Elfante is actually not that strict than one might expect, especially for freshmen.
They guarantee the students the right to self-study rather than forcing them in a confined class. Either way, what they achieve solely depends on them.
'…It's quite large.'
This is why I can slack off like this.
Strolling with aching legs, I walked down the hallway.
I'm looking for Elijah. I'll be using the 'key' that Atallante gave me tomorrow, and her cooperation is essential to my plan.
'Maybe…'
She's probably in the Monster Research Department club room. In the original game, she was a junior in this Department.
But this place is really too damn big. My legs are hurting, yet there's still a long way to go to my destination.
As I was musing to myself.
"Ah, are you Dowd Campbell by any chance?"
Someone suddenly called out to me, which sent chills running down my spine.
Turning to see who it was, I saw a man dressed in formal wear approaching me.
He had a polite smile, a kind-looking face, and a gentlemanly demeanor.
He looked like a successful young entrepreneur.
"…"
However, I knew for a fact that this was all on the surface.
Insidiousness disguised as courtesy, malice wrapped in goodness, and hostility covered with politeness.
"I was looking for you, but it's a coincidence to meet you here."
Bullsh¡t.
He must have been monitoring my every move. The odds of such a coincidental meeting with this person in a hallway with no one around was slim to none.
"…Do you know me?"
"Ah, forgive me for the late introduction. I am Galdier Riverback. I run a charity foundation called the 'House of Purification'."
He handed me a business card while saying so.
Oh I know you, alright.
Marquis Galdier Riverback.
The big boss of Chapter 1, the "Purifier," and the leader of the devil-worshipping cult "PURIFIER."
[T/N: there's two "Purifier" but they are spelled differently in Korean so I'll just capitalize the cult name like how the author spelled out the word]
The charity foundation is just a money-laundering front for his cult.
…
Yeah, whatever.
What's important is why he suddenly appeared here.
What does he want from me?
"I have had a great interest in Mr. Dowd Campbell for some time now. I have been wanting to contact you, but the opportunity never presented itself ."
Despite not having said a word, Marquis Riverback had already led the conversation in his direction.
"I have a story I would like to share. Would you mind joining me for a meal sometime?"
"…It's fine, you can just say it here."
"That won't do, unfortunately. It's for charity. The House of Purification supports talented students so that they are not constrained by things like finances."
Marquis Riverback smiled, and even, bowed slightly. His courteous attitude remained despite my rough response.
"… My reputation isn't really that good, I'm sure you've heard of it."
This is what the academy is promoting and making it to be. I'm sure the truth hasn't leaked and the knowledge of it is even limited.
However, Marquis Riverback continued to smile without hesitation.
"It is a feat in itself to attract public opinion to that extent."
"…"
"Our foundation can definitely provide Mr. Dowd Campbell with a great opportunity. Could you please reconsider?"
I rotated the business card in my hand several times without answering.
How sus could you be by saying that having shi† reputation is a skill?
It's a proposal that doesn't make any sense other than showing interest in me.
'This.'
This event was also present in the original story.
Marquis Riverback did this same thing to 'woo' someone. In the game, Elijah got involved in this too, which led to an important branch of the chapter.
And now it's happening to me.
I don't know why.
"…I'll think about it."
Marquis Riverback grinned at my reply and politely saluted.
"I look forward to a positive response."
Watching the 'polite' man departing back, I turned over the business card I received.
3 days later. Twilight Iris. A high-end restaurant located inside the city area outside the campus.
It looks like he rented the whole restaurant. But Marquis Riverback is famous for his wealth.
"…"
I silently weighed the situation in my head.
Avoiding events tied to the main scenario will result in a significant penalty. There was virtually no option for me but to go through it.
"…"
Why do I always end up like this?
Is the whole world banding against me?
I massaged my head. I've been having frequent migraines as of late.
'…I'll have to prepare everything I can.'
Well, there's no point in weighing the options now. Like usual, it's fight or die.
I still have 3 days to spare. Until then, I need to think of what I can do.
Gathering the information I know and applying it to the current situation.
Calculate the risk. Calculate the return.
'…It's not impossible.'
The plan itself will not change much. I need to go to the other world with Elijah tomorrow and collect the materials.
Then I just need to wait for the thing to be made and strengthened.
But, after that.
"…"
I need one more thing.
I changed my course. There was someone I need to find first before going to Elijah.
Soon, I arrived at the infirmary and knocked on the door.
"Elnor. Are you there?"
"…Dowd?"
Elnore's startled voice came from inside.
I heard that after fighting the Dean and passing out, she was in bed the whole day.
"…What is it? Hold on. I'll be right there."
"No need, please rest easy. It's just a simple matter."
"What is it? Is something the matter?"
"Are you free in three days?"
"…Eung?"
"Can you go somewhere with me? It's at 'Twilight Iris'."
Elnore went silent in the room.
There was a long silence along with heavy breathing.
Then, a slightly trembling voice sounded.
"…Isn't that the famous dating place, no, a very expensive restaurant? Why would you go there…"
"Nothing in particular, I just want to go there with you."
There was a loud sound from inside the room, as if something had fallen.
"…"
Why is this person like this?
"…Are you okay?"
"I'm fine."
"…"
Right. That's a relief.
"Then I'll see you in three days…?"
"…Okay."
I stepped back after hearing her voice that sounded different than usual.
'…But I've secured the most important person.'
The rest is just gathering the means to use in the plan.
All right.
It looks like the next three days are going to be pretty busy.