Even a Scoundrel Gets Tired

34 – Midterm Evaluation (9)

But the cadets’ cheers soon faded,

replaced by a cacophony of unrest.

“B-but how…?”

“You think we can catch that beast?”

“I… I’ll pass…”

“I-if we just hide from it…”

An opinion spread among the cadets that they could survive longer by simply hiding,

rather than attempting to capture the monster,

and the number of those agreeing to it began to swell.

Of course, a few nobles who valued their dignity objected, arguing that

running from monsters was unthinkable,

but the cadets who prioritized the evaluation

were already subtly taking steps backward.

The debate raged – whether to hunt the lesser beasts or retreat – factions forming, each side trying to sway the other.

“…What is that noise? Weren’t we supposed to be dealing with only the low-level monsters?”

“Yes, but… the injured are far too many…”

The Imperial Princess and her retinue still struggled to grasp the full extent of the situation.

*

“W-what did you say?! Mid-level monsters?”

Having heard the whole story, the Imperial Princess was so flustered that she failed to maintain her distance from me, stepping forward.

“It’s… hard to believe,” Isabella muttered, head bowed, seemingly lost in thought, searching for a solution.

“…”

The Saintess, however, seemed more concerned with the wounded than anything else.

Finally, the others’ discussions appeared to have concluded. Roughly two-thirds of the students were preparing to leave.

Even so, I thought a considerable number remained. Facing mid-level monsters when we struggled even with the lowest tier was an impossible task.

This must be proof of how many people Albert had managed to persuade. His status certainly played a part, but there must have been many who were genuinely moved by his leadership.

Lost in this renewed admiration for the fellow, I was jarred back to the present when Albert approached.

No, more accurately, he approached not me, but the Imperial Princess and her entourage behind me.

The Princess and Isabella fixed their gazes on Albert as he suddenly addressed them.

The Saintess, having finished her healing, clutched her rosary, seemingly restoring her divine power, murmuring a prayer.

Albert stepped before her and uttered words that none of us had anticipated.

“Your Imperial Highness, might you be willing to lend us your aid?”

The Princess’s brow furrowed slightly.

Though I wasn’t sure why, I was certain my own face mirrored her expression.

Hers, undoubtedly, was an indication of her reluctance to get involved, mine, however, was a reproach of his choice.

To ask for help here, now, would be to admit that those remaining were insufficient.

Look at them.

They were already beginning to murmur amongst themselves.

The quicker-witted ones would find an excuse to slip away the moment the Princess refused.

And with their numbers dwindling, his ambitions would vanish with appalling ease.

I was about to lament my foolish choice, and to contemplate my own escape,

when Albert posed a question to the Princess.

“Your Highness, how is it that you are traveling alongside the Saintess and the Young Lady?”

“Naturally, we are on the same tea–“

“Your Highness’s team was meant to be composed of others.”

“…Do I have some obligation to inform *you* of that?”

Setting aside how he knew she was on a different team, what good could possibly come from that?

Before my question could even form, Albert approached the Saintess, who was murmuring a prayer.

“Saintess, can you lend us your aid?”

“..I..”

“If the Saintess does not intervene, we will be left with no recourse,

and there may be a great many casualties.”

“…”

“I implore you. Saintess, please aid us.”

“Wait, you!”

The Princess rushed to stop Albert, who was bowing his head low,

but the Saintess already appeared deep in thought.

“What is it that you would prevent, Your Highness?”

“You… you knew all along, didn’t you?”

“I am not sure what you mean.”

What did he know? And why was the Princess trying to stop the Saintess?

And why were those three traveling together, to begin with?

Even the Princess, who had gathered all her team,

and Isabella, who detested traveling with anyone.

The Saintess, a mouthpiece of God,

a woman worshipped by all within the Order,

bestowing blessings and graces through divine miracles.

Because of this, her standing within the Order,

was second to none, save the Pope.

This meant that even a single word from her lips

could become the opinion of the Order.

Understanding dawned, and suddenly everything made sense.

The Order and the Imperial Family had been at odds since time immemorial.

The Order, which served the god, the creator of this world,

and the Imperial Family, who believed humanity should govern itself,

were destined for conflict.

For an Imperial Family whose power was threatened by the mere existence of a god,

the Order’s every action was bound to be grating.

Thus, their camaraderie, laughing together like this, felt wrong.

But what if, for some obscure reason,

the Imperial Family and the Order were to forge a friendly connection?

