Chapter 31-35: I'm the Saintess's Younger Sister

Chapter 31: First Lesson (2)

The Headmistress’s office at the Academy.

“A duel on the first day, and on top of that, the son of the Myers family almost died…”

“I apologize.”

A woman with green hair and eyes looked at Glesia with an indifferent expression.

She was none other than the Headmistress of the Academy, Beatrice Leila.

“So, what about those two? What did you do?”

“I called a priest to reattach the severed arm, and aside from being terrified… both of them should be fine.”

“What were you thinking, making them fight each other on the first day instead of separating them? They were already on bad terms.”

“…”

“And one of them is ranked third, while the other is twentieth.”

Glesia lowered her head at Beatrice’s words.

Despite her cool demeanor, she was more of a physical type, and she probably thought, ‘If they’re going to fight, let them fight it out.’ But that wasn't something she could say in this situation.

“I’ll take responsibility for this.”

“Responsibility?”

“I’ll resign from my position as a professor…”

“Stop.”

Beatrice firmly interrupted her.

“Don’t be absurd. No one died, and you want to resign over one incident?”

“But…”

“I wouldn’t have brought you to my Academy if I were going to fire you over something like this.”

“…Understood.”

Beatrice turned to Lian, leaving Glesia speechless.

“Lian.”

“Yes, Headmistress.”

“What do you think?”

It was a question about who was at fault in this incident.

Lian answered leisurely.

“Since the son of the Myers family started the fight, it’s reasonable to say that the fault lies with him.”

“Then send a letter to Lord Myers about this incident.”

“Understood.”

“And let me know when you receive a reply. I’ll decide on the punishment then.”

Glesia asked, seemingly puzzled by Beatrice’s words.

“Then what about Aria?”

“Well, she was injured, but it wasn’t a life-threatening attack.”

“That’s true, but…”

“Just keep an eye on her for now.”

“Um… Headmistress? If we do that, the noble faction might object…”

“You’ll manage them. You’ve always done it.”

Beatrice dismissed Lian’s concerns as if they were none of her business.

“…They’re not ones to listen to me.”

“Tell them to take it up with me if they have a problem.”

Complaining to her, a former member of the Hero’s party and the current Archmage…

Wouldn't it be easier to just go fight on the front lines?

“Haha, we don’t have enough talented individuals to just throw away because of objections.”

“If you’re going to talk nonsense, both of you should leave.”

“Understood. Then I’ll inform the Myers family first.”

Lian and Glesia left the room.

Now only the two of them remained in the hallway outside the Headmistress's office.

“So, what are your impressions of that student after seeing her in person?”

“Aria… you mean…?”

Glesia fell silent, lost in thought.

After a long pause, she finally spoke, as if having made up her mind.

“I’m still not sure.”

“Haha, it’s not easy to understand someone so quickly.”

Lian chuckled at Glesia’s answer.

“Is it alright to leave her be?”

“Beatrice-nim hasn’t said anything, so we should just do our jobs.”

Besides.

“Even if she seems indifferent, she cares about this Academy, which she founded, more than anyone.”

“I see.”

“By the way, didn’t you say both of them are currently in the infirmary?”

“They should be awake by now.”

“Then I’ll be going now because of the task the Headmistress gave me…”

Lian turned and walked down the hallway.

A few days later, Luke Myers was summoned by his family after receiving their message.

“Ugh…”

“Aria! Are you alright?”

Ouch, my neck.

As soon as I opened my eyes, a wave of pain made me groan.

Lucia and Alicia rushed to my side.

“Where…?”

“You’re in the infirmary. We brought you here after you fainted.”

“Fainted?”

I remembered the duel with Luke.

Then he suddenly aimed for my throat, and after that… the more I tried to remember, the worse my headache became.

Did I do something?

“What about the duel?”

“Professor Glesia stopped it after you cut off both of Luke Myers’ arms.”

Sigh, I cut off his arms…

It seemed I lost control again when my life was threatened during the fight.

“Is he alright?”

“Fortunately, we called a priest immediately, so he’s fine.”

“That’s a relief.”

Even though he was a, he was still the son of a noble family. If I had killed him, things would have become complicated.

But now I had a question.

“How did I faint?”

Even if I lost control, Luke wasn’t skilled enough to knock me unconscious. The only person there who could have done that was…

“Fortunately, Professor Glesia intervened and stopped you.”

“At first, it seemed like she was trying to stop you by freezing your feet… but you broke the ice…”

So my neck hurt because I was hit by a Hero?

