Ch.238238. Head-on Confrontation (3)

“Ahahahaha-!”

Marquis Bogart laughed while holding his stomach.

To be fair, the scene unfolding before his eyes was certainly worth such a reaction.

“My goodness, to see the Sword Saint buried under piles of paperwork. If the Holy Knight from another Holy Empire or the Authority Saint from the Tribal Union saw this, they would all be flabbergasted!”

“…Did you come to mock me, Lionheart?”

Rad replied with a haggard expression.

It wasn’t long ago that the Emperor had dumped all his official duties on him, claiming he too was playing student, before suddenly disappearing.

“I am concerned about the security though…”

“The ‘Immortal’ Atalante is there. Even against the worst opponent, she could at least buy enough time until you arrive, couldn’t she?”

“…That’s true.”

In other words, even such a powerful eternal being would only serve to buy time until he arrived.

He might be severely criticized for arrogance, but neither Marquis Bogart nor Rad himself found anything strange about that statement.

After all, the Sword Saint himself was the Empire’s strongest warrior. He had every right to make such statements without hesitation.

“But have you seen this?”

However, even the strongest warrior was helpless against the terrifying nature of administrative work.

Especially when it involved dealing with the aftermath of the Empire’s leadership who committed all sorts of acts without considering the consequences.

The document that Marquis Bogart was now holding out proved this point better than anything else.

“You know about the upcoming Elphante Academy festival, right?”

“…Yes, there is such a thing.”

Rad responded glumly as Marquis Bogart casually handed him something.

Considering the relationship between the Council of Elders and the Emperor, he shouldn’t be handing things over so casually. Everything this man did always seemed to defy common sense.

And the contents written there defied common sense even more.

“…”

Rad’s face turned pale as he skimmed through the proposal.

“…Is this real?”

“As opposed to fake?!”

Though the response came with a cheerful laugh, the Sword Saint’s face only grew more wrinkled.

“…You’re telling me people of this caliber are gathering at the academy just to see some festival?”

Rad’s words, which came out almost like a groan, carried weight because of the influential names listed.

From the Holy Empire:

Archbishop Luminol and his daughter, Lana Ray Delvium.

From the Tribal Union:

Two tribal chiefs.

This lineup alone seemed worthy of a summit meeting, but the people gathering from the Empire were even more absurd.

Margrave Kendrid, Grand Duke Tristan, Chancellor Sullivan.

And on top of that:

“I’m also going to Elphante!”

“…Please have mercy, Marquis.”

Rad let out what sounded like a moan.

The lineup consisted of people who could be considered pillars of their nations. Considering that the Emperor himself was currently enrolled at Elphante, it meant virtually the entire leadership of the country would be gathering there.

And if that wasn’t enough:

“I hear even a ‘Scholar’ from the Demonic Spire, who rarely shows interest in the outside world, is coming down. This is too much—”

Rad flinched mid-sentence.

Because he saw the expression that immediately appeared on Bogart’s face upon hearing that name.

How should he describe it?

Hostility, tension, vigilance, disgust, revulsion.

Any of these terms would be appropriate, but the emotion melted into its core was:

‘…Fear?’

For this man to fear someone was an extremely unusual occurrence.

As if he had experienced having something ‘taken away’ from him.

“That won’t do, Sword Saint!”

However, by the time he spoke his next sentence, Bogart’s face had returned to its usual expression.

So quickly that it made Rad wonder if what he had just seen was a mirage.

“Isn’t this the event where Darwood Campbell’s club is giving a presentation? There are plenty of others interested in the continent besides me, so my presence alone won’t make any difference!”

“…Is that supposed to be an excuse?”

Though Rad let out another groan-like response, only playful words came back.

“It’s not an excuse, Sword Saint!”

—No.

That’s not it.

His expression may be playful as usual. His tone equally frivolous.

But the moment Rad sensed the difference between his current demeanor and his usual self, a chill ran up his spine.

“Prepare in advance.”

This man had come here to ‘warn’ him.

More precisely, he was trying to convey this message to the Emperor through Rad, who was acting as the Emperor’s proxy.

“Change is coming. Through the results created by that man’s fingertips. A change that could affect the entire continent.”

“…”

“You must prepare in advance, or you’ll be swept away!”

Only at the very end did he completely return to his usual self.

But there was no mistaking the terribly ominous resonance of his words.

“…Could you elaborate a bit more on what you mean—”

“It means you should pray that man succeeds in dating multiple people simultaneously!”

“…”

What nonsense is this?

●

After announcing that I would accept everyone into the club, my academy life suddenly became peaceful.

On the surface, at least.

Usually, Demonic Vessels would come looking for trouble every other day, but now there’s no sign of them.

No Riru waiting outside my door from morning asking to exercise together, no Serath pretending not to follow my every move from behind, no Yuria nervously asking me to take her for a “walk.”

[…What’s that last one about? Doesn’t that young lady feel guilty toward you?]

‘Last time in the Tristan Dukedom, I kept the White Demon contained inside her body.’

[Was that it?]

