Chapter 48
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 48
“A condition… you say?”
“That’s right. The article you’re writing this time must be reviewed by me beforehand.”
“Censorship? That’s unfair. It’s tyranny! Don’t you know anything about freedom of the press?”
“Take it or leave it.”
“…”
In the end, Chloe accepted my proposal, and I began laying out my demands one by one.
“First, write this article favorably regarding Professor Verdandi.”
Verdandi, Freya’s older sister. Gaining her approval would be a significant step toward improving my relationship with Freya. However, if she were forced back to her family, that opportunity would vanish entirely.
“But wasn’t Professor Verdandi suspended for negligence? Is there really a reason to write a favorable article…?”
“Do you think a typhoon changes its course just because you prepare well? This incident was practically a natural disaster.”
Who could have predicted that the Twelve Honored Ones would move to attack the Union? Even I, with my exhaustive knowledge of the Myrillin Saga, hadn't seen it coming. If anything, she was the biggest victim in all of this. The three-month suspension she received was a decision made with that context in mind.
“Even so…”
“Ciel, show our guest out—”
“Ah, fine! I’ll use my discretion and see what I can do!”
With a sour expression, Chloe jotted down my demands in her notebook.
“Good. Make sure you stick to that condition. I’ll grant you the interview now, so ask whatever you want.”
“Is it true that you saved Miss Yuliana during the incident?”
“Yes. She would have died if it weren’t for me.”
I wasn’t entirely sure if she would have actually died, but she certainly would have been severely injured.
“Miss Yuliana said that wasn’t the case.”
“She owes me her life, yet she has no conscience. If you ask her teammates who were with her, they’ll testify to the truth.”
“I see. Next, I heard that Miss Freya cut down an automated golem and ten dire wolves in an instant. Did you see it yourself?”
“I did. She was practically a human weapon.”
Although she couldn’t subdue the half-demon, her skills were already far beyond those of a typical academy student. It was only natural, given she had the makings of a Hero.
“Could you describe what happened in detail?”
“It would be more accurate to ask Freya herself.”
“President Freya is too busy; I couldn’t even get on her schedule.”
“So Freya is a busy woman, and I’m just an idler with nothing better to do?”
“That’s not what I meant!”
“Whatever. It’s true, after all.”
I’d been busy myself lately, but it was a fact that I wasn’t quite as swamped as Freya. Chloe shot me a brief glare before moving on to her next question.
“Oh, and I heard Izelin Academy is starting to rebuild its dormitories with the reparations they received from Jerome. Are you involved with that in any way?”
So, the news had already reached the newspaper club’s ears. I shrugged and gave a firm answer.
“Leave that matter out of the article.”
There was nothing to be gained from publicizing the reconstruction of Izelin Academy’s dormitories. It was merely a smokescreen to obtain the ‘Cognitive Acceleration Stone,’ one of the Academy’s Three Great Divine Artifacts, which lay dormant on the Izelin grounds. Unlike the Seven Great Mysteries, attracting public attention to this would do no good at all.
“Ah, why? It’s always better to have one more story to write about.”
“If I say don’t, then don’t. If you don’t like it, you’re free to leave.”
“…You’re a real jerk.”
Chloe grumbled and shot me a look, but to her credit, she returned to her duty and asked the next question.
“Next, the academy festival hosted by Voltimir in the fall. Does the Student Council President’s office have any plans to participate?”
An academy festival.
Right, there was an event like that. I stroked my chin, recalling the details.
If the Competition and the Athletic Meet were festivals for testing one’s martial prowess and abilities, the academy festival was for enjoyment and intellectual pursuits. During the festival, the brightest minds from each academy would exhibit inventions in contests or hold symposiums to present research findings. It was essentially an extra credit event for students specializing in theoretical subjects who were at a disadvantage in physical competitions.
Of course, that wasn’t all. There were academy-sponsored fireworks and countless other events. Students could even open their own stalls to rake in some cash. It was also the primary fundraising event for the various clubs.
This time, the host was Voltimir Academy. The question was whether the Student Council President would be involved. After a moment of thought, I shook my head. Preparing for the Athletic Meet in Ishtal, which was coming up soon, had to take priority.
