Ch.189Star (1)

# The Execution Order for Benity, and the Businessman’s Subjugation Campaign.

After the major incidents were wrapped up.

We were granted a brief period of peace.

No one was particularly injured, and the aftermath was cleanly handled.

From the moment we had the Emperor backing us, victory was all but guaranteed.

The steps we’ve taken in the past determine our future.

“Well… it’s somewhat ominous.”

The calm before the storm.

Was that thought just due to needless anxiety?

Since I was already walking a completely different path from the original story.

I couldn’t know what the future would bring.

“I see.”

If things had followed the original story, the Academy should have already collapsed.

Galimar would have walked the path of downfall due to the drunkard’s betrayal.

The cultists would have made a splendid return.

They would have been running amok across the continent, and the businessman who colluded with them would have expanded his drug business significantly.

In the Imperial Palace, the Rose’s depression would have reached its limit, and the Emperor who shared her curse would be facing death.

In Benity, it would have been the time to prepare for a full-scale coup, seizing the opportunity.

Naturally, after the twins were eliminated by their uncle’s hand.

Moreover, the underworld would still be in chaos due to the “Usurpation War” that had continued for four years.

This would have led to numerous cases of black magicians joining hands with underground forces.

And in some deep snowy field, a monster that would soon burn half the continent would be imprisoned.

The world of the original story was walking an undeniable path to destruction.

But.

“Everything has changed.”

I changed it.

The drunkard repented, and the Academy didn’t collapse.

The businessman met his end before he could expand his operations.

Benity was eradicated before they could carry out their coup.

The Rose of the Imperial Palace didn’t wither, and the Emperor’s curse was also cured.

The underworld’s “Usurpation War” had ended long ago, and the underground forces were crushed.

Also, I took in the monster that was destined to burn the continent someday.

These were the steps I had taken over the past four years.

These were my accomplishments.

“It’s been four years already.”

A present completely different from the original.

But to put it differently, it meant the future had also completely changed.

The knowledge of the original story had long since served its purpose.

I suppose it’s the inevitable fate of someone who’s possessed a character.

This was also why I had somewhat hastily eliminated Benity and the businessman.

I thought I needed to clean up as many risk factors as possible before the butterfly effect came back around.

I passed judgment on Benity, brought the businessman to his end, and shackled the monarch.

With this, most of the villains from the original story were essentially dealt with.

Except for just one—Baob.

“The cultists’ gathering, Baob.”

In some ways, they were the most problematic force.

Setting aside their scale or level of danger, they were unpredictable lunatics.

And perhaps because they resembled cockroaches, their survival instinct was embarrassingly high.

In short, they were the kind that would cling to the story until the very end.

They were troublesome opponents.

“More dangerous than the strong… are the fanatics, I guess.”

I swallowed my uneasy thoughts.

Given the brief respite I had, I decided to take a short rest.

Due to the recent string of incidents, my abilities were being strained.

I entered a management phase to prevent my life force from being depleted as before.

Depleted output recovers in a day, but life force requires at least two weeks of recuperation.

If I forcibly use my abilities at that stage, that’s when my lifespan gets shaved off.

Therefore, I always had to be careful about my output.

“I’ve decided not to use my lifespan anymore.”

The last time I used my lifespan was during the Usurpation War.

It was when I brought down the kingdom and had a one-on-one with the monarch.

Being inexperienced in handling my abilities, I often failed to control my output.

If I hadn’t burned through my lifespan then, my head would have been hanging in the monarch’s castle.

Lifespan is something used in such desperate moments.

Because it’s a concept that doesn’t recover.

“I’ll focus on recovery for now.”

I cleared away my stray thoughts.

Since the last lockdown, the school grounds had been consistently empty.

Everyone must have become wary of the cultists’ existence.

This was a positive trend, but I also felt a bit of regret.

I missed the bustling atmosphere that had persisted until last year.

I suddenly realized how much time had passed.

“It feels like just yesterday that I took the entrance exam.”

Yesterday that has passed, today that is unkind.

And tomorrow that is approaching.

In that time, other children were also running their course.

The protagonists were doing their best in the changed story.

I accompanied them in their daily lives.

“Judas.”

“Master.”

“Aren’t you too busy these days? It feels like I haven’t seen you in so long.”

“Hmm? I clearly helped you with paperwork two days ago…”

“You didn’t come yesterday. Do you know how much I missed you?”

“…I clearly remember spending time with everyone at the dormitory yesterday.”

“Then let me correct myself—I haven’t seen you for about 12 hours.”

