232 Determination

Teacher Milk was kind enough to work her magic behind the scenes, keeping the news of Lilith’s withdrawal notice from leaking to the rest of the Academy.

However, the clock was ticking. If I didn't get her to retract it before the Headmaster returned, it would be officially processed.

"Weiss, if you want, I could try to... persuade Neil myself."

Teacher Milk looked at me with an expression I’d never seen before—one of genuine, maternal concern. I’d explained the situation to her, but I was fairly certain there wasn't anything she could actually do within the rules.

Wait, what exactly does 'persuade' mean coming from her? I’m almost too terrified to ask.

"No," I said, shaking my head. "I’ll be the one to settle the score."

"I see... You won't regret this?"

"I won't. I'm going to win. I have to."

"Heh, fair enough. But remember, those two are still undefeated. Priscilla even managed to fight Eva to a draw once."

"I’m well aware. I’ll be giving it everything I’ve got. My plan is to seize the initiative from the very start."

"...Then I have nothing more to say. Except this: I’m on your side, Weiss."

"Thank you... I appreciate it."

Teacher Milk, the woman who was supposed to be the pinnacle of neutrality and never show favoritism, looked at me with such kind, supportive eyes.

And it’s all because I’m so damn weak.

I hated it. That’s why I had to surpass him. I had to crush that guy.

While I was busy spiraling into my own self-loathing, another event was unfolding—one that was definitely veering off the rails of the Original Story.

"Weiss."

"Allen. Don't tell me you made a deal with him too?"

"I did. I... I can't forgive him. Cornering Lilith-san like that, and doing such horrific things to Priscilla-san..."

Lilith’s situation wasn't public knowledge, but obviously, the people in our inner circle knew. Apparently, Allen had actually challenged Neil to a match, with the condition that if he won, Priscilla would be liberated from her slave contract.

Conversely, if Allen lost, he had to promise never to interfere again.

In other words, Neil was using this upcoming exam to sweep the board and claim total victory over everyone. He probably thought Allen was just some lowly commoner at first, but he’d finally recognized him as a threat worth neutralizing.

God, he really is the ultimate villain of Noblesse Oblige. One win and he gets everything he wants. It’s disgusting.

But more importantly, this was a massive deviation. In the Original Story, Allen never had a direct confrontation with Neil this early. Right now, Allen was still weaker than me. He wasn't supposed to fight Neil until much later.

On top of that, Priscilla had the kind of tactical mind that could push Cecil and Universe to the absolute limit.

Allen is way out of his league. He’s going to get slaughtered.

"Do whatever you want," I snapped. "Just make sure you don't get in my way."

"Right, that's why I think we should join forces—"

"Don't give me that crap. I have zero intention of relying on your strength."

Thinking about the Original Story, Allen was more likely to be a liability than an asset. His heart was already wavering because of his feelings for Priscilla. Neil would exploit that in a heartbeat. He’d probably hold Priscilla's life over Allen’s head just to mess with him.

At that moment, Allen will be nothing but a hindrance.

On the walk back, Cynthia was waiting for me.

"How’s Lilith?" I asked.

"She’s in her room. She... still won't say much to me."

"...I see."

"Weiss, I... I’m angry at her. Why won't she trust us? We’ve been by her side this whole time, and yet..."

Cynthia had every right to be furious. I’d probably feel the exact same way if the roles were reversed.

But...

"It’s my fault."

"What do you mean?"

"I can't tell you yet. But once I win this fight, I’ll tell you everything. That includes you, Cynthia. You’ve noticed, haven't you? That I’ve been hiding things."

Cynthia remained silent.

She knew. She’d always known. In a way, this whole mess happened because the foundation of trust between Lilith and me wasn't solid enough yet.

And the crack in that foundation isn't her—it’s me.

I had never told Lilith my true goal. I hadn't told her about the world of Noblesse Oblige, or that I was desperately scrambling to avoid a future where I’m destined to be murdered. I’d kept it secret because I was terrified of changing the future too much, but we had come too far for secrets to be harmless anymore.

Lilith wasn't stupid. She knew I was holding back. She knew I was keeping her at arm's length from the truth.

That uncertainty must have been eating her alive. 'Why won't he tell me anything? Am I just a burden on his path?'

I trusted her with all my heart, but that didn't matter if it stayed locked inside my head. Feelings don't mean anything if you don't put them into words.

But there was no point in talking now. I would tell her the truth only after I beat Neil. This was my way of paying her back—a gesture of gratitude for the girl who had devotedly supported me ever since I woke up in this world.

To do that, I needed to be sure of one thing.

"Cynthia, I am going to win this exam no matter what happens. Do you understand what that implies?"

Even if it means I have to take Priscilla’s life.

It was a brutal, heart-wrenching decision for Cynthia to face. But she looked me in the eye and nodded.

"...I understand. I’ve already made up my mind."

"Then we start training immediately. Honestly, is this the first time we’ve actually formed a proper tag-team? It feels ridiculous after all the exams we’ve been through together."

"It is. You were always so busy looking far into the distance, Weiss. But this time... for Lilith’s sake, let's fight together."

"Yeah."

Inside a lavish, over-decorated private room in the Noblesse dorms, Neil stood by the window, staring out at the grounds.

Without turning around, he addressed the woman standing in the shadows behind him.

"The next exam will be the most important moment of our lives. If we win, everything is ours. If we lose... we lose everything. We cannot afford failure. Not now. We must win, Priscilla."

"It will be fine, Lord Neil. We will prevail."

"...Yes. Priscilla, I’m putting my faith in you."

"Yes, Master. I will... I will defeat Weiss Fancent."