Survival 115

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“Wow, watching you fall all by yourself due to your own misunderstanding was quite a sight. Well observed.”

After the trial.

A recreated private meeting.

But the atmosphere was markedly different from before.

Ricky’s teacup trembled.

Feasting on his humiliation, I leisurely sipped my tea.

“It seems like the tea brewing skills are improving day by day.”

As if a fully bloomed flower was held in my mouth.

A rich aroma with just the right amount of nutty milk and sweet honey to mask the bitterness.

Truly, it was among the best teas I had ever tasted.

Bathory.

In fact, she might have been better suited to be a maid handling chores rather than a noble vampire.

Of course, I was the only one fully enjoying this.

The counterpart seemed to have no leisure for that.

“Ah, you didn’t add any sleeping potion to this tea, did you?”

“…It’s the tea your maid brought out.”

“Well, I have no knowledge of magic, and even if you added something in a unique way, I wouldn’t know.”

In the end.

Seeing Ricky’s face crumble in lost composure brought a satisfied smile to my face.

Thinking you could behave like this as a minor noble?

Of course, you can.

Right after the disciplinary trial.

Now more than ever, I hold the upper hand, not some prestigious earl or whatever.

“Speak your wish.”

“Me? What I want… I’d like an apology filled with sincerity from Lord Circleia.”

“Stop joking around. There must be a reason you called me here.”

He barely touched the tea to his lips.

With sunken eyes, he opened his mouth again.

“The authority to expel me rests in your hands. If you intended to exclude me, you wouldn’t have arranged this meeting.”

Truly a mage.

It’s hard to believe someone driven by such a thirst for research, who would kidnap me over it, could grasp the crux of the situation.

But.

“You’re well informed.”

“If your request is reasonable, I might consider…”

“Reasonable request? Intentions? Ha, it seems you haven’t grasped the situation yet, Lord Circleia.”

You should have been firm.

If you were going to bow, you should have knelt.

For a loser, pride might as well not exist.

His arrogance still shows he hasn’t realized his situation.

The expulsion declared by Professor Marks.

It sounds simple, but…

“Every noble must graduate from the academy,” according to imperial law, directly affecting his position as head of the family.

Unless Ricky has a brother, it’s a losing battle from the start.

Both he and I know this well.

One side wore a full smile.

And the other twisted a forced grin.

With lowered eyes, Ricky Circleia declared his surrender.

“I misspoke. Say whatever you want.”

“Right. Let’s discuss how to make a sincere apology.”

With his head bowed in dejection, the curly-haired male student. But does he have any cards left to play? Material compensation? His workshop has already been cleared out. Moreover, given the disciplinary trial has tarnished his family’s honor, support would be unlikely.

“Ahem. If you give me some time, I will arrange for some compensation.”

“…How much are we talking about?”

“Ahem. As a servant of the Duke of Speda, you should develop foresight. If I were to become the head of the household…” 

Well, it seems he does have some sense. There was no blatant blame for raiding the workshop, but he hinted at extending time, mentioned an overly optimistic future, and even subtly suggested an investment.

Ricky, now cut off from support, was vividly displaying the poverty of a researcher. Of course, it was just a temporary punishment from the Circleia family. Given his talents, they would likely take him back soon…

“I’m sorry, but I believe the sooner an apology is made, the better. If it’s not something I can receive immediately, it doesn’t really appeal to me.”

“Ahem…”

“I’ll pass on the material compensation. It must be tough just maintaining the workshop.”

“Is that so?”

“You’ll have to make up for it in other ways.”

Even if Ricky Circleia’s reputation has hit rock bottom, his skills haven’t vanished. The most useful way to utilize him was not through other means. Labor, his abilities in magic, ranking him practically first in the department, could be usefully applied in various places.

‘If you’ve done wrong, you ought to make up for it with your body.’

While skilled individuals are useful in any field, magicians belong to a higher class of workforce. They can twist reality to their will and achieve various tasks, even manifesting seemingly impossible feats.

I was already feeling a shortage. Although I was using Bathory and Elizabeth, Bathory couldn’t be utilized immediately due to the dean, and Elizabeth lacked skills beyond her invisibility magic.

‘The problem is, you never know where that guy might jump.’

The strongest magician among the students, capable of expertly handling all types of offensive magic. Definitely a useful workforce, but given his obsession with research, there was also a risk of impulsive actions like this time.

Therefore, someone needed to hold his leash.

-Knock knock.

Just then, the awaited knock sounded.

“Yes, come in.”

“Wait a minute! Weren’t we in the middle of a conversation? At least give me a hint of what you want…”

“Be quiet. Do you plan to disgrace yourself in front of the saint?”

