Chapter 44 : Chapter 44

Chapter 44

Last night.

Eddie had secretly visited Pantheon while Marcel slept.

To retrieve Caliptus’ Eye for Mercury, as promised in the meeting.

But once in Pantheon, he was reluctant to leave immediately.

His personal space, undisturbed by anyone.

There was no better place to test his current capabilities.

In the end, Eddie stood atop Pantheon’s black cliff, drawing out his maximum mana.

At the tip of his wand, tracing a thick arc, he cast the 9-star non-attribute spell Indizeo.

Though successfully executed, its power was less than half of his past life’s.

Staring at the massive hole in the sky sucking in seawater, Eddie felt dissatisfied.

Of course, it was incomparably stronger than his 14-year-old self in his past life.

But after visiting Pasquier, his benchmark for strength had risen significantly.

Unsatisfied, he tested all his 9-star spells on the cliff before returning.

‘I was too greedy. I didn’t expect to exhaust my energy.’

Though his abilities had grown, his young body still lacked stamina.

His underdeveloped body quickly tired, and after handing Caliptus’ Eye to Leodimir, Eddie returned utterly drained.

“…”

Marcel glanced at Eddie, who kept rubbing his eyes and yawning.

When their eyes met, Eddie casually hid his fatigue.

Marcel said nothing, turning forward again, but his mind was complex.

It was because of the wand he saw on Eddie’s desk that morning.

‘The leather grip was worn, and the tassel was frayed.’

It wasn’t just from rough handling.

It was the natural wear from being held and swung thousands of times.

And what that meant was all too clear.

But Marcel didn’t ask Eddie, “Have you been training magic behind my back?”

That was a question only petty nobles, obsessed with keeping their attendants beneath them, would ask.

As Marcel, guarding his pride, and Eddie, consumed by fatigue, reached the lecture hall:

“What’s this?”

Their path was blocked by students gathered around a notice board.

The crowd, drawn by something noteworthy, didn’t thin out.

“What’s it say?”

“There’s an election for the first-year class president in ten days!”

“They’re accepting candidates for the next three days?”

Students who checked the notice shouted its contents.

The first-year class president election.

At those words, Marcel subtly showed tension.

He wasn’t the only one.

Several students eyeing the presidency lit up with excitement.

From the back of the crowd, Eddie quietly gazed at the notice board, lost in thought.

The academy would be noisy for a while.

‘Good thing I retrieved and delivered Caliptus’ Eye early.’

***

That evening.

The student lounge was livelier than usual.

The topic, naturally, was the class president election announced hours ago.

Talk of who would run continued endlessly.

“Marcel and Alexein will definitely run, right?”

“Of course. Their cousins are in the student council. Plus, with the two most famous rival families in the empire, they’ll run for family pride.”

“Ugh, so the election’s basically a Kirhausen vs. Dickens fight.”

Some students made simplistic predictions.

“Who do you think more will support?”

“Probably Marcel. Alexein’s reputation isn’t exactly stellar right now.”

“I think Alexein’s group still has more influence. Many will run to curry favor withtypography

System: favor with him and then withdraw to support him.”

“Pfft, there’s no guarantee they won’t do the same for Marcel. Plus, he’s got a good image.”

Others analyzed the situation keenly based on social dynamics.

Marcel and Eddie sat in a corner of the lounge, listening.

“…”

Marcel sipped tea, his sharp eyes scanning the air.

Eddie watched him quietly.

Though expressionless, Marcel was clearly different, his eyes and ears alert to the surroundings.

Even for someone like Marcel, who preferred solitude, it was hard to ignore the public opinion forming before the election.

Social competition and power displays began in school.

‘That’s why he brought me to the lounge and sat me here. Having a quiet tea time alone in this lively place would look odd.’

For 30 minutes, they sat together without a word, but their senses were busy.

‘He’s clearly determined to run, given how much he’s gauging public opinion.’

As Eddie was lost in thought:

Bang-!

A loud noise and an irritated voice came from the lounge entrance.

“I have to waste an entire semester on this useless class!”

It was Alexein, returning from his disciplinary “Ethical Conduct” class.

Hendricks followed, carrying Alexein’s books and belongings.

Alexein sat roughly on a central sofa, crossing his legs.

Thud-!

His group naturally gathered around him.

“Pfft, Alexein, was ethics class worth it?”

