With Orphelia's school crest shattering, the final match of the Lindvolus Festa at last had its result.
"Match over!" The host's excited voice rang through the Sirius Dome arena. "The victor is Elise Holiness!"
Softly comforting the white-haired beauty in her arms, Elise leaned in and whispered something before leaving.
"Tell Dirk and Madiath that I'll be coming to see them in a couple of days. Most likely… for cooperation."
At those words, Orphelia's eyes widened in disbelief—whether because of the intelligence revealed or because Elise had spoken of "cooperation," even she couldn't say.
But the current situation was beyond her control. All she could do now was report it.
When Elise stepped onto the winner's podium, the crowd erupted in cheers. The impact of her victory was beyond anything anyone had imagined.
Especially the scene where she summoned a massive avatar and, in the end, redeemed Orphelia—it had been reposted and circulated countless times, further amplifying her fame.
"Congratulations on your championship victory!"
A brown-haired man approached with the trophy, smiling broadly.
It was none other than the Festa Committee Chairman—Madiath Mesa.
Though no trace of killing intent radiated from him, the instant Elise took the trophy from his hands, she sensed a faint, almost imperceptible murderous edge.
So, he's got some thoughts about me, huh?
No problem. I'll be seeing him soon enough.
...
On a moonless night, an airship drifted above Asterisk.
Normally, airships weren't uncommon here. But this one was different.
Every part of it—from the gasbag to the smallest component—was pitch black, blending perfectly with the night sky. In this darkness, spotting it was nearly impossible.
Its official registration marked it as belonging to some unknown minor millionaire, but in truth, it had been acquired through certain special means.
The current owner? The president of Rewolf Black Institute—
The Tyrant, Dirk Eberwein.
"I told you she shouldn't have been sent to compete in this Lindvolus Festa! And now look—she's completely useless!" Dirk slammed his fist on the table in fury. He never should've listened to that bastard in the first place.
"Didn't you say you'd take responsibility? How are you going to do that?"
His gaze then shifted toward the silent figure standing nearby.
"And you! You're useless now—how can you still stand here without shame?"
"…"
Facing Dirk's accusations, Orphelia only closed her eyes silently, neither speaking nor moving away.
Her demeanor only fueled Dirk's anger further.
It was to be expected. Years of preparation had already been derailed once before by that woman, Toudou Kirin's master. And now, after finally making it this far, yet again—the problem lay with a woman! And worse, the plan's core asset, Orphelia, was now damaged!
Continuing the plan was pointless.
"Tch! I'm leaving. Don't bother contacting me again!"
Just as Dirk turned to go, another voice stopped him.
"This is indeed troublesome… but it no longer matters. While Miss Landlufen may have lost her role as the plan's core, thanks to her, we now have a better option."
Anyone who had followed the Festa would recognize this man—the Festa Committee Chairman, Madiath Mesa. But beyond that, he was also a member of the Golden Bough Alliance—Execution Blade.
"What do you mean?"
Dirk narrowed his eyes, pinching his thigh to force himself to calm down.
A better option?
Someone even more unusual than Orphelia?
"That's right. Just yesterday, when I spoke with her about her Festa wish, she said she was willing to cooperate with us—and even take over Orphelia's entire role in the plan!"
"In fact, back in the office, I nearly lost control of my emotions and considered making a move against her. But when she said the word 'cooperate,' I was genuinely stunned!"
Though Madiath spoke in a casual tone, the happiness on his face was obvious.
"Her Festa wish?"
Dirk's eyes narrowed. This year's Festa champion was only one person—and she just so happened to be the one who had ruined their plan.
Elise Holiness!
"Can she be trusted?"
Even with the faint spark of the plan's revival, Dirk didn't immediately believe. Suspicion came first. The Tyrant never trusted anyone—not even his collaborator Madiath.
"I don't know." Madiath shrugged helplessly.
That answer reignited Dirk's irritation.
"The plan's nearly dead, and you're telling me you don't know?"
"I can't help it. I'm not exactly the type who can tell truth from lies at a glance…" Madiath didn't finish, but Dirk understood immediately.
"You… want me to probe her?" Dirk rubbed his chin, considering the possibility.
Madiath truly cared about the plan—enough to risk life and limb for it.
He had considerable strength and political skill, but compared to Dirk's cunning, it was no contest. It was no wonder Dirk could claim the title of Student Council President while being only a "normal" person on paper.
"Exactly. You're the only one who can pull it off perfectly—and she thinks so too."
Madiath nodded, gesturing toward the side.
A white-haired woman stood there, a gleaming Orga Lux glowing purple around her neck.
"I agree with Madiath's approach." Her voice was devoid of life, her eyes empty. Only the radiant light of her Orga Lux showed any vitality.
The original plan had been doomed with Orphelia's loss of utility.
But now—suddenly—there was new hope. She would seize that chance.
Because she had no other choice.
"Tch. You two really know how to use people," Dirk muttered with a hint of dissatisfaction. Yet, he didn't actually refuse.
He knew as well as they did—this task had to be his.
"Valda, you'll come with me when the time comes."
The white-haired woman gave a faint nod, then silently departed the airship.