The Extra’s Academy Survival Guide - Chapter 249

“Haaah…”

Trayciana’s face had already turned pale blue by the time she got off the carriage.

After riding in the carriage for a long time, she had finally arrived at Silvenia Academy. However, as soon as she began work, she was immediately given the task of heading to the Rothstaylor Estate to find Professor Ed. She wanted to complain that it was completely unreasonable, but she couldn’t.

Trayciana simply grabbed her bag full of papers and hopped off the carriage in front of the Rothstaylor mansion.

She felt nauseous after riding in the carriage for several days. Still, she was glad to have finally arrived.

“…I heard it was damaged quite badly because of Mebula, but you can hardly tell anymore…”

The Rothstaylor mansion had actually become much larger than it was back when Krepin was the head. That made sense.

Although the House had gone through a precarious period, thanks to the new head, Tanya Rothstaylor, and her older brother, Ed Rothstaylor, the two of them ultimately succeeded in restoring the House to an even greater height.

Not only did they receive immense support after protecting the Empire, but they also managed to maintain their authority while retaining extremely powerful individuals within the House.

Considering all of that, it seemed only natural that House Rothstaylor would continue to prosper.

“I was notified in advance, but may I ask why the young lady of House Bloomriver has suddenly come all the way here?”

After being led inside by the vassals, she was eventually greeted by a familiar face.

Normally, the butler or head maid would come out with several servants to politely greet a guest.

“…Why are you here, Miss Bell?”

“It’s been a while, Lady Trayciana. You’ve grown so much that it’s hard to compare you to how you were back in Ophelis Hall. I nearly didn’t recognize you.”

“Were you scouted by House Rothstaylor, Bell?”

“Pardon? Ah, no. It wasn’t anything that grand, but…”

Trayciana was happy to see someone she knew as soon as she arrived at the Rothstaylor mansion, but she never expected it to be Bell.

Bell Maya was the head maid of Ophelis Hall, the highest-ranking dormitory at Silvenia Academy. She was not someone who could easily be scouted due to her pride in her work and her lack of interest in money.

There were even rumors that the Elte Company had tried several times to recruit her, only to fail. She was the type of person who chose her own path in life.

“Actually… I did receive offers similar to that before, but I refused them every time.”

“Then why are you working here as a servant?”

“Well… it might sound strange coming from me, but I’m quite a responsible person. If there’s something I feel responsible for, I see it through to the end. And… there’s something I currently feel responsible for. So for now, I left Ophelis Hall to my successor and came here.”

Head Maid Bell Maya was technically just an employee, yet she was talented enough to be considered one of the leading figures at Silvenia Academy.

From her position at the top, she oversaw personnel management, finances, dormitory administration, cleaning, VIP reception, and even minor administrative work. On top of that, she was fairly capable in combat as well.

There was no one else as capable as her among the staff. She was someone who deserved to be hired by the most noble families and influential individuals. However, the more capable a person was, the more carefully they needed to choose whom they served.

“At present, I am working for Tanya and Ed Rothstaylor. As for the Academy, I am only acting as an advisor of sorts.”

“…I see. I won’t ask what you feel responsible for. But I feel quite unwell after riding in the carriage for so long. May I rest inside for a bit before discussing the reason for my visit?”

“Of course. I will guide you.”

Trayciana handed her bag of papers to one of the servants and wiped away her sweat. For the past several days, all she had done was travel. She was completely exhausted.

She followed Bell Maya deeper into the mansion without saying much.

***

Upon arriving at a mansion, it was only proper to first greet the head of the household.

The estate consisted of one expansive main building, two moderately sized annexes, and a large spire at the center. It was far larger than the Rothstaylor mansion had been in the past—large enough to easily get lost in if one wasn’t paying attention.

In addition to being the largest ducal house on the continent, House Rothstaylor had recently gained tremendous power and authority. In fact, it had risen to an undisputed second place, surpassed only by the Kroel Royal Family. It was only natural that the size of the mansion rivaled that of the royal palace.

