In more ways than one, despite all the lives I've taken, despite the countless attempts on my life as both Chae Eun-woo and Vanitas Astrea, never before had I felt so cornered.
"Tell …."
Her voice barely registered, amidst all the chaos and confusion swirling in my thoughts. Because at that mont, I was struck by a realization that should've never slipped my mind.
Despite all the misunderstandings I had regarding the original Vanitas's actions… I had overlooked a single, fundantal truth.
A truth so deeply ingrained in since the mont I beca Vanitas Astrea.
"Why aren't you saying anything…."
A truth I had buried beneath layers of rationale, justification, and selective mory.
That no matter the path taken, no matter which side the player chose….
"...."
….Vanitas Astrea had always been a villain.
There was no misunderstanding to be misunderstood here.
"Just… tell … you didn't know him…."
But how could I? How could I deny what was becoming clearer with every passing second?
——You… murdered the Queen… You and that fucking bastard Zelliel…!
The voice was familiar, yet unfamiliar at the sa ti. William… no—Romulus. Bloodied, beaten, and groveling before the original Vanitas Astrea.
And then ca another voice.
——And I won't stop there! I'll fucking kill you! Your parents! Your daughter! I'll fucking kill them all!
Vanitas Astrea's voice.
——I haven't done shit, you motherfucker! I wanted to save her! But that fucking Zelliel… Fuck!
Thud! Thud! Thud!
A series of brutal kicks followed. In a blinding rage, Vanitas Astrea stomped Romulus down like he was nothing more than trash—kicking, again and again, as if the man were nothing more than filth beneath his boots.
But even through the pain, Romulus reached out, grabbing hold of Vanitas's heel with his bloodied fingers. He looked up with conviction, eting Vanitas's gaze.
——You kill that pitiful girl, Karina, and I'll ensure you burn in hell, Vanitas Astrea... I'll haunt you even after my death…
Several pieces of information filled my thoughts. The very reason why Romulus had been investigating Vanitas Astrea in the first place, was not just a re deduction. In fact, what he had been investigating was actually Zelliel from the very beginning.
Romulus hadn't started investigating Vanitas Astrea by re deduction. His original target had always been Zelliel.
——Obsessive psycho bastard! She's not even your real daughter!
Thud! Thud!
——You act like a father now?! After killing her mother over your twisted conspiracy?!
——It's not so conspiracy! I knew it—I was sure of it… She was definitely eting her ex behind my back!
Because Karina's real father….
——She was still seeing Zelliel!
….Was none other than Zelliel.
"...."
I could only remain speechless. The weight of everything I had just seen, everything I had just realized, pulled like a suffocating anvil in my chest. My head throbbed, but the numbness from the shock overpowered even that pain.
"Was it funny…?" Karina's voice broke the silence.
I lifted my gaze to her, watching her eyes shimr with tears out of the betrayal she was feeling at the mont.
"You… offering that recomndation, the financial support, the guidance… Was it all just pity?" she continued, her voice cracking. "Were you looking down on from your high throne, playing the noble professor while I was nothing more than so pathetic charity case?"
"...."
"Just tell !" she scread, stepping closer. "Tell you didn't know him! Tell you didn't kill him! Tell I wasn't stupid for believing in you!"
Her fists trembled at her sides. Then, she stepped forward and hit my chest with her forehead.
"Hey… tell …"
Once.
"Why aren't you saying anything…?"
Twice.
"Professor…."
Thrice.
"Don't do this to … please…"
Again and again, she desperately pleaded as she continued pressing her forehead into my chest, her tears dripping silently, soaking through the fabric of my coat as if trying to suck the truth out of the lump in my heart.
On the ninth ti, the heirloom she had given back then slipped from my coat pocket, as if fate itself had chosen that decisive mont to betray . It hit the ground with a soft clink, drawing Karina's gaze downward.
"...."
She stared at it for a mont, then clenched her fists—and continued crying against .
'I didn't know him. I have no idea who Romulus or William Camus even is. I helped you out of obligation, not pity.'
Those were the words she so desperately wanted to hear from . Perhaps to justify her pain. Perhaps to preserve what little amount of faith she had left in .
Or perhaps… because she wanted to believe the person she had trusted wasn't a lie.
This woman, Karina Maeril, who had built her entire relationship with on Chae Eun-woo's convictions and principle—not Vanitas Astrea's, had still ended up suffering the consequences of his actions.
And so, I lied.
As reluctant as I was to admit it, out of everyone I was willing to throw aside, she was one of the only people in this world I genuinely didn't want to lose.
And perhaps… that lie was the greatest mistake I had made ever since coming to this world.
"...."
Because the very next day, as I entered my office in the University Tower, a single docunt was waiting on my desk.
———
Letter of Resignation.
I sincerely thank you for everything you've done for .
But I believe this is where our paths end.
I hereby withdraw from the University Tower.
