episode_0189

The Beniti Purge Order, and the Businessman’s Suppression Campaign.

After the major incidents concluded, a brief period of peace was granted to us. No one was particularly hurt, and the aftermath was cleanly resolved. From the moment the Emperor backed us, victory was as good as confirmed.

The actions accumulated in the past determine the future.

‘Well… it’s a bit ominous, though.’

The calm before the storm. Was that thought due to unnecessary unease? Because I was already walking a completely different path from the original story, I couldn’t know the future that lay ahead.

‘Is that so.’

If things had gone according to the original story, the academy should have already collapsed. With the Drunkard’s betrayal, Gallimard would have walked the path of ruin. The cultists, announcing their spectacular return. They would set up operations across the continent, and the businessman allied with them would expand a massive drug trade. In the imperial family, Rose’s depression would reach its limit, and the Emperor, having shared her curse, would face death. Beniti would seize that opportunity to prepare for a full-scale coup. Naturally, the twins would have been eliminated by their uncle. Furthermore, the underworld’s chaos would not cease due to the [Usurpation War] that had lasted for four years. In turn, dark mages would often join forces with forces of the underworld. In a deep snowy field, a monster capable of burning half the continent would be imprisoned.

The world of the original story was undeniably heading towards destruction.

But.

‘Everything has changed.’

I changed it. The Drunkard repented, and the academy did not collapse. The businessman met his end before he could carry out his schemes. Beniti was purged without being able to realize their coup. The imperial family’s Rose did not wither, and the Emperor’s curse was also healed. The underworld’s [Usurpation War] ended long ago, and the forces of the underworld were shattered. I also took in the monster that was fated to burn the continent someday.

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

‘Has it really been four years?’

The present, completely transformed. But if expressed differently, it meant the future had also completely changed. My knowledge of the original story had become useless a long time ago. One might call it the unavoidable fate of a transmigrator. This was also why I had somewhat hastily eliminated Beniti and the businessman. Because I thought I had to eliminate as many dangers as possible before the butterfly effect took hold. I brought judgment upon Beniti, an end to the businessman, and shackles upon the monarch. With this, most of the villains from the original story were as good as dealt with. All but one, Baov.

‘The cultists’ assembly, Baov.’

On the other hand, they were also the most problematic faction. Setting aside their scale and danger, they were, first and foremost, unpredictable lunatics. Moreover, perhaps because they resembled cockroaches, their survival rate was ridiculously high. In short, they were the kind who dragged out the story until the very end. They were difficult to deal with.

‘What’s more dangerous than the strong… is indeed the mad.’

I swallowed the unsettling thought.

For now, as long as I had the leisure, I decided to take a short break. Because recent successive incidents had put a strain on my abilities. I began managing it to prevent my life force from depleting, as it had before. Consumed power can be restored in a day, but life force requires at least half a month of recuperation. If I forcibly use my abilities at that stage, then my lifespan would begin to diminish. Therefore, I always had to pay close attention to my power output.

‘Because I decided not to use my lifespan anymore.’

The last time I used my lifespan was during the Usurpation War. It was the moment I toppled the kingdom and engaged in a duel with the monarch. As I was unskilled in handling my abilities, I often failed at controlling my power output. If I hadn’t sacrificed my lifespan then, my head would have been displayed at the monarch’s castle. Lifespan is something used in such dire moments. Because it’s an irreversible concept.

‘For now, should I focus on recovery?’

I cleared my mind of distracting thoughts.

After the previous lockdown order, the academy town’s scenery had been consistently desolate. Everyone must have become more cautious of the cultists’ presence. This was a positive development, but on the other hand, it also felt regrettable. Because I also missed the lively atmosphere that had been there until last year. I found myself feeling how much time had passed.

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

The yesterday that passed, and the unforgiving today. And the tomorrow that approaches. Within that time, the other children were also running forward. The protagonists do their best even in the changed story. I accompanied them in their daily lives.

“Yuda Student.” “Teacher-nim.” “Aren’t you too busy these days? It feels like it’s been so long since I’ve seen you.” “Hmm? I’m sure I helped you with the paperwork two days ago…” “But you didn’t come yesterday. Do you know how much I missed you?” “…I recall we all spent time together in the dormitory yesterday, though.” “Then I’ll correct it to about 12 hours since I last saw you.” “Your precision is good.” “Because I’m always thinking of Yuda Student.”