Saint.

Probably the highest-grade material he could have hoped for, his mouth tightened into a straight line.

Soon, a flame of greed flickered deep within his eyes.

‘I had aimed for this, but it’s almost scary how direct it is.’

“There was already a guest here. It seems you and Lord Circleia haven’t finished talking, but I’ll leave you to it.”

Seeing Ricky sitting on the sofa, René could not hide her stiffening expression and naturally turned to leave.

Was this the influence of the disciplinary trial? Or because she was a player who had seen a sad ending? It was curious, but I wondered.

“No! In fact, having the saint here would facilitate our discussion, so please take a seat.”

“But…”

“Ah, I wonder if His Holiness is running short of offerings lately. I’ve heard rumors of blessings slipping away.”

Only after a semblance of threat did she sit down with a reluctant expression.

“Lord Byron, I hope you haven’t forgotten that we are allies.”

“How could I possibly forget?”

“Then, I would appreciate it if you would avoid the methods you’ve already used.”

Rene, however, seemed determined not to be just a victim, as she gave me an uncomfortable smile and voiced her displeasure.

“Perhaps it would be better to confess honestly to the Pope and repent. You never know.”

She was making it clear.

Your threats might annoy me, but they are not unbearable.

“…Haha, there won’t be any more of such issues. Actually, today I gathered us here to make a favorable proposal.”

Since I had no intention of making an enemy of the saint, I quickly patched things up.

But,

I really wonder.

Is this the inherent composure of the original protagonist who leads the story?

Or,

‘Is she also a person who’s been possessed?’

Of course, by her actions, she seems to fit the profile of an assertive K-drama female lead.

It’s just frustrating not being able to properly probe because my own identity and purposes must remain hidden.

“A favorable proposal?”

“Yes. Both in terms of justification and position. I thought there’s no one better suited than the saint to handle the disposition from the disciplinary trial.”

‘The disposition of the disciplinary trial.’

Even Ricky himself twitched at the mention.

“Interesting. You’re entrusting the saint with the disposition? Can you explain more?”

“Of course. It wouldn’t be a bad proposal for Lord Circleia either.”

-Flap.

I handed a piece of paper to both the saint and Ricky.

“What is this?”

“It’s a document imbued with a contract magic. It’s not the type that takes away all mana from the violator but simply sends an alarm to the other party if breached.”

That should be enough.

If the saint, now a witness, reports that Ricky Circleia did not properly follow through with the disciplinary trial’s punishment, his downfall is certain.

This level of penalty was necessary to properly hold his reins.

Of course.

“Please, take a moment to read it.”

How can I efficiently drain him to the marrow?

The content also perfectly encapsulates the essence of my considerations.

-Oh dear, please retract that crude smile. It’s terribly unbecoming of a contractor.

-How crude. Such a choice of words. Let’s just say I’m true to my desires.

Unknowingly, a thrill must have shown on my face.

As I waited for their reactions while bantering with a vampire sending telepathic messages from the shadows.

Especially,

I watched for the expression on Saint Rene’s face.

***

[Hans Byron is referred to as ‘A’, Ricky Circleia as ‘B’, and Rene as ‘C’.]

[‘B’ is the subject of the disciplinary trial’s punishment, under the surveillance of ‘A’ and ‘C’, and must comply with the terms of this contract.]

The passage seems to be from a fictional or gaming context, involving characters and a scenario with complex relations and obligations. 

“The illness can call upon the subordinate whenever it wishes, and as it is the superior party, the subordinate party. 

It’s the same here as it is in Korea with contracts.

After all, it’s only natural since ‘Under the Chandelier’ is a game made in Korea.

Even Ricky Circleia, who’s right next to Hans, can’t say he’s completely unaffected.

Rene, not overly concerned, looked more closely at the contract.

It wasn’t hard to understand.

[The superior party shall inform everyone that the subordinate’s punishment will be community service, giving him a chance to restore his honor.]

[The subordinate’s community service shall be on behalf of the Nepisa Order, with the illness certifying his community service.]

[The subordinate will lend his full strength when the superior and the illness wish it.]

All other explanations are mere formalities.

The last point about ‘full strength’ was immediately noticeable as the crux he desired.

“Community service, did I read that wrong?”

“You’ve read it correctly. Isn’t it a suitable way to atone for your sins?”

“No, it seems like you have other motives beyond just community service.”

Ricky was aware of this, hence the pushback.

Why push for community service when you want to use him whenever it suits you?

“Really, you’re making my mouth hurt, Mr. Circleia. You shouldn’t have any questions about the contract content. After all, you’re the subject of discipline.”

