Chapter 50 – Conspiracy (7)

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After the meeting, the other professors left, but Evangeline remained in her office, in private conversation with a man.

"Evangeline, you've done a great job this time."

"Don't say it. I don't know what's going on at my old age."

"At least you were able to prevent the situation from causing any loss of life. That's good enough, isn't it?"

The man spoke in a soothing tone, in response to Evangeline's sigh.

"According to confirmed information, similar incidents have occurred in at least thirty regions. Although the well-fortified great families managed to get away with the attempt, many of the families that could not afford to do so suffered serious damage. Thanks to that, the mouths of those who tried to argue that the academy is useless have been shut. Ha ha, this is really a case of turning a crisis into an opportunity."

"Be careful with your words, Leonard," As the man's remarks began to cross the line, Evangeline stopped him, reprimanding him in a strong tone. "I've made myself clear, haven't I? Internal disputes among yourselves may be unavoidable, but at least don't cross the line. Does this matter seem so trivial to you?

"…It was a mistake. Please forgive my indiscretion." The man, seeming to realize his misstep, lowered his head, seeking forgiveness from Evangeline.

"Ah, forget about it. Fine, what about the Imperial palace? Were there any plots extending even there?"

"Even if there were, would they reach out to the palace? After being informed of this incident, we conducted a thorough investigation, but we found no vulnerabilities. Well, His Majesty himself ordered that the guard be strictly maintained for a while, so for the time being, it will be a little difficult for those who come to the palace."

"Well, that's a relief."

At the man's words, Evangeline breathed a sigh of relief.

"…And have you met the child? What did he say?"

"What do you think? He's adamant. He said he'll take care of his own business, so please stop worrying."

To Evangeline's question, the man responded with a wry smile.

"I'm sorry. I said I'd take good care of him, but I got him involved in such a terrible incident. I can't face you."

"Don't say that, Evangeline, for how could you be at fault in this matter, especially since you are in the capital on council business?" At Evangeline's apology, the man waved his hand. "His Majesty has also given up on the child's affairs, half-way. He was shocked when he heard the news the last time, and ordered him to return, but he eventually achieved his goal after a few days of hunger strike."

The man sighed for a moment, looking up at the ceiling.

"So, Evangeline, you don't have to worry too much. The child wouldn't want that either. Oh, who does he look like?"

"Who else would it be? When I think about the incidents you and your brother caused when you were students at the academy, even now, it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. Come to think of it, you two are really similar to each other when you were young."

"Oh dear! Why bring up old stories? And the trouble always originated from His Majesty. I… Well, enough! Let's stop this discussion now."

As Evangeline tried to bring up the past, the man became angry and fumbled with his words.

"Anyway, Evangeline, in times like these, the role of the academy is crucial. I heard that even students are entangled in this situation, and a commoner child was involved in conspiracies with the nobles…"

"…Yeah, and it's causing me quite a headache."

Hearing the man's words, Evangeline once again touched her forehead as if overwhelmed by a headache.

"While I dare not dispute the academy's educational policies, I must say, this situation needs to be dealt with sternly. Dissatisfaction has been accumulating among the people, and if mishandled, it might escalate into a horde-like onslaught.

Moreover, Cilla's daughter is said to be a cousin of this Edwin. If this becomes an excuse for dissent again, it will be irreversible. Evangeline, in such circumstances, we must not allow any division…"

"I understand, I get it. I'll handle it on my own; there's no need for you to intervene."

"…I have been impolite. Well then, it seems like it's time for me to leave. Take care until we meet again."

The man named Leonard bowed his head slightly to Evangeline and turned to leave the office; a brief silence settled in the headmaster's office.

"Foolish… truly foolish."

Evangeline reclined on the sofa, closing her eyes and reminiscing about the time when she first assumed the role of the academy's principal.

Originally, this St. Clifford Academy was a place of learning exclusively for noble children. However, when she took office as principal, she opened its doors to commoners as well.

The reason was simple.

There simply weren't enough people.

Although the hero succeeded in slaying the Great Demon, the mana that came from its remains turned half of the continent into a cursed land forever; and even the western half that had barely survived the war did not completely escape the devastation of the war.

The wounds of that time have not fully recovered even after many years have passed, and now, rather, the culture and fashion lagged behind the western kingdoms and were importing them in reverse.

In particular, the east, where the demon worshipers raged the most, was completely devastated, and now it has turned into a state of complete abandonment except for some territories.

This was no different for people, and many talented people, from generals, chancellors, knights, to mages, were lost in that battle.

With the leaders responsible for guiding the people gone, the Empire had to endure a turbulent period even after the war. And the desperate measure she took to supplement the depleted human resources was to select talented people among commoners and allow them to enter the academy.

