Chapter 38: Townsperson A Attends the Party

Daily life continued after that, notably lacking the incident where Anastasia was supposed to push Amy down the stairs.

To be precise, Amy had been pulling every trick in the book to lure Anastasia to the stairwell, but Anastasia had skillfully utilized the teachers and her circle of followers to elusively dodge every attempt. As a result, the term ended without Amy even getting the chance to stage a "fall."

Naturally, final exams arrived, and the results were eventually posted for all to see.

1st Place: Anastasia Kleiner von Ramslett (500) 1st Place: Allen (500) 3rd Place: Margaret von Altmund (491) 4th Place: Isabella von Lyuinberg (456) 5th Place: Amy von Braises (451) 6th Place: Marcus von Beinz (441) · · · 9th Place: Claude Justine de Westadale (421) 10th Place: Oscar von Wimlett (419) · · · 29th Place: Karlheinz Bartille von Sentlaren (396) · · · 38th Place: Glen Whiteberg (379) 39th Place: Leonard von Jukes (261)

It felt a little refreshing. No, let me correct that. It felt incredibly refreshing. Serves them right!

In the game’s scenario, a mentally cornered Anastasia was supposed to lose her composure, allowing Amy to steal the top spot in the year. That failure would drive her even further into a corner, eventually leading to her losing her mind during the Condemnation Event and demanding a duel.

Reality, however, had produced the exact opposite result.

Amy had slipped to fifth place. Anastasia had reclaimed her throne at the top, and her followers had climbed the ranks to third and fourth. Furthermore, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Karlheinz—despite all his high-and-mighty posturing—had finally managed a grade that was faster to count from the bottom of the list.

And to top it all off! Lord Leonard, the future Knight Commander who had tried to muscle Anastasia into admitting to a crime she didn’t commit, was dead last for the second term in a row.

Justice! Pure, sweet justice!

While I was admiring the board and reveling in their failure, Anastasia called out to me from behind.

"Allen. I didn't lose this time."

Her voice sounded unusually buoyant. I turned around and offered her my sincere praise.

"Lady Anastasia, congratulations. A perfect score is truly impressive."

"No, you earned a perfect score as well, Allen. You never cease to amaze. Congratulations to you too."

"Thank you, my lady." I gave her a respectful bow.

"Allen-kun, you really are something else, aren't you?"

"Lady Margaret. Congratulations on taking third place."

Upon hearing Margaret’s voice, I turned to see her smiling alongside another one of Anastasia’s followers. She was a plain-looking girl with brown hair and black eyes. If I recalled correctly, she was the one who acted as the primary culprit for Amy’s "bullying" in the game.

"Thank you. Although, I was so close to catching up to Lady Anastasia," she said. She sounded frustrated, but her expression was one of genuine satisfaction.

"Allen, this is Isabella," Anastasia said, introducing her. "Daughter of Viscount Lyuinberg. Isabella, I believe you already know of him, but this is our scholarship student, Allen."

"Lady Isabella, it is an honor to meet you."

"The pleasure is mine, Allen-san. I’m sure we’ll be in the same class starting next term."

"Isabella was in Class B until now," Anastasia added. "But with these marks, she’ll undoubtedly be promoted to Class A. I hope you’ll be friends."

"I would be honored. I look forward to it."

I went through the motions of the greeting, but a part of me felt a pang of guilt. If the Condemnation Event happened tonight as scheduled, I wouldn’t be at this academy next term. I’d be gone.

A hazy sense of regret lingered in my chest.

That evening, the graduation and promotion celebration party was held in the royal castle’s grand ballroom. Every student was in attendance, along with a sea of invited dignitaries.

It was December. After this, the academy would head into winter break—a long holiday lasting until spring. While most noble students returned to their family estates to assist with local governance or self-study, in the context of the game, this was the "grinding period" for leveling up.

The ballroom was already packed with the sons and daughters of the nobility, all draped in their finest finery and engaged in spirited conversation. Of course, such luxury and social maneuvering had nothing to do with me. I was dressed in my standard school uniform, playing my usual role as a wallflower.

The catering consisted of nothing but lukewarm dishes that had already been sampled by poison testers. Still, I figured this would be the last time I’d ever eat such food, so I made sure to savor every bite.

Anastasia was surrounded by her followers, while Amy was flanked by the Crown Prince and his entourage. Thinking that this might be the last time I’d ever witness this scene made me feel strangely sentimental.

As the festivities reached their peak—though no alcohol was served—the announcement for the top students of each year began.

First, a second-year graduate was called to the stage. Apparently, he had achieved top marks in academics, magic, and swordsmanship. Not satisfied with that, he had also collaborated with a university professor to develop a new type of Magic Stone. He gave a short speech, thanked the Crown Prince for some reason, and stepped down to thunderous applause.

Then, it was time for the first-years. The announcer’s voice rang through the hall.

"The Most Excellent Award for the first-year class goes to—His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Karlheinz Bartille von Sentlaren!"

The room erupted in applause the moment his name was read. However, the faces in the crowd told a different story. Some looked genuinely celebratory, others looked bitter, and many were simply clapping because they had to.

According to the game, no matter which character’s route you were on, the Crown Prince was always the one called to the stage. It was from that podium that he would begin the Villainess’s condemnation.

"The Crown Prince has shown exceptional prowess, particularly in swordsmanship and magic," the announcer continued. "Furthermore, in his academic pursuits, he has demonstrated a level of multi-faceted analysis and social engagement far beyond his years by collaborating with experts on various social issues. This award is a testament to those achievements."

The Crown Prince ascended the stage and accepted the certificate with an air of practiced entitlement. He then turned to face the crowd.

"Thank you, everyone. However, I did not achieve this alone. I would like to call those whose names I read now to join me on this stage. Claude Justine de Westadale—your unique perspective never ceases to surprise me. I hope you will continue to be my dear friend."

"You got it," Claude replied.

"Marcus von Beinz—you are my rival in the magical arts, but I have always relied on your cool, calculated judgment."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Leonard von Jukes—I thank you for your tireless dedication to serving as my sword."

"Sir!"

"Oscar von Wimlett—your eye for the true value of things is a gift. I shall continue to rely on you."

"Count on me!"

Every one of the capture targets gathered on the stage. The Crown Prince took a breath before continuing.

"And Amy von Braises—meeting you has allowed me to grow tremendously as a man. I want you to remain by my side forever."

"Oh! Yes!"

Amy practically sprinted onto the stage, throwing herself into the Crown Prince’s arms. I saw more than a few guests grimace at such a scandalous display.

"My success was only possible because of their support," the Prince declared. "I promise to never forget this, and I shall continue to devote myself to becoming a worthy King for my people."

"Oh, Karl-sama..." Amy swooned.

"That's the spirit. You can do it," one of them chimed in.

"I shall support you with my entire soul," added another.

I watched the farce unfold from the sidelines, my gaze cold. The crowd was applauding, but the whole thing felt utterly scripted.

"And there is one more thing I must declare here," the Crown Prince said, his voice carrying clearly across the silent hall. He paused for dramatic effect.

"Anastasia Kleiner von Ramslett. Step forward."