Chapter 166
"Patrol... you all?"
In front of them were student council members and unfamiliar students.
No, there were some familiar faces too.
Among them was a boy named Abrus Pick, a theology major who occasionally challenged Clael to debate matches.
"Yes. Recently, the student council has also been receiving reports from students claiming to have seen strange things. Apparently, there have been incidents caused by the Seven Wonders said to be passed down at the academy?"
"...Who told you that?"
At Eric's answer, Clael lowered his tone slightly.
Information about the Seven Mysteries of the Academy was strictly controlled, and students had been explicitly ordered not to learn of it.
Clael had already told Reina, so he wasn't in a position to criticize... but how did these students find out?
"I can't reveal the source... but one of the teachers told us."
"A teacher, huh..."
It seemed there were some morally questionable people around.
Maybe they were loose-lipped, or perhaps trying to curry favor with Eric, the Crown Prince... but apparently, a teacher had leaked information about the Seven Wonders.
"So you're patrolling on your own initiative? You were supposed to go straight home after school..."
"We'll be fine. We'll just beat the Seven Wonders to a pulp."
From behind Eric, Vincent Flame, son of the Knight Captain, chimed in.
"The ones here are carefully selected members—student council, aspiring knights, and aspiring court magicians. Of course, we also have a priest healer. We're not going to lose to some ghosts."
"That's not the issue... rules are rules."
"Lately, some students have been absent due to poor health. After independently questioning them and those around them, we found they were muttering strange things about a black book or cherry blossoms."
Eric's expression turned stern, twisting with frustration.
"If harm is already occurring, we can't afford to sit around. We need all the help we can get to resolve this... right?"
"...I won't deny that."
The point was clear.
In truth... while it wasn't confirmed to be caused by the Seven Wonders, there were already students falling ill.
Eric seemed to have already investigated... and judging by the situation, it was highly likely the Seven Wonders were the cause.
(Even so, letting students get involved and end up hurt... No, is it okay because they're romanceable characters?)
When students get involved in incidents on their own, it's a teacher's duty to stop them.
However, from a game perspective, having romanceable characters solve problems is actually correct.
(Reina isn't among the members, but are those students in the back taking her place?)
"U-um... Mr. Clael, what should we do?"
Yurii whispered fearfully into his ear and asked.
"We have to stop them, right...? But the other party is His Highness, so what should we do?"
"...Well, what should we do indeed."
Clael also fell into thought.
Honestly, Clael felt it might be fine to just leave them be.
Reina was missing, but... the strength of the four romanceable characters had already been proven in the gang incident.
The students in the back were also recognized by Eric, so they were probably competent individuals.
(In the game, it wasn't that big of an issue, but left unchecked, it could become a deadly incident. There have been some victims already, so maybe it's better to just leave it to these guys...?)
"...Anyway, just don't stay out too late. If anything happens, report it immediately."
"We appreciate the warning. Well then..."
"Hmph..."
Eric offered a polite farewell, while Vincent snorted in boredom.
The others... Will Rileis gave a small apologetic bow, and Luei Biscuit bared his teeth with an "Eegh!" in a provocative grin.
Just like that, the group led by the four romanceable characters disappeared down the hallway.
"Um... was that really okay, Mr. Clael?"
"I did warn them. I'll report it to the higher-ups later."
They were at an age where they could make their own decisions.
As a teacher, he had done his duty by warning them, so whatever happened would be their responsibility.
(More importantly... judging by the situation, it might be best to act before things get out of hand...)
What should he do...? Clael shook his head in frustration.
"Let's return to the staff room for now. Maybe we can have Mr. Amlet try to persuade them..."
"Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"
Clael's words were cut off as a piercing scream suddenly echoed through the school building.