Chapter 101

Chapter 101

Student Council President Elections, Part 2 (Down)

At the present moment, three variables were causing me the most concern.

The first was the news that Princess Phenia seemed to have almost lost her will to become the student council president. The second was the disturbing news that Tanyathe archenemy whom Phenia was determined to defeathad gone missing. The third was that Tanyas two retainers, Kadek and Nox, were detained by the academy authorities.

Each of these variables presented long-term, mid-term, and short-term difficulties, respectively. If Phenia lost her drive to seize power, it would mean that in the long run, the Rostayler family would lose a key force that could check and balance its influence.

By the fourth act, it would become difficult to enlist the absolute power of Lucina Obel, as both she and another ally would have exhausted much of their strength during the third act and would be unlikely to intervene. Hence, not having the powerful royal family on our side would be a significant loss.

I wanted nothing more than to immediately ask a perfectly fine Luci to head over to Rostaylers Ducal Estate and destroy whatever Crephin was up to. However, if she were to kill Crephin without any apparent crime, Luci would become a criminal in the eyes of the world. The crafty Crephin was still seen as a loving and wise duke by his territorys people.

In any case, it was unlikely I could expect them to fulfill such a request. Although I had become quite close to Luci, that didnt mean she would wreak havoc on a ducal estate without clear reasons and engage in wanton violence.

On the other hand, sitting idly as the fourth act approaches would be just as problematic. To ensure a stable future, it was necessary for Princess Phenia to take the student council president seat.

The news of Tanyas disappearance was not good in this respect. Tanyas haughty and antagonistic temperament fueled Phenias competitive spirit, and without Tanya Rostayler to passionately resist her, the narrative itself would struggle to hold.

Therefore, finding Tanyas whereabouts as soon as possible was crucial.

Lastly, the issue of Kadek and Nox being taken into custody. This was related to the reason I have been maintaining the pretense of being deceased. I had deliberately set them free, to inform Crephin Rostayler of my death and to completely push my existence out of his consciousness.

Facing Crephin, who manipulated cause and effect and wielded the power of an evil god, was too problematic at the moment. However, because things had become twisted, Kadek and Nox were now imprisoned by the academy on murder charges. They would likely remain detained until the investigation of my murder concluded, seeing as they are knights of considerable loyalty, unlikely to break their silence. Nevertheless, in some way or another, it was necessary to have them released and report the entire situation to Crephin.

Only then would I be able to end this frustrating hidden life. This was the immediate problem that had arisen.

Theres a mountain of things to do I sighed deeply while savoring a spoonful of stew. After all, staying deflated would solve nothing; it was crucial to keep well-nourished and maintain my health.

While I was deeply troubled and putting another spoonful of stew in my mouth, Yenika approached with a gloomy face and sat beside me.

Since you were a noble of a high ducal house, Ed even after being expelled, youre still entangled in a heap of trouble.

Huh?

Im just a commoner from a rural ranch Thats why I dont really understand what it feels like for someone like you, who has lived as you have.

Yenika delicately ran her fingertips together, struggling to articulate her thoughts.

Thats why I cant even comfort you properly Saying anything like Its nothing, you can get through it too would be meaningless. It doesnt feel sincere

Its okay, you dont have to comfort me that deeply. Youre already helping me more than enough, Yenika.

Yenika stretched her legs out from the rock she was seated on, and with a groan, she relaxed her stiff muscles and exhaled deeply.

But I still want to help solve Eds problems. Its just my simple desire.

Then she shyly looked up and said, I just wish Ed would stop suffering. Thats all I want.

After these words, that strange silence we had become accustomed to returned. It was starting to become a recognizable pattern.

Suddenly finding herself at a loss for words, Yenika fidgeted her hands and bowed her head, flushing with embarrassment.

I ran a hand across my face and marveled at Yenika once again. Was I touched by how much she cared for me, or had Yenika become such a special person for me without realizing?

Thanks, Yenika. To have someone worry about me like this its really only you.

Ugh Talking about it makes me embarrassed. Ahahaha. Ahahahahaha.

Yenika twirled the hem of her skirt with an awkward tension and laughed before suddenly rising from her seat.

Clutching her oak staff and gripping a bottle of wine, she floated up with her distinctive lightness and said to me, Anyway, its most important to find Tanya now! We have no idea where she is, and Ed seems worried about her too! Remember, Ziggs said she was last seen heading towards the residential halls to seek help?

I had already discussed with Ziggs. He had advised Tanya to seek out someone with connections to the Rostayler family in order to meet her.

Yes. Its likely that the Rostayler family, with their broad connections among the nobility, if I were in that situation, I would start by visiting the royal residence.

A plausible guess. In the face of pressing circumstances, one would not want to seek help from an unworthy figure. The logical first step seemed to be probing the royal residence where Princess Phenia resided.

