Preparation

Immediately afterward, the principal entered and continued her admonishments, but the students tuned out his lecture.

Naturally, this included those who were close with Stella.

As the opening ceremony ended in disarray, several students broke away from the gathered crowds and converged on the counseling room.

“P-Princess Stella! Why did you accept it?!”

“Hmm?”

“You should’ve refused such an absurd accusation! Being framed for a crime you didn’t commit…!”

“Ah, that matter. It was unavoidable, so calm yourself.”

“How could that be…!”

Despite being falsely accused of an uncommitted crime, Stella remained composed while trying to soothe the agitated Leo.

“We have alibis! Me, Eileen, Anastasia-nim, Orca – we can all testify…!”

“Then how do you prove those alibis are genuine?”

“…What?”

“I understand what you’re trying to say. But this was an unavoidable setup.”

Attempted regicide.

Of course, everyone knew she hadn’t committed the crime.

But simply claiming innocence wasn’t proof.

They’d undoubtedly prepared false witnesses.

“Everyone in that auditorium knew how ridiculous it sounded from the start. Attempted regicide? Hah. Even for a bullshit story, this goes too far.”

“Then why…!”

“People within the Academy and Imperial Family know the truth. But what about outsiders?”

“…?”

“A power-hungry princess making a final attempt to assassinate the Emperor in her madness. Doesn’t that sound like a sensational story?”

The truth didn’t matter.

No matter how absurd the lie, once people start thinking “maybe it’s possible,” it becomes unstoppable.

They’d dismiss a homeless person’s ramblings, but when the Imperial Prince himself makes such claims, some will inevitably believe it’s truth.

Those people would spread the rumor, which would distort until it seemed factual.

A story this sensational couldn’t possibly not spread.

If forced to stand trial to prove her innocence, the situation would naturally become extremely disadvantageous.

They’d obstruct proceedings through political maneuvering, and proving the truth could take years.

If her father died during that time, that damn brother would naturally ascend as Emperor.

After all, no one would enthrone someone under such suspicions.

A single false accusation could neatly eliminate a rival.

“Th-that’s…”

“Know the saying about people who only read one book? This is exactly that.”

No matter how much others shout about impossibility, conspiracy believers won’t care.

They’ll keep fabricating plausible-sounding “evidence” to sow confusion.

Public opinion would inevitably split – guilty or innocent.

“The world isn’t won by righteous voices, Leo. Sometimes the loudest fools prevail.”

“Then what about storming into the Academy?! That’s clearly condemnable…!”

“Same principle. Of course it’s condemnable, but to my brother, it’s trivial. He’d gladly take minor criticism to eliminate a threatening rival.”

“…”

Moreover, whether people truly saw it as condemnable depended on perspective.

If Stella really were guilty of treason, such minor rudeness would be justified as necessary for immediate arrest.

Those believing the conspiracy would naturally defend the action and muddy the waters.

“To him, reputation is optional. He’ll maintain it when convenient, but discard it without hesitation if needed to achieve his goals.”

All such criticisms could be dismissed once he became Emperor anyway.

From the prince’s perspective, this outrageous framing was perfectly rational.

…Though extremely unpleasant for the recipient.

“Giving three days was likely his way of feigning mercy, knowing nothing substantial could be done in that time.”

“Feigning mercy?”

Few in the Academy remained unaware this situation stemmed from Imperial power struggles.

Even those who didn’t know would learn through campus whispers.

“Consider the students’ perspective. The gap between my brother and me is overwhelming. His power is so superior he can falsely accuse me of treason.”

“That…”

“Exactly. It means no one will join this rigged duel.”

Though she’d built rapport with students under the teacher’s guidance, nobody would foolishly side with Stella against treason charges that might implicate them.

Academy students all carried heavy burdens.

Nobles had their families. Commoners had household expectations and futures.

Treason’s severe nature risked harming their families too.

Considering potential fallout, no one would join this hopeless fight.

Thus this was his poison – merely differing in character.

Either waste time pleading innocence while surrendering the throne to preserve her life.

Or stake her life in a hopeless battle at his meticulously prepared arena.

Stella chose to drink the second poison.

“As I said – he maintains reputation when possible. Having faced no resistance when delivering his proposal, he likely considered everything settled. Now he cleans up while pretending mercy.”

“…”

“Hmph. Still as unpleasant as ever.”

He specified a duel allowing subordinates because it favored him immensely. Undoubtedly he’d bring the Imperial elite.

Meanwhile, he’d blocked even remote student support through prior manipulation.

Disgustingly thorough groundwork.

“This is unreasonable…”

“What can you do? Politics is inherently unreasonable. Even seemingly stupid actions are usually calculated choices after endless deliberation.”

Perhaps due to the heavy conversation, the counseling room’s atmosphere grew oppressive. To lighten the mood, I smiled and interjected.

“But we do have a chance. These students will help, right?”

“Well, yes. I’m alone anyway, so don’t worry.”

“I’ll help too!”

Orca and Leo nodded naturally.

While Leo’s response was expected, Orca’s offer made me realize how much had diverged from the game’s original scenario.

Her original personality would’ve fled after declaring nothing mattered more than survival.

“I shall assist as well. Our contract demands it.”

“Don’t worry. I can’t ignore someone who helped find my father.”

Following their lead, Anastasia and Eileen also pledged support.

An outsider might call them fools marching to their deaths.

“Really now, you idiots don’t know what you’re getting into.”

…I hadn’t expected you to say that.

Though momentarily flustered, I managed to compose myself and steer toward a positive conclusion.

“Isn’t this what friends do?”

“…Yes, friends. Thank you.”

Watching Stella smile bashfully, I reflected.

Losing broader student support due to underhanded tactics stung…

But this wasn’t bad. At least five allies remained.

“…Ah, right. Didn’t you have another friend? That sharp-eyed girl.”

“Charlotte? She can’t. She’s a ducal heir. Involving her would cause national turmoil.”

“Right. Can’t be helped then.”

Retracted. Four allies.

“…So? What’s the plan? Should we four train together?”

“Hmm, not sure.”

“Ah, I oppose that.”

“Teacher?”

“With limited time, half-hearted training might backfire. Why not leave Stella to me while the rest practice independently?”

Truthfully, their involvement would complicate variable predictions, but still.

It wasn’t incorrect. Training now held little meaning anyway.

“…Fine. We’ll manage ourselves. Take care of her.”

“Leave it to me!”

“Well then… Let’s go first. What should we do?”

“Hmm. Maybe practice swordsmanship…”

“Oh! Then perhaps spar with me…”

“Not bad. Bring it. I won’t hold back.”

“Looking forward to it!”

As the students exited discussing how to spend their remaining time, Stella questioned me.

“So? What will you teach?”

“Huh? Well… chess?”

“Hmm?”

Ignoring Stella’s puzzled gaze, I began setting up the chessboard.

Ordinary methods wouldn’t secure her full commitment…

Perhaps some provocation was needed.

“You still haven’t beaten me even once. Pathetic.”

“…Hah.”

Stella smirked, one corner of her mouth lifting.

Good. She took the bait.

Though I worried she yielded too easily.