CH 12

The next day, I accepted Astina's proposal. Honestly, it was hard to refuse. Of course, the duration would be until I attended the interim school. It was the maximum duration I had thought of. And there was a slight reason. I thought I could make good use of the student council's position when the story progresses at the interim school after midterms. When I said so, I was able to receive the family tree immediately through a maid. Receiving the family tree made me feel a bit uneasy. However, it didn't seem to be a big problem since I wasn't formally joining the student council but rather just helping out temporarily. The secretary's duty wasn't to do anything in front of people, and as Astina said, having a family tree could shorten my study time. On reflection, it was an incredibly profitable deal for me. But that's why I felt more uneasy. What did she want from me by offering such a thing? Thinking about it, the family tree was not that valuable an item. Even with a family tree, basic knowledge was most important. However, to me, it was an extremely valuable item. I don't have connections or information. But I'm proud to say I study as hard as anyone, so I don't fall behind. I studied instead of taking the time to gain connections or other information. If I have a family tree, I could soar as if I had wings. There would be efficiency in studying, and I could invest more time in magic training. Astina must know this fact. If the family tree was the condition, I would accept most proposals. But honestly, Astina's proposal wasn't that big of a deal. It was a condition I would accept even if there was no condition at all. It was said that if you participated in the student council during your first year, you could definitely hold a middle position in the student council during the second year. But to me, it was a far from ideal condition. When I become a second-year student, Princess Rie must take the position of the student council president. In the original story, Rudy Astria and Princess Rie competed in the election for the position of student council president. Of course, Rudy Astria suffered a crushing defeat. But if I became a part of the student council here, wouldn't people's perspectives change? If I accidentally became the student council president in my second year, it would be a huge headache. I wouldn't have time to study, let alone be the student council president. The great condition I really wanted and the proposal I was hesitant about. It was exquisitely balanced. "Being the top student isn't in vain, huh?" It seemed like she had dug deep into my character. I started to worry. The image I wanted for Rudy Astria was someone who was not likable but not bad either. But little by little, people with keen eyes started to figure me out. At this rate, my image would be that of a hardworking high-ranking noble's son. Should I make a mistake in front of Evan soon? The next day, after class, I headed to the place where the student council was to gather. "Ah, Rudy Astria is here?" Inside, there were several people besides Astina. Most of them were wearing green scarves around their necks, so they seemed to be second-year students. Among them, only one person was wearing a red scarf. "I'll briefly introduce you to the student council members. This is the vice president…" I listened casually, not bothering to remember each of them since I probably wouldn't see their faces much. Rather than these people, I was more interested in that one freshman in the room. A plump figure with sharp eyes, a face that seemed familiar. "And this is Locke Lucarion, a freshman like you. Have you heard of him?" He was the son of the Northern Marquis that Princess Rie mentioned—Locke Lucarion. "Doesn't it give you hives being with such a country bumpkin, Your Lordship?" Locke approached me and sneered. "Locke." Astina reprimanded him immediately. "Yes, yes, I got it." Locke casually replied and backed off. I recalled there was a setting where Locke participated in the student council in his freshman year. I smirked arrogantly. There was no reason to seem weak against someone who blatantly started a quarrel. "Seems like a barbarian lacking manners. Are all Northern people like this?" "What did you say?" Locke tried to approach me with a vicious expression, but Astina stopped him with her hand. "Rudy Astria, restrain yourself since it's our first meeting." Astina had a dignified expression, unlike her usual one. "Understood." Locke Lucarion. He was one of the key supporting characters who stood out in the Swordsmanship Department. In the future, he would become the vice president of Princess Rie's student council. Of course, he often stood out in other events too. His unique, carefree, and daring personality made him one of the popular male characters around Evan. It wasn't clear why he was transferred to Astina's student council, but it was good news for me. This guy had a lot of fighting experience in the North, so he excelled in swordsmanship, but he was not too bright. That meant he was easy to manipulate. He wasn't a character that led the story and was useful to control as I pleased. The only problem was that Princess Rie was behind him. "Let's wrap it up for today. We'll meet again over the weekend to discuss our election campaign." With Astina's words, everyone prepared to disperse. As I was about to leave, Astina stopped me. "Rudy Astria, stay for a moment." As Astina said that, Locke smirked with satisfaction and left. After everyone had gone, I asked Astina. "What is it?" "I called you to discuss the upcoming election." There was only one thing to discuss about the election. "Do you want me to stand down?" Honestly, even if I did something here, Astina would still become the president. The opponent was an extra I hadn't even seen the name or face of before. They didn't seem to be famous within the academy. So, it was practically a given that Astina would become the president. However, the biggest obstacle here was probably me. If people hear that I joined the student council, there might be those who would cast their votes against it. It could simply be a backlash against the Astria family or an act of disliking me, but one thing's for sure: I'm an obstacle in the student council election. Still, what I heard was the complete opposite. "Can you help with the election campaign?" "...Me?" "You have the prestige of the Astria name. So, wouldn't your campaign activities be helpful?" Astina smiled brightly as she spoke. "...What's the point?" Even a fool like Locke would know that this isn't a rational decision. "I was planning to leave the first-year students to you and Locke. I don't know much about them anyway." Astina obviously knows more first-year students than I do. I wondered what her intentions were for saying such a thing. "For now... I understand." I wanted to say that it doesn't make sense, but I held my tongue. There would be someone to advise her, even if I didn't. It felt strange for me, who she just met, to comment on the matter, so I let it pass. "Alright, see you next time." Astina smiled and waved at me. I wasn't sure what she was thinking, but she was smart, so I figured she could handle it. I headed straight for Professor Cromwell's office.

