Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7)

After class, Ryozo gathered the club members, including me, in the Exploration Club classroom. Once everyone was present, Ryozo pulled out a stack of papers from her backpack.

“…Did you do all this in such a short time?”

A day before the final exam.

I alternated my gaze between the documents and Ryozo, incredulous.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

Shrugging, Ryozo responded casually. I frowned as I looked at the pile of documents again.

‘This isn’t just a list.’

It contained detailed personal data of employees, a comparative record of lists, and even suspicious movements of certain individuals. It was hard to believe she had prepared all this in less than two days.

“Yes, but I only printed them out; I haven’t reviewed them yet. Now it’s time to check them.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

“…Hey, President, is this really okay?”

‘I knew she could pull this off when she put her mind to it.’

Ryozo’s motivation, surely fueled by the promised reward, seemed to transform her into a completely different person. I wondered what kind of favor she would ask in return for this effort. An unsettling feeling crept over me, but I remembered she had said it wouldn’t be anything material.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

“It was already a crime the moment I hacked the system. Now you’re worried about that?”

Speedweapon, who was flipping through the papers, spoke with a hesitant tone.

“No matter how much the goal is to find infiltrated villains, this is practically a crime… And, Ryozo, seriously? Did you even write down how many times they went to the bathroom? What about their human rights?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

Ryozo replied sarcastically, making Speedweapon’s expression twist with indignation. I placed a hand on his shoulder and shook my head.

“Sure, sure, the knight in shining armor has arrived to save the day.”

“Hey! Even crimes have limits! This is way too much.”

“Even the smallest bit of information can be useful.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

I understood Speedweapon’s stance. From a moral perspective, what we were doing was wrong. But we didn’t have the time to beat around the bush.

“Ugh, when you put it that way…”

To be honest, aside from him and me, the others’ sense of morality was somewhat… vague. Chloe, being a former assassin, was understandable. But Ryozo, with her cold pragmatism, also had a tendency to justify the means by the ends.

‘Still, thanks to members like Speedweapon, we can stay within certain limits.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

I gestured at her with my chin to confirm, and she nodded without hesitation. Finally, Speedweapon let out a sigh of relief. I smiled, satisfied.

Looking at it objectively, the three girls in the club had personalities that were far from conventional. I patted Speedweapon on the back as a gesture of reassurance and spoke calmly.

Senior Ha-na, for her part, peacefully enjoyed her books and tea, never intervening in dubious situations. She neither stopped them nor encouraged them—she simply observed with a mysterious smile while adjusting her glasses.

“I’ll destroy all this information when we’re done. So don’t worry too much. Right, Ryozo?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

“Anyway, as Ryozo has probably already told you, our Exploration Club will be working during the final exams to identify infiltrated villains. Any questions?”

“Can I know where this information comes from?”

“Me.”

Senior Ha-na suddenly raised her hand. Her glasses gleamed as she asked her question in a soft voice:

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

As soon as she finished her question, all eyes were on me.

“……”

I couldn’t reveal Choi Seol-Ah’s existence. Although she had lost her magical power, she was still a villain, and admitting I was working with her would require too much explanation.

‘She hit the one thing I wanted to avoid.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

Besides, Chloe had been quite calm lately, but if she found out I was working with an attractive villain like Choi Seol-Ah… well, I didn’t want to imagine what she would do with her pink knife.

“I can’t say right now, Senior. But I can guarantee that it’s a reliable source.”

I shot a quick glance at Chloe before speaking.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

“Oh?”

“At some point, I’ll tell you who the source is. But now isn’t the right time.”

‘Reliable’ was a somewhat misleading word, but after having taken the “Stallion Emblem” from Choi Seol-Ah, there was no way she would dare betray me. She knew exactly what would happen if she did.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

Even Ryozo, although she didn’t show it, observed Ha-na with caution.

“Alright, that’s fine.”

‘Out of all the club members, she’s the hardest to read.’

Senior Ha-na nodded slowly. It was hard to read her intentions with her glasses obscuring her eyes. Sometimes she seemed like a model student, but at other times she acted with a playful, mischievous air.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

‘Who does she remind me of…?’

When my eyes met Ha-na’s, she smiled faintly and rested her chin on her hand. A sense of déjà vu washed over me.

I took a deep breath and spoke firmly.

I shook my head to dispel those thoughts. The atmosphere felt tense, as if everyone was waiting for me to speak again. They trusted me, and their gazes showed it.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

“Huff…”

“Then, I officially declare the first meeting of the Exploration Club open.”

***

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

It was my first time leading a meeting like this, so I was a little nervous. However, it seemed the message had been conveyed correctly, as the club members were actively discussing the topics presented.

I let out a long sigh and wiped the drops of sweat that had formed on my forehead.

“Hey, hey, Ryozo. What do you think about this person? They weren’t on last month’s list, and their movements are pretty suspicious.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

‘There’s nothing more fun than doing something different during exam week.’

Even Speedweapon, who had initially seemed hesitant, began participating enthusiastically, moving his pencil quickly across the paper. Unlike the previous days when he was studying for the written exams, his eyes now burned with determination.

“Got it.”

“Mark everyone who seems suspicious.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

I observed the club members discussing from a safe distance. They were handling the intellectual work, so my role ended after explaining the key points. That was one of the privileges of being the club president.

“Uh, Kang Geom-Ma, good work. Here you go.”