I rubbed the back of my neck, which was still throbbing, but it didn't feel any better.

“Are you alright? Should I heal you…?”

Slap

“Ouch…!”

“Ah…”

Lucia’s hand reached out but stopped with a gasp.

I realized I had unconsciously slapped her hand away.

“I’m sorry. It was a reflex…”

“It’s okay. It was my fault for acting suddenly without your permission.”

I apologized belatedly, and Lucia replied with a reassuring smile.

Alicia glared at me from the side, but didn’t say anything.

“How long was I out?”

“About an hour…”

An hour was longer than I thought.

No, considering I was hit by a Hero, it was only an hour.

Speak of the devil.

While we were talking, Glesia opened the door and entered.

“Excuse me… Are you not here?”

She tried to greet us, but the seat where the nurse should have been was empty. She walked towards us, seemingly unconcerned.

“There you are.”

She approached the bed where I was lying and sat down on a chair.

“I didn’t expect you to visit.”

“I thought it was right to apologize in person for what happened.”

Apologize?

“From not considering the circumstances during the duel to you getting injured.”

“I think I share some of the responsibility.”

“No, I believe this was my fault.”

That was Glesia White.

Cold as ice when faced as an enemy, but also incredibly responsible as a teacher.

She took responsibility for her actions and never abandoned her duties.

“It’s okay.”

“…I’m glad you say so.”

She would probably carry the burden of today’s incident for a long time.

I didn't know how it would affect me in the future.

“Then I’ll be going.”

She stood up.

After stroking my head, she left the infirmary without hesitation.

That felt strange…

“Shouldn’t you two be going as well?”

“Oh, come to think of it…”

Feeling awkward, I turned to Lucia and Alicia.

If I remembered correctly, they shouldn’t be here right now.

“I forgot that we were supposed to meet the people from the Church after the first class.”

I knew it.

“I’m sorry I can’t stay with you, Aria!”

“We must hurry, Saint-nim.”

Lucia looked back at me as she left, with Alicia following behind.

After confirming that the door was completely closed, I turned my gaze to one side and spoke.

“…Now that no one’s here, are you going to keep watching me?”

“…Oh my? You knew?”

“I’ve always been sensitive to gazes.”

The space distorted, and a woman appeared.

With green hair and eyes, she looked at me with interest.

“It’s an honor to have Beatrice-nim visit me.”

“You know me?”

“You’re famous.”

I spoke casually, but I was inwardly tense.

A former member of the Hero’s party, the strongest Archmage, a monster whose power rivaled a Legion Commander.

If I fought Beatrice here, I would have to use my full strength.

But then my identity would be exposed in no time.

No, it was more than that. The moment the fight started, all the professors would rush in.

If I was surrounded by them, even I couldn't guarantee my survival.

Did she sense my thoughts?

She chuckled and then spoke.

“You don’t have to be so nervous. I’m not going to eat you.”

“That’s a relief.”

“Well, that’s that, but this is this.”

As soon as Beatrice finished speaking, the infirmary brightened.

A green magic circle appeared beneath our feet.

Even I only sensed a faint trace of magic power before it activated. Her casting was incredibly subtle.

“What is…”

“Well, let’s move to a different location, shall we?”

Our little troublemaker?

With those words, a bright light erupted from the magic circle, engulfing the infirmary. When the light faded, no one was left.

───────────────────────────────────────────────────

Chapter 32: Beatrice (1)

“So… what’s the meaning of this?”

“It’s nothing. I told you I wanted to change locations, didn’t I?”

Inside a café.

The aroma of freshly brewed tea lingered at the table in front of me, along with an assortment of colorful desserts.

A scene that anyone would consider a peaceful tea time.

Yes…

If I hadn't been kidnapped here…

“You kidnap an injured person and now it’s tea time?”

“So what? If you don’t like it, you can leave.”

Beatrice said, picking up a dessert and taking a bite.

Her relaxed demeanor only irritated me further.

Sigh, I had to be patient.

Getting angry now would only put me at a disadvantage, especially since I didn’t know her intentions.

Furthermore, I didn’t have any weapons, so I couldn't recklessly start a fight.

In the end, I picked up the teacup in front of me.

Sip

“It’s alright, isn’t it? I come here often.”

“Yes, well… It’s not bad. Although there are no other customers.”

“That’s because I rented the whole place.”

Renting an entire café just to talk with me…

My curiosity about her purpose only grew.

“I heard you cut off the Myers boy’s arm.”

“Luke Myers, you mean?”

“Yes, him.”

“He attacked me first.”

“I heard that too.”

