The Extra’s Academy Survival Guide - Chapter 230

“Ziggs, what’s with your expression?”

“Hm? It’s nothing… I was just thinking about something…”

By the time Ziggs arrived at the student library to pick up Elka, the closing ceremony being held in the central square had already begun.

Since numerous splendid performances had been prepared, it was an event all of the students were looking forward to. Elka felt sorry that Ziggs had come to pick her up, since he probably wanted to see the closing ceremony.

Elka’s asthma had been getting worse day by day. Her cough had become so severe that it occasionally caused bleeding.

To take care of Elka, who still wished to continue her studies, Ziggs had moved into her dormitory.From Ziggs’s point of view, that was simply the natural thing to do.

If he had never run into Elka while she was wandering through the grasslands, or if he hadn’t been brought into House Islan thanks to her, he would never have been able to attend Silvenia Academy. If that hadn’t happened, his talents would never have properly flourished.

Since he considered Elka his benefactor, taking care of her as her condition worsened was no problem for him.

In the first place, if it weren’t for Elka, he would never have been able to attend Silvenia Academy.

“I’ve recently been thinking that I’ve lived quite a peaceful life…”

“I don’t think that’s something someone who lived their life running from giant wolves in the grasslands should say… And when you were in House Islan, there were always a multitude of incidents…”

“Listen, Elka… That much… can’t even be considered an incident…”

“…What happened to you while working for the student council, Ziggs?”

“Well… A lot has happened…”

“…You’re already busy constantly taking care of me. Isn’t it too hard to be a part of the student council on top of that?”

“No, it’s not hard. I’m doing it because I enjoy it.”

It gave him extra points toward his grades, and being a member of Silvenia’s student council was a great addition to one’s résumé after graduating.Since he couldn’t live with House Islan forever, Ziggs viewed all of that favorably, knowing that he would eventually have to go off on his own.

“And… surprisingly, there are many good things that come with being close to power.”

Ziggs escorted Elka as they walked from the student library down the hill.

“Good things…? Ziggs, have you developed a taste for power?”

“That’s not it. Rather, it seems that having power is mostly troublesome… But being close to it allows you to witness some rather strange things up close…”

“What do you mean…?”

“Forget about it… Still, school life is quite enjoyable these days. If I hadn’t met you, I wouldn’t ever have had the chance to experience this.”

“I wouldn’t say that… This was all thanks to your ability and what you’ve accomplished here at Silvenia. You’re the one who has been helping me while my condition worsens.”

It was tiring for Ziggs to always respond that it was simply the natural thing for him to do, so he just smiled instead.

“Recently, you’ve been personally assisting President Tanya, right? How is it?”

“Well… What kind of person do you think she is, Elka?”

“Well, the rumors say that she’s a great person… Something about how there’s never been a president as great as her. What do you think, as her personal assistant? Is she worthy of such praise?”

“Hmm…”

Compared to his childhood, when he was chased by wolves across the grasslands, it didn’t feel like things had improved all that much. That was because he was the one chasing after Tanya now. Still, he was glad that his life was no longer in danger.

Spending the day running around to catch Tanya and nursing Elka… Despite everything, it was a strangely pleasant feeling.

“I-If my older brother really married Princess Selah, then… The moment our house rises in status, my entire retirement plan would go up in smoke…!”

Ziggs was assisting Tanya as they left the royal residence, heading toward the central stage.Seeing Tanya sigh as she scratched her head, it was as if she would rather die than work.

“My plans for retiring and enjoying a quiet country life almost ended in vain… I’m glad my brother refused…”

“Normally, people would be puzzled as to why he turned down such a good opportunity.”

“We don’t need power. What’s the use of authority?! I just want to rest…! Rest, I say…!!”

A pathetic person who didn’t want to work. An idiot who somehow stood at the head of her esteemed house. The moron who sat in the student council president’s chair.Some might have judged Tanya as such, seeing her behave in that manner.

However, after a brief silence, Tanya’s immature and childish attitude faded away. She then spoke in a quiet, low-pitched tone, as if her demeanor had suddenly turned dark.

“I need to reconsider my plan to dethrone Princess Selah from her position by joining hands with House Callamore and House Bloomriver!”

