How to Survive at the Academy Chapter 149

Golden Home (7)

Since then, while the social gathering schedule was in progress, only rumors continued to flourish.

Saint Clarice went to see Ed Rosteiler privately whenever she had free time during her schedule, and to high-ranking nobles, it seemed as if there was some sort of contact between the Rosteeler family and the saintess.

In fact, it wouldn’t be strange to say that he was interacting with the Seonghwangdo side to some extent when he became the highest authority on the continent.

Of course, he wouldn’t have thought that he would be involved with a saint of the church, not at the level of a bishop.

“Would you like to dance a song?”

“Oh, senior Ed. It’s my honor.”

The highlight was a dinner party held at night.

The banquet, held in the prepared hall on the second floor, was twice as large as the banquet on the first day, judging only by rule of thumb.

In addition to the distinguished guests who arrived on the second day, various food and music prepared more thoroughly and luxuriously. And all kinds of artifacts hanging on the outer wall of the hall. On the stage prepared in the middle, all kinds of storytellers and talents came out to add excitement to the party.

Since I was in no position to refuse the saintess’ offer, I rather proudly approached her and asked for a dance.

Anyway, there are many good things about being proudly recognized as a member of the Ross Taylor family. Not to mention the authority and power, Creffin Ross Taylor will not be able to touch me carelessly.

Informing the whole world that I have a strong backing as a saint is a matter that is directly related to my safety right now.

― ‘Look over there, that idiot who reinstated his family this time.’

― ‘I attended the party yesterday and saw it in advance. You look like a completely different person.’

― ‘Anyway, where did that natural nature go?’

Because of his high notoriety, there was not much good news among the VIPs.

The gossip must have reached Clarisse’s ears as well, as Clarisse led her body to and fro in my arms to the rhythm, and the expression on her face was not very good.

I quietly bowed my head and whispered to Clarisse in a pose as if we were having a casual conversation.

“You don’t have to be so offended.”

“Did my expression look bad?”

“You did look uncomfortable.”

“I just… I was wondering if I did something wrong.”

I followed Clarice’s feet to the music. Clarisse also felt like he was not very familiar with dancing, but I managed to move his body well and match Clarisse’s movements.

Certainly, after being so suddenly entangled with a lofty status as Clarisse, it feels like more attention is drawn to it than it needs to be.

He could have re-entered aristocratic society slowly… Suddenly, I felt like I was receiving Clarisse’s prestige, and rather, I was getting more harsh eyes from people.

Clarisse seemed to be very concerned about that part, and her expression was not very good while dancing.

“It’s okay, saintess. In any case, you’ve been of great help to me.”

“It would be nice if that were the case. Please call me if you need anything else. I plan to stay in this mansion until the last day during the social gathering schedule. There are a lot of people I need to meet.”

Clarice is an honored guest among honored guests that even Creffin Rosteyler cannot treat lightly. If she has her authority, it’s likely she’ll have a voice at a critical juncture.

The music is over, and it’s time to wrap up the dance. Clarisse pulled on my sleeve with a look of regret.

“I had a chance to dance like this after a long time, but I spent my time worrying about it. Ehh…”

Saying that, Clarisse let go of her hand. His slender fingers look pale.

“We still have a lot of social gathering schedules left, so let’s talk again. Senior.”

“It’s an honor. Saint Clarisse.”

After letting Clarice go to her seat, I made my way out of the crowd.

The eyes of the aristocrats staring at me were heavy. Some of them were talking to me, but I made my way out of them with a polite reply.

When the second night is over and the third day dawns, the long social gathering schedule of the Roth Taylor family also comes to a turning point.

More than half of the schedule of the social church has already passed, but there is not much to say about achievements.

On the first day, I sedated myself a bit. Upon arrival, she could be suspicious of any hasty move.

However, from the second day, I plan to move more actively. Time is not infinite.

Don’t forget your purpose. The reason I took the risk and returned to Ross Taylor’s mansion was to find evidence that would prove Crepin Ross Taylor’s evil deeds.

What I do know is that Kreffin Ross-Tyler has been conducting all sorts of brutal experiments to try his hand at the magic of immortality.

They tested the power of evil spirits with the lives of servants as collateral, tricked the imperial family into taking forbidden drugs, and even killed children… He is truly an insane madman.

The reason why I am interested in Aspect Magic is also because the power of that time is not unrelated to the power of immortality.

