Chapter 100

Chapter 100

Election Season for the Student Council President, Part Two (1)

The academys scholars gathered in Nail Hall, the largest of the three buildings constituting the student union. The scale of the disciplinary committee was quite sizable. According to the academys regulations, Headmaster Obel Porcius had to attend, but with his schedule packed due to dealing with numerous incidents centered around the faculty buildings, he was unable to join and the vice-principal, Rachel, presided as his representative. The committees main agenda was to review disciplinary actions for Lucy Mayrill, who had damaged property in Ophelius Hall, causing a number of students to evacuate.

All facts regarding the incident are now clear, concluded the senior professor of monstrology, Flurban, who had been the highest-ranking faculty member on duty at the time of the incident.

Vice-Principal Rachel, wrapped in an alchemists robe adorned with elaborate gold trim, sat at the head of the meeting table, listening intently to Flurbans report. She was an elderly woman, nearly celebrating her sixtieth birthday. Though her experience and tenure surpassed Headmaster Obel, she sat as vice-principal because her scholarly accomplishments and magical abilities fell short of his. Of course, she had no complaints since she was a staunch meritocrat. In her value system, it was only natural that the more capable person should hold a higher position.

Um

And there, sitting at the student section of the disciplinary board, was Lucy Mayrill, looking blankly into the void, a student second to none in ability. Top of her class and grade, she was none too modestly considered the top student of the entire academy. Even most professors had to bow to her formidable magical prowess.

Lucy Mayrill was the pride and symbol of the Sylvania academy and their trump card when engaging in power struggles with external organizations or other educational institutions. No student representative from any other institution could hope to compare with her.

In a way, Lucy was a pillar upholding the external dignity of the Sylvania academy.

Expulsion cant even be considered

Upon reflection, her actions hardly warranted the severity of expulsion. Upon hearing the news of Ed Rothtaylors death, Lucy had lost her senses and rushed to Ophelius Hall to personally punish Tanya, accused of orchestrating the murder. In the process, she threatened numerous maids and students and even caused injuries to the combat departments top sophomore and the top student in alchemy.

And then there was the property damage. Even though the damage to Ophelius Hall caused by underperforming students was more significant than initially thought, it was not without consequence. The external wall of the third-floor dormitory where Tanyas room was, the opposite corridor wall, a pillar at the entrance of Ophelius Hall, a little of the marble flooring in the rose garden, and one gazebo. Technically, the corridor wall was destroyed by Zix, and the entrance pillar was broken by Clevius in an attempt to restrain Lucy, but instead of getting into the specifics, they regarded it as a collective responsibility because it was all triggered by Lucys intrusion.

Considering the damaged facilities, it would take almost a week to repair, with significant costs involvedalthough minuscule compared to the previous half-demolition.

However, if there were one aspect to consider leniently, it was that there had been no casualties. According to eyewitnesses, she tried to minimize injuries and, despite her aggressive behavior towards Tanya, it was uncertain if she actually would have killed her had they met. There may have been a sliver of rationality, and given that, a resolution through dialogue might have been possible.

Furthermore, Lucy didnt flee after the incident; instead, she sat quietly at the scene, waiting for the academy staff to investigatea move almost akin to turning herself in. Additionally, Clevius and Elvira, the only injured parties, had written petitions showing understanding towards her emotionally unstable state.

Taking all these circumstances into account, the committee could, if so inclined, end with just a light punishment provided the last mitigating factor was affirmedthat being, deep remorse for her wrongdoing.

Rachel narrowed her eyes as she gazed at the student disciplinary seat. All Lucy revealed was an occasional blink and a vacant look, showing no sign of the penitence needed. Her disinterested eyes revealed nothing of her inner thoughts, making it hard to judge her true feelings.

It was an awkward case for the disciplinary board. The Sylvania side hesitated to impose severe punishments like expulsion or suspension, especially since the academy had extensively exploited Lucys reputation externally. The last thing they wanted was to tarnish their prized asset.

Despite Lucys frustrating demeanor, it was factual that Sylvania had been milking her name to the extreme, and Lucys supreme treatment was not without conditions.

Student Lucy.

Yes.

Her dull response was draining to listen to.

This incident cannot be taken lightly. Ophelius Hall is one of the core facilities of Sylvania. Damaging its property and creating anxiety among the students cant just be overlooked by our committee.

Im truly remorseful.

Are you now?

It appeared Lucy had anticipated Rachels thoughts, as conveyed by her confident response. Despite feeling uneasy about her attitude, Rachel had no choice but to proceed.

Still, considering the seriousness of the incident, an appropriate punishment must be administered to student Lucy. I propose

Despite her irritation, Rachel decided on a punishment that wasnt too severe nor too mere.

The revocation of your scholarship eligibility for this semester, loss of residency rights in Ophelius Hall, a 10-day suspension, a 70-day ban from student welfare facilities, and a two-grade demotion in practical exam scores.

This was a moderate penalty, not too harsh, yet not too light. Most of what Rachel listed didnt matter to Lucy. The scholarship was irrelevant; her tuition for every semester until graduation was prepaid by the Gluckt Scholarship Foundation as a proxy, per the will of the great archmage Gluckt, exempting it from being considered a scholarship, but rather a private use of Gluckts personal funds.

