Chapter 358 - EASG 56

The Extra's Academy Survival Guide Chapter 172: Reclaiming the Elte Company (1)

It was a memory probably more than a year old.

It was a rainy day that ruined your mood.

The words she heard then often lingered in Lortel's mind.

"Didn't I tell you before that power gained through betrayal is eventually lost through betrayal? Even though I was so vigilant and careful, it didn't make any difference."

The Golden King Elte, who was captured, sitting on the convoy headed towards the imperial court as he stared at Lortel through the wooden bars.

He had a cold expression and a fishy smile.

"Look at me. Do I look ridiculous?"

The robe he wore, which was always luxurious, was now torn here and there and covered in dirt. His bushy beard and mustache were also soaked in blood.

The sight of him sitting on the floor of a dirty wagon, drenched from the rain… He looked too ruined to be considered a merchant who once ruled the continent.

As soon as the convoy departed, Elte Kehelland looked straight at Lortel as he spoke.

"It's better not to laugh. Look right at me."

She expected him to curse and be angry at her, but… unexpectedly, he spoke calmly as he looked at Lortel.

Looking at his arms, she could see his sleeves were completely ripped and soiled, not suitable to be called a wealthy man's garment.

In the back of the narrow convoy, so small he could not even spread his arms wide, he smiled wryly as he spoke to Lortel.

"This is your future."

As she watched the carriage moving away, Lortel felt a strangely unpleasant feeling.

Those who prospered by betraying others would eventually fall to ruin by being betrayed.

That was a phrase she often heard, from the churches all the way to the merchants. It was a saying that was quite common.

Betrayal was like a magic sword. Once wielded, it stuck to you until death, leaving behind a curse.

Once branded as a traitor, no one would believe in you any longer.

So, it was only when necessary that people continued their relationship with you, based on their own interests.

However, no one wanted to do long-term business with someone who had a history of betrayal, nor would they want to build a relationship of trust that went beyond their personal interests.

If one seized power through betrayal, they must live in solitude until the day someone usurped that power.

The moment one became complacent and lowered their guard, the sword of betrayal that they once wielded would move to another's hand as they pierced through the original betrayer's chest.

Once that forbidden weapon fell into your hand, there was no way to escape.

Especially in the world of commerce, where trust and credibility were priceless.

While heading towards your inevitable downfall, struggling to hold on for even one more day… When the time came, you would have no choice but to face your death humbly.

Until that day came, no one would believe in Lortel Kehelland.

At least in the world of merchants, those who ascended to power through betrayal always ended up like that.

The pouring rain.

Lortel Kehelland frowned as she watched the departing convoy.

For her, who always smiled like a snake, it was a pretty serious expression.

* * *

"What's with this atmosphere?"

The same question was asked once more, but this time the person that was being asked was different.

Inside the clean and gorgeous private villa, after changing clothes and sitting on a rocking chair by the fireplace, Lortel looked at Bell as she stood quietly next to her and asked directly.

"Why is there a strange atmosphere between Ed and Yennekar? As if they are being careful and respectful to each other, like newlyweds who just spent a night together?"

"..."

"And why do you keep avoiding eye contact, Bell?"

Lortel's question was sharp. Bell broke out into a cold sweat as her brain ran at full power.

While working at Ophelis Hall, she had gone through all sorts of crises. It was the first time she had ever faced such a checkmate.

She tried to use her wits to find a way to somehow manage the situation, but of course there was no way to solve it.

So, in the end, Bell has only one option. To merely convey the facts as they were.

"Lady Yennekar and Young Master Ed kissed."

She succeeded in summarizing it in one line.

She only uttered one sentence, but Bell nearly choked saying it. Struggling to look up at Lortel's expression, she was surprised to see that she was rather relaxed.

"..."

No, she was just frozen.

"Are you flustered?"

"…A little bit?"

"It is enough to catch anyone off guard."

"No. Actually, looking back, it's not something to be so flustered about. In the first place, I was the one who kissed him first."

"…Pardon? The two of you have kissed?"

Bell asked in amazement as Lortel gasped.

"…I made a slip of the tongue."

"…It's okay. I'm good at keeping secrets."

"No, it is not something to hide in the first place. In fact, it might be better to show it off in public if possible."

Lortel, who wore skirt-styled pajamas with her hair braided to one side, had a different feeling to her than usual. Rather than being a cold-hearted merchant, she looked more like a girl.

Unlike in Ophelis Hall, where she always had to maintain dignity, or in the Elte Store, where she had to maintain the cold-hearted nature of a merchant… In her private villa, it was okay for Lortel to act rather relaxed.

It was much better and more comfortable than she had expected, so Lortel was rather excited to return to school. Although she had accumulated so much wealth, there weren't many places she could rest comfortably without that burden on her shoulders.

"You want to show it off in public?"

"Yes, that's right… I'm the first person to have kissed Ed… It's probably best to go and talk about it to set the facts straight…"

"..."

"..."

"..."

"…No, that's not it. I also have a sense of shame."

Although she was a bit like a fox and a snake, Lortel was also a girl of a tender age.

She couldn't proudly boast that she had kissed someone. And in terms of dating, it wasn't like she was at a level that was higher than Yennekar. Rather, she was closer to rock bottom.

"Haah…"

She dreamt of living at the camp, where she could run into Ed whenever she had the chance. However, as soon as she arrived, her mood was ruined upon seeing Yennekar and the atmosphere that was in the air.

She was somewhat prepared to fight against Yennekar, but it was still much more of a headache than she had anticipated.

Lortel took a deep breath as she pressed on her throbbing head.

"After I dealt with all the work that had built up at Oldek and cleared the time to come back early, Acken Island ended up being completely different than I had thought. It seems I can't have a single day of peace."

"So… Miss Lortel."

"…What is it?"

"Are you planning to use any other means…"

Bell was asking a rather personal question, unlike her usual self. She was a maid who was talented, making sure to always draw a line with her employer and ensuring that she did not cross it… But now, she was asking such a question with a desperate expression on her face.

In fact, Bell had already expected that reaction. As for the crazy relationships that circled around Ed Rothstaylor, she has already given up on controlling them.

It was true that she had been trying to push the progress with Yennekar along, but in reality, that didn't fix the situation around Ed.

Rather, it ended up adding to the chaos even more. It couldn't be considered a solution to the problem.

So, Bell had to ask her. By chance, was she up to something else?

"I'm not sure… Well, I certainly cannot sit still."

"..."

It was so difficult!

Bell Maya didn't want to root for a particular person.

That was because all of the women around Ed had their own reasons or their own complicated life stories.

She had clapped upon seeing Yennekar make progress, but more than that, she was just happy that there was some progress in Ed's relationships.

As the head maid of Ophelis Hall, she saw all of the girls up close. So, it wouldn't be strange to say that Bell actually knew them much better than Ed himself.

In the end, Bell was still nothing more than a middleman, but… she didn't lose to anyone when it came to having good sense.

"Lady Lortel is already so busy… but I guess there are some things that can't be helped."

In the end, as her servant, the only thing Bell could do was respond appropriately to Lortel.

It was a frustrating position to be in, but Bell wasn't in a spot where she could take the initiative to fix the situation.

"Still, I didn't have a choice but to go back to Oldek during break…"

"It seems like you were quite busy in Oldek."

"Rather than busy…"

Lortel was about to say more, but then shut her mouth. From Bell's point of view, it wasn't that strange.

No matter how comfortable she might be with her, Lortel was still in a position where she had to be careful about what she said. Working in Ophelis Hall, Bell had grown constantly seeing people in such positions.

The same was true for Lortel. No, rather, Lortel was in a rather special position.

"Those old foxes in Oldek… they live by only thinking about how to take from others."

She had already been backstabbed before by the former head maid, Elris.

She herself had also tried to backstab the previous head of the Elte Company, Elte Kehelland. Naturally, there were going to be countless merchants in Oldek who would also attempt to backstab Lortel.

That was why Lortel was much more cautious than before.

There was no one in the world who she could completely trust. She would only have partnerships with other people as long as their interests were in line with each other.

Sadly, Lortel's relationships had been like that her entire life.

"If I don't go back to Oldek periodically to get rid of all the lurking backstabbers, I'll never know if I might one day wake up with a knife stabbed in me. When the weight of one's power is heavy, more people will try to covet it."

"Then you must have had quite the hectic time this break."

"Things like book manipulation and embezzlement are cute. However, the corrupted old foxes that have been in the upper headquarters since Elte Kehelland was the boss, they're starting to gather to betray me. After all, I am that man's adopted daughter… That's more than enough reason to expel me."

