Ophelius Hall Occupation Incident (2)
My most reliable sense is my sense of smell.
After all, merchants are the type of people who rely on their sense of smell to sustain themselves. Lortelle was no different.
He would catch scents unnoticed by others and make his move a half-step faster.
Opportunities for sudden wealth often come from that small difference. The breakthrough in a deadlocked situation also depends on that half-step.
– 'Proposal to Support Return of Ophelius Hall Residents'
Lortelle sat at the desk in his room, neatly folding the handwritten proposal twice before placing it in an envelope and sealing it with wax.
"Indeed, it's raining quite heavily."
Raindrops beat against the windowpane. The sky, too, seemed gloomy as if lamenting the end of the vacation.
More than half of the rooms in Ophelius Hall were empty. The vibrancy of the past would only return around the weekend when the return period ended. Until then, this somewhat lonely and tranquil atmosphere would persist.
Walking alone down the dimly lit hallway as rain beat against the window could evoke a rather ominous feeling. Ironically, for Lortelle, this dreary and dim environment felt more comfortable.
This land of romantic learning is overly abundant with sources of light.
Students filled with dreams and hope, painting their beautiful futures while diligently pursuing their studies, shine so brightly it could dazzle the eyes.
Is this the so-called radiance of youth? It's oddly embarrassing even to think about. Of course, for Lortelle, it was completely unknown territory.
Bright light, on the contrary, reveals the dirt one carries on their body.
When he looked down at his desk, documents filled with sinister intent caught his eye.
He had already made contact with 'Inferior Student Representative Willain.'
He was grinding his teeth, waiting for a chance to give a blow to Ophelius Hall's students and the scholars. The prolonged downpour coinciding with the return period was a definite opportunity for him.
Discontent was already mounting. All that was needed was to throw in a justifiable reason for the inferior students and the general students to share outrage, and the rest would be handled by Willain, who was skilled in incitement and oratory.
A portion of the administrative panel reviewing school policies and the head maid in charge of managing Ophelius Hall were already on Lortelle's side. They would ardently support his proposal. It suggests allowing for special circumstances to adjust and support the return period for Ophelius Hall students.
It was a clear preferential treatment different from that available to the general students who had to return battling through the storm.
At this point, it wasn't important whether the scholars would actually accept Lortelle's proposal. The mere fact that such a proposal was being seriously discussed would be enough to diligently fuel the inferior students' anger.
"Looks like this quiet atmosphere will soon come to an end."
The situation should be made as big and flashy as possible. The greater the property damage, the better. If possible, it would be best to virtually demolish Ophelius Hall itself.
The logic of money functions strictly in Lortelle's domain—the ledger. The flow of funds and financial structures are clearly envisioned by Lortelle, who had been circling around the scholars a few times.
The school's finances were already in crisis. Following the Glascan incident, there was a need to draw funds even from Elte Company for the repairs of the half-demolished Nail Hall and Glast Hall.
For Lortelle, realizing the chronic cash shortage of Sylvania Academy was easier than eating cold porridge. There was no need to open the books.
He had observed the state of the school with his own two eyes throughout a semester. A prediction of the school's quarterly cash flow was swiftly derived with just a piece of parchment, a quill pen, and a few calculations of ink.
It's pretty clear why Headmaster's external activities are incessant.
It's to resolve the bottleneck in cash flow that has become particularly severe this semester. Observing the VIPs he meets, they are all significant property owners. He is constantly rolling up his sleeves to seek financial backers.
In fact, if the academy's asset structure is viewed in isolation, it is not lackluster.
However, payment deadlines that hit all at once are like a disaster that can bring down even a robust asset structure because 'assets' and 'cash' are entirely different concepts.
Bankruptcy due to poor management is a reality that must be faced with composure, but a 'profitable bankruptcy' due to a temporary cash bottleneck is infuriating to the point where blood pours from one's eyes.
The academy's executives will try everything to prevent such an event.
Lortelle pushes back his squeaky chair and leans against the window.
Ophelius Hall, opulent and grandiose among the buildings within the academy.
