Chapter 80: Ownership of the staff of Estelle

Schwi Heiron, determined to achieve her goals, leaned over her desk, surrounded by parchment and the weight of her responsibilities. The room echoed with the rustle of papers as her personal maid diligently worked alongside her.

"Has there been any replies yet?" she inquired, her eyes focused on the intricate details of the documents.

The personal maid, a loyal companion in her endeavors, replied with a bow,

"Aside from Tristan's firm denial the other day, everybody else hasn't made any actual replies yet, my lady."

Schwi pondered Tristan's refusal, considering the tempting offer she had presented to him.

The divine sword Osten, infused with the divinity of the wind god Tenshu, held a significant allure.

It was a weapon with a history, originally owned by his master and later confiscated by the holy church. The fact that it found its way into the possession of the Heiron family, specifically her father, added layers to its significance.

The swift and firm denial from Tristan, mere hours after she presented her ambitious plan, left Schwi grappling with a mixture of disappointment and urgency.

The prospect of transforming the slums into a thriving commercial district, an idea she believed would benefit both the academy and its denizens, clashed with Tristan's compassionate nature.

She should have anticipated this response, given Tristan's renowned kindness and empathy.

However, the weight of the denial pressed on Schwi, intensifying her resolve to take matters into her own hands.

The realization that the others might follow suit, rejecting her proposal, fueled a sense of urgency. Time was of the essence, and the intricate web of her plans demanded adaptability.

In the face of adversity, Schwi pondered alternative routes to achieve her goals. The divine sword Osten, though a powerful bargaining chip, was not the sole key to success.

She needed to reassess her strategy, considering the unique motivations and vulnerabilities of each individual involved.

As Schwi contemplated her next moves, she recognized that Tristan's denial wasn't the end of her possibilities.

There were still avenues to explore, and several individuals, aside from Tristan, whom she could approach for support.

Alex, Darja, and Louise, along with other top students from the second year like Evadne and Robert, presented potential allies.

However, the landscape became more intricate when considering the fourth-year students. Lilliana Vulter Tellus, the formidable top student who had recently returned and seized control of the student council, added a layer of complexity to Schwi's plans.

Despite the absence of any personal animosity between them, Schwi recognized the need to tread carefully around Lilliana, avoiding any actions that might lead to conflict.

The frustration mounted as Schwi realized her attempts to contact Adrian were thwarted by Lilliana's protective measures.

The absence of Adrian's voice in support, especially given his status as both Lilliana's younger brother and the top-ranking student in the first-year alchemy department, proved to be a significant setback.

Schwi was well aware that having Adrian endorse her project could be a powerful asset, but Lilliana's interference served as a clear warning to stay within certain boundaries.

"Has there been any news about the sage yet?" she asked her maid, eager for information on this mysterious figure.

Schwi bowed her head in response. After the call ended, she sighed, leaning back in her seat. Meeting her father, whether through a call or in person, was always nerve-wracking. Despite no longer being a child, the pressure her father's gaze exerted remained intimidating. It was hard to believe she was now a third-year at the academy.

'The moment we establish the new commercial district is the moment we gain control of the whole academy'

'Essentially meaning the emperor owns the school as well. The moment other countries find out about this devious plan, a war might really break out'

The academy is considered a peaceful neutral ground not owned by anyone on the whole continent.

'The Empire claiming hold of it by using us, the emperor, is truly cunning. But is he really prepared for war? I'm pretty sure the Holy Kingdom would not put up with any abuse of power over the continent, especially over a learning place like this'

...

I headed towards Euphemia's lab after lunch, our usual routine after gathering for the day's meal. It had become a bit troublesome, the way Aria consistently got close to me whenever she had the chance. While we were technically lovers now, I wished she would take her time, especially considering the suspicions from Tristan, Louise, and the questioning look from Alex.

I was relieved that Euphemia didn't scold me in class for forgetting our last meeting. I couldn't afford to miss it again, especially since she seemed excited to show me something yesterday. I needed to make up for the oversight this time.

"Adrian!"

Someone called out to me, hugging me from behind. "I missed you" she said, holding me tightly, her breasts pressing against my back with every force.

But I quickly recognized the voice. "What are you doing, Principal Victoria?" I asked as I used my mana to push her away from me.

"Tsk. You're really no fun, huh?" She wiped off her crumpled shirt because of the mana wave I sent and looked at me. "Adrian, I would like to discuss something important with you. I'm sorry, but can I take your time?"

Looking at how serious she was, it seems to be rather important, huh? I looked behind me and saw Euphemia's personal lab just a few more rooms away.

"Haah, okay, but make it fast," I said to her, knowing Euphemia. She would surely take her time trying to introduce all her newly concocted potions. I'm sorry, Euphemia, but I'll be sure to finish this quickly

"Let's go then," said the principal as she twisted her arms, and a magical circle encircled us before glowing in a bright blue flash. Suddenly, my vision changed, and now I was in front of the principal's office.

"Please take a seat," she gestured towards the chair opposite hers. The magical transportation had been swift, and as I settled into the chair, I couldn't help but wonder about the urgency in her request.

"Make this quick, Principal; I've got an appointment."

"Geez, young people nowadays really like to overwork their elders, don't they?"

Suddenly, the principal snapped her hands, and something appeared in front of me, floating mid-air.

"This is?"

"The staff of Estelle, the academy's most important treasure and the academy's pride and joy, as well as the last remaining memory the school has of its founder, the archmage Estelle" explained the principal. She spoke with a sense of urgency and determination that caught my attention.

"Adrian Vulter Tellus, I want it to stay in your hands for the time being."

"Huh?"