Time has passed, and the end of the Summer Term is nearing.

More Academy Festivals take place in this period, some of which I am a part of. However, I actually tried my best to avoid extra work and focus on the many things already on my plate.

Remember, I am still a part-time Instructor for the Knight & Chivalric Studies Department, so I actually don't have a lot of free time on my hands. However, thanks to the effect of my Mind Clear, Blood Flow, and Energy Rejuvenation Potions, I have been a lot more active.

Those three work so effectively that I don't know how I lived before they came into my life.

Every month, a new batch of them is sent from Jasper, and they contain doses to last me for the month. The benefit of having a lot of stockpiled wealth is beginning to show.

Now, does my reliance on these Potions mean I'll develop Potion Dependency Syndrome like Klein did? I honestly doubt it.

For one, my anatomy is different from that of normal humans and actually requires these components to survive. In a way, you could say being a Leviathan means automatically having some kind of Potion Dependency Syndrome—although not the extreme case.

Secondly, the Syndrome is usually caused by the body being affected by Trace Elements, which accumulate over long periods of time and become impurities.

Too much of it is definitely harmful.

As time passes, the body becomes reliant on the Potions because of the leftover Trace Elements in the body and will thus become more dependent on them. This is why high-grade Potions are easier to get addicted to compared to lesser-grade ones. The Trace Elements of the former are simply more potent than the latter, hence the leftover impurities will be far more immense.

But—

As a Leviathan, I leave no Trace Elements behind—whether inside my body or outside. My anatomy forces quick digestion, leaving nothing behind. In fact, my Aunt Leila noticed this factor and realized the chances of Potion Dependency Syndrome were low. It's why she hasn't been bothering me about overusing the Potions…

So, I'll be fine.

What I actually have to worry about is getting more effective Potions.

Grade 4, or preferably Grade 5, that can help sustain me and at least semi-permanently resolve this problem.

That aside, the staff retreat is coming up in a few weeks.

At long last!

I have already given up on translating the founding Leviathan's notes in the Academy. Finding answers at the University is my best bet.

Klein still seems nervous, but with Seraphina cheering him up, he looks better than he has ever been. Speaking of the two, it appears that they've made up—just as expected. They've decided to rub their relationship in my face more frequently these days, though.

Tch…

Maybe I shouldn't have helped.

There's one more thing… A final issue I would like to address before the staff retreat.

—Duke Marcus Ravenwood's stroke.

'I really want to see the Duke and put an end to Julian's schemes as soon as possible. Now would be the perfect time, since I'm not involved in a lot of festival events and classes are on hold…'

Because of this, I have decided to send one more letter to the Ravenwood Main Estate.

If this doesn't work, I'll have to take more extreme actions.

************

Oh?

A response actually came!

And so quickly at that—how very shocking!

Here I was thinking I might have to sneak into the Ravenwood Household or perhaps use my higher connections to get in. I could even use the Dark Guild to covertly complete the mission.

All of these are options I already considered, but it looks like they won't be necessary.

That's a relief.

Because each of these plans has its downsides.

"Let's see what the response says…" As I sit on my couch, relaxing in my living room, I tear open the envelope and hurriedly read through its contents.

After I'm done, I repeat the process… but I do it slowly this time instead.

'I actually received an invitation…' A dazed expression is likely on my face as I read this letter, and I won't be surprised if I look at a mirror and see myself gawking.

'Julian's tone is so cooperative. It's too strange… especially with what I've heard about his schemes. Oh wait, Julian probably doesn't know that I am aware of his hidden moves against me, because the First Prince was the one who informed me, and the only person I told—Count Ravenwood—is now dead.'

My eye widens considerably, and I enter into contemplation.

'This is likely a trap. Julian must have made some arrangements, and my acceptance of this invitation will mean I'm falling for that trick.' A wry smile forms on my face at this moment.

But so what?

I can simply make a few preparations of my own before heading there.

The most important thing now is that I have an official invitation, which means there is justification for my presence there.

'Also, thanks to the constant practice of my Fragmented Conceptions, I've made some noticeable improvements in each of them. I can use Clairvoyance with better ease now, and Frontflow doesn't take as much strain on my body… although interfering with my Day Layer often leaves me very weakened….' I silently mutter to myself. 'I've made the most progress in my Tracing Conception, since I can now comfortably travel to where I've been within half a day.'

Before, my upper limit was only a few hours into the day.

But, over time, that has progressed to the point of being half a day. Anything higher will be barely successful, with pain accompanying it.

That, or failure.

However, half a day is plenty to work with.

I can travel a long distance within that period, especially if I use my new Armament.

**************

It's been a few days since I received the invitation to Duke Ravenwood's manor.

At the moment, I'm a small distance from the residence.

I already used Clairvoyance ahead of time to scout the entire manor—or, at the very least, the places I have some clues about. After an hour, I used Frontflow to infiltrate the manor for a little bit of further preparation.

