Chapter 93
The New Stars of the Demon Race
The Holy Eldar Empire was going through a time of big change.
As business and magic technology grew, the old noble class started to face serious problems.
Even if someone was born into a rich family, they couldn’t succeed unless they had magical talent.
Also, because farming became more productive, food prices dropped. So nobles couldn’t live their fancy lives just by owning land anymore.
In this situation, the gentry class rose in power. They got seats in Parliament and became important new high-class people. They showed off their wealth in social events and were more open-minded about demons.
Maybe that’s why most of the people at today’s party were from the gentry. Many nobles, who still hated demons, refused to come.
Still, since it was an event hosted by the Emperor, many people did show up, and it was very tiring just to greet everyone.
Especially popular were Karl, the northern king’s son who rarely appeared in society, and Idnia, who had been missing from social circles for a long time.
Lorenzo, who often visited the Dynaise social scene, helped introduce people. Idnia then introduced Marie after being introduced herself.
After the long round of introductions, they finally got a break.
“So… is it time to greet the demons now? Rudolf, over there, right?”
Karl asked Rudolf, who nodded.
A group of young men and women was sitting by a tea table near a pillar, away from the dancing. They were the talented youths of the demon race. They looked over and whispered among themselves.
Their eyes met with the Dynaise students’.
Just then, Emperor Franz walked over with an old man.
The old man was huge, with dry skin and long fingers. He looked more like a monster than a human. He should’ve had horns, being a high-ranking demon, but probably used illusion magic to hide them. Since this was just a friendly party, not an official meeting, it made sense.
“Your Majesty.”
Everyone greeted the Emperor in surprise. Marie was confused about the proper greeting, but Idnia gave her a hint, and she followed quickly. The Emperor noticed but didn’t say anything.
“It hasn’t been long since you entered the Academy, yet it feels like forever since I’ve seen you. Rudolf, and these are… Prince Lorenzo of Mazdari, Prince Karl of Oxbach, Lady Idnia of Betelgeuse, and Miss Marie of Astraea, the saintess candidate. I believe that’s correct?”
“Yes, Your Majesty…”
“This is Sir Gimmel Baya, the State Scholar of Garmhow.”
“It’s an honor to meet you all. I am Gimmel, the royal scholar of Garmhow.”
‘Garmhow’ was the name demons used for their land. Gimmel was their top archmage.
“I’ve heard amazing things about the students at Dynaise Academy. Now that I see you in person, I must say—your reputations don’t do you justice. You’re all even more impressive.”
Rudolf answered politely for the group.
“My humble students are here to learn. May I introduce them to you?”
The real reason the Dynaise students were invited was now clear—to meet Gimmel’s students and build relationships.
‘So those are Gimmel’s top students, and we’re just Academy students… they probably have more training. Also, in the original game, this was supposed to happen in the next season…’
Idnia had a bad feeling about this whole meeting.
Gimmel’s students watched the Dynaise students approach.
“…Looks like that’s the crown prince, some high nobles’ children, and a saintess candidate.”
One of them whispered quietly to a red-eyed, black-haired young man.
“Which one is Lady Betelgeuse?”
“The tall blonde girl.”
“Then the shorter one must be the saintess?”
“Ah, the Emperor and our master are greeting them now. They’ll come to us next.”
“Then be careful. People are watching us.”
“Understood.”
Gimmel and the Emperor returned with the Dynaise students.
“My poor students… I brought them here to broaden their minds, but I worry they’re just eating food at this royal banquet.”
“Don’t say that! They all look very talented.”
The Emperor introduced the Dynaise students one by one.
“This is my son Rudolf, Prince Lorenzo, Prince Karl, Lady Idnia, and Saintess candidate Marie.”
“Please treat them kindly. I’ll let the young people talk on their own now. An old man like me shouldn’t be the center of attention.”
“You’re the guest of honor!”
“Still, I’m old and tired. Don’t mind me.”
The Emperor and Gimmel left the group to talk on their own.
Everyone stood there awkwardly. Then Lorenzo broke the silence.
“Shall we introduce ourselves again? Nice to meet you. I’m—”
“Prince Lorenzo of Mazdari, yes, yes. You must be tired of introducing yourself. Let’s skip the formal stuff and talk normally. I’m Coralden, the top student of Master Gimmel. Let’s sit and talk.”
The red-eyed youth sat down with a smirk.
“Sit down. You’re the crown prince, and the rest must be nobles and the saintess candidate, right? The food here is good. Thanks for providing it.”
“…”
Rudolf sat down, then Idnia, who motioned to Marie.
“Let’s eat, Marie. After eating that trash at school, this is real food.”
“Huh?”
“Excuse us, then.”
Idnia started eating, ignoring the demons watching her.
“Oh?”
The demons looked surprised.
Karl, Lorenzo, and Rudolf quickly joined in. They had suffered with terrible Academy food, so they weren’t going to miss out on royal cuisine just to look polite.
Marie followed too, leaving the demon youths confused.
‘Wow, these guys are bold.’
‘They’re pretty strong, huh? The Emperor even called them here just for us. They must be skilled.’
The demon youths were impressed.
Idnia wiped her mouth and asked directly:
“So let me ask. Why are you here? What are your real intentions in trying to make peace with the Empire?”
“Do I have to answer that?”
“Yes. We were pulled out of school and don’t know the details. Also, what should we call you? ‘Demon’ might sound rude, right?”
“We call ourselves humans. And we call you ‘demons.’ It’s rude both ways. Let’s just use names. You’re Idnia Kache Betelgeuse, right?”
“Yes… Did I tell you my full name?”
“We had to know about you.”
“…Ah.”
Idnia realized: They know she’s half-demon.
In the original game Awakening Girl Concerto, Idnia clung to her place in society even as her family declined. Shady people, including demons and a crime group, gave her money to keep her place. She accepted it to chase her pride and ambition.
But the current Idnia had left society and lived quietly back in her homeland.
‘Still, if the demons were targeting me, they probably know I’m half-demon. But they won’t reveal it now. If they want to use it against me, they’ll wait for the perfect moment to blackmail me.’
She thought carefully. She wasn’t even the crown prince’s fiancée anymore, so it wasn’t a major secret now.
‘It would just feel weird—like a mixed person attacking someone for having mixed blood too. They wouldn’t do that… right?’
Just then, Coralden coughed and spoke.
“Don’t misunderstand. You’re the daughter of a warrior and saintess chosen by the Trinity God, right? Of course we’d notice you. Your parents defeated our chosen king.”
He thought Idnia looked nervous because of their interest.
“Calling our god a false one? That’s bold. That’s blasphemy.”
Lorenzo frowned, but Coralden smiled bitterly.
“You call us demons and say our god is evil. We all make rude comments sometimes. I apologize.”
Even if Coralden didn’t sound serious, Lorenzo realized he’d overreacted.
“Still…”
“Why are you so arrogant?”
Karl cut in, annoyed by Coralden’s rude tone. Even though he didn’t like Lorenzo, they were both from top noble families, and he didn’t like seeing a random demon talk down to them.
