The Extra’s Academy Survival Guide - Chapter 229

[To you who survived.

At the end of that long journey, when your life was at risk at every moment, it may be very different from what you thought it would be.

However, what does not change is the fact that after enduring that difficult journey, at the end of the day, you are able to stand proudly.

Were you happy to have survived?

Or are you afraid of continuing to live a life of pain and anguish?

Have you found a reason for living?

Was it a life worth living?

What did you gain, and what did you lose?

Where did you succeed, and where did you fail?

How did those moments of joy and despair shape you?

Why are we so obsessed with continuing to live when we know it will all be futile in the end?

What is the reason to needlessly try to change one’s journey when it already has a predetermined ending?

Why do we struggle unnecessarily just to survive?

This book is an agonizing record of that answer.]

***

“The finale of the festival will soon take place.”

The senior aide entered the audience chamber, bowing his head as he spoke.

It was a temporary audience chamber prepared within the royal residence. Even so, it was just as grand as the one back at the Imperial Castle.

The royal residence where Princess Penia lived had many servants already familiar with royal etiquette. It didn’t take them long to prepare accommodations suitable for the emperor.Not only that, the audience chamber they prepared was also befitting Emperor Kroel’s authority.

Emperor Kroel sat inside the room, gazing past the terrace. Stroking his long beard solemnly, he looked toward the school’s steeple.

“The level of education here in Silvenia has improved far more than I expected. Compared to the first time we came here, it has developed tremendously. It’s almost to the point where it doesn’t look like the same place.”

“The children have also surprised me. The level of students continues to grow every year. In the combat department, there are students who are already experts in swordsmanship. And in the magic department, there is even a student who can use ultimate magic… It truly is an institute worth investing in.”

“Penia has also become much more independent. Even though it was a long journey, it was a good decision to come and visit here in person.”

Emperor Kroel wore a satisfied expression before a dark shadow once again crossed his face.

Selah. Persica. Penia.

Ever since Lindon abdicated the throne, Emperor Kroel had been well aware of the conflict that would arise between the three princesses.

Back when Lindon was healthy, things had been much different. In some ways, they had been like a normal, loving family.

However, now Emperor Kroel was in a position where he needed to decide the next heir to the throne. That was the only way to end the conflict.

Even though Emperor Kroel was regarded as an incredibly wise and kind leader, he struggled to objectively judge which of his children was best suited for the throne.

Still, as a father, he was keenly aware of each princess’s strengths and weaknesses.

Princess Selah possessed the leadership and charisma suitable for a monarch. She showed no hesitation in decision-making, acted swiftly, and trusted her own judgment—qualities necessary for a ruler.

However, she was arrogant, obsessed with status and authority, and had a strong sense of self-righteousness to the point where she never admitted her own faults. She also failed to respect those beneath her. There was a risk that she would walk the path of a tyrant rather than that of a wise emperor.

Princess Persica loved knowledge and had deep insight into academics. She was well-informed, politically adept, and able to take advantage of any opportunity presented to her. In that regard, she was similar to a shrewd merchant who always acted realistically rather than relying on possibility.

However, such an overly analytical mindset could easily lead to corruption. If she took the throne, there was a chance she would prioritize her own interests over those of the people. As someone unafraid of schemes and manipulation, the imperial household would likely become darker and more depraved under her rule.

Princess Penia was kind, always did her best to treat those beneath her well, and knew how to admit to and repent for her mistakes. She was an ideal monarch who listened carefully, thought of the people, and was neither bound by authority nor swayed by self-interest.

However, there was a high likelihood that she would be unable to maintain her authority and position. She was too understanding and empathetic toward others, and as an idealist, adapting to the harsh realities of politics would be difficult. Rather, she might become nothing more than a puppet, constantly torn between her ideals and the pleas of her aides to be realistic.

A strong conviction and perseverance befitting a monarch. Political knowledge and wisdom.

A heart that genuinely cared for the people without being swayed by authority.

A monarch who possessed all three qualities was exceedingly rare.

