The Extra’s Academy Survival Guide - Chapter 143

“Rothstaylor Mansion… It’s been five years, Emperor.”

The dispute over the succession of the emperor’s throne, which burned like a flame, seemed to take shape to some extent as the years passed.

One day, Prince Lindon suddenly gave up his right to the throne. And thus, a war of nerves was born that continued for a long time.

The three princesses of Emperor Kroel fought amongst each other to some extent in a power struggle… but now, that too was becoming a thing of the past.

The third princess—Penia, who received the most support—was off at Acken Island, which was in the southernmost corner of the continent. The second princess—Persica—was also buried away in the Imperial Library.

Was she being cautious of the disloyal servants around her, who approached her with only a lust for power? Or was she holding her breath in preparation for a full-fledged battle?

The reason was unknown, but at the very least, it was good news for the first princess, Selah.

“If it’s an order, I should go. As House Rothstaylor is a prestigious family that contributes greatly to the Imperial Family, it is necessary to personally introduce myself to them.”

She was a girl that had an unknown chill around her, much like the calm winter air.

She was neither arrogant nor disruptive. The only thing around her was a delicate elegance, like a piece of ice.

Even her hair had a blue-ish glow, like a snowflake covered with thin ice.

In the center of the audience chamber, which was massive compared to the size of the girl, the ruler of the Kroel empire that was also known as a legendary warrior, Kroel, was seated on his throne.

An old-fashioned silk carpet stretched out from his throne, all the way to Selah’s feet.

The imperial guards stood solemnly with their spears erect, not moving one bit. Numerous aides that gathered to give advice to the emperor were also bowing their heads.

“I will make the preparations and leave on time. But…”

Emperor Kroel had ordered First Princess Selah to visit the Rothstaylor Mansion.

It seemed as if he had already spoken with his closest confidant, Krepin Rothstaylor, about it already.

“It is a shame that I won’t be able to see Penia because the timing doesn’t match.”

Selah, the Princess of Frost, spoke as she bowed her head.

There was a strange silence among the closest aides that sat on both sides of Emperor Kroel. That was because her words held many meanings.

It had been well over a year since the Benevolent Princess Penia Elias Kroel had left the imperial household to study.

No matter how much support she received, being away from the house meant that her power was weak.

However, since Princess Penia was returning for the break, if the forces supporting Penia used that time as an opportunity to gather and nurture their loyalty, things wouldn’t be great for Selah.

Selah wanted to stay in the imperial palace to watch over the situation. So, it wasn’t great that she was being sent to the Rothstaylor Mansion, which was far away, while Princess Penia returned.

Penia said that she didn’t desire power, but Selah didn’t believe her.

That was why hearing Emperor Kroel’s orders to leave the imperial household while Penia returned home wasn’t very pleasing. Of course, Selah didn’t have the right to refuse.

“I understand your desire to see Penia after such a long time, but going to House Rothstaylor is a much bigger opportunity for you.”

Was it possible that he was forcibly separating her from Princess Penia? Selah held such thoughts, but Emperor Kroel would never say such a thing out loud.

“Selah, you must also know the importance of the social gathering held at the Rothstaylor Mansion.”

Selah nodded her head.

The head of House Rothstaylor, Krepin Rothstaylor, didn’t enjoy such social gatherings.

However, as he was labeled the most powerful man on the continent, it was necessary for him to get along well with many nobles.

That was why, when the rare social gathering was held, it was rather lavish.

It was a golden opportunity for the smaller aristocrats on the outskirts. It was a rare event, one where all sorts of people from powerful and noble families gathered in one place.

Originally, the imperial family had a custom where they would send one of the closest aides in their place. However, that year they were going to raise the status of the one they sent, and instead send the first princess.

There had long been a deep exchange between the Kroel and Rothstaylor families. So, that was a way to show their connection.

The impending social gathering was rather an opportunity.

In order to become the emperor, one would need to thoroughly learn how to handle House Rothstaylor to properly use them. Thus, it was necessary to have a deeper understanding of them and interact with the members of the family.

But it wouldn’t end there.

The massive social gathering was held over a period of five days to easily accommodate the busy schedules of all the participants.

Looking at the list of names invited, there were plenty of major individuals that moved the empire. Every major person she could think of was on that list.

Margrave Zahul, who alone managed the largest granary in the southernmost part of the empire.

The investor Roland, who was responsible for the practical money flow of the Elte Company.