I initially thought she came here because of the incident during the duel, but judging by her attitude, that didn’t seem to be the case either.

“Where are you from?”

“…I don’t remember.”

“Do you have any family?”

“…No. I suppose my parents must be somewhere, since I was born.”

It was a conversation with little substance.

Yet, a strange smile played on her lips, as if she found the conversation itself amusing.

“If this is all you wanted to talk about, there’s no reason for you to have brought me here.”

In the end, I was the one who broke the awkward silence.

“This is information you could easily obtain through an investigation, Beatrice-nim.”

“Why wouldn’t I come? This is quite entertaining.”

What?

“You said you knew who I am, right?”

“Yes. You’re the Headmistress of this Academy.”

“That’s right. And also a former member of the Hero’s party, the current strongest Archmage on the continent, and so on. All the titles that describe me are grand. But…”

She continued.

Just as I was starting to suspect she was narcissistic, her gaze changed.

“You haven’t shown any reaction this whole time.”

“…”

“How many people do you think can remain so calm after meeting me like this?”

“I don’t know. Probably not many.”

“Out of all the people I’ve met, those who react like this fall into two categories.”

“One, those close to me or familiar with me.”

And the other.

“Those who have lived hiding their emotions.”

Damn.

Her words momentarily shattered my composure.

But I couldn’t show any weakness.

“Which category do you think I fall into?”

“Since I don’t know you, I’d say the latter.”

Beatrice picked up a cookie, dangled it in front of me, and then popped it into her mouth.

“You seem calm, but in reality, there’s nothing there. That’s how you appear to me right now.”

“I’m used to hiding my emotions.”

“Well, it’s not my place to interfere with your life.”

She shrugged.

“But I’m telling you this out of concern. That’s a very dangerous thing, you know?”

“What?”

Her sudden warning caught me off guard, momentarily shattering the mask of composure I had carefully maintained.

“The more you suppress your emotions, the bigger the explosion will be when they finally erupt.”

“…”

“It’s not like I haven't seen this happen before.”

The atmosphere grew cold as she continued.

Speechless, I simply covered my mouth with my teacup.

“Just today, a student lost his arm.”

“That’s…”

I opened my mouth, but no words came out.

Honestly, I had nothing to say. She wasn’t wrong.

It was true that I cut off his arm and lost control in the process. It was a kind of self-defense mechanism that kicked in whenever I felt my life was in danger.

But…

‘Then what should I have done?’

I was the Zeroth Legion Commander of the Demon King’s army, a warrior of the front lines.

Emotions were nothing but poison, something that only brought greater pain when things went wrong.

And she was saying suppressing them was dangerous?

Even if it was, nothing would change.

“Well, that’s all I have to say.”

“Are you leaving?”

“It seems I have a visitor.”

Clatter

The café door opened as she finished speaking.

A moment later, three people entered.

“You found me faster than I expected.”

“Haha, where else would you be, Headmistress? Especially after kidnapping a student.”

“Kidnapping? Do you know how precious it is to have time with me?”

Beatrice greeted Lian as if she had been waiting for him. Lian simply smiled wryly in response.

“Aria, do you know how worried we were when you suddenly disappeared?”

Lucia approached me and checked on my condition.

Come to think of it, I was kidnapped.

Suddenly, I had a question.

“How did you two know I was kidnapped?”

Wouldn’t they normally assume I had returned to the dormitory?

This was the time they were supposed to be meeting the people from the Church.

“I wonder about that myself. I made sure to block any magic or sound from leaking out.”

Beatrice asked, as if she was curious as well.

Alicia answered our question.

“When the Saint-nim returned to the infirmary to retrieve something she left behind, a light suddenly leaked from under the door.”

“Aha~ Should I be careful about the light next time?”

“Haha, you’re not even thinking about not doing it again… We were quite troubled when the Saint-nim suddenly came back.”

Lian added from the side.

But his words seemed to fall on deaf ears.

“Nothing happened, so you don’t have to worry too much.”

“That’s good to hear.”

Beatrice watched us converse.

“By the way, you’re the current Saint, right?”

“Yes, I’m Lucia Iris. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Beatrice-nim.”

“You two look very much alike.”

“Huh?”

Lucia expressed confusion at her words.

“Rumors have been spreading around the Academy since the entrance exam.”

“Rumors, you say…?”

“The Saint, and the commoner who looks just like her. People are saying you have a hidden sister.”

Beatrice’s words flustered Lucia even more.

“So, can I ask you something?”

What exactly is your relationship?

“Um, well…”

Why was Lucia so hesitant?

