While Ophelia was quietly nibbling on the children's snacks, her former students were barging into the principal's office with stern expressions.

"Old hag."

"W-What is this? Why do you all look so serious?"

Perhaps because five students stormed in together, Veronica was startled and quickly hid something behind her back. However, from where she stood at the door, Stella could easily tell what it was.

A small, red wrapper and a slightly puffed-out cheek. The old hag was eating those strange ginseng candies again, wasn’t she?

That’s why people kept treating her like an elderly lady, no matter how many times she was told.

"We’re here to ask about Ophelia."

"…You want to know where the counselor went? I already told Leo I don’t know."

"Yes, you did."

The claim that she didn’t know was likely true, and Stella didn’t deny that.

"But I’m not asking about her whereabouts."

"Hmm? Then what do you want?"

"…Where you first met her. That’s what we want to know."

"Why do you need to know that?"

Seeing the old hag’s confusion, Stella decided to use a bit of trickery. The others, though, seemed to think they could just ask and get an answer. They were being optimistic.

But they were wrong. This old hag was more suspicious than she looked, and she’d definitely overthink it and refuse to answer. That much was clear from the look on her face.

If they kept going this way, they’d leave empty-handed. So, how could they trick her?

Stella knew the old hag’s weakness all too well from the many years they had spent together.

"It’s just… I miss the counselor so much…"

"…Stella, I understand that, but saying you miss someone isn’t reason enough to pry into their private life."

"I know, but… I owe her so much. I just want to feel a connection to her, even if it’s just through some small details…"

Stella added a slight tremble to her voice and body. It wasn’t difficult—autumn was approaching, and while the weather had cooled, it wasn’t quite cold enough to bundle up in thick clothes. Hidden inside her outer coat was a small cooling device that she could control remotely. A quick press of the button chilled her back, making her body shiver naturally.

To anyone else, it would look like she was barely holding back tears. And judging by the startled look on the old hag’s face, the trick worked perfectly.

Of course, Veronica had no way of knowing the truth: Stella had never genuinely cried in front of anyone. Every time she showed tears, Veronica was always there, and each time, Veronica had no choice but to give in to whatever Stella wanted.

The old hag’s weakness was clear: she was overly sensitive to tears and emotions. If Stella had begged and then cried when denied, Veronica would always relent.

Stella smiled inwardly, confident of her victory.

"There’s no need to cry, Stella. Surely, it’s not that bad."

"I’m not crying. I’m… not crying. I’m the future empress. Something like this… won’t make me cry."

"Of course, you’re right. Just calm down…"

"…Hngh."

And now, a single tear.

Stella let one tear fall, just enough to seem like she was losing control. This was easy; all she had to do was recall the humiliating days she’d spent losing to her brother.

But in the end, she killed him. With her own hands.

…With Ophelia’s help.

Perhaps it was because she was thinking about how Ophelia had helped her that the tears came more freely than expected.

"Oh, no, no! Don’t cry! Don’t cry! And you! Why are you crying now?!"

"Sniff… I miss the counselor… So much… Waaah!"

"What… what is this?!"

"C-Counselor…"

"…"

And as if Stella’s tear had a ripple effect, Aileen, who had been silently watching in a depressed daze, began sobbing uncontrollably. She had been carrying a heavy emotional burden, and the mention of the counselor must have pushed her over the edge.

Veronica, now in a complete panic, looked around at the others for help. But no one was in any shape to assist her. Their own feelings of helplessness left them unable to step in.

Now then, old hag. Let’s see how long you can hold out in this mess.

"Mm… mmm…"

She’s struggling, isn’t she?

Even now, Stella watched the old hag wrestle with herself. Clearly, she was nearing the limit of what she could endure.

"I’m sorry. It was too much of a request. Let’s go, everyone. We’re only causing trouble here."

"Waaaah!"

"Come on, Aileen. Stop crying. When you cry… it makes me even sadder…"

"Alright, alright! I’ll tell you! Just stop crying!"

Victory.

Stella wiped away Aileen’s tears, and in a moment where Veronica couldn’t see, she smiled in triumph. Aileen, startled by the sudden shift, stopped crying.

"H-Huh?"

"Shh. Keep crying a little longer, or she’ll get suspicious."

"…?! Ah, okay."

The others finally caught on that Stella had faked her tears. But now she glared at them, signaling to keep up the act.

With one last tear-drop, Stella turned back to Veronica, ready to close the deal.

"I’m sorry, Veronica… I didn’t mean to be a burden…"

"Hmph. It’s fine, as long as you realize. You could’ve called me by my proper name from the start, though."

Finishing off the performance by addressing her properly, Stella knew she had won. The old hag hated being called “old hag,” and switching to her name sealed the emotional connection. As expected, Veronica finally opened up.

"Fine, fine. It was a day I particularly wanted to drink…"

"…Sorry, Veronica. But could you skip to the important part? We’re anxious to find her as soon as possible."

"Kids these days. They only want the short version…"

Short, my foot.

Stella remembered well how long-winded Veronica could be when she was younger. She once listened to the old hag ramble for three hours straight before being called away by her father.

After that, Stella always cut straight to the point with her.

"I first met her at a bar near the academy."

"…A bar?"

"You can’t be serious…"

"Don’t give me that look. It’s a bar, not some sleazy joint. It had a bartender."

Clearly thirsty, Veronica rummaged in her desk for something and took a few swigs.

…Alcohol. She’s really drinking right in front of the students?

"I’d often go there because a friend of mine runs the place. She was a part-timer."

"…You have a friend?"

"You brat. Just because I’m older doesn’t mean I can’t have friends. What’s wrong with that?"

"No, uh… nothing. Never mind."

She’s at least 60 years older than her “friend,” Stella thought but held her tongue. If she mentioned it now, Veronica would clam up again.

"I remember talking with her over drinks, and… hmm?"

"…What is it?"

"Strange. My memory’s a bit fuzzy. Why did I bring her to the academy again?"

There it is.

The students in the room shared a knowing look.

This was it—the moment she’d been hypnotized into hiring Ophelia.

All the suspicions they had were now confirmed.

"I must’ve been drunk because the details are fuzzy… But I think she was counseling customers."

"Counseling…"

"Yeah. She was really skilled. I later found out she’d studied psychiatry. She was a natural at handling psychological counseling, and I thought she’d be a good fit for the academy."

"You chose her over a specialist?"

"Appearance matters when it comes to connecting with students. I thought her appearance would make her more approachable."

There was no way a ghost-like entity like Ophelia could have studied psychiatry. This had to be part of the hypnosis.

But it didn’t matter what kind of hypnosis it was.

"Where is this bar?"

"You want to go? Well, I doubt she’s there anymore."

"…What?"

"I’m a regular there, so I already asked around. My friend said they haven’t seen her. I don’t think she went that way."

"That can’t be…"

"You can go check it out if you like. Here, I’ll give you the address. Just pass along my regards if you see my friend."

Although they finally got the address, the students didn’t feel any relief.

If Ophelia wasn’t there, then where could she be? The creeping sense of hopelessness returned.

With no other leads, they clung to the slim hope they had left and agreed to meet at the bar’s location at midnight.