Healing at the Academy Convenience Store - Chapter 1026
1026. Episode of EVE 20
Later.
I don’t know how or where it started, but somehow, word had spread throughout Zephyrine that Sylphia and I were lovers.
It was a very clear rumor that had spread. ‘Wolflam broke off his engagement with his former fiancée and chose Sylphia, and as a result, he joined Eve’s subordinates.’
This was information that no one outside the inner circle would know, but at the same time, the only people in Zephyrine who knew this were me, Eve, and Sylphia.
Since the three of us would never have spread this information, the culprit was obvious.
“I didn’t think of that… Our family probably did it.”
“I think so too.”
“Perhaps our family couldn’t shake their suspicions. They spread the rumor to confirm the truth within Zephyrine… And informants somewhere are collecting our reactions and reporting back.”
“Are they really family?”
“Yes.”
Sylphia nodded as if it were obvious, and it seemed like this was something that should be expected.
I see. Those sneaky bastards are creepy… Memo…
“Then I guess we need to continue acting like lovers on the outside.”
“Do you… think so?”
“Don’t we have to?”
“Yes. We have to… because it’s the path that leads to our goal.”
“Hmm. You have to bear with it even if it’s uncomfortable.”
“Uncomfortable… Is it uncomfortable for you to act like my lover…”
Sylphia muttered something. It was too quiet for me to hear.
“Then let’s move around more comfortably. I have Eve behind me, so my range of motion as Wolflam has probably expanded quite a bit.”
“That’s right. From now on, you can negotiate with each department on behalf of Lady Eve.”
Hmm.
I have more authority than I thought.
I guess they don’t think I’m going to do any backstabbing.
Not that I plan to, anyway.
Negotiations… Council meetings.
Come to think of it, there’s a negotiation with the Magic Studies Association around this time.
The Magic Studies Student Union. Also known as the Magic Studies Association.
As the name suggests, it’s a formidable group of elites.
They’re just as corrupt as they are elite… They’re very sensitive about their own interests. They always seem to be resentful when Eve steps in.
“Let’s go with the Magic Studies Association.”
“Are you crazy? Suddenly?”
“Hmm. If I’m going to do it, wouldn’t it be more fun to go to the most difficult place?”
“I understand. Then I’ll tell them that you’ll be joining the next Magic Studies Association meeting.”
“Hmm. Thank you.”
This is a good opportunity.
Regina Ciel was also there for me to meet.
***
Just because it was the Magic Training Council didn’t mean it always had to do something serious.
In the original story, it was just an organization for advancing the main plot, and it didn’t have much meaning.
I entered the Magic Training Council meeting room and took a seat.
In theory, the crown prince could attend any faculty meeting as an advisor, so there was nothing strange about me being present.
They glanced at me, wondering if I had given prior notice, but no one asked me directly.
“Then let’s start today’s meeting.”
A blonde-haired elf opened the door and entered last to begin the meeting.
The agenda was about the curriculum for new students within the Magic Training Council.
In the original story, I would have denounced Isla Tristar around this point, had her expelled from the Magic Training Council, and sought Eve’s cooperation to shout down Isla, but I had already taken care of that jerk’s problems.
Swish.
I met Regina’s eyes, and she stared at me deeply for a moment before returning to the meeting.
The meeting ended just like that. Well, it’s true that the Magic Training Council is a group of idiots, but they don’t cause any major problems.
“Prince Wolfram. Hello.”
“It’s been a long time, Regina Ciel.”
The important thing is.
Regina Ciel, the heroine of darkness in this Magic Faculty route.
“Can we talk for a moment? Just the two of us.”
“I don’t mind. But it can’t be too long.”
***
Regina and I sat alone in the conference room.
She tried to bring out refreshments, but I declined, saying I had something to do next.
And so, a conversation began, devoid of any affection or friendliness.
“First of all, congratulations. On getting rid of that devilish woman.”
“Devilish woman?”
“Yes. That dusty woman from the west.”
Regina said that and laughed.
Oh, come to think of it, she’s talking about Isla.
Now that I think about it, those two were at odds with each other.
Normally, I would have scolded Regina for making fun of others… but I’m a little wary of Isla myself. How can I defend a woman who tried to make a contract with a witch?
“I did break off the engagement of my own accord.”
“And it seems you’ve found a new love.”
“You know about that too. I guess it’s the first time I’ve heard that the head of the Magic Training Council is so well-informed about rumors.”
“I see. I had also heard that the Lianju of the Maha Union is well-versed in rumors.”
“Evidence… evidence for that.”
“If I were in this position, I would also have access to a lot of information. For example, the fact that Your Highness is not really in love with that elf who smells like grass…”
“You are quick-witted.”
I raised both hands.
I see. The Shiela family is a great noble family in the center. Through their information network, it would be easy to find out that Silvia and I are not really dating.
“I’m sure you have your reasons. Anyway, I’m glad to see you again in Zephrin.”
“Do you plan to continue greeting me like this? You’re a carefree fellow.”
“Haha. I’m also tired of just exchanging greetings. So, let’s get down to business. That dusty woman who Your Highness expelled some time ago… I’ve actually become a little troubled by her.”
“Troubled?”
“Yes. I don’t know if Your Highness has noticed, but that woman has also set foot in the black market… and there is circumstantial evidence that she is involved in shady dealings. Did you know that?”
I remained silent.
I don’t know how she took it, but Regina put her hand to her cheek and continued speaking with an exaggerated sigh.
