Chapter 260
Chapter 260
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 260
Chapter Title: So You're Coming at Me Like That? (1)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"Do we really need to revise the academy rules?"
The one who answered Elder Gyeong Hye's question was Professor Jeon Gal-min.
"I've memorized them all, so I know. As Student Eon Yong-un said, the rules state that students elect their representatives directly, so establishing the position itself shouldn't require any amendments. We'll need to discuss the specific duties and authority in detail, though."
"Thank you for your answer. Then, Administrative Director, assuming we proceed with the election, will there be any issues?"
"The construction projects on the new buildings have wrapped up, so we have sufficient manpower. There are plenty of vacant offices, so the student council can use one of those. No need to worry about that."
"I see. In that case, rather than hearing more opinions, it would be best to hold a vote on establishing the student council president position first. If it fails, there's no need for further discussion. Teaching assistants, please provide paper and ink to the committee members and autonomous council officers."
The vote proceeded shortly after, and the result was unanimous approval.
It seemed everyone agreed that a student council president was necessary.
"Everyone voted in favor. We hereby officially establish the student council as the superior body to the Righteous Martial Academy's student autonomous councils and will begin preparations to elect the first president. However, we must prevent the election from turning into a joke or being flooded with candidates just seeking to boost their own fame."
With those words, Elder Gyeong Hye turned to me with a kindly expression.
She then announced the procedures for candidate registration.
"Candidacy will require nomination by others. 'Others' means the consent of one professor and ten students. However, the professor cannot be from the candidate's supervising dormitory, and for students, members of the organization the candidate belongs to are ineligible. Of course, this person will also remain neutral."
At Elder Gyeong Hye's words, my master chimed in.
- That nun Gyeong Hye's saying it as it is, but doesn't it put you at a disadvantage? Wasn't your plan to have Gong Yun-i as your nominator?
...It was.
If consent couldn't come from members of the organization I belonged to, I couldn't get nominations from my Eon family juniors in Azure Bamboo Hall or the horse stables.
'...You're right.'
- But why is she saying that while looking at you with such a proud expression?
'She must have taken my words about it being right to elect a representative who has the support of others for a position that represents everyone... a bit differently.'
Well, it made sense that way.
'For the first one, it's right to make it clear upfront.'
Once the election started, I'd have to win support from students outside my juniors' circle anyway.
Given everything I'd done so far, getting ten consents from other dorms' students shouldn't be hard.
'It's a shame I can't use the image of Azure Bamboo's Eon Yong-un, nominated by Fragrant Orchid's Namgung Yun...'
I could find a workaround among the professors.
'Uncle Jae-hyeok might be seen as family, and Professor Mo Yong-rin is like a teacher to Eun So-jeo, so excluding them... Han Yeong, Yeong-hwan, Jeong Geuk-gyeong, and others would consent.'
The problem was they were all dying to make me their grad student.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ The general assembly, attended by the academy's board of directors and the executives of the four great dorms, decided to establish the 'student council'.
Azure Bamboo Hall's autonomous council, which had known in advance, calmly prepared for the next steps.
The other three councils, however, interpreted the matter in their own ways and discussed what to do next.
Among them, Cloud Plum Hall took it in good spirits.
"Kahaha! Student council president? My heart's pounding! Or am I wrong?"
Autonomous Council President Ho Yeon-chan's hearty laugh prompted Vice President Gye Un-yeol to speak.
"Hmm. Are you planning to run a candidate?"
"Of course! How could we not?"
"Eon Yong-un will run too. Can we compete? The guy's been called the world's greatest later-generation talent since he beat Shaolin's Won-cheol."
"Vice President, we're Cloud Plum Hall. When an opportunity like this comes, we jump in whether we win or lose. We'll gain something either way. And you can't tell if it's long or short without comparing, right?"
It was then that Eon Yong-myeong spoke up.
"President, but I think I need to help my brother."
"You should. Let's have a go at it."
Ho Yeon-chan magnanimously accepted Eon Yong-myeong's defection.
Cheon Jang-ho and Paeng So-cheon subtly raised their hands too.
"What, you two are going to help Eon Yong-un as well? No way! Yong-myeong's family, so it's okay if he goes since he can't be an enemy when his brother's running, but you two have to support Cloud Plum Hall's candidate! If you're dead set on going to Azure Bamboo, I approve."
