124 - How Could the Villainous Young Master Be a Saintess?

### How Do I Keep Losing to This Woman? In numerous legends about Eurnes, She is often credited as the creator of [Alchemy]. Many alchemists even believe that the alchemy commanded by the beings of Tyrellis is nothing more than remnants of the [Secret Potions] power bestowed by Eurnes. It is said that initially, the term [Alchemical Potion] had a negative connotation, akin to [Poisons], given that, in the early days of alchemy, all alchemical techniques were crafted with the intent to harm, effectively making them poisons. Eurnes sought to use the spread of poisons across Tyrellis as a way to plunge it into endless assassinations and chaos. Later, Saint Elysia Ferris of the Dawnlight Church issued decrees restricting alchemy to dispel the cloud of assassination looming over Tyrellis. She banned alchemists from creating poisons and improved alchemy to include the production of healing and auxiliary magic potions, thus improving the reputation of alchemical potions which had previously terrified many. Sif explained the history of alchemy to Wenny while guiding him in potion synthesis. Under Sif's guidance, Wenny proceeded smoothly with his crafting, just as Aesphyra had said, being a potion that can succeed even without meticulous control of the heat. Not having to do homework and still having a teacher personally assist you sounds tempting. If it wasn't for the credits at stake, Wenny might have been inclined to skip homework every time. However, this "pillar of demons"? If Wenny remembers correctly, the pillar of demons is also a deity of this world, predominantly worshipped by the demon tribes rather than humans. Many of these pillars are viewed as truly evil gods by humans, with their teachings and forbidden knowledge sowing chaos and discord in Tyrellis. Except for the demons, hardly anyone would devote themselves to them. Nonetheless, these evil gods haven't been entirely without good deeds for the world, such as Eurnes, who contributed by imparting [Alchemy] to humans. Although this is debated, and Her original intent was malicious, the Church forcibly turned things around, transforming Her art from poison to remedy. Perhaps this is why Eurnes sees the Goddess of Dawnlight and the Church as sworn enemies. Her aim was to blanket the continent of Tyrellis in chaos and shadow, yet the saint turned Her malicious intentions into something beneficial for humanity, converting Her arts and powers into something positive. "Not bad," Sif remarked, shaking the finished potion under the light. She threw Wenny a playful glance. "Remember to turn in your assignments on time next time, okay? No more missing homework." "Okay, okay. Thanks, Miss Sif," Wenny expressed his thanks. Interactions with his beautiful elf teacher were always a bit thrilling, but he was used to such settings by now, so he remained unfazed by them. --- "Here, President, is the list of first-year student council members for this year. Please have a look." "Alright." In the extravagant student council president's office, Mirexia stretched her neck, feeling it slightly stiff, and took the student roster from her assistant. She noticed two familiar names listed there. Aesphyra and Wenny? Reflecting on their collaboration from a few days ago, Mirexia pondered whether the simultaneous appearance of their names implied they had coordinated their entry into the student council. Their relationship has always been quite good. Mirexia felt relieved about this. To her, they were both friends who had previously had numerous misunderstandings and conflicts. Fortunately, someone among them initiated reconciliation, and it appeared they had become close friends now. Isn't that something to be happy about? With this thought, Mirexia instructed her assistant on a few matters. "Understood, Madam President." --- A few days later, the decision list for the student council's first-year members was released. Wenny, sitting at home, received notification of his successful screen test, confirming his official status as a student council member. Wenny wasn't too surprised; this was within his expectations. In terms of learning the college regulations, everyone starts from the beginning. It’s all about learning capacity, and Vannesa certainly excels over ninety-nine percent of Carylliman Academy’s students in that regard. Of course, one might argue that the interviewers were swayed by his intelligence and exceptional appearance, leading them to change their minds. One never knows. Well, the looks do count. Wenny pinned the rare metal student council badge onto his chest, examining himself in the mirror. The badge's rarity and value brought additional prestige when worn publicly. The letter of appointment requested his attendance at the student council hall at 3 PM. Wenny thought about dressing formally for his first reporting, yet, despite his choices, the school uniform seemed the most formal outfit. So, he went in his uniform. Upon arriving at the opulently decorated student council hall, Wenny saw four other members who had also successfully joined the student council. He appeared to be the last one to arrive. As expected, Ishtiya and Aesphyra made the list. When he entered, he noticed two pairs of violet eyes turning towards him. Ishtiya merely glanced at him before looking away, as if it was a mundane matter. Aesphyra, on the other hand, looked at him with a kind of playful expression that was hard to decipher. It was inevitable for Ishtiya and Aesphyra to pass the test. Even without the narrative, their capabilities would ensure it. Wenny refocused on the other two members who passed. One was a tall, slender boy, and the other a bespectacled girl, her thick lenses giving off a studious impression. Wenny didn’t recall these two from the story; they should be minor roles at most. The bespectacled girl struck Wenny with a vague sense of familiarity. He felt he had seen her somewhere before but couldn’t place her. The impression was so faint that he couldn’t recall where he might have encountered her; it likely was nothing more