Two more days passed. After confirmation from the healers and a strict inspection by Ophelia, Camilla was finally allowed to be discharged.
Although her face was still a bit pale, she was fine for basic daily activities.
Stepping out of the Medical Room, the afternoon sun felt warm and cozy on her skin.
Traces left by the attack could still be seen throughout the academy. Some of the exterior walls were being repaired by mages specializing in Earth Magic, and charred marks from spells or impacts occasionally dotted the ground. The students passing by were less relaxed than usual, their expressions carrying a touch of gravity and vigilance.
However, general order had been restored and classes had resumed, albeit with increased patrols and security.
Camilla took a deep breath of the fresh outside air, feeling as though she had truly come back to life.
She had changed out of her patient gown and into her regular clothes. Rimuru was snuggled inside the pocket of her satchel, with only half a “head” poking out.
“Should we go eat something first?”
Ophelia stood by her side and naturally took her hand.
“You’ve been eating hospital food in the Medical Room for several days. The cafeteria has stewed meat and grilled fish today; we should build up your strength.”
At the mention of “meat,” Camilla’s eyes lit up. Although the meals had improved slightly toward the end of her stay, they were still mostly bland. She had been craving something better for a long time.
“Okay!”
The two sisters headed toward the First Cafeteria in the Main Campus. However, not long after they stepped onto the tree-lined path leading to the cafeteria, Camilla noticed something was wrong.
Too many eyes were on them. Not only that, but these gazes were filled with scrutiny, attempts to curry favor, calculation, and even outright sycophancy.
Soon, someone took the initiative to approach them.
“Good day, President Ophelia!”
A boy wearing a set of ornate mage robes spoke first, his tone respectful.
“And this must be Junior Camilla? You certainly have an extraordinary aura. As expected of a hero who stood up during a crisis. I am a fifth-year from the Magic Theory Department — “
“Junior Camilla, how is your recovery progressing? We have some Nourishing Potions with an exclusive formula here in the Alchemy Department. They are very effective, so please, do accept them…”
A girl who looked like an upperclassman handed over a small Crystal Bottle.
“Junior Vierlyte, I am a fourth-year from the Magic Swordsman Department. I have some minor insights regarding swordsmanship. If you are interested, Junior, we can exchange pointers anytime…”
Another tall boy spoke up, refusing to be outdone.
“President Ophelia, regarding the Student Council’s budget review for next month, our department has some small suggestions. I wonder when you might be free…”
Ophelia’s brow furrowed slightly. Her ice-blue eyes swept over the crowd, and a silent coldness caused the people in front to falter. However, the people behind them seemed to feel that this was a rare opportunity to show their faces before the new Student Council President, so their enthusiasm remained undiminished.
‘What is happening?’
Camilla was a bit dazed by the sheer scale of the situation and instinctively shrank toward Ophelia’s side.
‘What is going on? Since when did I become so popular? And President? Right, Elina mentioned that the Headmaster had already chosen my sister to be the Student Council President…’
Just as Camilla was feeling at a loss, two familiar voices suddenly rang out.
“Make way, everyone! Can’t you see that Camilla just got out of the hospital and needs rest?”
Lilian’s gentle but unquestionable tone drifted over. She was approaching from another path with Emma in tow, her aqua-blue hair shimmering in the sunlight. Her aura as a princess naturally radiated from her.
“Please keep your distance. Thank you for your cooperation.”
Emma was even more direct. She stepped forward and politely but firmly pushed aside those blocking the way. Her decisive actions were so stark that Camilla almost didn’t recognize her as Teacher Emma.
“Camilla appreciates everyone’s kind intentions, but she has just been discharged and needs peace and quiet. Why don’t we catch up another day?”
The Princess’s status and words obviously carried more weight. Coupled with Ophelia’s clear indifference, the surrounding students finally took the hint and dispersed. However, their gazes still drifted back from time to time, as if the two of them were some kind of rare treasures.
Lilian walked to Camilla’s side and gave her a reassuring smile. “It’s all right now. Let’s head to the cafeteria first.”
The four of them broke free from the encirclement and walked quickly into the cafeteria, not stopping until they reached a relatively quiet corner.
“Thank you.”
Camilla breathed a sigh of relief and thanked them sincerely.
“It was nothing. We just happened to be coming here for lunch as well.”
