"Seizing the Student Council Presidency, huh."
Just from the name of the quest, I could tell what Luciana's hope was.
—Lady Luciana, how do you feel about defeating the Student Council President?
—What more is there to say. Personally, I found it to be a most satisfying duel. Most of all, it made clear the path I must continue to walk.
—Oh ho. Then, aside from your personal feelings—what about other matters?
At my question, she smiled faintly while speaking through telepathy.
—That's a rather impertinent question.
—A capable attendant must always discern their master's intent in advance.
—Is that so? Then since you've said as much, go ahead and guess. What is my true intention?
It was a mischievous counter-question, part test and part jest on her part.
So I answered lightly, in kind.
—The Speda family must always remain at the top. Even if the path is thorny, we must be the first to tread it, to clear it away.
—As expected of my attendant.
She nodded twice in approval, then restored her sword to its normal form and sheathed it.
"To aim for the presidency as a first-year… it's an audacious idea, I'll give her that."
The moment Luciana defeated the Student Council President, she became a powerful contender for the position.
She had staked everything on this reckless gamble in order to bring her oft-spoken conviction into reality.
"Though in the original story, she failed."
And it was only natural. Her role in the original work had been minor.
[Academy Hunting Contest]
[Location: Central Zoren Forest and near the sacred land Saleranto]
[Organizer: Student Council President Reisia Parnell]
Until the moment she voluntarily gave up the title, every major Academy event bore the name of Reisia Parnell.
Without allies to assist her, outmatched in both compatibility and sheer power, Luciana could never have gained the upper hand.
"But that's only in the original."
I glanced sideways.
"I… I lost…?"
Reisia Parnell, sprawled on the ground, armor hanging in tatters.
Even though it had been two-on-one, the fact remained: the Student Council President had been defeated by first-years in a public exchange match. The fall in the Council's prestige was inevitable.
"She has no excuse if she's removed from her position immediately."
How long could the daughter of a mere viscount house, without powerful backers or connections, continue to hold the presidency?
—My congratulations in advance.
—Though the greatest hurdle has been cleared, complacency is forbidden. Wasn't today's victory not even a proper one-on-one duel?
The presidency was determined by comprehensive results; nothing could be neglected.
That included matches against third-years on the verge of graduation.
—Besides Lady Parnell, there are many formidable ones among the third-years. If I wish to secure the presidency, I must overcome them too. For now, I'll devote myself to training.
—I'll always support you with all my strength.
—Heh, I would expect nothing less. Perform your duty well.
The sight of her, flushed with triumph and wiping sweat from her brow, was striking indeed.
"…But now's not the time to be distracted."
Luciana's new goal and renewed drive were secondary.
There was a far greater reward at hand.
[Quest complete!]
[Seize the Presidency]
['Luciana Speda's' ruin progression has been diminished.]
[Luciana's Ruin Progression]
[40% → 30%]
Her bad ending progression—which until now had only ever risen—had dropped sharply.
"This is certainly good news."
It felt like all my efforts were finally rewarded, and I couldn't help clenching my fist in triumph.
But rejoicing wasn't enough. If I could determine the correlation between this quest and the decrease in ruin progression, I might be able to reduce it further.
"…Tsk, but I don't have enough data yet."
For now, the only guess I could make was that taking a symbolic step closer to the Student Council Presidency was the cause.
—Hans?
Noticing my long silence, her worried telepathic voice reached me.
—Is something wrong? You've been wearing such a grave expression…
—Ahaha, I was just thinking about how best to help you rise to the presidency. A few worries, that's all.
—So that's it. Think it over well. If it's your strategy, I'll gladly accept it.
What else could I do?
The only thread of hope visible had to be seized.
"Luciana must be elevated to the new presidency as quickly as possible."
Originally, I had intended to solidify our control over the first-years, then subjugate the upper classes in turn, and only next year, according to the flow of the original, push for her election.
"But now that the opportunity has fallen into our laps, it would be a waste not to take it."
Of course, there was much to prepare.
First of all, grades.
The presidency was reserved for only the top students.
Naturally, second- and third-years, with their years of high marks, had the advantage.
Luciana would need to maintain the top rank continually. Any chance at special assignments outside the Academy would have to be seized without hesitation.
"And… there's another issue."
I looked at Reisia, still shaken and downcast.
Though she had lost today thanks to the two-on-one advantage, the presidency was no easy prize.
There were plenty of third-years as strong as Reisia, and even among second-years there were prodigies who shone like stars.
