I still couldn't understand the meaning behind my dream. The only thing I know is that some parts were my memories, like the part where I coaxed Lia into doing my jobs when we were still at Central Academy and our first semester at Core Academy. However, I don't remember the last part of my dream before waking up.
Hmm, maybe it's because seeing Lia was unexpected. Yes, that can be the reason why. My dream is trying to warn me about her, urging me to kill her as fast as I can! Even my subconscious mind would like to get rid of Lia, huh?
I appropriately dressed in formal attire and picked a small bottle out of my drawer. I hid it in my pocket and went out of my room only to see Alhan waiting for me. "It took you long enough." He stated. I grinned and replied, "I just got back to my senses, so..."
"No worries, let's go to the banquet hall now." I smiled and nodded, "Sure, thank you for waiting for me, Alhan."
While we were heading to the banquet, we had a little conversation. "Alhan, do you happen to know anyone from the school?" I initiated to ask. He replied, thinking, "Hmm, I am familiar with Natalie, but we're not that close. It's just that my family happened to be acquainted with the King."
I expressed a perplexed expression, "King? Why is that?" Although I know why, I don't want Alhan to be suspicious of my knowledge. Nobody in their right mind would believe me if I said I came from the future and died, and then my soul transmigrated into this younger version of mine. That's why acting dumb is the best way I can do.
"Whenever we visit the King's place, she's always there. I don't know to which family she belongs, but it seems like she's a noble just like us." Oh, and here I thought he knew a lot. If it wasn't for that prince, Natalie could have been called a princess. She wouldn't have to try so hard to hide the fact that she is alive.
"How about you, Raphael? Do you know anyone?" Alhan asked; I nodded and responded, "I am pretty close with Prince Victor." Alhan's eyes grew bigger, and he replied, "Prince Victor? Are you talking about the 'Prince of the West'?!" I nodded. Alhan had a curious look on his face and continued to ask, "How? To be close with an aloof prince, you must be more than a noble."
I chuckled right after hearing his statement. If only I could reveal that I'm an unwanted child and my family has neglected me since I was born, then I will.
"What's so funny about that?" Alhan had an annoyed expression as he asked. "No, I'm sorry, nothing's funny, Alhan. It's just that you're overestimating my social status." I shook my hands, and Alhan crossed his arms just as he was about to reply, "Oh, so if that's not the case, then did the Prince just take a liking to someone like you?" I agreed, "Mhm, you can think of it that way."
Victor Westbian is the Prince of West, and his family is the one who exiled the family of Sylph from the throne. Even if he's in my favor, I could never forgive him for letting Natalie live that way.
We continued to converse about different topics until we found the location of the banquet hall.
---
"There's a lot of students." Alhan surprisingly stated the moment we saw a peek of the banquet hall. "Mhm." I nodded as we went inside the hall and observed the environment. The environment most likely feels like a typical party for the nobles.
"It is rare to see a commoner in gatherings like this, and it is easy to spot one," I stated, and Alhan agreed. I kept looking around, but most students belonged to nobles or aristocrats.
"It's unsurprising that the young masters of the Olphiticus and Demarcus family earned a spot. Welcome to the banquet. I am Victor Westbian, a student committee member." Now speak of that someone I was badmouthing a while ago. "It is an honor to be welcomed by the West's Prince." Alhan slightly bowed as he greeted, and I faintly rolled my eyes in contrast.
"Oh, no need for the courtesy, but Raphael, you're still distant as ever." Victor sarcastically smiled, but I could see how dark his thoughts were through his eyes. Alhan seems distant, but he sure does show a lot of respect, despite being from the East. Victor's case made me a bit inquisitive, so I asked, "Victor, I know you're aware of me, but how did you know that Alhan is part of Demarcus's family?"
It's evident that he's known everywhere, but it's suspicious that he's aware of a noble from the East.
"Oh, I have the list of participants, and I just happened to look at his profile." He confidently stated.
He has a good memory. That reason is enough. I nodded, and Alhan looked like he wanted to ask something. "Do you want to ask something?" Victor asked. Alhan is reluctant at first, but he eventually asks his question. "Do we have assigned seats, or can we sit anywhere?" Victor replied, "There is an assigned seat for every student."
"Then can I know which seat Verphillia Adroguild is assigned to?" I hastily and accidentally asked. I was caught off guard with an excited look on my face. Victor and Alhan were both surprised. Victor deliberately changed the atmosphere as he grabbed my arm and pulled me away from Alhan. "Mister, enjoy the banquet we prepared tonight. I'll privately talk with Raphael for a moment."
