Chapter 99

It was the day before Claude set off for Jarakaz, 11 days before the National Foundation Ceremony, when Hikaru and Reige finally met face to face.

"Hikaru, please read this before the ceremony."

Early in the morning, Reige, who had come to Hikaru's house alone, handed him a stack of papers.

"What is this?"

"It's the Student Union's charter. I think I've covered the main points, but since this is my first time drafting such a document, there might be some omissions."

"That's Ekaterina's forte."

"Yes. I would appreciate it if you could look at it with her."

"I see. You think I can blend in better than directly contacting Ekaterina, right?"

"Yeah, I'm sorry if that offends you, but I wasn't thinking of you just as a messenger. I want you to read it too."

"I'm a layman."

Hikaru shrugged.

"But you have a perspective we don't have."

"You really know how to flatter a person..."

"I've always treated you specially, haven't I? ——By the way, I've heard about Tsubura, Kiriharu, and Kotobi. It seems you've been quite busy, Hikaru."

Regarding Kiriharu and Kotobi, that's right.

Since then, letters from Kotobi, the alchemy king, have been coming in frequently, and Hikaru has been responding to them.

While he can answer questions about Tsubura's relics, many of them are about magical devices, and the scope of what Roland can answer is limited. It's hard to say that he's contributing much to the research.

"How about Claude?"

Reige's eyes became serious.

He must be worried.

"If it's one-on-one with Instructor Mikhail, he can win one out of two."

"——What?"

"He's almost on par with Instructor Mikhail in combat ability."

This was true.

The day after the mock battles with the three Ludansha instructors, Mikhail and Claude have been having mock battles several times a day.

Claude's progress has been remarkable. Initially, he was far behind Mikhail, who was much stronger and faster than Ivan, but by yesterday, they were almost evenly matched.

Hikaru had subtly added points to Claude's "Strength" and "Explosive Power" on his Soul Board.

"That means... he might be recognized by the boss of Jarakaz."

Reige was clearly relieved.

Indeed, among the "four votes" they needed, Jarakaz's vote was the most uncertain. Of course, Hikaru's plan to "persuade the queen" was also uncertain, but Hikaru had quickly resolved that issue.

Tomorrow, Claude would set off for Jarakaz.

He would present his case to the boss of Jarakaz and likely be challenged to a one-on-one mock battle. The results would be known at the National Foundation Ceremony, as the boss of Jarakaz would also attend. Claude had trained until the last possible moment before leaving Jarakaz.

"Are you okay with this? I was thinking of having you work at the ceremony."

"I'm under a lot of pressure, but I'm managing. I'll endure until the ceremony. I'm leaving for Romania today."

"You're busy."

"Yes... I need to pretend to attend the ceremony with my father. So, what do you want me to do, Hikaru?"

"Ah, about that... I want you to make a speech at the final meeting."

"?? What should I talk about?"

"Oppose the Student Union in Romania. Strongly."

"..."

Hikaru explained his plan.

When the proposal from Tsubura comes up, Reige should be the first to oppose it, as if he genuinely wants to crush the proposal.

Then, Silvester will counter.

The discussion should proceed without mixing in too many other opinions.

"If it comes to a vote, we win. But I can't predict what Ludansha or Yuraba will do. They might bring up something that could flip Kiriharu or Kotobi's opinions."

According to Ekaterina's research, in the past, proposals have often failed due to unexpected opposition.

Hikaru didn't know this, but it provided evidence for his concerns.

"Control the discussion to prevent any irregularities?"

"Exactly, Reige. You catch on quickly."

"Understood."

Hikaru thought only Reige could do this.

As the next top of Romania, when he speaks, most people fall silent.

"Thank you, Hikaru."

"What for?"

"You anticipated that I couldn't cooperate with the Student Union at all and prepared the best possible moment for me to shine, given my position."

"I don't understand what you mean."

"You're the kind of person who doesn't let others worry about you. I won't forget this favor."

"Say that after the Student Union is established."

"Understood. I'll say it again then."

And Reige left.

"...Did I really make it that obvious? Well, he is smart, at least."

Despite being the founder of the Student Union, Reige was in a position where he couldn't move at all.

He couldn't help but be concerned about this.

If he moved, Romania's eyes would be on him, and the Student Union's plans would be exposed. If that happened, they might be crushed before the National Foundation Ceremony.

The "establishment of the Student Union" had to be a surprise. They had to take four votes by surprise. Until then, no one could know. This was the only path to success.

"Well, Reige will figure something out."

Hikaru arrived at the usual place in front of Lecture Building C, where Claude and Mikhail often have their mock battles.

They usually train here, where they won't be noticed, rather than in the training grounds, which are too conspicuous.

"Claude, are you nervous?"

Today, only Claude was there. Ivan was preparing to leave for Jarakaz with Claude and Ryuka the next day, so he wasn't there.

Taking Ryuka was risky because of the attention it might draw to Ludansha, but Ivan insisted that "only Claude and Ryuka can do it. The boss is that kind of person!" so they decided to take her.

"Nervous... I don't know, it's strange. I never thought I could become this strong. I always wished to be strong... "

"You must be happy."

"Happy... Yeah, I am. But it's not for myself. I'm happy because I can protect Ryuka. That's what makes me happiest."

He had a clear, refreshing smile.

"Are you just being mushy?"

"Haha. Ryuka is the best woman. ——Hey, Hikaru, thank you."

"For what?"

"I thought I could never marry Ryuka unless we left the Union. But neither of us hates this country. So..."

Hikaru sighed.

Both Reige and Claude were thanking him before they even succeeded.

"Ah, stop it. Don't say that. Say it after everything is over. It's a flag."

"Flag?"

Just as Claude asked, Mikhail came running over at high speed.

"Claude! Oh, Hikaru is here too! Perfect!"

"What's wrong?"

His urgency was so unusual that Hikaru couldn't even make a joke.

"Sorry, but we have to cancel today's mock battle."

Something bad has happened—Hikaru had a bad feeling.

"What happened?"

"Remember the monster hunting we talked about?"

"Yeah, the one where adventurers are hired to hunt at the borders of three countries?"

"The team of adventurers seems to have suffered a devastating blow."

"Devastating... Did they fail?"

"To put it simply, yes. Now, skilled adventurers are being urgently called to the area."

Mikhail moistened his lips.

"Monsters are rampant. If this continues, the Union might go into a state of war. Damn... The National Foundation Ceremony is only 10 days away, and it might even be canceled."

The cancellation of the ceremony—this would mean the cancellation of the meeting.

The discussion about the Student Union would be postponed to an uncertain winter—after the "season of politics."

While Claude was stunned, Hikaru asked,

"Instructor Mikhail, can you tell me more?"

I'll immediately address the flags set by Reige and Claude.

Next time, Hikaru's departure and the new weapon.