Chapter 226: Seeing is Believing

"Do you think the Slave Crest is suppressing Priscilla's emotions?" I asked.

"I’d say the possibility is remarkably high," Cecil replied. "Originally, those crests were intended to be used when someone displayed a rebellious attitude. But Priscilla-san possesses incredible combat prowess, doesn't she? It’s only natural to assume something happened in the past that led to it being applied. Besides, even if you just look at her grades..."

"Yeah. Even now, Priscilla remains undefeated in the official exams."

In the third-year official exams, the only ones who held an undefeated record were Neil and Priscilla.

Eva occasionally threw matches on her own whim, but in terms of total points, she still ranked higher than Neil. That was mostly because Neil spent his entire time playing hooky.

"Also, this is still just a rumor, but..." Cecil trailed off.

"What is it?"

"It seems there are movements for House Albert—or more likely, Neil himself—to change the law. Specifically, the laws regarding slaves."

"...The law?"

"Slavery exists in many countries, but it’s almost always illegal," she explained. "However, it seems he’s trying to legalize it on a global scale. Apparently, he let it slip at one point that he’s buying them up in massive quantities. This is just my own speculation, but if that bill passes, he’ll likely become the wealthiest man in the world. And he’ll have a literal army of slaves at his command."

Well, that’s just great. That’s the absolute worst-case scenario.

If a man like Neil, who had no hesitation when it came to Slave Crests, managed to get slavery legalized, he’d have a massive army at his disposal in no time.

So that's his game.

"I'm starting to see the full picture. Sorry for always dumping this on you, Cecil."

"It is quite a lot, isn't it? Still, seeing is believing. We might as well head out for some reconnaissance of the enemy’s situation."

"What do you mean by that?"

"First..."

Cecil shifted her gaze back to the game board.

We’d been at this for what felt like an eternity, and I hadn't managed to win a single time. Now, looking down, I realized I was completely out of moves.

"I... I lost," I groaned.

"Hehe. Thank you for the game."

She gave me a polite little bow.

I still haven’t given up on beating her, though. That was why I spent every spare moment I had researching Battle Universe. On the final day of Summer Vacation (Estarm), I’d even managed to secure a Victory against the Undefeated Battle Universe Old Man, a sub-episode character living in the Edonia Region.

"You said your name was Weiss? Very well. I shall grant you the Menkyo Kaiden."

That old guy had been absurdly strong. It was a total bloodbath of a match.

So why?! Why couldn't I win yet?! How am I still losing to her?!