“We’re not related.”

“Oh…”

She knew the answer was already decided, didn't she?

“Even though you look so alike?”

“Well, it must be a coincidence.”

“What a coincidence.”

With every exchange, Lucia’s expression grew more and more despairing.

She tried to hide it, but her trembling eyes revealed everything.

“Are you done talking?”

“Huh? Yes, but why?”

“I’ll be taking my leave now.”

I stood up from my chair as I spoke.

The atmosphere froze, as if everyone was startled by my sudden action.

“Then, excuse me.”

“W-wait, Aria!”

I could hear Lucia calling from behind, but…

I didn’t hear anything.

That’s how it had always been, and that’s how it would be from now on.

───────────────────────────────────────────────────

Chapter 33: Second Lesson (1)

Stepping out of the room with Alicia, who had come by in the morning as usual, I saw the hallway.

Normally, the three of us would head to the classroom together, but today was different.

The door across from ours opened, likely another student heading to class.

“Oh? Saint-nim?”

I was about to pass by without much thought when the person who opened the door spoke first.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I'm Stella Heinrich.”

“Who…”

“My apologies for the late introduction. I'm Stella Heinrich.”

A girl with golden hair and eyes that shone like starlight.

As I’d expected from her extraordinary appearance, she was one of the protagonist’s heroines, and…

“Heinrich… Ah…!”

“I apologize for what my brother did on the day of the entrance ceremony.”

…the older sister of Karon, who we clashed with on the entrance ceremony day.

“You don’t have to apologize, Stella.”

“But…”

After a lengthy exchange, the two finally settled on a mutual apology.

Alicia and I, who were watching them, couldn't help but sigh.

“We’ll be late for class at this rate. You should probably get going.”

“Ah, it’s already that time…”

Their conversation finally ended after I intervened.

We had left the room with plenty of time to get to the classroom, but…

We arrived only minutes before class started.

“…”

The classroom fell silent the moment we entered.

More precisely, I was the cause, but I had nothing to say, considering what I’d done.

‘Sigh…’

Lucia and Stella, seemingly noticing the atmosphere, looked at me.

With their gazes on me, I walked past Luke, who flinched as I approached, and sat down at my desk, trying to ignore him.

Click

A few minutes later, Glesia entered the classroom.

“Silence.”

Unlike yesterday, she didn’t release her magic power. It was just a word.

But that single word was enough to silence everyone.

She looked around the classroom and then spoke.

“Today, we have a sparring class with Class B. It's not for grades, just a demonstration, so don’t be too nervous.”

Inter-class sparring matches were occasional events in the original story.

As Glesia said, it wasn’t for grades, but rather to remind Class A that they could be overtaken by students from other classes. However, it was also a chance for players to increase their affinity with heroines from other classes, so it was an event that players always looked forward to.

“Now, everyone, move to the training grounds.”

With a brief explanation, Glesia left the classroom.

It might have been surprising for those who had never seen this before, but since I’d witnessed a similar scene yesterday, I didn’t react.

After everyone moved to the training grounds and took their seats, Class B entered from the opposite side.

There were some familiar faces, and some I didn’t recognize.

“Greetings, Class A and Class B students.”

While Glesia and Class B’s teacher were talking, Professor Lian stepped onto the platform.

“I’m Lian, the homeroom teacher for the swordsmanship department, and I’ll be overseeing today’s sparring matches.”

If you were wondering why he, and not the class teachers, was in charge, the only answer was to get used to it.

“Then, let me explain the rules of the sparring matches.”

Lian cleared his throat and began speaking. The rules he explained were simple.

• Class B students can request a sparring match with a Class A student.

• Whether to accept the request is up to the Class A student, since they are fewer in number. However, every Class A student must accept at least one match.

• Multiple requests are allowed, but if a student has already sparred once, they can refuse further requests.

“Those are the rules. Is there anyone who would like to nominate their opponent?”

As soon as he finished, several students raised their hands eagerly.

The student Lian chose pointed at me the moment they stood up, and I couldn't help but sigh.

“No need for words, right? How about sparring with me?”

“Sigh…”

Blonde hair and a fierce expression.

It was Trevor, who I fought during the entrance exam.

I thought he would have failed the exam because he lost to me.

It seemed he managed to get a high score thanks to his family's influence, or perhaps he successfully stole a brooch.

“Are you both ready?”

“Well, yes.”

“Of course!”

“Then we’ll start on the count of three. One, two…”

Lian started counting down.

As soon as he shouted “three,” Trevor attacked first, unlike last time.

