Chapter 37
Rodelin's story can be summarized as follows.
She successfully restored Luterus's student record.
But her proposal for an official announcement and memorial was rejected.
It was exactly like the conversation she had in the game.
And I knew very well how to resolve this matter.
'There's a strategy posted by a veteran player.'
But I listened carefully to every sentence, every word.
Because there were a few changes from when I played the game.
"In three days, Luterus's father will come to visit."
"His father?"
"Yes. Not only to receive an apology, but they should also prepare a proper compensation..."
Luterus's father. He is the clown in the village.
His visit to the Academy was unprecedented in the game.
'Normally, this episode would end with the restoration of Luterus's student record...'
Using the veteran player's strategy, she could even erect a tombstone.
But that was supposed to be all, the end.
'Is it because it became known that Luterus and the clown are father and son?'
From here on, it's uncharted territory for her.
It's unclear what hidden piece this might lead to.
'But I have a hunch.'
It's the first time the clown visits the Academy, but I had a strong sense of what to do.
Creating the most advantageous situation for him.
That was likely to lead to the best outcome.
'I might even get a hidden reward.'
A hidden piece within a hidden piece. It's tantalizing.
I decided to use the veteran player's knowledge first.
Persuading Duke Luke to erect a tombstone for Luterus.
That part of the strategy was already public.
"Keke, isn't it simple to use your family's power to pressure them?"
"Watch your words. Such acts are for scoundrels only."
"Should we fear losing honor for doing the right thing? So that's how the Lucid family built its honor."
Rodelin's eyes sharpened.
She was truly angry. For her, the family was more precious than her own life.
But my tongue didn't stop.
"Isn't that so? Afraid of dishonor, you choose to ignore this injustice. Even the noble Lucid family is no different from other nobles."
"You better watch your mouth. I've seen many lose their heads for less."
'Keke, is that so? That's a bit frightening.'
I stood up.
Rodelin was emitting an aura as if she was about to draw her sword.
As I walked past Rodelin, I slowly said my last sentence.
"Embracing dishonor, that is the true 'honor'."
"..."
No response came.
But with this hint alone, Rodelin would be able to understand.
'Even in the game, this much conversation was enough.'
I left Rodelin lost in thought and headed to the dormitory.
* * *
"Sigh..."
Late at night, as dawn was nearing.
Rodelin, looking at the crystal communicator, let out a deep sigh.
'Is there no way?'
No, in fact, Rodelin had found a way.
A perfect excuse for the family to intervene in the Academy's affairs.
Tap, tap.
The student record book on the office desk.
Rodelin's fingernails kept tapping on the student record book.
The odd thing was, the color of the student record book had faded considerably.
That was to be expected. This student record book was.
20 years old.
Chak-.
The student record book was opened by Rodelin's hand.
There, she saw a face she knew well.
"..."
Thud-.
The student record book closed again.
Rodelin's fingernails tapped on the student record book once more.
A behavior she had been repeating dozens of times.
But Rodelin was unaware of that fact.
It was proof of the seriousness of her dilemma.
"Rodelin, can you hear me?"
"Ah... Greetings to the Lord."
"Enough with the greetings. So, have you come up with something new?"
Rodelin reported in detail, step by step.
In the midst of confusion, a few pieces of information that had not been conveyed were finally delivered.
Duke Luke nodded.
"I see. The investigation team departed yesterday at dawn. They should arrive in about a week. Until then, I entrust the preservation of the scene to you."
"Yes, Lord. Don't worry."
"Right, it's late. You should get some sleep tonight."
It was now time for Rodelin to say her final words and end the communication.
Just as Rodelin was about to bid farewell, Zero's words echoed in her head.
- Embracing dishonor, that is the true 'honor'.
Rodelin clenched her fists tightly.
Opportunities to speak like this with Duke Luke were rare.
'Maybe he will be disappointed in me.'
No, he will definitely be disappointed. But she had to be brave.
Even if it led to the same result as yesterday, even if it meant falling out of favor with Duke Luke, she had to be brave.
The only one who could restore Luterus and the parrot troop's honor was herself.
Just one person.
"Lord, there is something I must say."
"Hmm, have you thought of something else?"
"No, it concerns the treatment of Luterus."
"...I thought we finished discussing that yesterday. Have you forgotten already? Or has your mind dulled?"
Duke Luke's eyes turned cold.
It was frightening. But not as much as she had expected.
Once she had spoken out, there was no turning back.
But she was convinced it was the right thing to do.
"There is a justification. A reason for the family to intervene in the Academy."
"...Speak."
Rodelin spread out the student record book.
"20 years ago, the student record book from that time. There was a member of the Lucid family listed."
"20 years ago? Then that would mean..."
"Yes, that's right. It's your eldest daughter."
Rodelin's finger pointed to a photo of a young girl.
Black hair with a hint of blue. A model student style girl wearing glasses.
Lucia de Lucid.
Duke Luke's eldest and Rodelin's older sister.
Why was she suddenly bringing up that name?
After a moment of thought, Duke Luke's face filled with shock.
He had realized what Rodelin was thinking.
