Eredor Territory. Hall of Truth.The Intermediate Introduction to Magic lecture room, arrived right on time.Creak-.When I opened the door and stepped in, the eyes of the room turned to me.A brief stillness flowed by.Soon enough, the students began sneaking glances at me and whispering."It’s Loen, Loen!""Why? Did he get into something again?"Up to here it was no different from usual, but unlike before, there were a few gazes tinged with favor."You didn’t hear? The Territorial War!""They say Loen beat Chepesh!""Who’s Chepesh?""You know. Jerome’s president!"It seemed the news of the Territorial War over the weekend had spread.Letting the students’ reactions wash over me, I smiled inwardly.'Looks like the Newspaper Club put together a good piece.'No matter how many witnesses there were, something that happened just the day before yesterday doesn’t spread across the entire academy right away——not without the help of a media outlet.Listening to the murmurs, I took a seat in the back in a not-so-bad mood.As I sat for a moment and sorted my bag, Bell, who had been sitting elsewhere, toddled up to me and handed me a newspaper."Uh… um, Loen, is this for real?"After we’d had a meal together before, Bell had opened up to talking with me.Since she found it too hard to speak to nobles, I had her use informal speech with me instead of honorifics.A fresh-off-the-press paper for today, handed over by Bell.Instead of answering, I took the newspaper from her and opened it.Rustle-.The Union Daily, packed with various gossip and bits of information.What decorated the front page was, of course, an article about the Territorial War between Jerome and Izelin that took place on Saturday.A big event that hadn’t happened in over a decade—the Territorial War with the academy’s fate on the line.Not only had the Territorial War broken out, but the content blared that Izelin had seized victory, against everyone’s expectations.The odd bit was that there was a huge photo plastered there of me standing on the dueling ground with my hands stuffed in my pockets, looking stuck-up.I frowned at the strangely shot photo.'When did they even take this?'There must have been a member of the Union Newspaper & Broadcasting Club among the spectators Chepesh had brought.But whether their photography skills were bad or what, the subject didn’t come out all that well.The expression looked downright punchable.'Couldn’t they shoot it better.'Slightly furrowing my brow, I moved my gaze to the headline beneath the photo.[Was the star of Izelin’s victory none other than the General Student Council President, Loen? What’s the truth?]Along with a title like that, the piece recorded in plain terms what had happened in the Territorial War between Izelin and Jerome.That Elena had stepped up as observer; who participated in the match and who won; and that as a result Jerome would be compensating Izelin 10 billion Krone.Perhaps because it was something that had taken place just yesterday, there were no deep details about the Territorial War’s exact background or the conflicts between the two academies and kingdoms.They were probably aiming to splash it huge on the first page to gather interest, and then supplement it with follow-ups through interviews and information gathering.Besides yesterday’s events, the paper had articles on various bits of news from around the Union over the weekend.Which professor had been appointed where, what had been discovered in the Union’s unexplored zones—small gossip items like that.I skimmed the paper and then handed it back to its original owner."There’s nothing incorrect in it. It’s all factual.""!"With bright, shining eyes, Bell asked me:"R… really?""Yeah."At my answer, the other students eavesdropping began to buzz.Once they learned the detailed ins and outs between Izelin and Jerome through the follow-up articles, the way they looked at me would change a little too.Of course, it’s not like this would erase the infamy Loen had built up over the years.At best, it would be, Huh, that’s a surprise. What’s gotten into him?—a slightly different look, and even that would be forgotten before long.Still, if you see it as the first step in erasing Loen’s infamy among the other students, you could call it a good start."I… it was really true. Then could you tell me a bit more detail about what happened back then?"At Bell’s words, the ears of the other students perked up."……."Telling what happened that day isn’t hard, but bragging about my exploits with my own mouth is a bit…And it’s not exactly a topic to talk about in a place with this many people."Wait for the follow-up articles."The Newspaper & Broadcasting Club would be coming soon to interview me anyway; they’d naturally find out then."Aw… come on."I beckoned the disappointed Bell closer and whispered to her quietly."But I’ll tell you ahead of time. Do you have a lunch appointment?""Uh, no. I don’t!""Good. Then let’s have lunch together."***"All right then, good work everyoone~ For your ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) information, the next lecture has been replaced with a practical class~ Please take note."The Intermediate Introduction to Magic class ended.According to Martelgia, there would soon be a “practical class.”A practical class meant a group camping trip over several days in the unexplored area near the Union to cultivate practical combat experience.It’s a common subject—a required course for Union students.The timing was a bit earlier than expected, so I should make some preparations.Thinking that, I headed to the dining district with Bell."Shall we go to the place we ate at last time?""Mm…? Ah, okay."Bell and I dropped by Breath of the Heavens, the high-end restaurant we’d visited before.Of course, it wasn’t just the two of us—just like before, Beatrice was with us as well.Looking at Beatrice’s sullen face across from me, I spoke."Somehow this combination is familiar. You said you’d never eat with me again.""