Intermission: Progress Report
At the Cyan Kingdom Military Headquarters, known as the impregnable fortress shielding the nation, composed of men clad in navy uniforms of unparalleled cruelty.
Among them was a man whose beauty was well-suited for the term “lovely,” donning a white jacket with his pale violet hair tied back.
Though this flower-like man seemed out of place in the military, whenever he passed through the corridors, everyone would stop and show their respect.
Whether he was in a hurry or not, he headed to his office at a slightly quickened pace accompanied by his secretary, and in front of the door, he found a petite young girl standing at attention.
“–I apologize for the wait. An urgent meeting ran long.”
“No, thank you for your hard work, Your Excellency. Lieutenant Colonel Raze shess Orphan of the Extermination Unit, reporting in.”
His name was Wellrain Rag Zarth, the Prime Minister who was the brains of the Imperial Nation.
Raze, who had transferred as scheduled, saluted him as he arrived.
Following Wellrain into the room, she felt the chilly winter air that had just returned from the meeting, gazing at the Prime Minister.
“Actually, I missed lunch. Would it be alright if I ate while we talk?”
“Not at all.”
Raze nodded at Wellrain.
He was a busy man too. This was the first time they had met face-to-face since last summer vacation, with all their communication being in writing since then. Before she realized it, about half a year had passed.
The Imperial centrior Magic Academy was on spring break. The next time they returned to school would be the new academic year. It was a much longer vacation than summer or winter, but Raze’s days of making up for her absence from the military had already begun.
The male secretary turned on the room’s heating, arranged the documents he was carrying on the desk, and then bustled out again to prepare a light snack.
Wellrain took a seat at the long desk, straightened himself, and began speaking.
“Then, shall we have a report on your year of infiltration at the Imperial centrior Magic Academy?”
“Yes.”
He took up the bundle of reports that Raze had been submitting periodically.
Since Raze had copies of them on hand, the report meeting began with her referring to them.
Starting from Ruben’s birthday party after enrollment, the combat training exercises, study sessions, the summer Battle Festa, and then the winter tournament after the second term began. He read aloud the contents of the reports summarizing the major events centered around Ruben and Carne.
At one point, Wellrain had a sandwich brought by his secretary in one hand, but his silver eyes remained serious throughout. He finished the light meal in less than five minutes, drinking his coffee brewed rather strongly.
Seeing such a sight, Raze was conscious of giving a concise and appropriate report.
The incidents she particularly noted—or rather, could not help but note—were the mixed-in monster incident during the combat training exercise, the poisoned snacks at the study session Ruben attended, and the intruder incident at the Battle Festa.
(Come to think of it, it’s awful…)
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Looking back, the number and nature of incidents occurring at the academy where the Prince Ruben was present were so numerous and outrageous that it would be understandable to wonder about it. Focusing on the problematic points, Raze informed him of the academy life over the past year, turning the pages of the booklet with a slightly heavy heart.
Then, as she neared the end, she paused for a moment before summarizing.
“–Lastly. It has been confirmed that the incidents are occurring in accordance with the story foretold by Miss Mothens. The verification has been completed. However, the problem lies in the fact that while we know accidents will occur, the details are changing.”
Raze stated this while looking Wellrain straight in the eye.
It took her more time than usual to produce this report. Without Carne’s knowledge, she had to convey that this academy was the world of the otome game [Blue Orchid] that Carne had played in her previous life, and that incidents were occurring according to that scenario. At the summer Battle Festa, she had explained the concept of the “story” to Ruben and Addis based on Carne’s prophecies, but it required careful consideration to compile that into an official document. To avoid future contradictions, she wrote it using the skills she had acquired in the intelligence department. Although she did not write anything untrue, she could not deny that it was a form of disguise.
“I’ve heard from Harrens as well. As for her prophecies, I sought advice from the Great Grandmother.”
“–!”
Wellrain, who had been quietly watching, nodded once to Raze for reporting this unusual information.
And at the mention of a rare figure, Raze’s eyes widened.
The Great Grandmother was the greatest fortune-teller in Cyan. It was said that in the year of the on the Flower Calendar, a child would be born who received divine revelation, which led to a baby boom in Cyan that year. Raze had never met her directly either, as she rarely made public appearances, but her prophecies were known to sway society.
“……What did the Great Grandmother say?”
At times, her words carried more weight than even the Emperor Gaius. Raze swallowed hard.
Receiving advice from a true fortune-teller required a certain degree of resolve.
“[Prophecies are unreliable. And from what I’ve heard, the prophecy only applies to her three years of academy life. To make a big deal out of surrounding that girl would be ominous. If you wish to protect the nation’s future, do not rely on what that girl says, and always maintain the utmost defense.]” Apparently, the Great Grandmother’s divinations have become unstable, especially regarding the phenomena surrounding the academy, as we are currently at a major turning point.”
Wellrain recited what he had been told after meeting with the Great Grandmother.
“A turning point, you say……”
“Yes. The path we take over the next two or three years will determine whether our destination is auspicious or ominous.”
The solemnly conveyed message was not an “answer.” However, Raze understood that divinations can change, considering that Carne’s prophecies did not completely come true. If so, then the future should be changeable, she was convinced.
“Incidents are likely to occur in certain situations. It is the job of the teachers and the guards we have assigned to prevent them. We should not act based on that prophecy. The more we try to do something different from usual, the more mistakes will happen. While I will urge them to remain vigilant, I would like to leave the judgment regarding Miss Morthen’s prophecies to you. Can you handle it?”
“Yes, sir. With the cooperation of His Highness the Prince, I will do my utmost.”
Raze accepted Wellrain’s request without hesitation.
If an attempt had been made to publicize Carne’s ability to prophesy and strengthen the defenses, she was prepared to intervene even at the cost of her own life. However, as expected of the Lord of Death, his analysis and judgment were calm and composed. Her worries ended in vain, and she inwardly breathed a sigh of relief.
“Please take good care of –I’m leaving it to you.”
“……Yes.”
After placing his hand on his brow in acknowledgment, Wellrain finally allowed his expression to soften as he looked at Raze.
“Then, if you’ll excuse me–“
“Please wait.”
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