How to Survive at th Chapter 104: The Student Council Presidential Election

Chapter 104: The Student Council Presidential Election.

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Student Council President Election

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As the student council president election fast approached, the atmosphere on campus beca increasingly charged. There was already so consensus among the students about who the candidates would be. The interest in Princess Penia in particular was sky-high, to the point where even students who normally cared about nothing beyond their studies were eagerly awaiting her declaration to run.

Lortel Keherln declared his candidacy for student council president as of this morning.

Princess Penia could hardly hide her surprise at the news brought by her knight, Cler.

Lortel Keherln of Elte Trading Company He said it himself?

Yes.

Princess Penia cocked her head, puzzled. Lortel Keherln was widely known as a power broker who operated behind the scenes, not soone who would seek a high-profile office. Plus, Lortel was busy running the Elte rchant house. It seed impossible that he could manage the duties of both that and the demanding role of student council president. If he truly was running for president, it would an hed have to virtually abandon his rchant duties.

But she couldnt believe that Clers information was incorrect, as he always brought carefully verified intelligence.

This isnt good If she, already gripping the residential districts sphere of influence, becos student council president too within Sylvainia, shed reign supre, like a queen. Thats sothing Id like to avoid.

If its Princess Penia

But I have no intention to be the student council president.

Penia cut Clers advice short. After setting down her teacup on the grand table in her personal quarters of the royal residency, she grew lost in thought until she finally ca to a decision.

I need to et with Tanya from the guest quarters.

*

You cant stay hidden forever, Tanya.

Deep within the first floor corridors of the royal residency and past several turns, lay the guest quarterssecluded enough that none but the cleaning staff would likely venture inside.

Due to the isolated geographical feature of Aken Island, where the empires peripheries lie, few dignitaries paid a visit, rendering the guest quarters seldom used despite being a standard architectural practice.

However, these rooms had beco a sanctuary for Tanya, who had fled here, so in retrospect, constructing such rooms hadnt been a total waste.

When Princess Penia entered, Tanya was just sitting at the table, trembling slightly.

Princess Penia

While I may not know just how close Edel Losteller was to Lortel Keherln it seems that rchant has made up his mind to secure Tanyas cooperation.

Princess Penia rembered clearly Lortels staunch support for Edel.

Although the exact nature of their relationship was unknown, she could infer that Edel held deep significance for Lortel.

Either way, before you can do anything, you need to clear your na of the accusation that you assassinated Edel Losteller.

But when I think about it, given all the circumstantial evidence, I would also believe that I was the perpetrator. Its not an ideal situation.

Then, I have no choice but to ask for your thoughts, Tanya.

Princess Penia, brushing her gleaming platinum locks aside, joined Tanya at the table across from her.

Looking at the girl, who resembled Edel so closelyfrom her fiery golden hair to her featuresit brought back mories of the man whose life ended so absurdly and prematurely.

While Edel was no longer of this world, Penia could vow not to repeat the sa mistakes.

If you werent the one who instructed the murder of Edel Losteller, then who could have orchestrated it?

The question was tied to a long-standing doubt that Princess Penia harbored.

The deep and dark mystery surrounding the Losteller family. Should she even manage to grasp a fragnt of that darkness, helping Tanya wouldnt be entirely aningless.

That is

Tanya hesitated, looking down.

The suspects for the murder, Cadec and Nox, were long-standing vassals of the Losteller family.

Being a vassal implied not just personal loyalty, but carrying the honor of the family on ones shoulders, trained to conduct oneself carefully so as not to tarnish the family na.

What were the chances that these individuals, without any directive from their house, would independently commit murder?

Moreover, having been dispatched from their holand to Aken Island, to the fantasy of stabbing their once-young master to death was certainly not sothing done on a whim.

The situation may have spiraled into cri, but there had to be a mastermind dictating such an assassination.

That could be perhaps

Tanya knew that if she hadnt given the order, only a few people would have been capable of instructing Cadec and Nox to take such drastic asures.

The most likely suspect she could think of was her father, Crpin Losteller, whom she had deeply respected.

If not him, there was nobody else who could have commanded the murder of Edel Losteller.

