Episode 19. evil is evil

In the dull and stiff Agoge dormitory, there was no space for students to meet and chat or write assignments together.

I don’t even want a lounge. If you give me a few empty rooms, I would be grateful to use them as a meeting room, but the Agoge dormitory did not readily accept such a request.

Several times, Agoge students have proposed to the dormitory head to expand the resting facilities, but all requests have always been rejected on the basis of budget shortfalls, with the statement that even the cost of repairing public facilities destroyed by delinquent students is already over budget.

The same goes for putting in a complaint to the student council, and the answer that came back was not good. Even when the reply was written in a dignified envelope in a polite tone, the content was all about talking to the dorm manager about the dorm.

“what! Is there a cafe in this place? Carly, are there any places in the school that you don’t know about?”

In the end, the students living in the agoge dormitory often visited cafes outside the school.

The 2nd Street cafes, which first started shooting at commoners who had nowhere to go during class breaks, have recently become Kiruna’s famous tourist destinations even for aristocrats.

“Mina, what did you order?”

“I just espresso.”

“Ugh, I couldn’t eat it because it was bitter.”

“Are you Carly?”

“I have a strawberry smoothie.”

Mina and Carly all took 6 different types of drinks and went to the table where the rest of the party had gathered.

There were only six roommates in rooms 2-17 in the underground cafe with the concept of a used bookstore where they gathered. It’s hard to find, so it’s a good place to talk about secrets.

While sharing a sip of a drink and chatting about this and that, Jion was the first to bring up the story of Professor Ian.

“By the way, guys. How did you guys see it?”

“what?”

“Professor Ian.”

The atmosphere that had been lively until just now calmed down in an instant.

His class was like a storm.

The white eyes of the frill princess.

They were the girls who sat at the front of the auditorium, watching all of that.

Professor Ian, whom the girls faced so closely… . He was a person that could not be easily explained by just one encounter.

“I do not know. But one thing’s for sure… .”

“Harin, please… .”

“Looking at it up close, he’s even more handsome! A soldier too! Exciting!”

Everyone else smiled and sighed, but thanks to Harin breaking the silence, several stories began to emerge.

“First of all, I don’t think he’s crazy about women like Professor Bunniher. Maybe he’s just crazy.”

“Did it seem strange to Melia? I was cool, but-. If you see a lot of dissatisfaction with our school, you might be able to communicate better with us than with the nobles.”

“So are you being nice to Mina?”

“By the way, didn’t Professor Ian say that he didn’t get along very well with Princess Frill? I saw the two of them today and they got along very well. They are perfect masters and their favorite disciples.”

“Professor Ian didn’t treat the princess well because he was worried that such talk would keep going around? Ah, it’s hard to conclude that the princess’s attitude has changed a bit today… .”

“Oh right! Why is Princess Frill studying so hard all of a sudden? Heck, could it be that you fell in love with Mina on the first day of class?”

“… what? Why am I there?”

“Or maybe Professor!? and! Princess Noble Commoner! This is so exciting. Wow! it hurts!”

“Leave it like that.”

At that time, Kali, who stopped Harin by slapping her on the forehead just before going out of control, sipped her smoothie once and cleared her throat.

“… I’ll be sure of this one thing. I think Professor Ian. People seem to be fine.”

“Five? Kali who covers people like that?”

“Listen to the end, Yuka. People say it’s okay. Professor Ian is afraid of the negative aspects of this place, which everyone pretends not to know, but still exists… . He is someone who can look straight ahead and come out.”

“Five-“

“But on the other hand, it is very dangerous. You don’t hesitate to say dangerous things no matter who sees it. You don’t know what you might get into with that person if you get close to them.”

Carly was also dissatisfied with this school, but I did not have the courage to express my complaints in front of people in such a public place.

‘Sounds cheesy, but yes. ‘Cause I’m scared.’

To the extent of violating school rules, dressing freely, drinking alcohol secretly, and swearing at the professor and the school while not being seen by others.

It was even the same reason why Agoge’s anti-aristocratic idiots, who would throw stones at nobles and then beat them in the back of the head with a club, secretly worked only at night.

No matter how much I roll my eyes and pretend to foam at the mouth. In the end, it’s because the power of this school is scary.

But Professor Ian… . Has fear paralyzed me?

‘Has there ever been a single professor or student who has publicly criticized Kiruna in a large auditorium in front of over 200 people? Kiruna is also close to the imperial family, isn’t it?’

I admit that one gut is a great person.

Whether it’s the imperial family or the principal, it’s really rare for anyone to say no. It took courage to risk one’s life to say in front of anyone that evil is evil anyway.

Mina, who had been silently listening to Carly’s words, nodded.

“Carly, you are right. even… . Because he knew very well that he would not be able to stay here for two years and be fired because of his remarks… . At first, I thought Professor Ian didn’t even know that kind of atmosphere.”

