Chapter 180

The day after meeting Aurora.

This day was insanely busy.

I started the hectic day by being woken up at dawn to get ready.

After that, in a nutshell, I went to a place filled with royalty and nobles, stood there for ages, and then returned to my accommodation.

Throughout that time, the royal family explained what had happened, held a moment of silence for those who passed away, and announced that they would provide restoration support.

But the details were somewhat twisted.

First off, it was claimed that the royal family defeated the witch.

On Aurora’s birthday, she was cursed by an evil witch, and after much effort—including my help—Aurora was freed from the curse. Many people already knew this story.

The royal family added their own spin: supposedly, when the curse was lifted, the enraged witch attacked but was sealed away through the combined efforts of the capital’s citizens and the royal family.

They weren’t lying entirely; during the battle, some kind of beam did come from the royal palace.

However, the king cleverly manipulated this, making it seem like the royal family had personally sealed the witch. They boasted about defeating a wicked witch who had been causing trouble for centuries.

While doing so, they glorified the Harvesting System, claiming that without their efforts, the witch could not have been defeated, thus stirring up patriotism.

Most importantly, the rewards were generous.

Anyone who fought that day, even if they were from Brightshin Slums, would have their names engraved on a monument. Those who died would receive knighthoods, and their families would be granted various benefits. This was presented as the nation’s way of honoring their sacrifices.

It sounded impressive, like we’d all become great heroes. But while showering us with honors, they didn’t actually spend much money, according to memories from the first world’s leadership layer that subtly lit up in my mind.

There were also memories where they tarnished and revoked these honors at a convenient time, showing how it really only cost them pocket change.

Some memories described everything as beautifully divided: someone to blame, victims, those who sacrificed themselves, and leaders offering condolences.

Plus, since most of the sacrificers were already dead, there was no risk of them doing something that would tarnish their heroic legacy.

The king actively promoted those who sacrificed themselves for the nation.

This was broadcast across the kingdom via media, even reaching Bern City, which was almost completely isolated.

Ironically, the news flipped the mindset of those fighting in Bern City.

Including the Harvesting System members there, everyone was incredibly angry. While nothing about the events in Bern City had been reported, the capital was boasting about the royal family defeating the witch.

Strangely, fewer people surrendered or gave up. Instead, more people wanted to keep resisting. The Twilight Association was even preparing to establish an entirely new government beyond just being an organization.

It was entertaining.

In one part of the country, they celebrated victory and mourned the fallen, while in another, people were planning a revolution.

Fortunately, there wouldn’t be indiscriminate oppression.

Unlike the second world, not every member of the Harvesting System would be treated as evil.

Because many citizens in the capital saw the Harvesting System fight the witch. Though no one witnessed the final moments due to the Black Thorn Tree, simply seeing it was significant.

Even more impressively, they used psychic abilities instead of magic to fight the witch, leaving a deep impression on the witnesses.

But since no one saw the very end, the royal family’s claim of defeating the witch was easily believed.

In short, the Harvesters in the capital are good people. Even Princess Aurora is a Harvester. So it’s hard to label Harvesters as inherently bad.

If anything, Victoria is the most dangerous now. A Harvester from Bern City.

I don’t know what will happen next.

Oh, and surprisingly, Victoria had a pretty relaxing day.

The Royal Academy was closed for the week. Considering that most students from our class were seated at the king’s speech, you could assume nearly all academy students attended.

Victoria collapsed in her room like a corpse. She rushed to class in the morning, only to find out school was canceled for the week, returned to the dormitory, and promptly fell asleep… though it was technically a disaster.

She slept deeply until late afternoon. With the sun still high in the sky, she got up, complained she was hungry, and went outside to eat an enormous amount alone.

In the evening, she visited the Clockwork Knight School, learned it was also closed, and sluggishly returned to the dormitory.

Right now, I’m back at my quarters reading a letter from my family and studying clockwork knight subjects.

Since I have no specific plans, I should visit her tomorrow.

***

The next day.

Though there was no need to go to school, I woke up at my usual time. After washing up and changing clothes, I tidied myself up.

Oddly, people who previously treated me like some alien presence now approached me warmly. It wasn’t because I defeated the witch; there was no sense of reverence.

Instead, they said things like, “You don’t need to be so formal,” or “If you have any feedback, feel free to share.”

They must’ve overheard something I said to the butler before.

When I gave a little critique, the young maids turned pale.

And when one experienced maid asked if I’d worked in a similar position before, it was hilarious—until the butler showed up and shooed her away before I could answer. Lucky for me, since I’ve never actually held such a job.

If asked why I know such things, it could get awkward.

Anyway…

Judging by how silently the butler sees me off when I leave, it seems the king genuinely has goodwill toward me.