At the end of the day, Tanya Rothstaylor was still the heir to House Rothstaylor and the student council president of Silvenia Academy.Despite all her complaining and whining… she never showed any real weakness.

Watching Tanya’s back as she walked with her head lowered, muttering to herself… it looked as if she were possessed by something mysterious.

“I’ll have to keep watching to find out who will benefit House Rothstaylor more.”

As they continued to walk, Ziggs caught a glimpse of Tanya’s eyes beneath her lowered head.

“She’s a really easygoing and pathetic person—to the point where you wonder if it’s even okay.”

As they walked downhill from the student library, Ziggs spoke while supporting Elka.

“Still, she’s much more complicated than that.”

In this world, there were countless people who acted easygoing and carefree. Most of them truly were joyful and relaxed individuals.

However, among them were some whose sharpened senses acted like daggers.

And they were terrifying.

Ziggs frowned as he spoke to Elka in a serious tone.

***

“Don’t beat around the bush. What do you want?”

The ceremony held in the central square wasn’t very long.

It consisted of performance highlights, closing remarks, and finally a fireworks display that would fill the night sky.

The fireworks were a tremendous spectacle, but everything else was simply highlights of performances that had already been shown throughout the festival.

There were a few new bands, plays, and demonstrations of magic as well, but… none of it caught my attention.

What occupied my mind was Princess Selah, who had followed me to the student square. She sat beside me on a bench, a frown etched across her face.

“I have never yielded to anyone to such a degree until now.”

She flipped her bluish hair to one side, revealing her alluring shoulders—a gesture only someone confident in their appearance could make.

She wore a neatly fitted dress that exposed her bare shoulders. It was far more glamorous and refined than her usual attire. Since Princess Selah always appeared like the main character wherever she went, the outfit suited her perfectly.

Naturally, the surrounding students began to look our way.

Most continued heading toward the central square, but it was impossible to ignore the strange sight of the Empire’s princess sitting beside an ordinary student.

“Look over there… Isn’t that Ed?”

“L-Last time he was sitting with Saint Clarice. And now it’s Princess Selah…?”

“I-It’s my first time seeing Princess Selah in person… Why are those two sitting together…?”

Whispers and gossip spread quickly. I could barely breathe under the pressure.

After all, I was sitting next to a member of the royal family. I didn’t dare act rude or disrespectful in public.

“Alright. I’ll admit that you’re worthwhile. I never thought my father would be willing to listen to you. I suppose you really are a crafty individual.”

“That’s not true. I was simply stating my opinion at the time.”

“Do you think I would fall for such modest lies? Speak honestly. I will do my best to grant you what you desire.”

Princess Selah spoke through gritted teeth.

Though she still maintained a dominant air, for her, it was as if she were lowering herself tremendously.

“I will do my best to grant you what you desire.”

When she uttered those words, it felt as if her pride were being torn apart.

She was arrogance personified. Even now, she refused to bow her head.

No matter how much the world pressed down on her, she would never abandon the pride she held dear. To her, clinging to someone of lower status or asking for a favor simply did not exist.

Her unwavering convictions were enough to leave anyone in awe.

“I have gone out of my way and decided to fulfill everything you ask for.”

“But I am not asking for anything in particular.”

“Still… you say things like that…”

“No matter what happens, you can never be persuaded by my older sister Selah. This is not only for my political reasoning, but also for your sake, Ed.”

“The only thing Selah longs for is what she can’t have. And once she finally grasps something, she quickly loses interest and throws it away… That’s why, to preserve your true worth, you must never yield to her.”

Penia had given me that advice beforehand.

Watching Selah grow more desperate as she tried to appease me, I realized all the more that I could never give in.

But… how long did I need to keep this up?

At what point could I stop being stubborn and accept her offers? At what point could I believe that Selah had truly lost and surrendered?

Unfortunately, I had never been given an answer.

So all I could do was endure. That alone made sense—Selah was someone who would clearly show when she had truly reached her limit.

However, the situation changed drastically with Emperor Kroel’s intervention.

The moment he acknowledged me as a crucial influence in the competition for the throne, Princess Selah was forced to suppress her pride.