Bell had to be careful about what to say after hearing that.

It seemed it was a sensitive issue, even for Lortel. That was why Bell, who was good at conducting herself, was quite hesitant.

"Oh, I didn't mean to put you in such a spot. I'm sorry. I'm telling such a depressing story."

"No. Working at Ophelis Hall, I see a lot of people with complicated circumstances. You don't have to feel uncomfortable because of me."

"Anyway, you have an atmosphere around you that softens people's hearts, Bell. It made me even end up talking about useless things…"

"Thank you for the compliment."

As Lortel fell back into her armchair, Bell cleaned the remaining food off the table as she spoke.

"Anyway, it seems that you are doing your best to keep your place and live a fruitful life. So, it goes without saying, but I don't think you have to worry yourself and stress about such things."

Bell always spoke in regard to theory. Even though it was theoretical, in the end it was the right thing to say.

She did not offer any words that would help her, but they were honest enough that they held a mysterious power to heal another's heart.

"In this world, isn't everyone doing their best to try and make a living? So, there will be times where good things happen and bad things happen."

"You always have such a way with words, Bell."

Lortel closed her eyes as she let out a deep sigh.

"When you have money and power in your hands, quite an interesting thing happens. By the time you come to your senses, you'll realize that it was eating away at your life. In the end, making it difficult for you to live a life without money and power."

"I've never had both, so I can't empathize with that…"

"What I'm certain of is, whether it's money or power, it's better to not have either in the first place."

What did Lortel want to say? Why was she saying such a thing?

Trying to figure out her intentions little by little, Bell continued to listen without responding.

"Being entangled with money and power, it becomes your entire reason. So, if I were to lose both… Then, for the rest of my life, I would have nothing but loneliness."

"Lady Lortel…"

"Yeah, but what's so different about me? Of course, I'm also afraid. My skills in magic, my talent at conversation, and my past achievements will all be in vain."

Lortel had lived in the cruel world of merchants since she was a child, when she could barely read.

"If I lose money and power, what will I have left? Both me and those around me, it will all be empty."

"You don't have to think that way."

"Thanks for trying to make me feel better, but I also know how to view myself objectively to some extent."

Lortel, buried in the armchair, felt more relaxed than usual.

Every time she went to Oldek, she felt that reality ate at her more and more.

After all, Lortel's authority came from money and power.

Her numerous achievements at a young age and the skill at bringing profits into the hands of people, that was why people looked up to her and lowered their heads.

The employees of the store, her business partners, the heads of her competition, the head of Oldek's back alley, and even the captain in charge of the ship… The core of every human relationship Lortel had built was through money and power.

In Bell's eyes… Lortel looked extremely lonely.

She was at an age where she shouldn't know about the harsh realities of this world yet. In a romantic place such as Silvenia, she was at an age where she should have dreams and goals to reach far away.

She ended up becoming an adult much too early, as she had to stand up on the road by herself with nothing.

It couldn't have been an enjoyable experience.

"So, I am risking my life to protect my vested interests. I don't have any great reasons, such as accumulating wealth or proving my ability."

"..."

"Because for me, this is all I have."

For a bard who traveled the world lightly, a lute around their neck was the best treasure.

For beggars who walked the streets, an empty can used to collect coins was the best treasure.

Lortel was no different. However, hers was only slightly larger.

To her, that was all she had left. So, holding onto it tightly, afraid that someone might snatch it away… Were they any different than a child's tantrums?

Was it too much of a stretch to compare her crude inner self, which was like a sly and heartless fox, to that of a child's tantrums?

With a forced smile, Lortel hovered by the fireplace.

"But don't you also have Young Master Ed?"

"..."

"At the very least, I think Young Master Ed looks at you as yourself."

Bell was sharp. She always hit where you least expected it.

"That's why you're obsessed with Ed, aren't you?"

A boy who was always sitting by the campfire, sharpening his bow with a dagger.

He was a man who somehow seemed to be out of touch with reality.

Whether it was three coins or piles of gold, he always looked back with blank eyes. It seemed as if he was always just greeting Lortel truthfully.

He was a person who was completely out of touch with Lortel's views of the world.

From the cold streets of Oldek to Acken Island, where Silvenia was located.

She'd met a lot of people, but she could easily say that he was the most unusual of them all.

Trust that can be exchanged without cost. How much would you have to pay for something like that?

How valuable was having mutual trust that could be obtained without money?

"There are quite a few people like Young Master Ed in the world."

"..."

Human beings were truly sad. They were designed to crave more of what they could not have.

So, for Lortel, communicating with Ed was as anxious as walking with an expensive piece of glass in your hands.

If there was a slight change, the relationship between them would end up being defined by profit and loss… It would become a transactional relationship.

So, if such a relationship, one based on transaction, formed… It would be no different than a relationship that was maintained through money.

Maintaining that balance was a suffocating and stressful job for Lortel, who had learned everything while living in the world of merchants.

Whatever way things turned, she was afraid that even the slightest twist would destroy the mutual trust she had built with Ed.

Fear.

Right. The name of that emotion was fear.

It was like clenching a handful of sand with your fist. Even a little carelessness would make it fall through your fingers, disappearing into dust.

But if she opened her fist too late, there would be nothing left. She'd be lying if she said she wasn't afraid.

"Actually, recently I've been feeling countless different emotions that I haven't felt before in my entire life."

"I see. You have been in a lot of pain."

"No, it's not painful. Rather, it might be better to say that I am happy."

Feelings of loss, jealousy, monopoly, love, fear, ecstasy, heart pounding, tension, anxiety, a sense of accomplishment, and relief.

It felt like pouring lubricant into a heart that had hardened like a cold machine after living in the cruel world of merchants.

She had spent her entire life as a merchant who built walls, drew lines, and observed others' behaviors from the outside—regardless of who it was.

For Lortel, those new thoughts and feelings were rather special. It was as if she was a blind person who had finally come to see the world in full color.

She didn't think of a business representative on the other side of the negotiating table. Rather, she thought of the boy who sharpened his bow by the campfire.

Instead of looking for the trick within the contract or how much of a profit she might lose… She thought about what that boy was thinking, what he was worried about, what he ate during the day, what he would be doing tomorrow, and things along that line.

The sound that tickled her ears reminded her of his crackling campfire in the camp as the warmth permeated through Lortel's body.

Seeing Lortel slowly close her eyes and rest peacefully, Bell also closed her eyes without saying anything more.

If every moment that Lortel spent pushing and pulling with Ed was like a treasure for her, then it also had its own value.

In the first place, it wasn't Bell's place to judge another's value. A maid's job was simply to assist with her housework and her life.

With that thought in mind, Bell busily prepared to leave for work.

* * *

"By the way, I got food supplies from the Elte Company… but the price has increased a lot. From now on, I think we will have to reduce the order quantity a little by the delivery price. Or we will have to ask the school to raise our budget."

"Oh my… I see. Because of some circumstances, the prices around Acken Island are on the rise."

"I see… I was very surprised when I checked over the price list this morning. Ophelis Hall will try and figure out what to do about it as soon as possible, so for the time being, can you keep the prices as they were? Because of Ophelis Hall's operation policy, the deterioration in the quality of a meal is unacceptable."

She spoke about business as briefly as possible.

In the first place, Lortel's private villa was a place for her to rest. Bell wasn't so ignorant that she would try to talk about logistics and distribution in such a place.

After finishing all the basic tasks, Bell opened the door to head back to Ophelis Hall.

Just before she said goodbye, she briefly brought it up so that they wouldn't have to worry about it later.

"Hmm… I expected that the cost of food delivery would go up, but… Was it that much of a burden?"

"I thought you were aware, since I figured you had signed off on the unit prices?"

"It was because I was absent. While I'm away, the issues within the Silvenia Branch are usually taken care of by Dune. So, it was also probably him who came up with the prices and settled on it."

Lortel flipped the collar of her loose pajamas as she spoke, tilting her head.

"However, while I was expecting an increase in inflation, I did not know that it would be this much. I'll have to check it out myself tomorrow. Are there still any documents that were left over from the store?"

"It was dealt with yesterday and today, so it will probably still be there."

"I see. We will try and maintain the distribution for the time being. Ophelis Hall is a good business partner, so we have to take care of at least this much. Judging by the amount we distribute to you, it is unlikely that there will be a loss."

"Thank you for your consideration."

Bell politely said farewell to Lortel. It seemed that it was time to end talks about business.

"Oh, right. Bell. Next time you come, bring some wine. The kind I personally kept in my room when I was at Ophelis Hall."

"Bringing it is fine, but… can you keep it?"

