More of a Scumbag Than Expected
While attending classes with Connie, who had returned to the academy, I spent my lunch break going over the information Lucina had gathered about Walton.
I was curious about Walton, but in truth, I hadn’t seen Claire since that day either. Even when I went to check the archive, there was no response.
I had considered asking the Student Council President to force the door open again with her ridiculous strength—or rather, her well-trained power—but it seemed she was taking a leave of absence due to family matters.
For now, I decided to focus on the report before worrying about Claire.
After finishing it—
“He’s even more of a scumbag than I imagined.”
His level of depravity was almost refreshing.
The first thing that stood out was his flamboyant relationships with women.
Moreover, the only ones he set his sights on were girls who were already dating someone else.
The Merzalo Sanctum was a prestigious medical institution favored by high-ranking nobles, including the Royal family and Dukes.
For those with weaker family backgrounds, forming connections with its students was highly desirable. Some even went as far as abandoning their previous relationships to align themselves with Mertzalo.
I suppose you could call that ambition… but either way, Walton was far more popular among the female students than I had expected.
However, something didn’t quite add up.
That was his academic performance.
“He has pretty impressive grades.”
“He ranks among the top ten students in the year.”
Lucina said, pointing to the relevant section in the documents.
By the way, I was currently sitting on a bench in the courtyard, sandwiched between Connie and Lucina.
Today’s lunch menu was sandwiches, and surprisingly, Connie had made them herself after learning from Lucina. It was her first completed dish.
That explained why they looked a bit misshapen for something made under Lucina’s guidance.
Lucina’s sandwiches were top-tier, but there was a special charm to the ones Connie had made just for me.
And of course, the taste was excellent—an expected result from anything under Lucina’s supervision.
As I munched on my sandwich, I voiced my doubts.
“It makes sense that he could cheat on the written exams by using his status, but how did he produce actual results as a magic herbalist?”
The magic potions Walton supposedly developed were highly effective, even being used at the Merzalo Sanctum’s medical ward.
That would be unthinkable in my past life.
Do they not conduct clinical trials here?
Well, since these potions use magic herbs containing mana, the scientific principles from my previous world probably don’t apply. Still, it’s kind of terrifying.
… Wait, that’s not the issue I should be focusing on.
“The Walton Mertzalo I know is a lazy, womanizing, scheming, malicious piece of garbage, yet here, he seems completely different.”
“No, he had quite a few behavioral issues, so I don’t think you’re entirely wrong.”
“I see…”
The teachers were aware that Walton was a problem student, but since he came from the Mertzalo family, which had strong ties to the Royal and Ducal houses, they couldn’t be too harsh on him.
… Something still didn’t sit right with me.
He was being praised now, but there was no way the Walton I knew was actually that capable.
If it were Claire, who had been growing and studying magic herbs in her family’s courtyard since childhood, then maybe—
“… Ah.”
I just had a sudden realization.
“Could it be that Walton is having Claire do all the magic herb research for him?”
“Eh?! Really?!”
Connie, startled, nearly dropped her sandwich mid-bite.
I quickly added, “It’s just a possibility,” before continuing.
“I’ve known Walton Mertzalo since childhood. He may be cunning, but he was never any good at studying.”
“Was he really that bad?”
“Yeah… That’s why I find it impossible to believe that he achieved everything listed in these documents on his own. On the other hand, Claire, who has been diligent in her studies since she was little, could easily accomplish this.”
“So, we just need definitive proof.”
That’s right.
If Walton had cheated his way into his current position, it would be disastrous for the future of this country.
The Merzalo Sanctum was the cornerstone of this nation’s medical field.
If someone as corrupt as Walton infiltrated it, the long-standing safety and trust in the Mertzalo family’s medical practices would collapse, throwing the public into a panic.
On top of that, our family had been doing business with the Mertzalo family for generations. If their house fell, we would suffer a major blow as well.
“… Ultimately, Claire has to become the next head of the Mertzalo family—”
“My, my, enjoying a leisurely lunch, are we?”
“!?”
Just as we were discussing something crucial, the last voice we wanted to hear interrupted our peaceful lunch break.
“Senior… Walton Mertzalo.”
“It’s been a while, Lake. I’ve heard all about your little exploits.”
Grinning smugly, Walton stood there, surrounded by a crowd of fawning female students, looking as sleazy as ever.
What do you think about this chapter?
