Chapter 38

"It's been a while since I heard children fighting."

Donovan responded to his muttering.

"Miss Revi and Master Giuseppe always get along well."

"Two people who get along so well fighting over a seat that doesn't even exist for Therese. Really."

Raoul shook his head and then, upon discovering Therese's letter, carefully read through its contents again.

The letter was neatly written, with the matters clearly outlined as if reporting to a superior.

"I need to go to Valhalla."

Donovan nearly jumped.

Since all the talents gather in Valhalla, it's inevitable that squires' children are sent there, but parental visits are unprecedented.

Moreover, the Duke of Squire himself, not even the Duchess, is planning to visit?

This would be an unwelcome matter for both the Willow side and the elders of Squire.

"Lord of the House. That is..."

Raoul cut him off with a look that said he wouldn't listen to any objections.

"Prepare the donation."

"Is it really necessary? The opponent is Willow."

"You know how the great Emperor pretends to worry about family disputes and pressures Squire."

The Emperor was clearly on the side of the Willow family.

More accurately, he intensely disliked the Squire family.

So, under the pretense of mediating between the two noble families known for their enmity, he constantly pressured the Squire family, claiming they undermined the empire's unity.

Raoul smiled crookedly, recalling the Emperor's polished appearance.

"If we pretend to get along this time, he might treat our children less harshly during this social season."

Donovan couldn't find the words to respond.

Fortunately, Therese had been admitted to Valhalla and had joined the unusual club, Cleye, which had helped them avoid the Emperor's petty grudges, but there were limits.

"I need to see Damian in person and decide whether to appoint him."

Donovan immediately bowed.

"I will prepare as instructed."

* * *

Knock knock.

"Miss, are you awake?"

I lifted my heavy eyelids at Eloise's voice, waking me up, and answered in a hoarse voice.

"Ugh... come in..."

Click.

Eloise entered the room and clicked her tongue at the books and papers scattered on the desk and floor.

"Did you study late again? You'll ruin your eyesight."

"I have to do this much to keep up with the lectures."

I stretched my stiff body and yawned repeatedly.

I wasn't getting enough sleep, but this was the same in Korea.

It was a familiar habit.

'This isn't really pushing myself too hard.'

But lately, my condition has been unusually poor.

I've had frequent headaches, though not severe.

'Maybe it's because I have a lot on my mind?'

It's not just fussing; I've been pushing myself hard with magic studies since the start of the semester.

It's not just out of interest in magic but as an investment for survival.

'The Gate to Paradise might take a long time to find.'

There are five gates that could lead to Paradise, which open simultaneously in even-numbered months.

Before entering Valhalla, I opened one gate to obtain a large sum of hidden funds from the previous Duke of Squire, leaving four remaining.

If I have bad luck and find the gate to Paradise last, it would mean I can only see the true ending in October.

'Only one gate can open per month.'

Ultimately, it's inevitable to develop the character and progress the story as in the actual game.

I sat at the table, eating breakfast like a zombie.

When I asked Eloise for plain and simple food instead of sweet bread and jam, she brought me chicken soup and salad.

'This soup is like a Korean chicken broth. It's soothing.'

As I slowly ate the food, Eloise looked concerned.

"Does this not suit your taste either?"

"Really, it's fine."

"Something seemed off with the new cook. I'll go and ask them to make it again."

"No, it's really good."

Eloise looked very disappointed.

"I'll pay more attention tomorrow, Miss..."

She seemed to think I was deliberately giving her a hint.

I decided not to explain further.

Lately, Eloise has been very sensitive and particular about what and how much I eat.

'If she makes it even better, it won't be bad...'

"Sure. Do what you think is best."

After finishing my meal and getting ready, Eloise asked,

"Today is the orientation for the social club, right?"

"Uh-huh."

Finally, the club registration period is over.

I successfully became a member of the student council and am about to be summoned.

I'm a bit nervous about facing the demon directly, but I'm not afraid or worried.

What I'm truly afraid and worried about is the Cleye club orientation.

Traditionally, each club room holds a party to welcome new members, and Cleye is no exception.

'I really don't want to go.'

I've heard that this year's membership is the highest ever, which only deepens my sense of despair.

It means Clyde has the highest number of brides-to-be in history...

No prince in the Middle East would have as many brides.

I asked Eloise with a somewhat gloomy expression,

"Have you heard back about the selection of Damian West as my guard?"

"No, there's been no news yet."

'That's strange. It shouldn't take this long.'

I was puzzled, but it was only a matter of time before Damian was selected.

"Should I go to the Duke's residence and ask today?"

I nodded and took out a small box and a letter I had prepared last night, handing them to Eloise.

"I have one more thing for you to do."

"Please tell me."

"I plan to start operating the Squire Scholarship Foundation seriously. It would be good to promote the talents in the foundation."

Though I said it grandly, the only talent in the foundation was Damian.

I continued boldly,

"Send the knights to conduct a thorough inspection of Damian West's residence, which is registered with the foundation. His home will soon be under Squire's protection."

Eloise's eyes sparkled.

"Indeed, a vulnerable civilian would find great value in such promotion against demon attacks. It's a brilliant idea."

The knights, carrying the Squire family's emblem of a butterfly, will march through the streets, promoting the foundation's existence.

Civilians will envy and aspire to join the Squire foundation, believing it will ensure their and their family's safety.

...But it's all a ruse.

I have no intention of properly operating the scholarship foundation.

It's mid-March, and the time is approaching when beasts corrupted by magic will attack the village where Damian lives.

If I can't prevent this, Damian's black heart will grow.

The Squire family's jurisdiction, which was attacked simultaneously, will be protected safely.

I tapped the box and said,

"There's no need to bill the family for the costs of the march and inspection. Someone will help."

The one who will help is the late Duke of Squire.

It's more efficient to handle it directly rather than go through the complicated procedures to request funds from Raoul.

After all, the money is abundant.

I also handed her a small box containing a high-quality ruby.

"And this is a reward for your hard work."

Eloise waved her hands, looking very flustered.

"Really, Miss, it's fine. I'm just doing my duty as a maid. There's no need for a reward."

"I feel bad for you coming here alone and working so hard. Take it."

I forced the box into Eloise's hands.

"It's a good gem. You can use it to make new jewelry."

Eloise's eyes welled up, deeply moved.

"Thank you, Miss. I didn't expect you to care so much for me."

I gave her a gem I thought was appropriate, but her excessive gratitude made me feel awkward.

I quickly finished getting ready and left the house.

"I'll be back."

The way to school was still quiet.

It couldn't be otherwise, as almost no nobles use the dormitories.

'No one to bump into, so I can read my book in peace.'

I read a book on my way to the main building, occasionally looking around.

I didn't want to run into Damian by chance.

But then I saw someone I shouldn't have.

No need for a long explanation—it was Clyde.

"..."

"..."

We both frowned simultaneously.

Naturally, there was no greeting.