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༺ Appearance ༻
"Young Master Frey! Are you all right?"
"Are you hurt anywhere?"
"May I carry your bag?"
The weekend ended and weekdays began, and as I was heading to my classroom to attend the lectures, aristocratic students flocked to me.
Usually, I would have chatted as much as I could with a smile, but now I wasn't in the mood to get entangled with them.
"…Apologies, but I'm a little tired right now."
So, when I spoke in a serious tone with an irritated expression, the nobles who were looking at me began disappearing one by one.
As expected, a single glance is enough for cunning opportunistic guys like them.
"Young Master Frey… you seem to be in a bad mood today?"
Then someone approached me and whispered softly in my ear. Even among the nobles, there seems to be at least one such ignorant person.
"Who are you?"
"Oh, have you forgotten all about me?"
But when I turned around, I could see a somewhat familiar face.
"…I told you not to behave rudely."
"Ah, I'm so scared."
So, after briefly reflecting on my thoughts, I was able to recall she was Young Lady Isabel from the Marquis family, the woman who insulted Kania the other day.
'…Shouldn't she be under investigation right now?'
Obviously, I had clearly exposed the corruption of the Marquis Household to my father, and I was trying to guess the reason why this woman was walking around freely. However, soon I recalled the fact that my father was in a comatose state and stroked my temple.
'Is it because the complaint hasn't reached the Imperial family since my father collapsed?'
I felt immensely frustrated by the fact that my well thought out plan failed because my father collapsed and it's all my fault. Meanwhile, Isabel smiled coquettishly and began pricking me even more without knowing my inner thoughts.
"Do you still remember my face?"
"Yes."
"Then why do you keep sending me back?"
"…Huh?"
When I inquired with my brows furrowed, Isabel looked distressed.
"Young Master Frey's butler keeps sending me back? If you remember my face, there's no reason to do so, right?"
Unable to bear the disgust at the words that came out of her mouth, I finally stopped walking and opened my mouth.
"Isabel, I heard you are getting engaged to the Crown Prince."
"Yes, that's right."
"Then why do you keep doing this?"
When I frowned and asked again, Isabel uttered a word as if it was the most natural reason.
"He is ugly."
"Huh?"
"Giving such an ugly man my first time… I mean… isn't it a bit sad for a woman?"
Seeing Isabelle talking with her eyes wide open, I chuckled.
"Hahaha… you're amazing."
"I'm grateful for your praise."
"But I'm not feeling well these days. I'll see you later."
"…Sigh."
I didn't want to get involved with her anymore, so I tapped my brooch that I was wearing and was about to leave, but soon Isabel heaved a sigh and said.
"Do you like that vile lowlife that much?"
"..."
"Well, everyone has different tastes… Anyway, I'd like to make a suggestion…"
"…Suggestion?"
"Would you like to be my dance partner at the upcoming ball?"
Hearing that, I smirked and opened my mouth.
"…What about the Prince?"
"Um… he's stupid and fat, so after dancing for the first time, he will be gasping for his breath and let me go, just like last time."
"Aren't you afraid of the backlash from the Imperial family because of your blasphemous actions?"
"…Well, it's just between the two of us, isn't it?"
Upon hearing those words, Isabel smiled as her eyes formed a crescent moon pattern and walked out of the hallway.
– Tap Tap
Meanwhile, after tapping the brooch to end the recording, I asked her one last question.
"…But why are you coming after me?"
Then she briefly stared at me and answered as if it was natural.
"Because you're handsome."
Having said that, she walked out of the hallway.
"…I don't think anything has changed from last time."
For some odd reason, I felt a strange aura from Isabel, so I used my ❰Inspect❱ skill but it seems nothing had changed.
Then what was that eerie feeling?
"…Young master."
"You surprised me!"
As I was ruminating with my brows furrowed, I suddenly heard Kania's voice next to me, out of nowhere.
"What… Kania? Since when have you been there?"
"…I was by your side the whole time."
"Huh?"
