Chapter 93. "Of Course, I’ll Win." (1)
“Do you even realize what you’re saying, Cadet Veracien?”
Leopold stared intently at Veracien, questioning if she understood who she was talking to. If she didn’t, it might explain her audacity—but that would still be a problem. If she did know, her behavior was even more serious.
She had, without hesitation, expressed her desire to witness the intimate and sacred union between the Crown Prince and Crown Princess.
“Of course, I know. Isn’t that obvious? Only an idiot would speak without understanding their words.”
“…Do you know who I am?”
“Leopold von Einthafen, Crown Prince of the Einthafen Empire. How could I not?”
Leopold was speechless. This had to be the epitome of absurdity. Where was he supposed to begin unraveling this?
“And yet… you said you want to witness the Crown Prince and Crown Princess’ private moments firsthand?”
“What’s wrong with that? There’s no crime in honestly expressing what you want to see.”
It was a crime.
Especially given who she was and the nature of her request. It was an obvious, undeniable transgression. Even if no one else called it a crime, Leopold couldn’t see it as anything but.
“…What is wrong with this academy this year?”
At last, Leopold buried his face in his hands. He couldn’t stop the exasperated sigh that escaped.
“What on earth is the Sun God Church teaching—”
Bang!
Leopold’s lament was abruptly interrupted by a loud sound.
Veracien glanced lazily toward the noise, while Leopold turned sharply. The source was the classroom door, now wide open. Astein stood in the doorway, panting heavily.
“…Cadet Veracien…”
His voice, low and resonant, carried a simmering fury, as if it had risen from the depths of hell. Though he wasn’t shouting, his anger was palpable.
“Oh, Cadet Astein. Hiii!” Veracien greeted him with a nonchalant wave and her usual cheery grin, utterly unbothered by his glare.
Astein’s eyes burned with fury as he shifted his attention to Leopold, who sat across from Veracien.
“…Cadet Leopold. Greetings.”
“Oh, Astein. It’s been a while.”
“I apologize for this less-than-favorable scene.”
“No, it’s nothing…”
In truth, what Leopold had just witnessed with Veracien was far worse. Astein’s appearance didn’t particularly bother him. Leopold shook his head dismissively as Astein marched toward Veracien.
“I’ve told you several times that the High Priestess is looking for you. You must leave at once. Cadet Leopold, I’ll be taking Cadet Veracien with me.”
“…Do as you must.”
Leopold felt a headache coming on. Still, he saw no point in stopping them.
There was little benefit in questioning Veracien’s identity here and now. Even if she chose to confess, her words might not be trustworthy.
As Veracien left the room, waving her hand playfully as Astein dragged her out, Leopold sank deep into thought.
***
“I told you to do nothing.”
“But…”
“No buts. Is it so hard to just stay still and follow orders?”
“Buuut…”
The moment they entered the empty classroom, Astein scattered talismans toward the door.
They floated momentarily before latching onto the door, windows, and every other possible opening.
The talismans burned away, releasing wisps of white smoke that sealed the room with a suffocating aura.
Despite the tense atmosphere, Veracien didn’t flinch. Her expression remained indifferent, as if she cared little for Astein’s glares.
“What exactly are you trying to achieve?” Astein asked, his voice laden with exasperation.
“I already told you. I want something fun.”
“And what, exactly, is ‘fun’ to you?”
“Just… something entertaining?”
Astein was at a loss. For a high-ranking demon like Veracien, whose lifespan stretched into eternity, boredom often led to madness. He’d known this, but her actions went beyond mere recklessness.
She had nearly revealed her identity to Leopold, a crucial figure in their plans. Such a misstep would ruin everything—the plan itself and the grand objectives they sought to achieve.
“Fine. Give me an example. What kind of ‘fun’ are you looking for?”
“Didn’t I already say? I want to see a man and woman in the throes of passion.”
Veracien frowned as if annoyed by having to repeat herself. Astein, meanwhile, struggled to keep his composure. Of all people, why was he the one who had to deal with this nonsense?
“…That’s it?”
“Yep. That’s all I want.”
He had no idea where to even begin. Yet he knew one thing—he couldn’t humor her desire to witness Leopold and Astrid’s intimate moments.
‘What am I supposed to do?’
Then an idea struck him—a way to distract Veracien, keep her away from Leopold, and still allow their plans to proceed without interference.
“…It doesn’t have to be Leopold and Astrid, does it?”
“Nope. As long as they’re pretty and handsome, I don’t really care.”
“Alright, then. I’ll prepare something suitable.”
“Really?”
“But in return, stay still and don’t interfere. If the plan succeeds, you’ll see all you want.”
Veracien pouted, clearly skeptical. Though Astein’s thoroughness reassured her, such promises often led to disappointment.
“Plans like that always fail.”
“Stop with the nonsense and act like the Archduchess of the Demon Realm you are, Veracien.”
“Fine, fine. Just keep your promise.”
“Good. Now, stay put. Understood?”
“Got it…”
After extracting multiple promises from Veracien to refrain from meddling, Astein dispelled the barrier and left the classroom.
“Where to first…? Hm, she’s not someone I’m particularly close to, so…”
Muttering to himself, Astein turned toward the dormitories. He already knew who he needed to approach first.
Contacting Violet de Autria, someone he had little rapport with, required a more indirect approach.
‘Maybe I should bring something. She does seem to enjoy eating…’
Thinking of the green-haired elf, Astein muttered irritably.
***
“Peaceful, isn’t it?”
“How could it not be? You say strange things sometimes, Elder.”
The journey had barely begun. With no immediate threats, the ride was serene. Near Einthafen, no one would dare attack a carriage, especially one carrying such prominent figures.
“Well, you’re not wrong.”
The route would pass through several small villages, as they weren’t in a rush. Ensuring the group’s comfort took precedence over speed.
“Ashray.”
“Yes, sister?”
Sitting across from Astrid, Ashray flinched at her call, startled.
“Why are you so jumpy?”
“N-no reason.”
Baizik observed the siblings quietly, amusement flickering in his eyes. Despite his robust build, Ashray appeared meek before his slender, elegant sister.
Curious, Baizik asked, “If you two fought, who would win?”
“For now, it’d be close, but my sister would win.”
“No question. I’d win easily.”
‘Oh?’
Though both agreed Astrid would triumph, their confidence levels differed significantly.
“…What did you just say?” Astrid’s sharp gaze bore into Ashray.
“Well, it’s just that… you’ve been idle for a year while I’ve been training.”
Ashray shrugged nonchalantly.
The air in the carriage grew tense, the siblings’ playful rivalry sparking an invisible battlefield.