Theo's firm refusal.
Even Isabella, accustomed to maintaining a poker face, momentarily lost control of her expression.
"What, what did you say...?"
This was the first time she had been rejected since becoming the First Saintess.
From minor favors to major requests, everyone had complied with her wishes, regardless of their true feelings.
Everyone she had dealt with until now knew that her polite requests were not to be taken lightly.
According to the investigation, Theo was a highly intelligent and creative individual.
He had excellent academic abilities and had even stood at the podium of an academic seminar as the youngest in history.
But what Isabella found more intriguing was his interpersonal skills.
In the Hero Department, a place teeming with egotistic youths, he had quickly established a firm position.
It was evidence of his quick perception and exceptional ability to handle people.
'But he refused my request...?'
Isabella quickly suppressed her surprise and asked.
"May I know the reason why?"
"It's an item I desperately need."
Theo replied without a hint of hesitation.
"..."
Isabella decided to change her strategy.
"I'll be honest. I asked the headquarters if I could retrieve [Mercy of Renimid] from the Waldeurk family, and they told me to go ahead if I was capable."
"Yes."
"I also know that you brought three parts of [Mercy of Renimid] into the Academy recently. You're aware that while it can have a set effect with just three parts, its true power is unleashed when all five parts are worn."
"I am aware. It seems the remaining two parts are right there on that desk."
Theo glanced at the desk where Isabella had been sitting until moments ago.
On it lay a sword and a shield.
"You're well informed. So, I'd like them returned. I need some achievements for a change. And although they were lent to the Waldeurk family, don’t you think it's a bit much not to return them for over 200 years? If you return them now, I'll speak well of you to the headquarters."
Saying this, Isabella looked intently at Theo.
Inside, she was growing increasingly irritated.
It was the first time she had stooped so low in negotiations since becoming the First Saintess.
Anyway, having said this much, even the dullest person would have understood.
"As I mentioned before, it’s an item I currently need. It's difficult for me to return it now. I will personally return it upon graduating from the Academy. If you wish, I can write a borrowing certificate."
But Theo remained unchanged.
'Has this guy stuffed his ears?'
Unable to hold back, Isabella openly furrowed her brow.
Whether it was a borrowing certificate or not, the present was what mattered.
Firstly, three years later was too late.
Judging from the response from headquarters, it was highly probable that an issue unknown to her had arisen there.
The situation could change day by day.
That's why she planned to start assessing tomorrow what was happening at headquarters.
The second reason was simpler compared to the first.
Her pride was deeply hurt.
Ever since her childhood, she had always felt superior, standing above others.
But the silver-haired man before her was unreadable and unyielding, and she couldn't fathom why.
'Sigh... It's a card I'd rather not play now.'
This provoked Isabella's competitive spirit.
Such a high-risk, low-return move was something she would never normally consider.
But now, without realizing it, her emotions were getting the better of her.
Isabella propped her chin with her hands and glared at Theo for a moment before speaking.
"I don't know if you did it on purpose or not... but you negotiate well. Fine. I'll make you an offer you can't refuse."
"..."
Theo made no particular response.
He just looked into Isabella's golden eyes.
That calm gaze made Isabella cough awkwardly before she continued.
"I'll give you information about the current situation of your family. It will be of great help to you. I promise on my honor."
Saying this, Isabella carefully observed Theo's reaction.
He remained unflustered, but the corners of her mouth began to curl up slightly.
'I can almost hear his brain working.'
Although the puzzling young man in front of her had baffled her multiple times, she was sure of one thing.
That is, humans do not hesitate to act in their own interests.
And the more intelligent they are, the more pronounced this tendency.
Having staked her own honor, he would surely agree to the deal.
'If he tries to be more cunning...'
He would probably ask for a rough idea of the content.
Well, that would be the end of it.
The card she was holding was not something anyone related to the Waldeurk family could easily overlook.
Just as Isabella's smile was widening—
"I am already aware that the head of my family is in contact with evil forces."
—Theo doused her expectations with cold water.
Isabella's eyes widened, and her mouth fell open.
