Tilea's Worries

"Now, please sit down."

Miless follows the instruction of the elderly man and takes a seat.

Magic Academy Counseling Room...

A simple room with just a desk, chair, and the bare minimum of furnishings.

This is a classroom for students with mental health issues.

Killing someone for the first time.

Watching a comrade die right before your eyes.

Magic Academy students are trained for battle.

They must experience bloody affairs from a young age.

Naturally, some drop out. Their minds become ill.

The academy created this system to care for students' mental wellbeing.

Veteran teachers listen to students' troubles and offer advice.

The elderly man before me, Professor Gold-Hair, is one of them.

Sometimes strict, sometimes warm, he's a passionate teacher who has always been there for his students.

I used to visit this counseling room often when I first went to the battlefield.

Even though they were bandits, I vomited and couldn't sleep after killing someone for the first time.

It was Professor Gold, my homeroom teacher at that time, who encouraged and guided me as a new recruit.

"Vincent-kun, it's been a while."

"Yes, you haven't changed, Professor."

Professor Gold showed a friendly expression.

He's a gentle person with a good heart.

Yet he can also emit a strict aura and scold misbehaving students with a demon-like countenance.

He's a first-class teacher trusted by both students and faculty.

"I still can't believe it. That Elizabeth would commit such a foolish act. She may have a cold personality, but I thought she had more discretion."

"...Indeed."

"I hear you suffered terribly at Elizabeth's hands. I feel ashamed. I've failed as a teacher. I was always one step behind and couldn't help you when you were suffering."

"Please don't worry about it. Elizabeth was clever. She committed evil acts without leaving evidence. She had a genius-level talent in that area."

"No, that's not an acceptable excuse. When I welcome students to the academy, I promise their parents that I will absolutely protect them. And look what happened. I truly apologize."

Professor Gold bows his head deeply.

His attitude is sincere.

These aren't just superficial words. His sincerity overflows.

I like him. He's honest and warm.

Approved!

Such talented people should be protected by me, as queen— No, no, no! What am I thinking!

There it is again, strange thoughts crossing my mind.

This makes me sound like I'm superior to humans.

It's a side effect of becoming a high-ranking human.

I shake my head vigorously to dispel these thoughts.

"Hm!? Vincent-kun, what's wrong? Are you still afraid of Elizabeth?"

"No, that's not it. Please don't worry about it."

"Don't hold back. Tell me anything. It's just me here. The soundproofing is perfect, and your secrets won't leak out. You don't need to worry about Elizabeth's retaliation. There's no need to keep silent. I'll help you."

Professor Gold leans forward and speaks passionately.

Elizabeth's West Street attack incident...

It was quickly suppressed thanks to the heroic Gaderio.

That's the official story, anyway.

In any case, Elizabeth was defeated.

Moreover, Senior Anasie completely crushed the nobles who supported Elizabeth.

Elizabeth's rule over the academy came to an end.

As a result, many students who had been silently suffering came forward to testify about Elizabeth's crimes.

Elizabeth's evil deeds were brought to light.

That's why I was called to the counseling room.

Because they learned I had been severely mistreated by Elizabeth.

...Honestly, I don't need counseling.

Those memories are vague anyway.

I remember being tortured, but it's hazy.

Besides, I don't have trauma and have overcome it.

Or rather, I have so many other worries that past events don't matter.

I wish they would use the time they spend on me to help other students.

That's how I truly feel.

I was hesitant for this reason...

But that attitude was misinterpreted.

In the teachers' eyes, it seemed like I was still afraid of Elizabeth's shadow and keeping silent.

The teachers persistently urged me to come to the counseling room.

I couldn't ignore the genuine concern of Professor Gold and other passionate teachers.

It can't be helped.

Once should be fine, right?

I decided to go to the counseling room.

But I don't really want to talk about my problems.

You know, after becoming a high-ranking human, I've had various troubles.

I want to consult someone about my worries.

But who?

I've researched.

I've even consulted professionals in the field.

People who have saved many broken souls returning from battlefields...

An authoritative figure who has rescued numerous such ruined people.

