A Villain's Will to Survive

Chapter 122: Formal Hearing (1)

The darkness of the night gradually melted away as the soft light of dawn began to seep through. Chairwoman Adrienne let out a quiet sigh. On her desk rested two documents—Deculein’s thesis and an agreement from the Four Keystones of the Magical Realm. She pressed her lips together as she picked them up.

The Keystones responsible for maintaining the balance within the Magical Realm—Berhert, the Floating Island, the Volcano, and the Round Table—had, after many long years since Demakan, at last reached a shared consensus.

The Volcano, a more respectful term for the Ashes, had often been dismissed as nothing but a pile of ash. Yet, despite the mockery, they remained enough power to be recognized in the Magical Realm. In matters of great significance, their voice continued to be acknowledged as one of the guiding authorities shaping the Magical Realm.

... Over the years, Adrienne Sezalian’s achievements in the field of magic, her tireless pursuit of truth, and her steadfast discipline in the pursuit of self-mastery have garnered profound respect and admiration for the exceptional achievements she has realized through unwavering dedication...

Adrienne skimmed through the elaborate phrases, her attention settling on the final paragraph—the collective decision of the Magical Realm regarding the mage Adrienne.

Adrienne Sezalian is hereby recognized as the Second Archmage, a title that transcends the Magical Realm and shall remain immortal in the annals of continental history. The formal ascension ceremony is to be held in the forthcoming spring...

As an Eternal-ranked Archmage, the second to follow in Demakan's footsteps, the agreement acknowledged her rise to the highest level of magic.

“... Adrienne the Second?” Adrienne called to the puppy sitting by her side.

“Woof! Woof!”

The puppy ran over, and Adrienne scooped it up, cradling its soft body as she gently stroked its silky fur.

A faint smile touched her lips as she murmured, “So now... I’m officially no longer considered human.”

Adrienne had gained recognition not only from Berhert and the Floating Island but also from the more reclusive factions like the Ashes and the Round Table. Through her sheer talent and achievements, she had secured the unanimous approval of the entire Magical Realm. Being named an Eternal Archmage meant ascending to a level beyond mortal existence.

"The reporters will be arriving soon, won’t they? They’re going to bombard me with questions."

“Woof! Woof!”

“... Which means I’ll have to leave soon. I won’t be able to stay for much longer.”

The Mortal Realm that she had cherished—Deculein, Yulie, Decalane, Louina, Glitheon, Cielia, Cynthia, Idnik, Rohakan, Zeit, Ihelm, Kreto, and Ganesha... The names and faces of those who had once brought her joy drifted through her mind.

Adrienne stepped toward the window and gazed down at the Mage Tower’s grounds. Though it wasn’t yet six in the morning, a crowd of reporters had already gathered.

“... Well then!” the Chairwoman said, flashing a warm smile at Adrienne the Second, cradled in her arms. “I’ll be right back, so wait for me!”

“Woof! Woof!” the puppy responded with a cheerful bark.

***

In the early hours of the morning, crowds from across the continent had gathered at the Mage Tower. It wasn’t just reporters from various media outlets—students, mages, and knights from the Imperial University were also watching the scene, some from up close, others from a distance.

“Chairwoman, is your term set to end this year?!” one of the reporters asked.

"Yes! I’ll be finishing my term by this winter or spring, and then I’ll hand over my position!" the Chairwoman replied.

The countless cameras had all been fixed on Chairwoman Adrienne. Having been officially elevated to the rank of Eternal, she found herself surrounded by a sea of people. While the outcome had been expected across the continent, witnessing this historic moment in person was an uncommon experience.

"Are there two candidates being considered for the next Chair position? How is the selection process progressing?"

“It’s still ongoing! We’ll choose the one who proves to be the most suitable among them!”

Solda Epherene, too, watched the scene unfold from the third floor of the Mage Tower. The view from inside provided a clearer perspective than the crowded streets below, and the interview echoed clearly in her ears.

“Mage Ihelm's recent thesis, A Silent Exploration of Supportive Magic and its Path to Reform, has been widely discussed throughout the Magical Realm. Will personal accomplishments like these play a role in the selection process?”

“Oh, definitely! I’ve read Ihelm’s thesis myself, and it was quite impressive!”

Each time Adrienne spoke, the reporters hastily jotted down her words.

“There are also reports that Professor Deculein is close to publishing his thesis,” one of the reporters asked.

"Oh, that? Yes! Professor Deculein has already turned in his thesis!" Adrienne replied.

At that moment, Epherene's ears pricked up, and she clenched the empty paper cup in her hand, crushing it.