For those preoccupied with solidifying their standing within,

it would be nothing short of welcome news.

And for both the Imperial Family and the Order, the situation wouldn’t be unwelcome.

The Order could conduct business with the Imperial Family more smoothly,

and the Imperial Family could procure the much-needed healers.

Perhaps the current Emperor had chosen that path.

Whether the Pope had accepted it was another matter.

But what if, just what if,

the Saintess were to suffer an unfortunate accident within the Empire?

The Order would undoubtedly be enraged,

and their budding friendship would be shattered beyond repair.

The Empire wouldn’t desire such an outcome either.

That must be why they had brazenly placed the Princess at her side.

Believing that, with a Princess possessing considerable magical prowess beside her,

the academy evaluation would be a safe affair.

It wouldn’t be a bad proposition for the Princess either.

She could solidify her position as a successor,

and by displaying her friendship with the Saintess,

she could forge personal connections with the Order.

So, she must have thought to recruit even Isabella, who usually kept to herself.

With her, they could ensure even greater protection.

But even they could not have foreseen this situation.

If intermediate-level monsters were to appear during the academy evaluation,

even the Princess couldn’t guarantee the Saintess’s safety.

And what if she were to be injured?

Even if there was no malice intended, controversy would inevitably arise.

That must be why they were trying to slip away.

Albert, somehow, had already gleaned the truth, and used the fact that people would be hurt without her,

to stir the Saintess’s compassion.

The reason the Princess hadn’t openly stopped her until now

was that the Saintess remained ignorant of the Empire and Order’s circumstances.

Even if she was a Saintess, it would sting to be used as a political pawn while knowing nothing,

so she refrained from speaking.

In the end, the power of decision rested entirely with the Saintess;

in truth, it had been decided from the moment she listened to Albert’s words.

“…I will help you, Brother Albert.”

“Thank you! Saintess.”

Of course.

Because she was none other than the Saintess.

Hearing that there would be casualties, it was unlike her personality

to back down because of some evaluation.

If the Saintess participated, the Princess, who would naturally have to protect her,

would automatically be forced to follow along.

Whether he had calculated all this or not, Albert’s lips were filled with

a victorious smile,

while, conversely, the Princess rubbed her forehead in dismay and

collapsed into her seat.

Albert, tireless, then extended the invitation to Isabella as well,

and Isabella, too, accepted the offer.

Now that Isabella had also expressed her willingness to participate,

the Princess had no other choice.

She would have to protect the Saintess, come hell or high water.

“Ha…is there a plan? That thing…can you even catch it?”

“Of course, there is.”

“…If you fail, you’ll regret it.”

With that, their negotiations concluded,

and someone tugged at me, who had been quietly observing from behind.

“Uhm…Jennison.”

“What is it, Rianna?”

It was Rianna, who had been watching with me from beginning to end,

standing behind me.

For some reason, she seemed slightly anxious,

continuously tugging at my sleeve.

“Uhm…are we…catching that thing too…?”

“Ah.”

That was the problem, then.

“There’s no need to worry, truly.”

It’s not as if I’ve any intention of hunting that monster.

For someone like me, who must maintain excellent grades,

It’s far too risky a gamble.

“Do not fret, Lianna.”

“Uh…mm…”

“We won’t exactly be hunting the monster, you see.”

I stroked her hair to quell her unease,

Speaking in a low voice,

But it seemed to do little to calm her,

Her face steadily growing redder.

I was about to check if she had a fever

When I heard footsteps approaching,

And the figure I saw upon turning around was, truly, unexpected.

“You should join us as well.”

“…Holy Maiden?”

It was the Holy Maiden.

I had no clue why she was approaching me of all people,

But I was well aware that most of the students nearby, including

Albert, the Princess, and Lianna, had turned their gazes our way.

“…Why are you doing this to me?”

“It seemed like it would be easier with you.”

“…Are you aware that I’m rather weak?”

“That, I don’t know, but that person spoke of it.”

That you would be needed.

I nearly launched a dagger at the Holy Maiden as she gestured towards me,

As she said those words.

“…Say it again.”

“Didn’t you hear m– Why that expression…?”

“Say…it again.”

The “that person” the Holy Maiden referred to…

I didn’t even need to see to know who it was.

Besides the Emperor, there was only one being the Holy Maiden could refer to as “that person.”

“…I’ll ask just in case, Holy Maiden.”

“…Yes?”

“The “that person” you spoke of… is it…the God?”

God, that son of a b*tch.