“Lindon…”

Staring at the spire as he whispered his son’s name, Emperor Kroel shook his head. Clinging to what had already been lost would not improve the situation.

At that moment, Emperor Kroel bore the responsibility of choosing the next heir and raising them to become an ideal monarch.

That was necessary to preserve the peaceful dynasty his ancestors had worked so hard to maintain.

As a result, Emperor Kroel was considering appointing Princess Selah as his successor.

He had not yet fully decided, but it was fair to say this was his tentative conclusion.

Selah’s arrogance could be tempered once her confidence was shaken by the experience of making mistakes.

Emperor Kroel was prepared to roll up his sleeves and personally correct her overly authoritarian and condescending attitude toward those beneath her.

Ultimately, the most important quality was the ability to control and lead the public as emperor.

Morality and compassion could be taught through education, but dignity and the capacity to rule could not. In a sense, they were innate.

Princess Selah’s sense of dignity—both alluring and difficult to approach—was something Persica and Penia lacked. An aura that commanded attention wherever she went, making others feel insignificant in her presence.

She still had a long way to go, but at that moment, Princess Selah seemed the most suited to become emperor.

The problem was that Selah was not yet suited to be a perfect monarch.

As a father, Emperor Kroel was unsure whether it was right to think this way. Still, he believed her excessive self-confidence needed to be broken first.

Her arrogance could one day bring disaster to the Empire. To prevent that, he needed someone capable of properly educating her.

But where in the Empire could he find someone who could keep Selah under control?

Selah Einer Kroel was the first princess of the Kroel Imperial Family. From a young age, she had learned how to command others through authority and control crowds.She bowed her head only to Emperor Kroel, and even that was solely because he held the power to choose the next emperor.

Emperor Kroel understood her ambition and thirst for power. The only way to shape her into an ideal monarch was to tear down her confidence once and make her yield.

If he did so himself, it would be meaningless. Submitting before the emperor was only natural.

So was there anyone else who could control Selah?

While Emperor Kroel agonized over that question—

“There are no further intelligence reports to present… However, I believe I should inform you of Princess Selah’s recent actions.”

“Selah?”

“Yes. During the day, she remains close to you, following your schedule. However, recently, she has been consistently communicating with someone else at night.”

“She never told me anything. Communicating with someone in Silvenia while keeping it from me…”

“Yes. It is most likely related to the succession conflict. Shall I investigate further? How would you like to proceed?”

Emperor Kroel scratched his chin as he pondered.

Knowing that the three princesses were in conflict, he believed it was necessary to closely observe Selah’s movements on Acken Island, where Penia resided.

He wanted his daughters’ competition to remain healthy, yet with Selah’s personality, he worried she might cross the line.

Assassination or crippling injury… Even if she wouldn’t go that far, it was still possible she would cause lasting harm.

That thought deeply troubled Emperor Kroel, who loved all three of his daughters.

“Look into it.”

And when the contents of Selah’s letters—obtained through surveillance of her butler, Dest—were revealed, Emperor Kroel was left in shock.

***

“B-B-B-Brother… Y-Y-You’re here…”

When I arrived at the royal residence, Tanya—who had also been summoned—was standing there, trembling.

“You’re here too, Tanya? Were you summoned as well?”

“Y-Yes… I was suddenly called to the royal residence… I had just finished my work and was rolling around on the sofa when… this happened…”

“…Why are you trembling so badly?”

“Didn’t you hear? Emperor Kroel himself summoned us. Since he called for both of us, it must be related to House Rothstaylor… I can’t help but feel nervous knowing I’ll be seated right in front of our wise leader.”

I supposed that when she had to speak before large crowds or powerful individuals, she became excessively nervous.

At times she was reliable and dignified in the most difficult situations, yet at others she trembled in fear. I couldn’t tell whether Tanya was brave or cowardly.

“Ed. You came alone. I thought you would bring someone with you.”

Standing beside Tanya were Ziggs and several other student council members. As the student council president, she had brought others to accompany her to the audience.

“You’re here too, Tanya? Were you summoned as well?”

