Chapter 188: Priestess of The Red Lotus (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 188: Priestess of The Red Lotus (1)
“Isaac, do you plan on settling things with Pierre…?”
“Absolutely not. I want to see that attempted murderer behind bars as soon as possible.”
“That’s… you’re unexpectedly calm and resolute.”
The incident was quickly swept up into the chaotic aftermath of the festival.
Pierre Flanche, the man at the center of it all, was led away with a faint, gentle smile still lingering on his face. His earlier declaration—that he wanted to kill me—had been heard loud and clear by Dorothy, Luce, Kaya, and several faculty members on the scene.
When the faculty pressed him on why he would say such a thing, he simply offered a hollow apology. He claimed he had let his emotions get the best of him and spoke harshly in the heat of the moment… adding that he assumed a senior like me would have handled the situation better.
‘At least make a believable excuse.’
According to my [Psychological Insight], Pierre was seething with resentment.
His plan to provoke me had failed, and his impulsive outburst had achieved nothing. He must have believed that cornering me would force me to reveal my hidden power.
‘But this is the extent of my power.’
Pierre’s thoughts were a tangled mess. It was still uncertain whether this incident would actually lessen the suspicions surrounding me.
Then, I recalled the sight of Dorothy, Kaya, and Luce. They had arrived at the scene with terrifying speed, practically growling. They had flown in the moment Pierre unleashed his 6-star spell. With my current capabilities, I wouldn’t have stood a ghost of a chance against Pierre’s [Flying Whale].
Moreover, they all seemed genuinely furious—as if they were more sensitive to the hostility directed at me than they were to threats against themselves. I was touched; a strange sense of comfort filled my heart.
The initial questioning concluded swiftly.
With nearly the entire academy as witnesses, the investigation focused more on the friction between Pierre and me than the mechanics of the incident itself. Since there was no prior connection between us, the interrogation didn't last long.
During the statement-taking, the first Arc Ball race came to an end. Lisetta Lionheart’s team took first place, while our team secured second. Pierre Flanche’s team also qualified for the next round, but the repeat incident I feared was unlikely to happen.
‘Because Pierre is in custody.’
Pierre Flanche had been sent to the Academy’s detention center. This facility, jointly managed by the academy and the Imperial Court, was designed to confine students who caused serious trouble or were deemed too dangerous to control.
Avoiding severe disciplinary action would be a miracle. That was the consensus I gathered after quietly questioning a faculty member, though he noted that the final details would only be clear once all the facts were established.
At the very least, Pierre wouldn't be participating in the Arc Ball races for the rest of the Grand Festival. In a way, my goal was accomplished.
After cooperating with the investigation, I finally left the detention center.
The academy was still buzzing with festive energy. To the general public, the incident was just another dramatic event in a day full of them. However, Pierre’s outburst was bound to be the primary topic of gossip for a while.
“Isaac!”
As if she had been waiting for me, an alluring voice tickled my ears.
Leaning against the wall of the detention center was a student with rose-gold hair—Luce Eltania. The moment she saw me, she pushed off the wall and hurried over.
“Luce?”
“Are you okay?”
Luce sniffed the air slightly, her eyes scanning my body to ensure I wasn't injured.
“I’m fine. Thanks for earlier. What about the others?”
“They went back.”
Dorothy had to return to her duties as the representative of her department’s year. Kaya likely left because she didn’t want to openly flaunt our relationship in front of the entire academy.
But why was this girl still here? She was supposed to be with her team as the face of the Magic Department’s second-year students.
“What about you? Is it okay for you to be here? You’re the representative…”
“Isaac comes first.”
Her response was indifferent yet absolute. It was a touching sentiment, but I had planned on heading back soon anyway. In times like this, it would be better if she fulfilled her own responsibilities. I felt a twinge of guilt thinking about the students who were likely frantically searching for their missing ace right now.
“You’re not hurt. I’m glad you’re safe.”
Luce pulled back slightly, looking genuinely relieved. I smiled, grateful for her concern.
“Thank you for worrying. Let’s head back, Luce.”
“Okay. Don’t stray too far from me.”
“…You don’t have to hold onto my sleeve. I’m not a child.”
“I’m still worried… even if you’ve gotten stronger. If you’re going to get into trouble like that, stay close to me.”
“I didn’t exactly go looking for trouble, did I?”
Luce glared at me. She was likely referring to the incident with the Clover Paladin, Pierre, where I was nearly obliterated by his magic.
Well, the fact that I wasn't hurt was purely a matter of the outcome. If no one had intervened, I might have faced the worst-case scenario. I would have fought back in my own way, but it likely wouldn't have ended well.
By the way, I noticed she wasn't using any restraints… unlike during formal social situations. Seeing how she remained composed despite the circumstances, it seemed Luce had grown significantly as well.
“Isaac, I have something to ask.”
“What is it?”
“Who is that guy?”
Luce’s voice turned sharp. Her tone was calm, yet laced with a cynical edge. There was no one else she could be referring to but Pierre.
“I’ve never seen a trace of him on you before. Did he really just try to kill you over a race…?”
Sharp. She dug into the core of the issue immediately.
“Probably. I’ve never even spoken to him before today.”
“And that’s why he tried to use a 6-star spell on you? While threatening to kill you?”
Luce’s voice dropped to a low whisper.
“Perhaps.”
“…I see.”
A short, subdued response. I couldn't see her expression because she was leading the way, still clutching my sleeve, but I could read her psychology clearly.
It was overflowing with murderous intent.
It wasn't that she was going to go and murder Pierre this second; Luce wasn't the type to commit indiscriminate slaughter. However, it was clear she intended to keep a very close eye on him. If he tried anything against me again, Luce was ready to end him in a heartbeat.