Evian Nortondale, who was head of House Nortondale, which was one of the most prestigious swordsman households.

Valvern, who was known as an incredible innovator and considered a ‘father’ to all the alchemists in Krett, the land of alchemy.

Saint Clarice, who was praised as a noble messenger of God, standing at the top of the Telos Religious Group.

Sinir Bloomriver, who was the head of House Bloomriver, famous for its magic and known as the ‘witch’s house’.

Commander Magnus Callamore, who was famous for commanding the northern frontier’s troops and killing the largest number of non-humans.

And then there was the first princess of the Kroel Empire, Selah, who had emerged as a powerful individual and the current runner-up as the next emperor.

Of course, as it is taking place in the Rothstaylor Household, all the members of House Rothstaylor will be there.

The noble Krepin Rothstaylor, his successor, Tanya Rothstaylor.

Plus, Krepin had said that he was planning on reinstating his precious son, Ed Rothstaylor, during the event.

Wasn’t that the same son that he himself had excommunicated for slandering the noble and benevolent Princess Penia? Even though he said that he would accept him as a member of the family again, his real intentions were unknown.

Well… right now, the most likely successor is still the youngest, Tanya Rothstaylor.

Selah left the room as the knights escorted her.

As she traversed through the imperial gardens, which were beautifully well kept and rather large, she fell into deep thought.

Even though many people would be attending, it was impossible to personally meet with everyone.

She would try her hardest to get to know all of them as much as she could, but… she still needed to set priorities.

Strength, financial power, and even religious support.

She narrowed her list down to the Northern Corps Commander Magnus Callamore, the investor with connections to the Elte Company, Roland, and Saint Clarice from the religious group.

Plus, it was necessary to get to know the members of the Rothstaylor Household once more. She didn’t have any previous meetings with Tanya Rothstaylor, who was currently the heir, so she planned to use that time to get close to her.

“Hmm…”

She was thinking about Ed Rothstaylor, who was meant to be reinstated.

She had no way of knowing what Krepin Rothstaylor was thinking. Selah heard a rumor long ago that Ed was excommunicated and ruined, with no support from his family.

He was someone that had lived on the ground as a fallen nobleman for nearly two years now.

He had lost all of his dignity and authority. But more than anything, he must have experienced just how hellish life was without the glory of his family’s name.

Rather than trying to fight for the position of heir, such people would instead focus on clinging to their families, afraid of being kicked out.

Since he had been at the bottom for several years, his position within the family would be ambiguous. He also wouldn’t have had many chances to interact with influential individuals. It was obvious that he would try and turn things around during the social gathering.

Still, if she saw potential in him, she was open to the idea of investing early. However… given how much time had passed, she didn’t know if it was worth investing in him. To put it bluntly, he was someone of minor importance to her.

“Princess Selah. I came to tell you that we will start preparing for your trip to House Rothstaylor.”

“Please do so.”

After responding to the guards, Selah entered the palace gates.

No matter what, the person that Selah was thinking about the most at that moment was Princess Penia.

She had no idea what Penia would do when she returned to the imperial palace during vacation. After all, during that period Selah herself would be vacant from her seat.

Feeling a bit uneasy, Selah decided to direct her closest aides to keep her mind focused.

* * *

“We were waiting for you. Come inside.”

The captain of the escort team of Princess Penia, Claire, bowed her head.

I thanked her as I entered through the front door of the royal residence. Tanya, who timidly followed behind me, looked around.

“This seems like an entirely different world, brother.”

Tanya, who entered the royal residence, looked around as she quickly cleared her throat in fear that she may have looked undignified.

The most luxurious and expensive facility on Acken Island was Ophelis Hall. However, if you were to simply look at the cost of expenses, then the royal residence would be next.

There was a difference in size.

Ophelis Hall was a large dormitory that was made for students of various aristocratic families.

The royal residence was less than half the size of Ophelis Hall, but still it was only built for one person. It was an unbelievable level of luxury.

It took a while just to enter the heavily guarded main entrance, cross through the garden, and then enter the mansion-like residence.

Only after traveling through the clean and luxurious hallways for some time was I finally able to see Princess Penia’s reception room.

“W-Wait a moment…”

Before Tanya entered the room, she quickly straightened her hair as she tidied up her outfit.

Tanya had already met Princess Penia quite a few times. However, it was the first time she had officially visited her since becoming the student council president.

The morning before, Tanya wrote a letter to the royal residence.