“As you have arrived as a distinguished guest, please greet Tanya, the head of the household, as soon as possible.”

The head of the house, Tanya Rothstaylor, was still a student and the student council president of Silvenia Academy.

During the semester, she entrusted household management and etiquette to her closest aides. However, during breaks, she stayed at the Rothstaylor Estate and personally handled these matters herself.

The workload was immense—so much so that it seemed impossible for one person to manage. Yet seeing her handle it all, Trayciana couldn’t help but acknowledge how exceptionally talented Tanya was.

“There are also several other distinguished guests currently staying in the mansion. You may be familiar with them, so please don’t be too surprised if you encounter them.”

“Other guests? Is something going on?”

“No. This mansion is always hosting important visitors. People from across the Empire come here frequently. I recommend being mindful of your appearance at all times while walking through the estate.”

Even the royal palace wasn’t treated with such constant formality.

For the maids, it must have been a hellish work environment. Everything needed to be flawless, and even the smallest mistake was unacceptable.

Bell Maya must have felt the same while living there, though she never let it show. Trayciana already knew just how extraordinary she was.

“Of course, Lady Trayciana of House Bloomriver is also an exceptionally honored guest.”

Bell didn’t forget to include her, ensuring there was no hint of condescension. Bell Maya was a master at attending to even the smallest details.

“Thank you, but… actually, I didn’t come here today as a daughter of House Bloomriver.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. I came as an assistant professor of Silvenia Academy to find Professor Ed. There is something I must inform him about regarding his work.”

Despite Trayciana’s new position, Bell Maya showed no sign of surprise.

Reacting excessively could be considered rude, so she simply accepted the statement with a calm nod.

“I apologize, but our staff is currently unable to determine Ed’s exact whereabouts.”

“Really?”

“Yes. He’s constantly on the move. One moment he’ll appear at the mansion, and before anyone realizes it, he’s already returned to Acken Island.”

“I searched all of Acken Island and couldn’t find him. That’s why I came here.”

“I see… He usually takes care of his affairs in advance before visiting the estate. On behalf of my master, I apologize for making you come all this way.”

Bell Maya bowed politely. Trayciana waved her hand in embarrassment, assuring her it was fine.

Bell truly was a first-class maid, ensuring there was never even the slightest resentment toward her employer.

However, Trayciana only knew Bell from her days at Ophelis Hall. Seeing her now, serving someone as her master, felt strangely novel.

She never imagined Bell Maya would work under anyone. In truth, there were very few people talented enough to have Bell serve beneath them.

When a servant was too capable, they could even dominate their master. That was why someone lacking talent could never employ someone greater than themselves.

“Still… since he wasn’t on Acken Island, coming to the Rothstaylor Estate first was probably the right choice. Though this place is far larger than I expected, so it won’t be easy…”

“I will notify the other servants. For now, please proceed to the main hall, where Tanya Rothstaylor is waiting…”

Then—

Suddenly, all nearby servants turned their heads toward the main entrance and quickly lined up.

A distinguished guest had just exited the mansion, escorted by several attendants.

A girl in a red dress adjusted her pink braided hair as she walked alongside her vassals. Trayciana recognized her instantly.

Bell Maya bowed, and the surrounding servants followed suit in unison.

Among the many vassals who protected House Rothstaylor was an elementalist of extraordinary strength.

Baroness Yennekar Palerover.

She oversaw territory at the southern edge of the Rothstaylor lands and was revered by the locals as an angel.

Not only that, but she was also one of the strongest forces within the Rothstaylor Estate.

Compared to her days at Silvenia, she no longer looked quite as young, though her lively presence remained unchanged. Originally a commoner, she was deeply loved by the people. Yet despite her background, no nobles spread malicious rumors about her.

She was like a girl descended from the heavens, smiling brightly at every little thing in the world. That was Trayciana’s first impression of Yennekar Palerover—and even now, years later, it hadn’t changed.

Seeing that reassured her.

“Oh my, Trayciana!”

