《The Retired Supporting Character Wants to Live Quietly》 Chapter 0 – Prologue Chapter 0 ¨C Prologue [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 0 ¨C Prologue I¡¯ve transmigrated as a supporting character in a ssic royal fantasy novel. The story follows a hero who, along with hispanions, ovees various hardships and eventually defeats the Demon King, restoring peace to the world. Most cliche transmigration stories involve the transmigrated character using their knowledge of the original sotry to meddle. They hijack the protagonist¡¯s plot, steal the heroine, and ultimately change the ending while spouting nonsensical lines like, ¡°I just wanted to live quietly.¡± But that¡¯s just garbage. Twisting and defiling an alreadyplete original story is unnecessary. And besides, it¡¯s much better for both me and the story if the protagonist follows the original path. My greatest weapon right now is knowing the original story of the orthodox route. Changing it myself would be akin to suicide. It¡¯s much better for everyone if the original protagonist defeats the Demon King as intended and ushers in a peaceful world, living quietly. So, I lent my support. I fought alongside the protagonist and hispanions, risking my life. ¡°Once again, your words were right on point, Dian.¡± ¡°Could it be that Dian is a prophet?¡± ¡°If it weren¡¯t for Dian, I don¡¯t even want to think about what would¡¯ve happened.¡± The protagonist and hispanions trusted me, and I trusted them in return. And so, we were able to finally reach the Demon King. ¡°Dian, thank you for everything.¡± The protagonist, with a determined expression, spoke as we stood before the Demon King. ¡°If I die here, make sure Celine can safely return to her hometown¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t say strange things. Just do as I instructed. Then everyone can survive. Do you trust me?¡± ¡°Yeah. I trust you. If I don¡¯t trust you in this world, who else can I trust?¡± ¡°Good. Let¡¯s go then.¡± The battle was fierce, with several close calls, but the Demon King was defeated with his body being split in half, just as it was in the original. We returned safely, and the continent regained peace. With rewards of great wealth, titles, and territories bestowed upon us, amidst the grand wee celebration, I quietly packed my belongings and left the pce. ¡°Dian! Dian!¡± As I stepped onto the bridge leading out of the pce, enjoying the warm breeze of a spring night, I heard someone calling me from behind. Turning around, I saw the protagonist running towards me. ¡°Dian! You were here!¡± ¡°What¡¯s up? Why has the main character of the celebration left midway?¡± ¡°I couldn¡¯t see you, so I came to find you. But¡­¡± The protagonist nced at the bag slung over my shoulder and asked. ¡°What¡¯s that? Where are you going?¡± ¡°I¡¯m leaving. I have nothing else to do here.¡± ¡°You¡¯re leaving¡­? What does that mean? And you have nothing to do?¡± I smiled at the protagonist¡¯s puzzled expression and exined. ¡°The Demon King is dead, and there¡¯s nothing left for us to fight for. So, I have nothing to do. Of course, you and the others will be busy in the future.¡± ¡°You talk as if it¡¯s someone else¡¯s affair, Dian. Don¡¯t you have a position offered by the Emperor? Are you really going to refuse?¡± ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m not cut out for administrative work. Being tied to one ce feels suffocating. So, I¡¯m leaving.¡± At that, the protagonist asked seriously. ¡°Is this also a decision made by foreseeing the future?¡± ¡°Hahaha! No, nothing like that. I don¡¯t have the power of prophecy. I just want to live quietly now.¡± ¡°Live quietly? But you¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I returned the titles and territories. I don¡¯t want to be bound by the duties of nobility.¡± ¡°I see¡­¡± The protagonist stared at me for a while, seemingly at a loss for words. ¡°Is that so¡­¡± After a moment, the protagonist nodded slowly with a somewhat subdued tone. ¡°If that¡¯s what you want, then so be it. You¡¯ve never been wrong before.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been wrong many times. Well, anyway¡­ It¡¯s time to say goodbye. Thank you for everything, and be happy.¡± I patted the protagonist¡¯s shoulder and turned away. ¡°Dian!¡± Just as I took a few steps, the protagonist called out to stop me. Turning back, I saw the protagonist wearing that familiar, serious yet innocent expression. ¡°If, by any chance, I ever need your help again¡­¡± The protagonist hesitated before continuing. ¡°Will you help me as you have always done?¡± Looking at the protagonist, I smiled and replied. ¡°Of course.¡± The protagonist¡¯s face lit up with joy. ¡°Thank you, Dian! For everything, and for the future!¡± Waving goodbye to the teary-eyed protagonist, I left the bridge. Everything went ording to the original story. The Demon King was dead, and peace returned to the continent. As for the story after the ending, even I don¡¯t know. So, I can¡¯t be of any more help. Now, I¡¯ll quietly live with what I gained from the Demon King¡¯s subjugation. It could be considered the best ending fitting for a transmigrated supporting character. # # # # # Ten yearster. ¡°Dian, could you help me with something?¡± ¡°Oh, this is a bit¡­¡± [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 1 – Esteemed Guest from the Empire Chapter 1 ¨C Esteemed Guest from the Empire [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 1 ¨C Esteemed Guest from the Empire ¡°Sir Dian! Sir Dian! Are you here?!¡± The restaurant door swung open as a girl rushed in. ¡°Olysia? What¡¯s going on?¡± Setting down my fork, I turned to see Olysia grabbing my arm urgently. ¡°The Ferenchino bastards are on their way here!¡± ¡°Ferenchino? Weren¡¯t they put in their ce once before?¡± ¡°This time, the leader himself ising! He¡¯s here for revenge against Dian¡­!¡± Revenge? These guys must be joking. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go see. But first, let go of me.¡± I freed my arm from Olysia¡¯s grip and we left the restaurant together. As we stepped outside, various noises filled the air ¨C sounds of breaking, cursing, screams, and hurried footsteps. It was a scene quite out of ce in the peaceful harbor town. Beyond the low rooftops, yellow and ck gs fluttered atop tall masts, marking the Ferenchino Union¡¯s ships docked in the harbor. Against this backdrop, a group of about a hundred people approached us. They were all wearing uniforms with a yellow and ck color scheme, matching the g, and each of them armed. Let¡¯s see. The guys holding clubs were the union workers, and the one leading the way with a sword was none other than the union leader himself. ¡°Olysia, you go home. She¡¯s already left.¡± Seeing Olysia sprinting away down the alley, I chuckled. Meanwhile, the Ferenchino Union members slowed their approach as they spotted me. ¡°leader! It¡¯s him!¡± One of them pointed usingly at me, his leg braced with a support, likely from ourst encounter. The Ferenchino Union, a group trading in the Brunswell region, often veered into pirate activity. In a world where sailors on any ship, whether navy or merchant, can easily be pirates in times of need, it¡¯s not surprising. Moreover, since most of the people who engage in the difficult and rough work of sailing are often ex-convicts or outcasts, the union¡¯s bad reputation is well-known. Not long ago, some of their crew had caused trouble at my favorite regr diner, refusing to pay and starting a brawl. Hence this mob descending upon me now. ¡°Are you the one who messed with my guys?!¡± Drawing his sword, the leader yelled at me. ¡°A dockworker like you, a worthless vagrant, dares to touch members of the great Ferenchino Union¡­¡± ¡°Sorry to interrupt you while you¡¯re talking.¡± I raised a hand, cutting off the leader mid-sentence. ¡°I came here in the middle of my meal, so I have to go back quickly and finish it. You came here for revenge, right? Then state your business quickly and be on your way.¡± ¡°You crazy bastard!¡± ¡°Kill him!¡± As they charged towards us, I sighed. I didn¡¯t want to cause trouble, saying ¡®I just want to live quietly¡¯, so I helped the protagonist actively, steering the story towards its conclusion. But now, I genuinely wanted to live quietly, but things like this keep happening, making a ruckus. # # # # # ¡°Hurry, move! Quickly!¡± With the ngor of bells, the city guards were urgently dispatched. A report was received that armed sailors disembarked from the Ferenchino merchant ships anchored at the dock and went to the city center. Already notorious troublemakers, with their recent brawl in a local restaurant, it only added to their reputation, making the situation urgent. ¡°Damn it! Of all days, why today! Just when an esteemed guest from the Empire is due to arrive!¡± Themander of the city guards led his men to the scene, resigned but determined. ¡°What in the world¡­¡± Arriving at the scene, the guards found a chaotic sight before them. Peopley sprawled on the narrow street, groaning in pain. Judging by their uniforms, they were unmistakably the Ferenchino Union members¡­ ¡°Ugh¡­ help me¡­¡± A man, clutching his side where a shy scabbard hung, reached out to the guards. ¡°What happened here?¡± ¡°Monster¡­ a monster is here!¡± ¡°Monster?¡± ¡°Save me! I don¡¯t want to die!¡± The man grasped desperately at the guard¡¯s arm, pleading for help. ¡°I was wrong! Please forgive me!¡± The guards exchanged puzzled looks, unsure of what to make of the situation. # # # # # ¡°You¡¯re here, Sir Dian!¡± As I entered my home, Olysia hurried to greet me. ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°I dealt with them, so they won¡¯t being back.¡± ¡°Thank you for your efforts. I¡¯ll get you something refreshing to drink.¡± ¡°Sounds good.¡± I headed to the terrace andy down on a lounge chair. The gentle sea breeze from below the hill carried the bustling yet peaceful sounds of the harbor. Beyond, the sparkling sea stretched endlessly like a carpet adorned with jewels. This was the harbor city of Brunswell, where I settled after leaving the Imperial Pce. After parting ways with the protagonist, I stayed at an inn in the capital for a while, pondering where to go next. Since I didn¡¯t receive a title ornd, I didn¡¯t have to stay in one ce, but I didn¡¯t want to live a wandering life either. I wanted to go to a peaceful and quiet ce, enjoy the rest of my life, and see what kind of ce would be good. This ce was too underdeveloped, and that ce broke out in war often, and this ce was too close to the Imperial Capital, which I didn¡¯t like. After looking at the map for a very long time, I found a suitable ce. Brunswell, a small, neutral harbor city in the southeastern part of the continent. There were no worries about war, the natural scenery was excellent, and it was moderately developed. And, there was no one who knew me. This ce was perfect. I left the capital and came to Brunswell, and it¡¯s already been 10 years. I bought a small house on a hill and am living a leisurely life. This was much better than saying ¡®I just want to live quietly¡¯ and causing trouble, pulling the protagonist down. The protagonist and hispanions are living very difficult lives. I don¡¯t mean it in a bad way, but they have their own positions in the Empire, and they¡¯re busy with no time to rest. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] The protagonist became the Commander of the Imperial Guards, and the Saintess became the head of the Church. Both are high-ranking positions, but they¡¯re extremely busy. I heard the Mage got a high-ranking position in the Magic Federation, but I don¡¯t know the exact title. In the protagonist¡¯s case, bing the Commander of the Imperial Guards is a bit of a shame, but there¡¯s a political reason for it. ¡®The Hero of the continent is guarding the Imperial Capital.¡¯ Isn¡¯t that impressive? It¡¯s perfect for external propaganda. They¡¯ll probably keep him there for a few years to parade around and then promote him to an even higher position. So, in the end, I¡¯m the one who¡¯s living the best life among all of us. I¡¯m living without any worries in this warm andfortable ce. ¡°Have this refreshing drink, Sir Dian!¡± Olysia, who handed me the lemonade, sat down diagonally on the sunbed beside me and gazed out at the sea. ¡°Look, Sir Dian. A huge ship ising in.¡± I turned my gaze to where Olysia was pointing, and indeed, a massive ship was slowly making its way into the harbor, ripping the water. By its appearance and design, it looked like an imperial warship, but why was iting here alone? Something must have brought it here. What do I know? ¡°Olysia. What¡¯s on the menu for dinner tonight?¡± ¡°What would you like to eat?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. I¡¯m tired of fish. Should we grill some meat?¡± ¡°Then I¡¯ll go to the market and buy something. I¡¯ll also check if there¡¯s any charcoal left.¡± Just as Olysia was about to get up, the imperial ship docked, and at the same time, the sound of a fanfare could be heard. It seemed like a very high-ranking person had arrived. ¡°Did the Emperore here?¡± I shook my head at Olysia¡¯s words, smiling wryly. ¡°If it were the Emperor, it wouldn¡¯t be on this scale. And the Emperor isn¡¯t someone who woulde here on a single ship.¡± ¡°Hmm, then who could it be¡­ Anyway, I¡¯ll go buy some meat!¡± ¡°Get some snacks from that bakery on your way back, too.¡± ¡°Okay!¡± Olysia left the house, and the sound of the fanfare continued to echo. It seemed like a very high-ranking person had indeed arrived. ¡­ As I was dozing off in the warm sunshine, I heard the sound of footsteps approaching quickly. Along with the sound of footsteps, I heard the rustling of a paper bag, which meant Olysia had returned with the meat. But why was she rushing back like that? Was she holding back pee or something? Behind Olysia¡¯s footsteps, I could hear the sound of several other people following her. It wasn¡¯t the sound of ordinary shoes, but the sound of battle boots with steel tes, apanied by the nging of swords and the creaking of leather armor. Could it be the remnants of the Ferenchino? But the sound of their weapons waspletely different from usual. I opened my eyes and sat up from the sunbed, and Olysia came running up, shouting. ¡°Sir Dian! Sir Dian!¡± And a littleter, a group of knights appeared from between the buildings. They were wearing light leather armor and simple clothes, but the swords at their waists were a dead giveaway that they were knights of Imperial Guards from the capital. Were they the ones who had been greeted with a fanfare at the harbor earlier? But why were they here? This hill road led to nowhere else but my house, didn¡¯t it? Were theying here? As I wondered, I was soon able to understand the whole situation. ¡°Dian!¡± The protagonist, standing at the front of the knights, was smiling brightly and waving at me. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 2 – Help Me Out Chapter 2 ¨C Help Me Out [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 2 ¨C Help Me Out ¡°Linus¡­?¡± ¡°Dian! Long time no see!¡± ¡°Linus!¡± More than questioning why the protagonist was here, my joy at seeing him overwhelmed me, and I rushed towards him across the distance of a month. Surprised by my sudden sprint, the knights stood in front of Linus as if to defend him. Unaware that the knights would intervene, I couldn¡¯t slow down in time and collided with them. ¡°Oof!¡± ¡°Ugh!¡± The knights, being hit by my body, fell to the ground with a crash. ¡°Oh, sorry about that. It¡¯s awkward when you suddenly barge in like that.¡± ¡°Even after 10 years, you¡¯re still the same, Dian.¡± Looking down at the groaning knights, Linus let out an awkwardugh. Helping the fallen knights up, I asked. ¡°So what brings you here? Without any warning?¡± ¡°I came to see you. And I brought a gift.¡± Linus pulled out a bottle of wine from his arms. Its slender, elongated shape shimmered with a somewhat strange reddish hue in the warm sunlight. That was¡­ ¡°Woah!? Is that Armand Brignac?¡± ¡°I knew you¡¯d like it.¡± ¡°Come on in, quickly.¡± I led Linus and the knights into the house. Olysia was already waiting, holding the door open. ¡°How about taking off your armor? It¡¯s much hotter here than in the imperial capital.¡± I asked the knights who had entered the small garden, and they nodded. ¡°The Imperial Guard never take off their armor anywhere.¡± ¡°But this isn¡¯t the pce, so there shouldn¡¯t be a problem¡­¡± Turning to Linus, I saw him smiling as he spoke to the knights. ¡°Take off your armor. I won¡¯t let you be disrespectful to Dian.¡± With that, the hesitant knights finally started taking off their stifling leather breasttes. ¡°Olysia, give each of them a ss of lemonade. And one for this gentleman here.¡± ¡°Of course, Sir Dian!¡± As the knights sat on the living room sofa, Linus and I went out to the terrace. ¡°You¡¯re really living in a great ce.¡± Linus eximed cheerfully as he looked out over the city and the sea below from the terrace. ¡°The sea, seagulls, sailing ships, markets. It¡¯s a ce brimming with romance. I envy you, Dian.¡± ¡°I¡¯m satisfied here too. Now, do you understand why I left the pce that night?¡± ¡°After 10 years, I finally understand the significance. You really have the ability to foresee the future.¡± Laughing, I spun the Armand Brignac around. ¡°I don¡¯t have such abilities. If I did, I would have known that you woulde here.¡± ¡°Well¡­ I¡¯m really d to see you, Dian. I¡¯ve always been curious and missed knowing what you were doing.¡± ¡°Oh, I¡¯m just living my life. Unlike busy you. By the way¡­¡± Putting the Armand Brignac on the table, I asked. ¡°Aren¡¯t you the Captain of the Imperial Guard now? It sounded like your title changed from what I heard earlier.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve recently been reassigned to a different position. Sitting as the Captain of the Imperial Guard for so long was blocking others from promotion to key positions in the pce. It was just a symbolic position.¡± ¡°The Imperial Pce, protected by the Hero of the continent! It must be something like that. Well¡­ a guy like you bing just the captain of the guard seems unlikely. So, what are you doing now?¡± At that moment, Olysia brought two sses of lemonade to us. ¡°Keep this wine in the kitchen cab for now. It¡¯s very expensive, so be careful.¡± ¡°How expensive is it?¡± ¡°With ten bottles of this, you could buy that imperial warship we saw earlier.¡± ¡°Hieek?¡± Surprised, Olysia tightly hugged the Armand Brignac and hurriedly trembled her way into the kitchen. Linus smiled at her reaction and asked. ¡°Is she a maid? She seems too young to be a maid.¡± ¡°I bought her from a ve ship that stopped by here. They were orphans of war, but the captain deceived them with the promise of taking them to a safe kingdom, and sold them into very.¡± ¡°It¡¯s unfortunate circumstances. You made a good decision, Dian, taking her in.¡± Linus, who was nodding his head, took a sip of lemonade and savored its refreshing taste. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] ¡°So, how did you know I was here?¡± ¡°Oh, that. Recently, the Imperial Intelligence Bureau obtained intelligence rted to the Ferenchino Union. As soon as I heard, I knew it was you.¡± ¡°You mean the intelligence bureau knows about even such trivial things?¡± ¡°Trivial? This is about a person who single-handedly took down thirty members of a notorious gang controlling this area. How can that be trivial?¡± With a chuckle, Linus shrugged his shoulders, finding it amusing. ¡°Dian, didn¡¯t you leave the Imperial Pce because you wanted to live quietly?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. But things don¡¯t always go as nned.¡± ¡°Well, thanks to your little incident, I knew about your whereabouts, so it turned out to be a good thing.¡± With that, Linusughed brightly. Though it¡¯s been ten years, his distinctive aura of righteousness remains unchanged. Linus. The continent¡¯s savior and the scourge of demons. He is the unique hero of the fantasy novel I transmigrated into. With his golden hair, tall stature, and well-built muscr physique, he is as impressive as any aristocrate, if not more so. However, due to his appearance, he seems like those arrogant and haughty types, but in reality, he was anything but that. He hailed from a humble background, born to peasant parents in a small, unfamiliar vige in the Empire¡¯s countryside. He had been farming with his parents since he was young, but when war broke out, he abruptly abandoned his hometown and enlisted. After having heard of the war¡¯s atrocities he was unable to live peacefully as a farmer. Although I knew Linus¡¯s nature well, I thought he was crazy after hearing his story firsthand. As we fought together in the same toon, I could confirm it. This guy was insane. Linus was humble, with a sense of justice. He always wears a gentle smile on his lips, and his eyes are full of kindness. He cannot tolerate injustice, and even if his life is at risk, he won¡¯t hesitate to do what he believes is right. He¡¯s a truly excellent example of a ¡°Hero.¡± But that¡¯s the problem. Linus¡¯s journey from a grunt in the army to amanding officer is the background setting of the original story. The prologue of the original story begins with Linus, who survived countless battlefields as amon soldier, being promoted to an officer. In other words, for the story to even begin, this guy had to stay alive for the next few years. Thanks to his overflowing passion and sense of justice, there have been more than a few asions where he almost died needlessly. As an example, in the worst situation where our toon was surrounded and only the two of us were breaking through the encirclement, Linus insisted on rushing into battle to rescue a civilian vige under attack. If I hadn¡¯t helped him then, he probably wouldn¡¯t have found his own corpse. Who else but a crazy person would do such a thing? Through various hardships and adventures, I managed to keep Linus alive until the prologue. After that, we were promoted together, and selected for the Hero Party to raid the Demon King¡¯s stronghold. After that, it followed the original story. So, Linus is not only the protagonist of the original story whom I need to support, but also an irreceablerade-in-arms whose life and death are intertwined with mine. ¡°By the way, Dian. Let¡¯s have dinner together tonight. I¡¯ll treat you to the best restaurant here.¡± ¡°Sounds good. But instead of a restaurant, let¡¯s eat at my ce. I was nning on grilling some meat for dinner anyway. But how long will you be here? If you¡¯re staying for a while, I¡¯ll clear a room for you.¡± ¡°No, that won¡¯t be necessary.¡± Linus shook his head. ¡°I have to return to the capital early tomorrow morning. I¡¯ll just sleep on the ship.¡± ¡°You seem really busy. Well, it can¡¯t be helped. It¡¯d be absurd for the continent¡¯s savior to live like an unemployed person.¡± ¡°I feel embarrassed hearing that from you. Then, let¡¯s have dinner here.¡± When I asked Olysia to bring more meat and other things, Linus sent a few knights with her. # # # # # As the sun gradually set, we grilled meat on the wide terrace overlooking the sea. While Olysia and the knights were dining at one table, we shared stories at another. Stories from our days as grunt soldiers, stories from when we were selected for the Hero Party, stories of infiltrating the Demon King¡¯s castle with party members, including Celine, and so on. We didn¡¯t realize the stories wouldn¡¯t end until the stars began to twinkle in the sky above the eastern sea, fully set. After emptying the entire bottle of Armand Brignac, when we were both feeling a bit tipsy, I asked Linus. ¡°Linus. Why did youe here?¡± ¡°I told you. I came to see you because I missed you.¡± ¡°Linus, you¡¯re lying.¡± I pointed my finger at Linus. ¡°You¡¯re a simple bastard. You have absolutely no talent for hiding or deceiving.¡± With my words, Linus tilted his ss with a faint smile. ¡°So, tell me quickly. Why did youe?¡± ¡°Haha. You¡¯re amazing, as always.¡± Looking at the harbor lights fading below the hill, Linus spoke. ¡°Do you remember the day we parted ways ten years ago? When I asked if you¡¯d help me if I ever needed it.¡± ¡°I remember. So, do you need my help?¡± ¡°Yeah, Dian. There¡¯s something I can ask only you for.¡± ¡°What is it? Don¡¯t tell me the Demon King has resurrected again?¡± ¡°It¡¯s something even more difficult.¡± Something more difficult than killing the Demon King? Is there such a thing in the world? ¡°Do you happen to know about the Imperial Special Mission Academy?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t. What is it?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a newly established institution in the Empire that trains domestic and foreign intelligence experts.¡± ¡°A spy school?¡± ¡°Haha. Well, to some extent. But not everyone there does that. Simply put, it¡¯s a ce that produces elite civil servants for the Empire.¡± ¡°So? Are you asking me to teach there?¡± Linus remained silent. ¡°¡­Really?¡± ¡°Dian.¡± Putting down his ss, Lineus looked at me with a serious gaze. ¡°Be the headmaster of the Imperial Special Mission Academy.¡± [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 3 – No Big Deal Chapter 3 ¨C No Big Deal [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 3 ¨C No Big Deal After looking at Linus¡¯s serious expression, I burst outughing. ¡°What, are you kidding me? You want me to teach kids?¡± But Linus didn¡¯tugh. ¡°I¡¯m not kidding, Dian.¡± In fact, I also knew that Linus wasn¡¯t joking. He wasn¡¯t the type to joke around like that. He really came all the way from the Imperial Capital to offer me the position of Academy headmaster. If he really was here because he simply wanted to see me, there would be no need to bring the Imperial Guards, boarding an Imperial Warship. But I refused. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I think that might be difficult.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need to be humble, Dian. You have the ability to be the headmaster.¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s not about being humble. I just can¡¯t do it.¡± Linus looked a bit puzzled and asked. ¡°Can I ask why?¡± ¡°You know, I¡¯m not good at sitting in a ce and managing things. And a ce with that much responsibility is too burdensome for me.¡± ¡°It won¡¯t be just you. There are many capable professors and administrative staff who will support you. You just need to share your experience and skills with them.¡± ¡°It¡¯s still not going to work. Being the ¡®headmaster¡¯ is not just about authority and responsibility, but also about making decisions that affect everything, and I don¡¯t want to do that.¡± I refused again, and Linus let out a soft sigh. ¡°The current headmaster of the academy is in a difficult situation because of his bad reputation, and the Imperial Castle is trying to find a recement as soon as possible. But we¡¯ve looked at many candidates so far, and none of them have met our standards. You¡¯re the only one who can do it.¡± But I still refused. I didn¡¯t reject all that title and territory and came all the way to this neutral harbor to get involved inplicated things. I just wanted to live quietly and peacefully. If someone asked me to kill the Demon King again, I¡¯d do it without hesitation. But being the headmaster of the academy? That¡¯s something I have to refuse. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Linus.¡± Linus, who had been silent for a moment, spoke up. ¡°To be honest¡­ the Imperial Pce wanted to make me the headmaster.¡± ¡°What? Are you just trying to push it onto me?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that. I¡¯m thinking of retiring soon¡­ And the Imperial Pce has told me to find a suitable person for the position if I do so.¡± ¡°Retiring? Are you going to settle down somewhere too?¡± ¡°I hope I can. In fact, my child will be born next month, so I¡¯m going to focus on raising my child.¡± ¡°What¡­? A child¡­? Parenting¡­?¡± I was stunned by the unexpected news and asked stupidly. ¡°You¡­ got married?¡± ¡°Yes, I married Celine.¡± ¡°Wh-what?! For real?!¡± Celine was a hunter from the Hero Party, and she had a subtle thing going on with Linus throughout the journey. Before the battle with the Demon King, Linus even left a will asking me to make sure Celine can safely return to her hometown after he died. Both of them were so dense that it was frustrating that they wouldn¡¯t just confess and start dating, but in the end, they got married. Wasn¡¯t this really great news! ¡°Congrattions, brat! You finally got married!¡± I patted Linus on the back, and a faint smile appeared on his face. ¡°Who confessed first? Huh? Ah, it must have been Celine. She¡¯s more proactive than you, after all. Is it a boy or a girl? No¡­ wait a minute¡­¡± I was so happy that I started talking nonsense, but then I suddenly remembered something. ¡°You said the child will be born next month¡­?¡± Celine had lost her left leg in the battle with the Demon King, and it would be difficult for her to take care of the child alone. ¡°Exactly, Dian. That¡¯s why I want to quit. You can understand why, right?¡± ¡°Then can¡¯t you just hire a nanny or something?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that simple. My work in the imperial capital is too busy, and there are many days where I go out at dawn and return the next morning, Dian¡­¡± Linus spoke in a low voice. ¡°Up until now, I¡¯ve been content, thinking it was for the continent, but after getting married and having a child, my heart has changed a bit¡­ I don¡¯t want to just leave my child to a nanny and go out. I want to see my family¡¯s faces ande home to them.¡± He had always lived with a sense of sacrifice, feeling patriotic, but now that a being who truly requires sacrifice has appeared, he has be confused. It reminds me of an incident from the past. When I was in the army, a high-ranking officer said something like this. ¡®When you go on leave, your child is taking steps, and when you go on leave, your child is talking, and when you go on leave, your child is going to elementary school. At first, they cry when they see you, andter they call you ¡®uncle¡¯ whoes home once a month, and now they finally call you ¡®dad¡¯.¡¯ You work for your family, but you¡¯re actually getting farther away from them. Linus¡¯s words were really right. Especially in Linus¡¯s case, even if he quits his job right away, he has the conditions to livefortably for the rest of his life, so he would want to be even more faithful to his family. Until now, his service to the imperial capital was not for the purpose of making a living, but to establish peace and stability in the era after killing the Demon King. ¡°I understand your situation. Hiring a nanny isn¡¯t a fundamental solution. I get it.¡± ¡°Sorry, Dian. I came to see you after ten years, and I¡¯m making such an absurd request.¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s okay. I¡¯m somewhat taken aback by the news that you got married to Celine right now. You said you¡¯re leaving tomorrow at dawn, right? I¡¯ll think about it and give you an answer then.¡± ¡°Alright, Dian. Sorry again.¡± # # # # # After Linus and the knights returned to their ship, Iy down on the sunbed on the terrace and organized my thoughts. My two close friends had finally gotten married and were having a child next month. Celine¡¯s body wasn¡¯t fully recovered, so Linus wanted to quit his job and focus on raising the child, but the Imperial Pce wanted him to be the headmaster of the academy or find a suitable recement. This was a difficult situation, and Linus happened to know my whereabouts because of my recent encounters with Ferenchino, so he came to me. He could just hire a nanny, but Linus believes there¡¯s no point in starting a family if a nanny is raising his child white he is tied down to work. I agree with him 100%. Then, shall we weigh the two? Breaking away from the original story and enjoying afortable life, earning money and living in seclusion in a harbor city vs. going to the academy to work for the sake of my friends, a couple who have been through life and death with me. Of course, thetter is the answer. My precious friends, Linus and Celine, are in a difficult situation, and I can solve it for them. What can I do? And, to be honest, my body is a bit rusty from 10 years of just eating and ying around. A long-distance trip to help my friends who are in a difficult situation. Not bad. But the headmaster of the academy is still too high of a position. I don¡¯t want to be tied to such a burdensome position. Is there a better way to do this? ¡°Sir Dian, what are you doing?¡± ¡°Sit down for a moment.¡± When Olysia came out to the terrace, I told her to sit on the sunbed beside me, and exined my current situation to her. Olysia was smart, so she mighte up with a good idea. After listening to my story, Olysia thought deeply, rubbing her chin, and then snapped her fingers. ¡°I thought of a great idea! A way for Sir Dian to help your friend and his wife without taking on too much responsibility. Of course, we need the permission of the high-ranking officials in the Empire.¡± Olysia whispered her idea in my ear. Oh, will this work? # # # # # Dawn was slowly breaking. Linus was leaning on the railing of the deck, which was covered with thick fog, looking out at the pier. Will Dian reallye? He probably will. Dian is Linus¡¯s most trusted friend. It¡¯s been 10 years since theyst met, and now he¡¯s asking for a difficult favor. Linus didn¡¯t have a choice, though. After leaving the capital, no one knew how Dian was doing, and they were worried that he might have died somewhere, but there was no way to find him. Dian had perfectly disappeared, and although he asionally sent letters, it was impossible to track the sender¡¯s location. In the past, Dian had often said to Linus, ¡°you are the main character of this world, I have no ce in this era of peace.¡° Maybe that was a hint about his 10-year disappearance. He couldn¡¯t be sure. But anyway, Dian will help. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] From the time he was a low-ranking soldier in the army to when he killed the Demon King, Dian had always helped Linus, and 10 years ago, he promised to help whenever Linus needed it. ¡®You¡¯re a new recruit too? Nice to meet you. Let¡¯s get along.¡¯ When Linus was first deployed to the battlefield, Dian, who had enlisted around the same time, approached him. Dian, with his unkempt brown hair and cheerful eyes, was a bit of an oddballpared to Linus. Linus, who couldn¡¯t stand injustice, was different from Dian, who was a bit of a scoundrel. Dian would check themander¡¯s gaze and sneak away to rest, or use various tricks to get more rations, or secretly go to the supply room to steal new supplies. Linus didn¡¯t like people like that, who only thought about making things easy for themselves and had no shame about being unfair. So, at first, Linus avoided Dian, but in a small toon of about 30 people, it was hard to avoid him. Linus ended up getting entangled with Dian unintentionally. ¡®Hey, Linus. Come here. Let¡¯s eat this together.¡¯ ¡®Where did you get that? Did you steal it from the supply room again?¡¯ ¡®Stop nagging. The toon leader himself tucked it away in his tent. It was supposed to be for the soldiers.¡¯ ¡®It¡¯s still a bit difficult¡­¡¯ ¡®Hey, Linus. Let¡¯s just sleep over there in the bushes instead of setting up a tent. It looks nice andfortable .¡¯ ¡®We can¡¯t abandon our post, Dian. And how are you nning to get out of tonight¡¯s roll call?¡¯ ¡®The deputy submander is on duty. He¡¯ll just fake the roll call and sleep all night. Let¡¯s go, hurry.¡¯ ¡®Is it really okay¡­?¡¯ As a country bumpkin with an inflexible personality, Linus didn¡¯t have many close friends, but Dian always looked out for him. When they actually got to know each other, surprisingly, Dian had a kind side to him. Even more surprisingly, Dian had a natural talent for battle, and he had saved Linus¡¯s life many times. ¡®Hey, Linus. This is my personal opinion, but let¡¯s move in this direction. It¡¯s the only way we can survive.¡¯ ¡®But the toon leader¡¯s order is to charge forward. That¡¯s insubordination, and it¡¯s punishable by death.¡¯ ¡®You¡¯re stupid. If we charge forward now, we¡¯ll all die. Do you want to die before you even get to fulfill your wish?¡¯ ¡®That¡¯s true¡­¡¯ ¡®Hey, Linus. Let¡¯s take that guy down.¡¯ ¡®That¡¯s absurd! He¡¯s an ogre! We need to wait for backup!¡¯ ¡®Just listen to me, and we can do it with just the two of us. Let¡¯s take that bastard¡¯s head off and get amendation.¡¯ ¡®Dian! Dian! Come back! What the hell! Let¡¯s go together!¡¯ So Linus received countless help from Dian and eventually got recognized for his achievements, rising through the ranks alongside Dian. Even when they were selected for the Hero Party and deployed to the Demon King¡¯s castle, Dian was always by his side¡­ ¡°Hey, Linus.¡± Dian and his maid Olysia appeared from the fog, both carryingrge travel bags. ¡°Dian! You¡¯re here!¡± Linus jumped over the railing andnded in front of Dian. ¡°I knew you¡¯de! Have you made up your mind?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not going to be the headmaster of the academy.¡± Linus¡¯s face stiffened at the unexpected answer. Hadn¡¯t Diane here to ept the proposal? Then why the travel bags? Seeing Linus¡¯s surprise, Dian continued. ¡°I¡¯m not going to be the headmaster, but I¡¯m willing to be a professor at the academy.¡± ¡°A professor?¡± ¡°If I be the headmaster, I¡¯ll have to take responsibility for all the troublesome things. But as a professor, it¡¯s different. And besides, doesn¡¯t the Imperial Pce want me to teach the academy kids with my know-how? Not managing things from the top. I¡¯m not suitable for that kind of work, and you know it.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Linus thought deeply about Dian¡¯s new proposal. The conclusion was, it wasn¡¯t bad. The Imperial Pce had rejected all the candidates Linus had rmended, but Dian would be different. Dian had exceptional talent in battle and plenty of realbat experience. Even if he wasn¡¯t the headmaster, being a professor would be a goodpromise. ¡°If you¡¯re willing to do that¡­¡± Linus was about to speak when he suddenly felt tears welling up in his eyes. Due to his whereabouts being unknown, he hadn¡¯t been able to send even a single letter during that time. And when he met him after 10 years, he made such an unreasonable request, yet Dian still¡­ Celine, once again, we¡¯re receiving Dian¡¯s help. As always, Dian is my indeed most trusted friend and ally. # # # # # ¡°If¡­ you¡¯re willing to do that¡­¡± Linus¡¯s eyes welled up with tears, and I let out an awkwardugh. ¡°Alright. Then, since we¡¯ve decided, let¡¯s go right away. It¡¯s okay if I bring Olysia along, right? It¡¯s a bit awkward to leave her behind.¡± ¡°Of course. Come on, get on.¡± Linus led the way, guiding us to the ship. ¡°By the way, it seems like Sir Dian¡¯s friend is also quite aware of your entricities.¡± ¡°Be quiet, Olysia. It¡¯s called beingid-back.¡± I rebuked Olysia¡¯s teasing as we boarded the ship. ¡°Let¡¯s set off! Everyone, take your positions!¡± With the captain¡¯s shout, the sailors moved quickly, unfurling the sails and releasing the anchor. As I stood at the bow of the ship, looking out at the sea, I thought to myself. ¡®I just wanted to live quietly,¡¯ but I didn¡¯t want to cause trouble, so I helped Linus, and reached the end. And now, 10 yearster, when I was really trying to live quietly, the protagonist hase to ask for my help again. What can I do? I have no choice but to help. I promised to help 10 years ago, and Linus and Celine are truly precious friends to me. From now on, my new goal is to be a professor at the academy and ensure Linus and his wife¡¯s childcare activities can continue without any problems. Bing an academy professor¡­ Ha! No big deal. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 4 – The Newcomer with Crazy Experience Chapter 4 ¨C The Neer with Crazy Experience [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 4 ¨C The Neer with Crazy Experience ¡°Wow! Sir Dian! Look at that!¡± Olysia leaned over the railing of the deck, excitedly eximing. In the ship¡¯s forward direction, a majestic city came into view as the ship plowed through the waves. Along the coastal cliffs stood tall and sturdy city walls, with numerous gs fluttering atop the sturdy watchtowers. In the harbor city center, buildings with various roofs crowded densely, and various ships,rge and small, wereing and going. On long stretches of docks, ships from all nations were docked, proudly disying their grandeur, while sailors and merchants were bustling with loading and unloading tasks. Coast guard ships in the forefront were blocking suspicious vessels, and amidst the chaos, a few people even fell off the deck into the sea. It was as if the city itself were a giant living organism, moving and bustling on its own, with no visible scars of the war that had been trampled by the Demon King¡¯s army. The capital of the Great Empire, Calvasar. The origin of all cultures, technologies, and trends on the continent. It was where I left everything behind ten years ago. ¡°Wow, it¡¯s my first time seeing such a big city! Look at all the people!¡± ¡°It¡¯s the capital of the Empire, so it¡¯s natural. That¡¯s just a part of it. The maind is even bigger.¡± ¡°Heeeh?!¡± The ship we were on entered a separate dock slightly further inside, where private ships were anchored. There, the headquarters of the Third Imperial Fleet spread out, with ships muchrger than the one we came on. They say even mountains and rivers change in 10 years, to rebuild a fleet that waspletely decimated by the Demon King¡¯s army in such a short time was unbelievable. ¡°The masts of those ships¡­ they¡¯re even taller than the temple¡¯s bell tower¡­¡± Olysia looked up at the masts of passing warships, her mouth agape in astonishment. ¡°Let¡¯s disembark now, Dian. Miss Olysia.¡± As Linus and I disembarked, a luxurious carriage drawn by four horses approached from the other side and stopped in front of us. It seemed to be a carriage from the Imperial Pce, here to greet us. ¡°Wow, I¡¯ve never ridden in such a carriage¡­¡± Olysia couldn¡¯t stop marveling, tapping the plush cushions. In Brunswell, where we were, the city itself wasn¡¯t so big that carriages were ever used. ¡°But Linus, I¡¯m curious. Is there some problem with the Academy Headmaster?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a bitplicated. She¡¯s highly skilled individually, but she¡¯s consideredcking in managerial supervision abilities.¡± ¡°Is her personality too entric?¡± ¡°Well, that¡¯s¡­¡± ¡°Oh my goodness, it¡¯s the Imperial Pce!¡± Just as Linus was about to answer, Olysia suddenly eximed, her eyes fixed on something in the distance. Looking out the window, we were already in front of the drawbridge of the Imperial Pce. It was where Linus and I had parted ways ten years ago. Surprisingly, nothing seemed to have changed here, not even a single brick. Perhaps forewarned, we were led straight through without inspection and the carriage proceeded directly across the drawbridge, stopping in front of the Imperial Pce gates. ¡°Miss Olysia, you¡¯ll go to a separate waiting room. Follow the attendant. Dian, youe this way.¡± ¡°See youter, Sir Dian.¡± Parting ways with Olysia, I followed Dian through the grand entrance of the Imperial Pce. ¡°Wee, Sir Linus. We¡¯ve been expecting you, Sir Dian.¡± As soon as we passed through the door, a neatly dressed servant approached and greeted us. ¡°The Second Princess is in her study. I¡¯ll take you there.¡± The Second Princess? I thought we were going to meet some minister rted to this matter¡­ It would have been more usible if it were the Emperor, but where did the Second Princess suddenlye from? ¡°Linus, why do we have to see the Second Princess?¡± ¡°The Second Princess currently holds the position of Imperial Director of National Security. Both the Intelligence Bureau and the Surveince Corps are under hermand.¡± ¡°Oh, I see. So she¡¯s hogging all the important roles for herself.¡± ¡°The Intelligence Bureau and the Surveince Corps have the highest demand for graduates of the Special Mission Academy, which is why the Second Princess is directly involved.¡± Wait a minute. Let me think¡­ What kind of person was the Second Princess¡­ During the war, the Second Princess was stationed as amander on another front, so I had never seen her face before. I heard she was very capable, having turned the tide of unfavorable battles multiple times. Given that most nobles and aristocratic generals had repeatedly suffered defeats due to ipetence, it made sense that after the war, the Second Princess held key positions. ¡°Your Highness, Sir Linus and his friend Sir Dian are here.¡± As soon as we entered the modest study, a young woman stood up from her chair to greet us. ¡°Wee. You¡¯ve traveled far.¡± Seeing the Second Princess¡¯s face for the first time, I was slightly surprised. Her hair was close to silver, unique to the Royal Family, so that wasn¡¯t surprising. And her height was quite tall, but there could be individual variations, so that was understandable. What surprised me were her eyes. The Second Princess¡¯s left eyelid was wrinkled and folded. It was where a long scar extended from her forehead to her chin. Despite that, it was insufficient to hide her overflowing grace and beauty. Perhaps because of the rxed smile on her lips, it seemed like the Second Princess was yfully winking. ¡°Are you surprised? Is it because of this eye?¡± The Second Princess chuckled softly, pointing to the scar that had consumed half of her face. ¡°From what I¡¯ve heard, you too, were part of the Special Operations Force with Sir Linus. You must have seen limbs being severed and crushed as easily as breathing?¡± ¡°Yes, Your Highness. However, seeing someone of your stature bearing such arge scar is somewhat surprising. Most would have pushed their subordinates in and fled themselves.¡± The attendant standing beside us almost popped his eyes out at the informal response, and Linus touched his forehead, letting out a faint sigh. ¡°Hahaha!¡± On the other hand, the Second Princess burst intoughter, so much so that her uv could be seen. ¡°That feels refreshing. Please take a seat.¡± As we sat down on the sofa, the Second Princess, who was seated opposite us, leanedfortably against the backrest and spoke. ¡°So, Sir Dian. Sir Linus has rmended you, and I¡¯ve looked into you a bit. Your record is quite impressive.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t want to die, so I ran around with Linus, and got lucky.¡± ¡°Is that so? By any chance, are you not the incarnation of the God of War, H?¡± ¡°If you¡¯re joking, then yes, if you¡¯re serious, then no.¡± The Second Princess seemed to like my answer, as she burst intoughter again. ¡°I like that very much. Sir Linus, your judgment was very appropriate. With your experience and boldness, you seem fit to lead the Academy.¡± ¡°That¡¯s an exaggeration, Your Highness. But¡­ I have something to tell you.¡± When Linus spoke cautiously, the Second Princess sent him a questioning look. ¡°In fact, Dian hopes to be a professor rather than the headmaster.¡± The Second Princess remained silent, waiting for the next words, and Linus carefully exined the conversations they had beforeing here. Due to his temperament, Dian felt a great burden suddenly taking on the heavy responsibility of being the Headmaster of the Imperial Special Mission Academy. However, unable to refuse Linus¡¯s request, he reluctantly agreed to be a professor instead of the headmaster as apromise. In Linus¡¯s personal opinion, Dian possessed exceptionalbat abilities, surpassing anyone else on the continent. However, hecked any experience in managerial positions, which could be advantageous from the Empire¡¯s perspective in various ways. It might be better to keep the current headmaster in ce and have Dian serve as a professor, providing appropriate assistance and advice. The Second Princess, sipping her drink brought by the servant, listened attentively to Linus¡¯s words until the end, then spoke up. ¡°Well, that¡¯s not a bad idea. However, I would like to add one more thing.¡± ¡°What would that be?¡± ¡°In that case, why don¡¯t we appoint Sir Dian as a professor and you, Sir Linus, continue as the headmaster?¡± ¡°Your Highness. As I told youst time¡­¡± ¡°Then I¡¯ll take my leave.¡± [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Before Linus could finish speaking, I stood up abruptly from the sofa. ¡°The reason I came here was to help Linus, after hearing that he was having a difficult time with being the headmaster. From what the Princess has said, I see no reason for me to be here.¡± Looking at me, the Second Princess calmly asked. ¡°Do you believe you can leave from here?¡± ¡°Do you believe I cannot?¡± A cold silence settled in the study, as if cold water had been poured. ¡°I apologize, Your Highness.¡± Linus, who had been silent, spoke up. ¡°I¡¯ll see Dian off myself.¡± Linus, rising from his seat, took hold of my arm. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Dian. I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ll schedule a ship for you to get back home.¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. Since we¡¯re already in the capital, I¡¯ll stay for a few days and explore. Just give me the inn fee.¡± ¡°Just a moment.¡± As we were about to leave the room, the Second Princess called us back from behind. Turning around, we saw the Second Princess still sitting on the sofa, speaking. ¡°I¡¯ll ept that proposal.¡± ¡°You need to rify what proposal you¡¯re epting.¡± ¡°The current headmaster will stay in position and Sir Dian will be appointed as a professor. Sir Linus will return home as requested. However, it¡¯ll not be retirement.¡± As I tried to object, the Second Princess raised a finger. ¡°It¡¯ll be parental leave, until the child reaches a certain age. The duration is ten years, with the sry remaining the same.¡± ¡°Ha.¡± I couldn¡¯t help but marvel. Ten years of paid parental leave? That¡¯s insane! The Second Princess, despite her initial impression, turned out to be unexpectedly cool and admirable. ¡°What do you think, Sir Linus? My conditions.¡± ¡°It¡¯s more than generous, Your Highness. Thank you.¡± Linus bowed deeply in gratitude. ¡°Very well. Sir Dian, go to the academy immediately. Adapt to your professorial duties as soon as possible.¡± ¡°Right now? Okay, I understand.¡± ¡°Sir Linus, we¡¯ll talk separatelyter.¡± ¡°Understood, Your Highness.¡± After exchanging pleasantries, we headed toward the main gate where the carriage was waiting. ¡°Hey, Linus. What¡¯s with that woman?¡± ¡°She may seem like that, but she¡¯s actually a very warm-hearted person. Try to lighten up when you see her.¡± ¡°I see. I¡¯m not sure. But, wait a moment. Does that mean that woman is now my boss¡¯s boss¡¯s boss?¡± ¡°Pretty much.¡± Hmm, I can¡¯t decide if this is a good thing or a bad thing. But since Linus said she¡¯s a good person, let¡¯s give her the benefit of the doubt. ¡°Dian, go to the academy by yourself. I have a lot of tasks toplete before my leave, so I won¡¯t be able to apany you.¡± As Olysia and I boarded the carriage, Linus apologized with a regretful expression. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯m not a kid. Say hello to Celine for me. I¡¯ll invite her over soon.¡± ¡°Will do. Thank you so much, Dian. Once again, you¡¯ve saved me.¡± After parting ways with Linus, Olysia and I headed straight to the Special Mission Academy. # # # # # Standing by the office window, the Second Princess watched as the carriage passed through the academy gate. His name was Dian, right? I knew he was Linus¡¯s close friend, but I didn¡¯t expect him to be that remarkable. Even in front of the Empire¡¯s Second Princess, he didn¡¯t seem intimidated at all. And when she saw Dian¡¯s gaze looking at her as he asked if she really believed he couldn¡¯t leave the Imperial Pce, the Second Princess felt a shiver run down her spine. When Linus rmended Dian as a recement while expressing his desire to retire and take care of his child, the Second Princess had already decided to grant Linus ten years of paid leave. And when she heard that Dian wanted to be a professor rather than the headmaster, she thought it was a very good idea. Dian¡¯s desire for Linus to be able to take care of his family was greater than his own desire to go to the academy. That could be used to her advantage. However, provoking Dian was simply out of curiosity about how remarkable the Hero¡¯s friend could be. Ironically, it turned out to be a move that gave her the upper hand. Perhaps it was an expected oue after all. The Princess lowered her gaze to the documents she held in her hand. It was Dian¡¯s military service record. A clear stamp indicating ¡°Level 1 ssified¡± was imprinted at the top and bottom. Initial Rank: Private / Final Rank: Major (Special Appointment) / Service Period: 3 years, 1 month Honors history (excludingmendations below the rank of militarymander) Third ss Meritorious Service Medal: Contributed to the tactical assessment of the Camel Ridge Defense Battle by acquiring enemybatants and prisoners of war. Third ss Meritorious Service Medal: Contributed to the Dervion District Battle by eliminating enemy vanguard ogres withrades. Second ss Meritorious Service Medal: Contributed to the blockade of rebel supply lines in the Kalias ins withrades. Second ss Meritorious Service Medal: Contributed to the elimination of numerous enemy infiltration squads in the Razzoram Pass Battle withrades. First ss Meritorious Service Medal: Contributed to the defense and protection of civilian viges under enemy attack withrades. Special ss Meritorious Service Medal: Contributed to the elimination of enemy corpsmanders in the ck Swamp Battle withrades. Special ss Meritorious Service Medal: Contributed to the elimination of enemy corpsmanders in the Orendir Battle withrades. Special ss Meritorious Service Medal: Contributed to the capture of the enemy¡¯s stronghold by breaching the walls and opening the gates in the Ivronic Castle Liberation Battle withrades. Special ss Meritorious Service Medal: Contributed to the elimination of enemy corpsmanders in the Pinluk Battle withrades. Special ss Meritorious Service Medal: Contributed to the elimination of enemy corpsmanders in the Felimia Battle withrades. Special ss Meritorious Service Medal: Contributed to the elimination of enemy corpsmanders in the Tyraelen Battle. Empire¡¯s Highest ss Meritorious Service Medal: Dyed the movement of the Dragon Hydrastar withrades, ensuring safe retreat conditions for friendly forces. Empire¡¯s Hero Medal: Contributed to the ying of the Demon King. With a neer with such an impressive military record, it would indeed be quite challenging for the headmaster. Will she be able to continue holding her position? The Second Princess smiled softly and returned to her desk. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 5 – Imperial Special Mission Academy Chapter 5 ¨C Imperial Special Mission Academy [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 5 ¨C Imperial Special Mission Academy ¡°Wow, it¡¯s really huge!¡± Olysia eximed as she got off the carriage upon arriving at the Imperial Special Mission Academy. Indeed, as Olysia described, the academy was incredibly vast. Thegrand parade ground, where events and major exercises took ce was the size of several modern-day football fieldsbined. Surrounding it were the headquarters and main buildings, forming a structure akin to a small town. Beyond that, numerous smaller facilities could be seen, along with a hill covered in bushes within the grounds. And all of these were epassed by a sturdy wall towering about ten meters high, presumably enchanted to ward off external intrusions. ¡°Hello, Sir Dian. I¡¯ll take you to meet the headmaster. Will your younger sister be apanying you?¡± The administrative director who greeted us asked upon seeing Olysia, who had simr brown hair to mine. ¡°She¡¯s my maid.¡± ¡°I see. Then I¡¯ll have her escorted to the dormitory to unpack her belongings.¡± The carriage carrying Olysia continued on its way, and I followed the administrative director towards the main building. ¡°Headmaster, the sessor has arrived.¡± Waiting for me in the office was¡­ huh? What¡¯s this? Something dark stirred slowly behind the desk piled high with documents. It was a Dark Elf. With ruby-red eyes and jet-ck hair, and smooth, dark chocte-like skin, except for the distinctively slender physique and long ears, they were nothing like regr Elves. Upon confirming the race of the academy¡¯s headmaster, I could understand what Linus meant when he said the current headmaster excelled in personal abilities butcked in organizational management. Dark Elves were born to be assassins, possessing agile bodies, highly developed senses, and innate abilities in memorization, making them unparalleled in their field. However, being a minority race and ustomed to living in dark forests, they faced many limitations in working in civilized society. But how on earth did a Dark Elf end up in this position? And that Dark Elf seemed rather peculiar. Instead of the typical dark, ebony-like skin, she had a somewhat brighter tone resembling chocte. And why did her face look so¡­ gentle? Despite currently trying to maintain a fierce look,pared to typical Dark Elves who resembled snakes, she seemed to resemble a cute kitten. ¡°Hello, headmaster. I¡¯m Dian.¡± I greeted, but the Dark Elf headmaster remained silent, just staring at me. Did I do something to displease them? ¡°Hello?¡± Still no response, just a silent, scrutinizing gaze. Why? As the headmaster¡¯s silence lingered, the administrative director cleared his throat. ¡°Headmaster, this is the sessor. We received words from the Imperial Pce.¡± ¡°I¡¯m aware. I just¡­ see what a human looked like in detail.¡± Only then did the Dark Elf headmaster mumble while scrutinizing me up and down. ¡°Hello, headmaster. My name is Dian.¡± ¡°I¡¯m Kirrin Nemara. But, what did you do in the past? What kind of experience do you have that led the Imperial Pce to send you as a substitute for Sir Linus?¡± ¡°Did the Imperial Pce not inform you? Then I won¡¯t bother telling either.¡± I had heard from Linus that upon leaving the Imperial Pce, all of my records were ssified as confidential. It was said to be because they nned to use them for propaganda but worried about the negative image if I were to escape. So, if the Imperial Pce didn¡¯t send my resume for the position of headmaster, there was no need for me to mention it either. Perhaps it was a measure taken out of concern that if they sent me as a professor, the hierarchy would be disturbed by my background. ¡°Nevertheless, your appearance is surprisingly normal. When I heard that you wereing as a substitute for Sir Linus, I imagined someone with the stature of a troll or an orc, disying a chest full of fur and gnawing on deer bones like a savage.¡± ¡°Interestingly, those of us with normal appearances tend to survive longer on the battlefield. But¡­¡± I paused for a moment before continuing. ¡°If you are a Nemara, are you from the same Nemara n I know? The assassination group that infiltrated the Imperial Pce.¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. That Nemara n.¡± Ah, I see. Now everything falls into ce as to why a Dark Elf ended up as the headmaster of the academy. Originally, Dark Elves were allied with the Demon King¡¯s army during the war. They were troublesome individuals who caused significant damage to our allies while acting as assassins. However, when Linus and I blocked the dragon Hydrastar together and were both promoted to captains, there was an incident where Dark Elves infiltrated the Imperial Pce. Their goal was, of course, to assassinate the Emperor. However, they failed. It was due to the defection of the Nemara n, who were part of the assassination attempt, that the n was foiled. For reasons not entirely clear, the Nemara Dark Elves, who had a strained rtionship with the leadership of the Demon King¡¯s army, killed all the other Dark Elves who infiltrated with them and defected along with their n. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] As a result, the Emperor greatly appreciated the Nemara n¡¯s actions and appointed a Dark Elf from their n as the headmaster of this academy. Anyway, it was part of the Emperor¡¯s promise, so it had to be fulfilled. ¡°This is an honor. It¡¯s my first time meeting someone from the Nemara n.¡± ¡°Yes¡­ and this will be thest¡­¡± ¡°Pardon¡­?¡± ¡°I will be kicked out and go back to the forest where my n lives, never to return to the human world again¡­¡± With that, tears began to well up in the headmaster¡¯s ruby-colored eyes. ¡°Oh, dear¡­¡± Seeing that, the administrative director whispered to me in a voice barely audible. ¡°I think¡­ you haven¡¯t received any news from the Imperial Pce yet. For now, I¡­¡± ¡°No, stop.¡± The headmaster closed her eyes tightly and then opened them again, adopting a cold attitude as she cut off my words. ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear it. I¡¯ll probably be fired anyway. It¡¯s obvious.¡± ¡°Um, for now, I¡¯m not going to be the headmaster. I¡¯m here as a professor.¡± ¡°Of course you are¡­ Eeek?! What?!¡± ¡°What do you mean?!¡± Both the administrative director and Headmaster Kirrin shouted simultaneously at my words. ¡°The headmaster position is too burdensome for me. Her Highness, the Second Princess, had instructed me to do so as well. The Director of National Security, your superior.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not getting fired?!¡± As the headmaster excitedly raised both arms, various weapons, including daggers and ropes, spilled out from sleeves and inside clothes. Of course, she was a Dark Elf, after all. ¡°Oh, dear. No, don¡¯t touch them. They¡¯re dangerous items.¡± The headmaster, crouching down, stopped me from helping and picked up the weapons herself. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I showed a disgraceful sight.¡± ¡°Haha¡­ It¡¯s okay. So, what should I do now?¡± ¡°Actually, it¡¯s perfect timing since there¡¯s a vacancy. Talk to the administrative director.¡± Following the headmaster¡¯s words, the administrative director grabbed my arm and led me away. ¡°Come this way, Sir Dian.¡± As we left the office, the administrative director bowed his head and apologized. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Sir Dian. I¡¯m sure you were quite startled because of the headmaster.¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. There are all kinds of people in the world. But isn¡¯t the headmaster being a bit too obvious in her joy?¡± At my words, the administrative director gave a faint smile. ¡°Rumors were circting that the Imperial Pce was considering Sir Linus, the hero of the continent, as her sessor, and upon hearing this, she went as far as not eating or drinking several days.¡± ¡°Really? That much?¡± ¡°The headmaster doesn¡¯t want to return to the Dark Elf forest.¡± ¡°Why not? Is she very ambitious?¡± ¡°Not exactly. There are someplicated circumstances.¡± The administrative director briefly exined Kirrin Nemara¡¯s background to me. Her father was the leader of the Nemara n. He was the mastermind behind the betrayal and annihtion of the other Dark Elf during the Imperial Pce infiltration incident. In return, the Emperor epted the surrender of the Nemara n and repaid them for saving his life. The leader of the Nemara n demanded that his daughter, Kirrin, be appointed as the headmaster of this newly established academy. Originally on the side of the Demon King¡¯s army, the n¡¯s defection caused considerable opposition. However, the Emperor couldn¡¯t back out of his promise due to reasons of dignity, so he brought Kirrin here. The Emperor probably never expected such an unreasonable demand to arise. He might have anticipatednd or money, but this request was beyond imagination. ¡°The headmaster¡¯s father was very pleased when she was appointed as the headmaster. It was a moment of recognition for the Dark Elves, who had been marginalized, to finally be epted as part of civilized society. In simpler terms, it¡¯s like the child of a rural judge suddenlying out of the backwaters. ¡°So, do you understand now? Why the headmaster doesn¡¯t want to resign and return to the forest? It¡¯s because it would disappoint the entire n.¡± After hearing the administrative director¡¯s exnation, I could roughly guess the situation in the Imperial Pce. As the Director of the Imperial Special Mission Academy, a vital institution, the Second Princess, who was also the Director of National Security, was pondering how to remove the Dark Elf, who was appointed by the Emperor¡¯s promise. In the end, she resorted to the trump card, Linus. It was calcted that if Linus, the savior of the continent who killed the Demon King, was involved, even the Emperor¡¯s parachute couldn¡¯t save her. However, Linus, who was married to Celine and expecting a child, happened to be seeking retirement. So, the Second Princess made an absurd proposal that if he found a suitable recement, she would allow him to retire. But, was there someone who could rece Linus in this world? And coincidentally, the fact that I had a fight with those Ferenchino guys was reported to the Intelligence Bureau, and Linus, who caught wind of it, came to ask for my help. To put it simply, it was as if the child of a friend who greatly helped the chairman had been parachuted into thepany, and the chairman¡¯s own child, the executive director, wanted to drive them out. Isn¡¯t this a ridiculously tangled situation? I never imagined it would be soplicated. ¡°Anyway, Sir Dian, it¡¯s fortunate that you came as a professor rather than the headmaster. The headmaster can retain her position, and we have a great professor here at our academy.¡± ¡°What should I do then?¡± ¡°Please take on the role of Head Combat Professor. Since you were mentioned as a candidate for headmaster by the Imperial Pce, your abilities have already been verified.¡± ¡°Is there no position avable as a regr subject professor? I don¡¯t want to do anything too difficult.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but there are no vacancies for subject professors. The previous Head Combat Professor just resigned, so please go that way.¡± Head Combat Professor¡­ It¡¯s a bit vague, but it¡¯s better than nothing. Considering Linus and Celine,promising at this level is necessary. ¡°But why did the previous professor resign?¡± However, the administrative director didn¡¯t respond to my question and just smiled meaningfully. ¡°I survived!!¡± Just as we were about to take another step, we heard Headmaster Kirrin¡¯s ecstatic cheer from behind the closed door. It seems she didn¡¯t realize we were still in the hallway. For a Dark Elf, she¡¯s quite a character, that woman. But anyway, looking at the pile of documents earlier, it¡¯s definitely not afortable position. Even in current times, the heads of institutions and CEOs seem to be ying around, but in reality, they¡¯re incredibly busy. It¡¯s not all about sweating in the field or sitting in the office all day. It is something you can never understand without experiencing the position firsthand. Moreover, considering the size of this academy, it¡¯d be even stranger if it were too idle. I made the right decision not to be the headmaster. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 6 – The New Professor is a Lunatic Chapter 6 ¨C The New Professor is a Lunatic [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 6 ¨C The New Professor is a Lunatic A separate professor¡¯s office was prepared on the second floor of the main building. The namete on the door read ¡°Head Combat Professor Dian.¡± The office assigned to me was small and cozy. Since my predecessor had thrown in their resignation and left in the middle of the night, the furniture like the chair and desk were still there, ready for immediate use. All the various office supplies were to be provided by the academy, but the problem was that bookshelf and those shelves¡­ The empty bookshelf and shelves standing against one wall of the office were really bothering me. But then again, I didn¡¯t have any books to put there or anything to disy, which was a bit of a problem. Ah, I¡¯ve got a good idea. ¡°Sir Dian, are you sure you¡¯ve be a professor here?¡± Olysia, who hade at my call, looked at me suspiciously as she took out the things from her bag. What she brought were the tea set and snacks that we had been using back in Brunswell. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t a professor have some books or something like that here?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not someone who got in through a real exam, so it¡¯s fine. Besides, what I¡¯m teaching isn¡¯t theory but practical experience.¡± ¡°But if you fill up the office with random stuff like this, the higher-ups might get annoyed.¡± ¡°Then I¡¯ll just quit.¡± Olysia looked at me with an incredulous expression. ¡°I don¡¯t want to go back to that vige.¡± Now that I think about it, Olysia had always wanted to leave Brunswell. It wasn¡¯t that she hated Brunswell specifically; she just wanted to go to a more developed city. Girls her age usually prefer bustling shopping streets and neat noble districts over drunken, ignorant sailors and the smell of the sea breeze. ¡°Anyway, Sir Dian, please stay here. Since you¡¯re here, do your best.¡± ¡°Sure, sure. Got it. While you¡¯re at it, make me some tea. I have to go to a meeting.¡± ¡°Drink it here before you go. You don¡¯t want to be criticized for being arrogant by bringing a teacup to the meeting.¡± ¡°What does it matter? It¡¯s not a big deal to drink tea during a meeting.¡± Carrying the cup of tea that Olysia had made, I walked down the corridor toward the meeting room. ¡°Hello.¡± As I opened the door and entered, numerous eyes turned toward me. There were about twenty people of various genders and races. Let¡¯s see. Of course, there are dwarves, and there¡¯s an orc too. I wonder ifmunication will be an issue. ¡°Why are you blocking the door?¡± I turned around to see Headmaster Kirrin, the Dark Elf, standing there. ¡°And what¡¯s with the teacup? I appreciate it, but I must decline. I usually in the morning¡­¡± ¡°Huh? This? I¡¯m going to drink it?¡± As I took a sip of tea, Headmaster Kirrin¡¯s face turned a dark shade of red. ¡°Move aside.¡± Following the headmaster into the meeting room, I looked for my seat. Is it over there? Next to the headmaster, huh. ¡°Don¡¯t sit down. I was just about to introduce you anyway.¡± Just as I was about to sit, the headmaster stopped me, so I awkwardly stood up again, still holding the teacup. ¡°Attention, everyone. This is our new Head Combat Professor, Dian.¡± The professors murmured among themselves as they exchanged nces. ¡°He has the specialized knowledge suitable for our academy¡¯s curriculum, and from today, he is part of our family. Please get along well with him. That¡¯s all.¡± As the headmaster finished speaking, the professors apuded, and I smiled in response and began to speak. ¡°Then, let me say a few words¡­¡± ¡°The meeting will start now. First, today¡¯s agenda.¡± Before I could even open my mouth properly, the meeting began. I had even prepared a few jokes for my introduction. ¡°Nice to meet you, Head Professor. I¡¯m Lina, an Infiltration Professor in the Combat Department.¡± As I sat down awkwardly, the professor next to me leaned over and whispered. She was a woman with short bobbed hair and a cheerful demeanor. ¡°Nice to meet you, Professor Lina.¡± ¡°I have a good tip for you. Today, make sure not to run into the Comprehensive Combat Professor outside of this meeting.¡± Lina nodded toward the other end of the table, where a stern-looking man was staring at me. ¡°He¡¯s the most senior in the Combat Department. He really hates it when people eat or drink during meetings.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind. But since I have this, I might as well drink it.¡± As I quickly sipped from the teacup in my hand, Lina covered her mouth and giggled, while deep wrinkles formed on the Comprehensive Combat Professor¡¯s forehead. The meeting¡¯s agenda included today¡¯s weather, schedules, the status of the academy students, and other routine matters. What caught my attention was the ¡®safety evaluation.¡¯ The safety evaluation, in simple terms, is the procedure of identifying and addressing potential hazards in the training and education conducted, but the process was so rigorous it was astonishing. There were over fifty items, and if there was even a slight risk, the headmaster would personally intervene. ¡°That part is expected to cause ankle injuries for students, so rece it with practice on t ground.¡± ¡°The sea water is very cold since it¡¯s early spring, so dy the diving training to the next quarter to avoid hypothermia.¡± ¡°How about extending the warm-up time before training? That should reduce the risk of injuries.¡± After the headmaster¡¯s adjustments, almost half of the originally nned training was cut. What¡¯s going on here? ¡°Is it always like this¡­?¡± ¡°Well the headmaster¡­ she is extremely sensitive about students getting hurt and idents¡­¡± Seeing Lina¡¯s awkward smile, I immediately understood the situation. Headmaster Kirrin was doing this to avoid giving anyone a reason to oust her. In my previous life in the military, it wasmon formanders to be fired one after another if an ident urred. Given that the Second Princess was already trying to find any excuse to rece her, Kirrin couldn¡¯t afford even the slightest mishap. I understand the sentiment, but if things continue this way, proper education won¡¯t be possible¡­ This is worrying. # # # # # [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] After the meeting, the first ce I visited was the Comprehensive Combat Training Ground. It¡¯s thergest training area in the academy and the ce where students who are about to graduate are stationed. It¡¯s an appropriate first destination for the Head Combat Professor, who needs to understand the overall training in the Combat Department. Though the Comprehensive Combat Professor walking in front of me doesn¡¯t seem to think so. ¡°It is against etiquette to eat or drink during a meeting, Head Professor.¡± With broad shoulders, a thick neck, and a long, braided white beard, the Comprehensive Combat Professor looked like someone who had a prominent past. However, contrary to his appearance, he was quite a petty person. What¡¯s the big deal about having a cup of tea? ¡°Please refrain from doing so next time.¡± ¡°I¡¯m in the habit of drinking tea in the morning. I¡¯ll try to refrain.¡± The Comprehensive Combat Professor stopped and turned to look at me. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind me asking, how old are you?¡± ¡°I¡¯m old enough. And isn¡¯t the Head Professor a higher rank than a regr professor? What¡¯s wrong with using informal speech?¡± [TL/N: Mc is talking to him in an informal/casual tone.] ¡°I¡¯m old enough as well.¡± ¡°I can tell. Your beard says it all.¡± I pointed at the Comprehensive Combat Professor¡¯s white beard with my finger. ¡°Drinking tea during a meeting is something you can¡¯t let slide, but apparently, it¡¯s not a problem for a professor to grow such a beard at this academy?¡± ¡°This has a special meaning. You probably don¡¯t know, but¡­¡± ¡°Of course, I know. Isn¡¯t it a sign of pride from the long-range patrol unit?¡± The long-range patrol unit of the corps operates deep within enemy territory for months, so they can¡¯t shave regrly, resulting in braided beards, which have now be a tradition. A ridiculous tradition. ¡°I don¡¯t know how long you served or which battles you fought in, but don¡¯t make the foolish mistake of trying to assert superiority with that. Isn¡¯t it obvious why I hold the position of Head Professor at this age?¡± The Comprehensive Combat Professor¡¯s face flushed, but he seemed unable to find any words to refute. Since he¡¯s older than me, I didn¡¯t want to push him too hard, so I smiled and patted his shoulder. ¡°I¡¯ll try not to eat or drink during meetings. So let¡¯s ease the tension. If you¡¯re too rigid, you¡¯ll get seriously illter on.¡± ¡°¡­Understood.¡± # # # # # The Comprehensive Combat Training Ground I arrived at was a straight line course running from the bottom of a hill to the top within the academy. The training course involves reaching the g at the top of the hill within a set time limit. At first nce, it seems simple, but with dozens of various obstacles along the route, oveing them is no easy feat. I climbed the control tower at the starting line to observe the students practicing on the course. About thirty students were advancing toward the top at different speeds like ants. But strangely, their movements were sluggish, and some of the obstacles even had bypass routes or nksid out like bridges. ¡°Fwoosh! Fwoosh! Fwoosh!¡± In the section where they were supposed to suppress the enemy with arrows from behind cover, they were shooting bows without arrows and making sound effects with their mouths. What the hell is this?! ¡°Professor, what¡¯s this? Why is the training so sloppy?¡± ¡°By the Headmaster¡¯s order, we¡¯ve removed all dangerous elements to ensure safety.¡± Upon hearing the details, I learned that high-risk obstacles were omitted, and they didn¡¯t provide arrows for fear of idents. This needs to be addressed. If things continue this way, the level of the academy¡¯s graduates will drop, leading toints from the Inspection and Intelligence Bureau. The Second Princess, upon confirming thoseints, would seize the opportunity to oust the headmaster. If the headmaster is dismissed, I¡¯ll be the one dragged up to fill the vacancy. If I don¡¯t take the position, they might threaten to bring Linus back, who just started looking after his newborn. That mustn¡¯t happen. There¡¯s a reason I came here. ¡°Is there a mage in this academy?¡± ¡°There is, but¡­ why do you ask?¡± ¡°Bring the mage here. From now on, I¡¯ll personally oversee this ce.¡± # # # # # Boom, boom. Buried in paperwork, Headmaster Kirrin was startled by the sudden explosion and vibration. She rushed to the window. From there, she saw a massive cloud of dust rising from the middle of the hill where the Comprehensive Combat Training Ground was located. What¡¯s happening? We removed all the factors that could cause suchmotion from today¡¯s training. As new clouds of dust formed with shes of light, Kirrin suddenly remembered Dian mentioning that he would be visiting the Comprehensive Combat Training Ground. No way, no way¡­ no way¡­?! Kirrin didn¡¯t even bother with the stairs, jumping out of the second-floor window. Landing like a cat, Kirrin immediately dashed toward theprehensive training ground, which was shaking with sessive explosions. ¡°Huh?!¡± Upon arriving at the training ground, Kirrin was speechless, frozen by the sight before her. Dozens of academy students were running up the hill as if their lives depended on it, resembling active soldiers in a battle for high ground. shes of light streaked down, exploding among the students¡¯ rear. The source of the light was the control tower at the starting line. A mage from the academy was enthusiastically casting attack spells. And next to the mage¡­. ¡°Over there this time! Keep pushing! Training is like realbat! Realbat is like training!¡± Head Professor Dian was wildly swinging a long branch, directing the fire. ¡°A drop of sweat in training saves a bucket of blood in realbat! Keep pounding them!¡± ¡°Argh! You crazy bastard!!!¡± [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 7 – The Headmaster Must Stay for My Own Convenience Chapter 7 ¨C The Headmaster Must Stay for My Own Convenience [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 7 ¨C The Headmaster Must Stay for My Own Convenience The sluggish movements of the academy students, the obstacles that barely function, and the empty bows they shoot with their mouths. Whenever someone enthusiastically tries to move faster, the instructors shout and stop them, saying it¡¯s dangerous and they might get hurt. Watching this from the control tower, I felt it keenly. This is truly a time of peace. Ten years ago, when the Demon King¡¯s army was rampaging, such a scene would have been unimaginable. The root cause of the turmoil across the continent has disappeared, and the nations that suffered enormous losses during the four-year war are now focusing on post-war recovery, ¡®for now¡¯, setting aside their old grudges. In this situation, the headmaster is so entrenched in a safety-first, self-preservation mindset that nothing is functioning properly. ¡°There¡¯s a mage in the academy, right?¡± ¡°Yes, there is¡­ but why do you ask?¡± ¡°Call the mage. From now on, I will take direct control here.¡± When I instructed the mage who arrived at the training ground on what I had in mind, theprehensivebat training professor was shocked and shouted. ¡°That¡¯s not allowed! It¡¯s too dangerous!¡± ¡°Do you think they can be deployed in actualbat at this level? They¡¯ll all be dead.¡± ¡°But the headmaster herself has already assessed the safety¡­.¡± ¡°Enough. I¡¯ll take all responsibility. I can¡¯t tolerate this way of training.