How to Survive at the Academy
Chapter 249

TL: TangSanFan

ED/PR: Tanthus

Epilogue (2)

“Huff…”

Having alighted from the carriage, Trissiana’s face was already pale as if stricken by cold.

The immediate mission assigned to her upon arriving at the Sylvania Academy, after a tedious carriage ride, was to travel to the Rothtaylor territory and bring back Professor Ed. Such an irrational task it seemed, but she had no choice in the matter.

Trissiana picked up her wooden briefcase, full of documents, and stepped out in front of the Rothtaylor mansion.

She felt as if she might succumb to dizziness at any moment, having spent days on end in the carriage. But at least she had arrived.

“… I heard a lot was destroyed when Mebular used his descent, but it seems there is no trace of that here now…”

The Rothtaylor mansion had grown considerably larger than in the days when it was managed by Crebin. Indeed, it made sense.

Despite the precarious times, the Rothtaylor Duchy had made a miraculous recovery under the leadership of the prospective head, Tanya Rothtaylor, and her brother Ed Rothtaylor.

It had received extensive protection from prominent imperial powers, successfully maintaining its inherent authority and accumulating many powerful individuals in terms of military might.

Considering this, it felt only natural that the Rothtaylor Duchy was sustaining its golden age.

“I had received prior notice, but what brings Lady Bloomriver to our doorstep so suddenly?”

Guided by servants into the house, she was greeted by a familiar face.

Typically, the role of meeting and welcoming guests with a contingent of servants in tow fell to the chief steward or the head maid.

“… Why are you here, Belle?”

“It’s been a long time, Miss Trissiana. You have become so much more mature and reliable compared to when I saw you at Ophelius Hall; I almost didn’t recognize you.”

“Did the Rothtaylor Family scout you, Belle?”

“What? No, nothing that grand…”

Though Trissiana was happy to encounter a familiar face so soon after arriving at the Rothtaylor residence, she hadn’t expected it to be Belle.

Belle Mayar was the head maid responsible for the highest-rated dormitory, Ophelius House. She took great pride in her work and wasn’t one to be swayed by money, so she wasn’t the type to be easily scouted.

In fact, there were rumors she had turned down multiple offers from the Elte Merchant Association, which had failed numerous times to recruit her. She seemed to have strong feelings about choosing her place.

“Actually… I did receive a number of similar offers, but I’ve turned them all down. Whether it was from the Rothtaylor Family or not.”

“Why then are you serving in a role akin to head steward here?”

“That’s… well, it’s a bit difficult to explain, but I feel a sense of responsibility. If there’s a task I ought to undertake and complete, I believe I should see it through to the end. And so… there’s a matter I feel I must take responsibility for… For now, I’ve left Ophelius Hall matters to my successor and have come here.”

Head Maid Belle Mayar, though a servant by station, was regarded as executive-level talent within Sylvania.

Once placed at the top, she would manage personnel, finances, estate, domestic affairs, receive dignitaries, and even handle minor governmental matters, in addition to possessing considerable combat capabilities.

As a strategist, she was an invaluable asset, so much so that many noble houses and influential families would be desperate to recruit her. However, a person of such caliber should be carefully chosen to serve under the right master.

“Currently, I serve under both Tanya Rothtaylor and Ed Rothtaylor, attending to most academy matters in an advisory capacity.”

“That…is so…? I won’t pry into what matters you feel responsible for. I’m quite worn out from the long carriage ride. May I come inside and rest while we discuss my business?”

“Of course, I will guide you myself.”

Trissiana handed over her heavy briefcase to the servants and wiped the sweat from her brow. She had been on the move for several days and was utterly exhausted.

Following Belle Mayar into the mansion without further ado, Trissiana thought of the protocol – upon arrival at a ducal manor, it’s only proper to meet the head and offer greetings.

The vast Rothtaylor estate, grander even than in its heyday with a majestic main building, two sizable annexes, and a towering spire at the center, could easily make one lose their way.

Being among the largest duchies on the continent, and now cloaked in an almost heavenly aura of authority, it was no wonder the estate was practically palace-sized.

“As a distinguished guest, you should first pay a visit to Lady Tanya.”

The Duchesse of the estate, Tanya Rothtaylor, was not only a student at Sylvania Academy and the student council president, but was also managing the family’s estate and affairs during the school breaks.

Considering her incredible ability to juggle an overwhelming schedule, it was evident that Tanya herself possessed exceptional talent.

