Chapter 73 Preparation for the School Festival (7)
Razé cut her Hamburg steak smaller than usual and put it in her mouth. She was in the principal’s office, sitting on the same table with Harlens who was sipping his wine daintily.
Harlens: “-And that’s why we are able to allow visitors into the academy with this gadget made by the Toymaker.”
He showed the wristband to Razé. She put down her fork to read the magic built inside the gadget.
Razé: “That’s amazing. You managed to mass produce this high-level item?”
It was a wristband with an admission permit that will be distributed to the participants for the school festival. The gadget would shrink when it detected malicious intent. And after the user registered their identities, the security could monitor their whereabout. This kind of magic was not something that could be done easily.
Harlens: “It seems that the Toymaker has worked hard so that you can enjoy the school festival without any worries.”
He gave a dry laugh. He could never tell the public that this gadget was made by modifying a restraint equipment developed by the military in the past.
Razé: “I see.”
She had a gentle look on her face as she was reminded about Sergio Habermas.
I’ll thank him when I meet him later.
She hadn’t known him for that long, but he adored her like they were old acquaintances. She decided to go and thank him on the next holiday because he had also helped to create the screens for the Battle Fiesta. They hadn’t seen each other for a while, but she was really happy that he cared for her.
Harlens: “We’ve conducted trial experiment and we can guarantee that it won’t cause any direct harm to the students.”
Razé: “Okay.”
She looked down at the documents given to her, summarizing the results of the test.
Harlens: “What we should be careful about is indirect and planned crimes. Just like the tournaments in summer and winter, we will have the Knights and the military to support the security during the festival. However, the school festivals will also use school buildings, so there are more places that’s hard to cover.”
He took another sip of his wine.
Razé tried to imagine the situation on the day of the festival. Well, we can pinpoint the location if someone try to do something strange. Other than that, maybe we need to consider non-malicious behaviour used by someone.
This was a first time project, so there were many things needed to be done. Besides, the academy was full of golden eggs born in the Year of Seira, the security costs were huge.
Honestly, I was surprised that the academy approved this project.
Razé looked at the documents and felt that Harlens really had worked hard to value the independence of the students.
Harlens: “Orphan, this is off the record-”
He drained his glass of wine and filled it up again. Hearing him calling her Orphan, Razé straightened up her back unconsciously.
Harlens: “I know you might have your own opinion, but I hope you can give top priority to the Crown Prince’s safety. We can’t let anything happen to him.”
Razé could guess that he was conflicted too. Although he had made clear to prioritize the Crown Prince, she could understand his feelings.
That makes sense. Every student is precious, but Ruben is the future emperor. Social hierarchy is normal in this world, so I should prioritize accordingly.
She had infiltrated the academy as a student and her position allowed her to protect Ruben openly.
If he’s indecisive, then I’ll be in trouble too.
She had been prioritizing Ruben all along, so actually there was no need to remind her now.
Razé: “Certainly.”
She looked at him with a serious face. Harlens knitted his brows.
Harlens: “Okay… There’s only one week left until the festival. Let’s do our best to finish up the remaining preparation and have a successful event.”
Razé: “Yes.”
She nodded and continued to finish her Hamburg steak. She needed to make sure she was in a tip top condition.
* * *
Folia: “Razé-chan, welcome back!”
Razé: “I’m back.”
When she returned, Razé saw an extra bed in the middle of her room. She didn’t see Carna in the room, so she turned to ask Folia who had already changed into her sleepwear.
Razé: “Where’s Carna-sama?”
Folia: “She went back to her room for something. I already talked to her that we should sleep early today. We already ate dinner and took a bath.”
Razé: “Alright. I’m going to sleep early today too.”
Folia normally slept like a log, so it was easy for her to act at night. But she needed to be careful now since Carna was around. She couldn’t close the partition curtain, so she decided to sleep on the bed obediently.
“Carna-sama said that gathering together at night like this is called pajama party.” Folia looked excited as she said the word ‘party’.
Razé: “Haha. You won’t be able to sleep if you’re too excited.”
Folia: “Hmm, you’re right. Maybe I’m too excited because it’s the first time that the three of us sleep together.”
Razé broke into a grin when she saw Folia looked a bit sad like a puppy. “I’m excited too. I think we can sleep like this until the festival. Let’s secretly have a party after Carna-sama gets well.”
“Un!!” Folia smiled with bright eyes.
I prefer Folia this way, Razé thought as she changed her clothes.
Razé: “By the way, how was Lord Moldir?”
Folia: “Huh? Aa-”
Razé stopped changing her clothes. She felt her reaction was funny. It might be annoying if it was another girl, but this was cute because she was the heroine.
Razé: “Uh-huh. Something happened?”
She couldn’t help to tease her.
Folia: “No- Nothing happened!”
Razé: “Hmm.”
Folia: “Really.”
Razé: “Yeah, right.”
She shot her a smirk while changing her clothes. Folia puffed out her cheeks. Razé wanted to pinch that cheeks but stopped herself to avoid angering her further.
At that time, they heard the sound of knocking on the door.
Razé: “Come in.”
Carna entered the room. “Razé, you’re back?”
Razé: “Yes. How are you feeling.”
Carna: “I’m fine. Sorry to make you worry.”
Razé pulled Carna inside the room. Folia immediately tried to pull Carna on her side, saying, “Carna-sama, you must help me.”
“What’s wrong?” Carna was puzzled when she saw Folia pouting.
Folia: “Razé-chan is bullying me. I already said nothing happened between me and Zale-sama but she won’t believe me!”
Folia hid behind Carna and peeked at Razé. Carna was confused at the situation.
Razé: “Uh-huh. I can just ask Lord Moldir directly about the truth.”
Folia: “What?!”
Folia was shocked and grabbed Carna’s shirt. Her expression was very easy to read. Carna finally understood the situation after looking at her face.
Carna: “Razé, stop teasing her.”
Folia was giving signal with her eyes to get Carna to back her up. It was obvious that something happened between her and Lord Moldir by looking at her reaction.
Razé decided to behave herself. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t help it because Folia is too cute. Forgive me, Folia.”
She begged for her forgiveness because she didn’t want to be on her bad side.
Folia: “Humph. Even if you look at me like that… Okay, I’ll forgive you.””
Her words didn’t make sense but it seemed that she had forgave her. Both Razé and Carna laughed happily. They spent the night chatting and laughing at silly stories.
Time went by quickly. The school festival was finally here.