As she said so, Kania's body was emanating a dark aura.
"Kania, that kind of magic…"
"It's an elementary magic spell that allows me to seep into the Young Master's shadow and serve you right by your side. It consumes very little dark mana."
"Still, I'm afraid you'll get caught…"
"This magic has been used for stealth since time immemorial. So, no one in the academy can see through this magic spell except for Saintess Ferloche. And Lady Ferloche is on my side now."
"....."
As I stood there speechless while staring blankly at Kania, who refuted my remarks one by one, she suddenly frowned and muttered.
"…It's strange. Dark mana still exists in her body."
"Huh?"
"Oh, it's nothing. By the way… What are you going to do with her suggestion?"
"Well… I don't know…"
"You can refuse."
Having said that, Kania seeped back into my shadow.
"Somehow, my mood… No, I don't feel very good."
Upon hearing that, I stood still in the hallway for a moment, then touched my shadow a few times with a curious expression before heading to the classroom.
"…That's right, today's field practice."
However, soon when I saw that the classroom was empty, I muttered with a relieved expression, then stroked my temple and headed outside.
It seems I'm going crazy with each passing day.
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"…Look at that. You guys don't even have the basics down."
It was a team event that Isolet conducted outdoors.
However, her words rang true because even though it was supposed to be a team battle, it seemed more like one-sided slaughter.
Because Isolet divided the team into commoners and nobles.
Naturally, the nobles swaggered as usual and either they provoked the commoners or tried to persuade them to be gentle. However, the moment Isolet applied the 'Undetectable' magic spell she prepared beforehand, they began to scream and groan in agony.
Of course, there were some powerful figures even among the aristocrats, especially Clana, who did a fine job, but that was all.
The overwhelmingly powerful commoners began to eliminate the nobles one after another, and as their numbers dwindled, Clana, who had endured till the end with a handful of nobles, was eventually defeated after being overpowered.
The result could have been different if she had used her solar mana, but it was meant for killing, so Clana deliberately refrained from using it.
As a result, all the nobles, including me, were kneeling in front of Isolet and listening to her cold admonishment.
"The Imperial capital is no longer safe. You all know that some demonic monsters have recently invaded through the capital's security and defenses."
Just like she stated, the Imperial capital's defenses have recently been breached. And this, in turn, will lead to the 'Demon Invasion Event'… I don't know what will happen since I have already defeated the final boss of the event.
"Meanwhile, you're riding on the influence of your family's coattails without a care in the world… Truly, the future of the Empire seems bright. Isn't it?"
"…Huaam~."
"Frey, I'm saying all this specifically for you to listen. So, keep your ears wide open and listen."
The reason why Isolet was so furious at me is because I was at the center of the nobles who had been threatening and inciting the commoners earlier.
I hate being scolded for being at the center of the act I absolutely loathe, but I'm satisfied because I've earned quite a few points.
"We're going to conduct a battle once every three days. So get beaten and broken to your heart's content and realize your incompetence."
Having said that, Isolet gave the order for dismissal and quietly headed to the main building after ending the class.
"Ahh… my waist…"
As I got up, feeling an excruciating pain in my lower back after being beaten by the Saintess, I noticed Clana heading somewhere with her shoulders drooped and a grim expression on her face.
As I became slightly concerned, I cautiously followed her and noticed that she was heading towards the academy's backyard.
"Kania, can you cast stealth magic?"
"…Are you going to follow her?"
"It's because her expression seemed dark."
Before I realized, I was already under Kania's stealth magic spell and as I kept following Clana, I soon noticed a few familiar faces.
"From the Crown Prince to the First and Second Imperial Princesses… All the suns of the Empire have gathered?"
"…If they're considered to be the Empire's Sun, then the peaceful days of the Empire are long gone."
Although Kania spoke in a sarcastic tone, there was nothing wrong with what she said.
The Imperial family is all rotten to the core besides Clana.
The current Emperor is incompetent.