¡± Anyone who saw me would think I was a dedicated and passionate head professor, but that¡¯s far from the truth. My sole concern is ensuringHeadmaster Kirrin retains her position. If these subpar students were to be deployed as they are, we¡¯d be heavily criticized. The Second Princess, who has been sharpening her knife, would seize this opportunity to oust Kirrin and install me in her ce. If not me, she¡¯d bring back Linus. For Linus and me to live peacefully, Kirrin must remain the headmaster, and for Kirrin to remain the headmaster, the academy students¡¯ skills must improve dramatically. The problem is that Kirrin is so afraid of losing her head over a safety ident that she¡¯s extremely restrained. She doesn¡¯t realize that this very behavior is what¡¯s actually endangering her position. So, I have to step in as the head professor. ¡°So, you mean to say I should cast attack magic dangerously close to the students?¡± The mage licked his lips excitedly, his eyes sparkling. Given the current atmosphere at the academy, he hadn¡¯t had a chance to use real magic, so he was quite thrilled. When the first explosion urred from the attack magic cast by the mage, the academy students, who had beenzily jogging, were stunned and looked back. ¡°What are you doing?! If you stand there, you¡¯ll get roasted!¡± It wasn¡¯t until the second explosion knocked a few of them down that the academy students grasped the situation and started running. Attack magic relentlessly rained down behind them. Nodding as I watched the training ground explode, I thought, this is more like it. This is what an Imperial Espionage Academy should look like. ¡°You crazy bastard!!!¡± At that moment, I saw Headmaster Kirrin screaming and running towards us from the entrance of the training ground. ¡°Ah, headmaster. You¡¯re here.¡± ¡°What the hell are you doing?!¡± As a Dark Elf, Kirrin leaped onto the control tower in a single bound, trying to grab me by the cor. Dodging smoothly, I avoided her grasp, and when she tried again, I evaded once more. Eventually, she gave up trying to grab my cor and shouted. ¡°Are you trying to get the kids killed!?¡± ¡°In fact, I¡¯m trying to keep them alive.¡± ¡°And casting attack magic at them isn¡¯t trying to kill them!?¡± ¡°If these kids graduate in their current state, you¡¯ll lose your head.¡± Headmaster Kirrin, who was about to draw a dagger from her sleeve in her excitement, stopped. ¡°What¡­ my head¡­?¡± ¡°If the students trained at the academy are a mess, whose fault is it? The headmaster¡¯s fault, right?¡± ¡°That, that¡¯s¡­.¡± ¡°You¡¯re aware the Pce looking for any reason to fire you, right?¡± ¡°Ugh¡­.¡± Seeing she knew this, Kirrin put away her dagger and stepped back a few paces. I smiled and held up my fingers. ¡°To avoid taking responsibility for idents, you drastically reduce training. As a result, the students¡¯ skills decline. Various departments that receive these new recruits raise objections. The Second Princess rejoices. The headmaster goes back to the forest.¡± ¡°No, I can¡¯t¡­!¡± ¡°The actions you¡¯re taking to secure your position are ultimately the noose around your neck. Do you understand?¡± ¡°I know that¡­ but¡­.¡± The headmaster looked at the training ground, where magical smoke was rising, with fearful eyes. The Dark Elf n, who had once sided with the Demon King¡¯s army and then defected again. Representing this n in civilized society, the burden and responsibility must be immense. I understand. Regardless, having seen the state of the academy, my immediate goal is to ensure this headmaster is recognized in the Pce. Kirrin benefits by keeping her position, the Second Princess gets well-trained graduates, Linus can focus on raising his child without worry, and I avoid being appointed as the headmaster. It¡¯s a win-win-win-win situation. # # # # # I spent the whole day inspecting the academy. Here, the Imperial Special Mission Academy¡¯s curriculum is divided into two main categories: one is the theoretical education mixed with various subjects, like any other academy, known as the Theory Department. The other is the Combat Department, which I observed earlier, covering infiltration, assassination, kidnapping, terrorism, guerri warfare, and more. The Theory Department doesn¡¯t seem to have significant issues. It has a Head Theory Professor like me, and all the professors are experts in their fields. Since it¡¯s conducted indoors, Headmaster Kirrin doesn¡¯t interfere much. The biggest problem is the useless training caused by the headmaster¡¯s overly cautious nature, resulting in no practicalbat experience. In other words, the training I need to oversee in the Combat Department. Most field exercises have been reced with theoretical sses, and even when conducted outdoors, any activity with even a slight risk of injury has been drastically reduced or excluded, making it almost like a pic. I¡¯ll likely need to focus on this area, as I¡¯m unfamiliar with theoretical education. The Pce and Linus sent me here to leverage my practical experience. First, I¡¯ll have to overhaul that strange ¡®safety assessment¡¯ system. I also organized various ns to improve the Combat Department into a report. When I went to the headmaster¡¯s office to get approval for the report, the administrator director shook his head as he saw me. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] ¡°It would be best for you to quit, Head Combat Professor.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°It¡¯s probably about making the Combat Department¡¯s courses more practical, right? The previous professor ran away trying to do exactly that.¡± ¡°Oh, really?¡± The administrator director sighed deeply. ¡°If everything the Combat Department tries gets rejected, nothing can function properly. Well, if you¡¯re determined to proceed, I won¡¯t stop you.¡± ¡°Thanks for the advice. I¡¯ll go in now.¡± I entered the office and exined the report to Kirrin. As she listened, her expression changed constantly. ¡°That¡¯s not possible! What if they get seriously injured?¡± ¡°No problem. Isn¡¯t there a medical facility here?¡± ¡°Well, there is¡­.¡± ¡°Then it¡¯s fine. We¡¯ll cut the safety assessment criteria by half and make the training more practical.¡± ¡°But if they really get hurt, it will be a problem.¡± ¡°It won¡¯t be a problem. Wait a moment¡­.¡± I had a bad feeling when I saw Kirrin¡¯s eyes. ¡°Are there any noble children among the academy students?¡± Kirrin nodded silently, and I shrugged. ¡°We¡¯re still going ahead. If they don¡¯t like it, tell them to leave.¡± ¡°I could never say that!¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine. Nobles or not, they¡¯re just academy students here. And.¡± Looking Kirrin straight in the eye as she remained uneasy, I said. ¡°If anyone makes a fuss about the tough training, just say I did it. This won¡¯t trouble you, headmaster.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll protect you. So don¡¯t worry.¡± ¡°What¡­?¡± Kirrin stared at me for a moment, then suddenly turned red with anger. ¡°If anyone hears that, they¡¯ll think you acted cautiously out of fear!¡± ¡°Well, isn¡¯t that the truth? Why make a fuss about it?¡± ¡°Then I¡¯ll leave it here, so please approve it quickly. If not, I will be the headmaster and approve it myself¡­¡± ¡°Get out! Leave the documents and get out immediately!¡± Laughing, I stepped back. ¡°And tidy up these documents while you¡¯re at it. What is all this?¡± I pointed to the piles on his desk, and Kirrin sighed with deep fatigue. ¡°What do you expect me to do when they keep piling up¡­¡± ¡°Haha, well, nothing can be done then. Good luck!¡± ### ### ### ### ### ¡°Crazy bastard!¡± Kirrin suddenly shouted, throwing the pen she was holding. Although it had been a while since Dian left the office, Kirrin couldn¡¯t focus at all. It wasn¡¯t the contents of Dian¡¯s report on improving the Combat Department that bothered her. It was what Dian had said earlier. ¡®I¡¯ll protect you¡¯. ¡°Aaaagh!!¡± ¡°What¡¯s wrong, headmaster?!¡± Hearing Kirrin¡¯s scream as she held her head, the administrator director burst through the door. ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°Nothing. Go back to work.¡± As the administrator left, Kirrin abruptly got up and threw open the window. The warm spring breeze blew in, fluttering her ck hair. However, the spring breeze did nothing to calm Kirrin¡¯s heart; instead, it made it even more turbulent. ¡°Shit, shit, shit.¡± Kirrin muttered rough words to calm her chaotic mind, pulling out the dagger from her sleeve. Feeling the cool, sharp de brought a slight sense of relief. Kirrin had lived her whole life in the Dark Elves¡¯ forest. Dark Elves are colder and more cynical than other races. For them, expressions of affection or warm physical contact were forbidden. Kirrin was also a Dark Elf and had never heard a kind word from anyone. Instead, her father constantly pressured her to elevate the n¡¯s honor. Dian¡¯s words that he would protect her struck Kirrin with an immense shock. It was like¡­. ¡°Get a grip, you idiot!¡± Kirrin clenched the dagger and shouted. That statement was just amon expression meaning he¡¯d take responsibility. Don¡¯t get stupidly excited! Mercilessly pping her own cheeks, Kirrin strode back to her desk. Frowning, she cupped her cheek. ¡°Ah¡­ it hurts¡­.¡± Then, she scrawled her signature in the approval section of the report submitted by Dian. Looking at the contents, it seemed like a death warrant, but it was inevitable. Considering all factors, there was something about this man named Dian. Maybe he really could protect her¡­ [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 8 – Just Trust Me Chapter 8 ¨C Just Trust Me [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 8 ¨C Just Trust Me Rumors about the events at the Comprehensive Combat Training Grounds spread quickly through the academy. Word was that some lunatic iming to be the Head Combat Professor had shown up with a mage and caused a scene. In addition, there were testimonies about how he had wandered around all day, scribbling things in his notebook with a very disapproving expression. Given the outrageous incident at the training grounds, it was almost certain that there would be a sweeping overhaul of thebat courses. Reactions to this were starkly divided. Those who genuinely wanted to be special agents of the Empire supported the changes. They had been worried that the current training methods wouldn¡¯t prepare them adequately for field operations. On the other hand, those who had grown ustomed to thefortable life at the academy, or who had little interest in bing special agents, opposed the changes. This group included nobles who had ended up here because they had no chance of inheriting their family titles. In noble families, the eldest son typically inherits the title, leaving other children to find their own paths. Often, they either go into business using the family¡¯s wealth or enter public service, where a diploma from the Imperial Special Mission Academy is highly valuable. Graduating from the academy doesn¡¯t automatically mean bing a special agent. The curriculum is so extensive that graduates end up in various organizations and roles depending on their skills and final grades. This is why many nobles and high-ranking officials¡¯ children are enrolled in what is essentially a ¡®spy school.¡¯ Considering the academy¡¯s purpose, it shouldn¡¯t admit such students, but ignoring the influence of nobles and high-ranking officials is not easy. These students don¡¯t care about theirbat course grades and focus solely on theoretical subjects, so they aren¡¯t pleased with Dian¡¯s actions. With opinions sharply divided, Dian began his role as the Head Combat Professor in earnest. # # # # # ¡°So, that¡¯s how it¡¯s going to be from now on.¡± After finishing my exnation, I looked around to see the professors staring nkly at me. We were in the Combat Department office. I had gathered thebat professors to outline my n for overhauling thebat curriculum. ¡°Any questions?¡± ¡°Um¡­ Head Professor.¡± Infiltration Professor Lina timidly raised her hand. ¡°Is this approved by the headmaster? It doesn¡¯t seem like it is.¡± ¡°It is. Here¡¯s the signed report.¡± I held up the report with a strange signature that looked like a cat giving a thumbs-up. There were gasps all around. ¡°Th-the headmaster actually signed off on a Combat Department report!¡± ¡°How did you manage that, Head Professor?!¡± ¡°There are ways. Anyway, everyone understands the improvement n, right?¡± Infiltration Professor Lina raised her hand again. ¡°I understand the content, but isn¡¯t it too dangerous?¡± ¡°What¡¯s there to be afraid of? This is an academy. No one¡¯s going to die.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true, but I¡¯m concerned about the students getting injured. Especially with the uing night infiltration training¡­.¡± ¡°Just take sufficient safety precautions. If we¡¯re too scared to even try, what are we teaching them?¡± Another professor raised his hand to speak. ¡°Head Professor, I¡¯m the Weaponry Combat Professor, Geneb. There is a significant problem with this n.¡± A weaponrybat professor¡­ I noticed his hands had calluses typical of an experienced swordsman, and his sharp eyes confirmed he was a veteran in his field. ¡°What¡¯s the problem?¡± ¡°Our academy¡¯s infirmary isn¡¯t equipped to handle serious injuries. It can barely manage minor cuts and bruises.¡± ¡°That can¡¯t be right. Don¡¯t we have a Holy Priest?¡± ¡°We don¡¯t.¡± ¡°Then who teaches emergency first aid and trauma care?¡± ¡°That would be me!¡± Survival Professor Weber enthusiastically raised his hand, with a bow slung across his back. A hunter teaching first aid? ¡°Well, there¡¯s a lot inmon between survival skills and first aid! And butchering game is somewhat simr to basic surgery!¡± What nonsense is this? A hunter teaching first aid in such arge academy without a Holy Priest is absurd. ¡°Since the headmaster scaled backbat training, they also let go of the Holy Priest to save the budget. After all, no training means no idents, right?¡± Weaponry Combat Professor Geneb exined bluntly. This is like saying the server is fine, so we¡¯re firing the entire development team. No wonder it seemed odd when I heard there was only one mage at the academy. I see the headmaster is extremely cautious about safety and is also heavily cutting costs to avoid getting fired. First, we need to strengthen the infirmary. I want to conduct realistic and intense training, not reckless drills. If students get injured, they need proper treatment. ¡°I¡¯ll handle the medical issues. You all just focus on reorganizing the training ns ording to my guidelines. The key is realistic training. Does anyone hereck field experience?¡± ¡°Head Professor.¡± A female professor wearing sses spoke up. It was Psychological Warfare Professor Felimia, who specializes in negotiation and persuasion. ¡°What is it? Don¡¯t tell me you have no field experience?¡± ¡°Of course not. But there¡¯s a critical w in your n.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°You may not realize, but some of our students¡­¡± ¡°You mean the nobles and high-ranking officials¡¯ children, right? You¡¯re worried about the repercussions if something happens to them?¡± Felimia fell silent, and the other professors nodded or sighed in agreement. ¡°That¡¯s not something you need to worry about. I¡¯ll take full responsibility. Just focus on teaching the students properly. Got it?¡± ¡°Can we really trust you on this?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± At that moment, I noticed a hammer waving in the air from a nearby desk. ¡°Hey, Head Professor. I¡¯ve got something to say too.¡± The hammer belonged to Dwarf Kazador, the Combat Equipment Professor. ¡°Since we¡¯re going to tear everything down and rebuild it, why not allocate some budget to ourbat equipment as well?¡± ¡°Whybat equipment? They didn¡¯t strip away all the tools because you think they¡¯re dangerous for the kids, did they?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s not that. We¡¯re just terribly short on practical training tools. We have five people forming teams just to share equipment.¡± ¡°Haa, I see¡­ I¡¯ll consider that too.¡± [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] ¡°Um, I have something to say too¡­¡± This time, Combat Riding Professor Anna timidly spoke to me, hesitating. ¡°We also need things like hay and beans to feed ourbat horses¡­ The headmaster has significantly cut down on many things, citing the risk of falling off the horses¡­¡± Oh, this crazy Dark Elf is trying to save even on the feed for the horses. Does she even know how muchbat horses eat in a day? ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll make sure to include everything you¡¯ve mentioned. But in return, promise me this: unless there¡¯s a major issue, we¡¯ll do things my way. And don¡¯t listen to the Headmaster. Since I¡¯m under the headmaster, you are all under me, so everything must go through me. Understood?¡± ¡°Good, good! Brogg like Dian!¡± Unarmed Combat Professor Brogg, an Orc, grinned, revealing his tusks, and pounded his desk with his fist. Thanks to him, the professors¡¯ notebooks and pens trembled up and down. ¡°I¡¯m in full agreement too! It¡¯s been so boring without having to use magic.¡± With freckles adorning his face, Orendi, the only mage at the academy and the Magic Response Professor in the Combat Department, created sparkling stars above his head and nodded in solidarity. However, most professors still wore somewhat skeptical expressions. It was only natural for them to react this way when a youngd who had barely been in office for a week suddenly started tearing everything apart and insisted on being trusted blindly. Anyway, that¡¯s enough for today. ¡°If there are no further opinions, I expect everyone to revise their training and education ns by tomorrow. We¡¯re about to graduate our first batch exactly a year from now, so we can¡¯t afford to send out trash, right?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Of course.¡± As the professors responded, desks were lightly mmed. ¡°Alright. Just trust me, everyone. That¡¯s all for today!¡± # # # # # ¡°I wonder how much will actually change¡­?¡± After Head Professor Dian left the office, Combat Riding Professor Anna opened her mouth with a discouraged tone. ¡°The Combat Department has always been at the mercy of the academy since its inception¡­ Even if he¡¯s the Head Professor, he¡¯s ultimately under the Headmaster¡¯s authority¡­¡± ¡°Well, we¡¯ll just have to wait and see. But seeing that the Headmaster approved his requests, there¡¯s no need to be too pessimistic.¡± Responding positively, Magic Response Professor Orendi cheered up, Infiltration Professor Lina also nodded vigorously. ¡°You made quite a fuss earlier, so shouldn¡¯t you show us something? Like during thestprehensivebat training, ahaha.¡± Laughing slyly, Lina nced at Comprehensive Combat Professor Morton. It¡¯s a well-known fact that Morton tried to assert dominance at the beginning but was promptly rebutted by Dian. ¡°So, Morton. How did it feel to face off with him? That man named Dian.¡± As straightforward as a dwarf, Combat Equipment Professor Kazador directly asked Morton. ¡°At least he doesn¡¯t seem like the type to care about putting himself in harm¡¯s way like the current headmaster.¡± ¡°Ha, that¡¯s something. Let¡¯s see how it goes.¡± With a simple mindset like a calcting machine, Kazador concluded his assessment of Dian, and the Orc, Unarmed Combat Professor Brogg, kept repeating how much he liked Dian. ¡°In fact, I don¡¯t mind ifbat subjects disappearpletely, as long as I¡¯m not affected!¡± Survival Professor Weaver, naturally cheerful and optimistic, smiled widely and flicked his bow like a harp. ¡°Then the immediate issue is whether the manpower at the infirmary can be restored to what it was before.¡± Psychological Warfare Professor Felimia adjusted her sses andmented. ¡°Receiving a new Holy Priest from the Church again will be an opportunity to verify the Head Professor¡¯s capabilities.¡± ¡°I think that¡¯ll be difficult.¡± Weaponry Combat Professor Geneb expressed bluntly. ¡°The Church is already displeased with the academy. It¡¯s like asking them toe back after having kicked them out.¡± ¡°It¡¯ll probably be impossible. Unless you have great connections in the Church.¡± Comprehensive Combat Professor Morton sighed calmly and stood up. ¡°Well then, everyone, keep up the good work. I¡¯m off to work on a new education reform n.¡± ¡°Good luck.¡± ¡°Looks like overtime again today.¡± As Morton left the room, Combat Equipment Professor Kazador shouted with a hammer in hand. ¡°Anyone got any logs to burn? Lend me one!¡± ¡°Brogg has! Let¡¯s go, dwarf!¡± As professors began to leave one by one, they each muttered something. ¡°Haa, I want to feed ourbat horses properly¡­¡± ¡°I hope we get to put those arrogant Theory Department professors in their ce this time.¡± Following the professors out, Psychological Warfare Professor Felimia pondered deeply. Could the Head Professor really bring back a Holy Priest from the Church? The Head Professor¡¯s education reform n has no possibility of being realized if it is not supported by the infirmary¡¯s capabilities, so he must bring in a Holy Priest. But it seems highly unlikely that someone so young could negotiate with the Church, unless he has some extraordinary connections. The Church is a powerful entity, towering above the Imperial Pce itself. They won¡¯t be swayed by the whims of a mere academy. It¡¯s best not to get their hopes up. And none of the professors know anything about Dian¡¯s background. Who is he, and where did hee from? # # # # # ¡°Dian!¡± As I was walking up the stairs to the Church Headquarters, I heard a voice calling me. Looking up, I saw Lormane, her purple clerical robe fluttering as she hurried down the steps. ¡°Dian! I¡¯ve missed you!¡± Lormane leaped down thest few steps and threw herself into my arms. Lormane, the Chief Administrator of the Church. The healer in the special task force that took down the Demon King¡ªmy oldrade. [Note: See pinnedment for Lormane character illustration.] [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 9 – The Priest Who Gives Generously Chapter 9 ¨C The Priest Who Gives Generously [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 9 ¨C The Priest Who Gives Generously As soon as I left the department office, I headed straight to the academy¡¯s infirmary. I needed to verify if what the professors said was true. The infirmary was a rtivelyrge two-story building located a bit further after leaving the main building. Considering the size of the academy, it was an appropriate scale. When I opened the door and entered, I saw a person sitting at the reception desk. They nced up at me while reading a book, then immediately returned their gaze to the book. ¡°Excuse me, do you work here?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Are you alone?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Are you a doctor?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± What kind of attitude is that? Anyway, since they im to be a doctor, I might as well test their skills. ¡°I¡¯m here to get some medication for a headache.¡± The doctor, with a disinterested expression, gestured with their chin towards a shelf. Turning my gaze there, I saw shelves lined with medicine bottles, each with a hastily writtenbel. ¡°Take one from the bottlebeled ¡®headache medicine¡¯ over there.¡± ¡°Excuse me?¡± But the doctor, apparently not hearing me, had already returned to their book. What a lunatic. As I took out a pill for my headache, I looked around the infirmary. The first floor was structured like a modern emergency room. There was a reception desk where the doctor sat, and behind it, a bookshelf likely for storing documents. There weren¡¯t many documents. Further inside, there were several beds and shelves stocked with basic emergency supplies like bandages and simple medications. Opening a door inside, I found, to my surprise, an operating room. The floor was tiled, and a metal bed was ced in the center, covered in dust, indicating it had never been used. Another room turned out to be an office. Given that the doctor was sitting up front, this was likely used by the academy¡¯s Holy Priest. The second floor consisted of inpatient rooms, nothing particrly noteworthy there. The facilities themselves were good, as if the academy had anticipated various idents and injuries when it was built. However, due to the headmaster¡¯s self-preservation policy, it wasn¡¯t being properly operated. The emergency medicine ss was taught by a professor who used to be a hunter, and the pristine infirmary waspletely empty. This ce was a total mess. As the professors said, with the infirmary¡¯s capabilities at rock bottom, changing the training program immediately as per my report to the headmaster would cause an uproar. We need to bolster this ce first. With various thoughts running through my mind, I descended to the first floor, where the doctor was still engrossed in their book, oblivious to my presence. This guy needs to be fired. In hindsight, the Second Princess was incredibly tolerant. How could she allow an academy to be run like this without firing the headmaster? Well, technically, it¡¯s because the headmaster is under the Emperor¡¯s parachute, so she can¡¯t be dismissed. If this were a web novel, readers would surelyment that the headmaster is actually a spy trying to sabotage one of the Empire¡¯s major academies, or that the character¡¯s intelligence is too low. But Dark Elves are not a stupid race. Despite the mess made of the Combat Department, after assessing things over a few days, I found the Theory Department has an incredibly solid curriculum. Though it doesn¡¯tpare to the famous Imperial Calvasar Academy, it¡¯s impressive considering it hasn¡¯t even produced its first graduating ss yet. In my opinion, the headmaster isn¡¯t stupid. There seems to be something else going on¡­ Could it be that she really is a spy? The head of a spy academy being a spy? That can¡¯t be. If that were true, the Empire¡¯s intelligence department, which knows about even the street brawls in the distant Brunswell, would have figured it out long ago. Anyway, never mind that. I need to get going. * * * * * Heading to the faculty office for an outing, I found Olysia cleaning. Since arriving at the academy, Olysia and I have been living in the staff area on the academy grounds. Despite being a professor, my assigned residence is a small detached house with a garden. Olysia manages the household there but sometimeses to the faculty office to clean, fearing that a messy office might cause me to fall out of favor with the higher-ups and potentially get kicked out, forcing us to return to Brunswell. That¡¯s something she wants to avoid at all costs. ¡°I¡¯m heading out.¡± ¡°Outside? Isn¡¯t it work hours? Where are you going?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a business trip. I¡¯m going to the Church Headquarters.¡± ¡°The Church Headquarters? So you¡¯re going into the city?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be passing through there. Why? Oh, I see.¡± Seeing Olysia¡¯s eyes light up, I couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°Come with me. I¡¯ll drop you off in the city.¡± ¡°Hieek?!¡± Olysia made an odd sound, quickly putting away the broom and cloth, and took off her apron. Having left Brunswell toe to the Imperial Capital, Olysia hadn¡¯t had a proper chance to go out, being too busy with cleaning and organizing our residence. She often used to wonder how beautiful theImperial Capital would be, and must have been eager to see the city. Come to think of it, this was my first time leaving the academy grounds as well. I¡¯ve been too preupied with figuring out how to raise the students¡¯ standards before the first graduation next spring. Olysia and I took the dedicated carriage assigned to the Head Professor and left the academy. The academy is located right next to the city, so after leaving the main gate, it didn¡¯t take long to enter the forest of tall buildings. ¡°Hiyaaaaa¡­¡± Seeing the shops lined up along the street, Olysia looked like she might start drooling any moment. Most buildings were at least three stories high, some reaching six stories or more. Guards patrolled frequently, indicating excellent security. This was indeed the continent¡¯srgest city, Calvasar. ¡°I¡¯ll drop you off here. See youter.¡± I flicked a gold coin to Olysia as she got off the carriage, which she caught in her skirt with a slight curtsy. ¡°Thank you, Sir Dian!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t follow strangers. If anything happens, run to the guards immediately. Got it?¡± ¡°Yes, don¡¯t worry!¡± After dropping off Olysia, I headed to the Church Headquarters. The Church Headquarters is located on Linus Street, where the Imperial Pce and other key institutions of the Empire are clustered. Yes, it¡¯s named after that Linus. The street was renamed ten years ago to honor Linus, who killed the Demon King. Fortunately, there¡¯s no ¡°Dian Street.¡± Linus is the Hero, and I am just a supporting character. It¡¯s better not to overshadow the protagonist. Passing by a bronze statue of Linus brandishing a sword and shouting, the Church Headquarters came into view. The grand marble temple stood majestically, preceded by a wide circr za paved with white stone and a fountain. The colonnade adorned with divine carvings, each pir so thick that it would take ten men holding hands to encircle one, added to the temple¡¯s imposing presence. Massive doors, through which even a dragon could pass, saw a steady stream of priests and visitors. Holy Knights in ceremonial armor guarded the entrance with halberds, exuding a sense of dignity and sanctity befitting the headquarters of thergest religious group on the continent, the Goddess Church. ¡°What brings you here, sir?¡± As I got off the carriage, a Holy Knight approached me politely. ¡°I¡¯m here to see the Chief Administrator.¡± ¡°The Chief Administrator? Do you have an appointment?¡± ¡°I couldn¡¯t schedule one in advance due to the suddenness.¡± ¡°I see¡­.¡± The Holy Knight seemed unsure, sizing me and the carriage up, likely assessing my social standing and whether I could reasonably request a meeting with such a high-ranking priest. ¡°I am Dian, Head Combat Professor at the Imperial Special Mission Academy. Please inform the Chief Administrator that I am here and willing to wait.¡± Showing the knight my academy identification with the academy¡¯s insignia, he acknowledged and went inside to ry the message. A short whileter, the knight returned, looking somewhat bewildered. ¡°The Chief Administrator will see you now.¡± [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Following the knight¡¯s lead, I climbed the steps towards the Church Headquarters when I heard someone calling my name from above. ¡°Dian!¡± Looking up, I saw Lormane hurrying down the stairs, her clerical robes fluttering. ¡°Dian! I¡¯ve missed you!¡± Lormane leapt into my arms, hugging me tightly. ¡°Long time no see, Rene.¡± ¡°Haa, Dian¡­ Dian¡­¡± Lormane buried her face in my chest, taking deep breaths and rubbing her face against me. The Holy Knight escorting me stared in bewilderment. ¡°Rene, there are a lot of eyes watching.¡± ¡°Oh?!¡± Only then did Lormane hastily push herself away, blushing and offering an awkward smile. ¡°Sorry, Dian. It¡¯s been so long, and I couldn¡¯t contain my excitement¡­. Let¡¯s talk inside.¡± Inside the temple, all passing priests bowed to Lormane. As the Chief Administrator, she held one of the highest ranks in the church, and her presencemanded respect. Entering her office, a young priestess who looked even younger than Olysia followed us in. What¡¯s her role, I wondered? The young priestess bowed her head to me and began preparing tea. She seemed to be Lormane¡¯s personal aide. As the young priestess prepared the tea, Lormane bombarded me with questions. Why did I suddenly disappear? Where had I been all this time? How did I end up as a professor at the Special Mission Academy, and so on. ¡°Linus didn¡¯t tell you?¡± ¡°Well, he did mention it, but I wanted to hear it directly from Dian. I¡¯ve always loved hearing Dian¡¯s stories.¡± ¡°I see. Well, I guess there¡¯s no helping it then.¡± I sat facing Lormane and recounted the recent story of how I became a professor at the academy, starting from ten years ago when I left the Pce. Throughout the story, Lormane sat with both her hands grasped together, her eyes bright with attention. It really reminded me of the old days during our special task period. When we would camp, I used to tell stories about myths rted to constetions, and Lormane would always react like that. ¡°So that¡¯s what happened. As expected, Dian is amazing.¡± As I finished the story, Lormane opened her mouth with watery eyes as if she might burst into tears at any moment. ¡°Fearing that Dian¡¯s power may be a variable in the era of peace, so you went into seclusion for a long time of 10 years¡­¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s not that, I just wanted to livefortably¡­¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t turn away from the difficulties of your oldrades and instead took on the important position of Head Combat Professor at the academy¡­¡± The man named Dian described by the Church¡¯s Chief Administrator is truly noble and has a strong spirit of sacrifice. ¡°I really admire Dian.¡± ¡°Well¡­ thank you. So, how have you been all this time?¡± This time, Lormane began her own story. After the grand wee-back ceremony at the pce, Lormane returned directly to the Church, and in just ten years, she rose to the position of Chief Administrator, something that usually takes a lifetime for others. Not because she was part of the Hero Party who killed the Demon King, but because she was already talented enough to be called up to the Hero Party, and her achievement of taking down the Demon King was just an addition to that. Suddenly, Lormane reached out and grabbed my hand. ¡°If Dian hadn¡¯t left that day without a word that day, I might have given up the path of priesthood¡­¡± ¡°Haha¡­¡± I chuckled awkwardly and withdrew my hand from Lormane¡¯s. With a rather disappointed expression at my reaction, Lormane asked. ¡°But, Dian. Why did youe here? It doesn¡¯t seem like you just wanted to see me.¡± ¡°Yes. Wasn¡¯t there a Holy Priest stationed at the Special Mission Academy before?¡± ¡°Yes, there was. When it was just established, the Imperial Pce raised a disturbance and dispatched one. Although they eventually returned.¡± ¡°It¡¯s because of that issue. We need a Holy Priest again. I¡¯m sorry for this back and forth, but¡­¡± ¡°Maya.¡± Before I could finish my sentence, Lormane spoke up. Then the little priest who had been serving us tea immediately bowed her head. ¡°Please speak, Chief Administrator.¡± ¡°Please convey what I am about to say directly to the Church Office.¡± ¡°Understood, Chief Administrator.¡± ¡°The assignments of the bishop-rank priests scheduled for this month¡¯s tour will be changed.¡± What? Bishop level? A Bishop is a senior priest responsible for a diocese. We don¡¯t need that level of authority at the academy¡­ ¡°No, wait a moment, Lormane. We don¡¯t need bishop-level priests¡­¡± ¡°There might be around thirty of them. Send all of them to the Special Mission Academy.¡± ¡°Thirty?!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll goter, so notify them first.¡± ¡°Understood, Chief Administrator.¡± ¡°Uhh! Wait!¡± As Lormane finished speaking, I hurriedly grabbed the wrist of the little priest running out the door. We don¡¯t need that many people! [TL/N: See pinnedment for Maya¡¯s character illustration.] [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 10 – The Headmaster’s Idle Thoughts Chapter 10 ¨C The Headmaster¡¯s Idle Thoughts [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 10 ¨C The Headmaster¡¯s Idle Thoughts ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Dian? Didn¡¯t you need a Holy Priest?¡± Lormane tilted her head in confusion as I held onto the little priest, Maya. ¡°That¡¯s true, but thirty bishops is overkill. Just a few priests proficient in holy power will suffice.¡± ¡°Oh, is that so? In that case¡­¡± Seeing the determined look in Lormane¡¯s eyes, I shook my head seriously. ¡°I¡¯d rather take a squad of bishops than the Chief Administrator. Instead, please rmend me just one good priest.¡± ¡°Will one be enough?¡± ¡°More than enough.¡± As long as they can use holy power, any serious injuries can be treated. So, there¡¯s no need for old bishops; a couple of young, passionate priests would be perfect. ¡°Alright. Then take Maya.¡± ¡°By Maya, you mean that kid, no, that priest?¡± I looked at Maya, who had escaped my grasp and was now standing next to Lormane. She looked even younger than Olysia¡ªwasn¡¯t she just an apprentice priest? ¡°You might find it surprising, but Maya is a Divine Oracle Priest.¡± ¡°What? Really?¡± A Divine Oracle Priest is said to be one whose destiny as a clergyman is directly appointed by the gods. Whether that¡¯s true or not, they possess significantly superior holy power. Lormane himself was a Divine Oracle Priest, famous for instinctively healing her mother¡¯s torn body with holy power at birth. ¡°Although she¡¯s still young, I¡¯m teaching her until shees of age due to her nature as a Divine Oracle Priest. So you can trust her.¡± I see. If that kid alone stays at our academy, I can train the students without much worry. ¡°If you say so, I believe it. But is it really okay? Divine Oracle Priests are valuable assets to the Church. Is it alright to send her to the academy so easily?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Dian. I¡¯m the Chief Administrator, one of the few who can have a private audience with His Holiness. I will take care of it.¡± ¡°Really? Alright. Then, what does Maya think?¡± ¡°I will do as the Chief Administrator says.¡± The Priest Maya, who had been standing still like a wax figure, answered calmly. She seemed incrediblyposed for her age, quite unlike Olysia. ¡°Maya, pack your things. You need to head to the academy right away.¡± ¡°Yes, Chief Administrator.¡± As Maya quickly walked out, I turned to Lormane. ¡°Is it really alright? Can she manage on her own?¡± ¡°Our priests livemunally and know how to handle daily tasks by themselves. But if you¡¯re worried, you can let her stay where you live.¡± ¡°Alright. There¡¯s a two-story house with a maid around her age, so it shouldn¡¯t be a problem. But about her dispatch fee¡­¡± ¡°You don¡¯t need to pay. Consider it volunteer work.¡± ¡°Really? Is that okay?¡± ¡°Of course. I, Lormane, am very happy to be able to provide great help to Dian.¡± Lormane then grabbed my hand again. ¡°Now that you¡¯re close by, let¡¯s meet often. I¡¯ve really missed you for the past ten years.¡± ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll do that.¡± ¡°There is a lot that has umted, and there are a lot of things that Dian needs to help me resolve.¡± What is this about? Of course, it¡¯s not what I suspect, but this doesn¡¯t sound like something a high-ranking priest would say. After holding my hand and hugging me several times, Lormane finally let me go. Maya, who had brought arge bag, watched Lormane¡¯s repeated gestures quietly. ¡°Goodbye, Dian! Come visit me again!¡± ¡°Thank you, Rene. Let¡¯s meet often.¡± Finally free from Lormane, I left the Church Headquarters with Priest Maya. ¡°Shall I carry your bag, Priest Maya?¡± ¡°I will carry it.¡± Maya declined as she clutched the bag with both hands. Maybe she¡¯s just shy. # # # # # # The news that I had brought a Holy Priest from the Church spread quickly, and the Combat Department professors flocked to the infirmary. ¡°Is it true, Head Professor?! A Holy Priest was dispatched?!¡± ¡°This is unbelievable. How did you manage it?¡± ¡°What¡¯s going on with the arrogant Church? Is the Demon King resurrecting tomorrow, or something?¡± The reaction from the Combat Department professors was intense. Was this really that big of a deal? ¡°Everyone, meet Priest Maya, who will support our Combat Department.¡± Since they were all gathered, I introduced Priest Maya. ¡°Umm¡­ isn¡¯t she just a kid?¡± Seeing the small and slender Maya, the professors showed clear disappointment. ¡°Kyaaah?! She¡¯s so cute!¡± Infiltration Professor Lina was beaming as she patted Maya¡¯s head, but Maya lightly pped her hand away, leaving Lina embarrassed. ¡°Lina, show some respect to the priest. Don¡¯t treat her like a child.¡± Psychological Warfare Professor Felimia adjusted her sses and reprimanded Lina for her mistake. ¡°But she¡¯s so young¡­ She¡¯s about the size of a foal¡­¡± Combat Riding Professor Anna mumbled to herself, ncing at Maya, while Unarmed Combat Professor Orc Brogg scratched his chin. Weaponry Combat Professor Geneb was expressionless, silently demanding an exnation, and Comprehensive Combat Professor Morton was already walking away, dissatisfied. ¡°Hmm, but she¡¯s a priest, so she can at least handle basic first aid, right?¡± ¡°Of course. That¡¯s better than nothing.¡± Ever-optimistic Survival Professor Waber and Magic Response Professor Orendi emphasized the positive. ¡°Hey, Head Professor! Do you think this is enough for proper training?¡± Combat Equipment Professor Kazadorined, touching the handle of the hammer at his waist. ¡°What¡¯s the point of bringing an apprentice priest who can¡¯t even use holy power properly? Huh?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not an apprentice priest.¡± Maya, who had been silent until now, spoke up. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] ¡°Huh? What did you say?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not an apprentice priest.¡± Then Maya raised her hand, glowing with golden light. Suddenly, golden rain began to pour from the sky. ¡°Whoa!¡± ¡°What is this?!¡± As the holy rain fell, the wilting nts in the infirmary¡¯s garden perked up instantly. This was the Rain of Healing, an ability to randomly heal everything within a certain range, something ordinary priests wouldn¡¯t dare attempt. Though I had seen Lormane use it asionally, for Maya, who wasn¡¯t even an adult yet, to do this¡ªit was truly astounding. Lormane had assured me that Maya, as a Divine Oracle Priest, was exceptional, but I hadn¡¯t expected this level of power. I formally reintroduced Maya to the professors. ¡°I didn¡¯t mention it earlier, but she¡¯s a Divine Oracle Priest. As you know, they have innate holy power¡­¡± ¡°Nice to meet you, Priest!¡± The professors pushed me aside, quickly surrounding and greeting Maya. Ha, these absurd fellows. ¡°Wh-what¡¯s going on here?!¡± At that moment, Headmaster Kirrin leaned out of a window from the main building, gasping. ¡°Huh? Rain of Healing?!¡± ¡°Headmaster, over here.¡± I waved, and Kirrin looked at me and then at Maya, shouting. ¡°What¡¯s happening here?!¡± ¡°I brought a Holy Priest from the Church to strengthen the infirmary.¡± ¡°The Church¡­ sent a priest¡­?¡± ¡°And she¡¯s here as a volunteer, so no need to worry about the fee!¡± ¡°V-Volunteer?!¡± As Kirrin stood there, bewildered, I thought to myself. I¡¯ll nail you to that position, so just follow my orders, I mean, my suggestions. # # # # # # Watching themotion outside the infirmary window, Headmaster Kirrin was at a loss. She knew Dian had gone to the Church Headquarters to bring a priest. Given Dian¡¯s ns to improve the Combat Department¡¯s training, the infirmary¡¯s role was crucial, so it was understandable. Kirrin sending back the priest from the church was not due to any bad intentions. In her effort to prevent idents, she¡¯d reduced thebat courses, which naturally decreased the infirmary¡¯s usage. Thus, cutting costs by eliminating expensive priests was a logical decision. Holy Priests are incredibly costly. The expense of one Holy Priest could hire ten doctors. It was an enormous amount of money. But bringing one as a volunteer? What kind of magic did Dian work? Kirrin was well aware she was appointed as the academy¡¯s headmaster due to her father, the head of the n, betraying the other Dark Elves to save the Emperor, resulting in her overqualified position. She also knew that the post-war powers, including the Second Princess, wanted to remove her but were restrained by the Emperor¡¯s orders. Thus, they had nominated the hero, Linus, who slew the Demon King, as her sessor, hoping she¡¯d step down willingly. So Kirrin had tried to avoid any mistakes, knowing even a minor slip could be exploited by the powers in the Imperial Pce. Her father was so resourceful that he had predicted the defeat of the Demon King¡¯s army and joined the humans¡¯ side in advance, but like the Dark Elves, he was an extremely cool-headed person. Kirrin feared her father, and given her position and the honor of her family, she had no choice. Though thebat courses were significantly reduced, she¡¯d bolstered the theory courses and saved a substantial budget. In her situation, Kirrin was walking a tightrope. Anyone else in her position would have done the same. Yet part of her wished someone would show up and help her, either by improving the situation or freeing her from it. And then, like a miracle, Dian appeared. ¡®At this rate, as soon as the first batch of graduates is out, the Pce will oust you immediately. Seeing the students¡¯ terrible state, even the Emperor won¡¯t defend you.¡¯ ¡®Then what should I do¡­?¡¯ ¡®You need to revive the Combat Department. With a bnced curriculum of theory andbat, the Pce might hold off on drastic measures.¡¯ ¡®Ha, that¡¯s true, but¡­¡¯ ¡®Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll handle it. Just approve this report.¡¯ So Kirrin approved the report, and Dian began pushing forward as promised. But she never imagined Dian could bring such an incredible Holy Priest, capable of summoning the Rain of Healing. This was more shocking than hearing her father had betrayed the Dark Elves to join the humans. As much as she believed Dian would make a better headmaster, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to return to the Dark Elf forest. Shecked the courage and confidence to face her father and her past. Kirrin nced at the training n on her desk. It was the n for the ¡®Assassination and Kidnapping¡¯ course she was currently teaching. No matter how skilled the professors were, none could match a Dark Elf in this field, so Kirrin had taken on the role herself. Staring at the n, Kirrin had a thought. What if Dian bes the Headmaster and she steps down to be the Assassination and Kidnapping Professor? The Pce would get what they want, and it would relieve her of pressure and stress. Her father might be somewhat satisfied with his daughter being a professor at a prestigious academy. Dian would also move up, making everyone happy. A solution where no one loses. Wasn¡¯t this a good n¡­? [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 11 – I Like This Professor Chapter 11 ¨C I Like This Professor [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 11 ¨C I Like This Professor We recruited Maya, the Holy Priestess, and assigned her to the infirmary. The previous doctor was immediately dismissed, and for now, Maya will manage on her own. Unless it is something serious, divine healing can be done on the spot, and Maya, being a Divine Oracle Priestess, possesses exceptional holy power. She should be more than capable on her own. Now, let¡¯s begin the project to improve the Combat Department¡¯s education in full force. The first thing I did was review thetest training ns for each subject assigned to the professors. Most professors, being professionals, adapted well to my intentions. The issuey with the assassination and abduction course. This course is handled not by a regr professor but by Headmaster Kirrin herself, as no one can match a Dark Elf in assassination and abduction. Will the headmaster properly update the training n, or will I have to step in? At that moment, something dark entered the professor¡¯s office with a knock. It was Kirrin, with chocte-like smooth skin and ruby-colored eyes. ¡°Headmaster, what brings you here?¡± ¡°I¡¯m here to show you the new training n.¡± She held a clipboard with papers. This was unexpected. I thought she would resist to the end. ¡°Have a seat. I¡¯ll take a look.¡± I offered my chair and brought over a folding chair to sit beside her. As I opened the clipboard, I was surprised. Not only was the format perfectly followed, but the handwriting was incredibly neat. The charts were excellent too. How did she manage to do this without using aputer? Did she have a ghostwriter? ¡°Um, headmaster, who wrote this?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t judge by appearances¡­ Just look at the content.¡± ¡°Did you write this yourself?¡± ¡°Ha, don¡¯t nitpick. Even though I¡¯m like this, I¡¯m still the headmaster, so treat me with some respect.¡± As I stared at Kirrin, her face darkened. ¡°No, I just asked because it was so well written that I wondered if it was really you.¡± ¡°Eh? No, of course I wrote it! Who else would I have write it?¡± Interesting. Dark Elves live in tribal societies, so such advanced paperwork isn¡¯t typically their norm. That¡¯s why I¡¯m surprised. ¡°That¡¯s a stereotype. After the war, I studied at a public academy with the support of the Emperor. That was also a courtesy from His Majesty.¡± ¡°Really? You graduated from an academy? A Dark Elf? Oh, sorry.¡± ¡°You¡¯re really¡­! Do you think I got here solely through connections? I have the minimum qualifications!¡± ¡°Ah, yes. I understand. I apologize. Haha.¡± Iughed off Kirrin¡¯s anger while reviewing the documents. ¡°Headmaster, let¡¯s make this part a bit more rigorous. Abduction is harder than assassination, after all.¡± ¡°What? More rigorous? But the students might get hurt¡­¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you? Safety first means what?¡± ¡°That is¡­¡± Looking at Kirrin, she hesitated before speaking softly. ¡°Headmaster dismissal¡­¡± ¡°Good. Change this part, and I¡¯ll continue reviewing.¡± ¡°Okay¡­¡± After reviewing Kirrin¡¯s assassination and abduction course, I finished updating the training ns for all subjects. Now, the real work begins. ¡°Um, I have something to say¡­¡± ¡°Then I will go first. I need to oversee today¡¯s armedbat practice.¡± Leaving Kirrin behind, I quickly left the professor¡¯s office. # # # # # ¡°What¡¯s this about?¡± Graduating academy students were buzzing in front of the department bulletin board. They were looking at a notice about today¡¯s armedbat ss. The usual gathering ce, Lecture Room 4, had suddenly been changed to the outdoor training ground. Moreover, they were instructed to wear the academy¡¯s standard armor. So far, they had only worn the armor at the beginning of the semester to measure for educational purposes, and all sses had been theoretical since then. They hadn¡¯t worn it even once after that. ¡°ss President, what¡¯s going on?¡± All eyes turned to Knightley, the senior ss president, who stood with arms crossed at the back. Knightley coolly examined the notice with her arrogant golden eyes and spoke coldly. ¡°Can¡¯t you read? It means they¡¯re going to start training us properly.¡± At her words, the students looked at each other with anxious eyes. ¡°Could it be that Head Professor?¡± ¡°Stop standing around stupidly and get your armor. Surely you know what the standard armor is?¡± As Knightley turned and left, a few students hurriedly followed her. ¡°Lady Knightley, should I get your armor?¡± One of her followers fawned as they entered the dormitory. Despite being a peer, they acted like a servant to a noble. ¡°Get lost. I¡¯ll do it myself.¡± ¡°Alright, see youter. I¡¯ll be waiting outside.¡± As Knightley entered her room, her followers bowed obsequiously. After a moment, their faces twisted with hatred and disdain as they straightened up. ¡°What a nasty bitch.¡± ¡°Does she think she¡¯s the Duke herself, not the Duke daughter?¡± ¡°Hmph, running away to the academy to avoid an arranged marriage.¡± ¡°Quiet. She might hear us. Let¡¯s get ready too.¡± After they left, Knightley slowly moved away from the door. They¡¯re like insects. With an expressionless face, she opened the wardrobe and took out her armor. Coming from one of the most influential noble families, Duke Toulouse, which once dominated the Empire, but after the four-year war, their power had weakened considerably. Her father, the Duke, who had fought in the war as amander, failed to achieve any significant achievements and even lost more than half of the private troops he brought with him. As is always the case with noble-bornmanders. As a result, their political influence had significantly wanedpared to the post-war powerhouses, the Second Princess, and themon-bornmanders who achieved great results from the four-year war. Despite this, the saying ¡°a rich man¡¯s wealthsts for three generations¡± still held, and the Duke Family remained powerful enough that lower nobility could not even dare to converse with them. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Knightley, the third daughter of the Duke Toulouse family, couldn¡¯t inherit the title. Nor was it easy to follow her brothers in using family wealth for business or other ventures. Moreover, Knightley had no interest in such things from the beginning. She had a secret ambition that she had never told anyone. She wanted to be a special agent, one of those who served in the Empire¡¯s intelligence and espionage departments. As a child, she heard stories from her second brother, who had returned from the war, about the special forces¡¯ exploits. Her favorite stories were about the secret special force unit formed solely to kill the Demon King. The stories of a special force shrouded in mystery whose existence itself was not certain, were thrilling tales for a nobledy trapped in a gilded cage. However, she had no way to be a special agent, and before even reaching adulthood, she was already set to marry for political reasons. Upon hearing about the establishment of the Imperial Special Mission Academy, she immediately fled her mansion and enrolled in the academy. Knightley nned to join the Imperial Intelligence Bureau or the Espionage Department after graduation. She hoped to avoid an arranged marriage until she was past the prime marrying age, thinking her father would give up eventually. However, there was one unexpected variable, Headmaster Kirrin. For some reason, the headmaster had drastically reduced thebat courses, which were essential for bing a special agent. This put a serious dent in Knightley¡¯s n to evade an arranged marriage by bing a special agent. If she graduated with only mediocre skills, she would be in big trouble. There were rumors that the new Head Combat Professor was making changes, but how effective would they be¡­ Being summoned to the outdoor training ground in full armor was undoubtedly rted to the new Head Combat Professor. They had caused a stir by summoning a mage professor to the Comprehensive Combat Training Ground, so it wouldn¡¯t be surprising if the armedbat ss saw some changes too. However, if this new professor was just a bookish schr without realbat experience, it would be of no help to Knightley. For now, she decided to go and see for herself. She was very curious about what kind of changes would be implemented. Knightley, now fully armored, picked up her practice sword. Unlike the others, her sword was covered in scratches. It was her second standard-issue sword, as her first had broken. Ignoring her followers who were waiting for her, she left the dormitory with her characteristic haughty expression. # # # # # The academy students gathered at the outdoor training ground screamed in unison. ¡°An unlimited sparring match?!¡± ¡°How can you spring this on us, Professor?!¡± Ignoring the students¡¯ protests, Professor Geneb calmly read out the matchups. The content of today¡¯s armedbat ss was ¡®unlimited sparring.¡¯ In reality, it was a tournament-stylepetition. Thest person standing would receive 50 bonus points and a chance to spar with the professor, with additional points awarded based on their performance. Fifty bonus points was a huge reward, but to introduce this after only theoretical sses until now was shocking. Clearly, this was the idea of the new Head Combat Professor, who was smiling leisurely behind Professor Geneb. But who was that girl next to him? Judging by her attire, she seemed to be a priestess. Could she be the new priestess in the infirmary? Isn¡¯t she too young! While the students spected, Professor Geneb continued reading the matchups in a monotone voice, and the sparring began immediately. The matches were a mess. The students had barely wielded swords or hit anyone since enrolling, so it looked like a kindergarten sports day. Still, there was one student who stood out. A blonde-haired, golden-eyed girl mercilessly knocked down her opponents with an emotionless expression. Her opponents were of low skill, but her swordsmanship was noteworthy. She had a solid foundation. ¡°Geneb, who is she?¡± ¡°She¡¯s the senior ss president.¡± Let¡¯s see. Her name is Knightley Toulouse? Toulouse, as in the Duke of Toulouse? ¡°Yes. She often trains alone here against dummies.¡± ¡°I see. Interesting for a noble girl.¡± While talking with Geneb, Knightley had already defeated three opponents in quick session and turned to face us. ¡°Professor, I¡¯m done.¡± It was clear that Knightley was thest one standing. Professor Geneb stepped forward with a practice sword. ¡°Knightley, I award you 50 bonus points. Now, for the sparring match with me¡­¡± ¡°No, not you, professor.¡± Knightley pointed her practice sword at me, standing behind Geneb. ¡°I want to spar with him.¡± ¡°Huh? You want to spar with me? Why?¡± ¡°I¡¯m curious about kind of a person you are¡± Knightley replied. ¡°It¡¯s clear that the sudden change in ss structure is due to you, the Head Professor. I want to know if you¡¯re doing this with real knowledge or just the enthusiasm of a new appointment.¡± Her bold attitude left Professor Geneb speechless, and I stepped forward with a smile. ¡°Head Professor. She¡¯s the daughter of Duke Toulouse.¡± ¡°I know, I know. But how can I refuse such a challenge?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t kill her.¡± ¡°Got it. I won¡¯t.¡± Taking the practice sword, I stood in front of Knightley and asked. ¡°So, you want me to prove I¡¯m qualified to make these changes? Is that right?¡± ¡°Exactly.¡± ¡°Thene at me with everything you have. If youst one exchange, you¡¯ll get 300 bonus points. Last two, and you¡¯ll get 500.¡± Gasps erupted from the students. That many points would mean a perfect score without even taking the exam, even if they skipped half the sses. ¡°What are you waiting for? Come on.¡± As I twirled the practice sword and held it upside down, Knightley shouted and charged at me. # # # # # Lying on the ground, bleeding from her nose, Knightley stared at her broken practice sword some distance away. Keuk, ugh, argh. The duel with the Head Combat Professor could be summarized like this: He looked like a pale, bookish schr. His strange grip on the practice sword made me think he had no real experience, just a desk-bound professor. But in the moment when the sky and ground flipped, and my vision cked out temporarily, I realized this professor was beyond human. He might not be as mysterious as the special task force that my second brother spoke about, the ones who killed the Demon King, but he was definitely a madman. I like this professor. [Note: See pinnedment for Knightley character illustration.] [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 12 – What is Happening…? Chapter 12 ¨C What is Happening¡­? [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 12 ¨C What is Happening¡­? Rumors that Knightley, the senior ss president, daughter of the Duke Toulouse Family, had been utterly defeated by the Head Combat Professor spread like wildfire. Stories of the absurd fifty-point bonus and the professor¡¯s insane swordsmanship were everywhere. With just two swings of a wooden sword, Knightley was gasping on the ground. Among the many students present, none had clearly seen how the Head Professor had incapacitated her. And to top it off, how could anyone dare to treat the daughter of one of the Empire¡¯s most prestigious noble families like that? What kind of madman was he? Does he think he has two lives? The Combat Department professors, who heard the news, were in utter shock and dismay. ¡°Just when things seemed to be going smoothly, such a huge incident happens!¡± Dwarf Kadazar mmed his desk in anger, while Comprehensive Combat Professor Morton quietly scolded Geneb, who had been present at the scene. ¡°What were you doing there to not stop him?¡± ¡°How could a mere subject professor stop the actions of the Head Professor?¡± In response to Geneb¡¯s words, Combat Riding Professor Anna clenched her fists and cried. ¡°Our Combat Department is finished¡­ When Duke Toulouse finds out that his daughter was beaten, he will definitelye storming the academy¡­¡± ¡°Haha. Do you really think so? This is a school where students are taught, and idents can happen during training.¡± The ever-optimistic Waverughed brightly, but most of the professors wore worried expressions. ¡°At the very least, you shouldn¡¯t mess with the noble kids¡­.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. Just in case, I should prepare my resignation letter.¡± While the Combat Department professors were despondent, having hoped for practical training improvements but not expecting such a drastic leap, the Theoretical Department was also abuzz with discussions about the incident. ¡°Head Professor, what do you think? Will the Toulouse Family take action?¡± ¡°If it¡¯s that notorious Toulouse, they¡¯ll probably turn the academy upside down.¡± In the Theoretical Department¡¯s faculty room, the Head Theoretical Professor Ismera quietly listened to the professors¡¯ conversations. ¡°Do you think this blunder by the Combat Department will affect us? The Headmaster, Kirrin, is already in a precarious situation.¡± ¡°What on earth is the new Head Combat Professor thinking?¡± Dian, who had suddenly ¡®appeared¡¯ at the academy one day, was the Head Combat Professor. One would expect the Head Professor to be a seasoned warrior with extensive experience, but Dian appeared to be a pale young man. Based on his appearance alone, he seemed more suited to being a theoretical professor or a librarian. The Theoretical Department professors had thoroughly investigated his background but found nothing significant, which was even stranger. If he were extraordinary or ordinary, something should havee up, but there was no information about Dian¡¯s past. Thus, the Theoretical Department professors spected that Dian might be an imperial special agent, as such individuals tend to have mysterious backgrounds. Ismera, however, knew a bit more, using her personal connections. Dian had been part of one of the special units formed during the four-year war and had aplished incredible feats there. Although the exact details of his achievements were unknown, he had at least done something impressive enough to remain calm even after beating the daughter of the Duke Toulouse family with a wooden sword in front of everyone. Either that or he was unaware of what the Toulouse family truly represented. ¡°One thing is clear.¡± When Ismera spoke, the professors fell silent and focused their attention on her. ¡°What we should focus on is not the Toulouse Family but the Imperial Pce.¡± The professors nodded in low admiration. ¡°Indeed. It¡¯s well known that the Pce wants to oust Headmaster Kirrin. The fact that the Head Combat Professor is acting so freely is because Headmaster Kirrin approved it, so the Pce might use this as an opportunity.¡± ¡°Judging by the current atmosphere, even if the Toulouse Family doesn¡¯t raise an issue, the Pce might escte the situation to remove the headmaster. In that case, the new headmaster would naturally be¡­.¡± The professors looked expectantly at Ismera, but she responded with an enigmatic smile. Ismera, with her tinum blonde hair like a barley field, emerald-like green eyes, and long ears, was an exceptionally beautiful elf. After her forest was burned down by the Demon King¡¯s army, she and her surviving kin moved to the human world, where she became a professor at the academy. Being an elf, she was incredibly intelligent and became a senior schr in just ten years, eventually appointed as the Head Theoretical Professor of the newly established Special Mission Academy. Unlike the Dark Elf Kirrin, who came in through the Emperor¡¯s parachute, Ismera was different in every way. Perhaps that¡¯s why Kirrin was extremely intimidated by both the Second Princess and Ismera. With the previous Head Combat Professor having fled, the acting headmaster would be the Head Theoretical Professor. And unfortunately for Kirrin, Ismera, a pure-blooded elf with an impressive resume, was her pr opposite. Kirrin was not foolish and was making every effort to avoid being dismissed, butparisons with Ismera were inevitable. Hence, the Theoretical Department professors were hopeful that if the Pce removed Kirrin, Ismera would take her ce. And when Ismera¡¯s position became vacant, perhaps they themselves might be promoted. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] ¡°Everyone, do not act rashly. This matter is entirely for the headmaster and the Head Combat Professor to handle. Our Theoretical Department has no business meddling in this.¡± With a demeanor revealing nothing of her thoughts, Ismera dismissed the professors¡¯ excited discussions. ¡°This concludes the morning meeting. Now, everyone¡­¡± ¡°Head Professor! Head Professor!¡± Just as Ismera was about to stand up, an assistant from the Theoretical Department burst in, panting heavily. ¡°It¡¯s a disaster! Duke Toulouse ising to the academy!¡± # # # # # While the Combat Department and Theoretical Department professors showed contrasting reactions, ¡°I¡¯m doomed¡­.¡± Headmaster Kirrin, sitting hunched over in the headmaster¡¯s office, muttered to herself, her dark skin appearing even darker. The final approval on thebat training improvement n bore Kirrin¡¯s signature, and if the Toulouse Family pursued the matter, she would bear all the responsibility. The Toulouse Family wields tremendous influence in the Imperial House of Nobles. If such a family raises a ruckus, the Imperial Pce, which has been waiting for an opportunity, will pretend they can¡¯t avoid dismissing Kirrin, and Kirrin will have to return to her forest and face her father. Her father had risked the fate of their n by betraying the Demon King¡¯s army to side with humans. Miraculously, the war ended in a human victory, making the n the Emperor¡¯s lifesaver. Her father sent Kirrin to the public academy to study and eventually installed her as the headmaster of this Special Mission Academy to ensure the n¡¯splete integration into the Empire. Rather than putting her father¡¯s efforts in vain and returning to the forest, it would be better for her to die right here¡­ ¡°H-Headmaster¡­!¡± As she stared at the dagger she had taken out of her sleeve, conflicted, the administrative director burst in, his face ashen. ¡°Hieek!? What are you doing? Now is not the time to be tending to your dagger!¡± Seeing Kirrin with the dagger, the administrative director iled his arms in panic. ¡°Duke Toulouse is on his way to the academy! Ah, Headmaster!¡± The administrative director screamed as he watched Kirrin, who had foam at her mouth, copse backwards. # # # # # Upon being suddenly summoned to the academy¡¯s main gate, I found that the professors were already gathered there. At the forefront were Headmaster Kirrin and Head Theoretical Professor Ismera. ¡°Come this way, Head Combat Professor.¡± Ismera, who had spotted me, pointed to her side with the characteristic kind and beautiful smile of an elf. ¡°Hello, Head Theoretical Professor. But¡­ are you okay, Headmaster?¡± ¡°I-I-I think I¡¯ll be¡­ okay¡­?¡± Unlike the calm, mist-like Ismera, Headmaster Kirrin was trembling as if she were about to faint. In retrospect, it was not surprising that their reactions differed. Kirrin feared the Second Princess, but Ismera had no such connections. And as for Duke Toulouse, he was likely here because of the incident where I knocked out Knightley during thebat ss. That too had nothing to do with Ismera, so she was as indifferent as if it were someone else¡¯s problem. But for Kirrin, it was different. Both the Second Princess and Duke Toulouse were her direct responsibility. Moreover, they were both arriving at the same time, so it would be no surprise if she fainted right here and now. ¡°I see the carriage!¡± At the guards¡¯ shout, a carriage kicked up a cloud of dust as it approached from a distance. ¡°It¡¯s Duke Toulouse!¡± ¡°Ugh¡­!¡± Kirrin covered her mouth as if she might cry at any moment, and Ismera patted her back, telling her not to worry too much. At that moment, I caught a glimpse of a smile spreading across Professor Ismera¡¯s lips. It was entirely different from the kind smile she had shown me earlier. It was more like¡­ a sneer. But everyone else was focused on the approaching carriage, so I was the only one who saw that fleeting smile. I¡¯ll have to remember that. The carriage, having just passed through the main gate, came to a sudden stop in front of the assembled faculty. The door opened, and a middle-aged man stepped out briskly. It was Duke Toulouse. ¡°Headmaster Kirrin!¡± Duke Toulouse¡¯s shout of fury made poor Kirrin stagger and lean on Ismera¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You promised to educate my child properly, and now what is this? Who is the madman who beat up a girl so severely?¡± ¡°Th-that is¡­.¡± Feeling sorry for the trembling Kirrin, I stepped in front of the Duke and shouted. ¡°Commander! Long time no see!¡± The Duke¡¯s eyes bulged as he turned his gaze to me. ¡°What?! You, you! Lieutenant Dian?!¡± ¡°Yes, sir!¡± ¡°What in the world?! You were here?!¡±¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. I never expected to meet you here again, Commander.¡± ¡°You bastard! I thought you were dead since you suddenly disappeared!¡± The Duke burst into a heartyugh and hugged me tightly. # # # # # What is happening? Ismera felt extreme bewilderment at the sight of the Duke and the Head Combat Professor suddenly embracing each other. She had certainly expected the Duke to thoroughly trample both the headmaster and the Head Combat Professor¡­? [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Character Illustrations of all Combat Department Professors Character Illustrations of all Combat Department Professors Combat Department Professors ? Weaponry Combat Professor Geneb ? Magic Response Professor Orendi ? Survival Professor Wever ? Combat Riding Professor Anna ? Infiltration Professor Lina ? Psychological Warfare Professor Felimia ? Comprehensive Combat Professor Morton ? Unarmed Combat Professor Borgg ? Combat Equipment Professor Kadazar ? Headmaster & Assassination and Abduction Professor Kirrin Nemara ? Chapter 13 – It Doesn’t Matter if It’s Dian Chapter 13 ¨C It Doesn¡¯t Matter if It¡¯s Dian [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 13 ¨C It Doesn¡¯t Matter if It¡¯s Dian Multiple carriages were traveling in a line down the road. Each one was a six-horse carriage with a luxurious appearance, bearing the emblem of the Duke Toulouse Family on its doors. Upon hearing the news that her daughter Knightley had been assaulted by a professor at the academy she was attending, the Duke was enraged and was on his way to the academy for a ¡°parent-teacher conference¡±. To be precise, it should be described as ¡°rejoicing¡± rather than enraged. The Duke had been truly angry when Knightley had run away to the academy to escape an arranged marriage. The Empire was currently divided into two major factions: one was the traditional House of Nobles that had long dominated the Empire, and the other consisted of militarymanders and some minor nobles who had risen to prominence due to their distinguished service during the four-year war. The former¡¯s ipetence during the four-year war had be evident, causing their influence to wane significantly, and they were being increasingly overshadowed by thetter group. In times like these, internal unity was crucial, so the Duke had carefully selected a family for Knightley to marry into, only for her to flee to the academy managed by the Second Princess, who was politically opposed to him. At first, the Duke had tried to drag Knightley back, but he couldn¡¯t. The academy¡¯s response was that external interference couldn¡¯t force a student to withdraw, and the Duke was convinced this was a ploy by the Second Princess. The Second Princess was likely trying to weaken their power by holding noble children as hostages. Especially troublesome was that some nobles were even sending their children to the Special Mission Academy, showing signs of breaking away from the existing power structure. But now the situation was different. With a case of a student being assaulted by a professor, he intended to make a strong protest as a parent and bring Knightley back. So, he was more rejoicing than enraged. No matter how special the mission, if they refused to let him take Knightley now, the House of Nobles would definitely raise an uproar. As the Duke stepped out of the carriage, he began to berate the dark-skinned Dark Elf headmaster standing precariously. Or rather, he was just about to begin berating her. Suddenly, some guy interrupted, standing between him and the headmaster, addressing him as ¡°Commander¡± in a familiar manner. Who the hell was this punk? Did he not know who he was dealing with? But upon seeing the man¡¯s face, the Duke was struck with a chill and couldn¡¯t utter a word. That some guy was¡­ Lieutenant Dian?! The Duke¡¯s connection with Lieutenant Dian began in a desperate situation, during the noble coalition army¡¯s disastrous retreat, led by Duke Toulouse. The Duke remembered that time vividly. The noble army¡¯s front had copsed due to the repeated blunders of ipetent noblemanders, and they were fleeing indiscriminately from the Demon King¡¯s army, continuously losing troops. In this dire situation, two young officers arrived at the nobles¡¯ temporary camp on the edge of a cliff. They introduced themselves as belonging to a certain unit of a certain department somewhere in the Empire and said they were here to carry out a special mission. It was to track down the White Dragon, Hindrastar, which was a thorn in the front lines. They had been wandering around since it went missing a month ago and had hurried over upon hearing that it had recently reappeared. ¡°What is the corrtion between Hindrastar¡¯s appearance and your presence here?¡± ¡°Hindrastar is lying in ambush along the noble army¡¯s retreat route. So, you need to change your course.¡± At first, the Duke and themanders didn¡¯t believe them. They even dismissed it as a scheme by the Imperial Pce to weaken the House of Nobles amidst the chaos. ¡°You can continue to think that way. If left alone, it would be a golden opportunity to annihte the nobles¡¯ private army, so why bother giving us this information?¡± Lieutenant Dian shrugged. ¡°You can continue to lead your troops with arrogance and hubris straight into the dragon¡¯s jaws, just as you have throughout the war. We don¡¯t care.¡± Themanders, who were already on edge, drew their swords in anger, but the young officers did not even flinch an eyebrow. ¡°Lieutenant Dian, was it?¡± Duke Toulouse spoke up. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s say Hindrastar is lying in ambush. But why is a special unit of the Empire helping us?¡± ¡°I was against it, but this guy here said it¡¯s something a human being should do.¡± Lieutenant Dian pointed to the tall, blonde, blue-eyed Lieutenant Linus standing next to him. ¡°A devotee of justice. You know the type? Stubbornly adheres to his beliefs, no matter what.¡± Lieutenant Dian chuckled, while Lieutenant Linus stared at him with a stern, serious expression. What was with these guys? ¡°Anyway, change your course. We¡¯ve made ourselves clear.¡± After the two officers left, themanders had a heated debate about the information. The conclusion was to change the course. They had to retreat anyway, and the Duke, having seen the young officers¡¯ eyes, decided to trust them. The next day, their information proved urate. As the noble army was bypassing the valley where Hindrastar was supposedly lying in ambush, they heard a ground-shaking rumble and an indescribable horrific roar. Looking back, they saw glimpses of huge wings and terrifying mes rising between the valleys. Boom, boom, roar!! Everyone was so shocked that they fell t on the ground, and shortly after, they saw the massive body of the White Dragon rapidly ascending above the valley. Its skin, originally white, was scorched and stained with blood. As Hindrastar flew over the noble army as if fleeing, blood rained down like a shower. Duke Toulouse never forgot that moment. Heter discovered, after much inquiry, that one of those officers had be the continent¡¯s hero, the one who killed the Demon King, Linus. He tried to reward him greatly, but Linus refused. So he tried to find the other officer, Dian, but his whereabouts were unknown. Not a single soul knew where he had gone. If he were to ever meet him, he wanted to repay the debt of saving his life, but he never imagined he would meet him here at the academy. # # # # # ¡°Why are you here, Dian?¡± ¡°Well, it¡¯s a long story. Let¡¯s just go inside for now. The other professors are busy.¡± ¡°What? Haha, alright then! Let¡¯s go!¡± Duke Toulouse, the headmaster, and the Head Theoretical Professor, Elf Ismera, entered the headmaster¡¯s office together. Even as they waited for tea, the Duke continued to converse with Dian, paying no attention to the headmaster. It seemed he had even forgotten Knightley¡¯s name. ¡°Head Combat Professor? That¡¯s amazing! That¡¯s right, it¡¯s a perfect position for someone like you.¡± ¡°Thank you, Your Grace. Actually, I didn¡¯te here willingly; I was dragged here.¡± Seeing our jovial atmosphere, Kirrin couldn¡¯t understand a word and just chuckled nervously, while Ismera quietly bit her lip. I didn¡¯t miss that. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] After a moment of silence, Ismera changed her expression, smiled, and spoke. ¡°It¡¯s really heartwarming to see you both happy to reunite after so long. I suppose it would be even more so if you saw your daughter.¡± ¡°Huh? My daughter? Oh, right. That¡¯s why I¡¯m here.¡± Only then did the Duke recall that he hade here because of Knightley and coughed awkwardly. ¡°Headmaster Kirrin.¡± ¡°Eek?! Y-Yes, sir!¡± With a gasp, Headmaster Kirrin stiffened her back. ¡°I heard some lunatic recently beat up my daughter.¡± ¡°Oh, uh, well¡­¡± ¡°No matter how short its history may be, this is an imperial-redited academy. How could such an outrageous incident ur?¡± Kirrin almost seemed like she would cry, while Ismeraforted her. But there was a smile on Ismera¡¯s lips that could only be noticed if you looked closely. ¡°I¡¯ll exin about that, Your Grace.¡± Ismera said, soothing Kirrin¡¯s trembling. ¡°Recently, the academy has undergone major reforms in the Combat Department¡¯s training methods. With the aim of providing more practical training, Headmaster Kirrin approved it. It seems there was some noise during the process.¡± Oh, look at that. Instead of a mother-inw scolding, it¡¯s more like a sister-inwforting. She¡¯spletely pinning the me on Kirrin for this incident. ¡°So, who¡¯s the damn bastard who dared toy a hand on my daughter? A professor? An assistant? Or a fellow student? I don¡¯t know who he is, but how dare hey a hand on a member of the Toulouse Family¡­¡± ¡°Ah, that? It was me.¡± Laughing, I spoke up, and the Duke nced at me as if he had already forgotten that I was there. ¡°Dian, you hit my daughter?¡± ¡°Yes, Your Grace. It was decided that through sparring, the top-performing student would spar directly with the professor and receive appropriate bonus points. Naturally, your daughter came in first ce. But she suddenly singled me out instead of the professor. And since there were others watching, I had no choice but to intervene, otherwise it would seem as if I was picking favorites¡­ ¡± ¡°Even if it¡¯s true, you shouldn¡¯t have fought!¡± The Duke, who had been listening to me in silence, suddenly shouted, startling Kirrin, and even Ismera flinched. ¡°Well done, Dian! Exactly! If we treat nobles with leniency, how can they learn properly? This might actually be a good thing!¡± Laughing heartily, the Duke pped his knee. ¡°If you were some ipetent wimp, I would have punished you severely, but to think you were teaching Knightley. In fact, I think it¡¯d be better to have her continue attending this academy.¡± ¡°Thank you for your kind words, Your Grace. However, since I¡¯m the Head Professor, I¡¯m not teaching her directly¡­¡± ¡°Please take good care of Knightley in the future, Dian.¡± The Duke shook my hand vigorously. Haa, I realized I was being mistaken for a homeroom teacher. But seeing Kirrin sweating and sighing while wiping the sweat, it wasn¡¯t easy to say that I wasn¡¯t that kind of teacher right away, so I just smiled and nodded. # # # # # ¡°Goodbye, Your Grace.¡± ¡°Farewell, Dian. I¡¯lle back soon. Let¡¯s have a proper chat next time.¡± As the Duke waved his hand out of the carriage window and moved away, the Head Combat Professor Dian, waved back. Watching this, Ismera bit her lip. This wasn¡¯t the expected scenario. The Duke¡¯s visit to the academy didn¡¯t flip everything upside down, ousting Kirrin and promoting Ismera to the headmaster¡¯s position; it wasn¡¯t the typical development. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Professor Ismera?¡± ¡°Hm? What do you mean?¡± Suddenly, when Dian spoke, Ismera quickly changed her expression, hurriedly putting on a smile. ¡°Oh, no. You just seem a little unwell. Are you ufortable somewhere?