Lewd System: Every Scream and Moan is EXP Chapter 287 : Overwhelming Majority

Roxana along with the other baffled students spotted Jax and Astrid approaching them. Yet their bewilderment doubled as they observed the highly peculiar details of the spectacle before them.

Astrid marched ahead bearing the stance of a commander fresh from a triumphant deal. Trailing her like a timid shadow stripped of its boldness stood Jax. His visage bore the look of a man utterly crushed in defeat.

Astrid scolded him sternly on some matter while he bobbed his head in agreement, much like a youngster busted for pilfering treats and now enduring the complete fury of his mother's disapproval.

Their minds flat-out rejected the scene unfolding before them. The sole picture they held of this fellow was his explosive rage and overbearing pride that spared not even the realm's loftiest aristocrats. He had intimidated monarchs. Slain a pontiff. Ordered a full assembly of global potentates to drop like obedient canines.

Yet there he stood. Behaving as a tamed beast with the reins gripped by the woman he had jeered at mercilessly every instant she lingered nearby.

What escaped their knowledge was the events of those twenty minutes sealed away behind that barred door. Throughout the return journey, Astrid had reprimanded Jax relentlessly for his blunders. The scolding had been nonstop.

For causing her tears. For filling her with anxiety. For branding her a fury-driven lunatic poised to ignite a war.

Jax remained utterly silent amid it all. He understood this moment demanded no prodding or resistance. Thus, he assumed the part countless men master in dealings with their partners. Offer apologies. Even prior to the arrival of the subsequent reproach.

Astrid arrived before the group, still emanating commanding presence, which persisted even after she came to a halt. She then declared.

"Jax— —Professor Jax and I have discussed a few things and have come to a conclusion. I am the only deserving and capable person here who can get him out of this mess. Therefore, I will be representing our squad for the finals."

Every gaze among the group shifted back and forth between Astrid and Jax in utter bafflement. Yet prior to any challenge, Astrid's voice rang out with such icy chill that shivers crept up the spines of even the royal lineages present.

"Does anyone have a problem with it?"

No one uttered a word. Not out of endorsement. But because instincts for self-preservation hold immense power.

Astrid's demeanor transitioned from frigid dominance to a pleased smirk. "Then it’s settled. By overwhelming majority."

Seris shattered the quiet first. "Don’t tell me this was the moment you were waiting for. To get your revenge on him by losing deliberately. But this isn’t the time to play around when his life is actually on the line. Even if he’s at the top of your bad side, you shouldn’t just—"

Astrid interrupted her. "Who told you he’s on my bad side?"

Seris fixed her with wary glances. Astrid realized her slip an instant late. A flash of unease darted over her features before she regained poise.

"I’m just joking. Yes, you’re right. He is absolutely at the top. And that’s precisely why there is no one other than me who has the right to play with him."

She crossed her arms.

"Therefore there is no way I will lose out there and let that bitch take him away before I can finish having my revenge."

She lingered there, inwardly applauding her masterful phrasing. It held no deceit. It sparked no doubts. And Jax comprehended the determination it masked. A triple triumph. In her self-view, she ranked as a diplomatic prodigy.

Seris paused to absorb it all before responding. "Don’t be stupid, Astrid. You know this match is going to be impossible for you to wi—"

She couldn't complete her thought as Astrid's palm settled atop her head. Gently patting. Bearing a nurturing smile wholly out of place on a girl of her years.

"Impossible is a word found only in the dictionary of fools. And remember this, honey... your mama tore that page out a long, long time ago."

Seris leaped away as if struck by lightning. "What the heck?!"

She wheeled toward Jax bearing true alarm. "Professor, look at what you’ve done to her! It’s all because of your constant trolling that she’s been letting it all out on me since this morning!"

Seris figured Astrid's self-proclaimed motherhood was merely another teasing jab. Yet one more stratum of the ridicule she'd weathered throughout the day.

She remained oblivious that this ditz was already gearing up for tomorrow's dreams. Her boldest reverie. The one featuring dawn greetings and blocked outings she itched to turn into reality.

A staffer then appeared, notifying them that Headmistress Lysandra summoned Jax and his selected pupil to the main hall's platform.

Jax gave a nod and eyed Astrid. She nodded in return with a smile. Turned to the others.

"Don’t worry. I got this."

In a short while, the duo positioned themselves side by side upon the stage. Opposite them stood Zharina and Karina. Lysandra managed the preliminaries. Greetings to the live spectators. Guidelines for those tuning in remotely. All the routine protocols for the tournament finals that simply had to be covered.

Next, she announced, "Let us start with Team Thirteen. Their mentor, Professor Jax, will now declare his selected representative from the roster."

Lysandra glanced toward Jax. He stared back with eyes that shouted ’are you kidding me? Can’t you tell there’s only one person next to me right now?’

Yet he let out a sigh and bit back his words to uphold the formalities.

"Student Astrid R. Aleris will represent our squad in the finals."

Thunderous cheers exploded from the crowd, rattling the hall’s walls. The noise slowly died down as Lysandra shifted her attention to the other side.

"Now for Team Seven. Professor Zharina, please name your chosen representative."

Everyone present anticipated just one name. Karina. The star player. The academy’s most powerful student. The absolute lock for tournament victory.

However, Zharina’s reply plunged the entire hall into stunned silence. Even Jax’s eyes bulged wide in real disbelief.

"I choose myself to represent in the finals."