Chapter 11
Chapter 11
How should I handle this problem?
The very fact that I’m thinking about it means this guy isn’t ordinary.
Handle it? Handle what?
I’m a student. A ward.
The people who should deal with it are the faculty and the board, not me. They’re the ones getting paid hefty tuition; they should do their job.
So my role isn’t to resolve the situation—it’s to report it. Of course, I can’t just report blindly; I need at least some circumstantial evidence.
In that sense, there’s only one optimal way I can approach this.
“Well, the thing is…”
“Really? Haha, that’s funny.”
“But what’s even funnier is…”
Information gathering.
First, I need to identify the ringleader.
During break, I pretended to nap at my desk, listening in on conversations to gauge the situation.
Luckily, this is normal behavior for me, so no one suspects a thing.
Yeah, I have no friends.
Yet that very fact proves useful in critical moments—maybe having good social connections isn’t always necessary.
Anyway, through my clever method, I gathered some intel.
“Today I saw Class C kids ignoring us.”
I spotted my first suspicious person.
The first is Jeff.
Even from the first time I saw him, he blatantly displayed his inferiority complex.
At first, I thought it was just insecurity. But even after he temporarily relieved it through me, he continued acting that way. That made me suspect it might be intentional.
And the second…
“Really? What a shame.”
The pink-haired extra.
That kid is unnaturally friendly, fitting in everywhere.
Yet at the same time, they seem to belong to no particular group.
Friendly, smiling at everyone, yet slightly detached.
I hadn’t even heard anyone call them by name until now, and I hadn’t learned it myself.
So far, those two are visible. Of course, someone could still be hiding.
While I lay low gathering information during the morning…
“Johann.”
“….”
“Johann?”
“Huh? Oh, why?”
Someone called me.
I had noticed it from the start, but I was pretending to sleep, so I added some acting to the scene.
After a sequence of movements, rubbing my eyes as I got up, I saw…
“Who was that?”
Same class, but I didn’t recognize them.
I remembered something about a friend and a newly bought sword, but it wasn’t relevant, so I hadn’t bothered remembering the name.
“….”
“Uh, that… Jesse?”
“Melana.”
“Oh, right. Momentarily confused.”
Damn it. Almost got it right.
But why is this kid staring at me like that? I’ll add them to the suspicion list.
As I secretly tensed, Melana spoke with an unamused expression.
“His Highness is calling.”
My instincts were right.
It’s basically like a herald announcing death.
I glanced behind Melana and saw Robelia standing at the school gate, waving.
Don’t act friendly, seriously.
I thought about ignoring her, but then…
-Hail.
She didn’t speak, but that’s what it felt like.
Her mouth moved, and I grudgingly complied.
“What is it, Your Highness?”
“What is it? On the contrary, I thought you’d be eagerly waiting for me. Was I mistaken?”
“No, why would I?”
“I suppose you were curious how I used the information you provided.”
“Hmm…”
Curious or not, of course I’m curious.
How would Robelia react knowing Cult is led by its prophet?
Maybe by now, she’s already torn Eden apart.
I dreamed of such a hopeful future. Though it’s just a dream without knowing how events unfold.
Yes, I’m curious.
The faster Robelia removes Eden, the safer I become. I might even roam outside the cradle again.
And most importantly, if the person watching me disappears, my family is safer too.
However…
“Hmm…”
“I don’t know why you’re hesitating.”
I just don’t want to get involved with Robelia.
Makes sense. My enemy is Eden, but hers includes multiple groups, not just Eden.
It’s like taking the cure and getting the side effect too. That’s exactly the situation.
But even so, I find it strange that I’m giving her information and asking for protection while drawing a line.
“I assure you! I merely admire Your Highness’ skill in handling matters.”
“Your words are as smooth as oiled leather. I like it.”
“Ah… yes…”
I’m selfish, but this is basically me using Robelia to get Eden out.
True, but placing all the risk on her alone makes my conscience sting.
“However, it’s awkward to discuss it here. How about lunch later?”
“….”
“It’s not royal business, so don’t worry. A restaurant on 3rd Street.”
