How to Survive at the Academy

Chapter 90

Student Council Election Campaign (3)

Impossible.

The weight of those three characters felt like a heavy pressure on my chest.

During my time as a freshman at Sylvania, Tanya had been clearly aware of it.

If Phoenia truly runs for student council president, no matter what measures Tanya takes, she could not win against her.

An image filled with conviction built up since her time in the royal household, the powerful recognition known to any citizen of the Clorel Empire, coupled with her own unfavorable status as a mere freshman, and Phoenia well-supported by a solid base among the students.

No matter what variables might occur, Tanyas chances of winning were absolutely zero.

Tanya Rothtaylor could not defeat Phoenia Elias Clorel. That was an unchangeable truth.

No one knew this better than Tanya herself.

Reality and romance are distinctly different. Tanya engraved this truth into her heart as she entered her academic life.

Before enrollment, her fantasies of Sylvania were like a magical castle in a dream.

However, once a dream is realized, it becomes mere reality.

One cannot always live trapped in romance; tasks and assignments must be tackled and will inevitably pile up.

Tanya was slowly growing up, and the first thing she realized was that dreams are dreams and reality is reality.

While entering Sylvania was a joyous occasion, the hope that everything would flow romantically and beautifully had to be discarded early on.

Surely, things wont always go as planned Not all moments will be filled with happiness. Even in Sylvania, theres no guarantee of encountering only admirable people, nor can I always expect the esteemed seniors to take a liking to me.

Still, she mustnt be disheartened. As the heiress of the Rothtaylor family, she must always maintain her confidence and poise as a young lady.

Showing any pettiness here would tarnish the name of her family.

Tanya nodded to herself, determined to persevere with resilience through the academic life that often didnt go as planned.

Of course, academic life did not flow as expected.

Oh, Tanya. Heading to Elemental Studies practice? Any trouble with the lessons? Be careful of the temperature differences day and night to avoid catching a cold, and sometime lets have tea with Elka.

On the way to practice with her Elemental Studies classmates, Zix greeted her cheerily, much to the murmurs of her peers.

Isnt that Zix senpai? A prominent figure well-known throughout the school year, and even among the entire student body

Wow, Tanya seems to have a personal acquaintance with Zix senpai. Well, if its the Rothtaylor familys second daughter, her connections wouldnt be ordinary

You look well, thats good to see, Tanya. I have been thinking about arranging a meeting for the talisman trade negotiations. When are you free? Let me know a convenient time, and I will prepare a spot for you.

While Tanya was dining with classmates in the student cafeteria, Lortelle approached her with a smile and brought up business matters.

That must be Lortelle senpai, surely? The representative of the Elte Trading Houses Acken branch?

Wow, Tanya To have a familiar relationship with the true power-holder of the Elte Trading House

Considering the talk of negotiations and trades, it seems she also has personal dealings with them.

Wow Despite being the same age Her world seems so much larger Surely, she must be accustomed to these business discussions and formal settings

Hello.

After the days academic courses ended, and on her way back to the dormitory.

Lucy, who was walking zombie-like with a drowsy manner, greeted Tanya casually before they parted ways on the path.

There was nothing particularly grand about it, just a petite hand wave as a greeting, and then she continued on her way.

That person Is Lucy Mayrill senpai, widely regarded as the top genius of Sylvania, right?

Its the first time Ive seen senpai speak. I didnt even know she spoke.

They say she treats everyone indifferently, making it impossible to get close. How did Tanya manage to become acquaintances who exchange greetings?

Truly, the expanse of our connections is worlds apart What can I say It feels like theres a wall separating us

Tanya returned to the Ophelius dormitory with her year-mates, leaving behind students who looked up to her in awe.

In recent days, Tanyas status and reputation within the academy seemed to have inexplicably skyrocketed.

Especially among peers who look up to her senior students, Tanyas standing seemed to have been bolstered for maintaining connections with various influential figures.

