The Extra’s Academy Survival Guide - Chapter 293

I was alone in the forest, sitting with my back against a tree. The critters and birds that lived in the forest hurriedly scurried away, rustling the leaves as they chirped and squeaked.

At first, the strong smell of the grass that filled the forest was suffocating. However, the longer you lived in the wild, the more accustomed you became to the smell. Eventually, that once suffocating scent became something you actually looked forward to.

Sitting with my back to the tree, I looked down to see the wooden suitcase I brought along after getting kicked out of Ophelis Hall. It was a memory from when I had first entered the forest after being kicked out of the dormitory.

Sometimes, when I was sleeping soundly, I dreamt of that moment. Back when I was kicked out without anything to my name, forced to survive in the forest by eating the bark of the trees…

It was a period in my life where I struggled to survive each and every day. But even now, when I lived a life where I could sleep with a full stomach, I still remembered that moment.

Only by looking back at the beginning of my story did I realize how far I had come. The reason I was still dreaming of that moment was probably because of my desire to reflect on my original goals.

Back when I had nothing…thinking back to when I sat with empty hands, back to the tree…

I once started right there in the North Forest, but now my once-empty hands were full. So, why did I still think back to the time when I had nothing?

“Here is all of your luggage. You’ve worked hard during your time here.”

I suddenly remembered seeing a senior maid bidding me farewell with an expressionless face before the doors of Ophelis Hall shut on me. Thinking back on it, it seems that the maid hadn’t changed one bit since then.

And yet, people were bound to change. The countless people I met on my journey all went through a change of values, status, or relationships… But it seemed Bell Maya hadn’t changed one bit since that day, as if it were her duty.

* * *

“Eughk…”

When I opened my eyes, I was in a dark room. Looking around, I slowly started to recognize the VIP room on the top floor of the Rothstaylor Mansion.

It was the room reserved for the most important guests whenever they visited. Not only was the scenery incredible, but the room had great ventilation and privacy as well. The size of the room itself was large, and it was filled with high-quality furniture. The room was so comfortable that I could feel the tension leaving my body the moment I lay down.

“Are you awake?” Bell Maya asked.

“Ugh… Those sleeping pills you gave me definitely worked. I slept as if I had died…” I said.

“I’m relieved that you were able to get a good night’s sleep for the first time in a while.”

However, something was strange. It didn’t seem like night, yet the room was pitch dark. When I struggled to look around the room, it seemed that the blackout curtains were firmly shut and the door was locked. Bell Maya was sewing something while I was lying down on the couch. How was she even able to sew in a room that dark?

“…What are you doing?” I asked.

“I’m preparing rose embroideries for our new senior maids. Two of the maids who work under me will be promoted to the senior maid position next month. It’s only right that I make sure to do the proper preparations for their promotion,” Bell Maya explained.

“I guess I did tell you that we needed more senior maids.”

“A senior maid’s outfit is extremely important. It helps the other maids recognize their superior at a glance, after all.”

Come to think of it, Bell Maya was a senior maid even back when I first met her at Ophelis Hall. She must personally know how important it was to be treated properly as a senior maid.

“Then those embroideries are a part of their new uniform?” I asked.

“Yes. We could have bought them instead, but I felt it was important to show them how much I care. The embroideries you buy at the store are not as nice as the ones I make myself, and to maids, it’s more meaningful if the head maid gives them something she made herself,” Bell Maya clarified.

I was silent.

“The more pride the maids feel in their job, the more our master’s status increases. So, for the sake of your status and authority, it’s only right that the maids and vassals of Rothstaylor Mansion take pride in their job.”

Even as she spoke to me, she didn’t slow down when making the embroidery. Since she held the status of head maid, it wouldn’t be strange to think of her as having the status of a semi-aristocrat. Nevertheless, she still chose to do rather odd chores, such as making embroidery for the newly-promoted senior maids to wear. Perhaps that work ethic was the secret to her success.

“It’s also the best way to make sure people listen to your orders. But you’re much better at doing so than I am, young master,” Bell Maya mused.

“No. I have to admit that you are more of an expert than I am when it comes to these things. As head maid, I’m sure it isn’t easy keeping track of all the maids under you,” I replied as I stood up from the couch and I began to stretch.

“Keuk… Phew… I don’t know how long it’s been since I’ve slept this well.”

After exhaling heavily, my body felt lighter. It was natural that I would build up some fatigue as I’d been so busy these past few days. However, now that I was able to relieve myself, an incredibly refreshing feeling filled my body.

I continued to warm my body up as I watched Bell Maya. The way she worked was so incredibly accurate and efficient. At the rate she was going, she started to look more like a machine than human.

“It’s been a while since I’ve felt this good. It actually might have been years since I was so relieved. After all, with what happened these past ten years, I haven’t given myself a break,” I mused.

“You had a lot of responsibilities to take care of, so it’s understandable,” Bell Maya said.