“At present, the Rothtaylor manor is host to multiple dignitaries. You may encounter familiar faces, so don’t be alarmed if you bump into them.”

“Dignitaries? Is there a special occasion?”

“No. It’s typical for dignitaries to come and go in a duchy such as this one. I advise caution and proper comportment at all times.”

It was a place where one could unexpectedly meet dignitaries that are seldom seen even within the imperial court.

For the maids, it was an extraordinarily demanding work environment where perfection was required and mistakes were not tolerated.

In such a place, for Belle Mayar to be the head maid was extraordinary, though her exceptional character was not lost on Trissiana.

“Of course, Miss Trissiana of the Bloomriver family, you’re also a guest of great importance.”

Belle Mayar made sure to include this reassurance, indicating no slight was intended. It was typical of her expertise in statecraft to be mindful of the smallest detail.

“Thank you for saying that… Although, truthfully, I’m not here today as Lady Bloomriver.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. Today, I’m here in my capacity as an assistant professor from Sylvania Academy, seeking Professor Ed. There’s some business I need to discuss with him.”

Belle Mayar showed no surprise at hearing that Trissiana had become an assistant professor, taking the news with appropriate etiquette to avoid offense. She simply acknowledged it calmly, closing her eyes briefly and nodding her head.

“I’m sorry to say but we, the maids, do not have the precise information on Master Ed’s whereabouts.”

“Oh? Is that so?”

“Yes. He tends to move about so mysteriously, sometimes appearing suddenly at the manor before vanishing back to Arken Island just as quickly.”

“I searched every corner of Arken Island and couldn’t find him, which is why I’ve come here.”

“I see… The master usually takes care of important matters in advance, so it’s unusual for him to necessitate such a direct visit. I will offer an apology on his behalf.”

Belle Mayar formally apologized, and Trissiana, slightly uncomfortable, waved her hand dismissively, signaling that it was alright. The impeccable service, refusing to leave even the slightest resentment towards the master, was befitting a first-rate maid. But the sight of Belle, known as the stalwart captain of Ophelius Hall, serving ‘master’ so loyally to someone was still strikingly novel.

It had never crossed her mind that Belle Mayar would commit to anyone’s service, primarily as few possess the capacity to manage such a capable individual.

Competent advisers can at times threaten to overshadow their own masters. For those of lesser capacity cannot hold those of greater within their grasp.

“Nevertheless… since he does not seem to be at Arken Island, it’s best to look here in the Rothtaylor estate. It seems bigger than I anticipated, but…”

“I’ll notify our staff to be on the lookout. For now, let’s move towards the main building where Lady Tanya’s reception room is…”

At that moment, in the square between the main and annex buildings, surrounded by the tall spire, both of them turned towards the central mansion upon a sudden distraction.

The grand doors of the Rothtaylor main building were open, and a dignitary, escorted by servants, was stepping out.

Dressed in red, with her braided pinkish-blond hair flowing down, the lady was someone Trissiana recognized well.

Belle Mayar bowed, as did everyone else in the vicinity.

Among the Rothtaylor vassals, there was a spirit summoner of unrivaled strength who stood apart from the rest.

The baronetess, Yenika Faelover.

To the south of the Rothtaylor Territory, she oversaw the Krotan mountain region, revered by the local peasantry as a guardian angel…

And in fact, she was one of the paramount forces defending the Rothtaylor lands.

Although her youthful features had somewhat faded since her academy days, her lively, spirited demeanor remained unchanged. Born a commoner, she was well-liked by the locals, and despite her high station, she was free of any negative rumors within noble circles.

A girl who greeted the world with open, joyous smiles – Trissiana’s first impression of Yenika Faelover when they first met, and years later, it seemed her nature had not changed.

Her consistent nature was, if anything, comforting.

“Oh, senior Trissiana!”

Whether or not she was conscious of the admiration she garnered as a baronetess, she didn’t show it.

Gathering the hem of her dress, she quickly descended the steps towards them. Her servants, somewhat distressed, hurried after her.

“It’s been a while! What brings you all the way to the Rothtaylor estate!”

Yenika Faelover still remembered Trissiana’s face, which was touching.

Although there hadn’t been much interaction between them during their days in the magic department, she was once a senior during school and now a baronetess.

