CHAPTER 54: I AM MOVED

Seth Clayford?!

No... not just him.

Liliana... Rayford... Julius... Lumian... Raphael...

There are at least dozens of students, nearly fifty of them, who stand behind him. They all look at me with indescribably complex emotions in their eyes. Unable to withstand the weight of their gaze, I look away.

Complicated feelings rise up within me as well, but I suppress them.

Am I angry?

No.

Why should I be upset? I merely used these people for my own benefit, and I attempted to manipulate them into overturning a system that would benefit me.

Even though they didn’t defend me when I needed them most, how can I possibly blame them?

These are children in my eyes. They have families who rely on them, and expectations weigh heavily on their shoulders. Why would I expect that they would throw away their future prospects for a total stranger that they have only known for a year?

That would simply be too selfish of me.

’They are too young...’ I think to myself and form a wry smile. ’I never expected too much from them, to begin with.’

And yet, what is this frustration that causes my heart to thump so much?

Why do I feel a sense of bitterness inside me?

A sting of betrayal!

Could it be that... despite my initial intentions... I actually hoped for something more from them?

Did I truly feel some measure of entitlement after all?

Perhaps... perhaps not.

In any case, it is already too late. I left the J-Tutorial Club in their hands and have decided to simply focus on my studies for now.

I have no further use for such a system at the moment.

Life was easier and more enjoyable back then, but... right now... I suppose I have moved on.

"Javier! Please... come back to the J-Tutorial Club!" Seth bows his head, and the rest of the students follow suit.

’What?!’

"We need you to return, Javier!" One of them says with a shaky voice.

"Become our leader again!" Another cries out passionately.

"Please... come back!" Yet one more yells with a trembling roar.

More and more voices overlap, forming a maelstrom of noise that nearly overwhelms my senses.

They grow too loud to the point that I have to gesture for them to be quiet.

Public disturbance is an offense in this Academy.

Their getting into trouble is one thing, but I wouldn’t want to be lumped in with them and face punishment too. I value my education far too much to allow that.

"No... I can’t go back." I sigh and tell them plainly. "I’m simply too busy with my studies."

They glance at each other and nod to themselves.

I can see that they expected this response of mine, so why would they ask me for such a ridiculous thing, to begin with? They surely have a plan, but what is it?

"Javier... we are sorry."

Falling on their knees, they lower their heads and apologize to me.

"What? Why are you apologizing?" I ask them with a confused expression. It’s not like they actively turned on me or anything.

In fact, I was the one who risked their own situation by underestimating my opponents.

The situation turned out more severe than I anticipated, and it would be unfair for me to hold grudges against them for not sticking by my side regardless.

’I was the one who instigated you people to engage in the protest. The J-Tutorial Club is meant to be a study group, yet I turned it into a political weapon aimed at my enemy.’ I sigh, my thoughts flowing silently. ’You people... shouldn’t be sorry for anything.’

"You did so much for us! You sacrificed your time and energy to teach us, inspire us, and help us to become better students overall!"

"My grades improved steadily because of your teachings!"

"I was already despairing, thinking I’d never make it, even as a Third Rate Scholar, until you came along!"

"You are my junior, yet I look up to you most of all! You truly showed me what excellence and perseverance really mean!"

"You have helped everyone here, and even many more! All of us here are only a small fraction of the ones who owe you so much!"

"So where’s everyone else?" I ask half-heartedly, my wry smile deepening.

"They... couldn’t muster up the courage to face you. Even we... we’ve been unable to approach you until now because we truly felt ashamed of ourselves..." Seth mutters, his head hanging lower than the rest.

"We are cowards... all of us!"

Everyone nods in agreement, their gaze sullen and their expression crestfallen. In this moment, it appears as though all these students have become one.

"I set aside our loyalty and let fear dictate my actions! I am sorry, Javier!"

"Because I was afraid of the school authority, I acted dishonorably and didn’t support you when you needed me most. I am sorry, Javier!"

