Ch.145145. Practical Exam (2)

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Conrad, the Dean of the Elphante Academy’s Knight Department, is a former Imperial Guard knight and a distinguished figure who oversees an entire department at one of the continent’s three major academies.

This implies there aren’t many people on the entire continent before whom he would kneel in respect.

“Elphante hasn’t changed at all, has it, Sir Conrad? It seems exactly the same as when I was a student here.”

The young woman appears to be less than half Conrad’s age. With slight exaggeration, she could almost be his daughter.

Yet Conrad was bowing his head to this woman who spoke such words.

It was only natural that someone of his stature would be called for the simple task of “escorting” her.

As if he wasn’t even permitted to raise his head.

“…Had you informed us of your visit in advance, I would have prepared something more nostalgic for you to enjoy. It’s regrettable, Your Excellency.”

“It’s been a while since I’ve been scolded for not giving advance notice, Sir Conrad.”

“That’s not what I meant—”

“I’m joking, just joking. You don’t need to be so tense.”

At this stiff response, the woman in the elegant dress before him smiled gently.

Porcelain-white skin so cool it almost gave a chilling impression. Mysterious golden eyes concentrated with an aura that earned her the title “The Empire’s Greatest Jewel.” And a graceful demeanor permeating her entire being.

Even her every step overflowed with the polish of various etiquettes and protocols.

“Today I’m merely visiting for observation. If you’re too cautious, it makes me uncomfortable.”

Though she spoke in a gentle voice, Conrad inwardly scoffed.

As if that were true.

For such a trivial reason, this person standing before him was an impossibly important figure.

“Anyone would naturally be tense in the presence of the Iron Lady.”

“That’s a nostalgic nickname.”

That was the respectful title used with reverence.

In contrast, those who trembled under her hand called her by different names.

‘The Iron-Blooded Chancellor.’

Or even.

Some went so far as to call her ‘The Witch.’

Recalling these nicknames, Conrad inwardly heaved a deep sigh.

Sullivan Axcion Petronus.

Second to one, above all others. The Chancellor who oversees all state affairs of the Empire.

The Iron Lady. The undefeated politician.

“Still, I didn’t come entirely without purpose.”

Sullivan said this while looking at the open space beside the corridor.

Today was the final day of Elphante’s end-of-term comprehensive evaluation. It was also the day of the “practical exam” that carried the most points.

“I came to verify something. His Majesty has been throwing tantrums lately, saying there’s someone he absolutely must meet.”

If anyone else had spoken such words, they could be hanged for blasphemy without question.

But not only did Sullivan utter them casually, even Conrad, though grimacing, couldn’t openly criticize her words.

Chancellor Sullivan was someone who could speak like that.

Starting as the head of an unknown frontier barony, she had risen to become the Empire’s second-in-command in less than ten years—a legendary figure.

A person who had reached the Empire’s pinnacle at an age not much different from the students currently attending this academy.

Some would say she was closer to the throne than the Emperor himself.

While the Emperor merely sat on that throne, most of the “authority” emanating from it originated from this person’s hands.

This was symbolized by the fact that the “Heresy Inquisition,” which could exercise authority not only throughout the Empire but across the entire continent, already moved like this person’s limbs.

In some ways, she could be considered the Empire’s true ruler.

It was even rumored that if she could just create a justification, she could have long ago pulled down the Princess Emperor currently sitting on the throne.

The reason she hasn’t done so remains a mystery even among countless politicians.

“The eldest son of the Campbell Barony—”

Sullivan paused briefly after saying this.

“Excuse me. The Campbell Viscounty, right? I heard they recently confiscated Viscount Goldic’s territory.”

“…It seems even Your Excellency makes mistakes occasionally.”

“Indeed I do. I’ve been calling them barons for so long that it’s completely stuck.”

“…?”

This was strange.

Considering this person’s position, such a family would have the significance and importance of ants to her.

Why would they come up in conversation frequently enough for her to get used to referring to them?

If she had said it was since that man entered the academy, it would be understandable. Without doubt, that man had always been a hot topic since enrolling here.

But to say she had been remembering them “for a long time”?

For what reason?

“Anyway.”

While Conrad’s eyes showed signs of puzzlement, the Chancellor covered her mouth and chuckled.

“For the eldest son of the Campbell Viscounty—”

She continued smoothly.

“—I have some special expectations.”

If one were to analyze the underlying meaning.

It was a not-at-all-smooth statement indicating that the Empire’s pinnacle was focused on a single student.

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“…It seems unusually chaotic today?”

On the day of the practical exam.

Such words naturally escaped my lips, as formidable security forces were lined up along the path to the exam site, creating an atmosphere that could only be described as severe.

Of course, Elphante Academy, given its nature, always had strict security since it was attended by the children of various high officials and great nobles. But even considering that, the current atmosphere was extraordinary.

It wasn’t this intense even when the Saint visited.

This was almost like…

“…Has someone from the Imperial Family come?”

To that question, Faynol Leiphec, walking beside me, smiled slightly and said:

“Today, Chancellor Sullivan is visiting Elphante.”

“…The Chancellor?”

I frowned upon hearing those words.

The Empire’s Chancellor. Sullivan Axcion Petronus.

The main villain who appears in Chapter 6, “The God Eater.”

A person who has a profound influence on Gideon’s death and the subsequent event where Elnore is consumed by the Grey Demon and rises as the final boss.

I’ve heard of the Emperor visiting the academy directly, but I never heard anything about the Chancellor coming here.

“Well, I only know because the Heresy Inquisition informed me. Almost no one among the academy’s personnel would have been notified in advance.”

