The Academy's New Queen
After the mid-term practical evaluations concluded, a subtle shift rippled through the academy. The most striking change was that Alicia Floren had become a celebrity within its walls. Whispers followed her wherever she went.
"That's the one who took down the high-ranking monster..."
"Yeah."
"With that kind of skill, why's she holed up in the research lab?"
"What... there's no rule saying a mage has to become a battle mage. Maybe she just doesn't like fighting."
"Still, it's strange."
Rumors about her spread among the fallen noble scions. Tales claimed she had been on the verge of being attacked by a monster only to appear suddenly and save them, or that she had beaten several detestable noble heirs half to death. Some whispered that the Floren family had an enormous backer and she was hiding it because she didn't want to show off. Others claimed she was the disciple of an imperial mage, demoted to the academy after some incident, or that she was an unparalleled genius capable of casting three consecutive silent spells.
A few of the rumors were exaggerated, but there was no need to correct them. Rumors, after all, were like snowballs rolling downhill—left alone, they only grew larger.
'From my perspective, there's nothing to lose.'
The more the rumors spread about her, the better. Even if they instilled fear. Dignity flowed not only from power, but from terror as well.
Now, all the preparations were complete. Just one final step. The pawn named Alicia Floren needed only to advance one square to be promoted to queen.
*
The grand auditorium in the academy's central building. A vast hall adorned with Gothic marble decorations and glittering chandeliers. Solemnity hung heavy in the air as every student gathered.
"...Third-year magic student, Alicia Floren."
The man with the white beard standing on the stage—the president of Joachim Academy—called her name while holding a plaque and a thick certificate. All eyes turned toward the blonde, blue-eyed girl. Until just a week ago, Alicia Floren had been at the very bottom of the academy, nothing more than a plaything for the noble heirs. Now she climbed the steps to the stage with her head held high. There was no hesitation in her posture.
Soon she stood before the president. He turned the certificate over and handed it to her. Alicia accepted it, tucked it under her arm, and returned to attention.
"For achieving excellent results in the mid-term practical evaluation as a student of Joachim Academy, and for single-handedly repelling a sudden attack by a high-ranking monster—thereby preventing casualties both within the academy and in its vicinity—we hereby award this certificate in recognition of her contribution."
After receiving the plaque as well, Alicia bowed respectfully to the president, then turned and bowed to the assembled students. Applause swelled like waves.
I turned my gaze to the crowd. A few who had survived by currying favor with Louise Violet wore displeased expressions, but most offered genuine congratulations mixed with cheers. It was only natural. Until now, the academy had moved entirely within Louise Violet's grasp. Now, there was hope that things might change.
'This is only the beginning.'
The puzzle of revenge that no one had touched. At last, a single piece was being placed upon it.
Episode 2. The Academy's New Queen
All of it had been orchestrated by me.
First, after returning to the academy, I gave orders to Yanis Dailer, Eugene Prower, and Eldrick Yorens. Since they were addicted to my drugs, it wasn't difficult. They would have done anything to escape the horrific withdrawal symptoms—even listen to every word I said.
—Spread rumors throughout the academy.
The combination of sensational rumors and eyewitness testimony produced a devastating effect. Immediately afterward, I headed to the president's office. The moment he saw me, he flinched.
—Prepare a certificate for Alicia Floren right now.
—Uh, what kind of certificate...
—That's for you to decide. You have until tomorrow. You know what will happen if you fail.
Before I had even left, the president was frantically making calls. The final step was simple. I instructed several professors, led by Professor Ivanov, to falsify grades. In reality, Alicia's scores had placed her around tenth, but with a single word from me, she became the undisputed first place.
With the preparations complete, Alicia received her plaque. She was now the righteous genius mage who had defeated a high-ranking monster in five minutes, who supposedly had a great noble house backing her, and who was the top disciple of an imperial mage but had been demoted due to some unfortunate incident. She had become the hero of a turbulent age, the hope of the powerless, and the revolutionary who would stand against overwhelming power.
