Chapter 175: Conspiracy (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 175: Conspiracy (1)
Isaac was always surrounded by beautiful women.
Lately, this fact had been gnawing at Kaya Astrea’s soul.
Luce Eltania and Dorothy Heartnova were already overwhelming enough to deal with, but now that Princess Snow White—a woman whose beauty was legendary across the entire continent—had joined the fray, Kaya was at a total loss as to how to wedge herself in.
It was an impregnable fortress.
In her mind, she could see the three of them clinging to Isaac, giggling and sneering at her, mocking her for having no place beside him as they claimed him for their own.
But she couldn't just chase after him. Isaac was always busy, always on the move.
Ever since the first semester of their first year, Kaya had struggled to suppress the urge to follow him, especially after he had eradicated the Ant Demon. Isaac had explicitly told her not to follow him. As an archwizard, he would easily sense her presence, and if she approached him too aggressively, he might grow to hate her for making him stand out.
Kaya was terrified of losing the affection of the one she loved.
So, she had settled for simple greetings and the occasional secret tactical meeting.
But things couldn't continue like this.
Luce Eltania completely ignored the stares of other students to shower Isaac with affection. Kaya felt that half the reason she couldn't get close to him was because of the top-ranked student’s presence. The contrast between Luce’s icy demeanor toward others and her melting sweetness toward Isaac created a gap that only enhanced her overwhelming charm. It was as if her very presence elevated Isaac’s status.
Then there was Dorothy Heartnova, an academy celebrity and a literal idol. She was a powerhouse recognized across the continent, someone who attended the academy more for 'fun' than for actual learning. Seeing such a genius cherish and dote on Isaac more than anyone else left Kaya feeling suffocated.
And finally, Princess Snow White. Not only did she hold the highest social standing as the Imperial Princess, but she was arguably the most beautiful woman alive. And she was spending every single day with Isaac as his junior and mentee.
Kaya couldn't even begin to guess how much their bond was strengthening during those long hours together.
Dangerous.
An overwhelming sense of crisis washed over her.
“I need to come up with something.”
[A countermeasure?]
Late at night in Charles Hall, the elite dormitory.
Kaya tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep. She stared at the ceiling, muttering to herself.
Beside her lay Dark Kaya, dressed in the same pajamas, staring back. As a split personality, she was a vision only Kaya could see.
With a flash of her bloodshot eyes and a wicked grin, Dark Kaya turned toward her main self.
[So, you’re finally going to seduce Sir Isaac?]
“T-that’s right…! I have to.”
Kaya looked determined, a single drop of cold sweat rolling down her cheek.
Dark Kaya blushed, a sheepish smile playing on her lips.
[I absolutely agree! You’re aiming for the strategy meeting with Isaac tomorrow, right?]
“Yeah. It doesn’t look like there will be another chance for a while, so I need to do something. A bold move…”
Kaya thought long and hard.
Isaac was sprinting toward a specific goal, which made him avoid romantic entanglements.
How do I break through to someone like that?
She began plotting with Dark Kaya. Her imagination was quickly filled with all sorts of scandalous scenarios involving Isaac.
“…Huh?”
Suddenly, the morning sun was up and sparrows were chirping outside.
Kaya sat up, heavy dark circles under her eyes. She stared out the window with a dazed expression.
It’s morning already?
She was utterly bewildered.
“I’ll serve as an honorary student council member.”
Behind the academy building.
I stood in the shade with Alice Carroll, avoiding the harsh sunlight.
Before us lay a small, secluded garden. Students rarely visited this spot, though couples occasionally snuck back here for some private affection. It was the kind of place players of ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱ ignored unless they were looking to play 'Couple Breaker' or take aesthetic screenshots.
As we talked, I trained my mana mastery by circulating energy through my left hand.
It was a bit like those guys who walk around school constantly squeezing a hand-grip to work out their forearms for attention, or those who read books while walking. I didn't particularly like how it looked, but it had become a habit. I felt restless if I wasn't doing it.
Alice crossed her arms beneath her chest. Wearing her white shirt and school skirt, the gesture seemed to emphasize her prominent figure. Every unconscious movement she made radiated confidence in her appearance.
“Took you long enough.”
“I apologize for the delay.”
“I didn't say that to get an apology. It’s just good to have you on my side, even if it’s only for a little while.”
She was calm and collected. There was no outward sign of joy; her tone was simply that of a kind upperclassman.
“Just to be clear, Alice—I’m not your subordinate.”
“I know that. That’s why I called it 'honorary.' So, do you remember the terms of the position, Baby?”
I nodded.
The Honorary Student Council.