“B-But this is strange, brother. Thanks to you, our relations with the Elte Company, the Telos Religious Group, and Princess Penia are good… I can understand those three, but I don’t understand why Emperor Kroel suddenly summoned us… It’s too unusual…”

“…This isn’t because of me, Tanya.”

“Liar! Don’t lie to me! What kind of trick are you pulling to keep me stuck as student council president?! I—I can’t bear any more power than this…!”

If someone else heard her, they might think she was acting spoiled and smack her on the head. Knowing her circumstances, however, I could only pity her.

“……”

“Ziggs, what if I stumble in front of Emperor Kroel? Will he look at me with pity? Or will he give me a cold look, as if I’m miserable and pathetic?”

“He’ll probably laugh loudly and say, ‘Even the reliable student council president has a human side.’”

“Why would he say that?! Why would he see me positively…?!”

“I’ve told you before. A person’s position defines how they’re perceived. When you’re in a high position, small mistakes only make you seem more human.”

Tanya sighed and wiped her face, her blonde hair curling around her shoulders.

“Anyway, since Ed was summoned as well, this likely concerns House Rothstaylor. Even though it has nothing to do with the student council, you dragged us along… I don’t think that was necessary.”

“You’re always having a hard time because of my sister, Ziggs. Is Tanya giving you trouble lately?”

“No. I simply do my work as usual. If anything, the one struggling is Anise, whom you recommended last time. You should thank her again when you see her.”

Ziggs spoke politely before gathering the other council members and signaling them to leave.

“W-Why are you sending everyone back?!” Tanya asked in alarm.

“If this were student council business, then yes. But this concerns House Rothstaylor. The council members aren’t involved.”

“B-But…”

“Isn’t it excessive to involve them in personal matters? They’re busy with their own lives.”

“That… that’s true.”

Ziggs looked at Tanya with mixed emotions before sighing.

“Well, since you’re here, I suppose there’s nothing to worry about… Still, just in case, I’ll accompany you as an advisor.”

“You don’t need to, Ziggs…”

“It’s fine. I’ll consider it part of my duty. I have time before picking up Elka from class.”

Ziggs stood confidently with his arms crossed.

From Tanya’s perspective, having an additional ally was reassuring. She sighed in relief.

“With my brother on one side and Ziggs on the other… that’s reassuring enough.”

Though there was little point in suddenly acting dignified after trembling moments ago.

“No matter what Emperor Kroel says, I’ll respond with dignity…!”

“Are you interested in becoming engaged to my daughter Selah, Ed Rothstaylor?”

“…What?”

Inside the audience chamber, after brief greetings, Tanya’s mouth fell open in shock at Emperor Kroel’s words.

Ziggs, standing behind her, was equally stunned.

***

Selah had openly antagonized Duke Rothstaylor to the point where one might wonder if it was even acceptable. Few in history had opposed House Rothstaylor so relentlessly.

Because of Princess Selah, House Rothstaylor had lost much of its influence within the imperial household. Though still holding ducal status, it was on a path toward destruction within the next decade.

Emperor Kroel had carefully considered all aspects of uniting his daughter Selah with House Rothstaylor’s eldest son.

Marriage would bring one of Selah’s strongest enemies under her control, forcibly resolving internal conflict. It would also place House Rothstaylor under royal oversight, preventing future dissent and providing justification to restore its members to imperial service.

House Rothstaylor had served as close advisors to the imperial family for generations, constantly proving their worth.

Beyond politics, Emperor Kroel considered how Ed Rothstaylor himself might change Selah.

As a wise leader, he could accurately judge people.

The emperor’s throne was a place of constant judgment—measuring worth day after day.

After the duel, when Ed Rothstaylor bowed before him, he had remained calm and composed.Academically, he was a top student in the magic department. Politically, he was the eldest son of House Rothstaylor.

But more than anything—he had never once fallen for Selah, no matter how many times she tried to win him over.

Selah was accustomed to suppressing others through authority, winning loyalty with promises of reward and future glory.