Her status as the Rothtaylor familys second daughter alone was formidable enough, but now even more so in Sylvanias culture, which values academic and personal achievements, her influence only continued to grow.

As an antagonist young lady, even followers (?) had started to appear around her.

Walking down the corridor of Ophelius dormitory, following Tanya were two girls, Kylie and Terry, holding hands and talking with blissful expressions.

Truly, Tanya. Poised in action, with wide connections, yet not boastful So admirable! Such nobility must surely be innate?

If I could even emulate half of such dignified grace, I would have no regrets!

Even though Terry might be excused, it was a little funny that Kylie spoke of nobility and such.

Reaching her room, Tanya glanced back. She couldnt overtly laugh ohoho and show high tension, but also couldnt show a discouraged face from excessive attention.

Ufufu. Well done to both of you for getting through todays schedule. You must be tired from various things, so you should go rest soon.

Of course, Tanya! You also worked really hard today!

Well keep up the spirit tomorrow, too! Well follow you no matter where!

The formal speech among the first-year students already felt strange.

Lets work hard tomorrow and the day after to become someone as graceful and capable as Tanya!

When Terry said that, Tanya smiled softly and responded.

Oh, thats a good attitude. Though I still have many shortcomings, if you polish yourself daily, Terry, you too will become a student just as remarkable. Lets keep up the effort tomorrow.

Leaving behind students shooting admiring gazes, Tanya closed her room door and then leaned against it, sweating coldly as her eyes searched without focus.

I didnt do anything, did I?

Before she knew it, a fandom had formed around Tanya among the freshmen.

How did this happen?

Certainly, a headache.

The next day, two servants from the Rothtaylor main house arrived, both familiar faces.

Its a pleasure to see you again after so long, Miss Tanya. Its heartwarming to see you healthy.

Weve heard youre working hard with your studies. Were grateful to be of assistance.

Sylvania Academy is filled with noble students.

If all students were allowed to bring their personal secretaries and maids, the influx of external staff would disrupt the academys tranquility.

Therefore, the academy strictly prohibits students from bringing personal staff within the faculty area.

Instead, for the convenience of nobly born students, Sylvania provides high-level service through a dedicated maid department at Ophelius dormitory.

The only exceptions who could enjoy freedom from these rules within Sylvania are the princess and the saintess.

Thus, ordinarily, it would have been difficult for the external servants of the Rothtaylor family to obtain residence permission inside Sylvania.

My father must have been quite concerned. Its good to see you, Cadec, Nox.

The two servants named kneeled and bowed their heads deeply.

These were loyal servants who had served since Tanya was young, so trusted that even their strict housemaster Crebin would assign them important tasks without hesitation.

Tanya was deeply grateful for these loyal servants being dispatched all the way to Acken.

Normally, dispatching personal secretaries for students like this would be prohibited by the academy, but we could come in under the guise of business reasons. Since the academy is already aware of the transaction with Elte Trading House.

Thats right. Therefore, after we wrap up the negotiations regarding the purchase of the Sages Scripts, we will likely have to leave the academy again.

Its a particularly busy time for freshmen at the start of the new school year.

Facing a rush of classes and events, Tanya not only has to deal with the student council election but also lead the negotiations for the Sages Scripts.

Managing even one of these tasks seems overwhelming for Tanya, so family support is naturally expected.

I, Cadec, will gather market information for the purchase of the scripts and inquire about the budget status of the Elte Trading House. I will confirm the specifics of the negotiation schedule and report back to you.

Thank you, Cadec.

I, Nox, will coordinate the schedule related to the student council election while Miss Tanya concentrates on her studies. Especially since there are rumors of Princess Phoenia running, we need to get information on what policy proposals her camp might put forward

Thats alright, Nox.

Yes?

Tanya, sitting at her desk and arranging her hair, sighed deeply.

As she paused from stroking her golden locks, she looked up at the clear sky of early spring.

You two must not have updated information since youve just arrived. Theres been fresh news this morning.

