Meanwhile, with Annelie’s help, Thilan’s application for a new club was finally approved.
“President Amorth said our club activity room will be on the top floor of this building,” said the silver-haired girl as she led the way. The building was located next to the academy’s eastern square, surrounded by several other structures of varying heights. Around the perimeter were neatly arranged landscaped trees, creating a scenic atmosphere.
Entering the silver building, the two girls noticed a number of students. Occasionally, laughter and playful banter echoed in the hallways.
“This building houses many rooms allocated to students as club activity spaces. Some have been transformed into stages, others into bar-like cafes, and still others into large swimming pools. It’s all very free-spirited,” Annelie explained as they walked.
“The club activities here are diverse and unrestricted, ranging from basic literature and sports to racing, research, fashion, gaming, and more. As long as the project is somewhat reasonable and has a decent explanation, the school will approve the activity budget and even assist in remodeling the club room.”
“That must cost a fortune,” Thilan remarked. Although she had seen it before, she still marveled at the sheer wealth of Edess Academy, which seemed to have no shortage of funds.
“Edess Academy spends an average of 1.5 million Federation credits per student annually. For exceptional students, this number can multiply several times. This budget includes dining, accommodation, salaries for high-level instructors, and the consumption of experimental materials,” Annelie said casually, as if it were nothing unusual. “Though it seems like a lot, when divided among all the projects, it’s not that much. At the Central Star Region’s elite schools, this standard would be even higher.”
“Don’t corrupt my worldview, Annelie,” Thilan sighed, pressing her hand to her forehead, overwhelmed by the disparity.
As they chatted, they stepped into a gray, transparent metallic capsule. The somewhat futuristic elevator ascended rapidly within its shaft, yet the ride was so smooth that it felt entirely steady.
After about ten seconds, they exited the elevator and arrived at the top floor of the building.
“This place…” Thilan whispered, holding her breath as she took in her surroundings.
The top floor, as vast as a football field, was astonishingly spacious and lacked any supporting columns. It was impeccably clean and tidy. The floor reflected the sky like a mirror, radiating an ethereal beauty.
At the far end of the expansive space stood a lone desk, and from there, one could overlook a large portion of the academy.
“Although it’s luxurious, this kind of activity room feels like it’s not suited for casual or laid-back activities,” Thilan muttered under her breath.
“Are you dissatisfied? I could ask President Amorth to make other arrangements,” Annelie turned to her with a slightly apologetic tone, her guilt evident. It was clear that this grandiose room had been arranged at Annelie’s insistence.
“So it was your idea,” Thilan pointed out, seeing through her. Annelie scratched her head, attempting to play it off sheepishly.
“Thilan is as perceptive as ever,” Annelie said, marveling at the dark-haired girl, who seemed to possess an almost uncanny ability to read minds. It was as though nothing escaped her.
Was this the rumored talent of a Songstress? Annelie had heard of it before but had never fully grasped its power until now. No wonder the higher-ups avoided meeting Thilan directly and instead used her as a mediator. They must have known about the Songstress’s extraordinary abilities and sought to minimize direct contact.
After exploring the expansive top floor, Annelie explained its features, including the adjustable dome ceiling that could transition between transparent and realistic sky simulations.
“It can display natural landscapes or simulate various weather patterns. The floor works similarly; it can serve as a screen or transform into a forest, underwater, or grassland scene.”
“I’ve seen similar features before,” Thilan said, glancing at the simulated sky. She shook her head slightly, indicating her familiarity with such technology.
“That said, I’d prefer an activity room with a cozier atmosphere. This setup feels too formal and stiff for me to relax,” she added.
“Alright…” Annelie lowered her head slightly, feeling as though she had made a mistake.
“Don’t worry, I’m not blaming you,” Thilan reassured her with a few comforting words.
Later, Annelie contacted the student council again, and they received a new arrangement.
The following day, Annelie brought Thilan to the floor just below the top level, which was divided into four sections. Each section was a closed-off room belonging to a different club. Thilan received the key to one of the larger rooms.
Inside, the room was partitioned into three areas: a small section for living needs, including a bathroom and kitchen space; a spacious central activity room; and a separate rest area.
“This will do,” Thilan said with satisfaction, nodding.
“Next up is recruiting club members,” she mused while sitting in a corner of the activity room, knees drawn up as she pondered.
First, she needed a clear club mission statement. How could she explain her motives to others? She certainly couldn’t say the club existed solely for fulfilling her tasks. Shaking her head slightly, she glanced at Annelie, who was tidying up nearby.
Despite being the young lady of the Silverleaf Workshop, Annelie was doing what seemed like assistant’s work. Yet she appeared to be thoroughly enjoying herself without the slightest trace of boredom.
“Annelie,” Thilan called softly.
“Yes? What is it, Thilan?” Annelie responded immediately.
“Why are you so cheerful every day? I’m curious,” Thilan asked.
“Because I get to be by your side,” Annelie replied, as though it were the most natural thing in the world. Her answer took Thilan by surprise.
“But why? I haven’t done anything particularly special in the academy,” Thilan asked, puzzled.
“How should I put it?” Annelie paused, thinking.
“Serious Thilan is adorable. Thilan sitting quietly in a chair is like a beautiful doll, impossible to look away from. Thilan practicing the violin is elegant. Thilan’s voice is captivating. Thilan can effortlessly win over Dolores and many others. Thilan may be straightforward, but she isn’t naïve. You never say things that upset people, always understand my feelings, and never ignore me. Watching Thilan practice swordsmanship is dazzling. Thilan is smart, learns so much faster than I do, and is like a hidden gemstone, undiscovered by others. As a Songstress, being by your side feels like my destiny. I’m fulfilling my life’s purpose, so of course, I’m happy,” Annelie said in a long stream of heartfelt words.
Blushing, Thilan turned her head away, too flustered to respond.
Honestly, is Annelie always like this? she wondered. Deciding not to probe further into Annelie’s thoughts, she reflected inwardly instead.
Perhaps she truly was just an ordinary girl in her own eyes. But to others, she might be a rare and flawless black crystal, quietly waiting for the day someone would discover her brilliance.