How To Live As An Academy Extra Villain

✦ Chapter 100 ✦

「Translator – Creator」

Originally, prophecies by nature were vague, ambiguous hints. 

The prophecy from the necromancer that the Army of Punishment would arrive in the Promised Land was no different.

And such kinds of beliefs could easily be found among those of other faiths as well; not necessarily demon worshippers.

Though Cecila too had said she would propose establishing an Inquisition branch based on that prophecy before leaving, it was merely a pretext — she herself did not seem to seriously believe those words. However, as one who knows the future to some degree, I must admit those words sound somewhat different to me.

The necromancer clearly stated it had received a baptism infusing its body with mana. And if there were others who underwent such a baptism, they may be able to withstand mana from the demon realm without using holy water, just like me.

If such people actually exist, roaming between realms and scheming unknown movements behind the scenes…

Of course, there was no proof yet, but reasons for suspicion were sufficient.  

The demon realm may even be a holy land for such people — the very place where the Great Demon was destroyed forever by the hands of the Hero.

Using the recent troll invasion as an excuse, I had already proposed to my father that we reinforce the eastern borders. And my father heeded my request, so our key positions bordering the demon realm wastelands were now fortified beyond comparison to before.

However, this was only half a solution, as we absolutely needed those on the other side who could take similar action in parallel.

“…It’s hard to give you a definitive answer. The wasteland is so vast that our clan alone has limits…”

“I don’t think it’s a good idea to get help from others. And I’m not expecting to completely block them off either. I’m just asking for as much as you can do.”

Hearing my words, Isana nodded in agreement.

“Understood. I’ll talk to my master. But are you sure there are such fellows out there…?”

“For now. For now it’s just my speculation. And I hope my hunch is wrong.”

After our conversation, Isana said she would go on a short outing before returning and took her leave. I too made my way back to the estate.

The one reassuring thing was that even if there were those scheming chaos, it seemed unlikely the Demon King had any connection to them. If the Demon King intended to make this land its paradise, there would be no reason to have been so lukewarm about invasion and moderate in the later treaty.

So I should keep watch on the hardliner demon clans who pushed for invasion instead.

But anything beyond that was outside my jurisdiction, so I could only leave it to the Demon King and Isana from here on…

* * * * *

As I returned to the estate, I saw a large, ornate carriage parked in front of the main gate. A flag depicting a snake coiling around a lily was fluttering from the carriage — this was the crest of Cilla.

Come to think of it, Estelle had mentioned she would visit during the break…?

“You’ve arrived, young master?”

“Hudson. Has my sister come?”

“Yes. She arrived about an hour ago.”

I asked the busily moving butler, who paused his work and nodded.

“And father?”

“He has not yet returned from his outing. And he left instructions for you to entertain Miss Estelle well.”

“But sister came this suddenly without a word…”

“A messenger did arrive yesterday. Perhaps the Count was too busy recently to inform you…”

“I see? Well then…hold on.”

Although I was startled by Estelle’s unexpected arrival, another thought crossed my mind.

Did Estelle know about Adele’s existence?

Reflecting on it, I only recalled postponing the conversation due to Estelle’s notorious attitude towards commoner students at the academy.

“Hudson. Do you know where Adele is?”

“If it’s the young lady, she’s with Lady Estelle in the reception room…”

“What?”

“Young master? Wait…”

Before Hudson could finish, my body moved of its own accord toward the reception room.

With Estelle’s personality, I doubted she would take too kindly to Adele.

Not just her origins, but the Cilla family also had problems related to illegitimate children a few years ago. And unlike our family, which had quietly passed it over, their situation almost had Estelle overturn the entire family.

In the end, the person in question died mysteriously and the matter was hushed up, but it was still an unpleasant memory for Estelle.

I can’t let Estelle say anything harsh to Adele…

Soon I arrived at the reception room and cautiously approached the door. Instead of grabbing the handle, I pressed my ear against the door to assess the situation first.

Thankfully no commotion seemed to be happening yet, but I needed to check the situation inside regardless.

Pressing my ear closer, the murmuring voices inside became clearer.

— Isn’t she? How ever can she be so clever?

And the first thing I heard was Estel’s voice, which sounded very happy. For a moment, my heart skipped a beat, but I gathered my senses and put my ear back to the door. Adele’s voice replied to Estelle’s.

— Very good. Now, say “ah-ha.”

— Ah… ah? Nyam… uh…

— Oh my goodness. How can even eating be so cute? Just like a little bird. Now, say “ah-” again.

— Ah… nyam nyam…

— Here, have some milk too. Alright, let’s try again. What did I say before?

— Nyam… gulp. You said that “OO” means “OO” and “OO” means “OO”…

-That’s right! Oh my goodness, truly a bright spark unmatched. Where did such a child come from? Your brother used to run up a tree at the mere mention of studying when he was young…

— *Gulp*

“Sister, you’ve arrived?”

