Priestess of The Red Lotus (1)

"Isaac, do you intend to work things out with Pierre…?"

"Absolutely not. I would like to see such a heinous attempted murderer promptly put behind bars.

"That… you're unexpectedly calm and resolute."

The incident merely became a part of the festival's aftermath.

Pierre Flanche, the center of the incident, was led away with a gentle smile on his face.

His statement about wanting to kill me was heard by Dorothy, Luce, Kaya, and several faculty members on the scene.

The faculty members pressed him on why he made such a statement.

He responded with an apology for letting his emotions get the best of him and speaking harshly… He said he thought that I, the senior, would have handled it better.

'Make a believable excuse at least."

According to my [Psychological Insight], Pierre was resentful.

His plan to provoke me had failed, and his impulsive emotional actions came to nothing.

He must have thought that cornering me would make me reveal my hidden power.

'But this is the extent of my power.'

Pierre's thoughts were complicated. It was uncertain whether this incident would lessen the suspicions against me.

Then, I remembered the sight of Dorothy, Kaya, and Luce growling. They had arrived at the scene with terrifying speed.

They had flown in as soon as Pierre unleashed his 6-star spell. With my current capabilities, I wouldn't have stood a chance against Pierre's [Flying Whale].

Not to mention, they all seemed angry. As if they were more sensitive to the hostility directed at me than to themselves.

I was touched, and my heart was filled with comfort.

His statement was concluded swiftly.

With almost the entire academy as witnesses, the investigation focused more on the conflict between Pierre and I than on the incident itself. Of course, there was no connection between us, so the interrogation was pretty short.

During the statement-taking, the first Arc Ball race came to an end.

Lisetta Lionheart's team took first place, and our team secured second.

Pierre Flanche's team also qualified for the next game, but it was unlikely that the incident that I feared would reoccur.

'Since Pierre was in custody.'

Pierre Flanche had been sent to the Academy's detention center. This place confined and controlled the students who had caused trouble or were difficult to control and was now jointly managed by the academy and the Imperial Court.

Avoiding severe disciplinary action would be challenging. This was the answer I got after secretly asking a faculty member. Of course, he also mentioned that we would only know the details after the statement was taken and established the facts.

At least, Pierre wouldn't be participating in the Arc Ball races during the Grand Festival, so in a way, my goal was completed.

After cooperating with the investigation, I left the detention center.

The academy was still buzzing with a festive mood. The incident was just an incident, after all. However, Pierre's incident would be a hot topic among students for a while.

"Isaac!"

As if she had been waiting, an alluring voice tickled my ears.

By the wall of the academy's detention center, a female student with rose-gold hair, Luce Eltania, greeted me. She pulled away from the wall and hurried towards me.

"Luce?"

"Are you okay?"

Luce sniffed, her eyes checking to see if there was anything wrong with my body.

"I'm fine. Thanks for earlier. What about the others?"

"They all went back."

Dorothy had to return as the face of her department's year.

Kaya probably left because she didn't want to openly reveal our relationship in front of the entire academy.

But why was this girl here? She was supposed to be with her team as the face of the second year of the Magic Department.

"You? Is it okay for you to be here? You're the representative…"

"Isaac comes first."

Her response was indifferent yet firm. It was a touching answer, but… I was planning to head back soon anyway.

In times like this, I thought it would be better if she fulfilled her own role.

I felt bad thinking about the students, who were supposed to take care of Luce, frantically searching for her by now.

"You're not hurt. I'm glad you're safe."

Luce pulled away from me, genuinely relieved.

I smiled, grateful for the concern.

"Thank you for worrying about me. Let's go back, Luce."

"Okay, don't stray too far from me."

"…You don't have to hold onto my sleeve. I'm not a child."

"I'm still worried about you… Even if you've gotten stronger. If you're going to get in trouble like that, stay close to me."

"I've never been in trouble, though?"

Luce glared at me. She was probably referring to the incident with the Clover Paladin, Pierre, where I was nearly caught up in his magic.

Well, the fact that I didn't get hurt was just a matter of outcome. If no one had intervened, I might have faced the worst possible outcome. I would have fought back in my own way, but it likely wouldn't have led to a good outcome.

By the way, she wasn't using any restraints… unlike during social situations.

Looking at how she wasn't being reckless in this situation, it seemed like Luce had also grown significantly.

"Isaac, I have something to ask."

"What is it?"

"Who is that guy?"

Luce's voice was sharp. Her tone was calm and cynical.

There was no one else she could be referring to as 'that guy' other than Pierre.

"I've never seen a trace of him on you. He just tried to get revenge on you for what happened during the race… right?"

Sharp. To dig into that part immediately.

"Probably, I've never even spoken to him."

"Is that why he tried to use a 6-star spell on you? Threatening to kill you?"

Luce's voice dropped to a whisper.

"Perhaps."

"…Okay."

A short response. Her voice was subdued. I couldn't see her expression because she was leading the way, holding onto my sleeve, but I could clearly read her psychology.

It was filled with murderous intent.

It wasn't that she was going to go and kill Pierre right away. Luce wasn't someone who would commit murder indiscriminately.

However, it seemed clear she intended to keep a close eye on Pierre. If he tried anything against me, Luce was ready to end him at a moment's notice.

That time was rapidly approaching.

