I Was Summoned as the Academy’s Janitor… But I Accidentally Became the Most Overpowered Harem Protagonist?! -
Chapter 46: Threads Unraveled — The Queen’s Move
Scene : Celestial Audience Hall (Midday)
The vaulted Audience Hall of Velmara Academy was suffused with honeyed sunlight filtering through stained-glass windows depicting heroic janitors of old—brooms held high, wards shining bright. At the dais sat Queen Caterina von Glorieux, her sapphire gown rippling like dawn over the marble floor. Behind her, the banner of Arventia—a golden phoenix entwined with a white lily—draped the wall.
A single stool stood before the dais. Upon it rested Zephyr’s mop, its phoenix-infused bristles coiled respectfully. Zephyr Arclight approached, mop in hand, heart pounding in quiet rhythm. He bowed deeply.
Queen Caterina (voice gentle yet commanding): “Rise, Zephyr Arclight. Today, the realm calls not just the janitor who cleaned our halls, but the hero who cleansed our souls.”
Zephyr straightened, meeting her gaze. Nearby, Rosalia de Glorieux and Arwen Galehart watched from the royal benches, their expressions taut with anticipation. Rosalia’s hands clasped a single white lily; Arwen’s Frost Bow “Aurelia” rested across her lap, frost-tendrils still coiling from its string.
Queen Caterina: “I have studied the ancient scrolls—and your mop’s lineage among them. It is no ordinary tool but a Relic of the First Custodian, lost to time until your arrival. I invite you to bear the title of Custodial Regent, steward of this Academy’s hidden heritage.”
A hush fell. Zephyr’s fingers tightened on the mop’s handle. “Your Majesty, I… I never sought titles.”
Queen Caterina (warm smile): “Titles seek those worthy. Your deeds have drawn whispers from every kingdom: the Maidening King, the Phoenix Regent, the Divine Sweeper. You stand at the crossroads of prophecy and duty.”
Rosalia stood, voice trembling with pride. “Brother, this honor… it fulfills our prophecy!”
Arwen nodded, voice crisp like frost. “Your humility is your greatest strength. Embrace this—so the Academy’s hidden wards can guide all realms.”
At that moment, a soft whisper-scroll appeared in Zephyr’s satchel, delivered by a silent courier: Prince Kael Umbros’ seal embossed in black wax. Zephyr unfolded it before the Queen.
Zephyr (quietly): “Your Majesty, I apologize—this just arrived.”
Queen Caterina took the scroll, cracking the seal with silver-tipped nail.
Queen Caterina (brow arching): “Kael warns of a False Peace—that those who applauded our unity may yet sow discord. He urges vigilance.”
A murmur rippled through the hall. Arwen’s grip on Aurelia tightened. Rosalia’s lily wilted slightly at the edges—an omen, fleeting but felt.
Queen Caterina: “Thank you, Kael’s insight is wise. We will hold this council in trust—and in shadow.”
She turned back to Zephyr.
Queen Caterina: “Custodial Regent Arclight, your first duty is to uncover any hidden threads that bind this peace. Start with Lyssette’s inquiry into summoning records—she sought answers in the Aurellian Archives.”
Zephyr bowed again. “I shall not fail you, Your Majesty.”
Scene : Scholar’s Annex, Midnight Library (Late Evening)
The Midnight Library glowed under enchantment—lantern wisps floating between shelves, casting dancing shadows. Princess Lyssette von Regalia crouched before a lectern piled with dusty scrolls stamped “Restricted: Summoning Clause Archives.” Her pastel-pink robes brushed ancient runic beams in the floor.
With nimble fingers, Lyssette unrolled a fir-stamped scroll. The ink had faded, but the heading still read: “Article 73 — Heroic Summons and Custodial Clauses.” She traced a key phrase:
“If the summoned hero-class fails to manifest, the custodian-class shall assume the mantle until rightful destiny is proven.”
Lyssette’s violet eyes widened. “So… Zephyr’s janitor’s role was no accident. It was designed to last—unless the true hero returned.”
A soft echo of footsteps made her spin. Maribelle Moonshimmer appeared, bubbles drifting from her parasol as though laughing.
Lyssette (hissing): “Maribelle! What are you doing in the archives?”
Maribelle shushed her, tipping the parasol to hush the lanterns. “I—I followed whispers of bubble-hexes tied to summoning mists. This Clause… it explains why Zephyr never fades.”
Lyssette’s pulse thundered. “He’s not just a byproduct—he’s a placeholder. The prophecy demands a hero, but the mop’s magic…”
Maribelle’s lavender gaze grew serious. “It means the False Peace Kael warns of might hinge on whether the ‘real hero’ arrives—or if Zephyr is meant to be the hero all along.”
Lyssette snapped the scroll shut. “We must tell Zephyr—before someone else does.”
Maribelle nodded, her bubble-staff shedding glossy dew. “Let’s sneak this to him at dawn.”
The two hush-whispered as the Midnight Library’s wards pulsed around them—binding secrets, but also promising that truth, once uncovered, has the power to sweep away any deception.
End of Chapter 46
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