Christine arrived at a place she recognized after following the professor.
There, a statue stood of a woman Christine was all too familiar with, one of the people who had troubled her.
“You probably know who this person is,” the professor said.
“Yes, Isolda Evergarden...the founder of our university and Mr. Bahamut’s third wife.”
Isolda Evergarden stood proudly in the uniform of a 16th-century member of the Beden Merchant Company. Beside her was a statue of a young girl, Yuria Sweets, better known to the public as Isolda’s assistant, though she was also the ancestor of the current Hangurian royal family.
“Isolda Evergarden and Yuria Sweets were figures who greatly contributed to public projects such as this university, orphanages, and hospitals. However, although later generations saw her as a symbol of mercy and charity, she was originally not such a virtuous person.”
“Yes? But... the records describe her as strict yet devoted to helping people in need,” Christine said, surprised by this unexpected information.
The professor smiled quietly, watching Christine’s expression before continuing, “What is generally known reflects her life after she rose to prominence in her early twenties. But before that, Isolda Evergarden was widely regarded as what youths these days call a villainess.”
“That... that...”
Seeing Christine’s bewilderment, the professor explained, “A woman who helped those in need all her life and earned the title of a saintess in the West was originally a villainess. If anyone other than a professor had said it, you might not have believed it.”
“Her misdeeds were notorious enough to reach even the distant Dragona Empire. However, one day, she reappeared, transformed—no longer the villainess who used and discarded others, but a benevolent figure committed to helping others. Many scholars attribute this change to Bahamut.”
“Could it be that... she changed because she fell in love?” Christine wondered aloud. Although Isolda was Bahamut’s third wife, Christine thought it plausible that marriage might have influenced her.
With a small laugh, the professor replied, “Who knows? I don’t have definitive information, but I doubt it was a simple love story. For anyone to change, a certain degree of shock is often necessary.”
Christine grew curious about what might have happened to Isolda but had no means of finding out at that moment.
“I believe,” the professor reflected, “that in this world, ‘main characters’ and ‘extras’ are defined solely by individual actions. Depending on how we choose to live, each of us can change not only ourselves but also others, and perhaps even the course of history.”
For a moment, Christine sat in silent contemplation. This wasn’t just advice, like the nagging she often heard from her parents; it was a powerful insight that resonated deeply with her.
‘I, too, am someone who has his blood running through my veins. Could I, like him, do more than I thought? Could I bring about change, something truly worthwhile?’
Although vague, it was a thought worth pondering.
The professor, seeing Christine’s unusually serious expression, smiled with satisfaction, recognizing that her intention had reached him.
At that moment...
Diriririring~
The professor took out her phone as it rang, answering with a cheerful voice, “Yes? Ah, I’ll be there shortly. Could you wait a bit? Alright, see you soon, my lovely daughter.”
After the short call, a different smile appeared on her face, distinct from her usual kindness as a teacher.
“Well, that concludes our session. Let’s not have this issue arise next semester,” she said, preparing to leave.
As she walked away, Christine bowed his head and called out sincerely, “Thank you, Professor Roseveta!”
The professor let out a soft chuckle.
She was Mina Roseveta Dragona, the true ruler of the Dragona Empire and, for now, a university professor as a hobby. With a quiet smile, she recalled the faces of those from her past, preparing to return to her primary duties.