Take care of yourself, Professor.
Sincerely,
— Karina Maeril
———
Crumple—
My hand gripped the paper, but no strength ca.
I could only stare at the signature's ink, knowing I had lost sothing irretrievable.
No… that wasn't quite right.
"Haha…"
A strange, bitter laugh escaped my lips as the letter slowly crumpled further between my fingers. A flood of mories crashed down on like a tidal wave.
All those monts.
The quiet afternoons in my office, where Karina would sit across from , scribbling notes while I reviewed her progress.
The countless hours spent guiding her through complex theories, simplifying concepts until she grasped them.
The shared als, lunches, under the shade of the courtyard, dinners at the small samgyupsal shop where she used to work.
The rainy night she'd left her umbrella behind, and I had no choice but to offer her a ride ho. That day, she was completely exhausted and had fallen asleep on my shoulder. She had asked to compensate for drooling on my shoulder, but I refused and told her not to worry about it.
"...."
The way she always drank her tea too hot. The way she'd hum absentmindedly when lost in thought. The way her entire deanor changed from clumsy to competence whenever it mattered.
So on and so forth.
Gone.
All of it—gone with a single letter.
"Just why…"
The very first person to turn their back on in this world… was the one I had kept closest by my side all this ti.
And the quest….
――「Tutorial」――
◆ Objective: Prevent upcoming allegations and avoid losing your teaching profession at all costs.
[Rewards:]
◆ Understanding: 340%
―――――――――――――――
….Was continuously rising in difficulty.
A twisted thought clawed at the edges of my mind.
'Should I have just… killed her?'
The thought was irrationally fleeting, but it took root all the sa.
I had backed myself into a corner.
And worse yet… I had no idea what part of had started to agree with it.
——Sorry for entering, Professor. You left the door slightly open. My classmates were wondering, so they sent to ask whether you'll be conducting a lecture today, or—Professor?"
A voice called from behind . I didn't need to look back to know who it was and remained silent.
"...."
——Uhm…
She closed the door and began walking toward . I could hear the sound of her footsteps nearing.
"...."
When I turned, I suddenly grabbed Astrid's shoulders.
My thoughts were spiraling as if tangled in fear, anxiety, and realization. I had made an irreparable mistake both ntally and detrintally.
I had stepped closer to Vanitas Astrea's path. A cri I wouldn't be able to refute. A cri that would inevitably spell my end.
"P-Professor… what—" Astrid stamred, clearly flustered as she looked up, feeling my firm grip on her shoulders.
"Will you abandon too?" I whispered, my voice nearly cracking. "Even if… no matter what I do… no matter what I will do for you, no matter what I say, will you turn your back on too?"
"P-Professor, what are you talking abou—"
"Tell , Astrid," I said, holding her tighter. "Will my words be dismissed by you too? That in the end, I'm just digging my own grave?"
"...."
She remained quiet, as her dilated pupils stared back at . My voice trembled hysterically with the heaviness of everything I couldn't say.
I wasn't even sure what emotion I was feeling anymore. But if I had to na it… it was probably fear.
Fear that everything was going to fall apart.
And then, slowly, Astrid removed my hand and stepped closer, wrapping her arms around , holding there as if anchoring in place.
"I'm not sure what happened to you, Professor," she whispered gently, "but I'm here… so lean on if you need to. I won't leave."
"...."
I didn't respond.
* * *
In the weeks that followed, Karina Maeril never returned.
Vanitas had no idea where she'd gone. Her apartnt was completely abandoned. When he visited the samgyupsal restaurant where she used to work, the staff simply inford him that Karina had already resigned without notice.
When he eventually sought out Roselyn, it was as if she hesitated, then simply told him that Karina had left a ssage ant specifically for him.
"She said she's going on a long journey, Professor," Roselyn inford. "She didn't tell where she was going."
"I see."
"Ah, about the coin," she added quickly, shifting topics. "It's still undergoing testing, but it's now partially functional. You could try using it for a short expedition if needed—"
"I see. I'll wait until it's fully ready."
"Ah…"
With that, Vanitas turned and walked away.
* * *
Over the following months, Vanitas had imrsed himself in a pile of administrative work. Despite the initial delays, the launch of his winery brand, Vanessa Clarice, beca a resounding success, particularly among the nobility.
Its popularity extended beyond Aetherion and had beco a major hit in the Theocracy as well. Furthermore, Vanitas even managed to secure an exportation license in the Celestine Hegemony.
Several new establishnts had since been opened, and Vanitas Astrea had fully absorbed the Ainsley family's assets.
The administration of those holdings was delegated to Silas Ainsley, who now served as his protégé, working under Vanitas's guidance to beco a capable head of his family.
Likewise, Charles Rosamund, the son of Claude Rosamund, who had been under Vanitas's financial support and ntorship from the very beginning, was steadily rising to secure his place as the young head of his house.