¡± ¡°That¡¯s not it. I¡¯m human too, so I was a little nervous when I heard that Duke Toulouse wasing.¡± ¡°Really? Wait, headmaster!¡± Supporting Kirrin, who was copsing, Dian didn¡¯t move, and Ismera quietly turned away and walked off. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 14 – Acting as a Homeroom Professor? Chapter 14 ¨C Acting as a Homeroom Professor? [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 14 ¨C Acting as a Homeroom Professor? Kirrin quietly opened her eyes to a warm sensation. The first thing she saw was an unfamiliar ceiling and a girl with a nk expression looking down at her. What was this? ¡°Move your eyes.¡± The girl, with hands bathed in a golden glow, was calmly touching Kirrin¡¯s body as she spoke. She was Maya, the Holy Priestess that Head Combat Professor Dian had brought from the Church. Kirrin stared at the girl for a moment, then suddenly remembered the Holy Priestess Dian had brought to the academy¡¯s infirmary. Right, this girl is the Priestess in our academy infirmary. So this is the infirmary? Why am I here? I was definitely seeing off Duke Toulouse¡­ and then¡­ ¡°Move your eyes, please.¡± ¡°Ah, yes¡­¡± Kirrin rolled her eyes around, taking in the scenery of the infirmary, struggling to recall her broken memories. But she failed. ¡°Excuse me, Priestess. Why am I here¡­?¡± ¡°You fainted from extreme stress being relieved all at once. Head Professor Dian brought you here.¡± ¡°Professor Dian¡­? Where is he now¡­?¡± ¡°There are no significant issues with your body. Rest well.¡± Before she could finish her sentence, Priestess Maya stood up, having said all she needed. Despite her cute appearance, she had a very blunt personality. She was theplete opposite of me, who always makes the worst decisions despite appearing sharp. As Maya returned to her desk, the sound of her pen scratching on paper, Kirrin thought about her meeting with the Duke. Duke Toulouse had stormed into the academy toin about his daughter Knightley being struck with a wooden sword by Professor Dian. He started yelling at Kirrin the moment he stepped off his carriage. Even before the carriage was visible, Kirrin was so terrified that she was about to lose consciousness. She feared this incident would snowball into her dismissal. If she was fired, she would have to return to her father. ording to her n¡¯s rules, she might be punished. And she¡¯d rather jump into a dragon¡¯s maw than return to her father empty-handed!! ¡°Commander, long time no see!¡± At that moment, Dian had stepped in front of Kirrin and greeted the Duke. And then, a miracle happened. Recognizing Dian, the Dukeughed heartily, embraced him, and the atmosphere in the headmaster¡¯s office became unexpectedly friendly and jovial? Just when it seemed everything was going to end amicably, the Head Theoretical Professor Ismera suddenly brought up Knightley¡¯s incident. The Duke, suddenly reminded of his original purpose, turned red and started making a scene again. This is really the end now¡­ No matter how much of a bigshot Dian was, she couldn¡¯t possibly stand up to the Duke and say, ¡°I hit your daughter¡± to his face. But he did. ¡°I did it.¡± The second miracle. Dianpletely diverted the Duke¡¯s attention from Kirrin to himself and exined the situation. Listening quietly, the Duke not only epted it but was pleased, shaking Dian¡¯s hand vigorously and asking him to take care of Knightley in the future. Even seeing everything with her own eyes, Kirrin couldn¡¯t believe it. Is this¡­ really how it ends¡­? Watching the Duke¡¯s carriage leave, as he waved goodbye, still in disbelief, Kirrin finally realized. It¡¯s over¡­ It¡¯s really over. The Duke didn¡¯t turn the academy upside down, nor did he hold me ountable. He left in high spirits. I can keep my position as the headmaster and won¡¯t have to return to my father. I¡¯m saved! And her memory cut off there, so she must have fainted right after that. Previously, when Dian overhauled the Combat Department¡¯s curriculum, he had boldly dered he¡¯d take responsibility. He had promised to protect Kirrin if anything happened, and today he truly kept that promise. Dian¡­ protected me from the Duke¡¯s wrath¡­ ¡°Ahhhh!¡± ¡°Please be quiet.¡± ¡°Sorry, Priestess¡­¡± Kirrin buried her face in the nket that had fallen on the floor, trying to stifle her spreadingughter. Watching this, Priestess Maya calmly wrote in the patient log with precise penmanship. [Headmaster Kirrin Nemara. After a temporary fainting spell, exhibited unprovoked screaming andughter. Further psychological evaluation rmended.] # # # # # [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Rumors that Duke Toulouse and Head Combat Professor Dian were acquainted and that the Duke was extremely pleased to see him spread like wildfire. Combat Department professors, who had feared the department¡¯s dissolution, were now in a celebratory mood. ¡°I never imagined Duke Toulouse was capable of making such an expression.¡± ¡°Right? Remember when he caused such a fuss demanding Knightley back? It was intense.¡± ¡°What kind of person is our Head Professor to be so close with the Duke?¡± Combat Riding Professor Anna, listening from the corner, cautiously voiced her spection. ¡°Could he be¡­ a secret prince?¡± ¡°What?¡± The absurd guess drew all the professors¡¯ attention to Anna. ¡°Well¡­ there have always been those rumors, you know. He was such a troublemaker that they hid him as amoner to save the Royal Family¡¯s reputation¡­¡± ¡°Hmm, it¡¯s not entirely baseless.¡± Magic Response Professor Orendy stroked his chin and nodded. ¡°Although our Head Professor isn¡¯t aplete delinquent, he¡¯s not exactly diligent either. He has apletely different vibepared to the Second Princess or other members of the Royal Family.¡± ¡°That¡¯s nonsense.¡± Comprehensive Combat Professor Morton dismissed Orendy¡¯s opinion in a single stroke. ¡°The Royal Family have always had silver hair. But the Head Professor has brown hair.¡± ¡°Well, changing hair color with magic is not a big deal. What do you think, Professor Waver?¡± ¡°I agree with you, Orendy. Given the situation, maybe we should align ourselves with the Head Professor?¡± The ever-optimistic Waver, and Orendyughed, and the other professors joined in, telling them to stop with the nonsense. Only Psychological Warfare Professor Felimia adjusted her sses in silence. Meanwhile, over in the Theoretical Department, the atmosphere was somber, as if they had just been told their entire budget was cut. In fact, the Theoretical Department professors didn¡¯t particrly care whether Dian was friendly with the Duke. Their gloomy expressions were due to the presence of Ismera sitting at the head of the table. Throughout the morning meeting, Ismera had not uttered a single word, maintaining her stony silence even as the meeting concluded. The professors, sensing her mood, didn¡¯t dare to leave. Dian had suddenly appeared as the Head Combat Professor, seemingly out of nowhere. His past shrouded in mystery, outwardly he seemed like nothing more than a leisurely man strolling around the academy. Yet, in less than a month, he had persuaded Headmaster Kirrin to overhaul the Combat Department curriculum and even dared to strike Duke Toulouse¡¯s daughter Knightley with a wooden sword. As if that wasn¡¯t enough, he managed to embrace the enraged Duke and send him off in high spirits. Clearly, he was someone extraordinary. But¡ªGrrrind! The sound of grinding made the professors flinch and nce at Ismera. Just a little more¡­ and I could have reced that ipetent Dark Elf as headmaster¡­ When news broke that the continent¡¯s hero Linus had been designated as the next headmaster, Ismera had nearly given up on everything. But then, another person, not Linus, arrived. And he wasn¡¯t even a headmaster, just a professor. Ismera had ced high hopes on him¡­ Kirrin, undeservingly given privileges solely because she was part of the n that prevented the assassination of the Emperor. And she even betrayed her own during the assassination attempt. She wasn¡¯t even present; her father did everything. I lost my forest to the Demon King¡¯s army and barely survived, wing my way up for ten years to reach this position. And yet you¡­ Grrrind¡ªGrrrind¡ª! Ismera, not even wearing her usual serene and kind mask, continuously ground her teeth, a cold shadow cast over her face. # # # # # Rumors about her father eventually reached Knightley¡¯s ears. ¡°Lady Knightley, what¡¯s the rtionship between the Head Combat Professor and your father?¡± ¡°Do you think Professor Dian might be a noble too? Your father is such a significant figure. If he knows someone like that¡­¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. Stop asking.¡± Knightley coldly answered her followers with a disdainful look. ¡°And why are you so curious? nning to align yourselves with the professor?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s just¡­ we¡¯re curious¡­¡± Without listening to the end, Knightley turned and walked down the hallway. The ones who were the happiest when I got beaten by the Head Combat Professor are now trying to dig up information on him through me, hoping for some gain. They¡¯re fellow nobles, but I find them so disgusting and hypocritical. In any case¡­ due to this incident, has my father given up on trying to get me to drop out of the academy and agree to the arranged marriage? That would be great. In a way, it seems like Professor Dian, whom I barely know, has protected me. I really like that professor. Talented, well-connected, and even good-looking. I want to get closer to Professor Dian. Is there a way¡­? After standing still for a moment in thought, Knightley had an idea and began walking toward the main building where the headmaster¡¯s office was located. # # # # # As the academy buzzed with the news of the Duke¡¯s visit. I was summoned to the headmaster¡¯s office and was suddenly told something shocking. ¡°Are you asking me to personally teach student Knightley?¡± [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 15 – Kirrin Nemara’s nth Plea of the Season Chapter 15 ¨C Kirrin Nemara¡¯s nth Plea of the Season [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 15 ¨C Kirrin Nemara¡¯s nth Plea of the Season ¡°Are you asking me to personally teach student Knightley?¡± I couldn¡¯t believe my ears, but there was no mistake. Headmaster Kirrin couldn¡¯t meet my gaze and nodded. ¡°I would appreciate it if you could.¡± ¡°Why on earth? You¡¯re talking about a homeroom professor position, and I¡¯m the Head Professor.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true, but¡­¡± Kirrin trailed off, lowering her head. I had a thought. ¡°Headmaster, is it because Duke Toulouse asked me to look after Knightley, and that¡¯s why you¡¯re doing this? Is that right?¡± ¡°That¡¯s part of it¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s just a figure of speech. He didn¡¯t mean for me to personally tutor his daughter.¡± ¡°The truth is¡­¡± Kirrin hesitated, rubbing her forehead before speaking. ¡°The truth is Student Knightley requested a personal meeting.¡± ¡°Did she ask to have me as her homeroom professor?¡± ¡°Not exactly a homeroom professor. She wants personalbat lessons once a week.¡± ¡°That girl is bold. Even though she¡¯s the Duke¡¯s daughter, this is still an academy.¡± I clicked my tongue, and Kirrin looked at me with desperate eyes. ¡°Dian, can you help me? Please?¡± ¡°I¡¯m already helping you. As I said before, I¡¯m even overturning the Combat Department, working hard to keep you from getting dismissed.¡± ¡°I really appreciate that. And I didn¡¯t get to say it at the time¡­ but thank you for protecting me during the Duke¡¯s visit.¡± Kirrin bowed slightly, surprising me. Dark Elves, living in their shadowy forests, are as cold-blooded as they look. Apologizing, asking for favors, and expressing gratitude are not typical for them. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for you, I would have been ousted a long time ago. I¡¯m truly grateful. I don¡¯t know how to repay you¡­¡± ¡°No need for repayment. It¡¯s mutually beneficial. So, what is it? You want me to teach Knightley once a week?¡± ¡°Yes¡­ if you¡¯re okay with it. I¡¯m sorry for the burden¡­ no, forget it.¡± Kirrin suddenly shook her head. ¡°Forget I said anything. It¡¯s unreasonable to ask the Head Professor to tutor a single student. That¡¯s nonsense. No, Dian, I¡¯m sorry. Please leave.¡± ¡°Are you alright? You¡¯re rambling.¡± Kirrin stared at me for a moment before covering her face with both hands, sighing deeply. ¡°I never wanted to be headmaster¡­¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t want this job?¡± ¡°No¡­¡± Kirrin sighed again. ¡°My father forced me¡­ So even though I hate it, I can¡¯t quit¡­ If I did¡­¡± Kirrin was about to say more, but suddenly she stood up from her chair and knelt down?! ¡°Dian¡­! Please help me! I¡¯m begging you¡­¡± ¡°Oh, Headmaster! Please don¡¯t do this.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve really tried my best¡­ Yes, I¡¯ve weakened the Combat Department, but I¡¯ve strengthened other courses and secured a lot of funding¡­¡± Kirrin was practically lying on the floor, supporting herself with her hands. ¡°I¡¯ve been doing everything you asked since you came¡­ I¡¯ll keep doing that¡­ just help me¡­ Dian¡­ don¡¯t make me go back to the forest¡­¡± ¡°Okay, Headmaster. Please calm down.¡± ¡°Please¡­ please¡­¡± Kirrin started sobbing, tears streaming down her face. ¡°I don¡¯t want to go back to the forest¡­ I¡¯m scared¡­ please¡­¡± ¡°What will happen if you go back?¡± ¡°Huh¡­ heok¡­ ugh¡­¡± Kirrin couldn¡¯t even answer, just trembling and moaning. This is serious. What kind of ce is her n¡¯s forest, and what kind of person is her father to make her this terrified? The head of the Nemara n, her father, betrayed the other ns during the Emperor assassination mission. That was when Linus and I were making our mark. True to his cunning nature, he anticipated the war¡¯s oue and sided with the eventual victors. After the war, he demanded the Emperor repay him by making his daughter the headmaster here, the first step toward full social eptance for their n. So, if Kirrin were ousted and sent back to the forest, her father wouldn¡¯t forgive her. She would have ruined his entire n. What kind of punishment would he inflict? [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] The Dark Elves I encountered during the war were terrifyingly brutal. Even before the war, they made a living through assassination and abduction, exploiting their racial traits. The whole race has no concept of conscience, justice,passion, or love. Kirrin, kneeling and crying now, is an anomaly. I can¡¯t even imagine the horrors she would face. They¡¯re not the kind to go easy on her just because she¡¯s his daughter. What a pitiful situation. She didn¡¯t want the position, but became headmaster under the orders of her feared father. The Second Princess and other post-war powers disapproved of a traitorous Dark Elf as the academy headmaster, and sensing this, Kirrin had been desperately clinging to her position. If she didn¡¯t, she¡¯d be forced back to the forest she dreaded, back to her father. ¡°Dian¡­ I¡¯ll do whatever you want and I won¡¯t interfere¡­ You can use all the budget I¡¯ve saved as you please¡­ Just¡­ please make sure I get kicked out of the academy¡­¡± ¡°You don¡¯t need to say that. I already n to help you. With you here, it¡¯s convenient for me and my friend.¡± I squatted down and patted Kirrin¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I¡¯ll keep an eye on Knightley from time to time. That should satisfy both Knightley and the Duke without me having to fully oversee her.¡± Honestly, it¡¯s no loss for me. When I first learned about Knightley and looked into her academic record, I saw she had excellent grades. With a little guidance, she would surely excel even more. If the first batch of graduates were top-tier, Kirrin would gain recognition from the Second Princess and continue as the headmaster, making things easier for me and Linus. And spending just an hour a week wouldn¡¯t be a big deal. The Duke, who owes me his life, wouldn¡¯tin either. He¡¯d probably be pleased that I¡¯m taking an interest in his daughter. It¡¯s a win-win situation. Kirrin stays stable in her role, benefiting me, Kirrin, Linus, and the Second Princess. ¡°So calm down now. This isn¡¯t a good look.¡± ¡°Thank you, Dian!¡± As I held her still trembling hand, Kirrin suddenly hugged me. The skin of a Dark Elf is surprisingly cool and soft. I never knew. ¡°Oh, sorry¡­¡± I was enjoying the pleasant touch when Kirrin, flustered, pushed me away. ¡°Feeling better now? Stop crying. This is the first time I¡¯ve seen a Dark Elf cry. Your tears aren¡¯t ck, huh.¡± At my joke, Kirrin¡¯s mood eased a little and she smiled shyly. My first time seeing a Dark Elf smile like that too. ¡°Then I¡¯ll be going. I should at least see what this nobledy Knightley looks like.¡± ¡°Thank you so much, Dian. Really, thank you.¡± It was awkward to see Kirrin bowing repeatedly like I was the headmaster, so I quickly left the office. Goodness, how could someone suddenly seem so pitiful? And what¡¯s with all the talk about the budget? How much has she saved up? # # # # # After Dian left, Kirrin wiped her eyes with her sleeve and staggered to her desk. Knightley had abruptly requested Kirrin to assign Professor Dian as her homeroom professor. It was an outrageous demand. Kirrin wasn¡¯t foolish; she knew such a thing was impossible. Yet, she couldn¡¯t refuse the Duke of Toulouse¡¯s daughter¡¯s request to her face. So, she sought Dian¡¯s help once more. And once again, Dian decided to protect her. Kirrin graduated from the public academy against her will and came here as headmaster against her will. Behind all this was her father, the leader of the Nemara n, and Kirrin feared disappointing him more than death itself. She had considered running away countless times. But she didn¡¯t dare run from fellow Dark Elves. For a half-blood Dark Elf mixed with humans, like Kirrin, evading pureblood Dark Elves was impossible from the start. That¡¯s why she alone left the forest, utilizing the Empire¡¯s education system and entering public office. Her half-blood nature, somewhat dulling the characteristic ruthlessness of pureblood Dark Elves, made her suitable as the n¡¯s first representative in the human society. This is why Kirrin came to represent her n in human society, and why she feels grateful, apologetic, and fond of Dian. Dian hadforted her, holding her trembling hand and speaking kindly, with a gentle expression. It wasn¡¯t quite what happened, but if Kirrin saw it that way, then it was so. How many times has Dian saved me now¡­? No words of gratitude can truly express it. At this point, Kirrin began to concretize her vague n. She would step down to a role as a subject professor handling the assassination and abduction course, and elevate Dian to headmaster with that outrageous n. The Second Princess would be pleased to rid herself of the Emperor¡¯s annoying parachute, Dian would enjoy a high position, Kirrin would be free from all burdens, and her father might be somewhat satisfied as long as she remained a professor. Then, a sudden thought struck Kirrin, prompting her to hurriedly search through the school regtions. Let¡¯s see, let¡¯s see¡­ if one gets married and bes pregnant, can they take paternity leave¡­? Just in case. When Dian held her hand earlier, the look in his eyes seemed unusual. It wasn¡¯t quite what happened, but if Kirrin saw it that way, then it was so. # # # # # I wonder if Kirrin has calmed down and gathered her wits by now. I¡¯ll keep supporting her like this, so she needs to hold on tight and stay as the headmaster. Is this the right ce? It¡¯s about time for sses to end. Just then, the ssroom door opened, and students poured out from their theory lesson. Amidst them, I spotted a striking blonde-haired, golden-eyed girl. ¡°Knightley Toulouse. Let¡¯s talk for a moment.¡± [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 16 – The Professor You Chose (6) Chapter 16 ¨C The Professor You Chose (6) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 16 ¨C The Professor You Chose (6) Nightley had to stop as she was leaving the ssroom. People were standing still, blocking the exit. Rising on her tiptoes, she saw a crowd of students gathered ahead, murmuring. What¡¯s going on? ¡°The Head Combat Professor is here!¡± Several students, excited, shoved past Nightley to move forward. The Head Combat Professor? Could it be Professor Dian? Not long ago, Professor Dian had appeared suddenly without much notice. His first appearance before the students was during theprehensivebat ss for the graduating ss. There, Dian made a dramatic debut by inviting the magic-response professor to bombard the students with attack spells. Since Professor Dian¡¯s arrival, thebat sses hadpletely transformed. Previously, most sses were conducted in the ssroom, watching demonstrations by assistants. But now, everything was different. Allbat sses, unless there was a special reason, were held at the outdoor training ground. Students were fully armed, training in environments simr to real battlefields. It was quite dangerous. The graduating ss, who hadn¡¯t had proper outdoor sses for years, suffered numerous injuries. From minor sprains and bruises to more serious injuries that bled profusely. Some students raisedints, but Professor Dian remained unmoved, repeatedly saying, ¡°A drop of sweat in training is worth a bucket of blood in battle.¡± However, it wasn¡¯t that Professor Dian was recklessly pushing them without any thought. A significant issue recently arose when a Holy Priestess from the church was brought in. Professor Dian managed to get a Divine Oracle Priestess from the church, causing quite a stir at the academy. What is a Divine Oracle Priestess? They are the legendary figures chosen by the gods to be priests. Able to use holy power before they can even walk, they can perform miracles, representing the gods in the mortal world when their power reaches its peak. Shortly after his arrival, Professor Dian brought in such a remarkable priest. This was the same academy that had previously turned away a priest, saying they weren¡¯t needed. The young priestess, named Maya, lived up to her title of Divine Oracle Priestess with her immense holy power. Despite the numerous minor injuries students sustained, none of them were left untreated or scarred, allowing everyone to attend sses the next day. Around this time, a suspicious rumor began circting at the academy about Professor Dian¡¯s true identity. Various baseless spections emerged. Some said he was the sole survivor of the Valderant family, others imed he was an exile from the Kingdom of Sadirian, or a former instructor from Lianthal, and so on. The most oundish rumor was that he was the hidden prince of the current Emperor. And as absurd as it was, it was the most widely believed. There was such a rumor in the Empire. That there was one more son besides the current Princes and Princesses, whose disposition was so terrible he was imprisoned somewhere in the Imperial Pce. A slight variation of the rumor said he was an illegitimate child, born between the Emperor and amoner, not even a concubine, and exiled to a distant country because they couldn¡¯t bring themselves to kill him due to his royal blood. The Imperial Pce had never issued an official statement, deeming the matter unworthy of discussion, so it remained a ghost story among the people. Perhaps because of this, whenever an exceptional individual appeared, people would specte if he might be the secret prince of the Royal Family. The most recent example was the continental hero Linus. As he began to gain public attention, people spected he might be the secret prince. However, those who saw Linus in person realized how absurd the rumor was. With his striking blonde hair and blue eyes, sculpted physique, righteous and upright character, and humility, Linus was not someone who needed to be hidden as a disgrace by the Royal Family. If anything, he would be paraded as a sessor. The current situation at the academy was simr, with the focus on Professor Dian. His seemingly entric actions were actually revolutionizing thebat sses. They had already returned a priest once, yet managed to get the proud church to send another, and a Divine Oracle Priestess at that. He had even beaten the untouchable Nightley Toulouse with a wooden sword and greeted the Duke, who came fuming with anger, with a friendly handshake. There were also rumors that Headmaster Kirrin had pleaded with Professor Dian for help in the headmaster¡¯s office. And most importantly, Professor Dian was quite handsome. Though he didn¡¯t have the silver hair symbolic of the Royal Family, his tousled brown hair and bright, cheerful eyes, along with his constant rxed smile and the insane sword skills that had defeated Nightley with just a few strikes of a wooden sword, made him a significant figure of interest at the academy. It¡¯s understandable why the students would gather around suddenly at Professor Dian¡¯s appearance. It was a rare opportunity to see the renowned Head Combat Professor up close. Which student wouldn¡¯t seize it? ¡°Head Professor! Hello!¡± ¡°Yes, yes. Hello. But your skirt is too short. Fix it, or you¡¯ll get demerits.¡± ¡°Head Professor! You¡¯re so handsome!¡± ¡°Uh-huh, I know.¡± ¡°Head Professor! Are you the secret prince?¡± ¡°If I were, would I be working here like this?¡± As Professor Dian responded to each student, he noticed Nightley and raised his hand. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] ¡°Nightley Toulouse. Come here for a moment.¡± All eyes turned to Nightley. Despite the pressure of the stares, Nightley sent an arrogant look without flinching. ¡°What do you need?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not something to discuss here. Follow me.¡± As Professor Dian turned and walked through the crowd, the students expressed their disappointment. ¡°Head Professor! Teach us swordsmanship next time!¡± ¡°Anyone ready to get beaten cane.¡± ¡°Can we visit your office?!¡± ¡°No, I¡¯ve hidden snacks there.¡± The studentsughed and chattered, and Dian, smiling warmly, waved at them. Though he had only been at the academy for about a month, he had already proven his capabilities and his handsomeness, making him extremely popr. Compared to Headmaster Kirrin, whom everyone subtly avoided, Professor Dian almost seemed like the real headmaster. Nightley pushed through the crowd of students and followed Professor Dian. # # # # # As they entered the professor¡¯s office, they found Olysia dusting with a feather duster. ¡°Olysia, make two cups of something sweet and delicious. I have a student here for a consultation.¡± ¡°Yes, Sir Dian.¡± As Olysia hurried off to prepare the tea, Nightley, who had followed him into the office, stared intently at her. ¡°You¡¯re keeping a young girl as a servant, I see?¡± ¡°She¡¯s not a servant, she¡¯s a maid. Don¡¯t you have many at your ce too?¡± ¡°We do, but we don¡¯t employ such young children. Did you acquire her through human trafficking?¡± ¡°No way!¡± Before he could answer, Olysia interjected. ¡°Sir Dian is not involved in anything like human trafficking! He¡¯s a wonderful person! Although he might seem a bit rough, to me, he¡¯s a greater hero than Sir Linus!¡± As Olysia poured out her words like a storm, Nightley blinked in surprise. ¡°Never speak of Sir Dian like that again!¡± Nightley struggled to find her words. ¡°Her personality¡­ is quite strong¡­¡± ¡°Alright, that¡¯s enough. Olysia, bring the tea, and Nightley, have a seat.¡± Still fuming, Olysia noisily prepared the tea, and Nightley, ncing at her repeatedly, sat down. ¡°Thank you. You can head back to the dorm now.¡± As soon as Olysia set the teacups in front of us, I nudged her to leave. ¡°And for dinner tonight, let¡¯s have that dish, the one with shrimp. Gambas with bread.¡± ¡°Understood, Sir Dian. Don¡¯t stay toote.¡± After Olysia left, Nightley, looking at the closed door, asked. ¡°Does the maid stay in the professor¡¯s office?¡± ¡°No, we live in the faculty quarters over there. She justes here asionally to clean.¡± ¡°I see. But it seems she needs some proper training.¡± At Nightley¡¯s inquisitive look, I answered while sipping my tea. ¡°In noble families, we rigorously train our servants. It¡¯s unthinkable for them to speak to a guest like that.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not a noble, so it¡¯s fine. I don¡¯t have many guests to entertain. She just earns her keep by living with me.¡± ¡°Is that so. Then, how did youe to take her in?¡± Wondering why she was so curious, but thinking it might be a good icebreaker, I shared Olysia¡¯s story. Olysia is a war orphan. While fleeing with other refugees, she was deceived by a captain who promised to take them to safety but instead sold them to vers. The ve ship carrying Olysia docked in Brunswell, where she managed to escape, only to be recaptured and beaten in the middle of the road until I saved her. Perhaps because of this, Olysia is very loyal to me and cannot stand anyone speaking ill of me. So when Nightley insinuated that I was a human trafficker exploiting a minor, it pressed her buttons. Of course, Nightley probably didn¡¯t mean it that way. ¡°So, you¡¯re saying that even though you don¡¯t need a servant, you bought the girl out of pure sympathy.¡± ¡°I did need help. Household chores are really tedious.¡± ¡°But in that case, wouldn¡¯t it have been better to hire a trained professional servant?¡± ¡°Well¡­ maybe¡­? I thought I could just teach her.¡± ¡°Do you perhaps have a preference for young girls¡­?¡± ¡°If Olysia had heard that, she might have killed you on the spot.¡± ¡°Hmph.¡± Nightley scoffed, lifting her teacup. We fell silent for a moment, sipping our tea. Watching Nightley sip her tea, I recalled the academic records I had reviewed before calling her in. Nightley Toulouse. Daughter of the Duke of Toulouse, she enrolled in the academy by her own will. Her grades are excellent across all subjects, and she is currently the ss president of the graduating ss. Notably, there have been several requests for her to withdraw from the Duke, all of which Nightley refused. At our academy, the rules state that unless the student decides or there is a significant reason for expulsion, external forces cannot withdraw a student. But Duke Toulouse is a prominent noble in the Empire. Which school could withstand the pressure from such a significant figure? However, unlike other private academies, our Special Mission Academy is managed by the Second Princess of the Empire, a post-war powerhouse. The situation is entirely different. Although we can¡¯t just brush him off as ¡®just a Duke,¡¯ we can invoke the rules to turn him away. There was also a peculiar record that caught my eye. ¡°Engages in personalbat practice at the outdoor training ground during breaks and personal time.¡± Other professors said that Nightley, dissatisfied with Headmaster Kirrin¡¯s theory-heavybat sses, had been practicing separately on her own. That¡¯s why, during the unannouncedbat session in the armedbat ss, Nightley had knocked out all the other students. ¡°Alright, Nightley. I¡¯ve heard your story. You asked the headmaster for me to take special charge of you, is that correct?¡± ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡± Nightley set down her teacup and spoke. ¡°I did say that. Of course, you will, right?¡± Oh, look at this. ¡°Why do you think that?¡± ¡°I have the best grades at the academy right now. And I am the daughter of a Duke. Mentoring a student like me would benefit your career, wouldn¡¯t it?¡± In the academic record, it was also recorded that ¡®As someone from a great nobel family, she is quite arrogant and self-righteous¡¯, and that seems to be correct. ¡°Well, alright. It¡¯s true that you have excellent grades and that you¡¯re a Duke¡¯s daughter. But one thing isn¡¯t true.¡± ¡°What is that?¡± ¡°Taking special charge of the top student, who happens to be a Duke¡¯s daughter, won¡¯t enhance my career.¡± ¡°What¡­?¡± ¡°In fact, it might even lower the average.¡± ¡°What did you say¡­?¡± Nightley¡¯s eyes twitched slightly. [Note: The author has changed the chapter titles from unique titles every chapter to repeating titles. The previous chapter titles will remain the same, but future chapters will follow the change.] [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 17 – The Professor You Chose (7) Chapter 17 ¨C The Professor You Chose (7) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 17 ¨C The Professor You Chose (7) ¡°What do you mean by that, Head Professor? How would the average drop?¡± ¡°There¡¯s a reason for it, but exining it would be a hassle.¡± Nightley wracked her brain, trying to decipher the underlying meaning of Dian¡¯s words. The private tutoring of the academy¡¯s top student, the daughter of a Duke, wouldn¡¯t help his career? It couldn¡¯t be that he couldn¡¯t officially list it on his resume. But the ¡®career¡¯ Nightley was referring to wasn¡¯t just about adding another line to his CV. What she meant by ¡®career¡¯ was forging a close rtionship with one of the key yers in the Imperial House of Nobles, the Duke of Toulouse. Such a privilege was unimaginable for a mere head professor at an academy. Since Dian already had an acquaintance with her father, creating another connection would undoubtedly benefit his future. In truth, Nightley had fled to the academy to escape an arranged marriage and pursue her dream of bing a special agent, a dream inspired by the stories of Imperial special operatives told by her brothers who had survived the Four-Year War ten years ago. She wanted to escape the stifling mansion that felt like a cage and be an operative who roamed the continent. When the Special Mission Academy was established, she saw her chance and ran away. However, the academy didn¡¯t provide the education she had hoped for, so she trained on her own until Professor Dian appeared. When she boldly charged at him with a wooden sword to see how skilled he was, Professor Dian, looking bored to the point of yawning, swung his wooden sword once or twice, and Nightley found herself temporarily unconscious, not knowing how she was defeated. At that moment, Nightley decided. She would make that professor her own. She would use Professor Dian as a stepping stone to achieve her dream. Conveniently, when her father visited the academy and saw Professor Dian, he tacitly approved of her attendance, so Nightley decided to take full advantage of this opportunity. In other words, as long as Professor Dian was at the academy, Nightley wouldn¡¯t be expelled or forced to withdraw by her family. So, using her family¡¯s influence to win over a professor she liked was entirely possible. But what was their rtionship? Probably just amander-subordinate rtionship during the war. The details didn¡¯t matter to her. In any case, with Dian around, she wouldn¡¯t be forcibly withdrawn or expelled, allowing her to confidently leverage her family¡¯s influence to persuade him. She thought that by teaching her, Dian could solidify his rtionship with the powerful Toulouse family, not just add a line to his resume. So, Nightley assumed Dian fully understood her intentions about ¡®career,¡¯ but now he was saying the opposite? That it would actually harm his career? What was he thinking? And how great could his career be? At best, he probably had a fewmendations from the battlefield. Nightley, with her characteristic arrogance and self-righteousness as a noblewoman, couldn¡¯t understand Dian¡¯s reaction. But she wasn¡¯t one to give up easily. Nightley always pursued what she set her mind on until she achieved it. That¡¯s how she had shaped her own destiny so far, and Professor Dian would be no exception. ¡°Professor, please reconsider. It would be beneficial for both of us¡­¡± ¡°Once a week.¡± ¡°Pardon?¡± Dian held up one finger. ¡°Once a week, I can tutor you. But I can¡¯t focus on you every day like a homeroom teacher.¡± ¡°But Professor, isn¡¯t that too infrequent? I haven¡¯t received properbat training at the academy until now. With just a year left until graduation, I need to be ready for field assignments¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± ¡°What¡­?¡± ¡°Once a week is enough. By the time you graduate, you¡¯ll be able to undertake missions as an operative.¡± Despite Dian¡¯s confident assertion, Nightley found it hard to fully trust his words. No matter how skilled he was as the Head Combat Professor, that seemed a bit too optimistic¡­ However, she soon changed her mind. For now, securing this promise was a start. She could gradually increase the frequencyter. Nightley was confident she could win over Dian, this pale, unremarkable man. As the daughter of a grand noble family and the top student at the academy, she was well aware of her own beauty. With enough weapons in her arsenal, she believed Professor Dian would fall within a month and be her dedicated mentor. ¡°Alright, Professor. Let¡¯s do that. I¡¯ll be happy to receive your instruction, and you can establish a rtionship with my family. It¡¯s a win-win.¡± ¡°Sure, sure. Now, go on. I¡¯m busy and have a meeting to attend.¡± As Dian waved his hands dismissively, Nightley asked. ¡°When will the first private lesson be?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll let you knowter. I need to see if I can adjust my schedule for this week. Now, go. Quickly.¡± ¡°Understood, Professor. I¡¯ll wait for your contact. You can visit my dorm. I live alone.¡± Nightley gave a rather seductive smile and crossed her legs, causing her skirt to ride up and reveal her smooth thighs. But Professor Dian, instead of responding, walked to his desk, sat down, and started rummaging through a drawer. Seeing this, Nightley chuckled softly. He said he had a meeting, but now he¡¯s rummaging through a drawer? He¡¯s trying hard to hide his flustered reaction to my legs. Turns out he has a naive side. Just wait, Professor¡­ I¡¯ll make sure you can¡¯t escape. You¡¯ll be a professor dedicated solely to me. # # # # # After confirming Nightley had left, I pulled out a whipped cream pie topped with cherries from the back of the drawer. Thankfully, it didn¡¯t seem spoiled yet. I had to eat it by today, or it would have gone bad. I had been thinking about this pie halfway through the meeting with Nightley, but the conversation kept dragging on, which was a problem. Since it was the only one, I couldn¡¯t share it, so I used the meeting excuse to hurry her out. Taking a big bite of the cream pie, the sweet taste filled my mouth, making me smile. This is really good. It¡¯s from the bakery in front of the academy gate. I¡¯ll have to ask Olysia to get it more often. Thinking about it, this vast academycks proper amenities. Modern universities have all sorts of franchises on campus, right? Bringing in various franchises would benefit both the staff and students, while the academy could collect rent and fees. It¡¯s a win-win for everyone. Of course, quality control would be essential to prevent monopolistency. That¡¯s something the administrative office could handle. Although it¡¯s not directly rted to the Combat Department, it greatly affects my quality of life. I¡¯ll have to discuss this ideater. Hmm, what should I bring in? Since Olysia has been doing a lot of grocery shoppingtely, I¡¯ll have to ask her this evening. First, there needs to be a bakery, and at least one restaurant, no, maybe two or three of different types? With so many people here. And also¡­ # # # # # [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] A few dayster,te evening at the dormitory. ¡°Um, ss President¡­¡± A few female students approached Nightley with shy expressions. Each held a small, prettily wrapped box in their hands. ¡°Could you¡­ take this¡­¡± Nightley, staring intently at the students offering the boxes, scoffed. ¡°Sorry, but I¡¯m not interested in dating girls. Try somewhere else.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± The girls¡¯ eyes widened in surprise at Nightley¡¯s icy response, and they began to stammer in embarrassment. ¡°Th-this isn¡¯t for you¡­ it¡¯s for Professor Dian¡­¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°We wanted to give these to the Head Combat Professor¡­¡± ¡°What did you say?¡± It wasn¡¯t that their voices were too soft or that she was trying to scare them by asking again. Nightley simply couldn¡¯tprehend what they were saying. ¡°We saw you with the Head Combat Professor the other day¡­ You seemed close. He¡¯s too high-ranking for us to approach directly¡­¡± Nightley, staring at the girls in silence, suddenly realized she had made a ridiculous misunderstanding, and her expression twisted with shame and anger. Since her freshman year, she had been the target of gifts and confessions, so she naturally assumed they were meant for her. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m your errand girl? Delivering gifts like a servant?!¡± Startled, the girls quickly apologized and ran away, while other students, who had been watching with bated breath, tried to stifle theirughter and avoid eye contact or quietly left. ¡°Those girls are really something.¡± Nightley¡¯s followers, who had gathered around her, gave her fake smiles and cast disdainful nces. ¡°Who do they think they are, telling Lady Nightley what to do?¡± ¡°Right? If this were outside, they wouldn¡¯t even be allowed near her.¡± ¡°You guys are no different, are you?¡± Nightley¡¯s sharp retort silenced her followers, who exchanged uneasy nces. Leaving them behind, Nightley strode down the corridor. ¡°Nightley! Where are you going? The night infiltration ss is about to start!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll handle it. Mind your own business!¡± Nightley was highly agitated. Even the smallest things set her off. Days had passed without a word from Professor Dian. He had agreed to teach her once a week, and she had thought she had ensnared him with her deliberate flirtation, but why was there no news? Fuming, Nightley left the dormitory and headed for the faculty building. She intended to confront him directly in his office. ¡°Professor! Professor Dian!¡± She pounded on the door marked ¡®Head Combat Professor Dian,¡¯ but there was no response. Seeing no light under the door, she realized he had already left. Should she go to his quarters? But the night infiltration ss was about to start. Unlike a theory ss, it involved practical exercises in the academy¡¯s external mountainous terrain, so skipping wasn¡¯t an option. After a moment of indecision, Nightley returned to the dormitory. She decided to attend the ss. She could meet Professor Dian tomorrow, but night infiltration exercises weren¡¯t a daily urrence. ¡°Hey, there she is! Nightley, could you give this letter to Professor Dian¡­?¡± ¡°Get lost!¡± ¡°Eek! I¡¯m sorry!¡± # # # # # Outside the academy, the night infiltration ss was held in an area with coastal cliffs and a few high points. Students, wearing ck uniforms and with their faces ckened with charcoal, formed teams and navigated the night terrain under the supervision of their instructors. Each team was given a different infiltration route, but all had to cross high points, simting an infiltration into the academy. As it was the first night infiltration exercise since the academy¡¯s founding, the difficulty wasn¡¯t very high. As the teams set off one by one, Nightley remained standing with her arms crossed. She wasn¡¯t dissatisfied with the ss but because she didn¡¯t have a team. ¡°Professor, is it my turn yet?¡± ¡°Yes, it is.¡± As Nightley raised her hand, Professor Lina handed her a map. When she looked at it, she couldn¡¯t believe her eyes. ¡°What is this¡­? Is this supposed to be my infiltration route?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. Follow that route to infiltrate the academy.¡± ¡°But this¡­¡± The route on the map was drastically different from the others. The contours indicated intentionally chosen treacherous terrain. ¡°There¡¯s no way a person can go through this.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry. This is a direct order from the Head Combat Professor. I have no authority over it.¡± The Head Combat Professor? Professor Dian? Is this the personal training he mentioned once a week? Maybe he chose a separate location to train her away from others¡¯ eyes. Not bad. A private lesson in a secluded spotte at night¡­ This will be another victory for me, Professor. Feeling finally at ease after days, Nightley began to move with a sense of satisfaction. At the bottom of the map, there was a strange message: ¡°The professor you chose. Endure with grit.¡± But she didn¡¯t pay much attention to it. He must be trying to make up for being swayed by my flirtation during our meeting and to assert dominance with this bluff. Cute. # # # # # An hourter. ¡°Damn it, damn it, damn it! That wretched professor!¡± Clinging to a nearly vertical slope on all fours, Nightley cursed under her breath. ¡°Where the hell are you?! Why haven¡¯t you shown up yet?!¡± [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 18 – The Professor You Chose (8) Chapter 18 ¨C The Professor You Chose (8) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 18 ¨C The Professor You Chose (8) When Nightley first received the map, she entered the dark forest alone with a light heart. A mountain forest at midnight. No supervising instructor or apanying teammates, but it wasn¡¯t a big deal. Although Headmaster Kirrin had restricted field exercises due to ident risks, she had put a lot of effort into theory sses. Therefore, the students were very proficient in basic navigation skills, and Nightley, having studied further on her own, could roughly determine directions by just looking at the stars and the shapes of trees. Although there was a difference between studying at a desk and actual ground experience, it was a minor issue that she would adapt to after a few attempts. So, finding her way through the nearby mountains of the academy wasn¡¯t a big problem. Moreover, this was supposed to be a personal training session with Professor Dian. Directly holding personal training sessions could lead to unfavorable gossip, so he probably chose a separate location to teach her. She expected to find Professor Dian waiting for her after a short walk. An hourter, Nightley realized something was amiss. The route, which had been gently following the ridge, started to veer off course, and the terrain became increasingly treacherous. At first, it was just a slight incline that required some bnce, but it soon became so steep that she needed to grab onto trees to avoid falling off. As she started to pant and sweat trickled down her chin and neck, Nightley stopped to check the map again. Had she taken the wrong path? But even after checking the map andpass from different angles, the direction was correct. She had to navigate this treacherous terrain to reach the academy. She decided to press on. There was a small t area ahead where Professor Dian was likely waiting. Another hour passed. Climbing a slope that was nearly a cliff, Nightley finally cursed out loud. ¡°Damn it, damn it, damn it! That wretched professor! Where the hell are you?! Why haven¡¯t you shown up yet?!¡± But the only answer was her own echo reverberating back at her. ¡°Come out now! I know you¡¯re watching!¡± Still, there was no response. Wiping the sweat from her brow with the back of her hand, Nightley took out the map again. She still had about a third of the way to go to reach the academy boundary, and there were hardly any gentle sections or detours. The route was perfectlyid out to torment her, as if someone had intended to give her a hard time. At this point, Nightley considered turning back. But that would be difficult. She didn¡¯t want to give up. After boasting that having her as a dedicated student would benefit his career, what would Professor Dian think if she returned empty-handed? He would probably think of her as an arrogant noble girl who couldn¡¯t back up her big talk. Furthermore, returning would mean apanying the infiltration professor or other assistants, and she couldn¡¯t ignore the eyes of other students who would already be at the academy. It wasn¡¯t about being embarrassed or ashamed; she simply detested the idea of those lower-status people talking behind her back. Besides, Nightley wanted to test her own abilities and limits. While she excelled in all subjects at the academy, that was only in theory sses and written exams. She didn¡¯t yet know her level in challenging terrain. If she couldn¡¯t even cross the mountains near the academy, she wouldn¡¯t be able to be the special agent she dreamed of. She wouldn¡¯t be able to live like the Imperial Special Forces her brothers had told her stories about, stories that had captivated her heart. If she were deemed unqualified and relegated to a desk job, she might be caught by her father and forced back home. That would render her past efforts to escape an arranged marriage and the resulting intense conflict with her father to enroll in the academy all meaningless. No, she was going to make it. Even if it killed her. If Professor Dian had any sense, he would have set up some minimum safety measures. Stuffing the map into her chest pocket, Nightley stood up, supporting herself on the ground. After several near-misses and almost falling, she finally regained her bnce and precariously began climbing the slope. # # # # # ¡°Damn it, damn it, damn it! That wretched professor! Where the hell are you?! Why haven¡¯t you shown up yet?!¡± Hearing Nightley¡¯s scream of frustration from further up the slope, Survival Professor Waver looked at me and smiled. ¡°It seems the ss president is very upset.¡± ¡°Of course she is. She came expecting personal training, but she¡¯s been climbing mountains the whole time.¡± Waver and I were sitting in a tree below the slope where Nightley was taking a break. We had been tailing her since she started her solo infiltration with the special map. Almost two hours had passed, but Nightley still hadn¡¯t noticed our presence. ¡°It looks like she¡¯s going to take a break. Shall we have some snacks too?¡± Waver took out tworge pieces of jerky from the pouch at his waist and handed one to me. ¡°This ismb jerky. I made it myself. It¡¯s delicious.¡± ¡°Hmm, it is. Really good.¡± Chewing on the jerky, Waver asked. ¡°By the way, Head Professor. I always thought I was unmatched in stealth and tracking, but seeing you today, I realize you¡¯re no slouch either. Where did you train?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t formally train; I just picked things up here and there.¡± ¡°Really? I heard rumors that you were a veteran. What unit were you with?¡± ¡°Here and there. What about you? What did you do during the war?¡± Not wanting to delve into my past, I changed the subject, and Waver answered. ¡°I was in the militia.¡± Survival Professor Waver used to be a hunter from the eastern region of the Empire, Quirana. When the Four-Year War broke out and the Demon King¡¯s army invaded, he and the locals formed a militia and fiercely resisted. ¡°Quirana has a long tradition of hunting families. We learn to shoot bows and set traps as soon as we can walk. The mountainous terrain also gave the Demon King¡¯s army a hard time.¡± I knew well about that. Early in the war, the Demon King¡¯s army swept across most of the continent, but there were a few ces where they struggled, one of which was Quirana. Mountain warfare in a region full of skilled hunters proficient with bows and traps. It must have been a nightmare. ¡°So, did you have some fun?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a bit embarrassing to say, but I received a medal for my efforts.¡± ¡°Really? What medal did you receive?¡± ¡°A Third-ss Meritorious Service Medal. I got it for putting my hundredth arrow into a Horned Demon¡¯s head.¡± ¡°Wow, that¡¯s impressive. Killing a hundred demons with a bow, and you were just a civilian hunter.¡± ¡°Haha, thank you.¡± [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] At that moment, a rustling sound drew our attention upward, and we saw Nightley struggling to get back on her feet. ¡°Oh, she¡¯s getting up. I wonder if the ss president will move forward or turn back.¡± Waver and I held our breaths and watched Nightley. After a moment of hesitation, she ced her hands on the ground and began to crawl up the slope. Waver watched her with quiet admiration. ¡°I thought a nobledy wouldn¡¯t endure such hardship, but she¡¯s impressive. Truly worthy of being the ss president.¡± ¡°Alright, Waver, you go ahead and wait for her. I¡¯ll follow behind.¡± ¡°Understood, Head Professor. See you back at the academy.¡± Stuffing the remaining jerky into his mouth, Waver leapt silently from tree to tree, quickly ascending the slope. I waited until Nightley had climbed enough of the slope before quietly following her. # # # # # ¡°Haah¡­¡± Seeing the academy lights ahead, Nightley let out a weary sigh and dropped to her knees. She had just descended a rocky cliff. Her gloves were worn out, and her muscles trembled with exhaustion. Despite this being her first exercise, Nightley had managed to reach this far thanks to her regr physical training. While she didn¡¯t know the details of navigating challenging terrain, her basic fitness had carried her to the final point of the infiltration route. ¡°You did well, Nightley.¡± Looking up with difficulty, she saw Professor Dian smiling down at her. ¡°Professor¡­ Why are you doing this to me¡­?¡± ¡°Why? This is the first session of your weekly personal training.¡± ¡°This¡­¡± Nightley forced her dry lips to move, baring her teeth. ¡°This¡­ is personal training¡­?¡± ¡°You came alone, separate from the other students. And I¡¯ve been monitoring you all along.¡± ¡°You followed me¡­? I didn¡¯t sense a thing¡­¡± ¡°You wouldn¡¯t know yet. You¡¯ll be able to sense it with more practice. But¡­¡± Professor Dian pointed over his shoulder with his thumb. ¡°The final destination is inside the academy. It¡¯s an infiltration exercise, remember?¡± ¡°Damn it¡­¡± Grinding her teeth, Nightley used her knees to push herself up, her trembling legs stepping forward. Then she stumbled and fell. Dian caught her just in time. ¡°Are you alright?¡± Seeing that she didn¡¯t respond, he realized she had passed out,pletely unconscious. It seemed pushing any further was impossible. It would have to end here. When Dian signaled, Waver, who had been in the watchtower, acknowledged and withdrew from the tower. The original n included having her evade Waver¡¯s ¡®near-miss¡¯ arrows while scaling the academy wall, but this was sufficient. The purpose of sending Nightley into such a dangerous situation alone was to test her determination and resilience. If she had given up on something as simple as oveing rough terrain, there would be no point in continuing to teach her. He would have just called her in once a week, killed time, and sent her back. That¡¯s why he tested her. Until now, she had been cocky, thinking she could handle anything with her high theoretical grades, but reality is different. I¡¯ve seen plenty of toon leaders graduate top of their ss from military academies only to lose their nerve in their first battle. Theory and practice are entirely different. Fortunately, Nightley didn¡¯t give up and made it this far. I was actually interested in teaching her, so this was a relief. Nightley is an excellent student in many ways, and I was curious to see how far she could go under my tutge. And if we produce exceptional operatives among our graduates, the Second Princess would have no reason to doubt the current system, with Kirlin as headmaster and me as a professor. Alright, Nightley. Let¡¯s keep going. # # # # # ¡°Good evening, Priestess.¡± Maya, the Priestess, looked up from her patient records as she workedte into the night due to the night infiltration ss. Professor Dian, with a disheveled appearance, walked into the infirmary carrying an unconscious blonde female student on his back. ¡°This student participated in the infiltration ss. She¡¯spletely exhausted and needs divine healing.¡± ¡°Lay her down over there.¡± While Dian ced the student on an empty bed, Maya quickly recorded the new patient¡¯s details. After confirming her patient record was thoroughly factual, Maya stood up and approached the patient. [Late at night, Professor Dian arrived with a distressed smile, drenched in sweat and carrying an unconscious, attractive female student with disheveled clothing.] [Given that no other students from the ss came by, it¡¯s suspected that their nned lesson included intense physical activity deviating from the standard curriculum.] [TL/N: Why is this loli priestess so sus o-o] [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 19 – How to Counter an Elf’s Kyoto-Style Speech (1) Chapter 19 ¨C How to Counter an Elf¡¯s Kyoto-Style Speech (1) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 19 ¨C How to Counter an Elf¡¯s Kyoto-Style Speech (1) Sitting by the window of my office, I enjoyed the morning sunlight while chewing on some jerky. This wasmb jerky, a gift from Waver. After I told him how much I liked the jerky he gave me during thest night infiltration ss, he brought me a whole basket. ¡°Head Combat Professor, it¡¯s time for the Imperial Regr Report Writing Meeting.¡± One of the Combat Department¡¯s assistants entered as the office door opened. The Imperial Regr Report. The academy regrly reports its operational status and any notable incidents to the Imperial Security Office. While the Imperial Pce doesn¡¯t tightly control the academy, most of the discretion and authority lie with the academy itself. However, since the academy trains agents for the Empire, the Imperial Pce needs to stay informed and intervene if necessary. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll be there after I finish this.¡± I stuffed the half-eatenmb jerky into my mouth and wiped my greasy fingers on my cloak before standing up from the chair. I put another piece of jerky in my pocket to snack onter. As I walked down the corridor chewing on the jerky, I saw someone standing in front of the headmaster¡¯s office. An elf with a height almost as tall as a man, glowing blonde hair, and long ears. She radiated an elegance and beauty that couldn¡¯t be described in words. It was Ismera, the Head Theory Professor. ¡°Good morning, Professor.¡± ¡°Ah, Professor Dian. You arrived just in time¡­¡± She trailed off when she saw me chewing the jerky like it was gum. It was as if she was trying hard to suppress the deep-seated contempt she felt from witnessing what she considered a vulgar act. Elves always wore gentle smiles on their faces, but you could never know what they were truly thinking. They were a sly race that considered themselves noble and superior, living in their secluded forests and often looking down on other races. Especially during the Duke¡¯s visitst time, Ismera seemed particrly inclined to such behavior. Her smiling, indirect insults reminded me of people from Kyoto¡­ # # # # # Ismera, the Head Theory Professor, walked gracefully through the academy. She was on her way to attend the Imperial Regr Report Writing Meeting. ¡°Good morning, Professor.¡± ¡°Good morning. Have a nice day.¡± Smiling at the students and staff who greeted her, Ismera thought about the uing meeting. The regr report to the Imperial Pce included sensitive information, so only the headmaster and the two head professors attended. Coincidentally, both the headmaster and the Head Combat Professor were people Ismera disliked. She had always harbored animosity towards Headmaster Kirrin, and she recently began to hate Dian because he had ruined her grand n. Ismera¡¯s grand n was for the Duke, angry about the Knightley incident, to overturn the academy, and for the Imperial Pce to use this as a pretext to dismiss Kirlin, appointing her as headmaster. But unexpectedly, Dian had unted his connection with the Duke, and the situation had ended very positively. Kirlin remained in ce, and Dian¡¯s reputation within the academy soared. Maybe Professor Dian also became the Head Combat Professor through connections? It was hard to believe that such an unimpressive human, with no notable career, held such a significant position. The idea that a scrawny man with a wooden sword could have an appropriate background to be Head Combat Professor was difficult to ept, especiallypared to the burly, older Professor Morton or the brutish orc professor from the Combat Department. Standing in front of the headmaster¡¯s office, Ismera bit her lip and raised her eyes. It was unfair. While some lost their forest and had to study for ten years in a foreign ce, struggling to be a head professor, others enjoyed luxury and privilege due to their family connections. ¡°Good morning, Head Theory Professor.¡± At that moment, an all-too-familiar voice called out from the other side. It was Head Combat Professor Dian. ¡°Ah, Professor Dian. You arrived just in time¡­¡± Seeing him chewing on something, Ismera trailed off, forcing a smile. What on earth is he doing? Eating while walking? How unsophisticated. ¡°What are you eating so deliciously? Seeing you enjoy it might make the headmaster and me hungry early.¡± It was a sophisticated way of saying, ¡°Don¡¯t walk around eating like amoner.¡± Elves, considering themselves noble, often spoke this way, but Ismera was particrly adept at it. This was her survival method, having lost her home and tribe and been thrown into the unfamiliar human society. As a proud elf, bowing her head entirely was out of the question, so herpromise was to deliver veiled insults with a smile. ¡°Oh, this? It¡¯smb jerky. Professor Waver gave it to me. He made it himself, and it¡¯s really tasty.¡± [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Dian answered cheerfully, smiling brightly. I don¡¯t care what it is, human. Ismera returned his smile politely. ¡°I see. It seems Professor Waver is continuing the famous hunting tradition of Quirana. It¡¯s probably thanks to the favorable conditions you provide as the Head Combat Professor.¡± Meaning: ¡°Is your department so idle that professors have time to make jerky?¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I can enjoy this delicious jerky. I heard it¡¯s his hobby to make and give it as gifts. Hasn¡¯t he given you any, Professor Ismera?¡± ¡°I hope I get the chance to taste it someday.¡± ¡°Someday.¡± Meaning: ¡°I will never eat such a thing.¡± Most people use this phrase as a polite expression, so Dian should understand it. ¡°Really? I happened to bring some. Would you like to try it?¡± Suddenly pulling jerky from his pocket, Dian almost made Ismera lose herposure. ¡°Thank you, but I just had breakfast, so I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t¡­ (Absolutely not!)¡± ¡°Then have itter when you¡¯re feeling peckish. Here, take it.¡± Ignoring her refusal, Dian stuffed the jerky into her robe pocket. ¡°If you like it, let me know. I¡¯ll ask Professor Waver to make some for you. Once you taste it, it¡¯s hard to stop.¡± ¡°I appreciate the offer, but I wouldn¡¯t want to burden Professor Waver¡­ (I don¡¯t want that primitive food!)¡± Then Dian waved his hands. ¡°No, no. Like I said, Waver enjoys giving these as gifts. He¡¯ll be thrilled. Burp, sorry.¡± As Dian burped, Ismera¡¯s eyelid twitched slightly. ¡°Shall we go in then? The headmaster will be pleased to see you join us. (You¡¯ve made uste with your foolishness.)¡± ¡°Hehe, shall we? Well, I have been working hardtely.¡± Dianughed and shrugged his shoulders,pletely oblivious. How could a person be so clueless? Feeling a slight sense of frustration akin to indigestion, Ismera opened the door to the headmaster¡¯s office and walked in. ¡°Ah! Wee, Dian!¡± Headmaster Kirrin, buried in a pile of documents, looked up with a delighted expression. ¡°And¡­ Professor Ismera¡­¡± The brightness in Kirlin¡¯s voice as she greeted Dian quickly diminished when she addressed Ismera. Looking at the precarious stack of documents on Kirlin¡¯s desk, Ismera gave a bewitching smile that could steal one¡¯s soul. ¡°It¡¯s impressive and admirable to see you working tirelessly for the academy¡¯s progress, headmaster. (Try organizing your desk once in a while.)¡± ¡°Well, it¡¯s my duty as the headmaster¡­ Thank you for the encouragement, Professor Ismera.¡± Kirlinughed awkwardly, while Ismera cursed inwardly. That dumb Dark Elf doesn¡¯t get it at all. ¡°Please, have a seat. I¡¯ll get some tea.¡± After sipping the tea brought by the administrative director, Ismera smiled. ¡°This tea has a rather interesting vor. (It tastes awful.)¡± ¡°Really? It¡¯s the tea I enjoyed while studying at the public academy. It¡¯s supposed to clear the mind.¡± ¡°Such a property is indeed fascinating. It must have helped you graduate with excellent grades. (What nonsense. A mediocre public academy graduate boasting about nothing.)¡± ¡°If you need some, I¡¯ll have the administrative director give you a few packets. Being a head professor is tiring, so it might help.¡± ¡°Maybe someday I¡¯ll get to experience that clear-minded feeling. (I don¡¯t need it.)¡± However, Kirlin didn¡¯t understand and cheerfully instructed the administrative director to give Ismera the remaining tea packets after the meeting, forcing her to thank him with a strained smile. These people have no sense of nuance at all¡­. The headmaster and head professors sat around the conference table to discuss the contents of the regr report to the Imperial Pce. The main focus of this quarter¡¯s report was the restructuring of the Combat Department. Dian reported on the current affairs rted to the Combat Department. ¡°We¡¯ve increased the practicalponent of allbat courses to over 80%. We¡¯ve also revised and updated the training ns ordingly.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Kirlin took notes on the report with an ink pen. Her round and neat handwriting was unexpectedly delicate for a Dark Elf. But Ismera¡¯s gaze at Kirlin¡¯s writing was filled with disdain, as if looking at a wriggling insect. ¡°The headmaster¡¯s handwriting transcends generations. (Why does an adult¡¯s handwriting look so childish?)¡± ¡°Wow, your handwriting is adorable.¡± Dian nced at Kirlin¡¯s writing andplimented it, causing Kirlin¡¯s face to flush dark red. ¡°Headmaster, do all Dark Elves have such pretty handwriting? (I can see the level of you uncultured Dark Elves.)¡± ¡°Not really. I practiced it at the public academy. I always thought it wasn¡¯t great, but if both of you like it, I¡¯m a bit embarrassed.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know much about public academies, but it sounds like a wonderful ce. (A garbage academy where they only practice handwriting?)¡± ¡°Do you really think so, Professor Ismera? That¡¯s a relief. I was worried you might look down on me for my educational background.¡± At this point, Ismera wondered if she really was suffering from indigestion. Why can¡¯t they understand a thing?! Gathering her scattered thoughts, Ismera smiled and spoke. ¡°Of course not, headmaster. Although we¡¯ve walked different paths, we¡¯re both doing the rewarding work of teaching students here at the academy. (Obviously, you and I are worlds apart. Don¡¯t think we¡¯re equals just because we work at the same school.)¡± ¡°Wow¨C!¡± Dian pped his hands in admiration. ¡°As expected of Professor Ismera! Your noble appearance matches the brilliance of your thoughts. Truly, elves are remarkable!¡± ¡°No¡­ That¡¯s not what I meant¡­¡± Feeling a sudden dizziness, Professor Ismera stuttered. [TL/N: Kyoto-style speech refers to the Japanese Kyoto dialect/ent. Kyoto people, especially from the inner city, are masters of passive-agressiveness tatemae.] [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 20 – How to Counter an Elf’s Kyoto-Style Speech (2) Chapter 20 ¨C How to Counter an Elf¡¯s Kyoto-Style Speech (2) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 20 ¨C How to Counter an Elf¡¯s Kyoto-Style Speech (2) ¡°Indeed, Professor Ismera! Your noble appearance matches the brilliance of your thoughts. Truly, elves are remarkable!¡± ¡°No¡­ that¡¯s not what I meant¡­¡± Professor Ismera¡¯s words faltered, her eyes widening in shock. Feigning ignorance, I widened my eyes and asked. ¡°So, is there a deeper meaning to what you¡¯re saying?¡± ¡°Uh¡­? Well¡­ No¡­ I mean¡­¡± Watching Ismera flounder, Headmaster Kirrin tilted her head in confusion while I chuckled inwardly. Elves consider themselves a noble race and never make outright rude remarks to others. However, their sense of superiority is so strong that they subtly belittle other races. Thus, when conversing with elves, one must be cautious. Their seemingly polite words often conceal a veiled contempt. The best way to deal with such people is to pretend to be clueless. The ideal response to their twisted and convoluted speech is to take it at face value with wide-eyed innocence. It¡¯s funny, though. While I was intentionally pretending not to understand, it seemed like Headmaster Kirrin genuinely didn¡¯t get it. Dark Elves are usually as devious as regr elves, but Kirlin is an exception. Adorable, really. No wonder Ismera must have felt frustrated beyond measure since stepping into the Headmaster¡¯s office. Yet, an elf is an elf. She wouldn¡¯t drop her facade. So, shall we call it a day? Now that she knows her subtle insults don¡¯t work, she won¡¯t try this nonsense again. ¡°Anyway, I, Dian the Human, have gained a new reverence for the elven race. Having someone here who is beautiful both inside and out is a great honor.¡± ¡°Uh¡­ um¡­ Th-thank you¡­¡± Ismera, who seemed to be trying to say something, ended up stammering, avoiding my gaze. Seeing Ismera like this, Kirlin¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. It must be her first time seeing an elf so flustered, just like it¡¯s my first time seeing such an endearing Dark Elf. ¡°Shall we continue writing the report?¡± ¡°Oh, right.¡± Kirlin, who had been staring nkly, hastily grabbed her pen, and I resumed my report on the Combat Department. ¡°And we¡¯ve reinforced the infirmary¡¯s capabilities by having the church send a Holy Priestess, which allows for more intensive field training.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ anything else?¡± ¡°We¡¯ve established maintenance ns for long-unused outdoor training facilities, and they will be fully restored within a month.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ what else?¡± ¡°We¡¯ve added advanced courses to the curriculum. We need specialized experts for these, and I n to recruit some active duty personnel.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ recruiting experts¡­¡± Keeping her eyes on the report, Kirlin continued to mumble ¡®hmm¡­¡¯ as she wrote. It¡¯s quite cute, really¡­ A quick nce at Ismera showed that she cringed every time Kirlin went ¡®hmm¡­¡¯, but then quickly forced a smile whenever I looked her way. ¡°And please allocate more budget. We need to purchase various equipment and gear for the practical exercises.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t need to request that from the Imperial Pce. We have plenty of budget ourselves.¡± Kirlin answered confidently. Now that I think about it, Kirlin did mention during one of her numerous requests for my help that she had saved up a substantial budget and I could use it freely. How much has she been saving up? ¡°How much do we have?¡± ¡°Enough that it won¡¯t be an issue.¡± Hmm, I see¡­ ¡°If there¡¯s so much money lying around, Headmaster, how about we start a business?¡± ¡°A business?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s build a shopping district within the academy.¡± ¡°A shopping district? What do you mean?¡± I had been thinking about this for a while. Our academy is almost the size of a small town, packed with various facilities and a significant poption. Students, faculty, maintenance staff, security personnel, and their families all reside here. In modern universities of this size, you¡¯d expect to see various franchises, but we have none. We have some academy-run shops, but they struggle to meet the needs of the students. Faculty members have to take carriages past the academy gates to the city for shopping, which is quite inconvenient. Even I find it cumbersome to constantly ask Olysia to fetch things I want. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] ¡°So, we should allocate some unused buildings to host private businesses. Restaurants, bakeries, hair salons, shops, bathhouses, and so on. The academy would collect rent and a percentage of their profits. We can review their performance annually and rece any that don¡¯t meet our standards.¡± ¡°My, what a novel idea.¡± While Kirlin still looked puzzled, Ismera spoke up. ¡°Our headbat professor seems to be well-versed in business as well. You would thrive if you pursued this¡­ business venture¡­¡± Looking at her with a smile, Ismera flinched and averted her gaze. She was implying that I should stick to my role as a professor and not dabble in business. People never change their true nature, do they? Even after what just happened, she¡¯s at it again, tsk tsk. ¡°So, headmaster, what do you think of my idea? No one loses out here, right?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not a bad idea, but¡­ this has nothing to do with education and training. What if the Imperial Pce objects?¡± ¡°How is it unrted? It¡¯s for the welfare of the students. If they eat well, dress well, and have fun, their grades will improve too.¡± ¡°Hmm, well¡­¡± ¡°If you¡¯re really worried, just add a note saying it¡¯s proposed by Professor Dian.¡± ¡°Write your name? That¡¯s not eptable!¡± Kirlin shouted. ¡°What if you fall out of favor with the Security Chief?¡± ¡°Do you want to fall out of favor instead?¡± ¡°Eek!¡± ¡°Just write it. It¡¯s really tough living here. If we can¡¯t build a shopping district, I¡¯ll quit.¡± Hurriedly, Kirlin wrote my name down. I openlyughed at this, while Ismera frowned in disgust. Afterwards, Ismera reported on the Theoretical Department, and Kirlin meticulously took notes and organized the report. ¡°Hmm, this is good¡­ this looks fine¡­ everything seems fine.¡± Kirlin smiled as she checked off each item, verifying there were no errors or omissions. ¡°We¡¯re all set. Thank you both for your hard work.¡± I just realized that Kirlin¡¯s smile is rather cute. Who would have thought that ¡°cute¡± would be a fitting adjective for a Dark Elf? # # # # # After the meeting, Ismera greeted Professor Dian as they left the headmaster¡¯s office. ¡°Well done, Professor Dian. I was deeply moved by your dedication to the academy¡¯s advancement. (What? You suggested putting your own name as the proposer? You¡¯re just beating your own drum.)¡± ¡°Thank you very much. (Yeah, whatever.) By the way, I¡¯ll definitely ask Professor Waver to make some jerky for you. It¡¯s really delicious. You haven¡¯t thrown away the jerky I gave you earlier, right? (I know you¡¯ll toss it as soon as you can, you sly fox.)¡± Ismera, who had been nning to throw it away as soon as she got to her office, felt a twinge of guilt as she patted the pocket of her robe. ¡°I have it safely stored here. (You jerk.) But, Professor Dian.¡± Ismera held up the packet she was carrying. It was the tea leaves that Kirlin had instructed the administrative director to give to her. ¡°Do you perhaps enjoy tea? (I¡¯m never going to drink this garbage, so you might as well have it.)¡± ¡°Haha, I¡¯m not really into it. That was a special gift from the headmaster to you, Professor Ismera. Enjoy it in your own time. (Nice try, but no thanks.)¡± When Professor Dian politely declined the packet, Ismera had no choice but to ept it with a dignified smile. ¡°Well then, I¡¯ll be off. Please join me for tea in my office sometime. (You know this means get lost, right?)¡± ¡°Oh? Really? I¡¯d love to. I¡¯ll definitelye by. (I¡¯m not just saying that; I¡¯m serious. Be prepared.)¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting. (As if you¡¯ll actuallye.)¡± After parting ways with Professor Dian, Ismera stopped, gritted her teeth, and red at Dian¡¯s retreating figure. Originally, Ismera¡¯s primary target was Kirlin, and Dian wasn¡¯t as significant. However, after today¡¯s regr report meeting, Dian had rapidly be Ismera¡¯s new primary target. She couldn¡¯t stand how he, someone who got into the academy through sheer luck, meddled in everything and acted like he was in charge. Moreover, his inability to understand anything she said and constantly changing the subject drove her mad. I really¡­ really hate him to the point of wanting to kill him¡­. Walking expressionlessly, Ismera pulled the jerky out of her pocket and threw it into the flowerbed. ¡°Good afternoon, Professor.¡± ¡°Hello. Isn¡¯t it a lovely day?¡± Just as she was about to tear open the packet of tea leaves, she smiled warmly at the students who greeted her. This stuff would make a mess if I threw it here, so I¡¯ll take it to my office. Clenching the half-torn packet, Ismera walked with steps full of rage. ¡°Good afternoon, Professor.¡± ¡°Hello. You work so hard. Hoho.¡± What? A shopping district in the academy? This guy was never cut out to be a professor. Now he wants to charge rent from merchants? Ridiculous. Even with all his attention on teaching, it¡¯s still not enough, and now he wants to yndlord? Insane. The Imperial Pce will be furious and demand ountability from whoever proposed this madness, along with the responsible headmaster. He must have thought it was a brilliant idea and wanted all the credit for himself, but it will backfire on him spectacrly. That dumb Dark Elf is smiling, unaware she¡¯s falling into the same pit with him. I hope they both get ousted. And a few dayster, Ismera would hear news that would shock her to the core. The Imperial Pce had responded very positively to the proposal and expressed their willingness to provide support for the project. What¡­? What the hell is this¡­? Just like the incident with the Duke¡¯s visit, why do things keep turning out this way¡­? What the hell is going on¡­!! [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 21 – Ride Your Steed, Knightley (1) Chapter 21 ¨C Ride Your Steed, Knightley (1) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 21 ¨C Ride Your Steed, Knightley (1) ¡°Hahaha!¡± The Second Princessughed loudly enough to show her tonsils as she sat in her office. She had just finished reading a regr report from the Special Mission Academy. The report, written in neat handwriting, detailed general status, budget management, ongoing issues, and suggestions. She couldn¡¯t say much about anything else, but the Dark Elf headmaster had beautiful handwriting. This particr report contained some special content: aprehensive overhaul of the Combat Department. The practical exercises, previously reduced due to Kirrin¡¯s caution, were significantly increased and everything was to be conducted based on field standards, with conditions to support this in ce. Kirrin had misunderstood the Second Princess¡¯s warning not to neglect thebat subjects, thinking it was a trap to get her fired. Meanwhile, the Emperor pressured the Princess not to dismiss Kirrin. A problem that had been stagnant for years was transformed by someone named Dian in just a month, causing the Princess to burst intoughter. The Second Princess immediately wrote a response to the report. She approved all of the Academy¡¯s suggestions. She particrly praised the proposals rted to themercial district and promised full support if requested. The headmaster was doing well without being told. Very impressive. As expected of Sir Linus¡¯s friend. # # # # # ¡°You seem to be in a good mood.¡± Her aide, who had been waiting outside, greeted her as she left the office. ¡°Something happened.¡± ¡°Are you heading to His Majesty¡¯s office right away?¡± ¡°I must.¡± Following the Second Princess, who was walking down the corridor with her folder, the aide cautiously spoke. ¡°Are you nning to propose the dismissal of the Special Mission Academy headmaster again today?¡± ¡°Well.¡± ¡°This is the fifth time. I¡¯m worried His Majesty might get furious.¡± ¡°His Majesty won¡¯t be angry about that today.¡± The aide¡¯s eyes widened at the Second Princess¡¯s answer. ¡°Have you given up on proposing Headmaster Kirrin¡¯s dismissal?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not giving up, it¡¯s deferring. For now.¡± The aide, seeing the cool smile spreading across the Princess¡¯s lips, asked cautiously. ¡°Is it rted to the man you met with Sir Linus?¡± ¡°Yes. As long as he¡¯s around, Headmaster Kirrin won¡¯t be touched for the time being.¡± ¡°Your Highness, who exactly is that man?¡± ¡°Wait here. I¡¯ll go in alone.¡± Ignoring the aide¡¯s question, the Second Princess entered the Emperor¡¯s office. Both the Emperor and the First Prince, who were in the middle of a conversation, looked at her simultaneously. ¡°It¡¯s me. Ah, and my brother is here too.¡± Seeing the folder in her hand, the Emperor spoke in an angry tone. ¡°If you¡¯re here to talk nonsense about dismissing the Special Mission headmaster, get out immediately! A man¡¯s word is his bond, and an Emperor¡¯s promise is worth more than a thousand gold¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that. This is about current issues from the Security Office.¡± The Second Princess smiled leisurely as she showed the folder, and the First Prince bowed to the Emperor. ¡°Then I will take my leave, Your Majesty.¡± ¡°Brother. What were you discussing so closely with His Majesty?¡± ¡°It has nothing to do with you. Stay out of it.