“Yenika… It’s been too long. I heard you’d received the title of baronetess, but I didn’t expect you to be treated with such distinction…”

“Huh? What, well… In the Rothtaylor territory, I’m treated rather specially…”

Yenika was not only at the forefront of the territory’s defense, but she also enjoyed the protection of both Tanya and Ed. Although she had the status of a barrette, under the protection of these two, she received treatment nearly equivalent to that of a duke.

Moreover, being beloved by the territory’s residents, Yenika often found herself awkwardly bowing her head in embarrassment. She’d hastily draw the curtains of her carriage and hide inside if anyone tried calling out her name; she felt overwhelmed by the exceedingly attentive treatment from the servants, at times pacing nervously on her feet…

There were even instances when the servants were shocked to collapse when she would try to roll up her sleeves and help with the washing or dishwashing herself.

After two years, one would expect her to be accustomed to this, but Yenika’s nature was such that she could never shed her commoner air completely.

In fact, experiencing this made Trissiana feel reassured, although it could be a disservice to Yenika herself.

“Did you come from meeting with Mistress Tanya?”

When Belle inquired, Yenika slowly shook her head.

Tanya was not present.

Upon hearing this, Belle Mayar held back a sigh.

With Trissiana next to her, she maintained her mistress’s authority for now.

Yet… Trissiana had realized. She had a vague understanding since their scholar days that Tanya was not as perfect a superhuman as the rumors suggested.

* * *

A meticulously kept corner of the Rothtaylor mansion had a table set up for tea.

Yenika sat on one side, playfully pecking at the beak of a sparrow-shaped wind spirit perched on her shoulder, eventually flicking it into the air with her finger.

She was a girl peculiarly beloved by spirits, both in the past and present.

“Since joining the Rothtaylor family as a noble lady, I always end up meeting the same people. It was so nice to meet an old school friend after such a long time.”

Yenika said to Trissiana with a bright smile.

“Really?”

“Yes, indeed. Although I have more wonderful people around me than I deserve…”

The confections heaped on the dessert tray were clearly of high quality. Yenika had only come looking for Ed momentarily, but she hadn’t expected to be treated so lavishly.

It was obvious that first-class pastry chefs were at work in the kitchens. Trissiana had the discerning eye to accurately judge the quality of the confections.

“Anyway, you really are living a pampered life. It feels like all the servants are looking out for you.”

“That’s right…? I’m worried too. There’s really no need for them to be so respectful… When there’s the slightest error, they apologize as if they’re going to die. It’s been quite a long time since I’ve been bestowed the title of barrette, but I’m still not used to it…”

What kind of treatment she would receive in her own personal mansion in the territory of Barrette Faelover was left to the imagination. If you took it to that extent, Yenika was no less than the master of the mansion herself.

By now, Trissiana had become genuinely concerned for Yenika.

“Sometimes I wonder if I truly fit in this position. Am I being praised too much for simply doing what obviously needs to be done…?”

“Don’t worry about such concerns, Yenika. Really, it suits you well. You even seem more noble than me.”

“Really?”

“Yes. When I saw you coming out of the main mansion earlier, I was taken aback. I thought you were a duke’s wife or something.”

Hearing this, Yenika’s face suddenly turned red, and she replied,

“A duke’s wife…! How can you say such a thing!”

“…”

“…”

“…”

Then, after glancing around furtively, Yenika lowered her head and whispered quietly,

“Is it really so?”

“What’s up with that reaction… Weren’t you and Ed practically dating during our school days?”

“Not… not exactly… I guess you could say our relationship was almost at that level, or maybe not… Ed is so busy, maybe insisting on defining our relationship is too presumptuous… I go back and forth thinking like this…”

As Yenika blushed and stumbled over her words, Trissiana quickly grasped the situation.

At her core, this woman was so kind that she would give up her liver and gallbladder if she thought herself in love.

Ed was not the type to mess around, but if handled poorly, she could easily become the tragic female lead, tossed aside coldly after being toyed with.

Trissiana took a sip of tea with her crescent-moon eyes and said,

“It’s about time you two started dating… If it were just you, it might be fine, but having made it this far without properly defining your relationship, any man would just be trash…”

“Don’t speak ill of Ed…”

“… I apologize.”

In truth, her male counterpart was an individual of great stature. As the master of the Rothtaylor ducal household, even for someone with the title of a barrette, it would be challenging to treat him as an equal.

While Ed and Yenika might not seem concerned with such formalities, if their relationship were to advance beyond romance to marriage, the matter would be quite different.

