I'm the Slit-Eyed Character at the Academy, but I'm not the Mastermind

Chapter 24

Rodelin's face became rigid.

It was inevitable. That secret was known only to the people of the Lucid family.

Well... it's actually 'something else' and not a curse, but I had no reason to tell Rodelin that.

"Oh, did I shock you too much? It was just a guess. Don't tell me the Lucid family is actually cursed by a demon?"

"..."

Rodelin trembled.

I threw out the bait to see her reaction.

And from that reaction, I could discern the secret she was hiding.

It's somewhat like the behavior of Korean tabloid journalists.

'It's the reason why noble heirs are trained to maintain their composure.'

A rash action or statement could harm their family's reputation.

Rodelin must be thinking she's been outwitted.

Of course, as a gamer, I know the truth about the curse.

"A demon's curse? That's just too absurd."

"Is that so? My mistake then. Let's leave it at that."

"I'm busy, so I must go now. Zero, see you this weekend."

"Yes, take care."

Rodelin walked away briskly.

One might think I've worsened our relationship with this needless provocation.

'But this is the right way.'

A suspicious relationship, a slightly distant one, is preferable.

Rodelin is a member of the first party.

I'm just borrowing her hand for this strategy.

So, this kind of relationship is better.

"Tsk, now you're bothering the senior too? You're going to get in big trouble."

"Keke, aren't you worried, Miss Luna?"

"About what?"

"Didn't you hear why I've been so busy? We might encounter a demon. It could be very dangerous."

Luna stared at me intently.

She looked like a chick. A pink chick.

"It doesn't matter. Protecting the Empire is also a noble's role. If a demon appears, I'll fight. And."

And?

"Who else will protect you if not me? You can't even fight properly since using skills leaves traces."

This time, I stared intently at Luna.

Is she thinking so nobly?

When did our Luna grow up like this?

It makes me wonder if this is how parents feel when raising a child.

"What, what? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Keke, Miss Luna... I'm truly moved."

"Enough, just buy me something tasty."

Luna, slightly blushing, ran ahead.

Buy her something to eat?

Well, why not. My daughter(?) has grown mentally.

I should happily spend today.

But what's this bittersweet feeling?

"Keke, I feel like I've forgotten something... but I can't remember."

It wasn't until late afternoon that I recalled the forgotten memory.

Luna...

Still hadn't paid back the 2 silver she borrowed in the plaza!

* * *

Friday, with one day left until the weekend.

Archmage Elester's class was in full swing.

A piece of chalk floating in mid-air was writing something on the blackboard.

Corrosion.

"About 15 years ago, a bizarre phenomenon was first discovered in the borderlands."

Land dyed in a dark red hue.

Water drying up, the land cracking, plants unable to grow.

Buildings corroding and collapsing, and no living being could escape.

Land where nothing could live.

It was rightly called the land of death.

It's not an endemic disease. It's 'something else'.

"What's terrifying about corrosion?"

"It gradually expands its radius. Like a living organism growing."

"Excellent, Teron."

"The strengthening of evil creatures is one issue, but restrictions in activity are another problem. From the third stage of corrosion, there are issues with mana and aura manipulation."

"Excellent, Yuridia."

Elester praised them.

The top student and the second top student.

Representatives of Teron's faction and Yuridia's faction.

Fzzt-.

Their gazes collided in mid-air.

The kids caught in between were having a hard time.

Over time, corrosion has become more than just an issue for the Empire. It's a common problem for kingdoms, duchies, and the holy state, affecting the entire continent. Where was the most recent appearance of corrosion in the Empire?

"The economic city of Pascal!"

"Pascal, the economic city!"

"Correct. Both of you are excellent."

Elester looked at them with a pleased expression.

As if he actually enjoyed this competition.

'Well, that's understandable.'

Although now he appears as a kind-hearted grandfather, he's truly a seasoned politician in the noble council.

Known as 'the Raccoon of the Empire.'

"Corrosion is sometimes called a demon's prank. Indeed, demons have been spotted in places affected by corrosion... Then, which family was the first to stop this terrifying corrosion?"

"The Lucid family!"

"The Lucids!"

The Lucid family.

One of the eight pillars of the Empire and the family of Rodelin, the vice president of the student council.

At the same time.

'The first family to face corrosion.'

The Lucids, who have been guarding the northern borderlands for generations.

A family that hasn't lost a war in 120 years.

Then one day, corrosion suddenly started.

At the same time, there was an onslaught of demonic beasts.

Despite their best efforts, the Lucid family eventually chose to retreat.

Thus, they lost three castles and a significant amount of land in their first battle.

The word 'defeat,' although just six letters, had significant repercussions.

After all, it was their first defeat in 120 years.

Normally, opposition factions would have been in uproar, blaming them for failing to protect the borderlands, but no one blamed the Lucids for the defeat.

'If we retreat even once more, the Lucid family's grave will be right there.'