"I personally ordered a small wine cellar for the basement of this villa. I haven't checked on it yet, but…"

"I haven't received the basement key yet. The basement has only been recently completed, so I haven't had the chance to properly clean it yet."

"Is that so? That's a bit sad. Next time, please get the key and clean it up."

"I understand."

After saying goodbye, she closed the door and left the villa. Her nice and beautiful villa looked rather decent, even at night.

Looking a little further across, she could see Ed's camp. It was already midnight, but the campfire was still lit.

When she got a little closer, she saw a blonde boy sitting around the campfire. He hadn't gone to sleep yet, as he was still watching the fire while he smelled the grass of the forest.

In the middle of the forest filled with only the rustling of leaves, the boy was sitting alone.

"Aren't you going to sleep?"

Bell grabbed her bags as she glanced at Ed while she passed through the camp.

Ed was sharpening his arrows with his dagger. Or was he doing something else?

"..."

"Don't make that face. It doesn't require much effort to fix my equipment. It's the perfect type of work, perfectly suitable for rehabilitation."

"I didn't… say anything…"

"..."

Bell already knew from experience. Ed was not the type of person that could be stopped.

However, Bell's concerns were in a slightly different area.

Seeing Lortel feel much more at ease, thinking about the meaning behind her relationship with Ed… Bell started to sympathize with her and had mixed feelings.

Whether it was Lortel, Yennekar, or Lucy, everyone had their own way of relying on Ed.

However, Ed only had one body. Why couldn't humans be divided into three? God was really unfair.

With mixed feelings, Bell sat across from Ed for a moment.

"…Why are you making such an expression? Well… I just had some time, so it's fine to sharpen my arrows a bit… I won't overdo it, so don't worry…"

"It's not like that. It's just…"

Bell sat as she looked at Ed for a long time with a distressed look on her face.

"Can you… do something like shadow cloning?"

"…Did you eat something bad?"

"Never mind… I'm sorry…"

And like that, the night at the camp darkened.

-x-X-x-

If you take away money and power, what do you have left?

When you lose everything and are thrown into the gutter, with no chance of ever coming back, would you think there might still be a person reaching out to you?

Once the scent of money and power fades from your body, the only thing you will attract are flies.

So, once you are thrown aside… there won't be anyone left around you.

That ending to a life was something that most wealthy merchants ended up facing.

Among those who made a name for themselves as wealthy merchants in Oldek, there were only a handful who were happy in their final years.

"Do you think you are different?"

"Do you think there is such a thing as a happy ending in a life full of betrayal and lies?"

"Your ending will be the same as most. One that ends depressingly in the dark as you crawl through the mud."

"Whether you chose this life because you wanted to or were forced to in order to survive… That doesn't matter."

"Once you become like that, it's impossible to leave."

Elte Kehelland spoke with a mischievous laugh as he yelled out a curse.

Covered in blood inside the convoy, he smiled, showing his teeth with a frightening expression on his face.

Chirp, Chirp.

Lortel opened her eyes.

She felt the fresh air that was unique to the mornings in the North Forest.

Inside her villa, in the morning sunlight, there was neatly designed wooden furniture arranged in an orderly manner.

She slowly lifted the blanket as she sat up. Her expression was rather calm.

She wasn't panicking or bothered over having such a dream.

After all, it was a daily routine.

* * *

The Holy Blue Dragon, Velbrok.

I tried to think back on that name in my mind.

A mythical holy dragon that couldn't see the light of the world because Luden McLaure—'The Primordial Swordsman'—sealed it, and the great sage Silvenia maintained the seal from the moment he did.

The monster known as the 'God-Eating Dragon', who tried to burn the world time and time again during the mythic age and tried to devour the world several times again since then.

However, it was stopped by the representative heroes of each era, whose actions eventually became stories for the history books.

The roar of Velbrok that cut through the sky had also become a story in history books as the generation that remembered its majesty had come to pass.

The final boss in the finale of was resurrected without warning.

A calamity that blew up half of the island with a single move, slaughtering thousands of people with its scales and a roar that was filled with magic power.

Even when a famous archmage and warrior came rushing in to stop it, they couldn't put even a single scratch on the body of Genesis, The Holy Blue Dragon Velbrok.

Even Lucy, who had been treated as a genius of the ages, at most could only intercept its attack. Even for the guardian, Obel Forsyth, it was much too powerful an opponent and he eventually met the end of his life facing it.

As a boss who concluded the entire story, it was an opponent that boasted such a tremendous power that it made one wonder how it was possible to even defeat it.

To put it bluntly, you couldn't win.

It was written in the tooltips that Velbrok's scales could only be pierced through a special means.

That special means relied on only one thing: the main character, Taylee McLaure, and his Swordmaster's Skill.

At least in the game… No matter what other powerful means you threw against it, it was impossible to break through Velbrok's scales.

No sword, spear, or magic could pierce through Velbrok's vitals, even if they could still reach them.

Especially when it came to stabbing its heart… Aside from Taylee's Swordmaster's Skill, it was impossible.

It went beyond the point of absurdity, to the point of being unnatural. It was as if the world was made to make Taylee a hero.

That was obvious. Taylee had the fate of the protagonist.

It was a Swordmaster's Skill devised by Luden McLaure, who sealed the Holy Blue Dragon long ago. It was perfectly natural that only Taylee, who inherited that Swordmaster's Skill, could pierce the scales of Velbrok.

…That's what they said, anyway. It wasn't completely convincing, but it couldn't really be refuted, either.

"I didn't expect you to call for me…"

"I didn't want to call for you, either. After all, neither you nor Taylee like me very much."

"..."

The terrace of a cafe near Mexes Bridge. The business section of the commercial district was formed around the entrance of Mexes Bridge, so there were quite a few people around.

The girl on the other side of the coffee table was someone I had not seen in a long time—Ayla Triss.

The girl with the most importance among the four major heroines of .

The childhood friend of Taylee McLaure, who supported him whenever he was having a hard time or was exhausted… Anyone who played even for a little bit would have become attached to her.

Her short, chestnut-colored hair fell down cutely to the ends of her shoulders. Her elegant appearance, with that slightly-curled-at-the-ends hair, matched her personality well.

However, every time she saw me, she acted all on guard, as if she were with a monster… So, I didn't ever bother approaching her.

From time to time, through rumors, I confirmed that she was still next to Taylee as he worked on the main scenario.

Quite some time had passed, and perhaps she had a special relationship with Taylee now… When I walked around campus, I often heard rumors about them dating.

As for me… All I did was applaud them from afar.

After I retired, I could not adjust to a peaceful world, so I stayed in my room for a long time.

When my body was physically hurt and my mind was hurt in more ways than one, seeing the two of them healed me quite a bit.

Both of them were unhappy and aggressive towards me, but as a player, they were quite loveable… So, I didn't feel any malice towards them… As long as I stuck to watching them from afar.

Still, things had changed a lot.

It had become a situation where I had to seek both of them out.

It was a little too much to meet with Taylee, who was hostile towards me as soon as he saw me, so I thought I should meet with Ayla first to talk.

The break would end in five days. It was time for students to return to school.

Ayla had just returned to Lorail Hall, so I had asked Ziggs, a student inside of Lorail Hall, to call on her personally.

However, I wasn't expecting much.

After all, it was Ayla, who was always trembling whenever she saw me and who was wary of me. I was just making an offer with the mindset of, 'if I get rejected, I'll just have to find another way…'

"No, it's not that I don't like you… it's just… There have been a lot of misunderstandings… I understand that, but…"

However, Ayla, whom I had not seen in a long time… Surprisingly, she was not particularly wary of me. Thinking back, I thought I remembered talking to her before and that we had apologized.

Was there a change of heart back then, or was I jumping to conclusions?

In the end, Ayla came to the cafe without any suspicions.

"So… why did you call on me…?"

"I want to try having a duel with Taylee once."

I was predicting that Taylee McLaure's power would be far weaker than it should be. Yeah, it had to be.

The major ordeals that Taylee was destined to overcome, the Lucy Subjugation and the Krepin Subjugation… Both of them had completely disappeared.

In addition to that, various minor events had also disappeared. So, Taylee's Swordmaster's Skills must be rather low, without any further growth.

"With Taylee…? If it's a simple duel… Why don't you just ask Taylee? Why do you have to go through me?"

"If I do that, I don't think he will take me seriously."

"…What?"

There was still plenty of time before the Holy Blue Dragon Velbrok's advent.

However, that didn't mean I could be careless.

With just a single minor variable, every boss battle had been moved forward by at least a month, or at most, by half a year.

It felt like the tempo was becoming faster than in the original storyline as time passed.

