"What in the world…?"
I could only blink blankly at the sudden turn of events before my eyes.
Jaihin's pattern just now had been nothing less than an instant-death move—
an attack so overwhelming that neither defense nor counterattack was allowed, leaving only desperate evasion.
That was why I had screamed my lungs out telling her to dodge.
'…And she blocked it that easily?'
In the original story, Jaihin was a mid-boss.
But so was Luciana.
And in this moment of hierarchy reordering, she had met his instant-kill technique with her own.
'No, more than that… what even was Luciana's technique?'
I could swear I knew more about Luciana than anyone else in this world.
I was her fan, after all—
and at the same time, the one who had cleared the mid-boss Luciana Speda.
[Notepad]
[Phase 1 Patterns]
[Crescent Slash]
[Usually the very first move she shows once the duel starts. She'll throw it out whenever you enter range.]
[The damage isn't too big if you've got armor, but the short start-up and the way it interferes with countermech makes it highly disruptive. Best avoided whenever possible…]
[Quick Draw]
[Aura Release]
[Fivefold Sword Aura]
[Phase 2 Patterns]
[…]
Back then, all the community boards had were complaints.
No real information circulated—so in this field, I had been the pioneer.
I had analyzed each and every one of Luciana's patterns in the original.
And yet, even I had never once seen the unique technique she just unleashed.
"Hans? Why are you staring like that?"
"Ah! Forgive me, how rude of me! I only meant—earlier, I acted so presumptuously…"
"Oh, is that what it was? Fufu. A retainer worrying for their liege is only natural. You needn't worry anymore. As you can see, the demon has been silenced."
…Even I was shocked.
Though she'd taken some minor injuries,
who would've thought she'd snuff out one of the Demon King's Four Heavenly Kings in a single strike?
I let my gaze slip down from her face to her waist.
Sure enough, the biggest reason Luciana could wield a skill even I didn't know about was that sword.
'Well, so much for a "mere MacGuffin." It's pulling its weight.'
Whoever says "a master doesn't blame her tools" is spouting nonsense.
Especially in an RPG-based world like this—equipment is no luxury, it's a necessity.
And in that sense, not only my weapon but hers too seemed to suit her hand perfectly.
'I thought I'd caught up to her with my unique magic… what a delusion.'
I was like a sparrow puffing itself up beneath a soaring stork.
In the original, I'd only had to worry about the rapier's unique skills.
But now, in facing her, there were clearly many more factors to consider.
"Such a shame. I'd originally meant to debut my new unique technique against you, but some interloper stole the chance."
"You… meant to use it on me? If I've done something wrong, please tell me. I'll correct myself."
"Fufu, your jokes are always first-rate. Your only flaw is how you steep your tea."
…Not a joke, though.
How am I supposed to handle that?
But unlike me, she was perfectly serious.
She had faith that I could break through even her unique technique.
That faith was written all over her voice, her eyes, her manner.
'Well, it's not a bad thing, really.'
If I set aside that somewhat heavy burden of trust—
there was no reason not to welcome it.
A new unique skill meant Luciana's strength had taken a leap forward.
It would surely help in the big crises of the main story—
whether the broken engagement or the calamity subjugations.
"Still, though we've dealt with the interloper, the dueling ground's a wreck. A pity, but our duel will have to wait for another day."
Oh no. That's dangerous talk.
"On that matter… there's something I wish to say."
"Oh? And what would that be?"
What would I gain from a duel with Luciana?
The student council president's seat didn't suit me.
And I certainly had no desire to become the victim of her ridiculously overpowered unique skill.
I had no interest in a fight full of nothing but risk.
"Please forgive my impudence."
"…Up to something again, are you?"
Before my duel-crazed lady knight could argue her side,
I took the initiative.
"Headmaster! I know you're watching from beyond the golem. I have a proposal, if you'd hear me out."
Though I addressed the headmaster, I raised my voice loudly despite the golem standing right there.
Because this was an appeal to every student still present.
—…Beep. Communication link established.
From the battle-worn golem, an inorganic voice rang out.
Then, a far more human voice followed—thick with jowls. The headmaster's.
—What is it, Hans Byron?
"Since the duel was interrupted, strictly speaking Luciana's words are right—
we should set another date and continue properly. However!"
This wasn't just some side quest.
This was the main story's mission laid upon me.
No—beyond that, it was my duty as Luciana's retainer, and as her number-one fan.
To fulfill that, I spoke up.
"How could I, Hans Byron, presume to take the student council presidency when Luciana, the true hero of this incident, stands here?"
—Oh? Are you saying…
"Yes. I hereby withdraw from the duel."
Luciana's eyes flared like torches, but the golem's voice only sounded intrigued.
—Why so? From my perspective, your leadership in rallying the students alone would qualify you for the presidency.
Was this guy trying to help or hinder?
"No, sir. If not for Luciana's personal struggle against the demon, no hope would have existed for me to fan. My role was nothing but a push on the back of those who already had the will to fight. Nothing more, nothing less."
