Mistress Of The Evil Forest

Case 155: Rumors at the academy.

In modern times, people's entertainment options are numerous. 

One can choose to play games, watch endless content on streaming platforms, play sports, or read news, etc. But since electronic products in this world haven't evolved to that point yet, physical activities are more prevalent, and for other types of entertainment, paper news, plays, and, of course, gossip.

Gossiping is actually more common than I expected. There is a kind of culture here, I feel.

People like to gossip about other people, and the more controversial the topic, the more fervent the discussion becomes. In the academy, students often talk about love and whatnot, but they don't usually badmouth a lot of people. Children, especially ones of discipline, don't tend to do that.

However, just as I returned from a satisfactory trip to the sea a bit ago, I heard quite a few distasteful things, and they weren't coming from just one group of students.

As I stand in stealth mode near three students who are having lunch together on the rooftop, I can't help but feel uncomfortable.

''Huh... is that real though?''

''Yeah! The big news is talking about her, you know?''

''Damn, I always knew something was odd about her...''

They are talking about Chloe. The blonde Chloe.

After she recklessly put a target on the back of her head, things surprisingly went on peacefully for a while, but now, what we fear most has come.

The rumors.

Since Amelia Luminous has such a clear record of not behaving too fittingly, it gives people a lot of ammunition to attack her character. Under normal circumstances, this wouldn't be a problem since no one really cares about a rich lady throwing tantrums, but under Efil's manipulation, this small 'disapproval' can turn into immense 'hatred' in no time.

That's what is scary about this demon. It doesn't just know how to turn everyone against you; it can do it, too.

For now, Amelia Luminous's past incidents have been brought up by several news outlets. These are mostly about her using inappropriate language toward commoners and servants, as well as some alleged mistreatment cases.

But of course, testimonies can be faked, and the tone of these articles is clearly meant to demonize Amelia and destroy her character. I'm sure the Duchy of Luminous will try and fight back, so that's not exactly my business, but I need to talk to Chloe. 

Oh, wait, I think I might have a way to help.

Before that, however, I need to resolve a problem.

It is quite clear at this point that Efil has a companion, and that companion can observe us anywhere at any time. Who's to say that it can't hear us? If not, it can read our lips regardless.

I've been acting as a normal maid these days, trying to blend in, but I figured that we needed a way to make sure Efil doesn't know that 'Aurora' is linked to 'Amelia.' There's no benefit in that.

Of course, I can bring her into the Backrooms every now and then, but it's too risky, not to mention its sheer inconvenience.

Now, that brings us to Bianca Cecil, who's stationed at the academy for the moment. At this point, she is the only person who can reliably detect the demon's surveillance.

It's a bit weird, but I think she already knows who I am. Do they call this a master's instinct?

Anyway, she can be trusted... I think.

''Nn.''

''Mhm?''

So, I walk straight into her office—only after knocking—and put a bag of potato chips on the desk.

''...''

''...''

For a while, we only look at each other. Perhaps realizing I won't talk first, she puts down her pen and leans back, ''A gift?'' she asks. Since it is true, I nod back, and subsequently, she also nods at me.

It seems both of us aren't good conversationalists.

But she eventually grabs the potato bag and rips it open. Then, with her mouth still crunching, she looks around my hip area a bit before going back to my face.

Ah, so she's telling me to sit down.

As I quietly pull a spare chair toward the table, Bianca picks up her pen again and begins to work, occasionally reaching out with her other hand for a chip.

Since I have nothing to do, I decide to close my eyes and clear my head a bit. I don't sleep all that often anymore, so this is sort of necessary. I do it whenever I can.

Let's see... I want to organize the topics I will discuss with Chloe later. One, I can propose the idea of overwhelming the public eyes with stories of horror. We can do it right away, and it's honestly an effective tactic. Two, I want to make clear the claim of Efil being able to kill people if it knows their names—specifically in this case. How would it apply to Chloe and Amelia, who have been switched?

There are three scenarios that can happen. Either it calls for Amelia's name and blonde Chloe dies, it calls for Amelia's name, and the real Amelia dies, or nothing happens because the target's name has been wrongly designated.

Whichever it is, the situation is quite dangerous at the moment. That's why I didn't want to involve someone like Nydia in this mess. She doesn't deserve these risks. 

Hah... well, let's think about it with Chloe.

Some time passes.

''It's gone.''

Bianca's soft, almost whistle-like voice wakes me up. When I open my eyes, I can see her folding the empty bag several times before throwing it into the trashcan.

I decide not to respond because I might not have understood her correctly.

''The demon that follows us. That thing's skill has a cooldown, it seems.''

Ah, so she's not talking about the potato chips.

''Good to know that,'' I reply.

''Are you here for something?'' Bianca lightly hums, keeping her hand moving.

''Yes. I have a favor to ask.''

Only when I clearly state my purpose does the Duchess gaze at me again. In this regard, I suppose she is all about business.

''I want to rely on your instinct for a while, Duchess Cecil.''

''For?''

''Having conversations. Important ones.''

''I don't mind. Come here whenever you need to. But... don't you mind me hearing them?''

''Not really.''

''It's fine, then.''

Of course, she and I discuss the observer's usual behavior a bit to try and time our meetings, but Bianca isn't its primary target anyway, so there's that. There isn't enough data yet.

''We can rely on some sort of long-range communication system to arrange the sessions,'' I suggest. ''Becky might have something for that.''

''You seem close to her.'' Bianca muses.

''Maybe. We moved together for a bit.''

''Mhm. I see.''

Unsurprisingly, the conversation dries up quite fast. Soon, I wrap off the talk, thank her, and turn to the door. It's time to call in Chloe.

''Wait.''

''Hm?''

''Are you sure? Showing your face to me like this.''

It feels like Bianca's asking it purely out of curiosity, and I like that. To her, who's looking a bit... bothered—positively—I try to smile,

''Why? Didn't you say I was pretty?''

I wonder if that counts as flirting.

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