Survival 119

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“Alright, let’s start the meeting,” I declared solemnly, and the lone attendee responded with enthusiastic approval.

“Good. The topic is obviously about that damned Crown Prince, right?”

“You were the one who backed out earlier, citing blasphemy.”

“Hmph. I only took your words into consideration. It’s just the two of us here, what face to save? Go ahead, arrest me for blasphemy, you parasite.”

As expected of Elizabeth. Even compared to Kerzo, she was no less a fanatic.

Of course, unlike that dreary group, her pink hair shimmered beautifully. Even to me, she appeared quite picturesque.

However, the only things overflowing between these affectionately seated fiancés were intense camaraderie and a desire for revenge.

“Shall we get to the main point? The topic for this meeting is how we can spoil the upcoming coming-of-age ceremony of Garon Manhett.”

“Hehe, it’s time to make him pay for the disrespect he showed to Lucy.”

Enthusiasm overflowed in their eyes. The cause was the rumor that had spread since lunch. The Crown Prince had openly rejected Luciana’s proposal in front of half the students.

“Could it be that Lady Speda is already disliked by His Highness the Crown Prince?”

“If there’s discord already between the engaged…”

“Speda did overstep her bounds.”

But as the saying goes, the higher a bird flies, the more jealousy and envy it draws, yet it was downright vile.

The atmosphere at the academy changed instantly with just one move from the Crown Prince. Yet despite the mostly slanderous rumors, he made no response. It was essentially an endorsement.

“That’s why I’m so angry. The word ‘fiancé’ is too good for him.”

“Exactly! Does royalty take engagement so lightly? If you start something, at least take care of the aftermath!”

Elizabeth pounded her fist on the desk in front of her.

“So, any sharp ideas?”

She then shot a fierce look at me. Though she was momentarily led by her emotions, she was a noble and a merchant by birth. With a grim expression wrought by her cold, analytical judgment, she frowned.

“The opponent is the Crown Prince, the de facto second in line for the imperial power, promised the next emperor’s throne. It’s hard to think of a way to harm someone like that.”

Elizabeth muttered Luciana’s name with a weary look in her eyes. She must have reached this conclusion after much deliberation.

However, ultimately trapped within the confines of nobility, she was of little help in coming up with a good plan.

“Tsk, your loyalty and affection for Lady Luciana are lacking.”

“What?! And what brilliant plan have you come up with?”

“Hehe, have you forgotten who I am?”

Of course. A noble lady like you couldn’t possibly imagine such radical measures.

As I scooped a spoonful of tea leaves into the dark crimson tea, it quickly turned a deep brown. Yet, as if it had always been that color, it naturally blended together.

“Ironically, a coming-of-age ceremony requires preparations in various areas. It’s a perfect opportunity for outsiders to mix in.”

“…You don’t mean.”

I showed her a faint smile.

“Isn’t it just the right moment for an incident to occur?”

“You’re completely mad. The opponent is the Crown Prince. No matter how much money you throw around, there will be no takers. What, are you going to summon demons?”

“What are you talking about… The Speda family has a strong foothold in the north, how could you say that? There are more people out of the ordinary among humans than you think.”

“But, there will be golems, and the guard will increase…”

I gave Elizabeth a confident smile amidst her confusion.

This is the power of a god.

The impenetrable guards of the Crown Prince? The principal’s golem, a symbol of the academy? Those who have armed themselves with faith and lost their fear are not a problem.

“Hehe, this will prove that I am a more helpful existence to Lady Luciana.”

No matter how fiercely she glared at me with silent, intimidating eyes.

Reality won’t change.

I sent a sly smile towards Elizabeth’s sharp eyes.

“Tch, I hate to admit it, but thanks to you, I’ve also come up with a good idea.”

“Oh? Indeed, as befits the capable second assistant of Lady Luciana. May I hear what the method is?”

“Who’s the second one!”

She roared, seemingly regretting her outburst immediately, and soon coughed to cover it up.

“Ahem. The point is, you’re talking about leading a force to raid the academy, right?”

“Exactly. Well, it might cause a bit of chaos. It would be even better if it sends chills down the spine of the Crown Prince.”

That alone would be insufficient.

To create an unfortunate incident at the coming-of-age ceremony, a definitive wedge was needed.

‘I might have to step in if necessary.’