He wasn’t a fool. Instead of using a single powerful attack like last time, he surrounded me with electric currents.

His intention to prevent me from dodging was clear, but…

“Who said I would only dodge?”

“What…!”

Trevor seemed flustered as I ran towards him.

Determined not to lose, he gritted his teeth and threw a punch. My sword clashed head-on with his fist.

Boom

Dust billowed with the shockwave. Trevor’s feet scraped against the ground as he was pushed back by the force of the impact.

Despite that, his fighting spirit burned even brighter. Seeing his improvement, I spoke.

“Well, you’re more watchable than last time.”

Unlike before, when he could barely defend against my attacks, he was now prepared.

“Is this revenge for that day?”

“No. The opposite.”

Hmm?

“It’s thanks to you that I opened my eyes! This is my way of repaying you!”

With those words, he lunged at me.

I tilted my head to dodge easily and kicked him in the abdomen.

“Ugh… Still no good…”

“Is that all you’ve got?”

He regained his footing and prepared to attack again.

Seeing him trying to climb a mountain whose peak he couldn't even see, I felt… pity, for some reason.

It was impossible for anyone but the protagonist to change drastically in less than a month.

In other words, this was a fight he couldn't win from the start.

His burning fighting spirit to defeat me was like a glitch, something that didn’t exist in the original story.

So…

‘I’ll confirm it for you.’

This was the second confirmation since the entrance ceremony.

If the last one was a confirmation of fate, this one was a confirmation of change.

Would this glitch grow larger? Or would it disappear?

Well, even if it wasn’t that…

‘I should repay him for his efforts.’

Shing

The blade drawn from its scabbard glowed in two contrasting colors.

The sword trembled slightly, as if excited to be used for the first time since the fight with the slave traders.

The noisy surroundings fell silent.

My vision focused solely on the person in front of me.

“Here you go.”

Well, this was my first time using it too.

Darkness enveloped the area, as if absorbing the surrounding light.

Or rather, the light emanating from the blade was so intense that everything else seemed dark in comparison.

“Here I come!”

“…”

Trevor, seemingly realizing I was serious, drew upon his magic power to its limit.

Clad in lightning like a giant golden orb, he charged towards me.

There was no need to rush.

The sword would swing before he reached me.

Aria Style: One Sword – First Form

Swish

“[Moonlight]”

A single swing.

A single stroke created a silver flash like moonlight.

Trevor’s lightning scattered the moment it touched the thin, thread-like light.

The next moment, blood splattered from his chest, and…

Slash

“Kyaaa!”

“W-what?!”

The attack reached the spectator seats behind him.

“Ugh…”

Trevor collapsed to his knees.

He looked up at me and spoke.

What should I say?

That was my full power? Or that he could never reach me, so he shouldn’t even try?

Well,

“…Let’s just say that’s my current full power.”

“Amazing…”

Thud

Trevor collapsed, unable to stay on his feet any longer.

“Sigh…”

I couldn’t find any trace of giving up in his eyes.

…Damn it.

───────────────────────────────────────────────────

Chapter 34: Second Lesson (2)

Silence.

The training grounds should have been filled with cheers celebrating the victor.

But from the moment I drew my sword until Trevor collapsed, no one dared to speak.

“Is it over?”

“Of course. The winner is Aria.”

“Wait a moment!”

I was about to leave the training grounds after Professor Lian answered my question, when a voice suddenly called out from behind.

I turned around to see a girl with long hair tied in a ponytail looking at me.

“What’s your name, student?”

“I’m Hwa-ryung from Class B.”

Hwa-ryung, a spear wielder and a student from the Eastern Continent.

As mentioned before, she was one of the protagonist's main heroines in Class B.

Originally, she was supposed to challenge Leon, driven by her strong competitive spirit, and lose.

In other words…

“If you don’t mind, could I also request a sparring match?”

…she was showing interest in me, even though she was supposed to be involved with the protagonist.

I was already entangled with many people, from Lucia to the Elena sisters and Diona.

But all of those were coincidental.

“…I’m sorry, but I refuse. I’m quite tired right now.”

I had no intention of getting involved in something I could avoid.

Well, I didn’t particularly look tired, but so what?

Each student was allowed only one sparring match, and I had already completed mine.

There was no reason for me to accept.

“I see… Understood…”

She nodded in understanding, although her tone was laced with disappointment.

She then challenged Leon.

After the sparring matches ended, on the way back to the dormitory.

Leon, Hwa-ryung, and a few others approached me, but I brushed them off and left.

