True God In Another World (Tensura x Tbate)

Chapter 66 - Suffering

Caera Crestless POV

I stifled a yawn as Tessia wrapped up the meeting, my mind already racing with all the tasks we needed to tackle before the festival. Being on the student council was no joke, especially with our first big event coming up in just a week. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of pride at how well I'd integrated myself into this group. They trusted me completely, which was exactly what I needed.

"Alright, everyone," Tessia announced, shuffling her papers with that annoyingly perfect precision of hers. "I think we've covered everything for today. Any last questions?"

I watched my fellow council members, mentally cataloging their states. Lilia, diligent as ever, was still scribbling away in her notebook – such a useful habit of hers, keeping track of every little detail. Fable could barely contain his excitement about his PR plans, practically bouncing in his chair. So predictable, all of them.

"Yeah, I've got one," Jarrod chimed in, grinning. "Can we make sure the food budget includes extra snacks for council members?"

I chuckled, playfully rolling my eyes. Leave it to our treasurer to think with his stomach. These people were so predictable, so easy to read. It almost made me feel bad for what I was doing. Almost.

"Nice try, Jarrod. But I think we've got more important things to worry about than our snack supply." I made sure to catch Tessia's eye as I said it, earning an approving nod. Another small deposit in the trust bank.

Lilia quickly backed me up, as expected. "Caera's right. We should focus on finalizing the event schedule and vendor arrangements."

I felt a rush of satisfaction at Lilia's support. She was always so quick to back me up – a valuable ally, even if she didn't know it.

As the others started to pack up their things, Lilia caught my eye and nodded towards the door. Right, our drama club visit. Perfect – another opportunity to gather information and strengthen my position.

"Hey, Caera," she whispered as we gathered our things, her cheeks already turning pink. "Just a heads up, Ri's waiting for us in the hallway. He wants to come along to the drama club."

I raised an eyebrow, my mind immediately analyzing this new development. "Rimuru? What's he up to?" I asked, keeping my tone casual despite my internal suspicion.

"Oh, I invited him..." Lilia trailed off, a faint blush creeping across her cheeks.

I couldn't help but smirk, both at Lilia's obvious crush and the potential this situation presented. Rimuru was the leader of the Disciplinary Committee. "You invited him, huh? Looks like someone's eager to have Rimuru join us,"

Lilia's blush deepened. "It's not like that! He just mentioned he was interested in helping with the festival, and I thought—"

"Uh-huh," I cut her off, my grin widening. "And I'm sure his charming personality and good looks had nothing to do with it."

"Caera!" Lilia hissed, glancing nervously at the door.

I laughed, bumping her shoulder playfully. "Relax, I'm just teasing. Come on, let's not keep your knight in shining armor waiting."

As we stepped into the hallway, I saw Rimuru leaning against the wall, his Disciplinary Committee armband a stark reminder of his position. I watched as Lilia's face lit up, and I had to bite back another chuckle. This was going to be interesting.

"Hey, Lilia, Caera," Rimuru greeted us, pushing off the wall. "Ready to head over to the drama club?"

I smiled warmly at Rimuru's greeting, though my mind was already calculating the possibilities this unexpected development presented. "Of course! We're so glad you could join us." My words dripped with honey-sweet insincerity that no one seemed to notice.