Anything that can be studied for a purpose is a madman to study. The benevolent peac*ck’s appearance is but a shell.

Anyway, if you’re conducting research on that scale… There must be hidden research facilities or secret warehouses. It’s highly likely that you have it in your own mansion, where it’s easy to manage and where you can visit often.

“You look busy. Ed Roth Taylor.”

It was the moment I was about to walk quickly through the crowd and leave the party.

“I managed to become the center of the party, so why don’t I talk more with the VIPs?”

In the midst of the murmurs, Princess Selaha had spoken to them. He was standing with his back leaning against an outer wall, holding a small glass of white wine in one hand.

I felt the attention of the banquet hall again. The nobles have their face and pretend to be turning their attention to the other, but… It feels like everyone is looking at me with a sidelong glance.

“Princess Sellaha.”

“You look like you’re asking why are you talking to me. It’s a very fresh reaction.”

After having a private date with Saint Clarice, meeting at a dinner party and even dancing, and then having a private date with Princess Selaha.

The figure of talking side by side with two people who are close to the pinnacle of imperial authority and religious authority… It is enough to attract the attention of many aristocrats.

As for me… It was a situation where the expression management was not very good.

“Did you know that? Ordinary people would live with honor until they die just by talking to me. If you think about it that way, it’s not a very good reaction.”

“I also consider it an honor, Princess Selaha.”

“You’re full of things to do, but you look like you’ve got a troublesome woman involved.”

She is an unnecessarily sharp woman.

I glanced towards the terrace. The moon was floating in the middle of the sky.

After this, I was going to sneak out of the party and join Jenika waiting outside.

After that, he went back to his room with the excuse that he was not feeling well, and even secretly planned to break into Crepin’s study. The conversation with Yenika has already ended.

“I don’t think it’s a very wise decision to go outside after such a fun banquet.”

“Thank you for your opinion. However, I’m not feeling well… I was thinking of coming back after taking a break from the night.”

“I see. Until I danced with Saint Clarisse, I looked fine.”

At that, I shut my mouth and looked at Princess Selaha, and she clapped and laughed.

“Huh, it’s a joke, so laugh.”

“Because I’m a person who lacks a sense of humor.”

“To put it badly, it’s old-fashioned, and to put it well, it’s serious. Yeah… It seems that the resting place is a bit better.”

Princess Selahha set down her wine glass and looked at the band in the corner. It seemed like they were getting ready to play the next song.

The beautiful violin melody begins, followed by the harmonious melodies of various instruments.

Princess Selaha quietly approached me, as if intoxicated by the music, and whispered in my ear.

“Leaving such a grand party behind, it’s obvious without looking at it. You’re going out to have a blast with that commoner girl from before, right?”

The fact that he was going to have a bout with Yenika was exactly right. Of course, it will be a very different form from what Selaha imagined.

Anyway, the time given to me is not much.

Crepes are either morning or afternoon… I have a habit of stopping by the library whenever I have free time. Unless he’s hosting a party, like now, when he can’t be away, there’s no time to safely inspect his study.

“My older sister said it. Getting into the habit of hanging out with people of the right level is good for your success.”

“Thank you for your opinion. I will take it into consideration and act carefully.”

“Would you like to test whether it is an empty word or not?”

“yes?”

Sellaha set the wine glasses loosely on the banquet table.

Then, the wine glass that lost its center of gravity was shaking, and soon it spilled onto the table.

The people around them were momentarily surprised, and for a moment, the eyes of the banquet hall were focused.

The spilled wine soaked the expensive tablecloths, and waiters quickly approached and began tidying up.

As they are first-class servants, the work is done quickly. However, it is impossible to clear up the attention that has already been focused on.

Taking advantage of that gap, Princess Selaha confidently spoke.

“Would you like to dance a song with me?”

Silence reigned in the left.

“Looks like you’re good at dancing.”

In the meantime, I could see Clarisse’s wide-eyed eyes.

When it comes to dancing, it is polite for a male attendee to ask a female attendee first, if possible, for a person with a relatively lower social status to ask for a higher person first.

The status is higher, and the sight of Selaha, a woman, proudly requesting a dance is not very ordinary, and the target is me, who just danced a song with Saint Clarisse.

Just getting involved with the saintess draws attention, but after dancing one more song with Selaha, the center of the party will really come over to me.

