How to Survive at the Academy
Chapter 266

『Side Story』 The Balance Scale (7)

TL: TangSanFan

ED/PR: Tanthus

“I won’t stop, but I don’t want it to go this way. Do you have a plan to push through?”

The clock of Oldec was turned 90 degrees.

It was an idiom that expressed what foreigners felt when they visited the commercial city of Oldec in a single sentence.

There were no people more diligent in this world than the merchants soaked in greed.

The port city of Oldec, built along the coast, was brimming with people who rushed to the streets even before the morning sun, toiling for their livelihoods.

When the people from other regions would still be rising from their beds with bleary eyes, every merchant in Oldec was already bustling about… The streets of Oldec at dawn buzzed more than other cities at high noon.

By around 6 in the morning, any average workplace was already full of people, it wouldn’t be strange if one mistook that the clocks were really turning sideways.

Despite such early starts, the bedtime was several hours later compared to other cities, making it only half-accurate as an idiom.

In such a lively city, laziness was the greatest sin.

One might not mind the atmosphere filled with such vibrant people, but there surely would be those who’d balk at the thought of living every day of the 365 in such a combative environment.

It was truly the opposite of Phulanshan, the peaceful hometown of Yenika that I had visited not long ago.

“We seem to have arrived later than expected.”

Belle, who had gotten off the carriage with the sleepy Lortelle in tow, supervised the retainers unloading luggage and spoke to me.

We were in the central square of the commercial district of Oldec.

Among the more than 11 large and small squares throughout Oldec, this was the most central one.

Behind the large fountain in the middle rose the administration building, managing all affairs of Oldec.

If the capital of the Clorel Empire, Cloelron, was the head, then Oldec was its heart.

This was because all of the empire’s commerce, like blood, circulated here.

Therefore, the administration building of Oldec had to boast a grand size—its elegant marble walls flanking the timber columns displayed great authority.

“Wow, amazing…”

Lortelle gaped at the sight of the administration building. Though she might have seen the building numerous times in reality, to the naive Lortelle, it was surely an astonishing sight.

“Lortelle.”

I called her quietly.

Startled by my voice, Lortelle clung tightly to Belle’s hand and pressed close to her waist.

“Y-yes?”

Her voice was timid as she answered me, perhaps still embarrassed about the content in her notebook, as she twisted the ends of her auburn hair and snuck peeks at me.

“What do you think of this city?”

“Huh?”

She looked bewildered by the sudden question.

I knew about Lortelle’s past.

To Lortelle, the city of Oldec was a place of love and hate.

From wandering the slums during her childhood where survival meant stealing from others, to awakening to the lure of money and standing atop merchants before being at the very top.

Lortelle could neither love nor hate this city.

Thus, I was curious to ask the Lortelle of today, who did not remember the numerous hardships of life.

“This city…?”

“We left in such a hurry last time that we didn’t get to properly look around Oldec. This square is the largest in Oldec and where the most people come and go.”

She may not understand why I was asking this now, but Lortelle didn’t press for a reason. She wasn’t mature enough to interpret that intent and act accordingly.

Lortelle, still holding Belle’s hand, looked around.

She closed her eyes, then opened them, taking in the sights of Oldec.

To her innocent eyes, the scenes reflected in Oldec did not seem to make her uncomfortable.

There’s no way the girl could know how complex the emotions she holds towards this city would be as she grows up.

So, Lortelle, looking at a massive statue above the central fountain, talked.

A robed merchant lifted a large set of scales—a sculpture.

“… It’s just… nice. The atmosphere… lively.”

And with that, Lortelle managed to smile, although with some difficulty.

* * *

“I’ll give you three tasks.”

head maid Belle Mayar was an asset of high caliber.

The role she played at the Rothtaylor estate was immense. Her operational realm stretched over the entire estate management.

Despite the considerable negative impact her absence from the estate could have on the territorial administration, the reason I brought Belle directly with me to Oldec was due to the need for someone reliable.

