Yuriko taking first place in the exam caused a small stir among the students.
However, since it was only a minor quiz and merely demonstrated her talent in cultural classes, the excitement quickly faded.
After that incident, Yuriko continued as she always had — performing when the situation called for it and acting when the script required.
But unlike before, when she was alone with Carmilla, she no longer had to maintain her lady-like facade and could be more relaxed.
Of course, Yuriko did not allow herself to become too casual; she still wanted to leave as good an impression as possible in Carmilla’s eyes.
“Mira, I feel like I’ve hit some kind of bottleneck,” Yuriko said.
It was currently lunch break, and Yuriko was spending it with Carmilla in a quiet corner of the Academy.
Ever since her identity as a member of the Mafia had been exposed, Yuriko’s relationship with Carmilla had become even closer.
During lunch breaks, they would specifically pick a quiet place to be alone, chatting and relaxing together.
“What’s wrong? Are you having trouble with your studies?”
Carmilla asked.
“No, it’s about popularity. Although everyone in class treats me well, there are still too few people in the Fifth Grade. The weight is too low. No matter how well I perform usually, it only increases the favorability of my own classmates.”
“So, I’m thinking about how to increase my popularity throughout the entire Academy. Do you have any good ideas, Mira?”
Regarding Yuriko’s question, Carmilla tilted her head back, thought seriously for a moment, and suggested:
“Since you want to increase your popularity in other grades, you should look for opportunities to show your face among them. For example, join the Student Council, participate in patrol duties, or do your best in Academy events like sports meets or performance programs for the school festival.”
“Are there any important activities coming up soon?”
Carmilla opened her phone and checked the Academy calendar.
“The next Academy event isn’t for another one month. If you really want to participate, you could join some activities organized spontaneously by student groups, but the efficiency of that might be quite low.”
“That long? Then I might as well just join the Student Council. Wyndham is the Student Council President; it shouldn’t be a problem for her to arrange some patrol tasks for me, right?”
“I don’t think she would make things difficult for you.”
As they chatted, the lunch break drew to a close.
Yuriko adjusted her posture and returned to the classroom with Carmilla.
Just as they entered the room, a female student walked over.
Yuriko remembered all of her classmates, but she was not well-acquainted with this girl, and they rarely interacted.
“Hello, Miss Ruri. May I trouble you for a moment?” the student asked politely.
Seeing her respectful attitude, Yuriko immediately gave her a standardized smile and spoke in an approachable tone.
“There’s no need to be so formal. We are classmates. If you need my help, please feel free to ask. I will do my best to assist you.”
The girl’s face flushed a soft pink, and her favorability toward Yuriko rose rapidly.
‘Miss Ruri really is so gentle, and so beautiful. She’s practically an angel. My decision was definitely right!’
She took a deep breath, and after trying her best to calm her racing heart, she said to Yuriko:
“I am the Club President of the Magnificent Clothing Club. Recently, we decided to collaborate with the Plain Clothes Club for an event, and we need two models. If possible, could we invite you and Carmilla to be our models? Of course, we will provide compensation!”
The Magnificent Clothing Club and the Plain Clothes Club?
Yuriko didn’t know much about the clubs, but based on their names, they were likely related to fashion.
So, this was an invitation for her and Carmilla to be fitting models?
“If I agree to be your model, what will I need to do? Will I have to display myself in front of people?”
Though she didn’t like to admit it, Yuriko was very confident in her looks.
After the previous News Club interview, her photos had circulated widely on the Academy’s official website and forum.
Anyone who had seen the photos had nothing but praise.
If she could appear in public as a model, she could use her appearance as a starting point to leave a stronger impression on the students.
“Ah, please don’t worry about that. Our activity is only held internally within the Magnificent Clothing Club and the Plain Clothes Club. Outsiders won’t see it.”
The Club President thought Yuriko didn’t want to be stared at like an exhibit.
In reality, Yuriko actually hoped people would come to watch.
Hearing that no one would see them, most of her interest instantly evaporated.
However, this was a request from a classmate after all.
As a passionate young girl, Yuriko naturally wouldn’t refuse.
“I wasn’t actually worried about showing my face, but I’m very happy that you chose me to be a model.”
“Really!”
The Club President’s eyes sparkled with tiny stars.
“Mhm, it sounds like it could be interesting. Mira, what about you? Do you want to try?”
“Since you’re going, Yuriko, then I’ll go too.”
And so, the matter was settled.
The Club President hadn’t expected things to go so smoothly, and she became visibly excited.
“That’s wonderful! With both of you appearing, we will definitely take the headlines in Fashion Weekly!”
Yuriko caught the key piece of information in the Club President’s words.
“Fashion Weekly?”
Hearing Yuriko’s question, the Club President realized she had forgotten to mention that part.
Things had progressed so smoothly that they hadn’t had time for details.
“Sorry, Miss Ruri is a newcomer, and I forgot to explain. The clothes made by our Magnificent Clothing Club and the Plain Clothes Club have quite a bit of prestige in the outside world, so we have always cooperated with several publishing agencies.”
The Club President poked her index fingers together and added with a bit of worry:
“So, photographers will come to take pictures at that time. The photos will be published in magazines or made into posters to be put up around the Academy…”
She was worried that Yuriko would refuse after learning about these requirements, so her heart was in her throat.
Upon hearing the Club President say this, Yuriko’s eyes lit up.
This was fantastic! If they were posted around the Academy, wouldn’t they be seen by many people?
“I didn’t expect to have a chance to appear in a fashion magazine. It’s truly an honor.”
“No, the honor is ours! Are you really willing to be our model?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
The Club President was so excited that even her attitude toward Yuriko changed.
She was still beaming when she returned to her seat.
Before her seat could even touch the chair, she had already impatiently pulled out her phone to report the good news.
‘It’s like someone bringing me watermelon just when I’m thirsty. I was just thinking about where to find an event, and one was delivered right to my door.’
Yuriko was in an excellent mood.
She pulled Phantom into her arms and squeezed her paws.
‘Is that your reason for squeezing my paw pads?’
‘Mm-hm. Don’t be so stingy. I’ll take you out for barbecue later and order your favorite grilled fish.’
Phantom gave a small huff, but in the end, she was still bought off by the promise of food.
‘Then I shall be merciful and allow your offense this time.’