Nor would the suspension or demotion have much impact; even if she missed some classes or received slightly lower grades, it wouldnt jeopardize her position atop the class rankings. Lucy was not just a valedictorian, she was astonishingly ahead of Zix, the second-ranked student in the magic department.

As for the student welfare facilitiesshe never used them anyway.

Yes, I understand.

The only significant consequence for her would be the inability to reside in Ophelius Hall for a semester.

Then, Miss Lucy Mayrill, please confirm that you have no objections to the decided disciplinary actions by signing here

Wait!!

Suddenly, someone burst through the doors of Nail Hall, interrupting the proceedings with a yell. It was inconceivable for someone to enter this critical meeting so rudely. Were they ill-mannered?

As Rachel looked towards the door in disbelief, she saw the leader of what was rumored to be Sylvanias most polite faction standing there: the new head maid of Ophelius Hall, Belle Mayar, one of the youngest of the academys true power holders, the elder staff.

Her short hair, neatly-trimmed maid uniform with the skirt twined like blooming flowers, and the headband adorned with a red rose were all sharply tailored.

Im Belle Mayar, manager of Ophelius Hall. I meant to attend as a witness, but due to the restoration schedule of the hall, I was not able to arrive on time. I sincerely apologize for that, she said as she bowed gracefully and then straightened up.

Belle Mayar closed her eyes solemnly, but despite her calm demeanor, there was a sharp and nearly palpable anger. It felt as if her temples might burst out with tension.

The first to react to her entrance was Lucy Mayrill.

Heek

The normally indifferent Lucy finally showed a reaction, drawing Rachels intrigued attention.

Its unusual for an elder staff to come all the way here; what brings you?

It felt like another secret base had been established, quite different from the cabin in the middle of the northern forest or the library on the outskirts of the living quarters.

Considering it was such a secluded place at the northernmost tip of Acken Island, there was no better place for reclusion.

One would have to scale down the cliffs and land on a rocky area, then continue inward to find the natural cave truly a remote spot not to be found without prior knowledge.

On a campfire at the caves entrance, an appetizing stew was bubbling away.

Having completed all the cooking, Yenika closed the pots lid after checking the seasoning. It was ready to be served after simmering a little while longer.

Lucy will have a rough time. Shes the type to go crazy if she cant wander outside.

Yeah. It seems like the disciplinary committee didnt say much either, tried to stay quiet as much as possible. Not sure how they took it, though

The school probably didnt want to punish Lucy too severely.

Despite the impact of Lucys chaos, the actual damage wasnt too severe.

Even considering that, the confinement is almost a miraculous clemency, yet it was concerning that Lucy, of all people, was the subject. It was as if someone who was well aware of Lucys wanderlust had taken their revenge.

Oh well, probably not.

I got up with some recovered strength and stretched my limbs.

According to Yenika, shes been helping a lot maybe so much that its surprising.

On the first day, she brought my basic essentials from the cabin and library, cooked meals with ingredients from the living quarters, and fetched class materials from the instructors hall for me.

I would have lived in dirt had it not been for her laundering my clothes It got to the point where I even thought about paying her for her services.

So, out of half guilt and half gratitude, when I asked if there was anything I could do in return, she vehemently refused, swinging her arms really reaffirming the kindness of her character.

Ta-da!

Lost in these thoughts, Yenika cheerfully entered the caves interior, bringing two bowls filled to the brim with stew.

Although I shouldve been the one preparing the meal, she insisted on doing it herself, so I had to leave it all to her.

This is a beef stew that I often made back home, its a dish Im really proud of-!

As she handed me a bowl, Yenika placed the other on her lap, hands on hips, chest proudly puffed out.

I humored her with an admiring Ooh and adjusted my posture to eat.

Lately, Ive noticed that when its just me and Yenika, absolute silence can suddenly envelop us without warning. Although there is nothing awkward between us, neither of us can explain this strange silence that occasionally sets in.

Lets eat

Yeah

For some reason, this prompted us both to reach out awkwardly for our spoons.

As I took a few bites, I was genuinely impressed; the stew was indeed delicious. Even if it wasnt, Id feel obliged to applaud based on the effort alone, but this dish proved genuinely tasty without any need for empty flattery.

I was about to share my thoughts, expecting Yenika to be genuinely pleased, but

Its truly good, Yenika. Youre really a talented cook.

Oh, really?

Her reaction was shy and somewhat surprising, quite different from what I had expected.

She blushed, looking down with her fingertips fidgeting almost as if she was flustered.

Then came yet another round of that strange silence.

Its its something my family used to make often, so

The conversation had stalled because it seemed she had bitten her tongue while eating the stew. Yenika frowned, touched the corner of her mouth, sighed, and continued eating.

Speaking of family, we still havent found Tanya.

Tanya had been missing since she fled from the Ophelius Wing.

After the situation subsided, Zix and Yenika tried to track her down but to no avail.

There were hardly any witnesses due to the late hour. Tanya had not returned to the dormitory after the incident, and all her essentials were still in her room.

Um

Dont worry too much, Ed. Shell be fine.

Yenika tried to comfort me with an awkward yet concerned look and took a few more bites of the stew.

I laid my spoon down for a moment, lost in thought.

Indeed, maintaining the status quo wasnt exactly desirable.