"You stood up for the rest of us, yet I couldn’t even muster the courage to do the same for you. I am sorry, Javier!"

More and more students let out their thoughts, tears streaming down their faces.

I would be lying if I said I don’t feel their sincerity.

After they all get their turn, Seth looks at me with his gem-like eyes, now watery with tears.

"I was your friend, yet I didn’t remain by your side when you needed me most." His loud, thin voice causes my body to tremble mildly. "Javier... I am so, so sorry!"

To be honest... I am moved.

Regardless of the complex emotions within me, twisting around one another like a knot, I can not deny that their voices have reached me. These people... are truly sincere.

But this only further proves my point that I have no right to be upset at any of them.

’Especially you, Seth...’ My smile broadens. ’I know none of you want to bring up your reasons, so it doesn’t seem like you’re making excuses, but I understand your circumstances.’

All of these students have their own difficulties.

Even Seth.

No... especially him.

’I know the Ethereal Choir’s situation. You had to remain quiet about my affair because of the oppression the Club was experiencing. You standing by my side politically was already enough to put a target on your Club, yet you did so. But, after the accusations came... You couldn’t do more, else it would have affected the Clergy Students whom you represent.’

Despite Seth being a Second-Year Student, he is actually the face of the Clergy Students.

It has something to do with a secret I still don’t know about.

But I know his actions have consequences.

He couldn’t have taken my side, even if he wanted to, else he would implicate all the Clergy Students whom he represents.

The fact that he feels this bad about the matter means he probably even tried to help, but was convinced by his fellows not to. I believe the Church must have also warned him to steer away from all political affairs in the Academy.

’Maybe he even got punished for attending the protest...’ I think to myself, while an expressionless mask hides all the deep layers of consideration I make regarding the people before me.

After a tense moment of silence that seemed to stretch forever, I finally let out a sound.

"Pfft... hehe... haha!"

A laugh escapes my lips, and I let out loud chuckles.

"I understand, you guys!" My voice is filled with mild hints of amusement, which covers up the relief that now exists in my heart.

Truly... I get it.

It’s not like I am entirely oblivious to the situation within the Academy.

In fact, during the past few weeks, I have noticed a few things happening, but chose to ignore them in order to focus on my studies.

The Nobles—both Lesser and Higher—have somehow improved their opinion of me.

They probably never expected me to go as far as I did.

Lesser Nobles feel inspired, well Higher Nobles feel threatened. At the same time, they cannot help but see the unfairness of the situation.

I have had a few members of the High Nobility approach me and even offer a semblance of concern. Despite their elevated status, they are still human beings, are they not? Plus, they are very young and still in touch with their conscience.

Many of them recognize that I have been wronged by the Academy’s system.

However, what can they do about it?

Speaking up to criticize the Academy goes against their best interests.

In the end, they also have their circumstances and have to live according to the dictates of their status. That means forever remaining on a higher pedestal and looking down on those born beneath them.

Regardless, it seems I was wrong about yet another thing.

I haven’t lost my reputation.

In fact, it has only grown stronger thanks to the Academy turning me into a martyr.

"Javier! Let me help you!"

"I will assist you in your Public Service!

"Me too!"

"Same here!"

’Oh? They want to help me?’ My eyes widen as I realize what this means. ’I am only one person, but there are over fifty people here. If I take their word for it, there are even hundreds more who also feel bad about what happened and would like to make it up to me...’

What would happen if they helped me amass Prestige Points?

I’d be able to gather them in no time!

That means I probably don’t even have to engage in Public Service anymore!

"So, please... Javier... return to the J-Tutorial Club." They plead yet again. "Become our leader once more!"

At this point, what reason do I have to refuse?

They are essentially offering a much easier life for me in exchange for leading the same organization I founded. I see no negatives at all!

"Fine... I’m in." With a heavy sigh and a small smile, I finally give them an answer. Their faces brighten up almost immediately, and they shout for joy, forcing me to gesture for them to be silent once again.

Suddenly, it seems like my life is about to change yet again.