First, Selena. As I had more leisure, I helped with the paperwork I hadn’t been able to assist with recently. Though it was somewhat arduous, the person in question seemed to enjoy even that. As usual, she handled her work while nestled in my arms. Occasionally, she would even meet my gaze and smile.

“Hoo-hoo…” “Why are you doing that?” “Because I’m happy. My heart feels at ease when I’m with Yuda Student.” “Those are kind words. It is an honor for me to serve Teacher-nim as well.” “Isn’t that… a bit too shameless for a man who has seven women?” “…I’d like to argue that I’m being wronged, but.” “Of course, it’s a joke.”

Was this the composure of an elder? She sometimes brought up awkward topics, but since she seemed to enjoy it, I let it pass. Before I knew it, the liquor bottle tucked away in the corner of the lab had accumulated quite a bit of dust. As I recognized that change, I embraced the woman in my arms. She was no longer a Drunkard.

“Um… Yuda.” “Did you call, Princess Elize?” “Yes. I’m here too, Yuda.” “Yes, Princess Charlotte.”

Next were the Princess sisters. The two girls were almost inseparable, so whenever we met, the three of us would always converse. After a series of incidents, their daily lives seemed incredibly peaceful. Something they couldn’t have dreamed of just a few months ago. The ordinary daily lives of ordinary sisters.

“You know what?” “Please tell me.” “It’s nothing else, but… I was wondering if I could get treatment after a long time.” “You mean mana circulation, don’t you? Opportunities haven’t been readily available recently.” “Yeah… because we haven’t had time alone.” “No problem. I’ll visit you at the dormitory tomorrow.” “…I’ll wait.”

Rose nodded cautiously. She tried hard to look away, but her cheeks were already red like flower petals. Perhaps it was because of the clearly visible spring. The air was unusually fragrant.

“A promise…? Are you meeting just the two of you?” “Sis, Sister? Were you listening…?” “Excluding people is bad. I want to be with Elize too.” “N-No, it’s not like that… This is, well, an extension of treatment, so to speak.” “Treatment? Are you feeling unwell? Did you have lingering effects from an illness or something…?” “No! It’s not like that, so please don’t look so tearful…!” “Elize, you mustn’t be sick…” “…Sigh.”

Elize, now free from her wheelchair. Charlotte, who had become much more honest with her emotions. Their story, which would have originally been tragic, was no longer dark. For only a world filled with light remained by their side. I watched the two girls with satisfaction.

Meanwhile.

“Today was tough again…” “You’ve worked hard, Lady Emilia.”

Emilia had recently been engrossed in magic research. Perhaps it was because of the [Nature Transformation] she had successfully achieved earlier. The girl, her fire lit, devoted herself to training. Though sometimes, due to a very tiring day, she would act childish.

“…Hug me.” “It seems your childishness has increased lately.” “Don’t say useless things, just hug me.” “As you command.”

I suddenly felt how much had changed. The girl who had made the worst first impression had now become the most spoiled. Her characteristic prickly aura remained, but her venom had faded. It seemed she had probably lightened her burden by resolving her family’s affairs. The description of ‘villainess’ no longer seemed to fit her.

Finally.

“Regia-yang.” “Young Master…”

Our protagonist, Regia. Unlike the others, she seemed to lack energy recently. Should I say her worries ran deep? Her complexion had noticeably darkened. It seemed she was blaming herself for what happened last time. Because she must have realized her own powerlessness.

“Irene-yang falling was not Regia-yang’s fault, you know.” “But… Irene-ssi tried to protect me.” “That was the fault of those who attacked.” “Still, if only I had been a little stronger…”

Was this the common anguish of a protagonist? I recall she had similar worries around this time in the original story as well. Concerns about her abilities not becoming proficient, and her own shortcomings. I remember this was likely the part that foreshadowed her full-scale awakening.

‘Should I… not worry?’

Because she was a strong child. Although her tender heart might be frail, her spirit was never weak. The girl would eventually find the answer and take steps toward a new path. Because that was the protagonist of the story I loved, the protagonist I loved. I decided to watch from a step back for a while. To allow her time to ponder alone.

“I want to try… harder. Enough so I won’t be a burden to anyone.”

The calm everyday life flowing by. For the protagonist, it was a time to find her purpose.

***

Meanwhile.

An interesting scene was unfolding at Astro’s headquarters.