Chapter 24

Rodelin's face became rigid.

It was inevitable. That secret was known only to the people of the Lucid family.

Well... it's actually 'something else' and not a curse, but I had no reason to tell Rodelin that.

"Oh, did I shock you too much? It was just a guess. Don't tell me the Lucid family is actually cursed by a demon?"

"..."

Rodelin trembled.

I threw out the bait to see her reaction.

And from that reaction, I could discern the secret she was hiding.

It's somewhat like the behavior of Korean tabloid journalists.

'It's the reason why noble heirs are trained to maintain their composure.'

A rash action or statement could harm their family's reputation.

Rodelin must be thinking she's been outwitted.

Of course, as a gamer, I know the truth about the curse.

"A demon's curse? That's just too absurd."

"Is that so? My mistake then. Let's leave it at that."

"I'm busy, so I must go now. Zero, see you this weekend."

"Yes, take care."

Rodelin walked away briskly.

One might think I've worsened our relationship with this needless provocation.

'But this is the right way.'

A suspicious relationship, a slightly distant one, is preferable.

Rodelin is a member of the first party.

I'm just borrowing her hand for this strategy.

So, this kind of relationship is better.

"Tsk, now you're bothering the senior too? You're going to get in big trouble."

"Keke, aren't you worried, Miss Luna?"

"About what?"

"Didn't you hear why I've been so busy? We might encounter a demon. It could be very dangerous."

Luna stared at me intently.

She looked like a chick. A pink chick.

"It doesn't matter. Protecting the Empire is also a noble's role. If a demon appears, I'll fight. And."

And?

"Who else will protect you if not me? You can't even fight properly since using skills leaves traces."

This time, I stared intently at Luna.

Is she thinking so nobly?

When did our Luna grow up like this?

It makes me wonder if this is how parents feel when raising a child.

"What, what? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Keke, Miss Luna... I'm truly moved."

"Enough, just buy me something tasty."

Luna, slightly blushing, ran ahead.

Buy her something to eat?

Well, why not. My daughter(?) has grown mentally.

I should happily spend today.

But what's this bittersweet feeling?

"Keke, I feel like I've forgotten something... but I can't remember."

It wasn't until late afternoon that I recalled the forgotten memory.

Luna...

Still hadn't paid back the 2 silver she borrowed in the plaza!

* * *

Friday, with one day left until the weekend.

Archmage Elester's class was in full swing.

A piece of chalk floating in mid-air was writing something on the blackboard.

Corrosion.

"About 15 years ago, a bizarre phenomenon was first discovered in the borderlands."

Land dyed in a dark red hue.

Water drying up, the land cracking, plants unable to grow.

Buildings corroding and collapsing, and no living being could escape.

Land where nothing could live.

It was rightly called the land of death.

It's not an endemic disease. It's 'something else'.

"What's terrifying about corrosion?"

"It gradually expands its radius. Like a living organism growing."

"Excellent, Teron."

"The strengthening of evil creatures is one issue, but restrictions in activity are another problem. From the third stage of corrosion, there are issues with mana and aura manipulation."

"Excellent, Yuridia."

Elester praised them.

Teron and Yuridia sent me silent pressure.

Being able to convey their message just with their eyes. Such impressive kids.

'Damn it.'

How did it come to this? This is just unfair.

All I did was enroll in the advanced class.

Pick up some hidden pieces lying around.

Gather some starving kids to use as shields.

And all I wanted was to clear the final boss!

I don't understand why I'm caught in the middle of their rivalry.

It's just unfair.

"Which side do you think is right? Take your time and think about it."

That was Elester's kindly phrased suggestion.

But I didn't need such consideration.

Teron and Yuridia's gazes on me grew even more intense.

In fact, it wasn't just Teron's faction that approached me.

I also had contact from Yuridia's side.

After all, I was unofficially ranked third in the entrance exam.

That meant I was in the perfect position to tip the balance in the early power dynamics.

'But I shouldn't belong to either Teron's or Yuridia's factions.'

Teron is a fairly significant supporting character playing the role of a villain in the early to mid-game.

He's meant to be defeated by the protagonist's group later. So, pass.

Yuridia is one of the protagonists and one of the top five in the academy.

A member of the first party. I can't get close to such an entity.

It would just mess up the story.

But now, both sides had expressed their desire to recruit me.

My answer now could make them think I've sided with them.

And the same would be true for the opposing side.

So, the best choice I can make now is...

'Not to side with either.'

I'll get [Divine Imitation] tomorrow.

I might be half-dead by the end of today, but with Luna as my meat shield...

No, by my side, I should be able to last a day.

Elester, looking at me with expectant eyes, heard me say.

"Keke, who cares."

"...Such irreverence!"

"...!"

Everyone's face was filled with shock.

To say I didn't care in front of Archmage Elester.

Honestly, even I was surprised by my response.

I meant to say, 'I don't understand enough about the subject to have an opinion', but it came out as 'Keke, who cares.'

The [Twisted Speech] skill had too strong an effect.

Everyone, including me, thought Elester would scold me.

It was too arrogant an answer.

But then...

Clap, clap, clap.

Elester clapped, laughing heartily.

"Ha ha ha! That's almost the right answer. Zero, you're very good."

His applause and praise rang out.

As if to resolve everyone's confusion, Elester spoke.

"That's exactly what the average commoner thinks. The commoner class makes up 60% of the Empire, an essential stratum that can't be missing."

Really?

"Among them, 50% live day by day. Every second person is too busy worrying about their daily bread to save anything."

Wait...

"Imagine them hearing what Teron and Yuridia just said. It would sound like grasping at straws."

Excuse me? Grandpa, are you listening to me?

"To them, economic development, continental unification, or planning for the distant future are all meaningless! In other words, what these two just said..."

Bang!

"Bullshit, pure and simple."

He slammed his fist on the podium, cursing.

That was enough to sober up the students.

Elester then smiled at us.

"Zero probably said he didn't care after considering all this. Right?"

"Yes... well..."

Let's just leave it at that.

--TL Notes--

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