Above all, the opponent was Selah, the princess of frost.

Isn’t it the first princess of Chloel’s royal family who stamped her feet with all the high-ranking aristocrats wanting to share a word?

There, no one would choose the option of refusal.

“How dare I lead Princess 1 by the hand. Right now, her condition is so bad that it seems to only cause trouble.”

Having said that, I politely bowed to Selaha and left the party.

* * *

Not everyone tried to show off, but there was a strange atmosphere between the party leaders.

Shortly after Ed Rosteeler left the party, Selaha stood alone by the door, looking bewildered.

1Rejected the princess’ request for a dance.

I tried to be as polite as possible and gave a plausible reason, but I refused… refusal is refusal

– ‘just now… Did you see it?’

― ‘Did you reject Princess Selaha’s dance request? I am… You’re not mistaken, are you?’

― ‘Are you sure you didn’t dance with Saint Clarisse? Did something go wrong in the meantime?’

― ‘It’s an opportunity to have a conversation with Princess Selaha, but if it were me, I would have gone out to dance even if my arm was cut off.’

Among the whispering nobles, Selaha sneered.

‘Your arrogance is sky-high.’

He did not know that he had a connection with Saint Clarisse. As much as she wanted to maintain an amicable relationship with Sellaha, she planned to embrace Ed more actively.

A boy who is presumed to be Princess Penia’s closest aide, and who seems to have a special relationship with Saint Clarisse.

She aggressively attacked first, wondering if she could be more benevolent than Princess Selaha, but Ed Roth Taylor casually cut off the approach and left.

No matter how well he was evaluated and had good connections, his attitude was too outrageous in front of the first princess of the Chloel Empire. I understand that you are in a busy position, but this is really crossing the line.

But you can’t get angry directly. Even if the world perishes tomorrow, it is the duty of the imperial family to preserve the noble dignity.

‘You’re kicking the opportunity that came rolling in.’

Sellaha accepted the new wine glass again and smiled old-fashionedly. The nobles around her couldn’t say anything because they were noticing Selaha.

Meanwhile, Saint Clarisse looked at the sight and bowed her head. He was holding back a faint smile, but the people around him just seemed taken aback by the sudden situation.

The fact that he danced with Clarisse and rejected the dance of a noble princess made Clarisse feel very upset. It was a really strange situation.

‘Well, it’s to shorten my name.’

Princess Selahha straightened her clothes and mingled with the crowd again.

Having a close relationship with Saint Clarice was certainly surprising, but it was foolish to try to challenge the princess’s prestige with that much.

Right now, all the nobles gathered here are looking at Selaha. The same goes for his father, Krepin Ross-Taylor.

It is not difficult to sway public opinion and bury Ed Rosteyler. I’d like to make you pay for your arrogance, but right now I’m going to go through my other connections first.

Legion commander Magnus and investor Roland.

With Saint Clarisse, he should have finished with his face open, but he definitely intended to make those two his own.

This social church was a golden opportunity.

* * * [ It is at the end of the corridor on the 4th floor. The servants didn’t come and go very well, but it seems that the head of the household ordered them not to approach it directly… ! Miss Yenica is also waiting nearby!]

Mug perched on his shoulder flapped his wings and gave him the information he had asked for.

Ross Taylor Mansion at night. There are still many users coming and going, but the floating population decreases noticeably as you go up to higher floors.

This is because most of the major facilities are located on the lower floors.

The Roth Taylor Mansion, which has up to six floors in total, goes up higher and private facilities that are only used by the insiders of the family appear.

Most of the facilities up to the third floor are accessible to guests. Perhaps for this reason, up to the third floor, even if outsiders roam, they do not look at it with a strange gaze, but from the fourth floor, when outsiders try to enter, the workers start to stop them.

Of course, as an insider to the Roth Taylor family, I am free to enter.

“Brother Ed. I heard you’re sick.”

“You can go on your own, so go inside.”

“Yes, I understand.”

I naturally met the servants I met along the way, and reached the front of Crepin’s private study in the corner of the 4th floor. It is so comfortable that you can walk in and out confidently.

Instead of going straight into the study, I turned around and unlocked all the locks on the windows in the hallway.

-Drreuk.

Then, the hallway window opened… A girl riding a fairly large eagle-shaped spirit pushed her body into the hallway and entered.