According to the original story, the Holy Blue Dragon Velbrok descended the semester before the main character's generation graduated. However, it was meaningless to make assumptions, since the world was already full of all sorts of variables.

If possible, it would be better to start preparing as soon as possible.

"I don't know if he will accept the duel in the first place."

"Hmm… That's true… Taylee doesn't seem to trust you that much yet. You have a good reputation and your grades have improved, but it's still tough for Taylee to fully trust you. The first time you met wasn't all that great… and you have not particularly reconciled with each other since then, either."

"Yeah, so I'm planning to take advantage of that."

Ayla was confused at what I was saying, so I calmly continued to explain it to her.

"I want him to be completely furious with me as he rushes over with all his might."

The first thing I had to do was check Taylee's current status.

How far had his specs developed? How much more did he need to grow to successfully complete the Velbrok Subjugation.

Was it the right decision to go and believe that Taylee was going to take care of it, or would it be better to look for a different option?

To judge those things, I needed to face off against Taylee while he tried his hardest.

Taylee was entering the second semester of his second year. Since Taylee's growth potential was enormous, he should already be considered a strong individual within his school year.

I wanted to have an opportunity to check his growth in detail.

Not just a duel based on school rules, but a full-fledged battle. If I was going to do it… In the end, I had no choice but to provoke Taylee.

"So, I am going to kidnap you, Ayla. It's rather classic, but a sure way to do it."

"…What?"

"Well… it's a bit strange to say this, but… when the time comes, will you quietly be kidnapped by me…?"

"…Is there anyone who gives permission to get kidnapped…?"

"It would be good if there was."

In the end, I had to get Ayla to forgive me. The problem was that I needed to give her a good reason.

"Well, you know… Taylee is the type of person who gets stronger when it's an actual trial. You should know that, Ayla."

Taylee McLaure and trials were words that could not be separated. In fact, he was a person who represented the core message of more than anyone else.

Wasn't the game just the story of Taylee's life? Someone who endured endless trials and was reborn as a swordsman?

So, for Ayla, who had seen Taylee up close since childhood, she would understand.

"For Taylee to keep growing stronger, in the end he needs to be pushed to the extreme."

"Regardless of that… I don't want to make Taylee worry about me."

"Then it can't be helped. I'll just have to try another way. Though, I'm not sure what it will be."

It might sound like I was somewhat threatening her, but I couldn't help it.

From my position, I needed to properly check on Taylee's stats. If I left him alone, I didn't know what would happen. Acken Island might be blown away entirely.

"No, but… Why do you care so much about Taylee's growth…? Even to the point that you are willing to get your hands dirty…?"

"..."

"It's the same as back at the entrance exam… There are so many stories going around about how honest and hardworking you are, so why are you going to such extremes…?"

That was because if Taylee didn't do his job, we would all die.

And if I didn't think he could do his part, then I needed to quickly come up with another plan.

However, I couldn't honestly say all of that to convince her. In the end, I had no choice but to come up with a plausible reason that could convince Ayla.

"He and I are fundamentally alike."

"…What?"

"My life is also full of trials and tribulations. Life in House Rothstaylor… It wasn't easy. So, it's hard for me to just look at him and leave him alone."

Was that reason too lame?

However, the more I spoke, the more suspicious it became. That way, my reasoning sounded clear and should make enough sense.

"So… That's why you helped Taylee in that way, and then pushed him away from you? Even while ruining your reputation…?"

"Aren't I your upperclassman, after all?"

"..."

"Regardless, it was hard to just leave him alone. That's all it was. It's not that big a deal. My reasoning is much simpler than you would think."

After saying that, I fell silent.

Ayla looked at me for a long time. She continued to look straight at me without moving an inch.

A street where many people passed by. We sat still together for a while on the terrace seats, where we could hear the noise of passersby.

Ayla finally broke the silence.

"…Ed. Looking back, I don't think I ever properly apologized for the misunderstanding I had about you."

"What?"

"…I'm really sorry for the harsh treatment I gave you in the past. Our judgements were… very narrow…"

Because of her unexpected reaction, I tried to hold back my own. I sat there without showing her that I was flustered.

"Ah, there's no need to say all of that now."

"No. I think we judged you too quickly. I know you said I already apologized to you somewhat before, but… I really wanted to properly apologize to you when I had the chance."

"Well, if you really wanted to, I got it."

Saying that, Ayla looked at me quietly and spoke.

"If you need me, I will cooperate with you."

"Then, that means…."

"Actually, I'm rather good at being kidnapped."

Ayla, who was a passive and studious girl, seemed far removed from doing anything combat related.

Rather, she was like a princess waiting for a hero. A girl locked up at the top of a castle, waiting to be rescued. That seemed more appropriate.

However…

"Actually, my specialty is being kidnapped… Although, it's embarrassing to say…"

Was it really alright…?

All of a sudden, I started to have second thoughts…

* * *

"I plan on approving the latest version of the price list later today. I'll look over it quickly and post them."

Lortel, who went back to work at the Silvenia branch of the Elte Company after a long time, took a look at the work that had piled up in her personal office.

She was so busy at Oldek that she hardly paid attention to Silvenia. As time passed… Lortel's office slowly became piled high with all sorts of documents that needed to be checked.

Even after returning to Silvenia, she couldn't escape from her work.

With that thought in mind, Lortel took a deep breath as she rolled up her sleeves. First, she had to check all of the things that happened while she was away, as well as the books.

While doing so, she remembered what Bell had told her. That was when she gave Dune an order.

She asked him to bring the most up-to-date price list for ingredients.

However, Dune only told her that the price list hadn't been updated yet.

"However, while I was expecting an increase in inflation, I did not know that it would be this much. I'll have to check it out myself tomorrow. Are there still any documents that were left over from the store?"

"It was dealt with yesterday and today, so it will probably still be there."

According to Bell, the latest price list for ingredients was decided on by Dune.

And yet, he reported that the price list had not yet been updated.

At that moment, Lortel had a strange feeling.

Looking at Dune… Lortel hardened her expression.

"Dune."

"Yes, Deputy Director."

Lortel spoke using both honorifics and an informal tone towards her employers. The way she spoke, which freely changed depending on what she needed, was a means to establish the atmosphere with her employees.

"Bring the updated price list."

He just mentioned that the price list hadn't been updated yet. Nevertheless, Lortel ordered him to do the same thing again.

Dune stood still for a while. Standing upright across from her desk… he pondered Lortel's instructions.

Lortel knew that Dune was not an honest employee.

She knew that he often used loopholes within the ledger to carry out minor embezzlement, but she turned a blind eye towards it.

Dune himself knew that to some extent. However, what Lortel had an issue with was making sure that 'he did it in moderation'.

However, if he crossed that line, she felt that she would need to discipline him.

In any case, if she were to raise the issue formally, Dune would end up being in trouble. Since the dynamic between them was like that, Dune was always in a position where he had to back down to her.

If Dune had really changed the price list to embezzle the excess money, then he had far exceeded 'moderation'.

However, she did feel that something was strange.

Even if Lortel had been neglecting the Silvenia branch to focus on the situation in Oldek recently, Dune wasn't a person who would dare embezzle so much.

At most, he collected expensive foreign liquors with a relatively small amount of money… He was just a regular employee that stole a little bit of money.

In the world of cold-blooded merchants, that level of corruption was frankly not even considered corrupt.

For Lortel, who had watched all sorts of ruthless actions before, it shouldn't have been a big deal.

However… his behavior clearly crossed the line… she felt as if there was some sort of external variable at play.

Was it not Dune's own judgment, but rather because someone encouraged him? Or did he really have a change of heart for some reason?

In any case, it was an issue that could not be ignored.

Lortel stared intently at Dune with a cold expression on her face.

However, Dune continued to face Lortel without moving.

He didn't even think about quickly bringing the adjusted price list or asking for forgiveness.

At the very least, shouldn't he be thinking about giving some sort of excuse…?

However, Dune continued to look at Lortel, which made her skin crawl for some reason.

* * *

"E-Elte Company, Deputy Director L-Lortel's secretary, my name is Lienna Clemson…"

As I was in the middle of talking with Ayla for some time, a slender woman with red hair and a short stature approached the table we were sitting at.

"Eh… Huh…? The Elte Company?"

Ayla was caught off guard for a moment, as she didn't expect the girl to come and speak to us.

However, the secretary Lienna didn't care about her reaction. She looked straight at me and spoke.

"Y-You are E-Ed Rothstaylor, correct…?"

"…That's right."

Putting down the stack of papers she was holding in her arms, Secretary Lienna spoke slowly.