Alhan nodded and walked away.
"What do you want?!" I annoyingly asked. Victor put a smirk on his face and replied, "What is your reason? Do you even know who she is?" I pulled my hand away from him. I can't tell him that I'll kill his future fiancé! "I don't know. That's why I am curious. Just tell me where her seat is then we are done."
Victor looks unwilling, but he'll surely realize there is no harm in telling me. Or so that's what he thinks. "Alright, she'll sit on that corner. Your seat is on the next table." I patted his shoulder and replied, "Thank you, Victor. I can always count on you." I walked away with no hesitations.
The table is still empty, and she's not yet around. I need to make this quick as possible.
I acted as if I was looking for my seat, and when I reached Lia's assigned spot, I secretly pulled the small bottle from my pocket. What's inside it is a liquid translucent chemical poison. All I need to do is drop it on the plate and the glass prepared for her. Even if it's wiped, the poison will stay in the place, and some particles will still combine with the food. If it fails, then for sure, she will be able to inhale the chemical and die within a few hours.
I glanced back at the entrance and saw that Verphillia had just arrived. She's now talking to Victor, so I need to finish this quickly. Fortunately, I smoothly succeeded in placing the poison on her plate before she could notice me. I continued my foolish act as I straight-headed to my table and acted as if I had just found my seat.
---
It seems that I'm the earliest to arrive at my assigned table. Alhan's table is different from mine, so we would not be together for the whole banquet.
Students from other levels started to arrive, and most of them sat on the seats assigned for the early-level students. Every table has eight seats, and the table I was assigned was completed in no time.
"What do you think of the banquet, Raphael?" Someone asked directly to me. I don't remember who she is, but I know she's someone from the higher levels. "I think it's alright," I replied. She expressed an anticipated expression as if she had already calculated I'd answer that way. On the other hand, I looked away, giving her the impression that I had no interest in conversing with her.
"Would you mind telling me how is it alright?" She provokingly asked. She's a stubborn one. No one had ever dared to do that in my past. I expressed an annoyed expression and replied, "Miss, how can I know it's alright if the banquet has not started yet?" I was expecting a guilty face, but she expressed an expression of satisfaction instead. "I like how you answer. If you'd like, you can sign up as a member of the School Counselor."
School counselor? Aren't they supposed to be made up of professors and adults? I showed a perplexed expression, and she giggled before responding, "I know you'll have that kind of expression, but don't get me wrong, this is Central Academy here. Students are better than the rest."
She has a point. My interview is already odd as it seems. What else about how the school works? I must have forgotten about this since it has been a long time. However, I don't remember joining such, so why is she asking me this right now?
"May I ask how it works?" I asked. She rested her arm on the table and replied, "Every member of the School Counselor will search for the potential members every first banquet of the year. They can be either an early-level student or a second-level student."
Ahh, yes, if I'm correct, only those in the last level are allowed to lead such an organization in the school. I still remember how determined Natalie was to lead the student committee at our last level, only to be given the position to Lia.
If I compare the two, Natalie is more intelligent, but Lia's capabilities are beyond complex despite being a loyal dog in her early years. Putting much thought, I zoned out.
She snapped her fingers, "Hey, are you there? Don't think about it too much. You'll have a year to consider, and you will have a proper orientation tomorrow regarding that." I glanced at her and smiled, "Oh, then I'll consider it." 'Although I have no idea why you invited me.' I thought to myself before continuing, "By the way, can I ask who you are?"
It is already suspicious that she's inviting me to join something without properly introducing herself. It must have been how I answered, so it means they're asking every new student the same question and then proceed to ask on their own accord, just like my interview.
She's reluctant to introduce herself. She might have told me more than what she is allowed. She forcefully smiled, "My name is Sarah Trunch, the Head of School Counselor, a last-level student."
I got surprised the moment she stated her name.
Sarah Trunch is the woman who rebelled against the many causing Natalie's death. She is also the fool who I manipulated in the later years of my life. It was also because Lia abandoned her during her hard times, and lastly, she has a weak mentality making her unable to go against the many. In short, she became the laughingstock for everyone, even the commoners.
"Suprised to hear I'm a commoner, right?" She glanced at me with dull eyes. This is what I mean about her weak mentality. She overthinks her social status, and she always underestimates herself.
"You might have lost interest in joining because of me, but please understand that I'm doing my best."
