Chapter 33
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 33
Eredor Territory. The Hall of Truth.
I arrived at the Intermediate Magic Theory lecture hall just in time.
Screech—
As I pushed the door open and stepped inside, every eye in the room snapped toward me. A heavy silence followed. Then, the students began to lean in, whispering frantically to one another.
“Look, it’s Roen!”
“What now? Did he cause more trouble?”
So far, the reaction was typical, but this time, I noticed a few more favorable glances than usual.
“Wait, haven’t you heard? The Territory War!”
“Roen beat Chepesi!”
“Who’s Chepesi?”
“You know! The president from Jerome!”
It seemed news of the weekend’s Territory War had already begun to circulate. I let their murmurs wash over me, a small, satisfied smile playing on my lips.
‘Looks like the newspaper club did their job.’
No matter how many witnesses there were, news of an event that happened only two days ago wouldn't spread through the entire academy this quickly—not without a little help from the media.
Ignoring the chatter, I found a seat in the back. I felt pretty good. As I began organizing my bag, Bell, who had been sitting a few rows away, scurried over and thrust a newspaper toward me.
“Uh… um, Roen? Is this… is this for real?”
Bell had started talking to me more comfortably ever since we’d grabbed a meal together. She seemed to find dealing with nobles incredibly taxing, so I’d told her to drop the formalities and just speak to me naturally.
The paper she handed me was today’s edition, fresh off the press. Instead of answering immediately, I took it and snapped it open.
Rustle—
The Union Daily was packed with the usual gossip and updates, but the front page was dominated by a massive feature on the Territory War between Jerome and Izelin that had taken place on Saturday.
It was a major event—the first Territory War with an academy’s fate on the line in over a decade. Not only had it happened, but the paper ran a sprawling article on how Izelin had snatched victory against all odds.
The only jarring part was the massive photo of me. I was standing on the dueling grounds, hands in my pockets, looking incredibly arrogant. I frowned at the unflattering shot.
‘When did they even take this?’
One of the spectators Chepesi brought along must have been a member of the Union’s newspaper and broadcasting club. Their photography skills left much to be desired; they’d managed to make me look like a total villain.
‘Tch. They could’ve at least picked a better angle.’
Scowling slightly, I shifted my gaze to the headline.
[The Hero of Izelin’s Victory is Student Council President Roen? The Truth Revealed!]
Beneath the sensationalist title, the events of the war were laid out in a straightforward manner. It mentioned Elena attending as an observer, detailed who participated in the duels, and confirmed the final result: Jerome was forced to pay Izelin ten billion krone in reparations.
However, since the event was so recent, there wasn't much in-depth analysis regarding the history of the conflict or the political tension between the two kingdoms. They had clearly rushed it to the front page to generate buzz, likely planning to follow up with interviews later.
Aside from the war, the paper covered other trivial news from across the Union over the weekend—gossip about professor appointments and discoveries in unexplored regions.
I skimmed the rest before handing it back to Bell.
“The content is accurate. It’s all true.”
“!” Bell’s eyes sparkled. “R-Really?”
“Yes.”
At my confirmation, the students eavesdropping nearby began to buzz with excitement. Once the follow-up articles detailed exactly what happened, their perception of me would likely shift—at least a little.
Of course, this wouldn't be enough to instantly erase the notorious reputation Roen had spent years building. It would just be enough to make them think, ‘That’s unexpected,’ or ‘What’s gotten into him?’ and look at me with different eyes. Even that would probably fade in time.
But as a first step toward scrubbing Roen’s infamy, it was a solid start.
“S-So it really happened! Can you tell me more? Like, the details?” Bell asked.
The other students practically leaned out of their seats to hear.
“…”
It wouldn't be hard to recount the events, but standing there boasting about my own achievements felt… wrong. Besides, this wasn't the place for a long story.
“Wait for the follow-up articles.”
The newspaper club would be hounding me for an interview soon enough; everyone would find out the details then.
“Aww… okay.”
I beckoned the disappointed Bell closer and whispered to her.
“However, I’ll tell you this much. Do you have plans for lunch?”
“N-No! I don’t!”
“Good. Let’s eat together.”
*
“Great work today, everyone! Just a reminder, the next lecture will be replaced with a practical class. Please keep that in mind!”
The Intermediate Magic Theory class ended with Martelzier’s announcement.
A ‘practical class’ meant group camping for several days in the undeveloped wilderness near the Union to gain combat experience. It was a mandatory course for all students. The timing was a bit earlier than I’d anticipated, so I’d need to start preparing.
With that on my mind, I headed to the dining area with Bell.
“Shall we go to that place from last time?”
“Huh…? Oh, okay!”
We headed to Heaven’s Breath, the high-end restaurant we’d visited before. We weren't alone, though. Just like last time, Beatrice was waiting for us.
I looked at Beatrice, who sat across from me with a characteristically sullen expression.
“A familiar lineup. And here I thought you said you’d never eat with me again.”
“…I said I would never be the one paying for your meal.”
“Same thing.”
