Chapter 209
Chapter 209
“Status?”“…As you can see, sir, the situation isn’t exactly good. There’s even internal strife.”
A deep shadow flickered in Oparn’s crimson eyes.Yet his tone was calm and composed, as if determined not to show it.
“At least… one fortunate thing is that the enemy’s offensive has weakened.”“So we can breathe for a bit.”“It’s all thanks to the Student Council President. She stood at the front lines for several days, holding off the soldiers herself.”“So that’s why she went straight to rest.”
Knowing Luciana’s personality, even if she’d officially handed authority over to me, she would’ve stayed here out of sheer responsibility.
“You’ve stationed proper guards where Lady Luciana is sleeping, I assume?”“Yes. Lady Frontal is watching over her. It should be fine.”
If it’s Elizabeth, there’s no need to worry.Not only had she grown stronger through the recent Calamity subjugation, but she would throw herself forward to protect others, just like me.
‘That side can be set aside for now.’
I’d boasted to Luciana that I’d resolve this incident myself.Now was the time to fully focus.
“Still, I’m impressed you’ve held out this long under such poor conditions.”
The Student Council building was meant as a convenient base for members—not a fortress capable of withstanding assaults from outside.
In comparison, a training hall or classroom equipped with weapons and magical tools would have fared better.
“…It was only possible thanks to the President and the Council’s efforts.”“You say that like you weren’t part of it. You must’ve gone through a lot.”“It’s nothing.”
He waved his hand modestly, but I knew the truth.
With Luciana’s overwhelming unique ability—strong enough to subdue even high-ranking demons—there weren’t many who could stand against her, no matter how numerous they were.
And there were capable fighters like Oparn and Liura among them.
Even so, casualties had occurred here.That meant there had been powerful enemies among the attackers.
“What about Professor Marks?”“…Tch.”
As expected, Oparn’s composed expression broke at the mention of that name.
“He’s not here right now.”
“Right now”—meaning, he’d already stirred up chaos and left.
“He’s likely attacking the dormitories or the central building. According to Lady Liura Kaspera’s predictions, those areas house more noble students, making them strategically valuable.”
The more hostages, the better—especially if they were of high-ranking nobility.
Compared to that, the Student Council building—with fewer noble students and heavier resistance—was a less appealing target.
“Makes sense. But where’s the one who made that fine prediction?”
There was no sign of Liura, the Council’s treasurer.
“I heard from Lady Luciana that Batory is in the dorms. Perhaps she’s guarding it with her?”“Unfortunately…”
He shook his head slightly.
“We managed to delay his advance, but suffered losses.”“…Don’t tell me that ‘loss’ means—”“Yes. Liura Kaspera, and a considerable portion of the Student Council, have been taken hostage. …Including Georg.”
The calm Oparn’s voice trembled for the first time.He bowed his head, unwilling to show his expression.
“I see. So things are worse than I thought.”
Their goal had likely been Luciana, the Duke’s daughter and Student Council President—but considering her skill, capturing her was as hard as plucking a star from the sky.
So instead, they’d gone for a lesser but still valuable prize.A noble like Liura Kaspera, daughter of a Count’s family, would do just fine.
‘So that’s it, huh. They’ve already used her up.’
They called it a retreat after fierce resistance,but in truth, it meant they no longer saw her as valuable.
Ironically, losing Liura had weakened our strength,but it was thanks to that loss that the front lines still held.
“Understood. Our priorities are clear, then.”“Priorities, sir?”“What else? We rescue the hostages first.”
Hostages were both leverage against noble houses and convenient tools for public executions.
And Liura Kaspera was the perfect example—a target who satisfied both emotional vengeance and political usefulness.
‘A perfect offering to appease both the resentful commoners and the ambitious Duke Roberc.’
Despised by commoners for her arrogance,and feared by nobles as a lesson in what happens when one defies the new regime.
Emotionally and strategically, no one fit the role better.
“How long has it been since Lady Kaspera was taken?”“Exactly a week today. Same for Georg….”
Maybe it was because he was a mercenary king—Oparn showed genuine concern for his captured comrade.
“Georg should be fine. He’s a commoner; they’ll try to win him over.”
The problem was Liura.A week of captivity meant she’d already reached her limit.Her execution could happen at any moment.
Tap, tap.My fingers drummed on the desk in irritation.
‘That won’t do. Who said they could?’
I’d spent so much effort “taming” Liura Kaspera.To let someone else take what I’d cultivated? Unacceptable.
“When Lady Luciana wakes, we move immediately.”“…Are you sure? We don’t even know where she’s held.”“Don’t worry. I’ve got a way to find out.”
Between me, the expedition team, and others who’d finished their training,we had enough experience—and with Professor Marks busy attacking elsewhere—
“First, we rescue the Student Council.”
Thus began a grand operation—with a hint of my own personal motives mixed in.
