I Became the Savior of the Academy’s Villains

Chapter 150

Originally, Luca was supposed to arrive at the party just in the nick of time.

But with Herote's help, he arrived at the Thier Duchy much earlier.

However, the letter didn't mention exactly where the party would be held, which made things briefly tricky.

"There are six parties being held in the Thier Duchy right now, but only one is actually being hosted by the Thier ducal family,"

"That's a relief."

Of course, the capable maid Bella had quickly obtained the information.

"Oh, right. Master, here's a bracelet with a translation spell."

Both the Lamata Empire and the Hernan Empire used the common language of the continent, but since the language had developed differently in each nation, they sometimes couldn't understand each other.

Words used positively in the Hernan Empire might be considered negative in the Lamata Empire, and vice versa.

That's why people generally used magical tools with translation spells embedded in them.

"Just to check, do you have the party invitation?"

At Bella's question, Luca waved the letter he had received from Pasmo Thier.

On the back of the letter was written, "The holder of this letter is hereby officially recognized as having been invited by Pasmo Thier, the eldest daughter of House Thier," along with a magical power-engraved signature.

"That's good. Then..."

Bella paused to think for a moment, tilting her head.

"What do you plan to do until the party starts?"

In truth, there wasn't much to be done.

Preparations for attending a party, like doing his hair, didn't need to start until two or three hours before the event.

So Luca fell briefly into thought.

'Let's say Pasmo Thier is a character who died in the original story. But is the timing the same as now?'

The present was already so different from the original plot.

It was highly likely that Pasmo Thier's crisis had been moved earlier than in the original story.

'In the original plot, things probably never escalated to a terror attack.'

If a terror attack using magic stone bombs had happened in the original, it would definitely have been mentioned.

This terror attack must be a variable that appeared after Luca arrived.

'That means there wouldn't have been a sudden vacation in the original, and Herote probably became the headmaster at a later point as well.'

So the timing of Pasmo Thier's departure from Hernan Academy was also probably later than now.

That meant the current Favorability MAX mission was, from the outset, an incident earlier than what the "Demonz" had originally planned.

'With it already revealed that Albino was connected to Demonz, it's logical that Demonz is the root cause of all problems in 〈Savior of the Academy〉's world setting. Pasmo Thier's death and the Lamata Empire falling into chaos must be part of Demonz's plan as well.'

Demonz would resort to anything to provoke a war.

And preferably, a large-scale one.

The ultimate goal seemed to be gathering a great deal of life force in that war to resurrect devils.

'Perhaps they even hoped that it would all lead to war.'

Having reached that far in his thoughts, Luca narrowed his eyes.

'In any event, if their objective now is Pasmo Thier's death, when will they try to kill her?'

Demonz obviously didn't appear ready to come into the open just yet.

They would stay hidden, building up their power, waiting for chaos to deepen across the continent.

Even for this Pasmo Thier assassination, they wouldn't take overt action.

'So, it's highly likely nothing will happen at the party. The real trouble might be after the party.'

After the party, when Pasmo Thier was left alone, or when she was somewhere with just one other person.

That would be the time of greatest risk.

'Maybe the person who approaches her at the party is the culprit.'

Thinking that, Luca glanced at Bella and Ottbo.

"I will explain the plan."

After hearing Luca's strategy, they both nodded.

Once Luca laid out the whole plan, he said in an even tone,

"Then, let's begin preparations."

"Yes!"

"Got it!"

The three of them spent the evening preparing for what was to come in Al Garmang, the great city of the Thier Duchy.

And someone else was watching the three of them.

"Hm? Why are they here?"

"Huh? That's a good point. I thought vacation was over?"

"... Hmm."

They observed the trio for a while, then quietly disappeared.

* * *

Night came, and the party began.

Luca entered the party alone, then used the power of the clouds to conceal himself, watching over Pasmo Thier from nearby.

Naturally, many men tried to approach her.

"Tsk. That's kind of annoying."

Suppressing the irritation rising in him, Luca looked at Whistle.

"Whistle. Anyone here with devil's power?"

"Hmmm... Kind of ambiguous."

"Ambiguous?"

Luca tilted his head at Whistle's words.

"Yeah. I do sense some devil's power, but it's really faint. It feels as if they're deliberately suppressing it."

"Is it difficult to identify them?"

"I could, but then our own power would get exposed."

Luca clicked his tongue.

That would be troublesome.

Demonz probably already knew about Luca's power.

And they had likely prepared countermeasures as well.

That meant he needed to only get involved right when the operation was starting.

"Well, it doesn't matter. The culprit will be revealed in the end anyway."

Saying that, Luca checked the time.

There wasn't much left until the scheduled moment.

All he needed to do was wait, then approach her at the right time.

"Are you just going to keep refusing everyone all day? Want to just head home?"

"... Maybe I should."

"?"

At that moment, Pasmo Thier was forcing a bitter smile.

Seeing the time, Luca sighed and walked over to her.

"Not in the mood to dance today?"

"That's disappointing. Will I be breaking my promise to you again?"

"...!"

* * *

"Isn't that Lady Pasmo Thier?"

"Oh? You're right! Who's her partner?"

"Hm... Who knows...?"

Pasmo Thier and Luca entered the dance floor.

Naturally, all eyes were drawn to them.