"I came here because the Elte Company has something to offer you…"

For me, it was completely sudden.

It felt as if a major situation or change would be happening.

-x-X-x-

Because the carriage was rather large, it barely shook.

Inside, there was a sofa that was made of soft cotton. In the center was a wooden table with a fancy design on it.

Gorgeous lace decorations hung from the ceilings as fancy golden patterns were spread across the walls… In the carriage, which a regular person would not be able to ride even once in their entire lifetime, Princess Penia and Lucy Mayreel sat across from each other.

Lucy rested her head on the table, her arms sprawled out. She was looking at the scenery outside lazily as Princess Penia stared down at Lucy.

While attending Silvenia Academy, she heard rumors about Lucy Mayreel and what people thought of her.

When she was a child, she grew up as a hidden genius in the Lamelin Mountain Range. Only after she came to Silvenia Academy on Acken Island did her talents begin to be shown to the world.

During the break, she had a lot of fun giving the Imperial family a hard time.

Had she not been the hero who got rid of the evil god Mebula alone, she would have already been imprisoned in the dungeons. However, her achievements and skills were so enormous that they couldn't treat her rudely… She was like a villain that they couldn't lay their hands on.

"…I'm hungry."

Thinking about the hard time the girl gave the imperial household, Princess Penia let out a sigh.

Whether or not Lucy realized what Penia was feeling, she continued to stare at her with empty eyes while muttering about how hungry she was.

"There was no reason for you to make such a fuss back there, Lucy Mayreel. If you had just spoken to them politely, you may have been able to persuade them."

"They don't even listen to you, so why would they listen to me?"

Lucy's careless and disrespectful attitude when talking to a princess of the country made the nearby servants swallow their dry saliva.

However, Lucy herself continued speaking as if she didn't care.

"I'm not good at solving things with my words."

What a truly terrifying statement.

Princess Penia took a deep breath, deciding not to talk about it any further. She looked out the window on the opposite side as she looked at the soldiers that were escorting them back to the school.

"..."

How much longer until they reached Acken Island? For Princess Penia, who didn't have a good sense of distance, the trip felt like an endless wait.

Because Lucy caused such a fuss in the imperial household, the eyes of everyone in the household had been drawn to Ed Rothstaylor, whom Lucy was openly defending.

Regardless of that, the fact that he was a surviving member of House Rothstaylor made him special. Because the hero of the country was openly trying to protect him… Naturally, people became curious about him.

Selah and Persica's gaze also felt rather strange, making Princess Penia become even more concerned.

"Hmm…"

Suddenly, as she looked out the window, she felt a strange sense of incongruity. They were going the same way back to school as usual, so there shouldn't have been anything all that strange.

She recognized all of the faces of the soldiers as well. The guards moving forward as they guarded both sides of the wagon, neatly lined up, were the same as the ones she had seen since she was a child.

But… the number of them was rather large.

"There are more soldiers on the way back than I expected this time… It's not like there was an incident that warranted it, so…?"

House Rothstaylor's deeds were a catastrophe, but to some extent, that matter had already been concluded. All that was left was to deal with the aftermath.

Protocols are important, but it isn't good to waste members of the imperial escort forces. From now on, I should instruct them that it is okay to hold back more when they are escorting me back to school.

With that thought in mind, Princess Penia looked up at the blue sky from the carriage.

Occasionally, only the sound of Lucy talking in her sleep quietly was heard inside.

* * *

By the time she came to her senses, the first thing she felt was pressure around her wrists.

Lortel recalled her last memory through her hazy return to consciousness. The appearance of Dune ignoring her instructions and glaring back at her with his eyes wide open.

She didn't remember anything after that.

Was she attacked? Did she lose her consciousness to magic? Or did she faint from fatigue?

There wasn't any hint to figure that out. That was how clean and neatly the deed was done.

However, she soon realized what happened when she felt a strong pain rise from the back of her head.

Dune had been ignoring Lortel's orders with his eyes wide open to distract her as he waited for someone inside the room to attack her.

The location had not changed. It was still Lortel's private office.

As it was a place that Lortel felt relatively safe in, it was the best place for a surprise attack.

As soon as her vision returned, Lortel immediately judged the situation.

Her body wasn't free. Both of her hands were tied behind the chair.

The scent that lingered on the tip of her nose was chestnut flower-scented candles. This item was famous as a means to temporarily subdue a magician by twisting the flow of magic power.

However, it was extremely expensive. It cost dozens of gold coins just for a little bit, and it wasn't a product that was easy to obtain. And to obtain the effect of having that smell be maintained for an extended period of time… That wasn't easy.

Since he bought and used something like that, it seemed that he had been planning the attack for quite some time.

"You're doing something that doesn't suit you, Dune."

Lortel looked across the table as she spoke in a low voice.

A man sat in a chair with his head lowered. He wore a decently large beret, looked rather slender, and wore a red fleece vest with a pure white shirt and leather pants… Just looking at his appearance made it clear that he was a merchant.

"While I was busy in Oldek, you were setting up a rather interesting stage."

"I'm sorry for tying you up. I don't have the best manners when it comes to setting a stage."

"Being a deputy director is a busy job. Managing the store, checking the inventory, personnel management, bookkeeping, dealing with sales disputes, and even dealing with mutiny."

Despite the fact that it was a tinderbox situation, Lortel continued to speak with a relaxed tone.

"So… you're also on Dune's side, Lienna?"

Behind Dune stood a nervous girl.

Lortel's secretary, Lienna Clemson, was even there. The way she stood behind Dune, holding onto a bunch of documents… She was the same timid girl she always had been.

"This isn't a rational decision."

"I'm not sure about that. We'll just have to see."

Dune looked down at the floor with his feet slightly apart and his hands on his knees.

Lortel also frowned at his appearance, which was much different than his usual tame appearance.

Knowing how to show a frivolous appearance was also a quality of a merchant. At the very least, Dune was a natural born talent.

However, compared to what he usually looked like… It would be hard to recognize unless you were an employee of the store.

"Being in Silvenia with the beautiful scenery and overflowing romance for such a long time… It seems that you've lost a lot of your malice."

Dune continued to speak respectfully towards Lortel, even though the situation was so severe. In the first place, he was always that kind of person.

"Maybe the situation in Oldek was so urgent… because you trusted me so easily."

"Trusted? Me, to you?"

Lortel spoke with an incredulous expression on her face.

"I don't trust anyone. Why would it be any different if it was you?"

"..."

"I've been working with you for quite some time… Did you think I didn't know of the sword you've been hiding inside? Stealing a few coins from the ledger, buying alcohol, and some luxuries… Do you think I look like a pushover because I let you do that?"

Thunk, Thunk

While Lortel was speaking, a bustling noise could be heard from all over. Although it was still break, there were only a few days left until school started up. Either way, it was still supposed to be off-season.

Yet seeing the bustling atmosphere in the store, Lortel could easily infer why they were so busy.

"Do you think I kept evidence of your embezzlement inside the store? It's only common sense to take it and hide it elsewhere."

"..."

"I told you, I don't trust anyone."

Dune, who was listening quietly, moved his leather shoes across the wooden floor as he answered.

"Well, I did instruct them to search inside the store as much as possible… But I never really expected to find evidence of that, either. There is no need for that in the first place."

"What?"

"What's the point of beating around the bush like this? However, I will say this. It would be better for you to step down from the position of deputy director."

Lortel tried to hide her confused expression. There was nothing good about looking weak in the present situation.

However, Dune was hiding his inner plans as much as he could.

Why did he suddenly betray Lortel? What did he think would happen by doing such a thing? How was he specifically planning to put Lortel in a tough spot?

Not even the smallest of clues were revealed. Dune was well aware of how clever the fox named Lortel was.

Even with the slightest bit of evidence, she would infer the entire picture in an instant.

So, he shouldn't give her any clues. Before she noticed anything strange, he had to tie her up and keep her quiet.

That was what Dune had thought. But from the present situation alone, she was already able to figure out the basic information.

There is someone behind him.

Lortel thought to herself.

Lortel, who did not believe in people, treated people based on the premise of 'mutual benefit'.

Regardless of what people thought, Lortel was the most powerful person within the Elte Company. So, it was purely beneficial to be on Lortel's side.

Trust could only be established in a relationship where there was mutual benefit.

Since Dune fully understood that concept, there was no reason to betray Lortel.

However, seeing as he stabbed Lortel in the back without any warning… it must have been because there was some sort of external variable happening behind the scenes.

Not only that, but his shocking actions—suddenly tying up and imprisoning Lortel…

That… It was proof that time was on Dune's side.