At first, only 1% of the total students were allocated to commoners, but the ratio had been steadily increasing, and now the ratio of nobles and commoners was almost half.

And, as initially expected, this method had achieved excellent results in its own way.

Commoners who received education at the academy took their place after graduation, and those who made a contribution were also granted new titles, and they gradually became a new force to replace the previous nobles.

Of course, it didn't always work out just fine.

Of course, the old nobility did not welcome the emergence of a force that could threaten them, and in the early days of the academy, incidents such as group violence occurred frequently on campus; this was because the two disparate groups were put too close together.

However, she had to prioritize the stability of the whole rather than the interests of a specific group, and the academy was able to regain some peace only after enacting various compulsory rules regarding equality within the academy.

In addition, the imperial family, who wanted the emergence of a new force to check the old nobility, and the pro-imperial nobles who followed her, showed an example of following these rules, so their legitimacy was further boosted.

And now, decades later, a lot has changed.

The status of commoners has improved incomparably compared to before, and even now, the number of nobles showing a sense of privilege has decreased significantly.

Living together for a few years at the academy tended to blur the lines between the two groups.

Even in the first year, the children's groups are divided according to their social status, but from the second year onwards, the rivalry between the martial arts department and the magic department becomes even more intense, and the focus is on the individual's ability rather than the social status.

Even those who still believe in discrimination will recognise certain individuals with exceptional abilities, and when such individuals graduate, that atmosphere will be maintained to some extent in society as well.

However, some of the great families including Cilla's and the factions following them were still protesting against such a stance.

On the other hand, as opposed to the commoners who have risen in status, lower-ranking nobles often fell into ruin due to the passage of time, so there was no clear distinction in the lower ranks, and there was no noise in the process of mixing with each other.

However, for those noble families who had both wealth and power from the beginning, the story was different.

They had been the ruling class of this land for hundreds of years, and even after being conquered by the previous imperial family, they sought to regain their authority.

The children of such families often caused problems by constantly violating the rules of equality even at this academy.

After the fall of the Great Demon, the current imperial family had been steadily losing control over them. While pro-imperial nobles like the Robinettes and Austin families were not small in number, the fact that they continued to have a negative impact on integration and peace could not be denied.

And at this point, the interests of the imperial family, which wants to control the great nobles, and her, who wants the peace and stability of the entire society, not a particular class, coincided.

It was made by law that high-ranking nobles must graduate from the academy to be eligible to inherit titles, and in addition, they must live in the capital for several years after graduation.

It was like holding the children who would inherit the family hostage, so there was a fierce backlash, but it was suppressed by the imperial family, pro-imperial nobles, and herself, who joined forces in this matter.

Furthermore, only this academy provides the most up-to-date and best martial arts and knowledge without reservation, so even if they disagree with their ideology, they have no choice but to send them here.

As they were held back in this manner, they gradually blended in while enjoying the same culture, and the number of separatist nobles decreased significantly over time.

This was the situation up until now, but the embers that had been smoldering could be rekindled as a result of this incident.

Estelle, the cousin Edwin — the victim of the slander case — was the successor to Cilla, who wields the most power among the nobles who remain opposed to integration. And she herself has such a deeply ingrained ideology that, despite several conversations with her, she never gave up her thoughts.

And, given that Edwin and Estelle are said to be close enough to be close siblings, they could use this as an excuse to make a move.

If this issue spreads among the people in the midst of the escalating chaos caused by the cult's resurgence, it could lead to an uncontrollable state of confusion.

If people start to leave one by one, the snowball may gradually roll, and the once-united empire might fracture into hundreds of nations once again.

If that happens, the peace and stability currently enjoyed may never be regained, turning into a hellish world contrary to the vision her father, who was once part of the Hero party, had yearned for.

"Foolish…truly foolish…why do mortals cling to such small things…" Evangeline lamented again.

Being targeted by the old power structure can be another opportunity for commoner students, on the contrary.

As long as you get your diploma from the academy, you can go anywhere, and there were also cases where you were awarded a title during your studies depending on your abilities.

However, that Walter child, blinded by his petty revenge, kicked all of these futures out with his own feet. Even trying to involve someone in a conspiracy related to heresy was already far beyond the level of immature pranks.

Now that child cannot escape severe punishment.

"...I wish I could finish my mission of reform and sail across the sea soon."

Evangeline's contemplation deepened. The burden of dealing with Walter's case and the rising chaos weighed heavily on her.

—— End of chapter —–

If you want to read the first 25 chapters for free and read up to the final chapter for a cheap price patreon.com/Makima02