Chapter 98: European Parliament Election

The outing was cut short, and all the students returned to the convent.

"Did anyone get hurt? I heard there was an incident—everyone okay?"

Sister hurried over to us gathered in the hall, her voice frantic.

"Yeah, everyone made it out fine."

I’d used Healing Magic to patch up Emily’s injury, but the shopping mall had gone into chaos—police, even the military, had to be called in.

When the police came later to ask about the incident, Sister explained everything. Then, Sister, me, and Professor Philip were told to go to the headmistress’s office.

【Convent Headmistress’s Office】

"What happened? We only have fragmented reports, so we’re completely in the dark about how this all went down."

The headmistress asked, her expression grim. Professor Philip answered.

"A stranger suddenly attacked a child. Emily panicked and her powers went wild, I think."

The headmistress turned to me next...

"I’m sorry I couldn’t stop it. I was right there... and still couldn’t contain the situation."

"No! It could’ve been far worse if it weren’t for Gojo-sensei being there. It’s a miracle it didn’t end worse."

Professor Philip covered for me, but it was still my failure. The headmistress and Sister exchanged a glance, both silent.

"Yeah… Gojo-sensei being there was the only thing that kept it from being worse."

Sister said it, but the headmistress muttered under her breath, her expression hard.

"Good that no children were hurt… but this could turn into a serious issue."

"A serious issue?"

"There are quite a few residents around here who don’t exactly like this facility. In fact, when the convent first announced it’d be taking in supernatural children, we got a serious wave of protest signatures."

So many people still have that resistance to supernaturals, huh. Maybe it’s inevitable… but still.

In the end, this news didn’t just spread through France—it hit every corner of the EU, and then the whole world. People seeing this are probably getting even more on edge about supernaturals.

When I saw that black orb spreading at the shopping mall, I actually considered summoning a Hydra and just erasing it. Glad I didn’t. Would’ve made a much bigger mess.

The convent’s under police investigation now, and kids are banned from leaving for the time being. The thought of having to break that news to the classroom… just makes my stomach twist.

"―So, for now, no going out. We’ll do our best to get things back to normal soon. Don’t let it get you down."

Said it with a smile, but the kids were more crushed than I expected. And then—

"Emily? How’s she doing? She’s still in the dorm, right?"

"Still down. Doesn’t look like she’ll come out anytime soon."

"Ah… right."

Noah told me later—she’s not just upset about being hurt. She’s really beating herself up over the fact that her incident’s keeping the others from going outside.

Wish I could do something… anything.

◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇

After hearing what Gojo Teacher said, we headed back to the dorm. Classes are suspended for now, and the other students looked wiped, drifting off to their rooms.

It’s all my fault… Emily seemed so reluctant to go outside. Maybe she had a bad feeling about it, too.

But I dragged her out against her will... And yet I couldn’t protect Emily. Couldn’t stop her from going wild.

I’m so pissed at my own weakness!

I don’t know how Gojo Teacher managed to stop Emily’s rampage... If only I could be strong like him... But how the hell do you get stronger as a “Sage”? What even is that?

“Don’t stress over it so much. Noah.”

Arthur, sharing my room, spoke up. Must’ve looked pretty intense, huh...?

“Yeah, I know.”

Even if I don’t get it now, I’ll keep doing what I can—until one day, Emily... until all kids with powers... don’t have to face discrimination anymore.

◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇

Back in the convent’s dining hall, I was watching TV with Brother Philip. As usual, every news channel was still covering the shopping mall incident.

“Seems like most reports are criticizing the convent and the government.”

Mostly criticism of the government allowing kids with abilities to move freely in public spaces. But some comments even question the convent’s very existence.

“Right now, it feels like all the news is one-sided criticism—but not everyone’s against the convent. There are plenty of locals who actually support us.”

So opinions are completely split...?

“Maybe this timing just wasn’t good.”

“What do you mean?”

“Have you heard of the European Parliament elections?”

“No, not really.”

EU elections...? Never even made it to the news in Japan.

“Next month, there’s an election. The factions are splitting over one key issue.”

“You mean...?”

“About how to treat people with abilities.”

Even here?... How much influence does the European Parliament actually have? Is it even involved in running this convent?

"The European Parliament elections happen every five years, but this time, lawmakers pushing for the social exclusion and isolation of people with abilities are gaining traction. In France, center-right MPs have dominated so far, but next election, left-wing MPs might increase... "

"So France’s turning exclusionary toward people with abilities too?"

"Not necessarily. But the next President of the European Parliament could make a big difference. The frontrunner is Hans Berent from Germany—he’s known for his harsh statements about people with abilities. I think France won’t be able to avoid influence from him."

Ugh... this is gonna get messy, isn’t it?

◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇

【Germany, Berlin — Hans Berent —】

"Has the vote consolidation gone smoothly?"

"Yes, without issue. In Germany, our faction will secure every seat. Other countries are seeing rising support for lawmakers who oppose people with abilities."

"How’s France?"

"Balancing the center-right, but the recent incident involving people with abilities in France is expected to hurt their vote share."

"Perfect timing. I should really thank them for creating this opportunity."

The danger posed by people with abilities—something I’ve been preaching for years—is finally being recognized by society. If my views gain majority in the European Parliament, we can finally start serious legislation against them.

"Still, the Sanctuari Knights remain extremely popular in the EU. There’ll be plenty of MPs who support them and oppose us."

"Sanctuari Knights... those annoying bastards."

But it's true they've been making gains. We can't just eliminate them—gotta make the people of Europe see that the Sanctuari Knights aren’t needed anymore.

"Anyway, I’ve already got a plan to kick them out of society. You know, people like that… they don’t need honor. Not at all."