Chapter 178: President 8.5



The crowd remained captivated, realizing that they were witnessing more than just a speech -they were being invited to participate in something larger, something that could define the future of the academy itself.

Each word built upon the last, weaving a tapestry of ideals that left an indelible mark on the students’ minds.

“She deserves to be president!”

“Now that I think about it, Miss Rose would be a better option for president, right?”

“As expected of a future archmage, her insight is brilliant.”

“I don’t think anyone else is more suitable for the title than her.”

“For the brighter future of the academy.”

“All of us mages should fully support her!”

“I can really see the academy moving toward a brighter future with her.”

“Miss Rose, you’re the best~!!!”

The chorus of voices praising Rose Brilliance echoed throughout the massive gymnasium, each comment reinforcing the growing consensus.

As Rose concluded her speech, she gave a small, graceful bow, her expression composed yet subtly calculated to draw further admiration.

She moved with slow, deliberate steps off the podium, her every movement poised and confident as the sound of clapping and cheers filled the air behind her.

The reaction from the student body was thunderous, a clear sign of her immense popularity.

The applause felt like waves crashing in succession, swelling in volume with each passing second.

Her influence was undeniable, and the energy in the room was electric.

It was evident to all present that Rose stood on equal footing with, if not above, Princess Snow, who had delivered her own impressive speech just before.

As Rose walked toward the back of the stage where the other candidates waited, she could feel the eyes of the crowd lingering on her, captivated by her presence.

The monochromatic world she often viewed had momentarily given way to a scene of vivid support and admiration.

With a neutral, composed expression, she allowed herself a subtle smile, knowing that even the smallest gesture would only increase her allure.

The cheers of the crowd, though something Rose had never particularly sought, now served as fuel for her ambitions. She had always preferred to focus on her own self.

To further improve and the back the colorful world she once lost.

Yet, standing on the verge of achieving her goal, she realized that this attention, this public validation, was a necessary step.

It wasn’t just about becoming the student council president; it was about solidifying her place at the top, where her power and influence would be undeniable.

‘Riley~’

She had calculated this moment perfectly.

The student body-especially the mages-saw in her a leader who embodied everything they aspired to be: talented, intelligent, and destined for greatness.

The academy needed someone like her, someone who could guide it toward a future of excellence in magic and scholarship.

And now, with the public firmly behind her, Rose could feel that future drawing ever closer.

Reaching the back of the stage, Rose glanced briefly at Princess Snow, who stood with a dignified air.

The competition was far from over, but Rose had taken an important step forward today. The admiration of the crowd had tilted the scales, if only slightly, in her favor.

….

Watching Rose take her seat, Princess Snow’s eyes remained neutral as she scanned her competition seated right next to her.

The amount of cheers and support Rose had garnered was on par with, if not equal to, her

own.

Snow had anticipated that her overwhelming advantage of supporters-at least on paper- would set her apart.

But now, it seemed the playing field was far more even than she had initially thought. Snow knew better than anyone that being a princess or having beauty wasn’t enough to guarantee unwavering loyalty from the student body.

In the political landscape of the academy, students didn’t just follow figures for their titles or appearances.

Whether motivated by nationalism, pure admiration, or the promise of a secure future, support gravitated toward those who could guarantee something tangible.

And that’s precisely what Rose had done.

Her speech, full of promises about a brighter future for the academy, had struck a chord, especially with the mages.

They were eager to latch onto her potential, knowing she was destined to become an

archmage.

It was a future they could align themselves with-a future where, perhaps, they could bask in her reflected glory.

Rose wasn’t just a young mage; she was a symbol of what could be.

Her power, intellect, and vision were practically guaranteed to blossom into something far greater, something even Snow had to respect.

To those who sought influence or validation, Rose’s future as an archmage was an irresistible

lure.

Students would do anything to align themselves with that kind of genius, even if it meant sacrificing loyalty to Snow, the princess of the most powerful nation in the world.

Snow’s gaze flickered momentarily as she considered Rose’s strategy.

‘It’s a brilliant bait of false promises…’ she thought to herself, her mind dissecting every

word of Rose’s speech.

The promises of a better future were carefully crafted, appealing to both the idealistic and the

pragmatic.

Students wanted security, recognition, and success.

Rose had dangled that before them, knowing full well that her status as a rising star in the world of magic would make her an icon to follow.

But to Snow, these promises felt hollow.

