Anguish

Flinch, flinch.

The sight of the giant assassin trembling violently was quite memorable.

Eyes staring blankly into the void. Drool dripping from his gaping mouth.

Anyone would doubt whether he was even alive, let alone in his right mind.

(T/N: Remember to put the mind break tag on the story)

Poor thing. Didn’t he insist he’d rather die than talk? Shouldn’t have resisted.

It would’ve been fine if he’d just spoken obediently.

Some people insist on enduring pain while declaring they’ll never talk.

“Teacher Ophelia, what on earth is that…?”

“Hmm… The result of trying too hard?”

“…You’re not actually doing anything dangerous with your thoughts, are you?”

“I told you I’m not!”

Honestly, even while denying it, I felt slightly guilty this time.

Well, he looks like he’s on drugs or something. What would anyone think?

It wasn’t strange to imagine what I’d been doing to him for an hour.

No, it would be stranger not to have those thoughts.

“Fine, you don’t have to tell us if you don’t want to. Right, Anya?”

“…Anya?”

What’s with that familiar tone?

I reflexively repeated it, thinking I’d misheard.

Is it a nickname for Anastasia? Since when were they close enough for pet names?

“Are you two that close?”

“No, not exactly. We’re trying to become closer.”

“…?”

“We thought her full name was too long since we’ll be seeing each other often.”

“So a nickname…?”

“Yes.”

Anastasia laughed, saying it would be awkward to stay too formal when we’ll meet frequently.

…Figures.

Clearly Anastasia forced it, not Stella initiating.

“What’s with that face, Teacher Ophelia?”

“Nothing, really.”

“Suspicious. Whatever. Anya, is he alive?”

“He’s breathing but…”

Anastasia muttered in confusion while examining the unconscious man.

“…This is strange. He’s completely unharmed.”

“Unharmed?”

“No injuries, no signs of ingested substances… Not even mana traces. What exactly did you do?”

She seemed puzzled by the lack of evidence despite his condition.

…Maybe I went too far.

I might have overdone it because I was angry he dared hurt Stella.

I left him alone since he’d regain consciousness in an hour or two, but they noticed something was wrong.

“I just… asked his body directly.”

“…?! A-hem. I… see. Let’s stop this conversation here.”

“?”

What’s with that reaction?

I was considering using hypnosis if they pressed further, but their expressions looked peculiar.

Their faces are slightly flushed?

“Um, Teacher Ophelia.”

“Yes?”

“You should… value your own body…”

“…? …?! Th-that’s not what happened! What are you thinking?!”

Are these kids insane?!

Only then did I realize what twisted thoughts they’d been having.

How could that be your first assumption?!

“…Wasn’t it?”

“Of course not!”

“But you mentioned R-18 earlier… No magical traces, no torture marks, yet he’s catatonic. And it took an hour…”

“No! I said no!”

“Alright, alright.”

Huff, huff…

Why must I endure this treatment?

I won’t deny being beautiful – I sometimes admire myself in mirrors too.

Honestly, seeing my well-customized avatar makes me proud sometimes.

That’s why I maintain myself despite minor inconveniences, but this sexual harassment is truly baffling.

These brats have filthy minds.

Maybe it’s natural for young students, but I wish they wouldn’t think that way about me.

Why does everyone look at me like that? Is it these unnecessarily large Chest?

But Anastasia’s are big too. Why am I singled out?

“Anyway. Did you learn anything?”

“Nothing beyond your expectations.”

“…As expected?”

Should I be relieved or disappointed that nothing changes even with my involvement?

His intel matched our predictions perfectly.

Well, almost perfect – events are progressing faster than expected.

“The Prince’s orders. He thought one assassin would suffice.”

“Ha. Underestimating us.”

“But that wasn’t the only reason for sending just one.”

“There’s more?”

But deviations are necessary.

Since I lied to them, I must keep feeding unverifiable information to maintain their alliance.

“They lacked manpower after sending reinforcements to the Pope.”

“What…? To the Pope? Why?”

“Not sure.”

“…Anya?”

“First I’ve heard of it.”

Of course it’s news – it’s a lie.

Why would the Imperial Family lend assassins to the Pope?

But they have no choice but to believe me – everything fits under this premise.

“Why would the Pope need assassins?”

“…It’s possible.”

“Oh?”

“Many congregants resent Father’s recent actions.”

“…”

The demon possessing her father excels at stirring trouble without crossing lines, but trouble remains trouble.

Many congregants disapprove of his borderline behavior.

Internal dissent is growing.

…This much is true.

“Is that man truly the Pope?”

“…I hate admitting it now, but yes. Technically.”

“Preposterous. However displeased, the Pope commissioning assassinations?”

My lie fatally distorted the Pope’s image.

Originally just a simple demon wanting chaos, he now appears as a schemer eliminating dissenters.

“This… can’t be overlooked.”

“I agree. This crosses the line.”

Crossed the line. That was her verdict.

Indirect harm can be managed, but direct bloodshed is unforgivable.

I felt proud watching rebellion blossom in her heart.

Good girl, Anastasia. Someday you’ll tear down the Church yourself.

“So it’s confirmed – the Pope and my brother joined forces. …Damn, no wonder I couldn’t win.”

Oh, for the record – Stella lost the Imperial Succession War because she’s incompetent.

That’s just coping, but no need to mention it.

She might get angry.

“Princess Stella. This is dangerous.”

“Agreed. If this continues, key Church figures might get slaughtered.”

“What should we…”

“Best solution? Overthrow the Church.”

“Teacher, what are you…?”

“Literally. We must carefully consider how to remove the Pope.”

The Pope’s approval ratings are low.

But assassinating him secretly would backfire spectacularly.

If caught, execution awaits. Even if successful, unexplained papal death breeds chaos.

Worse than the academy terror incident. Mass panic, simultaneous terrorist attacks.

His death must be publicly acceptable.

“So instead of secret assassination, we kill him openly! Make everyone accomplices!”

“A protest… I don’t like it, but it is possible. I still don’t like it, though.”

Despite her royal distaste for protests, Stella nodded at its effectiveness.

“But do people resent him enough for uprising? We’d need an outrageous scandal.”

“No worries. It already happened.”

“?”

“Right, Watcher-nim?”

I smiled at Anastasia, who’d maintained a dark expression throughout our discussion.

She looked utterly bewildered.