episode_0147

Untimely confusion came to the academy.

The reason was because of the troops that had begun to gather towards the academy.

As if they had made a promise to each other, the two empires, Reinberg and Elbrend, dispatched troops towards the academy.

It was a phenomenon that seemed strange at first glance, but when you knew the circumstances, it was also natural.

Reinberg and Elbrend exist in positions that can be described as polar opposites, and if the two empires collide, a battle line will eventually be formed in the middle.

And Perdion Academy is located near the center of the continent.

If you just think about it, it wasn’t strange for troops sent from both empires to get close to the academy.

In addition, the fact that those in a position to virtually command both empires were staying at the academy was also a factor.

Estelle and Cairn.

Even though the two empires created an extremely hostile atmosphere, the two did not withdraw from the academy.

Rather, he appeared calm, as if he did not care about the other person’s movements or the atmosphere at all.

So to speak, it was a war of nerves.

It was as obvious as seeing fire that the moment I got out of here, there would be a rumor that I had curled my tail first.

Therefore, the two acted rather proudly, saying that they were not at all conscious of the other, and that it did not matter what the other did.

Since the two had no intention of leaving the academy, it could be said that it was a natural flow for troops to gather where they were.

The problem was that the academy was completely affected by it.

The atmosphere at the academy became more serious as time went by.

The number of people at the academy even decreased.

This was because some people began to take a leave of absence and leave the academy.

And the speed was accelerating as time passed.

Estelle and Cairn have no intention of retreating, and the armies of the two countries begin to flock towards the academy.

It wasn’t difficult to predict what would happen when they arrived here and what the Academy would be like then.

That’s how the academy’s daily life began to break down in earnest.

Originally, if something like this happened, it would have been right for the Academy to protest, but the higher-ups at the Academy did not say anything to Estelle, Cairn, Reinberg, and Elbrend.

Even that was natural and simple.

The two empires were too great an opponent for the Academy to fight against.

In normal circumstances, and if the opponent was at least one empire, he might still have done something to express his opinion.

However, this time, the two empires did not simply show their discomfort; it was as if they had drawn their swords.

In this situation, the Academy was well aware that even if the Academy showed its intention, it would only result in sparks flying, so they did not take any action.

And as a result, the heavy atmosphere that prevailed at the academy showed no signs of improving.

In the academy, where the extremely heavy atmosphere had settled down and the number of people was gradually decreasing, there was one woman who still remained.

Soft, pale blonde hair that looks like it was made by pulling out honey like thread.

Eyes that look like they were cut out of a blue sky without a single cloud.

She was a woman whose appearance reminded me of the sunlight of a warm spring day, but for some reason, her face was blurry.

The woman, Mary, was walking towards somewhere.

Then suddenly her steps stopped.

Stopping in place, Mary looked around carefully.

“… … .”

There were quite a few people in sight along with the familiar scenery, but Mary knew.

The number of people has clearly decreased.

Looking at the empty space, Mary realized the current situation again.

An unusual current was enveloping the academy and the continent, and war was indeed getting closer.

It wasn’t just here.

Wherever I went, I could see empty seats.

Classrooms, cafeterias, and even dormitories.

Many people had left the academy and were still leaving.

Naturally, Mary also received a call from her parents asking her to return home.

But Mary didn’t do that.

He refused to return to his hometown of Lakenwood.

When war breaks out, many people die.

If the subjects of the war were both empires, it goes without saying the damage that would result.

Maybe it won’t end there, and a huge war may break out that will engulf the entire continent.

Knowing that, Mary couldn’t leave the academy.

I couldn’t run away.

Mary wanted to prevent war.

We already knew the quickest and surest way to prevent war.

That is, persuading Estelle and Cairn.

Estelle is practically the emperor of Reinberg, and Cairn is also the crown prince of Elbrendt, and is the next most powerful person to the emperor.

If we can properly persuade the two, war can be prevented.

Mary was sure of that.

However, even if you knew it, implementing it yourself was another matter.

Let alone persuading them, meeting them was a situation that was close to impossible.

In the first place, because of their social status, it is almost impossible for them to meet in person unless they have a similar background.

There is no need to say anything in the current situation.

I didn’t know what might happen, but there was no way I would let someone who wasn’t a sure ally approach me.

It wasn’t just a prediction.

This was the result of Mary’s actual attempt.

It was impossible to even approach Cairn in the first place.

In Estelle’s case, it was possible to tell her story due to their close relationship, but in the end, Estelle refused to meet with Mary.

‘What are you thinking…? … .’

Mary was acquainted with Estelle.

We spent our summer vacation together, and since then, we have had several face-to-face conversations about things related to Wade.

The relationship was never deep enough to be called a friendship, but even in that shallow relationship, Mary had some insight into Estelle.