“But then, suddenly one day, all that evidence disappeared… and she’s been living her life in Zephrin as if her worries have been resolved. She broke off her engagement with Your Highness, and she was also expelled from the Maha Union for lack of results… but she doesn’t seem to care about any of that. She just laughs about it. I find that very upsetting. A dusty woman from the boonies who has evidence of dealings with the mazoku is living a happy life in Zephrin.”
“Get to the point.”
“Do you happen to have the evidence of her dealings with the mazoku? If you do… I would be willing to buy it for a high price.”
“……”
This is another hot offer.
It seems that this world has the intention of following the original work in some way.
The guy who resented me became a ghost in the first act, the curse in the second act was upgraded to Ciesta, and the selection of the heroine in the third act was decided after all sorts of messy events.
The fourth act, no matter what anyone says, revolves around the downfall of Aira Tristar.
And Regina Shiela is the vanguard of that.
Somehow, the world’s ability to restore, or whatever, is trying to bring about her downfall. Is that it?
There. Evidence…. Evidence.
I don’t have it. I have proof that clearly shows Aira’s magic power and cursed objects and right now, in the Student Council building’s basement, the half-beast chimera sorcerers are provided three meals a day and exercise for one to two hours each day to maintain their health and live regular lives. By the way, books that worship the Imperial Family are changed and put in every day.
For half-beasts who were thrown in a corner and only good at sticking demons and wild animals together in an artistic way, this is considered the ultimate punishment.
The story went off track a bit…. Anyways, I do have the ingredients to ruin Aira.
If I just nod my head to Regina here….I can receive an enormous reward….
“I wonder…. If you can pay a price that will satisfy me.”
“Oh my. You have it?”
“Even if I do, even if I don’t. First of all, I don’t think the gift Regina Ciel is offering me is that appealing.”
“I’m not sure if it will be appealing to a noble like you…. But my family has accumulated enormous wealth. And the next head of the Twelve Elder Houses. If you use my connections and power, there’s nothing that will be impossible in this Jeffrin, no, even in the continent.”
“Hmm. So what can you give me specifically?”
“Well…. How about breaking off that contract relationship with that grass-smelling woman and making a contract with me? All of my factions, starting with the Dark Magic Association, will help Your Highness’s path.”
I was surprised.
I’m surprised that this girl desires Aira’s ruin that much, but the condition she offered is also quite surprising.
Regina Ciel is by my side. Instead of Silfia, that is.
This deal….
“That’s funny. Even nonsense has its limits.”
“Nonsense…. Is what you said?”
“Yes. Regina Ciel. Nothing you can offer, including yourself, can satisfy me.”
“Are you making fun of the Ciel family…. Or are you looking down on me too much….”
Regina’s eyebrows narrowed slightly.
Well.
I skipped your route and didn’t play it properly, so I don’t know the story well, but I still know quite a bit based on the common route, right? For example….
“Does Picaro Ciel really think of you as the next head of the family?”
“What….”
Her complexion turned pale.
Yes.
First, let’s talk about your messed up family.
First,Ishouldtellyouaboutyourbrokenhouse.
ItwouldbemorefunandbeneficialtospendtimeteasingEve.
Thecurrentheadofthefamily,PicaroCiel,isarealpsychopath,sothethinksevenofherowndaughterasacardthatcanbeusedatanytime.Ifnecessary,shecouldsellherdaughtertoabig-belliedmiddle-agedmanasanengagedwoman?
Ofcourse,Reginawillnotbelookeddownuponlikethisbyprovingherownusefulness,butonthecontrary,alltheforcesthatthisguyhaspresentedhavebeenprovidedbyPicaro.
Andthesecond.
ReginaCiel’sownusefulness.
“Don’tyoubelieveinyourmagicalpower,andyoudespairatyourmediocreabilities,anddespairatyourlifelongsecond-place score,andyourweapon,whichyouyourselfdon’tbelievein,willitreallyhelpme?”
“PrinceWolfram!You’regoingtoofar!”
“Well.Admit it.But it’s not wrong, is it? You’re always an existence that can be abandoned. You’re just a pawn in your father’s hands, and you’re desperate that your talents are inferior to Eve’s, and you’re obsessed with hating and ruining others, and you don’t want to give up anything you get, so you’re acting like a child. Is this just my evaluation?”
“That,that…suchoutrageouswords…howdareyou…”
“Didyoujustsay’howdareyou’totheroyalgrandchildnow?Thisisaninsultthatcouldbeincludedontheagendaofthecourtmeetingasanissue.”
“Ah…”
Ofcourse,itwon’tbeabigproblem,butI’msaying,’Ihavetheroyalface,buthowcanyou,asamerenoble,daretosaythat?Andwhatabouttheroyalfamily?’IfIrollonthefloor,theCielfamilywillbesubtlypressured,andIwonderwhatPicaro,whoisannoyedbytheuselesspawn,willdo.AndthatshitwillbepassedontoReginacompletely.
So.
RatherthanthereputedbackgroundthatReginaCielcanprovide,it’sbettertohaveSilphy,whosebeliefsisfirmthoughinsufficientfornow,bymyside…
“So,ifI’mgoingtogetinvolved,wouldn’titbebettertohavetherealthanthenonexistentfake?Let’snotfaceeachotherwithasmilingfacefromnowon.Itisaviolationofthecommerciallawtooffercounterfeitsanddefectiveproductswhenyouproposeatrade.”
RatherthanbeingrelatedtoafakecallikerReginaCiel.
It’smuchbettertohavearelationshipwithEvevonLohengrin,whowillneverloseherradiance,no matterwhathappens.
IgotoutofmyseatandturnedmybackonRegina,whowasconsistentlysilent,andleftthemeetingroom.
Whatawasteoftime.
I’d rather spend my time teasing Eve. It’s more fun and productive.