Chapter 11: Investigating a Murder Case... They Really Ought to Just Leave That to the Adults…
I had initially predicted that the duel with Mylene would be the prologue to some grand (and erotic) scenario. Instead, what I got was a blunt, hyper-sexualized mess.
It was time to reconsider my perspective. The Correction Force’s goal was likely my social death and the subsequent despair that would follow. After being humiliated by Mylene’s erotic assault and labeled a perverted creep, I’d stop caring about anything and go on a rampage. I’d spend my days as a depraved Alvart-style protagonist, indulging in every R-18 whim until I reached my miserable, canon end.
I saw right through that plan, which was why I fought so hard to endure. But in the end, that effort was a total failure.
And yet... I was still safe. In fact, my status had actually gone up.
...I don't get it. I really don't get you, Mr. Correction Force. What the hell do you actually want from me?
I spent the rest of the school day agonizing over that question. After school, I stepped into the Student Council Room with Lumiere, Elise, and Cecil. It was my very first time participating in student council activities. God dammit.
"Now, let us move on to the next item on the agenda," Clarice said.
As expected, President Clarice held total control over the proceedings. The actual work wasn't all that different from a normal student council—budgeting for upcoming school events and the like. The Student Council was the practical peak of the academy’s social hierarchy. The teachers were like gods watching from above. That was the power structure here.
"Since there are no objections, the motion is carried," Clarice announced.
So far, there were no red flags or ominous vibes. But then...
"Next, I would like to have an exchange of opinions regarding that matter."
The moment Clarice said those words, the atmosphere in the room shifted. The peace vanished, replaced by a heavy, suffocating tension. Clarice introduced the new topic.
"First, for the benefit of our new members, I shall explain the current situation."
Her next words were blunt and shocking.
"Five students have already lost their lives here at this academy. And these were not accidents—they were murders."
Elise was the first to react.
"Th-That’s impossible...!" Her eyes went wide, and a cold sweat broke out on her forehead.
Cecil, sitting next to her, whispered with a grave expression, "This is more than just a school crisis..."
The core members of the council all nodded solemnly.
"At this academy, we unfortunately see several accidental deaths every year. Since those are considered the responsibility of the individuals involved, no one blames the school. However..."
When it comes to murder, the story changes completely.
"...For the time being, the school administration is concealing the truth. The victims have officially been listed as accidental deaths."
Clarice seemed to be struggling with the morality of that decision herself. Elise, with her straightforward sense of justice, also looked grim. Concealing a murder case—on the surface, it’s an evil act. But considering the social ramifications, it was a practical judgment. No one knew what kind of chaos would erupt if the truth came out. They wanted to take the heat themselves and solve it in secret.
"I wish to resolve this matter before there is another victim. ...Lord Alvart. Please, lend us your wisdom."
What are you talking about? My last name isn't Kindaichi, and I’m not exactly a "detective trapped in a child's body"... wait. Actually, that last part was true. In a sense, I was a master detective.
Jokes aside... a serial murder case inside the academy? Since this event didn't exist in the original game, it had to be the work of the Correction Force. It was probably a plot to exploit my conscience.
"...Lady Clarice. Let me be blunt," I said. "If this case isn't resolved... what happens to you?"
"I will be arrested as the prime suspect and executed without delay," she replied calmly.
Elise bolted upright from her chair. "T-That’s insane! Why would that happen!?"
"...Currently, I am the only one who could possibly be the culprit, Lady Elise."
According to Clarice, the victims were all children of "Gozoku"—wealthy commoners. Some of these families had gained enough influence to threaten the royal authority. To the royals, they were nothing but obstacles. It would be easy to claim that a royal had the motive to kill them. And currently, the only royal enrolled at the academy was Clarice Ringveid.
"But... that’s a bit of a stretch, isn't it?" Cecil pointed out.
It was a sentiment shared by everyone in the room. Even I thought so. There was no proof that Clarice had any murderous intent toward the wealthy commoners. Even if she did, that didn't prove she committed the crimes. The idea that she’d be arrested if the case wasn't closed was...
"It is what one might call a scapegoat. The academy administration simply wants the 'appearance' of a resolution. They don't care about the truth... or perhaps, they already know it and simply wish to turn a blind eye."
Ugh, this reeks. It absolutely reeks! This whole thing is fishier than a mountain of rotting tuna!
"Even if they wanted a scapegoat, it seems very unnatural to offer up someone of Lady Clarice’s status," Cecil added.