There is nothing more to look at, she is now a familiar girl like family.

Yenika was wearing a clean navy blue skirt and a pure white blouse. Apparently, she came from Yenica’s party too.

“How did you get out?”

“Unlike Ed, no one cared about people like me. I had come in advance and looked around, but no one really came and went.”

“What about Lucy?”

“He’s sleeping on the roof.”

Are you climbing to the top of such a majestic building? In fact, it is something new.

It would be more convenient to climb to the top if you could detect the magic inside the mansion as a whole and catch any unusual movements immediately.

In case of emergency, they must have finished preparing to invade immediately. At first glance, he seems indolent and unanswerable, but he’s thorough in the important part.

I nodded and turned and pushed the study handle. It opened slowly with a squeaking sound.

As it was a frequently used facility, the door was not locked. In the first place, from the corner of the 4th floor, it is an area that can not be entered unless the person concerned.

I immediately opened the door wide.

――And on the desk in the center of the study… Kreffin Rosteyler was sitting.

“…Huh…!”

Yenika quickly covered her mouth with both hands and swallowed. I stood still, holding the doorknob, not panicking as much as possible.

“You’re here.”

This is Creffin, who would have been hosting a party just a moment ago.

It doesn’t make sense for the host to leave his seat while hosting such a grand party. Moreover, not for other important things, especially for the reason of coming to the study and reading a book.

This means that he was probably expecting the fact that I would come here.

“We haven’t had a chance to talk just the two of us, without the eyes of others. Okay, let’s talk a little bit.”

Creffin closed the book, set it on the work desk, and spoke politely.

“I’m very curious about your story… who survived all those trials without dying and returned home in gold.”

“father.”

The line that came after that, let alone Jenika, made me panic for a moment.

“――You still call me father.”

he is… I didn’t even think of myself as Ed Rosteyler in the first place.

“There are many ways to escape from one’s family destiny. Either way, it doesn’t change the fact that my son, Ed Rosteeler, ran unsightly. I know for sure. If so, I can’t help but ask.”

A window that fills one side of the study. After that, the full moon that lit up the moonlit night stood loftily.

“Who are you?”

I carefully reached out for the dagger hidden in the thigh dance and took a guarded posture.

* * *

To my beloved little brother, Ed Rosteyler.

The baptism ceremony was over, and it’s already been more than a week since I officially ascended to the position of successor.

With two such wonderful younger siblings, I’m not sure I’ll be able to hold on to the heir position as the eldest daughter.

Anyway, since Tanya still has a long way to go, Ed’s role will be more important. It seems like it was just yesterday that Tanya sent her a text message, but time flies so fast that she has already entered magic training. right.

It has already been more than three years since we exchanged letters like this. If I had known that exchanging notes jokingly left at the door would be this long, I would have asked the servants to deliver the letters from the beginning.

Then you will grumble again that there is no romance. Anyway, because it’s rare.

Life in the spire has many frustrating parts, but I’m living my own life anyway. Lately, I’ve lost my energy again, and I’ve had a lot of minor illnesses, but… Not as much as before.

On the contrary, swordsmanship training and magic training are somewhat progressing. Do you remember all the worried eyes when I said I would handle a greatsword the size of my upper body? Now I’m used to lightening magic, so I can handle the greatsword like limbs.

At the last meeting, I even showed off my ceremonial posture with a ceremonial greatsword. All the seniors liked it. Ed, everyone wants to see your face too.

… I hope the relationship between my father and Edner has progressed a little too. To be honest, it’s hard to get caught in the middle.

Ed: Whatever you think, I think my father has big dreams and big visions of his own. Trusting and following such a father is a duty we as a family must follow.

So, don’t say such harsh things.

Unless you’re born again, I’ll never call you father again.

It’s so sad that such harsh words are being exchanged between family members. I’ll be sure to apologize next time I get a chance.

It’s not too positive that your father is looking into your Sylvania admissions process.

The only thing left to do is to get rid of the problem on the southern island of Aken. If nothing else, I don’t want my family torn apart.

Do you remember what I said last time? Ed You definitely said you would go to Sylvania as soon as you get older.

You can also study magic at Ross Taylor Mansion. Please, think carefully.

We are bound by the kite of family until the day we die, so please don’t take that weight too lightly.

I’ll write another letter.

Your only sister, Arwen Roth Taylor.