“Isn’t the vice-dean teaching that class?”

“Oof, you’re stuck attending every one.”

Jeremy, Derrick, and Russel teased, lightening the mood.

Alexein glanced at them tiredly, leaning back.

Hendricks, watching cautiously, asked:

“Uh… Young Master, should I take your books to your room…?”

“What, were you going to leave them here? What a stupid question.”

“Sorry…”

“I’m sick of hearing sorry. Don’t let me see you again today, got it?”

“Yes…”

With a dismissive wave, Hendricks headed to the dorms.

Since the voucher theft incident failed, Hendricks had been Alexein’s punching bag for days.

“Ugh, that useless attendant. Maybe I’ll kick him out.”

“But Hendricks is useful for things like reflection essays or ethics assignments, right?”

“I thought so too. But the vice-dean enchanted the paper so only the student can write on it.”

“Ouch, that’s harsh…”

Alexein rubbed his stiff neck, frowning.

Russel approached, playfully massaging his shoulders.

“If you’re too tired, let me know, Alexein. I’ll get Jimmy to disguise himself and attend for you.”

“Pfft, haha.”

Alexein let out a deflated laugh at Russel’s silly joke.

The group quickly regained its vibe.

It wasn’t just because they were nobles.

Eddie recalled how Alexein handled the situation.

‘Though the plan failed, his group’s camaraderie grew stronger. Not snitching on his accomplices was key.’

Even in a corner, Alexein took the blame alone, preserving his group.

The visible outcome was against him, but the real blow landed on the commoners, weakening them.

‘This skewed atmosphere will surely affect the election. I’m curious what he’ll decide.’

***

The lounge grew noisy with Alexein’s group.

Marcel, deciding there was nothing more to gain, stood up.

Eddie followed him to their room, thinking about the future.

‘Since Marcel’s running, I’ll have to run as his attendant. Until the election’s over, my free time will be limited.’

It was customary for attendants to run alongside their masters.

To use campaign benefits like three excused absences, a late-night pass, and priority professor meetings for their masters.

Attendants used these benefits for their masters and withdrew, supporting them before the election.

A tool for the election.

Thus, Eddie planned to register as a candidate without Marcel’s orders, as it was his duty as an attendant, and Marcel likely wouldn’t ask directly.

But then:

“Don’t withdraw if you run.”

An unexpected order came as soon as they reached the room.

“…What?”

So shocking was the command that Eddie forgot his manners, responding blankly.

‘What is he saying?’

Eddie looked at Marcel, thinking he misheard.

But Marcel faced him with a resolute expression, as if he meant every word.

Unable to contain his shock, Eddie confirmed:

“You’re saying… don’t withdraw and compete with you as a final candidate…?”

“Yes. You heard correctly.”

“But, Young Master, I’m your attendant, and naturally…”

“You were going to support me and withdraw, as per tradition.”

“…Yes.”

“But that’s just tradition. What you must truly follow is my orders, isn’t it?”

Marcel was unyielding.

Eddie quickly realized no words would change this situation.

As an attendant, he was bound to obey Marcel.

Though he couldn’t change Marcel’s decision, he needed to understand his intent.

This was too unexpected.

“Of course, your orders come first. But as you know, the Kirhausen family sent me to the academy to assist you, not to compete with you…”

Eddie spoke tensely, as if mustering courage to object, but his words hit the core directly.

Wasn’t this wrong? What was the reason?

“…”

An uncomfortable silence hung between them.

Then:

Step.

Marcel took a step toward Eddie, speaking with unprecedented seriousness.

“Is ‘assisting me’ about deliberately losing, holding back, or getting low grades?”

“…”

“Your father may have ordered that, but not me. If you truly wish to assist me, stand as my equal in this election and compete to the end. Use the candidate benefits for yourself, and never withdraw.”

“…”

It was sound logic.

And logic couldn’t be countered with tricks.

Marcel pressed Eddie, who was at a loss for words.

“Understood, Eddie?”

“…Yes, Young Master.”

Having secured Eddie’s response, Marcel grabbed study materials for the library and left.

Alone in the room, Eddie sank into thought, then slowly turned to the door Marcel had exited.

“Ha.”

A wry laugh escaped him.

Recalling Marcel’s commanding gaze, Eddie let out a few more chuckles.

‘…He got me good.’

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