‘Aria, you haven’t looked well since earlier. Are you alright?’

‘I’m fine, more or less.’

Lucia asked if I was okay.

‘If you have any problems, please tell us.’

‘Why should I?’

‘W-well… we’re friends, aren’t we…?’

‘Friends… you say.’

Lucia seemed flustered by my somewhat cold reply.

Friends. Friends, huh…

‘Are we?’

‘What?’

Well, what happened after that…

Let’s just say it wasn’t a good outcome for either of us.

They invited me to hang out, but… I couldn’t go with them in that situation.

Grind

I gritted my teeth.

It was still early, so most students wouldn’t be at the dormitory, so I didn’t have to worry about being seen.

“This feels unpleasant…”

I couldn’t explain why, but I felt uneasy.

An unpleasant, undefinable, and unsettling feeling.

Swinging my sword around freely would usually help, but I was in the middle of the Academy.

There was nowhere I could do that…

“…Come to think of it, there’s a training facility nearby.”

No, there might be one place.

The Academy founded by Beatrice boasted various excellent facilities.

From the spacious training grounds used in today’s class to the library, which rivaled the Imperial Royal Library, and even a garden that seemed to have been transported directly from nature.

Among them, I was looking for the training facility.

“Go to Training Room 3.”

“Thank you.”

I received the key, opened the door with the corresponding number, and saw a control panel.

The training room was entirely white, from floor to ceiling. Its special feature was the ability to virtually simulate real monsters through illusion magic.

“It should be fine to summon a fairly strong monster.”

There were ten levels of difficulty.

Stronger monsters tended to be larger, but…

Since it was a one-person room and the space was large, it shouldn't be a problem. I pressed the number 10 without hesitation.

Whir

The device activated, filling the room with a mechanical sound.

The type of monster summoned was different each time, so no one except Beatrice knew what would appear.

However, considering the spider monsters I encountered recently were around level 5, it wouldn’t be anything easy.

A moment later, I couldn't help but chuckle when I saw the summoned monster.

“Hah, they put this in here?”

Speak of the devil.

An upper-rank monster with the upper body of a beautiful woman and the lower body of a giant spider.

The monster summoned before me was none other than Arachne, the so-called Queen of the Spider Monsters.

“Human…!”

“An upper-rank monster capable of communication.”

Of course, since it was a simulated illusion, it was a pale imitation of the real thing.

Still, even among second-year students, let alone first-years, there wouldn't be many who could defeat it.

Perhaps third-year students, who were about ready for real combat, or the professors, each a renowned expert, could manage it.

“Become a sacrifice for my children!”

Arachne charged at me.

Boom

Despite blocking with my sword, the impact was heavy enough to force me back.

As if that wasn't enough, the spider’s forelegs swung, pushing me against the wall.

To others, it might have seemed like an overwhelmingly disadvantageous situation, but…

Smirk

Even with blood trickling down my face from a cut on my forehead,

I couldn’t help but smile.

“Thank you.”

“…?”

The monster looked at me with a puzzled expression.

But it was only natural to be grateful.

“Thanks to you, my mind is clear now.”

“…!”

As if sensing danger, she tried to retreat.

Her movements were surprisingly quick for such a large body, but…

Slash

My sword was faster.

Upper-rank monsters had a basic defense comparable to alloys, except for their vital points. But one of the spider’s forelegs was severed effortlessly.

I continued to cut off her legs as she shrieked in pain, until she lost her mobility.

“Human… How dare you, a mere human…!”

Stab

I thrust my sword into her heart, and her body went limp.

A moment later, she turned into blue dust and was absorbed into the floor, disappearing without a trace.

“…Phew.”

I soaked a bandage in a potion and wrapped it around my wounds.

They would probably be healed by the time I returned to the dormitory.

As I opened the door to leave, I saw a girl with golden hair and eyes.

“Aria?”

“Oh, it’s Stella.”

She seemed to have finished her training as well, her body covered in sweat and a towel around her neck.

“Were you training too, Aria?”

“…Yes, well. That’s right.”

I couldn’t answer her question honestly, so I just gave a vague reply.

“Are you going back now?”

“I wonder…”

I thought a lot of time had passed, but a glance at my watch showed that it was still quite early.

It was too early to go back to the dormitory and sleep.

I wasn't much of a sleeper anyway.

“Then, would you mind spending some time with me?”

“…Alright.”

Unable to find a reason to refuse her offer, I nodded, and we began walking together.

“So, where are we going?”

“It’s called the garden. I’ve only heard about it from my parents, so I don’t know much about it.”

