The Imperial Children.
Each of them had their own distinct quirks, as introduced at the start of the game.
However, this was merely bait.
The alliance the player chose more or less reflected their stance in the game’s political circle.
Franz Barielle Aetherion, the most dangerous of the three. He often served as the player’s downfall if they weren’t careful, and ended their progression early in the storyline.
Irene Barielle Aetherion, the most unpredictable. Though invaluable for her connections and schemes, she too could bring about the player’s demise if mishandled.
Astrid Barielle Aetherion, the neutral and the most powerful of the three individually. Her fate varied drastically depending on the player’s influence.
Astrid could side with Franz and become a mass-murdering weapon, or align with Irene to join her sister’s efforts to thwart their brother’s ambitions.
However, Irene’s alliances were rooted in the underworld, and siding with her would inevitably lead to a slow, devastating civil war that would tear the Aetherion Empire apart from within.
Alternatively, Astrid could follow a neutral path, focusing on becoming a doctor and a mage outside the political sphere.
While this would spare her from the empire’s turmoil, it would limit her growth.
According to veteran players who had reached the true ending but failed, Astrid was one of the keys to ultimately defeating the Black Dragon.
But now, a third party had emerged.
Vanitas Astrea.
Unlike the player, who could influence Astrid as an equal, Vanitas had the potential to become a mentor figure.
This in turn, could drastically alter Astrid’s path, likely guiding her toward a route similar to those of Franz and Irene—one where he would shape and lead her decisions.
But there was a problem.
The named character; Vanitas Astrea’s existence himself was a problem.
Vanitas understood the danger. Involving himself with the Imperial Family could either become his greatest weapon or the very blade that would one day sever his head.
Because Vanitas Astrea had killed the mother of the three Imperial Children—
the Imperial Queen herself.
‘Why do something so stupid.’
If the game had a maximum difficulty setting, playing as Vanitas Astrea would surpass even that.
——Are you perhaps, Vanitas Astrea?
Vanitas stopped and looked up.
He was here.
The very character responsible for over 6,821 failed playthroughs.
Franz Barielle Aetherion.
“Yes, I am,” Vanitas replied, lowering his head respectfully. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Your Highness Franz.”
Vanitas maintained his exposure and decorum to a maximum degree. This was their first meeting in the context of Vanitas Astrea. However, as Chae Eun-woo, he had faced Franz countless times in the game.
“Raise your head,” Franz commanded. “I’ve heard much about you, Vanitas. I can call you Vanitas, right?”
Vanitas lifted his head and met Franz’s gaze. “By all means.”
“Would you care to join me?” Franz asked smoothly. “I’ve been wanting to speak with you for some time.”
Vanitas maintained his calm demeanor and gave a polite nod. “Of course, Your Highness. It would be an honor.”
“Ah, please. Call me Franz.”
“….”
That was bait. An eager noble would refuse vehemently, insisting on using “Your Highness” to appear overly respectful—only to come across as obsequious and foolish.
On the other hand, taking Franz’s offer at face value and addressing him too casually would be another misstep.
The correct response was to maintain the proper balance. To show respect without appearing servile.
Franz wanted to see someone capable. Someone who knew their place, yet wasn’t a spineless sycophant like the many aristocrats who bent over backward for the Parliament’s favor.
With this in mind, Vanitas gave a calm smile. “As you wish, Lord Franz.”
Franz’s expression shifted ever so slightly. There was a hint of subtle approval hidden beneath his composed demeanor.
“Good. Shall we?” Franz gestured for Vanitas to walk beside him.
The two moved through the academy corridors, immediately drawing the attention of onlookers—including fellow professors, students, alumnus, and even visiting parents.
Franz Barielle Aetherion was already an important figure in the entire world, but the sight of Vanitas Astrea walking at his side made the scene look like it came out of a painting.
For those involved in prestigious magical circles, particularly the Scholars Institute, Vanitas had become something of a celebrity in his own right.
It was the kind of sight that told others to keep their distance. No one dared to even think about approaching them.
“I’m not quite proficient in magic myself,” Franz began. “But Astrea Magic Worldview? I heard it’s quite popular these days.”
“To think even you have heard of it, Lord Franz.”
Unlike his siblings, Franz’s strength lay in swordsmanship. Most knights in the Crusade Department rarely understood the nuances of magic beyond the basics.
“Of course,” Franz continued with a smile. “Didn’t you know? The magic community had its eye on you when you were younger. Even I’ve heard of your past achievements.”
“Is that so?” Vanitas replied. “Your reputation precedes you as well, Lord Franz. First in your batch. Valedictorian. Champion of the 2008 Summit, particularly in the Crusade Tournament. Recipient of the Most Promising Knight award….”
So on and so forth.
Franz chuckled softly. “You’ve done your homework, I see. Though I wouldn’t put too much importance on titles. They’re nothing more than accolades to keep the nobility entertained.”
“Perhaps, but accomplishments like those don’t come without talent and hard work. Few could achieve what you have.”
“Mayhaps.”
They continued their conversation as they walked. Before long, they found themselves in the area lined with food stalls.