Penia didnt need to press, as she could infer the mastermind just by observing Tanyas reluctance. After all, Princess Penia had harbored doubts about Crpin Lostellers shady intentions all along.

Nevertheless, she did not pursue the matter further. The notion that Tanyas trust in her father, who had perford such actions without a second thought, might be shattered was too hard for Tanya to digest on her own.

Cadec and Noxs reason for coming to Sylvainia the pretext of assisting

seems to have been just that, a pretext. Their true purpose was to kill Ed. Brother

Suddenly, clarity struck Tanya, and she began to speak.

Tanya

I was rely a puppet.

Tanya whispered, head bowed down.

On reflection, Tanyas life had always seed to fall into that pattern.

How often had she truly decided anything for herself and achieved sothing significant?

After becoming sensible of the surroundings, she had grown up under Eds wayward tyranny, biding her ti.

Even after arriving in Sylvainia, she had done little beyond exuding the aura of accomplishnt predicated on the glory of the Losteller na rather than her own rits.

Without the backing of the Losteller family, Tanya realized she hadnt achieved anything on her own ritwithout the dignified status of a noble ladys birth, she was rely a young girl who had studied slightly harder than most of her age.

That painful realization hit hard as she stifled a sob with her head still bowed.

But she did not let the tears flow. As she firmly held her gaze upon Penia once more, the fearful expression had largely vanished. Her efforts to fight back the tears and maintain a steadfast deanor deeply impressed Penia.

The Losteller family was considered arrogant and greedy, and Penia had been unable to trust them.

Now, seeing Tanyas deanor, Penias preconceived notions about the Lostellers gradually started crumbling.

Ive decided to run for student council president, Princess Penia.

It wont be easy. Youre already accused of murder.

Yes, it wont be easy, but for the sake of those who have supported

in such dire tis, I cant just stay subdued.

Tanya spoke firmly, holding her skirt tightly and straightening her back.

My father had hardly cared about Ed. Brother. The reason for such an extre choice probably stems from the letters I sent about my brothers situation.

That ans

Yes. In a way I provided the circumstances leading up to the terrible fate that befell Ed. Brother.

Although Tanya was only updating her father as usual, she never expected her words would lead to Eds death.

But now, thats the situation she faced.

Ive co to realize sothing since arriving in Sylvainia. Brother Ed may be gone, but much has changed in this land of knowledge. I never shook off my suspicions about him until the day he passed but now, I can accept it.

Penia recalled the tis she was served tea at Eds camp.

She regretted not being able to shake off the suspicion and failing to offer Ed a single warm smile, the man who had been so kind to her.

If it was indeed her actions that led to his death, then she had to carry that burden.

Surviving with that weight and ensuring Eds death was not in vain was the sole way she could atone to the man who had beco but a spirit.

Willpower returned to Tanyas eyes. Her hollow gaze began to regain its forr light.

Ill stand equal with Senior Lortel and seize a power that prevents him from exerting undue influence on . At least within this Aken Island, Ill beco soone who cant be threatened so easily.

Running for student council president in your current state will be highly disadvantageous. Especially with a murder conspiracy accusation, subjecting you to university investigation.

Its still an accusation and a suspect. My guilt isnt confird yet. Strictly speaking, Im not yet a criminal. If I end this seclusion and submit to an investigation, I see no reason why I cant run for student council president. Especially since Cadec and Nox have firmly kept silent, so its likely my accusation wont be confird without further evidence.

Of course, being eligible to beco a student council presidential candidate wasnt the end of it. Carrying a murder charge would be an incredibly damning flaw in anyones campaign, almost certainly deed as overconfidence or even arrogance.

But Tanyas expression was resolute, and seeing this, Princess Penia could only smile faintly.

A delicate sound of liquid filled the room.

Then shall I officially give my support to Tanya Young?

Princess Penias official support ant a great deal, sothing Tanya was fully aware of.

At the sa ti, it was clear that Penia would bear a significant political burden by doing so.

Tanya widened her eyes in surprise at Penia, who averted her gaze as if to say not to worry.

I also have debts I never repaid to Ed Rostrail in my lifeti.