From Tanyas perspective

Its clearly a stroke of luck.

Clinching his fist tightly and raising it to the sky with a cheer wouldnt be strange given the situation.

However, Tanya didnt seem quite as elated. The reason for this was unknown, even to Tanya herself.

Tanya said Princess Phoenia isnt running for student president.

What?

Its as if lightning struck on a clear day.

A disaster that hits without any forewarning.

The student council building, Nail Hall, is the largest of the three buildings and serves as the bustling center of campus life, especially during the semester. Although Yenika had demolished it in a fit last year, its been completely restored and is now fully functional.

The crowded student council hall, with administrative services and well-being facilities all congregated here, resembles a busy marketplace.

Crystalline ice floats in two glasses of citrus juice on a wooden table. Since I owe Yenika for various favors, I took care of the bill.

The royal secretary just made an announcement at the royal quarters? Its the hottest gossip, just happened a few hours ago. Everyones buzzing about it.

Yenika sips her juice with a radiant smile, her delight seeming boundless with every sip shes a girl who truly appreciates small kindnesses.

So She only made an announcement Can it still be retracted?

Well, most students who wanted to support Princess Phoenia are now pleading for her to reconsider their request.

Furrowing my brows, I plunged into contemplation.

Phoenia has to become involved if youre to take on Crebin Rothtaylor, the final boss of Act 4. After all, its difficult to find a clan that could vie with the Rothtaylor familys power aside from someone of Princess Phoenias stature.

Head of the Rothtaylor household, Crebin Rothtaylors manner of conducting affairs is nearly flawless, and most folks wouldnt suspect him of being a villain. Even if they did, they wouldnt have any evidence.

It is Phoenia, having first become aware of Crebins dark schemes, who begins to openly oppose him. What had been instinctual suspicion evolves into conviction as she encounters Crebin in her role as student president.

Furthermore, the academic power wielded by Phoenia as student president is a crucial advantage in protecting Sylvania Academy from Crebins aspirations. While imperial power is vast, influencing the intricate and granular affairs of the academy internally proves challenging.

A fusion of imperial and academic power. Only once Phoenia holds both reins can she truly lead a proper defense against Crebin.

Hmm

If were to capture Crebin, the Rothtaylor family must be pitted against Princess Phoenia from now on.

Should this come to pass, Phoenia would become an irreplaceable ally a fact that should have been self-evident.

Ed.

As I was deep in thought, Yenikas face suddenly filled my view. Leaning close with puffed cheeks, she started to grumble.

Why so worried?

Listen, Ed.

Yenika stood swiftly from her seat and moved beside me firmly.

She placed her hands on her hips and looked at me with a feigned anger for Yenika rarely becomes truly angry, her actions were more demonstrative than genuine.

I have a feeling youre plunging into another reckless endeavor.

Hey thats not

We all have our own wills, Ed, and while I cant tell you what to do or not, I cant just stand by and watch you get hurt or bleed without doing anything.

Her expression turned petulant as she continued.

If theres something on your mind, consult me. Whatever it is, Ill help.

Yenika, I owe you a lot already. For your help with spirit summons and the camp

Thats only debt if I consider it so. And I dont.

Sincerity underlined her playful words.

I wish you wouldnt struggle on your own. Theres no need to go looking for trouble.

?

It was a difficult decision, but ignoring the earnest gaze of Yenikas staring eyes was even harder.

I think it would be better if Princess Phoenia became the student president.

That is something some might think, not just you.

She smoothly accepted the sudden disclosure.

And yet, its surprising. Princess Phoenia has been quite cruel to you, Ed. I didnt think youd support her.

Really?

In truth, Ed Rothtaylor is no more, thanks to Phoenia.

Sure. And theres Tanya as well. I had thought to support Tanya, considering everything, her reputation is good among the freshmen.

Yenika kept talking as she twirled a braid.

And If the individual herself chooses not to run, what can we do about it?

