episode_0169

The Starry Night—a major event in the original work. Despite its poetic name, it ended in an exceptionally gruesome and messy outcome.

On the last day of the academy festival, with students exhausted from the event and dreading the return to exam prep the following day, the Demon King’s followers took advantage of their fatigue and acted recklessly.

Their goal was a ritual to summon demons. When it failed, they transformed the accumulated mass of magical energy into a massive meteor and attempted a suicide attack.

Naturally, the academy’s professors and others managed to shatter the meteor before impact, but stopping every fragment was impossible—mayhem ensued.

Countless casualties resulted. And since this occurred at Fiend Academy, the empire’s premier institution, the resentment of those connected to the victims was enough to shake the colossal empire.

“Even now, it feels as vivid as yesterday. The atrocities those trash committed. Really, we should’ve slaughtered every dark mage on sight. Father was far too lenient.”

“Though your words are harsh, I agree—we should’ve intervened somehow. That’s why I’m talking to you now.”

“Hmm. So then? When’s the selection for the Holy Sword?”

Typical of Elia. She’d already reached the same conclusion from my words alone.

Noticing my expression, Elia smirked.

“No need to look so surprised. Identifying those dark mages beforehand would’ve been difficult—no, impossible. The Fiend Academy festival draws not just students but outsiders from all over. So, the solution is straightforward: gain the power to stop whatever catastrophe they unleash in an instant. And the easiest method? The Holy Sword wielded by Lucilla. Simple deduction.”

“Right. In past loops, I scoured texts and waited for oracles to obtain the Holy Sword, but now there’s no need.”

“Indeed…”

She pondered my words briefly.

“And there’s no need for that tedious political warfare either. Even if someone asks where we found it, we can fabricate an answer. They wouldn’t know the Holy Sword’s conditions for manifestation.”

“Exactly.”

The Holy Sword requires no complex criteria or arduous trials. From the outset, those destined to wield it are predetermined. The sword answers any who seek it—it simply rests until the right hand takes hold.

In past loops, Lucilla never imagined herself a hero, so during the Starry Night, she could only watch helplessly alongside other students. Only later, after wishing for the power to save everyone and defeating dangerous monsters, did she awaken. But now, there’s no reason to wait.

“So, what you need to do—”

“—is persuade Lucilla to draw the Holy Sword, preferably before the festival begins. No problem. She already understands the gravity of the situation. If she wills it, it’ll happen anytime.”

“She can already manifest the Holy Sword?”

Elia gave me a look as if I were an idiot.

“She’s no fool. Of course, she retains memories from past loops—there’s no reason she couldn’t. She’s likely holding back to avoid disrupting your plans. So, I’ll just… nudge her along. The deceived and the deceiver both know the truth, but as long as it’s a happy ending, everyone wins, no?”

“…”

I was at a loss. Even if I tried to advise her, Elia and I were equals now—I had no right to guide her further.

“While we’re at it, tell Chris to accelerate the plan. With you in this state, we can’t afford delays. One misstep, and we might lose you again.”

“Pretty shameless, coming from the one who put me in this state.”

“Everything is to protect you. Indulge in it a little. Aren’t you flattered? The empire’s most coveted jewels—devoted solely to you. That makes you the most precious treasure of all.”

“Feels more like watching a lunatic hammering away to keep a jewel from being stolen… But I won’t deny your sincerity. No matter what happens to me, the sooner this nightmare ends, the better.”

“Glad you understand. Shall we go now?”

“Yeah. You handle the excuses. The important thing is—Whoa!”

As I reflexively tried to stand, Elia caught me before I could collapse.

“Careful. You won’t be moving freely for a while.”

I let out a dry laugh. My legs dangled uselessly, devoid of strength. It suddenly struck me—what Elia had done wasn’t something an ordinary person could stomach.

Breaking something, then declaring you’ll care for it the rest of your life… That’s not the logic of a sane mind.

So I had to ask:

“Can you handle the responsibility?”

“Anything. I’m prepared to do everything—except send you back to that hell. Just give the word.”

“No need for melodramatics.”

Elia knew full well I wouldn’t—couldn’t—harm her. Killing her here would be the height of folly, no matter how furious I was.

But she only replied softly:

“I mean it, Eric. No matter what you think.”

“…”

Sure. Not that it’d change my mind.

“Then, how about staying at the palace tonight? If you return home like this, Chris will interrogate you. I’ll tell them your condition requires observation at the palace.”

“Cecilia will protest.”

“The palace has no shortage of skilled healers.”

“And then what? Suddenly, after a safe night in the palace, I wake up crippled? Couldn’t you think of a better excuse? They’re not fools.”

Elia tilted her head.

“What are you talking about? The perfect excuse is right here. Just say I tried severing the pact with Elle, triggering a rebound. I’ll shoulder all ensuing blame—no need for you to worry.”

——-

“Brother! What happened to your legs?!”

“Eric, what’s going on?!”

“Elia. You were with him, weren’t you?”

“Dancing is out of the question now…”

Yeah. Figures.

After my bittersweet meeting with Elia, the next day, I headed straight to the student council room upon arriving at the academy. No point pretending to be a model student—I already knew all the exam material, and with Elia aware of my secrets, there was no need for pretense.

Naturally, everyone fixated on my legs.

“Ah, well, it’s a long story…”

“Wait, Eric. Let me explain.”

I sat in what could generously be called an otherworldly wheelchair—a chair with wheels and handles. Luckily, basic mobility aids existed in this world, and Elia’s enchantments made it faster than walking.

Three pairs of eyes glared daggers at Elia, while the council president watched me with sorrow.

Facing them, Elia began:

She’d researched the pact with Elle and attempted to break it, only for a rebound to cripple me. In exchange, she’d pledged absolute support.

“Elia. This seems… excessively emotional for you.”

Lucilla struck true.

“Yes. I regret it. But a direct pact with a demon? Unease was inevitable. Perhaps I was overconfident—thinking any contract, as magic, was within my grasp. I’m sorry.”

Elia bowed deeply.

“Sister… you explained everything to him, right?”

Explain? Right.

“Of course. This makeshift is just for now—I’ll find something better suited today.”

“Huh? I’m fine with this.”

Elia and Chris scowled.

“Are you serious?”