“Yes, Mina. Professor Ian is such a person. Maybe Professor Ian was good to you because of his personality. He doesn’t care about nobles and commoners, and he treats students who follow him diligently. That’s the school’s rules.”

“Oh, so… . Even for Princess Frill, today is like that… .”

Somehow, while brushing Mina’s hair, which looked a little down, Carly said to her.

“What does that matter? Your feelings have nothing to do with it. I will support you even if you say you will pursue that person for the rest of your life.”

“… yes?”

“Even if that person doesn’t particularly like you, does that change anything? It’s up to you whether you like it or not. But Mina, you should think carefully about whether you can handle Professor Ian.”

Can you handle someone who wants to take the right but dangerous path?

“If you love someone who is looking up, you will get hurt. I’ve seen a lot of people like that.”

Unless he goes up the stairs with him, there won’t be many things Professor Ian will look after Mina properly.

No matter how much you try, that person will continue to go on a thorny path, can you endure that?

Can you help until the end while continuing to watch the suffering?

“If you don’t have the confidence to do that, just keep Professor Ian in your mind as a decent person. That would be great.”

Carly didn’t want an immediate answer. Because it was a difficult question for everyone.

A heart that could end in unrequited love. No, whether the heart right now is love, respect, or just a fleeting fantasy. An unfamiliar feeling that I am not even sure about yet.

‘If I really put my heart down here, quickly. If you fold your wings without even trying… . I won’t regret it later.’

Mina pondered for a long time in everyone’s thoughtful silence, then gave an answer.

“I… .”

* * *

“Professor, how did you cleanse your thoughts like that? It’s comfortable just looking at it… ! It’s really amazing!”

“… .”

Maybe because Ina’s attention was burdensome, Meriel was hiding behind me.

She was showing off a lot of trouble with Ina, but it seems that she is so innocent that she can’t read it.

This cute wolf girl is now… . After making eye contact with Meriel behind me, I became more excited and began to chatter.

“Professor, how did you become so close with the Commander?”

“… Are you friendly?”

“Yeah! You are very friendly! Ministering a ghost is similar to taking in a stray dog and raising it.”

It was impressive for some reason that a child who couldn’t let his tail go unattended like a puppy would choose the word abandoned dog.

“At first, he was a bitch, people were very wary, and his condition was not good right now. Even if you approach them carefully, ask them questions, sympathize with them, and open your heart slowly, the commanding officers are barely able to communicate at all… .”

“Hmm.”

“When I say something, all I can hear is buzz, buzz, buzz… .”

“So, is it really difficult to have a conversation with your own commander?”

“of course! It was hard on my dad too! Did I really think that pretty kid was the professor’s guardian spirit?”

“… That is, this girl.”

“Yeah! It means that I completely opened my heart to the professor! I envy you. To be honest, if I look at it for more than 5 seconds, my stomach hurts… Because there are many spirits. Because they make themselves what they think.”

“is it?”

“They can’t see themselves in the mirror, so they don’t even know how they look to others, but that kid seems very happy to be with the professor. Isn’t it because I want to be liked by the professor and remain like that? I have never seen such a case in my life!”

“Interesting.”

I looked back at Meriel, who was hiding behind me, and was pinched.

If this happens, during the nobility culture class at night, you might be scolded for your usual stomach.

Meriel is in a lot of trouble, but I will have to send Ina back soon.

“… Ina, I am not a necromancer.”

“Then how can you be such a cute kid… ! Wow! We made eye contact! Can’t you just touch it once?”

“Can not be done. And listen to the end.”

“Ah, yes. sorry.”

“I am not a necromancer, but I made a contract with this child. It wasn’t that I wanted to use this child for something.”

“So, are you suitable for being alone?”

“Not even that.”

I looked up at the sky for a moment. And after apologizing for about two seconds, he looked straight at Ina and said.

“… Goddess tell me.”

“A goddess!?”

“Yes. Elma led me to this child and told me to save the ghost who always thinks of others even in pitiful circumstances.”

“Oh oh… ! Then, you are a perfectly good commander who has been certified by the Goddess!”

“yes. So, I can’t tell you how to get rid of the spirit’s evil thoughts. Because it is a miracle of the goddess. And this kid tends to be very shy.”

“oh. Come to think of it, I keep hiding behind it.”

“Okay, if you don’t have any more questions to ask of me, just leave.”

“thanked. professor! Can I come over if I have any more questions?”

“… I will not be taking questions about the command.”

“Yep! Thanks for your time! Commander friend is also good! Sorry to startle you.”

She waved friendly at Meriel, met my eyes, and quickly left the office.

The tumultuous office was enveloped in silence again.

“transformation.”

“why not?”

* * *

“Heril, you made a budget like this, but did it pass?”

“Rise. Princess Euril is the student council president, would you have approved it if I doubled it here? I know everything about the principal’s personality.”

Since it was winter vacation, the student council room was quiet.

