Chapter 174

Regina Ernbert, the student council president.

She’s the first named heroine to graduate in the game.

As a result, she’s out of the main stage for a while.

It’s natural, since she has no reason to stay at the Academy.

Her future path mainly consists of two options:

First, returning to the Ernbert family to assist her brother, who’s acting as the head of the family.

Second, moving to the Imperial Capital to become an Imperial Knight, one of the Empire’s finest knights, known as the Empire’s Sword.

Whichever path she chooses, she returns to the stage during the protagonist’s third year, during the Imperial Civil War.

She reappears when the previously narrow stage suddenly expands.

Even so…

‘She’ll be out for over a year, no matter what.’

The entire second year and part of the third year.

There are still many important events during that time.

The problem is that these events aren’t just important, they’re life-threatening and difficult situations.

Of course, I know how to deal with them.

But that’s for a well-developed protagonist with a strong network, not for the extra Max.

It means there’s an undeniable element of uncertainty.

‘…Honestly, I’m not sure how to handle the Tragedy of the Red Moon.’

The Tragedy of the Red Moon, an event where Max is guaranteed to die.

I’m trying my best to prepare, but there’s an unavoidable anxiety in the corner of my mind.

The same goes for other events.

Thinking about it that way…

It’s a significant loss to have Regina, one of my strongest connections, leave the stage.

‘I know I shouldn’t rely on her too much, but…’

One absolute rule of role-playing games:

Minimize help from strong allies.

It might feel good in the short term, but they end up taking all the experience points the protagonist should be getting, ultimately leading to failure.

That rule applies to this game as well.

However, even so…

‘Unexpected, absolute crises will definitely come.’

The so-called game over crisis.

I’m neither a machine nor a god.

Especially in the current situation, where the character I’m playing is completely different.

If an unexpected variable occurs, the worst crisis could happen at any time.

A crisis that I couldn’t survive no matter how much I struggle.

That’s when I need a trump card.

If I could use Regina in that role, it would be invaluable.

‘Alright.’

I finally decided.

I’ll try to keep Regina from leaving the Academy stage.

The advantage of being her fiancé might be for times like this.

“You’re quiet. Was it that unexpected?”

Regina, who had been waiting for my answer while smoking, spoke.

“Ah, I’m just thinking.”

I said, adjusting my posture.

“To be honest, I was curious. I just didn’t ask because I thought it might be rude.”

“You’re more considerate than I thought.”

“I’ve done a lot of things, so I’ve learned to be more careful.”

I chuckled and chose my words carefully.

Then I spoke again.

“I thought you’d return to your family. I figured they needed more hands.”

“I’ve certainly considered that.”

Regina admitted honestly.

It might have been natural, since she was the one who brought up this topic first.

“And I thought you might move to the Imperial Capital.”

Regina’s eyebrows raised slightly at my next words.

“Why did you think that?”

“Because you’re suited for bigger things.”

“You keep surprising me.”

Regina twisted her lips into a faint smile.

“I’ve certainly thought about that too. I’m curious about what’s happening in the Imperial Capital.”

“The situation in the Imperial Capital?”

“Yes. According to your prophecy, the Imperial Capital will be the starting point of the storm, right?”

“Ah, that’s true.”

I nodded.

It seemed like my influence had added another reason for her to go to the Imperial Capital.

It was a thought typical of her, but with me knowing exactly how things would unfold, there wasn’t really a need for it.

“I understand your thoughts.”

“After you’ve already figured it all out.”

“I just considered the possibilities and got lucky with my guess.”

I smiled lightly and continued.

“Then, is there anything else?”

“Not for now.”

“I see.”

I shifted my gaze to the falling snow.

Neither of the two choices were particularly bad.

That’s how things were supposed to flow anyway.

But if I could influence that flow…

I wouldn’t just let it be.

Losing someone of her caliber from the stage would definitely be a big loss.

Thinking about it that way, my mind became clear again.

My voice came out lightly.

