A Strategic Alliance Against Fuli Aiwen

“Please, speak your mind.”

“Very well. Regarding Ms. Fuli Aiwen, was the threat you just delivered truly serious?”

Yodel admitted openly:

“Naturally, it was quite serious. This matter cannot simply conclude here. Furthermore, with someone like her remaining at Leicester University, do you truly believe I could feel at ease allowing Yali to attend school here?”

“You may rest assured that I wouldn’t actually kill her. However, though she may be spared the ultimate penalty, still… hmph!”

The elderly principal sighed with resignation, knowing full well that deterring Yodel was now an impossibility. The blame, he mused, lay solely with that brainless noblewoman, dispatched to sow discord.

Nevertheless, he still felt compelled to offer Yodel a few words of caution:

“While I can certainly appreciate your sentiments, I must inform you that Fuli Aiwen serves as one of the conservative aristocracy’s spokespersons within the university.

“It is precisely for this reason that she staunchly opposes reform, and her ingrained aristocratic arrogance has led her to relentlessly harass your sister.

“Partly, it stems from her own malice, and partly, it is an attempt to sabotage my initiative to attract talented commoner students.

“Though I do not fear her, as you have just witnessed, if we were truly to sever ties, she could still present significant impediments. Mr. Finn, should you resolve to act against her, you must be prepared for the inevitable backlash from the old noble factions. On this matter, I urge you to deliberate with the utmost care.”

Yodel merely shook his head, unconcerned by these potential complications:

“Principal, I am more interested in understanding your stance regarding that woman. From a strategic perspective, she must be a significant impediment to your reforms, wouldn’t you agree? Eliminating her would undoubtedly benefit you.”

With a wry, bitter smile, the elderly principal likewise shook his head:

“Do you truly believe I haven’t considered it? The powers at play here are deeply entrenched, their interests intricate and interwoven. She is merely a figurehead, put forward by others, and dislodging her is no simple feat. Furthermore… in the intricate game of politics, regardless of my personal strength, I am still bound to adhere to its rules.”

Principal Heliq’s meaning was unequivocally clear: he, too, harbored a strong distaste for the woman. However, as an active participant in this intricate web, his actions were constrained by numerous factions, rendering the removal of Fuli Aiwen a formidable task.

Yodel interlaced his fingers, resting them against his chest, and spoke with an air of feigned nonchalance:

“However, I am not a player in this particular political game…”

Heliq’s gaze sharpened instantly, a keen glint flickering within his piercing azure eyes.

“Intriguing. I see now. You haven’t allowed anger to cloud your judgment…

“While it’s true you wish to seek retribution for your sister, this is merely a preliminary step. Your other objective is to leverage this situation for a mutual exchange of benefits with me.”

Yodel smiled, the lingering traces of indignation receding from his countenance.

Just as Collins had observed, while Yodel was not a heartless individual, rationality and composure formed the very bedrock of his character.

He was undeniably angered and vexed by Yali’s tears, yet these emotions held no sway over him.

As a former Chief Mage of the Kingdom, how could Yodel possibly forgo an opportunity to forge a connection with such a figure?

“I confess, I’m not particularly fond of the term ‘exchange of benefits.’ I much prefer the notion of ‘mutually beneficial cooperation.’

“Regarding Fuli Aiwen, that woman, I intend to cause her considerable trouble – trouble so significant that she will be temporarily unable to meddle in the affairs of Leicester University.”

The elderly principal regarded Yodel with a scrutinizing gaze, then inquired tentatively, “So, what precisely do you require of me?”

“It’s quite simple. For the coming week, regarding any matter pertaining to Fuli Aiwen, I expect Leicester University to adopt a stance of complete non-interference and feigned ignorance. That is all.”

“Hmm? It is simple indeed, but it appears I would be the sole beneficiary. What, then, would you stand to gain from this arrangement?”

“I would gain a university environment where Yali can thrive happily, and, if possible, your trust and your friendship.”

A flicker of an unusual emotion crossed his eyes, but the elderly principal swiftly suppressed his surprise, maintaining his benevolent smile.

“Naturally, I would be delighted to foster a personal acquaintance with you.”

“The honor is mine.”

In response to the elderly principal’s warm demeanor, Yodel offered a polite reciprocation.

“Our discussion has somewhat extended. While Fuli Aiwen may have been startled into retreating by you, she will certainly not let this matter rest. I have no doubt she will act outside.

“Let us conclude our meeting for today. Until next time.”

The elderly principal led Yali out from his private study, escorting the siblings to the threshold of his office.

Indeed, precisely as he had predicted, the moment Yodel exited the room, Fuli Aiwen, accompanied by a mage, hurried from the far end of the corridor, colliding directly with the two siblings.

“Ms. Fuli Aiwen, our inquiry has concluded,” the elderly principal stated calmly, stepping between the siblings and Fuli.

Fuli’s brow furrowed. After being ushered out, she had noted the complete silence within the office, deducing that the principal must have employed sound-dampening magic. She had then hastily sought out experts to counteract it.

To her chagrin, Principal Heliq’s heightened vigilance had prompted him to conclude their discussion prematurely, leaving her a step behind.

Leaving the elderly principal to contend with the woman, Yodel swiftly escorted Yali away from the contentious scene.

Witnessing Fuli Aiwen’s ability to command a portion of the university staff only deepened Yodel’s unease. He resolved that, before Yali matriculated, this foolish woman must be made to understand the grave repercussions of harassing his sister, serving as a definitive warning against any further provocations.

As for the method, Yodel had already formulated a plan.

Since Fuli Aiwen displayed such an intense ‘concern’ for Yali’s family, Yodel decided to dispatch Yelica with a contingent of Hymn Church (TL Note: A religious organization within the story) followers to extend their ‘concern’ to Fuli Aiwen’s own kin.

While Principal Heliq was reluctant to antagonize the influential old aristocracy, the Hymn Church harbored no such reservations.

Renowned globally as fervent radicals, the Hymn Church followers were already deeply at odds with the old nobility, having long ago thoroughly alienated these staunch conservatives.

Yodel felt certain that Yelica would readily embrace his proposition.

Whether the church would unearth anything incriminating at Fuli’s residence was of little concern to Yodel; his objective was simply to create significant trouble for her.

Of course, should any genuine incriminating evidence surface, Yodel would not hesitate to ensure Fuli’s complete expulsion from Leicester University, thereby offering the elderly principal a convenient favor.

After escorting Yali home, Yodel wasted no time, heading straight to the Hymn Church to instruct Yelica to promptly dispatch a team to investigate Fuli.

Though Yelica remained unaware of the full context, her ingrained thought processes led her to believe that Yodel undoubtedly had sound reasons for his actions, and so she readily agreed.

Despite the lateness of the hour, Yelica still assembled her personnel, preemptively selecting investigators and preparing for a dawn departure to catch Fuli completely unawares.

However, even as she was directing the lower-ranking monks and allocating operational tasks, an entirely unexpected figure arrived on the scene.

The newcomer, clad in a bishop’s robe, possessed temples streaked with grey yet exuded a vibrant, energetic spirit. It was none other than Archbishop Sasha, the supreme authority of the Hymn Church’s Three Islands Kingdom diocese.