Someone certain in their undertakings, warranted in their combat skills, and who would never betray me.

I sat on a bench at one corner of the Oldec square, stroking my chin as I spoke.

Belle, with her usual emotionless face, was attentively looking at me, her arms folded in front before her.

“While I’m dealing with the issues at the Oldec Trading Company, you’ll handle just three things.”

“As you instruct.”

“First, protect Lortelle. From the moment we entered Oldec, Slog’s forces will try to seize her by any means. You have to keep her safe while I finish my work.”

Even the current situation amid a sea of people posed a threat to Lortelle.

Before I could even give an instruction, Belle was already surveying the surroundings, on high alert.

“It’s a given directive.”

Not only was Belle proficient at wielding a rapier, but she was also a top-notch magician who could use mid-tier magic.

It wouldn’t be for days on end, just a brief period of escort duty she could certainly perform.

“Second, enter the administration and meet with the governor in person.”

“Will he agree to meet with me?”

I pulled out an envelope from my pocket containing official documents and handed it over to her.

“This is my letter of appointment. If the head maid of the Rothtaylor house has personally come with my letter, they will surely show their face.”

“It’s an honor to represent you directly, Lord Ed.”

“Cut the unneeded formalities and let’s stick to necessary talk only.”

“Yes. Apologies. It’s a habit.”

Belle carefully took my letter of appointment and, after checking her surroundings, tucked it securely into her clothes.

“But what’s the need to meet the governor in person?”

“Stall for time by pretexting the business conditions of the Rothtaylor family. By then, your third task will appear.”

“My third task?”

“Yes.”

I checked that all the luggage had been unloaded from the carriage, and brushed off my trousers as I stood up.

“To resolve all the problems, your third task is indispensable. It’s essential both for lifting the curse that’s been cast on Lortelle and for definitely capturing Slog.”

With that, I made sure to clearly convey her duties to her.

Belle nodded solemnly.

* * *

The main branch of Elte Trading Company.

Even on the prime real estate of Oldec’s waterfront, this trading company building owned the largest property, very different from the branch at the Sylvania Academy in size.

The giant trading company, where all merchants sought to set foot at least once, was a golden paradise for those driven by avarice.

Everything revolved around money, and if it meant earning, no method was too disreputable.

And now, the old fox Slog Keldrucks led Elte Trading Company.

Having made a pact with Lortelle to tentatively hold the presidency until she graduates.

In Slog’s office at the trading company, two executives were gathered.

The governance structure of Elte Trading was bifurcated.

The president coordinates the broad operations of the company.

And from among all the affiliated merchants, the six with the most influence were called the ‘Six Merchants’.

Ultimately, the one with the loudest voice is the president. The Six Merchants need to be united in one place to have a voice comparable to that of the president.

And even then, they don’t have direct decision-making power but only to consult with the president.

Moreover, the stature of the Six Merchants has diminished from the past.

Slog Keldrucks, originally one of the Six Merchants, became the president and stepped down from that position; Lortelle Keheln would soon vacate the rank as well.

Whether by becoming the president or through some other means… Lortelle was soon to change her standing altogether.

Only four of the prestigious merchants were to remain.

Two of those four had already decided to side with Slog.

Fellan, the mineral merchant, and Kaldenheim, the bond trader.

The two greedy men sat in Slog’s office, pressing him.

“You claimed to have completely trapped Lortelle Keheln, yet you’ve failed to displace her, merely dragging time idly. Are you certain you can maintain the presidency?” asked the plump Fellan, with a displeased expression, sitting on the guest sofa and glaring at Slog.

“I’ve bet everything on you, but if your way of handling things remains inefficient like this, it’s nothing but unsettling. Surely, you’re positive about re-election as the president?”

“I agree with Fellan. President Slog. I won’t sit idly by and watch that accursed daughter of Elte take the presidency, but I’m not fond of things moving in this manner. You do have a plan to firmly push forward, don’t you?”