Thankfully my worries did not come to pass, but Estelle was just about to scold me harshly. And over what, childhood stories?

I could no longer just observe, so I opened the reception room door.

“Edwin, you’re here?” 

“Big brother!”

Hearing my voice, Adele sprang up from her seat and ran over to me, as affectionate as if we hadn’t seen each other in months.

As I scooped Adele up in a hug, a delighted squeal burst from her lips.

“Kyaah!”

Estelle welcomed me too, but feigned being hurt watching Adele scamper over to me.

“…And I thought I was so adored…”

“Well, it’s no competition there. Adele, want to go play in your room for a bit? Big brother needs to talk to sister Estelle.”

“Heehee…okay…”

Though Adele seemed reluctant, she finally smiled and left the reception room after I said it wouldn’t take long.

As Adele left after curtseying to Estelle, Estelle’s expression instantly melted.

“My, she has such lovely manners. I hate to say it, but she’s completely different from you when you were her age.”

“Can you please stop with those childhood stories? You were just telling Adele those same things earlier…where does that leave my dignity as a brother?”

“Huh. You and dignity? Don’t make me laugh.”

“Whew…but I’m relieved. That you seem to approve of Adele…”

“Whatever do you mean? Why would I mistreat such an adorable little bird?”

Estelle seemed genuinely perplexed at my cautious broaching of the topic.

“Well…her origins…and her relation to Father…”

“Ah, I got the broad details from Hudson earlier. But why would that matter?”

“…Don’t you dislike…those at the academy too…”

“Me? Why would I…”

Though I couldn’t voice it directly, Estelle seemed to understand what I was implying. She approached me, grabbing both my cheeks and squishing them playfully.

“Honestly. I thought you’d grown up, but you’re still an utter dimwit. How dare you place upstart worms on the same level as family? She’s nowhere near unpalatable enough to be treated with disdain like them.”

“Ugh…”

“You need to make apt comparisons. I had a light exchange with her earlier — she’s simply brilliant beyond her years. Even her appearance is exceptionally lovely. Her common blood is regrettable, but that’s on you and Uncle to account for, is it not?”

“You…make a fair point…”

Estelle finally released my cheeks after thoroughly pinching them.  I felt a bit guilty for underestimating her. Despite her personality being somewhat similar to mine in the past, Estelle seemed to view matters far more rationally.

If my memories hadn’t returned, could I have treated Adele this kindly? No matter how I considered it, I could not confidently answer YES.

“Well now, Estelle. A proper lady in the time I haven’t seen you. An engagement would hardly seem out of place — we could have a wedding immediately, haha.”

“Uncle. It’s not so simple as saying it. One doesn’t get married alone — there must be a suitable partner.”

“Haha, finding one adequate in Cilla’s eyes would certainly be no easy feat. Let’s hear it then.”

My father had returned from his duties, and we moved to the dining hall to start dinner. The addition of Estelle made the table feel much livelier.

She discussed various matters of state with Father. As I picked through Adele’s peppers, I overheard parts of their conversation.

The first half of the Imperial Parliament was in chaos. Based on the recent instability, several bills were added to the agenda of the Parliament —

➛ A bill to station a certain proportion of the Central Knights Order in each major territory,

➛ A bill to use part of the taxes collected from each territory for the cost of their stationing,

➛ A bill to limit the amount of land that local nobles can own,

➛ A bill to increase the number of commoner seats in the Parliament,

➛ A bill to increase the length of time that noble children mandatory stay in the capital by an additional 30%.

They were spearheaded by Lord Leonard, the Emperor’s brother; the Austin family from Patricia; and the Robinette family, who had recently regained influence. Though there were reasonable justifications, they faced fierce opposition from Estelle’s family, the Cilla.

The Duke of Cilla, Estelle’s father, immediately mobilized his knights for a show of force, leading to mediation by the academy’s Principal, Evangeline. This led to a return to the status quo, and Parliament’s proceedings ended inconclusively amidst the chaos.

“…According to my sources, all four gates remain firmly shut. It’s been four days, but there’s no sign of them opening. Something must have happened in the capital.”

“Even Cilla’s intelligence network can’t figure it out properly?”

“We have no way of knowing what’s going on inside the palace. There were reports of faint explosions, but even those are uncertain.”

“Hmh, I see…”

Father fell into contemplation upon hearing Estelle’s report.

“Alright, it might not be as serious as it seems. You might not know this, but such incidents have happened before.”

“…Is that so…”

“Now now, Estelle. Don’t look so glum — your worry is plain as day. Remember, we’re a family of the Emperor’s former administrators. Let’s leave it at that for now and talk about something light, shall we? Edwin?”

“Yes, Father.”

“Do you have anyone you’re dating at the academy?”

*Clank*

Though Father asked innocuously, the atmosphere at the table suddenly tensed.  

The fork slipped from Estelle’s hand, who always maintained her poise, and rolled to the floor.

And for some reason, Adele was looking at me with an utterly bewildered expression.

— End of Chapter —

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