A carriage was making its way towards the Academy.

Within the carriage sat Astina, who had just finished her duties among the nobility and was now returning.

"The academy is the most comforting place at the moment."

Astina's face showed signs of weariness due to exhaustion.

After the incident during the midterm camp, Astina attracted significant attention, leading to a very tiring schedule.

She had discussed the incident with esteemed nobles and even received personal words of gratitude from the emperor.

Now, not only did she hold a prominent position within the academy, but she had also established a firm footing in central politics.

There was nothing left for Astina to fear.

Having accumulated such remarkable accomplishments, it was only a matter of time before she inherited the title of viscount.

Through her visits to various territories in the central area, Astina had laid the groundwork necessary for her to succeed as the head of the household.

The retainers of the Persia family, had changed their stance to support her due to the incident and the accumulation of achievements over time.

All the preparations had been completed.

"Ugh..."

Having accomplished so much, Astina felt utterly drained.

"Politics is truly exhausting."

Astina grumbled in frustration.

However, she couldn't relax now.

Only by enduring such arduous tasks and giving her all could she secure her position as the head of the viscount's household.

"There shouldn't be any problems."

Astina thought of Rudy Astria and couldn't help but smile.

It was all thanks to Rudy Astria.

After all, it was he who provided all the intel during the incident.

That young man possessed extraordinary abilities.

An immense wealth of information.

The same was true during Luna's library incident and now during the midterm camp.

During Luna's incident, his judgment may have been based on Luna's magic book.

However, during the midterm camp, Yeniel attempted to assassinate Astina.

With that alone, Rudy had deduced the entire situation.

It's not something an ordinary person could do in such a limited space and with such little information.

Naturally, questions arose.

How much does he know?

However, she didn't pry.

Everyone had secrets and their own private lives.

She was simply grateful that he was on her side.

"We'll be arriving soon."

"Okay."

Astina replied to the coachman with a smile.

After finishing my classes, I began tidying up my books. After quickly organizing them, I prepared to head to lunch.

"Rudy Astria."

Just as I was about to step out of the classroom to search for Luna, I heard my name being called.

"Hmm?"

Turning towards the voice, I saw Locke standing there.

It was a bit puzzling since Locke, who usually had little to no interaction with me.

"What is it?"

While we had grown closer during the midterm camp, we didn't have many chances to interact at the academy.

Since we were in different departments, there was no reason to see each other unless it involved Rie, and neither of us seemed interested in becoming close friends.

"Astina senior is looking for you."

"Astina? She's back?"

"She's currently in the student council room with Princess Rie. You should go see her."

"Is that so?"

I was about to make my way there when I realized something.

If I went straight to the student council room, Luna would be waiting for me, wouldn't she?

Since we always had lunch together, she would probably be looking for me.

I stared intently at Locke.

"...What?"

Hmm...

After a moment's thought, I figured out a use for Locke.

"Hey, could you do me a favor?"

Upon hearing my request, Locke furrowed his brows.

"If it's something similar to what you asked at the camp, I decline."

"No, it's a simple task."

Locke glared at me before speaking.

"What is it?"

"Could you please inform Luna that I might not be able to join her for lunch?"

A messenger.

Locke was the perfect candidate for such a role.

"Ah, Rudy Astria. You've arrived?"

"Why are you so late?"

Upon entering the student council room, I was greeted by Astina and Rie.

Rie's words had a slightly different undertone, but I accepted it as her unique way of showing hospitality.

"Did you handle everything well?"

Astina responded with a pleasant smile.

"Perfectly."

Seeing Astina in such high spirits brought me relief.

"Take a seat for now and have some tea."

Astina gestured towards the tea set on the desk.

I settled down and spoke.

"So, what comes next?"

"Now that the groundwork has been laid, it's merely a matter of executing the plan."

Astina's plan.

It was simple but challenging.

To overthrow her older brother, the current heir of the Persia family.

Replacing someone who had already established themselves in that position was no easy feat.

"Do you think you can do it?"

"We'll simply have to try. If it doesn't work out, we'll need to explore other avenues."

Though she said that, it seemed like she had received favorable responses from the noble families.

The process of becoming an heir varied from family to family, but there was a common element in most cases.

If the head of the family and the vassal families supported a particular heir, it was sufficient. There was no need for further competition.