¡± The First Prince, passing by the Second Princess, responded coldly, but when he met her gaze¡ªher face half-covered with scars¡ªhe flinched involuntarily. Perhaps because of this, the First Prince appeared quite small next to the Second Princess, despite being a man. Like the Emperor sitting there, the First Prince also had a thin frame and a sinister look, quite different from the tall and well-built Second Princess. Looking down at the First Prince, the Second Princess gave a half-smile. ¡°Very well. Goodbye, brother.¡± After the First Prince left and closed the door, the Emperor beckoned with a finger. The Second Princess spread the folder on the desk and began her report. It was a mid-term report on the ongoing issues managed by the Imperial Security Office, nothing particrly special. The Emperor silently nodded his head in response, then picked up an ornate ink pen and scribbled a grand signature. ¡°Thank you. I will continue to proceed diligently.¡± The Emperor red at her with wrinkled eyes, clearly displeased. ¡°Mirellis.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been hearing a lot about youtely. I hear you¡¯ve been recing key positions in the Security Office and its subordinate organizations with officers from your legion.¡± ¡°I wasn¡¯t particrly considering their background. I just happened to selectpetent people, and it seems they had something inmon. There was no special intention.¡± The Emperor pointed a trembling, thin finger at the Second Princess, Mirellis. ¡°A protruding nail gets hammered down.¡± ¡°Absolutely right, Your Majesty.¡± ¡°I acknowledge your merits in the war, but remember that doesn¡¯t absolve all your actions. You¡¯re not alone in the Pce.¡± ¡°Of course, Your Majesty.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t tolerate you crossing the line to make up for your humble originspared to your siblings.¡± ¡°I will bear that in mind, Your Majesty.¡± Mirellis smiled confidently and slightly bowed her head. It was evident the Emperor didn¡¯t appreciate that smile. ¡°And, just to reiterate, do not touch the Special Mission Academy headmaster. Nemara saved my life, and the headmaster is his daughter. Understood?¡± ¡°Of course. I will take my leave.¡± As Mirellis was about to turn around, the Emperor asked another question. ¡°By the way, how is that man, Dian, doing?¡± ¡°He¡¯s quiet and well. He seems quite satisfied with his position.¡± ¡°When is heing to the Pce? I need him where I can keep an eye on him.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve mentioned this before.¡± Mirellis answered with a gentle smile. ¡°He left the Pce because he was ufortable being treated like a hero. If Your Majesty summons him, who knows if he might disappear again like he did ten years ago.¡± The Emperor¡¯s face paled at those words. For the past ten years, the Emperor hadn¡¯t had a peaceful night¡¯s sleep. The reason was none other than the sudden disappearance of a member of the Demon King yer party, Dian. The Emperor believed Dian had vanished out of dissatisfaction with the Empire and feared he would return one day to kill him. It might seem like an absurd delusion, but after Dark Elf assassins had once infiltrated his chamber during the Four-Year War, the Emperor had be extremely paranoid. Therefore, he had the Security Office and the Intelligence Department tirelessly search for Dian, and appointed Linus as the Captain of the Guard. The logic was that, as a member of the team that killed the Demon King, only a hero could stop Dian if he ever intruded. This was true as well. However, Linus was too talented to remain as the Captain of the Guard, so after years of effort, the Second Princess had recently managed to rece him, prompting the Emperor to make the crazy suggestion of bringing Nemara¡¯s Dark Elf n to the Pce. In the midst of this, Linus miraculously found the whereabouts of the missing special force team member, Dian, and brought him back to the Empire. At first, the Second Princess did not intend to tell anyone about Dian. She wanted to prevent any factions interested in his history from making unnecessary moves and to keep him fully under her control. Of course, there were a few people who had interacted with him during his three years of military service and formed a connection, but those who knew he was a member of the Demon King yer Special Force were few and far between. However, when the Emperor began actual procedures to bring the Nemara n to the Pce, she reported the matter to him to stop it. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Bringing Dark Elves into the Pce was out of the question and faced immense opposition, but the Emperor had a precedent of appointing the Dark Elf Kirrin as the headmaster of the Special Mission Academy. Especially since this matter involved his own life, he would push it more strongly. If left alone, the Pce gardens might actually be filled with traitorous Dark Elves. If that happened, all of the Second Princess¡¯s long-term ns would be ruined. So, while reporting that she had brought Dian to the academy, she added a little seasoning. She said that the reason Dian had gone into seclusion was because he was ufortable with the attention and that he had onlye because she promised to keep his identity secret. Thus, if the Emperor wanted to ensure Dian didn¡¯t disappear again, he should avoid provoking him and allow him to livefortably. So far, the situation was aligning with the Second Princess¡¯s wishes. ¡°Rest assured, Your Majesty. I will personally ensure he is well-managed.¡± The Second Princess bowed her head to the Emperor, who was sweating with anxiety, with a smile. # # # # # As the Second Princess left the Emperor¡¯s office, her aide approached her. ¡°Did the report go well? I saw the First Prince leaving; was there any trouble?¡± ¡°There was. Not for me, but for him. My brother despises crossing paths with me.¡± The First Prince, along with the other siblings, hated and envied the Second Princess. Unlike their pitiful selves, she had a different physique and appearance, save for her silver hair. She had also earned significant military aplishments with her bold decisions and fearlessness on the battlefield. She was a concubine¡¯s child. Supported by the powerful figures who served with her in the war, the Second Princess had swiftly risen to prominence in the Pce, bypassing the line of session. Thus, the other heirs viewed Mirellis with contempt. ¡°But why was His Majesty shouting? Did something happen again?¡± ¡°It was trivial. Don¡¯t worry about it.¡± ¡°But I am concerned. His Majesty¡¯s whims and suspicions toward you are growing by the day.¡± The aide lowered his voice. ¡°The fact that he trusts that unsettling Dark Elf n, Nemara¡­ perhaps His Majesty is experiencing something simr to what happened to your mother¡­¡± ¡°Spections should be raised when they can be supported.¡± ¡°My apologies¡­¡± The Second Princess smiled at her flustered aide and asked, ¡°Is today the graduation ceremony for the Legion¡¯s Special Forces?¡± ¡°Yes. After preparing, you will move by carriage. You will dine with the Special Forces Commander and then preside over a night meeting with the Inspectorate Division heads.¡± ¡°Understood. In the meantime, deliver orders to themander of Unit 5439 to enhance surveince on the First Prince¡¯s quarters starting today.¡± ¡°To themander of Unit 5439, enhance surveince on the First Prince¡¯s quarters. Confirmed.¡± The aide received the order and disappeared down the corridor like a shadow. Left alone, the Second Princess walked to another location, pondering the aide¡¯s words. They were not entirely unfounded. The ongoing delusions, trusting Dark Elves instead of the Empire¡¯s officials, the Emperor had been bing increasingly strange since the war ended. Some officials suspected that the elderly Emperor was suffering from mental illness or dementia due to the stress of the four-year war and the trauma from the assassination attempt. Moreover, he had barely slept properly in thest decade. Of course, no one would dare to voice such suspicions openly, but it was clear that the Emperor¡¯s condition was abnormal. Lost in thought, the Second Princess arrived at her destination: a secluded tower in the Pce. She climbed the spiraling staircase, reaching a small bedroom. In the bed, bathed in the light of the setting suning through the window, a frail yet beautiful woman was sitting, hugging a doll and staring outside. ¡°Mother.¡± Mirellis called softly, and the woman flinched and looked her way. ¡°Don¡¯te closer!¡± The woman screamed, clutching the doll tighter, as she saw therge scar on the Second Princess¡¯s face and her mangled eyelid. ¡°I will never let them take Mirellis!¡± ¡°I¡¯m not here to take Mirellis. I just came to check on you¡­.¡± As the woman grabbed a ss from the nightstand and threw it, Mirellis caught it in mid-air. However, the water spilled, soaking her hair. ¡°Get out! Get out now! No, I can never let them take her!¡± Looking at her mother¡¯s eyes, filled with madness, Mirellis gave a sorrowful smile. ¡°Then¡­ I will visit again. Please take care.¡± Bowing deeply, Mirellis turned to leave the tower but stopped. ¡°Please take good care of my mother.¡± She handed a few gold coins to the caretaker before heading to her office. Mirellis¡¯s mother had gone mad after drinking poisoned wine meant for Mirellis, prepared by a ¡®certain faction¡¯ that feared Mirellis¡¯s growing power. Even after several years, she had not recovered, clinging to a doll she believed was her daughter, never stepping outside the tower. Mirellis knew exactly who that faction was. Expect good things¡­ someday, I will bring you all to ruin and im the throne myself. To do that, she needed to keep Dian under her control and make good use of him. By now, he would have roughly figured out the situation and would be busy scheming in his own way. Judging by theirst meeting, he had both guts and intelligence. The Pce was a den of vipers, each hiding venomous fangs and waiting to strike. To survive as the mad concubine¡¯s child in such a ce, the Second Princess intended to use Dian as her powerful fangs. # # # # # Meanwhile, at the Special Mission Academy, in the house where Dian stayed, ¡°What¡¯s this, Olysia? Didn¡¯t you say we¡¯d have gambas today?¡± ¡°I was too busy to get the ingredients. This is good too, so just eat it!¡± ¡°I wanted to dip bread in the gambas sauce¡­ what a shame.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not this picky when you dine with the higher-ups, are you?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not a child.¡± ¡°But your taste is childish.¡± ¡°Hey!¡± ¡°Make sure you don¡¯t act like this outside.¡± Olysia wagged her finger at him. ¡°It¡¯s best not to give the higher-ups any reason to criticize. They all hide venomous fangs. If you want to rise higher¡­¡± ¡°I don¡¯t care, you brat. Let them bite if they want. And there¡¯s no need to climb higher. Anyway, tomorrow it¡¯s gambas. Got it?!¡± ¡°Oh, really¡­¡± Contrary to the Second Princess¡¯s expectations that he would be busy with political calctions, Dian was bickering with his young maid, Olysia, over not having his desired menu. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 22 – Ride Your Steed, Knightley (2) Chapter 22 ¨C Ride Your Steed, Knightley (2) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 22 ¨C Ride Your Steed, Knightley (2) Upon confirming the positive response from the Pce, the academy began working on establishing themercial district. Initially hesitant about the proposal, Kirrin was surprisingly proactive this time. ¡°Because the Director of National Security gave us a good word for the first time.¡± Holding the handwritten reply from the Second Princess, Kirrin¡¯s face was flushed with excitement as she chattered away. ¡°This has never happened since I became headmaster. I¡¯ve always been scolded in writing, and once I was even summoned to the Pce. I was so scared that I peed a little. Oh, that¡¯s a secret!¡± Kirrin quickly put a finger to her lips. ¡°Anyway, this is an opportunity. I¡¯m going to create the best academymercial district so that when the Director of National Security visits, she¡¯ll be satisfied.¡± ¡°That¡¯s great. I¡¯m d to hear it.¡± ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to you.¡± Suddenly, Kirrin grabbed my hand. ¡°Since you came, everything has changed, and we even received praise from the Director of National Security. So, stay by my side from now on¡­ Ah?!¡± In the middle of speaking, Kirrin abruptly let go of my hand, startled. ¡°I got too excited¡­ Sorry.¡± ¡°Seeing you happy makes me happy too.¡± ¡°Uh, right¡­¡± Kirrin, fidgeting with the hand that had held mine, eventually hung her head. Cute. The first phase of ourmercial district n included a restaurant, a bakery, a salon, a general store, and a bathhouse. I also suggested including a famous and high-end dessert cafe from the capital. The same ce that made the fresh cream pie I had quickly eaten alone after cutting short my meeting with Knightley. It might seem redundant with the bakery, but this is a medieval fantasy setting. Here, the bread from the bakery is more of a staple food rather than a snack. Thus, it¡¯s not quite suitable as a treat. Moreover, looking at our academy¡¯s student ratio, half are female. For girls of this age, chatting in a cafe with sweet desserts and drinks is a key part of their daily routine. It¡¯s not just the girls; boys enjoy sweets too. The staff are in the same situation. With no light-hearted ces to chat, they often linger around the faculty offices or shady smoking areas behind the main building. So, a dessert cafe is essential for the well-being of those residing at the academy. I also want easy ess to such desserts without constantly sending Olysia into the city canter. Additionally, I proposed another idea to the headmaster and Ismera. ¡°You¡¯re suggesting we create a practical training area for the Theoretical Department in themercial district?¡± Ismera asked, trying to maintain herposure. ¡°I heard that the Theoretical Department has a separate ss specializing in ounting andmerce. We should bring those students in for practical training. They need to learn on-site, not just from books.¡± Our academy is a Special Mission Academy, essentially a spy school. However, we don¡¯t train every student to be a spy. The academy is an institution that trains ¡®all-round civil servants¡¯ desired by the Empire, which includes the uniquebat curriculum not found in other general academies. Thus, not all graduates will be undercover agents; some will be ordinary civil servants, while others will be dispatched as needed in various roles. Some will end up in the treasury or ounting departments of major institutions in the capital. Although rare, some might transition into the private sector instead of bing civil servants, so they need to gain diverse experiences and practical skills beyondbat and theory. Even those bing undercover agents will sometimes need knowledge for tasks like embezzlement or infiltration jobs, so basic knowledge is essential. Training students to be versatile will satisfy the Second Princess and maintain the current structure with me as a professor and Kirrin as the headmaster. Maintaining this structure is best for Linus and me, which is why I interfere with other departments. Ismera, with a forced smile, spoke up. ¡°As expected of the Head Professor of the Combat Department, you certainly have bold and creative ideas. (You idiot, why are you meddling in other departments?)¡± ¡°Our temperaments are different, the Combat Department being dynamicpared to the static Theoretical Department. (You narrow-minded prude, I¡¯m giving you a good idea.)¡± ¡°We¡¯ll discuss this positively with our professors. (No way, are you crazy? Turning students into merchants?)¡± Meanwhile, Kirrin, who had been listening quietly, suddenly spoke up. ¡°I think that¡¯s a really good idea! Let¡¯s include it!¡± ¡°Eh? No, I mean¡­ Uh¡­ (This Dark Elf?!)¡± Ismera hurriedly managed her expression in response to Kirrin¡¯s unexpected reaction. ¡°Headmaster. (You fool) Of course, I also think Professor Dian¡¯s idea is excellent. However, it requires various discussions, so why not proceed with caution? (We¡¯re absolutely against it.)¡± ¡°Discussions? You mean approval from the Pce? (Look at this?)¡± I interjected, and Ismera turned to me with a serene smile. ¡°If necessary. (Let¡¯s not make this a big issue, okay?)¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that. If the Pce approved themercial district, they wouldn¡¯t oppose this either. (Are you still not getting the picture?) Let¡¯s send a letter. Since the Head Professor of the Theoretical Department agrees too. (Should I also formally involve you in the proposal to the Pce?)¡± Ismera kept silent, not responding further. That cunning elf. ¡°This is something the academy can handle at its discretion without troubling the Pce. (Let¡¯s keep this amicable.) Let¡¯s not unnecessarily stir things up in the Pce. (If you keep opposing, I¡¯ll formally propose this to the Pce with your name included.)¡± ¡°On reflection, I find Professor Dian¡¯s suggestion quite reasonable. (Ugh, damn it¡­)¡± With Kirrin¡¯s enthusiastic support and Ismera¡¯s reluctant agreement, this too was approved. Now, where to establish themercial district was the next question, but I had that figured out too. There were two four-story buildings facing each other across a road, situated between the central administrative buildings and the southern dormitories and staff residences. They were conveniently connected to the western main gate, making it an ideal location for themercial district. Fortunately, Ismera didn¡¯tunch any passive-aggressivements about this. With the positive response from the Pce and the headmaster¡¯s approval, the academy administration swiftly contracted an interior designpany and conducted site visits with city merchants. As a result, nearly all the shops we wanted were confirmed. Construction began immediately that day. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] The sight of wagons loaded with construction materials and workers lined up to enter was quite a spectacle. ¡°Hey, Dian.¡± As I watched with folded arms, a gruff voice called out from below. Looking down, I saw Kazadar, the Dwarf Professor of Combat Department, looking up at me. ¡°What are you doing here instead of teaching?¡± ¡°Damn it, I can¡¯t concentrate at all.¡± Kazadar showed me his ten thick fingers, all bruised at the tips. ¡°What¡¯s that? Did you dig a tunnel with your bare hands?¡± ¡°I was demonstrating during a practical and got distracted, hitting my fingers with the hammer repeatedly. I couldn¡¯t help but watch the construction site outside the workshop.¡± Kazadar grumbled, pointing at the busy construction site. ¡°Human construction techniques are so primitive it drives me crazy. They shouldn¡¯t be doing it like that. Especially the bathhouse¡ªit needs meticulous work!¡± ¡°So, what do you suggest?¡± ¡°Actually, I have a favor to ask.¡± I knew what this Dwarf was going to say before he even said it. ¡°You want to join the construction team, don¡¯t you?¡± ¡°What?! How did you know?!¡± ¡°What else would a Dwarf with a hammer in hand and drooling over the construction say?¡± ¡°You¡¯re a sharp one!¡± A professor frequenting the construction site during spare time might cause a ruckus in the real world, but it¡¯s different if that professor is a Dwarf. Dwarves are inherently skilled in mining, construction, design, and crafting. If Kazadar joins, we can drastically shorten the construction time. He can¡¯t miss his sses, but if he works during his free periods, I can authorize it without needing to report to the headmaster. There¡¯s no reason to refuse. ¡°Alright. Just during your free periods.¡± ¡°Thanks, Dian! I was itching to get involved!¡± Kazadar, excited, ran to the construction site on his short legs. # # # # # The rumor about amercial district being built at the academy spread like wildfire. Restaurants, general stores, bathhouses, salons, and even a branch of a famous dessert cafe from the city wereing in. All thanks to Combat Head Professor Dian, who ¡®risked dismissal by proposing a project that had nothing to do with the curriculum but solely aimed at student welfare.¡¯ Until now, people had to use the low-quality shops run by academy employees or ride a carriage into the city. Especially when students had limited freedom to leave, the prospect of amercial district with a dessert cafe was a major transformation and a notable achievement. Even students whoined about the tougherbat sses had to acknowledge this one. Because of this, Dian¡¯s poprity among students, and even faculty and staff, skyrocketed. In reality, it was an internal project that the academy could handle on its own, and informing the Pce was just a PR move to show off their hard work. But that¡¯s not something the students would know. Anyway, without Dian, themercial district wouldn¡¯t have happened, so credit was due. ¡°I love Professor Dian.¡± ¡°He¡¯s handsome, funny, and kind. How can he be so perfect?¡± Students who were highly fond of Dian gathered whenever they could to talk about him. Some even lingered around, hoping to run into him while he patrolled with a wooden sword slung over his shoulder. There were even groups of students training after hours to impress him. This also increased the students¡¯ interest in Knightley. Everyone already knew about the friendship between her father, Duke Toulouse, and Professor Dian. ¡°Senior Knightley, what kind of person is Professor Dian?¡± Today, a few new students who didn¡¯t know Knightley¡¯s cold and prickly nature approached her with a barrage of questions. ¡°Have you known him since you were young? Do you know what he likes?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know, so get lost. If you ask again¡­¡± ¡°There¡¯s Professor Dian!¡± At that moment, someone shouted from afar, and the new students abandoned Knightley to rush towards the source of the shout. ¡°Listen to people when they¡¯re talking!¡± Knightley yelled angrily, but the new students had already lost interest in her. ¡°Professor Dian! Hello!¡± ¡°Oh, hey. What are you all doing here? nning a rebellion or something?¡± As Dian made a joking remark to the crowd of students swarming him,ughter erupted from all around. ¡°You¡¯re so handsome! Please go out with me!¡± ¡°Should I? But you¡¯ll have to wait until I get out of prison for luring a minor.¡± Moreughter ensued. ¡°Please watch my swordsmanship! I practiced it for you! Hyap hyap!¡± ¡°Wow, impressive. If this were a culinary school, you¡¯d be top of the ss.¡± ¡°Oh, you¡¯re so funny!¡± Watching the bustling scene around Dian, Knightley bit her lip unknowingly. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 23 – Ride Your Steed, Knightley (3) Chapter 23 ¨C Ride Your Steed, Knightley (3) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 23 ¨C Ride Your Steed, Knightley (3) After the night infiltration ss, things were unexpectedly quiet. Knightley thought the students would gossip about how she couldn¡¯t even enter the academy and had to be carried to the infirmary, but they either continued to admire, fear, or secretly disdain her, just as usual. This was all thanks to Priestess Maya and Professor Dian. Maya, who kept her mouth shut, didn¡¯t tell anyone about what happened in the infirmary, and Professor Dian spread a usible rumor that ¡°Knightley was put through an advanced training session because she was at a higher level.¡± Thanks to this, Knightley could continue her academy life as usual. But not everything could stay the same. ¡°Professor, you set me up on purpose, didn¡¯t you?¡± That night in the infirmary, aftering to her senses thanks to the healing of the Holy Priestess, Knightley confronted Professor Dian. ¡°You sent me to that impossible ce to knock me down a peg, didn¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Do you really think I¡¯d do that? If I had that intention, there are easier ways.¡± ¡°Then why did you do it?¡± ¡°Because that¡¯s the daily life of the agents you so desperately want to be.¡± With a subtle smile, Dian told Knightley about the various tasks field agents had to perform. Throughout the conversation, Knightley¡¯s expression changed constantly, from interest and curiosity to shock and fear. ¡°Do they really¡­ do such things¡­?¡± ¡°I can¡¯t give you specifics, but yes. And that¡¯s just the usual tasks. What you call ¡®special¡¯ agents have it even tougher.¡± ¡°How can they¡­ No matter how special they are¡­ They¡¯re still human, not polymorphed dragons¡­.¡± ¡°Haha!¡± Dianughed loudly, causing Priestess Maya, who was writing patient records, to look up. ¡°Please keep it quiet in the infirmary.¡± ¡°My apologies, Priestess.¡± Dian gave a slight bow to Priestess Maya, then turned back to Knightley,ughing softly. ¡°As you said, they¡¯re human. If you train under me, you can do it too, but only if you¡¯re willing. Today was a kind of test to see if you were truly determined.¡± Knightley couldn¡¯t respond immediately and closed her mouth. She remembered the steep terrain she climbed and fell from, relying only on moonlight. The branches hitting her face, the camouge paint washed away by sweat. Her thigh muscles felt like they would burst, and she tasted iron in her mouth from the rising fatigue. It was the most extreme physical and mental exhaustion she had ever experienced. Doing this every week? Can I¡­ really do this¡­? The sound of Maya writing seemed exceptionally loud, and Knightley bit her lip. I have to do it. It¡¯s toote to turn back now. I have to be a field agent. If I don¡¯t, my father will use his power to pull me back to the family. Having run away once, running away twice is impossible, and I¡¯ll end up in a loveless political arranged marriage. That can¡¯t happen. Moreover, seeing Professor Dian¡¯s smile ignited a strange sense ofpetitiveness in her. Knightley had never been beneath anyone before. Everyone fawned over her, and no one ever acted against her wishes. She thought Professor Dian would be the same. A man with a fair appearance who smiled too easily at everything. Knightley thought she could control him like she did everyone else. But she was gravely mistaken. She thought she had Dian under her thumb, but she was the one who had been outmaneuvered. There was an invisible, solid wall around Dian that she couldn¡¯t ovee, leaving her feeling helpless. It was a humiliating and shameful feeling she had never experienced before, which made her angry. She wanted to wipe that smile off Dian¡¯s face, to see him flounder before her like everyone else had. She wanted to surpass and crush him! To do that, she needed to focus on her personal training sessions, yet there he was, joking around with the students. Pathetic! This is a breach of contract. I need to formally protest. ¡°Ugh¡­!¡± As Knightley stormed towards Dian, she was almost knocked over by a group of students who suddenly joined the crowd. ¡°Watch where you¡¯re going!¡± But the students were so focused on Dian that they didn¡¯t even notice Knightley was there. ¡°Move! Let me through!¡± She tried to push her way in, but it was impossible to break through the crowd alone. Instead, she was jostled by someone¡¯s elbow and pushed out. Fuming, Knightley turned on her heel. It would be hard to approach Dian now, so she would have to go to his officeter. # # # # # With the interference¡ªthough not entirely unwee¡ªof the Dwarf Combat Equipment Professor Kazadar, the internal construction of themercial district proceeded at an incredible pace. In less than a week, the construction waspleted, and the shops began to open one after another. Hair salons, bakeries, bathhouses, general stores, various restaurants, and most importantly, the dessert cafe. While we didn¡¯t fill all the floors of the two designated buildings, that could be done gradually. Some floors were set aside as practical training areas for the Theoretical Department. These practical areas primarily sold school supplies and other necessary items for practice, managed by a professor from the Theoretical Department. Students would take turns running these shops after their regr sses as part of their practical training. Thus, the first phase of themercial district waspleted, and a small ceremony was held. A podium was set up on the road between the twomercial district buildings facing each other. All the staff, students, and shop owners gathered as Headmaster Kirrin stepped up to the podium and cleared her throat. ¡°Uh, um¡­ Hello, I am Headmaster Kirrin Nemera.¡± With the assistance of Magic Response Professor Orendi¡¯s magic, Kirrin¡¯s voice resonated through the crowd of over a thousand people. ¡°Today marks the first time our Special Mission Academy has amercial district. I hope this change enriches your school life. And, uh¡­¡± Headmaster Kirrin hesitated and then pointed at me, standing right in front of the podium. Oh, headmaster, please don¡¯t do this. ¡°Special thanks go to Combat Head Professor Dian, who greatly contributed. Without him¡­¡± ¡°Whoahhhh!!¡± Before Kirrin could finish her sentence, the students erupted in cheers. Headmaster Kirrin smiled awkwardly and stepped down, and Professor Orendi waved his hands, sending fireworks into the air above the crowd. ¡°Dian! Dian! Dian!¡± Bang! Boom! With the colorful magical fireworks bursting overhead and the students chanting my name, I had no choice but to wave to them. ¡°People might think you¡¯re the headmaster, Head Professor. Oh, oops.¡± Infiltration Professor Lina nced at Kirrin and covered her mouth with a hint of mischief. ¡°Alright, given the asion, it¡¯s on me today. Combat Department, gather at the dessert cafe!¡± ¡°Yay, awesome!¡± At my deration, the Combat Department professors and even the junior instructors cheered and rushed towards the dessert cafe. ¡°Professor! Professor Dian! Wait a moment!¡± I turned around at the urgent call from behind, but I couldn¡¯t see who it was. ¡°Come on! Brogg wants mango cake!¡± Orc Professor Brogg, the Unarmed Combat Professor, shoved me forward eagerly. Whoever it was, if it¡¯s urgent, they¡¯ll find meter. ¡°How about we join the cafe, Head Professor?¡± ¡°That sounds nice.¡± One of the Theoretical Department professors suggested, and Professor Ismera smiled warmly. ¡°I took a brief look earlier, and the desserts on disy were so beautiful and appetizing that even I, a vegetarian, found them mouth-watering.¡± ¡°Ah, haha¡­ Maybe we shouldn¡¯t go¡­.¡± # # # # # [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] ¡°Professor! Professor Dian! Wait a moment!¡± As soon as the ceremony ended, Knightley pushed through the crowd, shouting for Professor Dian. She wanted to request a private session. Instead of basking in his newfound poprity, he should advance her personal training, which he was neglecting. This was a breach of contract, and she intended to protest strongly. But Dian disappeared from her view as therge Orc Professor Brogg pushed him along. ¡°No! Stop!¡± Jostled by the crowd, Knightley continued to push forward. Since the construction of themercial district began, she hadn¡¯t had a proper chance to meet with Professor Dian. He was always chatting with students or meddling in the construction site, rarely in his office. That excessively sociable man was never alone, so Knightley had given up trying to talk to him. Their personal training was supposed to be a secret, with no third parties involved. So, she intended to catch him after today¡¯s event to at least schedule a meeting, but¡­! Knightley finally made her way through the crowd, only to find Dian sitting at an outdoor table at the dessert cafe with other professors and instructors of the Combat Department. Seeing Dianughing and chatting, she hesitated but soon decided to approach him. ¡°Um, Professor Dian¡­¡± ¡°Head Professor! What would you like to drink?¡± ¡°Ah, I¡¯ll check the menu myself!¡± Just as Knightley was about to speak, Dian jumped up and went inside the cafe. She tried to follow, but Orc Professor Brogg stood up, blocking her waypletely. And just then, the bell signaling the start of sses rang, forcing Knightley to turn away, biting her lip. How can it be so hard to talk to someone in the same academy?! Doesn¡¯t he ever get tired? How can he keep going like that all day? Crazy man. Fuming as she headed towards the lecture hall, a brilliant idea struck her, and she stopped. Right¡­ If he¡¯s busy during the day¡­ I can meet him after hours. Why didn¡¯t I think of this sooner? # # # # # Late that night. A student cloaked in a mantle slipped out of the dormitory. With the hood pulled low, the student quickly scanned the surroundings and moved stealthily from one building¡¯s shadow to another. After carefully observing the surroundings again, the student moved to the next shadow, then the next, like crossing stepping stones. The student finally arrived at the staff quarters in the southern part of the academy. The staff quarters were like a small vige within the academy, lined with dormitories and houses for professors and married staff. Crouched beneath a signpost at the entrance of the area, Knightley paused to get her bearings before quickly running towards her target. As the ss president of the graduating ss, she had already found out through various channels where Professor Dian lived. It should be that two-story house over there. As she approached, Knightley worried that Dian might be having a barbecue party in his garden with other professors. But fortunately, there was no such noiseing from Dian¡¯s house or anywhere else in the area. Arriving at the front door of the house, Knightley confirmed the namete read ¡°Combat Head Professor Dian¡± and pressed herself against the wall. First, she needed to check the situation inside before ringing the bell. It would be problematic if there were other students or professors present. Just as she cautiously peeked over the wall, she heard an odd sound that made her freeze. Scritch, scritch, scritch. It sounded like someone writing on paper,ing from right next to her. ¡°Ahhhhh!!¡± Turning her head slowly, Knightley screamed in shock. There stood Priestess Maya, who should have been staying at the infirmary. Maya was standing on a solid stepping stone, peeking over the wall and diligently writing in a journal. Is that¡­ the infirmary¡¯s patient journal¡­? As Knightley screamed, Maya looked at her indifferently, then jumped down from the stone. Acting as if nothing had happened, she tucked the journal into her robe and walked away briskly. ¡°Master! There¡¯s a strange noise outside! I think there¡¯s a thief!¡± At that moment, a girl¡¯s voice called out from inside, followed by the sound of running footsteps as the front door burst open. ¡°A thief!¡± Dian¡¯s maid, Olysia, holding an iron pan, scanned the area and locked eyes with Knightley, who was crouched by the wall. ¡°Eh¡­?¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡± Knightley and Olysia stared at each other, unable to speak further. ¡°Hey, Olysia. Don¡¯t be so dramatic. Do you really think there¡¯d be a thief in the academy?¡± Dian finally sauntered outside. ¡°It¡¯s probably just a cat in heat¡­ Oh¡­¡± ¡°Ah¡­ Hello, Professor¡­¡± Knightley greeted Dian awkwardly as his eyes widened in surprise. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 24 – Ride Your Steed, Knightley (4) Chapter 24 ¨C Ride Your Steed, Knightley (4) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 24 ¨C Ride Your Steed, Knightley (4) ¡°Alright, given the asion, it¡¯s on me today. Combat Department, gather at the dessert cafe!¡± ¡°Yay, awesome!¡± With my deration, the professors and junior instructors from the Combat Department eagerly rushed to the dessert cafe. ¡°Professor! Professor Dian! Wait a moment!¡± I turned around at the urgent call from behind but couldn¡¯t see who it was. ¡°Come on! Brogg wants mango cake!¡± Orc Professor Brogg, the Unarmed Combat Professor, was eagerly pushing me forward. Whoever it was, if it¡¯s important, they¡¯ll find meter. We settled at the outdoor tables, and the younger professors went inside to order desserts. ¡°What? You guys eat desserts too?¡± ¡°We¡¯re here because the Head Professor called for everyone.¡± Arms crossed, Comprehensive Combat Professor Morton responded curtly. Armed Combat Professor Geneb didn¡¯t even bother to reply. ¡°Have you guys ever eaten anything like this before?¡± ¡°Never. Desserts aren¡¯t something long-range patrol units usually have. Maybe regr infantry girls would know.¡± ¡°Really? You¡¯ve never tried desserts? What about you?¡± I looked at Genen, who also shook his head slightly. How could they have never had desserts? Okay, not having tried it is one thing, but what does the long-range patrol have to do with it? These guys areplete macho types. Just like American tough guys. In America, men have to prove at every moment that they are not gay, right? [PR/N: Bro just cooked all of america lmao] ¡°Now that you¡¯re academy professors, you should try these things.¡± Neither of them responded. ¡°Head Professor! What would you like to drink?¡± ¡°Ah, I¡¯ll look at the menu and choose myself!¡± Hearing the call from inside, I got up and went into the cafe. While looking at the menu and ordering additional drinks and desserts, Psychological Warfare Professor Felimia tapped my shoulder. ¡°But Head Professor, aren¡¯t you going to invite the headmaster?¡± ¡°The headmaster? I¡¯m sure she¡¯s fine on her own.¡± ¡°I mean, strictly speaking, the headmaster is also part of our Combat Department, isn¡¯t she?¡± Oh, right. Kirrin is also a professor for Assassination and Abduction courses. Looking around, I saw the headmaster standing off to the side, her ears drooping as she nced over at us. ¡°Headmaster!¡± When I raised my hand, Kirrin¡¯s ears perked up. ¡°Come join us!¡± ¡°Oh, no. I¡¯m fine, you all enjoy yourselves.¡± ¡°Come on! You¡¯re also a professor in the Combat Department!¡± ¡°No, really. I just came to check out the ce. I¡¯ll be leaving soon.¡± ¡°Felimia, bring the headmaster over.¡± As Kirrin waved her hands in panic, I directed Felimia to fetch her. ¡°No, really, I¡¯m fine! You¡¯ll feel ufortable with me around!¡± As she was being dragged over by Felimia, Kirrin¡¯s protests made meugh. That only applies to scary or overly authoritative bosses, headmaster. ¡°Come this way, headmaster!¡± With a warm wee from Professor Lina, Kirrin finally took a seat,pleting the gathering of the entire Combat Department. Looking at them all together, they seemed less like academy professors and more like a shadowy organization. Let¡¯s review the lineup. Comprehensive Combat Professor Morton, with a thick neck and muscr build that defies his middle age, a stern face adorned with a long, braided white beard. Armed Combat Professor Geneb, with cold eyes, a tightly shut mouth, and scars all over his exposed arms and face. Unarmed Combat Professor Brogg, a towering green Orc with protruding tusks, over 2 meters tall. Dwarf Combat Equipment Professor Kazadar, with thick arms and a brutal hammer tucked into his belt. Survival Professor Waver, a hunter decorated with medals for killing a hundred demon soldiers. Magic Response Professor Orendi, who, despite a youthful appearance and a face full of freckles, wields incredible magical power. Infiltration Professor Lina, whose kind and gentle demeanor hides a past shrouded in mystery as a former special forces operative. Psychological Warfare Professor Felimia, known for interrogating captured high-ranking demon executives. Combat Riding Professor Anna, an always gloomy type with dark hair¡­ She¡¯s an enigma. And finally, Headmaster Kirrin, a Dark Elf notorious for assassination. On this bright spring day, these characters at an outdoor dessert cafe table seemedpletely out of ce. Around us, the tables were filled with instructors from the Combat Department, all with colorful pasts. If this were an ¡®unintentional dark overlord¡¯ scenario, it wouldn¡¯t be impossible to lead these folks and conquer the world. When the desserts arrived, I first offered some to Kirrin. Even if she is a bit of a clumsy headmaster, she¡¯s still the highest-ranking person here. Taking a bite of the strawberry cream cake, Kirrin¡¯s ears fluttered, and her ruby eyes widened. ¡°Isn¡¯t this really delicious¡­?!¡± Soon, Kirrin was stuffing her cheeks full of cake. ¡°The headmaster looks just like a puppy right now.¡± Lina whispered to me, giggling. The other professors were satisfied with their desserts, and even the macho Morton and Geneb seemed to enjoy them secretly. # # # # # On my way home that day, I bought a few desserts for Olysia. Naturally, Olysia was delighted. These desserts are like cheat codes for girls her age. ¡°It¡¯s nice not having to go into the city by carriage anymore.¡± Olysia said, munching on a cream cake. ¡°Even though it¡¯s a carriage for your personal use, it felt burdensome to keep asking the driver for non-academy errands.¡± ¡°Just use it. The academy provided it for personal errands too.¡± ¡°Still, if I use it too much, I might get on someone¡¯s bad sideter.¡± Olysia always worries about me getting fired from the academy. If I get fired, we¡¯d have to return to the remote dockside town of Brunswell. ¡°Oh, and by the way, did you ce a stone next to the wall?¡± ¡°A stone?¡± ¡°There was a t, unfamiliar stone right next to the wall, so I thought you might have brought it for some work.¡± ¡°Nope. Why would I do any work? Everything here is in perfect condition.¡± ¡°Hmm, then what could it be¡­¡± Olysia lowered her voice while chewing her cake. ¡°Could it be¡­ a thief?¡± ¡°A thief?¡± ¡°Maybe they ced the stone to climb up and scout the inside.¡± ¡°What are you talking about, Olysia? This is the Special Mission Academy. No thief could break in here. Unless it¡¯s a demonmando unit.¡± ¡°Maybe¡­¡± ¡°Ahhh!¡± Just then, a scream echoed from outside. ¡°A thief!¡± Before I could grasp the situation, Olysia jumped up, grabbed a frying pan from the kitchen, and rushed outside. ¡°Geez, really.¡± I followed her outside, thinking I might need to bring her back in. ¡°Hey, Olysia. Don¡¯t be so dramatic. Do you really think there¡¯d be a thief here? It¡¯s probably just a cat in heat¡­ Oh¡­.¡± ¡°Ah¡­ Hello, Professor¡­¡± Seeing Knightley crouched by the wall, I was momentarily speechless. # # # # # [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] ¡°So, you came all the way here toin about personal training? Sneaking out of the dormitory?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Knightley replied coldly, sipping the warm tea Olysia had brought. Her earlier flustered state was gone. ¡°You¡¯re the ss president. Is this appropriate behavior? And for such a trivial matter, you could have juste during the day¡­¡± ¡°How could I, when you¡¯re never in your office!?¡± Knightley raised her voice abruptly. ¡°Every time I go to find you, you¡¯re never there! You¡¯re always at the construction site or joking around with students! And if not that, you¡¯re just hanging out with the Combat Department people!¡± ¡°Sir Dian! Is that true?!¡± Olysia, shocked by Knightley¡¯s torrent of usations, asked urgently. ¡°Are you really not working and just ying around all the time?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s not like that. Hey, Knightley, if someone hears you, they¡¯ll really think that¡¯s true.¡± ¡°Sir Dian, what if you get fired? I don¡¯t want to go back to Brunswell!¡± ¡°I won¡¯t get fired, you brat. Now, go get ready for bed.¡± I pushed Olysia towards the bathroom and then sat back down with Knightley. ¡°So, the gist is, you want me to start your personal training sessions again. Right?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. It¡¯s a legitimate contract. You know verbal agreements are binding, right?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°So, follow through with the contract. You haven¡¯t had a single session since the night infiltration ss.¡± That¡¯s true. There have been so many things happening that I couldn¡¯t focus on it. Initially, Knightley demanded it, but I also wanted to teach someone like her and agreed to keep Kirrin as the headmaster. As Knightley said, it¡¯s a mutual agreement, and I should fulfill it sincerely. ¡°Actually, it works out well. I have something to do, and you can join as part of your training.¡± Knightley¡¯s icy expression briefly brightened. ¡°When?¡± ¡°Tomorrow, I¡¯m leaving right away. So go back to your dorm and get some sleep.¡± ¡°Where are we going? What¡¯s the n?¡± ¡°You¡¯ll find out when we get there. Is that good enough?¡± ¡°Fine.¡± Knightley managed her expression as she stood up. ¡°Then, good night.¡± ¡°Good night.¡± After Knightley left, I shook my head and sipped my tea. Even though she¡¯s a top student and a Duke¡¯s daughter, she really had to sneak out to a professor¡¯s house at night. Kids these days. ¡°Oh? Did she leave?¡± Olysia emerged from the bathroom and asked. ¡°Yeah, she did. Now go to bed. Early to bed, early to rise.¡± ¡°Sir Dian, are you sure what she said isn¡¯t true?¡± Still worried, Olysia asked again. ¡°Of course, it isn¡¯t. Don¡¯t worry. If I get fired, I¡¯ll leave all my assets to you.¡± ¡°Really?! Wait, I¡¯ll get a pen and paper¡­!¡± Olysia, thinking of writing a contract, rushed around, but the door creaked open suddenly. ¡°Professor.¡± Turning around, I saw Knightley standing there with her cloak on. ¡°What are you doing? Why are you back? Do you still have something to say?¡± ¡°Well, I don¡¯t think I can return to the dormitory.¡± ¡°What? Why?¡± ¡°It¡¯s past midnight, and the security spell is active. I can¡¯t get through it.¡± Our academy has security spells cast by Professor Orendi on major facilities to prevent night-time intrusions. Was it activated at midnight? Breaking through Orendi¡¯s security spell isn¡¯t difficult for a skilled mage, but this isn¡¯t a situation for that. I can¡¯t just break the security spell to sneak a student back into the dormitory. ¡°Then just sleep here and go back early in the morning.¡± ¡°Ehh?! Sir Dian!¡± Olysia shouted louder than Knightley. ¡°You can¡¯t do that! If anyone finds out, it¡¯s over!¡± ¡°No one will find out if we keep it to ourselves. Your bed is big enough for both of you. You can share.¡± ¡°No. I¡¯ll sleep on the sofa. That¡¯ll be morefortable.¡± Knightley firmly rejected and pointed to the sofa I was sitting on. Though she didn¡¯t say it directly, sharing a bed with a maid is uneptable for a nobledy. ¡°Alright, if that¡¯s what you prefer. Olysia, get her some nkets.¡± ¡°Argh¡­ Alright.¡± Olysia brought some bedding, and Knightley began to set up on the sofa. ¡°Good night, everyone.¡± ¡°Good night.¡± Olysia went to her room on the first floor, Knightleyy down on the sofa, and I went upstairs. In bed, I resumed reading my novel until I drifted off to sleep. # # # # # In the middle of the night. Knightley quietly opened her eyes and turned her head. No light seeped from Olysia¡¯s room, indicating she was already asleep. Knightley rose from the sofa and crept to the window, peeking outside. Fortunately, there was no sign of Priestess Maya¡¯s head peeking over the wall. Satisfied, Knightley headed for the stairs leading to the second floor. Unable to sleep due to the anticipation of tomorrow¡¯s personal training, she decided to visit Professor Dian¡¯s room. If he was awake, she could talk to him about various things. What jobs he had done in the past, how he became friends with her father, what brought him to the academy, and so on. Dian was always busy, so opportunities for one-on-one conversations were rare. She hadn¡¯t even been able to schedule a proper meeting yet. If she let tonight slip by, who knows what would happen tomorrow? ¡°Where are you going?¡± Just as she set foot on the first stair, a voice startled her. Knightley almost screamed but covered her mouth and looked up. Halfway up the stairs, wrapped in a nket, Olysia was looking down at her with half-open eyes. When did she get there without a sound¡­? And why is she there?! ¡°I, um¡­¡± Caught off guard, Knightley stammered, struggling to find an excuse. ¡°I need to use the bathroom¡­¡± ¡°Next to the kitchen.¡± ¡°Right¡­¡± Damn it¡­ This girl is always in the way¡­ Knightley bit her lip and headed to the bathroom. Once inside, she had to endure the humiliation of making ¡°shh¡± sounds with her mouth to fool Olysia since she didn¡¯t actually need to go. # # # # # Hearing Knightley making fake peeing sounds in the bathroom, Olysia clicked her tongue. Nobles are ridiculous. Who pretends to pee by making sounds with their mouth? When Knightley finished her awkward act and came out, Olysia pointed to the living room. ¡°The sofa is over there.¡± ¡°Right¡­ I was going there anyway¡­.¡± Watching Knightley hesitate and finally lie down on the sofa, Olysia shook her head. I knew it. I sensed it the first time I saw her. An obsessive studenting all the way from the dormitory to see Sir Dian. There¡¯s been talk about Sir Dian bing quite poprtely, and it must be because of that. As expected, she tried to sneak into Sir Dian¡¯s bedroom. It¡¯s good I was on guard. If anything improper happened between that crazy noble girl and Sir Dian, he¡¯d be kicked out of the academy, and I¡¯d have to return to Brunswell. I won¡¯t let that happen. As long as Dian is a professor here, no one will get close to him! [Note: See pinnedment for Chapter 24 illustration.] [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 25 – Ride Your Steed, Knightley (5) Chapter 25 ¨C Ride Your Steed, Knightley (5) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 25 ¨C Ride Your Steed, Knightley (5) The next day, we woke up early and had breakfast. Olysia, with bloodshot eyes from a sleepless night, kept a watchful eye on Knightley¡¯s every move. It was clear she didn¡¯t like Knightley at all. ¡°We¡¯re heading out now, so you should get some more sleep. Your eyes look like a rabbit¡¯s.¡± As I wrapped my cloak around me and headed for the door, Olysia tugged at my cloak. ¡°Sir Dian, wait a moment.¡± After sending Knightley ahead, I came back in, and Olysia stood on tiptoe to whisper in my ear. ¡°That noblewoman¡­ You should keep your distance and be careful around her.¡± ¡°Why? What¡¯s wrong with her?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not about liking or disliking her. The private lessons she¡¯s requesting¡­ I suspect her intentions are quite impure.¡± She then told me that Knightley had tried toe up to my bedroom on the second floorst night. ¡°So you spent the night on the stairs to stop her froming up?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sure she¡¯s one of those students who have a crush on you, Sir Dian. She probably used the private lesson as an excuse to do something inappropriate. You could get into serious trouble.¡± ¡°Hmm, I see.¡± ¡°This is not something to take lightly, Sir Dian!¡± Olysia sternly raised her finger at my nonchnt attitude. ¡°You¡¯re not just any professor; you¡¯re the Head Professor. You need to be mindful of even the smallest actions, especially regarding rtionships with women. And she¡¯s still a minor¡­!¡± ¡°Professor! What are you doing? Hurry up!¡± Hearing Knightley¡¯s impatient shout from outside, I gently pried Olysia¡¯s hand off my ear. ¡°I understand what you¡¯re saying. I¡¯ll be careful.¡± ¡°Be very careful!¡± ¡°Yes, yes. Another professor apanied thest private lesson, and it will be the same this time. Don¡¯t worry. See youter.¡± Olysia followed me to the front door, ring at Knightley with a face full of discontent, while Knightley returned the re without backing down. ¡°Professor, as I mentioned before, you need to manage your servants properly.¡± Walking side by side to the lecture hall, Knightley started speaking. ¡°That little maid acts like she owns the ce.¡± ¡°Owns the ce? What nonsense are you talking about now?¡± ¡°She¡¯s only acting like that because you¡¯re too lenient with her. She¡¯s getting toofortable.¡± Knightley nced back at Olysia, who was still watching us walk away. ¡°If you don¡¯t keep her in check, she¡¯ll end up running circles around you, and it¡¯ll be much harder to control her then. I¡¯ve seen many maids like her. You might not realize it because you¡¯re not a noble and she¡¯s your only maid, but¡­¡± ¡°Oh, stop it.¡± I pretended to clean my ears with my finger, cutting her off. ¡°She¡¯s family. Like a little sister to me. If you want to talk about education and such, do it when you return to your noble house.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not going back to my house.¡± ¡°Then you won¡¯t be a Duke¡¯s daughter anymore. When you get married, you¡¯ll leave your family; if you don¡¯t go back home and cut ties, you¡¯ll still be an outsider. You know that, right?¡± Knightley¡¯s face hardened, showing she understood that truth. ¡°Listen, as someone more experienced, don¡¯t cut ties with your family unless you absolutely have to. It¡¯ll only make things harder for you.¡± ¡°Mind your own business.¡± ¡°Oh, right. Now that I think about it, didn¡¯t you mention your father or your family when you first asked me for private lessons?¡± Knightley, having been hit back-to-back with my words, stayed silent, biting her lip. ¡°Head Professor!¡± We arrived at the lecture hall amidst Knightley¡¯s silent brooding, and two professors standing in front greeted me. ¡°Good morning, Head Professor!¡± ¡°Hello¡­¡± It was Orendi, the youthful-looking, freckled Magic Response Professor, and Anna, the gloomy-looking, hunched Combat Riding professor. ¡°Oh, Knightley is here too. Did you two meet on the way?¡± ¡°Not exactly. I brought her along.¡± Orendi tilted his head in confusion. ¡°You¡¯re bringing a student? This isn¡¯t a ss; it¡¯s a field trip to secure teaching materials.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not for teaching materials¡­¡± ¡°Ahaha, sorry.¡± Anna corrected him softly, and Orendiughed off his mistake cheerfully. ¡°So, you¡¯re bringing Knightley?¡± ¡°Yes. It¡¯s like an advanced lesson. As you know, Knightley is a top student. Regr sses don¡¯t suit her.¡± ¡°Well, that makes sense. Fine. Knightley, have you ever crossed a dimensional portal before?¡± Knightley, who had been following our conversation with a confused expression, shook her head at the mention of the portal. ¡°Never. But¡­ where are we going?¡± In response to Knightley¡¯s question, Orendi looked at me and asked. ¡°Did you not inform her, Head Professor?¡± ¡°We don¡¯t have time now, so let¡¯s get going. We need to return before sundown.¡± ¡°Understood. Let¡¯s proceed immediately. I¡¯ll confirm the coordinates onest time.¡± Orendi and I cross-checked our destination on the map and recalcted the coordinates several times. The terrain of our destination was tricky, and a slight error in the portal¡¯s exit could lead to disaster. Knightley, seemingly seeing the process for the first time, watched our calctions with her mouth half-open. ¡°Opening the portal now.¡± Orendi¡¯s hands glowed with blue mana, forming a small vortex in front of us. The slowly spinning vortex rapidly elerated and expanded into an elliptical dimensional portal. ¡°Gasp?!¡± Knightley let out a small gasp at the sight of the portal. ¡°Rx¡­ We¡¯re not going anywhere strange¡­¡± Anna said in her usual somber tone. ¡°I¡¯ll go first. Then Anna, Knightley, and Orendi, in that order.¡± ¡°Yes, Head Professor!¡± We passed through the portal one by one. Fortunately, the portal exit opened onto t ground, not a cliff or swamp. ¡°This is¡­ unbelievable¡­¡± Stepping out and standing on solid ground, Knightley gaped at the breathtaking scenery before her. ¡°Where¡­ is this¡­¡± Unable to finish her sentence, she just stared at the view. ¡°It¡¯s exhrating.¡± Orendi took a deep breath with a cheerful smile. ¡°Ugh, the wind is cold¡­¡± Anna, now feeling dejected, hunched her shoulders. We were standing in the northeastern part of the continent, on the Brun teau. This Brun teau, thergest on the continent, boasts a uniquendscape of vast, t grasnds interspersed with rugged rocky mountains. The dark forests at its edges blend seamlessly into the blue mountain ranges, with the mountains forming a picturesque backdrop. On a clear spring day like today, the sight of wildflowers in full bloom and the gently undting fields under the bright sky is truly spectacr. ¡°Brun teau?¡± Knightley was astonished after hearing my exnation. ¡°That means we¡¯ve nearly crossed the entire continent¡­ Why exactly are we here?¡± ¡°We¡¯re here to catch some horses. They¡¯re needed for thebat riding sses.¡± [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Our Combat Department includes a course onbat riding, overseen by Professor Anna. As the name suggests, it teaches students the basics of riding, which is an essential mode of transportation in this world. The course covers not just riding but also stealing horses from stables, riding without saddles, fighting on horseback, and more. It even includes lessons on driving carriages, recing worn horseshoes, horse breeding, and even butchering horses for food in extreme situations. It¡¯s akin to how modern intelligence agencies might train new recruits in car maintenance and emergency repairs. The problem is that our academy doesn¡¯t have enough proper horses. Visiting the stables managed by Professor Anna and her assistants revealed that there were only a fewbat horses, with most of the horses being small ponies. Combat horses arerge and temperamental, posing high risks and maintenance costs, which led Headmaster Kirrin to downsize their number. ording to my Combat Department reformation n, about thirty horses are needed for thebat riding course, but we currently have far too few. Headmaster Kirrin suggested buying old horses from the Imperial Army at a low cost, but that didn¡¯t seem right. The Imperial Army¡¯s horses are heavily trained, and their retirement indicates they can no longer run at their best. Such horses wouldn¡¯t be suitable for our training. Our academy isn¡¯t just a driving school; it¡¯s a spy school where there¡¯s no room for selecting horses on the field. Intense training from the start is better. And when I checked, fortunately, everyone seemed to have basic riding skills. However, purchasing thirty newbat horses would be as expensive as buying thirty mid-sized cars in modern terms, causing the budget to skyrocket. Thus, the idea of capturing wild horses came to mind. The wild horses of the Brun teau live in herds led by a dominant horse. Capturing a herd would solve our budget issue and provide the students with good horses for practice, killing two birds with one stone. Additionally, wild horses don¡¯t have owners. It¡¯s a perfect solution. So, we organized a wild horse capture party. Knightley joined this trip as an extra afteriningte at night about theck of frequent private lessons. ¡°But I don¡¯t see any horses around.¡± Knightley pointed out. As she said, there were no signs of wild horses anywhere on the ins. ¡°They¡¯ve all hidden because of our sudden appearance. They won¡¯te out until they feel it¡¯s safe.¡± ¡°Where should we wait, then? How about over there?¡± Orendi pointed to a corner of the ins. Therey structures half-buried in the ground, leaning diagonally, covered in weeds and vines. They looked like the perfect spot to hide and wait for the wild horses. ¡°What are those?¡± ¡°Maybe¡­ Demon King¡¯s army wagons¡­¡± Orendi asked as we sat inside the structures, and Anna replied in her gloomy voice. ¡°The wild horses of the Brun teau arerger and stronger than otherbat horses¡­ They were highly coveted by the Demon King¡¯s army¡­ These might be the wagons they used to transport captured wild horses¡­¡± ¡°Oh, I see. But there are a lot more of these structures in the back¡ªAh! What¡¯s this?!¡± Orendi jumped up in fright as he tried to sit down on the ground. After checking, we noticed that he had nearly sat on an exposed skeleton. ¡°Gah?!¡± ¡°Ouch!!¡± Knightley and Anna, startled, stood up quickly and hit their heads on the wagon pirs. ¡°We need to get out of here¡­! This ce is a grave¡­!¡± Iughed, grabbing Anna¡¯s cloak as she tried to flee in panic. ¡°Calm down, everyone. These are demon bones.¡± I lifted a skull from the ground, revealing two twisted horns like those of a ram. ¡°So, sit back down. If you keep making noise, the wild horses will run even farther away.¡± ¡°Ah, they¡¯re not human bones. That¡¯s a relief.¡± Confirming that it was indeed a demon¡¯s bone, Orendi sighed in relief and plopped back down onto the ground. Anna, too, mumbled something and returned to the wagon¡¯s interior. ¡°But I have a question.¡± Knightley asked, looking at the demon skull she had tossed aside. ¡°There are dozens of these wagons scattered around. Does that mean these demons all failed to capture the wild horses and died here?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that likely? Do you know anything about this, Professor Anna?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but I¡¯ve heard rumors¡­¡± In response to Orendi¡¯s question, Anna began to speak in a hushed, eerie tone. ¡°The Demon King¡¯s army needed goodbat horses¡­ They sent several units here¡­ But none returned¡­¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Look at the surrounding terrain¡­ The huge rocky mountains perfect for hiding¡­ The open ins easy to fly over¡­ Doesn¡¯t it seem like an ideal ce for something to live¡­?¡± Orendi burst outughing at that. ¡°Are you suggesting it¡¯s a Dragon? That¡¯s absurd. If it were, the wild horses couldn¡¯t survive either. They¡¯d already be Dragon food.¡± ¡°Then what else could annihte so many demons here besides a Dragon¡­?¡± ¡°Hmm, that¡¯s true¡­ Considering there are only demon remains, it doesn¡¯t seem like they fought against the human alliance.¡± ¡°Exactly¡­ To ughter the Demon King¡¯s army so thoroughly, it has to be a Dragon¡­¡± # # # # # While Orendi and Anna were engrossed in their serious discussion, Knightley was observing something intently. It was the corner of the wrecked wagon they were hiding in. Amidst the vines and weeds tangled around the thick logs, something seemed out of ce. Reaching out, Knightley pulled away the vines and weeds, revealing some inscriptions. The letters were all carved into the log¡¯s surface with a sharp knife. They read¡­ ¡®The Greatest Special Forces were here!¡¯ ¡®Establishing the Horned Ones Cemetery in memory.¡¯ ¡®Linus ? Celine, please get married.¡¯ ¡®Our friendship forever!¡¯ What on earth¡­ is this¡­? [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 26 – Ride Your Steed, Knightley (6) Chapter 26 ¨C Ride Your Steed, Knightley (6) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 26 ¨C Ride Your Steed, Knightley (6) The inscriptions were like those you¡¯d find at a famous tourist spot. But this wasn¡¯t a tourist site; it was a remote teau where, long ago, demons had been ughtered for some unknown reason. Judging by the lively tone of the messages, it seemed unlikely they were written by demons¡­ ¡®The Greatest Special Forces were here!¡¯ If it was a special forces unit, it must have been from the Human Alliance, which fought against the Demon King¡¯s Army. ¡®Establishing the Horned Ones Cemetery in memory¡¯ This implied that this special forces unit was responsible for ughtering the demons who came to capture the wild horses. ¡®Our friendship forever!¡¯ They must have been very close to each other. ¡®Linus ? Celine, please get married.¡¯ What did this mean? Were there people within the special forces who liked each other? But the names sounded strangely familiar. Linus, Linus, Linus¡­ Gasp?! Could it be Sir Linus, the hero who killed the Demon King? It wasn¡¯t a Dragon, but Sir Linus who had been here! If it was Sir Linus, then everything made sense. He could have single-handedly massacred the demons. ¡°Professors, look at this. Here¡­!¡± ¡°Shh! They¡¯ve appeared!¡± Just as Knightley was about to share her discovery, Professor Orendi raised his hand. There, between the in and the dark forest bordering the mountain range, appeared the wild horses of Brun teau. Knightley, forgetting all about the inscriptions of the famous Hero Party, gaped in awe. The wild horses, bathed in sunlight streaming through the low clouds, were a picture of beauty. Their powerful muscles rippled under sleek coats that seemed to shine, and their legs, straight and strong, kicked up the ground as they ran across the in. The number of these magnificent horses was roughly thirty, matching what the academy needed. Knightley, captivated by the elegant movements of the wild horses, snapped back to reality with a sudden realization. ¡°But¡­ how do we capture them? Surely we¡¯re not nning to reuse these old wagons?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not that absurd.¡± Dian chuckled, but Knightley remained skeptical. ¡°Even if the three of you somehow manage to bring them back to the academy, what then?¡± Dian gestured for her to continue, and Knightley obliged. ¡°True wild horses are extremely difficult to train for riding. Thoroughbreds, for example, go through a process of being ustomed to saddles from a young age.¡± Professor Anna, thebat riding expert, perked up at the mention of horse training. ¡°If you try to ride a wild horse without proper training, it will buck and fight fiercely, making it impossible to handle. And the students aren¡¯t professional horse trainers.¡± ¡°Go on, Student Knightley¡­¡± Anna urged her to continue, almost as if she were savoring every word. ¡°It¡¯s standard practice to catch foals and train them specifically for their intended use. An untrained horse is useless. Horses are very stubborn creatures, and once habits are formed, they are nearly impossible to change.¡± When she finished speaking, Anna smacked her lips as if savoring a tasty morsel. ¡°You¡­ know quite a lot about horses¡­? Have you always been interested in this field?¡± ¡°I learned about it while taking riding lessons as a child, listening to the stablekeepers. I have no intention of pursuing it as a career.¡± ¡°Ah, yes¡­ But you¡¯ve overlooked something¡­¡± Anna, looking disappointed, hunched back down. ¡°The wild horses of Brun teau are different from normal horses¡­¡± ¡°How so?¡± ¡°They live in tightly-knit herds led by a dominant horse¡­ Their bond and loyalty to the leader are extraordinary¡­ They survive in this isted and harsh environment¡­ So, in some ways, they¡¯re easier to tamepared to other wild horses¡­ Because¡­¡± Knightley ventured a guess based on Anna¡¯s exnation. ¡°Because if you subdue the leader, the rest will follow?¡± ¡°Exactly¡­! But even so, those high-quality horses remain wild because¡­¡± ¡°Because it takes immense effort toe up here and subdue the leader.¡± ¡°Gasp?! You might have a talent for this¡­ After graduation, maybe you could¡­¡± ¡°Is that the leader by any chance?¡± Just then, Orendi pointed towards a stunning sight. Among the wild horses stood a magnificent, pure white stallion, its coat gleaming like eternal snow. The horse was muchrger than the others, with a long, flowing mane that looked like a crown fit for a king. ¡°That¡¯s the leader.¡± Peering through the wagon, Dian spoke up. ¡°If we can bring that one down, the rest will submit.¡± ¡°But that won¡¯t be easy. One kick from that thing, and you¡¯re dead. What kind of horse is that big?¡± Staring at the regal stallion, Orendi asked. ¡°Should we use magic?¡± ¡°No¡­ The horse could get hurt, and more importantly¡­ It must be done with physical strength and skill¡­¡± ¡°Then it¡¯s time for ourbat riding expert, Professor Anna, to take the stage.¡± ¡°No. Knightley will do it.¡± Dian¡¯s deration was met with shocked stares. ¡°What did you say?¡± ¡°Knightley will subdue the leader. That¡¯s today¡¯s private lesson.¡± ¡°But, Head Professor¡­ That¡¯s too dangerous¡­¡± As the professors expressed their concern, Knightley could only stare at Dian, speechless. ¡°Me¡­? Ride that?¡± ¡°Yes, Knightley. You will ride it.¡± ¡°But that¡¯s¡­.¡± Knightley looked over Dian¡¯s shoulder at the leader horse again. It was massive, unlike any horse she had ever seen, almost like a crossbreed between an Ogre and a Troll. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Knightley hesitated, her lips moving slightly before she finally eximed quietly. ¡°There¡¯s no way in hell I can suddenly ride that!¡± ¡°You¡¯ve already mastered the basics of horseback riding. Didn¡¯t you say you wanted to be a member of the special forces? In the field, you might have to steal a horse or, like today, capture a wild one.¡± Dian said seriously. ¡°If you can subdue that leader, you¡¯ll be able to ride any horse in the world. Just imagine that horse as your own steed.¡± ¡°But¡­¡± ¡°Ride your steed, Knightley.¡± At Dian¡¯s words, Knightley hung her head. ¡°It¡¯s too much¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be right beside you. Isn¡¯t that enough?¡± ¡°No¡­¡± Despite her strong self-esteem, Knightley felt she couldn¡¯t do this. If she fell and got trampled by those massive hooves, she¡¯d be crushed. If she was lucky, she might die quickly; if not, she¡¯d be maimed for life. The thought terrified her. ¡°It seems it has noticed us.¡± Orendi said, and they turned to see the leader horse looking in their direction. ¡°If you¡¯re not going to ride, go back, Knightley.¡± At Dian¡¯s firm words, Orendi looked at Knightley. ¡°Student Knightley. Think about why you¡¯re here. You wanted advanced lessons.¡± ¡°But¡­¡± Seeing Knightley¡¯s hesitation, Dian turned to the other professors. ¡°Anna, Orendi. Let¡¯s get ready.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± While Anna pulled out ropes from her bag, Orendi and Dian quickly discussed the n to teleport Anna onto the leader horse. Left alone, Knightley sank into a deep sense of shame. She had boasted but never imagined it woulde to this. She should have expected it when she was pushed into that impossible night infiltration mission. Biting her lip, Knightley¡¯s gaze fell upon the inscription she had seen earlier. The messages left by Sir Linus and his party, the very heroes who had inspired her dreams of bing a special operative. If she gave up now¡­ she would be nothing. She might end up as just another government official living an ordinary life, eventually returning to her family. She could not let that happen! I must not run away, I must not run away, I must not run away¡­ ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡± As Knightley spoke, the professors, busy with their preparations, turned to her. ¡°Alright then, let¡¯s do this.¡± # # # # # ¡°Listen carefully, Student Knightley¡­ As soon as you get on its back, loop this rope around its neck¡­¡± Anna handed the rope to Knightley, exining. ¡°This rope is your lifeline¡­ Ideally, you should also loop it under its belly, but that¡¯s going to be tough¡­ Just keep it around the neck and hold on tight¡­ If you can stay on without falling, that¡¯s all you need to do¡­¡± ¡°Got it.¡± ¡°The Head Professor will put asso around its neck and weaken it, but you are the key¡­ You have to stay on its back no matter what¡­ That¡¯s the only way the wild horses of Brun teau will submit¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯ll try to hold on.¡± While Anna gave Knightley detailed instructions, Orendi worriedly asked Dian. ¡°Is this really okay?¡± ¡°It¡¯ll be fine. She doesn¡¯t have to subdue the horse herself, just stay on. She can manage that.¡± ¡°But if she falls, it could be disastrous.¡± ¡°It¡¯ll be over in about ten minutes, so that won¡¯t happen.¡± Anna interjected. ¡°How can you be so sure¡­? It¡¯ll take at least an hour¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s the intuition of a veteran who¡¯s crossed the line of fire many times. Let¡¯s begin.¡± With everything ready, Orendi conjured blue mana into his hands. ¡°Knightley. On the count of three, you¡¯ll be teleported onto the horse¡¯s back. You¡¯ll have no time to prepare, so act immediately.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± ¡°Alright, here we go. One, two, three!¡± Suddenly, the massive, white back of the leader horse was in front of her. Knightley quickly looped the rope around the horse¡¯s neck and squeezed its body tightly with her legs. The horse, startled by the sudden rider, bucked and thrashed wildly. Even under normal circumstances, a horse is powerful, and this leader horse, now enraged, was almost impossible to handle. Knightley was flung about like a rag doll. As the leader horse panicked, the rest of the herd scattered in fear. Meanwhile, Dian watched Knightley with his arms crossed. ¡°Head Professor! What are you doing?! Throw thesso!¡± Anna and Orendi shouted, but Dian remained motionless, thesso still draped over his shoulder. Knightley clung desperately to the horse¡¯s neck and back, gritting her teeth. That damned professor! Why isn¡¯t he throwing thesso?! What?! He said he would help, but now he¡¯s just standing there with his arms crossed!! ¡°Hurry up, professor!!¡± ¡°Hang in there, Knightley~~~!¡± You crazy bastard!!!!! I¡¯m an idiot for believing him twice!!!!!!!! [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 27 – Ride Your Steed, Knightley (7) Chapter 27 ¨C Ride Your Steed, Knightley (7) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 27 ¨C Ride Your Steed, Knightley (7) ¡°Help me already!!¡± ¡°This is part of your private lesson. Endure it!¡± ¡°You son of a XXXX, XXXXXX!!¡± Swearing profusely, Knightley used every muscle in her body to cling to the horse. But the horse bucked with an unbelievable strength that made her seriously suspect it might be part monster. After several failed attempts to shake her off, the horse suddenly bolted forward at full speed. ¡°Kuh?!¡± The sheer speed of the horse created a windstorm, leaving Knightley breathless. Knightley had been riding since she was very young, being from a noble family. She had experience with everything from ponies torgebat horses and had even won awards in youth ridingpetitions. Despite her extensive experience, she found it hard to believe an ordinary animal could run this fast. And with no saddle to rely on, all she had was the rope around the horse¡¯s neck. Relying on just a rope while riding a bucking wild horse was an impossible task for an academy student. As the scenery blurred past her, Knightley realized she was about to fall. The grip in her hands was long gone, and her muscles, especially in her legs, were screaming in pain. I can¡¯t hold on anymore¡­ Just as she began to slip off, something grabbed her cor with immense strength and threw her back onto the horse. ¡°Hang on, Knightley!¡± Turning her head, she saw Dian riding another wild horse right beside her. ¡°If you fall, you die!¡± ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have put me in this situation to begin with!! I can¡¯t hold on any longer!¡± ¡°You can do it! You survived the night infiltration, didn¡¯t you?¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to fall!! Help me!¡± As she tried to throw herself off the horse, Dian extended a foot and pushed her back into ce. ¡°Hold on till the end! If you give up now, you¡¯ll never aplish anything in the future!¡± ¡°I can¡¯t! I just can¡¯t!¡± ¡°Endure it! If you give up here, your private lessons end today!¡± ¡°You bastard!¡± Despite her curses, Knightley clung to the horse with renewed determination. ¡°Focus on the center and pull the rope! Lean back as if you¡¯re lying down! Pull the horse¡¯s neck back with all your might!¡± ¡°Ugh¡­!¡± Instead of protesting, Knightley used her remaining strength to pull the rope. As the noose tightened around the horse¡¯s neck, she felt it slow down a bit. ¡°Good. Now pull harder with your left hand! We¡¯re about to hit a rock!¡± Looking ahead, she saw a massive boulder in their path. Gritting her teeth, Knightley yanked with her left hand. The searing pain in her palm was intense, but the horse swerved just in time. ¡°Well done, Knightley. Now keep swinging it left and right!¡± Following Dian¡¯s instructions, Knightley twisted the rope around her wrists and alternated pulling with each arm. The horse, initially resistant, began to sway left and right under her control. ¡°Keep it up, Knightley. Just like that.¡± ¡°If I survive this¡­ I¡¯ll make sure to get my revenge!¡± ¡°That¡¯s the spirit. Oveing adversity with a heart full of hatred rather than hope!¡± ¡°You¡¯re insane!¡± Time seemed to stretch endlessly. Finally, the leader horse¡¯s speed dropped significantly. The once raging horse slowed to a walk, asionally kicking out before it snorted and started pacing in small circles. ¡°That¡¯s enough, Knightley.¡± Dian dismounted and took the rope from her hands. ¡°Uweeeek!¡± Knightley, dismounting, fell to her hands and knees, vomiting bile. ¡°Good job. You did it.¡± ¡°Uweek¡­¡± Despite Dian¡¯s praise, Knightley couldn¡¯t muster a reply, only dry heaving from exhaustion. Damn professor, you bastard¡­ I almost died¡­! But she was too exhausted to voice her curses. ¡°Congrattions, Student Knightley!¡± Orendi, running over, patted her back in congrattions. ¡°Congrats, Student Knightley¡­¡± Anna, arrivingter, gently patted her head before turning her attention to the horse. ¡°Congrattions, Knightley.¡± With Dian¡¯s words, Knightley finally passed out. # # # # # [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] ¡°Knightley subdued the leader horse, Professor Anna!!¡± Orendi, seeing the leader horse stop, shouted excitedly, almost foaming at the mouth. ¡°She managed to stay on that crazy horse till the end!¡± ¡°Yes¡­¡± Unlike the excited Orendi, Anna scratched her head, muttering gloomily. ¡°This is strange¡­ It shouldn¡¯t have ended this quickly¡­¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Think about it logically¡­ That horse is huge¡­ It doesn¡¯t make sense for it to tire so quickly just because an academy girl rode it¡­ Even ponies don¡¯t give in that fast¡­¡± ¡°Hmm, really? Maybe Student Knightley weighs more than she looks. Let¡¯s hurry and get over there!¡± Orendi, dismissing Anna¡¯s suspicions, ran cheerfully towards Dian and Knightley. Following him, Anna pondered over the situation. The original n was for her to teleport onto the horse¡¯s back and for Dian to throw thesso to exhaust the horse¡¯s strength. With the Brun teau¡¯s wild horses, especially the leader, even two professors were cutting it close. But Dian, without prior discussion, had substituted Knightley for Anna, putting a student in an obviously dangerous situation. Dian had remained unfazed and didn¡¯t throw thesso, leaving Knightley to hold on alone. As the horse bolted, he nonchntly mounted another wild horse to pursue them. With this n, Knightley would have had to endure for over an hour, but astonishingly, the leader horse submitted in less than ten minutes. Before they started Dian had imed it would only take ten minutes, and miraculously, he was right. However, this was an impossible event that even expert Professor Anna could not have predicted. Anna¡¯s thoughts swirled with questions: 1. Why substitute a student for a specializedbat riding professor? 2. How could Dian urately predict the time it would take? 3. How did Knightley manage to control an untrained wild horse so effortlessly? Unless he could foresee the future, that it would end without anyone getting hurt, he couldn¡¯t be so nonchnt while carrying out such a ridiculously bold n. Anna couldn¡¯t shake off an incredible suspicion¡­ did Professor Dian possess the power to foresee the future? As she gently patted the exhausted Knightley¡¯s head, she noticed Dian¡¯s peculiar behavior just before handing over the rope. ¡°Yes, yes. Good boy.¡± Dian murmured, stroking the horse¡¯s mane. Surprisingly, the horse leaned into Dian¡¯s touch, nuzzling his face affectionately. ¡°Do you remember me now? Yes, it¡¯s me.¡± He continued, speaking to the horse with a gentle expression and tone. What¡­ is he saying to that horse¡­? ¡°You¡¯ve grown into a fine leader of your herd. I¡¯m so proud of you.¡± What on earth is he talking about? ¡°Head Professor¡­ did you know this horse from before¡­?¡± ¡°Huh? No?¡± Dian answered Anna¡¯s question, pretending as if he didn¡¯t know what she was talking about. ¡°But you just asked if it remembered you¡­¡± ¡°What are you talking about? I didn¡¯t say anything.¡± ¡°R-right¡­.¡± Despite asking twice, Dian¡¯s denials left the shy Anna scratching her head, unable to pursue the matter further. This is really strange¡­ ### # # # # Knightley slowly opened her eyes. She recognized the ceiling¡ªa familiar sight. Hearing rustling nearby, she turned her head to see Maya, the Priestess, writing in a patient journal. I fainted and got brought to the infirmary again¡­ As Knightley tried to sit up, a wave of excruciating pain washed over her, forcing her to lie back down. It feels like I¡¯ve been beaten all over my body with a club. Especially my groin muscles¡ªthey hurt the most. Having clung to a wild horse¡¯s back without a saddle, it was no surprise she was in such pain. Watching Maya out of the corner of her eye, Knightley carefully spread her legs and started massaging her inner thigh muscles. The second private lesson. The first was a night infiltration mission through a nearly impassable area; this time, she had tamed a wild horse with no safety measures. This isn¡¯t normal academy student training. Professor Dian is insane. There doesn¡¯t seem to be any deep meaning behind his actions. That man just doesn¡¯t like that I pressured the headmaster into making him give me private lessons. He¡¯s giving me impossible tasks to make me give up. That man is¡­ Wait a minute. Come to think of it, Ipleted both private lessons. I survived the perilous night infiltration and tamed the infamous wild horse of Brun teau. During our first meeting, Dian said he was curious about how far I could grow. Could it be that Professor Dian deliberately put me in situations just barely within my capability? To push me just a bit further each time¡­? Alright. I¡¯ll fall for it one more time, Professor Dian. I¡¯m curious to see how far I can go too. ¡°Still, it¡¯s frustrating¡­.