……I said I would not be buying you meals anymore.""Did I now."Close enough."Um… uh, Loen. I can’t treat you to anything too expensive…"Unlike easygoing me and Beatrice, Bell was a bit nervous at coming straight into an expensive restaurant out of the blue.Come to think of it, she’d said she’d treat me to lunch as thanks for leading her out when she was lost in an empty classroom last time.But I had a separate favor to ask of her today, so it was right that I pay."Don’t worry, Bell. I’m paying this time. Order whatever you want, like last time.""Really?""Yeah, don’t hold back."I’ll feed her something pricey and work her hard later.When I said I’d buy Bell’s lunch, Beatrice tried to ladle a spoonful onto that as well."Hooh. Then are you buying mine too?""Well, since you came a long way over the weekend, I’ll treat you to a meal."Since I was buying Bell’s anyway, I decided to treat Beatrice as well.She had personally come during the Territorial War, saved my face, and breathed hope into Izelin’s students—one meal was nothing.When I agreed readily, Beatrice immediately addressed the waiter."Very well. Then I’ll order my usual.""I… I’ll have the same thing as last time.""I’ll take the same.""Order received."After taking the order, the waiter politely withdrew.Once the waiter had stepped away, Beatrice got straight to the point."So, what is the crucial information you know about the Dark Magic Stones?"Information on the Dark Magic Stones. That was why she’d joined this meal.I had promised to provide information on them in exchange for her coming to the Territorial War.Still, even so—"You’re in too much of a hurry. Straight to the main topic?""Then shall we talk about the recent Territorial War? It’s been the talk of the town.""I’d be obliged if you did. Bell’s very curious, too. And it’s a bit much for me to recount my own heroics with my own mouth.""……So you want me to explain it? How insufferable."When Beatrice furrowed her brow, Bell hurriedly waved her hands."Ah, n-no. You don’t have to explain it just for me, Lady Beatrice.""Not at all. To be honest, I was a bit surprised by this as well."After wetting her throat with sparkling water, she continued."Looking into it through Yulina, I found this Territorial War was more serious than I thought. It wasn’t merely a dispute between academies—you essentially prevented a war. Loen has every right to boast.""W-war?""Yes. Wars are, if anything, common anywhere on the continent, but wars are originally forbidden between Union signatories. This Territorial War was something staged to drive Izelin Academy out of the Union ahead of Jerome’s war of conquest.""So that was the background…"Beatrice then gave a simple explanation of the dispute between Izelin and Jerome, the course of the Territorial War, and my contributions.Listening with keen interest, Bell gave me a thumbs-up."Wow! Loen, you’re amazing.""Good grief… feels like I’m getting a bow for lying face-down."When I scratched my cheek in embarrassment, Beatrice gave a short, amused smile."Isn’t this what you wanted?""It is, but it isn’t particularly pleasant. Let’s not do it next time.""You say that like you’ll make such feats again.""Of course. This was only the beginning.""……I hope so."Now that I’d satisfied Bell’s curiosity and received my bow, I could move on to the main topic."Take this."I took a letter from my inner pocket and handed it to Beatrice."This is…""Information on the Dark Magic Stones you wanted. I’ve written down what I know—go over it at your leisure.""May I open it now?""As you wish."While waiting for the food, Beatrice unfolded the letter I’d given her.In that letter, I’d included a map marking anticipated locations where the Dark Magic Stones might be found, along with some information on them.These locations were where each event occurs in the Main Quest, [Trace of Delusion].In other words, it was a rundown of the places where rampages had occurred due to the Dark Magic Stones.Naturally, since those were the places where rampages occurred at those specific times, there’s a bit of discrepancy with the current locations of the stones.I have a rough grasp of whose hands the stones went into and how, but if I handed over all that information, Beatrice would find it strange—so I decided to give her just this level of anticipated leads.Reading through it carefully, Beatrice asked me:"It’s quite detailed. Where did you obtain this information?""A secret.""A secret, is it. No doubt Ciel suffered again.""……This one’s my work.""Ah, but of course."It’s true, though.Pouting her lips, Beatrice tucked the letter into her bosom."In any case, thank you for the information. I’ll make good use of it."Despite her tone, an understated smile could be felt on her face.She seemed quite satisfied with what I’d provided."Good."Main Quest: [Trace of Delusion.]The various incidents arising from the Dark Magic Stones, and the birth of the Twelve Venerables—the main hostile faction connected to them.In the end, it’s my problem to solve, but by giving Beatrice information ahead of time like this, the response later will be easier.It’s better to get help from many than to handle it alone.With her business done, Beatrice, looking more at ease, asked me a question."By the way, why did you set a lunch appointment with Miss Bell?""Why. Do I need someone’s permission to eat with someone else?""That’s not what I meant. It’s a good thing I’m here—if it were just you and Miss Bell eating together, you know perfectly well what kind of rumors would start.""Isn’t it fine since you’re here.""……."What’s good is good.And this dining gathering—?Though it’s a strange mix of commoner, noble, and royalty, I rather like the combination."In any case, there’s no need to explain my reasons to you. However—"I looked at Bell and spoke."There’s something I need that involves your ‘Blessing.’""Eh, you know my Blessing?"Nodding at the startled Bell, I said:"Yes—the power of your Blessing, ‘Extreme Flame,’ is needed."

Next chapter will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.