He had some sort of certainty that if he could capture Lortel somehow and make it so she couldn't do anything, then Lortel would naturally be removed from her position as deputy director.

A situation where something was happening outside, so all he had to do was wait. Until his plan was finished, all he had to do was lock up Lortel and make sure to remove all possible variables.

Lortel quickly inferred as much. She was able to think about all of that in the brief moment she closed and opened her eyes.

The first thing she needed to do was to break free and escape. She needed to quickly figure out what change was happening on Acken Island, centered around Dune while Lortel was away from her seat in the store.

"You've put yourself in a corner, Dune. Don't you think that people would find it strange that I am currently not in my seat?"

"You don't have to worry about your attendance in school. The same goes for worrying about the employees of the store as well. I've come up with all sorts of means already, so they won't worry about you being absent. It wouldn't be good to complicate things any further."

"Well, I'm not sure. I think it would be better if things got even more complicated."

"Well, considering the difference in our positions, that makes sense."

Dune spoke with his head raised. His usual frivolous appearance could hardly be seen.

"We have taken steps to prevent such a thing from happening. Everyone around you has either joined my side, or we took the necessary measures so they wouldn't find it strange if you disappeared."

"It seems like a plan you have been preparing for quite some time."

"I will leave it to your imagination."

Lortel strengthened her arms to break free, but the tightly tied rope didn't show any signs of breaking.

She looked around for something to break the rope with, but nothing caught her eye.

"Didn't you already say that you don't trust anyone? So, who would risk their life to come and save you? We don't want to harm you any further, either. So, how about you quietly sit there and wait or retire?"

"Pretending to be gentle. Despicable traitors are always the same."

"It's strange hearing that from you."

Lortel had previously betrayed Elte, taking her position as deputy director.

She didn't have the right to criticize Dune, as she was a traitor herself.

She was a person who had already fallen into the cycle of betrayal. Though, she was well aware of that fact. Lortel smirked.

"I see that you never lose your composure."

"I somewhat expected this, so I can stay rather calm. Originally, the world of merchants was twisted, so there's no way that others will always do what you intend."

"I'm not sure about that. It seems to me that you still trust in something."

Lortel never lost her sense of reason, even when it came to such extreme situations.

Lortel Kehelland was someone who maintained her reason and consistently made rational decisions in any situation.

Since Dune was Lortel's closest assistant, it was impossible for him to not know that fact.

Lortel was much sharper than those old foxes in Oldek. She was like a snake.

To deceive her, it wouldn't be enough to prepare for just a few days or even a few months. It would require at least a few years to sharpen your blade of betrayal to reach a level where you could barely scratch her.

And the first thing to do was to destroy her immovable sense of reason.

That mentality where she could always maintain composure and never wavered in any crisis. It was the number one reason she was able to become a wealthy merchant. If you couldn't deal with that part of her… you would never have the edge when confronting Lortel.

That was why Dune had analyzed Lortel as a person more cold-heartedly than anyone else.

He found out that in the heart of Lortel, who was like a demon who sold her soul for gold coins, there was still a bit of humanity left.

"You said that you do not trust anyone."

Dune continued speaking quietly.

"But that isn't the case."

"…What?"

"Lienna."

As Dune called Secretary Lienna's name softly, she pulled out a piece of paper from the stack of papers she was holding.

Looking at the paper, it was a contract. There wasn't much listed on it, but seeing the format, it was definitely a contract.

Lienna, who had placed the contract on the table, went back behind Dune as she stood far away again.

"This…?"

"Ed Rothstaylor."

Hearing that name come from Dune's mouth, Lortel's pupils trembled slightly.

"Did you think he wouldn't join us?"

"What…?"

Dune was a human born with a gift for negotiation and compromise.

He could always create a win-win situation for both parties by judging what the other side really wanted.

As a person who had repeated such deeds thousands of times, he knew it well.

Negotiations and compromises started with knowing the other party.

Ed Rothstaylor was not an easy person to bring over.

He was strong willed, stubborn in his thoughts, incredible at understanding, and… he possessed physical strength.

Since he had a good relationship with Lortel, no matter how Dune thought of it, it would be difficult to persuade him to betray her.

However, in the end, negotiation and compromise depended on what the other party wanted.

Lortel Kehelland glanced at the papers handed to her by Secretary Lienna. Her hands were trembling slightly.

[The following agreement is based on the establishment of trading inside information and the cooperative relationship between Dune Grex of the Elte Company and Ed Rothstaylor.

1. In regard to the accusations of internal corruption from the current deputy director of the Elte Company, Lortel Kehelland, against Dune Grex: Ed Rothstaylor is to agree to release all information that Dune Grex requests.

2. Dune Grex guarantees full support for tuition, living expenses, and other expenses that Ed Rothstaylor will receive until graduating from Silvenia.

3. In addition, Dune Grex will actively support all necessary funds and arrangements for Ed Rothstaylor's 'early graduation'.

4. Dune Grex will actively pay for Ed Rothstaylor's settlement funds and necessary facilities after graduation.

5. Ed Rothstaylor will officially become an employee of the Elte Company and maintain this status for at least five years after graduation.

6. Ed Rothstaylor must attend dinners, meetings, and talks with friendly and influential people of the Elte Company and must maintain friendly relations with them.]

It was a document that seems to describe Dune's and Ed's close relationship.

Lortel's pupils trembled for an instant, but she quickly regained her composure. She quickly read through the terms, analyzing them.

Dune Grex had the ability to fully analyze people.

After thoroughly analyzing Ed Rothstaylor by gathering information about him, he came up with the terms based on what he really wanted.

Ed Rothstaylor's primary interests were his graduation and growth.

As if he was putting a major emphasis on his graduation, everything he did was done with his graduation in mind.

It felt as if graduating from Silvenia was going to be a major turning point in his life.

It would have been difficult for Ed to refuse the offer of an 'Early Graduation'.

Not only that, but he was also being provided with all the necessary funds to settle down after graduation. Actually, the financial side was not that important. Even Lortel was willing to give him that much support.

The question was, how was Dune supposed to guarantee something like early graduation?

It was Silvenia Academy's right to decide whether or not a student should graduate, not an employee of the Elte Company.

Is there a mole within Silvenia…?

That seemed strange as well. Silvenia Academy's headmaster, Obel Forsyth, would definitely stop that type of thing from taking place.

In the first place, the Elte Company and Silvenia Academy were not on the same side. Even if they somehow managed to negotiate on something… it was too risky to completely turn Lortel into their enemy.

In addition, the items in the agreement… they were too biased towards the individual Ed Rothstaylor.

Dune Grex and Ed Rothstaylor have no connection at all.

There was no reason to tie Ed to the Elte Company for five years after graduation, and there was no reason to make him a friendly strength on his side. Dune's primary goal was money, not power.

Suspicious…

After reading that far, Lortel smiled leisurely.

"This is a rather arrogant agreement. Do you think there is anyone in the world who would sign this?"

"It has already been agreed upon."

"…What?"

Dune didn't say any more. He just stared back at Lortel.

Lortel Kehelland looked perplexed. There was no need to explain just what it meant for her to show her emotions like that.

She was someone who kept her composure even when the school was being destroyed.

Although she wasn't someone who should be shaken by such a thing, Lortel's eyes were trembling greatly.

Then, as she slowly turned the proposal to the next page, her eye caught Ed's large signature.

In that movement, she forgot to breathe.

Occasionally, Elte Kehelland's words appeared in her dreams, and they crawled down her spine.

"Taking your seat through betrayal, in the end betrayal will end you."

"When you lose everything and are thrown into the gutter with no chance of ever coming back, do you think there would still be a person reaching out to you?"

Those words echoed in her ears as if her chest had been pierced with a cold dagger.

"It's pretty decent."

It was a forged document.

Though, it was difficult to come to that conclusion.

"He is currently in this building."

Dune replied casually.

Lortel was momentarily speechless at Dune's response.

As for what to say next, she was dizzy, and she couldn't think straight.

It was rare to see Lortel lose her composure. When it came to business, she was always as rational and realistic as a fox.

However, just by looking at her eyes, you could tell her mind was wandering… Lortel had to clench her molars tightly.

Creak.

At that moment, Ed Rothstaylor came in through the door.

A tall, blond nobleman… he walked into the office quietly as he handed over some documents to Secretary Lienna.

It was the Elte Company employee manual and various contracts for employment.

"E-Ed…?"

His expression didn't change.

Ed Rothstaylor looked at Lortel… as expressionless as always.

He was wearing a small cloak. On the outside of his light brown cloak, there was a small design that represented the employees of the Elte Company.