¡± If only Professor Dian had told me what was nned, I could have been better prepared. For instance, I could have worn riding pants and boots. What kind of person makes a female student ride a wild horse in a skirt?! Anger bubbling up again, Knightley moved her hands faster, massaging her aching groin muscles, and winced from the pain. ### # # # # Priestess Maya, observing everything, calmly continued writing in the patient journal. [Professor Dian brought an unconscious, beautiful female student to the infirmary. Her wrists bore rope marks, and her inner thighs were bruised.] [Based on the condition of the bruises, it is assumed that it urred through rigorous up and down movements. Professor Dian imed it was due to a ¡°riding lesson,¡± but there was nobat riding ss on the official schedule today.] [In addition, traces of dried sticky substance were seen around the corner of the female student¡¯s mouth. Whether the dried sticky substance is vomit or something else is currently unknown.] [After some time, the student regained consciousness, expressing disappointment, spread her legs, and then began massaging her inner thigh muscles with her hands.] [The student continued this action with an increasingly excited expression until she winced and stopped. It is unclear what she was disappointed about or whether it was resolved.] [TL/N: This holy priestess is not so holy¡­] [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 28 – External Special Student Selection Exam (1) Chapter 28 ¨C External Special Student Selection Exam (1) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 28 ¨C External Special Student Selection Exam (1) ¡°Headmaster! Headmaster! There¡¯s amotion!¡± The academy¡¯s administrative director burst into the headmaster¡¯s office with urgency. ¡°The Head Combat Professor has¡­ huh?¡± The desk in the headmaster¡¯s office, piled high with documents, was empty. Strange. The headmaster, who should be here with a weary head buried in paperwork, was nowhere to be seen. And this urgent report couldn¡¯t wait! ¡°Has anyone seen the headmaster?¡± But the administrative staff all shook their heads, clueless. Could she be out inspecting the sses? It¡¯s lunchtime right now. Leaving the main building, the administrative director ran towards the lecture halls behind it. ¡°Have you seen the headmaster?¡± Grabbing a passing professor, he inquired, but the professor hadn¡¯t seen her. Strange?! Even after checking the entire lecture hall, the headmaster was nowhere to be found. Could she be at the outdoor training grounds of the Combat Department? ¡°Director? What are you doing here?¡± Pondering which of the numerous training grounds to search first, Combat Department Professor Lina passed by, holding a bag of cafe desserts. ¡°I have urgent news for the headmaster, but I can¡¯t find her.¡± ¡°Oh, the headmaster? Check the cafe. She¡¯s there.¡± ¡°The cafe? Thank you!¡± Rushing past Lina, the administrative director headed quickly to the dessert cafe in themercial district. Being lunchtime, the cafe¡¯s entrance was bustling with students. Amidst the crowd, he spotted Headmaster Kirrin, engrossed in arge strawberry cream cake. ¡°Headmaster! What are you doing?!¡± At his shout, Headmaster Kirrin¡¯s ears perked up like a rabbit¡¯s, and her eyes widened. ¡°Wha¡­ what?¡± ¡°This is no time for leisurely eating cake!¡± ¡°Then what should I be doing during lunch?¡± ¡°The Head Combat Professor has brought horses!¡± ¡°Really?!¡± Kirrin dropped her fork and sprang up, following the administrative director in a rush. They headed to the stables adjacent to the academy¡¯sbat riding training grounds. In front of the stable, horses were emerging in a line from arge dimensional portal. ¡°Carefully¡­! Don¡¯t startle them, one at a time this way¡­¡± Under the supervision of Combat Riding Professor Anna, the Combat Department instructors were leading the horses into the stables. ¡°Headmaster, over here.¡± Dian, who had been overseeing everything with folded arms, greeted Kirrin. ¡°What is all this¡­?¡± ¡°Have you never seen a horse before?¡± Despite Dian¡¯s joke, Kirrin wasn¡¯t in the mood tough. What she saw before her eyes was unbelievable. When Dian first raised the issue of needingbat horses, Kirrin suggested getting retiredbat horses from the Imperial Army. Trained retiredbat horses would be good for students to learn on, save budget, and require less taming effort. But Dian argued against it, saying it wasn¡¯t a good idea. In a fully equipped cavalry unit, perhaps, but field agents face all sorts of situations. Riding well is important, but so is securing a mount. Hence, teaching everything about horses from stealing to butchering was crucial. Thus, Dian decided to purchase only a few retiredbat horses and fill the rest of the need with wild horses. Students unfamiliar with riding would start with ponies and retiredbat horses, while more advanced students would learn to ride wild horses. Dian¡¯s im was that if they could ride wild horses, they could secure any horse anywhere. He boasted that he would bring quality wild horses within a few days, leaving many questions about how he would do it and tame them. ¡°Where did you get these¡­?¡± ¡°These are wild horses from the Brun teau. Knightley tamed the leader horse.¡± ¡°Knightley¡­? An academy student who hasn¡¯t even graduated yet tamed a wild horse¡­?¡± It was hard to believe, but seeing the horsesing in made it undeniable. ¡°Is that true, Professor Orendi?¡± ¡°Would I lie, Headmaster?¡± Orendi eximed with excitement. ¡°Knightley leaped onto the leader horse¡¯s back with a teleportation spell and used a rope to exhaust it!¡± ¡°She did that alone¡­?¡± ¡°Professor Dian was riding alongside, encouraging her and catching her a few times when she almost fell.¡± ¡°Still, it¡¯s impressive, Student Knightley.¡± Kirrin sighed deeply, almost as if she would sink through the ground. That man put a Duke¡¯s daughter on a wild horse¡­? If she fell, she¡¯d be severely injured at best! The Duke came storming into the academy just because she got hit with a wooden sword. If he found out she nearly died¡­ But Kirrin couldn¡¯t bring herself to reprimand Dian harshly, as she had done at the generalbat training ground before. Dian¡¯s aplishments had solidified his position within the academy to an unshakeable degree. To better understand the impressive feats of Dian, who ¡®arrived¡¯ with the backing of the imperial rmendation letter, let¡¯s recap his notable achievements so far: 1. Revamped the Combat Department, which Kirrin had neglected, shifting its focus to practical training. 2. Turned the hostile Duke Toulouse into a staunch ally upon their first meeting. 3. Secured a revered Oracle Priestess from the Church in just half a day, a feat previously deemed impossible. 4. Sessfully established amercial district with the enthusiastic support of the Imperial Pce, a project that had been ignored out of fear of disfavor from the Imperial Pce. 5. Acquired thirty well-behaved wild horses without spending a single copper coin. Dian had single-handedly aplished tasks that would typically require the full effort of the entire academy. Therefore, Kirrin, as the ¡®mere¡¯ headmaster, was in no position to dictate terms to Dian. Moreover, Kirrin¡¯s personal feelings towards Dian yed a significant role. Since the moment Duke Toulouse left the academy with a heartyugh, Kirrin had increasingly relied on Dian. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] She believed that the human named Dian could save her, preventing her from being dismissed and sent back to her n¡¯s forest¡ªa future she dreaded. This reliance had grown through a series of events, leading Kirrin to contemte stepping down as headmaster and bing a subject professor instead. Such a move would be beneficial for all parties involved: the Imperial Pce would wee apetent headmaster in Dian, Kirrin would remain at the academy rather than returning to her n¡¯s forest, thus avoiding disappointing her father, and Dian would ascend to a higher position. Although she was uncertain how her father would react to her demotion from headmaster to professor, she hoped that exining the necessity of appointing a highly capable individual like Dian would suffice. Kirrin had even considered a ¡®safety measure¡¯ to ensure this transition. ¡°Headmaster? Did you juste from eating?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°What are you walking around with something on your mouth?¡± Suddenly, Dian reached out and touched Kirrin¡¯s mouth. ¡°What¡¯s this, cream?¡± It was the cream from the cake Kirrin had been voraciously eating at the dessert cafe. ¡°Your darkplexion makes the white cream really stand out.¡± Dian giggled, licking the cream off his finger. ¡°Mmm, delicious. This is from the dessert cafe in themercial district, right? The cake there is really good¡­ Headmaster!¡± Kirrin swayed and almost copsed, but Dian quickly caught her. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°It¡¯s because of you¡­ Oh?!¡± In her daze, Kirrin realized she had made a slip and mped her mouth shut, almost biting her tongue. ¡°Hmm, Headmaster.¡± Dian narrowed his eyes suspiciously and spoke in a meaningful tone. ¡°Wh-what¡­?!¡± Kirrin¡¯s heart pounded and her ears twitched, fearing Dian might seize on her mistake. His breath was close enough to feel, and being found out here, in front of other professors and instructors, would be disastrous. ¡°How much cake did you eat?¡± ¡°Excuse me?¡± But what came out of Dian¡¯s mouth was apletely different story. ¡°What are you talking about¡­?¡± ¡°How much cake did you eat by yourself? You didn¡¯t finish the whole thing, did you?¡± ¡°N-no, only about half¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s the problem.¡± Dian smiled and gently tapped Kirrin¡¯s nose with his finger. ¡°By eating that much sweet stuff at once, your blood sugar spiked, causing you to feel dizzy and sleepy.¡± ¡°What¡¯s blood sugar¡­?¡± ¡°It¡¯s like sugar mixed in your blood. Eating a lot of sweets makes its concentration rise temporarily.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t quite understand, but I¡¯ll keep that in mind¡­¡± ¡°Now, try to stand up on your own.¡± Only then did Kirrin realize she was still leaning against Dian¡¯s arm. ¡°Head Professor!¡± Just then, Professor Lina came running over with a bag full of desserts. ¡°I brought snacks! Please have some!¡± Infiltration Professor Lina, true to her role, sped over at lightning speed,tching onto Dian¡¯s arm and sending Kirrin stumbling to the side. ¡°Look at this. I got slices of cake, financiers, madeleines, and even coffee¡­¡± ¡°Oh? Snacks!¡± Seeing the bag of treats, Professor Orendi rushed over with a delighted expression. ¡°Professor Anna! Hurry over! Professor Lina brought snacks!¡± ¡°Wow, these look delicious. Let¡¯s take a break and enjoy!¡± As the scene erupted into a bustling dessert party, Kirrin stood aside, watching Dian enjoy the moment. Indeed, Dian seemed more fitting for the headmaster¡¯s role. She needed to step down as soon as possible. But¡­ would the Second Princess ept her proposal to step down gracefully? Due to her past resentment, wouldn¡¯t the Princess just use the opportunity to discard her immediately¡­? Kirrin needed a ¡®second safety measure.¡¯ She had been cautious, avoiding risks due to the fear of being dismissed. But now, with Dian backing her, she felt more secure. Even while she still had the authority of the headmaster, it wasn¡¯t toote to build her achievements. If she could elevate her value, the Second Princess wouldn¡¯t simply discard her, seeing her as a worthy professor. Dian had promised to protect her and had kept that promise so far. He would likely continue to be a strong ally as she pursued her goals. Now was the right time. She couldn¡¯t miss this opportunity. Alright, Kirrin!! Trust in Dian and make bold moves!! [Note: See pinnedment for Chapter 28 Illustration.] [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 29 – External Special Student Selection Exam (2) Chapter 29 ¨C External Special Student Selection Exam (2) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 29 ¨C External Special Student Selection Exam (2) While I was in the middle of picking one of the desserts that Professor Lina brought, I noticed Kirrin mumbling to herself with a resolute expression. She looked unsettlingly determined, like a shy kid at the back of the ssroom suddenly raising their hand with a serious look. ¡°Headmaster,e join us for some dessert¡­ Where are you going?¡± Kirrin didn¡¯t seem to hear me as she turned and hurried towards the main building. Was she really nning to do something? No way. She¡¯s the type to cancel practical lessons out of fear of being dismissed. I shrugged off my interest in Kirrin and quickly grabbed a dessert before the other professors could finish them. ¡°Hey, Orendi, give that back. I called dibs on that one.¡± ¡°But¡­ it¡¯s the tastiest one¡­¡± Enjoying the slice of cream cake I had confiscated from Orendi, I nced towards the stable. Inside, the beautiful white leader horse was staring at me with itsrge, expressive eyes. Ten years can change a lot. Back then, it was just a foal, but now it has grown to lead its herd. That horse and I have a history dating back to when Linus and I were conducting operations with our special unit on the Brun teau. It might seem odd to say I have a history with a horse, but it¡¯s true. Back then, our special unit received intelligence that the Demon King¡¯s Amy was moving to capture the wild horses of the Brun teau. We mobilized immediately. However, the Demon King¡¯s Amy got there first, and by the time we arrived, the wild horses were already being led away in chains. Weunched a surprise attack, wiped out the demons, and freed the horses, although inevitably a few were killed in the battle. That horse was one of the foals that lost its mother. We didn¡¯t leave the teau immediately; we waited for the Demon King¡¯s Amy¡¯s reinforcements and took care of the injured wild horses and foals during those days. Thanks to Celine, a skilled hunter with knowledge about animals, even that foal, which was on the brink of death, recovered and started running again. After we wiped out the Demon King¡¯s Amy¡¯s reinforcements, we left the teau, and now, ten yearster, I visited again for this mission. Originally, I nned to use a smaller wild horse for Knightley¡¯s training, but seeing this one as the leader made me change my ns. Had I simply put Knightley on the horse, she wouldn¡¯t havested long. However, I took a calcted risk. Horses are much smarter than people think, especially the wild horses of the Brun teau. I expected it to recognize me and stop bucking soon after. If it didn¡¯t and kept acting up? Then I¡¯d step in and subdue it myself. Orendi could teleport Knightley to safety if she fell. With all the worst-case scenarios ounted for, I put Knightley on the horse, and the oue was as expected. A typical wild horse would have kept going wild, but I kept running alongside it and talking to it until it recognized me and calmed down in less than ten minutes. Thus, I brought the entire herd of wild horses to the academy for practical training. The wild horses of the Brun teau are highly intelligent, especially with a cooperative leader, making them perfect for various training scenarios. For example, once tamed, the horse could ¡°act¡± as if it¡¯s being ridden for the first time for new students. With abat riding genius like Professor Anna around (though it¡¯s not obvious at first nce), there should be no issues. ¡°Do you think, hmmm, we¡¯ll skip it this year too?¡± Orendi, who had snatched another piece of bread after losing the cake, brought up a new topic. ¡°What are we skipping?¡± ¡°The special talent student selection. The regtions state it should be held at the beginning of the year.¡± ¡°What¡¯s this special talent selection?¡± As I asked questions in session, Orendi gave me a suspicious look. ¡°Head Professor, have you by any chance not read the regtions?¡± ¡°No, I haven¡¯t.¡± ¡°What? Reading them would make your job easier. If you start something without knowing the rules, you could get in trouble halfway through.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why you guys, who know the rules inside out, are here to point things out along the way. Anyway, what¡¯s this special talent selection?¡± Orendi looked at me with disbelief, then chuckled and exined. ¡°Normally, our academy admits students through an entrance exam, starting from the first year. But special talent students don¡¯t take the exam and start directly in the final year, which means the graduating ss for this year.¡± ¡°Really? So these special talent students are exceptionally skilled individuals who don¡¯t need to go through the regr curriculum?¡± ¡°Exactly. It¡¯s a system some other academies have already implemented. Producing excellent graduates is our top priority, even if they didn¡¯t start from the bottom here, as long as they¡¯re from our academy.¡± ¡°I see. So our academy has never done this?¡± ¡°No.¡± That must be because Kirrin, afraid of being dismissed due to any mishaps, avoided it. ¡°So how many special talent students do we select?¡± ¡°Up to five, depending on the quality of the applicants. If they don¡¯t meet the academy¡¯s standards, they can all be rejected.¡± This doesn¡¯t sound like a bad system. ¡°When is it held?¡± ¡°We need to announce the selection around this time. The final selection should bepleted by the end of the month so that they can join the graduating ss¡¯s formal curriculum.¡± Orendi nced towards the main building where Kirrin had disappeared. ¡°But seeing that there¡¯s no news, it seems they¡¯re nning to skip it again this year.¡± ¡°I see. Is that so?¡± We really should proceed with it. Not just because of the regtions, but because it¡¯s an opportunity to attract valuable talent. As Orendi said, anyone who graduates from our academy, even if they startedter, boosts our prestige. If we can produce excellent graduates and enhance the academy¡¯s reputation, the Second Princess will be pleased. She might think, ¡®The academy runs well without having to appoint Dian as headmaster.¡¯ Let¡¯s finish up here and wrap up the day¡¯s tasks. Tomorrow, I¡¯ll formally propose this to Kirrin. ### # # # # [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] The next morning. ¡°Professor!¡± I was just leaving the staff area, heading to the main building, when a sharp voice called out to me. Turning around, I saw Knightley ring at me with a very dissatisfied expression. ¡°What are you doing here at this hour? Don¡¯t you have ss?¡± ¡°It¡¯s still before first period.¡± ¡°Oh, right. Then hurry and get ready for ss. I¡¯m busy, so I have to go.¡± ¡°Wait a moment!¡± I was about to walk away when Knightley yelled and tried to run towards me. Instead, she spread her legs shoulder-width apart and waddled towards me, trembling. I almostughed at the sight but bit my lip, waiting for her to catch up. However, she was moving so slowly that I had to excuse myself. ¡°Sorry, but I need to meet the headmaster. If it¡¯s not urgent, can we talkter?¡± I felt bad, but I had a lot to do today, and I needed to discuss the special student selection with Kirrin before ss started. ¡°Professor! Argh! Really!¡± Ignoring Knightley¡¯s frustrated shout, I hurried to the main building. There, the administrative director gave me unexpected news. ¡°What? She went to the Pce?¡± ¡°Yes, Head Professor. She went to report on current affairs.¡± ¡°Hmm, I see¡­¡± What¡¯s going on with this Dark Elf? She usually trembles at the mere mention of the Second Princess. I remembered Kirrin¡¯s resolute expression yesterday at the stable. She had been mumbling to herself with a determined look. When a timid person makes a big decision, it often leads to a sudden and drastic action. I hope she doesn¡¯t end up making a fool of herself and getting reprimanded, or worse, getting dismissed. # # # # # # ¡°Haa¡­ This is crazy¡­¡± Seeing the walls of the Imperial Pce through the carriage window, Kirrin let out a dry sigh. On herp was a gilded clipboard, neatly holding the current affairs report for the Second Princess. Kirrin¡¯s sudden decision to go to the Pce was sparked by a resolution she made after seeing Dian yesterday. To smoothly hand over the headmaster position to Dian and step down to a subject professor, she needed to start building her achievements from now on. So, Kirrin had prepared the report and sent a message about her visit to the Pce, which thankfully, the Second Princess had epted. ¡°So¡­ the special student selection¡­ and¡­ the graduationpetition schedule¡­ What else was there¡­? Oh, the preliminary interviews with potential employers¡­¡± As she recited the points she would report to the Princess, the carriage arrived in front of the castle. ¡°Wee, Headmaster Kirrin.¡± A servant came out to greet her and led her inside. Walking through the corridors, Kirrin took deep breaths and adjusted her shirt cor, but it was no use. The anxiety squeezing her chest wouldn¡¯t go away with just a few deep breaths. If I had known it would be like this, I should have asked Dian toe with me. It might have been a bit better with him around. But Dian is busy leading the Combat Department. Bringing him here would just be a burden on him. Besides, I am the headmaster. I need to act ording to my position. If I appear to be hiding behind Dian, the Second Princess will find another reason to criticize me. Taking another deep breath, Kirrin walked down the corridor, which felt like a walk to the gallows, and stood in front of the Princess¡¯s office. ¡°Please hand over all items you are carrying.¡± ¡°Yes¡­¡± Kirrin reluctantly handed over an assortment of hidden daggers, poison darts, and garrotes from various parts of her body. Then, hesitantly, she knocked on the door. ¡°Ki-ki-ki-Kirrin Nemara here¡­ M-m-m-m-may I ask if I am allowed to enter¡­?¡± ¡°Come in.¡± The voice of the Second Princess from inside made Kirrin feel like her blood was freezing as she opened the door. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 30 – External Special Student Selection Exam (3) Chapter 30 ¨C External Special Student Selection Exam (3) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 30 ¨C External Special Student Selection Exam (3) ¡°Gasp?!¡± Opening the door, Kirrin was so startled that she took a step back and tried to close the door again. ¡°You asked toe in.¡± ¡°B-but¡­¡± At the Second Princess¡¯smand, Kirrin was utterly frozen, unable to move a muscle. The Second Princess was in the middle of dressing by the window¡ªa highly inappropriate time for receiving reports. However, Kirrin¡¯s hesitation wasn¡¯t solely due to the timing. The Princess¡¯s bare back was covered in horrific burn scars. Having lived only in the secluded forest of her n until the end of the war, Kirrin could barely bring herself to look directly at such a sight. ¡°I apologize. I thought I had enough time before you arrived.¡± ¡°N-no, it¡¯s fine¡­ I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s alright. Don¡¯t just stand there;e in. Unless my appearance is too hideous for you to bear.¡± Backing out now would imply that Kirrin found the Princess¡¯s scars grotesque. Reluctantly, Kirrin stepped inside, closed the door, and stood awkwardly. By this time, the Princess had put on her shirt and was slowly buttoning it up as she turned around. With a scar covering half of the left side of her face, Kirrin¡¯s gaze met the Princess¡¯s, and she instinctively looked down. This time, it wasn¡¯t because of the scars. The Second Princess, even with her scars, had an elegance and beauty that couldn¡¯t be hidden. However, Kirrincked the courage to meet her gaze directly. This woman had proven her abilities by crossing countless battle lines and achieving great feats during the Four-Year War. She was the extreme opposite of Kirrin, who had be headmaster through her father¡¯s connections. ¡°What is that?¡± The Princess, having buttoned her shirt, was now looking at the clipboard in Kirrin¡¯s hands as she donned her medal-adorned uniform. ¡°This¡­ this is¡­ the current status report¡­¡± ¡°Really? I wasn¡¯t expecting a report. Well, alright.¡± The Princess sat down, crossing her legs with a smile. ¡°Since you¡¯ve prepared it, let¡¯s hear it. Come closer.¡± Kirrin hesitantly stepped closer as the Princess beckoned with a finger. The Princess looked up at Kirrin, who was trembling slightly, and chuckled softly. ¡°Why are you so nervous?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± ¡°Report.¡± Kirrin, with shaking hands,id the clipboard on the desk in front of the Princess and began her report. ¡°I will begin¡­¡± The report outlined the new initiatives Kirrin nned for the academy this year. It included the selection of external special students to be implemented at the beginning of the year, publicpetitions and internal evaluations for graduating students, and pre-interviews and presentations for potential employers. Grandiose ns, but in simple terms, ¡®I¡¯m going to work hard, so please see me in a good light.¡¯ The Second Princess, fully aware of Kirrin¡¯s true intentions, simply smiled silently and listened until the report was finished. The Princess was several years older than Kirrin and held a significantly higher rank. Although she might dislike the political circumstances that led to Kirrin¡¯s appointment as headmaster, she didn¡¯t dislike Kirrin personally. Hence, the Princess found Kirrin¡¯s earnest attempts to assert herself rather endearing. ¡°All sounds good. Proceed as you reported.¡± The Princess didn¡¯t hesitate to speak once Kirrin finished. ¡°You truly excel at creating reports. I wish our security office staff were half as proficient.¡± ¡°Huh?! Th-thank you¡­ Ow!¡± Startled by the unexpectedpliment, Kirrin bowed deeply and banged her forehead on the desk. It was behavior unimaginable for a Dark Elf, but Kirrin was like a reed in a storm in front of the Princess. ¡°But there is something I¡¯m curious about.¡± ¡°Please, go ahead¡­¡± ¡°For some time, despite my orders and warnings, you have neglected the Combat Department courses, focusing only on holding your position.¡± The Princess¡¯s direct remark left Kirrin speechless, her mouth opening and closing without sound. ¡°But now, it seems you are determined to make a fresh start, judging by today¡¯s report. What prompted this sudden change?¡± ¡°Ah, that is¡­¡± Kirrin hesitated, unsure of what to say. She couldn¡¯t mention Dian. She couldn¡¯t say she was taking bold actions because she believed Dian would support and protect her if problems arose. Seeing Kirrin¡¯s hesitation, the Princess propped her chin on her hand and asked ¡°Is it because of the new Head Combat Professor?¡± ¡°Ehh¡­?! No, it¡¯s not!¡± Kirrin¡¯s eyes widened, and she shook her head vehemently, which made the Princessugh out loud. ¡°Let¡¯s say it¡¯s not.¡± ¡°It really isn¡¯t, Your Highness¡­¡± ¡°Very well, I understand.¡± Watching Kirrin lower her head, the Princess asked. ¡°By the way, how is Professor Dian doing?¡± ¡°The Head Combat Professor is¡­ extremely busy these days. Just yesterday, he captured wild horses from the Brun teau.¡± Kirrin told the Princess about Dian¡¯s outrageous n to capture over thirty wild horses. ¡°That¡¯s not all. Recently, the newmercial district was almost entirely initiated and driven by the Head Combat Professor. Because of this, both students and staff are really fond of him.¡± ¡°Including you, I suppose.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not the case.¡± At Kirrin¡¯s firm denial, the Second Princess smiled gently. ¡°Very well, Kirrin. I¡¯ve heard your report. Go back and do your best in your duties.¡± ¡°Understood, Your Highness. However, I came because you summoned me¡­¡± ¡°My business with you is already concluded.¡± ¡°Pardon¡­?¡± ¡°You may leave now.¡± ¡°Understood¡­¡± Kirrin, still somewhat confused, turned and left the office, as the Princess had ordered her to leave twice. Watching the closed door, the Princess let out another chuckle. The real reason she had summoned Kirrin was to observe the changes in her behavior since Dian became a professor. Had Kirrin shown no improvement, the Princess was prepared to rece her, even if it meant opposing the Emperor, with either Dian or Linus as the new headmaster. The primary employers of the graduating students from the Special Mission Academy, such as the Security Office and its subordinate organizations led by the Second Princess, required the students to be highly trained even before their additional training. The academy needed to maintain a high standard. Thus, the Princess had summoned Kirrin. Observing her, the Princess decided to postpone her initial n. Kirrin was different now, likely due to Dian¡¯s influence. Nothing else at the academy could have caused such a dramatic change. After all, Dian was a friend of Sir Linus. For now, the Princess decided to leave Kirrin alone. # # # # # # [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] ¡°Yes! Yes! Yes!¡± Inside the carriage returning to the academy, Kirrin let out a joyous scream. Despite her nerves, she had managed to deliver her report well, and for the first time, the Princess hadplimented her. This was all thanks to Dian. Dian had changed the atmosphere of the academy, given her support and courage, leading to this moment. Truly, Dian is¡­ ah¡­. As Kirrin sat there, giggling to herself and cupping her cheeks, the carriage passed through the academy gates and stopped in front of the main building. ¡°Oh? You¡¯re back already?¡± As she opened the carriage door, Dian, who was passing by, stopped and greeted her. ¡°Dian¡­?¡± Seeing his face, Kirrin felt a surge of joy and affection, and she impulsively threw herself into his arms. ¡°Dian!¡± ¡°Ugh!¡± Despite being a half-elf, Kirrin¡¯s Dark Elf heritage gave her a sharp, swift leap. ¡°Dian! Thank you so much! You¡¯re all I have!¡± ¡°What are you doing?! There are so many people watching!¡± As Kirrin buried her face in his chest, Dian, panicking, pushed her away. Only then did Kirrin realize she had acted impulsively, and that the Combat Department professors were standing behind Dian, witnessing everything. ¡°Eek?!¡± Embarrassed by the public disy, Kirrin stumbled back and bumped into the carriage. The Combat Department professors looked on, each with their own expressions, but all in silent judgment. Some were speechless, some didn¡¯t want toment, and others were just too stunned to speak. ¡°The Dark Elf headmaster indirectly suggested to the Head Professor that they should breed.¡± Breaking through the extremely cold silence, the Orc Professor Brogg opened his mouth. ¡°Shut up, Brogg.¡± Professor Morton said in a low voice, but Brogg seemed ready to retort. ¡°Haha!! How lovely and harmonious you all seem!¡± Then, Survival Professor Weaverughed loudly, pping the shoulders of Orendi and Felimia standing beside him. ¡°How nice it is to see this! Right? Now, let¡¯s be on our way! Hurry up!¡± As the professors moved away, Dian scratched his head, looking embarrassed. ¡°Headmaster, what¡¯s gotten into you? Did the Second Princess scold you so badly you lost your mind?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that! She praised me!¡± Excitedly, Kirrin started recounting her meeting with the Princess, moving closer to Dian. ¡°And then I told her, ¡®I will take responsibility andplete these tasks!¡¯ And she said, ¡®Kirrin, you¡¯re the best!¡¯ or something like that¡­¡± Lost in her enthusiastic narration, Kirrin realized she was standing on tiptoe, inches from Dian. ¡°You decided to hold the special student selection exam? That¡¯s great. I was about to suggest that myself.¡± Dian smiled and patted Kirrin¡¯s shoulder. ¡°It seems like you and I are on the same wavelength, headmaster.¡± ¡°O-on the same wavelength¡­? Not yet!¡± Kirrin pushed Dian away and, with one leap, jumped up to the second-floor headmaster¡¯s office terrace, quickly escaping inside. ¡°Really. What¡¯s gotten into her today?¡± Dian muttered, watching the terrace where Kirrin had disappeared, then turned and walked towards the distant Combat Department professors. And from the corner of the main building, Priestess Maya observed everything. # # # # # # A few dayster. All across the Empire, announcements were posted for the Special Mission Academy¡¯s special student selection exam. [Note: See pinnedment for Chapter 30 illustration.] [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 31 – External Special Student Selection Exam (4) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 31 ¨C External Special Student Selection Exam (4) The decision to select external special students for the first time at the academy had the faculty department extremely busy. While the administrative office was responsible for issuing announcements and setting up the examination venue, it was the faculty who conducted the actual selection exams. If this were a routine annual event, they could have just slightly revisedst year¡¯s n. However, since this was the first time, they had to start from scratch. ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much, both of you. I¡¯ll consult with the headmasters of other academies and get their advice. If we¡¯re lucky, we might even get a copy of their ns.¡± Kirrin assured Ismera and me before leaving for an external business trip in a carriage. ¡°It¡¯s rare to see the headmaster so enthusiastic. Haha.¡± Ismera praised Kirrin, covering her mouth with augh that didn¡¯t quite match her expression. ¡°Given that it¡¯s been a while since shest interacted with other academy headmasters, even a small oue would be significant.¡± What Ismera really meant was, ¡®She¡¯s likely to return empty-handed.¡¯ I couldn¡¯t really argue with her on that point. There are many academies in the Empire, most of which focus on academic teachings like modern universities. Among them, some academies, like ours or the Imperial Military Academy, were established with specific purposes in mind. There are even quasi-military institutions like the Special Warfare Training School, where every department focuses exclusively onbat-rted subjects. These academies, eager to attract the best talents in the Empire, are all running simr external special student selection systems. So, the chances of Kirrin getting useful know-how or rted materials from other academy headmasters seemed slim. They wouldn¡¯t m the door in her face outright but would likely give her the runaround, just like Ismera implied. ¡°While the headmaster is away, let¡¯s start preparing ourselves.¡± Ismera and I sat at an outdoor table in a dessert cafe, selecting subjects for the entrance exams. Ismera kept looking discontent every time I took a bite of dessert, but whenever our eyes met, she would cover it with a charming smile. ¡°Won¡¯t you have some, Professor? It¡¯s really delicious.¡± When I pushed the te with the cake toward her, she pulled back with a disgusted look. ¡°No, thank you. As you know, elves prefer a vegetarian diet. (Did you not know something so simple?)¡± ¡°Really? There¡¯s no meat in this.¡± ¡°Most people aren¡¯t aware that milk is used to make fresh cream.¡± ¡°Ah, in that case, you definitely can¡¯t eat it.¡± Pulling the te back, I continued eating the cake while Ismera frowned again, only to cover it quickly with a lovely smile. Elves sure live aplicated life. # # # # # # That evening, as I was leaving after a meeting with the Combat Department professors, Professor Lina pointed ahead. ¡°The headmaster ising back.¡± We saw Kirrin getting off the carriage in front of the main building, looking dejected with her ears drooping. It was evident how her business trip went without even asking. ¡°Thank you for your efforts.¡± ¡°Everyone¡¯s leaving for the day¡­ have a good rest¡­¡± She weakly acknowledged the greetings of the professors as she sluggishly entered the main building. ¡°The headmaster looks really down today. Do you know why?¡± ¡°It seems she went to gather information about special student selection from other academy headmasters and failed.¡± ¡°That was an impossible task from the start.¡± Psychological Warfare Professor Felimia adjusted her sses and spoke up. ¡°Every academy is trying to secure the best talents. Why would they willingly help apetition academy directly under the Imperial Pce?¡± ¡°Hmm, that¡¯s true¡­¡± After a moment of thought, Lina quietly whispered to me. ¡°Head Professor, I have a good idea. Professors, please listen too.¡± Lina shared her recently thought-up n with us. Her ¡°good idea¡± was to infiltrate one of the academies that annually conducts external special student selections, secretly copy their n, and return it without getting caught. ¡°That¡¯s a brilliant idea!¡± Professor Kazadarughed loudly. ¡°Why go the hard way when there¡¯s an easy solution!¡± ¡°Are you justifying theft?¡± Professor Morton, who had been silently listening, interjected, but Professor Waver intervened with a smile. ¡°Professor Morton, didn¡¯t you do simr things during your active service?¡± ¡°Military operations under orders can¡¯t be equated with this.¡± ¡°Would your opponents have thought the same back then?¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± Waver quickly silenced Morton, and Anna chimed in gloomily. ¡°I agree¡­ We have so many other responsibilities¡­ we can¡¯t afford to spend too much time drafting ns¡­¡± ¡°If no traces or evidence are left, it would be like it never happened.¡± Adjusting her sses, Felimia added, and Lina looked at me. ¡°What do you think, Head Professor?¡± Honestly, it wasn¡¯t a bad idea. If we could temporarily take it, copy it, and return it, it would be fine, right? It¡¯s a morally dubious act, but as Felimia said, if no one finds out, it would be like it never happened. Asking about legality or morality is something only people like Linus do, and doing things his way wouldn¡¯t have kept either of us alive this long. ¡°I think it¡¯s a good idea. Can we do it tonight?¡± ¡°Of course. But where should we go?¡± After a moment¡¯s thought, I came up with a suitable ce. ¡°The Imperial Military Academy. Since they¡¯re simr to us, let¡¯s take it from them.¡± While there are numerous academies, those with Combat Departments are few and far between. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Among them, only a handful strike a bnce betweenbat and theory, with the Imperial Military Academy being a prime example. This academy, renowned for training elite officers of the Empire, even counts members of the royal family among its alumni, including our superior, the second princess. Compared to our academy, which was recently established to supply new personnel to the Imperial Security Bureau, the Imperial Military Academy operates on apletely different level. Although there is the Special Warfare Training School, it focuses on training ¡®active soldiers¡¯ for special operations, which is quite different from our mission. The difference between soldiers and agents is significant, even if they perform simr tasks. In that regard, the Imperial Military Academy, which trains well-rounded officers, is the most suitable for us. And if we get caught, it¡¯s better to face another imperial institution rather than a private academy. Most private academies are backed by nobles, and getting entangled with them would be more trouble than it¡¯s worth. ¡°The Imperial Military Academy¡­ won¡¯t infiltrating it be a bit too difficult?¡± Orendi asked worriedly, and Lina yfully tapped his forehead with her fingers. ¡°What do you think of me? We can do it. If no one finds out, it¡¯s like it never happened.¡± Orendi, who had been scratching his head, quickly brightened up as usual. ¡°Now that you mention it, you¡¯re right. Let¡¯s go steal it right away!¡± ¡°Not steal, but borrow and return it. Let¡¯s be clear on that.¡± Even Morton, who had been hesitant, seemed to ease up, feeling the pressure of drafting a new n. Waver and Lina, who always agreed with me, were already discussing infiltration methods. Kazadar and Brogg were happy about not having to write the n themselves. Even the timid Anna, though a bit worried, muttered that it was good to save time for taking care of the horses. Felimia just adjusted her sses, and Geneb, as always, remained silent. I never know what that guy is thinking. # # # # # # At midnight, Lina appeared in the faculty office, dressed in the ck attiremonly used for infiltration. ¡°I¡¯m heading out now.¡± ¡°It¡¯s still cold outside¡­ take this before you go¡­.¡± Anna offered the warm tea she had been drinking, but Lina shook her head. ¡°I¡¯ll have it when I get back. I don¡¯t want to end up needing a bathroom break in the middle of the mission.¡± ¡°But it won¡¯t taste as good once it cools down¡­.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll just reheat it. See youter.¡± Lina, masked, disappeared through Orendi¡¯s dimensional portal. Anna ced the teacup on the desk, murmuring. ¡°Will it be okay¡­ Isn¡¯t the Imperial Military Academy a bit too much¡­¡± ¡°Do you think an infiltration professor would fail at infiltrating? Come on, let¡¯s have some snacks while we wait!¡± Waver cheerfully announced, pulling out a cloth-covered basket from under the desk. It was filled with jerky, bottled yogurt, and smoked meat, all homemade. Products made by the Quirana hunters are known for their quality and taste, sold at high prices torge merchants and noble families. The professors eagerly helped themselves to the delicacies. ¡°Mmm, this is really good. As expected from the Quirana hunters.¡± ¡°Indeed. No matter how much I eat, I never get tired of it.¡± ¡°Waver, isn¡¯t it about time for another hunting trip? Take me with you next time.¡± ¡°Of course. The weather has warmed up, and the meat in my lodge is running low.¡± ¡°Hey, I want to go too.¡± We were chatting and enjoying the snacks when suddenly, Lina popped out from the dimensional portal. Why is she back so soon? Did she get caught? But then I noticed the clear stack of documents in her hands. ¡°Here it is, Head Professor.¡± Lina handed me the documents she was holding. ¡°Read through it, and if it¡¯s what we need, we can copy it and return it immediately.¡± As I reviewed the documents, it was clear they were indeed the ns for selecting external special students from the Imperial Military Academy. ¡°Well done, Lina. You¡¯re the best.¡± ¡°Tehe!¡± Lina gave a V-sign with her hands, her eyes smiling above the mask. ¡°This hasn¡¯t cooled down yet, right?¡± She removed the mask and picked up Anna¡¯s still-steaming teacup, taking a sip. Impressive. Just like Guan Yu, she had infiltrated the Imperial Military Academy at night and retrieved the necessary documents before the tea had even cooled. I knew she had been a special operations member, but I didn¡¯t realize to what extent. Alright, let¡¯s modify this n to fit our academy¡¯s needs andplete it. [Note: see pinnedment for Chapter 31 illustration] [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 32 – External Special Student Selection Exam (5) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 32 ¨C External Special Student Selection Exam (5) Late at night, in the Theoretical Department faculty office. Professor Ismera, seated at the head, dered a short break. As the professors stood up, Ismera, left alone, closed her eyes and massaged her temples. Ismera and the entire Theoretical Department were working overtime to create the special student selection n. Since the decision to select special students had been made, a detailed n was necessary. However, since the academy had no existing n, they had to start from scratch. Such a significant project should ideally be handled by the higher-ups, but there were only three people who could be considered higher-ups in the academy. Headmaster Kirrin, Ismera herself, who was the Head Professor of the Theoretical Department and acting vice-headmaster, and Head Professor of the Combat Department, Dian. Headmaster Kirrin might be good at writing, but she was otherwise ipetent and would nevere up with a n. Reports said she returned from her trip today with nothing to show for it. Dian, the Head Professor of the Combat Department, was even less capable. Like the rest of the Combat Department, he probably got into the academy by impressing somemander with his sword skills during his time as a special agent or secret operative. Though he had luckily stumbled upon a few sesses, this task was different. Creating a special student selection n wasn¡¯t something that could be done haphazardly. It needed to reflect the qualities our academy desired in students, including detailed scoring rubrics and weightings. Furthermore, arrangements had to be made for the exam location, logistics, meals, and amodations if the exam extended beyond a day. Neither Kirrin nor Dian could handle this. Ismera saw this project as an excellent opportunity to showcase her abilities to the Pce. If she led this from nning to execution and final selection, the Pce might consider appointing her as the new headmaster. Even though she was the daughter of the Dark Elf who saved the Emperor¡¯s life, how long could Kirrin keep her position when there was a highly capable pure-blooded elf like Ismera right below her? By tomorrow afternoon, the n would beplete, and Kirrin and Dian would have no choice but to follow her lead. ¡°This is really delicious.¡± At that time, a few professors who had gone outside returned, munching on something. It was jerky. ¡°Quirana jerky is the best after all.¡± Quirana jerky? It must be from that overly optimistic hunter professor from the Combat Department, the one Dian had forced into her pocket once. The thought made Ismera shudder. Elves primarily eat vegetarian food and are proud of it. Dian¡¯s behavior was incredibly crude and rude to someone like Ismera. Really, that guy¡­ ¡°Sorry¡­¡± Seeing Ismera¡¯s reaction, the professors quickly hid the jerky behind their backs. ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything. But where did you get that?¡± ¡°We ran into some Combat Department professors outside who were returning from their duties. They gave it to us to eat while working overtime.¡± ¡°They¡¯ve already left for the day?¡± Ismera nced at the clock and scoffed. The Combat Department, with its brute strength, couldn¡¯t have already finished their n. Dian had asked to see her part once it was done, presumably to reference it. In that case, it¡¯s clear that they probably got tired of waiting for her side toplete the n first, and gave up and left. Ismera, who was already working on the Combat Department¡¯s part, had no intention of showing her n to Dian. By tomorrow afternoon, she would see Kirrin and Dian speechless. Feeling better, Ismera pped her hands to gather the professors. ¡°Alright! Let¡¯s get back to work. We need to finish this n by tomorrow afternoon!¡± At hermand, the Theoretical Department professors, looking pale and weary, reluctantly returned to their seats. # # # # # # ¡°Get some rest and see you tomorrow.¡± ¡°Good night, Head Professor.¡± ¡°See you tomorrow.¡± Parting ways with the professors in the staff area, I walked home alone. Most of the lights in the dormitories and houses were off, making it quiet. It was so silent that I almost thought I could hear the waves from the sea on the academy¡¯s southeastern side. But no matter how good my hearing was, I couldn¡¯t hear waves from that distance. What I could hear, though, was the sound of footsteps following me. When I nced back, I saw Combat Riding Professor Anna hiding behind a wall. Anna, being single, lived in the dormitory on the other side. Did she have something to say to me? I waited for a moment, but she didn¡¯te out. No point in embarrassing her by calling her out. After walking a bit further, I heard footsteps scurrying away in the opposite direction. Looking back, I saw Anna disappearing into the darkness. What is she up to? Entering my home, I found the living room brightly lit and Olysia dozing on the sofa. ¡°Olysia, what are you doing up?¡± ¡°Oh, you¡¯re back¡­ I was waiting for you.¡± Rubbing her eyes, Olysia got up and headed to the kitchen. ¡°Did you eat? I prepared something just in case.¡± The kitchen table had bread and cheese covered with a cloth. ¡°Thanks, but I already ate. Waver brought some snacks. Remember that jerky?¡± ¡°That was delicious. I¡¯m d you ate.¡± Covering the food again, Olysia let out a big yawn. ¡°Why were you waiting up? You should have gone to bed.¡± ¡°How could I sleepfortably when you¡¯re working so hard?¡± Yawning again, Olysia grabbed a dry towel. ¡°Go wash up and get some sleep. Just because you workedte tonight doesn¡¯t mean you cane inte tomorrow.¡± ¡°True. Thanks, Olysia.¡± ¡°This is all so you don¡¯t get any funny ideas. You know what I mean, right?¡± ¡°Yeah, yeah. Don¡¯t quit the academy.¡± ¡°Exactly. You¡¯re the best, Sir Dian. Well, I¡¯ll head to bed now.¡± [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] After Olysia went to her room, I took a shower and immediately copsed into bed. I just hope the Combat Department¡¯s n, based on the Imperial Military Academy¡¯s n, meets Kirrin and Ismera¡¯s expectations. We didn¡¯t copy the military academy¡¯s n to show up the Theoretical Department or to impress Kirrin. There¡¯s no need to reinvent the wheel when there¡¯s a perfectly good sample nearby. It¡¯s best to avoid unnecessary effort. Moreover, the Combat Department professors are more ustomed to swords than pens, so even if we spent days wrestling with the n, the quality would be mediocre. It makes more sense to be practical and flexible without causing harm to anyone. We returned the stolen documents, so the military academy won¡¯t notice, and following their n doesn¡¯t harm them. It¡¯s easier for us, Kirrin will be happy, and Ismera won¡¯t have to cover for the Combat Department. She¡¯ll probably draft the entire n herself to showcase her abilities, so we¡¯ll just add our part to it. Everyone benefits, and no one loses. # # ### # # The next day, just before lunch. ¡°Professor Ismera, are you really okay¡­?¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine¡­.¡± Kirrin asked worriedly, and Ismera, her eyes bloodshot from fatigue, replied in a strained voice. They were in the headmaster¡¯s office. Kirrin, Dian, and Ismera had gathered to finalize the n for the external special student selection. ¡°Your eyes aren¡¯t emerald anymore but ruby, like the headmaster¡¯s. Shouldn¡¯t you visit the infirmary?¡± Dian¡¯sment made Ismera force a smile and shake her head. ¡°I can¡¯t afford to show weakness with such an important task ahead.¡± ¡°But you look really unwell. You didn¡¯t stay up all night, did you?¡± Ismera responded with a weary smile instead of words. ¡°It seems we should wrap this meeting up quickly and let Professor Ismera rest. Let¡¯s get started.¡± Dian said as he ced two copies of the draft n in front of Ismera and Kirrin. ¡°Here¡¯s the Combat Department¡¯s section. It might becking, but please be kind.¡± Ismera scoffed internally. While the Theoretical Department worked tirelessly through the night, the Combat Department had all gone home early. The result was obvious without even looking. She nned to humor them and push through with her version. ¡°Hmm¡­ Professor Ismera¡­.¡± As Kirrin scanned the document, she nced at Ismera with a meaningful look. ¡°This¡­ looks fine as it is¡­.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Take a look. It seems fine to me, but maybe you¡¯ll see it differently.¡± Unsure of what Kirrin was getting at, Ismera picked up her copy of the n. The title read, ¡°Special Mission Academy External Special Student Selection n.¡± Hmm¡­ the overview was predictable, so she skipped it¡­ The general n seemed decent¡­ The Combat Department wasn¡¯t just a bunch of fools after all. But anyone could draft a general n. The key was in the details. It was surely a mess. To the untrained eye, it might look impressive, but to someone with advanced degrees like her¡­ What¡­ what is this?! Ismera¡¯s eyes widened as she read the detailed n. Seeing her rare expression, Kirrin anxiously asked. ¡°How is it, Professor Ismera?¡± ¡°Oh¡­ um¡­ well¡­¡± The n was so perfect that Ismera stammered, her eyes darting around. How did this happen?! Did the Combat Department really create this?! ¡°It¡¯s really good¡­. No additional modifications are needed¡­.¡± Though filled with envy, Ismera¡¯s strong elven pride prevented her from lying to herself. Dian¡¯s n for the Combat Department was wless, and it could be integrated into the overall n without any issues. On the contrary, the n she had exhausted herself creating felt worthless. ¡°You did a great job, Dian. Well done.¡± ¡°Thank you. How about we celebrate with cake after lunch?¡± ¡°Umm¡­ let¡¯s do that¡­¡± Grinding her teeth, Ismera red at Kirrin and Dian as they chatted cheerfully. That man¡­ What is up with him?! [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 33 – External Special Student Selection Exam (6) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 33 ¨C External Special Student Selection Exam (6) At this point, Ismera started to have some wild imaginings. Could it be that the Imperial Pce is considering Dian as the next headmaster? No matter how she thought about it, there were too many suspicious points. Ismera had heard through various channels that the Imperial Pce was searching for a recement to oust Kirrin. Due to the Emperor, they had endured for several years, but with the first graduating ssing out next year, the Head of Imperial Security Bureau could no longer ignore the situation. So, secretly, Ismera had been expecting that she, who also served as the vice-headmaster, would be the headmaster. But what a surprise. Instead of the famed hero Sir Linus, whom everyone had been talking about, the one who came was a scruffy, unruly human man with brown hair she had never seen before. Upon arrival, this man dismantled Kirrin¡¯s steadfast academy management style, created themercial district, and brought in wild horses from who knows where. And all of this was supported vigorously by the Imperial Pce. Moreover, now, he brought a n that was far superior to any that Ismera and the esteemed professors of the Theoretical Department had devised. At first, Ismera thought Dian was someone like Kirrin, who had connections with some high-ranking individuals, which is how he became the Head Professor. But now she saw that this man was exceptionally skilled. He wasn¡¯t the kind of person she had thought he was. Clearly¡­ clearly there was something more. From any angle, Dian seemed to be the next headmaster prepared by the Imperial Pce. Since Kirrin had the Emperor¡¯s protection, it would be burdensome to rece her immediately, so they assigned Dian as the Head Professor first to slowly take over the academy. Then what about me¡­? Looking at Dian and Kirrin, it seemed like mes of a dragon¡¯s breath might shoot out from Ismera¡¯s eyes at any moment. Contrary to Ismera¡¯s burning anger, Kirrin was all smiles as she adopted Dian¡¯s n as the basic temte. Dian¡¯s n included details from the Combat Department and had established overall issues, so it only needed the Theoretical Department¡¯s areas to be included to be nearlyplete. The meeting concluded with the administrative director being called in to discuss the budget and other needs for implementing the n, and preparations were set to start that afternoon. ¡°Professor Ismera, you should visit the infirmary. Divine healing will help you recover your energy.¡± As they left the headmaster¡¯s office, Dian suggested, but Ismera shook her head. ¡°Thank you for your concern, but I am fine. It is inappropriate for a professor to visit the infirmary during working hours.¡± ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go together. I¡¯m tired too from staying uptest night, so I could use a buff.¡± ¡°A buff? What¡¯s that? Ah! Let go of me!¡± When Dian suddenly grabbed her wrist and pulled, Ismera panicked and tried to shake off his hand. However, Dian¡¯s grip was so strong that she couldn¡¯t resist and had to be dragged along helplessly. ¡°I¡¯ll go on my own, so let go! My wrist hurts!¡± ¡°Oh, sorry, sorry.¡± When Dian released his grip, Ismera rubbed her wrist and red at him before striding towards the infirmary. Normally, she would have put on a mask of emotions, but she was extremely tired from working overnight, and the spection that the Imperial Pce was pushing Dian as the next headmaster had mentally overwhelmed her. As a result, her true nature had unintentionallye out. But Dian, who had already figured out everything about Ismera, followed her with a smile, unperturbed. ¡°Hello, Priestess. We¡¯d like to receive some treatment.¡± ¡°Are you injured?¡± As they entered the infirmary, Priestess Maya stood up to greet them. ¡°We¡¯re not injured, but both of us stayed up all night, so we were hoping for some fatigue recovery.¡± Dian¡¯s words made Ismera look at him in disbelief. It was no wonder. Dian had gone home a little after midnight, while Ismera had stayed up all night by herself. ¡°Please lie down here. I will imbue your body with holy power.¡± When Dian and Ismera each took a bed in the treatment room, Priestess Maya began to manifest holy power. The golden holy power enveloped their bodies with its characteristic warmth, and Dian unknowingly began to feel sleepy. While Priestess Maya turned her back to Dian and used holy power on Ismera, Dian started to doze off. A little whileter. ¡°Dian. Dian!¡± Someone shook him awake, and when he opened his eyes, a dark figure was looking down at him. ¡°Headmaster?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been looking for you. What are you doing here?¡± ¡°I was receiving divine treatment. But why were you looking for me?¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t we agree to have some cake to celebrate?¡± Only then did Dian remember jokingly telling Kirrin to treat him to cake for making a good n. ¡°Get up quickly. I¡¯ll buy you cake.¡± ¡°You just want to eat it yourself, don¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Get up!¡± Without responding to that, Kirrin grabbed Dian¡¯s arm and pulled him up. It seemed to be true. ¡°Uh, Professor Ismera¡­ want toe with us?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t eat cakes with milk in them.¡± ¡°Sorry.¡± Embarrassed by the unusually sharp response, Kirrin nced at Dian. ¡°Professor Ismera is a vegetarian. Let¡¯s go ourselves.¡± ¡°Alright¡­¡± After Kirrin and Dian left the infirmary, Ismera, left alone, pounded the bed in frustration. Damn it, damn it, damn it!! ¡°Please keep quiet in the infirmary.¡± ¡°Sorry, Priestess¡­.¡± During the practicum, Priestess Maya treated a student who had sustained a scratch and then quietly returned to her desk to begin recording the patient log. [Head Combat Professor Dian visited the infirmary with the elf, Head Theoretical Professor Ismera]. [Both of them came to receive divine treatment because they were extremely fatigued from staying up all night]. [During the treatment, the Dark Elf Headmaster Kirrin came in, took Professor Dian to a dessert cafe, promising to buy him cake]. [Seeing this, Professor Ismera disyed inexplicable anger, repeatedly pounding the bed in frustration]. # # # # # [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] After leaving the infirmary, we headed straight to the dessert cafe. ¡°Headmaster, wee! Would you like your usual order?¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡± As soon as we entered, the owner recognized Kirrin and greeted her warmly. ¡°Headmaster, is anyone else joining you today?¡± ¡°It¡¯s just the two of us.¡± ¡°Then why are you ordering a whole cake? Are you nning to take the leftovers home?¡± Kirrin pped her ears sincerely, looking puzzled. ¡°Don¡¯t we need a whole cake for the two of us?¡± ¡°Is that so¡­? Well, we did skip lunch, so we might be able to finish it.¡± But earlier, the cafe owner had said this was her ¡®regr order¡¯¡­ ¡°Thank you for the meal!¡± As the entire cake was ced on the table, Kirrin picked up a fork. ¡°Mmm! It¡¯s really delicious!¡± Kirrin¡¯s ears perked up like a rabbit¡¯s as she took a big bite of the cake. How cute. ¡°I noticed Professor Ismera seemed really angry earlier.¡± Kirrin spoke as she wiped the whipped cream from her mouth with a napkin. ¡°Was it because I cluelessly suggested having cake? Maybe if I had suggested sd, she wouldn¡¯t have been upset.¡± Iughed at Kirrin¡¯spletely off-the-mark guess. ¡°It¡¯s not that. She was upset because you adopted the n I made.¡± ¡°Oh, is that it? Well¡­ I suppose Professor Ismera¡¯s pride must have been hurt.¡± ¡°She looked down on me and the Combat Department, but when she saw the n, she realized it wasn¡¯t what she expected.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. Professor Ismera is a pure-blooded elf with a high-level master¡¯s degree. She probably thinks I¡¯m an inadequate headmaster too.¡± ¡°She probably does.¡± Nodding, Kirrin spoke carefully. ¡°Professor Ismera wants to be headmaster.¡± ¡°I know, but it won¡¯t be easy. Politically speaking.¡± ¡°True¡­.¡± The reason the Second Princess hasn¡¯t been able to remove Kirrin was because of the Emperor. So, they brought out Linus as their trump card, and when that didn¡¯t work, they opted for me as a backup. When that didn¡¯t work out either, they reluctantly made me a professor. Now, Kirrin is in a secure position, and Ismera can¡¯t ovee that. If she could, the Second Princess would have rmended Ismera, who is close by, instead of the hero or a recluse like me. Ismera¡¯s credentials are too weak to break the Emperor¡¯s stubbornness. ¡°I always feel sorry and grateful to Ismera¡­. Without her, I wouldn¡¯t have been able to endure.¡± ¡°I agree. Despite her true feelings, Professor Ismera is really doing her best.¡± Kirrin sighed deeply. ¡°Haa¡­. How did I end up in such a precarious position¡­¡± ¡°In times like these, we call it a catch-22.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve never heard that before¡­¡± Feeling down, Kirrin let her ears droop as she gobbled up the cake. # # # # # With the academy¡¯s final n in ce, preparations for selecting special students sped up. One dormitory was set aside as amodation for applicants during the selection period, and facilities like the dining hall and baths were prepared. The faculty double-checked the test sites and scoring charts, while Kirrin wrote letters to various territories and cities. The content was essentially, ¡®The academy is selecting talented individuals, so lords and mayors, please actively rmend such individuals from your regions and cities.¡¯ The letters, containing the selection ns, were sent everywhere with Orendi¡¯s magic. Meanwhile, Knightley visited once, but I had to apologize for being too busy and asked to meet again after the selection process. Though clearly displeased, Knightley understood the situation and left. Then a letter arrived from Linus. He wrote that the baby had been born and he would invite me over in about a month. Even in this world, newborns have weak immune systems, so they restrict visitors for a while. I opened the apanying box and found a bottle of radiant liquor wrapped in straw. ¡°Haha, this guy.¡± Armand de Brignac. An extremely expensive liquor he had brought as a gift when he visited Brunswell before. To casually send two bottles of this, how much is the Empire paying this guy? I¡¯ll save this and share it with the professorster. A hectic week passed, and finally, the day of the special student selection arrived. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 34 – Suspicious Pink Girl (1) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 34 ¨C Suspicious Pink Girl (1) Selection Day. The front gate of the academy was bustling with people arriving from all over the Empire, either on foot, horseback, or by carriage. At the reception desk setup with tents and tables, assistants were busyparing application documents with the actual applicants. Those who passed this verification process moved through the gate to the main auditorium, where they deposited their belongings and waited. Once the final attendance was confirmed, a general n and guidelines were provided, and the evaluation began immediately. Those who failed on the first day would pack their things and leave immediately, while those who passed would move to the dormitories to prepare for the final evaluation on the second day. ¡°There are so many applicants.¡± Kirrinmented as she looked at the crowded front gate. ¡°I never expected so many toe.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a huge advantage to transfer directly into the senior year of the Imperial Academy, even though it¡¯s not private.¡± ¡°Even so, there are so many.¡± As Kirrin said, people from all walks of life hade. Men and women of various skin colors, hair colors, eye colors, and iprehensible dialects filled the space, making it a chaotic sight. Their attire was also incredibly diverse. ¡°No personal weapons are allowed. Please hand them over and receive a storage receipt.¡± Assistants stopped people carrying swords, spears, and shields. Those guys belong to the famous Revlon Mercenary Corps. Why would those wealthy folks apply here? ¡°Hey! Don¡¯t smoke at the entrance!¡± An assistant shouted at a group of men in fur cloaks who were smoking and blowing thick smoke. Those guys are from the North. They¡¯re too ignorant to understandmon social norms and are not suitable as academy students. ¡°Please dress properly! This is the Imperial Special Mission Academy!¡± The administrative director on the tform shouted into a megaphone. His eyes were on a muscr man with tattoos all over his body who was shirtless. Judging by his tattoos and ornaments, he seemed to be from the faraway Pretornos Inds Federation. What a variety of people have applied. Not just humans, but Dwarves, Orcs, Lizardmen, Gnomes, and Beastmen¡ªpeople of various races, all of whom seemed to have understood the selection announcement ande here. But the more I looked, the more suspicious some of them seemed. Given the academy¡¯s nature, there was an age limit, but there were a lot of people who didn¡¯t seem to fit that. I should tell the reception desk to carefullypare the application forms and actual ID cards. As I headed to the reception desk, sure enough. ¡°What do you mean I¡¯m over the age limit, nya!¡± A cat beastman bristled with anger. ¡°ording to the cat beastman age calction, you¡¯re over forty by imperial standards.¡± The assistant showed the standard age calction chart for different races, and the cat beastman bared her fangs. ¡°It wasn¡¯t mentioned in the announcement, nya!¡± ¡°It clearly states here, ¡®Those who are not over twenty by imperial standard age.''¡± ¡°Who reads announcements that carefully, nya!¡± ¡°Anyway, you can¡¯t enter. Please leave.¡± ¡°Then why are you letting that bearded old man in!¡± The cat beastman pointed at a bearded dwarf who had just passed through the reception desk into the academy. ¡°He¡¯s eighteen this year. He¡¯s a dwarf.¡± ¡°This is racial discrimination, nya!!¡± The cat beastman screeched and suddenly vomited up a hairball, whichnded with a st on the ground, causing the people around to recoil. What a nuisance. ¡°Hey, just give her this and send her away.¡± I instructed the assistant, who sighed and pulled something out from under the desk. The cat beastman¡¯s eyes sparkled with greed as she saw it. The assistant held a small bag containing a few catnip leaves. I had instructed them to prepare it just in case, seeing that there were a few cat beastmen among the applicants. Cat beastmen are usually selfish and arrogant, often making unreasonable demands like this. It¡¯s a hassle to kick them out. If they get upset, they can go wild and start scratching, so we had to have countermeasures ready. ¡°Here. Take this and leave. What¡¯s not allowed is not allowed.¡± ¡°Hurry¡­ give it to me, nya!!!¡± Drooling, the cat beastman snatched the bag and urgently opened it, burying her nose in it and inhaling deeply. ¡°Hyaaaang¡­¡± Her eyes rolled back in ecstasy, and she staggered away as if drunk. ¡°Head Professor!¡± I wasughing at the dazed cat beastman when an administrative staff member urgently called me. ¡°Pleasee quickly! There¡¯s a fight!¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t the assistants handling it?¡± ¡°The assistants can¡¯t handle it. We need you, Head Professor!¡± Curious, I followed to find, what is this? Two young orcs were ring at each other, one holding a sharp double-headed axe and the other a menacing metal club. The academy guards who hade to help didn¡¯t dare intervene in the orcs¡¯ fight and hesitated. Judging by the tattoos on their arms, it seemed like they belonged to hostile tribes. ¡°I¡¯ll chop you to pieces and kill you!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll strip your bones and make soup to feed to a wyvern!¡± One orc brandished his axe, baring his fangs, while the other mmed his club on the ground and responded. ¡°Hey, this isn¡¯t a fighting ring. Either pretend you didn¡¯t see each other and hand over your weapons or give up on the selection and fight elsewhere.¡± ¡°Stay out of this!¡± ¡°This is an orc fight!¡± With that, the orcs roared, their battle cries chilling the air. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] ¡°Eek?!¡± Kirrin, who had followed me, clutched her ears and trembled, while everyone else recoiled in fear. This is a total mess. These guys won¡¯t listen to words. ¡°Ahhhh! My bracelet!!¡± Just as I was about to step between the orcs, a woman¡¯s piercing scream erupted from the other side. A slender woman dressed in gray was clutching herself in terror, shouting. ¡°My bracelet was stolen! Everyone run! If you don¡¯t want to die, run away!!!¡± What now? ¡°I¡¯m a werewolf! If I don¡¯t have my bracelet, I¡¯ll transform! Run as far away as you can!!¡± A werewolf? I immediately checked the woman¡¯s wrist, but there was no silver bracelet to suppress transformation, which a werewolf should always wear¡­ ¡°Don¡¯t just stand there, hurry and¡ªgrrrr!¡± Suddenly, the woman¡¯s body began to bulge and her mouth extended forward. She was transforming! Her clothes tore as she grew, turning into a bipedal wolf over three meters tall in an instant. A transformed werewolf in the middle of a crowded area was far more dangerous than the two orcs brandishing weapons and shouting battle cries. This is why being a werewolf was listed as a disqualification¡­ But if they imed the silver bracelet was just a normal essory, there was no way to identify them in human form. What a nuisance. ¡°Let me borrow that.¡± ¡°Grrr!¡± As soon as I snatched the metal club from the orc, the werewolf charged at me. I threw my cloak around my left arm, and Kirrin shouted from behind. ¡°Dian, it¡¯s dangerous!! Get out of the way!¡± A dagger thrown by Kirrin brushed past my shoulder and flew forward, but the werewolf deflected it with a swipe of its arm. Kirrin then skillfully tossed a noose around the werewolf¡¯s neck. Impressive. But that wouldn¡¯t stop a transformed werewolf. The werewolf grabbed the noose and swung it like a whip, sending Kirrin flying through the air with a cry. ¡°Ahh! Oof!¡± Assistants rushed to catch the falling Kirrin. ¡°Everyone stay back! I¡¯ll handle this!¡± I waited until the werewolf was close enough, then extended my cloaked arm, which it bit into. I slipped my fingers through the cloak to grab its tongue and swung the metal club at its head. ¡°Kuekk!¡± The werewolf let out a cry and copsed to the ground. As it struggled to get up, I mercilessly pounded it with the club while holding onto its tongue. ¡°Someone get a spare silver bracelet.¡± ¡°Kuekk! Kughh!¡± ¡°Here it is, Head Professor!¡± Catching the bracelet tossed by an assistant, I struck the werewolf a few more times to stop its resistance and then sped the bracelet on its wrist. In an instant, the werewolf reverted to a naked human woman. I had told them to prepare a few silver bracelets just in case, like with the catnip, but I never expected to actually use one. Who would have thought a werewolf would hide their identity and apply? ¡°Thank you¡­.¡± The woman, now in human form, faintly thanked me before losing consciousness. Assistants quickly attended to her. ¡°Take her to the infirmary. Make sure to tell Priestess Maya that she¡¯s a werewolf.¡± As the assistants carried the woman away, I turned back to the orcs. ¡°If you want to keep fighting, take it outside. Otherwise¡­¡± ¡°We are friends!¡± The orcs, who had been staring at me in shock, suddenly started putting their arms around each other, pretending to be friendly. Ugh, those idiots. ¡°He subdued a werewolf without any proper equipment¡­¡± ¡°Is he a polymorphed dragon¡­?¡± Ignoring the murmurs of the crowd, Kirrin ran over. ¡°Are you okay?!¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine. But this is aplete mess.¡± Since this is the first time, there are bound to be many mistakes. Next year, we need to use the lessons learned from this to strengthen the application requirements. Kirrin, already looking worried, grabbed my arm. ¡°With things already like this¡­ can we properly evaluate all these people?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry. By lunchtime, we¡¯ll have eliminated half of them.¡± The first test for the applicants is a physical fitness assessment. Whether they go into fieldwork or desk jobs after graduation, the ¡°Special Mission¡± academy requires basic physical fitness. If they¡¯re not physically fit, no matter how smart they are, they won¡¯t be suitable for our academy. We n to quickly filter out the unfit candidates through this test. If they¡¯re smart but not physically fit, they¡¯d be better off at another prestigious traditional academy. ¡°Headmaster, it looks like things are under control here, so let¡¯s move to the auditorium¡­¡± I trailed off as I noticed something over Kirrin¡¯s shoulder. Among the bustling crowd, there was a girl with distinct pink hair. She had long, waist-length, pigtails of rare pink hair and was staring straight at me. Judging by her gear, she seemed to be with the Revlon Mercenary Corps at the reception desk, but I don¡¯t recall seeing a girl like her there. I had worked with the Revlon Mercenary Corps during the war and remembered that they didn¡¯t recruit female mercenaries. However, she seemed too young and delicate to be a mercenary¡­ perhaps she was a mage or another ss. Well, I¡¯ll find out more if she makes it through the final selection. ¡°Let¡¯s go, headmaster.¡± When there was no response, I looked back to see Kirrin being pushed away by the crowd. I quickly ran over, grabbed her hand, and led her behind the reception desk tent. ¡°Whew, that was close. Thanks, Dian.¡± ¡°For a Dark Elf, why didn¡¯t you just leap? Why let yourself get pushed around?¡± ¡°It¡¯s hard to do that when the space is so cramped.¡± Kirrin gave an embarrassed smile. She really is someone who needs a lot of looking after in many ways. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 35 – Suspicious Pink Girl (2) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 35 ¨C Suspicious Pink Girl (2) After somemotion, the registration at the main gate was finallypleted. We weeded out those who falsified their applications and those visibly unqualified, like those missing limbs or illiterate. With this process, about two hundred people, roughly one-third of the initial applicants, were gathered in the main auditorium. If we eliminate about half through the physical fitness tests, another hundred or so will be gone by noon. The remaining candidates will be evaluated this afternoon and tomorrow, and anyone failing any part will be dismissed immediately. I expect only about three candidates to make it to the end, given the strict criteria of the Combat Department. Kirrin thought this was too harsh, but Ismera, driven bypetitiveness, had made their theoretical evaluation extremely difficult as well. Being directly transferred into the senior year of the Imperial Academy and graduating next year with an official academy diploma is an enormous advantage. Moreover, since this is the first time we are conducting this selection, the Imperial Pce will be closely watching. So, it¡¯s crucial to weed out the unqualified candidates decisively, and if no one stands out, we might not select anyone at all. Choosing mediocre candidates could lead to scrutiny from the Imperial Pce and tarnish Kirrin¡¯s career, which might, through a butterfly effect, make me the headmaster. ¡°Headmaster, it¡¯s time to start.¡± ¡°Yes, we should.¡± Kirrin stepped onto the tform and greeted the two hundred applicants. ¡°Hello, I am Kirrin Nemara, the headmaster of the academy.¡± ¡°Nemara¡­? The Dark Elf n, Nemara?¡± As Kirrin introduced herself, the applicants murmured. ¡°Thank you for applying to our Special Mission Academy. I hope you achieve good results, and we will now proceed with the selection process.¡± Following Kirrin, Ismera exined the overall procedures and guidelines of the selection. Standing on the tform, Ismera honestly looked more like a headmaster than Kirrin. Her elegance and dignified appearance unique to pureblood elves, along with her clear, articte voice and coherent speech, made her seem perfect. Moreover, she holds a higher master¡¯s degree, equivalent to a Ph.D. in the real world. It¡¯s not hard to understand why she detests Kirrin so much. Honestly, I would feel the same if I were Ismera. If Ismera were to be the headmaster, the academy would undoubtedly thrive more. But what can we do? With the Emperor¡¯s involvement, winning purely on merit has be impossible. Even the Second Princess, a war hero and the head of Imperial Security, couldn¡¯t overturn this situation. How could Ismera, with just her high-level master¡¯s degree, manage it alone? As I scanned the applicants, I once again spotted the girl with the pink hair. The striking color immediately caught my eye, and I observed her face more closely this time. She was standing with her arms crossed and legs folded, smiling. Her droopy pink eyes matched her hair, and her rxed smile made her look more like a current student than an applicant. With her fair skin and slender neck, she didn¡¯t seem like someone who had worked as a mercenary. Yet, her gear clearly belonged to the Revlon Mercenary Corps. Could she be a mage or in some other indirectbat role? That would be unusual too. Why would a mage apply here? If she wanted to learn more magic, she would go to the Magic Tower, and if she wanted to make money with magic, there are plenty of other opportunities. Perhaps she¡¯s a shaman or healer. But even that doesn¡¯t quite fit. Each role has its own unique vibe, like in manga or games, but she didn¡¯t exude any of that. The more I looked, the more puzzling it became¡­ Suddenly, the girl looked in my direction, as if she sensed my gaze. Our eyes met for a moment before she turned her attention back to Ismera. # # # # # The physical fitness test began at the grand drill ground. This massive t area in the center of our academy is sorge that it can amodate cavalry charge drills. Here, the applicants had to pass various physical fitness tests. The most important to me was the long-distance run around the perimeter of the drill ground. Field agents need excellent endurance. They must not tire easily, as exhaustion leads to despair. Due to the nature of their missions, agents often find themselves alone in dangerous areas, having to escape without any support. In such situations, the ability to run and walk without rest is essential. The physical fitness tests were conducted by the Combat Department professors and assistants. Each test had a set minimum standard, and failing even one meant immediate disqualification. Thus, by the time they reached the final long-distance run, the initial two hundred had been reduced to one hundred twenty, a 40% decrease. ¡°Now we will begin the long-distance run. I will go over a few safety precautions.¡± While Waver briefed the applicants on safety, I observed the participants. And there, I saw the girl with pink hair again, with a few other Revlon Mercenary Corps members. Getting this far means she has at least basic strength and endurance above average¡­ So she¡¯s definitely not a mage. Mages typically spend their entire lives studying and often have weaker physical abilities, like Orendi. Could she actually be a mercenary? [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Well¡­ I¡¯ve seen plenty of women who disyed exceptional skills on the battlefield, so it¡¯s not entirely unusual¡­. In fact, there are many other girls here, but for some reason, my attention keeps being drawn to her. It might be because of that ridiculous hair color. As I watched, the girl suddenly looked up and stared right at me, standing behind Waver. This can¡¯t just be a coincidence, we¡¯ve made eye contact too many times. ¡°Everyone, line up at the starting line!¡± The applicants lined up with tense expressions as Waver blew the whistle sharply. ¡°What the¡ª?¡± As the applicants surged forward, the girl with the pink hair sped ahead with incredible speed, leading the pack. If she runs like that from the start, she¡¯ll tire out midway. Is she alright? ¡°She¡¯s overdoing it.¡± Waver, apparently sharing my thoughts,ughed as he spoke. ¡°Endurance running is all about pacing yourself.¡± ¡°I saw her hanging out with the Revlon mercenaries. Do you know anything about her?¡± ¡°Revlon? That¡¯s a famousrge mercenary group, right? You¡¯re saying that girl is with them? No way.¡± ¡°I¡¯m serious. Her gear, and the fact that she¡¯s always with other Revlon mercenaries¡­ Could she be the daughter of the Revlon Mercenary leader?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of him having a daughter.