The Arcane Academy's Student Council election was less a democratic process and more a gladiatorial arena with better lighting. Posters plastered every surface, each featuring a candidate's overly polished smile and a slogan that sounded like it had been generated by a medieval marketing AI.
"Celestia Dawnbringer: A Future as Bright as Her Hair!"
"Percival Goldcrest: Because Mediocrity Deserves a Voice!"
"Seraphina von Eldoria: Bow or Burn."
Aizen stared at the last one, his eyebrow twitching. "Subtle."
"Subtlety is for cowards," Seraphina said, materializing beside him like a vengeful ghost. Her crimson gown swished as she surveyed the chaos. "The debate begins in an hour. You will attend."
"As your moral support or your human shield?"
"Both."
[Main Quest Updated: "The Villainess's Academic Ascension"]
[Objective: Ensure Seraphina's Victory in the Student Council Debate]
[Reward: Unlock "Shadow Manipulation" Skill, +100 Affection with Seraphina]
[Failure: Permanent "Cursed: Frog Form" Debuff]
Aizen sighed. Frog form. Right. Because this world hates me.
The debate hall was a cathedral of pretension. Stained-glass windows depicted wizards doing vaguely heroic things, and the chandeliers were shaped like floating orbs of pure mana. Students packed the pews, their chatter a cacophony of gossip and last-minute bribes.
Aizen stood at the back, his butler uniform blending into the shadows. Clara hovered nearby, clutching a clipboard and muttering prayers to every deity she could name.
"Mr. Aizen," she whispered, "what if Lady Seraphina loses? What if she cries? I don't think my heart could take it!"
"She won't cry," Aizen said. "She'll probably set the hall on fire. Which, honestly, might improve the decor."
The candidates took the stage. Celestia sparkled in a gown of literal starlight, her smile radiating protagonist energy. Percival adjusted his monocle and cleared his throat, looking like a man who'd practiced his speech in front of a mirror for hours.
And then there was Seraphina.
She didn't walk onto the stage—she claimed it. Her presence silenced the room, her gaze sweeping the crowd like a queen surveying her subjects.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the moderator began, "our first question: What is your stance on the Academy's policy of allowing familiars in classrooms?"
Celestia stepped forward, her voice a melodic chirp. "I believe familiars are a vital part of our magical education! They're not just companions—they're family!"
The crowd cooed. Aizen rolled his eyes.
Percival adjusted his monocle. "While I appreciate the… enthusiasm of my fellow candidates, we must consider the practicalities. Familiars can be disruptive. Perhaps a designated 'petting zone' would be more appropriate."
The crowd murmured, torn between agreement and disappointment.
Then Seraphina spoke.
"Familiars," she said, her voice dripping with disdain, "are a crutch for the weak. If you cannot cast a spell without holding a raccoon's paw, you have no place in this Academy."
The room erupted. Cheers, boos, and the occasional "You tell them, Lady von Eldoria!" filled the air.
Aizen's System pinged:
[Affection Points with Seraphina von Eldoria: +10 (Current: 35/1000)]
For roasting raccoons? Seriously?
The debate continued, each question more inane than the last. Celestia preached unity and friendship. Percival proposed stricter curfews and mandatory study hours. And Seraphina? She eviscerated every topic with the precision of a surgeon wielding a chainsaw.
But as the final question approached, Aizen noticed something. Celestia's smile had tightened. Percival's monocle was fogging up. And Seraphina…
Seraphina was bored.
"Our final question," the moderator said, "is from the audience. What is your plan to address the recent surge in magical anomalies on campus?"
The room fell silent.
Celestia blinked. "Anomalies? I… I wasn't aware of any—"
"Nonsense," Percival interrupted. "The anomalies are clearly the result of lax discipline. A curfew and increased patrols will solve the issue."
Seraphina's fan snapped open. "Fools. The anomalies are not a discipline problem. They're a symptom. The Academy's mana conduits are failing. Without immediate repairs, the entire campus will collapse."
The crowd gasped.
Aizen's System pinged again:
[Hidden Quest Activated: "The Academy's Hidden Crisis"]
[Objective: Investigate the Mana Conduits]
[Reward: Unlock "Mana Sense" Skill]
[Failure: Mana Burn Debuff]
Great. More homework.
The debate ended with Seraphina's declaration hanging in the air like a storm cloud. The crowd dispersed, buzzing with speculation.
As Aizen approached Seraphina backstage, he found her surrounded by a gaggle of sycophants. She dismissed them with a flick of her fan, her gaze locking onto him.
"You were… adequate," she said.
"High praise," Aizen deadpanned.
"The anomalies," she continued, her voice low. "You will investigate them. Discreetly."
"Why me?"
"Because," she said, her lips curling into a smirk, "you're the only one I trust not to bungle it."
[Affection Points with Seraphina von Eldoria: +20 (Current: 55/1000)]
Aizen sighed. This is going to be a long week.