He had already become an employee of the Elte Company.

Maintaining composure in any situation and observing.

Breaking apart Lortel's terrifyingly cold-hearted sense of reason…

It was no easy task.

However, Ed Rothstaylor casually stood behind Dune, accepting some documents… Lortel could see it all.

He then looked at Lortel with a sullen face as he spoke.

"It just happened to be like this."

The nightmare of Elte Kehelland, whose face twisted bizarrely as he cursed at Lortel.

The dream that always returned to Lortel, as if engraved whenever she forgot.

When she ends up in the gutter, there won't be anyone to reach out their hand to her.

Those words that were like a curse… kept playing in her ears.

* * *

"Once you go back to the dormitory, do it like I told you!"

After talking with the secretary of the Elte Company that had suddenly come by, Ed Rothstaylor sent Ayla back to the dormitory.

"It's so sudden, I don't know what is happening…"

The Honors Student Dormitory, Lorail Hall.

Ayla held onto a simple writing tool and paper as she passed through the neatly cleaned hallways.

Even though she took a lot of notes in class, it had been a long time since she wrote a letter. So, Ayla felt a bit strange.

"Hmm…"

The conversation between the Elte Company and Ed Rothstaylor was definitely strange, but there was much more that Ayla didn't understand.

"..."

"Ed, what are you so worried about?"

However, after the conversation with the Elte Company employee, the image of Ed Rothstaylor sitting quietly at the cafe table, scratching his chin and lost in thought… It remained in her head.

"I'm figuring out the situation."

It was the first time she had seen Ed so serious, so she was a bit perplexed.

-x-X-x-

"We are thinking of bringing down Deputy Director Lortel in order to reorganize the power structure within the store."

"The adopted daughter of former Director Elte Kehelland, Deputy Director Lortel, is a remnant of the old days and has been labeled as a person who should be removed from the store."

Secretary Lienna, who came to me with papers in her arms, proposed an agreement while acting nervously.

"..."

As I walked through the corridors of the store, the other employees glared at me because I wore a robe with the company's logo on it.

I had visited the Elte Company's Silvenia Branch quite a few times already, so I was already somewhat familiar with most of the people there. All of the employees who I exchanged greetings with from time to time were now looking at me strangely.

After becoming close with Lortel, the employees had become noticeably friendlier with me, talking to me quite a bit.

The sight of me naturally going towards Dune's side seemed to be drawing even more attention to me.

They must have had mixed feelings upon seeing how casually I parted ways with Lortel, who I had been so close to.

Of course, there was already so much wrong in the world that they couldn't come up to me and question how I could do such a thing.

Also, the reason Dune could confront Lortel like he was doing stemmed from the way his voice had grown to such an extent within the company.

In the first place, the employees of the company were also merchants by nature. They were people who could attach themselves to whoever they had to by following the trend of leadership and the flow of power.

The environment Lortel had lived in since she was a child had always been like that.

"As you know, Lortel is not the kind of person that can be dealt with by simply tying her arms like that."

Dune, who was walking next to me, spoke with a smile.

"But if you took over the Elte Company's Silvenia Branch, couldn't you say that you have completely suppressed Lortel, who is treated as a main power even at the Elte Company's main branch?"

"Yes, of course. I also never take action unless I am certain it will work to some extent."

In the warehouse that was full of products, we climbed the stairs, passing by offices full of employees.

"They tried to remove Deputy Director Lortel back at the main branch of the Elte Company as well. Of course, she had gone down there herself to get rid of all of them during break, but during that time, she wasn't able to keep an eye on the Silvenia Branch. So, we were able to move freely."

"How do you plan to subdue Lortel when the main office wasn't even able to succeed? I don't think you would come up with the plan to kill her and bury her body. That wouldn't solve anything, after all."

Dune Grex was a person that never moved without reason. Lortel Kehelland, who had him as a subordinate for several years, had personally criticized him.

He made minor embezzlements to make small profits, but never crossed the line… In other words, he didn't have big goals.

So, the reason Dune was making such a drastic movement was probably because of something happening behind the scenes.

"Soon, school break will be over, and a new semester will begin at Silvenia. Until then, if we can continue making sure she is unable to do anything, things will work out."

"If you believe that will work, shouldn't you tell me what it is?"

Saying that, Dune turned around and looked at me, smiling softly.

"If you watch, you will find out."

That meant he wasn't going to tell me.

Even after signing the agreement and declaring that I would betray Lortel in front of her, Dune didn't fully trust me.

In the first place, merchants didn't usually trust people easily. That was why I didn't like them all that much.

"I had no idea you would join our side so quickly. You're pretty close with her, so I thought it would take some time to convince you."

"I'll join any side if the conditions are good."

Early graduation was definitely a mouth-watering proposition for me, who highly valued a diploma from Silvenia.

"However, you have to make sure to do what you promised. Being able to properly subdue Lortel and how you, a member of the Elte Company, are going to be able to help me graduate early."

I walked alongside him down the hallway before I suddenly stopped.

Dune, who continued to walk down the hallway alone, turned back to look at me.

"Without that guarantee, there is no partnership. If the terms of the contract are not being followed, there is no reason for me to adhere to them."

"..."

"So, don't just say things. Convince me. Otherwise, I will not be able to cooperate with you any further."

From my point of view, it was a reasonable request.

"You know how risky it was to break my relationship with Lortel Kehelland with my own hands like this, right? I showed you how serious I was."

"..."

"If you want me to continue working with you, be reasonable and show me that you can guarantee what you promised."

Dune looked at my expression for a while before smiling and opening a door in the hallway.

It was the office that Dune used personally.

When I went inside, I couldn't help but open my mouth in awe.

A large table in a decently wide space, a bulletin board that worked like a blackboard, and piles of documents.

Seeing the documents attached to the furniture, to the walls… There were details on logistics and distribution, and an analysis of the macroscopic changes within the power structure.

It was more data than just a month or two could have brought in. Over the last few years, he had been stuck paying close attention to the flow of power within the Elte Company and the entire continent.

It was not something that could be done by simply locking yourself in a room. It was something that could only be done through time, effort, and labor, all while being involved personally within the field.

"It has been more than five years since I started working at the Elte Company with the goal of aiming to succeed."

He was a man who gave up on going to school at a young age to pursue life as a merchant.

"When the Golden King Elte got taken down from his seat, when Oldek was in chaos due to a logistics crisis, and when Silvenia Academy faced several crises, I quietly sat still, waiting for the perfect moment. I always believed that it wasn't time, and that a more golden opportunity would soon come."

"Even through all those moments, you stood still… But now you think this is the right time, so you're taking action?"

"There are a lot of things that can be accomplished now. So, I hope that you will put your trust in me."

Dune sat down in his chair as he put his beret down on the table, continuing to speak.

"Lortel Kehelland must be caught."

Dune sat still as he spoke in a low tone.

The intent of those words was clear.

"So, you don't need to know anything for now. And if you do know, that would only make me more anxious."

"You think too lowly of me."

I dragged a wooden chair across from the table where Dune was sitting as I sat down.

With my cloak hanging down, I lowered my head and spoke.

"Do you really think you are the only one turning every gear behind the scenes?"

The atmosphere completely changed as Dune frowned.

I continued speaking without hesitation.

"Do you actually think you are controlling the entire picture amidst those who know nothing?"

"Ed. If you talk like that…"

"You are thinking arrogantly."

After slowly closing and opening my eyes, I pondered the last part of the proposal that Dune had sent me.

'5. Ed Rothstaylor will officially become an employee of the Elte Company and maintain this status for at least five years after graduation.

6. Ed Rothstaylor must attend dinners, meetings, and talks with friendly and influential people of the Elte Company and must maintain friendly relations with them.'

"As soon as I saw that proposal, I felt something was strange. It wasn't just about requiring my cooperation to capture Lortel, but it also stipulated a relationship even after you take control."

"There is nothing wrong with maintaining a good, long-term relationship with someone like you, Ed."

"You are funny, Dune. There is no reason to specify such a thing in the form of a contract."

A friendly relationship didn't form by signing a contract. Rather, it was the opposite.

Since neither party was friendly at all, they bound each other in the name of a contract.

Why was he doing that? Ultimately, it was to show someone.

'Ed Rothstaylor and the Elte Company have become perfectly bonded.' In order to inform a third party of that fact, the contract was drawn up as evidence.

In other words, the Elte Company needed the name 'Ed Rothstaylor'.

"Dune. This is rather funny, since my name didn't have much value in the past. I was excommunicated from the Rothstaylor family and wasn't considered to be all that strong within the school, either."