“I have no plans for now. Fall is still a long way off.”
“…When you say ‘for now,’ does that mean there’s a possibility?”
“Well. If circumstances allow, it might be good to help prepare for the festival together.”
I intended to extend my reach to everything I could. That was my role as both the Student Council President and a ‘player.’ By doing so, I could form or improve relationships with the story’s major characters, drawing them in as allies for the trials to come.
It was also necessary to reduce my notoriety by involving myself in the organization of various festivals and events. It was similar to how certain countries buy sports teams or host world tournaments to improve their international image.
“I understand. Then finally, a word about the upcoming Competition and Athletic Meet. This will be in the article, so please make it sound cool.”
The Athletic Meet before the midterms, and the Competition after the summer training camp. Chloe was asking for a quote. I thought for a moment before speaking.
“Well… everyone should look forward to it.”
*
A few days later.
Daily life resumed. The incident during the practical exam had become a sensational story, spreading throughout the entire Union. However, likely due to the Chairman’s influence, any mention of Girena or the barrier was conspicuously absent from the reports.
Also, unlike other outlets, the article Chloe wrote contained content defending Verdandi. She would probably receive a few angry letters from students who didn’t know the full story, asking how she could write such a thing, but she’d have to endure that much if she wanted to become editor-in-chief someday.
I folded the newspaper and stepped off the tram.
Seintea.
I attended my Divine Studies class, feeling slightly tense.
Durability restoration complete.
The Ring of Derod, its durability fully restored, had been polished to a shine and was functioning perfectly. I was also wearing Arin’s Pendant, which concealed the aura within my body. Ever since I had accepted demonic energy to subdue Demer, I had been worried my identity might be exposed, but thankfully, my fears had not come to pass.
The class was as peaceful and uneventful as ever. The only slight difference was that, unlike before when I always attended with Garfield, one more person had joined us.
Jimmy, the paladin from Yuliana’s team.
He had expressed his gratitude after I saved him in the mountains, and that incident led him to join our group for lectures. Of course, that wasn’t the only reason. It seemed he was also hoping to gain something by sticking close to me, now that rumors were spreading about my friendship with Elena.
He leaned in close and whispered, “Sir Roen, are you aware that Lady Elena has yet to find a partner?”
“Yes, I heard she hasn’t found one despite taking a significant grade penalty.”
Not only was there no paladin who could match her level, but her position as a princess and a candidate for sainthood made it difficult for her to pair up with any male student. Because of that, many of the male students at Seintea were anxiously vying for the position.
Just as Jimmy and I were talking about Elena…
“Excuse me, what are you two talking about?”
Speak of the devil. Elena approached us and struck up a conversation.
“L-Lady Elena!”
“Sir Jimmy. I heard you were attacked by dire wolves during the practical exam. Are you alright?”
“Yes, yes! Thanks to you, I’m fine!”
“…”
Freya and I were the ones who saved him, so what did he mean he was fine thanks to Elena? This bastard.
“Hehe, I’m glad to hear that. Roen, what about you?”
“As you can see, I’m perfectly fine.”
My shoulder had been pierced and my arm and chest had been torn to shreds, but turning into a half-demon had healed everything in an instant. If not for that, I would have been stuck in a hospital bed for a long time.
“It’s a shame. I could have healed you if you were injured.”
“…I’ll pass.”
Heal me? Did she want a corpse to clean up? Even with my new resistance to divine power, it would be meaningless against someone of Elena’s caliber.
“That aside, what is it?”
“You’re so cold. Can’t friends just ask how each other are doing? Fine, if you wish, I’ll get straight to the point.”
Elena took a letter from her pocket and handed it to me.
“It’s an invitation to join a club. Would you be interested in joining Seintea’s Monster Purification Club?”
“…Monster purification?”
“Yes. I heard you were quite helpful during the practical exam thanks to your extensive knowledge of monsters.”
“…”
Hearing Elena’s words, I shot a sideways glare at Jimmy. He just whistled nonchalantly, avoiding my gaze. It seemed he had already spilled every last detail about me to Elena.
