The Demon Saint is Missing, so I Ran to Another World

The Conclave of Cherflammen (Part 1)

**Greg**

A day after that talk with Princess Noir, her 'brother' Prince Hurion sent a letter to me. Enclosed was another letter, complete with his seal as the demon lord, that was addressed to the Head Scholar of the Conclave.

Taking a deep breath, I muttered, "I guess this is it."

"!!!"

Just as I was about to read the letter for me, I heard someone knock on the doors of the library. Since Shevaun wasn't with me, I was the one who met my visitor. Much to my surprise, it was Princess Noir.

"Have you received my brother's recommendation?" she asked, still clueless that we already knew her secret.

"Yes, milady," I smiled at her. "Thank you for your help."

I saw her cheeks blush, and I guess Princess Noir sensed it. She quickly averted her face. "Well," she said while her head was awkwardly turned away, "that would satisfy your urge to come to your student. I just hope the Head Scholar would agree to our request."

"What did you—I mean, your brother—write in the letter?"

"I don't know. But I did ask him to request the release of our hero's ashes to you. If the Head Scholar don't find it desirable, he can give you tasks to satisfy their conditions."

"So basically, I can end up getting a job inside the Conclave?"

"Depends."

"Well, I guess it's a win-win scenario in both cases."

"What do you mean?"

"If the Head Scholar agrees to our request, then I get to bring home my student's remains without a fuss. However, if he doesn't agree and gives me a condition to teach inside the Conclave, then we can implement the plans we have about 'reforming' your education system here."

"What about if he doesn't agree to anything?"

"Then I have no choice but to steal it."

"You're making a death wish."

"I've brushed with Death a lot of times already. He's not a stranger to me."

"How brave...and foolish."

"Who dares wins, I guess?"

"Haa...you're really set to it, huh? Well, it's Shevaun's idea, not mine," she reiterated. "The probability of your success in this undertaking is only 2% at most."

"2% is already high," I countered. "See, the road to success is one that is full of close calls, apparent and actual failures, and even discouragements. Yes, it's difficult, but we won't get anywhere if we always look at the numbers."

"So, you're saying that we risk it?"

"Yep. Who knows? The 2% might work. I know one time when a student of mine ran for the Student Council Presidency with 1% chance of winning against a hugely popular rival. I told her to take the gamble, and she won in the end."

"You say that as if you're sure of winning, Sir."

"I'm not sure either; but in case I lose, I'd still make a way to get to my goals anyway," I winked at her. "It's the result that counts, milady!"

"Haa...no stopping for you then," Princess Noir smiled, and grabbed her bag.

"Err...what's that thing behind you?"

"A bag," was her curt answer.

"Yes, I can see that. But what for?"

"You're going to the Conclave, right?"