Volume 7 Chapter 18 Since It's More Or Less Progressing Simultaneously, The Election... Well, It Can Be Postponed
The day after the Magic Tool Research Club decided on the lens direction, Randy, looking as sleepy as ever, walked toward the academy with both hands full, as usual.
The glares directed at him were nothing new. As always, Randy, Liz, and even Ellie brushed them off, considering it just part of their daily routine.
That was until a moment ago. Now, all three of them thought, "Well, it's understandable if they're glaring at us."
Because just a few minutes ago...
"""Ah."""
The three of them simultaneously remembered the student council president election.
The trigger, of course, was the signboard displayed in the front yard.
They arrived at the academy as usual, but unlike the previous day, the front yard was bustling with activity. Randy muttered, "Is this a festival?" Liz and Ellie responded with a "Of course not" and "You fool," but that was just the start.
Seeing the lively scene, the three exchanged glances and recalled the election.
At the same time, they realized the meaning behind the glares.
"Well, it's understandable if they're thinking, 'Do you even have any motivation?'"
Randy said with a wry smile, and Liz and Ellie nodded, sharing the same expression.
"Maybe there were some people who were hoping for us, though."
Liz looked apologetically around, but Randy shook his head. "No way."
"No, no. It's not zero. There's a possibility."
Liz clenched her fists, but Ellie and Randy were skeptical. After all, he'd only run for president without even hinting at any actions or policies. There was no reason for anyone to have expectations.
Yet Liz pouted, "You never know."
"Depending on Mr. Weissman's (Dario's) guidance, it might not be zero."
Ellie nodded. "That's a valid point."
"Oh yeah, Dario, right? I haven't seen his student council policy."
What came to mind was the 'Something (Academy Discipline) Clause' the branch principal mentioned. It wasn't like they were openly presenting a spy-like law where students monitored each other, but Randy showed interest in the signboard for the first time, saying, "Let's take a look."
Three days had passed since the announcement, and on the second day after Randy's name appeared on the signboard, he finally went to check his name and his competitor with a laid-back attitude.
As Randy walked along, one of the students crowding in front of the notice board noticed him.
"Hey..."
At that voice, the students made way, and Randy, waving his hand with a "Sorry," stood in front of the board for the first time with Liz and Ellie.
"Huh?"
"Huh?"
Randy and Liz were both surprised almost simultaneously when they saw the notice board. It listed the names of three students.
In order of candidacy: Dario, Randy, and then──
"Edgar, huh..."
"Who's that?"
"The former Crown Prince."
At Liz's words, Ellie clapped her hands as if recalling. "Ah."
"Wasn't he confined?"
"I don't know. But──"
Liz spoke, collecting her thoughts, explaining that the Empire's occupation itself was of a special nature.
The Empire sent troops to "save" the kingdom's people from a cult (or so they claimed). In other words, the former king was labeled as 'lacking governing ability' but hadn't actually committed any crimes.
"He was just deposed, so keeping him confined forever would be bad for the Empire's image. That might be a possibility."
"Is it the victor's indulgence?"
Randy sighed in exasperation, and Liz, glancing at the student council guidelines under Edgar's name, said, "I hope so..."
"If not──"
"I don't want to believe they're that foolish."
Randy shrugged, and Ellie, saying, "Nah, they're foolish," pointed with her chin at Edgar's guidelines.
"I'm not seeing anything..."
Randy looked away from Edgar's guidelines, but what he glimpsed earlier was stuck in his head.
'Now is the time to regain our original pride.'
(What a good thing...)
The subject may be admirable, but the person talking about it is human. It may be vague, but no matter how you look at it, it's a major problem to talk about in this situation. If you're not careful, you'll be accused of 'treason'—at best, imprisoned, and at worst, executed.
Of course, it's unlikely they'll be condemned for actions within the academy. But if this spreads beyond the university...
That's exactly what Liz and Randy fear. They believe the Empire is daring to release Edgar and other royals to gather anti-imperial forces under their name. This way, they aim to completely defeat the kingdom.
(It's about being excellent, and I think I know about my influence and the size of my enemies.)
"A fool's prince? It's better to think the Empire has unleashed him for various reasons."
"Stop it. Don't say anything reckless in a place like this."
Randy stopped Ellie's murmur. Though the onlookers kept their distance, they didn't talk much about it. Even if Edgar doesn't intend it, Randy and the others could end up in a 'treason' situation.
"I can't believe you're protecting him."
"Is there any reason? It's just against my policy."
When Randy was unsatisfied, they both nodded happily. "I know," and "Yes."
Randy—no, even Ellie and Liz—have no affection for Edgar. In fact, they dislike him. But that doesn't mean they'll let him fall for an innocent crime.
For Randy, that's a taboo he definitely doesn't want to cross. It could be said he'd never try to imitate the same actions as those who targeted Liz and Ellie.
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