Filled with precious items and artworks, the stained glass adorning the walls was handcrafted by a famous craftsman whose work will go down in history. Wall materials, carpets, and hardwood furniture were also personally delivered by well-known artisans.
There are indeed items that do not even belong to the academy. Artworks left on display by noble and influential families to elevate Ophelius Hall's dignity.
A bit of flamboyant turbulence would inflict a fatal blow to the already cornered academy's finances.
And that would give Elte Company an overwhelmingly advantageous position in the upcoming negotiations for the 'Sage's Seal.'
The Sage's Seal, although the heart of Sylvania Academy, is sometimes put on the negotiation table by those cornered in distress.
"When will the rain stop?"
Lortelle gazes at the window through which the rain beats fervently.
The dismal sky holds not a speck of light. It's like the sky he once looked up at from a dilapidated pauper's mat. He feels self-mocking comfort in his affinity with it.
When lights are turned on in the squalid shanties of the slums, various cockroaches hiding in every nook scamper into the shadows to escape the illumination. What Lortelle felt upon recalling that sight was a strong sense of kinship.
As mentioned, this land of romantic learning has too many sources of light.
Immersed in a sticky darkness, he sees his dirt-encrusted self more clearly.
The traces of conspiracy littering his desk are evidence of that.
Always striking from behind others, distrusting, and never revealing one's true intentions; these are the marks of someone who has lived such a life, desperately struggling to survive. Although he has ended up in this state, it does not change the dirty and sullied essence.
… And so, he searches for his kind, as if under a spell.
Even in Sylvania, filled with people sparkling brightly, perhaps there is someone who can affirm the life of a dirty, sullied street rat; hopelessly clinging to such evanescent hope.
Lortelle silently murmurs as he watches the clouds.
"How lonely it is."
No matter what, his essence will never change. The stance Lortelle has taken to survive the harsh realities has always remained the same.
Lortelle is always a dark curtain in the background, hiding the grim reality behind the stage.
The audience calls it, the "Black Curtain."
* [Life Skills Details]
Grade: Intermediate Craftsman Specialty: Carpentry Craftsmanship Lv 13 Design Lv 8 Gathering Ability Lv 11 Carpentry Lv 12 Hunting Lv 8 Fishing Lv 6 Cooking Lv 6 Repair Lv 5 [ Advanced Crafting Skill Slot: Empty ]
[ Advanced Crafting Skill Slot: Empty ]
– 'Swoosh'
The torrential rain pours down.
Since starting this survival life, I have encountered rain from time to time, but this is the first time experiencing such continuous heavy rain.
The bricks that were dried out had been protected by makeshift tents, but they were bound to absorb moisture anyway. If only there had been a little more time, I could have quickly fired them with magic and stored them separately… The timing was just unfortunate.
With the rain continuing for so long, outdoor work had to be postponed. If food runs low, hunting in the rain is inevitable, but there's no immediate shortage of food for now.
Sitting by the fire sheltered by a tent, I quietly listen to the rain and preview the elemental studies book for the next semester.
The cabin leaks, and it's uncomfortable to stay there. It seems the simple clay isn't fully waterproof. I definitely need to think about how to handle the flooring and wall materials.
On rainy days like this, I focus my mind on my studies. The most important thing is the intermediate magic theory.
Being able to use intermediate-level magic marks the difference between a professional magician's standing. By the end of the third year, knowing just three or four such spells can earn one the status of a capable magician. I must work harder.
There are three days left until school reopens. The occupation incident at Ophelius Hall will happen on the last day of the vacation, so it's practically at the doorstep now.
The occupation incident at Ophelius Hall is like a stepping stone event.
Before the main event of the second act, the battle for the Sage's Seal begins, it's a scam orchestrated by Lortelle to corner the academy's finances.
Anyway, it's an event that cements Lortelle's position as a mastermind, so empathizing with the player, it's a time when the psychological gap with Lortelle widens the most.
Regardless of what Lortelle is planning, what his goal is, and how things will turn out, it's all known. There is absolutely no need to interfere with Lortelle's scheming at this point.