“You said earlier that you’d consider my opinion to some extent, right?”

“I did.”

Regina flicked her cigarette butt into the trash can and crossed her legs.

Her eyes were fixed on me.

“So that means I can share my opinion, right?”

“Hehe, if you’re going to say it, say it quickly. Don’t keep me waiting.”

Regina chuckled softly.

I noticed that her expression held a subtle expectation.

She seemed to be looking forward to hearing what kind of opinion I, a man she acknowledged, would share.

It was somewhat pressuring.

If my words didn’t meet her expectations, disappointment would immediately show on her face.

But I had to say what I needed to say.

I opened my mouth again.

“I’m not sure how you’ll take this, but I think St. Lepheria Academy is a very important place.”

“A very important place?”

Regina’s eyes showed confusion, as if this was completely unexpected.

“Yes. Not just because it’s the top academy with a long history, or because it gathers the best professors and students.”

“Then, is it about secrets?”

“Huh?”

This time, my expression turned to confusion at Regina’s sudden words.

“It’s a very mysterious place with many secrets, isn’t it?”

Her additional explanation.

I was surprised.

“…You knew?”

At this point, no major incidents had occurred yet.

It would be fair to say that no students, except for oddballs like Diana from the newspaper club, would be interested in such things at this time.

But to think that Regina, a diligent student council president focused on her current life, would be interested in such matters…

It was completely unexpected.

“Of course I know. I’m the student council president.”

Regina answered as if it was obvious.

I didn’t think the student council president’s position was like that…

“Anyway, it seems your guess was right.”

“Well, yes… that’s true.”

“But is that the only reason? I didn’t know you were so fond of solving mysteries.”

“Well, if it was just a simple mystery, that would be true.”

I answered with a serious look.

Regina’s gaze also became serious.

“I’m curious about what you mean.”

“I can’t explain it clearly either. But personally, I’m convinced that something big, something that could shake the entire world, is hidden in the shadows of the Academy.”

Conviction.

It’s not a word to be used lightly.

But I could use it without hesitation.

The series of bloody and deadly incidents happening at the Academy isn’t just a coincidence.

Every effect has a cause.

The root cause of these brutal incidents must be within the Academy.

“Hmm.”

Regina rested her chin on the back of her hand, her eyes thoughtful.

She seemed to feel that the weight of my conviction was not light.

I waited.

For her thoughts to settle.

After a while.

“I see. Alright. So, what’s the opinion you want to share with me?”

Regina asked directly.

I answered immediately.

“Professor.”

“What?”

“I want you to stay at the Academy as a professor.”

Regina’s eyes widened.

* * *

Time continued to flow.

But I still hadn’t received two important answers.

My father’s answer and my fiancée’s answer.

Count Celtrine seemed like he would give his answer on the day I was set to return to the Academy, and Regina had said, in her typical fashion, “I’ve made my decision, but it would be boring to tell you here. Let’s save it for graduation day.”

I decided to think about it comfortably.

I focused on what I needed to do, not worrying about it.

I started listening to the employees’ concerns in earnest.

They wouldn’t have opened their mouths originally, but those who believed I had really changed started to speak up little by little.

Especially the knights.

Seeing me defeat the Lion of Cavern right before their eyes seemed to have quite an impact on them, as warriors.

Warriors tend to believe in those who prove themselves through strength, not those who just talk.

Anyway, they didn’t have any particular complaints, but they all seemed to have some kind of anxiety.

The anxiety of stagnation in a peaceful territory.

I understood how unsettling that feeling could be for warriors.

But Count Celtrine was ignorant about martial matters, so they couldn’t even voice their concerns and were just left hanging.

That’s why I stepped in.

As the official heir, favored by both the Count and Countess, I could do more than I thought.

Count Celtrine would approve of almost anything I suggested.

Using my gameplay experience as a guide, I presented them with a way to get stronger.

-Mo-Monster subjugation?

-Yes, participating as support in monster subjugation in other territories.

The Celtrine territory, located in the most peaceful central region of the Empire.