“…Excuse me?”

If the visit was this sudden, I can understand why I didn’t hear about it.

Considering the Chancellor’s status in the Empire, such a visit should be a major event planned months in advance.

“Originally, His Majesty the Emperor was scheduled to visit personally, but I heard the Chancellor insisted on verifying the qualifications of those who would have an audience with His Majesty.”

“…”

“This is about you, Darwood Campbell.”

Listening to Faynol’s words, I felt a throbbing headache coming on.

‘…Something’s gone wrong again.’

I clearly remember Atalante firmly stating that the Chancellor had no interest in me.

But now, suddenly, she’s visiting this academy, even preventing the Emperor’s visit.

Moreover, if her business is entirely focused on “me”…

It’s only natural to feel that something is wrong.

‘This is really strange.’

To be honest.

I can somewhat understand the Emperor being interested in me at this point.

It seems plausible enough.

Honestly, it’s a bit strange for someone of that power to be interested in me.

Although it’s classified, I was involved as a relevant party in the succession issue of the Tribal Union’s Great Chief. That should be enough for the Emperor to make “contact” with me, whether for commendation or negotiation.

But for the Chancellor to appear before that…

“…”

There’s something going on.

Something rolling forward in parts I don’t know about.

‘…This is giving me a headache.’

I’ve developed a tolerance for countless events deviating from the main scenario.

I just hope nothing gets more complicated than this—

< System Message >

[ An event related to target ‘Elnore’ is being created! ]

—but of course that’s impossible.

< Gift-Related Person Alert >

♥ Elnore Erinarise la Tristan

[ Affection Level 4 ]

[ 2H until related event occurs ]

Come on, give me a break.

At least give me a day. Now you’re dropping things on an hourly basis.

“…”

Considering the timing, it means Elnore is going to do something during the practical exam.

I don’t know what, but it means I need to prepare for that too.

“You don’t look well.”

“…No, it’s nothing. Just have a few things on my mind.”

“If you have concerns, you can tell me. I can solve most problems.”

“Excuse me?”

“Despite appearances, I have the authority equivalent to an Inquisition Deputy. I can simply crush most problems.”

Ah, that’s right.

I did get something like that before.

I recall the window that appeared when I first met this guy.

< System Log >

[ You have made contact with ‘Faynol’. ]

[ Interaction with the ‘Heresy Inquisition’ is unlocked! ]

[ You can request cooperation with all rights pertaining to an ‘Inquisitor’! ]

Indeed, being able to request cooperation with the rights of the Heresy Inquisition is a tremendous privilege. No wonder this guy confidently tells me this.

‘…But wait, that’s strange.’

I was too busy to properly assess this when I received it.

If my memory is correct, the Heresy Inquisition is practically an extension of the Imperial Chancellor.

That means the Chancellor is making a friendly gesture toward me…

‘But why?’

I don’t understand the reason.

That person isn’t on good terms with the Tristan Dukedom, not even nominally.

There’s no reason she would have favorable impressions of me, who frequently associates with them.

“…By the way, it seems even Her Excellency isn’t above being nosy.”

As I was pondering this, Faynol muttered.

“She’s over there in the corridor.”

Following Faynol’s pointing finger, I turned my gaze to see two people walking along the corridor of a distant building. They were just barely identifiable at this distance.

One was Dean Conrad, and the other…

“…That’s the Chancellor?”

“Excuse me? Is there something strange?”

Yes. Definitely.

It feels terribly strange.

Her appearance does resemble what I remember of the Chancellor’s looks. I can recognize her as the same person from the game.

But.

‘…She’s young.’

According to the setting, the Chancellor should be a middle-aged woman in her 40s at this point.

But this appearance is…

Young.

Too young.

Almost childlike rather than just young.

As if, compared to other characters in the scenario, she alone hasn’t aged.

As I was thinking this while looking in that direction.

Suddenly.

The Chancellor’s head snapped toward me.

As if, even at this distance, she noticed that I was “looking at her.”

“…!”

I instinctively step back, feeling my heart sink.

It could be coincidence, but the movement was too precise for that. Her gaze was clearly directed “at me.”

‘…What the hell is this?’

The Chancellor was portrayed in the game merely as a civil official and strategist.

She shouldn’t have the kind of superhuman senses to perform such a feat.

While I was thinking this.

The Chancellor’s lips parted slightly.

She seemed to be conveying her intention through lip movements alone, without making a sound.

As if “whispering” to me.

As if sharing information only between the two of us.

“…It’s been a while, Darwood Campbell.”

And those lips.

Were clearly saying that.

“…”

Those golden eyes with a strange light that could almost pull you in remained fixed on me for a long time with those words.

As if.

As if looking at someone she was seeing after a “long time.”

As if she had.

Met me many times before.

Even conveying a sense that she had “missed” me.

Somehow, wistful.

“…Your Excellency?”

“It’s nothing, Sir Conrad. Shall we go?”

When Dean Conrad, who was escorting the Chancellor, spoke with a puzzled voice, the Chancellor finally took her eyes off me.

Watching her walk away with quick steps.

An ominous feeling crept up my spine.

“…”

Something is strange.

Something is seriously wrong.

My instinct, honed through countless life-and-death situations, tells me.

As if, in this exam.

Something is about to happen because of “that person.”

That feeling.

“…Faynol.”

“Yes?”

“Will the Chancellor personally observe this exam?”

“That’s highly likely, wouldn’t you say?”

This exam.

Clearly, it won’t go smoothly.

Something is going to happen.

Definitely.

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