“You should start feeling some urgency. You’ve climbed high enough, and lots of people are eyeing Professor Ed. Won’t you end up regretting not being more proactive, banging your fists on the ground?”

“When you put it so bluntly… it’s hard to say anything…”

Yenika stammered out her response with difficulty.

“Indeed, there are many women coming and going in the Rothtaylor ducal household… I have felt what might be called a sense of crisis…”

“That so? That’s… quite a development.”

“But they are all, without exception, quite accomplished… Just last week, saint Clarice came over simply to show her face, and Lord Lortelle of the Elte Company barged in unexpectedly…”

All of them were figures that could make one break out in a cold sweat with just their names.

Trissiana mourned for the servants working in the Rothtaylor household. It must feel like walking on thin ice every day.

“Because of this, I feel even more daunted… Now that Ed has become such an incredible figure, I wonder if someone like me can even match up with him…”

“Really?”

“And, this is… umm… I’m not quite sure how to put it…”

Once again, Yenika glanced around and then whispered softly,

“If you are the master of a ducal household, it’s not uncommon to have several mistresses, is it…?”

“… Yenika…”

“Don’t look at me like that. Yes, Ed isn’t the promiscuous type; I know that. But still, if… if it comes to that… could I be included…? I go back and forth thinking about it, and not thinking about leaves me uneasy, but considering it feels wrong… I mean, my own moral compass can’t keep up… But I can’t afford not to consider the possibility in advance…”

“…”

Watching Yenika ramble, Trissiana was at a loss for words.

What good would it be to act with intentions of becoming a concubine? While she understood the low self-esteem beneath Yenika’s outstanding abilities, this was not the path to choose.

“As much as I shouldn’t presume too much, at least to Professor Ed, you, Yenika, are certainly a special being. You could afford a bit more self-respect.”

“Th-th-th-thank you for saying so… ahaha…”

Seeing Yenika’s lips inadvertently rise into a smile, Trissiana lamented.

“So, strive to be a partner worthy of him. To be frank, if you laid down and begged Professor Ed to pay attention to you, he’d do it in a heartbeat.”

“That maybe true, but then Ed would be troubled…”

“…”

“I don’t want to trouble Ed in any situation. I would much rather be of help to him…”

Trissiana understood her angelic nature. She felt faint with the thought that such a pure girl could be too incompatible with her own materialistic leanings.

“That’s fine… Think what you wish, Yenika. I won’t get involved. But I can foresee you’d end up consumed by jealousy if another woman snatched Ed away…”

“That… That would be…”

Yenika couldn’t readily reply to Trissiana’s words.

After all, numerous women were coming to Ed’s residence. Some, undoubtedly, were earnest in securing Ed. Trissiana was aware of this.

In fact, Yenika was aware that Ed was a man of many admirers. Most had not developed as deep a bond as Yenika. However, that didn’t mean she could be completely at ease.

The person probably stirring Yenika’s nerves the most was…

“Hello.”

A dazed voice interrupted the silence, and she quickly turned around.

The petite girl, supported by two maids, was an unmistakable figure had she still been at the Sylvania Academy.

Lucy Mayrill, the genius magician of the age.

There were rumors that she had left Sylvania to take refuge in the Rothtaylor residence, and it appeared that the rumors were true.

“Lu-Lucy?”

“Yeah. Hello.”

– ‘She is a young lady from the Bloomriver family. Please, interact more closely with her.’

– ‘It’s a rare opportunity! Approach with a little more charm…!’

One of the maids behind Lucy gently bowed her head and whispered into her ear.

Lucy, looking supremely annoyed, languidly flopped down at the tea table and buried her head in it.

Her attire was a neatly pressed, social dress, and her hair was glossy and meticulously curled.

Unbeknownst to those who had only seen her rolling in a meadow in an ill-fitted uniform and a tattered witch’s hat, when Lucy was dressed properly, she was quite the lady, delicate and lovely.

– ‘You must behave more gracefully. It’s impolite in front of a barrette lady.’

The incessant whispering of the maid behind was becoming irritating.

– ‘If you wish to socialize with the nobility, your behavior must be dignified. Now, straighten your back, please.’

As if on the verge of death, Lucy straightened her back, her face utterly devoid of color.

“…”

Trissiana watched the scene before her and eventually was at a loss for words.

As ever, Lucy was just the same.