There won’t be a second attempt, as security will be tightened.

This is the only chance.

As I fiddled with a golden mask in my pocket, I met Elizabeth’s gaze.

“So, what is this good idea of yours?”

While she might be second to me, she’s also a capable figure, not to be underestimated.

“Listen up. Make sure you pass this properly to the madmen you’ll be hiring.”

Soon, the plan she shared was…

“Huh.”

“What do you think? Not bad, right?”

What’s the point in saying anything else.

Good.

It’s not just good, it’s insanely brilliant.

“Then I’ll contact you at the right moment with a communication crystal.”

“Then I’ll get Lucy to…”

Brainstorming, after all, works best when you hit heads with the right person, spilling more great ideas.

In that sense, she and I were quite in sync as colleagues.

“…so if we do ⋯-“

“No. Given Lady Luciana’s personality, rather-“

-…how long are you planning to continue this armchair theory? It’s already night!

Our deep conversation between two fanatics continued.

Until Bathory’s sharp remark sprang out from the shadows.

***

-Bam.

-Dong. Doo-dong.

The sound of trumpets and drums filled the sky above the academy.

Frowning at the noise, Elizabeth looked beside her.

“His Highness the Crown Prince.”

Luciana quietly murmured to her partner, her gaze fixed on the front of the procession.

“Ha ha, many have come to celebrate my birthday. I must express my gratitude.”

The owner of the dignified footsteps was soon to be the star of this event.

The Crown Prince brushed back his blue hair.

“…A fabric woven from the spiderwebs of southern Arachne. How extravagant.”

Through the eyes of a merchant, the Crown Prince was flawless. As befits the most noble bloodline of the empire, his attire and ornaments, even down to the hand gestures he made to the audience and his march. Truly a display of splendor and nobility. These adjectives seemed engraved on his entire being.

However, the issue was that this warmth did not reach her only idol.

Her eyes, as if sculpted by a master craftsman of the century, harbored a chill and had hardened.

“…He doesn’t even turn his head this way.”

“Lucy…”

Luciana could have been called his childhood friend without any objection. Everyone would admire her noble presence. Even now, she watched everyone without a hint of disarray.

But to Elizabeth’s eyes, her inner thoughts were transparent. A sense of responsibility towards both families. Doubts about the treatment of a fiancée. …And a sense of disillusionment with the current situation.

Her proud sun seemed diminished.

“Let’s go back, Liza. It seems my presence is somewhat discomforting to His Highness.”

-Crack.

She firmly grabbed Luciana’s hand as she tried to leave.

“Where are you going?”

“Well. Maybe back to my room for some tea time? Just you and me, with Hans serving the tea.”

Tea time alone with Luciana. The idea briefly appealed to her, but it was inconvenient now. He would likely be busy adjusting stage equipment.

Elizabeth, her arms crossed, grumbled poutingly.

“Ugh. He’s my fiancé, but honestly, his tea is terrible.”

“I fully agree with that. He’s certainly a capable servant, but his tea leaves something to be desired.”

“Let’s go to a café nearby. I know a place with decent cookies.”

Not far from the Crown Prince’s coming-of-age ceremony parade, the café continued their endless conversation. Though it took some effort to find topics that would engage Luciana, the conversation soon flowed warmly.

“…He often does such absurd things, it’s really troublesome. Like that time with the Count of Circleia…”

“Mm. All true. I can relate.”

As is human nature, when two out of three gather, they inevitably share grievances about the absent one. Consequently, as a result of gossiping for a while about Elizabeth’s fiancé and Luciana’s servant, it seems they managed to lighten their worries a bit.

Seeing Luciana’s brightened complexion, Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief.

“Liza, if you don’t mind, may I ask you something?”

During their conversation, which she usually led, she suddenly threw out a question.

“Of course. We’re friends, aren’t we?”

Uncharacteristically cautious, Luciana looked around briefly before speaking.

“Does he seem troubled?”

“Troubled?”

“You were quite forcefully engaged to him as well. …Yet it seems our situations are quite different, so I asked.”

‘So that’s what she meant by troubled.’

Even here, Luciana carefully wrapped the Crown Prince’s rude behaviors with caution.

For a moment, it seemed okay. Yet, shadows of deep concern soon shaded her features.

But even this gloom shimmered darkly, enchanting enough to bewitch anyone.

