Chapter 87: The Battle for Isaac (5)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 87: The Battle for Isaac (5)
The Student Council President, Alice Carroll. Her nickname: ‘Heart Queen Alice.’
In Wonderland, she had decapitated the Queen of Hearts and seized all her power and military assets for herself.
Like several characters in ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱, Alice was inspired by the well-known fairy tale, ‘Alice in Wonderland.’ She was the shadow lurking within the game, as well as the final boss of the 「Alice Subjugation」 arc.
She was a character who drew immediate interest and excitement from every player, while also being the very reason I had to keep my identity hidden.
Alice was a staunch devotee of evil. Therefore, Ian Fairytale—the wielder of the light attribute and the greatest threat to the Evil God—would be nothing but an eyesore to her.
However, she couldn't easily touch Ian because he belonged to the Fairytale Household. He was protected by the [Fairy’s Protection] shared by all members of his bloodline.
On the other hand, I was merely a humble commoner. I was an underdog who couldn’t offer even a shred of resistance against a level 170 behemoth like Alice.
‘I can’t believe it turned out like this.’
Honestly, I’d expected things to spiral once they started getting out of control. Especially with Dorothy involved, it wasn’t strange at all for a powerhouse like Alice to make an appearance.
“What’s up, Alice?” Dorothy asked with a wry smile.
“I’m here to clean up this mess,” Alice answered nonchalantly.
Alice approached us, her cherry-blossom-colored eyes locking onto mine.
While pretending to be slightly nervous, I tried to act as natural as possible when we made eye contact. Honestly, though, I didn’t even need to pretend. I was genuinely terrified.
For the record, Alice doesn’t possess a power like Dorothy’s [All In the World]. Even if she stared at me with the intent to pierce through my skull, she wouldn’t be able to see anything suspicious about my true nature.
Still… I can’t believe a girl who looks this cute and kind could kill me whenever she feels like it.
‘Please, just let this end without a hitch…’ I desperately prayed in my mind.
After a moment, Alice nodded simply. “I understand now.”
Huh? What do you understand?
“Understand what?” Dorothy asked for me, as if reading my thoughts.
“I understand why you’re all fawning over this guy. He’s actually quite cute.”
“Nihihi! Truly… Your habit of speaking so bluntly never changes.” Dorothy smirked, stepping between Alice and me.
I had to admit, Isaac was decently attractive. Of course, there were plenty of better-looking guys out there, but Isaac’s looks weren't something you could just ignore.
Furthermore, during the Trial of Frost, I’d learned through Cheshire that I was exactly Alice’s type. It was only natural that she viewed my appearance favorably.
“Enough of that for now.”
Alice glanced at Dorothy for a moment, then shifted her stance to look down at Luce and Kaya, who were visible below the railing.
“All right, since everyone is here, I’ll get straight to the point.”
Alice straightened her back and placed her hands behind her hips, a peculiarly kind smile gracing her lips. Compared to her seductive voice, her smile felt incredibly warm.
“By the authority of the Student Council President: Dorothy Heartnova, Luce Eltania, Kaya Astrea, and one other. All of you, please accompany me to the student council office.”
Alice gave the order in a friendly tone, mixing honorifics with informal speech.
“Let’s end this commotion here.”
With that single command from the Student Council President, the midnight chaos finally came to an end.
*
Blue bobbed hair curled like waves. A petite build. This was Ciel Carnedas, the third seat of Class A.
To her, Isaac was an unknown powerhouse.
She didn’t know if he was a monster wearing human skin or a next-generation Archwizard brimming with talent. However, since it seemed obvious he was protecting the academy, Ciel wanted to stay on his good side.
That was the only way she could safely graduate from Märchen Academy. The last thing she needed was for the school to be destroyed by something akin to a natural disaster.
Therefore, Isaac’s actions were one of Ciel’s few interests in life—even if it just meant listening to rumors and news about him.
It was a big deal for someone as usually disinterested as Ciel to expend so much energy paying attention to someone. It was highly unusual for her to be interested in a man, let alone chase after him.
‘This is…’
During the end-of-semester evaluation, Ciel had witnessed the top and second seats defending Isaac. And today, the confrontation between the two women over him had piqued her interest even further.
Luce, who tried to capture Isaac.
Kaya, who snatched Isaac away from Luce.
Luce, who stopped Kaya when she tried to kiss him.
Kaya, who ran away with him.
Luce, who even summoned the Thunderbird to chase them down…
‘Oh my God, this is so much fun…!’
How could anyone not want to see this through to the end? It was like a K-Drama coming to life!
Ciel had transformed her lightning bat familiar, Zabet, to its original size and secretly followed the trio on its back. She had watched the entire chase from start to finish. She had also witnessed the arrival of the famous second-year senior, Dorothy Heartnova, who had danced with Isaac earlier.
What a spectacular three-way confrontation between powerful women competing for the mighty Isaac! Ciel was utterly captivated. As expected, superior females were naturally attracted to superior males.
When she saw the student council entering the clock tower, she realized the situation had grown too large to ignore.
For a long time, Ciel could not take her eyes off the tower. Clearly, she had found a new obsession to pursue.
*
“Dorothy Heartnova, Kaya Astrea, Luce Eltania, and Isaac. All statements regarding the incident have been compiled. There are no contradictions. Additionally, Dorothy Heartnova and Rose Red Rivera will be referred to the disciplinary committee tomorrow afternoon.”
“Okay, you did a great job.”
Bartos Hall was a palace-like building located in the heart of Märchen Academy. It housed the academy’s central administration as well as the student council room.
Moonlight filtered through the curtains, and shaded lamps softly illuminated the luxurious, elegant office.
In the seat reserved for the Student Council President sat a woman with pale gold hair. She accepted a stack of reports from Erin, the Student Council Vice President standing beside her. Since they had come straight from the party, they were both still dressed in their formal attire.