Thats true, but

Ordinarily, Princess Phoenia should have run for president without a second thought and probably have won by a significant margin over Tanya.

However, it remains a mystery why she has opted out altogether.

At least knowing the reason shes not running would be helpful.

Confidence is lost.

Thud.

Another cup of beverage lands heavily on the table Zix Effelstein of the second-year magical department has joined.

Its warm enough to go without a coat now. Didnt expect to break a sweat. Why are there so many people at the student council hall?

Zix removed his coat and took a swig from his drink.

Zix?

Such a familiar face, and you two being so cozy in broad daylight quite the spectacle, though I suppose its your freedom

Zix puts down his cup.

Following these words, Yenika straightened her back, widening the before close distance between them, as if just realizing the proximity.

What?! Was it that close?! Is it really that close? Is itreally? Oh, its close, isnt it? And for you to say its sizzling Thats too indecent!

Embarrassed, Yenika fanned herself vigorously, avoiding eye contact before slumping forward.

Sorry to disturb your private conversation, but theres something I didnt get to mention last time a certain conviction as of late

Zix crossed his arms and sighed.

Being classmates and attending many classes together, Ive seen Princess Phoenia quite often, havent I?

Zix was raised in the wilds of the northern steppe, living more as a beast than a human. Now, he has learned to conduct himself with the manners of a gentleman through his time with the Islan family.

His primal upbringing gave him an extraordinary intuition senses that go beyond normal human perception.

Have you ever seen an alpha wolf lose its pack, Mr. Ed?

The playful tone had turned solemn.

An alpha who has led its pack to ruin through a misjudgment is devoid of life in its eyes. Its a stark contrast to the vibrant gaze of youth neither preying when encountering prey nor showing aggression to predators.

Zix spoke softly of his experiences, recalling wolves on the steppe, ignoring his weapon despite the threat.

They show no response, even if you aim an arrow right at them.

Then, opening his eyes, Zix confided quietly, To me, thats how Princess Phoenias eyes looked.

After speaking, Zix stood up to take his leave.

I apologize for intruding. I just wanted to greet a familiar face. Take care.

No intrusion; Im glad you came.

Theres talk of spring rain tomorrow. Remember that when leaving the dormitory.

Zix grabbed his empty drink and, hunched, bid farewell before winding through the exit.

With Yenika still fanning herself beside him, Ed was plunged back into thought.

The worst-case scenario is Phoenia having lost her will to oppose the Rothtaylor family.

If so, one must find a way to rekindle her animosity against them, but at present, there appears to be no way to do so.

It appears I must steel myself.

Why so serious, Ed?

Crebin Rothtaylor, head of the family, had succumbed early to debilitating politics because he lacked the support of the imperial faction led by Phoenia. Confronting Crebin without such backing is an unknown territory.

While a scenario best avoided, facing it directly may soon be unavoidable.

Well, rain is due tomorrow, perfect for practicing with water spirits.

For now, focus on what must be done a session with an intermediate spirit near the northern cliffs sounds suitable.

Yeah, Ill try to join after my elemental science class.

Thank you. I better head back to camp for now.

Yenika nodded genially Ed owed her much in truth.

*

Hmm.

Sniffing the air brings a floral scent. Spring is a favored season with its gentle sunlight and whispering breezes, the wait becomes as comfortable as being wrapped in a warm blanket.

Footsteps crunch on grass, approaching the camp.

A girl, lounging on the cabin roof, looks up at the sky, humming to herself at the thought of resting on a boys lap while munching pieces of jerky.

A sudden dampness at the tip of her nose confirms her instincts.

Lucy pulls her hat down and gazes up though its spring, it seems she might not be able to go out tomorrow.

Looks like rain.

Rain is unpleasant.

The continuous patter dampens her mood; shed prefer if it passed quickly.

With that thought, Lucy jumped down beside the crackling fire, watching the approaching blonde boy while absentmindedly humming.

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