Survival 136

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-Scritch, scratch.

The sound of writing utensils echoed quietly in the lecture hall.

“Um, so…”

“Was it Professor Heidi? Please continue the class. I am here to learn as well.”

“Oh, yes! So, the former emperor…”

‘These transparent bastards.’

Startled by the changed attitude of the nobles, the professor repeatedly froze during the class, which was quite a sight.

This strange phenomenon stemmed from just one word.

From the mouth of Professor Marks.

“The midterm exam will be divided into a written test composed of essential general education subjects and a practical test involving duels between students. Based on the grades, classes and rankings will be rearranged accordingly, so please take note.”

Written test.

Upon hearing that the subjects they had neglected until now could affect their grades, the students all silently screamed.

Of course, this being an academy, it was a natural rule.

However.

‘Professor Marks has ignited the flames of grade supremacy.’

In reality, there was no significant practical difference between the second and third place ranks.

Just honor.

Or perhaps the hope of becoming the student council president.

But.

A professor who dared to ‘insult the crown prince’ right in front of them and yet was not punished.

The implication was simple.

Although it was a trivial ranking, at least within the academy.

The opportunity to stand above the nobles.

Or the chance to fall below the commoners.

The chance for ‘reversal.’

Nobles who had always been revered, as well as commoners who had clawed their way up, were all engulfed in this strange fervor.

With just that intangible reward, an unexpected wave of academic enthusiasm spread among the students.

‘It’s all pointless.’

I watched this and secretly clicked my tongue.

-Are you not studying?

-Cramming has many issues. I have been studying all along.

-For someone who claims that, you don’t seem to study much…

The reason I could remain relaxed despite Bathory’s criticism was simple.

Precisely, there was ‘no need to.’

The story, settings…all the details delved into while playing ‘Under the Chandelier’…

The experience from the game turned into the knowledge needed for the written exams here.

Is that all?

“If you are the personal attendant of the lady, you should master more perfect etiquette. Now, bow slightly, hands around your chest…”

In addition, I had received strict training from Yegor, the head attendant.

With this alone, taking the exams shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

Furthermore.

I had information that only I knew at this point in time.

‘In the first place, the practical side reflects more on the grades.’

With an impending catastrophe that could destroy the world, there’s no way they’d value bookish knowledge more.

In the end, what decided the ranks was not the knowledge in books but the experience in the field.

“Hans, would you like to spar after class? I need to loosen up a bit for the midterms.”

Yes.

Like Luciana, it would be more beneficial for grades to swing a sword a few more times.

However.

“I’m sorry.”

“Hm? Is there a problem?”

“There are things I need to prioritize handling first.”

…It would be a lie to say it’s not regrettable. 

To think I declined a date (in the form of a duel) personally offered by my favorite! 

Moreover, dueling with her would greatly help my lacking aura control, so it was indeed a shame to let it go. 

‘But, there is a more important task at hand.’ 

Yes. 

Luciana’s future is more important than my personal desires. 

There was something I absolutely needed to confirm for that. 

“…Hmm. You seem quite serious about this.” 

“Pardon?” 

“There’s no need to pretend. Well, your strength comes from unexpected variables, so if you reveal that while dueling me, it would certainly be a loss for you. I understand.” 

Luciana nodded to herself in satisfaction. 

I was more startled by her change in attitude. 

‘What kind of misunderstanding is this?’ 

Before I could correct her, she whispered confidently. 

“I’ve seen your determination to surpass me in the midterms. Go ahead and give it your all.” 

When I postponed the duel with her, I expected at least a bit of reproach. 

As expected of Luciana, she was a warrior full of competitive spirit and a commanding presence befitting her position. 

“I won’t be an easy opponent either. This will be an interesting exam.” 

If there was a problem… 

…I only aimed to be second place. 

Should I prepare for something? 

* * * 

-If the descendant of the warriors saw you now, she would be greatly disappointed. 

“Ahem!” 

I kept clearing my throat in response to Bathory’s reprimands echoing in my mind. 

-There is a deep meaning behind this. It’s all for Luciana, after all. 

-Indeed. You always act with intent, so I don’t doubt you. But… the appearance is somewhat… 

Tsk, tsk. 

At Bathory’s suspicion, I clicked my tongue and thought, 

‘How could a vampire who knows nothing of the human world understand the will of a king?’ 

Midterms? 

Of course, they are important. 

But more than the exam itself, there was a crucial element for me. 

That was the event derived from it. 

The so-called ‘Library Date.’ 