When the academy's administration temporarily grinds to a halt…

…At that time, I will have to deal with Alice.

"Hey, Isaac."

"Yeah?"

"If something bad happens to you…"

Without looking at me, Luce laced her fingers through mine inside my sleeve.

"…I'd probably… feel like the world is falling apart."

Her words sounded like a warning.

I could feel the slender yet firm touch of Luce's fingers. The ring on her finger sparkled with a jet-black sheen.

* * *

"Why did you do that?"

Alice's labyrinth, a space decorated with a red and black checkered pattern.

Pierre Flanche was sitting, restrained against a wall amidst luxurious red furniture.

The Heart Paladin, a girl with short red hair, Shera Hectorica, leaned in to question him. However, Pierre avoided answering with his usual friendly smile.

"Be. Cause. Of. You. I. Thought. My. Heart. Would. Drop. You. Fool."

Shera repeatedly pushed Pierre's forehead with her fingers with a dissatisfied expression. His head jerked helplessly.

Looking remorseful, Pierre offered an apology with a coy smile.

"I'm sorry."

"Ah! You say you're sorry and that's it? Is that really all you can do? You've caused trouble for the Kingdom, you…! Captain! Can't you do something about him? He's caused trouble for us and the Queen!"

Shera asked the Spade Paladin, who was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, his head bowed deeply. He looked troubled.

The intelligent-looking male student, the Spade Paladin, sighed deeply and walked over to Pierre.

His footsteps gradually quickened. Then he grabbed the handle of a chair in his path and kicked it to pieces.

The chair shattered. The Spade Paladin continued to walk toward Pierre, still holding the handle.

He swung at Pierre violently.

Thwack!

"Gack!"

"Kyaa!"

Shera staggered back, horrified.

Alexa, the Diamond Paladin, who had been watching Pierre from a distance, looked at the Spade Paladin with curious eyes.

"Woah… that scared me, Captain!! If you're going to hit his face, give me a heads-up!"

Shera stomped her foot on the ground, but the Spade Paladin paid her no mind and swung the handle on Pierre's head once more.

A thud echoed as Pierre's head snapped to the side. It didn't actually physically hurt him, as the room was only a mental space, but the impact was clearly felt.

This place was a labyrinth that invited the psyche. It was a realm independent of [Basic Protection Magic] that usually shielded one's body.

The shock experienced here was converted into psychological damage. The injuries on Pierre's face would eat away at his mind.

Behind the Spade Paladin's glasses, his cold dark blue eyes shone.

"The first time, it was forgivable. Alexa's foolish act could be overlooked once, as it wasn't a fatal mistake. But… to attempt murder after witnessing her idiotic act is completely unacceptable. Moreover, it wasn't a plan we discussed. It was solely your own decision… Do you have no self-control?"

"I'm sor— ack!"

Thwack!

"Where's your rational judgment?"

Thwack!

"Did it satisfy you to mess things up with your emotions?"

Thwack!

"We're doing this shitty student act for the sake of the Kingdom, to repay the Queen's favor, and for us to live. So what the hell are you doing?"

Pierre hung his head low, his psyche form's lips burst open, dripping with blood.

The Spade Paladin threw the chair's handle to the side.

"Our goal is to stop the Black Monster. To reveal its identity and neutralize it. In the meantime, you look like you're going to be severely punished. You've even forgotten why the Queen called for us."

The Spade Paladin crouched down, glaring at Pierre.

"Damned fool… Even so, I cherish you. When 'that day' comes, I will come for you. By then, you must make up for this mistake."

"…I understand."

Pierre replied weakly, his voice choked with blood.

***

The Priestess Miya became strange.

To the Nine-tailed Fox, Mae, Miya had always been a curious master. She was a girl who proudly proclaimed her ambitions and cheerfully trampled on others.

But lately, she had been nothing but quiet. It was very unlike her master.

Ever since the Student Council President, Alice Carroll, whispered in her ear.

Miya's heart suddenly turned darker than ever, and she lost her usual talkativeness as if she had become a different person.

She couldn't figure out why. From the moment Alice started talking, Miya's mana supply was cut off, making it impossible for her to maintain her form. It felt like a thick black fog had rolled in, creating a wall between her master and herself.

And after being summoned again, Miya had changed like this. When I asked her what happened, she simply dismissed it, saying, 'Nothing happened.'

Miya stood quietly by the audience entrance, looking at the stadium. Her lifeless eyes remained the same.

There have been only a few moments in recent years when she had been wide-eyed and animated

It was during the Arc Ball race, when Pierre Flanche, her classmate, and her senior, Isaac, confronted each other.

However, after Pierre was taken away, she couldn't hide her disappointment.

"…"

Miya watched the Arc Ball race participants cross the stadium.

Her gaze lingered on White. Miya frowned at White's restless demeanor, worrying about Isaac.

"Idiots."

[Miya…?]

It was the worried voice of the Nine-tailed Fox, Mae. The familiar was embedded in the form of mana inside the fingernail of Miya's index finger.

Miya quickly turned around and exited through the audience entrance.

"…Mae, store your mana in all your tails."

[For what reason?]

Crossing the hallway, Miya thought of Isaac, the silver-blue-haired boy, causing her to tremble.

"There's something I need to deal with soon."