Naturally, there was no threat from foreign enemies or monsters.

That’s why the knights’ skills were inevitably rusting.

But if you can’t do it, you make it happen.

There were plenty of small and medium-sized territories desperately in need of help with monster subjugation.

-But would the Count allow such a thing…

-I’ve already got his permission.

-What?

-I mean my father’s permission.

-Really?

-Of course, we can’t leave the territory completely empty, so we’ll do it in shifts.

-O-Of course! Thank you so much, Young Master!

The knights, including Captain Hank, were sincerely grateful.

How could they not be, given the opportunity to gain the practical experience they had longed for?

That’s how I won the hearts of the knights.

That was just the beginning.

The rumors spread quickly, and other employees also started to cautiously share their concerns with me.

No matter how wealthy the territory or how conscientious the lord, there are bound to be issues.

Even in modern small and medium-sized companies where workers are protected by law, people complain about low wages, poor welfare, no five-day work week, and frequent overtime. How much worse must it be in this fantasy world?

Of course, I couldn’t change anything fundamental.

But even small changes were enough.

It made the employees feel that I wasn’t just all talk, but actually showing it through actions.

The feeling that I genuinely cared about even those in lower positions.

And this was coming from the lord’s eldest son, no less.

The rumors spread rapidly.

The employees were also members of the territory.

So, by winning over the employees, it would inevitably influence the people of the territory.

That was my aim from the start.

I needed to maximize the effect in the limited time I had.

In the end.

My image in the Celtrine territory changed drastically.

From ‘our good-for-nothing young master’ to ‘our young master has changed somehow’.

I achieved my goal.

The endless praise from the Count and Countess was just a bonus.

I smiled honestly.

It was quite a rewarding schedule.

And soon.

It was time to leave again.

* * *

“Sigh, why does time fly so fast?”

The Countess sighed deeply.

Her expression was full of regret.

All mothers probably look like that when sending their sons off to a faraway place.

“I’ll be back again, you know.”

I deliberately responded in a light tone.

I knew that if I got serious too, the mood would become even heavier.

“Haha, yes. Come back even more splendid next time.”

Count Celtrine laughed.

He was definitely more composed than the Countess.

Maybe because he wasn’t in a position to express his emotions honestly.

“Of course, Father.”

The Count and I hugged.

With the Countess, it was a bit longer.

She didn’t let go easily.

“Take care, Regina. Please look after my inadequate son.”

“Yes, Regina. Thank you again for deciding to stay with our son.”

“I had a very comfortable and enjoyable stay. I’ll see you next time, Father, Mother.”

The future in-laws and daughter-in-law also exchanged greetings.

It was a much better scene than the initial awkwardness.

The distance between them seemed to have narrowed.

This was also a clear achievement.

“And I have one last thing to say. Son, and Regina.”

I thought, here it comes.

“What is it, Father?”

“Yes, Father.”

Regina and I waited for Count Celtrine’s words.

Count Celtrine spoke with emphasis.

“Our family intends to fully support the Ernbert family. Regina, please convey my sincerity to the Ernbert family.”

“That’s a good decision, Father.”

I smiled.

“Thank you for this difficult decision, Father. I will certainly convey your words to the head of the family and the acting head.”

Regina expressed her gratitude politely.

“Hahaha, it wasn’t such a difficult decision. It feels like things are finally falling into place.”

Count Celtrine laughed with a refreshed expression.

From that expression alone, I could tell it wasn’t just a polite remark.

“Then go. Son, The longer you drag it out, the harder the farewell becomes.”

* * *

The carriage departed.

To the Academy.

‘Finally, the start of the third year.’

For the protagonist, it would be the second year.

The time when peace ends and dark clouds start to gather.

Especially in the second semester, death and blood will truly start to cover the Academy.

The ‘Tragedy of the Red Moon’, the event where I die, happens in the second semester.

‘Let’s do this.’

Determination burned in my eyes.

And so, I returned to the Academy.