‘An event where potential male leads get involved with Rene while preparing for the exam. I need to see it with my own eyes.’ 

I already confirmed that she had no intention of getting involved with the crown prince by observing her affiliation with the third prince’s faction. 

But just in case. 

In typical romance games or visual novels, things often progress regardless of the heroine’s wishes. 

Even if you blatantly choose the ‘leave me alone’ option, it often leads to the ‘You’re the first to reject me!’ development, which is a cliché in Korea. 

‘If she gets involved with the crown prince here, it would be the worst-case scenario.’ 

The decisive factor in Luciana’s downfall. 

The union of the crown prince and Rene must be cut off from the beginning to eliminate any possibility. 

‘Moreover, even if that’s not the case, I need to confirm the saintess’s partner.’ 

Rene is the protagonist who leads to the game’s ending. 

Depending on which male lead she interacts with, the recommended development route changes completely due to the different stats that can be raised. 

For example, if she interacts with mages like Ricky or Luke, she becomes a complete support-type mage. 

If she interacts with swordsmen like Oparn or Theodore, she becomes a holy knight who uses magic and engages in melee combat. 

‘I need to confirm this to plan what to do next.’

To support her with relics suitable for that tech at the right time. 

Rene, too, had just finished her class and was seated in a corner of the library. 

-Just asking, but have you developed an interest in that saintly girl? You already have several people you’re emotionally involved with; I’m deeply concerned you might overextend yourself. 

-No, how could that be? There’s no way I’d have any interest in a user of holy power, who is practically the nemesis of demons. 

-For someone who says that, your methods are quite impure. Asking Ellie to cast an invisibility spell on you and spying like this. 

I clicked my tongue at Bathory’s sharp words today. 

‘It’s understandable to misunderstand.’ 

A perfect stalker. 

Bathory, who watched my actions from the shadows, sounded colder than usual. 

But just from my usual interactions with the saint, it should be clear that I have no feelings for her… 

-You need to reflect a bit. As the king of doppelgangers who feeds on emotions, how is it that you are so… 

-Shh! Please be quiet for a moment! 

I had no time to listen to Bathory’s complaints. 

Finally. 

Someone had approached the desk where Rene was sitting. 

‘Now, who could be the protagonist of this library date?’ 

[You still seem unfamiliar with noble etiquette. Each action has its meaning. Placing your hand on your chest, as seen in this book, means offering your heart, often used to express loyalty or love.] 

The considerate tycoon ‘Luke,’ who teaches essential etiquette under the guise of ‘investment’? 

[Magic becomes stronger when limited in output. There’s a significant difference in efficiency. Even for you, who lacks a core, it should not be too different. I will help, so try it later.] 

The ‘grumpy genius’ Ricky, who teaches his specialty, magic, to satisfy academic interest? 

[You want to learn physical combat? Without aura, it’s a bit inefficient, but… if Rene wants it, I can’t refuse.] 

The ‘from friend to lover’ Oparn, who builds a bond based on their commoner background while teaching martial arts? 

Or the ‘straightforward, exotic charmer’ Theodore Treja, who boasts unique Eastern charm? 

“Ah, you’ve arrived!” 

“Trusting one’s subordinates is also a virtue of a ruler. If a close aide calls, I should naturally come.” 

The one she greeted so warmly was none of the people I predicted. 

Now, a rather familiar blue hair. 

‘I’m not well-versed in the third prince, as he is a DLC character.’ 

His strengths lie in reading trends and smooth talking. 

He had no remarkable prowess in combat. 

Mage? Warrior? 

No, given he remains in Class B, his abilities don’t seem outstanding. 

Either way, it’s not a good decision for growth. 

The saint’s growth is essential for the ending, not a choice. 

Just when I thought of calling her aside to give advice before it was too late. 

“Saint? I heard you called me regarding negotiations with Brother Hans…” 

A familiar voice snapped me out of my thoughts. 

“I didn’t expect a member of the royal family. My apologies.” 

“No, it’s fine. I heard you’re a mercenary favored by Hans Byron. Please have a seat. Since it’s come to this, we might as well prepare for the exam together.” 

Should I say he had the demeanor of a ruler who embraces allies? 

The third prince good-naturedly invited Oparn to study together. 

‘Hmm, indeed, Oparn is quite useful.’ 

Although controlling a holy knight is difficult due to close combat requirements, the potential is very high. 

Having used him well to see the ending myself, it seemed the saint was effectively progressing the main story.

If the third prince and Oparn joined forces, it would yield a good result. 