“It’s a position that cannot exist.”

“Everyone seems quite worried.”

Slog placed a quill pen onto his office desk with a tap, then leaned back into his chair.

As the two magnates looked at him with eyes full of suspicion, he let out a small laugh and continued.

“True. Lortelle Keheln… pushing aside that fox-like girl is not an easy task. With the backing of the Rothtaylor Ducal Family, it’s a troublesome issue for me too. But… it’s not impossible.”

Slog had endured for decades in the world of commerce, a veteran of countless battles.

The two magnates were aware of this fact, yet they were uneasy since their opponent was none other than Lortelle.

“Those of you who have risen to the ranks of magnates in this ruthless market, what great enterprise can you build if you lack patience?”

“Choose your words carefully, Slog Keldrux. Even as a guild leader, without the help of the magnates, there’s a limit to the influence you can wield.”

“Ha, indeed. I apologize. However, it’s not that I haven’t got plans.”

It is said that Slog Keldrux personally went to scout the Rothtaylor territory.

It meant that even he had to hurry on his feet. All to ensure a clean end to Lortelle.

“Lortelle Keheln is already completely incapacitated by a regression curse. At this point, whatever trick we pull out, she has no strength left to cope. It would be easiest to frame her with embezzlement, like we did with Elte… but we have to proceed carefully with the job.”

“That caution, always cautious. How long do we have to wait and watch?”

“Do you think we only have to deal with Lortelle Keheln’s personal forces?”

Slog stood up, pushed his office chair into the desk, and sat down in front of the receiving table.

Opposite him were the two magnates, and a steaming cup of tea rested on the low coffee table.

Slog picked up a cup of tea and poured it onto the mineral merchant Fellan’s lap.

“God damn it! Have you gone mad?! Argh!”

“Seems you’re overly anxious, I believed you needed to calm down. Just pushing Lortelle out won’t solve everything, you need to put aside such myopic thoughts.”

“You, son of a—! Isn’t there anyone else outside? Ice! Bring some ice!”

Slog simply crossed his legs and settled into the sofa.

“We have to overcome that Rothtaylor Ducal Family backing Lortelle. Only then will matters be cleanly settled. Rushing to a conclusion will only spoil everything.”

“The Rothtaylor Ducal Family boasts the highest authority on the continent, doesn’t it? While their power is still weak, I heard they are supported by many noble protectors.”

“That’s right. That’s why we need to be more careful.”

At Celdenheim’s words, Slog let out a sly laugh and casually placed the empty teacup back on the table.

“The current heads of the family are the children of the previous patriarch, Crebin. Having met and assessed Ed Rothtaylor and Tanya Rothtaylor, who are leading, I’ve got an idea of what kind of people they are.”

Slog spoke with the corner of his mouth raised.

“For their age, they’re definitely capable, but their behaviors are fairly predictable. Cautious and cunning. They’ll be even more vigilant in dealing with me. They’ll try to uncover who’s my backer and attempt to root me out from the foundation.”

“Listening to you, it seems we are in a dire situation.”

“On the contrary, it’s easier to read the movements of such noble scions.”

Slog spoke comfortably leaning on the chair’s backrest.

“I’ve gone through all the records of Ed Rothtaylor, the actual power of their household. Currently, he’s serving as an honorary professor at Sylvania Academy, actively engaged in various research positions and somewhat involved in academic administration. Do you know the characteristic of nobles involved in academia?”

“…”

“They staunchly believe that papers and politics can solve everything. Sadly, they have not realized that these matters are our specialty.”

Even if the Rothtaylor Ducal Family attempts to find fault and politically pressure, there is a limit to attacking Elte Commercial Company with baseless accusations.

What’s necessary is a just cause and legitimacy.

Ed Rothtaylor will certainly try to resolve that.

To do that, he would have to personally come to Oldec for information gathering.

