Chapter 35: A Friend

A Friend

Is everything fine today?

It seems so.

After discussing with Kania about how to defend the Raid on the Commoners Dormitory, both of us finally decided to monitor the situation together.

Of course, Kania, who will be in a lot of trouble if anyone finds her snooping around, is now hiding in my shadow.

Its strange. I thought they would make a move at this point.

If you take a look at the main quest window floating in front of me, it seems true that the raid hasnt happened yet

After several days of intense surveillance, there was no sign of an attack, as both of us gradually became exhausted.

This is because its a job that forces us to stay up the entire night, while keeping our nerves sharp, and as a result of that, our mind and body gradually reached its limit.

Just in case, the raider isnt aiming for this situation, right?

What do you mean?

Perhaps theyre delaying the raid in order to discover our existence or the presence of any guard, and maybe they also want us to drain our stamina.

Hmm

If the raider had noticed that both of us were monitoring the dormitory, there would be a high probability that a penalty window would have appeared.

However, in preparation for such a situation, I bought various items from the back alley a few days ago which aids in hiding my presence.

In addition, although its not as efficient as the old brooches, I regularly carry a few magical artifacts imbued with dark mana and I was planning to bark orders while using them, so even if someone finds out, Ill be mistaken for using black magic.

So, there is no chance our existence will ever be discovered.

I see.

When I conveyed those to Kania, she nodded quietly and whispered.

However, I believe we should still assume that the raider is aware that someone is trying to stop him.

Yes, I think so too.

I muttered under my breath as the sun gradually rose in the distance.

Because our opponent is the Demon King.

Soon afterwards, as I was trudging my body back to the dormitory, I asked Kania a question that flashed through my mind

By the way, Kania. Whats Ferloche and Clanas stance on the commoners dormitory raid?

I was going to report their recent moves when we arrived at our dormitory.

Well then

Nodding to Kanias reliable answer, soon my steps stopped when I found someone approaching me from afar.

Hello.

Ferloche approached all the way right in front of my face, she then glared at me with a stiff expression.

I ignored her and tried to pass her by, but Ferloche grabbed my arm and stopped me.

What the hell are you trying to do?

Let me go.

Tell me. What the hell are you trying to do

I told you to let me go.

I wanted to get some shuteye before going to class, so I tried to shake off her hand with a stony expression. However, Ferloche grabbed me using the Blessing of the Sun God and yelled.

Are you planning to raid the commoners dormitory!?

What are you talking about?

Recently, Ive been sensing an ominous aura around the commoners dormitory. And now, I can feel that youre overflowing with that same ominous aura.

Having said, I thought Ferloche was about to shoot me with her holy power, so I flinched back. However, she just bit her lip and opened her mouth.

Look at that. As expected, you are up to something.

So what?

I know everything. In the previous timeline No, I saw the future.

Ferloche pointed at me with a determined look and began speaking.

Even if youre my master right now if there are a lot of victims.. if its such a situation

However, she couldnt finish her words and lowered her head.

..

And soon silence reigned for a while.

Come clean my room at 7 oclock tonight.

I was still disturbed by her appearance in the dream I had last time, so I left her with those words and walked past her to head to my dormitory, as she loosened her grip around my arm.

Frey.

However, just as I began heading to my dormitory, she called my name and grabbed my arm once more.

Because of this, I felt so annoyed that I almost screamed, but.

Are you really planning something?

However, when I noticed she was looking at me resentfully, I kept my mouth shut.

What the hell are you so dissatisfied with? After all, is it because I rejected your proposal? Or are you aiming for something?

What are you talking about

In fact, I want to kill you right now to prevent anything bad from happening, but if I do so, the recording will spread Then Clana, who is already having a hard time dealing with a fool like me, will be in danger.

What?

Although I hate you to death, I still obeyed you for her for the sake of innocent commoners, I can even give you this body that you covet so much.

Having said that, Ferloche bit her lips tightly and immediately fell to her knees as she started begging while grabbing my leg.

Its a conclusion I finally arrived at after deliberating hard for a few days. So please accept my offer and please dont touch the commoners dormitory.