At least she is not the same person as the rumors say.

That’s why Mary felt doubtful.

Estelle suddenly looks like that.

… No, to be honest, I had some guesses.

Estelle began to change after the news of Wade’s death was delivered.

Mary had already known that she had a special regard for Wade.

Mary was cautiously guessing that Estelle might have been so shocked by the news that she had changed because of it.

‘Wade… … .’

Mary remembered the face of a man.

A face I haven’t seen in a long time, a familiar yet nostalgic face.

Mary didn’t believe Wade was dead.

Even when the world and everyone accepted the news as truth, she alone denied it.

But recently, little by little, there were times when I felt that way.

I wonder if Wade is really dead.

Everyone has already accepted that fact, but I wonder if I’m the only one who wants to deny it.

‘… no.’

But soon, Mary shook her head vigorously and shook those thoughts away.

Wade is alive.

It will definitely be alive.

Soon, it will appear before your eyes again in good condition.

I decided to believe that. For now, it was important to focus on the task at hand.

War must be prevented.

Mary had been moving with that thought for some time now.

I knew from the beginning that I couldn’t do it on my own, so I decided to borrow the help of others.

What is needed in this situation is power.

Fortunately, there were powerful people around her.

Alexis, the prince of Wolfron, Cedric, the disciple of the Sword Saint, Chris, the disciple of the lord of the Cold Mage Tower, and Wilhelm, the grandson of the lord of the Golden Hand.

There were people around her with enormous power, and they were quite close to her.

Mary asked them for help, and they gladly accepted her request.

People with such incredible backgrounds came together, but to be honest, even that wasn’t enough.

It is true that they had a great background, but that was only a background, and they were not in a position to freely wield that background.

Still, since the name was worth the name, the speaking power itself was considerable, but it was not at a level that could be used by the emperor of an empire.

Therefore, Mary went out of her way to find others.

Those who will lend their strength and prevent war together.

Although most people expressed disapproval, there were definitely some who nodded their heads vertically, and thanks to this, the gathering power gradually increased, but Mary’s expression was not as bright.

It was because I knew full well that this was not enough.

‘It would be of great help if Rachel and Ira lent their strength… … .’

Rachel and Ira.

The backgrounds of those two are notable even in this academy, and the power they possess is also great.

Mary was sure that it would be a great help if she could get their cooperation, so she immediately asked them for help right after she decided to stop the war, but for some reason, they didn’t show much of a response.

At that fact, Mary felt a little lonely.

It seems like not only Estelle but the two of them have really changed.

And that bitterness awakened dormant negative thoughts.

‘… really.’

Can war really be prevented?

Such negative thoughts crossed Mary’s head.

These negative thoughts have been irritating her mind all of a sudden lately.

Strength and colleagues are gathering.

However, if it continues like this, it will be too late.

As it is, it is difficult to prevent war.

So, in the end, we have no choice but to watch helplessly as war breaks out and many people die?

Mary’s expression darkened.

It was then.

“Miss Mary.”

Someone pretended to know and approached her.

“… Ah, Mr. Mayer.”

Mary also knew this person.

It was a man named Alan Mayer, with whom I had become acquainted at some point and had at least said hello to him every time we ran into each other.

“Are you worried about something? You don’t look good.”

“Ah… … .”

Realizing that her negative thoughts were showing on her face, Mary hastily adjusted her expression, but it was already too late to pretend not to notice.

“… You seem to be worried about war.”

Alan looked at Mary’s face with a worried expression.

“… … .”

Since there was no room or meaning to deny it, Mary quietly lowered her head without giving any response.

“You don’t have to worry too much. Because there won’t actually be a war.”

“Then… … It would be nice, though.”

Despite Mayer’s comfort, Mary was unable to nod her head right away.

“It will definitely happen.”

However, despite Mary’s reaction, Mayer did not stop.

He comforted her with unwavering words.

At that confident comfort, Mary raised her head again.

‘… Yes, it’s too early to give up.’

Yes, it is still too early to give up.

It is never too late to despair, even after something has happened.

Thinking like that, Mary regained her strength again.

“Thank you, Mr. Mayer.”

“What. I didn’t do anything.”

“No. Thanks to you, I gained strength.”

Mary thanked Mayer and smiled for the first time in a long time.

And, Mayer also smiled at Mary.

“I guess I’ll just have to go. I have work to do.”

I had to meet more people and find more people to lend me strength.

And, I was planning to visit Estelle and Cairn again.

There was no time to do this.

“Yes. I will support you.”

After Mayer’s words of encouragement, Mary left immediately.

I didn’t know because I had my back turned.

Even now, Alan’s eyes, which are looking at him, are shining in an unusual way.