Nevertheless, they seemed unconcerned as they wove through the ballroom, dancing.

"Huhu, you've become even more used to dancing since last time!"

"Because I promised."

Pasmo Thier's lips quivered slightly at Luca's bland words.

Unlike the obsequious men here, Luca's unaffected attitude made her heart pound.

'Is this why I never liked the people here?'

Internally chuckling, Pasmo Thier put her hand on Luca's waist and matched his steps.

"Hah! Is that squirt really Lady Pasmo Thier's partner?"

"He is a bit short but... that face... whoa..."

"Tch. Is that even a man?"

There were whispers of envy, jealousy, and admiration for Luca's beauty from others around the ballroom.

In the midst of it, Luca addressed Pasmo Thier in a flat voice.

"Pasmo Thier. Come back to the Academy."

"Yes!"

Luca fell silent for a moment as he saw Pasmo Thier respond with no hesitation whatsoever, then spoke in a slightly puzzled tone.

"... Is it really okay for you to answer so easily?"

"Of course! Since you went out of your way to keep your promise and personally came here, I can't just give a casual answer!"

Pasmo Thier beamed brightly.

"And the reason I left Hernan Academy is because it became dangerous, but now it's fine! No matter what happens there, you'll be there to protect me!"

Absolute trust radiated from Pasmo Thier.

Looking into her eyes, Luca gave a faint smile.

"All right, Pasmo. I'll protect you, so don't worry and come back."

"... Yes!"

Pasmo's eyes widened then quickly formed a brilliant smile.

She noticed the change in how he addressed her.

While smiling gently at her, Luca raised an eyebrow.

"Now, for one more thing. Let's get out of here while we're at it."

"Eh! Leaving already? Luca, you're so hasty..."

"There's someone here trying to kill you."

Pasmo, who had been about to blush, stiffened and nearly stumbled at Luca's words.

Fortunately, Luca skillfully guided her, allowing them to continue dancing.

Barely managing to keep up, Pasmo spoke in a flustered voice.

"W-What do you mean?"

"It's the truth. And that's why I'm here. Not just for the promised dance, but because I learned someone is targeting your life."

"That's thrilling, but..."

Pasmo's expression grew dubious.

She didn't seem to believe him.

"No matter what, this is the Thier Duchy. There's no one here who would want to kill me."

"Do you trust me?"

Luca spoke calmly.

Seeing his unwavering, serene gaze, Pasmo quickly abandoned her doubts and smiled warmly.

"Of course I trust you!"

"Then let's leave a little early. After this song ends, let's pretend we're going to rest and slip out."

"Yes!"

The two shared a reunion they hadn't been able to have during the festival, then moved together to the lounge for a break.

There, Gremo Thier approached them.

"Sis, who's the person next to you?"

Seeing him, Pasmo chuckled quietly.

"He's my knight!"

"There you go with that weird speech again... Wait, did you meet him at Hernan Academy?"

Noticing the change in her tone, Gremo Thier looked at Luca—

—and flinched.

'... Wow, so pretty.'

Truly, they were siblings.

Even Gremo Thier couldn't help but feel a strong attraction to Luca's face.

But realizing Luca was male, he shook his head fiercely and declared,

"You! Since I don't recognize your face, you can't be from a famous noble house. What are you planning by seducing my sister?"

"Do I need to say that myself?"

"Wh-What?!"

At Luca's bold reply, Gremo Thier was taken aback.

Pasmo beside him said, "Oh my, Luca, you're so shameless!" but she didn't look displeased, and Luca paid it no mind.

"Anyway, I'm taking your sister with me. Tell your parents."

"W-What do you mean?"

"Gremo. I'm going to return to Hernan Academy with Luca, so please tear up my transfer application and explain everything to our parents!"

Pasmo said this with a refreshing look.

Staring at her, Gremo Thier said in disbelief,

"You're really going?"

"Of course!"

While Pasmo answered with conviction, Luca scanned the area.

"..."

"..."

A number of people were keeping an eye on them.

Apparently, a few had picked up on something.

"Pasmo. Let's get going."

"Yes!"

"W-Wait! Sis?!"

Ignoring Gremo Thier's call, Luca pulled Pasmo's wrist and led her away.

Pasmo offered no resistance, simply entrusting herself to him.

The two quickly exited the party hall.

And outside—

"Luca! This way!"

Ottbo was waiting, having prepared an auto-carriage.

Luca ushered Pasmo inside first and took a seat beside her.

Checking his watch, Ottbo said,

"Isn't this a bit early?"

"We'll need to drive through the city for a while."

"Understood."

Watching them, Pasmo felt her heart race.

"This feels like a real adventure!"

"You'll have to get used to it. This is normal for us."

"Huhu! I'm looking forward to it."

Still smiling, Pasmo glanced behind her and said,

"But it looks like there really is something going on. Someone is approaching who isn't from the family."

"Don't worry about pursuit,"

Luca said with a faint smile, looking ahead.

"Our driver is currently the fastest man on the continent."

"Both of you, make sure your belts are fastened!"

VROOM!

With that shout, the engine of the auto-carriage roared ferociously.

-------------= Clacky's Corner -------------=

Ottbo is the most reliable ally!

Ottbo is as much of a main character as Luca, change my mind...

【ദ്ദി(⩌ᴗ⩌)】