“Ah.”
“Or are you afraid to step outside the cradle?”
Honestly, considering the chaos last time, fear is natural.
But logically, it’s not a bad suggestion.
“No, that’s fine.”
Robelia will protect me.
Unless enemies too strong even for her appear.
But…
-Ah, my father did say, go outside a little to show yourself, so the enemies don’t rush the estate.
Using me as bait to prevent attacks, protecting the family.
Keeping alive the servants including Chris.
Thinking of that purpose, moving with Robelia isn’t bad.
If I stay hidden or follow her blindly forever, they’ll still wait for the moment I step outside.
“Good, a straightforward answer. Let’s meet in front of the main gate at lunch.”
“Yes, proceed safely, Your Highness.”
I bowed slightly and observed my surroundings.
Unexpected as the meeting with Robelia was, it had clear benefits.
Robelia, pinnacle of power and top student of Class S.
Then who’s the one stirring up Class F? The most hated target, right?
Jeff? The pink-haired one? Or Melana, who glared at me strangely earlier?
I raised my head, turned to check who was watching.
A fleeting moment.
“Phew.”
I confirmed it.
Jeff was biting his lip.
The pink-haired one looked displeased.
Melana’s face was sour.
“Messing around, huh.”
I don’t know… maybe it’s all three of them?
Seems like the case is still deep in the maze.
Lunchtime.
I had used every break to gather information, but found nothing substantial.
Maybe I need to scout personally. Trying to dig info in a limited area might be the issue.
But there’s a limit.
The more Class F’s atmosphere escalates, the more the culprit’s actions will surface.
At that tense moment, I must find the perpetrator and report to the faculty.
Or…
“Early, huh? Been waiting long?”
Just pass it to the protagonist.
Honestly, that’s easiest.
She has plenty to do—monitoring insane acts of every faction, political struggles at court, and her own studies.
But she’s also the one to stop Class F’s coup. So no guilt in leaving it to her.
Yes, after learning about Eden today, I can subtly leak info.
“I couldn’t possibly keep a royal waiting. I ran here as soon as class ended.”
“Very humble. I like it.”
How can this person ever like me unless I comply?
Robelia’s kindness feels like a noose.
I need to fix this misunderstanding, but the more we’re involved, the less chance I have.
Am I too late?
What if she already considers me a friend?
Just imagining it is terrifying.
“Now, let’s go, Oracle.”
My heart races. Not because I’m walking with a beauty.
Simply because I’m nervous about wandering outside lately.
What if an Eden follower suddenly jumps out in an alley and drives a knife at me?
With that anxious feeling, I followed behind Robelia.
I thought, maybe the thrill her subordinates feel isn’t excitement but fear of getting stabbed.
“Ah…”
We arrived at the restaurant.
It looks quite upscale. I guess this is royal taste?
Well, she wouldn’t choose a cheap place unnecessarily.
Her attendants probably recommended a safe, good restaurant.
“Let’s go in.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
The sophisticated atmosphere and the delicious smell from the kitchen eased my tension.
So, this is how I discover new gourmet spots. Even as a noble, money for meals isn’t an issue.
If it tastes good, I could come alone in peace later.
No annoying people to bother me.
“Here, Oracle. Fortunately, your counterpart seems to be here.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
I glanced around, then froze at Robelia’s words.
“…Counterpart?”
Robelia stood by a private room door, smiling.
The smile felt eerie.
“Oh, did you want a one-on-one date? If that’s what you thought, my apologies.”
“No, nothing like that…”
Honestly, I didn’t think that.
A date? Ridiculous. This is no different from an interrogation.
What worries me is that there’s another party, which Robelia didn’t mention.
“Don’t keep your counterpart waiting too long. Shall we enter?”
“Ah.”
Just as I hesitated, Robelia opened the private room door with a smile.
Suddenly, everything white filled my vision.
White hair, pale skin, eyes covered with white bandages.
A sickly boy who seems like he might vanish at any moment.
Leader of Eden.
‘Prophet’ of the Cult Ereticus.
“What a crazy woman.”
“Wow.”
In that moment, I completely lost my manners.