Espionage, political battles, and undercurrent struggles.

Unfortunately for them, these are all areas of Slorg’s expertise.

“What truly terrifies us are enemies that exhibit unpredictable behaviors. Not these young aristocrats.”

With a sly smile looking down upon the two magnates, Slog’s stance was the unmistakable ruler of dark backstreets.

“Madmen who are utterly unpredictable are a different story, but noble lords who exhibit such obvious behavioral patterns… They are easier to manipulate and persuade. I’d say random bandits I meet in the marketplace are more scary. They’d pull a knife on you right on the spot.”

Before Slog, seated with crossed legs, even the two magnates found it difficult to raise their voices recklessly.

“So let’s wait… until we see the obvious signs of scheming…”

– BANG!!

– BOOOOOOM!

That was when it happened.

A loud explosion was heard from the main entrance of Elte Commercial Company.

The aftermath was a massive gust of wind shaking the windows violently as if they would break at any moment.

“What, what?!”

Slog shuddered, and the two magnates widened their eyes in shock and looked at each other.

Slog quickly rose to check the source of the explosion towards the main entrance.

But before he could look out properly, the wall of his office was blown apart.

– BANG!

The second explosion.

Cutting through the marble walls like paper, a mighty arrow made of magic force entered, containing a medium-sized explosive spell.

– BOOOOOOOM!

“Argh!”

Caught up in the aftermath of the explosion, Slog and the two magnates rolled miserably on the floor.

– Thump, boom. Thud!

Falling dust.

The sound of explosions. Heat. Screams. Rising sense of crisis.

In the middle of a business scene, suddenly, it felt like being thrown into the center of a battlefield.

Slog gasped for air while picking himself up and sprinted towards the blown-apart outer wall.

The cold wind from above swept through Slog’s graying hair, and the moment he saw the scene towards the main entrance where the noise came from, he couldn’t help but curse.

“Darn it… Crazy… Bastard…”

The rumor was that they were hooligans, but even then, there’s a limit to recklessness.

In Oldec, the central city of the Clorel Empire, and Elte Commercial Company, the top merchant company in Oldec.

Even for a noble scion of a renowned dukedom, there should be a limit to such rash actions.

In the distance, at the company’s main entrance, the figure of Ed Rothtaylor, holding a large bow, caught his eye. He was standing on the roof of a carriage bearing the ducal family’s coat of arms.

There was no more need for any confirmation.

In broad daylight, with many eyes watching, he had just launched an explosive-enchanted magical arrow onto the building of the trading company.

Near the main entrance, several retainers brought by Ed Rothtaylor were standing with long weapons.

At the center, Ed was nonchalantly loading another arrow. His expression was chillingly detached, as if he was dealing with mundane, everyday work.

“That crazy bastard… without any allegation, just running a business, and he does this to our company building?!”

While speaking, Ed Rothtaylor had already finished loading the next arrow.

The next shot was aimed at the roof of the company.

The first shot was at the company’s main door, the second was near Slorog’s office, and the last one was towards the roof of the building, to ensure no casualties.

The intention was clear; the targets were explicitly chosen.

“Get down…! Another one’s coming!”

– Bang! Whoosh!

A vibration echoed once more, and the terrified screams of the company employees could be heard as Slog’s ears rang.

“What, what the heck! How do you plan to handle this… this madman…! Has he really gone insane?!”

Passersby and merchants walking in front of the company building widened their eyes, clueless about the unfolding events.

The sight of Elte Commercial Company was disastrous. Rising smoke and dust signaled the severity of the situation.

– Click, click.

Ed held the large bow with one hand, brushing off his shirt with the other.

It was a well-crafted bow, but it still had many areas to be adjusted. I discarded the cigarette I had been smoking onto the nearby ground and signaled to the waiting retainers.

“Move in.”

Upon the command, the retainers, weapons in hand, simultaneously pushed into the company building.