Summer vacation was starting, and the Rothstaylor siblings were going back home. However, before that, there was something they wanted to ask of Princess Penia. That was the gist of the letter.

Princess Penia wasn’t an easy person to meet. However, whether it was because Tanya was the student council president or if she had just wanted to meet with us after seeing our names, she accepted surprisingly readily.

Thus, the two of us had gone to the royal residence early that morning.

When the door opened up, I saw Princess Penia sitting alone on a sofa that looked quite expensive even from a glance.

Her lace dress also exuded a noble atmosphere. Her hair fell down past her shoulders.

The size of the sofa was much too large for her body.

She looked noble, but at the same time, rather lonely.

“Hello, Princess Penia. Thank you for allowing us an audience.”

After I greeted her, Tanya quickly followed suit, bowing her head.

Princess Penia lowered her gaze as she nodded. She then looked at the sofa across from her. Tanya and I went to sit on it without saying a word.

“You look healthy, Ed Rothstaylor. And you as well, Miss Tanya.”

“Yes. Have you been doing well yourself, Princess?”

“……”

Princess Penia didn’t answer for a moment as she lowered her gaze once more.

“It’s the same as always.”

The butler of the residence politely walked up to me, putting down some tea. Tanya quickly took a sip.

“Princess Penia. The reason we came here today is because…”

“You must be in need of my authority.”

Penia jumped straight to the point without hesitation.

Whether it was because of how Tanya and I looked in her eyes, or if it was because of her great insight…

I didn’t know the answer to that, but at the very least, she didn’t appear hostile.

Rather, Princess Penia’s tone of voice was rather gentle.

“Ed Rothstaylor, it was my fault that you were excommunicated. Thus, with my approval, you will have an easier time being reinstated.”

It felt as if she were being rather straightforward.

Either way, since I had to be reinstated, she already knew what we came for.

Going back to the Rothstaylor Household is a major gamble for me. It was something that required a lot of preparation.

In terms of strength, we had Lucy, so that wasn’t a problem. Still, not everything could be solved with force alone.

Among nobility, ultimately most problems were resolved through ‘authority’.

Gaining recognition from someone with high authority or an influential individual made it difficult to put your hands on them.

“Come to think of it, it’s been a long time since I sent my regards to the head of House Rothstaylor. Ed Rothstaylor, could you deliver my handwritten letter to Krepin Rothstaylor on my behalf?”

Penia didn’t say much. She had already prepared the letter in advance.

A servant slowly approached me as he gave me the personal letter of Princess Penia… It had a luxurious gold frame around it and the seal of the Kroel Imperial Family was also attached.

A letter from the imperial family wasn’t something that could just be delivered by anyone. Thus, the meaning of that single paged letter was much heavier than you would think.

However, the most important point was that it was not sealed with wax.

The fact that it wasn’t sealed implied that the sender fully trusted the one delivering the letter. It showed that she had complete trust and belief that I wouldn’t do anything inappropriate with it.

Historically, it was a way to introduce someone that you trusted. It was a needlessly complicated piece of etiquette, but the royal family had always been like that.

The fact was, I was recognized by Princess Penia and fully entrusted with her authority. The letter, by its very existence, granted a special authority that prevented me, as the messenger, from being easily messed with.

“There is no need for me to write a letter granting you authority. That letter alone should be enough for you to return in glory.”

“I had no idea you would help me so easily. I… was ready to negotiate with you more if needed.”

“……”

Princess Penia didn’t respond to that.

She was a person that had a skeptical view of House Rothstaylor. She also intended to reveal the hidden internal affairs of House Rothstaylor.

However, before Princess Penia started to take on such a troublesome task, she was willingly cooperating with us.

But she wasn’t saying anything else. After I spoke, there was a long moment of silence. So much so I started to turn red with embarrassment.

Princess Penia was staring at me for a long period of time.

Her gaze was heavy, so I tried to find another topic to talk about… But it was of no use.

* * *

“The carriage sent from Rothstaylor Mansion will arrive in about two days.”

After saying that, Tanya went back to Ophelis Hall. Now it was time to really go back home.

While I was back in the mansion, I wouldn’t be able to manage the camp. That was why it was necessary to take several measures to ensure that it was alright for me to be absent long-term.

I needed to make a lock for the door of my cabin to shut it tight. I also needed to organize all of my tools that were scattered outside.

