How to Survive at the Academy
chapter-207

Youngest Retirement Hopeful (2)

“President, the potions club of the Pensions Department has sent you a gift. It’s a device that contains scented candles in glass jars, continuously giving off fragrance with magic flames. The scent is truly pleasant! I’ll leave one in your office!”

“Former student council president Belrose has sent you a premium magic wand as a gift, expressing pride in you. Should I have it placed in your private office?”

“The administrative headquarters has issued instructions that you may take it easy on updating the status reports. It seems they’ve set a policy not to interfere with your work, president.”

“The merchants’ association in the dormitory complex has sent various snacks and decorative items as gifts. Since there’s no spare space in the storage room of the Obel Tower, I’ve left them in the corridor for now. Shall we just distribute them among the council members?”

“The Tog Magical Society sent a message of appreciation for your hard work. They’re thankful for your significant contribution to the magic studies… It seems they greatly benefited from the policy to share our recent scholarly findings.”

Tanya walked through the corridors of the Obel Tower, with a pallor to her face.

Her entourage of student secretaries kept reporting gifts aimed at currying favor with the highly esteemed president.

“Oh, right. I’ve compiled a list of student suggestions and uploaded them! They need to be processed by tomorrow, so please review and sign off on them!”

“The disciplinary committee reform proposal that the administrative headquarters asked for last time has been completed! If there are any points you’d like to address, please organize them and send back the document!”

“This afternoon, you must go to the Lortelle Wing to encourage the staff there! They’re ready to receive us as they’ve finished all their preparations, so we just need to inform them of our schedule. What time shall we set?”

Of course, there were a fair number of reports about actual work too.

After slogging through the secretaries’ reports, Tanya slumped into her office chair.

“…”

This silence, now more precious than gold.

If not asleep at night, she would hear endless reports until her ears might bleed.

Even now, the student council’s work is frantically bustling on without a break.

“I can’t just… sit still like this…”

Surely, it was her dream to become the president of Sylvania’s student council and be recognized by all.

But now, Tanya was left feeling only exhaustion.

“If this goes on… I’ll really become… a lifetime student council president…!”

Even though one might represent a group, the absence of opposition simply didn’t make sense.

Some should oppose the current president, conflict, and try to shake up the support base… Yet, Tanya received overwhelming support from all students, an almost bizarre phenomenon.

She had to step up her game. She needed to give potential opposition a chance to stir, to expose weaknesses.

Yet, how could she handle the situation without harming others? She wanted to create a tumult, yet ensure no one unfairly suffered.

Unfortunately, no one was around to tell Tanya that such a thing was impossible in her case.

“…”

Tanya took a deep breath and sharpened her gaze at a corner of the office.

If the world was going to be like this, she wouldn’t just sit idly by. She resolved to cause a proper ruckus.

With that determination, the next place Tanya visited was the Ophelius Wing.

The Ophelius Wing was the highest-class dorm at Sylvania, a place that must maintain its dignity, and its maids took great pride in their work.

First, she would scratch at their pride. Under the pretext of investing in student welfare, she would cut the funds invested in Ophelius Wing and even criticize the recent lax student management in the place.

“Indeed. There’s been some acknowledgment that Ophelius Wing has been negligent in manpower management. It seems you knew about this already. As you advised, we’ll prepare an improvement report. Miss Tanya.”

“…Yes?”

However, head maid Belle Mayar did not display any annoyance. Instead, she humbly concurred with Tanya’s point.

“It’s true that Ophelius Wing has a tendency to receive special treatment among academic institutions. Certainly, significant support is necessary for its central role, but this doesn’t justify any lax discipline. We appreciate your timely advice.”

“…Oh, yes…”

But head maid Mayar, who already had a favorable relationship with Ed Rothtaylor and was fully aware of Tanya’s nature, wasn’t likely to be adversarial.

On the contrary, she used this as an opportunity for self-reflection and to consolidate their efforts.

Shaken, Tanya then led her student secretaries to the Triss Wing.

Suddenly, news of student council president Tanya’s arrival spread, and vice-principal Rachel herself came out to greet her. Tanya was baffled by the overly respectful reception from a place that should’ve considered her just another student, but Triss Wing didn’t care and treated her with excellent hospitality.

“Recently, the Elte Trading Company has been responding well to the academy, thanks to the recruitment policies implemented by the student council.”

Vice-Headmaster Rachel spoke to Tanya with satisfaction.

“In the future, we hope that you will continue to act as a bridge between the academy and commerce. Since Sylvania’s founding, no student council president has managed to integrate and recruit as you have.”