It didn’t take long for me to realize that this was a misconception. 

“Saint, regarding the help from last time…” 

Something. 

“I expected to be worked hard as a penalty from the disciplinary trial, but to be taught magic?” 

Something was off. 

“Lady Rene? You seem to have quite a few visitors.” 

“Oh, come on in. Ahem.” 

Even the eloquent third prince seemed flustered by the increasing number of people, stumbling over his words. 

“Alright! Since we have experts from various fields gathered, shall we get started?” 

The saint, smiling brightly, had finally called together all the other main male characters from the original story, excluding the crown prince. 

At the sight, Bathory conveyed my bewildered thoughts through telepathy. 

-…Is she really a saint? She looks fine on the outside, but she’s nothing like the saint I know.”

* * * 

“Hmph. Things are going better than expected.” 

[Goal Exceeded] 

[Additional Reward] 

[…] 

Rene’s heart soared at the performance report displayed in the status window before her eyes. 

There was no need to turn Luciana into an enemy, and she had gained favor with the potential male leads. 

‘At this rate, I might see an ending I’ve never seen before.’ 

She hummed a tune and, with a lighter step, was about to return to her dormitory. 

“Wait a moment.” 

A familiar, yet colder than usual, voice called out from behind her. 

“L-Lord Byron. Haha, what brings you here? If it’s not urgent, I have things to attend to as well….” 

It was unsettling. 

Despite his handsome appearance befitting a game character, her instinct told her they were completely incompatible. 

Moreover, today he seemed even more irritable. 

“For someone busy, you were happily chatting with the noble sons and even my mercenary earlier.” 

Hans Byron’s tone grew colder, and she swallowed hard. 

Indeed, fitting for the subordinate of the cold-hearted mid-boss. 

He spoke again, icily. 

“Know your place and act accordingly. Even if you were chosen as a saint by the gods, you are still a commoner. Do you think it’s proper etiquette to have the sons of various noble factions meet in front of the third prince?” 

‘Oh no.’ 

She knew the implicit rules and factional seriousness among nobles. 

Even though she was the protagonist, it might have been too much to gather the potential male leads and ask them to teach her. 

Seeing her former ally act so coldly, she realized she had crossed a significant line. 

But. 

-You fool. Why regret what’s done? Can you change it? 

Recalling a voice from the past, 

Rene straightened her back and steeled her heart. 

What would the protagonist of the original story do in such a situation? 

Facing injustice trying to control her actions under the guise of authority… 

…How about etiquette?” 

…Surely, she would have stood up confidently like this. 

“What?” 

“Etiquette, blah blah. I don’t know much about the order among nobles. But there’s one thing I do know for sure.” 

Imitating the protagonist she had seen was not that difficult.

Rene placed her hand on her waist. 

With her chest held high, she took a step towards the villain. 

“Sir Treja was delighted just to discuss martial arts with Oparn. 

“Sir Circlaire was full of passion exploring directions outside of circle magic with me. 

“Sir Luke was satisfied with informing the church and the royal family about the danger of the World Tree.” 

In a gathering where everyone was content. 

She turned the tables, asking if he had come just to quibble over etiquette. 

“…You certainly have a sharp tongue.” 

“Thank you for the compliment.” 

“But, you should also be mindful of others’ perceptions.” 

Tapping his foot, he did not ease the pressure on her. 

“What do you think the outside world sees when they look at you? It’s more than enough to cause unnecessary misunderstandings.” 

Oh, the worries. 

She tempered her thoughts before responding to the overly concerned man. 

“Goodwill between people can’t be hindered by mere honor.” 

“Huh? That’s some overconfidence. Do you really think those men have any affection for you, who holds only the title of a saint?” 

“I sought friendship, but there’s no reason they couldn’t have genuine feelings.” 

“You really don’t know your place. Do you believe noble men would truly give their hearts to you?” 

“That’s how flirting works. Barriers of status or honor are minor issues in comparison. Nobility, huh. If someone is sincere, they can overcome even being a member of the royal family!” 

Recalling the bond she shared with the third prince. 

She confidently voiced her opinion again. 

“Is that all you wanted to say? If so, I’ll take my leave.” 

As expected of a DLC boss. 

Throwing such a hurdle in what seemed like an easy romance. 

Still. 

‘I think I handled it well enough without backing down. Geez, he’s tough for an ally.’ 

With nothing more to say, Rene walked past him, inwardly smiling in victory. 

“…Flirting?” 

His question was drowned out by a sudden strong wind, leaving her unable to hear it properly.

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