At that moment, Chloe timidly approached and handed me a bottle of water.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

“N-No problem…”

I drank the water while glancing at Chloe. Her expression was somewhat downcast, as if she were feeling discouraged. I looked at Chloe and then at the other club members.

“Oh, thanks. I was thirsty.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

I spoke to her calmly.

“Don’t worry so much, Chloe.”

‘Ah, I see what’s going on.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

I swallowed the last sip of water and continued speaking.

“Ryozo and Speedweapon enjoy this kind of thing. They love this kind of mental work.”

“But still…”

“Yes?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

‘Thanks to Chloe, we were able to cleanly handle the suspicious employee at the dungeon’s entrance.’

She was an extremely valuable member. If it hadn’t been for Chloe in the Buffalo Dungeon, things would have likely ended in far more chaos.

Her sharp sense for detecting presences and her combat skills remained invaluable resources.

“Chloe, you can do things they can’t. If you hadn’t been there during the Buffalo Dungeon or the festival, the club wouldn’t have been able to function properly.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

“Of course.”

Chloe’s face instantly brightened, and she looked at me with eyes shining with excitement.

“R-Really?”

“If Geom-Ma says so…! I’ll do my best from now on!”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

Right at that moment.

She clenched her fists firmly, full of determination. I nodded approvingly. Then, with her face slightly flushed, Chloe murmured something softly.

Rollin~♪

“…For this test… I wish I could be on the same team as Geom-Ma…”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

A notification tone sounded, and I pulled out my phone. The other members also checked their devices simultaneously.

[The members of Cadet ‘Kang Geom-Ma’s final exam team for the first semester of 2034 are as follows.]

===

◉ Please note that third-year cadets have been excluded from this exam, conducted jointly by all grades, due to entrance tests.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

San Ha-na – Standard Class (2nd Year)

⎯⎯⌜Team Leader⌟⎯⎯

⎯⎯⌜Team Members⌟⎯⎯

Kang Geom-Ma – Wolf Class (1st Year)

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

… …

“Ah, damn it.”

As I scrolled down the screen, my eyebrows began to twitch slightly.

… …

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

I let out a curse, my expression stunned.

Rachel of Muira – Star Class (1st Year)

⎯⎯⌜Team Leader⌟⎯⎯

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

***

I’d been placed on the team with the last person I wanted to be with.

[※ Once assigned, teams cannot be modified.]

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

“Geom-Ma didn’t look good… He seems really worried about this test.”

Speedweapon, who was next to her, nodded in agreement.

Before the club meeting had fully ended, Kang Geom-Ma excused himself, claiming he was tired.

Chloe stared at the spot where he had been sitting before speaking.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

“And it makes sense. His team leader is Rachel. The president’s probably going to end up exhausted again.”

Chloe’s eyes filled with palpable venom.

“…With that bitch… I mean, that blonde fox…”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

A brief silence fell. A complex and subtle atmosphere enveloped the classroom.

She gritted her teeth as she remembered Rachel’s face. That shameless girl who drooled every time she looked at Kang Geom-Ma. Not to mention her curvaceous and voluptuous figure, like that of a wild horse.

‘Geom-Ma said he likes small breasts.’

Chloe lowered her gaze and gently touched her chest. She frowned and then shook her head.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

Chloe shifted her gaze to San Ha-na. Her eyes were filled with mixed emotions.

“…That’s true.”

“Well, they worked together during the midterm exam. I’m sure they’ll do fine this time too. Plus, Senior Ha-na is on the same team. What could go wrong? Also, worrying about the president is probably the most pointless thing in the world.”

Speedweapon broke the awkward tension with a nervous laugh.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

San Ha-na responded with a soft smile.

Only then did Chloe let out a small sigh of relief. Meanwhile, Ryozo, who had been intensely reviewing documents, slightly furrowed her brow before speaking in a low voice.

“Don’t worry, Chloe. I’ll make sure he doesn’t lose focus.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

“Wait, wait! Ryozo, you study for exams too?”

“Since the president left, let’s wrap things up here for today. The exams start tomorrow. I need to prepare in the dorm, so let’s disband the meeting.”

Speedweapon widened his eyes in surprise. Ryozo looked at him with an expression of disbelief, not even bothering to respond.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

“G-Good luck!”

“Good luck on tomorrow’s written exam, everyone!”

At her reaction, Speedweapon scratched his neck awkwardly before starting to gather his things. One by one, Chloe and San Ha-na also began organizing their belongings.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

“……”

Ryozo fixed her gaze on San Ha-na’s glasses. Arms crossed, her sharp eyes radiated an intense aura. The lenses of San Ha-na’s glasses reflected the reddish light of the sunset. An uncomfortable silence settled between the two.

Speedweapon waved enthusiastically as he left the classroom. Chloe, on the other hand, gave a formal bow to the other members before leaving. In the end, only Ryozo and San Ha-na remained in the Exploration Club’s classroom.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

Under Ryozo’s cold gaze, San Ha-na tried to leave.

“Senior Ha-na.”

“Well, I’ll be going too.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

“Yes?”

“……”

“Is there something else you need?”

But Ryozo’s voice stopped her. San Ha-na smiled naturally as she responded.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

San Ha-na tilted her head slightly, her expression puzzled. A question mark almost seemed to float above her head.

Ryozo clicked her tongue softly before lifting her gaze with determination.

“…Who are you, really?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 89: Festival – Contract (7) by Indra Translations.

“Why does your name appear on the academy’s employee list?”

Ryozo tapped lightly on the documents on the table with her index finger and spoke.