Since I need to stay hidden now, maybe I should visit the royal residence, proposed Yenika.

No need for that, Yenika.

Huh?

I promptly quelled Yenikas burgeoning enthusiasm with a waving hand.

As you know, meeting with Princess Phenia is not easy. Given her high status and packed schedule without someone of equivalent rank, gaining an audience will be hard. If by some miracle you do, you might end up waiting days.

To see Princess Phenia, even briefly, one would have to be of comparable standing to warrant her making time for them.

But how many people of such a caliber could there be in this world? Within Silvenia, aside from the Holy Maiden Claris, there were few who could converse on equal footing.

There were suitable candidates, however. While a commoner by status, there is someone Phenia could not easily dismiss.

Youve been through a lot, Tanya Rosetailor. I have decided to believe your words. So until the situation becomes clearer, Ill hide you in the royal quarters.

Really Thank you so much, Princess Fenia Im deeply grateful

No, its the right thing to do.

With those words, Princess Fenia lovingly embraced the trembling Tanya.

Why had she ever thought to engage in a battle of nerves with a girl of such a disposition? Not all bearing the Rosetailor name were bound to be villains.

Take Ed Rosetailor, for instance, who was in reality a sound and intact individual. Not wishing to repeat the mistake of judging someone solely by their surname, the princess gently comforted Tanya.

*

With only a week left until the election for the Student Council President, the academy staff was overwhelmed by the Rolstailer murder case, the attack on Ophilis Hall, and the disappearance of Tanya Rosetailor amidst various unfolding variables.

Similarly, Elte Trading Co. was also swamped. The end of the long winter and the opening of frozen trade routes had finally relieved the bottlenecking cash flows.

The pent-up distribution demands began to surge, keeping Lorrtels hands suddenly too full.

Yet, Lorrtel was a girl who could accurately judge the weight of matters.

She would not let herself be distracted by the minutiae of distribution, neglecting the broader currents of the political landscape.

Lorrtel sat alone in the Trading Companys office, perusing information collected by her confidants through documents.

The news about the slain Ed Rosetailor and the missing suspect Tanya Rosetailor was the hottest topic.

The upcoming election schedule would proceed as an annual event, but with academy staff preoccupied with investigations and cleanup, the spotlight might not fall on the elections as intensely.

Regardless of the spotlight, who assumes the position of the Student Council President is of utmost importance in the various power struggles within the academy.

As Lorrtel mentioned, she did not have enough hands to handle the trading operations and take care of the student council duties as well. Ideally, someone friendly to Lorrtel should occupy the position of president

Hmm not a good configuration.

Tanya Rosetailor, who openly aspired to be president, is missing due to the Ed murder case.

If the princess truly decides to run, there will be no one to oppose her.

Until now, Tanya, who might have been a possible support against the princess, had no chance The princesss prominence was too much for any candidate to handle.

For now, the princess has declared a non-run, but if she changes her mind and does run there would be no one to stop her path.

However, Lorrtel vehemently dislikes Princess Fenia. The idea of her taking the seat of the Student Council President was equally displeasing.

There didnt seem to be any candidates friendly to Lorrtel and Elte Trading Co. The political environment didnt look too favorable.

But, what can you do to control the board if you let such things affect you.

Lorrtel is one who orchestrates from beneath the surface. Money is her tool, and the course of politics is her outcome.

The point is to seat someone sympathetic to her as the Student Council President. An individual focused not only on the Elte Trading Co.s interests but also on a personal relationship with Lorrtel would be ideal.

Whether or not the person has the willpower is a secondary issue. After all, its the seat that makes the person.

With that in mind Lorrtel brushed her index finger several times across Eds face drawn on the document.

The political situation heading into the election grows chaotic. Those who triumph are typically, those who know how to craft the game.

A calm smile settled on her face, Lorrtels trademark.

Underneath the dark office, another plot takes place.

*

Thump, thump.

Enveloped in an enormous bed, Lucy was staring vacantly at the ceiling.

She was counting the number of times a stray lace thread from the curtains fluttered in the wind.

By her side stood a maid, motionless, with a smiling face.

Enclosed in a room, the current reality of being under constant surveillance by a maid was distressing enough. And there was one more unexpected crisis perhaps its the awakening of a girls heart thats the problem.

As she blandly stared at the ceiling, the face of a blonde boy would flicker into view.

Lucy felt a rush of cold sweat and a sense of urgency.

Its only the first day of her confinement but shes already feeling a response. Compared to perfectly crisp sheets that bear no scent of grass, the slightly plush knees shes used to are vastly different a peculiar craving begins to rise within her.

D ? 29 until the end of her confinement.

To Lucy, it felt like an eternity.

Truly it was torture.