¡± Waver snapped his fingers, watching the girl, who was already half ap ahead of thest applicant. ¡°Maybe she¡¯s not actually with Revlon but hired them?¡± ¡°For protection, you mean?¡± There are wealthymoners who can¡¯t have private soldiers due tock of nobility, so they often hire mercenaries for long-term private army purposes. Or it could be, as Waver suggested, they are hired short-term for security. ¡°That makes sense. They might have joined the selection process as applicants to ensure nothing goes wrong.¡± ¡°You¡¯re right. That¡¯s usible.¡± As we chatted, the girl was already about top thest ce applicants. She¡¯s incredibly fast. I wonder if she can keep this pace for twentyps around this massive drill ground. And about an hourter. Amazingly, the girl, havingpped several other applicants, was the first to cross the finish line. She was sweating a little but hardly seemed out of breath. She must have excellent stamina. ¡°Well done. You¡¯re a great runner.¡± I approached her with a smile, and she looked up at me with a slightly mischievous glint in her eye. ¡°I¡¯m decent.¡± ¡°I like that confidence. But remember, the physical fitness test is just the first hurdle. There are many evaluations ahead, so stay on your toes until the end.¡± ¡°I will.¡± Nothing particrly special about her. She seems like a wealthy family¡¯s daughter aiming for a government job, just as Waver suggested. After the girl crossed the finish line, the other applicants began arriving about thirty minutester. Every one of them copsed as soon as they crossed the finish line, vomiting and causing quite amotion. PriestessMaya was busy going around, providing holy treatment. Sixty applicants passed the physical fitness test. From the initial two hundred at registration, we reduced it to one hundred twenty, and then to sixty through the fitness test. The first evaluation was over, and already seventy percent of the original applicants had been eliminated. Most of the applicants were clearly not up to our standards, and now the real evaluation would begin. I¡¯m curious to see how many will remain by tomorrow afternoon. As I pondered, I felt someone¡¯s eyes on me and looked around. There, beyond the applicants who were vomiting and copsing, the pink-haired girl stood with her hands on her hips, looking at me with a tilted stance. Our eyes met again, but this time she didn¡¯t look away. Instead, she stared back at me as if challenging me to a staring contest. Not only have we made eye contact several times, but now she¡¯s openly staring at me. ¡°Head Professor, we have a meeting regarding the afternoon evaluations.¡± Just then, an assistant approached and spoke, pulling my gaze away from the girl as I headed to the main building. As I walked away, I nced back and saw her still watching me. [Note: See pinnedment for Chapter 35 illustration] [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 36 – Suspicious Pink Girl (3) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 36 ¨C Suspicious Pink Girl (3) After lunch, the afternoon evaluations began. For our Combat Department, the focus was on basic armedbat under Geneb¡¯s supervision. Armed with only a wooden sword, applicants would spar with ourbat instructor instructors to be qualitatively assessed. I wasn¡¯t involved in the theoretical evaluations, so I leisurely headed to the outdoor training ground. Through a group of theoretical instructors carrying test papers, I spotted Ismera. As a pure-blooded elf, she stood out like a peacock among chickens. Noticing me, Ismera gave a beautiful, elegant smile that could melt anyone¡¯s heart. ¡°Thank you for your hard work, Professor Ismera.¡± She briefly nodded at me, and her expression instantly turned icy. However, it was so brief that only someone like me could catch it. We passed each other as if nothing had happened. That elf really lives a tiring life. When I arrived at the outdoor training ground, the pink-haired girl, named Sophie, was standing with a wooden sword over her shoulder, facing abat instructor. ¡°Are you here to observe?¡± Geneb, who had been watching with her arms crossed, greeted me. ¡°I¡¯m here to watch that girl.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s begin.¡± With a sharp whistle, the sparring began. Thebat instructor moved first, closing the distance with quick, narrow steps andunching an attack. Ourbat instructors areposed of individuals with considerable battle experience, so their attacks are something an ordinary person could never fend off. However, the girl effortlessly dodged the attacks as if dancing, her movements fluid and precise. The instructor, having been told to go all out, pushed the girl aggressively, forcing her to retreat to the edge of the training ground. But no matter how I look at it, she looks like she¡¯s barely trying. ¡°She¡¯s not a genuine applicant.¡± Geneb seemed to have noticed this as well and evaluated the situation simrly. The girl, who had been continuously retreating, suddenly made a threatening move, leaning her upper body to the left. The instructor flinched and shifted in that direction. ¡°That¡¯s a feint.¡± He was tricked. The wooden sword, which had been resting on the girl¡¯s shoulder, swung down at an impossible angle, striking the instructor. ¡°Gah!¡± Before he could even defend, the swordnded on his shoulder, causing him to copse to his knees. The instructor was helped away by other instructors, and Geneb silently scribbled on the evaluation form. Meanwhile, the girl, now alone, gave me a characteristic smile and stared at me. After a brief stare, she threw the wooden sword on the ground and walked away from the training ground. Does she know me, or is she just staring because I¡¯m good-looking? # # # # # After the afternoon evaluations, during dinner. All faculty members gathered in the conference room for a meeting led by Headmaster Kirrin to discuss the progress of the selection process. The final number of applicants who survived today was thirty. Kirrin verified the detailed rankings and tomorrow¡¯s evaluations and preparations one by one. At the top of the list was ¡®Sophie¡¯. Could this be the pink-haired girl? ¡°It probably is.¡± Sitting next to me, Psychology Warfare Professor Felimia, answered my query. ¡°She stood out so much that I took a closer look at her application.¡± ¡°Anything unusual?¡± ¡°She¡¯s from the Revlon Mercenary Corps.¡± Revlon Mercenary Corps is a notoriousrge mercenary group in the Empire. But they didn¡¯t start that way; they began as a small group of thugs from Revlon, acting as organized crime. Their violent and ruthless nature made them the go-to for noble¡¯s dirty work, gradually growing in size. As their reputation spread, more lowlifes joined, eventually transforming them into a mercenary corps. During the Four-Year War, they took on jobs too dirty for the army, rapidly gaining recognition and growing into therge mercenary corps they are today. And this twenty-year-old girl was part of them¡­ that¡¯s definitely unusual. ¡°Does Revlon ept female mercenaries? I don¡¯t recall that being the case.¡± ¡°They didn¡¯t, until recently. She probably joined them not long ago.¡± ¡°Do you know anything about her?¡± ¡°There is some information that I came across through various channels.¡± Felimia adjusted her sses and shared what she knew. The girl joined the mercenary corps a few years after the war ended. She reportedly stormed into their headquarters demanding to be hired. At first, the mercenaries thought she was crazy and told her to leave, but she threatened to kill the mercenary leader if they didn¡¯t ept her. One enraged mercenary tried to p her, only to end up with a broken neck, left in a vegetative state¡­ What a story. In any case, having proven her abilities, she was immediately taken into the mercenary corps, and she quickly made a name for herself. Even if a woman can wield a sword and kill, the way she joined the mercenary corps is absurd. If she¡¯s twenty now, she would have been even younger then, yet she broke the neck of a seasoned Revlon mercenary? ¡°Are you sure about that?¡± ¡°Whether it¡¯s true or false depends on your belief, Head Professor.¡± Felimia replied with a vague smile, indicating that even she wasn¡¯t entirely certain. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] ¡°Still, a girl in Revlon at her age, that¡¯s quite the unusual background.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°So why did she apply here?¡± ¡°She applied along with three other Revlon mercenaries. They¡¯re all twenty years old.¡± ¡°Hmm, it¡¯s hard to imagine four of them trying to leave the mercenary group at once. Perhaps Waver¡¯s guess is right¡ªthey might be here to guard someone.¡± ¡°Here, take a look at this.¡± Felimia handed me one of the application forms. ¡°What¡¯s this? The Zenovi Trading Company? Ah.¡± The daughter of a wealthy merchant family on the continent applied to our academy as a special student. So, the Revlon mercenaries joined the academy as applicants to follow her in for protection. Regr guards would have been stopped at the gate. Now it all makes sense. Let¡¯s see. The list of those who passed today¡­ I don¡¯t see the Zenovi Trading Company¡¯s daughter. So, the Revlon mercenaries who followed her for protection will likely drop out and leave. What a waste. After reviewing the preparations for tomorrow¡¯s evaluation, Kirrin brought up the issue of the failed applicants¡¯ departure. Usually, they would be sent home, but it was toote now, and most would end up spending the night nearby. Kirrin suggested that the academy should take responsibility for their amodation since they had traveled far for the test. It was a reasonable suggestion and would help improve the academy¡¯s image. I agreed, and the other Combat Department professors followed suit. Professor Ismera, sitting opposite, twitched slightly around her eyes but only smiled. She probably wanted to oppose Kirrin and me, but objectively, it was a good n, so she couldn¡¯t openly reject it. ¡°Professor Ismera, what do you think? Please share your opinion.¡± ¡°Haha¡­ Headmaster, you consider such meticulous details that we might overlook in our schedules.¡± Despite whatever she might feel inside, Ismera had no choice but to agree, and it was decided that the failed applicants would stay at the academy overnight and leave in the morning. ¡°Thank you for your efforts today. Let¡¯s give our best again tomorrow. Meeting adjourned.¡± Kirrin dismissed the meeting, and it ended. Outside, the sky waspletely dark. I was getting hungry. I wondered what Olysia might have prepared for dinner tonight. The academy, being a school, naturally had a cafeteria. It wasrge enough for both staff and students, but the food was just passable¡ªnot bad, but not good enough to choose over a home-cooked meal, so I always had dinner at home with Olysia. Themercial district had some branches of famous restaurants, but they were always crowded, making it difficult to eat there. I might need to clear another building next to expand themercial district. ¡°See you all tomorrow.¡± ¡°Good night, Head Professor.¡± ¡°Rest well, Head Professor.¡± After parting ways with the other professors at the intersection in the faculty quarters, I headed home alone. The pleasant evening breeze brought thoughts of Sophie, the pink-haired girl. I want to bring her into our academy. Her performance in the physical fitness test and basic armedbat was exceptional. It would be a shame to lose such talent. Having a student like her would enhance the academy¡¯s reputation, attracting more applicants next year, allowing us to select even higher-quality candidates. Moreover, with better graduates, the Second Princess would likely consider keeping Kirrin and me here a wise decision. But this isn¡¯t ten years ago, and I¡¯m a professor now. Forcing my will through would be difficult. Still, it¡¯s disappointing. Wait a minute. She¡¯s staying at the academy tonight, so maybe I should visit her dorm and try to persuade her. If I could convince her that being a special agent is more rewarding, she might stay¡­ But what¡¯s her true identity? The knowledge I have from the original story is outdated since it ended ten years ago with the Demon King¡¯s death. I don¡¯t know what happened afterward. At that time, Sophie would have been just a ten-year-old girl. If she had stood out, I would have known immediately. Entering a notorious mercenary group before turning twenty is intriguing. Lost in thought, I stopped walking. Looking down the darkened street, I quietly spoke. ¡°Come out.¡± Someone slowly emerged from behind a wall. Even in the evening twilight, her pink hair was vividly noticeable. It was Sophie, the Revlon mercenary who had entered the academy to protect the Zenovi Trading Company¡¯s daughter. ¡°It¡¯s been a while, Dian.¡± With her hand on her hip and standing in my way, Sophie smiled. Just turned twenty. Back when I was active, she would have been a ten-year-old kid, yet she knew my name. And she spoke as if we had known each other for a long time. What is this situation? After weighing various possibilities, I came to a usible conclusion. Could it be¡­? ¡°Hello, Hindrasta.¡± Nothing else exins this situation. Unless she was a dragon polymorphed into a human girl. Realizing I had figured out her identity, Hindrasta¡¯s smile widened. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 37 – Suspicious Pink Girl (4) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 37 ¨C Suspicious Pink Girl (4) ¡°Humans are known to age quickly¡­¡± Hindrasta spoke, eyeing me up and down. ¡°But why haven¡¯t you changed a bit?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been living a carefree life for the past ten years.¡± ¡°How nice for you. Some of us have been living days filled with shame and anger.¡± Iughed out loud at that. ¡°Isn¡¯t ten years just a blink of an eye for a dragon? You¡¯re still as dramatic as ever. Just like back then.¡± Hindrasta¡¯s eyes twitched. ¡°But¡­¡± Instead of replying, she looked exaggeratedly over my shoulder and around us. ¡°Is that yellow-headed sidekick of yours dead?¡± ¡°Oh, you mean Linus, the hero who drove off the troublemaking lizard Hindrasta?¡± Her eyes twitched again. ¡°Far from it. He¡¯s doing very well. We even had drinks together recently.¡± ¡°So why are you alone?¡± ¡°He doesn¡¯t work here.¡± ¡°He¡¯s not here?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°Then where is he?¡± Hindrasta pressed for Linus¡¯s whereabouts. ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t really know. But he¡¯s not here, that¡¯s for sure.¡± ¡°I see¡­ That yellow-head isn¡¯t here¡­¡± She fell silent, deep in thought. ¡°If you¡¯re nning to get revenge on Linus, forget it. Don¡¯t cause trouble only to bepletely eradicated this time.¡± But Hindrasta didn¡¯t seem to hear me. She didn¡¯t respond. I took the opportunity to study her closely. A youthful, cute face with a petite figure and striking pink pigtails that drew attention anywhere. Even when polymorphing, she chose that appearance. Quite the peculiar taste. White Dragon Hindrasta, also known as the Trouble Lizard. Considering the lifespan of a dragon, she¡¯s rtively young, but during the Four-Year War, she was an incredible nuisance to the human coalition. She appeared out of nowhere across the continent, reversing nearly won battles, cutting supply lines, and causing entire legions to starve. Manymanders suffered from nervous breakdowns and hair loss because of her. Surprisingly, she never engaged in directbat. She would appear suddenly, unleash her breath attack, use the dragon¡¯s special skill ¡®Dragon Roar¡¯ to throw the battlefield into chaos, and then vanish. The first time I was tasked with dealing with her, the battlefield was a mess. As soon as Hindrasta appeared, everyone, human or animal, fled in panic, destroying tents, spilling food supplies, and abandoning weapons¡­. Even in this fantasy world, dragons are considered semi-legendary, extremely rare creatures. What¡¯s funny is that even the demons on the field would scatter in fear, so her appearance guaranteed that both sides¡¯ ns were ruined. In response to this, the Imperial Intelligence Department came up with the analysis that Hindrasta appears to have participated in the war simply to cause ¡®chaos¡¯. She seemed to move with the Demon King¡¯s army but never fully cooperated, raising questions about whether there was any contract between them. Her sudden appearances, throwing battlefields into disarray without mass casualties, earned her the nickname ¡®Trouble Lizard¡¯. Eventually, Linus and I, who had just been promoted and became members of the Special Task Force, were tasked with eliminating her. After months of scouring the continent, nearly getting portal sickness, we got intel that Hindrasta was targeting the rear of the retreating noble army. We almost captured her there, but unfortunately she slipped away. During this mission, I befriended Duke Toulouse, one of themanders. Perhaps even then, Hindrasta did not intend to exterminate the noble army, but simply wanted to see the humans running wild in fear. Anyway, after that, shepletely disappeared, and we assumed she either died or went into hibernation post-war. Who would¡¯ve thought I¡¯d meet her as a pink-haired girl at the academy? Why in that form, though¡­? While I pondered this, Hindrasta stood still. Getting hungry, I spoke up first. ¡°Hey, are you listening? Just stay quietly. Don¡¯t make trouble.¡± Since Hindrasta hadn¡¯t caused direct harm, it would be difficult to hold her ountable for anything specific. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] If she argued that she was just taking a stroll outside her nest and we misunderstood her intentions, I¡¯d have no counterargument. On the contrary, she could even im that we should be thankful it ended there and didn¡¯t escte, which would be a headache. Therefore, unlike the demons and other traitorous intelligent species who faced war crime trials, Hindrasta wasn¡¯t hunted or tracked down, and was gradually forgotten by the world. So if Hindrasta kept a low profile and lived quietly, she would be able to live a long life without any trouble. ¡°Do you understand? You¡¯re smart, so you get what I mean, right? Even though Linus and I beat you up, you¡¯re a dragon, so you recovered quickly¡­¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Hindrasta interrupted me. ¡°Right. It is something to be thankful for. What human would give life advice to a dragon? If you understand, go back and¡­¡± ¡°I wondered what would happen if you had died in the meantime.¡± Hindrasta interrupted again. ¡°I was afraid I wouldn¡¯t be able to get my revenge, but I¡¯m grateful that you¡¯re still alive.¡± ¡°What?¡± I felt a slight current in the air around Hindrasta¡¯s body. It was the aura that only extremely powerful beings like dragons could use. Ah, she really is¡­ ¡°Foolish creature. You shouldn¡¯t have told me that yellow-headed bastard isn¡¯t here.¡± Hindrasta slowly approached me, her aura ring up. ¡°Letting your enemy know you¡¯re defenseless, are you really that stupid?¡± ¡°What are you talking about? It¡¯s not that I¡¯m stupid, it¡¯s just that whether Linus is here or not doesn¡¯t really matter. And you!¡± I pointed my finger at Hindrasta¡¯s feet. ¡°Stoping closer!¡± Hindrasta grinned. ¡°Are you scared?¡± ¡°No, but you¡¯re damaging the ground!¡± The paving stones beneath Hindrasta¡¯s feet were cracking under her aura. There were already a dozen or so cracks. Repairing those would cost money. If it were just about maintaining old facilities, that would be one thing, but this would require unnecessary academy budget expenditures. We already have plenty of ces where the budget is needed, sigh. ¡°I¡¯ll kill you here and wash away the shame of ten years ago!¡± Aura surged violently from Hindrasta¡¯s shoulders. Seeing that, I realized talking wouldn¡¯t work. Dragons are arrogant and stubborn; once they decide to do something, they see it through to the end. Moreover, Hindrasta had a history of humiliation from being beaten and driven off by the humans she looked down upon. She had decided to take revenge, and with Linus not here, she probably thought she could easily take me down. Nothing in this world could stop her. Even though I didn¡¯t want to fight a dragon I had no personal grudge against, I had no choice. If she reverted to her true form, this residential area would be destroyed. Considering the cost of rebuilding, it would be cheaper to take her down here. And I had another reason. This idea came to mind as soon as I realized that ¡®Sophie¡¯ was Hindrasta in polymorph¡­ ¡°Die!¡± Hindrasta charged at me, shattering the paving stones. As expected from a dragon, her aura was so dense it felt like an invisible wall closing in. If that hits the ground, more paving stones will be ruined¡­. Making a decision in the brief moment of her charge, I tore her aura apart with my hands and grabbed Hindrasta by the neck. ¡°Kuh!?¡± Hindrasta looked at me with startled eyes. ¡°How¡­ how is this¡­?¡± ¡°Why do you think? It¡¯s the natural result.¡± ¡°But¡­ you¡¯re alone¡­.¡± I pulled Hindrasta closer and kneed her in the stomach. ¡°Argh!¡± With a short gasp, Hindrasta¡¯s body went limp. If a human could beat a dragon, it wouldn¡¯t matter if it was one or two humans. Did she think she could kill me without transforming into her true form? How stupid. I¡¯ll have a talk with her once she wakes up. I had a good idea. If I used her correctly, she could greatly contribute to the development of our academy. I slung the unconscious Hindrasta over my shoulder and headed to the infirmary. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 38 – Suspicious Pink Girl (5) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 38 ¨C Suspicious Pink Girl (5) ¡°Hello, Priestess. I apologize foring sote.¡± Priestess Maya stood up as I entered the infirmary with Hindrasta slung over my shoulder. ¡°She¡¯s one of the special student applicants. She said she had a stomach ache.¡± ¡°Lay her down over here.¡± I ced Hindrasta on a bed, and Priestess Maya began the holy treatment. As the golden light enveloped her abdomen, Hindrasta slowly opened her eyes. ¡°Ugh¡­ What happened¡­ You were definitely alone¡­¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t it strike you as odd that two people managed to do that to you back then? Did you think it would be different if one of them was alone?¡± ¡°Damn it¡­¡± A tear rolled down Hindrasta¡¯s tightly closed eye. ¡°I tried to get my revenge for what you did to me¡­ but I failed again¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I warned you.¡± ¡°Damn it, really¡­¡± When Priestess Maya returned to her desk, I quietly spoke to Hindrasta. ¡°You have two options now.¡± ¡°What are they¡­¡± ¡°First, since you¡¯ve caused trouble once again, you can face a three-way confrontation with that yellow-head and me.¡± ¡°Eeek!? I hate that! I¡¯d rather die!¡± Hindrasta started to panic, and the bed creaked as if it might break. ¡°Calm down. I said you have two options.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the second one, then?¡± ¡°The second option is to be a student at this academy.¡± ¡°What?¡± Hindrasta looked at me with apletely bewildered expression. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°You came here pretending to be an applicant to guard the daughter of the Zenovi Trading Company, right?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± ¡°Right now, you have the highest score among the applicants. If you keep this up, you¡¯ll be selected as a special student and can attend the academy. That¡¯s what I suggest. Forget the past.¡± ¡°Forget it? Forget it!?¡± Hindrasta shouted. ¡°I can never forget! You¡¯re telling me to forget the humiliation? Ow¡­¡± As she tried to sit up, Hindrasta clutched her still-aching stomach and groaned. ¡°Then it seems the first option it is¡­¡± ¡°Kugh! You bastard! Ugh, my stomach hurts¡­¡± ¡°You¡¯ve already realized you can¡¯t get revenge on us. And besides.¡± I continued, preventing Hindrasta from retorting. ¡°At that time, we were under orders to kill you. Considering the damage you caused to the human coalition, you should be grateful just to be alive. It¡¯s not like we invaded your nest unprovoked.¡± ¡°So¡­ what are you saying¡­ that I should be an academy student?¡± ¡°Exactly.¡± ¡°How does that benefit you?¡± It¡¯s a huge benefit. A polymorphed dragon typically exceeds human capabilities. If such an excellent talent graduates from our academy, the Second Princess will surely be pleased and continue to support Kirrin as headmaster. ¡°Choose. A confrontation with Linus and me or graduating from the academy. There¡¯s no third option. Refusing to choose is not an option either.¡± ¡°Fine! I¡¯ll do it! I¡¯ll do it¡­!¡± Her voice was tinged with sobs, mixed with anger and humiliation. ¡°Damn it, damn it¡­ Why do I have to fall so low for causing a bit of trouble¡­¡± While I was immensely pleased, Hindrasta shed tears and sobbed uncontrobly. ¡°Why has my life as a dragon be so twisted¡­¡± # # # # # A long time ago. In a deep mountain valley, young Hindrasta, who had just be independent, lived. All that surrounded her were jagged peaks and stupid trolls and ogres, making her life incredibly dull. Living like this for thousands of years seemed unbearable. There must be something fun to do. As she was pondering this, someone visited Hindrasta¡¯s nest. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] At first, she thought they were humans, but unlike humans, they had horns simr to those of mountain goats. They introduced themselves as demons, fighting a holy war to reim the continent that humans unjustly upied, led by the unparalleled hero, the Demon King. [What is war?] ¡°It¡¯s when many people divide into sides and fight.¡± [Hoo, really?] Intrigued, Hindrasta stroked her chin with her tail, lost in thought. ¡°Please help us, great White Dragon Hindrasta!¡± The demons prostrated themselves. ¡°The Demon King offers various rewards if you cooperate.¡± Meanwhile, the demons listed off gold coins, treasures, and the grandest pces one after another. But those were mere worldly possessions that would only interest fleeting mortals. Hindrasta was solely fixated on this thing called ¡®war.¡¯ So, demons and other races fighting each other in factions, and I could join in on that? That would be truly interesting, wouldn¡¯t it? [I¡¯ll do it.] And so, Hindrasta ended up participating in the great war that wouldter be known as the 4-Year War. The Demon King rejoiced at Hindrasta¡¯s joining. However, it didn¡¯tst long. ¡°Why in the world did you return without annihting them all?!¡± Although she was ordered to sweep through the human coalition¡¯s armies on some battlefield, Hindrasta returned empty-handed, angering the Demon King. [If I kill them all, the war will end too soon. I don¡¯t like that.] ¡°We enlisted you, Hindrasta, not for amusement but to secure victory as quickly as possible and liberate the continent!¡± [Then, should I just leave?] ¡°No, that¡¯s not it¡­¡± Even afterward, Hindrasta showed no interest in the orders of the Demon King¡¯s army¡¯s highmand, roaming only the major battlefields, relishing in the sight of armies startled by her sudden appearance. At first, the demons cheered when Hindrasta appeared, but upon hearing the unrecognizable ¡®Dragon Roar,¡¯ they instinctively retreated. It was amusing to see both allies and enemies alike flee in terror when she spread her wings and breathed fire, without even looking back, running ahead fearlessly. Compared to her dull days in the mountain valley nest, war was an immensely stimting dopamine trigger for Hindrasta. In the end, the Imperial Intelligence Bureau¡¯s analysis that Hindrasta joined the war for the sake of simply causing ¡°chaos¡± was spot-on. The brief period of just under two years was the pinnacle of Hindrasta¡¯s dragon life. But that came to an end the moment the Empire issued an extermination order against Hindrasta, assigning the worst duo of the yellow-headed Linus and the thick-headed Dian. Dragons are quite stubborn, especially when ites to their areas of interest, showing almost obsessive attachment. But those crazy special operatives were even more so. Although she thought she had shaken them off, they suddenly emerged out of nowhere, even waiting for her at ces she thought were safe. After months of this, Hindrasta finally decided to temporarily cease her meaningless cat-and-mouse game and went into hiding for a while. It was just after she decided this that, while Linus and Dian were attempting to forcibly tame a wild wyvern and mount it, Hindrasta spotted them in a close call moment, and with a Dragon Roar, frightened the wyvern enough to veer off course and fly away in panic. Fortunately, due to a sudden gust of wind, they missed Hindrasta¡¯s body and crashed onto the ground. Then, Linus, using the same club he used to tame the wyvern, beat the fleeing wyvern and forcibly turned it around, saving Dian just before he fell. Seeing this, Hindrasta felt ¡®fear¡¯ for the first time in her life and without a word, retreated for a considerable period. After a while in hiding, Hindrasta¡¯s urge for mischief became unbearable once again. Humans are said to forget much faster than dragons do. By now, they¡¯d probably given up. ¡°You damn golden lizard! You disappeared without a word, then suddenly reappear out of nowhere¡­!¡± The Demon King, furious to the point of risking his life, cursed while the chief staff members restrained him, assigning Hindrasta a new mission. To block the retreat of the human coalition¡¯s noble army, which had recently suffered a defeat. That could be interesting. [I¡¯ll do it.] And so, Hindrasta narrowly escaped death after falling into Linus and Dian¡¯s ambush, but her life was still far from easy. Not content with meddling in the squabbles of mortals, she ended up exposed and faced the consequences from the Dragon Elders, who forced upon her a punishment. That punishment was to be polymorphed into a human and never return to her original form for a thousand years. [You are not worthy to live as a dragon! Live as you are now and reflect for a thousand years!] And so, Hindrasta was forcibly banished to the human world and, in order to survive immediately, joined the Revlon Mercenary Corps Mercenary Corps, known for being able to earn money through force even on the bottom rungs of society. While living as a mercenary, Hindrasta also dreamed of revenge. But Linus had already be a hero of the continent and couldn¡¯t be approached lightly, and as for that kid Dian, it was unclear whether he was dead or alive. Then, recently, while apanying a rich human¡¯s daughter to an exam venue, she came face to face with Dian at the academy. Humans age much faster than dragons, it¡¯s said. It¡¯s been over ten years already, and seeing him teaching or doing something that required no strength, it was clear that his physical abilities were declining. Moreover, it was certain that the yellow-headed idiot was nowhere to be found, so Hindrasta finally decided to exact her revenge from ten years ago. But Hindrasta didn¡¯t know that even though humans die faster than dragons, they don¡¯t decline rapidly in just ten years. With Dian grabbing her by the cor, knees digging into her stomach, and her vision going ck, Hindrasta had to admit that she hadpletely misjudged. This isn¡¯t it¡­ Why does everything go wrong whenever I get involved with this brat?! And now, Dian is telling her to be a student at the academy. At this rate, she might never return to being a dragon and truly end up bing human! # # # # # Meanwhile, in Priestess Maya¡¯s patient log: [Professor Dian brought a young woman who appeared to be a minor and seemed to have fainted due to a stomach ache into the infirmary at midnight]. [There are clear signs of strangtion around her neck, and there is a considerable bruise on the lower abdomen. It seems there was a strong impact]. [When Professor Dian made a statement implying, ¡®You did it with two peoplest time, so why couldn¡¯t you handle it with only one now?¡¯ the patient responded with ¡®I fell for it again.¡¯ The exact meaning is unclear]. [The patient continually held her stomach, saying ¡®Forget it?¡¯ while crying, and when Professor Dian continued to speak, the patient cried out, ¡®Fine! I¡¯ll do it! I¡¯ll do it,¡¯ before lying down and sobbing for a while]. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 39 – Suspicious Pink Girl (6) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 39 ¨C Suspicious Pink Girl (6) Thus, I secured a promise from Hindrasta to be an academy student. Hindrasta, still sniffling, returned to the applicant dormitory, and I headed home with a lighter heart. How fortunate to be able to get a polymorphed dragon as an academy student! As soon as I entered the house in a good mood, I was greeted by the sight of Olysia sitting at the already cold dining table, clearly annoyed. ¡°Sir Dian! Why are you sote?! Did you spend all your time at some dessert cafe again?¡± Olysia angrily confronted me. ¡°Sorry, sorry. One of the applicants wanted career counseling.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ I see.¡± Olysia nodded satisfactorily when she heard it was because of academy duties. Lately, Olysia¡¯s biggest fear has been me cking off like I did in the past and getting kicked out, having to return to Brunswell. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll reheat dinner. Go wash up in the meantime.¡± While Olysia put the pot back on the stove, I washed up and changed clothes. Tonight¡¯s dinner was beef bourguignon, slow-cooked in wine. Tasting it, I could tell it was made with high-quality meat¡ªit was incredibly tender. Since I had been workingte a few times recently due to the special students selection, Olysia must have thought I needed to replenish my energy, hence this meal. ¡°It¡¯s really delicious.¡± ¡°I put my heart into making it all day. So, did everything wrap up smoothly today?¡± ¡°Of course. Who do you think I am? I¡¯m Dian.¡± ¡°That¡¯s exactly how you make mistakes by being overconfident.¡± Laughing, I told Olysia about the events of the day. The academy gates, crowded with all sorts of races, the fierce evaluations, and the eliminations falling like autumn leaves. However, I made sure not to mention anything about the ¡®orcs¡¯ and ¡®werewolf.¡¯ If I told her about getting involved in the orc fight or subduing the werewolf rampage, Olysia might flip out and yell at me for doing something so dangerous. ¡°That¡¯s really impressive. To be just twenty years old and have worked in a mercenary corp, and now applying to the academy.¡± By the time the conversation turned to Sophie, the girl from the Revlon Mercenary Corps, Olysia was practically glowing with excitement, sping her hands together. ¡°Well, I¡¯m not sure if she¡¯s that great.¡± To be precise, it¡¯s not that she¡¯s an extraordinary person but rather an extraordinary dragon. Which dragon would, out of embarrassment after causing a ruckus, be exiled by her n and live as a human? # # # # # # # # The next day, before the evaluations began. I waited in front of the applicant dormitory and called Hindrasta aside. ¡°Wh-what! What are you nning now?¡± ¡°Shut up. Listen.¡± I sternly pointed a finger at the whining Hindrasta. ¡°Don¡¯t even think about failing on purpose.¡± ¡°If I¡¯m not good enough, I might fail.¡± ¡°Oh, really?¡± I crossed my arms and looked down at Hindrasta. ¡°If you fail, I¡¯ll immediately report to the Imperial Pce that I¡¯ve found your whereabouts. What do you think will happen then?¡± ¡°You crazy bastard!¡± ¡°They¡¯ll have to capture Hindrasta, whom they had lost track of, right? Who do you think wille for you? It¡¯ll probably be me and Linus again. This time, you won¡¯t even be able to transform back to your true form¡­¡± ¡°I just need to not fail!¡± Hindrasta yelled, her face turning pale. ¡°Not failing is not enough. You have to be at the top. Only the top scorer can be a special student.¡± ¡°That¡¯s impossible. I¡¯ll try, but¡­¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t be the top scorer, I¡¯ll report your whereabouts to the Imperial Pce right away. Then what¡­¡± ¡°Ahhh! Fine! I¡¯ll do it!¡± In the end, Hindrasta burst into tears again. It seems she¡¯s the kind who cries a lot despite her rough demeanor, just like when I beat her up in the rear guard of the noble army. Dragon tears are said to be good for magic materials, though I don¡¯t know the exact scientific basis. Back then, I made a decent profit by collecting a few drops. But now, in her polymorphed state, they¡¯re of no use. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] ¡°Captain! Aren¡¯t youing?¡± Just then, the Revlon Mercenaries, who were ready to leave the academy, waved from a distance. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you weren¡¯t going back to the mercenary corp?¡± ¡°No, I didn¡¯t. I was just about to say it.¡± ¡°Then go quickly.¡± When I smacked her bottom with the practice wooden sword used for campus patrols, Hindrasta grimaced and scurried off. ¡°Shall we depart, Captain?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not going!¡± ¡°What?¡± Sophie¡¯s sudden outburst left the Revlon Mercenaries staring at each other in confusion. ¡°What do you mean you¡¯re not going?¡± ¡°Are your ears blocked? I said I¡¯m not going back to that maggot-infested mercenary corp!¡± ¡°Why all of a sudden¡­?¡± ¡°Do you really think someone as delicate as I am belongs there? Huh? Get out of my sight right now!¡± Hindrastashed out at the mercenaries, throwing a fit for no reason. While it seemed excessive, it wasn¡¯t entirely surprising. Dragons often regarded other species as nothing more than insects. However, if Hindrasta nned to stay at the academy, she would need to hide that nasty personality. Some socialization training would be necessary. Thus, the second day of evaluations began. Entering the written exam hall, I saw Hindrasta sitting idly, staring into space with her chin resting on her hand. ¡°Applicants, please do your best until the very end and finish strong!¡± I shouted loudly on purpose, and Hindrasta, noticing me, flinched before burying her head in her paper and frantically scribbling. At least she was writing something. Being a highly intelligent creature, dragons weren¡¯t entirely hopeless. ¡°Come on, everyone! You¡¯re almost there! Keep it up!¡± ¡°Damn you¡­¡± As I moved from room to room encouraging the candidates, Hindrasta muttered curses at me under her breath. # # # # # # # # After all the evaluations, the entire faculty, including Kirrin, gathered. First, we checked theprehensive results. Thankfully, Hindrasta ranked first. Given her true form, it was no surprise that she excelled in thebat-oriented evaluations of the Combat Department, achieving satisfactory scores. Although her theoretical evaluation was slightlycking, herbat skills were overwhelmingly superior, making it impossible for anyone to catch up in total points. Among the faculty, it was already a foregone conclusion that Hindrasta would be the final selectee, and Ismera seemed to have no objections to this. If they had known about my connection with Hindrasta, they would have vehemently opposed it, but there was no way for them to find out. Even if they did, it wasn¡¯t like we were cheating. Hindrasta¡¯s capabilities were far beyond those of an ordinary human due to her being a polymorphed dragon. Her top rank was purely due to her own abilities. Moreover, the notice had explicitly excluded werewolves and vampires, but there was no use prohibiting polymorphed dragons. After considering the total scores and observational evaluation points, we unanimously agreed to select Hindrasta as a special student. While the second and third ce candidates were also quite exceptional, they couldn¡¯tpare to Hindrasta. Additionally, following Ismera¡¯s suggestion, we decided to limit the number of selected candidates to just one. ¡°I believe there¡¯s no need to lower the standards to increase the number of sessful applicants. As the Imperial Special Mission Academy, we must uphold a strict selection process.¡± Ismera¡¯s point was well-taken. She truly was a highlypetent elite professor, apart from her cunning nature. Kirrin was to announce the final result, so we moved to the auditorium where the applicants were gathered. ¡°Once again, thank you for applying to our Special Task Academy. ording to the academy¡¯s internal criteria, only one candidate will be epted.¡± Kirrin¡¯s announcement caused a murmur among the applicants, and Hindrasta sped her hands tightly, eyes shut in desperation. It was hard to tell if she was hoping to be selected or praying to be eliminated. Either way, neither oue seemed desirable to her. Selection meant staying here with me, and failure meant facing Linus in a three-way confrontation. ¡°Now, I will announce the final selectee.¡± ¡°Dear Goddess, please. I¡¯m sorry for all the trouble I¡¯ve caused. Please have mercy on me¡­¡± As Kirrin paused for effect, the hall fell silent, and Hindrasta¡¯s prayer was particrly audible. A dragon praying¡ªnow that was rare enough to make even the Goddess faint in shock. ¡°The final selectee is Miss Sophie from the Revlon Mercenary Corps.¡± ¡°Ahhhh!¡± At Kirin¡¯s announcement, Hindrasta let out a scream that was a mix of horror and jubtion. ¡°Congrattions, Miss Sophie. And my condolences to the remaining applicants who were unfortunately eliminated¡­¡± However, Kirrin¡¯s words were drowned out by Hindrasta¡¯s loud sobbing as she copsed to the floor. ¡°She seems very happy to have been selected.¡± ¡°We are a prestigious academy, after all. Of course she¡¯s happy.¡± Responding to Rina¡¯sment, I gave a usible answer and gave Hindrasta a thumbs-up. ¡°Waaahhh! Waahh!¡± Hindrasta wailed even louder, as if the world were ending. Just then, I heard a scribbling sound and turned to see Priestess Maya, who was observing with the faculty, writing something in a small notebook while looking at Hindrasta. Was she tracking the recovery status of patients discharged from the infirmary? How diligent. She truly lived up to the high rmendation from Lormane. [Note: See pinnedment for Chapter 39 illustration] [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 40 – Trouble Instinct (1) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 40 ¨C Trouble Instinct (1) From the day after her selection, Hindrasta was ced in the top graduating ss, specifically the graduation ss 1, where only the best-performing students are admitted. This was the very ss where Knightley Toulouse served as the ss president. This ss was full of bright students and many noble children of good lineage, like Knightley. The question was whether Hindrasta,ing from a mercenary background, could fit in. Predictably, Hindrasta caused trouble on the first day. A few noble kids, knowing she was from the infamous Revlon Mercenary Corps, started to pick a fight. Hindrasta ended up beating them all and sending them to the infirmary. I heard that all ten temporary beds on the infirmary¡¯s first floor were filled. It was more surprising that ten students had dared to provoke the new student rather than Hindrasta causing the incident. It seemed like the existing students needed character education more urgently than Hindrasta did. At least Knightley wasn¡¯t involved, which was fortunate. I should discuss this with the ss professorter. No disciplinarymittee was convened. Hindrasta was a monumental first special student recruit, and although her fists flew first in response to the taunts, she was outnumbered ten to one, which was a highly unfavorable condition. Ismera was vehemently opposed to resolving the matter through violence, but I saw it differently. ¡°Isn¡¯t this proof that our selection criteria were urate?¡± Ismera looked at me as if to say, ¡°You ignorantbat bastard.¡± Still, we couldn¡¯t just let it slide, and I needed to call Hindrasta in for a little lecture. If she kept responding to problems like this, she might actually end up facing the disciplinarymittee in the future. ¡°Hey, assistant. Go fetch Hin¡­ I mean, Student Sophie. It¡¯s time for a meeting.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll bring her immediately, Head Professor!¡± A momentter, Hindrasta swaggered into the professor¡¯s office. ¡°What¡¯s with that expression?¡± ¡°Just dealt with some arrogant human scums.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I called you. Sit down.¡± When I pointed to the chair, a wary look crossed Hindrasta¡¯s face. ¡°Let me make it clear; they started it. Do you know what they said? They asked if I was really a mercenary or if I was just a private prostitute for the mercenary group!!¡± ¡°I¡¯m not deaf, so don¡¯t shout. Calm down and sit.¡± I pointed to the chair again, and with a resentful expression, Hindrasta plopped down, crossing her arms. ¡°Do you drink tea? Or would you like some cookies or pie?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to spend a single second more with you, so just get to the point.¡± ¡°Got it. Then I¡¯ll just eat this myself.¡± When I pulled a cream cake wrapped in paper from the drawer I used for snacks, Hindrasta¡¯s eyes followed it. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± ¡°I bought it from the dessert cafe in the academy¡¯smercial district. It¡¯s really good. I was honestly worried you might want some.¡± I cut arge piece of the cake with a fork and took a bite, and Hindrasta forced herself to look away. ¡°So, why did you call me?¡± ¡°I know that dragons look down on humans. But you can¡¯t do that here.¡± ¡°I told you! They treated me like a whore!¡± ¡°Yes, I know. I¡¯m not saying you were right or wrong about this incident. But continuing to use violence is going to be a problem.¡± ¡°So what am I supposed to do? If someone talks shit to me again, I should just let it go?¡± ¡°Use the system.¡± Hindrasta tilted her head slightly at my words. ¡°Humans live inrge groups and make social agreements. That¡¯s the system. Here at the academy, we have a very fine system called dueling.¡± ¡°Dueling? You mean where two people fight to the death one-on-one?¡± ¡°Not to the death. You use practice swords and fight ording to rules with a professor mediating.¡± ¡°This ce has something like that? Isn¡¯t this an academy where kids study? That¡¯s barbaric.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not just any academy. Anyway.¡± I said, taking another forkful of cake. ¡°This time, we¡¯ll overlook it since it was the first time. But if you keep beating people up without warning, you¡¯ll face disciplinary action. umte enough of those, and you¡¯ll be expelled. I¡¯ll leave it to your imagination what happens if you get expelled.¡± ¡°Ha, fuck¡­¡± Hindrasta sighed and rubbed the back of her neck. ¡°Fine, fine. So, if something happens, I should challenge them to a duel? If that¡¯s all you wanted to say, I¡¯m leaving now.¡± Hindrasta sprang up from the chair and turned to leave but paused to ask, ¡°That dessert, you got it from the cafe in themercial district?¡± ¡°Yeah. Why? You want to try it too?¡± Hindrasta didn¡¯t respond to my question and just opened the door. But instead of leaving, she stood there. What was she doing? I then noticed that someone was blocking Hindrasta¡¯s way. Knightley Toulouse, with her luxurious blonde hair and proud golden eyes, was looking down at Hindrasta. ¡°Move.¡± ¡°You move.¡± Hindrasta said, and Knightley coldly replied. ¡°If you don¡¯t move, I¡¯ll challenge you to a duel.¡± She was already applying what she just learned. Knightley smirked at Hindrasta¡¯s threat. ¡°Seems like you¡¯re feeling high and mighty after beating up some worthless scums, but I¡¯m different.¡± ¡°You¡¯re still just a human. I challenge you to¡­¡± ¡°Stop. Knightley, move aside.¡± Anyway, Knightley wouldn¡¯t stand a chance against Hindrasta, and on the subway, the person getting off goes first. At mymand, Knightley stepped aside with a face full of discontent. As Hindrasta walked past Knightley, she deliberately bumped her shoulder hard against Knightley¡¯s. ¡°That rude bitch¡­¡± [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Knightley watched Hindrasta¡¯s retreating back with a re before swaggering into the professor¡¯s office with a haughty air. ¡°What do you want now?¡± ¡°Professor, what are you doing right now?¡± Knightley asked, incredulous. ¡°Wasn¡¯t today supposed to be for our private lesson?¡± ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right. I forgot.¡± ¡°I waited at the practice ground for a long time, but you didn¡¯t show up, so I came to find you.¡± ¡°Sorry, I was having a meeting with the special student. Let¡¯s go.¡± As we walked to the practice ground, Knightley asked. ¡°What were you talking about with that girl?¡± ¡°Nothing much. Just about the recent fight. I told her not to do it again.¡± ¡°She¡¯s just an ignorant mercenary bitch.¡± Knightley sneered, and I corrected her. ¡°Everyone knows the Revlon Mercenary group is uncouth, but calling her a mercenary whore is crossing the line.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t say that.¡± ¡°But your followers did. You should keep them in check.¡± ¡°Why should I manage those kinds of people?!¡± Knightley retorted angrily. ¡°They¡¯re just following me around because I¡¯m a Duke¡¯s daughter. They hope something will rub off on them.¡± ¡°So, they¡¯re not your friends.¡± ¡°I have no intention of befriending lowly minor nobles.¡± Knightley managed to ostracize herself from the entire academy. Impressive. ¡°By the way, how is Sophie doing? Has she made any friends?¡± ¡°Well, those beneath her seem to like her.¡± Oh, this was unexpected. ¡°Tell me more. What do you mean they like her?¡± Knightley exined that the same followers who called Hindrasta a whore were the academy¡¯s bullies. They targeted and tormented those with poor grades or insignificant backgrounds, but Hindrasta beat them all up and became a hero. Essentially, the new student had demolished the bullies. Additionally, with her pretty face and great figure, everyone liked her. ¡°Though, it seems the special student has no intention of making friends.¡± True to her dragon nature, Hindrasta would beat up those hostile to her and ignore those who approached her kindly. ¡°She probably won¡¯t make a single friend until graduation.¡± Knightley¡¯s disdainful smile suggested she found Hindrasta¡¯s istion amusing. Odd, considering she was in the same boat. ¡°Why are you so interested in the special student, Professor?¡± ¡°It¡¯s only natural to be curious about how our first special recruit is adjusting.¡± ¡°Is that so? But you should be careful. From an outsider¡¯s perspective, it might seem like an inappropriate interest.¡± I burst outughing at the absurdity. ¡°Surely, you¡¯re not dumb enough to think I have some improper intentions toward her, right?¡± ¡°Not dumb, just keeping all possibilities in mind.¡± ¡°And this is the top student and the graduating ss president. The future of our academy looks bleak.¡± ¡°What did you say?!¡± I responded to Knightley¡¯s re with augh. ¡°By the way, Professor, haven¡¯t we passed the practice ground?¡± After walking for a while, Knightley stopped and looked around. We were near the eastern gate of the academy, leading to the forested outskirts of the capital. ¡°Weren¡¯t we supposed to use the practice ground?¡± ¡°We¡¯ll save that for ss. Since this is a private lesson from the Head Combat Professor, we need a differentiated curriculum.¡± ¡°Wh-what are you nning to do this time¡­?¡± Knightley stammered, suddenly afraid. But I couldn¡¯t tell her yet. If I did, she would surely run away. It was only natural to run away if you knew you were going to hunt wild trolls. # # # # # ¡°What are they doing¡­?¡± Hindrasta watched from around the corner as Dian and Knightley walked out of the academy¡¯s eastern gate side by side. After leaving Dian¡¯s office, Hindrasta had pretended to head toward the lecture hall but took a wide detour back to the front of the professor¡¯s building and hid in the bushes. Something about that blond human who stared her down seemed suspicious. Hindrasta had often seen that haughty demeanor in noblewomen visiting mercenary offices. Could this human woman be Dian¡¯s mistress? But her outfit clearly indicated she was a student. Even with Hindrasta¡¯s limited experience in the human world, she knew it was abnormal for professors to marry students. Moreover, she had learned that Dian was single and lived with a young girl who might be a ve or maid in the faculty housing. A single professor secretly heading into the wooded outskirts with a female student¡­ And wasn¡¯t Dian supposed to hold a special position where he didn¡¯t directly teach students? Why would he be taking her there¡­ Hmm¡­ Hmmmm¡­ Old habits die hard, and Hindrasta¡¯s instinct to stir up trouble began to twitch. [Note: See pinnedment for Chapter 40 illustration] [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 41 – Trouble Instinct (2) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 41 ¨C Trouble Instinct (2) ¡°Where are we really going?¡± Knightley asked, her voice tinged with irritation as she followed me up the hill. ¡°You¡¯ll see when we get there.¡± ¡°You¡¯re nning something weird again, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Weird? I¡¯m just trying to teach you in an environment simr to the real field.¡± Knightley didn¡¯t ask further but couldn¡¯t hide her suspicion. ¡°Head Professor, over here,¡± A voice called from above the slope. It was Waver. But we could only hear his voice; he was nowhere in sight. ¡°Where are you?¡± ¡°Here.¡± We looked around and spotted Waver¡¯s camouged face peeking out from the shaded underbrush. He was covered in mud, with twigs and leaves stuck to him. ¡°Come in here.¡± He lifted the cloth covering the entrance, revealing a small observation hole facing the valley. ¡°Is it still there?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± I peered through the observation hole and saw something sprawled out in the depths of the valley. It was a troll, a grotesquely elongated creature covered in filthy fur, with limbs like muscr, dirty sticks. It had just finished devouring its prey, as evidenced by the flesh-strewn bones nearby. The troll was snoring loudly, its mouth hanging open. The troll seemed at ease in the urban outskirts, much like I had been living in Brunswell. ¡°Where do you think it came from?¡± ¡°Not sure exactly, but considering everything, it¡¯s likely from Honebe.¡± ¡°The basis?¡± ¡°They¡¯re opening a new mine over there. I¡¯ve heard they¡¯ve even hired mages, so it¡¯s a big operation.¡± ¡°So, it lost its habitat and ended up here. Makes sense. This is the only suitable ce for a troll nearby.¡± While Waver and I discussed the troll¡¯s origin, Knightley alternated her confused gaze between us. ¡°Sorry to interrupt, Head Professor, but shouldn¡¯t we be on our way? We don¡¯t have time to waste here.¡± ¡°Waste time?¡± ¡°Yes, hunting the troll is Professor Waver¡¯s job. You¡¯re supposed to be giving me a private lesson¡­¡± Knightley trailed off, meeting my eyes, then turned her gaze to the still-sleeping troll before looking back at me. ¡°Lies.¡± ¡°It¡¯s true.¡± ¡°Stop it.¡± ¡°This is what you wanted.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t want this. I didn¡¯t want to hunt trolls¡­!¡± I covered Knightley¡¯s mouth before she could shout and held up three fingers. ¡°Quiet. If it wakes up and escapes, it¡¯ll be hard to track it down again.¡± ¡°Hunting a troll¡­ this is insane¡­!¡± ¡°Not hunting, capturing.¡± ¡°Same thing¡­!¡± Knightley muttered angrily, and Waver chuckled. ¡°Student Knightley, what did you think we were doing?¡± ¡°I thought we¡¯d learn effective killing methods or kidnapping techniques!¡± ¡°That¡¯s what the headmaster teaches you. No one knows which organization you¡¯ll join after graduation, so it¡¯s good to master dealing with great monsters in advance.¡± ¡°But how can I catch that thing alone? It¡¯s not even human!¡± I put a reassuring hand on Knightley¡¯s trembling shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You¡¯re not doing it alone. Waver and I are with you. Trolls are always caught by a team.¡± ¡°I bet you two will just assist while I¡¯m forced to stand in front.¡± ¡°Now you¡¯re getting it.¡± Knightley started to argue more but then sighed in resignation. ¡°I chose this, so I have to tough it out.¡± Waver smiled, and I patted her shoulder. ¡°You¡¯re growing little by little.¡± ¡°Fine. What do I do now?¡± ¡°First, you need to camouge yourself. To get close, you must mask your scent.¡± Knightley looked at Waver, who was covered in mud and leaves. ¡°No.¡± ¡°Do it.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not going to.¡± ¡°Then go back.¡± I pointed outside the hideout, and Knightley bit her lip. ¡°You can graduate with decent grades and get a suitable administrative job. You can livefortably enough. If you¡¯re okay with that, go ahead.¡± ¡°Yeah, Student Knightley. Not all graduates be field agents. Supporting the field is also very valuable.¡± Waver chimed in, and Knightley red at me, full of anger. ¡°I¡¯ll do it. But promise me one thing.¡± ¡°What promise?¡± ¡°You said we¡¯re doing it together. So, don¡¯t leave me to do it alone likest time.¡± ¡°Haha. I have enough sense to distinguish truly dangerous situations. I promise. This time, we¡¯ll do it together.¡± Finally, Knightley began smearing the mud Waver had gathered on her face and arms. ¡°Why capture instead of hunt? Do you need it to move something heavy?¡± ¡°We¡¯ll capture it and draw its blood.¡± ¡°What?¡± Knightley turned to me, looking shocked. Her golden eyes shone beautifully even through the dirt. ¡°Draw its blood¡­?¡± ¡°Troll blood is a rare ingredient for healing potions. So, we¡¯ll cage it and draw blood to make potions.¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s how it¡¯s done. It¡¯s legal, and trolls are low-intelligence, cruel monsters that eat anything in sight, including humans.¡± ¡°I-Is that so¡­¡± ¡°Leaving it alone would cause human casualties. It¡¯s much more valuable to use its blood to save many lives through potions.¡± Knightley slowly nodded, unable to find anything to argue against. ¡°Here¡¯s how we¡¯ll catch it.¡± I exined while observing the troll through the hole. ¡°Trolls are big but have great strength and flexibility, so they can run fast.¡± ¡°So, we should block its escape routes first.¡± ¡°Exactly. The only escape route for it is the opposite end of the valley. I¡¯ll cover that. You take the front. Use this.¡± I handed Knightley a few hunting bs. Bs are about a meter long, with weights at both ends, designed to entangle the legs of prey. Trolls, despite their overwhelming strength, have a weakness: their flimsy lower bodiespared to their upper bodies. Once the legs are entangled, you can kill them by stabbing a vital spot or striking with a blunt weapon. During the Four-Year War, each squad had a designated b thrower to deal with humanoid monsters like trolls. ¡°You¡¯ve learned how to use it, right?¡± ¡°I practiced a few times in survival ss.¡± ¡°Good. That¡¯s enough. Aim for its shins with these.¡± [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Knightley counted the bs in her hand and looked at me with a somewhat hopeless expression. ¡°Only three¡­?¡± ¡°It¡¯s the standard issue for legion soldiers during the war. Three throws usually ensure one hit.¡± ¡°But Professor, I¡¯ve never used this in a real situation before.¡± ¡°You won¡¯t always encounter practiced scenarios. Now, let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Ha, seriously¡­¡± The three of us left the hideout and cautiously descended the slope. Waver positioned himself at a suitable location for observation and shooting, while Knightley and I continued down to the t ground. The troll was still sprawled out, snoring loudly. It must have found something delicious to eat, given how soundly it slept. From its size, it seemed to be at its peak strength and activity¡ªa very dangerous period. Trolls are omnivores, devouring anything when hungry, including humans. The fact that this one appeared near the academy was serious, necessitating its elimination. Fortunately, Waver had discovered its traces while hunting for jerky meat, leading us to this opportunity. The n was to cage it and extract its blood for high-quality healing potions. Troll blood is an essential ingredient for instant-healing potions, which would enable more aggressive practical exercises in the future. ¡°Let¡¯s start.¡± ¡°Okay¡­¡± Knightley gripped the bs tightly, nerves evident in her stance. I circled around the sleeping troll, moving to the rear of the valley to block its escape route. Once in position, I raised my hand to signal Waver, who nodded and pulled back the bowstring, aiming carefully. ¡°This is driving me crazy¡­¡± Knightley stood on the opposite side of the troll, muttering to herself. Her legs were trembling slightly. In truth, a troll was a formidable opponent for Knightley at her current skill level. Honestly, capturing a troll was unnecessary trouble; a single blow to knock it out and drag it back would suffice. Field agents often avoid directbat with monsters, usually providing location intel to specialized hunters or squads. But worst-case scenarios and unforeseen circumstances can arise without warning. If a trained beast guards the entrance to a location during an important mission, one must fight, and Knightley would learn this today. As I lowered my hand, Waver released the bowstring. The arrow flew straight and embedded in the troll¡¯s abdomen, causing it to jolt awake. # # # # # # Meanwhile, back at the academy¡­ ¡°Hey, I have a question.¡± Hindrasta was gathering lower-ranked students from the graduating ss. After thrashing the bullies from ss 1, she had be a hero to the students who had been tormented by them. Naturally, when she asked to talk, they eagerly gathered around her. ¡°I¡¯m not saying this to cause trouble, but I¡¯m genuinely curious.¡± With the students gathered, Hindrasta began to speak. ¡°About Professor Dian and the ss 1 ss president¡­ I¡¯m a transfer student, so I really don¡¯t know. Could you exin it to me?¡± ¡°What are you curious about?¡± ¡°I just want to know if there¡¯s something special between those two.¡± ¡°Special? Did you see something?¡± ¡°Could it be that Knightley, that girl, is Professor Dian¡¯s¡­ you know¡­?¡± ¡°His what?¡± ¡°His girlfriend.¡± The students exchanged bewildered nces. ¡°Sophie, what¡¯s¡­ a girlfriend¡­?¡± ¡°Seriously? You don¡¯t know? A girlfriend.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± What? Even if they¡¯re lower-ranked students, not knowing suchmon ng is¡­ Oh, right. The book where I read that word came out two hundred years ago, so it makes sense they wouldn¡¯t know it. ¡°I mean, his lover.¡± The students burst outughing. ¡°No way. You¡¯re mistaken.¡± ¡°Professor Dian would never do something like that with a student.¡± So, that¡¯s Dian¡¯s reputation, huh? ¡°Oh, really? Then what was that I saw earlier¡­?¡± Hindrasta stroked her chin thoughtfully, piquing the students¡¯ curiosity. ¡°What did you see? Did you see something?¡± ¡°I might have been mistaken, but¡­ Should I even say this¡­?¡± ¡°Tell us, Sophie!¡± Hindrasta waited until the students were sufficiently curious before speaking again. ¡°I happened to see something near the academy¡¯s eastern gate¡­¡± She lowered her voice to a whisper, causing the students to gasp. ¡°You saw them go out the eastern gate together? With their arms around each other?!¡± ¡°Are you sure?¡± ¡°Really?!¡± As the students bombarded her with questions, Hindrasta waved her hands with a troubled smile. ¡°No, no, I¡¯m not sure. I couldn¡¯t see if they were hugging; it was too far away¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯ve had my suspicions for a while.¡± Someone raised a hand quietly. ¡°I¡¯ve seen Knightley go in and out of Professor Dian¡¯s office several times.¡± Like wildfire, the rumor spread quickly. ¡°No way!¡± ¡°Calm down, everyone¡­ haha.¡± ¡°Are they really in that kind of rtionship?¡± ¡°Now that you mention it, I do remember seeing them alone a few times.¡± ¡°Oh, Professor Dian¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s a lie!¡± ¡°If it¡¯s true, it¡¯s a big deal, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°Hey, you know what? Sophie saw Professor Dian and Knightley¡­¡± ¡°Be quiet! Don¡¯t say things like that!¡± ¡°What about Professor Dian and Knightley?¡± ¡°Stop it, I said!¡± ¡°What did you say?! Professor Dian put his hand up Knightley¡¯s skirt and groped her butt?!¡± ¡°I never said that!¡± ¡°No way! My beloved Professor Dian would never!¡± ¡°Guys! Professor Dian dumped Professor Anna for Knightley!¡± ¡°Why bring up Professor Anna now?¡± ¡°Was it Professor Ismera? Or the headmaster? Anyway!¡± Hehehe, it¡¯s getting chaotic. Just let it snowball, hehehehe. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 42 – Trouble Instinct (3) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 42 ¨C Trouble Instinct (3) ¡°Roll left, Student Knightley!¡± Knightley threw herself to the left just as Waver¡¯s arrow flew like lightning. The arrow struck the troll¡¯s wrist, altering the trajectory of the crude club it wielded, aiming for Knightley. As the troll¡¯s makeshift club, a roughly hewn tree branch, narrowly missed Knightley and struck the ground, a heavy vibration resonated through the earth. ¡°Good job! Keep it up, Knightley!¡± I cupped my hands around my mouth and shouted encouragement to Knightley, who was rolling on the ground, her hair a disheveled mess. ¡°Damn it¡­!¡± Knightley finally stopped rolling and cursed as she spun the b in her hand. She had one b in her hand and another tied to her waist. The first b she threw hadpletely missed and disappeared somewhere. The troll, enraged by the arrows embedded in its body, roared and picked up its club again. ¡°Don¡¯t face it head-on! Keep moving! Slow it down!¡± ¡°Easier said than done from back there! Aagh!¡± Knightley dodged the troll¡¯s next attack and quickly disappeared into the thick underbrush. The troll followed, crashing through trees and undergrowth with reckless abandon. ¡°Kegegegegegek!!¡± Frustrated by the branches scratching and entangling its body, the troll began punching trees and swinging its club wildly. Just then, Knightley emerged from the opposite side of the forest, her upper body visible as she signaled to Waver from across the slope. Waver nodded, pulling back his bowstring. Arrows flew and struck the back of the troll¡¯s head. It howled in pain, wing at the arrows, and then turned its attention to Waver. ¡°Over here! Over here!¡± The troll dropped the arrows in frustration and started lumbering toward Waver. Seeing an opportunity, Knightley swung her b and hurled it with all her strength. The b narrowly missed the back of the troll¡¯s knees and flew off into the distance. The troll¡¯s running speed was deceptively fast, and Knightley,cking experience, had misjudged the timing. Despite the second failure, her strategy was excellent. She couldn¡¯t face the troll head-on but cleverly used the forest to her advantage, luring the dim-witted monster through the underbrush while using her small frame to maneuver and ambush. If the b had been thrown slightly ahead, considering the troll¡¯s speed, it would have tripped and fallen. Impressive, Knightley. She truly lives up to her academy¡¯s top student reputation. But first, I needed to rescue Waver. I picked up a rock from the ground and hurled it at the troll climbing towards Waver. Araaahh¡ªThe rock struck the troll squarely on its back door, causing it to scream and tumble down the slope. The troll scrambled to its feet, rubbing its behind, then spotted me and charged again. You can steer it wherever you want by poking it here and there¡ªit¡¯s really that simple-minded. As the troll neared, I summoned my aura. The troll recoiled, startled, and then fled in the opposite direction. ¡°Knightley! Finish it this time!¡± But where was she? Was she hiding in the bushes again? There she was, partially hidden but with her clothes visible outside the underbrush. The troll, looking for something to vent its rage on, saw the protruding clothes and charged. Just as I was about to shout a warning, I realized what was happening and couldn¡¯t help but smile. As the troll began tearing at the clothes, Knightley, now shirtless, leaped from a tree above and threw the b with all her might, aiming at the troll¡¯s legs. The b wrapped around the troll¡¯s legs like a living tentacle, and the weights clinked together. Knightleynded on her back, shouting. ¡°Got it!¡± The troll stumbled, losing bnce, and fell heavily to the side. Arrows from Waver¡¯s bow quickly pinned its hands to the ground, preventing it from tearing the b off. I ran over and crouched beside the troll¡¯s head. ¡°Stay still.¡± I flicked my finger against its forehead, delivering a hard blow that knocked it out instantly. ¡°Great job, Student Knightley!¡± Waver slid down the slope, praising her. ¡°That was brilliant! Using a decoy is amon tactic among hunters, but improvising it during the hunt and seeding against a troll is truly impressive!¡± ¡°Thank you, Professor.¡± Knightley, beaming, turned to me, expecting praise. ¡°Well done, Knightley. Honestly, I didn¡¯t expect you to handle it so well. We thought we¡¯d have to step in, but you actually took it down.¡± ¡°Of course. I¡¯m the top student at the academy.¡± ¡°Excellent work.¡± I gave her a thumbs up, and she flicked her hair back with a proud smirk. ¡°But aren¡¯t you cold?¡± I pointed at her thin undershirt, which she had worn after giving up her top as a decoy. She blushed slightly and turned away. ¡°Why are you looking so closely?¡± ¡°I¡¯m just concerned.¡± ¡°If you¡¯re concerned, why not lend me your cloak?¡± ¡°What a cheeky student.¡± Laughing, I tossed her my cloak, which she caught and wrapped around herself. ¡°How did you manage that?¡± Waver, inspecting the unconscious troll, asked curiously. ¡°This creature isn¡¯t easy to knock out.¡± ¡°The forehead is a troll¡¯s weak spot.¡± I leaned down and pointed to the troll¡¯s deeply indented brow. ¡°A shock here will rattle its brain and knock it out.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true for any creature, including dragons. The key is the force of the blow¡­¡± ¡°I gave it a proper flick.¡± ¡°Of course, the Head Combat Professor can knock out a troll with just a flick.¡± I flicked my middle finger and demonstrated the motion, but Waverughed, thinking I was joking. ¡°I¡¯m serious.¡± ¡°I understand. I won¡¯t ask any more. Hunters don¡¯t reveal their family¡¯s secrets to outsiders, after all.¡± [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Waver turned his attention back to the troll. ¡°Anyway, if we manage this one well, we can produce several cartloads of healing potions.¡± ¡°Exactly. Let¡¯s send those to the Imperial Security Office. They¡¯ll be useful for the field agents. The Princess Second will appreciate it.¡± ¡°Absolutely. She¡¯s our superior, after all. It¡¯ll help our graduates get good cements.¡± Waver started binding the troll¡¯s wrists and ankles with strong rope made of woven wire, using a unique binding technique from the Quirana hunters. It was impossible to undo without great strength. ¡°I¡¯ll stay and watch over it. Head Professor, please request backup from the academy. There¡¯s no way the three of us can move it.¡± ¡°Got it. Good job. Let¡¯s go, Knightley.¡± ¡°Thank you for your hard work.¡± Leaving Waver behind, Knightley and I walked side by side through the forest towards the academy¡¯s east gate. ¡°So, Knightley, how was it fighting a monster for real?¡± ¡°It was overwhelming. Do we really have to do this in the field?¡± ¡°In truth, you¡¯ll rarely encounter monsters directly.¡± ¡°What?!¡± Knightley¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Then why did you make me go through this hell?!¡± ¡°Honestly, didn¡¯t you feel a thrill when the troll went down?¡± Knightley pressed her lips together, unable to deny it. ¡°It¡¯s not every day you get to face a troll. Plus, as an agent, you won¡¯t always be up against humans.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true¡­¡± ¡°Today¡¯s experience will serve you well. You did really well, Knightley.¡± ¡°Well¡­ I am the top student.¡± Knightley murmured as she wrapped my cloak more tightly around herself. ¡°But Professor, I¡¯m curious. How did you knock out the troll?¡± ¡°I told you, I flicked its forehead.¡± ¡°Haha¡­ If you don¡¯t want to tell me, just say so.¡± Like Waver, Knightley took my words as a joke and changed the subject. ¡°One more thing. You were just blocking its path, but why did the troll keep running away from you? How did you do that?¡± ¡°I used aura.¡± ¡°Aura¡­? The thing that only high-ranking knights can use¡­? Ah¡­ I see¡­¡± Knightley sighed as if she didn¡¯t want to ask any more questions. ¡°So, someone who can knock out trolls with a flick and use high-ranking knight aura is here as a professor? Shouldn¡¯t you be a headmaster or doing something important in the capital?¡± ¡°Ah, about that. I was supposed to be the headmaster, but I refused. I didn¡¯t want toe to the academy either, but a friend asked me to cover for him while he was having a child, so here I am.¡± ¡°What¡­?¡± Knightley looked at me like I was insane. I couldn¡¯t me her; anyone would find my story hard to believe. ¡°Anyway¡­ who is this friend?¡± ¡°Sir Linus.¡± ¡°Please!¡± At the mention of Linus, the hero of the conitent, Knightley finally snapped. ¡°Can¡¯t you ever be serious?!¡± ¡°Huh? I¡¯m serious.¡± ¡°How is any of this serious?! You say you knocked out a troll with a flick, used high knight-level aura, and you¡¯re here as a professor because you refused to be the headmaster. Plus, you¡¯re covering for Sir Linus, who killed the Demon King. Who would believe that? Why don¡¯t you just say that you were part of the special unit that killed the Demon King!¡± ¡°Oh, yeah. I was.¡± ¡°Professor!¡± Knightley stomped her feet in frustration. ¡°Everyone in that unit were given noble titles and rose to prominence. What about you? It doesn¡¯t make sense!¡± ¡°I just didn¡¯t want the attention. I took the money and lived a quiet life. It was morefortable.¡± ¡°So, you¡¯re saying you could have had titles,nd, and a ce in history, but you turned it all down just because you didn¡¯t want attention? Who in the world would believe something like that! You¡¯d have to be crazy!¡± ¡°Now that you mention it, I guess so.¡± ¡°Forget it!¡± Believe it or not, it doesn¡¯t matter to me. As we passed through the east gate, I noticed something strange. Several students were hiding behind a building corner, peeking at us. # # # # # # # ¡°Gasp! Oh my god!¡± ¡°Sophie was right!¡± The students watching Dian and Knightley enter through the gate were in an uproar. Both of them were covered in dirt and leaves as if they¡¯d rolled around on the ground. Their hair was stered to their faces with sweat, and their clothes were soaked. Moreover, Knightley was in a thin sleeveless undergarment, draped in Dian¡¯s cloak. And her legs were trembling! What had they been doing in the forest?!?!?!?! ¡°Sophie! Sophie! It seems like you were right!¡± The students hurriedly sought out Sophie with very suspicious looks on their faces. However, Hindrastra was nowhere to be seen. They were together just a moment ago, weren¡¯t they? [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 43 – Trouble Instinct (4) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 43 ¨C Trouble Instinct (4) ¡°Sophie! Sophie! It seems you were right!¡± The students hurriedly sought out Sophie with very suspicious looks on their faces. However, Hindrastra was nowhere to be seen. They were together just a moment ago, weren¡¯t they? At that moment, Hindrastra was already fleeing towards the lecture hall building. When Dian and Knightley entered through the east gate earlier, she immediately turned around and started running. There was no need to draw unnecessary suspicion by being seen with humans. Of course, that guy Dian isn¡¯t so stupid; if any unfavorable rumors start circting, he¡¯ll likely suspect me first. He¡¯d probably figure out that I was the one who initially mentioned seeing them leave through the academy gate with just a little probing of the humans. So what? I only told the students, ¡°I saw Dian and Knightley leaving the academy gate together.¡± I also said, ¡°They were really close, but I couldn¡¯t tell if they were hugging or anything because it was too far away.¡± Anything beyond that, like them being suspicious or Dian lifting Knightley¡¯s skirt and groping her butt, is just exaggerated gossip spreading from mouth to mouth. Clearly, I only stated the facts. Of course, I intended for it to be wildly distorted, but still. Analyzing the situation closely, the reason that guy keeps me here at the academy instead of killing me or handing me over to the Imperial Pce is that having me here as a student benefits both the academy and himself. This means that even if he suspects me, he can¡¯t punish me as harshly as he did in the past. And honestly, I haven¡¯t done anything wrong. I¡¯m a transfer student. If a high-ranking individaul like the Head Comabat Professor takes a single student outside the academy, isn¡¯t it natural to be curious and ask around? Like, is there a special program for high-achieving students? As a first-time special student, if there¡¯s something beneficial, I might participate too. My academic performance and enthusiasm are high, so I was curious. That¡¯s all. Is there a problem with that? No? Then I¡¯m leaving. If I say that, Dian will let it slide, right? Hindrastra, who had reached themercial area next to the lecture hall, stopped and nced back. Damn it, this is so nerve-wracking¡­. Despite her nickname ¡°Trouble Lizard,¡± Hindrastra¡¯s experience with causing trouble isn¡¯t that long. She used to harass monsters near her nest in the distant mountain valley, and then she stirred up battlefields at the Demon King¡¯s behest. In her nest, she was the queen, so there were no restrictions, and the battlefield was a massive yground for troublemaking anyway. This kind of everyday trouble in a peaceful setting is a first for Hindrastra, and she¡¯s not really sure about the limits or how far to go. Well, whatever. It¡¯ll work out somehow. I¡¯m hungry; let¡¯s eat something first. Hindrastra entered the dessert cafe in themercial area and scanned the disy case, spotting a cream cake. When she went to Dian¡¯s officest time, that guy was eating this deliciously, wasn¡¯t he? ¡°Hey! Give me one of these!¡± Hindrastra rudely pointed at the cream cake in the disy case. It was a habit from her time with the Revlon Mercenaries. In fact, Hindrastra had no intention of using politenguage from the start. ¡°Student Sophie, you shouldn¡¯t speak like that.¡± Someone pointed out Hindrastra¡¯s rude behavior. She turned around to see a Dark Elf with dark skin and ruby-red eyes looking down at her. It was Kirrin, the academy¡¯s headmaster, with an unusually gentle face for a Dark Elf. Hindrastra reconsidered her initial impulse to tell the meddling elf off. Despite being a dragon, Hindrastra had learned a fair amount about human society during her ten years with the Revlon Mercenaries. It wouldn¡¯t hurt to get on the good side of this dark-skinned elf, who is the highest authority at the academy. ¡°Hello, Headmaster.¡± Hindrastra greeted with an adorably sweet smile, bowing deeply. ¡°Hello, Sophie. You should always speak politely to others.¡± ¡°Yes, Headmaster. Boss! Please give me one of these.¡± ¡°Are you having cream cake too?¡± Kirrin asked as Hindrastra politely ordered. ¡°I was nning to eat that too. Would you like to join me?¡± ¡°You¡¯ll pay, right, Headmaster?¡± ¡°Uh? Uh¡­ sure¡­¡± Kirrin¡¯s ears twitched in surprise at Hindrastra¡¯s blunt question, even though she intended to treat her. ¡°Boss, one whole cake, please.¡± At Kirrin¡¯s order, Hindrastra tilted her head in confusion. ¡°Is someone else joining us?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s just us.¡± ¡°Then why order so much cake?¡± ¡°I always eat this much.¡± Do Dark Elves eat that much by nature? Well, some races eat a lot without gaining weight. Anyway, it¡¯s free, so who cares? Right now, Hindrastra hadn¡¯t brought much money due to her sudden capture by Dian. As a dragon, she had a secret stash that no one knew about, which she¡¯d retrieve on her next outing. ¡°How¡¯s life at the academy, Sophie?¡± Kirrin asked while eating cake. ¡°Any inconveniences or suggestions?¡± ¡°Well, it¡¯s been less than a week, so I¡¯m not sure yet.¡± ¡°If you have any issues, speak to the assistants or professors. We¡¯re doing our best to ensure you can studyfortably.¡± ¡°I will.¡± ¡°And if anyone gives you trouble because you¡¯re a transfer student and former mercenary, you shouldn¡¯t retaliate with vince¡­¡± ¡°I know, I know. You¡¯re saying to resolve things with words or, if necessary, with a formal duel, right? Professor Dian already told me.¡± ¡°Dian did?¡± [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Kirrin¡¯s ears perked up at the mention of Dian¡¯s name. Hindrastra didn¡¯t miss the reaction. ¡°Yes, Professor Dian called me aside and talked about various things.¡± ¡°I see¡­ Dian has been taking care of things I overlooked¡­.¡± Kirrin blushed and smiled bashfully, lowering her head. Oh, look at this¡­? Why is she reacting like this all of a sudden? Should I probe a bit more? ¡°What kind of person is Professor Dian?¡± ¡°A wonderful person¡­.¡± Kirrin replied dreamily, her eyes zed over as if in a trance. ¡°Ever since Dian arrived, everything has changed¡­ We have thismercial area where I can eat cake every day at lunch, and he brought in wild horses, saving the budget¡­ The selection of special talent students was all based on Dian¡¯s n¡­.