Her eyes, softly closed, bore significant aning.

She couldnt just stand idly by and watch the school fall into the clutches of that nefarious rchant.

Nor could she abandon Tanya when she was cornered.

And, there was the guilt of never having apologized to the deceased Ed Rostrailan obligation compelling Penia to raise Tanyas hand.

Who could have imagined it? That it was an alliance between Penia Elias Cloel and Tanya Rostrail.

* [Is it okay if I speak now?]

[Leave it be for now. If it was sothing you needed to intervene in, you wouldve been called earlier. ]

[But hes been sitting on that rock motionless for two hours now. Its nearly high tide; shouldnt we start heading to the cave?]

[ Do you think the young master is a fool? Hell move when the water cos in. ]

The voices of Laysia and rg quarreling reached .

Perhaps because I had been sitting there in contemplation for so long, even the spirits seed to sense sothing was off.

Spirits dont always hover nearby. They dwell in ethereal states or entirely independent high-level spirits engage in their own affairs Its not common for spirits to linger for such extended periods.

rg and Laysia usually orbited my vicinity, so they would converse in hushed tones when I acted oddly. On the other hand, rilda was rarely around. She road the island as if it were her domain, yet when it mattered, shed swiftly appear, so it wasnt a significant concern.

Hmm

The reason I sat on the rock lost in thought was because of the conversation I had with Rortel.

Im going to sell the student council president seat.

Its not an easy journey, but the benefits you return will be as considerable as the effort you put in.

Act III, Chapter 2: The Student Council Presidential Election.

If I rember correctly it is the bridge episode that the audience experiences before the showdown with the Cataclysmic Alchemist Claude, the mid-boss of the third act.

A scenario intended to demonstrate the transformative dynamics around the protagonist Taeli.

Villain Tanya Rostrail maintains the competitive structure with Princess Penia to the bitter end, only to suffer a crushing defeat.

There isnt an actual battle scene although they claim the position of boss, as the election is strictly an internal academic power struggle.

Taeli was determined to actively support Princess Penias camp. And theres good reason for that, as Taeli had been badly duped by Ed Rostrail at the start of the term. Naturally, Taeli harbors animosity towards anyone from the Rostrail family.

Thus, Taelis stance against Tanya Rostrail is the sabeing cast as a disposable, haughty villainous lady.

Nonetheless, Taeli convinces students from Penias side. Obviously, the player wouldnt be tasked with the foolish endeavor of convincing the entire student body in the scenario. If players had to do that, they would drop out from sheer boredom.

Therefore, Taelis task in the scenario is to et with each grades top students and persuade them to support Penia. Systemically, the support of these top students was the variable that ultimately decided the election.

Securing the support of five or more of the eight persuadable individuals ant a victory for Penia, while Tanya would bitterly resist only to be deselected in disgrace.

Each character imposes various sub-quests during the persuasion process, and the conditions for each students quests differ. I rember it being a tricky part of the ga.

First, I understand how important the top students support is

Mumbling to myself, I stroked my chin a few tis.

The persuadable individuals were set as two moderate representatives from each grade.

1st Grade Magic Departnt top student Josef, Alchemy Departnt top student Claude.

2nd Grade Combat Departnt top student Clevarius, Alchemy Departnt top student Elvira.

3rd Grade Combat Departnt top student Drake, Alchemy Departnt top student Atalante.

4th Grade Combat Departnt top student Dike, Magic Departnt top student Treyziana.

Securing the support of five out of these eight was critical for winning the election.

The 1st Grade Combat Departnt top student Wade was already supporting Princess Penia, and the 4th Grade Alchemy Departnt top student Dorothy supported Tanya, so they were not considered.

Moreover, the 2nd Grade Magic Departnt top student Lucy and the 3rd Grade Magic Departnt top student Yenika refrained from voting until the end. Lucy out of laziness, and Yenika out of absolute neutrality.

Hmm

If everything had followed the script, the events should have unfolded thus, but the actual story has beco twisted in unexpected ways.

The fractures that began in Act I swelled into an uncontrollable snowball by Act III. The election dynamics are unpredictable at this junction.

Thus, hoping for everything to proceed exactly as I know is pure greed.

