Case 89: Students’ dynamic.

Case 89: Students’ dynamic.

''Among the students in the academy, the third years have the most power. Do you know why?''

The day after the third-year students come back, Chloe, Luxia, and I are lazing about on the Luminous Dorm's rooftop. While enjoying our tea, Chloe suddenly has the urge to info-dump us, it seems.

''Mhm? Mwy?''

The saintess, who has a whole cake roll in her mouth, tilts her head. It's not strange that she doesn't know anything about the power dynamic here. She doesn't even care.

''For one, freshmen are busy familiarizing themselves with the environment and are generally forbidden from taking powerful positions.'' Chloe says. ''The sophomores are better, but they can't be said to have unparalleled power, except for some generations in the past.''

''Hm... What about the fourth years?'' Luxia inquires.

''Most fourth years are busy with their graduation thesis and general preparations to apply for a proper job. The thesis is quite daunting to finish, you see.'' Chloe replies. ''They usually leave the power scene fully after their third year.''

''That explains why the people I met yesterday were so haughty.''

As Luxia can read thoughts, she was assigned a mission to gather typical information about the third years and their recent internship. According to her, everything is still the same as the original story, which is a relief.

''But why talk about this?''

''You ask lots of questions.''

''That's cause you guys won't let me read your thoughts! I'm not complaining, though.''Fôllôw new stories at novelhall.com

The forever curious Luxia is still pursuing entertainment.

In any case, we now don't have to hide things from her anymore. So, Chloe confidently discloses the next scenario.

''The next chapter of the story.'' She says. ''It'll revolve around Her Highness the crown princess and her brother. Throne competition stuff.''

"Ah, that girl?" Luxia gently taps her chin. ''Imperial infighting... That's quite boring. Oh, wait. Wasn't there something about the secret heirloom in the palace?"

This is why Luxia is so scary. She already knows most of the top secrets in the empire.

''Yup. That's it.''

''Ah... Okay, I see. Don't spoil it any further, though.''

''Sure. I'll just inform you of what you need to do.''

Soon, the topic of the story subsides, leaving us with other small ones to tackle. Because we don't allow her to read our thoughts, she is not at all informed about our situation in Zircon.

''Chloe, treat me to some dessert.''

''Lap pillow.''

''Deal.''

So, naturally, I earn some easy money by making an underground deal with the rich lady. With Luxia laughing non-stop at our interaction, we move to a famous café in the academy and book a quiet table in the corner.

Here, I have a full view of the first floor and the street at the same time, so it's pretty nice. Additionally, for some privacy, Luxia is employing a sound barrier using wind magic.

I shall conquer the empire before that.

It's a good goal to have.

As Chloe tugs my tummy, demanding another snack, I give her my half-eaten piece of puff cream and renew my destination in this world once more.

''Oh, talk about the devil.''

Right then, seemingly out of nowhere, the woman herself, Sierra Alaina Astra, enters the store with another man and several bodyguards. The handsome man's identity is not hard to guess as he has the same black hair and silvery-white eyes as Sierra, and his face looks similar to hers as well.

Killian Kassius Astra, the former crown prince.

Immediately, the shop becomes eerily quiet. Most people, perhaps fearing they will ruin the imperial siblings' time, opt to leave the place altogether.

Soon enough, only them, us, and a few more unfazed people left.

''May I know what the matter is today, brother?''

Sierra opens the conversation first with an elaborate piece of mechanical puzzle in her hand, appearing quite relaxed. At this, the man's face turns sour.

"Do I have to spell it out, sister?" Killian asks. "What did you do to His Majesty? Why did you abruptly become the heir?"

Although his voice is calm, a fierce rage can easily be inferred from his words. Sierra remains composed, however, as she tries to unlock the puzzle.

''The calm blood really does run through this family, huh?''

I have to disagree with that, Chloe. Didn't you see Ariel?

In any case, as the tension rapidly rises, Sierra finally opens her mouth again.

''Wouldn't it be more productive if you asked His Majesty?'' She replies. ''Moreover... Here is clearly not a suitable spot for such a talk.''

''You were the one who decided the place.''

''Oh, that's right. Oops.''

''...Sister, I am being serious.''

''Do you think I am not serious?''

Soon enough, the two begin an intense stare-down, leaving us three no choice but to cower in fear and munch away at the snacks. How scary, indeed...

''Well? We will find out once the banquet starts, brother.''

''What?''

''His Majesty will attend the party this year, of course, together with all of the dukes.''

''Why suddenly...?''

Because it's a breaking point in the game. Something big will happen, that is.