Chapter 317
"Haa, haa, haa..."
Marianne, having fled from the student council room, turned the corner of the hallway and gasped for breath.
She placed a hand on her chest and tried to steady her ragged breathing.
No one else was in the hallway. Since it was after school, most of the students had probably already gone home.
"T-Terrifying... I never thought something could shake me this deeply, even though I'm a witch..."
'Are you all right, Lady Marianne?'
From Marianne's shadow, a black snake with golden eyes slithered out.
It was the familiar Marianne had under her command.
'Did something happen? You suddenly took off running.'
"Something happened...? Didn't you notice how abnormal those people were?"
'Abnormal...?'
The black snake tilted its head curiously.
As a monster, the black snake didn't share the same sensibilities as humans.
Because of that, it couldn't comprehend the terror of abnormal humans—those so-called 'perverts'.
'They didn't point weapons at you, nor did it seem like they cast any magic... What exactly was the threat?'
"...That's enough. Just be quiet."
'Huh?'
Though still puzzled, the black snake obeyed and closed its mouth.
(So this is the academy where the Saint resides. I expected it wouldn't be straightforward, but this is... not the direction I imagined.)
Something more like... you know.
Fierce battles with the Saint's allies. Psychological warfare waged in the shadows.
Why did she, a witch, have to flee in fear from a perverted student council?
(It's not the Saint's power... right? That perversion. What is going on in this academy?)
"This isn't a battle between a witch and a Saint..."
'Is it all right if I speak now, Lady Marianne?'
"...Fine."
The black snake seemed eager to talk, so she reluctantly gave permission.
Her nerves were still on edge, but thanks to the break, her breathing had eased.
'I don't fully understand, but if you can't brainwash the student council officers, then we'll have to change targets.'
"That's true..."
'Seriously... Do better next time. You are the Demon King's incarnation. Don't show such disgraceful behavior.'
"...Shut up."
Though irritated by the black snake, Marianne forcibly pushed the events in the student council room out of her mind.
To gain the power to confront the Saint, she pondered where to aim next.
(The first idea that comes to mind is brute force in numbers, but trying to brainwash too many at once drains too much magic power. Each spell becomes weaker. I already failed during the entrance ceremony... It might not be the best strategy.)
That being the case... the next idea is the power of 'authority'.
Charm someone with influence within the academy. Brainwash them and use their authority to take control of the school.
(The Saint and the Crown Prince are just students within the school grounds. I heard they can't act too boldly toward the teachers. Then let's bring the teachers under our control.)
"Oh... you're Miss Riatole? What are you doing here?"
"!"
Someone called out to Marianne.
Not a student. A man dressed neatly in clerical robes. If she remembered correctly...
"...Mr. Clael Byrne."
He was the teacher in charge of theology and music.
Why was he here, of all places?
"I had some business with the student council... Are you all right? Your hair and clothes are a mess."
Clael furrowed his brow slightly as he asked.
Because she had sprinted at full speed, Marianne's skirt and jacket were in disarray.
An empty academy after school. A girl with her clothes in disarray.
Moreover, Marianne was sweating and looked like she was about to cry.
It was no wonder someone might get the wrong idea.
(Unexpected, but... I can use this.)
"I'm sorry... Mr. Byrne, I'm not feeling well... My chest feels tight..."
With tears welling in her eyes, Marianne subtly unfastened a button on her uniform to reveal her cleavage.
It was difficult to cast Charm on a theology teacher, especially one recognized as a saint by the shrine.
Even so... if he harbored lust toward her, that would change things.
(If he lusts after me, I can charm even the most devout priest... You lecherous monk, fall before my beauty!)
"Please... escort me to the infirmary........................ Eek!?"
Blushing, Marianne tried to seduce Clael... but then she saw it.
Over Clael's shoulder, someone standing at the end of the hallway.
"............"
(Saint Reina Laurel...!?)
Standing at the end of the hallway was Marianne's nemesis... Saint Reina Laurel.
Behind Clael, at a distance where her presence couldn't be sensed, she stood with her eyes wide open, her head tilted slightly, and a lock of her hair in her mouth.
Reina was staring straight at Marianne.
With an overwhelming aura of divine power behind her, so intense it seemed like Marianne, the Demon King's incarnation, might evaporate.
(I'm dead............!?)
Under the crushing pressure emanating from Reina, Marianne envisioned her own 'death'.
Her life until now... memories from before and after awakening as a witch flashed through her mind.
"Gyuu..."
"W-Wait, Miss Riatole!?"
And then... Marianne foamed at the mouth and collapsed like a puppet with its strings cut.