"Also, the author registration for the thesis has been confirmed!" Adrienne added, a smile tugging at her lips. She was setting up a bit of foreshadowing by mentioning the author registration.

The reporters raised their voices, pressing further, “What are your thoughts on it?”

“Hmm! I haven’t fully understood it yet! It’s incredibly extensive, and it’s still just a theory for now!” Adrienne replied.

“So, does that mean it isn’t of much value...?”

“No, not at all! Definitely not! Ihelm delivered concrete results, but Deculein...,” Adrienne paused, carefully selecting her words before nodding. “Ah, it holds tremendous potential! For now, it’s purely theoretical, but if it can be proven and applied to magic...!”

Click, click—! Snap, snap—!

The relentless flashes of cameras had grated on Epherene’s nerves as she strained to focus on Adrienne’s words.

“If it actually works out...!” Adrienne said, raising her hand and slicing through the air for emphasis.

At that moment, it felt like time had stopped. Every pair of eyes, every face in the room, was fixed on her.

Soaking in the attention, Adrienne continued, "Professor Deculein could easily become an Elder, perhaps!"

“What?!” Epherene shouted.

The word Elder made Epherene’s eyes widen, and the mages observing the interview from the Mage Tower reacted in much the same way.

“Are you referring to an Elder of the Magical Realm?” one of the reporters asked.

“Yes!”

In the Magical Realm, an Elder did not only refer to someone from Berhert but also symbolized the founder of a new school of magic. For instance, while Ihelm was the current leader of the Dukan School, the true Elder had been Dukan himself, who passed away fifty years ago.

“Are you suggesting that Professor Deculein could become the founder of a new school of magic?”

"All I’m saying is that there’s a possibility! But the thesis is incredibly complex! Even I haven’t fully understood it yet, so I need to study more!" Adrienne replied.

Epherene had clenched her teeth.

“... Elder? Did you hear that? They’re saying Deculein might become an Elder?”

“Wow, does that mean he’s basically guaranteed to become the next Chairman? What kind of thesis could it be if even the Chairwoman is struggling with it...?”

The murmurs and soft laughter that filled the Mage Tower had grated on Epherene's nerves. The quiet conversations shared among the others only added to her mounting frustration.

"Elder..." Epherene mumbled absently, her thoughts wandering for a brief moment.

If Deculein becomes an Elder, he’ll build on my father’s achievements, but my father’s name will be buried—or worse, completely erased, Epherene thought.

The thought made her stomach twist, like her insides were tying themselves in knots. Epherene reached into her coat and pulled out a letter, her father’s handwriting outlining the research he had prepared for her. She read it once more, then stared blankly ahead, her eyes hollow.

“Yes, there’s something special about his thesis! I’ll be reviewing it first, then submitting it to the Floating Island and—”

Adrienne’s interview continued, touching on the research Epherene’s father had passed on to her, but it was now in someone else’s hands, no longer hers.

***

... Today, on my way to work, reporters swarmed around my car, all thanks to the rumors Adrienne had so kindly leaked about my thesis submission.

“Professor, do you have plans to become an Elder?”

“What will you call your school of magic?”

“As a leading candidate for Chairman, could you make a statement?”

“The Round Table will not tolerate this.”

Baseless questions flew in from outside the car window as relentless cameras flashed around me. I finally escaped the chaos and arrived, drained, on the 77th floor of the Mage Tower.

"Professor!" Allen called out, hurrying toward me the moment I entered the hallway.

Without a word, I walked into my office, Allen following close behind, holding a bundle of papers tightly to his chest.

“Professor!”

“... What is it?” I asked, removing my coat with Telekinesis.

Allen cleared his throat awkwardly before speaking in a measured, serious tone and asked, “What is your purpose in pursuing the position of Chairman?” n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

I held his gaze without a word.

Allen glanced at the papers in his arms and added, “You seem to be taking your time with that response.”

“... What exactly are you doing?” I asked.

“They’re sample questions I prepared for the hearing. I thought we could go over them—”

“That’s enough,” I interrupted.

“Excuse me...? Don’t you think we should prepare for it? Mage Ihelm is said to be staying at the Imperial Palace to make sure he’s ready.”

“There’s no need.”

If I had been the original Deculein, I would have been far too focused on destroying Ihelm to waste time on something like this.

“But...”

“That’s enough.”

Knock, knock—

At that moment, there was a knock on the door, and it swung open.

“... Professor, you’re here,” Epherene said in a quiet voice as she approached, placing a stack of documents on my desk.

Then she bowed her head briefly and turned to leave, but something was different from her usual self. She seemed weighed down, like a waterlogged sponge, her steps slow and heavy as if she was dripping with each one. But I didn’t ask why—I was too indifferent, and to be honest, I didn’t care at all. It was simply a flaw in my personality.

