I Was Summoned as the Academy’s Janitor… But I Accidentally Became the Most Overpowered Harem Protagonist?!
Chapter 40: Shadows of Doubt — When Promises Are Tested by Midnight Intrigues

Location: Aetherium Library — Early Dawn

‎‎The violet candles had burned down to slender stubs, leaving the Lantern Hall in a softened glow as first light crept along the library’s marble floor. Zephyr Arclight and Selena Frostveil emerged from their intimate circle, still holding hands. A hush fell over them—equal parts serenity and uncertainty.

‎‎Selena cleared her throat. “We should get some rest.”

‎‎Zephyr nodded, but his mind drifted to the tasks ahead: finishing the tournament, keeping the mop rebellion contained, and now… protecting his newfound bond with Selena. As they parted in the corridor, a shadow detached itself from the stacks.

‎‎The Cloaked Watcher stepped forward, eyes gleaming beneath his hood. He held a folded parchment.

‎‎"Congratulations," he whispered, voice gravelly. "But shadows lengthen even at dawn. Curiosity shall be your undoing." He pressed the parchment into Zephyr’s hand and melted back into the stacks.

‎‎Zephyr unfolded the note: a single line scrawled in rune ink:

‎‎ "Midnight at the Frosted Court. Secrets unravel where moonlight fails.”

‎His brow furrowed. “Frosted Court…?”

‎

‎

‎

‎

‎Location: Frosted Court Garden — Nightfall

‎‎The Frosted Court was an enclosed courtyard of ice-blue marble and crystal fountains that ran with frozen petals. A full moon hung overhead, casting pearly light across every surface. Tonight, the courtyard would host a private gathering—known only to a few.

‎‎Drakynia Flameheart arrived first, arms crossed. "I don’t see why I have to be here." She glared at the moon’s reflection in the icy pond.

‎‎Arwen Galehart followed, stiff and composed. "It’s the only place secret messages won’t be overheard."

‎‎Rosalia de Glorieux blew out a gentle prayer. "May purity protect us in this place."

‎‎Selena emerged from the gate, clutching a lantern. "Zephyr asked me to come… so I came."

‎‎Her voice trembled. Everyone exchanged glances—this was more than a simple meeting.

‎‎Zephyr approached, mop slung casually over one shoulder. His eyes hardened, but his expression remained calm. "Thank you for coming."

‎‎Before they could ask why, a spotlight of moonlight illuminated a figure stepping from the shadows: Maribelle Moonshimmer. She smiled, eyes dancing with mischief.

‎‎"Midnight intrigues, indeed," she purred. "I must apologize—I may have… misplaced a certain love soap sample. The side effects are… contagious."

‎‎Selena stepped forward, anger flaring. "You did this again?"

‎‎Maribelle’s expression shifted to playful innocence. "Can’t a witch craft a harmless gift? I thought you all needed something to… loosen up."

‎Drakynia’s fists clenched. "Your "harmless" gifts nearly burned down laundry chambers!"

‎‎Maribelle waved a hand. "All in good fun! But I’m not here for that. I have a warning—and a question for Zephyr."

‎‎She produced a small crystal vial containing shimmering silver dust. "This was found in the mop rebellion site—traces of a return sigil. Someone plans to… recall the Mopnarch for a darker purpose."

‎‎Zephyr stared at the dust. "Who would do that?"

‎‎Maribelle’s smile faded. "Someone who fears your 'purity.' Someone who doesn’t want you uniting the hearts of this realm."

‎‎Arwen’s eyes narrowed. "Then we must stop them." She looked at Rosalia. "Can your divine light counteract a recall?"

‎‎Rosalia nodded. "I can weave a banishing ward—if we know where the recall sigil is being activated."

‎‎Maribelle shrugged. "That, my dear Knights and Janitor, is the question. The recall point… is here."

‎‎She tossed the vial toward the frozen fountain. Silver dust glittered on the icy surface.

‎‎"Midnight, full moon, and the fountain’s core—" Maribelle whispered, eyes glinting. "They plan to rise the Mopnarch in three nights."

‎Zephyr’s chest tightened. "Three nights… That’s during the final assessment of the Mop Tournament."

‎‎Selena’s jaw clenched. "This changes everything. If the Mopnarch is recalled under hostile intent, all cleaning magic on campus—on the continent—could go haywire."

‎‎Drakynia snorted. "Then we fight. We take the fight to them."

‎‎Zephyr held up a hand. "No. We must protect the Mopnarch and complete the tournament. We can’t let fear divide us now."

‎‎Everyone fell silent, absorbing the weight of his words.

‎‎Arwen sighed, frost gathering on her lashes. "We stand together. I—I trust your leadership, Zephyr."

‎‎Rosalia placed her hand over her heart. "Whatever it takes, I will protect this light you’ve ignited."

‎‎Selena stepped forward, determination blazing behind her glasses. "I will calculate the recall patterns, find the point of activation, and defeat it analytically." She squeezed his hand.

‎‎Drakynia grinned. "I’ll burn anything that tries to drag us down."

‎‎Maribelle bowed. "Then I will join your cause—if only to ensure my mischief does not destroy us all."

‎‎Zephyr nodded slowly, raising his mop. A pale blue glow spread from its bristles, casting hope across every worried face.

‎‎"Let’s sweep away these shadows," he declared.

‎‎In that moment, under moon and ice, they forged a pact—mop in hand, hearts unified, ready to face the intrigue that threatened their world.

‎

‎

‎

‎

‎End of Chapter 40