Yet Ed had never wavered. To Selah, who had never failed to obtain what she wanted, he was like a ticking bomb.

He was necessary. With the emperor’s backing, even Selah would be unable to control him.

Such a person was essential for shaping her into an ideal monarch.

“…I don’t believe Princess Selah would welcome this.”

“On the contrary, I believe she would be quite receptive.”

He was clearly aware of the letters Selah had written.

Ed recalled Dest’s words. Though loyal, the butler could not escape the emperor’s influence.

Yet Emperor Kroel held a crucial misconception.

Selah wrote those letters not out of affection, but to conceal her schemes. Every word was false—she harbored no love for Ed Rothstaylor.

However, from Emperor Kroel’s perspective, they appeared to be the shy feelings of a young girl.

“I thought I knew everything about my daughter… yet I never knew she had this side. I still have much to learn as a father.”

“Pardon?”

“Never mind. Just speaking to myself.”

Emperor Kroel cleared his throat and continued.

“The relationship between House Rothstaylor and the imperial family is long. I wish to discuss how marriage could clarify our political positions.”

“I… see…”

“After your marriage, Selah will no longer attack House Rothstaylor. Please give this engagement serious consideration.”

Checkmate.

With the emperor himself urging him, refusal was nearly impossible.

Even the eldest son of House Rothstaylor could not easily reject such an offer. Ziggs felt his blood run cold.

Princess Selah and Ed Rothstaylor engaged—news that would turn the academy upside down.

“Ed Rothstaylor. Based on your conduct, I believe you to be a decent man.”

“I appreciate your words, but I am unworthy of such praise.”

“Humility is admirable, but one must also know when to shine.”

After stroking his beard, Emperor Kroel spoke decisively.

“Become engaged to Selah.”

The first princess’s fiancé—a direct path to immense power.A dream position coveted by every noble and bureaucrat.

It would restore House Rothstaylor’s lost authority and relieve Tanya of her burdens.

By all logic, it was an offer that could not be refused.

Slam.

At that moment, the audience chamber doors burst open.

“Father!”

Princess Selah rushed in, clutching the hem of her dress, out of breath from running.

“How could you do this without telling me?!”

Her eyes met Ed’s.

“Father! How could you allow someone like him to share royal blood?!”

“Thank you for the offer, but I must refuse.”

Before Selah could continue, Ed bowed and spoke.

The chamber froze.

“To share the sacred blood of the imperial family would be an unforgivable disgrace for someone like me.”

A humble yet firm refusal.

“And becoming engaged to Princess Selah would be a betrayal of Princess Penia, to whom I have sworn loyalty.”

“……”

“Loyalty is the foundation of honor. If I betrayed Penia for power, I would be nothing more than a parasite.”

His calm voice echoed.

“I will cherish my loyalty until death. Therefore, I must reject your offer.”

Selah was left speechless.

“You… rejected me?”

She had never been rejected in her life.

“That is not the case, Princess Selah. My status is simply too low.”

“How dare you reject me?! You, the son of a dying ducal house…!”

She grabbed his collar, fury blazing—yet Ed’s expression never changed.

“Why are your eyes always so calm?! I wrote those letters, swallowed my pride, yet you never wavered…!”

“His Majesty is watching.”

Selah froze, realization dawning. She bowed hastily.

“I apologize for my disgrace, Father.”

The chamber fell silent.

Yet instead of fury—

“Haha!”

Emperor Kroel laughed.

Satisfied.

Ed Rothstaylor—the man who influenced all three princesses.

“Ed Rothstaylor. I will make no further demands. However, I have another suggestion.”

“I am contemplating which of my daughters should inherit the throne.”

“It is natural to be concerned.”

“You have met them all. I wish to hear your thoughts.”

“After today’s festival, shall we play a game of chess in my room?”

“I fear I lack the knowledge to discuss such matters…”

“Do not worry. I only wish to talk.”

Princess Selah, head bowed, broke into a cold sweat.

And Ed Rothstaylor—standing beside her—was now seen in an entirely different light.