These were the words of Luke de Lucid, the current head of the Lucid family, when he visited the Emperor.

His hair was wildly disheveled, not befitting a noble, with bloodshot eyes and lips chewed to tatters.

Even the opposition didn't dare speak out against his furious demeanor.

Luke de Lucid made a vow in that state.

If they retreated again, they would all die there. Without exception.

Even if it meant.

The blood of their own family.

In proof of that vow, the Lucid family never retreated again.

While other kingdoms' borders were shattered and their territories reduced, not a single piece of the Empire's land was lost.

There hasn't been a single defeat since then.

'That's why the Lucid family's reputation is the highest in the Empire now.'

And now we've found something that seems to be the prototype of corrosion?

For Rodelin, it's something she cannot laugh off.

The one defeat, the lost half palm of land.

That's the only blemish and humiliation of the Lucid family.

"Rodelin, the current vice president of the student council, belongs to that family. She's an excellent student."

Elester leaned on the podium.

"Corrosion is a problem, but there are more important issues. What should our Empire do to progress?"

"Development through commerce, new sources of revenue, considering unification of the continent are options worth exploring!"

"That's not it! This is a time when the Empire has unprecedented power! We should conserve, cultivate talent, build internal strength, and look towards the distant future!"

For the first time, their opinions diverged.

The atmosphere in the class rapidly cooled.

As if a thin layer of ice had just cracked.

Depending on which side Elester sided with, the other would have to endure the wrath of hell.

Gulp.

Everyone watched Elester's mouth.

He then smiled politely and looked at me.

"So, Zero, what do you think?"

"...Excuse me?"

"I'll give a point to the side you think is right."

"...?"

Everyone's gaze focused on me.

Teron and Yuridia's sharp eyes turned towards me.

Why does this always happen to me?

'Tell them I'm right!'

'Say that my side is correct!'

Teron and Yuridia sent me silent pressure.

Being able to convey their message just with their eyes. Such impressive kids.

'Damn it.'

How did it come to this? This is just unfair.

All I did was enroll in the advanced class.

Pick up some hidden pieces lying around.

Gather some starving kids to use as shields.

And all I wanted was to clear the final boss!

I don't understand why I'm caught in the middle of their rivalry.

It's just unfair.

"Which side do you think is right? Take your time and think about it."

That was Elester's kindly phrased suggestion.

But I didn't need such consideration.

Teron and Yuridia's gazes on me grew even more intense.

In fact, it wasn't just Teron's faction that approached me.

I also had contact from Yuridia's side.

After all, I was unofficially ranked third in the entrance exam.

That meant I was in the perfect position to tip the balance in the early power dynamics.

'But I shouldn't belong to either Teron's or Yuridia's factions.'

Teron is a fairly significant supporting character playing the role of a villain in the early to mid-game.

He's meant to be defeated by the protagonist's group later. So, pass.

Yuridia is one of the protagonists and one of the top five in the academy.

A member of the first party. I can't get close to such an entity.

It would just mess up the story.

But now, both sides had expressed their desire to recruit me.

My answer now could make them think I've sided with them.

And the same would be true for the opposing side.

So, the best choice I can make now is...

'Not to side with either.'

I'll get [Divine Imitation] tomorrow.

I might be half-dead by the end of today, but with Luna as my meat shield...

No, by my side, I should be able to last a day.

Elester, looking at me with expectant eyes, heard me say.

"Keke, who cares."

"...Such irreverence!"

"...!"

Everyone's face was filled with shock.

To say I didn't care in front of Archmage Elester.

Honestly, even I was surprised by my response.

I meant to say, 'I don't understand enough about the subject to have an opinion', but it came out as 'Keke, who cares.'

The [Twisted Speech] skill had too strong an effect.

Everyone, including me, thought Elester would scold me.

It was too arrogant an answer.

But then...

Clap, clap, clap.

Elester clapped, laughing heartily.

"Ha ha ha! That's almost the right answer. Zero, you're very good."

His applause and praise rang out.

As if to resolve everyone's confusion, Elester spoke.

"That's exactly what the average commoner thinks. The commoner class makes up 60% of the Empire, an essential stratum that can't be missing."

Really?

"Among them, 50% live day by day. Every second person is too busy worrying about their daily bread to save anything."

Wait...

"Imagine them hearing what Teron and Yuridia just said. It would sound like grasping at straws."

Excuse me? Grandpa, are you listening to me?

"To them, economic development, continental unification, or planning for the distant future are all meaningless! In other words, what these two just said..."

Bang!

"Bullshit, pure and simple."

He slammed his fist on the podium, cursing.

That was enough to sober up the students.

Elester then smiled at us.

"Zero probably said he didn't care after considering all this. Right?"

"Yes... well..."

Let's just leave it at that.

--TL Notes--

Hope you enjoyed this chapter. If you want to support me or give me feedback, you can do it at /MattReading