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206: The Start of the Festival (3)

Suddenly, the broadcast of the match was cut off.

Citizens expressed their discontent, and high-ranking officials harbored suspicions.

In the end, the head of the Bloodymir School, who had held a significant grudge against Aligieri, began to engage in political maneuvering.

One by one, others joined in.

‘What if casualties occur at such an event?’

Gerard had spoken with the Radon Crawler before sitting in this spectator stand.

At first, he felt uncertain, but the more he thought about it, the more he had to believe it.

Thanks to the behavior of Crown Prince Karis, it was now clear that the royal family was suspicious.

‘Things are getting too complicated.’

First of all, it was suspicious that the Emperor, referred to as a Sage Monarch, neglected his children in such a way.

And seeing the hostility that Prince Karis displayed towards Aligieri made him wonder if the Emperor was just as guilty.

While it was indeed the principal’s responsibility that the screen went dark, there was no proof that it was intentional.

Still, the head of the school’s one-sided actions were difficult to understand.

‘What if that claim isn’t true?’

It would only lead to humiliation in a place like this.

Especially in the presence of the Emperor, he might live in shame for the rest of his life.

He must have been aware of that himself, so why engage in this useless incitement?

‘What the hell is he relying on to act like this?’

It wasn’t just the school head who wanted to punish Aligieri.

Just moments ago, Master White Tower had also raised objections to the principal’s words.

Gerard, who hadn’t taken his eyes off the scene, could feel the hostility emanating from Master White Tower towards the principal.

‘If such a person dies here, the school head’s incitement will surely intensify.’

Especially since Master White Tower was in charge of interspecies relations.

Considering his high standing among the different tribes, it wouldn’t be surprising if they charged at Aligieri at any moment.

Gerard was relieved that he was able to protect Master White Tower.

“Are you alright?”

“Y-yes, I am.”

Gerard blocked a shadow’s fist with his sword, causing Master White Tower to show a look of surprise.

It was a gathering of highly skilled individuals, so it wasn’t unusual that they were caught off guard.

The one merged with the shadow had neither mana nor presence.

It truly was an ability focused entirely on ambush.

However, the price was devastating.

“It’s gone.”

“No, it has been annihilated.”

Just attempting that impressive ambush was enough for the shadow to automatically vanish.

Even if he wanted to ask who commanded it, it was impossible to do so anymore.

“No, how…?”

Everyone had a look of disbelief on their faces as they realized Master White Tower had been protected.

Yet it was only Master White Tower who continued to look bewildered.

He looked like a person whose beautiful painting had been suddenly ruined by spilled ink.

“Your Majesty, I’m sorry, but I think we need to halt the tournament.”

“What do you mean by that? Is it your intention to dampen the spirits of the citizens who have been anticipating this event?”

As Gerard spoke, the Emperor rebuked him.

In the midst of this surprising situation, Principal Kaeden intervened.

“I believe we should heed Sir Gerard’s opinion.”

“What do you mean suddenly? If this tournament is canceled, all the losses will fall on you, won’t they?”

From the Emperor’s perspective, wishing for Aligieri’s downfall wasn’t entirely a bad limitation.

However, he was curious about why Kaeden rushed such a decision.

“There was a similar incident in Aligieri’s past. It’s probably an event everyone is familiar with.”

The Nine-Tailed Fox incident, the Mosria incident, the revolt led by Sir Jason.

Recently, Aligieri had faced all sorts of difficulties.

Having become accustomed to the flow of incidents, Kaeden was now trying to take measures to prevent it in advance.

“Certainly, there were many criticisms and troubles, but still…”

“Yes, all the blame will pile onto us. However, this time it doesn’t feel right. The audacity to attempt an assassination in the Emperor’s presence is just too much to dismiss.”

Moreover, this wasn’t an issue limited to the academy.

It involved numerous citizens from the entire Empire gathering together.

How much power would it take to ruin such a massive event?

At the very least, the worst situation would ensue where citizens would get caught up in it.

“Are you saying you’ll choose the lesser of two evils?”

“That’s correct. It’s the guiding principle passed down from our Lady Dantia, who always valued life above all else.”

“…!”

Dantia. The mention of her name made the Emperor’s brows twitch.