“Do you think something's troubling her, Professor?” Allen asked.

However, Allen was a bit different.

“Allen.”

“Yes?”

Allen turned to me with a look of feigned concern.

"Now leave. I have work to do," I replied.

"Oh, yes, Professor. And about those sample questions..."

“I’ll review them when I have time.”

“Yes, Professor! Wishing you the best of luck!”

***

Adrienne served as the Chairwoman of the Mage Tower, overseeing the board of directors. As part of the Mage Tower of the Imperial University, the directors included the university’s dean and several imperial affiliates. A total of thirteen members rotated through these directorial positions.

“... My congratulations, Chairwoman,” one of the directors said.

They all paid her the highest respect. With her promotion to Archmage drawing near, even the Empress's influence could no longer reach her. At least within the walls of the Mage Tower, Adrienne was untouchable until the day she chose to leave.

Adrienne let out a light laugh, gesturing for the directors to sit as she said, “Thank you, everyone! Please, have a seat!”

The special conference room on the 100th floor of the tower had been convened that day to deliberate the matter of selecting the next Chairman.

"Ihelm and Deculein are both worthy candidates, but Deculein stands out as the more viable choice, having served the Mage Tower for nearly a decade," stated Drummen, one of the thirteen directors leading the discussion.

Adrienne nodded in agreement and said, "Yes, that seems reasonable! But you never know what could happen! We should complete the hearing evaluations first before deciding on the candidates!"

"You are absolutely right. We are considering holding the hearing two weeks from now, on Monday."

"Hmm~ The sooner, the better! If there's anything questionable, we need to address it quickly, give them a chance to explain, and then proceed with the vote or final meeting!"

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Satisfied, Adrienne moved on to the next agenda item, asking, “Have the two candidates submitted their witness lists for the hearing yet?!”

“Yes, Mage Ihelm has submitted three witnesses, but Professor Deculein has not submitted any.”

“No witnesses?” Adrienne exclaimed, her eyes widening in surprise.

“No, Chairwoman, there aren’t any witnesses listed for Professor Deculein. However, as at least one witness is required, it is likely that Professors Louina or Relin will step forward on his behalf.”

“... Hmm. Hand me the witness list.”

"Here you are," Director Drummen said as he handed Adrienne an envelope, its contents magically sealed to preserve confidentiality.

Adrienne tore the envelope open without hesitation and asked, "The witness requests are confidential until the hearing, correct?!"

“Yes, the names remain confidential until the day of the hearing.”

"Alright," Adrienne replied, nodding as she skimmed through the witness application form. She glanced over the names, then blinked in surprise. "... Huh?"

Am I seeing this right? Adrienne thought, rubbing her eyes before taking another look. She hadn’t misread a single word.

“This part here...” Adrienne muttered, pointing to a specific section as she glanced around at the directors.

“Yes, we were quite surprised as well. Who would have expected him to submit a candidate who’s been in the Mage Tower for less than a year?”

Adrienne blinked in surprise, her eyes wide with disbelief. Then, without warning, she broke into laughter.

“... Heehee!”

A tickle rose in her throat, and before she realized it, a smile had spread across her lips.

“Hehee! Wahaha! Oh, this is... Phuh-hehe!”

Adrienne had laughed freely, like a carefree child or someone trying to stifle a laugh. As she gazed at Deculein’s witness application form, she could barely contain her amusement.

“Ahahahaha...!”

For some reason, it felt like a last gift from the Mortal Realm she was soon to leave behind.

***

The schedule for the form hearing at the Mage Tower of the Imperial University had already been delivered to the Imperial Palace.

"So, he's running for Chairman...?" Sophien muttered, reclining in her bed as she casually skimmed the document.

The document detailed the upcoming formal hearing to determine the next Chairman of the Mage Tower of the Imperial University, with Deculein and Ihelm as the candidates.

Keiron replied, "Yes, Your Majesty, that is correct."

“Hmm...” the Empress murmured, rubbing her chin as if weighing her thoughts. She paused, then murmured again. “... Hmm.”

What kind of political maneuvering would take place? What blows would they trade? How ugly would things get before it turned into a complete mess? Sophien mused, her curiosity piqued.

"Good. I’ll be attending," Sophien said.

“... Pardon?” Keiron asked, clearly surprised.

Sophien smirked and said again, “I said, I’ll be there as well.”

“Ah, you mean in your cat form, Your Majesty?”

“No. In person. Myself.”

Keiron had yet to grow accustomed to Sophien’s recent decision to participate more openly in public activities.