"...Brother So-cheon. Going all in like that feels off, doesn't it?"
"Very much so. Yong-un... is ruthless."
With that, the two lowered their hands.
Yun Guk Hall's situation was similar to Cloud Plum Hall's.
But they were a bit more cool-headed.
"President, before we finalize Yun Guk Hall autonomous council's stance, there's something I need to say first."
"Jeon Gal junior, you're going to say you're helping Student Eon Yong-un?"
"Yes."
"I knew it. Go ahead. That friend has the highest chance of winning anyway, so it's good for us if someone from Yun Guk is in the student council to represent our views."
"Thank you for understanding. But President, do you plan to field a candidate from Yun Guk this time?"
"We have to. It's unlikely to beat Eon Yong-un, but we can't have the incoming freshmen next year saying Yun Guk didn't even put up a candidate."
Unlike the previous two dorms, which had some leeway in their discussions, Fragrant Orchid Hall was tense and engaged in serious debate.
Gathering in the autonomous council room without Namgung Yun, who wanted to help Eon Yong-un, they were earnestly brainstorming ways to defeat him and claim the student council president position.
"If Fragrant Orchid Hall takes the student council president spot, even Eon Yong-un won't be able to do whatever he wants in the academy anymore."
Autonomous Council President Mae Jin-ak spoke first.
Next, Publicity Department Head Un Hyeok added,
"Yes. It's the last chance to put a bridle on that wild horse Eon Yong-un."
Mae Jin-ak pretended not to hear and turned to Dang Jun-gi.
"You should run. You're last year's top scorer in the Danggeum exams, and you just single-handedly won against Yi Seung in the recent Zhengjin Tournament. It paints a good picture."
Dang Jun-gi replied skeptically.
"If you say so, President, I'll run... but do you really think I can beat Eon Yong-un and become student council president?"
At those words, Fragrant Orchid Hall's autonomous vice president So Seon-chang shuddered as he spoke.
"It's not about whether it's possible— we have to make it possible! Have you forgotten already? Those days rolling in the dirt under Eon Yong-un with the red hat?! If that guy becomes president, the rest of our academy life will be mired in mud."
Mae Jin-ak spoke again then.
"...It might actually be worth a shot."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Not long after the decision to create the student council, notices announcing it appeared throughout the academy.
At the bottom, it stated that the nomination form template was ready, and aspiring candidates should visit the administrative office to pick up the paperwork.
"Everyone, head to the autonomous council room first and help Senior Ye Hae-su with whatever she needs. I'll grab this and come. Just in case, keep an eye on So-rung too."
I sent my Eon juniors ahead and headed to the administrative office with Woo So-rung, where the staff greeted me with a smile.
"As expected, Student Eon Yong-un is running?"
"Yes."
"Student council president. I bet you'll do great!"
"Thank you, but shouldn't you say that after I'm elected?"
"It looks like a done deal. And you're humble too. Here’s the nomination form. Just write Student Eon Yong-un's name here, and I'll verify it and get the director's seal. The top spot above is for the professor's signature, and the eleven below for the students' consents."
"Yes, sir."
"Please wait a moment."
As I filled in my name and handed the form back to the staffer,
"Family Head. Is it really alright to leave like this?"
"Yes, Chancellor. Both boys will understand."
"Very well. Safe travels."
I thought I heard my father's voice and turned around.
Through the window, I saw Father bidding farewell to Elder Gyeong Hye and the other professors.
His attire suggested he was ready for a long journey.
"...? So-rung, wait here for a bit."
"Yes, Brother Eon!"
I handed the paperwork back to Woo So-rung and stepped out of the administrative office.
The professors nodded to me and stepped aside.
I asked Father,
"Heading back to Pearl City?"
"Yes."
"But why leave so suddenly without a word? At least have a meal and tell me properly."
"I thought about it, but you seemed busy lately."
"Ah. Yeah, I have been."
"I heard they're creating a president position to oversee the four great dorms. I figured you'd run, and if I stick around, it might lead to bad rumors. Better to leave before it's decided."
"What rumors could there be?"
"Plenty. Your father has ties with the professors, and plenty of juniors in Cloud Plum Hall respect me. People could say I'm pulling strings."
"Those guys can have their necks snapped..."
