Chapter 99

Chapter 99

Student Council President Election (12)

I flicked the chess piece shaped like a horses head with the tip of my index finger. It was a knight, symbolizing cavalry. Pressing down on the top of the upright piece, it began to tilt diagonally if pushed with some force. As my fingers kept tilting the piece at the brink of falling, it eventually did fall over with the sound of a click, rolling across the chessboard. And so, the knight fell in battle, a sacrificial pawn for a strategic exchange.

Princess Phoenia, who sat alone by the window manipulating the chess pieces, sighed softly. With a swift movement, she gathered her platinum blonde hair and tied it up only to let it cascade down once again as she let out a deep and exaggerated sigh. She was in a melancholic mood.

The news brought to her by Captain Claire of the Royal Guard was the causea report on the death of Ed Rothtaylor. Though the full details were not yet clear, preliminary investigations by the academy suggested that his death was likely an assassination orchestrated by the Rothtaylor familys own influence.

How did things end up this way?

Ed Rothtaylor and she perhaps the term a relationship of love and hate would be closest to describing it. Yet, even that wasnt quite accurate. To put it more precisely, it was Princess Phoenia who owed an emotional debt to Ed Rothtaylor.

Upon hearing of his death, she couldnt help replaying their past encounters in her mind. Their first meeting had not been auspicious, and more often than not, they had been at odds. If she could ask the late Ed Rothtaylor what he thought of her, he would likely recount them as uncomfortably incompatiblewith her being a thorn in his side to no small degree.

Yet, Princess Phoenia was no ordinary individualshe was the sublime Third Princess of the Clorel Empire. Comparing her status to that of Ed Rothtaylor, who was reduced to a commoner after his expulsion, would be an understatement, like comparing the heavens to the earth.

For her to be wrought with grief over news of Ed Rothtaylors death seemed peculiarwhat was their relationship in the end to cause such despondence? Nevertheless, for Princess Phoenia, who always held doubts about the Rothtaylor family Eds escape from that fence had its significance. He was certainly not someone who deserved such a futile death.

Determined to resolve the tangled threads of their relationship, she had canceled most of her pending engagements, even rushing through others, intent on finding time for a proper conversation with him.

But now, that scheduled meeting was tomorrow, and the Rothtaylor family did not wait for Princess Phoenia.

-Crack.

Suddenly, she heard the sound of teeth gritting, startlingly realizing it was her own. Sitting still by the window, not doing anything but fiddling with the chessboard, she looked no better than a defeated hunting dog. What are all the accolades and love from her people worth if she continuously fails to act on her own convictions?Alll latest novels at novelhall.com

Every time Princess Phoenia attempted to exercise her royal duties, nothing ever seemed to pan out as she intended. The love she received from the public was not because she actively wielded power or lobbied for influence, but simply because she didnt. Unlike her sisters, who contested the throne and pushed forward with their convictions despite public opinion, Phoenia lacked the drive to assert her own authority.

Political decisions are often double-edged swords. Gaining something invariably means losing something else, and more often than not, such decisions required sacrifices. She pictured Ed Rothtaylors figure overlapping with the fallen knight on the chessboard.

Although their initial encounter was far from promising, Ed Rothtaylor had slowly proven his worth. If he were alive, he might have been a remarkable individual, not just a pawn of his familys influence.

Yet his death seemed all the more meaningless now.

Opportunities had existed for Princess Phoeniato listen to him, to mend the rift between them, to swallow her pride and deepen their connection. A hectic schedule, petty pride, and repeatedly dashed confidence had barred her from pursuing them.

Realizing this too late, she had frantically cleared her backlog of duties in preparation for their meeting. Still, the cruel edge of fate had been swifter. It was a failure beyond excuse, and she could never free herself from the burden of guilt.

Turning to her desk, she saw an array of documents, all gathered in her ambition to become the student council president of the Sylvania Academy. It was a feeble power compared to that of the Clorel Royal Family, insignificant as a fingernail, but within the walls of Sylvania, it would have been her own sphere of influence, independent of royal backing.

That was Princess Phoenias initial aspirationnot to end as a mere Third Princess, reliant on royal favor, but to carve her own position as president of the Sylvania Academys student council.

I should not seek to hold power

She murmured this realization softly, her eyes losing their spirit.

Knock, knock.

There was a knock at the door.

She granted permission to enter, and the door slowly creaked open, revealing Captain Claire, accompanied by Tanya Rothtaylor, soaked and muddied, panting heavily.

*

The setting was the central hall of the Ophelius Mansion.

The rain had nearly stopped, and the stars could be glimpsed between the clouds. The situation had somewhat settled. The individuals frozen by Lucys time imprisonment spell had been left as they were, as those aware of Eds survival needed time to coordinate their story.

The evacuated Ophelius Mansion was now quiet. Although some students might have remained, none were visible. Even the junior maids who had been aiding in the evacuation seemed to have departed completely.

It had been a swift development. Despite the lack of time for proper response, the elite staff had managed a 15-minute student evacuation, likely reporting the incident to the faculty wing.

Good everyone is here

The living quarters were not as close to the faculty wing as one might expect. If they were just receiving reports of the incident now, it would take at least ten minutes to arrive even if they hurried.