***

Raei Translations

***

Professor Cromwell's office. "They said it was a wolf pup, but it's just a harmless puppy." Professor Robert half-reclined on the sofa as he spoke. "Aren't wolf pups and dog pups similar when they're young?" Professor Cromwell, wearing glasses he didn't usually wear, looked at the documents and replied. "I thought it was a wolf pup because it was a bit arrogant and cheeky, but it's just a harmless puppy." "Are you sure you saw Rudy Astria? Last time, he read a strange thesis and got mad at me." As he listened to Professor Cromwell's laughter, Robert got up from the sofa and protested. "That's another story. How could I mistake a person? The student council brought him, so it must be him." "What made you so curious that you went to the student council?" "I wanted to see him because he was from the Astria family and seemed interesting, but he was nothing special. By the way, are siblings' personalities usually that different?" "Isn't it because they grew up in different environments?" Rudy's older brother, who grew up receiving attention from everyone. And Rudy Astria, who didn't receive any attention at all. Cromwell thought the difference in their personalities was only natural. "I felt bad just looking at him, but he's better than that guy." "Why do you dislike him so much? He's polite to the professors and has good social skills." Robert shook his head as if he was fed up. "I hate those kinds of people the most. They lack humanity. They just do." With that, Robert got up and walked towards the door. "Are you going?" "Yes." As Robert was about to open the door and leave, someone stood in front of him. "Hm?" It was Rudy Astria. "Hello, Professor Robert." "Did you hear?" Robert bluntly asked Rudy. "What are you talking about?" Rudy replied expressionlessly. "If you didn't hear, that's fine. Are you here to see Cromwell?" "Yes." "Cromwell, Rudy Astria is here." "I'm watching. Come in." Robert said that and went on his way. Rudy watched Robert walk away before entering Professor Cromwell's office. "Professor, hello." "What's the matter? You can ask questions during class." "It's not related to the class; it's about something I'm studying separately." "What is it?" Cromwell asked, taking off his glasses. Rudy showed him a piece of paper. "It's a Silent Magic Circle. I'm thinking of a radius of about 100 meters for the area." Cromwell alternately looked at the magic circle and Rudy Astria. The magic circle was better than he expected, especially in terms of efficiency—using less mana while casting. However, there were many flaws. "With the way you drew it, the radius won't be 100 meters, and it'll be narrower than an ordinary Silent Magic Circle." Cromwell picked up the fountain pen in front of him and checked the issues in the magic circle. "In the case of Silent Magic, to increase the radius, you should use the duplication symbol instead of the enhancement symbol. Using the enhancement symbol would only eliminate louder sounds in that area. Also, you can improve this part by recalculating the formula." Cromwell looked at the magic circle in more detail, despite his casual tone. He then asked Rudy Astria: "Did you create this magic circle alone?" "No, I made it with Luna Railer. Luna took care of the control area, and I designed the inner magic formula." "Luna Railer, huh." The student who attracted attention in Professor McGuire's previous class. Cromwell was slightly surprised, as the arrangement of the control area and formula in the magic circle was almost at the level of an assistant. This maximized the efficiency of the magic formula. 'The magic formula is...' However, the magic formula that Rudy Astria claimed to have created was just at the level of an outstanding student. "Hmm..." Cromwell handed the paper with the magic formula back to Rudy. "It seems you need to study more about magic circles. Although I'm in charge of the practice class, you should put more effort into the theory classes." Cromwell didn't hesitate to give advice. The abandoned child of the Astria family still studied diligently without becoming crooked, which was nice to see. He believed it was the role of a professor to guide such students well. "By the way..." And it seemed like he needed guidance in one more area. Cromwell narrowed his eyes and stared at Rudy Astria. "Where do you intend to use that magic circle?" The Silent Magic Circle is a prohibited magic circle for sale. Even if it's sold, records of the buyer must be kept somewhere. The Silent Magic itself is a magic that's excellent for criminal use, so it's handled cautiously. However, it is also famous among magicians as a good magic to study. Its activation method is unique compared to other magic, so it's recommended to learn at Liberion Academy. The Academy is a place for learning and research. Therefore, even if the magic is carefully used outside, it can be freely used for research and study. Of course, if a disgraceful incident occurs, the user must take responsibility. "It's just for studying." Rudy looked straight into Cromwell's eyes without flinching. After a brief staring contest, Cromwell sighed. "Haah... Fine, I understand." And he added. "The reason I'm not probing further is because you're a diligent and passionate student. Be careful with your actions." "I'll keep that in mind." Rudy Astria responded without a change in expression, and then walked towards the door. Professor Cromwell called out to him. "Rudy Astria." "…?" Then, Professor Cromwell hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Just make sure there's no commotion later." "…Understood." With that, Rudy Astria went outside. "How could that guy be a pushover?" The Silent Magic, which activates within a 100m radius of people. It's clearly a magic circle to prevent criminal disturbances. "Was it Baron William…?" Foolish guy. He should have chosen his target wisely, but he picked the wrong person to mess with.

***

The day after the class ended. "Ru-Rudy Astria?" There stood a redheaded guy, who appeared to be Baron William, in front of me. Delinquents always seem to like such narrow alleys. A guy alone in a narrow alley. It's the perfect situation for education. And I took out a scroll I had prepared beforehand. The scroll, which I received as the top student, had Silent Magic engraved on it. "What is this?" -Pop As I tore the scroll, an intense light seeped out. "What…what is this?" I walked forward and opened my mouth. "Let's start with some pain."
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