Lilian smiled, her gaze scanning Camilla with concern.
“Your complexion looks much better. Shall we sit together?”
The four of them found a table by the window. Ophelia went to get the food while Lilian and Emma stayed with Camilla.
“Just now… what was that all about?” Camilla asked, knowing the answer but wanting confirmation.
Emma looked at Lilian and explained in a low voice.
“Senior Ophelia was officially appointed as the new Student Council President by Headmaster Korova. The announcement was posted the day before yesterday. As for why they were so enthusiastic toward you…”
She twisted her fingers together, looking a bit embarrassed.
“It might… be related to some rumors currently circulating in the academy.”
“Rumors?”
Lilian took over the conversation, her tone calm but carrying a hint of helplessness.
“Actually, they aren’t just rumors. As far as I know, the Royal Family intends to hold the academy accountable for this incident. They are urging the Headmaster to restructure the academy’s security system to prevent similar events from occurring again…”
She paused and looked at Camilla.
“And the Headmaster has entrusted this task to Ophelia. Not only that, but the Student Council President holds great power within the academy. This includes resource allocation, activity approvals, and some disciplinary management. They can even influence certain awards and recommendation slots. Especially since Ophelia is a President with… very special background and strength. So…”
“So they’re all trying to flatter my sister?”
“Yes. And the targets of this flattery include you. Many people believe that approaching Ophelia directly is too difficult. As her most cherished sister, getting close to you might be a shortcut.”
‘Well, this…’
Camilla was left speechless by what she was hearing.
‘What a mess! I just wanted to eat in peace! Also, did sister really go and “reorganize” the academy for me? No wonder Elina sounded like that the other day…’
“Sister… she didn’t tell me any of this,” Camilla murmured.
“With Senior Ophelia’s personality, she certainly wouldn’t bother you with these things,” Lilian nodded in understanding. “However, you should be prepared. There will likely be many similar situations in the future.”
As they were speaking, Ophelia returned carrying two large trays piled high with food.
Considering Camilla had been stuck with bland food for several days, she had gone out of her way to get extra roasted meat, grilled fish, and hearty bread. Of course, she didn’t forget to include vegetables and soup.
Camilla temporarily pushed her worries to the back of her mind and focused on the delicious food. Lilian and Emma also ordered something, chatting softly about the academy’s reconstruction and course adjustments as they ate.
However, they weren’t even halfway through their meal when a sudden commotion broke out at the cafeteria entrance. Noisy discussions spread rapidly through the room.
“Did you hear? Over at the Arena!”
“For real? Does that senior really have the guts?”
“Go check it out! There won’t be any good spots left if you’re late!”
“Awesome! I want to see a bloodbath!”
Many students dropped their utensils and rushed outside, their faces filled with excitement and curiosity.
Camilla looked up in confusion, and Ophelia’s brow furrowed slightly as well.
Lilian listened for a moment, her pale gold eyes turning toward Ophelia with a subtle expression.
“It seems… this is related to you, Ophelia.”
Emma had already stood up and quickly walked toward the crowd to gather information. She returned shortly and reported in a low voice.
“It’s Senior Horne from the third-year Warrior Department. He has publicly issued a challenge at the Arena. He specifically named… the new Student Council President, Ophelia Vierlyte. His reason is that he questions your qualifications to be the President, and he demands a fair match in the way of a swordsman.”
‘Challenging my sister?’
Camilla immediately looked at Ophelia. Ophelia’s face remained expressionless. She simply put down her fork in a slow, methodical manner and picked up a napkin to wipe the corners of her mouth.
In her ice-blue eyes, a very faint, almost helpless coldness flickered.
“I’ll go take a look.”
She stood up.
“Sister, I’m coming too!”
Camilla hurried to stand up as well. How could she not go when someone was challenging her sister? Moreover, she had a faint feeling that this sudden challenge might not be as simple as it appeared on the surface.
Lilian and Emma naturally followed.
The four of them followed the surging crowd toward the Arena in the center of the academy. The closer they got, the more people there were, and the chatter grew louder. Almost half the students in the academy had been drawn in by the news.
Feeling strangely uneasy, Camilla gripped Ophelia’s hand tightly. Ophelia gave it a soft squeeze back and whispered.
“It’s all right.”