"Rodelin, you don't mean..."
"Yes, that's right. I intend to accuse my older sister."
"...And the reason for this accusation?"
"For failing to protect a junior. Not only failing to protect a student but also not even realizing they had gone missing. That's a disqualification as a soldier."
It was far-fetched. Ridiculously so.
If another family had brought this up, it would have backfired.
But to accuse a member of the proud Lucid family from within?
That changes the narrative.
'There will have to be a reinvestigation, and a memorial for the victim.'
The Academy would have no choice but to accept the Lucid family's intervention.
The Lucid family admitting their mistake and seeking forgiveness.
In such a situation, not supporting them would backfire on the Academy.
'Of course, apologies and related expenses will have to be borne by our family. But the real issue is something else.'
Compensation and the cost of erecting a memorial.
Considering the wealth of the Lucid family, it's nothing significant.
The problem arises from accusing a member of the same family and reproaching the wrongdoer.
'And the youngest accusing the eldest?'
A disgrace to the family. It's like cannibalizing oneself.
Turning a family member into an enemy is a dangerous game.
But.
'If it restores Luterus's honor.'
The forgotten hero's honor is preserved. And at the same time.
The honor of the Lucid family is elevated even higher.
'The Lucid family punishes those who do wrong, even if they are from the same family.'
This phrase would be etched in the minds of everyone in the empire.
People would unanimously praise the Lucid family.
It's not an easy thing to do.
Especially if it's one of the noble families, a pillar of the empire.
"Embracing dishonor. Could that not be the true honor?"
"Haha..."
Embracing dishonor to achieve a higher honor. What a crazy strategy.
The only one to bear the dishonor is the eldest, Lucia. And that too, only for a short while.
Having finished speaking, Rodelin bowed her head deeply.
The decision to accuse a family member was not an easy one for her.
Especially since it was her eldest sister, who always cared for her.
"I will apologize to my older sister personally."
"...There's a flaw in your words. If it's about correcting a wrong, why would you apologize?"
"That, that's because..."
Rodelin faltered.
Duke Luke could discern two things here.
First, Rodelin had a stronger character than he thought.
And secondly.
"Who is it?"
"Pardon?"
"Rodelin, this isn't a strategy you could come up with."
Rodelin is a child of integrity, unfamiliar with shortcuts.
After spending a year at the Academy, she barely grasped the concept of 'flexibility', indicating the level of her integrity.
'And to think of such a clever plan as soon as she became a sophomore?'
That's impossible.
Duke Luke knew well Rodelin's feelings towards the family.
A child who is anxious even about the slightest scratch on the family's honor.
Would such a child think of a premise that embraces dishonor for the family?
It's impossible.
Someone must have advised her.
"No, it's not like that. I thought of this..."
"Who is it? I'm asking for the second time."
It was a warning that his patience was at its limit.
Rodelin closed her eyes tightly.
"It's Zero... Lord."
"Zero? The one who played a significant role in tackling the Demon's Shard?"
"Yes, that's right. Zero also solved two of the Demon's tricks."
Normally, the conversation would have ended there.
But Zero's appearance and [Ominous Aura].
The hidden piece activated by revealing the relationship between Luterus and the clown.
Rodelin's fondness for Zero.
These three factors triggered a new hidden piece.
"His appearance aside, he's proficient in demonic language. Plus, coming up with such a strategy at his age, it's suspicious."
"No, it's not! He has exceptional deductive skills! He found Luterus's father and despite his appearance, he has a kind heart...!"
Rodelin stopped herself.
She had unwittingly opposed the Duke, raising her voice.
"..."
"..."
A brief silence ensued.
Duke Luke was just as flustered.
"Sorry, I haven't been sleeping well lately, I made a mistake..."
"You seem very tired. Get some rest. I'll contact the eldest about this."
"Then, I will take my leave, Lord."
The crystal communicator darkened.
Duke Luke, after watching it for a moment, spoke.
"Alber, prepare the announcement. We need to make it public as soon as morning breaks."
"Yes, my lord. Shall I contact the eldest lady?"
"Yes, prepare an apology and explain the situation well. And tell her it's my order."
"Understood."
With the Lord's command, there would be few who held a grudge against Rodelin.
Butler Alber left the office, closing the door behind him.
There would be no mistake. He had been in sync with Duke Luke for over 40 years.
"Luterus... A valuable individual lost."
Duke Luke valued honor.
The heroic spirit of Luterus was enough to move his heart.
From the beginning, he wanted to create even a small memorial for him.
If only there was a sufficient reason.
'Though I discussed it with my vassals, I couldn't think of any way.'
But the youngest of the family, and that too the upright Rodelin, thought of this method.
"Embracing dishonor. That is the true honor... indeed."
Alone in the dimly lit office.
Suddenly, Duke Luke burst into hollow laughter.
It was because he remembered Rodelin's demeanor just a moment ago.
Not only had she brought a bizarre strategy.
But she also stood her ground and boldly retorted to him, the Lord.
"The growth of children is astonishingly fast..."
Duke Luke felt like he could sleep pleasantly tonight.
--TL Notes--
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