. Luckily, Sarlienne was already a member of the club, and so she happened to help a lot.”

“So you also used potential in an open area?!” Artem asked with a scowl.

With that being said, it was then Sarlienne who stretched back Artem’s frowning brows to normal while replying. “Oh my, I made sure no one noticed~.”

While they were in the middle of talking leisurely, one of them could not contain their feelings because it seemed like they were the only one who was aware of an upcoming event.