If it were surveillance, they would’ve asked where I was going. But no matter where I went or how late I returned, they didn’t question me.

At first, I thought it was just because he was the butler, but now it seems they’re probably letting me do whatever I want.

Maybe I judged this place too harshly because of my misunderstanding about Maryweather.

While thinking that it would be nice if people didn’t misjudge others unnecessarily—especially since creating Harvesters isn’t necessary—I left my quarters and headed toward the dormitory where Victoria lives.

Just past the entrance to the dorms, you’ll find the main gate of the Royal Academy.

Entering through the main gate and walking down the road, you’ll eventually reach two buildings on your left.

One is the dormitory, and the other is the student cafeteria.

Victoria once muttered that because they’re so close, the smell of food always drifts into the rooms, ensuring no one ever skips a meal.

Inside the dormitory building, the first floor has a large common area with chairs and tables where students hang out when bored in their rooms.

Today, several students are gathered there, watching TV. On the screen, a special broadcast is airing, detailing Maleficent’s history using various sources.

As I briefly watched, Maleficent’s memory flashed, saying, “That’s not quite right,” so I decided to head upstairs.

The first floor houses various facilities, and starting from the second floor are the student rooms.

I knocked on Victoria’s door.

After a while, Victoria opened the door with her hair disheveled.

“Bell?”

“Yes, it’s me.”

Surprisingly, I entered her rather messy room. Her sleeping area is clean, but one corner is cluttered with tools, metal scraps, and oily machine parts.

They’re clockwork machines she received yesterday from the Clockwork Knight School for study purposes.

“It’s dirty.”

“There’s nothing I can do—it’s clockwork! Unless I get another room, this is the only place I can work, so please don’t throw them out!”

“I won’t.”

This made Victoria look at me suspiciously.

“Really? My mom once said the same thing before taking everything away. Technically, they weren’t mine—they belonged to Dad.”

“You’re studying, right?”

“Oh, yeah. That’s true.”

She gave an awkward laugh, so I pointed toward the bathroom.

“You should clean up first.”

“Yeah, yeah. It’s a day off, so why stress, right?”

Muttering complaints, Victoria grabbed her clothes and went into the bathroom. Once I confirmed she was inside, I picked up a letter sitting on the desk.

It’s from Beatrice.

The letter says both of them will be busy this time, so there’s no need to visit. There’s no mention of the situation in Bern City.

Reading this, Victoria might think her father, Maurice, has started working again, but it’s likely this isn’t the case.

Still, even if Victoria went down there, there wouldn’t be much she could do.

The royal family hasn’t mentioned Victoria specifically, possibly considering her needs already met by allowing her enrollment at the Royal Academy, which is notoriously selective.

Besides, traveling from the capital to Bern City takes at least four days one way. You could make it in a day by airship, but otherwise, it’s a long journey.

The question remains whether the situation is safe enough to send letters or if it’s dangerous enough to advise against visiting.

“Ugh, that feels better. What are you looking at?”

“A letter.”

“From Mom? She must be busy. We’ve never both been unavailable like this, but that’s because I forced myself into this place. Now that I’m out, they’ve gone back to work, I guess.”

That’s true. Both Maurice and Beatrice love Victoria deeply. Even when busy, one of them always made time to be with her.

I learned this while cooking with Beatrice in the kitchen.

Victoria knew this too.

I see through Victoria’s perspective and feel what she feels, but I don’t know what she thinks. After all, memories are only gained at the moment of becoming a Harvester.

So I ask if she read between the lines of the letter to understand what’s happening with them.

“Are they okay?”

“I’m not a kid to get upset over something like this. But it’s strange that there’s nothing about you, Bell. Unlike Mom. Or did Bell receive a letter too?”

I shook my head. As far as I know, I haven’t received one.

“Are they really that busy?”

Being busy with work is less likely. Some memories flickered cautiously. Maybe they hope for no reply.

Realizing this, I understood.

Right. If they wrote about me, there’s a chance the letter wouldn’t reach its destination. Without guarantees it would arrive safely in Bern City, it’s better not to expect a response.

Considering consistency, since I already told King Highpion something, it’s better to bring this up here to avoid complications later.

It’s annoying when people ask why you didn’t say something earlier, isn’t it?

“Victoria. Remember the first day we met? When you were screaming? Right now, faint screams from the south can be heard.”

Discarding Beatrice’s consideration, I hinted to Victoria that something might be happening in Bern City.

Watching Victoria’s expression stiffen, I handed her a pen.

“I’m worried.”

So I encouraged her to ask.

Soon, she nodded, sat down, and began writing a letter.

Now, how will this letter turn out?

Anticipating the future as it unfolds, I waited behind Victoria.

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