Chapter 247
"So it splits like a polygon if I get greedy... profound indeed."
Perhaps imagining his own body divided neatly into a hexagon, Scarlet shuddered.
"Anything else?"
Of course, there was more. Much more.
The problem was, it was more than Scarlet could handle.
'Having other rats find out I'm collecting these mysteries would be troubling.'
One by one, whenever the opportunity arose.
Too much greed invariably leads to despair. The current pace was just right.
It was when Scarlet had slyly stuffed a rice ball into his pocket.
He thought of something that would allow him to make a significant impact without arousing suspicion.
"Do you know about the training method recently started at Annwood Academy?"
"Training method? Ah! You mean that odd set of five movements?"
Even a lowly rat knows about the 'Fleur Family Style' I've been spreading.
"Please disseminate it throughout the Annwood Empire. The method, I leave to you."
"It's not difficult... The problem is it might spread to other countries. Annwood Academy's influence reaches beyond our borders, after all."
"It doesn't matter if it spreads to other countries. In fact, that would be better."
"That makes it easy. But what's the point?"
Scarlet perked up his ears curiously.
There was only one thing to tell him.
"Keke, it's a secret."
"Cheeky! To do this among friends?"
"Well, following the movements won't do you any harm. I'll at least tell you that much."
"Hmm... Really? Okay, I'll do it a hundred times starting today."
Scarlet seemed quite enthusiastic.
'Most likely, others will react similarly.'
The students of Annwood Academy performing the training.
Just follow these movements and you too can be an Annwood Academy student starting tomorrow!
Annwood Academy Education Latest Edition! Including a special feature on Vice President of the Student Council Rodelin's secret life (?).
Well, it will spread across the continent with a title like that.
The Fleur Family up in the skies might not yet be fully satisfied, but this should suffice.
Feeling like a street hawker? Well, that's not my concern.
It was when Scarlet was secretly stuffing another rice ball.
"By the way, if I'm wrong... take care of my sister."
"What?"
"There's a risk my body might turn into a polygon. If that happens, I need to prepare for the worst. I don't ask for much, just cure my sister's disease. She can handle the rest."
The reason Scarlet obeyed my commands.
To treat his sister's 'Petrifying Disease.'
I had promised to obtain the 'Eternal Snow Flower' cure within a year.
So, it wasn't strange that he followed me.
But entrusting his sister to me was a whole different matter.
"What makes you trust me with your sister? You hardly know me."
"I know enough. And... you're the only one I can rely on."
Scarlet's eyes moistened.
His expression said it all, but he made light of it as if it was nothing.
If Yuridia had been here, it would have been a disaster.
"Zero?"
"...?"
It was Yuridia, judging by the weight of the rice balls in her hands.
'Why are you here?'
A bit startled, but it's fine. As long as she hadn't overheard our conversation...
Drip.
Blood began to trickle from Yuridia's nose.
...Yep, she heard. Heard it all perfectly clear.
Seriously, this timing is unreal.
It's like this cursed game is rigged!
Yuridia threw the rice ball at me.
"Sob! How could Luna fall for such a rascal? Poor Luna!"
No, I'm the one who's pitiful.
Thanks to you, my 'Hero of the Academy' life has turned into 'Heartthrob Academy'!
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"But don't worry. Our 'Four Heavenly Kings' will do our best to assist Luna's love!"
"..."
"I'm disappointed in you, Zero. Flirting like that in front of Luna is absolutely forbidden! If you do, watch out. I'll send you flying like the wind!"
With those words, Yuridia vanished like the breeze.
Was the farce amusing? Scarlet chuckled.
"An interesting girl. Is she your friend?"
Caron sighed softly and began his report.
Arranging transportation, counting students, available troops, deployment plans, and the current situation in Carpathia.
The briefing was over in an instant. Now, all that was left was to depart for Carpathia.
But Caron still had one more task to deal with.
"Stay here at the academy, Principal."
"Uh, huh?"
"We'll need someone to handle things if anything happens at the academy. You, who knows the academy inside out, are the most suitable."
"That's right, the academy is in my hands..."
Caron breathed a sigh of relief.
Though Principal Dwener had shown some exceptional qualities lately, he was far from being a warrior.
Taking him to the battlefield would be of no help.
'Honestly, he would be a hindrance.'
Caron couldn't help but smile with satisfaction.
Dwener pondered upon seeing this.
'Wait... could this be...'
A sophisticated strategy to drive him out of his position as principal?
Dwener let his imagination run wild.
What if they successfully defend Carpathia without him?
- Left the students and stayed at the academy?
- Shameless. As empty-headed as he is shameless~
- Huh~ Pathetic. The principal is pathetic.
- What good is competence when your character is trash?
- Step down! Trash principal, step down!
Eggs raining down from the sky!
"Argh! Ugh!"
Dwener writhed as he was pelted with imaginary eggs.
"Principal? Are you alright?"
"Ah, I'm fine. Phew, what a terrible experience."
"...?"
Caron tilted his head, confused. Dwener glanced at him cautiously.
'As expected from the Empire's rat. Using such a terrifying strategy!'
Caron, before being a teacher, was the Emperor's sword and tool.
And he himself was aligned with Duke Aziz, who checks the Emperor.
Caron might be looking for an opportunity to cut him off.
It was a reasonable suspicion. Of course, Caron had no such intentions.
"Can't I go too?"
"No, you cannot."
"Why not! I'm the principal! It makes sense for me to go!"
"Guarding the academy is no easy task either."
"But..."
"Is it because of political issues? I haven't thought about that at all. You know it's taboo to fight internally when the Empire is in crisis."
"Hmm..."
Caron was right. The Emperor, Duke Aziz, and all the other nobles.
When the Empire is in crisis, everyone cooperates.
They do not make inefficient decisions for political advantage.
And this was one of the reasons why the Empire was such a formidable force.
'Ah... maybe I shouldn't go? Caron is insisting so much... Right. I can't really fight if I go. I don't even have students who like me...'
Normally, this is where Dwener would relent and stay at Annwood Academy.
That was the original story. But.
"Hmm... I guess I have no choice if you insist..."
Just then, Dwener thought of someone smiling at him.
No, there was someone. A student who liked him.
Zero. That boy was there.
'This foolish kid! Zero, that frail boy, who else but me can protect him!'
Dwener clenched his fists.
"Excellent judgment, fitting of a capable principal. Then stay here..."
"No, I shall go."
"Excuse me?"
"The students are risking their lives on the battlefield; how can I, as their principal, stay behind!"
"...???"
Descendant of the great Seigan family, who stood against the 4th Legion Commander Balafar centuries ago.
Dwener declared his participation in the defense of Carpathia!
It was the moment a hidden piece that Zero could never have anticipated was activated.
--TL Notes--
Hope you enjoyed this chapter. If you want to support me or give me feedback, you can do it at /MattReading
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