“…Ugh.”

“Rather, you should be grateful it ended like this. Who knows? Considering the symbolism of the Order, perhaps even your tarnished reputation could be restored.”

Only then did Rene understand the justification Hans had spoken of.

The sanctity of the Goddess Nepisa, the long history of the Order, and its life-valuing doctrine.

Certainly, no better organization could exist to embrace a mage who conducted biological experiments.

Moreover, Rene was also accepting Ricky Circleia, enhancing not only her influence but also greatly aiding the image of the Order itself.

But,

‘To use the Nepisa Order like this.’

Who would think of such a thing?

If a crazy game developer includes such a dark plot in a DLC, how on earth are you supposed to clear it?

It almost felt fortunate that the game became a reality.

While Rene was clicking her tongue, Ricky also realized this and reluctantly nodded his agreement.

“That’s true, it’s not bad for me.”

“Of course, it’s up to the Saintess to accept it.”

Naturally burdened with the decision, Rene fell into thought.

‘The only thing bothering me is getting involved with that psycho.’

It was true, though, that outright refusal also left some regret.

‘Ricky is… also the strongest force in the Department of Magic.’

Thanks to his performance in the entrance exam, he ranked second, dominating the top of the Department of Magic.

Rene knew her own situation well.

When it came to actual combat, she would be outmatched by Ricky.

She was specialized in support magic.

To explore the dungeons and opportunities that existed in the game, she desperately needed that ‘force’ to fight on her behalf, blessed by her.

And now, without any effort, to be able to pull him in as an ally.

“…The indoctrination should be handled by the Order. On behalf of the Nepisa Order, I accept this contract.”

“Hehe, what do you think? Does it feel like an alliance now?”

There was no denying it.

She had taken the most necessary action herself.

However, doubts remained. 

‘Why did he involve this side?’

He’s a man who can control Ricky at will through disciplinary trials. 

Even if he had excluded the order and commanded him, his perceived benefit wouldn’t have changed much,

‘…No, there’s no point in dwelling on it.’

He is in a position to gain.

Why bother asking and possibly reconsider his thoughts, wouldn’t it just be a loss?

What’s good is good.

With that decision, Rene kept her mouth shut.

*** 

“Hehe, it went as expected.”

“You really make things complicated.”

In the room, only Bathory remained after everyone had left.

She who had helped create the contract tilted her head and wondered,

“That contract, with its terms of superior and subordinate, and especially why involve a saint, what was the reason for that?”

I just smiled, without answering.

The contract was a masterstroke.

Seeing no reaction from her even after showing the Korean standard contract, it seemed she wasn’t the possessed saint.

Well, it wasn’t that there was no gain from it.

“Ahaha, probably the saint and Ricky had the same question.”

They didn’t ask because there was a benefit for them in it too.

And probably, it’s a reason they will never know in their lifetimes.

‘Well, I need to create connections with the male lead candidate.’

Though I’m also trying to break off Luciana’s engagement, just in case, the saint and the prince absolutely must not get involved.

One Oparn was not enough.

It’s standard to have multiple insurances.

Since Ricky Circleia is also a candidate for the male lead, it would be good to create a connection.

‘If it’s the saint, she might well reform Ricky in the process.’

It’s a sad ending.

Just make sure it doesn’t escalate too far while being observed.

“Tsk, what would Bathory know.”

“…What?”

“The budding romance between young men and women! And the exquisite emotions that spring from it! Hehe, it makes my mouth water just thinking about it.”

But I couldn’t say such a thing, so I just gave a vague response.

I hadn’t said anything incorrect.

My intention was to connect the saint and the male lead candidate.

“…Well, they can just make it up themselves.”

“Huh?”

“It’s nothing! I have things to sort out, I must go!”

Making the person who questioned her feel awkward, she quickly ran out of the room.

Her suspicious behavior was somewhat perplexing, but I let it be.

“Well, she’s left the place to herself. That’s good.”

Ricky’s unexpected actions had caused a slight delay.

But there were preparations to be made.

Soon it would be the prince’s coming-of-age ceremony.

An exceptional event held at the academy, a coming-of-age ceremony for the heir to the nation.

One of the few opportunities for outsiders to visit the academy.

As such,

“It’s a timing too vulnerable to terrorism.”

In the original work, it was also a time when heretics dreaming of world chaos were rampant.

I rummaged through the Anchor returned by Ricky and pulled out a magic stone.

“Ah, can you hear me?”

-…Who is it?

“Good to meet you, compatriot. Are you the sword demon?”

Towards the heretic I was about to meet, I whispered with a hint of laughter.

“How goes the preparation for attacking the academy?”

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