"Yes, you're right. Who would be interested in joining the School Counselors knowing their head is discriminatory against a student's social status?" Her eyes grew bigger after my statement. Was she expecting me to pity her? It's a problem of hers, and I have nothing to do with it.
She's at a loss for words. Without further ado, she ended our conversation with a smile.
Of course, Lia can't bear to see her mentality like that, so she did her best to help. Unfortunately, Sarah is entirely helpless. I vividly remember how it happened. It all started because of Lia.
***
Lia made me attend the meeting for the student committee because of that resignation form she handed out last night. I won't give up my position. She has no say in what I decide. Surprisingly, she didn't mention anything about what happened last night, so we're good.
The meeting went smoothly, and Lia called the meeting to adjourn. Most then left the room without hesitation, leaving a few members, including Victor, Sarah, Lia, and I, in the room.
"Verphillia, am I really that worthless?" Sarah asked out of the blue. Lia looked at her perplexed and asked, "Why did you ask?" Sarah then took a deep breath before answering, "Do you... do you only approach me because of my skills?"
What kind of question is that? Everybody approaches someone for something, and that's how the world works. It's a give-and-take process.
"Yes and no, depending on what you meant," Lia responded. Sarah asked, "Why do you approach me then?"
"You need help." Lia coldly replied; Sarah then scattered the documents she was holding on the floor and shouted, "WHY ARE YOU HELPING ME?!" Despite the tense aura surrounding her, Lia and the rest are unbothered. Instead, they are somewhat perplexed. "I am helping you because you won't help yourself, and Sarah, why are you acting like this?" Lia replied. Ever since we started the year at Core Academy, she has been a straightforward person.
"So you only want me because you can use me? I know I'm just a commoner, and I can never stand on equal footing with you nobles and royalties but isn't it too much to play with my feelings?." Sarah started to cry. "You could have told me sooner that's what you want, and I'd be happy to do that. You didn't need to lie." She kneeled on the ground, looking so pitiful.
"I can't believe there's a twenty-one-year-old student from Core Academy whose mentality is weak." Victor interrupted. I know Victor has a point, but he's not helping either. Right now, no matter what they say, in Sara's eyes, everything is against her, and she will misunderstand everything.
Despite the cold interruption, Victor continued, "Just like Central Academy, Core Academy does not care about your social status, and you've been with the same organization for almost eight years. Have you ever been judged about your status?"
Sarah is speechless, and she knows Victor is correct. I'm sure she is also aware of how humiliating her actions are. I just stood there as I waited for her next move. "How shameless can a prince be? You're only saying that, but you really hated the commoners." Sarah looked directly at Victor's eyes as if she were on the right.
Pfft. I want to laugh so hard. The audacity this idiot has to call a prince shameless. Sarah, how shameless can you be?!
Lia seems to have enough of it, so she stops Victor from speaking. "Sarah, since it is proven that Victor's statement is correct, accusing him with another blame is useless. I tried helping you, but you're not interested in helping yourself. You're way too stereotypical against us, and I am offended."
Lia took a deep breath, picked up a form from the floor, and headed it to Sarah, who won't stop wailing. "Here is the resignation form for the student committee. Think about it and hand your answer to me tomorrow morning." She prepared her things and continued, "I don't care whether you'll stay, but starting from this day onward, I'll only consider you as an acquaintance of mine."
She picked up her stuff and walked away; Victor said something before following Lia, "Eri gave you many chances, but you wasted such a chance." He then followed Lia and walked away. Although I still don't understand why he calls her 'Eri,' it doesn't make sense.
Everybody then left the room, following Lia and Victor. I was left with her sobbing on the floor.
***
That's the time I manipulated her. She's an easy target. She only wants someone to agree, and then she'll follow you like a loyal dog.
Well, because of that action of mine, Natalie died, and my friendship with Lia got ruined.
This time, it wouldn't be like that, she would die within a few hours, and I could change my future and dominate the world as I like.
The headmaster then started the banquet. As everybody's having a lively conversation, Sarah is the one who's quiet at our table. I glanced at Lia only to see that she was happily conversing with Victor.
"..."
Why are they already close? They will only be friends at Core Academy, so why is everything moving so fast now?! I looked at her meal. It was still untouched, I glanced back at her, and she seemed like she didn't have the intention to eat or drink tonight.
Why is she doing this? Is she aware of the poison I placed? Or is it just a coincidence that she doesn't like to eat?
It seems that I have no other choice than to use my own hands to end her life. It is dangerous now that Victor is around. I'll take my time, and I'll be patient.
Just you wait, Verphillia. I won't give up until I end your life.