Chapter 353 Princess Jasmine 5
"Then, it is the deal."
"It is the deal."
With our agreement sealed, Princess Jasmine reached into a drawer and pulled out a small, exquisitely designed token.
"You will get a special uniform for you in the future. But, for now, to show your authority as a council member, you can use this token."
The token she handed me was a work of art in its own right. Golden engravings adorned its surface, tracing intricate patterns that seemed to shimmer in the light. At the center, a small star motif caught my eye, a symbol of the unity and ambition of the student council.
I turned it over in my hand, noting the fine craftsmanship and the weight it carried. It was indeed a symbol of power and authority within the academy.
"It's quite impressive," I remarked, genuinely appreciating the token's design.
Princess Jasmine smiled, a hint of satisfaction in her expression. "I'm glad you think so. This token represents your position within the student council, and it's a sign that you have my backing."
I nodded, understanding the significance of the gesture. "I'll use it wisely."
"I am certain you have just mentioned about trampling on some dogs. I wonder how this will count as being wise?"
"Isn't it the wise man's job to teach dogs how to behave?"
"….You are good with your words."
"I am proud of it."
"Then, I believe our meeting here has come to an end. You have a role to play, and I have my duties to attend to as well."
I rose from my seat, tucking the token safely into my pocket. "Thank you for this opportunity, Princess Jasmine. I won't disappoint you."
Her smile remained enigmatic as she offered her final words. "I look forward to seeing what you can do, Callius. Until next time."
With a nod of farewell, I turned and exited her office, the weight of the token a constant reminder of the new path I had chosen to tread.
******
"Your Highness."
After a minute, Callius left, and the princess pushed the button on her side as her trusted attendant revealed himself.
"Ethan. How are the things going?" She asked, looking at him.
"Princess," Ethan replied, still keeping his eyes lowered, "as you have suspected, the appearance of demons and the crime rates have shown a rapid increase in this last week. Most of the targets are commoners with fairly high influences inside the empire."
Hearing this troubling news, Jasmine tapped her fingers thoughtfully on her chair. "Have you informed father about this?"
Ethan nodded. "Yes. We have contacted His Highness the Emperor."
Jasmine's expression soured slightly. "What did he say?"
"His Highness said he was going to look over it."
Her frustration was evident. "That bastard doesn't even take my words seriously."
Ethan, ever composed, remained silent, knowing when to withhold his words.
Jasmine continued, her voice firm, "Contact the parents of those who have lost their children or who have been subjected to those attacks. Make sure they are compensated as much as they can be."
"But, Your Highness," Ethan began hesitantly, "we are short on funds at the moment."
Jasmine leaned back in her chair, her gaze piercing. "Then," she said decisively, "you can contact Verdant Ventures. I am sure they won't refuse the offer of a title of nobility."
Ethan's eyes widened slightly at her proposal. "You mean—"
"Yes," Jasmine affirmed firmly, her confidence in her plan unwavering. Even though the idea of Verdant Ventures becoming their vassal might have seemed improbable to Ethan, he trusted his master's abilities. She had a knack for bending situations to her will and making others submit to her influence. "I will do it right away," he assured her.
With Ethan's departure to execute her instructions, Princess Jasmine was left alone with her thoughts, her gaze hardening as he exited the room.
"To think they are speeding up their plans," she murmured to herself, her fingers rhythmically tapping on the armrest of her chair. "It seems I need to hurry as well."
Contrary to her words, a sly smile played upon her lips.
"Callius Augustride... How intriguing." She continued to manipulate the flames dancing within her office, conjuring a spectral image of Callius, who had recently left her presence. "You are hiding a lot of secrets. First, being an adventurer and ranking up so rapidly with your sword, and now showing your talent as a mage... I am certain that what Elara said was true as well."
Her fingers tapped impatiently.
"You are able to conceal your power and your affinities." Her eyes glowed with a fierce purple hue. "And, the only one who could do that from the first round... It was the successor of that witch." She muttered, recalling the past and the choices that led her here. "To think the one she chose is such a useless wretch." Her gaze shifted to a young blonde student being disciplined for drug use in the Mid-term exams. "Such a pathetic dog... With all those gifts bestowed upon you, you are still as pathetic as ever."
Jasmine's thoughts flowed freely as she contemplated the enigma that was Callius.
"I am certain you are not her follower, but you possess the same essence, don't you? Interesting. Are you an otherworldler like him?" Her musings continued as she looked out over the academy grounds, bathed in the gentle light of the rising sun.
"I wonder if this alliance will be temporary or not." Her words hung in the air, laden with curiosity and a sense of foreboding, as she prepared herself for the intricate dance of politics and power that lay ahead.
********
After leaving the presence of Jasmine, I was left on my own.
Today was the fourth day of the Festival of Clubs, and today, I was planning to show myself a lot more than I did before.
Yesterday was passed without doing anything since I spent the time talking with Seraphina and Aliya.
But, the talk with Princess took place before the start of the festival, so I had the time today.
The festival grounds sprawled out before me, filled with countless stalls and attractions, each representing a different club within the Academy.
In this fantastical setting, the clubs weren't limited to the typical school organizations; they spanned a wide range of interests and talents.
'Let's see when they will recognize me.'
Since yesterday, I was trying to lay low; not many people recognized me, but that wasn't the case right now. Today, I was not simply trying to conceal my identity but rather showing it.
As I ventured deeper into the festival area, I couldn't help but be surprised by the sheer diversity of the clubs on display.
There were even clubs that used magic to create plays for the audience to watch, some people showing their products, blacksmiths trying to make people interested in their unique approach to weapons, alchemists, and magical engineers.
And it didn't take too long for me to get recognized.
"Callius Augustride? The first ranked student of the academy?"
It was the start of the fight for the first-ranking student…..
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