Whether or not Yennekar was aware of her reputation as a beloved baroness, she hurried down the stairs after lifting the hem of her dress. The servants beside her followed in confusion.

“It’s been so long! What brings you to the Rothstaylor mansion?!”

Trayciana was surprised that Yennekar still remembered her.

Though Yennekar had been her senior in the magic department, the two rarely shared classes or crossed paths.

Back then, Yennekar had been her upperclassman. Even now, despite her noble title, addressing her too formally felt awkward.

“Yennekar… it’s been a while. I heard you were granted a baroness title, but I didn’t expect you to be treated with such respect…”

“W-What? Haha, well… I do hold a rather special position within the Rothstaylor Estate…”

In truth, Yennekar stood at the forefront of defending Rothstaylor territory. As a result, she was heavily favored and protected by both Tanya and Ed Rothstaylor.

Though her official title was baroness, under their protection she was treated much like a duchess.

Loved by the people, she often felt shy and embarrassed, constantly lowering her head. When people called her name, she would sometimes draw the carriage curtains and hide, unsure how to respond to such affection.

At times, she even rolled up her sleeves to do laundry and dishes herself, much to her servants’ horror.

Though she had grown accustomed to her new life over the past two years, there were parts of Yennekar that would never change.

Seeing her act the same as always, Trayciana felt relieved—though saying that out loud might embarrass her.

“Were you heading to meet Lady Tanya?” Bell asked.

Yennekar shook her head.

Tanya wasn’t present.

Hearing that, Bell Maya let out a quiet sigh.

Since she was accompanying Trayciana, she would need to apologize yet again for her master’s absence.

But Trayciana had already noticed. Even back at the Academy, she had vaguely heard rumors that Tanya wasn’t a flawless superhuman.

***

A table of refreshments was set up in a corner of the Rothstaylor mansion.

Yennekar sat on one side, gently tapping the beak of a sparrow-shaped wind spirit perched on her shoulder. She placed it on her finger, raised it above her head, and sent it off.

She had been strangely loved by spirits since long ago.

“Ever since I became a vassal of House Rothstaylor, I keep meeting people I knew before. It’s really nice to see fellow alumni again after so long.”

Yennekar smiled as she spoke to Trayciana.

“Is that so?”

“Yes, though people treat me far too well…”

The refreshments laid out before them were all expensive, high-quality items. Trayciana hadn’t expected such hospitality when she merely came to look for Ed.

It seemed as though only the finest bakers worked in the kitchen. The variety and quality left her wide-eyed.

“It certainly seems like you’re treated exceptionally well. Though it also feels like the servants are unusually cautious around you.”

“Right…? I worry about that too. There’s no need for them to be so polite… Even when they make small mistakes, they apologize like their lives depend on it. I’ve been a baroness for quite some time now, but I’m still not used to it…”

What kind of treatment did she receive back at the Palerover mansion, where she was the actual owner? Trayciana couldn’t help but worry.

“Sometimes I wonder whether I even deserve this title. I feel like I’m praised far more than I deserve…”

“Don’t worry about that, Yennekar. You belong here. Honestly, you look more like an aristocrat than I do.”

“R-Really?”

“Yes. When you came out earlier, I genuinely thought you were a duchess.”

Yennekar immediately began to blush.

“D-Duchess?! H-How am I supposed to react to that?!”

“……?”

“……”

“……”

Yennekar glanced around before lowering her head and speaking softly.

“R-Really…?”

“W-What’s with that reaction…? Weren’t you and Ed already dating back when you were students?”

“I-It wasn’t like that… B-But it was something similar, I guess… Ed was always so busy that he never had time to clearly define relationships… He was just too busy… Maybe… we don’t need to talk about it…”

Watching Yennekar blush, Trayciana understood immediately.

Yennekar was far too kind and innocent for her own good. She was clearly the type to fall deeply in love.

Ed, however, wasn’t like that. If he were the type to toy with women, Yennekar would be the perfect tragic heroine.

