Chapter 38 - Changing Targets
The appearance of Beltane caused a stir among the Class A students.
About 80% of their gazes were fixed on Beltane, while the rest discreetly observed Parmela’s reaction.
I also stole a glance at Parmela’s face.
‘…Judging by her shocked expression, it seems Parmela didn’t know about this either.’
“Allow me to introduce myself once more. I am Beltane Herthe.”
Placing a hand over his chest, he gave a slight bow before continuing his speech.
“To explain the circumstances to all of you who must be surprised by this sudden situation… Truthfully, my initial visit to the academy wasn’t planned. I came here at the personal request of my sister, Parmela.”
Beltane and Parmela’s eyes met.
In response to Parmela’s glare, Beltane flashed a sly smile.
“Just as I was finishing my business and preparing to leave, I happened to encounter Professor Plentina.”
The story Beltane told went like this:
Professor Plentina had read several of Beltane’s magical treatises, particularly his thesis [The Correlation Between Mana Circuit Patterns/Distribution and Magical Aptitude], and had been deeply impressed by his profound understanding of magical studies.
When she coincidentally met Beltane at the academy, she recognized him and invited him for a conversation.
During their discussion, the topic turned to the mana circuit theories she was currently teaching in class, leading Plentina to suggest that Beltane might like to take over that portion of the lectures.
“I hesitated at first when receiving the proposal. I worried whether someone as young as myself could dare to teach Arkesia’s promising talents. But… I also saw it as an opportunity. A chance for academic exchange with all of you. That’s why I ultimately accepted the professor’s offer.”
“Though I may still be lacking, I will strive to deliver lectures that don’t fall short of Professor Plentina’s standards.”
As Beltane’s speech concluded, the students erupted into chatter once more—
“Lord Beltane… isn’t he only fifteen? To be teaching magical studies at that age means he’s really brilliant.”
“He’s cuter than I expected?”
This time, there were quite a few favorable comments mixed in.
Only Parmela wore an extremely displeased expression, her face scrunched up in irritation.
“Professor!”
After class ended, Parmela’s angry voice echoed through the hallway.
“Yes, Miss Parmela? What seems to be the matter?”
“What seems to be the matter? Beltane becoming a temporary instructor for magical studies is absurd! He’s only fifteen—”
“Age holds no importance in academia, Miss Parmela.”
Professor Plentina’s stern rebuke cut Parmela off.
Given her usually meek and flustered demeanor, Parmela was even more taken aback by this sudden severity.
“Lord Beltane’s profound expertise in magical studies is already renowned in academic circles.”
“In scholarship, there is no hierarchy of status, no distinction of age—only the pursuit of truth. And when it comes to magical studies, particularly mana circuits, Lord Beltane is more qualified than anyone to properly guide students along that path. I guarantee it.”
“…”
Faced with the professor’s solemn admonishment, Parmela had no choice but to fall silent.
“…I’ll keep it a secret from Lord Beltane that you failed your last report and had to resubmit it.”
“!”
“Heh. I know everything. It’s only natural that as an older sister, you wouldn’t want to show your shortcomings to your younger brother. I have a younger brother myself, so I understand how you feel, Miss Parmela.”
The professor’s tone had regained its usual relaxed cadence.
“—It seems that wish won’t be coming true after all, Professor.”
“My, Lord Beltane.”
Somehow, Beltane—who had been surrounded by students in the classroom—was now standing behind Parmela and me.
“How unfortunate. To think my dear sister has been struggling so much in magical studies.”
“N-no! Miss Parmela has always been diligent in her—”
“Diligence doesn’t guarantee results.”
Beltane walked past us, approaching Professor Plentina.
“Well, I do have these two weeks. Perhaps I’ll give her some… ‘personal guidance.’ Shall we go, Professor?”
With that remark, Beltane left with Professor Plentina in tow.
Crunch.
An ominous grinding sound came from Parmela’s direction.
I maintained perfect posture, staring straight ahead to avoid making eye contact.
“This is infuriating!”
Only after leaving the classroom building and entering the depths of the garden, surrounded by dense foliage, did Parmela finally explode.
“My lady, your dignity—”
“Shut up!”
“…”
If you want quiet, I’ll give you quiet.
“First, he barges into my academy uninvited, and now what? A professor? Teaching me? Ha! How ridiculous—”
As Parmela paced around, venting her anger, I kept watch to ensure no passersby overheard.
Protecting my employer’s dignity was part of my duties.