¡± ¡°Oh, really?¡± ¡°The Combat Department returned to normal, and for the first time, the Princess praised me¡­.¡± What is she talking about now? What¡¯s this about the Princess? ¡°I used to worry every night about getting ousted¡­ but ever since Dian came, I no longer have nightmares and can sleep soundly until morning¡­.¡± A foolish smile appeared on Kirrin¡¯s face. ¡°He¡¯s really an amazing person.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ Dian is the savior of our academy and my life¡­.¡± Suddenly, Kirrin mmed up and stared at Hindrastra with wide eyes. ¡°Just pretend you didn¡¯t hear thatst part.¡± ¡°What did you say?¡± ¡°If you didn¡¯t hear it, that¡¯s fine.¡± But Hindrastra had heard everything clearly and now understood that the Dark Elf harbored more than just a professional admiration for Dian. Alright, got it¡­. ¡°But I¡¯m curious about something. Is there anything going on between Professor Dian and the first-year graduating ss president?¡± ¡°Student Knightley? Why? I don¡¯t know anything.¡± ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ the two of them seem really close. I heard they left the academy gate alone together earlier.¡± ¡°The academy gate?¡± After thinking for a moment, Kirrin said. ¡°Knightley is a top student, so they might have been going for an advanced lesson. That happens sometimes.¡± ¡°Advanced lesson¡­ I see¡­.¡± As Hindrastra trailed off, Kirrin asked. ¡°What is it? Is something wrong?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s just¡­ I don¡¯t know if I should say this¡­ someone said¡­ never mind.¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± ¡°Never mind! Thanks for the cake!¡± Leaving a trail of curiosity, Hindrastra hurriedly left the cafe. As she fled, she nced back to see Kirrin clutching her ears in distress. Heheheh. I was right. Heheheh. That girl definitely has feelings for Dian, more than just admiration. Seeing the tantalizing opportunity for creating trouble, Hindrastra quickly forgot her earlier worries about overstepping. ¡°Hey.¡± ¡°Eek!¡± Just as Hindrastra was about to leave themercial area, someone approached her suddenly. It was Priestess Maya, dressed in a purple priest¡¯s robe. ¡°What do you want? Do you have something to say to me?¡± ¡°I came to check if the bruises on your lower abdomen havepletely healed.¡± ¡°Huh? They healed ages ago.¡± Hindrastra lifted her top to show her smooth belly. ¡°I see. It¡¯s a relief that you have fully recovered.¡± Maya nced at Hindrastra¡¯s belly indifferently and opened a notebook. ¡°By the way, could you tell me more about the conversation you had with the headmaster? It seemed to involve Professor Dian and Student Knightley.¡± ¡°Why are you curious about that?¡± ¡°Student Knightley recently visited the infirmary with various abrasions. Understanding the cause of these injuries is essential for effective treatment.¡± ¡°Oh, really? In that case, I guess I should tell you.¡± As Hindrastra began to spill the details, Maya diligently took notes in her notebook. Her expression remained unreadable, giving no hint of what she was thinking. # # # # # # Meanwhile, Kirrin had abandoned her half-eaten cake and was rushing towards the academy gate. Sophie¡¯s words kept echoing in her mind, growing louder and more troubling, leaving her too agitated to leisurely enjoy her cake. What on earth were the two doing together outside the gate?! [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 44 – Trouble Instinct (5) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 44 ¨C Trouble Instinct (5) Meanwhile, Kirrin had abandoned her half-eaten cake and was running towards the academy gate. Sophie¡¯s words kept echoing in her mind, growing louder and more troubling, leaving her too agitated to leisurely enjoy her cake. She knew that Dian was giving Knightley private lessons because she had personally pleaded with him on her knees to do so. However, she never imagined their rtionship would develop in this direction¡­! Ugh¡­ I was toocent¡­ so blind andzy¡­ stupid! What should I do if what Sophie said is true¡­? This can¡¯t be happening! In a daze, Kirrin reached the academy gate, where she saw several guards escorting two connected carts carrying a massive troll. ¡°Careful, careful! Move slowly to the left!¡± In front of them, Dian was guiding the carts with his arms. ¡°W-what is this¡­?¡± ¡°Headmaster, you¡¯re here? As you can see, it¡¯s a troll. We caught it after it appeared east of the academy. We can use its blood to make high-quality healing potions.¡± ¡°East of the academy¡­ outside the gate?¡± Dian gave Kirrin a puzzled look as she asked the obvious question. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Weren¡¯t you supposed to be giving Knightley a private lesson¡­?¡± ¡°Professor Waver and Knightley went together. Since we were hunting anyway, we also used it as a practical lesson for Knightley in fightingrge monsters.¡± ¡°Really? Is that true? Ha, that¡¯s a relief¡­¡± ¡°What do you mean by ¡®that¡¯s a relief¡¯? Huh? Wait, are you crying?¡± Kirrin quickly wiped her moist eyes and smiled at Dian¡¯s question. ¡°It¡¯s nothing¡­. I¡¯m just happy¡­.¡± ¡°Of course you are. We¡¯ll use some of the troll¡¯s blood to make healing potions for ourselves, and the rest will be sent to the Second Princess for her field agents. She¡¯ll see us favorably and provide more support, allowing you to keep your position¡­.¡± Kirrin looked at the excited Dian with teary eyes. Sophie had misunderstood¡­ Thank goodness¡­. # # # # # # Hindrastra watched Kirrin, who seemed on the verge of tears. Why is she acting like that? And suddenly wearing garter belts and stockings? Didn¡¯t she usually wear pants? ¡°Head Professor!¡± Just then, Magic Response Professor Orendi appeared beside me from the air. ¡°The magic setup isplete in the undergroundb near the north gate.¡± ¡°You did it properly, right?¡± ¡°Of course. Even if the troll goes on a rampage, it won¡¯t be able to escape.¡± ¡°Good job.¡± The captured troll is nned to be imprisoned in the unused undergroundb at the north gate. Orendi, following my instructions, had already set up various spells there, and the troll will be kept there for regr bloodletting. We can even include this as a practical lesson. Monsters typically yield valuable byproducts when hunted, and troll blood is particrly precious, so learning how to handle it will be beneficial. ¡°Keep moving! Clear the way ahead!¡± I led the guards to safely ce the troll in the undergroundb and then called Professor Ismera. ¡°Gasp?!¡± Professor Ismera, who hadn¡¯t yet regained herposure, gasped in shock at the sight of the troll. ¡°What¡­ what is that?!¡± ¡°It¡¯s a troll.¡± ¡°I know it¡¯s a troll, but why is it here at the academy?!¡± ¡°I captured it. We¡¯re going to make healing potions from its blood. You¡¯re aware of the benefits of troll blood, aren¡¯t you? So here¡¯s the n.¡± As I exined the n to use the troll, Ismera vehemently shook her head in horror. ¡°We can¡¯t do that!¡± Usually, she¡¯dugh and beat around the bush, but my n must have been quite a shock. ¡°There¡¯s no problem, Professor Ismera. It¡¯s beneficial for many people. Except for the troll. And trolls aren¡¯t people.¡± ¡°But it¡¯s alive¡­.¡± She¡¯s a vegetarian, a pacifist, and an environmentalist, all rolled into one. ¡°Enough, we have a manufacturing ss in the Theoretical Department, right? Include this as a practical lesson. We¡¯ll handle controlling the troll in the Combat Department.¡± ¡°What does the headmaster think about this?¡± Knowing it was pointless to argue with me, Ismera turned to Kirrin. ¡°We¡¯ll do whatever Dian suggests.¡± Ismera looked at me, her face frozen in shock, and I shrugged, causing her further frustration. ¡°Do as you wish. But if anything goes wrong, you both will be held responsible.¡± ¡°Sure, fine. So, are you agreeing, Professor Ismera?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t agree, but since the headmaster and the Head Combat Professor insist, I have no choice but to follow. Let¡¯s be clear about that.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± This elf bitch¡­ # # # # # [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] After that, it was the same as usual. Ever since Hindrastra had dealt with those bullies in the first graduating ss, she hadn¡¯t caused any trouble and was adapting well. She couldn¡¯t return to her true form or flee, because Linus woulde after her, soying low was the best strategy. Of course, Linus wouldn¡¯t actuallye. He was too busy taking care of the baby. Just a few days ago, he sent another letter, an invitation. He mentioned that outsiders could now visit his home, so he asked to let him know when I coulde. This weekend seemed suitable, so I sent a reply. I asked Olysia to go to town and pick out some appropriate gifts for a house with a newborn baby. I wanted to choose them myself, but I was too busy to make a trip to town. I wonder if Lormane has also been invited. As the General Secretary of the Church, she might find it hard to make time. Lormane¡­ I hope she can¡¯te¡­ for various reasons. Remembering her made me shiver, and I quickly dismissed the thoughts. I should patrol the campus. Sitting around will only make me think more. Grabbing a practice wooden sword, I left the faculty building and roamed the campus. ¡°Hello, Head Professor¡­.¡± The students I passed greeted me in timid voices, stepping aside cautiously. Strange. They used to crowd around noisily, so why are they like this today? ¡°Hieek?!¡± Another student ran away as if she had seen something filthy. This atmosphere is strange. ¡°Hey, you! Over here!¡± I singled out a student who met my gaze and then quickly looked away. ¡°Hurry up,e here.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything¡­.¡± ¡°Avoiding my eyes is a mistake.¡± As the student approached, I slung the practice sword over my shoulder and asked. ¡°Is something going on? Why is everyone avoiding me?¡± ¡°Nothing¡¯s going on¡­.¡± ¡°You little¡­ Speak properly!¡± ¡°Really, nothing¡¯s going on!¡± With a panicked cry, the student ran off. Something must be happening. Should I ask Knightley? I have no expectations from Hindrastra. That girl was extremely hostile towards me and would definitely pretend not to know anything even if she did. Yes, let¡¯s ask Knightley. # # # # # Meanwhile, Knightley was surrounded by her followers. ¡°Knightley, you¡¯ve heard, right? ¡®That rumor.''¡± The rumor that was currently the hottest topic among the academy students was the ¡®Dian-Knightley scandal.¡¯ The young, capable, handsome, and witty Head Professor supposedly had an inappropriate rtionship with the noble and beautiful top student of the academy. Who wouldn¡¯ttch onto this rumor? However, despite being a scandal that should have turned the academy upside down, things were surprisingly quiet. That¡¯s because most students were quietly spreading and consuming the rumor in secret. Professor Dian, being the Head of Combat, had long been rumored to be a secret prince, a noble hiding his power, and other such things that made him difficult to approach. And Knightley, with her cold personality and status as the daughter of the Duke Toulouse family, was someone ordinary students wouldn¡¯t dare speak to. This left only her deluded followers, who mistakenly thought they were close to her, brave enough to mention it. ¡°What rumor?¡± Normally, Knightley would have said something like ¡®Get lost,¡¯ but today she asked her followers with a somewhat gentle demeanor. ¡°Umm¡­the Head Combat Professor¡­ called you to his office and forced you to do something bad¡­¡± What started as ¡®left the academy gate together¡¯ had now morphed into ¡®was assaulted in the professor¡¯s office.¡¯ Hindrastra¡¯s mischief, beginning with ¡®As a new transfer student, I didn¡¯t know,¡¯ had escted to this point. Hearing this, Knightley scoffed. ¡°He has never forced me to do anything.¡± ¡°So, something did happen?¡± ¡°It did. But it¡¯s between me and the professor. You don¡¯t need to know.¡± ¡°So¡­ is it true that you¡¯re dating the professor¡­?!¡± ¡°I told you. You don¡¯t need to know.¡± She didn¡¯t lie since the private lessons were a secret. And she wasn¡¯t dating him, so she didn¡¯t say they were. ¡°Oh my¡­.¡± The followers covered their mouths, looking at each other. Seeing this, a satisfied smile spread across Knightley¡¯s face. Recently, she had been worried about Professor Dian¡¯s soaring poprity within the academy. Especially with the arrival of the exceptional new student, she feared Dian¡¯s attention might shift to her. But the absurd rumor turned out to be beneficial. By keeping silent, everyone was solidifying the connection between her and Professor Dian. She didn¡¯t know who started the rumor, but she was grateful. Professor Dian is mine. My personal professor. I won¡¯t let anyone else have him¡­. ¡°Hey, Knightley! I need to ask you something!¡± Just then, Professor Dian called out to Knightley from a distance. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 45 – Trouble Instinct (6) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 45 ¨C Trouble Instinct (6) During the break, I headed to the garden next to the lecture hall where students usually gather to hang out. As expected, there was Knightley with her followers. ¡°Hey, Knightley! I need to ask you something!¡± I waved my hand and called her name. Her followers scattered, leaving Knightley alone, crossing her arms as she waited for me. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Is there something going on with you guys? The students keep avoiding me.¡± ¡°I am not sure?¡± Knightley replied with an enigmatic smile. ¡°If it¡¯s something like that, shouldn¡¯t you be asking them directly instead ofing to me?¡± ¡°I tried, but they ran away. Still, you¡¯re the student I¡¯m closest to.¡± Knightley¡¯s smile widened at my words. ¡°So, you have no other close students besides me?¡± ¡°Well, personally, not really.¡± Knightley¡¯s breathing became slightly irregr. ¡°So, you¡¯re saying I¡¯m the only one, right?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure if that¡¯s the right way to put it¡­.¡± ¡°I¡¯m the only one, aren¡¯t I?¡± ¡°Yes, you are. So if you know anything about what¡¯s going on, tell me.¡± Knightley¡¯s grin spread from ear to ear as I answered vaguely to her persistent questioning. ¡°Well, there¡¯s been some rumors. That the Professor and I have a¡­ certain kind of rtionship.¡± ¡°What kind of rtionship?¡± ¡°You know.¡± A certain kind of rtionship between a professor and a female student¡­ I have a hunch. ¡°So the students are avoiding me because of that? Where did that baseless rumore from?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not entirely baseless, Professor. Where there¡¯s smoke, there¡¯s fire.¡± ¡°What smoke are you talking about?¡± But Knightley didn¡¯t answer, simply staring at me. ¡°Ah, is it because we were often together for private lessons? I guess that could be misunderstood.¡± But for things to escte this much? Someone must have maliciously added fuel to the fire. Who could it be¡­ Who could it be¡­ I think I know. Should I investigate thoroughly? ¡°Professor, are you listening?¡± ¡°Huh? Did you say something?¡± ¡°Would you like to have a private lesson with me today?¡± ¡°Today? It¡¯s not our scheduled day.¡± ¡°True, but we don¡¯t always have to stick to the schedule, do we?¡± As she said that, Knightley smiled coquettishly. Having seen Ismera¡¯s somewhat artificial but extremely beautiful smile many times, I felt no particr reaction. So young and already like this¡­ ¡°Now that things havee to this, why not just go for it? Rather than being wrongly used, why not just do it?¡± Knightley slightly lifted her shirt with her fingers and awkwardly licked her lips. What the hell¡­ I know a bit about Kirrin. That fool of a kind-hearted Dark Elf has been emotionally dependent on me excessively for a while now. But I didn¡¯t expect Knightley to be like this. As the proud daughter of a Duke, she must be trying to monopolize me as she has done with everything else. Ridiculous, this brat! ¡°Shut up!¡± ¡°Ahh!¡± I gave her a light tap on the head, and Knightley curled up, clutching her head with both hands. ¡°Why did you hit me! I was right!¡± ¡°Right, but deserving of a hit!¡± As I raised my fist, Knightley quickly stormed away. Sigh, should I just send her back to her father? She thinks she¡¯s being clever, but she¡¯s still just a kid. Anyway, this seems to be Hindrasta¡¯s doing¡­ Let¡¯s confirm that first. Even if I catch and interrogate that brat, she won¡¯t confess anything¡­ ¡°Felimia!¡± I ran to Felimia, who was justing out of her psychology warfare sses. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? You seem in a hurry.¡± ¡°Have you heard any strange rumors circting among the studentstely?¡± ¡°Hmm, what do you mean?¡± I told Felimia about what I saw and noticed earlier, then she adjusted her sses before speaking. ¡°There¡¯s definitely something strange going on. Should I look into it?¡± ¡°I¡¯d appreciate that. If this disrupts the academic atmosphere, it¡¯ll be troublesome.¡± ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll have some answers for you before the end of the day.¡± Felimia smoothly blended into the crowd of students with her cloak fluttering. As the Psychological Warfare Professor, Felimia was an expert in intimidation, persuasion, negotiation, and brainwashing. She will undoubtedly bring back some useful information. Later that afternoon, as promised, Felimia came to my office. ¡°Head Professor, I¡¯ve found out a few things.¡± ¡°Go ahead.¡± Felimia began to share what she had learned. 1. The first person to cast doubt on the rtionship between Professor Dian and Student Knightley was the special student Sophie. 2. Sophie made a remark along the lines of, ¡®As a transfer student, I¡¯m curious because I often see the two of them alone together, is there something going on between them?¡¯ which was the starting point of the issue. 3. Sophie made this remark after seeing Dian and Knightley leaving the academy grounds together. 4. As the rumor spread, it became increasingly distorted, now include theories that Professor Dian is married to his maid, but he¡¯s having an affair with Knightley, that the maid is their child, that Dian assaulted Knightley and is ckmailing her, that she was riding Dian, not a wild horse in the Brun teau, that they were caught having an affair in the academy forest by a troll, and that¡¯s why it was beaten and captured, that Dian likes Headmaster Kirrin and Professor Ismara¡­ ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] I raised my hand to stop Felimia, feeling dizzy from the outrageous rumors. ¡°So, the source of the rumor is Student Sophie?¡± ¡°Yes, but it doesn¡¯t seem to have been malicious.¡± Of course, initially, Hindrasta¡¯s words werepletely innocent. But that¡¯s just from the perspective of an uninformed third party. Considering what kind of dragon Hindrasta is, she must have set things up to cover her tracks, iming she was just genuinely curious and avoiding responsibility. Clearly, the intention was to ruin my reputation at the academy. Three thingse to mind immediately. First, correct the false rumors. No matter how baseless, rumors about the Head Combat Professor having an inappropriate rtionship with a student are detrimental to the academy. Second, use this incident as an opportunity for a lesson on public opinion maniption and information gathering. In field missions, there are times when we infiltrate hostile nations to spread rumors or, conversely, determine the truth of rumors and propaganda spread against us. This situation is very simr to such scenarios, so it could be used for beneficial education. Third, recondition Hindrasta. That brat still hasn¡¯te to her senses. Let¡¯s start with the easiest one and quickly resolve it. I picked up a wooden practice sword resting on my desk and left the office. # # # # # The rooftop of the abandoned academy building where the troll was confined. Hindrasta, who had skipped ss, was lying on a sunbed she had somehow acquired, enjoying the spring sunshine with her eyes closed. Professor Dian and Knightley? What did they do in the forest outside the academy gates? Weren¡¯t they there to catch the troll? Professor Waver caught the troll. There must have been plenty of time before or after the hunt. Come to think of it, didn¡¯t Knightley take a different route during the night infiltration? That wasn¡¯t for advanced lessons¡­ And I heard Knightley went along when they caught the wild horse. So, it wasn¡¯t the horse she rode but the professor? Didn¡¯t someone say Knightley ran away to avoid an arranged marriage? But when her father came here, he seemed very close to Professor Dian. So, is Professor Dian Knightley¡¯s new marriage partner? Was Professor Dian a noble? I don¡¯t know. But he seems like a noble. There¡¯s no one at the academy he seems to answer to. Or maybe he¡¯s a hidden prince? Anyway, it¡¯s true that Professor Dian and Knightley were all over each other in his office, right? So, what¡¯s the rtionship with the maid who lives with him? Someone said she¡¯s his daughter and his wife¡­ Ah, it¡¯splicated! So, I¡¯m losing Professor Dian¡­ I was going to confess after graduation¡­ Bullshit. What would Professor Dian want with someone like you?¡± As the snowball she had started kept rolling and growing uncontrobly, Hindrasta was beside herself with joy. Yes, this is it. This is why causing trouble is so fun! Keep rolling! Letting out the troll that was confined here would make it even more exciting. Ah, I¡¯m so excited I can¡¯t contain myself! Just as Hindrasta was chuckling to herself, a shadow fell over her. ¡°Move. You¡¯re blocking the sunlight.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s have a talk.¡± Hindrasta, annoyed, looked up and gasped, falling off her sunbed in fright. ¡°D-Dian¡­?¡± Dian stood over her, a wooden practice sword slung over his shoulder. ¡°I was just about to go to ss!¡± Dian said nothing. ¡°Really! I came here just because I have a habit of sunbathing in my true form! I¡¯m leaving now!¡± Dian said nothing. ¡°What? Do you have something to say? Well, say it. Stop just standing there!¡± Dian said nothing. ¡°Fine, fine. I¡¯m sorry. I charged some stuff to your name at the dessert cafe. I¡¯ll pay it back soon.¡± ¡°What¡­?¡± Ah, damn it. That wasn¡¯t it? Shouldn¡¯t have said that. ¡°Anyway, we¡¯re done here, right? I¡¯m leaving?¡± Dian stepped forward silently, blocking her path. ¡°What the hell, seriously! Why are you scaring me like this?¡± Dian said nothing. Staring at Dian for a moment, Hindrasta finally confessed. ¡°That¡¯s right. I said something unnecessary. I saw you and that girl going out together and got curious, so I asked the humans about it. I didn¡¯t think it would turn into this.¡± Dian said nothing. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry. I was too curious, that¡¯s all. But I¡¯m also a bit innocent here. I wondered if there was a special advanced course with the Head Combat Professor. I¡¯m a special student, after all.¡± Dian said nothing. Hindrasta¡¯s voice began to tremble. ¡°What do you want from me, damn it! I just asked that, I swear! I didn¡¯t say anything else! My intentions were pure!¡± Dian said nothing. ¡°What do you want me to say? Huh? You just want to hit me, don¡¯t you? Whether I was the one who stirred things up doesn¡¯t matter to you, does it? Is that it! Is that what this is about!¡± Dian said nothing. ¡°Seriously, why are you doing this to me!! You were the one who made it look suspicious in the first ce!!!!¡± # # # # # Boom! Professor Ismera, startled by the sudden noise, ran to the window. Far in the distance, a pink-haired special student was jumping off the roof of the abandoned building where the troll was confined. ¡°Help me!!¡± And right after, jumping off as well¡­ was Professor Dian?! What the hell?! However, the two disappeared from sight in the blink of an eye, leaving Professor Ismera wondering if she had imagined the whole thing. [Note: See pinedment for Chapter 45 illustration] [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 46 – Trouble Instinct (7) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 46 ¨C Trouble Instinct (7) ¡°Get back here, you little brat!¡± Dian yelled as Hindrasta leaped off the roof. ¡°What did I even do wrong?!¡± Hindrasta shouted as she hit the ground, rolled a few times, and sprang to her feet. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you what you did wrong if youe here!¡± ¡°Are you insane?!¡± Hindrasta used every ounce of her strength to sprint towards the north gate, thoughts racing through her mind. She had no idea how Dian discovered she was the source of the rumors, but she needed to get out of the academy immediately. If caught, death was a certainty, but if she ran, she might survive. Dian had mentioned that the Hero wasn¡¯t present, so even if he came after her, she¡¯d have enough time to escape. Neither Dian nor that other guy knew any tracking magic, so if she made it to another kingdom, they¡¯d never find her. If they had the means to find her, they wouldn¡¯t have spent months chasing her during the war. ¡°I won¡¯t kill you, so stop running!¡± Dian¡¯s chilling voice echoed behind her, making Hindrasta regret her past actions. She had lived quietly for ten years after the war. Why had she caused trouble again? But how could she ignore the perfect opportunity for mischief when it presented itself? If that idiot hadn¡¯t been alone with that human woman, and if that foolish Dark Elf hadn¡¯t shown her feelings for Dian right in front of her, she wouldn¡¯t have done it! It¡¯s not just the thief¡¯s fault for stealing; it¡¯s also the fault of the person who leaves the door open, right?! Exactly!! But what does that Dark Elf see in such a crazy guy? Unbelievable. Anyway!! ¡°This is yourst chance! If you don¡¯t stop now, I¡¯ll make sure you regret it!¡± Dian¡¯s threatening words almost made Hindrasta stop, but she kept running past the north gate and out into the open. If she continued straight, she¡¯d reach the city through the eastern corner and could blend in with the crowd. Dian wouldn¡¯t dare drag a pretty, cute student back by her hair in front of witnesses, no matter how crazy he was! Of course, Dian wasn¡¯t that dumb, and he caught her before she could enter the city. ¡°Ahhh!¡± Hindrasta screamed as Dian suddenly appeared in front of her, teleporting out of nowhere. She skidded to a halt so abruptly that the ground cracked, tiles rising like lizard scales. ¡°Help! This professor is trying to assault a student! Please help!¡± Hindrasta shouted desperately, but no one came to her aid. Her attempt to flee far from the academy was now backfiring. Run away? Surrender? No matter what she chose, Dian was going to beat her. Terrified, Hindrasta lost herposure and made the worst decision. She unleashed her aura. As she gathered all her strength, veins bulged like spiderwebs on her arms and neck. Her body glowed like a of radiant energy, her pink twin-tails zing like molten fire. Crash! Crash! Crash! The ground and tiles cracked under the weight of her aura, and her hair red up likeva. [I can¡¯t live like this anymore!!!] Hindrasta¡¯s draconic roar erupted from her human body, sending birds flying from the nearby forest. Despite her frail appearance, she was a mighty white dragon. If she used her true power, no one could stop her¡­ Thwack! ¡°Eek!¡± Dian¡¯s finger flicked her forehead, piercing through her aura. The impact rattled her brain, causing her to stagger. Without her aura, she would have passed out¡­ Thwack! The second flick knocked her out cold. # # # # # # About thirty minutester, we returned to the academy. ¡°Bwwaaaa!¡± Hindrasta¡¯s wailing was incredibly loud as she followed behind me, crying incessantly. Who told her to stir up trouble? She¡¯s acting like an immature dragon. At least this will keep her quiet for a while. Now, I needed to clean up the mess and educate the students on psychological warfare. ¡°Felemia, can you help me with something?¡± ¡°What is it?¡± Felemia adjusted her sses and smiled as I entered the office. ¡°It¡¯s about Student Sophie. I want to incorporate this into our psychological warfare curriculum.¡± ¡°I think I understand. You¡¯re talking about handling rumors, right?¡± ¡°Exactly. How did you guess?¡± ¡°After doing this for so long, I can read people just by looking into their eyes.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll have to keep my eyes closed around you then.¡± ¡°There are ways to tell even with closed eyes. So, how do you n to approach this?¡± I shared my ideas with Felemia, and we brainstormed ways to make it more effective. However, she seemed a bit excessive in her questioning, constantly trying to make eye contact. When our eyes finally met, I felt a sharp, intangible force try to prate my mind but bounce off. Felemia flinched and stepped back. Ah, she¡¯s trying to use her skills on me. After that, she never met my eyes again. # # # # # # ¡°Professor Ismera, we need to talk.¡± As I entered the Head Theoretical Professor¡¯s office, Ismera recoiled like I was carrying a contagious disease, quickly backing away. ¡°Don¡¯te in!¡± ¡°Excuse me?¡± ¡°Speak from there!¡± From her reaction, it was clear she had heard some of the rumors. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] ¡°I¡¯m nning to gather all the students in the main auditorium for a talk tomorrow. I thought you should know.¡± ¡°Tell the headmaster!¡± ¡°Understood. I¡¯ve informed you.¡± Leaving Ismera¡¯s office, I headed straight to the headmaster¡¯s office. Kirrin greeted me with a bright smile, standing up from her seat. Normally, you¡¯d expect the elf Ismera and the Dark Elf Kirrin to have reversed reactions. ¡°Dian! What¡¯s the matter?¡± ¡°Headmaster, I n to gather all the students in the main auditorium tomorrow¡­¡± ¡°Go ahead.¡± Kirrin agreed immediately. ¡°Uh? I haven¡¯t even exined yet.¡± ¡°You want to clear up the misunderstanding about this whole situation, right? If that¡¯s the case, I¡¯m all for it.¡± Kirrin blushed and lowered her ears, looking as cute as a puppy seeking praise. The next day, as I had informed Kirrin, all students and faculty were assembled in the main auditorium. As I stepped onto the stage, the students started murmuring, and I waited for the noise to subside. ¡°Grrrraaahhh!¡± When it didn¡¯t, Orc Brogg let out a fearsome battle cry, chilling everyone to the bone. The terrifying shout silenced the students immediately, and even some Theoretical Department professors almost fell over in shock. ¡°I, the Head Combat Professor, am disappointed in you all.¡± Once the auditorium was quiet, I began to speak slowly. ¡°I never imagined you would fall for something like this. All the hard work you¡¯ve put in seems to have been for nothing.¡± The students, still shaken by the battle cry, looked at each other in silence. ¡°Recently, some strange rumors have been circting. You know what I¡¯m talking about without me having to spell it out.¡± I looked around at the students before continuing. ¡°These rumors were deliberately spread within the academy by the Combat Department as part of a psychological warfare exercise.¡± ¡°Gasp¡­!¡± A gasp came from somewhere in the audience. ¡°You all learned about ¡®provocation¡¯ in psychological warfare sses. You there, stand up.¡± ¡°Y-yes¡­!¡± A student in the front row stood up nervously when I pointed at him. ¡°What is provocation?¡± ¡°Encouraging others to take action through incitement or maniption¡­ sir!¡± ¡°And what is manipting public opinion?¡± ¡°It¡¯s the act of distorting or spreading false information to sway public opinion for personal or group gain, sir!¡± ¡°You understand well!¡± The students flinched at my shout. ¡°Why did you fall for such absurd rumors? I¡¯m disappointed that none of you remembered your psychological warfare lessons and questioned the information. Did youe here to be misled?¡± ¡°No, sir!¡± ¡°Professor!¡± At that moment, a brave student raised their hand. ¡°I understand what you¡¯ve said so far, but many students saw Professor Dian and the graduating ss president together. How do you exin that? Surely that wasn¡¯t all part of this exercise?¡± ¡°Of course not. That¡¯s true.¡± ¡°Eek! No way!¡± A shriek came from somewhere in the crowd. ¡°I have been teaching advanced courses to Knightley, the top student at the academy. She was the only one who met the rigorous standards for these special lessons, which is why it was kept secret to avoid any perception of favoritism.¡± ¡°Advanced courses? You mean the night infiltration, the Brun teau wild horse capture, and the troll at the academy gate? Is there proof?¡± ¡°The Combat Department professors are the witnesses. Professors Waver, Anna, and Orendi.¡± The professors I named stood and confirmed their participation in all the activities, prompting the students to murmur among themselves. ¡°Do you understand now? You were all deceived. Everything I¡¯ve worked to reform since taking over has been undermined by these baseless rumors.¡± The students began to lower their heads in shame, and even Kirrin, standing beside me, bowed her head as if in self-reproach. ¡°But it¡¯s not toote.¡± I mmed the end of a practice sword onto the floor of the stage. ¡°The instigator who is causing chaos in the academy by spreading these rumors is still active. I, the Head Combat Professor, propose a challenge.¡± As the students all turned their eyes to me, I paused before continuing. ¡°Use what you¡¯ve learned in ss to uncover the truth and find the instigator. This will be your mid-term psychological warfare practical. Whoever finds the culprit will receive full marks for the course, excluding the final exam.¡± ¡°F-full marks?!¡± ¡°But you must provide concrete evidence. I don¡¯t want anyone wrongfully used. You have until next week. Given the academy¡¯s size and number of students, a week should suffice.¡± Felemia was known for her strict grading, and no student had ever scored full marks in psychological warfare. Offering such a reward was a substantial incentive. As expected, the students buzzed with excitement, talking among themselves and creating a mor in the auditorium. The root of the rumors was the ambiguous rtionship between Knightley and me. With the Combat Department professors personally rifying, the rumors would lose credibility. The students would believe my lie that the rumors were part of a practical exercise. With the enticing reward, they¡¯d be motivated to find the instigator. No one would suspect Hindrasta, especially since she had already created an alibi for herself. The students didn¡¯t know her true nature, so they wouldn¡¯t recognize her involvement. Through this exercise, the students would quickly learn to handle situations involving rumors and social disorder. That alone was worth it. Unlike otherbat subjects, I had struggled with how to conduct practical exercises in psychological warfare. This situation turned out to be a perfect opportunity. ¡°Wait a minute! What are you saying?!¡± Knightley¡¯s voice tried to cut through the noise, but it was drowned out by the excited chatter. She¡¯de to meter if she had more to say. With the situation mostly handled, I could prepare for my visit to Linus¡¯s house. I was supposed to go tomorrow for the weekend. But before that, I had one more thing to take care of. ¡°Why¡¯d you hit me?!¡± ¡°Seeing your face pisses me off.¡± Hindrasta started crying again after I gave her a good thump on the head outside the auditorium. Wait a minute¡­ She might run away again while I¡¯m gone¡­ Should I throw her in the troll cage? But magic doesn¡¯t work well on dragons¡­ Maybe I should just take her to Linus¡¯s house with me this weekend? [Note: See pinedment for Chapter 46 illustration] [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 47 – At Linus’ House (1) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 47 ¨C At Linus¡¯ House (1) After some deep thought, I headed straight to the administration office. ¡°I¡¯d like to see tomorrow¡¯s outing list.¡± Among the names on the list provided by the head administrator, there was ¡®Sophie¡¯. ¡°Remove this student¡¯s name, please. She¡¯s scheduled for a supplementary lesson.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± After confirming that the head administrator had crossed out Sophie¡¯s name, I left the office. No matter how much I think about it, I should keep an eye on Hindrasta over the weekend. Hindrasta is a very important student at our academy right now. She¡¯s a symbol of the first batch of special student selection that Kirrin ambitiously pushed for. If Hindrasta were to run away from the academy, it would be disastrous. The academy¡¯s prestige would fall, and Kirrin would bepletely devastated. In any case, Hindrasta must graduate with excellent grades early next year and get into a good ce to justify the significance of the special student selection program. To achieve that, I must ensure that this troublemaker doesn¡¯t escape, but I can¡¯t just pamper her, or she¡¯ll cause more chaos like this time. I have a perfect n for her, but it can¡¯t be implemented right away. For now, I¡¯ll have to keep a close watch on her myself. ¡°Head Professor!¡± Someone called me, and as I turned around, I saw the Combat Department professors approaching. ¡°Are you alright?¡± Lina, who always treats me kindly, gently grabbed my arm and asked. ¡°You were misunderstood by the students, right? I hope this incident cleared up that misunderstanding¡­¡± ¡°Well, I think they all understood. Those who didn¡¯t, will just stay as they are. Anyway, if this incident helps improve the students¡¯ abilities, that¡¯s enough for me.¡± ¡°Ah, as expected from the Head Professor¡­ Truly admirable¡­¡± Lina¡¯s eyes sparkled with admiration at my words. ¡°Anyway¡­ I¡¯m d to hear that it was all part of your n. I was worried for no reason.¡± ¡°What kind of person do you take me for?¡± Iughed and patted Morton¡¯s shoulder, prompting Orendi to step in. ¡°Though you seem to beid back, you¡¯re always perfectly prepared for everything!¡± ¡°Brogg admires such a Dian!¡± Brogg pounded his chest, causing Anna to cover her ears in rm. ¡°So, is that special student Sophie the instigator you nted, Head Professor?¡± ¡°Something like that. Being a special student, she can¡¯t be treated like the regr ones, right?¡± ¡°You¡¯re truly amazing.¡± Lina looked up at me again with shining eyes. ¡°You¡¯re supervising the special student and the regr ones at the same time.¡± ¡°Wipe your mouth, Infiltration Professor!¡± Kazadarughed heartily, making Lina hastily wipe her mouth with her sleeve, though she hadn¡¯t been drooling. Meanwhile, Geneb and Morton stood quietly at the back without much reaction. Though they usually don¡¯t talk much, today their silence felt different from usual. They¡¯re definitely suspicious of me. It¡¯s only natural, considering my actions so far. These professors aren¡¯t fools. Even the ones who are now so positive about me, like Lina, Orendi, and Waver, initially tried hard to dig into my background. But since they couldn¡¯t find anything, they quickly gave up, showing their easy-going nature. As for Kazadar and Brogg, well, they¡¯re just easygoing fellows. But the others are different. Morton, known for his tenacity, has been using his connections from his days in the long-distance patrol to find anyone who knows me, and Geneb has been subtly moving around too. Most professors have either suspected or are still suspicious of me, but they don¡¯t show it openly because I hold the authority over their midterm evaluations and because I revived the Combat Department and secured significant funding shortly after my appointment. However, Felimia had tantly tried to use her ability on me. Yesterday, when I went to her office to discuss turning the recent incident into a practical training session, Felimia kept trying to make eye contact and talk to me, using her interrogation ability to subtly make me spill the truth. But that doesn¡¯t work on me. When her ability was blocked, Felimia became extremely flustered and quiet, but that probably made her even more suspicious of me. She easily extracted secrets from those annoying Demon Army Commanders, but a mere human resisted? This is a bit inconvenient. I might have to ask the Princess for a proper cover identity or permission to reveal everything if I ever go to the Pce. Though I understand the Pce¡¯s stance too. I¡¯m not trying to brag, but it would be difficult to carry on as usual if my history were revealed. Well, I¡¯ll figure it out when the timees. For now, let¡¯s call it a day. I need to prepare for tomorrow. But why has she been like that for a while now? In the corner, Anna was sitting hunched over, with her head down, not saying a word. She seems gloomy as always, so it doesn¡¯t seem like a big problem. # # # # # As the sun set, I was walking through the faculty area when I heard footsteps behind me. ¡°Do you have something to say?¡± ¡°Eek?!¡± Turning around, I saw the Combat Riding Professor, Anna, fidgeting nervously. ¡°How did you know¡­?¡± ¡°My hearing isn¡¯t so bad that I can¡¯t hear riding boots.¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡± Anna looked down and started crossing her legs as if trying to hide her boots. ¡°If you have something to say, just say it.¡± ¡°How did you know I had something to say¡­?¡± ¡°Your dorm isn¡¯t here; it¡¯s over there.¡± ¡°Oh, um¡­¡± Anna hesitated, crossing her legs nervously, before her lips finally moved. ¡°Head Professor¡­¡± [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] She scratched her head for a moment as if trying to gather her thoughts, then spoke up. ¡°Uh¡­ the stables¡­ no, first I should thank you¡­ no, I need to apologize¡­¡± Getting her words tangled, she shook her head vigorously and cleared her throat loudly. Taking a deep breath as if making a big decision, she finally spoke. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ I misunderstood you, Head Professor¡­¡± Misunderstood? If it¡¯s a misunderstanding, then could it be about Knightley¡­? ¡°Even though I thought you wouldn¡¯t do such a thing¡­ and I knew you were doing advanced courses separately¡­ I kept hearing things here and there, and ended up doubting you¡­¡± Anna interrupted me to continue her exnation. ¡°Did you really? Well¡­ you¡¯re free to think whatever you want¡­¡± ¡°But still, I thought bad things, so I should apologize¡­¡± Then she bowed deeply, herrge chest heaving with the motion. This was a bit surprising. Until now, Anna hadn¡¯t shown any sign of this, and I thought she was only interested in horses. ¡°And also, thank you for replenishing the stables¡­¡± ¡°It was for everyone¡¯s benefit¡­¡± ¡°When the headmaster reduced the practical sessions, we could barely maintain the existing children¡­ Ah, by children, I mean the ones in the stables¡­¡± Anna continued before I could respond. ¡°It made me sad that students couldn¡¯t properly learn horseback riding, and that we couldn¡¯t provide the best environment for the children¡­¡± ¡°There wereplicated reasons¡­¡± ¡°Of course, I have no intention of ming the headmaster¡­¡± Anna interrupted me again with a faint, gloomy smile. ¡°I¡¯m sure the headmaster had her own reasons¡­ I heard she doesn¡¯t get along with some high-ranking officials in the Imperial Pce¡­ Maybe that¡¯s rted¡­ It¡¯s not something a mere professor like me should know or can know¡­¡± ¡°Actually, that¡¯s correct¡­¡± ¡°But everything changed when you arrived, Head Professor¡­¡± Anna said, twirling her tangled hair around her finger. ¡°The Combat Department was revitalized¡­ you brought in many smart students¡­ and you even set up amercial district in the academy¡­¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t do it alone; it was with your and the headmaster¡¯s help¡­¡± ¡°Thank you once again¡­ for reviving thebat riding course and the Combat Department¡­ and I apologize for misunderstanding you¡­¡± Anna bowed deeply again, her chest heaving noticeably. ¡°I¡¯ll work hard too¡­ I¡¯ll do my best to ensure our graduates achieve top results¡­¡± ¡°If you keep up the good work as you have been¡­¡± ¡°Then, rest well¡­ I apologize for disturbing you after hours¡­¡± With that, Anna turned and ran towards the faculty dormitory. What was that? She just dumped everything on me and ran off. Cute, though¡­ # # # # # The next day, I left my house, escorted by Olysia, and boarded the Head Professor¡¯s carriage. She wanted toe along but decided to do a thorough cleaning since she would be left alone, so I told her to go ahead. Leaving the faculty area and heading towards the main gate, I saw the students bustling around, preparing for their weekend outings. Let¡¯s see. Where is she? ¡°What?! What do you mean?! I definitely signed up!!¡± Looking towards themotion, I saw the pink-haired Hindrasta arguing with an administrative faculty member at the gate. ¡°It¡¯s useless to argue. Your name isn¡¯t on the list.¡± ¡°No way!? I definitely submitted it on Wednesday when wepiled everything! This is a mistake!? It doesn¡¯t make sense!!¡± I had asked the head administrator to remove her from the list, so now Hindrasta was stuck at the gate, unable to leave, and in despair. Stopping the carriage, I casually asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± ¡°Eeek?!¡± Seeing me, Hindrasta recoiled in fear. ¡°You¡¯re dying everyone else. What¡¯s the matter?¡± ¡°She¡¯s not on the list but insists on going out.¡± The faculty member replied, and I looked back at Hindrasta. ¡°Is that true? Are you sure you signed up?¡± ¡°Yes, I did¡­ other students saw it too¡­¡± Tears started streaming down Hindrasta¡¯s face, and the students nearby confirmed her im. Pretending to think for a moment, I spoke to the faculty member. ¡°It seems there was a mistake somewhere. But adding her to the list now would be difficult. How about I take her out personally? Is that okay?¡± ¡°Well¡­ if the Head Professor says so¡­¡± ¡°Alright. Student Sophie, get in the carriage.¡± I gestured towards the carriage, and Hindrasta looked at me with wary eyes. ¡°Get in. I was heading into town anyway. I¡¯ll drop you off there.¡± ¡°Really¡­?¡± ¡°Either get in or stay in the academy.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll get in!¡± Hindrasta quickly climbed into the carriage, and I smiled as it started to move. About an hourter, Hindrasta, looking around nervously, asked in a terrified voice, ¡°Where¡­ are we going¡­?¡± [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 48 – At Linus’ House (2) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 48 ¨C At Linus¡¯ House (2) ¡°You¡¯ll see when we get there.¡± Hindrasta¡¯s face turned pale at my words. ¡°Where are we going?!¡± ¡°I told you, you¡¯ll see. It¡¯s nothing weird, so don¡¯t worry.¡± ¡°You¡¯re going to sell me to the Imperial Pce, aren¡¯t you¡­¡± ¡°Do you think you¡¯d fetch even a single gold coin? Just stay quiet.¡± ¡°How foolish of me¡­¡± Hindrasta started shedding tears again, those big, sobbing ones. She sure cries a lot. We continued driving along the road that skirted the outskirts of the city until we reached a vast expanse of farnd extending to the horizon. This was the famous Calvasar in. Starting near the capital Calvasar, it was a massive in that could epass an entire kingdom. From this farnd, we could feed the entire Empire¡¯s poption, making it one of the key factors in the Empire¡¯s rapid conquest of the continent. There were numerous deep craters scattered across the farnd, remnants of fierce battles from the Four-Year War. Back then, the Demon King¡¯s Army hadunched arge-scale mobile assault on this in to capture the Empire¡¯s capital, but they ultimately failed. The terrain offered no cover, and they couldn¡¯t withstand the barrage from the mages gathered from across the continent. The Demon King¡¯s Army, already weakened by the skirmishes with Linus and me, suffered a major defeat in the Great Battle of Calvasar and transitioned to a defensive stance, leading to their downfall with the formation of the Demon Kinging ying Special Unit. But why would Linus live in a ce like this, surrounded by nothing but fields and orchards? I pulled out the letter from my pocket and double-checked the address. It was definitely somewhere around here. Though it wasn¡¯t a city center, the open view meant I should be able to spot it soon. It¡¯s quite pleasant here. The sky is clear, a refreshing spring breeze is blowing, there¡¯s nothing obstructing the view, and the farmers look lively. ¡°Why are you taking me to such a deserted ce¡­? Did the Imperial Pce order you to get rid of me secretly? Huh? Is that it? Is that what this is about?¡± Hindrasta continued to ramble nervously. If this ce had been far from the capital, I might have settled here instead of Brunswell ten years ago. But then Olysia would have thrown a fit. Brunswell, at least, was a port city with some semnce of urban life. Here, there¡¯s absolutely nothing. As we drove further, even Hindrasta¡¯s mutterings ceased. ¡°Is that it?¡± I pointed ahead, and Hindrasta lifted her head. In the distance stood what looked like a castle or a pce, or rather, a grand mansion. From afar, the mansion resembled a painting. It was built of finely cut stone, its warm ivory walls gleaming in the sunlight. The central building featured a ssical design withrge arched windows, elegant pirs, and a red-tiled roof with multiple chimneys, creating a bnced silhouette. In front of the mansion stretched a well-maintained garden, its intricatendscaping and colorful flowers visible even from afar. A stone-paved path led straight to the mansion¡¯s front door. nking the main building were several annexes, all built in a style harmonizing with the central structure, giving the entire estate a symmetrical, bnced appearance. The vast backdrop of the Calvasar in made the mansion¡¯s size and beauty even more striking. ¡°Y-you, you¡­!¡± Seeing this, Hindrasta started sweating and babbling again. ¡°You¡¯re giving me to a noble, aren¡¯t you? You¡¯re trading a pretty, cute girl for something, right? Or maybe this is for some pervert who likes polymorphed dragons¡­ Eeek!¡± I flicked her forehead, and she stopped mid-sentence, clutching her head. As we approached the mansion, someone on horseback rode out to meet us. ¡°Mr. Dian, I presume? We¡¯ve been expecting you. Please follow me.¡± So, this was Linus¡¯s house after all. Linus, that bastard¡­ he¡¯s living quite well, isn¡¯t he? We followed the servant to the mansion¡¯s entrance. The entrance itself was grand and intricately crafted. Therge iron gate was adorned with detailed patterns and decorations, and an emblem was engraved above it. It depicted two strongly clenched forearms crossing each other, intuitive design. ¡°From here, please walk. We¡¯ll take care of the carriage and your luggage.¡± As we dismounted, the gates smoothly opened, revealing a breathtaking scene that left Hindrasta gasping. The view before us was of a stunning garden. The well-manicuredwn spread out in a verdant expanse, with stone-paved paths branching in multiple directions. The paths were lined with flowers in various colors, their fragrance carried on the breeze tickling our noses. In the center of the garden was arge fountain. Clear water shot high into the air, sparkling in the sunlight and creating a refreshing sound as it cascaded down, resonating throughout the garden. Benches were ced around the fountain, offering spots for rest. Trees were nted throughout the garden, each with wide branches providing ample shade. Interspersed among the trees were various statues, each crafted with intricate detail, capturing the eye of anyone who beheld them. In one corner of the garden was a small pond, with water lilies and lotus flowers blooming around its edges. Peering into the pond, we could see fish swimming, while dragonflies flitted above, enhancing the pond¡¯s serene atmosphere. Hindrasta, mesmerized by the sight, murmured, ¡°Who on earth lives here¡­?¡± ¡°Dian!¡± At that moment, someone called out my name from a distance. A woman leaning on a cane stood at the mansion¡¯s entrance, looking at me. Dull brown hair, a freckled face, and a prosthetic left foot visible under her skirt. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] It was my oldrade, Celine. ¡°Dian! It¡¯s you, right, Dian?!¡± ¡°Celine!¡± ¡°Oh my God, Dian! It¡¯s really you!¡± Celine hobbled precariously across the garden, leaning heavily on her cane as she approached me. ¡°Stay there. I¡¯lle to you.¡± To prevent Celine from overexerting herself, I ran to her, and she grabbed my hand with one of hers. ¡°Dian! I¡¯ve missed you so much! How is it that you haven¡¯t changed a bit?¡± ¡°It¡¯s because I¡¯ve beenzing around for ten years. But are you okay to be out like this?¡± ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine. I¡¯ve fully recovered. Oh, Dian, I¡¯m so happy to see you again. But¡­¡± Celine looked over at Hindrasta, who was standing there silently. ¡°Who is this?¡± ¡°Oh, she¡¯s a special student from our academy. I brought her along for the weekend because I didn¡¯t want to leave her alone. Her name is Sophie.¡± ¡°Wee, Sophie.¡± ¡°Hello.¡± Overwhelmed by the grandeur of the mansion, Hindrasta greeted her in a somewhat subdued manner. ¡°Pink hair and pink eyes, what a rare and beautifulbination. Come on in, both of you. Don¡¯t just stand there; let¡¯s go inside.¡± Celine led the way towards the mansion, leaning on her cane with determination. ¡°Who is she¡­?¡± Hindrasta asked in a low voice as we walked side by side. ¡°She¡¯s my friend.¡± ¡°Why does she only have one leg?¡± Hindrasta¡¯s gaze drifted to Celine¡¯s prosthetic leg peeking out from under her skirt. In the battle at the Demon King¡¯s Castle, Celine had lost her left leg below the knee. Even with my knowledge of the future, I couldn¡¯t prevent it. The original story didn¡¯t detail such specific events. At least we managed to save her life with quick emergency treatment, which was a small mercy. ¡°But she said it was like you two parted ways ten years ago¡­ That¡¯s right when the war ended, isn¡¯t it¡­?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°If she¡¯s your friend from the war¡­¡± Hindrasta started to say something more but fell silent and stopped walking. ¡°Dian, you¡¯re here.¡± Linus stood smiling at the mansion¡¯s entrance, holding a baby wrapped in a nket. ¡°Thank you foring all this way. Please,e in.¡± ¡°I had no idea you were living in such a nice ce.¡± ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to the Imperial Pce¡¯s substantial support.¡± ¡°But why live in the middle of a field instead of the city?¡± ¡°This whole area is my territory.¡± ¡°What¡­?¡± For a moment, I couldn¡¯t believe my ears. The Calvasar in, the most fertilend on the continent, right next to the capital, was Linus¡¯s territory? ¡°Weren¡¯t you originally promisednd somewhere else?¡± ¡°That¡¯s correct. But a few years ago, the Second Princess decided to reward my efforts by reorganizing part of her fief and granting it to me.¡± ¡°The Second Princess? She¡¯s really generous.¡± Yes, this made sense. The idea that the hero who killed the Demon King would be exiled or betrayed was absurd. ¡°And who is this? She doesn¡¯t look like the maid fromst time.¡± ¡°Ugh¡­¡± At that odd sound, I turned to see Hindrasta stiffening up and trembling as if having a seizure. ¡°Are you alright? You don¡¯t look well.¡± Celine asked, but Hindrasta couldn¡¯t even respond, looking ready to copse at any moment. A soft trickling sound followed. ¡°Oh dear!¡± Looking down, I saw that Hindrasta had wet herself. Seeing this, Linus¡¯s expression turned to one of understanding and a gentle smile spread across his face. ¡°It¡¯s been a while, Hindrasta.¡± [Note: See pinedment for Celine + Chapter 48 illustration] [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 49 – At Linus’ House (3) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 49 ¨C At Linus¡¯ House (3) As Linus greeted Hindrasta, she rolled her eyes and fainted. It was a good thing I caught her; otherwise, she would have fallen into the puddle of her own urine. ¡°Sorry about this, Linus. I didn¡¯t mention I was bringing her. Things gotplicated after I sent you that letter.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine. Let¡¯s get the dragon inside first. I¡¯ll call the maids.¡± Linus summoned the maids, who came and carefully carried Hindrasta into the mansion. Watching them worriedly, Celine asked. ¡°Is that the dragon? The White Dragon you two chased away?¡± ¡°Yeah. Somehow, she ended up at our academy. But Linus, how did you recognize her?¡± ¡°A girl trembling and peeing herself at the sight of me? Who else could it be but a polymorphed Hindrasta?¡± Good point. ¡°Let¡¯s go inside. We have a lot to discuss.¡± ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we meet the baby first?¡± Celine nudged me towards Linus. Linus, smiling, showed me the baby in his arms. The baby had blonde hair andrge, clear blue eyes. Those eyes were as clear and transparent as the sky, curiously observing the surroundings. Soft downy hair covered the small face, and the pink cheeks radiated healthy vitality. A pure smile spread across the slightly parted lips. The tiny, delicate hands lightly grasped as if trying to hold onto something, with clean, transparent fingertips. The baby¡¯s pure appearance naturally brought a smile to anyone who saw it, exuding a beauty that was innocence itself. The overall features resembled Linus, while the smile and aura were reminiscent of Celine. ¡°You said it¡¯s a boy? Named Lumien, right?¡± ¡°Yeah. Look at this, Dian.¡± Linus pulled a well-dried walnut from his pocket and ced it in the baby¡¯s hand. The baby promptly crushed the walnut with a loud crack. ¡°What the¡­?¡± ¡°We only found out recently. He broke the crib¡¯s railing with his foot one night.¡± ¡°Wow, he¡¯s already showing signs of being a hero.¡± Weughed and entered the mansion. ¡°Holy¡­¡± I couldn¡¯t help but gape at the interior. This wasn¡¯t a house; it was a pce. The entrance hall had an impressive high, arched ceiling with a magnificent chandelier in the center. The chandelier¡¯s numerous crystals reflected light, casting beautiful patterns on the walls and floor. The walls were adorned with intricate gold leaf decorations and delicate carvings, making it truly look like part of a pce. The floor was finished with luxurious marble, and an intricately patterned rug softened footsteps, providing a pleasant sensation with each step. On either side of the hall, various artworks were disyed. One wall had paintings by famous artists, while the other featured antique furniture and artifacts. In a corner, there was a small museum-like space disying ancient armor and weapons. ¡°Linus, have you changed after tasting wealth? Isn¡¯t this a bit too extravagant?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t want to live like this, but the Second Princess insisted. I couldn¡¯t refuse.¡± ording to Linus, he initially nned to build a small, modest house, but the Second Princess insisted that the hero of the continent shouldn¡¯t live in such a ce, practically forcing this grand mansion on him. ¡°She probably wanted to keep up appearances. If the person who killed the Demon King isn¡¯t treated well, who would volunteer next time?¡± ¡°You¡¯re right, Dian. And there¡¯s another reason.¡± Linus alluded to the Second Princess¡¯s political maneuvering to keep him under her control. Despite being the child of a concubine, the Second Princess wielded immense political power post-war, monopolizing key positions in the Pce. She even managed to draw Linus, the hero, into her fold. Iter learned that during her rise to power, many mysterious deaths urred. Some official died vomiting blood after drinking, a general was stabbed by their subordinate, and some minister copsed clutching their chests on their way to work¡­. They all had one thing inmon: they opposed the Second Princess and her post-war faction. It was clear that these were assassinations orchestrated by the Second Princess¡¯s side, but no evidence could ever be found. The Imperial Pce became known for its saying: ¡°Oppose the Second Princess, and you¡¯ll disappear without a trace.¡± After a series of such assassinations, she secured the most important position as the Head of Imperial Security. It was baffling how a concubine¡¯s child could be the Head of Imperial Security, but the stories exined it. While she was cunning and capable, shecked legitimacy due to her origins, so the Princess needed Linus firmly under her control. She had tried to make him the academy¡¯s headmaster to keep him close. And to ensure he didn¡¯t ally with other factions, shevished him with rewards. She even gave him a decade-long paid parental leave and a prime estate near the capital, building this grand mansion. It was all tooplex. Leaving the Imperial Pce and everything behind ten years ago was the best decision I ever made. Sitting in the opulent drawing room, I looked around and asked. ¡°Where are the medals and awards we received? Aren¡¯t they disyed?¡± ¡°What¡¯s the point of disying them at home?¡± ¡°You could show them to guests.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t walk this path to boast to others.¡± ¡°Really? I wanted to look at them and reminisce.¡± ¡°In that case, I wee it.¡± Linus instructed a servant bringing tea. ¡°Please bring the box stored in the inner part of the storage room.¡± Most people wouldn¡¯t receive one medal in their lifetime, and Linus had stashed away his in a storage box. Typical Linus. ¡°By the way, Dian. What¡¯s the deal with Hindrasta? I saw her in a school uniform. Is she a student at your academy?¡± ¡°Yeah. Do you know about the special student selection we did recently?¡± ¡°I heard. It was a big deal even outside.¡± ¡°She applied in that. Not to be a special student, but to protect someone who did. She¡¯s been with the Revlon Mercenary Mercenary Corps since the war.¡± I told Linus about Hindrasta¡¯s circumstances. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Initially, she joined the war for the thrill of causing chaos, but after we beat her soundly and she fled, the Dragon Elders bound her in a human form and cast her out. Needing to survive, she joined a mercenary band. ¡°She joined the war just to cause chaos? What a troublesome dragon. But her recent situation is quite pitiful.¡± Linus said, nodding slowly. ¡°So, has Hindrasta agreed to continue studying at the academy?¡± ¡°Not exactly agreed. I¡¯ve just kept her there by force. I¡¯m trying to raise the overall level of our graduates.¡± ¡°I see. The Imperial Pce would also appreciate having a polymorphed dragon as an operative. But if you forced her, she might run away someday. That would be worse than letting her go.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I used your name.¡± Linus watched me for a moment before understanding andughing softly. ¡°You told her we¡¯de after her if she ran, didn¡¯t you?¡± ¡°There¡¯s no other way to keep her in check. So when she wakes up, give her a scare, would you?¡± ¡°Got it. Don¡¯t worry about that.¡± ¡°So, Dian, what have you been up to all this time?¡± Celine asked once we had finished discussing Hindrasta. ¡°I really wanted to invite you to our wedding, but we couldn¡¯t find you despite searching everywhere. Linus said you were in Brunswell.¡± ¡°Not much. Just lived a carefree life with the reward money. Oh, by the way, I have a question¡­¡± I lowered my voice, speaking in a hushed voice. ¡°Is¡­ Lormaneing today?¡± ¡°Lormane? No, she said she had something urgent to attend to and couldn¡¯t make it.¡± ¡°Haa, thank goodness.¡± ¡°You¡¯re still not over that?¡± Celineughed at my relief. ¡°How could I forget in just ten years?¡± ¡°Ahaha, true¡­ But do tell us about your life. We heard you single-handedly took down a gang in Brunswell. That was you, right?¡± ¡°Yeah, that was me.¡± I shivered at the memory of Lormane and began recounting my story, from the night I crossed the drawbridge out of the Imperial Pce to Brunswell and up until now. # # # # # # ¡°So you really lived a carefree life, huh?¡± Celine marveled when I finished. ¡°I wish Linus could have done the same. He¡¯s had a rough ten years in the Imperial Pce.¡± Celineid a hand on Linus¡¯s back, looking at him with concern. ¡°Being a hero, he didn¡¯t have much choice. I was free to leave because I¡¯m nobody.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t say that, Dian.¡± Linus rebuked gently. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for you, neither Celine nor I would be here. We wouldn¡¯t have made it out of the Demon King¡¯s castle alive.¡± ¡°It¡¯s the truth. As I always say, you¡¯re the real protagonist of this world, Linus. You were then, and you are now.¡± ¡°What exactly do you mean by ¡®this world¡¯¡­ Uh, thank you.¡± The servant returned with a worn cardboard box. Linus took the box and casually dumped its contents onto the table. A pile of medals, all gleaming in various colors, spilled out, filling the table. Linus sorted through them as if sorting fish at a market. ¡°These are the ones we received after the war¡­¡± Medals ttered into the box. ¡°Here are the ones from the beginning. And the medals you left, I kept them with mine.¡± Linus gathered about forty medals into the center of the table. ¡°This is the first medal we received.¡± Among them, Linus held up a medal. It was a Third ss Meritorious Service Medal, awarded to us for capturing enemy prisoners during the Battle of Camel Ridge. ¡°Ah, that one. That was a fun time.¡± The memories came flooding back. # # # # # # ¡°Finally found you.¡± Linus, who was sitting in the corner of the trench eating a potato, looked up. A brown-haired soldier grinned down at him. ¡°You¡¯re that hick, Linus, right?¡± ¡°Yes. What do you want?¡± ¡°Potatoes taste better with salt.¡± The soldier plopped down next to Linus and handed him a small pouch filled with salt. ¡°Where¡¯d you get this? I don¡¯t recall salt being in today¡¯s rations.¡± ¡°Found it in the lieutenant¡¯s private stash. Don¡¯t worry, it was supposed to be shared with the men, but he was hoarding it.¡± ¡°But this is stealing.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it stealing when he hoards the rations? This is just reiming what¡¯s ours.¡± ¡°That may be true, but¡­¡± ¡°Nice to meet you. I¡¯m Dian. Same rookie batch as you.¡± Dian extended his hand to Linus. ¡°Let¡¯s stick together as rookies.¡± [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 50 – At Linus’s House (4) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 50 ¨C At Linus¡¯s House (4) The 8th Imperial Army Corps, which Linus belonged to, had recentlynded at the southern tip of the small Kingdom of Avoca. Avoca is a peninsr nation, extending out like a boot. It is a close ally of the Empire, separated from the Empire¡¯s capital Calvasar by a narrow sea, with frequent exchanges since ancient times. The Demon King¡¯s army invaded this kingdom, and Avoca¡¯s forces struggled, continuously retreating southward until there was no morend to give¡ªonly the sea remained. To rescue the vassal state, the Empire decided to move the entire 8th Corps to the rear of Avoca¡¯s army. If Avoca fell, the Demon King¡¯s army could quickly sail straight to Calvasar. Therefore, the Empire had to prevent Avoca¡¯s copse at all costs. Afternding, the 8th Corps joined forces with Avoca¡¯s army and advanced northward. However, at the one-third mark of the penins, near the Camel Ridge, they encountered fierce resistance from the Demon King¡¯s forces. Both sides hurled magic and various projectile weapons, leading to a tedious stalemate with trenches dug along the front lines. The Corpsmand was racking their brains to determine how many divisions of the Demon King¡¯s army they were facing. Knowing their enemy was crucial for estimating their strength and formting a strategy. But for now, they had no way of knowing how many troopsy behind those cursed trench lines. Moreover, if the troops were indeed the elite 9th Corps of the Demon King¡¯s army, which had disappeared from the border area of Avoca, pressing further could be suicidal. In this deadlock, Linus and Dian met in the frontline trenches. ¡ª ¡°I¡¯m Linus.¡± Linus grasped Dian¡¯s outstretched hand. ¡°You enlisted a month ago, right? I joined around the same time. Let¡¯s stick together asrades.¡± In fact, Dian was a rookie who had enlisted just a week ago when the 8th Corps began forming theirnding units, making him technically Linus¡¯s junior. But in a war where soldiers didn¡¯t survive half a day inbat, differentiating between seniors and juniors of the same rank was meaningless. ¡°By the way, dude, where are you from?¡± Dian asked, sitting beside Linus and eating a potato. ¡°Even if I told you, you wouldn¡¯t know. Just think of it as a small estate in a corner of the Empire.¡± ¡°An estate? So you¡¯re a noble?¡± ¡°I was born to a serf.¡± ¡°Then shouldn¡¯t you be in the noble¡¯s army? Why are you in the Imperial Army?¡± ¡°Our lord is a kind person but otherwise ipetent. I didn¡¯t want to follow him into a meaningless death, so I enlisted in the Imperial Army instead.¡± Dian tilted his head in confusion. ¡°That¡¯s strange. If you wanted to avoid death, why not just run away? It¡¯s not much different from the noble¡¯s army here.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t do that. I can¡¯t stand by and watch the continent fall into chaos because of the Demon King¡¯s Army.¡± ¡°Indeed, you are Linus. I found the right person,¡± Dian murmured mysteriously, prompting a suspicious look from Linus. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± ¡°Nothing. Alright, I¡¯ll help you then.¡± ¡°Help me with what?¡± Just then, a strange sound was heard. Whoosh¡ª ¡°Magic attack!¡± Linus and Dian immediately threw themselves to the trench floor as a deafening explosion rocked the trench, showering them with dirt. Whoosh¡ªBoom! Whoosh¡ªKaboom! ¡°Damn those horned bastards.¡± Dian cursed, ncing at the spilled salt that had be difficult to retrieve. Linus¡¯s potato had also rolled away and gotten dirty. After the sporadic magical bombardment ceased, Linus and Dian brushed themselves off and stood up. ¡°It¡¯s chaos.¡± Dian muttered, looking at the scattered remains of soldiers hit by the magic. ¡°Hey, Linus. You said you didn¡¯t want to die in vain, right? Wouldn¡¯t you rather survive and end this unjust war?¡± ¡°Yea¡­ Yeah¡­¡± Linus stammered, his mind reeling from the gruesome scene. ¡°Great. Stick with me. Let¡¯s get out of this damn trench and head to the Demon King¡¯s Castle. Follow me.¡± ¡°Where are we going?¡± ¡°You¡¯ll see when we get there.¡± ¡ª ¡°You insolent brats! Do you know where you are?¡± The battalion adjutant barked at the two soldiers who had barged into themand post behind the trench lines. ¡°We have a proposal for the battalionmander.¡± ¡°Are all your squad leaders andpanymanders dead?¡± ¡°We told them, but they ignored us, so we came here.¡± Despite the sharp reprimand from the adjutant, Dian stood confidently while Linus, behind him, looked somewhat tense. ¡°What¡¯s going on out there?¡± At that moment, the battalionmander¡¯s voice came from within themand post. ¡°Apologies, Commander. Two soldiers suddenly came with a proposal. It¡¯s probably something trivial, like a request for rear transport due to injuries¡­.¡± ¡°Commander! We¡¯ll capture an enemy prisoner!¡± ¡°Shut up, you bastard!¡± ¡°Let them in.¡± The adjutant, who had been shouting, reluctantly allowed them inside upon themander¡¯s order. ¡°Hmm.¡± Inside, themander scrutinized Dian and Linus¡¯s faces and asked. ¡°You say you¡¯ll capture a prisoner? Why?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t the reason we can¡¯t advance or retreat because we don¡¯t know who we¡¯re up against?¡± ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡± ¡°If we capture and interrogate a prisoner, we can find out.¡± ¡°Also correct. But how?¡± ¡°First, give us permission. Then I¡¯ll exin.¡± [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] The adjutants were shocked by the audacity of a mere soldier making such a statement to themander. Linus felt the same. However, themander remained calm and asked. ¡°Before that, one question. In the current situation, going out to capture a prisoner is tantamount to suicide. Why are you willing to take on such a dangerous task?¡± ¡°Staying here means death just the same. We¡¯ll die from a catapult or magic if we¡¯re unlucky, and retreat is not an option. If we fall back further, the sea route to Calvasar will be wide open.¡± At Dian¡¯s words, themander¡¯s eyes gleamed with interest. ¡°What about getting support from other corps?¡± ¡°That won¡¯t happen.¡± ¡°Exin.¡± ¡°Currently, the Empire does not have a reserve corps to deploy here. If there were, they wouldn¡¯t have sent just one corps. They¡¯re more likely focused on defending other key points connected bynd. So, ultimately, our corps has to resolve this situation.¡± The battalion adjutants looked at each other in amazement, thinking, ¡®Is a mere soldier seeing this far ahead?¡¯ ¡°I don¡¯t want to sit in this trench waiting to die. If we can capture a prisoner and figure out which corps we¡¯re facing, we might break out of this dire situation.¡± Themander, after a moment of silence, spoke. ¡°You, Dian, right? A mere soldier?¡± ¡°Yes, sir.¡± ¡°Very well. Approved.¡± ¡°Commander! But the risk is too great!¡± An adjutant protested, themander shook his head. ¡°This soldier is right. Our corps must either advance north or be drowned in the sea. We must use every method to ensure the better oue. Approved. Dian and Linus, capture a prisoner.¡± ¡°Thank you. We won¡¯t disappoint you.¡± Dian replied confidently. ¡°And how will you do it?¡± ¡°Oh, it¡¯s quite simple.¡± As Dian exined, themander¡¯s previously steady gaze wavered slightly. ¡°That¡¯s insane¡­.¡± ¡°You can¡¯t win a war without going insane.¡± Dian grinned. # # # # # # ¡°Are you sure this is okay?¡± At dawn, from a second-floor window of an abandoned farmhouse behind the trenches, Linus asked worriedly. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s fine.¡± Dian chuckled, peering through a camouging the window. ¡°Two enemies. Moving from east to north. Normal pace.¡± Linus, half skeptical, noted down Dian¡¯s observations in a notebook already filled with a week¡¯s worth of records on enemy movements. After themander¡¯s approval, Dian had spent all day observing the enemy, noting everything in his notebook. He mapped out the optimal infiltration route and was now doing a final check for any changes in the enemy¡¯s patrol routine. ¡°Alright, Linus. Nothing¡¯s different from before. Today is perfect.¡± ¡°I¡¯m still worried about whether this will work.¡± ¡°Worrying will change nothing. This is exactly what you wanted, right? To contribute to the peace of the continent.¡± Dian patted Linus on the shoulder. ¡°Trust me, and we¡¯ll both make it through this war in one piece.¡± ¡°How can you be so sure?¡± ¡°Because I trust you.¡± ¡°Me? What do you mean?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go. We don¡¯t want to waste another day.¡± Dian and Linus descended from the farmhouse and moved through the trenches to the front line. They stopped at the starting point of Dian¡¯s chosen infiltration route. Soon, the awaited sound came. Whoosh¡ª Several blue magical streaks arced from their rear and exploded just ahead of the trench. As the dust from the magic attack billowed up, Dian shouted. ¡°Run!¡± Dian and Linus climbed out of the trench and sprinted forward. Whoosh¡ª As they entered the first cloud of smoke, a second magic attacknded ahead. Using the cover of sessive sts, they pressed forward, getting closer to their target. ¡°This is madness¡­ pure madness¡­.¡± Linus muttered as they navigated through the deafening explosions and tremors, aware that mistiming could result in death from friendly fire. But this was the only way to traverse the barren no man¡¯snd between trenches. ¡°There! Linus, over there!¡± Breaking through the fifth cloud, they threw themselves into a narrow thicket near the enemy trench. Whoosh¡ªBoom! Whoosh¡ªKaboom! The friendly magic attack swept past them, striking the enemy trench, then ceased. Dian and Linusy t in the underbrush, waiting. After a briefmotion, the enemy trench gradually quieted down, as uncoordinated bombardments had be routine. Peeking at the sun through the foliage, Dian signaled Linus to move forward. After a week of meticulous observation, this was the weakest point in the enemy¡¯s patrol. With knives in their mouths, Dian and Linus crawled slowly through the bushes. It had to be finished quickly before the patrol looped back. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 51 – At Linus’s House (5) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 51 ¨C At Linus¡¯s House (5) As the slightest rustle of grass brushed against their bodies, Dian and Linus would stop crawling and carefully observe their surroundings. Fortunately, it was early summer with a fair breeze, and the cicadas had resumed their noisy chorus after the bombardment, masking any sound they made. They continued their silent crawl and managed to reach the second target point undetected. Peering through the parted foliage, they spotted a solitary observation post protruding from the trench line. This was the end of their infiltration route and the target post Dian had decided to take down. An observation post is an advanced position extending from the main trench, designed to detect enemy movements and sound the rm. Two demon soldiers manned it in two-hour shifts, and the current guards had started their duty at dawn, with one hour left before their shift ended. The two demon soldiers were slumped against the trench walls, heads drooping and mouths agape, fast asleep. As expected. Over the past week, Dian had observed that all personnel invariably fell asleep at this hour. The area¡¯s terrain provided no cover, so attacks were primarily carried out at night, leading to vignt nighttime watches but rxed daytime attitudes. They had likely dismissed the earlier magical bombardment as a routine threat and returned to sleep. Dian nced back at Linus, who tapped Dian¡¯sbat boots, signaling readiness. Silently, they crawled to the edge of the observation post, each drawing the dagger from their mouths. The sharp daggers slipped into the open mouths of the sleeping demon guards. The demons¡¯ eyes flew open at the cold touch of metal. Dian met the demon¡¯s gaze and ced a finger to his lips. Terrified, the demon slowly nodded. Seeing no resistance, Dian motioned to Linus, who took hold of the daggers in both demons¡¯ mouths. While Linus held the daggers, Dian took a length of rope from his belt. He carefully tied the demons¡¯ wrists but left their ankles free; they would need to run again when retreating. It would be too burdensome to carry these heavy demons while fleeing. Suddenly, voices drifted from themunication trench leading to the observation post. ¡°Dian¡­! Someone¡¯sing¡­!¡± Linus whispered urgently. Dian quickly nced at the sun. There was still an hour left before the shift change, and the patrol should take longer to return. What¡¯s going on? Catching the words ¡°special¡± and ¡°ration¡± in the demonnguage, Dian quickly understood the situation. They must be distributing special rations from the rear. They need to hurry. ¡°Urgh! Urgrrgh!¡± One of the demons, still with the dagger in his mouth, suddenly shouted. ¡°Hostis est!¡± Hearing the rm, demon soldiers began rushing through themunication trench. ¡°Damn it!¡± As Linus panicked, Dian didn¡¯t hesitate to thrust his dagger deeper into the shouting demon¡¯s mouth. ¡°Krrrrrrrr¡­.¡± With blood pouring from its mouth, the demon died. Dian then swiftly pulled the dagger out and shed at the other demon. ¡°Uraaaaaaaaagh!!¡± The demon¡¯s hands were severed, and Linus stared at Dian in shock. ¡°What are you doing, Dian!¡± ¡°We just need to keep them alive. It¡¯ll be easier for you to carry them this way.¡± ¡°What do you mean, alone?!¡± Dian tossed the remaining rope to Linus. ¡°Tie it tight to stop the bleeding and carry him. I¡¯ll hold them off.¡± ¡°That¡¯s insane! How will you manage alone? Let¡¯s go together!¡± ¡°Can you dodge pursuit carrying a demon? Just go!¡± Dian clutched a dagger in each hand and charged into themunication trench. ¡°Damn it¡­!¡± Linus hurriedly tied off the demon¡¯s severed limbs and hoisted it over his shoulder. ¡°Hostium incursio est!¡± As Linus stood up with the demon, the demon soldiers burst in, shouting. Dian crossed his daggers and shed, decapitating one demon and severing another¡¯s arm in a swift motion. Blood sprayed like a fountain, causing the advancing demons to recoil in shock. Seizing the moment, Dian relentlessly pushed forward, scattering the demons like sheep. ¡°That crazy¡­.¡± Linus was stunned as he watched Dian, who was driving back therger demon soldiers with sheer force. Whhhhoooosh-!! Right then, as nned, a magical strike from their allies exploded behind the observation post. Linus, with the demon on his back, shouted, ¡°Dian! It¡¯s time to go! Hurry up!¡± ¡°Go first! I¡¯ll follow!¡± As a second magical strikended closer, Linus gritted his teeth and bolted out of the observation post. ¡°Huff, huff, huff!¡± Breathing heavily, Linus sprinted towards their trench. The demon on his shoulder was incredibly heavy, but slowing down would mean getting caught in the bombardment. ¡°Over here, over here!¡± Allied soldiers poked their heads out of the trench, waving and shouting. As Linus slid into the trench with the demon, the soldiers caught and steadied them. ¡°What the hell?! Why are you alone?! Where¡¯s the other guy?!¡± ¡°We encountered unexpected enemy forces¡­! I¡¯ll go back and get him!