The role involved protecting students during major incidents or emergencies at the academy, with the temporary authority to exercise Student Council powers. It wasn't tied to the standard chain of command, yet it allowed me to enjoy the perks of the council. For me, it was a sweet deal. I wasn't technically a member, which suited me fine since I had no intention of joining officially.
Furthermore... Alice likely suspected me more than anyone else.
By luring me into this position, she gained two immediate advantages.
First, she could keep a close eye on me during any future incidents, assuming I would be the one making a move. Whether I accepted or not, Alice was already suspicious; this just kept the 'suspect' within arm's reach.
Second, by setting the conditions for the role, she could force me to spend time with her through 'occasional dates.' She’d framed it like a bet from a romance drama, giving me a convenient justification to agree.
Fortunately, Alice wasn't a fool who acted recklessly like most demons.
In her eyes, the 'Nameless Hero' was a powerful archwizard capable of trampling over her or even Dorothy like they were ants. Monitoring such a suspect meant risking her life.
It was a precarious tightrope walk. One side of the rope was built on a misunderstanding, but we both stood upon it regardless, prepared to draw our weapons and kill each other at a moment's notice.
I organized my thoughts and made a silent pledge.
In this situation, I’d rather take the risk and dig into Alice’s secrets. It was better to confront her directly than to wait and see what she would do. I could turn this proximity to my advantage.
Besides, I was on a quest to defeat the Evil God, and I had already lost once.
I had relived that memory through the Trial of Sandstone. It had taken a long time to return to the past. It seemed that if one didn't survive for a certain period after the Evil God destroyed the world, everything would truly end.
‘It takes a while for the regression to trigger.’
Who did it? How? Why?
I had no idea. The truth was hidden behind a veil I had yet to lift. One thing was certain: if I die, I regress.
Therefore, I couldn't leave anything to chance. Every speck of power, every scrap of information had to help me on my journey. I had to pursue the best possible outcome, not just the most reasonable one. Even if I played my cards perfectly until the Evil God appeared, it would all be for nothing if I was defeated again.
So, even if Alice Carroll was a villain I had to risk my life against, I intended to get close to her.
Who is Alice?
What kind of person is she?
What is her secret?
“Al—”
I turned to speak to her, but I froze.
Her fingers were undoing the top button of her shirt. She slid her index and middle fingers between her breasts, revealing a glimpse of soft, apricot-toned skin. A moment later, she pulled out a small magic pouch that had been tucked away there.
‘Oh.’
That was... unexpectedly impressive.
Alice pulled a small case from the pouch, opened it, and held it out to me. Inside was a badge. It was a silver piece featuring a tiny gemstone, shaped like a cross between a sword and a grimoire.
“It’s a Student Council badge. Use it for your honorary duties. Just don't wear it casually; that’s against academy rules.”
I took the case, removed the badge, and examined it. There was nothing suspicious about it—no hidden spells, no mana. It was just an ordinary badge.
“There’s no induction ceremony. You’re not an official member, and the honorary position is still on a trial basis. Unless... you want us to hold a private ceremony just for the two of us?”
“No, I’m fine. Thank you for the offer.”
I grinned. My acting felt natural.
“Good boy.” Alice smiled and offered her right hand. “I’ll be counting on you when an emergency hits.”
“Likewise.”
I took her hand and shook it.
To any onlooker, it would have looked like a heartwarming scene between a senior and junior. But I felt like I was standing on thin ice. To me, this handshake wasn't about cooperation. It was a declaration of war—a challenge to uncover each other’s secrets before the swords came out.
At that moment, Alice lightly scratched my palm with her fingernail. A sharp, tickling sensation sent a slight shiver through my body.
What the—?
“Hee, is Baby ticklish? That’s good to know.”
“Senior…”
Alice chuckled mischievously at my glare. It was absurd.
“So, Baby.”
Alice suddenly pulled her hand back, but instead of stepping away, she rose onto her tiptoes. She pressed a hand against my shoulder and leaned in close.
‘Huh?’
I could feel her breath on my skin. For a split second, I thought she was going to kiss me. Instead, she whispered in an intimate, sultry tone.
“All that’s left is to make you mine, right?”
Alice locked eyes with me, flashing a relaxed, sweet smile. It felt like a finishing move—the triumphant grin of a predator. She was incredibly composed.
I pretended to be dazed as she pulled back with her characteristic 'hee' laugh.
“Sorry, I can’t stay longer. I have things to do. See you next time, Baby.”
“Ah, yes… take care.”
Alice waved, turned, and sauntered away. I looked down at the Student Council badge she had given me.
‘…At least it looks cool.’
It was a nice design. I tucked the case into my inner pocket and walked away.