He already knew about the card she had prepared.
"How did you—"
"Or is it some other information?"
Even to Theo's question, Isabella had no answer to give.
"..."
She just stared at Theo with her trembling golden eyes.
After receiving her gaze for a few seconds, Theo spoke.
"If you have nothing more to say..."
Isabella continued to stare at him with wide eyes.
Theo stood up.
"It's getting late, so I'll be going now, Isabella."
As Isabella remained silent, Theo immediately left the student council room.
About 10 minutes after Theo left.
"What a guy..."
Isabella muttered in a weak voice, her gaze still fixed on the door through which he had exited.
After leaving the student council room, I used [Haste] magic to quickly leave the area.
It was only after reaching the carriage stop that I could finally catch my breath.
'That was really tough.'
It had been a while since the inner Theo in me had surfaced.
Managing my expressions was extremely difficult.
It had been a long time since I experienced such a significant drain on my mental strength.
'I thought things had been quiet for a while...'
The meeting with Isabella was the cause, obviously.
After possessing this body, I came to a clear understanding that its original owner liked luxurious and beautiful things, whether it be objects, animals, or behaviors... no matter the type.
Naturally, Isabella fit all those criteria.
She was one of the most noble figures in the entire continent as the First Saintess of the Renimid Church, and her appearance was also beautiful.
White skin, red lips, hair, and eyes that shone like gold.
Not just her face, but her body was also flawless.
Except for her excessively large chest, she perfectly matched the image of a saintess that some might imagine.
And then──
'It seems she cannot use [Mind Reading] on me.'
I had felt from the beginning of the conversation that she couldn't read my mind, but I was certain when she mentioned the Waldeurk family and thought she made an offer I couldn't refuse.
'Strange indeed.'
In the game, there had never been a problem with her [Mind Reading] ability.
Actually, there couldn't be.
Her [Mind Reading] isn't an ability that can be turned off and on at will.
I don't know the reason, but it's a good thing for me.
Without [Mind Reading], the likelihood of her joining my plan to dismantle Turning White has increased.
A smile naturally formed on my lips.
The ways to utilize her were so numerous that it was almost difficult to think about.
'If she can't use [Mind Reading], might be better for her.'
Having been exposed to the 'real' thoughts of humans for so long, it might be a relief for Isabella not to know the minds of others.
Whatever happened to her, it's as if Pandora's box has fortunately closed.
With these thoughts, I found myself boarding the carriage that had arrived.
Starting tomorrow, the official team lessons for the first year will begin.
'What kind of ridiculous events and accidents will happen now?'
In the game, this was the time when dizzying events began to unfold.
'Well, worrying about things that haven't happened yet is a waste of mental energy.'
As soon as I arrived at my room, I washed up and went straight to bed.
In the VIP room set up at the Polaris Immigration Office.
"Omnomnom."
Luna sat comfortably on a grand, antique sofa in that space, eating pudding.
─Meow.
Her pet cat, Pipi, was also perched on the sofa, licking the pudding.
The scene of a young girl, barely ten years old, and a cat eating pudding together was quite endearing.
"..."
The Polaris Immigration Office Director, Eve Waldeurk, looked back and forth in astonishment between the document Luna had brought and the peculiar scene unfolding before her.
'So this is the reality of the person called a living legend of the continent...'
It was a far cry from the impressive image she had seen in fairy tales as a child.
Her illusions were completely shattered.
'No, wait. According to the document, she is currently in a state of mental instability...'
The document Luna brought was prepared by Lillia Lun Hestia, one of the less than a hundred 7th Circle mages on the continent and the owner of the Black Tower.
The document bore a magical seal proving it was authored by her, so it certainly wasn't forged.
As Luna, sweating profusely, spoke up.
"Um... Lunaplora. So, the reason for your visit to the Polaris underworld is... to find the person who made the [Mass Teleport] scroll?"
"Yes, that's right! But give me another one of these. It's delicious!"
"......Yes."
Realizing Luna's condition was indeed very unstable, Eve brought her another pudding.