Lortelle is a character who should form an independent interest group within the college, a 'trade trading company' to create a power struggle with Princess Phoenia's student council.
From experience, it is best if the balance of power between the trading company and the student council is even.
Princess Phoenia's idealism and inclusivity have the power to unite a group. However, lofty ideals disconnected from reality create contradictions and estrangement in school policy.
On the other hand, Lortelle's pragmatism and drive have the power to lead a group effectively. However, harsh and mechanical value judgments make group members desolate and cold-hearted.
In the end, what matters is whose side Taely supports. Whether that force will be the winner, so I am watching carefully to see which power seems to be winning before swiftly joining in.
If one dares say, I'm an opportunist, I can only nod in agreement.
It's better than not grasping the situation and carelessly missing out on sweet opportunities.
I also… have to survive.
"Wow, I should just head back to the dorm. Today—"
"I thought the rain would stop by now…"
It's just past lunchtime if we look at the clock. But the sky stays gloomily overcast, as dark as early evening.
Yenika wrings out her water-soaked skirt, sticking close to the fireplace.
"Ed must have it tough. I have a place to return to, so coming here feels like camping, but Ed… even on rainy days like this, you have to stay here."
"It's not too bad after a while."
Yenika, who enjoyed wandering the northern forests, often came to camp. She would cook in the shelter or sit under a tree and read. Now, during the school holidays, she seemed to have plenty of time for her form of healing. There was no need for her to mind others' opinions, and she could spend all day with the spirits she so loved.
For me, this camp is the harsh reality of survival.
It might be indecent to treat a place where others struggle to live as a mere rest stop… but considering the food and tools Yenika brings, it seems more like a profitable deal.
"By the way, I have to start clearing out my room at Ophelius Hall soon…"
"It's about that time, yes."
"So I need to throw away a bunch of junk. Dex Hall is pretty cramped compared to what I thought."
The dormitory shift for most students occurs around the week of school starting.
Everyone gets busy as the new term begins, so most students prepare and move their stuff a week in advance.
I'm not sure when Yenika will clear her room… but starting from now, it means she'll stay at Ophelius Hall for a few days more.
"So if there's anything you need, just let me know. Ed, you could use extra stuff."
"Really?"
"Yeah, like spare blankets, cushions, clocks, or lanterns. And other various essentials or consumable goods – it would be a shame to throw them away, and that's a hassle too. Furniture is Ophelius Hall's property, so I can't take that with me."
Most furniture and daily necessities can be made if you have the materials; it's also good for leveling up one's skills… but it's not bad to receive what's offered. It's hard to resolve everything by making it oneself.
"That would be nice."
"Okay. I'll bring them over when the semester starts."
Yenika laughed with an 'ehehe' and warmed her hands by the shelter's heat.
"But about Lucy… is she often like this?"
"… Sometimes."
Suddenly, Yenika brought up Lucy as if that was the main point.
Looking up towards the cabin's roof, I can see Lucy standing still, drenched by the pouring rain. The rain, not cold, still soaks everything and feels quite unpleasant.
Her neatly tied white hair, which an Ophelius Hall maid probably combed, is already soaked and starting to come undone. Her expensive uniform fails to fulfill its role as clothing.
Lucy just stands there, unaffected, staring up at the sky.
Her usual listless and aloof demeanor is intact, her clothing a mess, and her large witch hat crooked. However, something feels peculiarly different about her. It is probably because she's recalling the illusion of the archmage she met on a previous rainy day.
Lucy's immense power is not a gift without strings. Although chains of destiny tightly bind her, she has led a life escaping behind the excuse of listlessness.
Living without facing her destined obligations accumulates to years before you realize. Even a carefree girl tends to reflect on her life on rainy days.
"She seems deep in thought. How to put it… Lucy is always so free-spirited…?"
"Just outright say that she looks thoughtless, it's fine."
Well, it's the truth.
"She's like that sometimes on rainy days. No need to worry too much. I tend to ignore it, too."
"I see… Ed… you're really indifferent toward Lucy…!"
As if she had an epiphany, Yenika echoed my thoughts.
"Anyway, Yenika."