“U-Um, Roen… I can’t really afford anything this expensive…” Bell stammered, looking anxious as we entered the lavish establishment.
She had offered to buy me lunch as thanks for helping her when she was lost, but since I had a favor to ask today, it was only right that I covered the bill.
“Don’t worry, Bell. It’s my treat this time. Just like before, order whatever you want.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Don’t hold back.”
I’d feed her well now and work her to the bone later.
Hearing that I was paying, Beatrice immediately tried to slide in.
“Oh? Are you buying mine as well, then?”
“Well, since you traveled all that way over the weekend, I suppose I can spare one meal.”
Beatrice had done me a huge favor by showing up at the Territory War. Her presence alone had saved my face and given the Izelin students hope. A single meal was a small price to pay.
Beatrice didn't hesitate, immediately flagging down a waiter.
“Excellent. I’ll have my usual.”
“I-I’ll have what I had last time!” Bell added.
“Make it three,” I said.
“Right away, sir.”
The waiter bowed and withdrew. As soon as he was out of earshot, Beatrice cut straight to the chase.
“So. What is this ‘important information’ you have regarding the Dark Mana Stones?”
The Dark Mana Stones. That was the real reason she was here. I had promised her intel in exchange for her support during the Territory War.
“You’re in quite a hurry,” I noted. “Right to business, then?”
“Would you prefer to talk about the Territory War? It’s all anyone is talking about lately.”
“I’d appreciate that, actually. Bell was curious, and it feels a bit tacky to brag about my own exploits.”
“…So you want me to do it for you? How obnoxious.” Beatrice frowned, but Bell quickly waved her hands.
“N-No! You don’t have to go out of your way for me, Lady Beatrice!”
“It’s fine. To be honest, I was a little surprised by the whole thing myself.” Beatrice took a sip of sparkling water before continuing. “I looked into it through Yulina, and it turns out this Territory War was much more serious than I thought. It wasn't just a school dispute; you essentially prevented a full-scale war. Roen has every right to be proud.”
“A… a war?” Bell gasped.
“Yes. While war is common on the continent, it’s strictly forbidden between Union member nations. This Territory War was Jerome’s attempt to get Izelin Academy expelled from the Union so they could launch a war of conquest.”
Beatrice went on to explain the geopolitical friction between Izelin and Jerome, the flow of the duels, and my specific role in the victory. Bell listened with rapt attention, eventually giving me a wide-eyed thumbs-up.
“Wow! Roen, you’re amazing!”
“My, my… this feels like I’m fishing for compliments.”
As I scratched my cheek, Beatrice smirked. “Isn’t this exactly what you wanted?”
“You’re not wrong, but hearing it out loud is a bit much. Let’s not make a habit of this.”
“You say that as if you’ll have another grand achievement to talk about next time.”
“Of course. This is only the beginning.”
“…I hope so.”
Now that Bell’s curiosity was satisfied and I’d received my forced praise, it was time for the main event.
“Here.” I pulled a letter from my coat and handed it to Beatrice.
“This is…?”
“The information you wanted on the Dark Mana Stones. I’ve organized everything I know. Take your time with it.”
“May I open it now?”
“Go ahead.”
While we waited for the food, Beatrice unfolded the parchment. It contained a map marking predicted locations where Dark Mana Stones might appear, along with related data.
These locations were where the events of the main quest, [Traces of Obsession], took place. In other words, I had compiled a list of every site where a Dark Mana Stone rampage was scheduled to occur.
I knew exactly whose hands the stones would fall into, but giving her that much would be too suspicious. A predictive map was a safer bet.
Beatrice read it carefully, her brow furrowing. “This is incredibly detailed. Where did you get this?”
“That’s a secret.”
“A secret? Please. I’m sure Ciel had to work himself to the bone to find this.”
“…I did this myself.”
“Yes, I’m sure you did.”
But I actually did.
Beatrice tucked the letter into her coat, a faint smile touching her lips. She was clearly satisfied.
“In any case, thank you. I’ll make good use of this.”
“Good.”
The main quest, [Traces of Obsession], involved various incidents stemming from the Dark Mana Stones and the emergence of the primary enemy faction: the Twelve Honored Ones. Ultimately, these were problems I would have to solve, but giving Beatrice a head start would make things much easier for me later. It’s always better to have powerful allies doing the legwork.
Her business concluded, Beatrice looked much more relaxed.
“By the way, why did you arrange this meal with Miss Bell?”
“Why? Do I need a permit to eat with someone?”
“That’s not what I mean. It’s a good thing I’m here. You know exactly what kind of rumors would start if you and Miss Bell were seen dining alone.”
“And since you’re here, there’s no problem, right?”
“…”
All’s well that ends well. This little party—a commoner, a noble, and a royal—was a strange combination, but I liked it.
“Regardless, I don’t need to explain my reasons to you. However…” I turned my gaze to Bell. “There is something I need your ‘Blessing’ for.”
“Huh? You… you know about my Blessing?”
I nodded at the startled girl.
“Yes. I have a task that requires the power of your Blessing, ‘Extreme Flame’.”