‘I put a leash on her and made her call me master and all that.’

[…Was that it?]

‘It seems that memory remains an “extremely pleasant one” for her. To the point where she gets withdrawal symptoms if she doesn’t experience it again.’

[…]

‘So her guilt can’t suppress it, and she comes begging me to please put a leash on her and take her for a walk.’

[…]

‘And then she starts digging into the ground saying, “I’m trash for making such a request after doing something so wrong.” I’m doing my best to comfort her, but…’

It seems the same thing keeps happening over and over.

Fortunately, she seems to genuinely accept my comfort each time, reducing her stress, but it’s not normal for her to come asking for an “outdoor walk” as if it’s become a habit, even while feeling that way.

Thanks to this, the White Demon’s demonic energy is regularly charged into the Tacheon seal, so I won’t have any issues using that ability, but I’m terrified that Yuria might be awakening to some strange fetish…

[…Hasn’t she already awakened to it?]

‘Please refrain from saying such frightening things.’

[…]

Calivan fell silent, unable to continue speaking.

I can’t see his appearance, but I imagine he’s probably clutching his head, suffering from a headache.

[…What kind of monster have you created?]

‘…I’m reflecting on it.’

Regarding Yuria’s recent state, that’s all I can say.

“—That concludes today’s lesson. Good work, everyone.”

While I was talking with Calivan, the professor at the podium closed his book with those words.

Simultaneously, I could hear the students around me yawning languidly.

Well, the Holy Department’s classes are notorious for being boring. Such reactions are inevitable.

Though in my case, it’s not quite the same.

[ Knowledge related to ‘Basic Holy Power Operation’ is accumulating. ]

[ Sufficient knowledge is being accumulated. You will soon be able to unlock skills related to ‘Miracles’! ]

“…Hmm.”

The positive function of Academy classes: they can strengthen me.

Not just by easily amplifying my basic stats, but primarily through abilities faithful to my “class characteristics” that I haven’t utilized until now.

Recently, I’ve somewhat neglected upgrading my specs. I could resolve situations well enough just by utilizing what I’ve already accumulated.

But now, I have more than enough reasons to do so.

‘…It was him of all people who said it.’

That I need to get stronger. That I shouldn’t die. The Grey Demon gave me “direct” advice.

The fact that someone who had always been vague with his words said something like that means there must have been a clear reason for it.

[Is that why you made that crazy declaration about accepting everyone into the club?]

“Excuse me?”

[Your seal gets charged with demonic energy whenever you clash with demons. The more directly and intensely you’re entangled with them, the faster it charges.]

[If you have competitions like this, you can quickly fill your seal with the demonic energy of all demons. Isn’t that the best approach for strengthening?]

“That’s right.”

If we’re talking about objectives, that’s the biggest one.

If I can get stronger at that rapid pace, I should be able to meet the cutoff point.

‘Surely, around the time of the festival…’

As expected, something will happen.

Even without a system message, that much is predictable. The Elphante Festival was a major event in the original game where all sorts of variables emerged.

So it’s essential to strengthen myself enough to take “initiative” in the main quest that’s currently going wild in all directions due to various variables.

[Ah, and let me ask one more thing.]

“Yes, what is it?”

[What did you talk about with Elia behind my back?]

My footsteps come to an abrupt halt.

“That happened.”

[You forcibly put me to sleep then. What were you trying to discuss?]

“That did happen.”

[…You know, I tried to wake up and listen to what you were saying? Then Valkarsus, who usually doesn’t even show up, appeared and dragged me back inside. Said it’s better not to listen if I want to stay sane. What kind of conversation did you—]

“Shut up, please.”

[…]

Let’s worry about these distracting matters later.

There’s something more important right now. Okay?

Please.

“…Let’s focus on that later. Right now, I’m more concerned about the ladies who will be challenging me in various ways.”

[…Right. That’s more important at the moment.]

The “competition” I announced previously begins today.

The rules are simple.

Each person gets one chance. They choose their own challenge.

If they win, I’ll obey their words; if they lose, they must unconditionally obey mine.

[…So that’s why everyone’s been behaving? Because they only have one chance.]

Calivan snorted as he made that remark.

He seems to understand why no one has rushed at me despite having such an opportunity.

[They all know how many crazy things you’ve done so far. They probably realize that no matter what challenge they choose, they won’t stand a chance without thorough preparation.]

“Yes, I suppose so.”

I answer with a slight smile.

Indeed, I’ve been quite noticeably active so far. Enough that even such capable individuals would take time to consider before challenging me.

However.

“But fortunately, there’s someone who doesn’t know that well enough yet.”

[What?]

I’m referring to someone who hasn’t interacted with me much.

Which means:

The first “challenge” will definitely come from this person.

“Do you have a moment, Senior Darwood?”

Hearing a voice from beside me, I pause my steps.

After confirming who spoke, I immediately put a smile on my face.

Yes, perfect timing.

She’s just the right opponent for a warm-up.

“Of course.”

As I answered, Victoria in front of me nodded quietly.

●