Before Yenika returns to the dorm, there's something I must check.
The occupation of Ophelius Hall is not a significant event, as I've said numerous times.
While the scope of the incident is large, there aren't many variables.
The event starts when head maid Ellis activates a large protective spell array on the roof of Ophelius Hall for emergencies. The spell circle, carved by Vice-Headmaster Rachel, accessible only to the Head Maid of Ophelius Hall, works like a sturdy steel fire shutter.
It blocks every door, window, and passageway inside Ophelius Hall, and it's difficult to break.
Late at night, before the start of school, while all students are preparing for the opening ceremony the next morning, they become trapped in their rooms due to Ellis's spell.
Even the unaware maids are locked up after being summoned to the staff room for an 'emergency meeting.'
Thus, Ophelius Hall's hallways become a separate realm.
Those roaming are either participants in the occupation, cooperating maids, or a few students lucky enough to be outside. Clevius and Elvira are the emphasized characters in the story.
Sure, some students boast incredible strength enough to break down walls or use space magic to escape, but from a room, it's impossible to grasp the situation outside—whether it's a temporary anomaly or significant disaster, and whether it will resolve quickly.
Ophelius Hall's occupation is a plan exploiting such psychological gaps. Eventually, due to this complacency, Ophelius Hall ends up semi-destroyed.
"Huh? What's up, Ed?"
Recalling Yenika, who was about to leave for the dorm, I mulled over my concerns. Yenika, innocently smiling, tilted her head in curiosity.
I don't have much to do, really.
Just open the door at the right time, check the status of the ground floor while the lower-class students occupy the fourth floor of Ophelius Hall.
Taely and Elvira are likely to storm the hall – Elvira desperate for her precious herbs she left in her room.
When they burst in, stalling for time before letting them advance to the second floor should quickly lead us to the second phase, where Clevius, trembling in fear, gets caught.
It's not much, really. Even if there's a variable, it can't come into play.
Still, complacency is dangerous.
Didn't I learn that painfully during the Glascan subjugation? Affairs can turn on even the most trivial of reasons.
So, I need insurance.
Having reserves on standby for unforeseen emergencies is necessary.
Yenika, now beyond affecting the main storyline, is valuable for this role. She's suitable.
After all, good friends help each other out, right? Honestly, we're pretty close by now, I think.
"I have a favor to ask."
"Hm? What is it?"
Yenika cheerfully responded, urging me to speak. I hesitated a moment.
How many students would wander outside on the night before the opening ceremony? Most would rest in their rooms—Yenika included if she hasn't emptied her place yet.
If she stays in her room quietly, the spell Ellis triggers will lock her inside.
If I want Yenika as a reserve, I must ensure she's outside waiting somewhere.
But it feels wrong to leave her out in the pouring rain, and I can't send her too far from Ophelius Hall.
"Could you come to the gazebo in the rose garden in front of Ophelius Hall at around 9 PM the night before the opening ceremony?"
".... Huh???"
I'll explain the details then. It's not polite to detain someone who wants to leave.
"I want to talk about something."
At my words, Yenika suddenly blushed and started gulping nervously. She glanced around as if searching for eavesdroppers, then fussily straightened her skirt, looking down.
"…yeah, okay."
Her voice wilted as she consented, then dashed off, shouting 'I'll go then! Bye!' disappearing into the forest.
In such a hurry, she didn't even properly put on her robe, using it as a makeshift raincoat.
"…"
I closed the book I was holding with a thump and sat in the shelter, resting my chin in hand, staring blankly at the hut. Lucy still looks vacantly at the sky, unaffected.
The rain continues to pour. The droplets beat against the emergency tarp, calming the mind.
The forest smells different in the rain, heavier with dense moisture than usual.
The rain should stop by the morning of the opening ceremony. By then, I should be able to enjoy a bright sky after a long while.
Then, the scent of full-blown autumn will permeate this forest too.
Let's quickly wrap up this event and consider honing more advanced crafting skills.
With that thought, I listened to the rain while adding a couple of logs to the fire.
The long vacation is also coming to an end.