"..."

Dune didn't say anything. I continued speaking without waiting for him to respond.

"Recently, I was reinstated… But suddenly, disaster struck Rothstaylor Mansion. Now, the power structure within the imperial household needs to be reorganized, and I just happened to become a key figure in that."

"That…"

"Of course, you can't refute that. So, what I'm saying is, if the Elte Company tries to get ahold of me by preparing such a contract… I can only infer that you are connected to someone with power within the imperial household."

I slowly raised my head as I looked at Dune.

"Is that right?"

"I can't say."

"Thanks for the reply."

Dune pouted as if he made a slip of the tongue. However, it didn't end there.

"There were so many other incidents that happened, yet you ignored them all and only now decided to consult with an outsider. The fact that you are starting to take action now means that the reorganization of the power structure within the imperial household will impact the Elte Company in some way."

Dune had only given me that single negotiation proposal. No other piece of information was provided.

However, that alone was enough to figure out what was happening behind the scenes.

If you changed the way you interpreted something, information revealed the truth more easily than you might think.

"The timing was perfect. When you were planning to do such a thing, did you already know that there were other people trying to take down Lortel in Oldek? It seemed like the timing was too perfect, as it took Lortel's attention elsewhere."

As if the words I was saying were unexpected, Dune immediately began to harden his expression.

"I suspect that everything that happened in Oldek was also a part of your plan."

"Those are just your suspicions. How can I, an employee at the bottom of the company, intervene in the affairs at the headquarters in Oldek?"

"Because you are not the mastermind."

I didn't know the power structure in Oldek very well. After coming to this world, I spent most of my time on Acken Island, so it's impossible for me to figure out what was happening over there.

"From the start, I never thought you were the mastermind. You must also be nothing more than a chess piece."

"..."

"I'm looking at the picture behind you."

You might think that Dune was drawing the big picture on his own, but I could see the even bigger composition that had Dune within it.

"It seems like Silvenia is also involved in some way, as you are guaranteeing something like an early graduation to me. Of course, Lortel's monopoly over logistics on the island would be enough of a burden."

However, Obel Forsyth was stingy about such behind-the-scenes deals.

If he really did negotiate with someone, it was probably Deputy Headmaster Rachel. After all, she was someone who could do things without Obel's knowledge.

The rising prices and the Elte Company monopolizing the distribution on the island. It was Dune who took the profit from that, but it must have seemed as if Lortel had taken the initiative to do so. Because, for a long time now, she'd been sitting as the deputy director of the company.

From Dune's position, it was easy to win over the support of the school.

If he was able to remove Lortel from her position, he could make a deal to remove the monopoly that had taken over the island. He would give up the monopoly rights over some crucial products that were exclusively distributed by the Elte Company.

Giving up a logistical monopoly was absolutely improbable for a profit-seeking company, but it was a different story if there was a political figure behind it all.

From the school's point of view, they would naturally be curious about the situation. As both the school and the Elte Company argued over monopoly rights, it was a situation where the school had no power. So, there was no reason for the Elte Company to back down like they were.

"Alright, I admit it. You have good insight, Ed."

Dune laughed after hearing me speak up to that point.

"It is insane that you were able to figure out this much with just that single contract. I'm glad I didn't turn you into my enemy."

Dune laughed as if it was all ridiculous. He then had a serious expression on his face again as he spoke.

"But… if you've noticed all of that, then for the situation that Deputy Director Lortel is in… You must have a feel for that, right?"

Lortel Kehelland was being restrained and suppressed in her personal office.

That girl… it wouldn't be strange if she were to turn the entire world into her enemy.

The headquarters of the Elte Company in Oldek, Silvenia Academy, and even the imperial household were all contributing to her downfall.

Dune raised both hands in the air as if he had surrendered, saying,

"If you've realized all of this already, then I have no choice but to reveal everything else to you."

And then he said without hesitation.

"The seat for the next director of the Elte Company will be the sixth elder merchant, Slogg. He's always been at odds with Deputy Director Lortel."

It was a name I only heard in passing during the incident where the lower students took over Ophelis Hall, creating chaos.

I wasn't well versed in the situation at Oldek, but I was familiar with just how greedy and ruthless their merchants were.

"As for who will take the head seat of the Elte Company, the continent's greatest commercial association… It is a very sensitive issue in the eyes of the imperial family. After all, it is one of the biggest companies on the continent, with a large economic power."

"…So?"

"For the three who are fighting for the throne, it would be greatly beneficial to them to be on friendly terms with the head of the Elte Company as much as possible. Having the support of such a powerful person is a huge political advantage."

Dune, who was good at judging the situation, was able to understand the flow of power by only looking at some documents in passing.

"So, there are quite a lot of people behind the scenes who are trying to help the merchant they are closest to in becoming the director. Regardless of that, the fight for the throne has gotten rather severe, so it was the perfect time to come up with a scheme."

"Then, who does the merchant Slogg support?"

Dune smiled softly at my question as he said.

"Persica Delphinir Kroel."

Finally, it felt like it was all starting to come to light.

"The glorious second princess of the Kroel family."

The second princess, Persica Delphinir Kroel.

Oldek's wealthy merchant, Slogg Keldricks.

Silvenia Academy's Deputy Headmaster, Rachel Thyslin.

And finally, Dune Grex, an employee of the Elte Company.

Lortel Kehelland, who was tied up in her office and unable to act as they took her power away from her… Those were the names of the enemies she would have to face.

An imperial princess, a major merchant, the deputy headmaster of the academy, and even a traitor who was beneath her.

In her empty hands, they were all too great of an opponent to deal with.

Now that the whole story had been revealed, I could understand why Dune told me everything without beating around the bush.

It was suicide to take Lortel's side, given the circumstances.

Most of all, Lortel herself would know that.

Even though she only recently looked over the negotiation proposal and had less of an understanding of the situation, by now she would have been able to organize her thoughts.

If I was able to infer that much, then for Lortel—who was quick-witted—it would definitely be possible to infer all of it as well.

Looking at the situation objectively, Lortel herself would have come to the same conclusion: no one would come to save her now.

I was the same.

The reason I had maintained a friendly relationship with Lortel was because, in any case, her position as an influential person with power within the company had been a great help to me.

Whether it was with my life at the camp or making my way through the storyline, the support of Lortel Kehelland, who was a massive power, had always been a huge help.

But now, Lortel was on the verge of losing all of her power.

The reason I had been able to survive in the wild was because I never disregarded my sense of reason and rationality, no matter how extreme the circumstances.

If I were to make a rational judgment now, the correct answer would be to throw her away.

I would need another reasonable excuse to reach out to her.

She was already on the verge of collapsing, and right in front of me was Dune's proposal, which was a mouth-watering escape route.

If you thought about it reasonably, no matter how much you considered it, helping her was the wrong decision.

It was likely that Lortel Kehelland herself thought as much, too. As she had always been rational, she must have accepted the fact that no one would take her side.

If I wanted to reach my hand out to Lortel, I would need another 'reasonable' excuse.

In other words, a human-to-human bond with her.

Not with her as the head of the Elte Company or as a powerful merchant.

I needed to take her hand as the person she was: Lortel Kehelland.

However, the cost of that decision might be greater than you would think.

However… The traces of the 'people' I saw on the battlefield flooded my memory.

Even in a gruesome war, where your survival was more precious than anything else, a person's heart could open up.

Whether it was love, friendship, or a bond… Whatever it might be, in the middle of hell… They would die on behalf of someone else, give their supplies to them, or guard their corpse without running away, with no regrets or hesitation.

What defines a human?

It is 'being irrational'.

Rescuing a person who had fallen into the gutter is only possible because we are human.

Not only that, but it was even more important when it came to a person who would come by the camp to chat with you, show their love romantically, stick around by the campfire as a friend on a cold winter day, or lend a hand when you were having a hard time.

Only then did I realize it. A truth that had slowly come to exist, making it hard to guess when it even started.

When did it happen? When did I begin to accept her—not as the head of the Elte Company… But as the person named 'Lortel Kehelland'?

Thinking that far, I could easily come to a decision.

"Once you find it, you'll see."

That monologue was such an obvious truth that there was no reason to say it.

"Alright. By the way… Let me ask you one thing. If you help me with one personal deal, I'll be sure to join you in your plans."

After thinking it over, he opened his cold eyes as he asked,

"What is it?"

"I'm going to kidnap a person."

From here on, the plan was entirely my own.

"Help me as a member of the Elte Company."

Dune smiled slyly at those words.

"I don't know the situation, but I guess you are not a clean person, either."

"Everyone's the same."

-x-X-x-