Three hundred years ago, she was the one who constantly obstructed his path, and just thinking of her made his stomach turn.

This Magical Banquet was similarly an event held in commemoration of Dantia’s death anniversary.

Many people in the Empire remembered Dantia.

But it was strange. Why was it that he, in particular, had no one remembering him?

How could there be such a stark difference even in death?

Crack—

Feeling inferior, the Emperor gritted his teeth.

He needed to somehow bring about the downfall of Aligieri.

By today, the day of Dantia’s death anniversary, he must succeed.

‘Just like back then! I’ll erase the trust of those imperial citizens!’

The Emperor burned with this resolve.

However, the initial plan—that Master White Tower would commit suicide—had backfired. As it stood, he had no choice but to proceed with the pre-prepared Plan B.

‘I’d rather not use that plan if I can help it.’

It was a risky plan that could put not only allies but the Emperor himself in danger.

That’s why, aside from the Doom’s Day Master White Tower, nobody else knew of it.

At this point, it was impossible to proceed with the original Plan A as long as Master White Tower was alive.

“But what was that shadow just now? Could it be Principal Kaeden! Was it you who did this?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Don’t pretend you don’t know! The screen went dark, and there were countless suspicious aspects.”

The head of the Terrace School, inciting further, was adamant in creating a favorable situation.

“They say the diligent Sir Jason, the commander of the knights, also died here in Aligieri, right? Are we next?”

Jason Baikel. Despite his inner feelings, he was known to the outside world as a good man.

When it was said that he plotted a rebellion using the Saint, not many believed it easily.

The same went for when Enviel stirred up the Nine-Tailed Fox incident and went missing.

“This is clearly a plot by Aligieri to take our heads!”

Head of the Terrace shouted, reddening his face with his plausible claims.

He sweated as he spoke, yet nobody looked upon him favorably.

“What are you saying? Head of the School! Even so, wouldn’t that be unreasonable?”

“Make sense, would you?”

Gerard and Master White Tower glared at him, urging him on.

With other dignitaries also eyeing him suspiciously, Terrace shivered.

“What do you mean it doesn’t make sense! This is plainly…”

Trying to muster a last-ditch effort with trembling lips.

At that moment, a cold voice rang out.

“Head of the Terrace.”

“Y-yes…?”

“Shut up and sit down.”

The sweet yet coercive voice of Saint Nebia filled the air.

She was someone who could sway others’ hearts with her voice, and she stared at Terrace with sharp eyes.

“Didn’t you hear me? I said to shut up and sit down.”

“But still…”

With a hint of faith left in him, Terrace tried to squirm free till the very end.

However, that trick didn’t work with Nebia, who read right through him.

“Lady Saint is right. Please be quiet, Head of the Terrace.”

“W-what?”

Princess Meloin, sitting next to the Saint, spoke up.

Her statement made not just Terrace but even the Emperor catch their breath.

“P-Princess! W-why…?”

“Please, read the atmosphere.”

“….”

Crushed under the enormous pressure of the Saint and Princess, Terrace had no choice but to sit back down with a blank expression.

[Your Majesty! It seems things have gone awry.]

Noticing something strange, Terrace quickly telepathically contacted the Emperor.

Initially, he would orchestrate an unfriendly atmosphere for Kaeden while carrying out the assassination of Master White Tower.

Furthermore, the Princess would exacerbate the discord, thereby completely discrediting Aligieri.

Thus, the justification for an invasion by the different tribes would naturally arise.

[Is Princess Meloin unaware of our plans?]

[That can’t be! I’ve surely educated her!]

The Emperor, furious at Meloin for not moving according to the plan, was taken aback.

Suddenly, a soldier burst into the room.

“We have a situation! The Beastman army circling the village is suddenly advancing!”

“What?!”

Upon hearing this news, the Emperor was once again flustered.

They hadn’t sent out any signals allowing for an advance yet.

He had maintained good relations through Karis, so it was ludicrous for them to act of their own accord.

“What in the world is going on?”

“W-well…”

The soldier leaned in to the Emperor and whispered, ensuring no one else could hear.

“Crown Prince Karis told them to wait a bit longer, but they grew tired of the wait and ignored him.”

“What?!”

“The Crown Prince tried to stop them, but they captured him instead.”