“The garden…”

Following Stella, we walked for a long time until we reached a forest path.

She seemed to recognize the path, so I followed her. Soon, the garden came into view.

A tall waterfall and a lake beneath it greeted us.

The surrounding forest was dark and quiet, but the lake, reflecting the moonlight, illuminated the area with an ethereal glow.

“Wow…”

Stella gasped softly in admiration. I didn't express it outwardly, but I felt the same way.

In the game, it was just a few pictures, so it didn’t leave much of an impression. But seeing it in person was a different story.

“It’s amazing.”

“I agree.”

We strolled along the lakeshore, admiring hundreds of different kinds of flowers.

The sight was soothing to the soul.

“I should come here often.”

“It’s a good place to clear your head.”

We sat down facing the waterfall.

“Are you close with the Saint-nim, Aria?”

“Well, not really. We just happened to get involved with each other.”

We chatted about various things.

After some time, it was time to return. I stood up, brushing off the dust from my skirt.

“Let’s go back.”

“You go ahead. I’ll… I’ll stay a little longer.”

I turned and walked back the way we came, leaving Stella behind.

…Perhaps I should have waited.

Rustle

Stella, now alone.

Even as she heard footsteps behind her, she asked calmly.

“So, who sent you?”

“Aren’t you afraid?”

“I’ve been through this many times since I was young.”

“I’m sorry, but…”

Someone drew their sword.

As she saw the figure approaching, Stella simply closed her eyes.

“Die.”

Stab

The sound of someone’s skin being pierced echoed through the air.

Blood splattered in the quiet garden.

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Chapter 35: Detective games (1)

Inside the classroom the next day.

Most of the students had arrived as usual, but Professor Glesia was nowhere to be seen, even though class was supposed to have started.

Just as we were wondering, she finally opened the classroom door and entered.

She scanned the room, spotted me, and started walking towards me.

“Student Aria, could you come with me for a moment?”

“What is it?”

“It’s not something I can discuss here.”

Professor Glesia looked around the room before answering.

In the end, I had no choice but to follow her, clueless as to why.

“Could you tell me what you did yesterday?”

Glesia asked as we walked down the hallway.

“Why do you ask?”

“…”

“So, can you explain what this is about?”

“You’ll find out when we get there.”

I expressed my confusion at the sudden question, but her reply was just a formality.

She stopped in front of a door, as if we had arrived.

I followed her inside, where several people seemed to be waiting.

“I’ve brought student Aria.”

“Thank you, Professor Glesia.”

Glesia exchanged a few words with them and then went to her seat.

Lian’s gaze, which had been on her for a moment, shifted to me.

“Do you know why you’re here, Aria?”

“No. I was told you would explain when we arrived.”

“So you don’t know yet.”

Lian looked at my face, as if trying to gauge my reaction.

After failing to elicit any response from me, he spoke again.

“Last night, Stella, the young lady of the Heinrich family, was attacked in the garden.”

Stella? But she was fine when we parted ways yesterday…

“And according to witnesses, you were the last person seen with her, Aria.”

“…”

“Student Aria.”

The pieces began to fall into place.

With Lian’s next words.

“You are now a suspect in the assault case that occurred yesterday.”

I finally understood why I was here.

“What happened to Stella?”

“Fortunately, she’s alive.”

“She’s alive…”

It might sound fortunate at first glance, but it also meant she wasn't unharmed.

Crippled, in a coma, or something similar. As long as she was clinging to life, she was considered alive.

“Is it true that you went to the garden with Stella yesterday evening?”

“…Yes.”

“Where did you meet Stella?”

“At the training facility yesterday.”

“You may not know this, Aria, but Stella is one of the top students in Class A.”

Of course. In terms of talent, she was on par with the protagonist.

Literally a star (Stella) in terms of talent.

“In other words, there aren't many people capable of attacking her.”

“Is that why I’m a suspect?”

“We found a record of someone clearing level 10 in the training facility yesterday.”

“…”

“The high-ranking monster, Arachne. Although it’s a simulated illusion, many can't even defeat that.”

Level 10 was said to be clearable by only a few third-year students.

In other words, clearing it meant possessing skills beyond that of a third-year.

“So, please tell us everything that happened last night. Without hiding anything.”

“…Alright.”

“So… you returned to the dormitory immediately after parting ways with her?”

“Yes.”

“And nothing suspicious happened during that time?”

“No.”

“Sigh…”

Lian rubbed his forehead as if he had a headache. Glesia spoke to him.

“Professor Lian.”

“Yes, Professor Glesia?”

