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Click, click, click.

The sound of high heels echoed briskly across the hallway.

Though her demeanor could hardly be called dignified, Ariel Rizeute didn’t care.

Such things were utterly pointless in the current situation.

Students who caught sight of her fierce expression instinctively cleared the way.

Ariel walked toward the large door at the end of the hallway.

She didn’t slow her pace until she was just a few steps away from the door.

With a rough motion, she grabbed the air and flung it aside.

BANG—!

The tightly shut door burst open as if an explosion had occurred.

“Chancellor!”

“…Professor Ariel?”

Mondri Cremont frowned as he noticed the sudden visitor.

Mondri removed his magnifying glasses and addressed Ariel.

“What’s all this commotion about?”

“Did you know about the new chairman, Chancellor?”

“Ah, of course I did.”

“Then why didn’t you say anything! When exactly was it decided that man would become chairman?”

“Tsk… Lower your voice, Professor.”

Mondri clicked his tongue and waved his hand, causing the door to close.

He also cast a soundproofing spell for good measure.

This ensured their conversation wouldn’t leak outside.

“First, take a seat.”

“Chancellor!”

“If you want to have a conversation with me, sit down. Unless you want to be known as the rude professor who barged into the Chancellor’s Office without knocking.”

“…Ahem. My apologies.”

Finally realizing her rudeness, Ariel meekly sat down on the sofa.

Mondri also rose from his desk and sat on the sofa across from her.

“Now, where were we? Professor Ariel.”

“…Why on earth is that man the chairman?”

“Ah, you mean Count Ruelberta…”

Mondri let out a deep sigh.

“It just ended up that way.”

“Chancellor, why did you let that man become chairman?”

“I only found out about it yesterday. Sir Arthur informed me without any prior discussion.”

“What?”

Ariel gritted her teeth.

She knew what kind of family the Ruelbertas were.

She knew, but this was going too far.

“They’re taking people for fools! This is tyranny! Did the board have nothing to say?”

“The board remained silent. In effect, they agreed.”

“Ha! Who would’ve thought they’d be puppets of the Ruelbertas. So, in the end, it was the former chairman’s unilateral decision?”

“That’s right.”

The former chairman, Arthur Ruelberta, was a respected figure.

He rarely interfered with the school’s operations and contributed greatly to elevating Meikhael University’s status with his substantial support.

Thus, despite the Ruelberta family’s notorious reputation, there was almost no discontent among students and faculty.

“In the end, even Sir Arthur was just another Ruelberta. And to hand over the chairman’s position to that man, no less. What on earth was he thinking…?”

“Professor Ariel, I think differently.”

“Huh?”

In response to Ariel’s confusion, Mondri cautiously began to explain his thoughts.

“You might not know this, but Sir Arthur and the Count don’t get along.”

“…They don’t get along?”

This was news to Ariel.

Mondri nodded.

“That’s right. Sir Arthur is also the guardian of Tristan, who became Count at a young age. So, Sir Arthur has been managing all of the Ruelberta family’s affairs until now. Eventually, not just the chairman’s position but all his titles would have to be passed on to Count Tristan.”

“…And?”

“The Count is now an adult. Yet, Sir Arthur still hasn’t handed over the family business to him. Why do you think that is?”

Mondri’s voice carried a strong conviction.

“Because he doesn’t trust the Count. From what I’ve heard, there was even talk recently within the Ruelberta family about removing Tristan from his position as Count.”

“Then… that makes it even more confusing. If Tristan is such an unpopular man, how did he get the chairman’s position?”

“I’m not sure about that. But my guess is… the Count must have pressured Sir Arthur in some way.”

Mondri recalled the time he had met Tristan not long ago.

The extraordinary pressure he exuded had even made Mondri tense.

He was a dangerous man.

It wouldn’t be surprising if he had pressured the elderly Arthur.

Ariel asked again in a trembling voice.

“So… you’re saying the Count threatened Sir Arthur to seize the chairman’s position?!”

“That’s right. It’s just a guess, though.”

“What kind of beastly man…?”

Ariel was seething.

Chancellor Mondri’s speculation was convincing enough.

Tristan was clearly more of a villain than she had imagined.

Mondri stood up and walked to the window.

Looking out at the new students, Mondri’s expression seemed weary.

Seeing this, Ariel spoke with a heavy heart.

“Chancellor, did you hear what the Count said at the entrance ceremony?”

“Yes. I’ve already heard. He really went and did it on the first day.”

“This is insane. He’s essentially saying he’ll expel students at his whim. He’s a tyrant.”

“There’s nothing we can do. What can we possibly do now? We have no power. Besides, both you and I receive our salaries from the Ruelberta family. Not just that—everything in this school is under the Ruelbertas’ influence.”