I thought that if I could talk to them, even vaguely, it might clear my mind.

But it didn't work.

Well, Professor Gold is a professional who has been helping students' hearts for decades.

He's sincere and sharp.

With Professor Gold, it should be okay.

I had a kind of premonition.

It probably won't work this time either. Suppressing such feelings, I began to talk.

...

......

.........

Several tens of minutes later...

"D-Did I save them? Ugh, it's all because of my incompetence..."

"Professor Gold, you've done well."

"B-But, that horrific incident in Class 3-B... Oh, oh, there are no bad apples. I, I wanted to save everyone. But, but, uuu..."

"You did everything you could. You saved students with all your might, risking your life. I know it. I guarantee it. You've done an admirable job."

"Uooooon, Miless-sama!"

I gently pat the back of the elderly man who is two or three generations older than me.

Sigh~ As expected.

I can't take this anymore.

Why does it always turn out like this?

Yes, I came for counseling, but somehow I end up being the one providing counsel.

It's the same no matter how strict and exemplary the other person is.

The more the conversation progresses, the more it turns out like this.

Instead of having my worries resolved, I end up resolving the other person's worries.

After saying a few words to comfort the sobbing Professor Gold, I left the counseling room.

I don't feel like attending class.

I leave the academy and walk down the main street.

Residents naturally bow their heads to me.

Among those bowing are authoritative figures whom I've consulted and ended up counseling.

These aren't people who would casually bow their heads.

They're principled individuals who wouldn't bow even to royalty or nobles if they felt it inappropriate.

Even such stubborn people eagerly bow to me.

At this rate... regardless of age, gender, social status—from royalty to slum dwellers—everyone might end up obeying me.

When did it start?

There's a part of me that thinks it's natural to be bowed to.

When did it start?

There's a part of me that naturally responds to the worship offered to me.

No, that's not right!

I'm not someone special!

I was just an ordinary girl who could be proud of getting into the Magic Academy.

Ah, I actually know when it started.

It was from that time.

From when I woke up in the plaza on West Street.

What on earth happened to me?

It's not normal.

I can't take this anymore.

I squat down and hold my head.

While staying in that position and worrying, I spot a blonde girl.

She's walking while muttering to herself.

It's Tilea-san.

She has her arms crossed and seems to be thinking about something.

I listen carefully.

"Who should I choose? Who would be good? Come to think of it, it was reckless to call someone from outside. If I choose the wrong person, secrets might leak. Even someone tight-lipped might waste tax money without economic sense. Should I do it myself? No, I haven't studied economics. If I do it, it's over. Oh, what should I do, what should I do? The fate of the unstable royal city government, Tilea Theater!"

As usual, I can't really understand what she's saying.

"Tilea-san?"

"Oh, if it isn't Miless-chan!"

Noticing me, Tilea-san shows a smile.

"What's wrong? You seem troubled about something."

"Well, you know, there's that money Oru took from Elizabeth."

Ah, that matter.

We infiltrated to reduce Elizabeth's financial power.

It seems Ortissio-san did something quite reckless, but... I don't remember.

I have no memory of several days from that time.

Well, never mind about me.

Tilea-san is worried about the theft, huh?

"You don't need to worry, Tilea-san. We may have broken the law, but what of it? Think of it as executing justice."

"That's right. After thinking about it, I agree. Everyone worked so hard for us sisters, even dirtying their hands. I have no intention of condemning them. I won't turn myself in either. At this point, returning the money to the country would only make everyone unhappy."

"I think that's fine. So, please feel free to use the money as you like, Tilea-san."

"Y-Yeah, even if you say that, I'm not sure how to use it."

"Don't you have many capable vassals, Tilea-san? For example, why not consult with Dryas-san?"

"C-Capable... well, in a sense, they are capable. And trustworthy. But their thinking is extremely biased. If I leave it to them, they might end up building a bronze statue of me in the middle of the royal city."

I can't say that's impossible.

Their loyalty to Tilea-san is extraordinary.

They might make dozens of statues.

No, not bronze statues.

Golden statues, surely.