Even so, as she ground her teeth, it was clear how humiliating it was for her to continue.

“I’ll give you everything you want… Surely there’s something you desire?”

“……”

“It’s fine even if it’s unreasonable… Just tell me…”

Even if she were on the brink of death, she would never lower herself to my level—or so it seemed. That was how resolute she was.

Her pride was so immense that the situation itself was infuriating to her.

“Isn’t my offer sufficient? I know my father is already considering naming me the official heir. If there were someone who could raise my credibility even a little more… Father would surely finalize his decision…”

And the one who could seal that decision was me—Ed Rothstaylor.

The title of heir hovered just beyond her reach, whispering temptations into her ear.

Power. Ambition. Glory.

Those whispers weighed heavily upon Princess Selah, forcing her ever closer to bowing her head.

Apologize for her past actions. Promise a friendly relationship. Beg me to stand by her side just once.

Anyone else would have gladly bowed, pleading for my support.

However—

Even with glory and power nearly within her grasp, Princess Selah refused to bow her head.

Until the very end, she insisted on acting as though she were in control.

Even the emperor had been shocked by how unyielding her pride was. At that point, it was almost religious in nature.

“Or… I will… I… Do you truly think I would beg you…? I will never bow my head and ask you for a favor. I am Selah Einer Kroel, First Princess of the Kroel Empire.”

“…”

“You should already know that I will never lower my head. Even if the position of heir is right before me… I will never bow to someone beneath me.”

“Princess Selah.”

I couldn’t help it.

No matter what she said, I had to follow the plan I had already chosen. A single misjudgment could introduce unpredictable variables.

“I am loyal to Princess Penia.”

At those words, Selah slammed the table and stood up.

“Again…! You speak her name again…! Just what do you owe that girl?! It’s as if you truly love each other!”

“…It’s not like that. I am not driven by such personal feelings.”

“Then why are you so loyal to Penia?! Didn’t I promise you everything?! Money, power, authority, positions within the imperial household—everything to elevate House Rothstaylor! I offered it all, yet you won’t say a single good word about me to Father?! That level of loyalty is absurd…! I can’t understand it at all!”

Princess Selah briefly lost her composure, her voice rising. Moments later, she forced herself to calm down, clenching her teeth.

She looked at me and said, “Alright… Do I simply need to lower my head and ask you for this favor…?”

“That’s—”

“If I do that, will you abandon Penia and join my side? If so, you’re truly perverse. Do you really want to watch my pride shatter?”

I shook my head, firmly denying it.

Yet Selah’s expression only darkened.

“Then what will it take to pull you away from Penia?! Tell me what you want! If you wish, I’ll even take care of Penia! So what is the problem?!”

“It’s not what Princess Penia wants.”

Selah froze, staring at me in disbelief as she wiped her face.

“Then when you meet my father… will you recommend Penia as the next emperor?”

“That is something I must consider later. As I’ve said before, I believe you are better suited to be emperor. However, I am moved by Princess Penia’s ideals, and that is why I follow her. Loyalty does not always mean following power. While I may not be able to recommend Princess Penia, I will not lie. I need more time to think.”

“Hearing that… only irritates me more…! I would rather you resent me, despise me, hate me…!”

Selah abruptly stopped speaking, realizing what she had just said.

Her pride had been wounded repeatedly, yet it had never been my intention.

To someone like Princess Selah, that realization was unbearable.

She clenched her teeth and placed her hands back on the table.

Her posture slackened slightly… she lowered her head… and thought deeply once more.

Each time the temptation of power forced her downward, her pride pushed back just as fiercely.

It had become instinct—something that would never allow her to bow.

Watching her struggle was painful. Unable to bear it, I stepped forward.

“Princess Selah. You don’t need to go this far—”

“Shut up… Shut up…! That mouth of yours needs to shut up…!”

Her eyes glared at me with disgust and hatred.

“You’re nothing more than the son of a dying ducal household… But me… do you know who I am? You understand the difference between us, don’t you…? You know how powerful, noble, and extraordinary I am compared to someone like you…”

She spoke through clenched teeth… then forced herself to relax her arms.

And finally… she lowered her head.

“Please help me.”