Stop it, Cecil! Don't go poking your nose into this mess! And don't look over here! If you do that—
"A-Alvart... what do you think?" Elise asked.
See!? This is what happens! I want absolutely nothing to do with this, but here we are. God dammit.
"......I feel something truly ominous at play. Beyond that, I have nothing to say."
Will that work? Can I get out of this without getting involved?
"Oh...! As expected of Alvart! You've already grasped the heart of the mystery!"
NOPE! Total failure! Elise had to go and misunderstand everything! Now she’s trying to make me the protagonist again!
"Lord Alvart...! Please, you must save Lady Clarice...!"
No way! I absolutely, definitely, 100% do NOT want to get involved!
That was how I felt from the bottom of my heart. But... if I remained stubborn and did nothing, Clarice would die. That felt a little... okay, a lot... heavy on my conscience. Plus, if I ignored a solvable case and let more victims die, wouldn't that basically make me a murderer by proxy?
...I couldn't do it. I couldn't stomach the guilt. Fine, whatever. I’ll solve the case. I’ll save Clarice. But I will not let this turn into some "Heroic rescue leads to R-18 H-scene" development.
"I apologize, but I possess no such ability," I said, playing the part of the heartless jerk.
I kept my tone cold and clinical.
"I suggest you all handle this matter amongst yourselves, excluding me. It makes no difference to me how many people disappear. In that regard... I am afraid, Lady Clarice, that you are no different."
I was being a total scumbag. If I heard someone else say that, I’d hate them instantly. Sure enough, Clarice and the others all took on grave expressions.
"I... understand," Clarice said softly.
"I see..." Elise murmured.
"We should probably make an effort on our own, then," Cecil added.
Yes! Yes! Her favorability is definitely dropping. At this rate, even if the case gets solved, no one will think it was my doing.
Of course, in reality... I wasn't going to do "nothing." I mean, I could probably handle it myself, but that would lead to me being found out, the heroines falling for me, and every beautiful girl in the school joining my harem.
So, instead... I’d use someone else. It was risky, and it meant giving in to the Correction Force’s demands to some extent, but I needed someone who could solve the case without anyone ever knowing.
I’d join forces with the one character I swore I’d never get involved with after last night’s encounter.
Him.
◇◆◇
It was late at night. After finishing the day’s curriculum, I returned to my room with Lumiere. We naturally sat down at the table together.
"Hey, Onii-sama," Lumiere began.
"What is it, Lumiere?"
"...What’s the truth? You've already realized who the culprit is, haven't you?"
"No. I seriously don't know anything. But... you've probably realized it too. Regardless of who the actual killer is... the ones pulling the strings are almost certainly members of the Royal Family."
"I thought so. Otherwise, they wouldn't have picked the Princess as the scapegoat."
"Yeah. The murders at the academy are likely just a piece of political maneuvering to trap and kill Lady Clarice. And even for her, it’s proving to be an insurmountable ordeal."
Knowing the original game, it was hard to believe. Clarice Ringveid was a "perfect human" in the canon story. She had no flaws in character or ability. That was exactly why the original Alvart wanted to stain her pure white image with black... but that’s beside the point.
"What are you going to do, Onii-sama?"
"What am I going to do? Like I said, I’m not going to do anything. I don't need to."
"Aha... so you mean... someone other than you is going to solve this case?"
My sister was dangerously sharp.
"Exactly, Lumiere. You're very observant."
"Hehehehe...♥" Her cheeks flushed as she gave a giddy smile. What a terrifyingly cute creature.
"B-But... who is that person?"
"Oh, they’re—" I stood up from my seat. "You didn't think you could hide from my eyes, did you?"
I turned my gaze toward the corner of the room. To Lumiere, it probably looked like I was talking to thin air. There was nothing but empty space there.
However, I could clearly see the beautiful woman standing right there.
"Hmph...!"
Now then. What was the culprit who attacked Clarice last night doing here? This was a major departure from the canon scenario, so it was hard to read her intentions... but at the very least, it didn't seem like she was here to make friends.
"If you're going to make a move... I’ll be your opponent, however reluctantly," I said.
The woman grit her teeth at my provocative remark.
"That needlessly polite way of speaking...! That overly calm demeanor...! That overflowing aura of goodness...!"
I could see the sheer refusal to accept me in her beautiful eyes. To her, I was nothing but a fake. And so... she let her passions explode into words.
"GIVE ME BACK MY MASTER!" she screamed.
She lunged forward, her white hair fluttering behind her. Her true identity—
It was Elise Lucifor... or rather, what she had become in a different timeline.
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