Chapter 183: [183] Is Okita Also Participating in the Festa?
The Twin Star Towers, located at the heart of Queenvail Girls' Academy, derived their name from the two symmetrical skyscrapers standing side by side. This was the central hub of the academy.
Entering the eastern tower and taking the elevator to the top floor, one would immediately see the door to the academy chairwoman's office.
Sylvia stepped forward, and the nameless goddess badge pinned to her chest emitted a soft beep.
Instantly, the massive chairwoman's office doors swung open before them.
Much like the student council president's office at Seidoukan Academy, the chairwoman's office at Queenvail Girls' Academy was exceptionally spacious.
In fact, this office surpassed even that standard. Except for the wall with the entrance, the other three walls were entirely made of floor-to-ceiling glass windows. The room contained nothing but a desk and chair positioned at the front, creating such vast emptiness that it sent chills down one's spine.
"You're here sooner than I expected."
Behind that desk sat a woman.
She wore goggles-style glasses that obscured her features. Upon seeing the two enter, she waved away several floating holographic windows in front of her, revealing a faint smile.
"Welcome to Asterisk City, self-proclaimed Okita Souji. I'm Petra, Petra Kivilehto, currently the chairwoman of this academy. I handle all the trivial matters for Sylvia here, who spends the whole year gallivanting around the world."
"Yes, yes, I'm just a pretty face. The academy hasn't gone bankrupt solely thanks to your brilliant leadership. Are you satisfied with that?"
Sylvia snorted lightly, her words dripping with sarcasm.
Petra didn't seem bothered at all, maintaining her smile. Judging by their interaction, this appeared to be their normal conversational dynamic.
"Okita, don't let this woman's approachable appearance fool you. She's a genuine profit-driven individual. Ninety-nine percent of her personality is motivated by self-interest. You must be very careful not to fall into her traps."
Sylvia raised a finger, delivering this warning to Okita with absolute certainty.
She was openly dissing Petra right to her face.
And Petra showed no signs of anger whatsoever.
"That statement really caught me off guard. I can't even use my prepared script now."
Petra sighed softly, as if troubled by Sylvia's remarks.
Sylvia smiled faintly, showing no intention of apologizing.
Clearly, they had a good relationship.
"Let's get to business. Your household registration was already processed while you were on your way to Asterisk City."
Petra tossed out a holographic window displaying Okita's new registration details.
The name field showed her real name, while all other categories were filled in arbitrarily by the conglomerate. In this world, the conglomerates held supreme authority, and since this was personally arranged by them, there was no need to worry about registration issues.
"Now, let's have a proper discussion about your enrollment."
Petra interlaced her fingers, resting her chin on them. Her eyes, hidden behind the goggles, swept over Okita from head to toe, scrutinizing her carefully.
"Excellent, truly excellent! Your qualifications are no less than Sylvia's. With your looks, if you're willing to debut, you could skyrocket to fame in no time! How about it? Interested in becoming an idol?"
"Petra!"
"What, getting upset over a compliment about your looks?"
"I'm being serious here!"
Sylvia's expression was stern, a hint of anger flashing across her face.
"Don't apply your usual tactics to Souji. Didn't you understand what I meant from my earlier assessment of you?"
"But this concerns Okita's own will, doesn't it? What right do you have to speak for her? If she's willing, aren't you just blocking a rising star's path to stardom?"
Petra remained completely unfazed, still smiling cheerfully at Sylvia.
One wore a beaming smile while the other simmered with anger—their locked gazes turned the office atmosphere tense in an instant.
I see.
Though they got along well, Sylvia wasn't wrong at all.
Petra was utterly profit-driven.
"I have no interest in being an idol."
Okita's cold voice cut between them, diverting Petra's attention.
"No need to reject it so hastily. Singing and dancing aren't difficult for girls. Even if you're not comfortable with that, you could just model—"
"Are we processing the paperwork or not? If not, I'm leaving now."
"..."
The blunt response left Petra momentarily speechless.
Sylvia gave a light humph, flashing a triumphant look at Petra.
From what she'd learned about Souji in just over a day, she was certain Souji wasn't the type to enjoy prancing around on stage—her personality simply wasn't suited for showbiz.
"Fine, if you insist, then forget it."
Petra only stayed silent briefly before quickly regaining her smile.
Rejection wasn't a big deal—it had happened before.
But people's minds could change. Once she saw how idol life brought fame and fortune, her perspective would naturally shift. There had been students like that before. For now, the priority was getting her enrolled.
"However, if you refuse to be an idol, you'll have to agree to another condition. Special recruits have obligations—even you can't deny that, Sylvia, can you?"
"If it's you, you'd never let someone as strong as Souji off so easily. I know your nature all too well."
Sylvia sighed deeply. She hadn't fully agreed to Souji coming to Asterisk City last night precisely because she saw through Petra's intent to maximize Souji's value.
"Special recruit obligations... You mean the Festa?"
A slight shift crossed Okita's expression, while Roy, hidden behind her, looked oddly uneasy.
"Exactly! And coincidentally, registration for this year's Phoenix Festa reserve teams closes tonight!"
Petra looked thoroughly pleased, as if silently applauding her own cleverness.
To encounter such a formidable girl like Okita Souji just before the Festa, perfectly eligible by age, and with a favor to ask regarding her residency—how could such perfect conditions go unused?
It was precisely for this reason that Petra had quickly extended an invitation to Okita last night to enroll in Queenvail—her idol-like appearance was just an unexpected bonus.
"Okita, I can't say much about this matter. The decision is yours alone to make. But whatever you choose, I'll stand by you."
Sylvia spoke earnestly to Okita, her tone solemn.
This matter was part of the deal, and only Okita herself had the right to decide—no one else could make the choice for her.
"I can participate."
Okita agreed without hesitation, her voice calm and composed.
"But I have one condition."
"Go ahead."
"I get to choose my own teammates."
***
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