It's not because he has a rotten personality or he's atrocious… but it's due to his indecisiveness and incompetence. He chooses to stay still despite knowing that the Empire will collapse if it keeps heading this way.
And the current Empress is a villainess.
She had a love affair with the Emperor before Clana's mother, the rightful Empress, and she schemed and usurped the position of Empress from her.
Because of this, the real power of the Empire lies in the palms of the Empress, not the Emperor, and thanks to that, Clana, who was born late, was pushed to the end of the line of succession.
Of course, since the Emperor's authority is still higher than anyone else in the Sunrise Empire, if the Emperor says the word, the Empress' power will disappear at a moment's notice… but this is happening because the Emperor is incompetent.
And making use of this situation, the Crown Prince as well as the First and Second Imperial Princesses are tremendously pressuring Clana.
Perhaps that's why Clana has such a resentful look right now.
"…Clana, lately you have been enjoying yourself, haven't you?"
"Impudent bitch… you think you're something, huh?"
"Ugh…"
Sure enough, the Princesses began poking Clana's chest with cold expressions on their faces.
"Because of your impudent behavior… the Imperial family has lost face…"
"I apologize."
"Fine, that's enough. Find your marriage partner in the upcoming ball this time, and quietly self-reflect for a while."
"....."
Upon hearing her words, she bit her lips tightly.
In the previous timeline, she had already brought a lot of personnel to her side before the day of the engagement ceremony, and on that she overturned the Imperial authority at once… but now that the ball is held earlier than expected it seems she hasn't secured enough influence and entourage.
Apparently, the Empress was infuriated because she was absent from the important event just so she could attend the auction last time.
"…Ahmm."
As the Imperial Princesses, who were nagging Clana for a long time, left the backyard, the Crown Prince, who had remained silent until then, grumbled.
"…Worthless bitch."
Having uttered those words, the Prince quietly followed the Princesses and left the backyard.
"....."
Meanwhile, Clana, who had been dazedly standing in the backyard for a long time, headed somewhere with a despondent expression on her face.
""…Meow.""
Soon, kittens stuck their heads out of the cracks in the building where she had arrived. When they found her, they came out and rubbed their cheeks at her feet as the Imperial Princess began stroking those kittens with a sorrowful expression.
Upon feeling pity for her, I heaved a deep sigh and said.
"…I need to help the Imperial Princess."
"Pardon?"
Kania's brows furrowed upon hearing those words, but I continued speaking with a composed expression.
"I have to… right now, the Imperial Princess is nothing more than a kitten."
"…Lately, she's been close with Saintess Ferloche."
"Since our relationship is rather estranged, I can't openly help her as a friend."
"Were you close before…?"
"Anyway, I need to help her."
When I spoke sternly, Kania sighed and asked one more question.
"…So, how do you intend to help her?"
"Don't worry, I have the plan ready in my mind."
"…I'm sure you do."
When I said so calmly, Kania who unintentionally let out a sarcastic remark, spaced out for a split moment, then soon began apologizing to me urgently.
"I apologize, Young Master. I crossed the line…"
"Pfftt…"
Her new humane side was so funny that I burst into laughter. However, suddenly something popped out in front of us.
""...!""
We momentarily froze, but as soon as we realized it's just a kitten who was staring at us with its eyes wide open, we breathed a sigh of relief.
"…Oh, why did you suddenly run over there?"
But we froze again when we heard the Princess' voice right in front of us.
Although the stealth magic erases the presence to some extent… you have no choice but to get discovered, if someone is right in front of you.
Of course, I don't mind getting caught alone, but now Kania is also next to me…
"…Gasp!"
Suddenly, Kania hugged me tightly and covered my mouth with her hand. And soon both of us were rolling around in the grass.
As both of us were rolling around and I had no clue what was going on, strands of grass and dirt covered our bodies. However, the next moment Clana arrived, trampling on the patch of grass, and lifted the kitten. Soon she was taken aback when she noticed us.
"Y-You guys!! What are you doing here?"