“That’s admirably precise.”

“Because I’m always thinking of you, Judas.”

First was Selena.

With the free time I had, I helped with the paperwork I hadn’t been able to assist with recently.

It was somewhat tiring, but the person herself seemed to enjoy even that.

As usual, she nestled in my arms while handling the work.

Occasionally even smiling when our eyes met.

“Hehe…”

“What is it?”

“I’m just happy. When I’m with you, Judas, my heart feels at ease.”

“That’s kind of you to say. I’m honored to serve you as well, Master.”

“That… seems a bit too shameless coming from a man with seven women, don’t you think?”

“…I’d like to defend myself against that unfair accusation.”

“Of course, I’m just joking.”

Was it the composure of someone older?

She occasionally threw out troublesome topics, but since she seemed to enjoy it, I let it slide.

The bottles of alcohol tucked away in the corner of the research lab had gathered quite a bit of dust by now.

I felt that change while embracing the woman in my arms.

She was no longer a drunkard.

“Um… Judas.”

“Did you call, Your Highness Elise?”

“Yes. I’m here too, Judas.”

“Yes, Your Highness Sharlotte.”

Next were the imperial princesses.

The two girls were almost never apart, so whenever we met, the three of us would always converse together.

After going through a series of incidents, their daily lives seemed more peaceful than ever.

An ordinary daily life of ordinary sisters.

Something they couldn’t even dream of until just a few months ago.

“Hey.”

“Yes, what is it?”

“It’s nothing much, but I was wondering if I could… get treatment again after so long.”

“You mean mana circulation. We haven’t had the opportunity recently.”

“Yes… we haven’t had time alone.”

“No problem. I’ll visit you at the dormitory tomorrow.”

“…I’ll be waiting.”

The Rose nodded her head cautiously.

Though she tried to avert her gaze, her cheeks were already as red as flower petals.

Perhaps it was because of the spring that was so vividly present.

The air was exceptionally fragrant.

“A promise…? Just the two of you meeting?”

“S-Sister? Were you listening…?”

“Leaving me out is bad. I want to be with Elise too.”

“T-That’s not it… this is, well, an extension of the treatment.”

“Treatment? Are you not feeling well? Is there some lingering effect from your illness…?”

“No! It’s not like that, so please don’t look so sad…!”

“Elise, you can’t be sick…”

“…Sigh.”

Elise, who was now free from her wheelchair.

Sharlotte, who had become much more honest with her feelings.

The story of those who would have been unfortunate was no longer dark.

Only a world filled with light remained by their side.

I watched the two girls with contentment.

Meanwhile.

“Today was tough too…”

“You worked hard, Princess.”

Ameila had been focusing on magic research recently.

Perhaps it was because of the “Property Change” she had successfully achieved earlier.

The girl whose fire had been ignited was focused on training herself.

Sometimes she would act spoiled due to an overly tiring day.

“…Hold me.”

“You seem to be acting more childish lately.”

“Stop saying unnecessary things and just hold me.”

“As you command.”

I suddenly felt how much had changed.

The girl who had given the worst first impression had now become the most spoiled.

Her uniquely prickly demeanor remained, but the hostility had faded.

I suppose she had lightened her burden by sorting out her family affairs.

The description of “villainess” no longer seemed to fit her.

Finally.

“Miss Lezia.”

“Young Master…”

Our protagonist, Lezia.

Unlike the other children, she had seemed down recently.

Should I say she was deeply troubled? Her complexion had noticeably darkened.

It seemed she was blaming herself for what happened last time.

She must have realized her own powerlessness.

“Miss Irene collapsing wasn’t your fault.”

“But… Miss Irene was trying to protect me.”

“That’s the fault of those who attacked you.”

“Still, if I had been a little stronger…”

Was this the common anguish of a protagonist?

I remember she had similar concerns around this time in the original story.

Abilities that wouldn’t become proficient, and concerns about her own inadequacies.

I recall this was the part that hinted at her full awakening.

“I probably don’t need to worry.”

Because she was a strong child.

Though her heart might be delicate, her spirit was never weak.

The girl would eventually find her answer and take steps toward a new path.

That was the protagonist I loved from the story I loved.

I decided to watch over her from one step behind, if only for a moment.

To allow her time to contemplate on her own.

“I want to… work harder. Enough not to be a burden to anyone.”

A daily life flowing peacefully.

For the protagonist, it was a time to define her own meaning.

***

Meanwhile.

An interesting scene was unfolding at Astro’s headquarters.