“Hungry, Lord Franz?” Vanitas asked. “It seems your little sister, Astrid, is managing several of these booths.”
To be exact, the booths were Astrid’s own initiative. She had proposed, financed, and overseen their production. They had become bestsellers on the first day of the festival—and their popularity showed no signs of waning.
“Why not?” Franz agreed with a nod.
As they strolled through the stalls, Franz spoke up.
“Did you know? My little sister holds you in high regard.”
Vanitas raised a brow slightly. “Astrid?”
Franz chuckled. “Yes. Though, back when she was younger, she was notorious for complaining about her lessons. Always grumbling things like, ‘Why do they keep repeating the same topics? Why are they making everything so complicated? We’ve already covered this!'”
“I can see why she might have been frustrated. Some professors do tend to complicate things unnecessarily.”
“Exactly,” Franz agreed. “In that regard, you’ve done an excellent job. She once said your lectures gave her a fresh perspective. Like someone finally understood the gaps in traditional teaching methods.”
“I’m honored to hear that,” Vanitas replied with a slight bow of his head.
With Franz’s status alone, the two effortlessly bypassed the lines. Not a single person dared to voice any complaints.
“A–Ah! Nice to meet you, Your Highness!” the student running the booth stammered nervously. “W–What would you like?”
Franz offered a polite smile. “I’ll have the festival special.”
The student nodded rapidly, fumbling with the order slips. Franz then turned to Vanitas and raised an eyebrow.
“And what about you, Vanitas?”
Vanitas eyed him for a moment before recalling something. ‘Ah, right…. I just left Margaret behind.’
Nodding, Vanitas replied, “I’ll have whatever you’re having.”
Once they received their orders, the two continued walking through the festival grounds.
Vanitas glanced at Franz, studying him for a moment before asking, “How is it, Lord Franz?”
“It’s good,” Franz replied, taking another bite. “A little too salty for my taste. But overall, it’s well done. My sister’s done a fantastic job.”
“Agreed. It’s a bit salty for me as well.”
Everything seemed normal so far. Still, Vanitas had been wondering about one crucial detail.
Was this the real Franz or just one of his puppets?
The simplest way to determine that was through taste.
Franz’s puppets, created through his stigmata, lacked the sense of taste.
However, Franz was well aware of this limitation and might have prepared accordingly.
None knew of his stigmata’s existence, but Franz was a cautious one. To everyone, any Franz they encountered was indistinguishable from the real one.
But not to Vanitas.
Vanitas handed him a drink and smiled.
“Try this too, Lord Franz. It’s called boba tea. It’s quite popular and managed by some of my sister’s friends.”
Franz raised an eyebrow in curiosity. “Oh? Boba tea, you say?”
He accepted the drink and took a sip. His expression remained neutral for a moment before he spoke.
“Interesting texture. The sweetness is just right, though the tapioca pearls are a bit…. odd. I can see why it’s popular, though.”
Bingo.
It was a puppet.
Vanitas had specifically requested the drink with no sugar. The staff had found it quite ridiculous at first, but a simple excuse that he couldn’t handle sugar well had been enough to convince them.
The real Franz wouldn’t have missed that detail. But this puppet, like all the others, failed to recognize the difference in taste.
But in the first place, only Vanitas would notice this detail.
No one else would think to distinguish a real Franz from a puppet based on taste—especially since people didn’t even know about Franz’s ability to begin with.
“Speaking of your sister, Vanitas,” Franz began. “I heard she’s starring in a play later—Für Elise, was it? You must be quite proud.”
“I am,” Vanitas replied with a respectful nod. “She’s put in a great deal of effort for this performance.”
“I see. Well, I’ve actually purchased a ticket myself,” Franz said with a smile. “Would you care to join me for the play?”
“It would be my pleasure.”
The two continued their conversation before eventually parting ways. Throughout it all, Vanitas couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched from afar.
“….”
He knew exactly who it was.
* * *
“Gosh, he just left me like that,” Margaret muttered, pouting as she returned to the table. Vanitas was nowhere to be seen.
——Grand Knight!
Margaret turned at the sound of someone calling her and saw Alex and Johanna approaching.
“Ah, you two,” Margaret greeted. “You didn’t tell me you were here.”
Johanna grinned. “You seemed busy, so we thought we’d surprise you another time.”
Alex gave a polite nod. “Grand Knight.”
Margaret glanced around. “Is it just the two of you?”
“Well, Clevius was with us,” Alex replied. “But he suddenly took off somewhere.”
“Is that so?” Margaret said, turning her gaze to the empty chair. “Vanitas disappeared too.”
At her words, Johanna and Alex exchanged a knowing look, as if something realization dawned on them.
“What is it?” Margaret asked, narrowing her eyes slightly.
“Nothing, Grand Knight,” Johanna said quickly, flashing an innocent smile.
Margaret gave them a suspicious glance but decided not to press the matter.
“Why don’t we enjoy the festival together?” Johanna suggested cheerfully, trying to change the subject.
“Sure.”
…..
