NOVEL NEXT Chapter 340: Off Script?
It was the expected response towards the person you expected to keep your loved ones safe. And Mirage knew this full-heartedly.
He had overestimated his and his staff's abilities in overcoming the invasion.
Raising his hand, he caught what he could assume to be an aluminium beer can.
He then stared at the drops of alcoholic liquids that caught onto his clothes. But, he didn't give it much attention as he drew his eyes to the can and looked at its scrunched-up surface.
Perhaps, he should've placed more funds towards security and defences within the realm instead of all of it going towards educational devices and equipment.
It was all his fault, really.
He then raised his eyes, watching as people pulled the one in charge of throwing the can away to calm down.
And as he watched this happen, the world seemingly slowed as he stared at the countless faces screaming at him with tears in their eyes. It was a heart-wrenching scene.
Eventually, time sped up again.
Saint Leon, who had heard the noise, opened a slit in the curtains. And just as he was about to step through, he found Mirage raising his right hand.
He stopped and found the old man gesturing towards a pair of guards who were dragging out the man.
He then heard the old man say:
"No need. Let him stay and hear what I'm about to say. And this goes for all of you as well."
Saint Leon quickly snuck back to his place behind the stage, allowing Mirage to do what was needed.
Mirage, who saw Leon disappear, looked back towards the crowd before placing the empty bear can on the wooden podium, and fell into a deep thought.
Should he still continue with his script?
"Yes... I am a Tier 5 Mage."
He had decided to go off script.
"And as you know, people of my tier are undoubtedly strong. However, I am but one man in a world of otherworldly and dangerous forces. Of course, you may have allies, friends, coworkers, and family all right beside you... But at the end of the day... Death lingers over all of us."
Mirage then paused for a brief moment before continuing:
"It lingers inside bodies, in the air we breathe, and in the food we eat. And yet... regardless of how strong you are, it will undoubtedly come for you.
"We are unable to do anything against the inevitable. But what happened 3 days ago wasn't, and that was all because of my incompetence as both a teacher and a person."
His eyes then glazed over with a reflective light as his gaze drifted around.
"Please understand from my point of view, all of you. For your loved ones who worked here, I saw them just like my family. And for your children who came here as students, I saw each and every one of them as my own children as well.
"Some rascals... Some kind-hearted... And some studious. All of them. I saw all of them as my very own child. And this very place you all are in was our very own home..."
He then stood away from the podium and walked to the edge of the stage. He looked over the crowd before taking in a deep breath.
He then bent over, lowering himself to a deep bow before opening his mouth and saying:
"So, please find it deep inside your hearts to understand my own side of grief and despair. Please know that from this moment onwards, we will do better to never let this happen again.
"And although our track record as being the Academy that has been invaded the most is deterring... Please, I beg from all of you that you will find my words become the truth after today."
Lillian, who was part of the audience, couldn't help but tear up a bit, but was immediately offered a handkerchief by a certain Assassin.
A person in the crowd then stood up, intending to raise his voice again, before feeling a hand land on his shoulder from behind. Seeing someone stop him with a shake of their head, he slowly sat back down.
And then, everyone became silent.
After giving a few more words, Mirage left the stage, but only to notify the people that they would be led to their loved one's coffin.
"Sniff. Sniff..." Lillian blew her nose with a paper towel before putting it inside her spatial ring. She then looked around, looking at the hundreds of people getting up from their seats.
She then wiped her eyes and said:
"Man... That was emotional..."
She then looked to the side and found Marionette staring at her with an almost surprised look.
Lillian tilted her head and asked:
"Y-yes...?"
"... I didn't think you were capable of crying at this age."
"E-eh!?" Lillian jolted, widening her eyes, "W-why would I? I'm a person too, you know...!"
Marionette nodded, "I'm aware. It was just that, besides, when you were a child, I haven't seen any other moments where you were crying."
Lillian, feeling the woman's hand land on her head, pouted slightly. And seeing this, Marionette gave a small smile.
"Don't worry. You're still adorable, either way..."
After that, they were swiftly approached by an unexpected person.
Lillian blinked as a woman with blonde hair and blue eyes with a scar over her left eye approached them.
And beside them was a short girl with curly pigtails.
It was Beatrice with her vice rep.
"How are you, Lillian? I'm glad to see you are well, you know. Haven't been able to talk to you since..." Beatrice pushed out her hand, which Lillian grabbed and shook.
The white-haired girl chuckled, "Yeah... I slept a lot the day after the incident, so I'm feeling quite good right now. And yeah, it has been quite a bit."
Beatrice took a subtle glance towards Marionette, finding her glaring before looking down at their handcuffs.
"So... Is this a kink, you guys have now that you two are dating? Pretty intimate, you know..."
"I-It isn't a kink..." Lillian sighed, facepalming.
Beatrice chuckled, "Right... Anyway, I hope you don't mind if I pull your girlfriend to the side to have a chat." She gestured towards Marionette, who gave her an odd look.
Marionette, hearing this, shook her head and gestured to the handcuffs, "Apologies, but could you tell me here? I rather not unlock these."
Beatrice gave a teasing low hum before nodding, "I suppose, it's not that big of a deal. Due to the Prince no longer wanting the position, I just wanted to know if you would like to join the Student Counci—"
But right as she was about to finish, Marionette cut her off.
"No."
Marionette waved her hand dismissively and added:
"I don't want to join your council. No offence, Student President. But please do give the role to Lillian—"
But, just like how she cut off Beatrice, she too was cut off by her.
"Since you need a pair to join, you'll be paired up with her—"
"I'll join."
"Great! I'll send you and Lillian an email in the coming days." Beatrice and her Vice rep then turned around to leave, "Do make sure to keep an eye out for that, you know!"
Lillian, watching this unfold, gaped at the fast exchange.
"W-what just happened...?"