"Sob, Sob! Sniff!!"
As Kania began wailing, Clana's expression soon turned cold when she inferred the situation. She then pointed at me while concentrating solar mana on the tip of her finger and said.
"Frey Raon Starlight, get away from her this instant."
"…Tsk."
I was afraid that she would shoot solar mana at my head, so I quickly got away from Kania and grumbled.
"…You sure look like a Princess when you bark orders."
"What did you just say?"
"It's nothing. Your Highness."
I replied to the Princess in a dissatisfied tone as her eyes blazed in anger. I then directed my gaze towards Kania and said.
"…Why are you rebelling and won't let me have my way with you like always?"
"…Ugh."
At those words, Kania turned her head with an ashamed expression, and at the same time, a golden aura emanated from Clana's body.
"…You better think this through. What will happen to you if you touch me, the Provisional Lord of the Starlight family? Aren't you still in a precarious position?"
"Sure, let's stop."
Undaunted by my sarcasm, the Imperial Princess continued walking towards radiating even more of a burning aura. After judging that I would never wake up again if I was beaten by her, I quickly decided to leave the backyard.
"Ah, that's right. I was invited to the ball… you are going to pick your fiancée there, right?"
However, when suddenly I recalled something , I halted after securing a safe distance, then looked at Clana, who was still emitting a golden aura and said.
"So, who will you choose?"
"It's none of your business."
"As far as I know… all fiancée candidates are trash, who are infamous throughout the Empire, so whoever you get engaged to… you're still going to suffer, right?"
"…Shut up."
"Why don't you come to me rather than getting engaged to such people?"
"Frey Raon Starlight. Don't you fear the backlash from the Imperial family for your insolence?"
Finally, I threw one last mocking remark while making a spiteful expression at the Princess, who eventually reached her threshold of anger.
"Then, see you at the ball. 'Third' Imperial Princess."
Having said that, I hurried to the main building, ignoring the scorching solar mana behind me.
[Acquired False Evil Points: 300pts! (Foreshadow)]
"…The message that appears next to the acquisition window. Who the hell is writing these?"
As I tilted my head at the question that I probably will never figure out until the very end, I hastened my footsteps.
Probably, it's something related to Serena who is willing to kill me or make me suffer in the near future.
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"…Caw."
"Hmm, you're here?"
Meanwhile, around that time, in an unknown room.
A girl was sitting on a splendid throne with a bored expression on her face. She inquired with her brows raised when an emerald-eyed crow flew in through the open window.
"Caw, Caaaw!"
"…Speak in human tongue. Although I can understand your words, it's still awkward to listen to."
"I understand, Your Majesty, the Demon King."
Eventually, the girl, who was called the 'Demon King' by the cawing crow, smiled and said.
"I haven't gone through awakening yet, so I'm not the Demon King. For now, refer to me as the heir."
"…But you are the last hope of the demons. We demons have no doubt that you will show us the long-awaited destruction of this world…"
"…Stop babbling. Are all demons as talkative as you?"
The crow, who briefly shut its beak at the girl's rebuke, looked at her and then opened its beak again.
"…I have something to report."
"Tell me."
"The recent death of Succubus Queen and Eucarius…"
"That's enough. Stop talking."
But once again, the Demon King cut its words off with a bothered expression on her face. The crow then spoke in an urgent tone.
"But… this is important…"
"Didn't I say that's enough?"
"....."
The crow, who continued to talk, hurriedly bowed its head when the girl radiated a vehement aura in all directions.
"…Let me ask one last thing."
"Please feel free to ask."
The girl, who was looking at the crow pathetically, slightly raised her head and spoke with an intrigued expression.
"If there is a Demon King, there must also be a Hero, right?"
"That's…"
When the crow hesitated to answer her question, the girl clasped her hand and smiled.
"Well, I think I already got the answer."
An opaque window which was only visible to the girl who had just finished speaking was floating in front of her eyes.
You can read 505 episodes for $10. p.*atreon.com/Astrid02