“My lady.”
“Eek!”
Suddenly, Head Maid Elina appeared behind Parmela.
Her unexpected presence startled not just Parmela but me as well.
How did I keep failing to sense her approach? Was it true that she used shadows as pathways?
“You scared me!”
“My apologies. More importantly, my lady, I’ve completed the investigation you requested.”
“Fine. Report.”
“First, regarding Beltane’s movements just before coming to the academy…”
Elina detailed Beltane’s recent activities and the reasons for his extended stay at the academy, while Parmela occasionally interjected with comments.
Most of it was speculative, but one thing was clear—both of them harbored deep suspicions about him.
Vertus had sensed the presence of a fallen deity’s mana from Beltane.
While it was certain that Beltane was somehow connected to demons, I’d been struggling with how to report this…
‘Now seems like the right opportunity.’
“Ahem. My lady, and Head Maid.”
“…Theodor. We’re in the middle of an important discussion—”
“Enough, Elina. What is it?”
“Thank you. Actually, regarding Lord Beltane, there’s something I need to report…”
I told Parmela that I’d sensed demonic-like mana from Beltane.
Given my ability to manipulate corrupted mana, I could detect similar energies nearby—and Beltane had emitted such mana.
Of course, I omitted any mention of Vertus or the System.
“…Therefore, my cautious conclusion is that Lord Beltane is somehow connected to demons.”
“…”
“…”
As expected, their expressions darkened upon hearing this.
A natural reaction.
Demons were considered more dangerous to humanity than even the most powerful monsters—each individual posed a greater threat.
And now, I was alleging that a high-ranking demon—no less—was connected to the heir of an imperial duchy.
No matter how strained Parmela and Beltane’s relationship was, this was far more serious than any succession dispute.
“Elina, stay put.”
“…”
Parmela stopped the stone-faced Head Maid from stepping forward.
“Theodor. Do you understand the implications of what you’ve just said?”
“Yes, my lady.”
I met her gaze squarely.
I had nothing to fear. The System had never lied—even if I hadn’t.
—Technically, it was me who lied.
I’d considered handling this quietly on my own, but if something happened to Parmela because I stayed silent, that would be unacceptable.
“…Fine. If anyone else had said this, I would’ve challenged them to a duel for defaming our family’s honor… but coming from you, who can manipulate corrupted mana, I’ll trust it.”
“Thank you.”
Please, no duels.
“Elina. From now on, proceed with the investigation keeping in mind Theodor’s claim—that Beltane may have had contact with demons. If you find even the smallest piece of evidence, bring it to me immediately.”
“Understood.”
“…I never imagined things would escalate like this. This isn’t just about the family succession anymore—the entire Herthe family’s reputation is at stake.”
Parmela massaged her temples in frustration.
“No need to worry, my lady. I’ll do everything in my power to protect the Herthe family—and you.”
I really don’t want to lose this job.
Living the easy life as a ducal family’s attendant—I can’t give that up.
“…”
“Why are you glaring at me?”
“Hmph.”
“I must say, Lord Silvanos, I’m surprised. I never expected you to personally bring a Herthe family member here.”
Professor Plentina set a teacup on the table before Beltane.
Beltane picked it up but didn’t drink.
Instead, plant tendrils extended from his sleeve, dipping into the tea and absorbing it.
“My original plan was the downfall of the Herthe family. They stand at the center of imperial power and have led the frontlines in the war against demons. If it were revealed they were secretly connected to demons, the empire would plunge into severe internal strife.”
Beltane smiled faintly.
But that smile was far too cunning and sinister for a young noble.
“Honestly, if you were going to change plans, you could’ve told me sooner.”
Plentina flopped onto the sofa opposite Beltane, puffing out her cheeks.
“Because of that, I wasted all that effort brainwashing the crown prince—just for a ‘test run.’”
“My apologies, Alkemis. But even in the demon realm, we only recently learned about that… Heavenly Demon’s connection to Vertus’s disappearance. This was the best contingency I could arrange on short notice.”
Beltane set down the teacup.
“So, what do you think? About the Heavenly Demon?”
“Hmm… There’s definitely something peculiar about him. Nullifying the crown prince’s aura without using mana… and wielding divine artifacts unseen in this world—that much is certain.”
Alkemis also smiled.
But her smile was far too alluring and provocative for a shy academic.
“But really, he doesn’t seem that dangerous, does he? Not if Lord Silvanos’s new plan succeeds.”