As her idol displayed a rarely seen sadness, Elizabeth gaped, dumbfounded.

“No, forget it. That was a foolish question.”

“No, it’s about Hans.”

At Luciana’s evasion, Elizabeth’s mind snapped alert, and she quickly pondered as she cradled her cheek.

‘What should I say? Showing a troubled appearance? He’s actually someone who makes things easier for me.’

Soon, Elizabeth found an answer, looking sorrowfully into her teacup with a spoonful of empathy added.

“Sometimes I’m disappointed. After all, he mostly doesn’t respond to my advances.”

“…Oh?”

“I think he does a wonderful job looking after Lucy, but it would be a lie to say I’m not a bit upset.”

‘What I actually meant was for him to leave Lucy alone.’

“His habit of slipping away, often subtly pushing me out, was infuriating.”

“That was wrong of Hans.”

“Right? That’s what I think too.”

A fervor not quite hidden flickered in Elizabeth’s eyes.

Luciana, perfect in herself, was a good listener. With her beautiful appearance, how could one not be excited to talk when she paid attention to their stories?

However.

“I’m satisfied with this much. After all, he is a noble.”

“That doesn’t answer it. What does that matter?”

“An engagement between families is just that. Even if only one side loves, the other must respond out of obligation. At least he’s been faithful to me.”

Elizabeth Frontal always recognized this.

The position she held was not entirely her own. The wealth and glory she enjoyed were her father’s, and the status she displayed was that of the Frontal family.

Hans Byron was the same. Unlike the selfish Crown Prince, he complied with the order among nobles. That’s why he accepted the engagement proposal and, when necessary, played the role of the fiancé perfectly.

‘Well, he is a bit special.’

Considering that the real identity of the Frost Mane was a demon, perhaps it was more accurate to say he adapted and even manipulated things to his taste.

Those days of being horribly manipulated…

‘This isn’t the time for this.’

Elizabeth pushed aside the unpleasant thoughts and looked at her idol across from her with a warm smile.

“Don’t worry too much. Someday the Crown Prince will realize the reality and turn to you…”

Suddenly, Elizabeth stopped her advice and froze.

“…Hmm? Liza, why stop mid-sentence?”

Elizabeth was both a merchant and a noble. With vast experience in social gatherings and negotiations, she was adept at uncovering others’ thoughts and emotions. And she prided herself on it.

At least she could usually sense the mood of her close friend.

The image of Luciana that appeared in her eyes…

-Kwaang!

Before she could continue her thoughts, a loud explosion rang out from outside the cafe.

“Aaah!”

“Liza, are you okay?! What is this…! Who dares use explosive magic in this academy!”

-Kwa-kwang!

Any guess that it was merely an accident was quickly buried under the sounds of successive explosions.

“Smash everything and take it!”

“Show these nobles a lesson!”

“Oh, a calamity has come!”

After a series of explosions, human screams filled the streets anew.

Through the broken café windows, rioters could be seen smashing the academy’s shops and people running away, pale with fear.

The sound of trumpets and drums had long since stopped being heard. It was clear that these rioters were targeting the parade, even with a bit of thought.

“…! The Crown Prince is in danger.”

“Yes, exactly! Lucy, we must hurry after him!”

“Damn. Why isn’t Hans answering his communicator now!”

Elizabeth glanced furtively at her. It was a sorry sight, Luciana clutching her communicator so tightly it might break.

-Lady Elizabeth. You may now let go of the protagonist.

He was currently in enthusiastic communication with her.

-The false protagonist of Act 1 fades away! The real curtain of Act 2 opens! All lights and chandeliers should now shine upon our great Lady Speda, the awaited moment has arrived!

Though it was through the communicator, the voice of the demon revealing its hidden madness could be heard.

Unconsciously, Elizabeth wrapped her arms around herself.

-Now, you who serve the calamity, prove your loyalty! Bring chaos with your lives!

‘He’s really stirring up a big mess.’

He truly is mad.

To think the external cooperation group was, of all things, that notorious Disaster Cult.

‘How does this damned demon plan to clean this mess up?!’

At the end of Elizabeth’s pale gaze, in the distance.

Waaaaah!!!

The earlier sounds of trumpets and drums were insignificant compared to this.

With the real signal of terror, the rioters’ cheers blasted through the academy streets.

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