It felt similar to what I did to the Sixfold Helm of Darkness.

Once I finished, I returned outside and pretended like I was just arriving.

Naturally, by showing my invitation to the guards, I am allowed inside. Once my carriage is properly parked inside, I am escorted inside by the Chief Butler.

I once again marvel at the grandeur of the Ravenwood Estate.

However, unlike last time, the colors seem a little duller, and my heart no longer feels as moved.

It appears I am getting desensitized to excessive displays of wealth.

Eventually, I am brought to a grand hall, where I not only see Julian Ravenwood, but a host of other High Nobles. Some are seated in a circle, while others occupy strategic positions in the vast space, to the point that it feels too clustered.

I depict surprise on my features, though that is the last emotion I'm feeling at the moment.

I already saw all of this with my Clairvoyance.

Julian and his goons… I know what they are planning.

************

The moment Julian sees Javier, a cruel glint flashes in his eyes, though he gives him a friendly wave and invites him inside.

"J-Julian… what is this crowd? You didn't tell me…" Javier appears stunned by the presence of so many people, all of whom belonged to distinguished families in the High Nobility.

Among them are even Barons and Earls.

Earl Klaus Gerondester couldn't make it because he was so busy with Academy affairs, but he is also well aware of the plan. At the moment, all of these High Nobles exist for two purposes—to serve as witnesses, and also to overpower him.

But what exactly does Julian's plan involve?

Well—

'Javier, you fool! You actually came! Hehehe…' Loud cackles echo within Julian's thoughts as he maintains an air of hospitality while secretly glaring hatefully at Javier.

'You're finally in my grasp! With all the High Nobles here, and all the High Rank Knights I have mixed with them, I'll execute you right here and now! You will die by my hands, but no one will pursue the matter because I have the perfect excuse to use as justification.'

—Insurrection!

By framing Javier for insurrection, Julian would be well within his rights to kill him.

If the Royal Family tries to support him, this will be a blow to the Royal Faction, and the Noble Faction will rise as a result. After all, insurrection, defamation of Nobles, and any kind of contempt shown to the Noble Households all carry heavy weight in this world.

If Javier is accused of such an offense, and so many Nobles back up Julian's claims, it doesn't matter if the Royal Family knows it is a scheme.

They won't be able to do anything about it!

The dead cannot defend themselves, and the words of High Nobles carry heavy weight.

'Klaus did a good job spying on Javier for me, so I know all the movements he has made recently, including the exact day he left the Academy. Everything has been planned meticulously to ensure my victory… hehehe!'

While Julian is drowning in this reverie, having all kinds of post-victory thoughts, he notices Javier staring intently at him.

'The hell are you looking at, you prick?!' Although this exists in his mind, he only shows a mellow expression and kindly smiles at Javier.

"Anything the matter, Javier Aditi? Would you like some refreshments?"

Much to his surprise, Javier refuses.

Instead, he glances around the room for a moment and lets out an insidious chuckle. The laugh is loud and terrifying, and it is accompanied by an absolutely condescending gaze that rests on Julian.

"So this is all your planning amounted to. Hehe… I have to say, I'm a little anxious now. It seems I went a little overboard in my counter…"

"W-what are you talking about?" Julian mutters, clearly taken aback by this development. How could he have known that Javier expected his scheme and actually came fully prepared?

Unfortunately for him… It's already too late.

Before even initiating his plan, Julian had already lost.

BOOOOM!!!

The entire room suddenly shakes as tall men in shimmering armor storm the manor and expertly invade the hall in no time at all.

"W-what? Royal Knights?!"

Julian's terrified shriek sounds like that of a frightened child as it echoes out.

His confounded expression appears almost comedic, and his twisted face turns towards the only person who seems to have a clue about what's going on in the room.

"Javier Aditi… what the hell did you do?!"

The Royal Knights enter the hall in droves, quickly overwhelming all the High Nobles who had already begun to disperse and run around like headless chickens. The panic that spread within the room completely disrupted Julian's masterful formation.

Now, all the High Nobles are gathered together, with Julian standing right in front of them with both his fists clenched.

"Mind explaining what this highly contemptuous behavior is? Even if you are Royal Knights, you do not possess the authority to simply storm into a Duke's manor like this! This is overbearing behavior and an abuse of authority! You have truly overstepped your bounds! Has the Royal Family finally decided to become dictators, disregarding the laws put in place to prevent such an unfair and excessive display of force?"

Julian remains calm despite the turbulence, his gaze now dangerously eerie.

Frankly, he already expected the Royal Family to make a move to protect Javier. However, he didn't expect them to move this quickly, nor was he anticipating such a fierce retaliation.

This is why his scheme was to execute Javier on the spot, essentially leaving no room for a reaction from the Royal Family.

But to think his plan has already been countered before even coming to fruition.

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