“I think…”

Glesia glanced at me before continuing.

“I don’t think Aria is the culprit.”

“…Why do you think so?”

“I trust the students in my care.”

“…”

The two professors exchanged glances.

“The situation has become quite complicated.”

“Complicated?”

“As I mentioned earlier, Stella is the daughter of a Marquis.”

A Marquis was the second highest rank among the five noble ranks.

Considering that only Dukes and Archdukes had the right to succeed the throne, a Marquis was practically at the top of the nobility.

And such a person had been attacked at the Academy…

“We’re investigating the incident as discreetly as possible. But if news of this gets out, the noble faction will put immense pressure on us.”

“…How much time do we have, Professor Lian?”

“Three days. We have to find the culprit within three days, including the weekend.”

Three days.

I could already imagine what would happen after that.

“And why are you telling me this?”

“If we can’t find the culprit within three days, they’ll demand a scapegoat.”

And the most likely candidate was…

“Aria. They’ll demand you.”

“That’s…! She’s my student!”

“That’s why I’m telling you this, Professor Glesia.”

Nobles valued honor and justification above all else.

They would challenge someone to a duel if their honor was tarnished, and they would fight endlessly if they had a justifiable cause.

“So they’ll offer up a scapegoat to cover up the attack on the Marquis’ daughter.”

“…Can’t we stop them?”

“We’re trying our best. We don’t want a student of the Academy to be accused either.”

But if they couldn't find the culprit…

“In the worst-case scenario, we might not be able to guarantee your safety, Aria.”

Glesia’s expression hardened at Lian’s words.

She felt responsible for her students and wouldn't abandon them.

Perhaps the guilt she felt for defeating me last time also played a part.

“Sigh… What can we… no, what can I do?”

“We’re investigating with trustworthy personnel, so please wait for now.”

“What about me?”

“Aria… you mustn't act rashly for the time being.”

Haha, I was about to be framed for a crime, and I couldn’t even move.

If I were truly in danger, I could escape by force, but that would only give them more leverage against me.

So I had to play along for now.

“Understood.”

“Thank you for your understanding.”

The conversation ended, and I left as Lian said I could.

Unlike my usual emotionless facade, my mind was in turmoil.

‘Stella’s combat abilities are comparable to the current protagonist’s.’

In other words, if there was a fight, there would inevitably be traces left behind, no matter how careful they were.

However.

‘At least it wasn’t a demon.’

If a demon was involved, there would definitely be traces of demonic energy.

But since there was no mention of it, the attacker was probably human.

‘“Where is Stella?”’

‘“She’s nominally recovering, so she’s been moved to the infirmary.”’

No matter how much I racked my brain, I wouldn’t know anything unless I saw her myself.

So I headed straight for the infirmary.

As I mentioned before, the Academy's facilities were top-notch.

The infirmary I was heading to was more than just a name. It was staffed with high-ranking priests, medical scholars, and even professors of herbalism and potion making.

It was a medical facility that was hard to find anywhere else.

‘But if she hasn’t woken up yet…’

“Good afternoon.”

“…Excuse me.”

I opened the door and entered, greeted by the smell of medicine and a man sitting at a desk.

“What brings you here? Are you injured?”

“I’m not injured.”

“Not injured… Perhaps internal injuries? If so, I’ll have to call another teacher…”

“I’m here to see Stella.”

The man stopped talking at my words.

He stood up, closed the infirmary door, and quietly gestured to me.

“This way, please.”

“…”

He walked to the room at the very end and quietly opened the door.

Inside, Stella lay on the bed with her eyes closed.

“She’s been unconscious since the attack last night, so she won’t be able to answer you.”

“Unconscious?”

“It seems she was poisoned. A rather rare kind, it seems.”

Poison…

The Academy teachers were all experts in their respective fields.

If they couldn't identify the poison, it must be a rare type, as he said.

“You have five minutes with the patient.”

The door closed behind him.

“…Where is the wound?”

I lifted the blanket and examined her arms and legs, but couldn't find any injuries.

It would be dangerous to heal her without removing the poison, so there should still be a wound.

“Sigh… Excuse me for a moment.”

I lifted her shirt and finally found a puncture wound.

“Her abdomen… and quite shallow.”

The weapon was probably a dagger.

Judging by the direction of the wound, she was attacked from the front.

Since there were no other injuries, she either didn’t resist…

Or the attacker healed the other wounds after poisoning her.

There was no reason for the attacker to do something so inefficient, so there was only one answer.

Stella was attacked by an assassin.

A very skilled one. At least Master level.

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