With time in short supply, it was crucial to convey the essentials quickly, but the state of those gathered was far from normal.

First, Clevius was unconscious, propped up against a column with the help of Elvira. Elvira sat beside Clevius, silently observing, clearly exhausted and curious about the circumstances.

Zix was meanwhile apologizing to Yenika in a corner, his demeanor uncharacteristic as he bowed profusely. Yenikas cheeks were flushed with anger as Zix seemed to have said something inappropriate.

As for Lortelle, they were in another corner, hands covering their face as if caught in their own drama.

What are you up to, Lortelle?

After straightening his coat and recomposing himself, Lortelle smiled widely at Ed.

I knew you would be okay, Senior Ed.

Yeah. Sorry to have worried you like that.

No need. Worrying, I mean. If you think about it, its obvious Senior Ed wouldnt die so easily. Remember you taught me that magical device pattern the Delheim Hourglass that helps preserve life was among them.

Lortelle added with a grin,

A merchant must always maintain composure and reason. Despite shocking news, it is essential not to lose ones cool mind. Right, Zix?

Zix, still sweating profusely next to Yenika, failed to respond at first.

Right, Zix?

Uh umm

Right, Zix?

Yes Lortelle has always been unflappable

Picking up on the silent pressure, Zix rubbed his face as he spoke.

Zix, who had been watching them with arms crossed, gulped down his saliva. The scene before him was even more captivating than the gladiatorial matches they used to watch together in the Islan mansion. And it wasnt from a distant seat but a front-row view. Just as Zix was about to settle into his spectators spot with a Hooh

Um~.

Elvira, who had been sitting quietly beside the fainted Clevius, broke the silence.

Arent we running out of time?

Indeed, the group had no time to waste.

Despite Ed having survived, they could not yet announce this fact. They briefly explained the situational urgency:

They had to apologize to Clevius and Elvira,

find the runaway Tanya,

prepare their testimonies for questioning by the academy officials,

and once all was settled, Ed had to leave immediately.

Zix slapped his knee in disappointment, but he knew Elvira was right.

Thats right. We should quickly proceed with the conversation first, seniors.

*

Ah!

Clevius opened his eyes to find himself at the edge of the Ophelius Mansions entrance.

His body still ached from the beating he received from Lucy. It seemed that he had been half-healed alreadyless of a medical treatment and more of a direct magical intervention.

Propping himself up, he took in his surroundings and realized Elvira was sitting quietly behind him.

What! What happened!

He felt his bodys wounds less severe and they had been attended to. Not by medicine or first aid supplies, but by direct magical healing.

Fumbling with his shoulder, he found some of Elviras long orange curls sticking to him.

The situation suggested that he had spent quite some time lying with his head in Elviras lap.

What are you making such a fuss for, you silly Clevius?

Whats going on? Am I dead? Well, with that mess I made, it wouldnt be surprising if I died stupidly!

Stop being so noisy, already. Just sit over there. Ive heard everything, so Ill fill you in on the story.

The rain had stopped completely. Under the night sky, a large, round moon claimed the heavens.

Clouds had passed, leaving the sky void and clear, stars scattered across it like salt. Illuminated by their light, Clevius and Elvira sat quietly under the garden tree, looking up.

Youre just going to have to testify that you stopped Lucy.

What? Me? How could I have possibly stopped that monster!

Stop complaining. Everyone agreed to stick to that story, and Ill explain everything later

Elvira firmly gripped Cleviuss hair, eliciting a painful squirm from him as she pulled him back down onto her lap.

Just rest for now.

But what are you doing! Ah

Complaining that the situation was not comfortable, Clevius tried to get up despite his injuries. Elvira, however, pushed his nose down firmly.

It was unexpected when Lucy sincerely bowed her head in apology for smashing the magical apparatus and beating up Clevius. She was the one who provided him with emergency treatment.

In addition, she had somehow secured a promissory note from the Elte Trading Company for compensation and confidentiality, claiming they were short on cash now but would generously compensate laterLortelle even stood as guarantor for this deal, which surprised Elvira.

As for the personal circumstances of Ed Rothtaylor, who was hunted by his family, it wasnt incomprehensible to her.

Elvira considered explaining all the intricate details, but decided that making sure Clevius was comfortable was the more immediate concern.

After a few struggles, Clevius gave up against Elviras insistent hands and lay still.

In the ensuing silence, Clevius firmly pressed his hands against his eyes.

Suddenly it strikes me just starting over makes me think all this is pointless

Under the now-clear sky, he looked up from Elviras lap, biting his teeth as he spoke.

Life really is a bitch.

Clevius knew this all too well, experientially.

Complaining before Elvira would only result in being scoldedas usualto stop whining.

However, Elvira merely smirked and continued to gaze up at the night sky with him.

Elviras life hadnt been smooth sailing either. As the troublesome Anis girl constantly meddled with by her sisters, a dropout from the Alchemy Society, and now the head of Sylvania Alchemy Department.

She considered recounting her troubles but decided it would seem petty.

So, she just quietly said,

Youre right, Clevius.

Before the academy officials arrived, the two lay looking up at the stars for some time.

The formerly looming clouds were nowhere in sight, leaving a clear sky that filled their view.

The vast starry sea was far away, but the brilliance of its light was clear and certain to their eyes.