Chapter 146: At This Moment, History May Have Shifted…
After finishing their recruitment activities within the class, Rest and his companions made their way to the Student Council Room. Upon receiving permission to enter, they found not only the Student Council President, Andrew Aiwood, but also several others present.
Among them were the Student Council members Yusugos Beturas, Rilanda Maka, and Celestine Crocus, along with the Executive Committee member Isis Carbelt.
“Mmm…!”
“Lübesse? What are you doing here?”
And then… for some reason, there was also the presence of Wilhelm Lübesse, the “Sword Saint Who Dislikes Women.” While the other members were understandable, Lübesse had no reason to be here, as he was not affiliated with the Student Council.
“…It seems that woman isn’t here today.”
“That woman… you mean Yuri?”
Lübesse had a particular aversion to women, but among them, Yuri Cattleya was a special case. He had been relentlessly pursued by her during every Swordsmanship class, and he had grown weary of running away.
“Yuri… apparently went back to her family for a bit. She hasn’t been able to come to the academy.”
Rest answered Lübesse’s question with a wry smile.
Yuri Cattleya was the daughter of the Knight Commander. Being the youngest and the only girl, she was said to be quite spoiled by her father and brothers. She had been attending the academy to escape her overprotective family, but during the recent civil war, she had finally been caught. While participating as a volunteer soldier, she was discovered by her commanding father and her brothers, who swiftly captured her.
According to Rest’s stepfather, Albert, the Cattleya Marquis House was currently embroiled in family disputes, with parent-child and sibling quarrels running rampant.
“Ah, you’ve come at just the right time. The matter at hand is about the development of the Demon Realm, isn’t it?”
Andrew spoke to them in a friendly manner.
“That’s exactly what we were discussing. This saves us some trouble.”
“What do you mean by that?”
Viola asked in Rest’s stead. At her question, Andrew exchanged glances with Celestine, who nodded and began to explain.
“Actually… the people here are set to lead the development of the Subnock Plain, which is part of the Demon Realm.”
“Everyone here is a student, right?”
This time, Primula blinked in surprise. Rest, Lübesse, and Isis had all been granted nobility due to their achievements and had been given territories in the Subnock Plain. But what did it mean for students to take the lead in development?
“Originally, it was decided that the plain would be developed after the Magical Beast Sabnock was defeated. Of course, the Royal Family was supposed to lead the effort. However… with Marquis Aiger causing a civil war, the Royal Palace has been too preoccupied to manage it.”
The Aiwood Kingdom was at a significant turning point due to the demise of the aging Marquis Aiger, who had been a blight on the nation. With the internal strife of the Queen Dowager Faction eliminated, much of the territory they governed had reverted to the Royal Family. The change in lords had caused confusion, leaving knights and bureaucrats scrambling to manage the aftermath of the civil war.
Additionally, there were concerns regarding the situation with the neighboring Geisel Empire. The concubine, who had served as a bridge for diplomatic relations, had been divorced, and her son Rodel had died… leading to a definite deterioration in relations with the Empire. It was also known that the Empire had been supporting the Rebel Army, necessitating vigilance on the eastern front.
“Furthermore… it seems that the Northern Barbarians have been making suspicious movements lately.”
Celestine’s beautiful features were tinged with worry as she sighed softly.
“While they aren’t overtly hostile, scouts from the barbarians have been sighted around the border fortresses. We can’t afford to lower our guard, which is why we are severely short on personnel.”
“So, you’re saying there aren’t enough people to dedicate to the development of the Demon Realm?”
Andrew continued, dramatically shrugging his shoulders.
“If we continue to postpone the development and leave the Subnock Plain unattended, a new Master of the Demon Realm could emerge. That’s something we must avoid at all costs.”
“So… we students will take the lead in the development?”
“Exactly.”
In response to Rest’s question, Andrew snapped his fingers.
“Thus, the proposal has arisen for me, the Second Prince, to lead the development. I’ll be accompanied by you, Rest, Lübesse, and Isis, who will also be granted territories in the Demon Realm. Of course, this isn’t a task for students alone. The Royal Family will provide funding and personnel, and influential nobles like the Rosemary Marquis House, the Cattleya Marquis House, and the Crocus Duke House will likely lend their support as well.”
“So, the central figures in this development will be His Highness Andrew and us?”
“That’s right. This is also about nurturing young talent for the future… My father has said, ‘If necessary, I will lend a hand, so do what you can.’”
This was a plan to cover the shortage of personnel due to the aftermath of the civil war and the response to external threats with students. Perhaps it was also a declaration of intent from the King to actively utilize the strength of young individuals like Rest and Lübesse in the coming era.
“I know you’ve been scouting people in your class. We’ll need to expand that to other departments and grades. While it’s not a final decision yet… we’re considering granting special credits to students who participate in the development, ensuring it won’t hinder their advancement or graduation.”
“I see…”
This was a much larger matter than Rest had anticipated. It was no longer just about him and those around him; the academy… or perhaps the entire nation was about to take action.
“What do you think? I would really appreciate your support…”
Andrew gazed intently at Rest. The eyes of the Rosemary Sisters, Lübesse, Isis, and the other Student Council members were all focused on him.
(This leaves me with no option to refuse…)
He had originally intended to develop his own territory. With the involvement of the royal family, gathering people in the future should go smoothly. He had no intention of refusing from the start, but Rest nodded and decided to accept Andrew’s proposal.
“Of course, I’d be happy to.”
While he agreed, he felt as though he had become a part of the vast machinery known as the “nation.”
(On top of that… it seems I’m quite an important part. It feels both honorable and pressuring…)
“Thank you. I’ll be counting on you.”
“…………”
Rest let out a quiet sigh, unnoticed, and grasped Andrew’s outstretched hand in return.