—You underestimate yourself.
"No matter what you say, I intend to withdraw. That's my right as a student."
—Of course. But whether the rest of the students will accept it… that's another matter.
I knew exactly what he was getting at.
After so many contestants had withdrawn already—
if in the final match a retainer simply handed the presidency to his mistress, it would look farcical.
—The student council president must lead all students. Will anyone truly follow if the seat is seen as gifted?
Sharp, as expected of the headmaster.
This wasn't some kiddie game to him.
But I was confident. His concern was baseless.
"Headmaster, please look there."
I pointed to Jaihin's corpse.
Greatsword, rapier, katana, kukri—
and finally a dagger, lodged right in the heart.
The high-ranking demon's body was covered with the marks of Luciana's unique skill.
But on closer look, there were other wounds too.
"See the stumps where the wings were severed? That was Oparn, who blocked his blow, and through the opening I created, the Third Prince himself carved them off."
My finger moved to the legs.
"Lady Kaspera's ice magic—sharp as her temperament. She pierced those mighty Revine muscles with frozen spikes."
Then I gestured at the head.
"And my fiancée, Lady Elizabeth—her fire cooked his eyes golden brown. One wonders if he even saw his end clearly."
—…
"Headmaster, Luciana has already won everyone's hearts. That corpse is the proof."
Though she delivered the finishing blow,
this high-ranking demon's body was everyone's achievement.
And it was, simultaneously, Luciana's first true act as student council president.
'Now then… let's see your answer.'
Would the noble students deny her?
Not a chance.
Who would discard the chance to claim they'd helped slay a high-ranking demon?
—Hahaha… you surprise me. Against your rhetoric, even the imperial chancellor is easier to face.
"I am unworthy of such praise, Headmaster."
The golem even mimed rubbing its chin like a human.
—I concede. She is already, in every sense, the student council president.
"Then you accept my withdrawal?"
—Of course. As faculty, I have no wish to infringe on student autonomy.
Empty words.
Just a moment ago he was poking his nose in with all the authority he could muster.
But apparently aware of it himself,
the golem scratched the back of its metal head and added:
—I recognize it. Luciana Speda, congratulations on your accession as student council president.
The most prestigious position for any young noble.
The headmaster's words sealed it.
Luciana accepted the acknowledgement with her usual calm.
"Well, it's a bit of a pity not to have tested myself against my retainer… but that can wait for another day."
As if it were only natural the seat was hers,
she received the headmaster's recognition without hesitation.
To the crown prince or her rivals, it must have looked insufferably arrogant.
But that confident, unflinching demeanor—that was Luciana's charm.
"Congratulations!"
I began clapping,
and applause soon filled the shattered dueling ground for the birth of a new president.
Academy Daily
The New Student Council President: Luciana Speda
Vice President Hans Byron, Secretary chosen for balance—a Kaspera of the noble faction…
Concerns remain over the president being only a first-year, lacking experience…
Meanwhile, speculation grows over the crown prince fiancé being deliberately excluded, fueling rumors of discord…
"Hmph. Useless fluff."
Another noble takes the council president's seat.
And this time, from a duke's house.
"…Perhaps things were better under Reisia. At least she cared about mercenaries and adventurers, tried welfare policies."
In the supervisor's office of the commoners' dormitory, Dean of Discipline Marks dropped the newspaper onto his desk.
Reisia had been a baron's daughter, relatively low-ranked—so she could show such policies.
But with Luciana, there'd be no such expectation.
"Tch. As if the highborn would ever know our plight…"
Still, there were silver linings.
Hans Byron, vice president, was known for his sympathy toward commoners.
And in the disciplinary squad, both Oparn and Georg—both commoners—had seats.
"…Actually, that might make it better than under Reisia."
For all her merits, Reisia had constantly been cautious with her council appointments,
hampered by her baron household's low standing.
But Luciana?
Her appointments were bold.
A baron's son.
A member of the rival noble faction.
And even commoners.
And behind her was not just her personal strength,
but the unassailable Speda dukedom.
No one could rein her in.
"…But it's still not enough."
To Professor Marks, the academy was rife with injustice.
They said the days of ignoring commoner talent were over.
But most gifted commoners still had their light buried in the mud.
Meritocracy, they called it.
He sneered.
He knew all too well that noble politics skewed those "merits."
For now, things had leaned in favor of commoners—thanks to Darius, Reisia, and now Luciana.
But let a single noble hostile to them claim the presidency, and it would all collapse.
"…This old body won't be a professor forever. I'd best start preparing."
In his hands were stacks of letters.
A scorpion, a viper, handcuffs, iron bars, a man's snarling face…
the wax seals varied wildly.
"…Heh. The westerners are getting restless."
Well, no matter.
Tools to be used, nothing more.
"Let's review the plan once more."
As the old man's thoughts deepened,
the lamp in his office burned long into the night.
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