As someone raised in the cutthroat world of politics and diplomacy, she knew that promises —especially those made in public speeches-were rarely as straightforward as they seemed. The brighter future Rose spoke of might not benefit everyone equally, and those scrambling to align themselves with her would soon realize that the cost of their loyalty might outweigh

the rewards.

Still, Snow couldn’t deny Rose’s brilliance.

Her competitor had played her cards well, presenting herself as both a peer and a leader, someone who was relatable yet destined for greatness.

It was a delicate balance, one that Snow recognized as part of Rose’s calculated charm.

For all the charisma and intelligence she exuded, Rose was a master at manipulating

perception.

Snow didn’t know how much of what Rose had promised would hold true, but she was certain that most of it probably wouldn’t.

Though they had shared classrooms and lessons, Snow had never been particularly close to

Rose.

Yet, she was well aware that Rose viewed the world through a lens different from most people -a peculiar, even eccentric, perspective.

Snow, with her upbringing deeply rooted in politics and diplomacy, had developed a keen

sense for deception and manipulation.

It wasn’t difficult for her to see through the subtle ploys Rose employed, nor the more overt strategies used by her supporters.

In Snow’s eyes, their efforts seemed almost amateurish, like children playing with the tools

of adults.

There was no denying that Rose had a strong chance of beating her in the election.

With her talent, intelligence, and carefully cultivated image, Rose had positioned herself as a

formidable opponent.

But to Snow, it wasn’t enough. Rose’s predictability, despite her brilliance, made her tactics

easier to counter.

Snow could see through the grand promises Rose had laid out before the academy.

She had been raised in a world where such words were mere currency, exchanged for power

and influence, often at the expense of the very people they were meant to serve.

Yes, Rose was a worthy rival, but Snow’s interest in her had already begun to fade.

Her gaze shifted to someone far more intriguing-a wild card in this election. Sitting just a few seats away was Dorothy Gale, the former student council president and the

most unpredictable and enigmatic figure in the race.

Snow knew it wasn’t just Dorothy’s own abilities or charm that had suddenly brought

back

into the spotlight. Riley’s actions had played a significant role in Dorothy’s unexpected rise in

popularity.

His actions of using Clara to help Dorothy had undoubtedly swayed some of the student body, but even without his help, Dorothy had never been an unpopular figure.

After all, she had led the academy as its president before, and her reign had been one of

relative peace and stability.

Snow’s fingers tapped lightly on the arm of her seat as she studied Dorothy. “Man, you two really have me beat- Should I just give up?” Dorothy mumbled as she rose

from her chair, the casual tone of her words contrasting sharply with the tension that hung in

the air.

She didn’t bother looking at the faces of her two competitors, Princess Snow and Rose, who both glanced at her with expressions that ranged from curiosity to subtle disdain.

Now it was Dorothy’s turn to speak.

After the speeches from Snow and Rose, the crowd was eagerly awaiting what she had to say.

Everyone in the gymnasium had the same question: Why had Dorothy re-entered the race?

What could she possibly offer that would compete with the powerful promises of Princess Snow and the overwhelming magic prowess of Rose?

The cheers and applause for Snow and Rose had been deafening, and though Dorothy had her

own loyal followers, it was clear to anyone with a shred of common sense that she was in last

place.

The energy of the room had shifted after Rose’s speech-optimism for a bright future, support for the young mage genius.

Dorothy was the underdog in this race, and everyone knew it.

But that’s what made her so intriguing.

Despite the odds, she was still here, walking confidently toward the podium with her ever- present charisma and a smile that could charm an entire room.

As Dorothy stepped up to the mic, the students fell silent, watching her closely.

She had always had an enigmatic presence during her time as student council president-

relaxed, almost playful-but there was something deeper, something that no one could ever quite figure out.

That mystery was part of her allure.

“Mic test…” Dorothy tapped the mic lightly, a grin playing at her lips. “Oh, it looks like it’s

working” She gave a little wave to the crowd. “Hello, everyone~ It’s good to see you all again, hehehe~”

A ripple of laughter and chuckles spread through the gymnasium.

Dorothy’s lightheartedness was infectious, breaking the tension that had built up during the

more formal speeches of the other candidates.

It was as if she had walked into a room full of friends rather than political rivals.

Her casual, almost irreverent, attitude contrasted sharply with the serious tones of the earlier speeches, and the students found themselves leaning in, wanting to hear more.