Rize and Haril were working on the student council budget for this semester.

Working for the public good even when everyone is resting is a natural thing as the vice president of the student body. Heryl, head of general affairs department, didn’t seem to think so, but Rize was very proud of this time.

“Even so… . A 40% increase compared to last year?”

“It’s not like we’re charging students, is it? Wouldn’t it be nice to take it out of the school and use it for the students? Could you edit more? Then I have to stay here all night… .”

“For everyone… .”

At those words, Rize was shaken.

The student council support has increased by almost half compared to last year. With this, we can build that much more facilities for students. If only we had more magical experiment supplies and shared more snacks.

Then, more students than last year can live affluent lives.

Of course, it was the same as extorting money from the principal with Princess Euril’s power on his back, so he wasn’t proud. If I say that I am not here, will I become an inflexible vice president?

Wouldn’t arguing about principles and principles eventually take away the opportunity to give more happiness and welfare to students?

We are working hard for everyone, and our efforts are recognized by everyone.

‘Can I betray their expectations?’

The student council represents the students, so she has to be on their side. I had to move for the interests of the students… .

“… okay. Let’s document this tomorrow and report it to the student council president first.”

“Because that’s right. How many days do you have left to benefit from the princess at the student council? You will be graduating next year.”

“yes… . This would be the right way.”

That moment when Rize hardened her heart.

bang-!!

“… what? Who opened the student council room door so fearlessly! I’m not afraid of the princess-“

Seeing the face of the opponent who had stormed into the student council room, Haril could not shoot any further and froze. It was the same with Lee.

“lee… my.”

It looked like a tree that had been hit dozens of times with an axe.

The left cheek was almost crushed, the lips were torn and all the air leaked out, and the pronunciation was twisted and slurred.

The sleeves and hair were still dripping with cold water. Two eyes full of tears.

Scattered dark brown hair, as if someone had brutally grabbed it.

After seeing her hair color, Rize was able to recognize the other person. That’s why she was such a miserable figure.

“… sepia?”

I once expressed my dissatisfaction with the student president to a few friends around me, and was classified as a dangerous student by the student council… Lewis Sepia.

She twisted her twitching lips somehow and continued to talk to Rize with difficulty.

“… At some point, no one looked at me in the eyes. Even though I was walking in the hallway like this, everyone pretended not to know? huh? Professors, even maids.”

“ah… .”

“How long… . Are you going to do this? How much longer do you have to be quiet?”

Haril left quietly. According to the implicit guidelines, Rize had to do the same.

But her feet and lips never thought to fall. That Sepia is being bullied is… I already knew.

As the vice president of the student body, almost everything that happens in the Paideia dormitory is heard in her ears.

There was no way she didn’t know that sepia became the student president’s thorn in an instant, and that from the moment Princess Euril turned it around and expressed it, everyone treated her as a ghost.

I didn’t know that he would torture me so openly that it would even bleed… .

“Rize, you too… . You are not looking into my eyes.”

“no… .”

“I thought you wouldn’t.”

The 117th student council, led by Princess Euril.

Everyone praises with their mouths, it’s the heyday of the student council.

With the authority of Princess Auril on her back, she renovated the entire Paideia dormitory… A student council for students, only for students.

The reason why the student council was able to ignore the professors, principals, and vice principals at all was thanks to Princess Euryll. Most of the students, who benefit from the most powerful student council ever, were well aware of this, so everyone enthusiastically supported her.

overwhelming approval rating.

After being elected student council president in her sophomore year, her successive tenure seemed clear. Year 3, year 4, her era will end.

The third princess, who had both public sentiment and power, was not merciful, fearfully.

Sepia, who dared to challenge the princess, briefly stared at Rize with a completely collapsed appearance… . I turned around and tried to leave the student council room.

Seeing Sepia’s back, Rize cried out without realizing it.

“No, I… !”

I.

Still I… . I’ve tried.

‘Princess Auril… ?’

‘What’s up, Rize? so carefully. Are you sick?’

‘Nope. That, Louis Sepia… . It has been over a month since I was classified as a ‘at risk student’. Observation has confirmed that she is no longer risk speaking. Since you seem to be sincerely reflecting-‘

‘Rize?’

Princess Auril’s smile at that time is still unforgettable.

‘Who is Sepia?’

From there, how could I have brought you back to the bosom of this school?

It was the absolute authority of the current imperial family that even such an excuse was not allowed.

The power of the royal family, built up with the blood of the Stella family, is that high.

You must bow your head and obey those who inherit the blood of the sun. If I don’t want to lose my life and all my family…

‘Under any circumstances, is evil evil?’

‘For everyone’s sake, is it really the right way for Princess Euril to continue serving as student council president?’

The answers to those questions that roamed Rize’s head seemed to be replaced by Sepia’s vacant seat, which eventually left.

In the student council room, which was praised by everyone and honored, the smell of the toilet bowl stirred.