Case 72: On a thoughtful morning at the academy.

''Good morning, Your Highness.''

''Good morning.''

Seeing Kiara's slightly blushed face made me feel a bit better, even if my body said otherwise.

Though, being this conspicuous in the hallway wouldn't do us any good. We should move to the lecture hall right away. Perhaps Kiara shared the same thoughts, but she lightly took my hand and led the way.

I could hear the whispers from the other students.

For one reason or another, I was at the academy. Of course, Lyra was with me as well. We recently made up, and things were good between us again.

But coming back to the reason I dragged my corpse here in the first place, in short, we were to attend a special lecture. Apparently, a member of the former hero party would share some of her wisdom with the students.

Usually, that wouldn't interest me, but I wanted Lyra to receive the lesson, and Jeanne wanted Lyra to practice with her later, so there was that. HQ also contacted me through Kiara that they would get this session on television at some point, and they wanted me, a celebrity of sorts, there to promote the school.

Of course, I was fine with it either way, but what ultimately got me in was the opportunity to spend time with Kiara. Since we had some unfinished business the other day, I really hoped something would happen today.

''Get seated.''

While I was thinking that, a stern voice sounded near the hall's entrance.

By this point, the seats were filled with bubbling students, all excited to see for themselves the hermit of the hero party—Serendia d'Artois. With sharp silver eyes and raven-black hair, Serendia's looks were often compared to that of a mythical serpent, but in reality, she was extremely scholarly and analytical, earning her the nickname 'The Strategist.'

''That woman... as lofty as ever, huh?''

...Unfortunately, Jeanne was also here. Perhaps that was why nobody dared to sit near us, but that was alright. She only eyed Lyra these days, and Mia, The Archmage, already sat between Jeanne and me anyway.

I would normally be worried nonetheless since Mia tended to sleep whenever she could, yet this time around, even such a sleepyhead seemed intrigued by what Serendia had to present.

''Ahem.''

At once, the whole hall fell silent.

The Strategist's gleaming eyes skimmed the space from left to right, and her gaze didn't even linger on us for a second. That was tense.

However, she kept the suffocating silence alive for a while more, which made it even tenser.

Oh, the camera was already rolling for a long time, by the way.

''...Before I start, here's the premise.''

Finally, she spoke. I could hear relieved sighs across the hall. Nonetheless, I focused on the lecturer.

''This piece addresses not just the people present in this room but everybody who claims they long for peace.'' Serendia calmly stated. ''So, concentrate and listen.''

All of a sudden, the mood became noticeably more solemn. Still, it was evident that every soul was captivated. It wasn't that she intentionally tanked the atmosphere with her mana or made scary expressions. Rather, perhaps they saw a certain conviction in her eyes.

I was curious, too, since this event never got mentioned in the game.

''Demons.'' Serendia uttered.

...This, huh.

''They come in hordes, persistent and dangerous. We have been battling demons for thousands of years, and until a decade ago, it remained a a stalemate between us and them.''

Picking up a nice, long piece of chalk, Serendia began to scribble on the board.

''Here's a reminder for those who know. The reason they have been so consistent despite most demonic species being not so bright is entirely because of their ruling machine.''

As she finished the sentence, a crown was drawn at the top, and many subjects lined up below, forming a pyramid.

''Royals control nobles, nobles control elites, and elites control commons. Everything trickles down like a calm waterfall, held by absolute loyalty and order. Arguably, they rule better than us simply for the fact that their side is entirely united.''

After a short pause, she muttered, ''Well, not anymore, I suppose.''

''In any case, we have managed to penetrate their last line of defense for the first time a decade ago and dealt a decisive blow to the demon queen.''

Before the students could finish showing their patriotism, Serendia loudly tapped the board, snapping their attention back.

''That doesn't mean we have won, however.'' She coldly said. ''As much as the media want to taut that peace has been achieved, we have barely done enough. The demon queen hasn't died, and so are her countless noble subordinates. With the brains intact, they ought to regroup and emerge at any point.''

This... was the true 'game-on.' With even the lousiest of people wholly captured, Serendia began to present her case—on how little they actually were able to 'defeat' the demons, on how truly colossal the force on the other side of the continent was, and most critically...

''The demon queen's final moves were strange.''

Letting out a frustrated sigh, Serendia glanced at Jeanne and Mia, who all held severe faces.

''Again, this was drowned out and disregarded every time I tried to speak up, but hopefully, you have enough brain cells accumulated to listen this time.'' She scoffed. ''The demon queen is vastly strong. I believe we couldn't come out on top that time if she seriously fought.''

Ah... the cold truth. I mean, the demon queen was really strong, though. Even with full potential achieved, it still took the heroine—Lyra, that was—quite some time to get her.

Still, I should listen to what this person had to say for now.

''As someone who faced her, I believe she didn't use everything she had, be it her own strength, Lucifer's, or even her army. I believe it was a plot she pursued, and I demand those who listen to this to stay absolutely vigilant of any threats. More urgently, however,  I implore the monarchies to start advancing our steps into the other side.''

Once again, a shocking sentiment. I suppose only someone of Serendia's caliber could utter such bold concepts.

As it was, this side had lost a lot to this ever-lasting war, and going further meant sacrificing even more. In the first place, the other side was supposed to be the one invading, so many wouldn't find this proposal attractive.

Even Jeanne herself seemed less than enthusiastic about it.

Looking around, the younger ones were understandably indecisive. So, this was a piece to address the masses and the government all along. I see.

I mean... the topic made me thoughtful, even more so as Serendia went on to amass case after case of her research to further solidify her points. I wasn't sure I could do anything.

Well, I already had in mind what I wanted to do anyway.

''This is all that I have to say.''

'''' ... ''''

In the end, Serendia finished her presentation a short thirty minutes into it and promptly exited the hall, leaving behind a somber mood and, I imagine, some anxious minds.

It was eight and a half.

''...''

Really, a thoughtful morning for everyone.