I still needed to retrieve all the traps I had set up in the forest, clean them up, and put them in storage. All of the food I had, aside from what I could store for a long time, needed to be disposed of.

After thinking about all the work that I needed to finish that day, I returned to the camp.

“E-Ed. You’re heeeeeere~!”

Yennekar, who sat by the fireplace, looked at me with a strange tone in her voice as she spoke.

Even if she was trying to raise the tone of her voice on purpose and pretend to be fine, it was clear that she was nervous.

“Look at this. Bell gave us precious herbs, and I used them in the curry~! I tried it earlier, and~… It was really good~!”

“……”

As I stared at Yennekar’s face, she started to shift her feet and sweat profusely.

“Why… are you looking at me like that…?”

Seeing her hiccup and stumble on her words was very much like herself.

As if I was staring a hole through her head, Yennekar had to glance away for a moment.

“……”

“Are you thinking about something useless again…?”

“No, but…”

Since the end of the exams, Yennekar has been acting like that.

She put her chin on her knee as she rested it. She always did that when she was depressed.

“I… Thought I knew you well, but. Sometimes I feel like I don’t know a thing…”

“About me?”

I took off my shoes and poured out the dirt that was inside.

“I’m sure of it though. There isn’t anyone in this school as close to me as you.”

“Well, maybe physically our bodies might be close, but… I have no idea what you are thinking or how you live.”

Yennekar took a deep breath. I wondered what was with her, but suddenly something came to mind.

“Is this about you giving up the top student seat? You think that was rude to me?”

“Hiccup…! No! No! No! No! No!”

“I’m sure of it now, seeing as you had to say it five times.”

As I brushed off my shoes, the dirt rose up. I frowned as I waved my hand to get it out of my face. Either way, living in the forest, whenever you walk around, you’re bound to get your clothes dirty quickly.

“There’s no such thing as a person that does everything right the first time. That’s how we learn.”

“…Still, Ed… That’s completely different…”

“……?”

“Ed, can you please forgive me this one time? Whether it was an accident… or a mistake I did on purpose…”

When I looked towards Yennekar with an expression that said that was absurd, she quickly waved her arms in the air. Seeing an expression that said she was the sorriest person in the entire world on her face, I was the one feeling sorry for her.

“D-Did I just make another mistake with what I just said?”

“What thing did you do that was so wrong?”

Yennekar closed her eyes tightly as she confessed.

“I-I also think my head is going to explode. I just keep having these bad thoughts…”

“Bad thoughts?”

“…Ed. I thought that you might hate me.”

Again, I was left speechless.

Yennekar was a good-natured and kind person, but sometimes that attitude of hers could be rude to others.

The nicer and kinder you were, the rarer the experience of being hated by others was. So, for her, it seemed like she might never have been hated by another before.

That was why Yennekar was struggling so much. She was afraid that I might end up hating her.

“You don’t have to worry.”

“……”

“Even if you were a little rude, do you think I would end up hating you so easily? You are a special person to me.”

Yennekar took a short breath as she looked up into my eyes. Looking at the tears welling up in the corners of her eyes, it seemed that she was worrying quite a bit.

Looking at that, didn’t it seem like I always did bad things to her? I always tried my best to treat her well though.

“Anyway… I have something to ask you. Are you planning on going back home this break?”

“Hm?”

“Do you think you can accept this simple request?”

* * *

Two days later, a luxurious carriage crossed Mexes Bridge.

I waited by the front entrance with my luggage, already packed. I also took Tanya’s luggage as well.

“They sent quite a large carriage. I guess since we will spend quite some time inside it, it’s better that it’s larger and more comfortable.”

“Did you sleep well last night?”

“No. I was planning to sleep in the carriage, so I did some work instead. You look rather tired yourself, brother.”

“I’m also exhausted after having taken care of some work at the camp.”

“I see. Uhm… But…”

Tanya looked at the carriage crossing Mexes Bridge as she swung towards me and whispered.

“The atmosphere is already so scary. Will it be like this the entire time in the carriage…?”

I turned my head and looked behind me at the two girls standing side by side.

One girl had pink hair and wore a white blouse, a blue flared skirt, and a brown shawl.

The other girl was smaller, with white hair hanging over her loosely fitted shirt and skirt.

It went without saying, but it was Yennekar Palerover and Lucy Mayreel.

The two looked at each other as if puzzled… They were both making faces as if wondering ‘why are you here?’

…And that was how things happened.