“Even if they funded it, this school doesn’t belong to the Ruelbertas! This isn’t the Count’s playground; it’s a school. It should be run by the students and faculty! I’ll make sure of that!”

It was a statement befitting Ariel, a professor at Meikhael University who had the support of many students.

She was a true educator who prioritized the students.

Though he knew this, Mondri could only shake his head.

“Professor Ariel… no, my disciple Ariel. As your master, may I ask one favor of you?”

“What is it…?”

“Stay away from Count Tristan… no, the chairman. And for now, let him do as he pleases.”

“Huh?”

Ariel’s expression hardened.

It had been a long time since her master and superior, Mondri, had looked so serious.

“The chairman is hiding something. His reason for becoming chairman here is likely related to that.”

Mondri looked at his former disciple with worried eyes.

“Ariel, you’re talented. Among my disciples, you have the most exceptional abilities. So… please, be careful. You know what kind of family the Ruelbertas are.”

A family that would stop at nothing to achieve their goals.

The Ruelbertas’ power was immeasurably vast.

So… it wasn’t the right time yet.

Mondri was subtly warning Ariel.

Ariel remained silent for a long time.

These were the words of her most respected master, Mondri.

She wasn’t the kind of woman to bluntly refuse her master’s advice.

“…I understand. But if the chairman really tries to expel students, I won’t just stand by and watch. I’ll go and protest.”

“Understood. But you must report to me first.”

Mondri sternly warned her.

Ariel crossed her long legs and leaned back on the sofa.

She gazed into the distance, away from Mondri, and replied.

“Yes. I’ll keep that in mind, Master.”

*

Walking across the campus toward the gate.

I began to seriously worry about Wendy.

“Sh-she was definitely here just a moment ago…”

Wendy sniffled as she explained.

To summarize her story, it went like this:

At the entrance ceremony, she had met a friend named Luna, and they had become close enough for Luna to invite her over.

“But now she’s gone…”

“…I see.”

“Count… I-I’m not a liar…”

…I didn’t say anything?

Though I didn’t show it, I was baffled.

Lately, Wendy had become quite perceptive.

I had been maintaining a stoic expression to play the role of Tristan, but strangely, she seemed to occasionally see through my real expressions, which was troublesome.

I activated ‘Patience,’ worried that my agitation might show.

Then, in a calm voice, I said:

“I know. I know you wouldn’t lie.”

“R-really…?”

“Yes.”

Though I said that, it seemed I’d have to give Wendy some time off soon.

Since becoming my exclusive maid, Wendy had been handling a grueling schedule.

From early morning jogs with me to managing the mansion’s affairs and attending classes taught by Myohail and Blanshe, she must have been exhausted.

It was clear that her mind was under considerable strain.

If she was imagining friends at the entrance ceremony, she might have reached her limit.

“I know a good hospital. I’ll take you there later.”

“Whaaat?! Y-you really don’t believe me, do you…? Sniff…”

Wendy looked up at me as if betrayed, but I maintained my composure with ‘Patience.’

That’s when it happened. An unexpected voice reached my ears.

“Oh my. Isn’t that the Count?”

Turning my head, I saw a stunning silver-haired beauty waving her hand.

“Princess Bella…”

“What a coincidence. I didn’t expect to run into you here.”

“…Long time no see, Count.”

In contrast to Bella’s bright smile, Blanshe, standing behind her, gave me a somewhat displeased nod.

What was with this stark contrast in demeanor?

“Congratulations. I heard you’ve been appointed chairman?”

“Yes.”

Bella must have seen me take up the chairman’s position earlier.

I hadn’t expected her to be the first to congratulate me.

But naturally, a question arose.

Why was she here in the first place?

As if sensing my question, Bella smiled slyly and said:

“Oh my… another coincidence. I’ve also started working here this year. Hehe…”

“Working?”

I couldn’t help but tilt my head.

If my memory served me right, there was no scenario in the original story or the game where Bella worked at Meikhael University.

Bella answered my question with a refreshing smile I had never seen before.

“Yes. Somehow, I ended up being assigned to give a special lecture here. I’ll be working as a swordsmanship instructor for a short while. I look forward to working with you.”

“……”

My mind began to grow complicated.

Could some variable have occurred?

Thanks to ‘Patience,’ my emotions were as calm as a lake.

Yet, I felt a cold sweat running down my back.

At that moment, Bella clapped her hands.

“Oh… did you know, Count?”

“…?”

Bella stepped closer to me, standing on her tiptoes.

Then, in a sweet voice, she whispered in my ear:

“They say that when coincidences pile up, it’s fate. Hehe…”

 

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