Karina sat in the Professor’s office, quietly studying, when the door suddenly opened. She glanced up quickly, surprised.
“Ah, Professor. You’re here?” she said. “I thought you were busy with another dat—”
She quickly clamped a hand over her mouth, cutting herself off.
“…?”
Vanitas tilted his head slightly.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
“Studying,” Karina replied, lowering her hand. “The first phase of the Ascension Licensure Exam is coming up soon.”
“Is that so?”
The Ascension Licensure Exam was a rigorous, four-phase test required to obtain a professorship license.
Karina’s two-year mentorship under Professor Vanitas perfectly aligned with the end of the fourth phase.
By the time she would complete both in 2024, she would likely qualify for a teaching position at Silver Tower University.
“Study hard.”
Vanitas observed her quietly before settling into his seat. Ever since their first meeting, he had felt a lingering sense of pity toward Karina.
No, pity wasn’t the right word.
It was something else, something he couldn’t quite define.
Guilt?
He wasn’t sure why. There was no indication that the original Vanitas had ever met her before, and no memories of a younger Karina seemed to resurface. Yet, the feeling remained.
It was similar to what he felt toward Charlotte—emotions that didn’t seem to be his own. Remnants of something left behind by the original Vanitas.
“What are you doing, Professor?”
Vanitas glanced up at Karina’s question. “Preparing for the inevitable.”
“Huh?” She tilted her head, confused for a moment, then suddenly grinned mischievously.
“Did you perhaps…” she began. “Find a suitable suitor?”
Vanitas blinked, looking back at her with an incredulous expression.
“How do you know that?”
“I know a lot of things, Professor,” Karina replied, clearly pleased with herself. “I’m your assistant, after all. Your personal matters are part of my responsib—”
“Charlotte told you, didn’t she?”
“A–ah, n–no….” Karina stammered.
Vanitas sighed inwardly. This assistant of his was getting cheekier by the day. The shy, fumbling woman she had once been was now far too comfortable around him. Order must be restored.
“Karina.”
“Y–Yes?” Karina straightened nervously.
“You’re fired.”
“What?! No! No, no…! I’m sorry! I’m sorry!”
“I expect your things cleared out by tomorrow.”
“I didn’t mean to! Really!” she pleaded. “It was just a harmless joke! Please don’t fire me.… I have nowhere else to go!”
As Karina continued pleading, the door suddenly burst open.
“Professor!”
Both Vanitas and Karina turned toward the door. Standing there was Kylian Bappe.
Vanitas narrowed his eyes. “Get out.”
The fact that Kylian hadn’t even bothered to knock irritated him to a certain degree.
“Professor, please! I demand a rematch! Just one, and I’ll never bother you again!” Kylian exclaimed.
Vanitas sighed internally. Technically, he didn’t really win in the traditional sense. Kylian had simply gone out of bounds, which led to his defeat.
Still, Vanitas had no intention of entertaining his request.
“Out. Now.”
“Please, Professor! I’ll…. I’ll even put in a good word for you with Lady Margaret!”
Vanitas raised an eyebrow. “Huh? And what does Margaret have to do with this?”
“….Isn’t that why you accepted my challenge? Because you’re interested in—”
“Get out. Now. Before I give you penalty points.”
“Ah, no! Professor! Just once!”
“Karina,” Vanitas ordered, glancing at Karina. “Bring me a penalty card.”
“Ah—!”
Before Karina could even move, Kylian bolted out of the room. Clearly, he thought that leaving would save him from the penalty.
It had to be said. Penalty points were no trivial matter.
In the university, accumulating penalty points could jeopardize a student’s graduation. No student was allowed to graduate until all points were cleared.
[Kylian Bappe — 10 Penalty Points]
——
Penalty Notice
Student: Kylian Bappe
Infraction: Disrespect towards the professor.
Penalty: 10 Points
——
“I think ten points is a bit much, Prof—”
“You want me to make an example out of you too?”
“N-No, sir! Back to studying!” Karina stammered, quickly diving back into her notes.
* * *
6:30 P.M.
In the backstage at the main theater, preparations were in full swing. The lights were set. The costumes were arranged neatly on racks, and the sound equipment had been checked and ready.
Crew members hurried about, making final adjustments to props and scenery.
“Are you ready, Elise?” the director, Alya, asked.
Charlotte, dressed in full Elise costume, glanced up from her script.
“Almost,” she replied, adjusting the hem of her dress.
“Good. We’re starting in thirty minutes. Make sure you’re in position when the introduction ends.”
Charlotte exhaled slowly and nodded. “Got it.”
Truth be told, she was nervous.
She had rehearsed the scenes more times than she could count, to the point where she might accidentally write Elise instead of Charlotte on an exam sheet.
——What about you, Professor Valen?
Charlotte turned to see Silas, fully dressed in his Professor Valen costume.
She had seen the outfit countless times during rehearsals, but it still left her in awe every time.
“Yes, I’m ready,” Silas replied, adjusting his blazer coat.
Charlotte couldn’t shake the strange feeling that lingered as she looked at him.
“….”
He really looked like her brother.