“In the end, Dorothy caused an incident on the very day of the social gathering.”
“It was an excessive reaction, but it will be recorded as a standard response, correct?”
“As far as Razel is concerned, yes. Rose Red Rivera was also at fault, so we’ll see how the committee handles it.”
In truth, Alice Carroll was already certain that Dorothy would get off with a slap on the wrist.
Dorothy’s strategic value to Märchen Academy, paired with the fact that she had acted in self-defense to protect others, would be taken into account. Dorothy, a rare genius blessed by Lord Manhalla, was expected to reach the level of an Archwizard within a decade. Considering she would hold a degree from Märchen Academy, it was in the school's best interest to be lenient, even if it seemed unfair.
The benefits of Dorothy simply being enrolled were enormous. If she were severely punished, the academy's reputation would suffer, likely leading to an immediate loss of investors. It wasn't a risk the staff would ever take.
“More importantly, the issue lies with Razel Red Rivera.”
Erin continued her report. Razel was currently being treated, but he wouldn't stop shaking with fear. He was unable to give a testimony, acting as if he had been muzzled.
According to eyewitnesses, he had been fine even after the beating from Dorothy. Now, however, it seemed a deep trauma had taken root.
“Perhaps there was additional damage from someone else…”
It was unclear if anyone besides Dorothy was involved, but Alice suspected as much. It was highly likely that Luce Eltania was responsible for the extra damage—perhaps a personal vendetta.
Nevertheless, Alice didn't care about such trivialities. It was her creed never to dig into matters that didn't surface on their own.
“He was beaten by Dorothy; I suppose the trauma just hit him later. Honestly, doesn’t it make less sense that he was fine at first?”
“I suppose so.”
Alice took a sip of her tea, her tone friendly.
They moved on to the cases of Isaac, Luce, and Kaya. The Student Council had released them immediately after verifying the facts, as there was no reason to hold them.
“Well then, I’ll be leaving now.”
“You did great, Erin. Even with the event going on, you worked diligently.”
At Alice’s smile, Erin’s heart practically melted. Even in the middle of the night, Alice was as radiant as a goddess. She was admired by every student; her voice was elegant, her smile as warm as the sun. Her beauty was otherworldly, and her personality was beyond reproach. She was the definition of human perfection, handling her work with a flawless efficiency that was almost inhuman.
Every time Erin saw Alice, she couldn't help but feel a sense of worship.
“It’s nothing. You’ve worked hard as well, President. I’ll take my leave. Have a wonderful night.”
Erin smiled brightly, blushing as she bowed and left the room.
Silence filled the office.
Guooo—.
Shortly after, a flicker of ashen mana appeared, and a purple cat manifested on the reception table.
[Not a very fun ending, was it?]
It was a fat cat wearing a fedora—the Phantom Cat, Cheshire. He lay sideways on the table, vigorously scratching his behind.
“What wasn't?” Alice asked, her eyes never leaving the papers.
[You know, Dorothy. Don’t you think she only came along quietly because she was worried about other people getting hurt? That’s so lame. Don’t you agree, Alice?]
“If Dorothy truly resisted, no one could stop her. We should be grateful.”
Alice lifted her teacup, the steam rising from the black tea, without giving the cat a single glance.
The Phantom Cat stared at her for a moment before changing the subject.
[…Alice. What do you think of that kid, Isaac?]
Alice’s hand paused for a fraction of a second as she sipped her tea.
[He’s the one the great Dorothy opened up to. Isn’t that interesting? Also, that boy called out ‘Ice Element’.]
“…You suspect him, don’t you?”
[Alice, I feel like everything is moving according to the ‘disruptor’s’ plans. You should suspect everything, even the things that seem like nothing. Don’t you think?]
“Because of the report about an informant, the academy staff is on high alert. It’s best not to act rashly, especially since even the Imperial Knights have obtained that information,” Alice replied nonchalantly. “And… I don’t think the disruptor—someone so threatening I’d need to summon every Trump Paladin I have—would be a man so weak he’s constantly guarded and swayed by others.”
According to Professor Fernando Frost’s testimony from the first semester, the Black Monster was an Archwizard capable of using nine-star spells. Even if Alice summoned all the powerful Trump Paladins under her command, it was uncertain if she could defeat a monster of that caliber.
On the other hand, what about Isaac, the silver-blue-haired man she’d seen in the clock tower?
Beaten by Razel, protected by Dorothy, and chased by women… He was far too weak for Alice to believe he had any connection to the overwhelmingly powerful Black Monster.
“In the first place, it’s a mistake to use mere relationships to determine an identity. He looks like he’d be fun to play with, anyway. I wouldn’t be surprised if Dorothy was simply infatuated with him for that reason. There’s nothing strange about it.”
Alice continued with a calm expression, drinking her tea. Her voice held its usual kindness and maturity, but her words were cold.
The Phantom Cat sat up as if he’d heard something hilarious. The corners of his mouth pulled back into a grotesque grin.
[Now that you mention it… Alice, don’t you want to try being in love?]
The Phantom Cat lived for entertainment. In fact, he followed Alice’s ambition to end the world simply because it sounded like fun. If he could see his master—who seemed sweet but was pitch black on the inside—in a relationship, it would be the ultimate entertainment.
[As long as Dorothy is enjoying her youth, Alice shouldn’t be left behind, right?]
Cheshire taunted her, hoping for an amusing reaction.
“…You’re saying some ridiculous things.”
However, Alice answered without looking up from her paperwork, as if the idea wasn't even worth a thought. Instead, she simply took another sip of her tea.
[You’re so boring…]
With a look of pure boredom, the Phantom Cat slumped back onto the table, dejected by her lack of a reaction.