While some families adhered to certain traditions, this approach was prevalent in most cases.

"Soon, the other families will propose the idea to my father—to change the heir."

Astina's family, the Persia family, had already chosen an heir.

To alter such a decision, they needed the surrounding vassals.

I believed that Astina had handled it well, so it didn't seem like something I needed to worry about.

Besides, there was no part where I could offer assistance.

However, there was a concern.

Astina was still in her second year at the academy.

Although she surpassed the average abilities of third-year students and seemed to be on par with a teacher's assistant.

The timing is much faster than any of us anticipated.

The dilemma lay in whether it was the right time for Astina to assume control of the family.

Originally, Astina was meant to take over a bit later.

However, we've accelerated the process greatly.

I couldn't help but worry about the potential side effects of Astina inheriting the family at an earlier stage.

But it'd be a waste to go against the natural flow of events.

This opportunity really couldn't get much better.

So, I came to a conclusion.

I would support Astina in inheriting the family and we'd have to use her newfound authority to take care of any resulting uncertainties.

With the authority of the dukedom at her disposal, it would be much easier to address any unpredictable circumstances.

"And, as you've likely heard from Rie, I've taken care of everything concerning Evan."

"Ah, thank you."

There was a reason why Astina needed to grow stronger.

Astina never questioned my actions.

She had doubts, but she refrained from voicing them.

She simply acted as I requested.

I wasn't sure whether to label this trust or something else, but it certainly created a comfortable dynamic between us.

I wasn't sure if Astina's compliance stemmed from trust or just favorable circumstances, but it worked in my favor nonetheless.

Thus, I could freely manipulate the situation as I saw fit.

While I knew I would need the help of others to steer the story in the best direction, not everyone would be as accommodating.

I needed to empower Astina and make the utmost use of her capabilities.

"Shall we proceed to the main point now?"

"...The main point?"

Hadn't we been discussing the main point already?

It seemed important enough.

Astina crossed her legs and spoke up.

"You were already anticipating this much, weren't you?"

Astina flashed a sly smile.

She wasn't mistaken.

Astina wouldn't let such an opportunity slip by. Her abilities spoke for themselves.

So, what was the main point?

I felt a sense of unease.

Had I missed something?

I honestly thought there were no major issues so far.

Although my actions had slightly altered the plot, the overall framework remained unchanged.

I still hold the second seat, and I've dealt with the incidents in a similar manner.

Could the concern revolve around Evan?

Since I haven't had a proper conversation with him, I don't know if he views me as a rival.

However, if he sees me diligently studying,

Wouldn't he perceive me as a contender?

In that case, Evan would also strive to secure the first seat.

I believed there wouldn't be a major problem since I handed Evan the sword of Andrei, which he was supposed to obtain this time.

"So, what is the main point?"

I asked, still feeling tense.

But the answer I received left me dumbfounded.

"Will you continue with the Student Council?"

"The Student Council?"

I stared at Astina, caught off guard by her sudden question.

"I helped you, didn't I? During the midterm camp."

"Didn't you also benefit thanks to that, Senior Astina……."

I had no intention of continuing with the Student Council.

Didn't we make a promise?

To help only until the conclusion of the midterm camp.

I didn't need to be in the student council since we had already formed an alliance.

Moreover, with Professor Robert's training occupying my schedule, adding the responsibilities of the Student Council would be too much.

"Well, I guess there's no other option."

Astina glanced at Rie, her lips curving into a smile.

Rie silently sipped her tea.

"Hm?"

I shifted my gaze between the two.

What was this ambiguous atmosphere?

As I stood there confused, Astina smiled and spoke.

"If you don't continue with the student council, Rie said she would join instead."

"...Rie said that?"

When I turned my attention to Rie, she was sitting quietly, fixated on her teacup, serenely savoring her drink.

"Honestly, you're more fun, but I thought this situation could also be fun, so I decided to do it this way."

Astina beamed at me.

Upon hearing that, Rie set her teacup down.

"Well, if that's the case, I should be going."

"Why? Won't you join us for lunch? Rudy Astria seems to have a lot of questions, doesn't he?"

Rie's brows furrowed slightly as she glanced at me.

"It's a matter of life and death."

With those brief words, Rie opened the door.

Just as Rie was about to depart, she stopped in her tracks.

From outside, a familiar voice reached our ears.

"Oh! Rie! Hello!"