“A formal hearing to decide the next Chairman is certainly worth my presence as Empress. After all, doesn’t that Mage Tower belong to me?”

"... Your Majesty’s presence alone could shift the balance," Keiron cautiously objected.

Sophien narrowed her eyes and asked, "And why would that be?"

"Because, as Your Majesty is aware, Deculein serves as your personal Instructor Mage."

"Hmph. It's true, Deculein is my Mage Instructor. But Ihelm is also a mage of the Imperial Palace, one I've come across more than a few times while going back and forth between the palace and the Mage Tower. So what's the problem? Why should my opinion be disregarded?"

Keiron remained quiet, offering nothing in return.

"That Mage Tower is mine. No one else has any claim to it. Do you understand? It belongs to me."

Keiron still said nothing, his silence unbroken.

"Its purpose is to choose someone to manage my property, and you’re telling me I shouldn’t be there?"

"... No, Your Majesty. I overstepped my bounds," Keiron said, nodding as a quiet sigh escaped him.

The lazy Empress, mired in her habitual lethargy, rarely changed a decision once it was made.

“Hmph! Good. Make the arrangements for my arrival,” Sophien said, a faint smirk playing at the corner of her mouth.

***

For the last ten days, the Mage Tower had been abuzz with talk of the upcoming formal hearing. While Adrienne’s promotion to Archmage appeared certain, it was the more unpredictable hearings of Ihelm and Deculein that captured everyone’s attention.

"Is it going to be the newcomer Ihelm or Head Professor Deculein? Right now, it says Deculein is ahead 8 to 2," Julia said, looking at the Wizard Board.

The board showed the changing opinions of the mages within the Mage Tower.

"But they say Ihelm is unusually confident for some reason. He’s already lined up three or four witnesses. I wonder if he pulled every string with the Imperial family and his family's connections."

Epherene remained silent as Julia read from the Wizard Board.

"But it says Deculein, on the other hand, seems confident his position is already secured. He’s only brought one witness and hasn’t even spoken much with his family."

Even then, Epherene remained silent.

"They’re saying if Deculein loses, it’ll be because he got too comfortable. I’m curious to see what happens tomorrow."

Epherene, who had been idly scribbling with her pen, suddenly set it down and shot a glare at Julia, saying, “Julie.”

“Yes?”

“I don’t care.”

“Oh... O-okay,” Julia said, flinching as she set the Wizard Board aside, caught off guard by Epherene’s unusually cold response.

Epherene glanced at the clock. It was 7 p.m. The formal hearing was set for the following day, and although its duration remained uncertain, preparations had already been made.

“I should be going,” Epherene said.

“O-okay~ See you tomorrow,” Julia replied, giving a small wave as Epherene headed toward the Mage Tower’s elevator.

Beep—

Epherene scanned the card she had received from Ihelm, and the option for the Special Floor was activated. Her destination was neither the first nor the seventy-seventh floor.

Whoooosh—

The elevator shot upward, and the sudden shift in pressure caused her ears to block. She swallowed to relieve them.

Ding—!

When the elevator door opened, Ihelm stood waiting in front of it.

“Oh, you’re here,” Ihelm said.

Epherene remained silent.

"Ah, what a shame~ This hearing... it would have been far more interesting had it been open to the public, don’t you think? Much more humiliating—"

“Let’s be clear,” Epherene interrupted, glaring at Ihelm, her eyes sharp with hunger and anger after days without food. “I’m not on your side. I can turn against you if needed.”

"... Yes, I am well aware of that," Ihelm replied with a shrug. "Your situation simply works in my favor. I expect nothing more from it."

Epherene kept her silence.

"Very well, just wait in the witness room. It’s more comfortable than any five-star hotel. I’ll call you when the time comes, so take your ease."

"Solda Epherene, please follow me," said one of Ihelm’s trusted attendants, perhaps his butler or secretary.

After casting a sharp look at Ihelm, Epherene followed the attendant.

"This is your room. Please wait here. You will be informed of the schedule later," the attendant said as he guided her inside.

Epherene sat on the edge of the bed, her eyes unfocused as they wandered to the wall.

Tick, tock— Tick, tock—

The ticking of the clock's second hand echoed through the silence.

Tick, tock— Tick, tock—

It felt as if it resonated through her entire body.

"... I can’t breathe," Epherene muttered, no longer able to stand the silence. She opened her old, worn suitcase and pulled out one of the many letters from her father, choosing one at random. "... Dad."

As she read each line on the paper, worn from time and use, she gradually felt herself calm, savoring every word with care.

“... Did I make the right choice?”