“That… Vice-Headmaster Rachel… I came to propose… a reduction in the research funds for the faculty…”

“Hmm… The research funds, indeed. There certainly has been a lack of efficiency related to the funds lately. We should consider cutting back to tighten the faculty’s discipline. I’ll raise it with the administrative headquarters. However, headmaster Obel might oppose it.”

“Then… Headmaster Obel might take it ill..! And the research personnel would surely dislike it…!”

As Tanya fumed and conveyed her thoughts, Vice-Headmaster Rachel pondered deeply and agreed that they would indeed do as suggested.

“Let’s proceed! Better to invest in student welfare than to waste funds on unproductive research…!”

With her strong push, Tanya managed to get a clear affirmation from Rachel.

The next day, a response from the administrative headquarters reached the student council.

― ‘Since the proposal comes directly from the student council president herself, it was surprisingly easy to pass. Even the researchers, triggered by the approval of this cutback, have submitted reports of how they’ll reflect on their negligence and strive for more meaningful achievements in magic studies.’

― ‘We’re impressed that you aren’t just focusing on student management but also considering Triss Wing faculty and staff. It’s remarkable, Tanya Rothtaylor. It’s not easy being a student council president, and we sincerely want to praise your hard work.’

“Why! Why! Why!”

Tanya screamed, yanking her hair out at her office desk.

“This week you’ve made the rounds at Lortelle Wing, offering encouragement, self-imposed inspection of Ophelius Wing operations, and even reviewed the performances of the research professors. Aren’t you enjoying being the president?”

“I’m just the student council president! What I’m doing is clearly overstepping boundaries! Why isn’t there any discontent?”

“Public image is such a scary thing. On a bigger scale, what you’re doing ultimately acts as an external activity to increase funds for student welfare.”

Zix Effelstein wiped his longsword with a cloth while giving various orders to a student secretary.

Most were related to the preparations for the upcoming unified dueling tournament in late fall, which Zix was in charge of, overseeing venue reservations and communications.

“You have a student meeting you called for this afternoon. You can start getting ready after lunch and still not be late.”

“How about taking away some privileges from the grade leaders? They are well-supported among the students, right? Maybe it would create some opposition if it looked like you were challenging them?!”

“Look at the leaders of each grade. Wade Callamore, Lucy Mayrill, Ed Rothtaylor, Tyke Elfellan. Isn’t it obvious when you hear their names?”

Ed Rothtaylor was Tanya’s older brother, and Tyke Elfellan was a student council member.

Since Lucy Mayrill would be following Ed Rothtaylor’s lead, it would effectively be the same as most already being on Tanya’s side.

“Why is it… my support is so solid…!”

“…. Isn’t that a rather despairing thing to say with such an expression…?”

“What about Elte Trading Company? Can’t we find a pretext for conflict over exclusive rights to certain commodities?”

“The terms are mostly clear and stipulated in contracts without controversy… And as long as Senior Ed is on your side, it’s not easy to see how we can confront Elte Trading Company.”

“Ah…”

There it was again, Ed Rothtaylor. As long as she had his support, it was also correct to assume a supportive relationship with Elte Trading Company.

“How about the Imperial Family? Could we push for some kind of tribute from the Imperial House where Princess Phoenia is staying…? Could it be interpreted as an insult to the royal family?”

“The Imperial House is already closely allied with the Rothtaylor family. It would be wise to drop the idea. If you manage to extract even a few coins, the academy’s support for you would only solidify.”

“Why does poking one side strengthen the other, and poking the other side consolidate this one?!”

“I’m not the one to ask here.”

Tanya wasn’t one to give up. She clenched her teeth and kept working out ideas, trying to find some way to foster opposition.

“The church! Let’s challenge the unfairness of the tithe collected by the Telos Order! Religious matters are extremely sensitive, aren’t they?!”

“Unfortunately… Senior Ed has already secured Telos Order’s support. And Saint Clarice is completely in favor of the student council.”

“What?! Saint Clarice supports me? Why?!”

Tanya wasn’t aware that Kylie Ecknair and Saint Clarice were the same.

Both Ed and Tanya Rothtaylor were viewed favorably by Clarice, so hoping for her opposition was akin to a self-defeating move.

“That… could it be Senior Ed’s doing…?”

“How many bodies does brother actually have?!”

“I’m not the one to ask here.”

Tanya collapsed back onto the president’s chair. After sweeping her hand over her face a few times, she let out a voice as though she was about to perish.

“I can’t… escape this… To this shackle-like position as student council president… I am forever bound…”

“That… President Tanya.”