Meanwhile…
“……”
Liura’s small fingers fidgeted with the cuffs restraining her mana.They didn’t budge. A bitter smile crossed her pale face.
“As expected… it’s useless.”
It made sense.
Even students here came from prominent noble families,and most were users of mana or aura.
“They really came prepared. Duke Roberc… and Professor Marks.”
Clench.
Her bound hands trembled, but her voice still carried her frustration.
“Liura Kaspera. It’s been a while.”“You’re…!”“A shame that we meet again as prisoner and captor, not professor and student.”
Her memory flashed back to the old man who had struck her unconscious days ago.
“I’ll ask formally, though I already know the answer. We plan to establish House Roberc as the new Imperial family. Will the Kaspera family cooperate?”“…House Kaspera will never bow to any outside force. Even if you take the heir as hostage.”
As if he’d expected that, Marks’ expression didn’t waver.
“Of course. You’re not the only heir of Kaspera, after all.”“So you do know. Even if you have me, you’ll never control us.”“We’ll see. Your fate is ours to decide now.”
The old man stroked his beard, his tone cold as winter steel.
“Your death will also serve our cause.”“…What do you mean by that…?”“You know perfectly well. You’re not your sister, but you’re quite politically astute, aren’t you?”
She understood instantly.
Execution.Her death would serve as a warning to other noble houses—a demonstration of what awaited those who defied House Roberc’s “revolution.”
Still, the idea of dying herself hadn’t yet sunk in.
“Even if you kill me, my sister—”“Yes, yes, we know. You’re not our only hostage.”
A shift in his tone made her eyes widen.
“You wouldn’t dare—”“What could you do? You’re powerless in chains.”
His face showed not a hint of mockery—just indifference.He truly saw her as already dead.
“Well, to put you at ease—Lady Laura Kaspera is safe, for now. She’s still at the dormitory.”“…Haa…”
A sigh of relief escaped her lips.
‘If she’s guarded by that maid, then she’s fine.’
That terrifying man’s maid—she was no ordinary servant.Even against high-ranking demons, she never faltered.Liura had heard she was still defending the dorms with exceptional strength before her own capture.
“Well, that won’t last long. But rest assured—we don’t intend to harm her. She’s too valuable a bargaining chip.”“…You’d better keep your word.”“Of course. We don’t waste useful assets.”
The old man straightened his back.
“Your execution will mark the dawn of a new age for commoners. Take pride in that.”
For the first time, his gaze held emotion—but it wasn’t sympathy.
“So Duke Roberc promised you a ‘new era for commoners,’ did he?”“Heh. Sharp as ever. How did you know? I haven’t told anyone.”
How could she not know?The zeal in his eyes said it all.
“Marks. You’re a commoner, so perhaps you don’t understand—but a noble’s words should always be doubted.”
Would the Duke truly honor that promise?Or would Marks end up discarded once his usefulness ran out?
Her question made his brow twitch slightly.
“…Appreciate your concern. But I’ve worked under nobles for decades. I know their double faces better than you.”“Ugh!”
The killing intent alone made her body stiffen.
“I’d worry about yourself first. Not that it matters—you’ll never escape here.”“You—!”“Farewell. We won’t meet again.”
And so a week passed.Only minimal food was given, and Liura was left to rot.
“How long do we have to babysit this noble bitch?”“My thoughts exactly. Can’t believe we haven’t just executed her yet.”
She no longer had the strength to retort.All she could do was conserve her power, limp and silent.
“…Well, the professor has his reasons. The execution’s tomorrow anyway.”
Hearing that through the bars, Liura bit her lip.
‘I need to find some way—any way—to get these cuffs off…’
Clang.
But the cuffs, made of enchanted Western mana stone, wouldn’t budge.
Was she really going to die like this?As a sacrifice to herald the enemy’s “new era”?
To someone like Liura Kaspera, a lifelong strategist—this was beyond humiliation.
‘No… I refuse!’
Half fear of death, half burning shame at being used.Tears welled up from clenched eyes.
‘I just regained his trust—Hans Byron’s trust! I won’t die here!’
She wiped her tears and fumbled at the cuffs again—
When suddenly,
—Can you hear me?
A familiar voice echoed in her ears.
“…Lady Freesia Evergreen?”Shh. Keep quiet. I knew Hans was right!
She could almost picture the elf’s pure, radiant smile.The faintly glowing spirit orb made the source clear.
Didn’t I tell you? Even if your mana’s sealed, I could track you through your contracted spirit. After all, you’re a spiritist too.“…Hans Byron.”You sound displeased. Are you unhappy we came to save you?
Of course not.
He’d been terrifying as an enemy—but knowing he was coming to save her now filled her with relief.
“Please… hurry. They’re executing me tomorrow.”
Her whisper trembled.And then, the most reassuring voice answered.
Tomorrow, huh. Plenty of time, then. Don’t worry—we’ll be there soon.