than a mistaken impression. "Sorry, everyone, I’m not late, am I?" Wenny greeted the student council senior greeting them. Coincidentally, the senior was the same one who had interviewed Wenny days ago. "Wenny Ferris, yes, everyone's here." Glancing at the roster in her hand, the senior cast her gaze across the five assembled students. "From today, you all are members of the student council. Remember your responsibilities and mission as council members, and always be prepared to follow orders." "Though this might seem challenging for you new students, by choosing to join the council, I trust you've come prepared." "Ishtiya, given your remarkable management skills, both the student council president and the Wind Discipline Committee President hope you'll carry on the work at the Wind Discipline Committee. Would that be agreeable to you?" She asked the silent, dark-haired girl in front of her. In the academy, everyone is a peer, even if one’s external status is high. That's an outside concern. Not to mention, the senior isn’t from the Empire, so her tone with Ishtiya was quite casual. "I couldn’t ask for better." Ishtiya's replied with a curt resolution. "Very well, we’re in consensus. I'll have someone from the Wind Discipline Committee guide you there shortly." The senior then turned her gaze back to the remaining four. "As for the rest of you, you'll be like previous first-year members, serving closely under our senior members, learning diligently." Wenny figured he would just play the role of a utility player – doing things like fetching tea and water for the senior members. ### "We All Faced the Same When We Joined the Student Council as Freshmen. Once You Get Used to the Tasks After a Year, Everything Becomes Much Easier." With these words, the senior led the group into the grand hall of the student council. Soon after, Ishtiya was taken away by a member of the Wind Discipline Committee, leaving just the four of them. As Wenny had anticipated, they were akin to interns—fresh members who knew next to nothing and thus were unsuited for official council tasks. Their role was essentially to observe and learn. To put it elegantly, their job was dynamic. Bluntly, they were there to do whatever was needed—a jack-of-all-trades. "Aesphyra Gelatus and Wenny Ferris, you two follow me," the senior said after assigning tasks to the other two students. Wenny gave an extra glance at the studious-looking girl with thick glasses before turning his attention to the senior. "Sister, what’s the order?" Wenny rubbed his hands with curiosity. "Gelatus, your abilities are outstanding. If it were purely about skills, these menial tasks would indeed be beneath you," the senior commented, ignoring Wenny for the moment and addressing Aesphyra. "However, everyone—from me to the current council president Mirexia and other seniors—has gone through this. In Carylliman Academy, exceptions do not exist." "I understand, Sister. This is about honing the new students; I’ll seek guidance from the seniors, observe, and ask questions," replied Aesphyra, who was adept at managing her stature. She didn't claim to be above her tasks or subtly express dissatisfaction. Wenny couldn't help but purse his lips at her demeanor. She’s really good at acting, he thought. If he didn’t know the storyline, he wouldn’t guess that Aesphyra was practically a pro at student council duties. "And as for you, Ferris," the senior said, her smile vanishing entirely as she turned to Wenny. "Yes, Sister, I'm here." After hearing her evaluations for everyone else, it was finally his turn. Wenny was eager, thinking she might be a good judge of character. "Just do your best from now on," she said plainly. "Really?" "Ferris, you left quite an impression on me. All in all, work hard, and if you don’t know something, ask. Don’t pretend you do, understand?" "...Understood," Wenny replied, noting the stark contrast from what she’d said to Aesphyra. Walking behind the senior guiding them, Aesphyra playfully glanced at Wenny. Ah, this woman again. Lately, how do I keep ending up in mishaps when dealing with her? Before, I was mostly winning, living with the confidence that dealing with the protagonist was easy. The senior led them to the uppermost floor of the student council, stopping before a large office with "Student Council President’s Office" embossed on the door. Is this really the student council president’s office? Wenny was taken aback. Was this Mirexia’s workplace? Why were they being brought here? He suddenly recalled that in the original plot, Aesphyra was assigned to assist Mirexia after joining the council. From that point on, their relationship flourished, ultimately leaving him, the antagonist, sidelined. Their bond evolved, treating him like an adversary at the final scene of a game. Just the thought gave Wenny the chills. However, in this life, he's not an obstacle for their romance. Surely, they won't drag him into their squabbles, will they? "The council president instructed that both of you occasionally assist her with her tasks," the senior explained. Wenny immediately understood why. It looked like Mirexia wanted to lend both him and Aesphyra a hand, helping them gain more experience. Assist in tasks? Who enlists two novices to help with important tasks? Without doubt, it would be Mirexia doing all the work, with them merely observing and learning. It’s akin to a class, where Mirexia handles official duties and serves as their instructor, answering questions as needed. One must admit, Mirexia is a remarkably considerate friend. The senior opened the door. "President, Wenny and Aesphyra have arrived." "Very well, thank you." Inside the presidential office, Mirexia, a golden-haired girl, lifted her head from her desk, nodding as she looked at the familiar pair standing at the door. "Mirexia dear~ Been a while, hasn't it?" Aesphyra greeted with a bright smile, resembling a flower with bees buzzing around her. Wenny crossed his arms, watching Aesphyra with disdain. Here comes the heroine's antics again, he thought, exasperated. April 18, 2025, 21:36 [Bookmark for Easy Reading]