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Project GB is an official initiative by Re:Library.

The Collegium was an organization that spanned an entire kingdom, operating with a unique system separate from the national government. This independence allowed them to cross borders at will.

Even if a kingdom entered a state of war, members of the Collegium would not be compelled to participate in the conflict due to their affiliation.

However, if asked whether a kingdom and the Collegium were entirely independent of each other, my answer would be, no. In fact, the two were closely interconnected. For one, the land on which the Collegium was built was provided by the kingdom. Many adventurers who were part of the Collegium were also citizens of that nation.

This meant that while an adventurer’s membership prevented them from being conscripted as warriors, they could still be drafted as citizens.

Additionally, because more people were becoming adventurers, the Collegium could not just ignore the cities and villages it served because doing so would result in fewer applications from those seeking to become adventurers, which would ultimately cause it to fail.

Additionally, the kingdom depended on the Collegium to manage threats like monsters and to care for the outcasts. This mutual dependence meant that neither side could truly operate with complete freedom.

What I was trying to convey was that, it wasn’t all that unusual for Collegiums to follow the kingdom’s wishes. After all, even Collegium employees or executives were only people and could easily be swayed by a large sum of money.

That’s why I felt for the receptionist; it was a tough job.

Imagine recommending an A Grade request to a young girl who looked no older than 14 and who was only a D Grade adventurer, all because your superiors said so. For someone with no real insight into the risks involved, it was like sending someone to their death. That kind of responsibility would be overwhelming for most people.

Now, sure, if the request was turned down, that would be the end of it—but then the receptionist might face consequences for failing to get the job done. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for them.

(I suppose it depends on the person, but there are probably those whose conscience would hurt over my potential death. Though I also think they’d probably die of shock if I returned having completed such a request.)

Still, even if it was impressive, I would’ve loved it if she hadn’t shouted, “YOU COMPLETED AN A-GRADE REQUEST?!”

It drew way too much attention. You just needed to look at Lullus’ reaction—she was clearly irritated.

Having been trapped and stripped of her power nearly to the brink of extinction for so long, it was understandable that she harbored a deep resentment for people, regardless of race.

I too harbored resentment, but it wasn’t as deep. I did hate Fraus, but I didn’t really care for the people of the other kingdoms. Even though I was plotting to bring down the world, it was a world I felt no attachment to.

In other words, I didn’t really care if the people here lived or died.

“Miss Finis. The Collegium Duchesse is calling for you.”
“Can I bring Lullus with me?”

While the Collegium was in a frenzy over the fact that a 14-year-old had somehow completed an A Grade request, another staff member came over, interrupting the stunned receptionist to call me aside. The scene was already a mess, so I decided to take the opportunity to slip out while I could.

Maybe the Duchesse wanted to step in now because things were about to escalate. If that were the case, all the better—it would make things simpler.

“Yes, you may bring your party members with you. If you’re willing, please come with me.” They led the way, and we followed them into the inner parts of the Collegium.

◇◇◇

It wasn’t the head of the Collegium who awaited me but Sarok. However, gone was his usual lighthearted demeanor; instead, he wore a stern and worn expression, almost like that of a knight.

Had he presented himself this way from the start, my impression of him might have been quite different.

The staff member who led us had already departed, leaving just me, Lullus, and Sarok alone.

“You’re not going to tell me you’re the Collegium Duchesse, right?”
“No, I’m not. And please forgive my previous rudeness, Miss Finis,” he replied, kneeling before me and requesting forgiveness with a knightly tone.
“Well now, I wonder if I should accept that apology or not. Especially since my sister seems to be getting more and more frustrated, and I’m feeling a bit weary of the constant tests myself.”
“Do not misunderstand me, sister. I am not frustrated.”

Lullus replied, her face completely blank, though that very expression seemed irritated to me.

I glanced over at Sarok, expecting some reaction, yet he showed none. I thought that maybe he’d harbor some resentment towards Lullus, but he wasn’t foolish enough to let such feelings show if he had any at all.

“I’ll say this now, but I do not hold a high opinion of the upper echelon of the Tree of Spirits.”
“Why would you say something like that, Miss Finis?”

Sarok, who had kept his head bowed until then, looked up, genuinely surprised. Our eyes met, and I offered him a small smile.

“Because you reached out to me. Ah, I see. You must’ve thought that I was unaware of my identity, didn’t you?”
“…”

Sarok’s silent, downcast reaction confirmed that my assumption was right. Indeed, in this situation, an Ancient Elf’s appearance would typically signify that an Elf with ancient genes had been born.

With no major differences in appearance, it’s easy to see how I could be mistaken for a normal Elf. Even I’d almost forgotten my body belonged to an Ancient Elf since I didn’t look much different myself.

Besides, in the ancient days, the Ancient Elves were simply considered as Elves.

“Well, I guess you’re not the one I should blame. You were likely simply following orders from above. Anyway, what’s with the formal tone? Are you trying to play a knight or something?”
“I am not playing. I am in fact a knight¹.”
“Be that as it may, no one is watching us, so you can drop the act and speak normally.”
“I’ll take you up on that offer. But I’ll still act formally in public spaces.”

With that, he began talking normally, which was a relief. The formality felt stiff and awkward like he was forcing himself, and that was making me feel irritated.

He likely had his reasons for doing this, but I didn’t really care about it. He might’ve been an excellent knight, but right now to me, he seemed like a spy.

“You’re taking me to the Tree of Spirits, right?”
“If you’re fine with it.”
“I’ve wanted to go there at least once. I promise to be quiet until you’ve said everything you wanted to say. So please do a good job at escorting us.”

I spoke in a softer tone since I could tell Sarok was attempting to hide the fact that he was wary of us.

1. Robinxen: This progression was a little too fast I think, I appreciate it over being dragged through dozens of useless quests, but I think a more natural progression would have worked better.

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