SWNOVELXO Chapter 69.1
Stage 3-2. The Path to Paradise. One Summer’s Big Goal
“Phew… looks like we’ll get a bit of a break now.”
A month I had passed since the chaotic Academy Magic Competition.
During that time, the new student council—including me—had been working nonstop. Exhaustion had become such a routine that it was almost nostalgic now.
This was because the academy had officially announced an extended break.
Frone of Thunder had orchestrated a mass murder targeting the students of the magical academies, while also being behind countless past atrocities on Lambdarve Island.
Her crimes weren’t just limited to these; her cruelty was beyond what a normal person could comprehend.
And this Frone of Thunder had reigned as the headmaster of Rishburg Magical Academy.
Naturally, the government initiated a thorough investigation.
It was unlikely she’d left any evidence, but not investigating wasn’t an option.
The academy had to be scoured from top to bottom.
This was the first reason.
The second was for the mental care of the current students.
After the incident, a flood of requests for leave of absence poured in.
It’s only natural for caring parents to avoid sending their beloved children to a school associated with a mass murderer.
Especially at Rishburg, where all students hailed from noble families, the impact was enormous.
They could hire private tutors if needed. While the curriculum might not match what the academy offered, safety naturally took precedence.
There was also no guarantee that Frone wouldn’t return to the academy someday.
Given these circumstances, the academy decided to grant students an extended break and temporarily close its doors.
That’s how we found ourselves wrapping up our final patrol as the student council.
“Rishburg is so big. I didn’t think it’d take until noon to finish when we started this morning.”
Karen gave a sheepish laugh.
Sure, dividing the work would’ve been faster.
But I had requested we all move as a group.
The reason was simple.
Frone of Thunder saw me as an enemy.
From what Reina told me, she seemed to view me as a dangerous adversary.
On top of that, I’d taken Mashiro, one of her future pawns, away from her.
It wouldn’t be surprising if she attacked at any moment.
In such a scenario, Karen, who lacked combat ability, would be in danger. Leaving her alone was out of the question.
With Reina, Mashiro, and me, we could at least avoid instant annihilation.
“Sorry about that. But there’s a reason for this.”
“Oh, no! I didn’t mean it like that. Besides, I was happy when you said those words back then…”
“…?”
Karen’s voice trailed off, her finger fidgeting, and I couldn’t catch the last part.
Those words back then… She must mean when I suggested we stick together:
“Let’s all go together. I don’t want to lose anyone precious to me.”
A cheerful classmate who brightened even the darkest moods.
A fiancée who understood my preferences and showered me with affection.
An older sister figure who had recently taken pleasure in teasing me.