"That would indeed be problematic."

"Right? This is essentially like tax money collected from the royal city citizens. I want to create something that benefits the citizens. So, I can't leave it to them. But I can't do it myself as an amateur. It would be best to ask some other expert, right? Who would be good?"

Hehe, that's so like Tilea-san.

Not swayed by personal desires, thinking of others.

It's because you're like this that you're worthy of using it.

It's because you're like this that you should rightfully rule the country.

Well, I suppose Tilea-san isn't interested in things like kingship or domination.

Tilea-san is still pondering, making "hmm" sounds.

There's no evidence.

Even if she pocketed it, no one would know.

It seems she doesn't even consider making it her own.

"Tilea-san, may I presumptuously offer my assistance?"

"Eh!? Is that okay? But you have your academy studies, it's not fair. Besides, you'd be aiding in a crime."

"Please don't worry about that. I absolutely won't do anything bad."

"I see, that's right. Miless-chan already knows the situation, so it's too late now. Then, I'll take you up on your offer."

"Yes."

"That's a relief. Those guys, their first thought is always 'for Tilea-sama's sake,' which is troublesome."

"I'm the same. I'll use it for Tilea-san's sake."

"Eh!? No, that's—"

"Implementing policies that make the royal city citizens smile. I think that's a way of using it that benefits Tilea-san. Am I wrong?"

"Miless-chaaan!! You're the best!"

Tilea-san hugs me.

Haha, what a fervent embrace.

The previous commotion had just settled down... I'm happy though.

"T-Tilea-san, I understand. I understand, so..."

I escape from Tilea-san's embrace and create some distance.

"Miless-chan, thank you so much. Now the unstable royal city government is resolved. I'm looking forward to the Miless Theater."

I don't think it's particularly unstable.

And what's this Miless Theater... I wonder if it's okay for me to wield such influence?

That's right. Come to think of it, even if I give advice, everyone might not properly listen to me.

The current me is envied by the people of the Demon God Army.

Especially Ortissio-san, Edim, and Ortissio-san.

"Um, there's one thing I'm concerned about."

"What? Tell me anything."

"Will it be okay if I intervene? There will probably be complaints from everyone."

"It's fine, it's fine. Sure, there's a possibility that Oru and others might get angry, but if I issue a [Royal Decree], there's no problem."

A Royal Decree!?

Is it okay to activate a royal privilege so casually?

"Is that really okay?"

"It's fine, it's fine. Convenient words are meant to be used at times like this. From today, Miless-chan is the Finance Minister of the Demon God Army."

Finance Minister!

I was thinking of being just a kind of advisor.

To subtly caution Dryas-san and others from going overboard.

I imagined that kind of position.

As expected of Tilea-san, her actions are unpredictable.

Is this really okay?

Handling finances means I'll have access to a lot of national secrets.

Though they fled from the Eastern Kingdom, with their financial power and abundant human resources,

the Demon God Army is a considerably powerful organization.

In terms of military strength alone, they don't lag behind major countries; in fact, they easily surpass them.

They're practically a country, just without territory. It's unlikely there won't be complaints about appointing an outsider like me to a high position in such an organization as the Demon God Army.

Besides, my position is basically Timu-chan's puppet.

"Tilea-san, that's quite a high position. Is it okay to decide on an outsider like me without discussion?"

"What are you saying! Miless-chan isn't an outsider. You're someone I trust."

"I'm happy you say that. But I'm sure there will be a commotion."

"It's fine, it's fine. Generally, if I say [Royal Decree], they become docile. If anyone still complains, tell me. I'll give them a knuckle sandwich."

Tilea-san makes a fist and breathes on it.

As if it's just a childish prank.

I know Tilea-san is the top of the Demon God Army.

With Tilea-san's endorsement, I think it will be okay.

Hmm, maybe I should also get Timu-chan's support?

Timu-chan is effectively managing the Demon God Army. If I get Timu-chan's support, I think I can definitely carry out the project.

Ugh, I don't like this.

I don't want to owe Timu-chan too much.

I might be dragged into those hellish experiments again.