“Thanks to you, I feel like I became a better person. In fact, everyone around you has changed for the better, whether it be in status or as a person, but…it still feels like you’re the same, Bell.”

I didn’t mean much when I said those words. It’s just a thought I have whenever I look at Bell.

“Is that what you think?”

“Yeah. From back on Acken Island to when I scouted you to come and work here… It feels like you’ve never changed.”

Yennekar, Lucy, Lortel, Clarice, Taylee, Penia, Ayla, Ziggs, Clevius, Persica, Selah… The countless people I met had all changed in some way or form. After all, the passage of time changed people. Bell was the only one who seemed to remain unchanged after all this time.

“Well, there’s no need to take my words to heart… After all, you might have gone through change on the inside,” I said.

“No, it’s as you said. I’m someone who hasn’t changed as much as you would think. Perhaps it’s by my innate nature or through sheer coincidence… Regardless, what you said is right,” Bell said quietly as she fixed the frills on her uniform. “In fact, I take pride in this consistent temperament of mine.”

“…Pride?”

“You must think what I’m saying is strange.”

“No, not at all. It’s up to you how you feel… It’s not my job to change your mind either.”

Pride, ambition, conviction. However she chose to describe herself, it didn’t particularly matter to me, but…Bell’s expression continued to look as serious as always.

“Master, what type of person do you trust?”

“Trust?”

She brought up a rather strange question. Normally wouldn’t it be someone capable who I’d known for years? That seemed like the obvious answer at least.

“As for me, I trust those who are predictable,” Bell Maya said, then continued, “I don’t have to ask about them, figure them out, or guess what they are thinking… I don’t have to worry about what they’re doing, think about how they’re going to fix a problem, or when they plan on getting off work and going to bed… For me, I think a predictable person is a trustworthy one.”

It certainly seemed more like the point of view of a business owner rather than a friend. Bell Maya has always been a realist that focuses on her work.

“That’s why I also wanted to become a predictable person,” Bell Maya added. “Because I wanted to be trusted by others.”

She casually confessed her values and views on life as she continued to sew. The girl who was once kicked out of House Flanchel for being an illegitimate child and treated no more than a nuisance, the girl who was forced to focus on her abilities and skills to show a trustworthy and reliable side to those who judge her… Only at that moment did the words Bell said strike me.

“…I see,” was all I could say.

Like the unique scent you smell when going back home after a long time, some things never changed with time. Those were moments where you suddenly felt a strange sense of comfort and stability.

As you went through the journey of life, there were times when you looked back on your life. Whenever that happens, it reminded you of the fact that you were doing well. In a turbulent world where everything changed so quickly, there was a strange sense of security and reassurance in being reminded that some things were still going well.

It was unclear just what kind of past Bell Maya remembered. What did she think and feel as she looked up at the adults that dragged her along? For her, just what kind of ideas did she have as she looked up at her aristocratic father?

Bell Maya must have lived a life trying to become someone aristocrats could trust and wanted to keep by their side. I guess she truly had accomplished her dream. Though, it was a bit strange to call something like that a dream…

“Bell,” I said.

“Yes,” she answered.

“I think you are the most trustworthy person here in the mansion.”

As I casually confessed to her, Bell suddenly stopped her hands as she replied with a subtle smile, “It’s a great honor to be told that.”

Like always, it was a very Bell-like answer to accept the compliment humbly.

* * *

“But I have no idea just how long I slept. Since the mansion seems rather quiet, I’m guessing the situation concluded… Then, can you please get me some breakfast? I should eat something before I start working on my thesis,” I said.

“I must apologize, but…that will be difficult to do right now,” Bell Maya replied.

“What?”

In the dark, Bell put the clothes she was working on up onto the table as she stood up.

“You’ve been asleep for around thirty hours, so it makes sense you are hungry now. I did prepare something for you to eat in advance, but unfortunately, it will be difficult for you to leave this room right now.”

“…What do you mean?”

“To be precise, my plan to take you hostage is still in place.”

“…What?”

I quickly stood up as I went over to the window to take a glimpse outside the blackout curtains. I could see the entire garden of Rothstaylor Mansion. Outside, there seemed to be people from various different organizations.

Seeing the colors of the various different flags and uniforms, it seemed that even the imperial army had come. It makes sense they would go to such extremes to save me, given that I was one of the empire’s most important assets.

“Currently the Rothstaylor Mansion’s defensive magic has fully activated. Since you inspected it yourself, it turned out to be rather reliable. It’s also being supported through various magic engineering devices, so the mansion has turned into an iron fortress that won’t fall even with a few high-ranking spells,” Bell Maya began.

She continued, “And this VIP room is located at the center of the mansion, so even the strongest forces in the empire will have a hard time breaking through to rescue you.”

My brain started to run in overtime upon hearing that ridiculous update on the situation. Seeing and hearing everything that was happening, I couldn’t help but get a headache.