“… Yes?”

“… The Dex Wing budget decision report… needs your signature…”

Tanya sighed deeply.

He lifted his head. The budget proposal for the Dex Pavilion for this semester needed to be approved by the student council president before being passed on to the academic headquarters. The proposal was about 147 pages long.

“Please review it within an hour so that you can have your meal and attend the afternoon meeting.”

Tanya looked at Zix with a plea for mercy in her eyes, but the only kind of response Zix could offer was, as always, similar.

“It’s difficult for me when you say that to me.”

*

“Oh, Tanya. Why do you look like death warmed over? Is the workload too taxing?”

It had been a while since Tanya met Ed Rothtaylor, just minutes before the start of the afternoon meeting.

Before entering the conference room, Tanya ran into Ed Rothtaylor in the corridor and her face fell immediately.

Presided over by student council president Tanya, scions of noble families had gathered without exception in the small meeting room of the Gluckt Pavilion.

They may rule their own domains like kings, treated with deference by their own vassals, but here in the land of learning, the Sylvania Academy, they were just students.

With Tanya’s influence seeming to pierce the heavens lately, everyone had been seated and waiting a good fifteen minutes before the meeting thanks to her summons.

Looking around, the faces gathered were those of students from prominent noble families, well-known within their respective grades.

A few students not from noble families were present too, mostly ones entangled in the current imperial power struggle.

First Year:

Wade Callamore, Joseph Whitepeltz, Agui Rokin, Delrus Ainsheven.

Even Tanya, with her authority as student council president, couldn’t summon the Saintess Clarice.

Second Year:

Zix Effelstein, Clevius Nortondale, Elvira Eniston, Elka Islan.

Similarly, she couldn’t directly summon Princess Phoenia.

Third Year:

Ed Rothtaylor, Febri Genipheil, Drake Legers, Clara Danielheim.

Fourth Year:

Tyke Elfellan, Dorothy Whitepeltz, Trissiana Bloomriver, with the exception of Zix and Claire who had moved out, all were distinguished guests residing in the Ophelius Hall.

While there are many noble children who attend Sylvania, these are roughly the students most affected by this term’s imperial power struggle for each grade level.

The rest were either children of remote nobles or individuals unlikely to significantly impact the imperial competition.

Being in the presence of so many noble personages, this meeting was an uncomfortable affair for everyone involved. It was not a place where one could act carelessly.

They just sat quietly, waiting for Tanya to make her entrance.

“Recently you’ve been busy here and there; it’s good to see you’re so dedicated to your duties as president. I’m overwhelmed between survival activities, cabin reconstruction, and managing grades that I can scarcely see your face.”

Meanwhile, in the corridor, Ed and Tanya were face-to-face after a long time.

To Ed, it was an incredibly welcome encounter.

Ed Rothtaylor was popular among the academic community, but very few were greeted by him with such genuine warmth.

Even those on friendly terms with Ed Rothtaylor had to respect the minimum boundaries, for he always maintained them carefully.

Was this comfort due to a lingering sense of familial affection, since their blood was mixed after all?

While some may envy Tanya for being treated so informally by Ed, she just discussed her concerns seriously with a pale face.

“Brother, please save me…”

“… What?”

“I… that…”

Tanya trailed off, uncertain of how to broach the subject.

It’s ridiculous to ask Ed to hold back a bit in raising the prestige of the Rothtaylor name and for always being actively involved. After all, beyond being student council president, Tanya is also the successor of the Rothtaylor family. It seems out of place to ask to take it easy in such a role.

“… In trouble?”

“It’s just that… explaining might be a bit complicated…”

“Tell me. Don’t struggle on your own.”

Touched by Ed’s offer of assistance, it felt as though Tanya might tear up… but in reality, most of the problems were Ed’s doing.

Blaming Ed would be foolish, leaving Tanya in utter frustration.

“Does this have to do with why you called the meeting?”

“Yes?”

“You suddenly summon only the noble children, I was wondering what you were planning.”

“Oh, no… this is a completely separate issue.”

Tanya shook her head and made it clear to Ed.

“I’m probably going to have to engage in a bit of a contest of wills with Princess Sella this semester. Before or after the planned joint combat tournament.”

Despite her constant distress, Tanya had her future plans set in stone.

No matter how much she grumbled, she always had a firm course of action.

“I need to lay down some insurance to prevent any unnecessary aftermath.”

“Insurance?”

“The imperial competition is one thing, and the academy is another… I planned to make that clear to everyone.”

Now Ed Rothtaylor could see what Tanya intended.

