"Good morning, President."
"Good morning, President."
At a well-known middle school in Chernobog, a girl with white hair, heterochromatic eyes, and a calm, mature demeanor smiled and nodded as students greeted her in the hallway.
Her name was Natalya Andreyevna Rostova, an Ursus girl, and the most beloved student council president in the history of Boris No. 4 Middle School.
Few presidents before her had managed to earn the respect of both aristocrats and commoners alike.
To the noble students, who cared deeply about lineage and blood, Natalya was a natural fit. She was one of them—born into the powerful Rostov family and daughter of a count. Her status alone commanded loyalty.
Yet it was her attitude that truly set her apart. Despite her noble birth, Natalya treated all students equally. She didn't flaunt her background, and for the common students, that meant everything. A noble who didn't act superior was rare. And one who cared? Unheard of. Naturally, they adored her.
Even when some aristocratic students opposed her, Natalya had her own ways: divide and conquer with strategy, remind them of her family's power, and—when needed—bring them to heel with charm and control. Like taming wild dogs.
"Child, you can't survive alone in this land. Even the mightiest Feranmuts will be torn apart by the marching forces of the great powers.
That's why we, the weak, must learn to use our charm and wealth to win over the neutral. And use tactics to divide the rest."
That elegant man's words echoed in her memory—he was teaching her, book in hand, quoting from his own parenting manual: "Kashchey Teaches You How to Rule: From Beginner to Master."
Before coming here, Natalya's father had warned her repeatedly: do not offend the master of this mansion—your teacher, the man guiding you with patience—the living legend of Ursus, the Duke of Kashchey.
At first, life at the Duke's mansion was terrifying. Natalya walked on eggshells, trying to stay invisible, terrified she might provoke his wrath.
But Kashchey didn't allow that.
He would tell her bedtime stories, whispering forgotten secrets of ancient times as she drifted off to sleep. He would listen quietly as she opened up about the pain of losing her mother. When her father was away at war, it was Kashchey who baked her a birthday cake—comforting her more than words ever could.
Natalya knew full well: Kashchey had no real reason to help her or her father.
But he did.
After her mother's death, Natalya often woke from nightmares, haunted by the fear of being murdered by her father's enemies—just like her mother.
But since moving into the Duke's mansion, the nightmares stopped.
The malice of old nobles never seemed to cross the threshold of that house.
---
Natalya wanted to be like Duke Kashchey—a nobleman of high status who still carried a kind heart.
She had once accompanied him on a tour of his territory. The region was generally prosperous, and even the poorest citizens received daily rations of relief food.
Of course, those in need also had responsibilities.
The [Happiness and Security Committee], a unique institution founded nearly a century ago by Duke Kashchey, managed the welfare system. It existed only within the Duchy of Kashchey.
Applicants for aid were expected to complete daily tasks—monitored in areas under surveillance. These tasks included exercising, cleaning public spaces, helping the elderly or disabled—anything that contributed to the well-being of the community.
All activities were recorded and reviewed, forming the basis for continued eligibility.
On the whole, the system worked. It raised living standards, offered basic protection to the vulnerable, and prevented the rise of freeloaders who might otherwise drain state resources.
Natalya admired Kashchey deeply. She loved the way he comforted her when she was hurting. She respected his patience when he taught her. She found herself smiling at his small, quiet jokes.
She liked him.
But she was just the daughter of a count.
And he was [Him]—the Duke of Kashchey. A legend of Ursus.
---
After school, Natalya entered the student union office, walking past students who bowed respectfully as she passed. She quickly settled in to begin the day's administrative work.
Boris No. 4 Middle School had a progressive culture. After academic classes, students were free to participate in clubs and enjoy their youth—a common policy across many Ursus secondary schools.
Inside the office, a girl with light green hair and glasses was quietly reading a book.
Her name was Anna.
…
Anna came from a poor family. She had a sharp mind, strong logic, and a deep love for reading. Natalya had seen her potential and invited her to join the student union.
Anna initially refused. She didn't like nobles. She had no desire to waste time on what she saw as performative politics.
But Natalya made an offer too tempting to ignore.
"I have quite a large collection of books at home."
And with that, Anna became the secretary to the student council president.
---
When Natalya walked in, Anna set her book down, pulled out a neatly arranged report, and began her daily briefing.
"Report, President. A girl nicknamed 'Winter General' from Peterheim Middle School recently beat up a group of ten of our students—ones with a bad reputation."
"What was the cause?"
"According to witnesses, there was a dispute on the street. One of our students tried to take advantage of the situation, made a move on Winter General, and got beaten up for it."
Anna paused. She hadn't wanted to bring this up. In her view, those students got exactly what they deserved.
But as the president's secretary, it was her duty to report everything and let Natalya decide how to respond.
"If the president intends to take action against Winter General, I'll advise her accordingly."
Natalya scoffed.
"Those guys want me to stand up for them? Tell them this: if I hear they've been harassing female students again, I'll make sure they never have to worry about controlling their disgusting urges ever again."
Her tone was sharp, irritated.
Bastards like that deserved what they got.
"…Still, Winter General's been pretty active lately. Let's send a few people to keep an eye on her."
"Understood."
Anna added:
"Also—about your doll collection, president. The official Ursus-certified [Ever-changing Duke of Kashchey] series just announced a new release: [Teacher of the University]..."
Natalya's eyes lit up instantly.
"When is it releasing?! Where can I buy it?! Money is not a problem! Once this is wrapped up, I'll let you into our family library for an entire day. I'll even show you the rare edition you've always wanted—The Secrets of Gaul! Thank you, thank you!"
Watching Natalya, flushed with excitement and borderline manic, Anna took a quiet step back.
Fans are terrifying.