“Of course, with that much support, they will eventually be able to break through and rescue you if they want, but… It’s going to be a diplomatic and political issue for them to break through to reach you…” Bell Maya added.

“…What do you mean…?” I asked.

“Like I said, they would have to break through. That means that to reach you, it would require destroying the entire Rothstaylor Mansion… Which won’t be easy to do given your political value and status.”

Bell Maya was incredible at analyzing the situation. She knew from the start that it would be impossible for them to break through Rothstaylor Mansion through force, no matter how much manpower they had.

“So they are instead trying to negotiate with me as they set up camps around the entire estate. It’s been roughly ten hours that we’ve been in this situation.”

“Hey…are you sure you can handle this?” I asked.

“Don’t worry. The laws of the empire state that the only one who has the power to punish me in this situation is Lady Tanya. Wouldn’t this be the perfect excuse to lower my salary? It won’t be hard to come up with some other excuses later on for giving me such a light sentence,” Bell Maya replied.

“You’re…quite special…”

“Well, there’s actually something else to consider aside from my salary as well, but… Let’s discuss that with the head of the house later.”

As I glimpsed outside through the gaps in the curtains, I could see countless influential figures camped outside, trying to resolve the situation. It was hard to make out all of them from so far away, but I could at least recognize Lortel and Yennekar. Squinting a bit harder, I could even see Princess Penia and Saint Clarice.

Oh my god. They were all the most important influential figures within the entire empire.

“I’m going to keep you hostage for another ten hours before ending things. Since it’s going to take some time, I brought you some books to read. Please bear with it even though the situation might be frustrating,” Bell Maya said.

“…You even prepared food and materials to embroider knowing this would happen?” I asked.

“No matter how bad the situation might be, I can’t neglect my duties as a maid.”

* * *

There was one person even the greediest aristocrats in the empire never dared to touch. Someone who was not only smart but also good at fighting.

A professor of Celestial Studies at Silvenia Academy, Ed Rothstaylor.

He was famous for being a duke of House Rothstaylor with the power of Tanya Rothstaylor and countless other influential individuals behind him. Just hearing the names of the people supporting Ed Rothstaylor was enough to convince aristocrats not to even try and take advantage of him.

However, there were always going to be those who questioned if he really was all so powerful. But every time someone tried, Ed Rothstaylor would show the entire world what happened if you mess with him.

You’ve done something rather amusing, Bell.

Thinking about the troops outside the window, Tanya Rothstaylor grinned. It seemed like the innocent smile of a young girl, but underneath it was the smile of a powerful aristocrat who was considering political gains and losses.

Yes… There are countless people who have been trying to get closer to our family recently. But now I have the perfect chance to scout and see exactly who is willing to go out of their way for the sake of us.

Under the cause of trying to negotiate with Bell, various politicians and aristocrats had gathered to discuss how to help House Rothstaylor. Which one of them would be useful to have later on? The most suitable answer she could give at the moment was ‘someone like Bell.’

Tanya smiled before she quickly let out a hefty sneeze that shook her head.

“Achoo! Ugh… There’s too much dust here…” Tanya said.

“…L-Lady Tanya…staying in a place like that won’t be good for your lungs,” the junior maid with her said.

“Ugh… I guess the closet is still better than under the table. In the closet, I get to enjoy the smell of detergent…and I like the feeling of the blankets wrapping around me as well…”

“I think it would be best for you to just sit on the couch and wait.”

“Ehem!!!”

Hearing the continent’s most powerful duchess suddenly yell, the maid couldn’t help but tremble.

“Don’t try to mess with my aesthetic. I choose locations that are based on theories that go beyond your understanding. Such a decision… It’s all based on a philosophy you and many others will never understand…” Tanya said.

Unfortunately, there was no way for a maid to break Tanya’s stubbornness when it came to hiding.

Tanya crawled out under the table as she glanced out the window again. She thought things would end peacefully after the lull, but something unexpected was taking place.

Ed Rothstaylor himself helped create the barrier that surrounds Rothstaylor Mansion. It was defensive magic that would be difficult for anyone to break through, but there was one person that transcended the rules of magic.

Holy Blessing.

The Holy Blessing was a protective magic that Saints of the Telos Religious Group were blessed with. It had the power to help them transcend the laws of magic, which even included Celestial Magic Power… Because of that, it would be possible for someone with the blessing to walk through the iron fortress.

“L-Lady Tanya…that’s…”

“Yes. It seems Saint Clarice is planning to enter the mansion herself,” Tanya said.

However, it seemed that everyone else in the Holy Father Building was standing up and screaming at her to come back. In other words, it seemed that Saint Clarice was going rogue.

The girl who confidently walked into the mansion started to come closer and closer. With a firm expression on her face, she continued to stomp closer as her pure white hair fluttered in the wind.

The sin of playing with Ed Rothstaylor’s life…

Her expression was furious. Was she really that mad about it?