As the days passed, the school gradually became engulfed by the festival atmosphere.

Though I say that, I had nothing to do so I acted as usual. Rather, I actually have more free time since Primella and Eru are busy preparing for the festival instead of hanging out with me.

My only worry was Keito, but it seems like he will be participating in his club activities.

It's quite peaceful. I'm actually very bored.

In the school,in Oz Town, anywhere there are people, they are making preparations. I have to be careful where I relax by myself. For the time being, Oz stores are open for business—but barely. Students are preparing there, too. They would feel uncomfortable if they were busy at work next to a slacker. I'm probably not the only one who thinks that.

So, it might bother people if I walk around aimlessly. Because of this, there are two things I can do: return to my room or help someone out. Of course, I could calm down spending time alone in my room but, spending time with my friends doing festival preparations also seems fun.

I chose the charming second option.

×　×　×　×

"Maria-chan, please bring that over here."

"Understood. You don't need this here anymore?"

"Aah, that color won't match well…"

"Cattleya-sama, are the measurements fine?"

"Ah, yes! I'll be there soon!"

People were jumbled together and busily moving around here and there while holding cloth. There were students wearing uniforms, teachers I've seen before, and unfamiliar adults. There was a high ratio of adults to child. This is definitely a school for the rich.

I'm currently in the drama club's room… which is one ridiculously big room. It was about the size of a classroom. Was the drama club this big? Furthermore, the club is gender separated so apparently there is another room and they have another room to store their props too… Yep, let's stop thinking like this or else I'll be baffled forever.

Thinking I would help Primella or Eru since I had time to spare, I had headed to their building. But before I met them, I ran into Cattleya-sama. She asked me for help, and as a result I'm here.

"If we want to emphasize the feel of the material then we should use a real one…."

"If we do that, it'll be heavy, you know? If I'm not mistaken, there should be a scene where Chris will be princess carried."

"Then let's use a lighter material and color-"

The drama club was preparing for a performance for the school festival—naturally they are busy due to the quality that they want to achieve.

The costumes and props will be made by adult craftsmen but choosing the design and the materials is the club members' job. Rather than festival preparations, it feels more like a project meeting.

I'm an emergency helper so I'm only helping with simple work: acting as a messenger, counting the props, checking if the finished products have the same pattern, etc.

When I see the club members going to and from the room I wonder if there isn't there a material you can use for everything… But I shouldn't say anything that I can't deliver on. It might increase their workload so it's best if I stay silent and watch.

"I'm sorry, Maria-chan, this too please!!"

"Ah, yes!"

Among a room full of commotion, the person moving around the most was Cattleya-sama. Moving here and there and being called for from all directions… she issomeone who has played the starring role for more than three years.

Choosing materials, deciding the designs, checking the props, and even discussing the lighting. Even though if she would just leave the props to someone else, she would have an easier time.

Nevertheless, I'm just saying that because I could never handle what she does. I will be silent and concentrate on doing my own work.

I wasn't super busy but I was flustered. When I finished a job, I would occasionally take a break. Before I realized, the view from the window had become separated by red and black.

"Maria-chan! I'm sorry, you stayed until so late to help…"

"No, not at all… I had time to spare so I'm glad I could be of use."

"You were a huge help! Today, we were lacking hands because a lot of people had to help with their class preparations."

"Aah, that's why…"

No wonder I thought that there weren't enough members for the amount of work there was. That's why Cattleya-sama was running around so much, huh. The people that were usually here were out so her workload increased.

I couldn't even cover for one absent person's workload… I hope I at least didn't get in the way and helped a little bit.

"Next, we have to take Chris… the heroine's measurements and check the props, so you can be finished now. Thank you so much for your help."

With just a glance I could tell that there was still a ton of work left. Although not many members were rushing around, I could see serious discussions occurring.

Surely long after I leave, the lights in the room will be on. However, the rest of the work was probably things I couldn't assist with. Of course, Cattleya-sama is a prince that transcends gender, so she is being mindful of the time too.

If that's the case, then trying to force useless help on them would only annoy them. Insisting on helping and ending up in a verbal tug-of-war would also waste their time.

"… I understand, then I will be leaving first."

"Yes! The dorm is close by but be careful, okay?"

"Yes. Everyone, please don't overdo it."

I bowed once before leaving the room, causing a chorus of "good bye" and "thank you." Until now, I had never participated in a club activity, so it was a little embarrassing.

Maybe it would have been better if I had just joined a club that I had been mildly interested in… I was worried that I wouldn't be able to look up to middle school upperclassmen since I had already experienced high school, but the upperclassmen were more mature than I expected.

I shook off my slight feelings of regret and tried to organize my thoughts. I slowly began to walk back to the dorms and wondered what today's dinner would be.

I was unaware of who entered the club room after I turned my back on the drama club.

"I'm back~"

"Ah, Chris, welcome back. Is your class going to be okay?"

"Yeah, I'm sorry I couldn't help out. Hey, the girl who just left…"

"An underclassman I know helped us out. Remember when I was talking about a beautiful girl? It was her."

"Aah, the girl you were interested in. This is my first time seeing her."

"She's a girl that stands out… You don't really interact with any underclassmen outside of club though."

"It's not like I'd hit on a girl just because I'm interested in her like you but… what was her name?"

"Aah, Maria-chan… Mariabell Tempest-chan."