It was a sight no one in the imperial household would have believed—a scene that felt more like a dream.

“Please abandon Penia and support me instead.”

I knew how much it cost Princess Selah to lower her pride like that.

Truthfully, seeing her go so far… accepting her offer wouldn’t have been unreasonable. After all, I only needed the imperial troops to fight against Velbrok.

However… I already had a plan.

If I accepted her request, unpredictable variables would arise.

And honestly—how could I trust her?

Once she became emperor, there was no guarantee her attitude wouldn’t change. My life itself could be at risk.

So regrettably, I couldn’t accept her offer.

I clenched my teeth and said, “If I accept your offer, Princess Penia will be disappointed in me.”

“Kyaaaaaaaaahk!!!!!!!”

Slam!

Princess Selah slammed the table as she sat back down, screaming.

***

“What in the world does that man want?”

To win someone over, one first needed to understand what they desired. As long as you could provide that, everything else would follow easily.

Yet no matter what she offered, Princess Selah could not win over Ed Rothstaylor.

If Father hadn’t taken an interest in him, he would be nothing. So why was someone so lowly acting this stubborn?

Sitting beside Ed, Selah stared at him, clenching her teeth.

For her, nothing was more painful than lowering her pride and bowing to another.

Naturally, Ed understood that well. That was why she had shown him her utmost sincerity.

Yet even then, he continued to refuse. That alone astonished her. She had never encountered such a stubborn man.

Loyalty was supposed to have limits.

No human could completely escape logic and self-interest.

If you couldn’t win someone over, it meant you had failed to understand what they truly wanted.

Even after I humbled myself… Even after I offered everything…?

To Selah, who had never bowed to anyone, revealing that side of herself was the greatest treasure imaginable.

But to him, it might hold no value at all. She understood that.

Still, she had tried for days.

Letter after letter, plea after plea—yet his resolve never wavered.

Was it truly possible that it was all due to loyalty alone?

The First Princess of the Kroel Empire had bowed her head, yet she still couldn’t sway the heart of a mere son from a declining ducal house.

That realization tore at her heart. Discarding the pride she cherished above all else, only to gain nothing in return… the misery was unbearable.

It felt as though a blade were rising from the sea, poised to strike. Selah’s heart pounded violently.

At that moment, she even began to doubt her own authority.

Everyone had psychological defense mechanisms.

When her pride shattered, she had to believe it had all been meaningless.

To protect herself, her thoughts twisted—something entirely human.

I went that far… But the reason… No… I would never lower myself for something so pathetic…

She refused to become someone who cast aside her beliefs simply to break another man’s loyalty.

She needed justification.

Her thoughts warped to preserve herself.

The countless letters she had written over the past few days replayed in her mind.

Words of courtship. Desires to hold him close, to keep him by her side, to remain together until the end.

At last, she found her reasoning.

Whether it was true no longer mattered. Convincing herself was enough.

The human heart was capable of deception.

And the justification she found was love.

After all… she was only human.

I… really… with him…? That can’t be… right…?

Selah slowly lifted her gaze toward Ed Rothstaylor.

A man she could never conquer, no matter how hard she tried. Steadfast. Reliable. Unyielding.

An unfamiliar warmth crept up her neck, flustering her.

Startled, she quickly lowered her head in shame. That couldn’t be happening. She had spent her life manipulating others with ease.

Yet now, facing an unfamiliar feeling, Princess Selah sensed the terror of an impending fall—the fear of the unknown.

***

“When would it be best for you to meet with House Elpelan?”

“A week after the festival, once the situation settles. Though the sooner, the better.”

“I understand. I will deliver the message, Princess Penia.”

After giving instructions to her escort, Claire, Penia placed the letters from House Elpelan into her drawer.

She sank into the sofa, releasing a quiet sigh of relief.

Everything… is proceeding smoothly…

The proud Princess Selah would never be able to win over Ed. And as the delicate situation persisted, House Elpelan would remain uneasy.

However, when things appeared to be going well, one could never afford complacency.

Plans never unfolded exactly as intended.

“I don’t believe there are any remaining variables… So it should be fine…”

Penia sighed as she looked over the many documents spread across the table.

The night continued.