As she said so, her eyes blazed with resentment, hatred, and disgust.Fll0w current novls on n/o/(v)/3l/b((in).(co/m)

I stared at her in silence, then soon opened her status window with Inspect skill.

[Stats] Name: Ferloche Astellade

Strength: 1

Holy Power: 8.3

Intelligence: 2.3

Mental Strength: 8

Passive Status: Blessing of the Sun God

Disposition: Saintess

Goodness Stat: 100

Even though it is extremely detestable and I will lose my qualifications as the Saintess but I will let you hold me whenever you want. So, please refrain from harming so many people.

Eventually, Ferloche closed her eyes and implored. Seeing her goodness stat, I heaved a deep sigh and uttered.

Always be prepared. I will call you whenever I feel like it.

Upon hearing my words, Ferloche looked distressed for a moment, then soon opened her mouth with an expression mixed with relief and disgust.

Iunderstand.

Soon I again started heading towards my dormitory and left the Saintess, who was still trembling on her knees. I then whispered to Kania, who was hiding in my shadow.

Kania, can you brainwash Ferloche?

Impossible. Its impossible to completely brainwash Lady Ferloche unless its the fully awakened Demon King.

I see.

Discarding the first plan I had in mind, I opened the entrance to the dormitory building while racking my brain.

Kania, I was thinking

No.

But when I tried to convey an idea that suddenly crossed my mind, Kania, who was in my shadow, resolutely cut me off before I could even say anything.

Hey I havent even said anything yet

When you are assimilated into the shadow of the person you serve, you can vaguely feel the emotions of the shadows owner.

When I had a slightly perplexed expression on my face, Kania spoke to me in a calm tone.

What kind of dangerous thing are you planning to do this time?

Then she inquired in a slightly furious tone. Upon hearing her voice, I sighed and said.

Instead of trying to stop the raid on the commoners dormitory case, I was planning to become the raider.

Having said that, I opened the door to the dormitory, and soon Kania emerged from my shadow. She then frowned and argued.

Do you have to go that far?

I want to unlock the skill and item stores as soon as possible. Its still in the elementary stage.

But then, the Young Master

Fine, well talk about this later For now, please report what I mentioned earlier.

I urgently stopped talking because I thought this argument would get dragged out longer, and then asked Kania, who was still slightly upset, to report what I mentioned earlier.

First and foremost, let me tell you about the events that had transpired in the Alliance so far.

Then Kania, who had reverted back to her impassive expression, took out her notebook from the inner pocket and switched to her work mode.

Speaking of the overall plan, the Alliance consisting of Her Highness Clana, Lady Ferloche, and myself is making steady preparations to bring down the Young Master.

I see.

Yes, as part of that plan, Lady Ferroche is receiving tutoring in various fields from Her Highness Clana, and meanwhile she divulges secrets of the Church to Her Highness Clana.

Does she know the secrets of the Church?

Kania added a supplementary explanation as I titled my head because I could never imagine Ferloche doing espionage work such as collecting Churchs secret materials and handing them over to Clana.

She is manually copying all the materials that seem suspicious to her eyes.

Can I get my hands on some of those materials too?

Of course, I memorized them all. Ill share them all with you later.

Upon Hearing those words, I smiled as I once again realized Kanias competence. Meanwhile, Kania frowned and said.

And as for me, Im currently handing over false information to Her Highness Clana.

False information?

Yes, Im divulging various mixed up information to disrupt the investigation. Of course, Im not handing over any information that would jeopardize the familys position.

As expected, youre really competent. If it werent for you, Id be on the street right now.

When I said so jokingly, Kania lowered her head for a moment and then continued reporting.

And Im training in a secluded place with Lady Ferloche.

Training?

Yes, Lady Ferloche has been requesting it for a few days. She said she wanted to get stronger. In addition, after training with me, she goes straight to Her Highness Clana to study, which she absolutely hated before.

So theres a reason why there is a slight increase in her holy power and intelligence.

As I nodded my head because I realized the reason behind her firm resolve, Kania turned over the page of the notebook and continued reporting.