Of course, it was all a facade—but that didn't matter. People often wanted to believe something even when they knew it was false.
Within a few days, visible changes emerged. A faction centered around Alicia began to form. It consisted of fallen noble heirs who had long resented Louise Violet, those who had been protected by her influence but received no direct benefits due to their low rank, and finally, the academy's lowest ranks who, like Alicia, had suffered constant harassment from Louise.
They had been nothing more than thin, fragile branches—weak on their own. But with Alicia as a focal point, they began to unite. The fallen noble heirs who had once endured harassment helplessly now struck back at their tormentors under cover of night. Of course, they were soon discovered and brought before the disciplinary committee. Some received suspensions and fines; others were expelled from the academy. Yet the fight to bring down the colossal power that was Louise Violet did not stop. The students resisted even more fiercely, only to be crushed like moths to a flame.
'Of course, I have no intention of leaving things as they are.'
If courage alone could accomplish everything in this world, the academy would never have rotted to this degree. Their bravery was admirable, but their methods were fundamentally flawed. It was time for me to move.
***
The academy disciplinary committee. Like all public institutions, the committee only acted after incidents occurred. In other words, if no one filed a direct complaint, matters were simply buried. So I decided to dig up what had been buried and bring it into the open.
"What brings you here..."
"I have something to report."
"...This way, please."
The bespectacled female staff member led me to a dim, secluded space inside the office. Unlike the main office, it was a closed room with poor lighting and no windows. It was obvious how many backroom dealings had taken place here.
"Could you wait a moment?"
"Sure."
While I leaned back in a comfortable chair, the staff member brought tea and refreshments. I took a light sip and sank into the chair.
"......"
Memories from the past returned to me. Two years ago, on the day I was expelled from the academy, I had screamed until my throat bled that everything had been fabricated. That it was Louise Violet's scheme. That I had done nothing wrong. I had shouted desperately in this very office. But no one had listened. Instead, they had grabbed my arms and dragged me out. Back then, I had been far too young. I had believed that courage and sincerity could overcome anything. I had believed that justice would always triumph and evil would always be destroyed.
If I could go back to that time, would I make the same mistake again?
I shook my head. Such thoughts were meaningless. Time could not be rewound. All I needed to think about was the present and the future. I simply had to carry out my plans one by one. That was all.
Alicia Floren had now risen as the undisputed new queen of the academy. And she moved within my grasp. Queen and pawn. If Alicia was the queen, then the students following her were the pawns. Of course, pawns were weaker than knights, bishops, or rooks... but the more they gathered, the stronger they became.
One king. One queen. Countless pawns. This was the best move I could make with the pieces I had been given.
Queen's Gambit.
The opening that sacrificed pawns to aggressively take down the opponent's pieces. The plan I was about to execute was exactly that.
"Sorry to keep you waiting..."
Just as I finished organizing my thoughts, the door opened and someone entered. He stopped halfway through the doorway the moment he saw me.
"Eden..."
He called my name, ran his fingers through his hair, and let out a sigh.
"Have a seat."
"......"
He sat down across from me without a word. There was much to say, but no need to rush. From the moment I decided to come to the disciplinary committee, I had made a vow to myself. Do not get excited. Do not let emotions sway you. If I didn't do at least that much, my heart felt like it would collapse. It was fortunate I had prepared myself. Thanks to that, my mind was somewhat calm.
"I have something to report."
I spread out the documents I had prepared.
"I am reporting the above students on charges of assault, rape, and drug distribution and use. The evidence is inside, so you can review it yourself."
It was over. Heart pounding, I stood up to leave. Just then—
"Eden Rofas."
He called my name. I didn't turn around. But my feet wouldn't move.
"I'm sorry."
My head turned on its own. Only then could I see his face clearly.
Redona Leonhart.
The man who had taken in a seven-year-old child. The first to show an unloved boy what family meant. And the man who, two years ago, had driven me out of the academy.