That time was rapidly approaching.
When the academy’s administration temporarily grinds to a halt…
At that time, I will have to deal with Alice.
“Hey, Isaac.”
“Yeah?”
“If something bad happens to you…”
Without looking back at me, Luce laced her fingers through mine inside the oversized sleeve.
“…I’d probably… feel like the world was falling apart.”
Her words sounded like a warning.
I could feel the slender yet firm touch of her fingers. The ring on her hand sparkled with a cold, jet-black sheen.
“Why did you do that?”
Alice’s labyrinth—a space decorated in a surreal red and black checkered pattern.
Pierre Flanche sat restrained against a wall, surrounded by luxurious red furniture. The Heart Paladin, a girl with short red hair named Shera Hectorica, leaned in to interrogate him. Pierre, however, avoided answering, maintaining his usual friendly smile.
“Be. Cause. Of. You. I. Thought. My. Heart. Would. Drop. You. Fool.”
Shera repeatedly poked Pierre’s forehead with her finger, her expression one of pure dissatisfaction. His head jerked back helplessly with every jab.
Looking somewhat remorseful, Pierre offered a coy apology. “I’m sorry.”
“Ah! You say you’re sorry and that’s it? Is that really all you can do? You’ve caused trouble for the Kingdom, you…! Captain! Can’t you do something about him? He’s caused trouble for us and the Queen!”
Shera turned to the Spade Paladin, who was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed and his head bowed. He looked deeply troubled.
The intelligent-looking male student, the Spade Paladin, let out a heavy sigh and walked toward Pierre. His pace quickened with every step. Suddenly, he grabbed the handle of a nearby chair and kicked the rest of it to splinters.
The chair shattered. Still holding the wooden handle, the Spade Paladin closed the distance to Pierre.
He swung the makeshift club with violent force.
Thwack!
“Gack!”
“Kyaa!”
Shera staggered back, horrified.
Alexa, the Diamond Paladin, who had been watching from a distance, looked at the Spade Paladin with curious, unblinking eyes.
“Whoa… that scared me, Captain!! If you’re going to hit him in the face, give me a heads-up!”
Shera stomped her foot, but the Spade Paladin ignored her, swinging the handle into Pierre’s head once more.
A dull thud echoed as Pierre’s head snapped to the side. It didn't cause physical injury, as this was a mental space, but the impact was felt with agonizing clarity. This labyrinth was a realm that invited the psyche—an area independent of the [Basic Protection Magic] that usually shielded a student's body.
The shock experienced here was converted directly into psychological damage. The "injuries" on Pierre’s face would slowly eat away at his mind.
Behind the Spade Paladin’s glasses, his dark blue eyes shone with a cold light.
“The first time was forgivable. Alexa’s foolishness could be overlooked once, as it wasn't a fatal mistake. But… to attempt murder after witnessing her idiocy is completely unacceptable. Moreover, this wasn't a plan we discussed. It was your own impulsive decision… Do you have no self-control?”
“I’m sor— ack!”
Thwack!
“Where is your rational judgment?”
Thwack!
“Did it satisfy you to ruin everything with your emotions?”
Thwack!
“We are playing this shitty student role for the sake of the Kingdom, to repay the Queen’s favor, and so that we can survive. So what the hell are you doing?”
Pierre hung his head low. His psyche’s lips were burst open, dripping with ethereal blood. The Spade Paladin tossed the chair handle aside.
“Our goal is to stop the Black Monster. To reveal its identity and neutralize it. In the meantime, you are going to be severely punished. You’ve forgotten why the Queen called for us in the first place.”
The Spade Paladin crouched down, glaring into Pierre’s eyes.
“Damned fool… Even so, I cherish you as a comrade. When ‘that day’ comes, I will come for you. Until then, you must think of how to make up for this mistake.”
“…I understand,” Pierre replied weakly, his voice choked with blood.
*
The Priestess Miya had become strange.
To the Nine-tailed Fox, Mae, Miya had always been a curious master—a girl who proudly proclaimed her ambitions and cheerfully trampled over anyone in her way.
But lately, she had been nothing but silent. It was entirely unlike her.
It had started the moment the Student Council President, Alice Carroll, whispered in her ear. Miya’s heart had suddenly turned darker than ever before, and she lost her usual talkativeness as if she had become a different person entirely.
Mae couldn't figure out why. From the moment Alice started talking, Miya’s mana supply had been severed, making it impossible for the familiar to maintain her form. It felt as if a thick black fog had rolled in, creating an impenetrable wall between master and servant.
Even after being summoned again, Miya remained changed. When Mae asked what had happened, Miya simply dismissed it, saying, “Nothing happened.”
Miya stood quietly by the audience entrance, staring out at the stadium. Her eyes remained lifeless. There had been only one moment recently where she had looked animated.
It was during the Arc Ball race, when Pierre Flanche and her senior, Isaac, had confronted each other. However, after Pierre was taken away, she couldn't hide her disappointment.
“…”
Miya watched the race participants cross the stadium. Her gaze lingered on White. She frowned at White’s restless demeanor and the way she clearly worried for Isaac.
“Idiots.”
[Miya…?]
It was the worried voice of the Nine-tailed Fox, Mae. The familiar was currently embedded as a knot of mana inside the fingernail of Miya’s index finger.
Miya turned abruptly and exited through the hallway.
“…Mae, start storing mana in all your tails.”
[For what reason?]
As she walked, Miya thought of Isaac, the boy with the silver-blue hair. A slight tremor ran through her.
“There’s something I need to deal with very soon.”