For your information, as you saw earlier, Lady Ferloche is trying to prevent the Raid on the Commoners Dormitory somehow.

But why is she suspicious of me, and not the aristocrat who committed the raid in the previous timeline?

Your Highness Clana warned Lady Ferloche about the possibility of variables. Because of that, Lady Ferloche now suspects Young Master as the raider.

Upon hearing that, I remembered Ferloche pointing out that she sensed an ominous aura. When I inquired Kania about that, she replied with a calm expression.

As expected, Lady Ferloches holy power is increasing day by day.

Um? So Kania, maybe she noticed you earlier because you were assimilated with my shadow?

When I asked that question, Kania shook her head in denial and answered.

No, thats not it. The magic spell that lets me assimilate with your shadow has already tricked Lady Ferloche.

How so?

Its impossible to completely hide traces of black magic from Lady Ferloche. However, I can fake the intricacies. Thats why I made it seem like there exists a weak curse on the Young Masters shadow.

Good job, then, even in front of Ferloche Wait, then, why did Ferroche try to transmit her holy power to me earlier?

When I inquired with a bewildered expression, Kania smirked and said.

Back then, Lady Ferloche was trying to send her holy power to the black magic artifact that Young Master uses for deceiving others and chanting spells.

Did you detect that?

Yes, thats why I said Lady Ferloches holy power is increasing day by day.

Upon hearing Kanias words, I felt a little strange.

Its nice to see Ferloche gradually becoming smarter and more assertive while being educated by Clana. However, at this rate, Im going to die.

So, what about Clanas Reaction?

Her Highness Clana Of course, shes willing to prevent it if possible. However, in the first place, her dormitory is different, and she also has other concerns occupying her mind

The Ball?

Yes.

After hearing about the ball, when I inquired about Clanas reaction, I felt a pang in my head again.

Kania, hows Clana doing these days?

When I asked cautiously, Kania spoke with a grim expression.

Shes been extremely depressed. She is struggling to maintain her confident appearance in front of us, and lately, shes even sighing deeply.

I see.

Although she has been increasing her influence faster than her past life. However, shes being restrained even more so because of that. This engagement ceremony is also one of those restraints.

Upon hearing that, I sighed for a moment while tapping on the desk. I then asked in a serious tone.

Is there any way to keep Clana from rushing too much?

I dont think so. Her Highness Clana is now busy trying to seize power as soon as possible.

Of course, its because of me. Sigh, I need to give her a hand.

As I sighed, imagining what would happen at the ball, Kania bit her lip and asked

How are you going to help, Her Highness Clana?

Just like always.

I replied to her briefly and lay down on the bed to get some shut-eye, but soon Kania sat beside me

Im sorry to interrupt your sleep, but I have to ask this. What the hell are you planning to do at the ball tomorrow?

She timidly grabbed my arm and began tugging it. Seeing her rather adorable appearance, I burst into laughter and I told her my plans.

Well, thats my plan. All right? Then wake me up right before class starts.

After I was done revealing my plans, I covered myself with a blanket and tried to fall asleep

Young Master.

Ah.

I had no choice but to delay my sleep for a while as Kania took away the blanket with an absurd look on her face.

Talk to me.

Later

Then shall we meet in your dream?

..

Thats how I began to quarrel with Kania, who seemed infuriated.

I had an ominous feeling that this argument would continue until the bell rang.

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.

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Hello, Your Highness Clana.

Hello.

While Frey and Kania had been arguing for a long time, Ferloche greeted Clana, who had already arrived at the library in advance and was waiting for her.

You seem to be working rather hard. Its nice to see.

Clana was examining various materials with a despondent expression when Ferloche came up to her and took a seat beside her. Clana then painstakingly smiled and praised her.

Thank you!

Then Ferloche, who was crying inwardly because of the earlier events, also tried to answer with a cheerful smile. Soon the two ladies who were wearing masks picked up books from the shelves of the library.

All right, thats enough. Lets go to the dormitory then.

Yes.

Thus, the two gathered all the books they were going to study today and began walking while facing forward, maintaining a slight distance from each other.