However, there is hope that Princess Penia will seize power as this will be of great benefit during the later Crepin subjugation questa wish that it would flow according to the original setup.

Its impossible to match every minor flow, but to prepare for later events, the major currents must align favorably for my position.

But The words of Rortel cannot simply be ignored.

First, Ill make Tanya the student council president, by any ans necessary.

Sitting on a tan rock with the crashing waves as a backdrop, I cracked a wry smile.

Behind that facade lies the grand rchant of Elte Company, teeming with thousands of wily sches.

When asked why he wanted to make Tanya the student council president, the girl from my mories replied.

Because shes your sister, after all.

That was Rortels tailored picture-perfect answer.

Rortels true motives always hinted at deeper intricacies.

As such, I cannot remain passive in this situation.

However, what action to take is ambiguous. Currently, I am officially dead.

I must quickly put an end to this pointless charade of death to move more freely.

*

Ive gathered the necessary docunts for submission here. Youve really decided to run for student council president, Representative Rortel.

Thank you, Secretary Lien. You may leave them there.

Rortel humd a tune with apparent glee, giving quick instructions to the cute, red-haired secretary.

Rortel, who usually handled most tasks without a secretary, left Lien, a low-ranking employee at Elte Companys Silvenia branch, with a rather peculiar job. Certainly, Rortel taking on student council election work seed too vast an undertaking.

The oddity lay in throwing his hat into the ring, knowing full well the workload. Did he intend to abandon company work if actually elected?

Deputy Rortel, I have

Lets avoid unnecessary questions, shall we?

Perceiving Liens curiosity, Rortel, without pausing his docunt-flipping hand, replied sharply.

Quite frankly I have no intention of becoming student council president.

Then these docunts are for?

Suddenly, Rortels dancing hand over the docunts ca to a standstill. Ink slowly spread beneath the stationary quill.

Can we stick to necessary questions only?

Despite his warm and beautiful smile, Lien felt a chill run down her spine and hurriedly apologized before closing the office door behind her.

Alone again, Rortel resud his tune, reanimating the quill.

After all itll all co out eventually

Tanya Rostrail feared Rortel, seeing him as soone who believed she caused Eds death.

By keeping that notion alive and subtly hinting at retaliation, Rortel beca the whip pressuring Tanya.

On the other hand, whether its Penia or Tanya theyd both feel a strange debt to the officially deceased Ed Rostrail.

Their psychological debtstemming from not recognizing the mans sincerity, mistreating him, and neglecting him until his deathwont easily fade. Considering the nature of their personalities, thats even more likely.

If left undisturbed, this debt could fester, elevating Ed Rostrail in their consciousness, turning him into an untouchable sanctuary.

Then, when Ed Rostrail returns, the accumulated guilt and a budding desire for compensation will finally blossom, making Eds recognition and actions difficult for them to refusethe carrot they wont be able to resist.

By continually stirring this sense of indebtedness towards Ed Rostrail, its possible to find them all ensnared by Eds devices sooner or later. Peoples psyches beco more extre when cornered. The whip intended for such manipulation is Rortel himself.

A balancing act between resistance and acceptance, conquering others on his palm, tuning them to his accord.

Holding both the whip and the carrot, gradually pulling the future student council president into his grasp is akin to a puppeteer controlling marionettes.

For Rortel, whos lived manipulating human relationships within the rcantile world for half his life, the sticky web of power play is as natural as breathing.

*

Hey, Bell.

You have 24 days and 3 hours left.

Bells response was almost automatic, but the days did not dwindle.

Lucy sat, legs hugged to her chest in her private room chair, and began to click the chair out of sheer restlessness.

-Clatter-bang!

Eventually, she lost balance and fell over. Lying aimlessly on the floor and gazing at the ceiling, the world remained motionless.

Just kill .

I cannot do that.

Just kill !!!

She had vowed never to succumb to emotion and cause a ruckus again, but separate from that, she still had 2/3 of her punishnt to serve.

Silent prayer.

Only the face of the stoic housekeeper Bell glead as if freed from the worries of the world.

To Lucy, Bells face was utterly unbearable.