Just hearing that filled the Emperor with rage. It was a blatant breach of contract.

And the soldier’s report didn’t end there.

“And, I overheard another piece of information. They’ve put some strange spell on Princess Meloin, claiming not to disturb their festivities.”

“R-really?”

“Indeed, Princess, you’ve been sightseeing at their stronghold lately, haven’t you?”

If it were something akin to brainwashing, then the sudden actions seen a moment ago made sense.

Having supplied them well only to be repaid as foes.

Although he had trusted them, believing they bore a grudge against Dantia, they were truly a people soaked in more madness than the Emperor had imagined.

‘Those damned bastards!’

Now that the Beastmen had begun their advance, it was only natural that other external forces would follow suit.

They hadn’t even spread the atmosphere to discredit Aligieri yet.

‘Things have reached this point, I suppose it’s time for Plan B. I’ll make sure to wipe out everything, including that lot and Aligieri!’

Including the Beastmen, the external forces employed had individual strengths that ranked among the nation’s elite.

However, facing them was the army led by the high-ranking officials present.

“Your Majesty, is that information true?”

“It is. Lead the troops out now and contain them!”

“Yes!”

Those who had listened to the situation immediately headed out to command the troops.

This part aligned with the shared elements of Plan A.

In truth, the external forces were hired to draw powerful figures present out.

While they did that, they would initiate the collapse from within Aligieri.

That was Plan A.

“We’ll follow closely after.”

“Please wait a moment.”

Saint Nebia and Angela, both Saints, appeared to comprehend the situation.

Reassured by their words, the Emperor followed them out, and just as Gerard was about to leave…

“Wait a moment, Sir Gerard.”

“Why do you suddenly say that?”

Nebia hastily called out, causing Gerard to halt.

Then, she smiled slyly at the soldier.

“I know all too well just from that voice. Senior Radon.”

Upon saying that, the soldier transformed into a student wearing a school uniform.

“Indeed, the Saint cannot be fooled.”

Radon Crawler smiled as he removed his disguise.

Gerard showed a look of surprise.

“Y-you!”

“I just dressed up a little to deceive the Emperor.”

“Then does that mean the Beastmen invading are…?”

“That is indeed true.”

Their intent to intercept the invading external forces remained unchanged.

However, the assassination of Master White Tower had failed, and incitement had also faltered.

Moreover, the final boss of part five, who could prove that Aligieri was ‘evil,’ was yet to appear.

‘Mary has already gained control over the Demon King’s power.’

The Beastmen’s sudden action wasn’t unexpected at all.

They were originally celebrating this day separate from the Emperor’s plan.

‘But there are still internal enemies present.’

In the original story, Aisha played that role, but unexpectedly, others connected to the main characters were stepping in for now.

“Angela, keep your ears open for a moment.”

As I whispered my explanation to Angela, her expression grew serious.

“Is that really true?”

“….”

There was no need to answer.

Understanding what was meant, Angela spread her nine tails and dashed out like a beast.

“You’ve prevented incitement successfully. Thank you very much, Duke.”

“Gratitude aside. Even if it weren’t for your proposal, I would’ve tried to stop it myself.”

After receiving thanks, Gerard prepared to lead the troops outside.

Then suddenly, he halted and asked Radon.

“But what about the internal enemies?”

“Leave that to us.”

In response to my answer, Saint Nebia nodded as well.

Gerard gazed at the invisible screen and inquired.

“Could the sudden disappearance of the Tactical Martial Arts also be the result of the infiltrating enemies from within?”

Especially since his daughter was participating in the banquet.

If it was a strong enemy, he might need to rush in and help her immediately.

But…

“There’s no need for you to worry.”

He couldn’t let Gerard enter the scene. If he intervened, it might just become a ‘hindrance.’

No matter how great a warrior he was, he was a man who could never harm the one he once loved.

“Most importantly, Duke, you must not forget this.”

Radon showed his wrist.

There, a fishing line with a blue hue was tightly wrapped like a bracelet.

“Jenny is strong.”

Just moments ago, his lie in disguise had reduced the erosion rate by a significant -60.

However, in this current statement, he hadn’t decreased it by even -1.

It wasn’t a lie.

Surviving as an Academy Scammer.

 

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