"I even considered your temperament and planned to slip away quietly, but here we are."
"..."
"Anyway, good thinking. I'll head back, so do your best."
"Yes."
"Send a letter to your mother,"
"Yes."
"If you have time, or even if it's not important... if you feel like it, send a few lines to your father too. Or don't, whatever."
"Pardon?"
"Ahem. I'll be off. No need to see me out—get back to work. Aren't you busy preparing for the election?"
With that, Father waved me off and left.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ After watching Father depart for a moment, I returned to the administrative office, where Woo So-rung urgently spoke up.
"Brother Eon!"
"What?"
"Look at this!"
What he held was the nomination form the staffer had taken to get the director's seal.
But in the professor's consent slot right below my name, someone had already signed.
It was Professor Chang Ryang.
"Professor Chang Ryang?"
"Yes. He came by just now, signed it, and left!"
I headed straight to the research building.
Hurrying, I caught up to Professor Chang Ryang, who had left ahead.
"Professor Chang Ryang!"
"Something wrong?"
"About the nomination form signature. I wanted to thank you."
"...That's all? I'm just nominating a candidate who can unite the four dorms. No need for thanks."
Professor Chang Ryang left those words and walked off briskly.
"...He's so unpredictable, as always."
I chuckled and headed to Azure Bamboo Hall's autonomous council room.
Upon arriving,
"Young Master Eon. Did you get the nomination form alright?"
"Here."
"Professor Chang Ryang's seal of approval is on it?"
"Yeah, he did it."
"Primordial Heavenly Lord. Even the professor knows who's right for the job. He's upright in everything, but he knows the Way."
My Eon juniors were busy making posters, banners, and signs for the election when Eun Ha-seong grumbled.
"Brother Yong-un! I'm making a poster with your resume, from top scorer in Danggeum to beating those buzzcuts in the Zhengjin Tournament, but I'm out of paper! It just keeps going!"
Then Dang Ok-gi asked,
"Eon Yong-un, don't we need one for the vice president too? Who's our VP candidate?"
"I was just about to bring that up. Anyone want to run? Or nominate someone else."
"Ahem."
For some reason, Namgung Yun cleared her throat, but Eun Ha-yeon spoke first.
"I'd like to nominate Miss Jeon Gal."
"Me? I was going to nominate you, Ha-yeon."
"Once Young Master Eon wins, you'll call us all for everything anyway, but I should focus on Azure Bamboo Hall. Miss Jeon Gal is from Yun Guk Hall, which fits the student council's goal of uniting the four dorms, and her memory and other talents make her perfect for VP duties."
"Ahem. I do think I'm suited for it, honestly."
"...That part feels a bit off-putting."
I nodded and summarized.
"Alright, I'll run for president, Jeon Gal So-jeo for VP. Any objections?"
"No."
"Sure."
"......"
"Yes!"
"Yep!"
With the VP candidate decided too,
Getting ten students' consents was easy.
I completed the candidacy submission.
About seven days later, after the registration period ended,
All students from the four dorms gathered in the plaza before the main hall, where candidates would state their platforms.
"Candidates, please come forward and give your speech."
I was the first to register, so I went first.
Stepping to the podium, I spoke without hesitation.
"I'm Eon Yong-un, candidate for student council president. I won't say even empty words that the academy under me will be a walk in the park."
With that opening, I scanned the crowd and continued.
"It'll be tough. Grueling. But look at the Azure Bamboo Hall students beside you. Haven't they grown stronger? Let's get strong. So we can protect ourselves and what we cherish in this chaotic world."
Someone shouted then.
"World's greatest later-generation talent!!!"
Azure Bamboo Hall students stomped their feet, chanting my name and title.
"Eon Yong-un! Eon Yong-un!! Eon Yong-un!!!"
"Monster Dragon! Monster Dragon!! Monster Dragon!!"
I stepped down from the podium amid the cheers.
Following me up was Fragrant Orchid Hall's Dang Jun-gi.
"I'm Dang Jun-gi from Fragrant Orchid Hall, candidate for student council president. Before I state my platform, I'd like to address Candidate Eon Yong-un's character."
I wondered what nonsense he was about to spout.
Then Dang Jun-gi spoke again.
"Come on up."
One by one, the guys I'd beaten before climbed onto the podium.