The current relationship between the Imperial Family and the Church was rather estranged, so they had to do it.

Oh, Clana. Where are you going this early?

As they were walking down the hallway while maintaining a slight distance from each other, the First Princess suddenly blocked Clanas way.

Ah.

Because of this, Ferloche was momentarily stunned. However, when she recalled Clanas advice that she should pretend they werent close to each other, she rushed to the ends of the hallway with her eyes closed.

Clana, do you have anything to do with that idiotic Saintess?

No.

Clana firmly denied her claim when the First Princess, who had been staring at Ferloche, inquired with a cold expression.

In fact Even if youre doing a lot of things lately, you probably wouldnt have approached the Saintess. The Imperial family is trying hard to keep the Church in check. So, it isnt the case, right?

Then the First Princess raised the corners of her mouth and began to caress Clanas shoulder.

However, Clana, who was quite accustomed to such provocations, showed no reaction. Then the First Princess, who frowned for a moment, clapped her hands and said.

Oh, come to think of it Tomorrow is the ball, right?

Clanas eyebrows trembled upon hearing her words, and then the First Princess smirked and whispered in her ear.

The fianc candidates are all chosen with the utmost care for you by my mother, myself, and my brother. How about it? Shouldnt you be grateful?

Yes.

Even in such a situation, Clana tried to keep her composure and answered, but eventually, she closed her eyes tightly upon hearing the following remark.

If you dont show up this time, or if you dont choose a fianc youd better be prepared.

But

Anyway, mother who doesnt really like the Church or the Saintess, believes youre close to her. You realize what will happen if thats the case, right?

After saying those words, the First Princess tapped Clanas shoulder, then passed her by with an elegant gait.

Gnash.

Clana, who was standing in the hallway grinding her teeth for a long time, soon recalled that she had made a prior appointment with Ferloche and began trudging towards the dormitory.

Your Highness Clana are you all right

Um, how far did you read?

Oh, that 41st page.

I see, then lets read from there.

Clana, who finally entered her dormitory, smiled at Ferloche, who was waiting for her after arriving before her. She then opened the book.

Your Highness Clana

Whats wrong?

However, Ferloche was still looking at her with pity

Press

Eventually, Ferloche gathered holy power and touched her lips, only Clana realized that blood was dripping from lips because she chewed it too hard.

Thank you.

Clana, who had barely suppressed her emotions that were on the verge of exploding, thanked Ferloche and quietly began reading the book.

Your Highness Clana.

Yes?

Ferloche briefly watched Clana pitifully. She soon opened her mouth and cushioned her hand while transmitting holy power.

Your Highness Clana, teach me how to overcome stupidity in return Ill be Your Highness Clanas Friend.

Friend?

Yes, friend.

Upon hearing Ferloches words and seeing her bright smile, Clana nodded quietly and smiled back, then soon turned over the page of the book and said.

I think its page 14, not page 41.

Ah, I see.

Thus, Ferloche and Clana began reading the book as they gazed at the first friend they had made in their lives.

After all, for Her Highness Clanas sake I have no choice but to surrender to Frey.

For Lady Ferloches sake I have no choice but to get engaged.

Just like genuine friends, they cared for each other

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Rattle!

Meanwhile, at the border dividing the Western Continent and the Sunrise Empire.

At this rate, even if we are a bit late for tomorrows ball, well be able to get there somehow.

Well, if thats what Lady Serena claims, then it would be the case.

Serena was chatting with her maid in the carriage, heading for the Imperial Capital at high speed.

But what are you writing now?

The maid, who had been quietly yawning in the carriage, tilted her head and asked Serena what she was writing with such an intense look.

A love letter.

Ah.

The maid, who frowned at Serenas words, shook her head and said.

Dont you hate Young Master Frey?

Upon hearing her words, Serena stopped writing for a moment, and said with a cold expression.

I hate him so much that I want to kill him.

Then why dont you give up on him?

When the maid asked that question with a frustrated look on her face, Serena sighed quietly and answered.

Because Im his fiance.

Chapter end