Dorothy’s charisma was undeniable.

She had a way of making everyone feel like they were part of some inside joke, like she was

speaking directly to them.

For many in the crowd, this was a welcome change from the heavy promises of national pride and academic excellence that Snow and Rose had put forth.

“Now, I’m not gonna stand here and make grand promises about how I’ll lead you all into a brighter future~,” Dorothy said, her golden eyes gleaming as she glanced briefly in Rose’s direction. “And I won’t talk about how my name or my title means I deserve to be president~”

She gave a subtle nod toward Snow, earning a few murmurs from the audience. “I think we’ve heard enough of that today, don’t you?”

“And I’m certainly not here to rehash old ideas or rely on what I’ve done in the past. You all

know me. You’ve seen what I can do. But here’s the thing-what really matters is what you want. What you think this academy needs.”

Dorothy’s gaze swept across the crowd, and for a moment, the playful glint in her eyes softened, replaced by a rare sincerity that made her even more captivating. The usual mischievousness in her demeanor faded, leaving behind a person who had, in that instant, won the room completely.

Every student, from first-years to seniors, was locked into her words.

She had done it-captured their attention, drawn them in. Now, they waited on the edge of their seats, eager for her next move.

She paused for effect, her eyes scanning the sea of students as if she were about to share a

secret. Her voice, still warm and light, carried a surprising weight as she spoke. “That’s why, as a student-just like all of you- I want to voice my opinion of what I believe is

best for this academy,” Dorothy began, her words soft yet firm. The room, still hanging on her every word, leaned in closer, their collective anticipation building.

Dorothy turned back to the crowd, her smile returning, though now it was tinged with

something bittersweet.

She took a deep breath, and with a lightness in her voice that was completely out of place

given the gravity of her words, she made her next move.

“To all my supporters out there~” Dorothy’s voice rang out, playful and light, as though she

were having a casual conversation with friends. “Please… don’t vote for me~” The effect was instant and devastating.

The gymnasium, which had been filled with the hum of whispers and occasional bursts of

applause, fell silent as her words hung in the air.

Every student, every pair of eyes, was locked on her, their faces a mix of confusion, disbelief,

and shock.

The very idea that Dorothy Gale, the former student council president, beloved by many,

would ask her supporters not to vote for her-was unimaginable.

The silence that followed was thick, almost suffocating, as if the entire gymnasium had

suddenly forgotten how to breathe.

It was the kind of silence that makes you question whether you heard correctly. But Dorothy,

unfazed, continued, her smile never wavering.

“Just vote for whoever you think is the best-” she added with a lighthearted chuckle, as if this

were the most natural thing in the world.

Her voice, still as sweet as ever, carried a casualness that belied the gravity of her words. “I

know this may come off as a surprise for everyone, but I really had no intention of running again in the first place~”

Her honesty, though delivered with a playful tone, was disarming. Students exchanged bewildered glances, trying to process what they were hearing.

Dorothy? The charismatic leader who had been re-elected for several terms, who had kept the

academy running smoothly through some of its most challenging years, didn’t want to run

again?

“The only reason I ran,” Dorothy continued, her voice now laced with a bit more seriousness, “was to make sure there was balance this time around~. But now I see that was a needless worry, fufu~”

Her statement hung in the air for a moment, allowing the students time to absorb what she was saying. Dorothy’s entry into the race had been unexpected from the start, but now it was clear she hadn’t intended to claim the title of president once more.

She had entered the competition not out of ambition, but to safeguard the academy’s future,

to ensure that the race was fair and that the students had real choices.

And now, in her view, that mission was complete.

Dorothy’s next words, however, were what truly shattered any remaining assumptions about

her intentions. “But if you really want to support me~” she continued, her eyes sparkling with mischief, “I do have someone in mind who I think would be best suited to become president~” The crowd, already on edge, collectively leaned forward, waiting for her to reveal this mysterious candidate. And then, without hesitation, Dorothy turned to face Rose, a knowing smile on her lips.

With a graceful, almost theatrical gesture, she pointed her hand toward her rival.

“In my humble opinion, I think Miss Rose would be best suited to become president~”

Rose’s eyes widened in genuine surprise, the normally composed and stoic mage taken off guard by Dorothy’s declaration.

The atmosphere in the gym shifted in an instant.

A ripple of astonishment spread through the crowd as murmurs of disbelief and speculation

began to buzz through the audience.

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