If she wanted to contain Princess Sella, who was most actively opposing the Rothtaylor family, she had to start laying the groundwork now.

If Tanya, a scion of the Rothtaylor ducal house, begins to confront Princess Sella, those supporting the princess certainly won’t stay quiet.

The impact of that conflict would undoubtedly affect Sylvania Academy, so Tanya planned to take proactive steps to mitigate the fallout.

The royal family’s intrigues should remain separate from Sylvania’s mission of enlightenment. Dragging royal factionalism to this land of learning and disturbing the academy’s peaceful atmosphere would be disrespectful.

That was the message she intended to convey to everyone.

“I wonder if it will go as planned.”

Ed was skeptical, and Tanya shared his sentiments.

“Even so, I can’t just do nothing. I don’t want to see Sylvania split in half because of the imperial competition.”

Tanya closed her eyes, then opened them again as she spoke.

“During the upcoming joint combat tournament, Princess Sella will attend Sylvania as an observer. Royal knights and active members of the magic research society will come to assess the students’ skills. Some of them might even spar with the students, to teach them using the premise of grooming the future of the nation.”

Besting knights or magicians currently active in the royal household is no easy feat for students.

Rarely some students possess skills on par with active members, but they’re usually against more ordinary ranks.

Among the active members are those who are legendary within the kingdom’s upper echelon… they’re on a completely different level. If someone like the knight commander Dailux or the head of the royal magic academy appears, the students have no chance.

Of course, this excludes Lucy Mayrill from the discussion.

“I have a plan I’m developing for that time. It’s not yet concrete, but I think I might see a way to deal significant damage to Princess Sella’s position.”

There was no reason for Ed Rothtaylor to dissuade her.

Princess Persica had been swayed, and Princess Phoenia was already an ally.

For his goal is to have the royal forces stationed at Acken Island when Bellbrook descends, getting rid of Princess Sella as the last variable would resolve all worries.

If it’s about eliminating that very last variable… he should be rolling up his sleeves to help.

“Sure. Tell me what’s bothering you, and I’ll do what I can to support you.”

“… The thing is… the thing is…”

“…Is it something you’re really troubled with? You have been looking so down.”

“… Brother, I feel like I’m going to die…”

Unable to hold it in any longer, Tanya finally voiced her troubles with a gloomy expression.

“As the head of the family, I’m overwhelmed with responsibility, and for the role of student council president, I’d like to step down…”

She finally spoke out…

Tanya heaved a sigh as if she had accomplished something significant, and continued talking straight to Ed.

“If things keep going like this, I might actually die from overwork… I… want to quit as student council president…”

“…”

“Uhuk… But… Even when I want to resist, interpretations go awry, my support base just solidifies, and when I try to stir up some trouble, Ed brother always beats me to it…”

“…”

“Being the head of the house is exhausting, too. I mentioned this before. Seems like you overlooked it, but I was serious… Once the family stabilizes… I just want to retire… uhuk…”

Then suddenly, Tanya grasped Ed’s hands tightly, pleading earnestly.

“Since it’s come to this… when everything is finished, can’t you just spread some rumors about me? You know, those things… like my nasty personality when I was at Rothtaylor mansion! There should be a few scenes you can use as proof since I was practically homicidal towards you during the first term!”

“Wouldn’t spreading bad talk about my only sister damage my image before even considering yours?”

“How much could pushing me off as a bad seed tarnish you!”

“You may not realize it, but you already have substantial support within the academy… It’s getting to be a burden even for me.”

“Why! Why! Why is that?!”

“…

“

Ed paused, looking down for a moment before speaking awkwardly.

“You already wield influence across academic and merchant circles, even the teaching staff and royal residences… First time in Sylvania history… In essence, you’ve risen to an irreplaceable position from the academy’s perspective.”

“…”

“If you were to step down as president now, the academy would suffer greatly… They wouldn’t just let that happen…”

With a pale face, Tanya let go of Ed’s hands. She shook her impeccably combed blond hair without caring if it got ruffled, waving her hands over her head in frustration.

“Then… Then there’s no way out! Then how should I…!”

― Bang!

At that moment, the door to the conference room burst open with authority.

Inside, various noble progeny awaited Tanya’s arrival.

“Have you arrived, President Tanya!!!”

“We’ve been waiting!! Please come in!!!!!”

Members of the student council shouted their loyalty, bowing at a strict 90-degree angle.

Only the center seat was conspicuously empty. All out of respect for Tanya and her anticipated arrival.

Tears welled up in Tanya’s eyes.