"Huh...what?"

"Hm?"

I turned my gaze toward the entrance, and there stood a familiar brunette.

"Luna?"

When I called out her name, Luna peered inside.

"Oh, Rudy, are you finished? Then let's go and eat!"

"Luna Railer?"

Upon hearing Astina's words, Luna appeared somewhat taken aback.

"Oh, hello."

Astina regarded Luna, then spoke up.

"Who's behind you?"

Behind?

From my vantage point, the door obscured my view of the figure behind Luna.

Who could be standing there?

I slightly inclined my head to catch a glimpse.

And there, behind her, a girl with blue hair came into sight.

Someone who shouldn't be here.

In the game, her nickname was Stray Cat.

The top elementalist among the first-year students.

It was Serina Rinsburg.

"What are you thinking, bringing her here?!"

...I nearly shouted.

Her sudden appearance caught me off guard.

She should never get involved with us.

She exclusively associates with Evan, never mingling with others.

Someone who should remain detached from everyone else.

That was Serina Rinsburg.

This is giving me a headache.

As we silently observed Serina, Luna spoke up, perplexed.

"Um... I saw Serina eating her lunch alone on a bench, then all of her food was taken by animals... so I felt sorry for her...."

It wasn't that her food was stolen, but rather she likely shared it with the animals...

One of the most important conditions for a elementalist is their affinity with nature.

In this sense, Serina's act of sharing food and bonding with the animals was to increase her affinity with nature.

As I found myself clutching my head, unable to utter a word, Astina summed up the situation.

"Well, this is fate as well. Let's all go and eat together."

"I won't...."

"Huh?"

Rie was about to protest, but her eyes met Luna's.

Unable to continue her sentence while gazing into Luna's innocent eyes, Rie let out a sigh.

"Sigh... let's eat somewhere other than the school cafeteria...."

Rie reluctantly gave in and sought a compromise.

Of course, I agreed with her.

I wanted to eat somewhere that wouldn't draw attention.

The student council president, the princess, the top elementalist...

Such an unbelievable combination.

If anyone caught sight of us, rumors would circulate for weeks like wildfire.

We needed to find a restaurant without people...

"Ah, right."

I just remembered a restaurant that people rarely visited.

A place with great food, too.

Robert engaged in small talk with Cromwell before he leisurely made his way to have lunch.

Since Professor Cromwell was too 'noble' to eat at a shabby restaurant, he walked alone to 'that restaurant.'

"Hmm...?"

As he neared the rundown establishment he often visited, he caught snippets of noise.

It was unusual to hear someone else's voice in a place where he was the sole regular customer.

Curiosity piqued, Robert pushed open the door to the restaurant.

"...How do you even eat this?!"

"Hmm... Its rather delicious."

Upon glancing inside, Robert spotted familiar faces.

"Why are you all here?"

Rudy Astria, Luna Railer, Princess Rie, and the others who spent time with Rudy Astria—they were all present.

One of them was a face Robert hadn't seen before, but he paid little attention to that.

The fact that there were so many people proved more bothersome.

And on top of that, one man amidst a group of women...

"Oh, Professor, hello."

As the spokesperson, Rudy Astria greeted Robert.

Robert acknowledged the greeting and rubbed his temples.

"...I have a headache."

What exactly is he doing?

It was surprising enough to witness him alternating between Princess Rie and Luna Railer during workouts, but this... This was something else.

He thought he should finish teaching Rudy magic as quickly as possible and avoid getting involved.

***

1/4! New update of the site is up and is looking pretty stable not bad. Ads are working... kind of... something to fix as usual but I'll be posting chappies for the weekend and work on that next week.

I haven't completed reviewing all the ads but I have completed the first few hundred, please remove ad block for this site. Google does a good job in making sure they're not harmful. I'll be looking out for these as well.

No popups and I'm blocking some are that too inappropriate or stupid or oogly(disturbing). Like that one webtoon one where there's usually a girl going "Wow it's so big." or this one dental one. Was gross.

Oh last thing, for people who didn't see my message last chap, I changed Rika to Riku. It was actually Riku the very first time, I'm not sure when I accidentally called her Rika and it just somehow stuck.

I'm going to stick with Riku but in the future I'll leave small stuff like that be since it really doesn't matter.

Sorry for the long note. Enjoy the chappy!