It was true that I had been a great help during the practical exam by providing information on monster habits, tracking, and weaknesses.
Elena continued, “I hear you’re familiar with the weaknesses of monsters that are generally difficult to identify. How about joining our club and sharing your knowledge? Perhaps there’s something you could gain from the club as well.”
“Hmm.”
I closed my eyes and calculated the pros and cons. There was nothing for me to lose. Club participation wasn’t mandatory, so I could just sign up and not attend; it wouldn’t be a big deal. Besides, the more connections I made with key figures, the better. And Elena was a suitable person to sell information about monsters to.
Having made up my mind, I nodded.
“Alright. I’ll join the club. On one condition.”
I glared at Jimmy, who was standing next to me.
“On the condition that this guy doesn’t join.”
“!”
Jimmy, instantly grasping the situation, immediately clung to me and begged.
“I-I’m sorry, Sir Roen! Please? I’m begging you!”
For someone so interested in Elena, joining this club must have been his top priority, and I had just cut him off at the pass. I scowled at him.
“To think you’d go around spilling other people’s information so easily. You should be glad this is all that happens.”
Getting close to a loose-lipped guy who repays kindness with betrayal would only be exhausting. This guy wasn’t even a useful major character to begin with, and I didn’t like his attitude of trying to use me. And the nerve of him, coveting the position of Elena’s partner—he was aiming way out of his league.
Not that I would want to be Elena’s partner even if asked. No, my constitution wouldn’t allow it.
“Very well. Then only you will be joining, Roen. Since we’re at it, would you like to have a meal together?”
“…Sorry, but I’m full.”
“What a pity. In that case, I’ll send the application form to the Student Council President’s office later. You can fill it out and return it to me.”
“Alright.”
Come to think of it, there was also the alchemy club.
Thinking about clubs reminded me of the alchemy club the Chairman had suggested I check out when he gave me the tour pass for the Magic Tower. It might not be a bad idea to visit it once I have the time. According to the lore, there was some bad blood between the head of the alchemy club and Roen. It would be good to resolve that as well.
*
After my lectures were over, I headed straight for Izelin Academy. I had received a message that the architect I requested for the dormitories had arrived. Since I had been mobbed by a welcoming crowd on my last visit, I came in secret today.
Ciel and I arrived at the drawing-room of Izelin Academy. Familiar faces were waiting for us there. First, a bright-faced Eleina greeted me.
“Welcome. I heard you went through quite an ordeal during the practical exam. I’m relieved you’re safe.”
“Thank you for your concern. How are things? Have you gotten everything in order?”
“Yes. Roland and the rest of the pro-war faction who sided with Jerome have all been expelled. We plan to fill the vacancies by selecting talented individuals from various regions based on their abilities.”
“Good.”
I nodded slowly. Eleina would handle the internal affairs of the academy and the kingdom just fine. It wasn’t my place to interfere.
“Have you considered Elena’s proposal?”
“…Yes. I spoke to my father, and he said he would consider it favorably.”
The matter of allowing the Lu Cult to establish a diocese in the Izelin Kingdom. It seemed the King of Izelin was leaning toward granting permission. Although Jerome’s invasion had been thwarted, the threat had not yet completely disappeared.
“How are Josephine and Joshua?”
I changed the subject, asking about the condition of Josephine’s younger sister. Josephine’s face lit up as she replied.
“She’s doing much better. She can even get out of bed and walk around now.”
“That’s a relief.”
It seemed the medicine I gave her was working. Of course, I knew from the game’s information that the medicine was effective, but I had been secretly cautious, not knowing how it would actually manifest in reality. Now that I knew it worked, I should pay a visit to the medicine’s creator to offer my thanks.
We were all gathered in the drawing-room, catching up and chatting pleasantly.
Knock—.
Creek—.
Before the sound of the knock had even faded, the drawing-room door flew open. A male student burst in and scanned the room.
“What’s this? Don’t just get all chummy by yourselves after calling me over.”
Naturally curly brown hair. A male student with a stern expression leaned arrogantly against the doorframe. I rose from my seat to greet him.
“You’re here. It’s good to meet you, Demian.”