Trayciana sipped her tea and spoke carefully.

“At this point, you should really be dating. If he still hasn’t made things clear, doesn’t that make him no better than garbage…?”

“P-Please don’t speak badly of him…”

“…Sorry.”

In truth, Ed was far too remarkable a man to be insulted lightly. As a Rothstaylor baron and one of the estate’s pillars, he was already extraordinary.

Trayciana knew there was no power struggle between Ed and Yennekar. Still, marriage would require many complications to be resolved.

“I’m saying this for your sake. Now that he’s graduated and become a professor, more women will start paying attention to him. You don’t want to regret not being more proactive later, do you?”

“W-When you say it like that… how am I supposed to answer…?”

Yennekar hid her face.

“It’s true that many women have been visiting the Rothstaylor mansion lately… I’ve felt a bit of urgency myself…”

“Really? Then that’s progress.”

“There are just so many women… Just last week, Saint Clarice came just to see him. And the Elte Company’s Deputy Director, Lortel, suddenly dropped by too…”

Each name she mentioned carried immense weight. Even hearing them made Trayciana nervous.

She silently prayed for the mansion’s servants, who must feel like they were walking on thin ice daily.

“Honestly… I’m starting to get scared. Now that Ed has become so incredible, I wonder if someone like me even deserves to be by his side…”

“…What?”

“And, um… how should I put this…?”

Yennekar glanced around again before whispering.

“I heard that dukes often have more than one lover… that it’s common for them to have multiple women…?”

“…Yennekar…”

“P-Please don’t look at me like that. I know Ed isn’t that kind of person, but if he were… maybe… I could be part of it too…? Sometimes I think that… other times I don’t… I don’t know how to feel… It’s like my morals can’t keep up anymore… But if I don’t think about it now, then…”

“……”

Trayciana was speechless.

Why was she suddenly talking about becoming a concubine? Yennekar’s lack of self-esteem, despite her outstanding abilities, had gone too far.

“There’s no need to think about that yet. But at the very least, you are special to Professor Ed. Have more confidence in yourself.”

“Th-Thank you… hehe…”

Watching Yennekar smile, Trayciana continued.

“That’s why you should see yourself as a proper rival. If you asked him to look your way, I’m sure Professor Ed would respond.”

“But wouldn’t that trouble Ed…?”

“……”

“I don’t want to be a burden. If possible, I want to help him instead…”

Trayciana nearly lost her mind.

As someone quite materialistic, dealing with someone as angelic as Yennekar was unbearable.

“Alright… do what you think is best. But what if you regret it after losing Professor Ed to another woman?”

“W-Well…”

Yennekar hesitated, clearly realizing it herself.

Many women visited Ed’s mansion—some seriously intent on claiming him. Even Trayciana could see that.

Yennekar knew it too, though she remained closer to him than most. Still, she couldn’t feel reassured.

And the person who made her the most cautious was—

“Hello.”

At the tired voice, they turned.

A petite girl stood there, supported by two maids. Anyone from Silvenia Academy would recognize her.

The genius magician, Lucy Mayreel.

Rumors said she had left Silvenia and was staying at the Rothstaylor mansion. Apparently, they were true.

“L-Lucy?”

“Hello.”

“This young lady is from House Bloomriver, so perhaps you should try to get closer to her.”

“It’s a wonderful opportunity! Why not deepen your relationship…!”

One maid whispered eagerly into Lucy’s ear.

Lucy sat at the table with clear annoyance, then promptly laid her head flat on it.

She wore a beautiful dress, her hair neatly combed and shining.

Trayciana hadn’t realized Lucy was so pretty when dressed properly. Back at Silvenia, she was always in an oversized, grass-stained uniform and an old witch’s hat.

“Please behave more politely. You mustn’t be disrespectful before a guest.”

The maid continued whispering.

“Sit up straight and maintain dignity.”

Lucy straightened her back with a visibly irritated expression.

“……”

Watching the scene, Trayciana was left speechless.

Lucy was exactly the same as always.