Upon graduating, he successfully earned a spot in the Top 100 of the ESAT Examination. It didn't take long for the boy to officially enroll in the Silver University Tower as a first-year student.
By this point, both the Rosamund Earl Family and the Ainsley Marquess Family had effectively beco subordinate branches under Vanitas Astrea's influence and control discreetly.
Nevertheless, Vanitas's rising power did not go unnoticed, considering his accomplishnts in the following months.
The High Council of Nobles had begun to grow uneasy over the growing influence of the new Marquess. Yet, during Vanitas's formal arrival at the Council, he had been greeted with a cordial reception.
'The Astreas have finally returned to the High Council, I see. Congratulations.'
To those well-versed in noble history, a century ago, the Astrea Family had once held a Duke title, but was stripped of it over political disputes.
Now, under Vanitas's leadership, the family had clawed its way back into prominence.
In summary, a year and and three months had passed since Vanitas's transmigration.
By then, more than 80% of his students had successfully passed their exams and advanced to second-year status with flying colors.
As a natural progression, and upon suggestion from the university administration, Vanitas decided to continue his tutelage by opening two specialized courses. One designed for first-year students, and another advanced track for second-year students.
Scribble—
He signed the final line of the docunt, then set his pen down, his gaze falling upon the words written before him.
'Formal request to officiate the Illenia Knights to serve under the Astrea Marquess Na.'
As per imperial law, high nobility held the right to command their own Crusade Orders. It was an exclusive privilege granted only to Marquesses and Duchies. Earls, by contrast, could only employ a small order of knights at best.
Vanitas was fully aware of the financial strain plaguing the Illenia Knights. And while Margaret Illenia was undoubtedly skilled with a blade, she was far from a capable leader.
A sigh escaped his lips as he leaned back in his chair. Then, rising to his feet, he turned toward his ever-reliable butler.
"Evan," he said, adjusting the cuffs of his coat. "Have this letter delivered under my na. And prepare accordingly. I'll be attending another Council eting this afternoon."
"Understood, my Lord."
As Evan quietly left his office, Vanitas turned his gaze toward the one thing he never failed to check every hour without fail.
――「Tutorial」――
◆ Objective: Prevent upcoming allegations and avoid losing your teaching profession at all costs.
[Rewards:]
◆ Understanding: 400%
―――――――――――――――
At so point, the rewards had stopped increasing. The number had remained stagnant.
But that didn't bother him. Not anymore. He had already ensured that if he were to cross paths with Karina again, contingencies were in place, and that every possibility had been accounted for.
"...."
…Yet, sowhere deep in his heart, he still hoped it wouldn't co to that.
* * *
"Grand Knight! This is big news!"
A knight burst into the office just as Margaret was about to change out of her uniform.
"What is it, Zane?" she asked, turning to face him.
"It's… it's an opportunity!" he said breathlessly, holding out a rolled docunt in his hands.
"...An opportunity?"
Zane strode forward and laid the docunt on her desk with both hands, practically shaking with excitent. Margaret, still perplexed, stepped closer and unrolled it.
Her eyes scanned the neatly penned contents.
——
To Grand Knight Margaret Illenia,
I extend my greetings and utmost respect to you and the esteed Illenia Knights.
"...."
Her brows furrowed.
"...."
Then lifted.
"...."
Then furrowed again.
As the current Head of House Astrea and Marquess of Aetherion, I hereby offer to officiate and integrate the Illenia Knights under the banner of the Astrea Marquess House.
This formal affiliation will provide your Order with full financial backing, access to advanced training facilities, updated armant, and expanded jurisdiction under Imperial law.
This arrangent will not infringe upon your autonomy as Grand Knight. The Illenia Knight will continue to operate under your command and uphold its traditions and values.
"...."
"Grand Knight," Zane said, unable to contain his enthusiasm, "This could save the Order. Funding, equipnt, expansion, proper training facilities… this is everything we've needed!"
Zane, like many of the younger knights, held Vanitas Astrea in high regard.
He was unaware of the deeper, more complicated history that surrounded the man. To Zane, Vanitas was a figure worthy of respect.
Truthfully, this wasn't the first offer Margaret had received. At least two other noble houses had approached her before.
Yet, each ti, she hesitated. Would the Illenia Order be willing to serve beneath the banner of a household?
Would her knights, who prided themselves on their independence and legacy, willingly accept such subordination?
Those questions had always held her back.
But this… was different. A Marquess Household. House Astrea. Vanitas Astrea.
Since the Blood Moon incident a year ago, the perception her knights held of Vanitas had completely changed. Even those who had once doubted him now spoke of him with reluctant admiration.
And yet, Margaret couldn't fully grasp the reason behind this offer. There were better Crusade Orders out there.
So, why hers?
"So… are you considering it?" Zane asked.
"I… don't know," Margaret replied, eyes still on the letter. "I need to et with him first."
*
End of Volu 3.
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