Could Luciana, as she was now, triumph against them?
Honestly, no.
There was only one conclusion: Luciana had to rise to a higher realm altogether.
"Ha… it's maddening. If I want to stand at her side, I'll have to grow just as much."
Like a small bird trying to match a stork, I risked snapping my own legs. With a sigh, I turned my steps toward what might help her grow.
"Lady Parnell, that was a splendid duel."
"…Have you come to mock me?!"
"If you glare at me like that, I'll be too scared to say my piece. I'll be brief."
Her blue eyes welled with tears of frustration, her lips pressed tight as she forced herself to adjust her loose armor back into place.
"…I'll admit defeat. You juniors are indeed remarkable—more so than anyone else I've encountered at your age."
"Thank you for the praise."
"But! If you get arrogant for beating me, you'll regret it! This Academy has many outstanding students!"
I nodded slowly at her outburst.
"Of course. The world is vast and full of talent. You too are among them, Lady Parnell."
"Ugh, what pointless talk…"
"Lady Parnell. Just as the Young Duke took notice of you, my master too has her eye on the presidency."
Her mouth fell open, words cut short.
"A… a first-year, though…?"
"Have you forgotten the Academy's first principle, even as president?"
"No, challenge and feasibility are two different things."
Her expression grew serious as she offered her counsel.
"I'll be stepping down before long, but let me speak frankly, for Lady Speda's sake. There are still too many she cannot handle."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. Next year, once they've graduated, she could win the presidency with ease. Why risk it now?"
Her advice was reasonable. She was even concerned that an early attempt might hinder Luciana's future bid.
"As expected, Reisia…"
Though she had lost to Luciana, she wasn't hostile. On the contrary, she had just now tried to impart guidance.
Was it simply consideration for a promising junior? That alone couldn't explain it.
After all, Reisia would pay a heavy price for her defeat—yet still she acted kindly.
Only one reason remained.
"As expected, you are the talent the Young Duke had his eye on."
"…What?"
"No need to hide it. Lord Darius Speda himself has spoken of his regard for you, even in the ducal estate."
Of course, that was a lie. But what of it?
"Darius is a man who covets talent. How could he not covet Reisia?"
And judging by the way her lips twitched into a grin reaching her ears, my guess was right.
"Indeed… Reisia Parnell still hasn't forgotten her mentorship under Darius Speda."
The puzzle pieces clicked into place: her overreaction when I invoked Darius, her unusual kindness toward Luciana—all the result of a young woman's lingering attachment.
"Well then, there's no reason not to make use of this."
I licked my lips, arranging my words.
"Ahem. Please forget my earlier comments during the duel. I don't doubt the Young Duke's legitimacy."
"…Truly?"
"Of course."
The first step was to dispel her wariness. Trust had to be built before any deal could be struck.
"For what it's worth, the Young Duke and I once shared wine together, just the two of us. Feel free to ask him."
"T… that's something even I've never…"
I hadn't lied—after all, we had spoken about Luciana over drinks.
Negotiations required bait the other party would bite at. And it wasn't hard to guess what she wanted.
"Lady Parnell, you too can have such opportunities."
I whispered softly in her ear.
"After graduation, you're planning to work in the North, aren't you?"
"…How did you—"
"Did I not say? The Young Duke is watching you closely. Always."
Who would ever predict a noble faction student heading to the harsh North? Truly, she was devoted.
"I'll assist you. I'll see to it that you can serve as a knight by his side."
"You? You're merely an attendant—how could you…"
Merely an attendant? Hah. I'd already been offered the future role of Head Attendant by Egor, and Treasurer by the Young Duke himself. In the North, my influence would hardly be small.
"Well, if you decline, so be it. But it won't be easy for an outsider to make her way in the North…"
Trailing off, I watched as she hastily grabbed my wrist.
"P-please, give me time to think. I still doubt your relationship with Lord Speda, and whether you truly hold such influence."
"As you wish."
I shrugged.
Her suspicion was a hurdle, but once cleared, everything would proceed swiftly.
After all, I hadn't told any fatal lies. Once she checked the facts, she would already be half-ensnared.
"But when you return to me, you'll need to bring a small gift."
"A… a gift? Forgive me, but I'm planning to leave my family; I've nothing to offer—"
"Ah, I don't mean a bribe."
I placed a hand on her shoulder.
"As you pointed out, my master still lacks the qualifications for the presidency. But with a worthy teacher, she would gain greatly."
Student Council President.
You—join our side.
If you do, your future will be guaranteed.
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