¡± ¡°Are you crazy?! You can¡¯t go back there now!¡± Soldiers pulled Linus back into the trench as he tried to climb out. ¡°If you go out there, you¡¯ll die!¡± [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] The magical bombardment was steadily creeping closer to their trench, in reverse of the direction Dian and Linus hade from. Additionally, the demon army had begun retaliating, making it almost certain death to venture out now. ¡°Dian! Damn it¡­!¡± Linus punched the trench wall in frustration. He couldn¡¯t believe he might lose arade after just one week. ¡°Dian was a fine soldier.¡± The battalionmander, who had been on-site, ced a hand on Linus¡¯s shoulder and spoke in a grave voice. ¡°He achieved a great feat by sacrificing himself.¡± ¡°Dian¡­ I wasn¡¯t supposed toe back alone¡­.¡± Linus muttered in deep frustration, and the other soldiers looked equally somber. ¡°But we can¡¯t wallow in sorrow here.¡± Seeing the soldiers¡¯ faces, the battalionmander raised his voice. ¡°We must push forward, using Dian¡¯s noble sacrifice as our stepping ston¡ª¡± ¡°Uwaaah!¡± At that moment, amidst the ongoing magical bombardment, something flew into the trench with a scream. ¡°Move out of the way¡­ ugh!¡± Themander, in the middle of his speech, tangled with the object and tumbled awkwardly to the ground. ¡°My goodness! I nearly died! Wait, Commander? Sorry about that, haha.¡± Covered in blood and with his hair slightly singed, Dianughed as he helped the fallenmander to his feet. Linus, staring in disbelief, stammered, ¡°Dian¡­? How did you make it back alive¡­?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t die, so I came back alive. This thing was heavy as hell.¡± With that, Dian threw what he was carrying onto the ground. It was the severed heads of six demons, strung together by their horns. He even brought back the enemy¡¯s heads¡­? ¡°Commander, doesn¡¯t this warrant a promotion?¡± Dian¡¯s cheeky question made themander nod slowly, still in shock. Linus thought then, This guy is crazy. A recruit who hadn¡¯t even been in the army for a month had boldly imed to themander that he would capture prisoners. His insane n was to charge in sync with their bombardment. When the n went awry, he stood his ground alone with just two daggers, taking on six demons to ensure their escape route. Then he crossed the no-man¡¯snd under bombardment and brought back the heads of the demons he had killed. This guy is nuts¡­. # # # # # At the corps headquarters, the captured prisoners were interrogated, revealing the identity of the enemy force they were up against. It turned out to be a corps that had suffered heavy losses on another front and had been reassigned to the rtively weak Kingdom of Avoca, focusing all their troops on defending the Camel Ridge, leaving their rear exposed. The Imperial 8th Corpsunched an all-out offensive, eventually reiming the Kingdom of Avoca. Dian and Linus, who had significantly contributed to the corps¡¯ strategic decisions, were awarded medals and promoted at the Avoca Royal Castle. Third ss Meritorious Service Medal: Contributed to the tactical assessment of the Camel Ridge Defense Battle by acquiring enemybatants and prisoners of war. ¡°Hey, Linus.¡± Dian spoke up in the carriage as they returned to their unit. ¡°See, I told you it¡¯d be good if you stuck with me.¡± ¡°You were right.¡± ¡°So let¡¯s keep working together.¡± Linus remained silent, lost in thought. Fleeing his estate to join the Imperial Army, he couldn¡¯t stand by as the continent fell into chaos due to the demonic forces. Rather than serving under an ipetent lord, he had wanted to join the 3rd Corps under the Second Princess¡¯smand. But due to his lowly origins, he was ced in the most underfunded 8th Corps and sent across the sea to the Kingdom of Avoca. Endless trench warfare, meaningless night raids, and soldiers dying without ever swinging their swords. Just as he was questioning his choices, he met Dian, and they miraculously captured prisoners in what everyone thought was an impossible task. They reimed the Kingdom of Avoca and received medals and promotions. Throughout their advance from Camel Ridge to the Avoca Royal Castle, Dian had saved his life multiple times. Dian seemed to act like he had ten lives to spare, as if he could see the future. Otherwise, how could he always be soposed on the battlefield? And his knowledge of the Demon King¡¯s Castle¡­ ¡°Maybe if we stick together, we can even reach the Demon King¡¯s Castle.¡± ¡°The Demon King¡¯s Castle¡­.¡± When Dian mentioned the Demon King¡¯s Castle, his eyes were filled with such certainty that even the usually cautious Linus couldn¡¯t help but entertain the seemingly far-fetched idea. ¡°But¡­ why me? There are better soldiers than me.¡± ¡°Oh, about that.¡± Dianughed at Linus¡¯s question. ¡°Because you¡¯re the protagonist of this world.¡± ¡°What? What does that mean?¡± ¡°You wouldn¡¯t understand even if I exined. So, will you do it or not? Together, we can achieve anything. Let¡¯s slice that Demon King bastard in half and end this war.¡± Seeing the determination in Dian¡¯s eyes, Linus eventually smiled faintly and nodded. ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s do it, Dian.¡± [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 52 – At Linus’s House (6) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 52 ¨C At Linus¡¯s House (6) The story continues as follows. Dian and Linus took down an enemy vanguard ogre together, disrupted the rebels¡¯ supply line, starving them to death, ambushed and killed a night-moving enemy infiltration squad, and saved a civilian vige under attack while escaping from a major battle. They climbed the walls of an enemy-upied castle, opened the gates, assassinated several enemymanders, and even beat Hindrasta out of the battlefield. Finally, with Dian¡¯s help, Linus seeded in slicing the Demon King in half. Just as Dian had confidently dered, they stormed the Demon King¡¯s castle, sliced him in half, killed the Demon King, and put an end to the war. The people of the Empire are well aware of all these events as the heroic deeds of Linus. However, very few know that there was always anotherrade involved in these exploits, except for a few high-ranking officers and imperial officials. Most of the soldiers who had seen Dian up close during his early military days didn¡¯t survive the war, and after he was promoted to a special operative, his identity was kept strictly confidential. After the war, Dian rejected all offers from the Imperial Pce and disappeared. The Emperor, feeling both displeased and uneasy, erased all records rted to Dian, and thus he was forgotten. ¡°If I hadn¡¯t done that, I would probably be toiling in the Pce like you.¡± Hours passed as they reminisced. The sun had set, and it was nowte evening, shrouded in darkness. Dian cut into a top-grade beef steak that Linus had specially prepared, smiling leisurely. ¡°As a supporting character, the best end is to retire quietly and live a peaceful life. Though things have gone a bit awry now.¡± ¡°You¡¯re still saying things I don¡¯t understand.¡± Linus said, smiling at Dian. Looking back, it had all been insane. The prologue of the original story I had been transmigrated into started with the creation of the Demon King ying Special Forces. Thus, Linus¡¯s enlistment in the corps happened before the prologue, and I couldn¡¯t foresee what would happen from enlistment to the prologue. But I knew I had to keep Linus alive until the prologue, so I found him and dragged him around. Linus was so full of righteousness that you never knew when he¡¯d rush headlong into danger like a moth to a me and lose his life. He actually did several reckless things, but thanks to my timely intervention, he survived until the prologue. If I had made even a single mistake during that time, neither of us would be here today. ¡°So, Dian.¡± Linus asked while serving more food onto my te. ¡°How¡¯s the academy? Is it manageable?¡± ¡°Well, it¡¯s not bad. It¡¯sfortable since I don¡¯t have to watch my back.¡± ¡°When did you ever watch your back? You didn¡¯t even care about the Emperor, so why would you be any different at the academy?¡± Celineughed as she spoke. ¡°Are you having any conflicts with the headmaster? From what Linus told me, she seems to be quite a stubborn person.¡± ¡°Stubborn? More like scared. You know she¡¯s from the Nemara n, right?¡± ¡°Yes. She¡¯s the daughter of the Dark Elf who prevented the Emperor¡¯s assassination and was honored for it. I heard she was appointed as headmaster at the n leader¡¯s request.¡± ¡°That¡¯s the reason.¡± I exined to Celine and Linus about Kirrin¡¯s dilemma. The Dark Elves of the Nemara n wanted to be recognized as part of society. However, their history of cooperating with the Demon King¡¯s army prevented them from openlying out of the forest. Instead, they sent their daughter to a public position. Being a half-blood, she didn¡¯t possess the typical Dark Elf cruelty and coldness, making her a suitable candidate to change the negative perception of the n. But the Second Princess distrusted the Dark Elves and wanted to secure Linuspletely under her influence. She wanted to remove Kirrin and ce someone else as headmaster. Fearing being ousted and forced back into the forest, Kirrin was terrified of making any mistake that could provide an excuse for her dismissal. This led her to minimize and halt anything potentially problematic, even though she knew this would upset the Second Princess. ¡°It¡¯s a vicious cycle, but I can understand the headmaster¡¯s actions.¡± Linus said. ¡°Dark Elvesck the essential emotions necessary for socialization. They pursue their goals without considering others, even their own family.¡± ¡°I saw it firsthand during the Battle of Lazoram.¡± We had wiped out a Dark Elf infiltration squad attempting to nk us, which led me to question whether Dark Elves should be considered as sentient beings like us. The atrocities theymitted at Lazoram still send chills down my spine. Compared to them, the demon soldiers seemed almost kind and warm. That¡¯s why Kirrin felt so out of ce when I first met her. ¡°And so, she begged me for help, crying on her knees.¡± ¡°Oh my.¡± ¡°Do you know Duke Toulouse? His daughter attends the academy and asked me for personal tutoring.¡± I told Linus about my encounter with Knightley Toulouse. Linus listened with great interest. ¡°That¡¯s quite a remarkable coincidence, Duke Toulouse¡¯s daughter bing your student. So, did you agree to tutor her?¡± ¡°Yeah. It was hard to refuse someone crying so desperately, and I was curious too.¡± ¡°Curious about what?¡± ¡°How far she could progress under my teaching.¡± I exined how I trained Toulouse, and both Celine and Linus burst outughing. ¡°Dian! Are you trying to raise a hero party?¡± ¡°Well, she managed to do it all. She¡¯s got a bit of an attitude, but she seemspetent.¡± ¡°It makes sense, given the Toulouse Family¡¯s history of producing martial talents. The current Duke of the Toulouse Family is no exception.¡± Duke Toulouse was one of the most sensible and capablemanders among the noble army during the war. If it hadn¡¯t been for him, the noble army would have been annihted without a proper retreat. However, the Second Princess, who led the 3rd Corps with her officers ofmon birth, overshadowed him, which is why he didn¡¯t receive much recognition. ¡°Raise that child well, Dian. If you elevate the standards of the graduates, the Second Princess will be pleased too.¡± ¡°Her personality could use some work too. When will you help with that?¡± Linus chuckled softly and shook his head. ¡°Usingmon sense, dealing with people is more your expertise than mine.¡± ¡°And why is thatmon sense?¡± ¡°Should we ask the demon officers in our cells? They¡¯ll answer immediately.¡± ¡°They¡¯d unanimously agree.¡± [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Celine burst outughing. The conversation then shifted to topics like the reorganization of the Combat Department, the establishment of the academy¡¯smercial district, and Hindrasta¡¯s disruptive antics. ¡°I have a thought, Dian.¡± Celine said cautiously after listening for a while. ¡°I think you need to be careful about how you conduct yourself at the academy.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°It¡¯s just a feeling¡­.¡± The mention of her ¡®feeling¡¯ made Dian tense up. Celine, being a hunter, had an incredibly keen instinct for sensing danger. Unlike the renowned Qirana hunters, who were skilled in traditional hunting methods passed down through generations, Celine was naturally born with the instincts of a hunter. Her ¡®feelings¡¯ had saved them from countless dangers, so Dian knew better than to dismiss them. ¡°No matter how I look at it, it seems like Headmaster Kirrin likes you.¡± Celine said. Kirrin genuinely seems to want to rely on Dian, and she might even be trying to find ways to get closer to him. ¡°Really¡­?¡± ¡°It¡¯s just a feeling. I¡¯m not certain.¡± ¡°I agree with Celine.¡± Linus said. ¡°From everything you¡¯ve told us, it seems she sees you as a savior. What about Knightley? What¡¯s her deal?¡± ¡°Not sure about Student Knightley.¡± Linus¡¯s question made Celine shake her head with a hint of negativity. ¡°I think she¡¯s possessive. She wants to have you all to herself, like a precious, expensive ornament.¡± ¡°Well, whatever. It doesn¡¯t really matter.¡± ¡°Of course not. Have you ever been influenced or swayed by anyone? Except for Lormane, that is.¡± At the mention of Lormane, Dian¡¯s mood darkened noticeably. ¡°Lormane¡­ She¡¯s terrifying.¡± ¡°Exactly.¡± ¡°Which is why¡­¡± The three of them fell silent, focusing on their meals for a moment. ¡°But about the academy¡¯s infirmary priestess.¡± After a while, Celine broke the silence. ¡°You mentioned she¡¯s a Divine Oracle Priestess and that Lormane rmended her.¡± ¡°Yeah. She wanted to send thirty bishops, but I insisted one would be enough, so she sent her.¡± ¡°Hmm, I see¡­¡± Celine set down her fork, her expression turning serious, and Linus looked somewhat concerned. ¡°Has she done anything unusual at the academy?¡± ¡°Aside from being incredibly quiet, she¡¯s verypetent at her job.¡± ¡°Alright¡­ but still¡­¡± Celine, stroking her chin thoughtfully, spoke cautiously. ¡°Be careful with that priestess, Maya.¡± ¡°Why is that?¡± ¡°Lormane sent her, right? Lormane wouldn¡¯t send a Divine Oracle Priestess she personally teaches to your academy without a reason.¡± ¡°True, Lormane wouldn¡¯t do that. But so far, there haven¡¯t been any signs of anything.¡± ¡°There¡¯s definitely something. Lormane isn¡¯t careless. What could it be¡­ what could she have instructed¡­¡± As Celine tapped her fingers on the table, lost in thought, Linus, who had been listening quietly, spoke up. ¡°Dian, you said the priestess works at the infirmary, right? Don¡¯t they keep patient logs there?¡± ¡°Yes, every time I visit, I see her diligently¡­¡± Dian trailed off, and Linus nodded. ¡°That might not be just patient logs.¡± [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 53 – At Linus’s House (7) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 53 ¨C At Linus¡¯s House (7) ¡°So, you think Priestess Maya¡¯s patient logs are actually surveince logs on me?¡± ¡°Given what we know about Lormane, that¡¯s highly likely.¡± ¡°Ha, why didn¡¯t I think of that?¡± ¡°It¡¯s because she¡¯s a Priestess.¡± Celine said as she scratched her head. ¡°Priests are generally difficult to deal with. Your thoughts be rigid when dealing with them. Lormane was an exception because she was ourrade.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll have to sneak a look at those logs when I get back to the academy. This is troublesome¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s not easy dealing with Lormane¡¯s attention and affection.¡± Linus said, seeing me rub my aching neck. ¡°The only silver lining is that she¡¯s currently bound by the heavy chains of being the Chief Administrator of the Church. If it weren¡¯t for those shackles¡­¡± ¡°Lormane, as an Oracle Priestess, can never leave the Church. So, it¡¯s a moot point.¡± I said, losing my appetite and leaning back in my chair. ¡°Let¡¯s stop talking about Lormane. It¡¯s depressing.¡± ¡°Haha, sorry.¡± ¡°What is he up to these days?¡± I asked, trying to change the subject. ¡°You mean Kaiden? He¡¯s working as a professor at the Tower of Illusions.¡± ¡°I thought he was with the Magic Union? Why the sudden switch to the Tower of Illusions? With his talents, shouldn¡¯t he be at an offensive magic research institute or something?¡± ¡°Skill and preference don¡¯t always align.¡± ¡°It¡¯s strange. A guy who loved destruction now works with illusion magic, which is about creating virtual worlds and such. It¡¯s theplete opposite.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve heard he¡¯s been making some progress.¡± ¡°Well, that¡¯s expected. Kaiden¡¯s a genius. Whatever he does, he¡¯ll seed. I have a favor to ask of him.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°I n to ce a magic brand on Hindrasta to prevent her from escaping.¡± ¡°Hmm, magic on a dragon.¡± Linus mused, stroking his chin. ¡°Only a magician of Kaiden¡¯s level could pull that off. You¡¯ll have to visit the Tower of Illusions and ask him. It¡¯s far from here, so you¡¯ll need to n your trip.¡± ¡°We have a magic professor at the academy who can open dimensional gates. We can use that.¡± ¡°But does Hindrasta agree with this n?¡± ¡°Of course not. Do you think she would? That¡¯s why it¡¯s more important to do it by force. This is a secret.¡± ¡°I see. But I think she¡¯s already heard everything.¡± Linus pointed to the dining room entrance. I got up and walked over, but saw nothing. ¡°Sniff¡­¡± Turning around, I heard a strange sound and looked down. ¡°When did you get here?¡± Hindrasta was crouched against the wall, trembling and crying. ¡°Magic brand¡­ on me¡­? You¡¯re going to turn me into a ve¡­?¡± ¡°Not a ve, just keeping you until you graduate.¡± ¡°Liar¡­ I can see it¡­ you have evil intentions¡­¡± ¡°Oh,e on.¡± I raised my hand as if to flick her forehead, and she cowered, clutching her head. ¡°Dian, bring Hindrasta in. Let¡¯s eat together. She must be hungry.¡± ¡°Come on, let¡¯s eat.¡± As I grabbed her arm to help her up, Hindrasta stumbled and pulled back violently. ¡°No! I can¡¯t eat with those heroes!!¡± ¡°We¡¯ve prepared the food. Don¡¯t be stubborn!¡± ¡°Ahhh!!¡± Like amb being led to ughter, Hindrasta screamed as she was dragged into the dining room. ¡°Sit down, Miss Dragon. Everything here is safe to eat.¡± Celine said with a bright smile, gesturing to the maids to set the table for Hindrasta. ¡°Ugh¡­¡± Hindrasta, seeing Linus across from her, shivered and looked down, making strange noises. ¡°Here, you¡¯re a dragon, so you must like meat.¡± I said, cing a well-cooked turkey leg on her te. Hindrasta looked at me with desperate eyes. ¡°Dian, please¡­¡± ¡°Just eat. If you don¡¯t eat now, we¡¯ll have to prepare food againter.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right, Hindrasta.¡± Linus said. Hindrasta flinched and clung to me tightly. She¡¯s really desperate if she¡¯s clinging to me just because Linus is here. ¡°Let¡¯s forget about the past. You and us, we had no personal grudges, right? Now you¡¯re a student at Dian¡¯s academy, so we¡¯ll treat you ordingly.¡± ¡°Exactly, Miss Dragon. It¡¯s been ten years. That¡¯s more than enough time for us humans to let go of old grudges.¡± ¡°Th-that¡¯s nonsense¡­¡± Hindrasta forced out her words, her voice strained. ¡°For you¡­ it¡¯s a long time¡­ but for me, it feels like just yesterday¡­¡± ¡°Even so, you need to move on. There¡¯s no other choice.¡± Linus smiled warmly as he cut into his steak. ¡°Me and Dian have encountered you a total of four times, Hindrasta. Each time, you ran away, even when you were in your true form. But now, you can¡¯t even return to your true form.¡± Despite Linus¡¯s words, Hindrasta still refused to eat. So, Linus pulled out his ace card. ¡°Recently, I saw a wyvern flying over our territory, and it reminded me of that time.¡± ¡°Eeek?!¡± ¡°Haha!¡± I couldn¡¯t help butugh. Linus was referring to the third time we encountered Hindrasta. We had tamed a wild wyvern on the spot and used it to chase after Hindrasta, who was trying to escape by air. We got so close that we almost caught her, but she managed to slip away by a hair¡¯s breadth. After that incident, Hindrasta disappeared for several months, probably shocked by how determined humans were to capture her. Hindrasta, being quite young for a dragon and not malicious by nature, had only stirred up trouble in the war out of sheer amusement. She must have been shocked to see humans so intent on capturing her. Linus had indeed be adept at using psychological tactics after his time in the Pce, where political scheming was rampant. Dadadadadadadadadadak¡ª Hindrasta¡¯s hands trembled, and her fingernails ttered noisily against the te, likely recalling that encounter. ¡°Hey, Celine. Do we have anything to put on the floor? I think she might wet herself again.¡± I joked, and Celine gave me a slightly stern look. ¡°Stop it now. You¡¯re scaring her too much.¡± Linus raised both hands in a cating gesture, still smiling. ¡°I just wanted her to eat properly. I won¡¯t say anything more if she starts eating.¡± Celine gave Hindrasta an encouraging smile. ¡°Go ahead, Miss Dragon. Don¡¯t be scared and eat. If anyone says anything unnecessary, I¡¯ll scold them.¡± ¡°Yes¡­¡± Sniffling, Hindrasta gingerly picked at the turkey leg with her fingers and took a small bite. Then her eyes widened in surprise, and she looked straight at me. ¡°It¡¯s delicious!!¡± ¡°Why are you looking at me?¡± Hindrasta hurriedly grabbed the turkey leg with her hands and started devouring it. Well, I guess I¡¯ll have to teach her some table manners. Being a dragon turned human and then staying with the crude Revlon Mercenaries, she wouldn¡¯t have learned formal dining etiquette. With Hindrasta joining us, we continued our cheerful conversation, mostly reminiscing about war memories. Apologies to Hindrasta, but most of the stories were about the war. There were so many events during those four years that the stories seemed endless. Linus kept bringing out bottles of wine from the cer, each one more exquisite and expensive than thest. All were delicious, and Hindrasta started drinking furiously, likely because she had no ce in our conversations and found Linus intimidating. ¡°Dragons sure can drink.¡± Celineughed as she watched Hindrasta down her umpteenth bottle of wine. ¡°Take it easy. You don¡¯t want to drink up someone else¡¯s entire supply.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine, Dian. The Pce regrly restocks our cer.¡± ¡°But if she gets drunk and causes trouble, it¡¯ll be a problem. Despite how she looks, she¡¯s incredibly strong.¡± ¡°Looks like we don¡¯t need to worry about that.¡± Linus turned around and said. What now? Hindrasta¡¯s eyes were half-closed, and her head was wobbling. She was fine just a moment ago. ¡°What are you doing?¡± ¡°Mmmmblrrgh¡­¡± Hindrasta slurred incoherently before copsing onto the table. ¡°She drank too quickly and got drunk all at once. Can you take her to a bedroom?¡± ¡°Why me?¡± ¡°Despite her appearance, she¡¯s still quite heavy, and the maids had a hard timest time.¡± ¡°Alright, fine. I¡¯ll take her.¡± I picked up the unconscious Hindrasta and carried her to a second-floor bedroom¡­ This house is absurdlyrge. After a long walk, guided by a maid, we finally reached the guest room, and I threw Hindrasta onto the bed. ¡°Ugh¡­¡± Seeing Hindrasta sprawled out, reeking of alcohol, I sighed. How is someone like this a dragon? Chapter 54 – At Linus’s House (8) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 54 ¨C At Linus¡¯s House (8) Hindrasta was soaring through the sky. There was no Demon King pestering her, nor were there two insane humans relentlessly chasing her, determined to kill. It was just Hindrasta, the sun, the clouds, and the faint, round outline of the horizon. At this moment, Hindrasta was freedom itself. ¡°Hindrasta!¡± Yes, my name is Hindrasta. The White Dragon who left her nest for the thrill of causing chaos. ¡°Stop right now! I¡¯ll skin you alive!¡± I¡¯ve often heard that dragon hides fetch a high price in the mortal realm. Especially the shimmering scales of a White Dragon, which could buy several buildings with just one. If I sold my scales piece by piece, I¡¯d be rich in no time. ¡°So you won¡¯t stop?! You¡¯re dead today! You damn son of a¡ª¡± ¡°Dian, we agreed not to use suchnguage.¡± Hearing the deadly curses, Hindrasta finally realized that what she was hearing wasn¡¯t an inner voice but an external noise. With dragon instincts, she pinpointed the noise asing from above. She turned her head. There was something with wings spread wide against the sun. An eagle¡­? But it was too big for an eagle, and more importantly, eagles don¡¯t speak humannguage. As Hindrasta squinted, she recognized it as a wyvern. Why is a wyvern here? Dragons are the apex predators among monsters, and most creatures wouldn¡¯t dare approach a dragon. A wyvern, while a carnivorous monster, is no match for a dragon. It¡¯s likeparing an owl to a chicken. Yet here it was, boldly flying above her. ¡°Hindrasta! This is yourst warning! Land immediately!¡± Then, out of nowhere, the wyvern dived rapidly. As the wyvern got closer, Hindrasta could see two humans riding on its back. [Those crazy bastards?! They¡¯re riding a wyvern?!] Using wyverns as mounts isn¡¯t unheard of. The Demon King¡¯s army has wyvern riders, chosen for their exceptional strength and courage. But those riders usually have saddles and reins¡­ These humans were riding the wyvern bareback!! ¡°You damn trouble lizard! Stay still, or I¡¯ll blow your head off!¡± Dian, with his tousled brown hair, yelled from the diving wyvern. Having been severely beaten by them twice before, Hindrasta knew they weren¡¯t bluffing. If they catch me, I¡¯m dead¡­! Without a second thought, Hindrasta unleashed a Dragon Roar. [Raaaaahhh!!] The Dragon Roar, a trait special to dragons, instills overwhelming fear, causing the wyvern to panic and veer away, fleeing wildly from Hindrasta. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with this thing?! Get back there!¡± ¡°Not that way, this way!¡± Despite Dian and Linus¡¯smands, the wyvern wouldn¡¯tply. It kept climbing higher, trying to escape. Hindrasta smirked with satisfaction. Not even these lunatics could do anything now. They wouldn¡¯t dare jump from such a height. If they missed even slightly, they¡¯d smash into the ground and their bodies wouldn¡¯t even be recognizable. [Wha¡ª?!] ¡°Dian! No!¡± Ignoring Linus¡¯s shout, Dian kicked off from the wyvern and threw himself towards Hindrasta. ¡°One of us is going down today!¡± Dian screamed, arms and legs spread wide as he plummeted towards Hindrasta at terrifying speed. ¡°You¡¯re dead!!!!!!¡± Just as Dian was about tond on Hindrasta¡¯s wing, a sudden gust of wind blew him off course. Could it be the goddess¡¯s mercy, feeling pity for a dragon pursued by vicious humans? ¡°Damn it! I almost had her!!¡± Dian reached out in vain as he fell past Hindrasta. ¡°Dian! I¡¯ming!!¡± Seeing Dian fall, Linus raised the club he was holding and shouted fiercely. ¡°Descend now!¡± ¡°Kieeeek!¡± Linus struck the wyvern¡¯s neck with his club, making it screech in pain. ¡°Descend! Or I¡¯ll break your neck right here!¡± Thwack! Thwack! ¡°Kieek!¡± ¡°Get down!!¡± Whether understanding the words or just unable to bear the beating, the wyvern turned sharply. It was an unbelievable maneuver for a creature under the influence of a Dragon Roar, a miraculous act. ¡°Go down! Hurry!¡± Prodded by Linus, the wyvern folded its wings tightly and began a mad descent. ¡°Dian!¡± Almost crashing into the ground, the wyvern opened its wings and soared up, drawing a fierce U-turn to catch the falling Dian safely. Leaves exploded from the tree the wyvern brushed against as it ascended. ¡°Hey, you damn lizard! Next time we meet, you¡¯re dead for sure! Got it?! If you mess with us again, I¡¯ll really kill you!!¡± Dian shouted curses at the retreating Hindrasta. Seeing this, Hindrasta made up her mind. She had to run away. Just flee far away and hide. Humans have short lives, so hiding for a few months to a year should make them give up. Meeting them again would surely be fatal. Luckily, the wyvern showed no further signs of pursuit, and Hindrasta managed to escape quickly. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] ¡°Hindrasta.¡± Feeling finally at ease, Hindrasta pped her wings and flew as far as possible. After flying for a long time, as the sun set and the surroundingndscape turned barren, Hindrasta slowly lowered her altitude andnded between the rocky mountains. ¡°Hey, Hindrasta.¡± She had returned to her nest, having left briefly to cause chaos in the war. Having exerted herself so much to evade pursuit, Hindrasta wanted to sleep as soon as possible. ¡°Wake up.¡± She was hungry, but sleep came first. Hindrasta folded her wings and slowly entered the cave, copsing onto the floor and falling asleep immediately. ¡°Wake up. Let¡¯s go home.¡± Who was it, anyway? She had just fallen asleep. If it was another demoning to pester her, she¡¯d burn them to a crisp. I¡¯m resting! Angry, Hindrasta opened her eyes, and what came into her view was a human with tousled brown hair. It was Dian. ¡°AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!¡± Screaming, Hindrasta kicked off the covers and sprang up. ¡°Nooo! What are you doing here, even in my nest?!¡± ¡°What nonsense are you spouting?! Get up! It¡¯s time for breakfast!¡± Dian kicked the edge of the bed, and Hindrasta blinked, finally understanding the situation as she looked around. ¡°Oh¡­ it wasn¡¯t my nest¡­.¡± Feeling embarrassed, Hindrasta scratched her head. # # # # # # The dining room was already set with avish breakfast. Scrambled eggs, bacon, tomatoes, smoked salmon, butter croissants, strawberries and blueberries, baguettes, cheese and ham tters, pies and tarts, pastries, roasted potatoes, toast, cinnamon rolls, pancakes with syrup, waffles, yogurt with honey, gran with milk, roasted vegetables, omelets, smoked ham, roast beef, avocados, walnuts and nuts, jams, jellies, warm milk with ginger and honey, ham and cheese sandwiches, salmon cream cheese sandwiches, various smoothies, apple pie, oranges, grapefruits, and more. Hindrasta¡¯s eyes widened at the sight. As soon as she sat down, she tried to grab food with her hands, but I pointed at the fork and knife. ¡°Use the utensils. Don¡¯t act like a brute mercenary.¡± We started eating while teaching Hindrasta some table manners. ¡°Now that I think about it¡­ I was invited to attend a festival in the Tatanok Vigest year.¡± Linus spoke up during the meal. ¡°Do you remember? The vige that was attacked by the Demon King¡¯s army and couldn¡¯t evacuate in time.¡± ¡°Of course, I remember. We nearly died because you insisted we couldn¡¯t leave them behind. What festival?¡± ¡°Theymemorate the day Linus and you saved the vige every year. They invite Linus annually.¡± Celine exined. ¡°They always send two invitations, but since we didn¡¯t know where you were, we couldn¡¯t send yours.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not necessary for me to go. Linus can represent us both.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not true, Dian. The vigers are waiting for you. How about attending this year¡¯s festival?¡± Celine suggested, and I smiled awkwardly. ¡°Well¡­ that kind of thing suits Linus better. I¡¯m not really¡­¡± ¡°Dian, Celine is right.¡± Linus interrupted. ¡°Let¡¯s go together this year.¡± ¡°What? No way!¡± ¡°The vigers will be very disappointed if you¡¯re not there again.¡± ¡°That¡¯s ridiculous. They¡¯ll be thrilled to have you, the hero of the continent. They won¡¯t mind if a mere sidekick doesn¡¯t show up.¡± ¡°Haha, sidekick. The vigers don¡¯t see it that way. Anyway, I¡¯ll expect you toe with me. It¡¯s early next month.¡± ¡°Haa¡­¡± I had wanted to live quietly, but Linus¡¯s request had made me a professor at the academy. I hoped to keep a low profile outside the academy at least. However, I was also a bit curious. I wondered how much the children we saved had grown and how much the vige, which had been burned to the ground, had been restored and developed. I wanted to see if our sacrifice was worth it. ¡°Alright. I suppose I can¡¯t refuse if it¡¯s with you.¡± ¡°The vigers will be delighted. And about the Tiraellen Forest.¡± Linus changed the topic again. ¡°The elf forest that was burned down by the Demon King¡¯s army.¡± ¡°What about it? Is there a tree nting festival I have to attend there?¡± ¡°It¡¯s something simr. I visit there every year. Let¡¯s go together there as well.¡± [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 55 – Field Trip to the Battlefield (1) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 55 ¨C Field Trip to the Battlefield (1) ¡°Hey, Linus.¡± I pointed at Linus as I spoke. ¡°This guy dragged me out of myfortable life in Brunswell and into the academy. Now he wants me to be a festival helper too?¡± ¡°Not a helper, but the main character.¡± Linus responded with his usual serious expression. ¡°Why do you think the word rade¡¯ is in all our citation records? And why do I keep both medals? It¡¯s because we achieved all this together.¡± Linus straightened his back and continued. ¡°I¡¯m not the hero of the continent. I¡¯m just someone who was with the heroes. If it weren¡¯t for you, Dian, I would have died in a trench in the Kingdom of Avoca before I could aplish anything.¡± Celine nodded silently in agreement. ¡°Dian, for various reasons, you were forgotten by the world, both by choice and circumstance. But that doesn¡¯t mean your aplishments disappear. Even if they were erased from records, they remain in the hearts of those you saved.¡± Linus ced his fist over his heart. ¡°So, Dian, show those people who saved them. Show them who allowed them to live their current lives. The courage and hope you gave them made them who they are today.¡± This guy, really. He¡¯s got a knack for romantic speeches, just like the original protagonist hero he is. Back then, when we went to save Tatarnok vige, it was his speech that convinced me. ¡°Alright, alright. I¡¯ll go.¡± ¡°Thank you, Dian.¡± ¡°Damn it.¡± I yfully tossed my fork at Linus, who caught it with just a flick of his fingers. Even after ten years, he¡¯s still sharp. ¡°Oh, right. Linus, there¡¯s one ce I absolutely won¡¯t go.¡± ¡°Where do you mean?¡± ¡°Victory Day. You¡¯re not thinking of dragging me there, are you? If I go, I¡¯ll have to see the Emperor and all those annoying people.¡± ¡°Victory Day isn¡¯t something I can decide on, so I can¡¯t give you a definite answer.¡± Victory Day is a national holiday celebrating the victory of the human alliance over the demons in the Four-Year War. During this time, the Emperor and all the high-ranking officials gather at the Victory Monument for grand speeches, reenactments of major battles, and memorial services for the fallen. It¡¯s much like Memorial Day, and since it¡¯s a national holiday under the Emperor¡¯s jurisdiction, Linus can¡¯t really influence my attendance. ¡°But¡­ there¡¯s a high chance you¡¯ll be invited from this year.¡± Linus said after taking a sip of wine. ¡°All the other special unit members have been invited to the capital every year for the festival. They didn¡¯t know your whereabouts before, but now you¡¯re officially a professor at the academy.¡± ¡°Is that so? Who knows? Would the Emperor really invite me? That guy is so petty. He got all sulky because I didn¡¯t ept the gifts he sent and left. That¡¯s why he erased all my records.¡± ¡°You have a point.¡± Linus nodded, stroking his chin. ¡°But since we can¡¯t ask His Majesty directly, we¡¯ll have to wait and see.¡± ¡°I doubt he¡¯ll invite me. He might have a fit seeing my face. He¡¯s old now; he might get too excited and have a heart attack.¡± I have a rough idea of what¡¯s going on in the Pce. Our Emperor is so timid and narrow-minded that when I fled to Brunswell, he felt insulted and got extremely upset. Because of this nature, he doesn¡¯t get along with the Second Princess at all. Unlike the other princes and princesses, the Second Princess distinguished herself greatly during the war but is not recognized as a legitimate heir because she¡¯s the child of a concubine. However, it¡¯s only the Emperor and the Royal Family who don¡¯t recognize her. Most frontline officers, who fought alongside her in the 3rd Corps, support her. These ¡®frontline officers¡¯ are war heroes from the 3rd Corps, who fought under the Second Princess. Given the support of these post-war influential figures, the Emperor must be insanely jealous of the Second Princess. And now, thest special unit member, whose whereabouts were unknown, is appointed as a professor at the Special Mission Academy under the Second Princess. With post-war influential figures like Linus and me now part of the Second Princess¡¯s camp, the Emperor must be furious. So, I doubt I¡¯ll receive an invitation. # # # # # After finishing breakfast, it was finally time for what Hindrasta had been waiting for; leaving Linus¡¯s house. ¡°Since you live nearby, let¡¯s see each other often, Dian.¡± Linus shook my hand and patted my shoulder. ¡°We still have a lot to talk about.¡± ¡°Sure. I¡¯lle by when I¡¯m not busy.¡± ¡°Always keep an eye on your surroundings when you return to the academy.¡± Celine, holding Lumien, said with a slightly worried look. ¡°Don¡¯t give that Oracle Priestess Maya any reason to report you. She¡¯s probably informing Lormane about everything.¡± ¡°Got it. I haven¡¯t done anything problematic so far, but I¡¯ll be careful.¡± ¡°And be cautious around Headmaster Kirrin too.¡± ¡°Kirrin? Why? I¡¯m supposed to help her, not the other way around.¡± ¡°Headmaster Kirrin is different from Lormane.¡± Celine shook her head. ¡°She¡¯s probably thinking of ways to stay in her position without returning to the forest.¡± ¡°What kind of ways?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but she seems to have ulterior motives. She doesn¡¯t seem like a thorough person, so she might cause a big ident by overextending herself.¡± Celine was absolutely right. Kirrin always had some sort of w that made things tricky. ¡°It¡¯s time to go. Thanks for the hospitality.¡± I shook Linus¡¯s hand onest time, gave Celine a light hug, and wiggled my fingers at Lumien in her arms. Then Lumien stretched out his little hand and grabbed my finger with a surprisingly strong grip. ¡°Ouch!¡± How can a child have such strength?! ¡°Goodbye, Dian. And Hindrasta.¡± As I got into the carriage, Dian and Celine waved. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Hindrasta just rested her chin on her hand and stared out the opposite window, but I could see the beads of sweat on her forehead. ¡°Haaa¡­¡± Hindrasta let out a long sigh only when we were past the wide fields and could see the city buildings in the distance. ¡°Damn it, what on earth is this¡­? I came with you because you said you¡¯d take me to the city¡­.¡± She mumbled as she looked out at the horizon. ¡°I¡¯m already bitter enough about being stuck in the academy¡­ Damn it, damn it¡­.¡± Eventually, her shoulders began to shake, and tears fell from her eyes. ¡°Who told you to cause trouble? Even after all that during the war, you still haven¡¯t learned.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t help it¡­! My body just moves on its own! I won¡¯t do it again¡­ Just don¡¯t take me to that yellow head again¡­!¡± ¡°Hah.¡± I sighed as Hindrasta began to sob uncontrobly. # # # # # Meanwhile, back at the academy faculty quarters, at Dian¡¯s house. ¡°Sir Dian? He¡¯s out.¡± ¡°Oh, really¡­?¡± Kirrin looked slightly flustered as she asked Olysia. ¡°Do you know where he went?¡± ¡°He went to a friend¡¯s house. He should be back after lunch.¡± ¡°I see¡­.¡± ¡°By the way¡­¡± Olysia looked over Kirrin¡¯s dark skin, red eyes, and long ears. ¡°You¡¯re the headmaster, right? Would you like toe in for some tea?¡± ¡°Oh? No, no, it¡¯s fine¡­.¡± ¡°Please,e in!¡± Thinking that treating Dian¡¯s superior well would help Dian remain in his position as a professor, Olysia grabbed Kirrin¡¯s wrist and pulled her inside. ¡°Please have a seat. I¡¯ll bring the tea right away.¡± ¡°Uh-huh¡­¡± Olysia put down the basket she was carrying and hurried to the kitchen. So this is Dian¡¯s house¡­ It¡¯s nicely decorated and very cozy. Kirrin looked around the house and noticed the basket Olysia had just put down. It was filled with neatly folded clothes that had just been dried. At the very top was the shirt that Dian usually wears. Kirrin nced towards the kitchen. Olysia had gone further inside and was out of sight. # # # # # ¡°Here¡¯s the tea, headmaster. Hmm?¡± Olysia, carrying a tray, looked around with wide eyes. The headmaster, who should have been sitting on the sofa, was nowhere to be seen. As she looked around, she found Kirrin crouched by the front door, where theundry basket was. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Kirrin didn¡¯t respond, so Olysia walked over slowly. ¡°Sniff, haaa¡­¡± Kirrin had her eyes closed, deeply inhaling Dian¡¯s shirt pressed against her face. ¡°H-headmaster¡­?¡± ¡°Ugh?!¡± Startled by Olysia¡¯s voice, Kirrin threw the shirt aside and bolted out the door. ¡°Where are you going?!¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorryyyyyy!!¡± What the¡­? Olysia watched Kirrin¡¯s rapidly retreating figure closely. Sleeveless turtleneck, short skirt, high heels, and even earrings. Not her usual ck cloak attire. She didn¡¯t juste to find out where Dian was¡­ Hmm¡­ A usible theory started forming in Olysia¡¯s mind. # # # # # # Kirrin leaped across the married faculty housingplex in one bound, despite wearing high heels, and dove through the window of her third-floor dorm room. She rolled across the floor, peering fearfully out the window. Fortunately, there was no Olysia shouting ¡°Catch that perverted Dark Elf!¡± and chasing her. ¡°Haaa¡­¡± Sitting on the floor, Kirrin finally realized the gravity of her actions. What have I done¡­? As the headmaster of the academy, no less¡­ I¡¯m unqualified¡­ I was already barely qualified, but now I¡¯ve hit rock bottom¡­ ¡°Aaaah¡­¡± Feeling the overwhelming shame rise within her, Kirrin clutched her head in despair. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 56 – Field Trip to the Battlefield (2) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 56 ¨C Field Trip to the Battlefield (2) I returned to the academy. As soon as Hindrasta got off the carriage, she ran straight to the dormitory, while I headed home. Olysia came running to greet me as I stepped out of the carriage. ¡°Wee back, Sir Dian.¡± ¡°Nothing much happened, right?¡± ¡°The headmaster came by, asking where you went.¡± ¡°Really? Do you know why she was looking for me?¡± ¡°She ran off before I could ask.¡± I tilted my head in confusion at Olysia¡¯s words. ¡°Ran off?¡± ¡°I invited her in for tea, but while I was making it¡­¡± Olysia hesitated, looking a bit embarrassed as she scratched her cheek. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Well¡­¡± Reluctantly, Olysia continued. ¡°She was smelling one of your freshly washed shirts¡­¡± ¡°What? What do you mean?¡± ¡°Just that. She was crouched by theundry basket, sniffing your shirt. When I asked what she was doing, she ran off.¡± What kind of situation is this? What was Kirrin doing? Celine¡¯s warnings about Kirrin came to mind. She told me to be cautious, mentioning that Kirrin might be up to something strange on her own. What is that Dark Elf thinking? ¡°By the way, did you have a good time at Sir Linus¡¯s house?¡± ¡°Yeah. You would¡¯ve liked it too. He¡¯s living very well.¡± As I described Linus¡¯s mansion, Olysia¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement. ¡°Are you saying there¡¯s a house like that¡­? Wow¡­ It¡¯s my lifelong dream to live in such a ce someday¡­¡± ¡°Then work hard and be a Duke. Only the great nobles live in ces like that.¡± ¡°It would be quicker for you to be a noble, Sir Dian.¡± That¡¯s true. The title they originally wanted to give me in the Pce was Duke. But since I had already turned it down and left, I can¡¯t ask for it now. Even if I did, the Emperor would likely refuse. And being a noble doesn¡¯t guarantee happiness. The higher the title, the more restrictions and responsibilitiese with it. It¡¯s like modern-day conglomerate heads being constantly under media and public scrutiny, facing bacsh for even minor missteps. Just as the happiest people are mid-sized business owners who are sessful enough but not overly scrutinized, here too, it¡¯s best to live moderately, making a good living without too much interference. # # # # # Monday was the day of the general meeting. It was held in therge conference room, chaired by Headmaster Kirrin, with the Theoretical Department, the Combat Department, and the administration all present. The first meeting I attended after being appointed was also this general meeting. Entering the conference room with the Combat Department professors,ughing and chatting, I saw that the Theoretical Department professors were already seated. Those people always arrive twenty minutes early, reviewing the meeting agenda and checking their appearance. Very diligent. In contrast, our Combat Department¡­ ¡°Hey, Brogg! I found a great bar over the weekend. If you drink an entire barrel there, they¡¯ll give it to you for free!¡± Kazadar, the dwarf Combat Equipment Professor, shouted loudly, causing Brogg, the orc Unarmed Combat Professor, to grin broadly. Going today!¡± ¡°Great. Morton! You¡¯reing too!¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ okay.¡± ¡°Orendi! Wever! You¡¯re in, right?¡± ¡°Of course!¡± ¡°Sounds good!¡± With the male professors in agreement, Kazadar, in high spirits, turned to the perpetually gloomy Geneb. ¡°Hey! You better not skip today¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m not going.¡± Before Kazadar could finish speaking, Geneb refused outright. ¡°This damn bastard always skips. Anyone else noting, raise your hand!¡± Kazadar shouted at the female professors trailing in. Professor Anna hesitantly raised her hand. ¡°I¡­ I have to take care of the children¡­¡± ¡°What? Are they your real children?! Huh?! Missing one day won¡¯t hurt!¡± ¡°I don¡¯t drink anyway, and it wouldn¡¯t be fun for me¡­ I¡¯d just ruin the mood¡­ I¡¯m not going.¡± ¡°Gosh, tsk tsk. Felimia and Linda! I expect you both to be there!¡± ¡°I told you, it¡¯s Lina, not Linda. And yes, I¡¯ll be there.¡± ¡°Me too.¡± Felimia raised her hand in agreement. ¡°So, everyone except Geneb and Anna ising? Hey, Dian!¡± ¡°I¡¯m in. If it¡¯s free drinks, I¡¯d go all the way to Tiraellen.¡± On a Monday morning, instead of a Friday night, the Combat Department professors were suddenly nning a gathering. Professor Ismera from the Theoretical Department looked at us with deep disdain. ¡°Hello, Professor Ismera.¡± I greeted her as I took my seat. Professor Ismera, sitting across from me, forced a smile. ¡°Good morning, Professor Dian. Everyone seems very lively this morning. As expected of the Combat Department.¡± Therge room had desks arranged in a long, rectangr formation, with the Theoretical Department on one side and the Combat Department on the other. At the head of the table sat Headmaster Kirrin. To her left was Professor Ismera, and to her right was my seat. The administrative director sat at the far end of the table. Whether I liked it or not, every Monday morning, Ismera and I were seated just about two meters apart, facing each other. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] ¡°Professor Dian, what did you mean by that earlier?¡± Ismera asked as I shuffled through the materials I had prepared for the meeting. ¡°Mean by what?¡± ¡°About going to Tiraellen for free drinks.¡± ¡°Oh, that. Tiraellen is a very long way from here. I just meant that free drinks would be worth traveling that far for.¡± ¡°I see. It¡¯s quite a fitting analogy. But there is no alcohol in Tiraellen. It¡¯s the Elven forest.¡± ¡°You¡¯re right. The noble Elves stay away from intoxicating beverages.¡± At that moment, Kirrin entered the conference room. ¡°Good morning, headmaster.¡± ¡°Ah, yes¡­¡± The professors greeted her, but Kirrin seemed flustered, barely acknowledging their greetings. She kept ncing at me, clearly ufortable, probably due to the strange incident at my house yesterday. As Kirrin took her seat, the meeting began. Our Combat Department reported on the progress of the outdoor training ground renovation. It would bepleted by next week, allowing students to train before the summer heat set in. The Theoretical Department presented their draft n for the field trip. ¡°I believe Ivronic Castle is a suitable location for our first half-year field trip.¡± Ismera exined, looking over the draft report. ¡°This castle was once upied by the Demon King¡¯s army during the Four-Year War and was reimed by Sir Linus, who was a member of the special units at the time. It has significant historical value.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a good idea. Ivronic Castle would inspire our academy students, who aspire to be special operatives of the Empire.¡± Kirrin nodded in agreement. ¡°We would like to use a portal for transportation if possible. Magical Response Professor, is that feasible?¡± ¡°Yes, it¡¯s possible.¡± Orendi responded confidently. ¡°Administrative Director, could the cafeteria prepare boxed lunches since the trip oveps with lunch hours?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°Good. The scenery around Ivronic Castle is beautiful, so we can have a pic lunch there and return in the afternoon.¡± Ismera coordinated the details skillfully. However, I had a different thought. ¡°Does the Head Combat Professor have any opinions?¡± Ismera asked, turning to me. I raised a question that had been bothering me. ¡°I¡¯m wondering, is it really safe to conduct the field trip there?¡± ¡°What do you mean, Head Combat Professor?¡± ¡°From what I remember, the castle walls were partially copsed, and the bridge leading in was very precarious. We don¡¯t even know if the poison gasid in the entrance path has dissipated. There¡¯s also a minefield of unknown scale¡­ Aren¡¯t these conditions a bit too dangerous, even for Special Mission Academy students?¡± The professors exchanged puzzled nces. ¡°Poison gas? Minefield¡­? What are you talking about?¡± What¡¯s this atmosphere? Did I say something wrong? Ismera gave me a charming smile and responded. ¡°It seems you are mistaken, Head Combat Professor. Ivronic Castle is not like that.¡± ¡°What do you mean it¡¯s not like that? Is there another castle with the same name?¡± ¡°Ivronic Castle is one of a kind. And it¡¯s perfectly safe for the academy students to visit. Any other opinions?¡± ¡°Uh, no¡­.¡± Scratching my chin, I nudged Felimia sitting next to me. ¡°Exin.¡± ¡°Ivronic Castle is a tourist attraction, Head Professor¡± ¡°What? A tourist attraction? That can¡¯t be right.¡± ¡°It¡¯s true. It¡¯s a very popr spot visited by tens of thousands of people every year. I went therest year.¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yes. There¡¯s even an elevator installed to make the climb easier.¡± ¡°An elevator¡­?¡± Is Ivronic Castle really a tourist attraction now? The Fortress of Ivronic, which was a hellish ce where blood was washed with more blood? Ten years might changendscapes, but this was hard to believe. I couldn¡¯t wrap my head around the idea of Ivronic Castle as a tourist site, especially with the vivid memories of scaling its cliffs with Linus. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 57 – Field Trip to the Battlefield (3) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 57 ¨C Field Trip to the Battlefield (3) After the Meeting. As I left the main conference room, I noticed the other professors huddled together without me. ¡°Hey, what are you guys doing over there?¡± ¡°Uh? Nothing much. We¡¯re just discussing tonight¡¯s dinner ns. We¡¯ll let you know once we decide.¡± Waver answered with a smile, and I turned away, unconcerned. Dinner ns, my foot. This isn¡¯t the Theoretical Department, and we¡¯ve never nned a dinner party before. Tonight¡¯s dinner was arranged on the spot as soon as Kazadar mentioned a ce with free drinks. They¡¯re probably doing this because of what I said during the meeting. When I first started, the professors were eager to dig up my background. However, the Emperor had thoroughly erased all records about me, so they had a hard time. Most professors, preferring to let sleeping dogs lie, likely assumed I was from some special unit and moved on, but not Felimia. She never gave up. Last time, when there were unfavorable rumors about me, she tried to use psychological warfare as a pretext for probing me. To uncover my past and see through me. As expected, Felimia was in the middle of the group, ncing my way and talking to the other professors. Whatever. There must be a reason why the Imperial Pce hasn¡¯t provided the academy with my information, and I have no desire to bber about it myself. Partly because I don¡¯t know the Emperor¡¯s intentions, and partly because there¡¯s nothing to gain from revealing I was part of the Hero Party. I fled from the overwhelming attention given to the Hero Party, so there¡¯s no reason to bring it up now. And the truth only bes valuable when one can handle it. Even if I recited the things I did with Linus, most people would dismiss it as nonsense. Even Knightley didn¡¯t believe me back then. Maybe I should have flicked that tree with a finger as proof. # # # # # ¡°He¡¯s gone.¡± Once Dian was out of sight, Felimia spoke. ¡°Orendi. Cast a barrier spell around us.¡± ¡°Hold on a second!¡± Kazadar waved his hand dismissively. ¡°Brogg and I will leave you to it. We don¡¯t care about Dian¡¯s past as long as he¡¯s useful to our department.¡± ¡°Uh¡­ me too¡­¡± Anna raised her hand timidly. ¡°I need to go feed my kids¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯ll go too. As long as he¡¯s not the resurrected Demon King, I don¡¯t care who the Head Professor is.¡± With Waver, Brogg, Kazadar, and Anna gone, Orendi activated the barrier spell around the remaining professors, blocking any sound from escaping. ¡°You all felt it, right? Something¡¯s off.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure¡­¡± When Felimia spoke, Orendi scratched his head. ¡°Everyone knows the Demon King¡¯s army used poison gas andndmines during the Battle of Ivronic Castle. It¡¯smon knowledge, even students learn it in history ss.¡± ¡°Of course. But the Head Professor spoke as if he experienced it firsthand.¡± ¡°Now that you mention it¡­ it did sound that way¡­¡± ¡°What if this is the case?¡± Professor Lina chimed in. ¡°What if he has firsthand experience of the Battle of Ivronic Castle?¡± ¡°Hmm, you mean he¡¯s a veteran?¡± ¡°He lived in Brunswell for ten years, right? That¡¯s right after the war. If he fought in Ivronic and then moved to Brunswell after his discharge, it makes sense.¡± ¡°Yes, Brunswell is far from the Empire. If he wasn¡¯t interested, he might not know what happened to Ivronic Castle afterward.¡± ¡°Does anyone here have firsthand experience at Ivronic Castle?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°Neither do I.¡± In fact, all the professors of the Combat Department had direct or indirectbat experience, except at Ivronic Castle. It was a horrendous battle with near-annihtion on both sides. Surviving it was a miracle. But Felimia shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s not just about being a veteran¡­¡± ¡°Then maybe he¡¯s from a special unit. There¡¯s no way he¡¯d be Head Professor without some impressive credentials. There were many special units active during the war.¡± Orendi brought up a theory often discussed among the professors. The famous Demon King yer Special Unit wasn¡¯t the only one. The Empire had created numerous special units for various operations, most of which remained shrouded in secrecy. Even Professor Lina, who was speaking, was a former member of a special unit, but no one knew the specifics. So it¡¯s understandable to assume he¡¯s from a special unit. ¡°Even if he was from a special unit, it feels like he was more than just a regr member.¡± As Felimia stroked her chin, Professor Morton, who had been silent until now, spoke up. ¡°Are you suggesting the Head Professor was part of the Demon King yer Special Unit?¡± The exploits of the Demon King yer Special Unit were unusually well-documented because the Imperial Pce heavily publicized them. Hero Linus, Huntress Celine, Genius Mage Kaiden, Oracle Priestess Lormane. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] ying the Demon King was one of the Empire¡¯s greatest achievements. There¡¯s no reason to conceal any member of such a prestigious unit. ¡°I¡¯m not saying that, but he might have been at a simr level.¡± ¡°So, how do you n to uncover his past?¡± ¡°Well¡­¡± When Felimia couldn¡¯t continue, Morton picked up the conversation. ¡°Regardless of other details, it¡¯s certain that the Head Professor has military experience. He identified me as a former long-range patrol unit member just by looking at me. I used my connections from my active duty days to investigate, but nothing came up.¡± ¡°Same here.¡± ¡°Me too.¡± The other professors nodded in agreement. ¡°I have contacts who are high-ranking officers in the current military. If they don¡¯t know anything, it¡¯s likely he was in a special unit. But that¡¯s all there is to it. If he was indeed a special unit member, it¡¯s best to leave it at that.¡± Morton¡¯s hawkish yellow eyes turned to Professor Lina. ¡°Lina, you were in a special unit, but due to your confidentiality agreement with the Imperial Pce, you¡¯ve never divulged your past, and we¡¯ve never asked. Such agreements are not easily broken; they are seriousmitments.¡± ¡°Well¡­ that¡¯s true.¡± ¡°For now, it¡¯s important to ensure our graduating ss meets the standards demanded by the Imperial Pce. Delving into the Head Professor¡¯s past is unrted to that goal.¡± ¡°Is that so¡­¡± ¡°If you¡¯re really curious, Felimia, you can continue. But I don¡¯t want to waste more effort and time on something irrelevant to the academy¡¯s progress.¡± With that, Professor Morton stepped outside the barrier spell and headed towards the lecture hall. Watching Morton¡¯s departing figure, Felimia turned to Geneb, who had remained silent, her gaze asking for an opinion. ¡°Secret Prince.¡± Geneb spoke softly. ¡°What did you say?¡± ¡°A secret prince. A hidden delinquent prince from the Imperial Pce.¡± ¡°Haha! Professor Geneb, what are you talking about? That¡¯s not like you.¡± Lina chuckled. ¡°If he were royalty, he¡¯d have silver hair. But Professor Dian doesn¡¯t.¡± ¡°Among the rumors about the secret prince, one is that he¡¯s the child of a concubine, too unmentionable to acknowledge.¡± ¡°If we go down that path, there¡¯s no end to it. Why not just say he¡¯s the Demon King?¡± Crazy rumors about the Demon King abound. Some say the body was female, others that the real Demon King survived and blended into human society after cutting off his horns, or even that he was an alien from another world. ¡°That¡¯s the only theory thates to mind. The most usible one is that he was in a special unit. And if he was, there¡¯s no point in investigating further.¡± Geneb¡¯s theory of the secret prince wasn¡¯t serious; it highlighted how far-fetched any non-special unit theories were. Such spection belongs more to idle students than to professors. ¡°In truth, I don¡¯t see why it matters what the Head Professor did in the past.¡± Orendi said with a smile. ¡°We¡¯ve been digging for months and found nothing. The Head Professor¡¯s presence has been beneficial; he¡¯spetent and takes good care of us. That¡¯s all I care about.¡± Lina nodded in agreement. ¡°Yes. When I asked him directly before, he just smiled, suggesting he¡¯s under simr circumstances as me. It¡¯s really troublesome, you know, confidentiality agreements.¡± ¡°So, shall we start preparing for our sses?¡± Orendi pointed to the clock tower. The first ss was about to begin. As always, no conclusion was reached about Dian¡¯s past, and the professors dispersed to the lecture halls. Anna, Waver, Brogg, and Kazadar had left, uninterested from the start. Morton and Geneb found digging pointless. Orendi and Lina didn¡¯t care as long as he performed well. In the end, only Felimia remained curious about Dian¡¯s past. Felimia watched the departing professors and pondered. At first, everyone tried to find out, but now they¡¯ve given up due to ack of results. Well, they¡¯re all satisfied with Professor Dian¡¯s leadership, and his past doesn¡¯t matter much. Especially if he was in a special unit, digging into his past is futile. But she wanted to dig deeper. Felimia¡¯s curiosity wasn¡¯t baseless. It stemmed from her time as an expert in psychological warfare for the Imperial Army ten years ago. Back then, while interrogating captured high-ranking demons, she gathered some consistent testimonies. They mentioned encountering two humans when they thought their infiltrators had deserted. The campmp suddenly flickered, and the legionmander¡¯s head was gone when it came back on. When they went to check on a long meeting, everyone was dead. All these ounts included sightings of a blond and a tousled brown-haired human. Felimia had requested information from the Imperial Pce but was ignored, leading her to assume they were just another special unit. After the war, she learned the blond was Hero Linus, but the brown-haired one remained a mystery. No one in the four-member Demon King yer Special Unit revealed by the Imperial Pce had brown hair. Could it be that someone who fought alongside Linus was excluded from the Demon King yer Unit? That¡¯s impossible. Unless, for some reason, the Imperial Pce hid his existence. Thus, despite the low probability, Felimia suspected Professor Dian might be the brown-haired soldier. There was no solid evidence, just an instinct honed by years of psychological warfare. Should I try again? But he deflected mest time, so it won¡¯t be easy¡­ It seems¡­ tonight¡¯s dinner might be thest chance¡­ [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 58 – Field Trip to the Battlefield (4) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 58 ¨C Field Trip to the Battlefield (4) ¡°Hello!¡± Orendi greeted cheerfully as I entered the pub. This was the pub Kazadar had mentioned that morning, where the Combat Department was having their dinner party tonight. The ce had a promotion where if someone could drink an entire beer barrel on the spot, the drinks would be free. Naturally, any ordinary human trying to drink an entire barrel would not only be impossible but dangerous. It was a clever way to attract attention. The problem arose when non-humans showed up. ¡°Wee! Oh, wait?!¡± The pub owner turned pale upon seeing the Orc Brogg and the Dwarf Kazadar enter. Brogg was massive even for an Orc, and Kazadar was no less intimidating. Dwarves, after all, are known to drink from infancy to maintain body heat. ¡°Is it true that emptying the barrel means free drinks? Bring it here!¡± ¡°Humans only!¡± The pub owner hastily pointed to a small disimer at the bottom of the sign which read ¡®humans only.¡¯ ¡°This is a scam!!¡± ¡°Bad human!! You tricked us!!¡± An enraged Kazadar drew his hammer, and Brogg let out a battle cry. ¡°Call the guards!!¡± ¡°Hold on a moment.¡± As the nearly fainting pub owner shouted, Morton stepped forward. ¡°Bring the barrel.¡± ¡°But it¡¯s clearly for humans only!¡± ¡°Just bring it. I¡¯ll drink it.¡± Morton¡¯s yellow hawk-like eyes stared down the pub owner, who reluctantly instructed his staff to bring the beer barrel. ¡°Alright, everyone, calm down ande inside.¡± They managed to push the still-agitated Kazadar and Brogg into the pub and found seats. ¡°Really, what were you thinking, yelling a battle cry here?¡± ¡°He scammed us¡­¡± ¡°Scam or not!¡± Lina¡¯s scolding left Brogg scratching his head, unable to argue further. ¡°Even so, Professor Brogg is quite the gentleman. Any other Orc might have broken a pir by now.¡± Felimia chuckled, adjusting her sses, and Wever nodded in agreement. ¡°Indeed. There¡¯s no time for battle cries; they¡¯d be smashing things instead.¡± The professors, except for Morton, burst intoughter. Morton sat calmly, watching as the staff rolled the beer barrel towards him. Though the event barrel was smaller than a typical beer barrel, it was still more than a human could drink in one sitting. When the barrel was ced in front of him, Morton opened it and took a beer mug. ¡°I¡¯ll handle this. You all enjoy yourselves.¡± With that, Morton began steadily pouring and drinking the beer, neither too fast nor too slow. ¡°No restroom breaks. No snacks either!¡± ¡°I know, so stop fussing.¡± Morton replied lightly, continuing to drink. If the pub owner knew Morton was a former member of the long-range patrol unit, how would he react? Long-range patrol unit members are known for their drinking prowess. They spend weeks on missions deep in enemy territory with little chance to drink, so when they return, they drink as much as they can, knowing they might not get another chance soon. It was obvious that Morton would seed, so they freely ordered avish amount of expensive food and drinks. ¡°By the way, will the headmaster be joining us?¡± Lina asked as she looked at the table filled with drinks and food. ¡°She said she¡¯d try toe, but she wasn¡¯t sure.¡± ¡°She¡¯lle if she can. If she¡¯s busy, she won¡¯t.¡± ¡°Still, she¡¯s also a professor of our Combat Department. It¡¯d be nice if she could join us.¡± ¡°Indeed. I feel a bit sorry for her.¡± Orendi chimed in from across the table. ¡°I visited her office once, and the amount of paperwork was staggering.¡± ¡°She¡¯s a pitiful person. Such a kind soul, yet she¡¯s always getting pushed around.¡± Wever nodded. Recently, I learned that the Combat Department professors were surprisingly sympathetic towards Kirrin. Despite the department¡¯s downsizing, they seemed to understand herplicated situation. Everyone was somewhat aware of the ongoing rtion between the Dark Elf Nemara n and the Emperor. As professors, they could infer the deeper implications. ¡°Would you care to say a few words?¡± Felimia poured my ss full of liquor and smiled. ¡°Alright, alright.¡± I raised my ss and gave a short toast about working hard to make our department even greater, then took a drink. As soon as I emptied my ss, Felimia refilled it. ¡°Thank you for all your hard work for the department.¡± ¡°Thanks.¡± As soon as I drank, she filled it again. ¡°Drink a lot tonight.¡± ¡°You too.¡± ¡°By the way, what were you talking about earlier?¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°About the poison gas andndmines at Ivronic Castle. It¡¯s the first I¡¯ve heard of it.¡± ¡°Now that you mention it.¡± Orendi, while munching on a snack, joined the conversation. ¡°I¡¯m curious too. Can you exin?¡± ¡°Oh, that? Back in the war, the demons defending Ivronic Castleid mines and spread poison gas in front of it. I thought they were still there.¡± ¡°That was over ten years ago. It¡¯s been a tourist spot for a while now.¡± ¡°Exactly. I was surprised when I heard it too.¡± ¡°Were you at the Battle of Ivronic Castle during the recapture?¡± ¡°Yeah, I was.¡± ¡°Ehh?! Really?! How on earth did you survive there?!¡± Lina eximed in shock. ¡°I don¡¯t know. It was all a blur, and I never want to remember it. It was truly a horrific ce.¡± ¡°Now it makes sense why you mentioned poison gas and mines. If you fought in the recapture and moved to Brunswell after the war, you would naturally think it was still the same.¡± Lina nced at Felimia, as if to say, ¡®See, I told you.¡¯ ¡°So, Head Professor, were you with the 12th Corps? They were the ones who recaptured Ivronic Castle.¡± Felimia, smiling slyly, refilled my ss. ¡°Who knows? Was it the 8th Corps? The 5th? Or maybe it was the 12th? Hmm¡­ or was it the 1st?¡± I wasn¡¯t lying. I served in the 8th Corps as a soldier and moved around different corps during my time in the special unit. ¡°Considering you changed units, you must have started as a soldier and rose to an officer.¡± ¡°Something like that.¡± ¡°What other battles did you participate in besides the recapture of the Ivronic Castle?¡± ¡°Too many to remember.¡± This was also true. Apart from the major battles, the smaller skirmishes blended together, making it hard to recall specifics. ¡°But why did you settle in Brunswell? It¡¯s not your hometown if you lived there for ten years.¡± ¡°I just wanted a peaceful life. It¡¯s a nice ce with a decent poption and good amenities.¡± ¡°I see¡­ You became an officer from a soldier, participated in the recapture of the Ivronic Castle, and moved to Brunswell after the war¡­¡± Felimia was listening intently, as if piecing together a puzzle. ¡°Here, have a drink.¡± She poured another round into my recently emptied ss. ¡°Head Professor, while we¡¯re on the topic, could you tell us about the recapture of the Ivronic Castle?¡± Wever suggested, and the other professors looked at me eagerly. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] ¡°No.¡± I refused outright. Of all ces, I never wanted to speak about that one. ¡°It must be a terrible memory. Drink up and forget all about it.¡± Felimia poured another drink into my ss. # # # # # About an hourter. Felimia had moved next to me, continuing to encourage me to drink. She had already forced dozens of beers on me. ¡°I¡¯m full.¡± ¡°It¡¯s free, look.¡± Felimia pointed at Morton¡¯s empty beer barrel. He had steadily poured and drank the beer, eventually emptying the barrel. ¡°Impressive¡­¡± ¡°So, professor, drink up.¡± Felimia closely watched me as I drank. Hmm, look at her¡­ She¡¯s trying something again. Let¡¯s see if I can catch her¡­ ¡°I need to stop. I¡¯m feeling dizzy¡­¡± I deliberately clutched my forehead and swayed. Felimia¡¯s eyes shed momentarily. An invisible, sharp force pricked at me, but I didn¡¯t block it. Time to make it clear to her. No more wasting efforts. I lured Felimia, who was probing my memories, in the direction I wanted. Go ahead, Felimia, see what you wish in my memories. And realize. Realize how dangerous it is to recklessly dig where you don¡¯t know what lies beneath. A few seconds into the psychological probing. ¡°Gah!¡± Felimia overturned a ss and copsed, clutching her mouth, gagging. ¡°Wh-what¡¯s wrong, professor?¡± A drunken Lina slurred, her speech garbled. ¡°D-did you drink too much¡­?¡± Felimia couldn¡¯t respond, trembling in horror as she looked up at me. ¡°Who¡­ who are you, professor¡­?¡± ¡°You just saw it.¡± ¡°But that¡­ Gah!!¡± Unable to continue, Felimia knocked over her chair and hurriedly ran outside. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 59 – Field Trip to the Battlefield (5) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 59 ¨C Field Trip to the Battlefield (5) The students were notified about the field trip to Ivronic Castle. The news of a group outing had everyone excited. Ivronic Castle is renowned throughout the Empire for its stunning scenery. ¡°Knightley, have you ever been to the Ivronic Castle?¡± In the bustling dormitory lounge, one of Knightley¡¯s followers asked her. However, Knightley didn¡¯t respond and kept looking at the announcement on the lounge bulletin board. When Knightley didn¡¯t answer, her followers, feeling a bit awkward, started talking among themselves. They boasted about when their families visited Ivronic, the size of their travel parties, and how many nights they stayed at luxury hotels nearby. Beingdies from prominent families, they were used topeting over such trivial and materialistic details. Amidst this, Knightley was lost in thought. A field trip to a historical battlefield¡ªsomething that had never happened before. Like the other changes over the past few months, this too urred after Professor Dian¡¯s appointment. Did Professor Dian¡¯s influence extend to this as well? Typically, field trips to historical sites were the domain of the Theoretical Department, but it was hard to believe Dian had no involvement. Currently, Dian¡¯s influence at the academy was so significant that he seemed like the de facto headmaster. He had overturned everything, normalized it, and garnered support from both students and professors. He even turned a crisis into an opportunity when those absurd rumors about their rtionship circtedst week. Thanks to that, Knightley feltpletely isted like a duck in the Glonas River. She had neither confirmed nor denied the scandal with Dian, subtly enjoying the attention, but then Dian announced in the auditorium hall that it was all a part of a psychological warfare exercise. Her followers didn¡¯t openly say it, but they were surely mocking her inwardly. What? A special rtionship with the Head Combat Professor? Ridiculous. It was all a bluff, wasn¡¯t it? Of course, the individual tutoring was real, but it surprisingly didn¡¯t cause a huge stir. ¡®She¡¯s the top student, so she deserves advanced training.¡¯ ¡®If it¡¯s advanced training, it makes sense for the Head Professor to conduct it.¡¯ ¡®I want to work hard and join that ss too.¡¯ ¡®I¡¯m jealous of Knightley.¡¯ Instead, there was a surge of students wanting to join that advanced ss, making Knightley genuinely anxious these days. As the daughter of the Duke of Toulouse, an influential family in the Empire, she had never knownck. She always had what she needed and got what she wanted. She wanted Professor Dian and managed to secure private lessons, monopolizing his time. But not anymore. Everyone liked Dian and tried to win his favor. Even her once exclusive private lessons were now exposed to many students. Who knows if a new student might join, outshining her? What if they were more talented? Prettier? More likable? If Dian started liking that student more, it would be like having her prized possession stolen. That could never happen. But if Dian decided to take on a new student, what could Knightley do? Nothing. Deep down, she knew that if Dian set his mind on it, she couldn¡¯t stop him. Though he always appeared cheerful, the content of their private lessons suggested he wasn¡¯t normal. He had undoubtedly lived a life unimaginable to ordinary people. How could someone like Knightley, who grew up in a greenhouse without want, possibly handle him? What should I do now¡­ As Knightley pondered, someone came to mind. That new special student with the pink hair. If things continued as they were, she might also start vying for Dian¡¯s attention. And she was quite skilled¡­ Should I take preemptive measures? But that¡¯s not possible. The special student had already beaten up several top students who challenged her and sent them to the infirmary. And if Dian decided to take her on as a private student, Knightley would be left chasing her tail. This won¡¯t work¡­ Instead of blocking others, it might be better to make sure Dian only sees me¡­ Hmmm¡­ There¡¯s only one answer. I need to work even harder so that Dian can¡¯t look away. Half-hearted efforts won¡¯t work with Dian. This is the only solution. But how should I go about it? Knightley found the answer in the field trip announcement. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] The part about attire for the day. Instead of regr uniforms, they were to wearbat practice gear and boots. Ivronic Castle on a cliff andbat boots¡­ Having been thoroughly challenged by Dian several times, Knightley could roughly predict what would happen at the battlefield. ¡°Where are you going, Knightley!¡± ¡°The infiltration practice ground.¡± Knightley walked determinedly out of the dormitory, her followers hastily trailing behind. However, they couldn¡¯t keep up with her pace because they were still recovering from the injuries inflicted by the special student, Sophie. It was already dark outside, the night shrouding the campus in shadows. Upon reaching the infiltration practice ground, Knightley headed straight for the extreme terrain course. The course, with its rocky cliffs and precarious narrow paths, seemed as if it had been ripped from a mountain. Knightley nned to practice here alone until the field trip to Ivronic Castle. ¡°What are you doing, Knightley? Are you going to climb this at night?¡± ¡°Get lost. I didn¡¯t ask you to join me.¡± Her followers asked worriedly, but Knightley coldly replied as she changed into herbat boots. The fact that they were instructed to wear practice uniforms andbat boots instead of the usual school uniforms for the trip to Ivronic Castle made Knightley draw a conclusion. Professor Dian would likely make the students climb the old path used in the past instead of taking the elevator. From her experience with his private lessons, she knew he would push them to climb the steep, narrow stone path that required significant courage and stamina. Professor Dian would definitely do that. With this in mind, Knightley knew she had to prepare. By practicing hard here, she would surpass the other students, especially Sophie, and secure the top spot. Then, Professor Dian would not look at anyone else but her. Alright, Knightley. Let¡¯s do this. As she had always done, she would prove herself through sheer skill. Knightley dusted her hands with the rosin provided at the practice ground and began climbing the cliff. # # # # # A few dayster, the day of the field trip arrived. Graduating students in practice uniforms andbat boots gathered in front of the dormitory square,ughing and chatting. ¡°Are you alright¡­?¡± ¡°Mind your own business.¡± Knightley responded coldly to her followers¡¯ concern about her bandaged hands. She knew they had been gossiping and badmouthing her behind her back during her nightly practice sessions. She didn¡¯t want to waste her emotions on such people. Knightley¡¯s gaze was fixed on Dian, who was standing at the front and yawning. Just watch, professor. I¡¯ll show you what I¡¯m capable of today. She clenched her fist and continued to stare at Dian, but he didn¡¯t meet her gaze. So instead, Knightley turned to the special student Sophie. Sophie was easy to spot with her distinctive pink hair, standing on the opposite side, surrounded by lower-ranked students with a nonchnt expression. After beating up Knightley¡¯s followers, Sophie had inadvertently be a hero to the lower-ranked students who had been bullied. Sophie would surely be flustered when told to climb a cliff unexpectedly. But Knightley knew what Dian would make them do. There¡¯s no student at the academy who knows Professor Dian better than I do¡­ This gave her a sense of superiority and a thrilling excitement. # # # # # ¡°Alright, everyone, get on the elevator in groups of ten!¡± At the t area below Ivronic Castle, after passing through the dimensional gate, the professors directed the students to board the elevator. ?!?! Knightley was shocked. She had expected to climb the old path or follow Sir Linus¡¯ climbing route up the cliff. Confused by the unexpected situation, Knightley ran to Dian. ¡°Professor?! Why are we taking the elevator?!¡± In response to Knightley¡¯s question, Dian looked puzzled and asked back. ¡°Then what, do you want to climb?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a field trip to a battlefield!¡± ¡°What are you talking about? Why would we suffer when there¡¯s an easier way?¡± ¡°This¡­ this wasn¡¯t supposed to happen¡­!¡± Seeing Knightley¡¯s despair, Dian tilted his head in confusion. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 60 – Field Trip to the Battlefield (6) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 60 ¨C Field Trip to the Battlefield (6) ¡°Wow, this is incredible.¡± I couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the sight before me after passing through the dimensional gate. The gate¡¯s exit was on the nd below the Ivronic Castle in the Hoshria Canyon. Now, there was no trace of the past horrors in Hoshria Canyon, allowing me to fully appreciate the stunning scenery. The steep cliffs on either side rose vertically, with sharp rocks and jagged protrusions. Small waterfalls created mist that reflected rainbows in the sunlight, cascading down between the cliffs. Clear streams, fed by these waterfalls, meandered through the canyon, with colorful wildflowers blooming around, gently spreading their fragrance. These were things I hadn¡¯t been able to see while climbing the cliffs back then. I could also see things that hadn¡¯t existed at that time. People crowded everywhere, and vertical elevators ascended the cliffs. The fierce battles had turned the once-destroyed canyon walls into gentle, moss-covered mounds. In front of these were shops and cafes. So, it really had be a tourist spot. Ivronic Castle stood majestically above it all, unchanged from ten years ago. The fortress walls built to extend the cliffs, the hidden loopholes and traps, and the towers providing amanding view of the entire canyon¡ªall stood as an impregnable fortress. But the wyverns that once filled the skies and the blood flowing down the walls and cliffs were now gone. ¡°Let¡¯s go up, everyone!¡± Therge elevators, donated by the Dwarves, could carry ten people at a time and five were installed along the cliff. We had reserved one elevator in advance, so we sent the students up in turns. ¡°Professor?! Why are we taking the elevator?!¡± Suddenly, Knightley pushed through the line of students, running towards me. ¡°Then what, do you want to climb?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a field trip to a battlefield!¡± ¡°What are you talking about? Why would we suffer when there¡¯s an easier way?¡± ¡°This¡­ this wasn¡¯t supposed to happen¡­!¡± I tilted my head, confused by Knightley¡¯s despair. What on earth is she talking about? ¡°But, did you hurt your hand?¡± I pointed to her bandaged hands, and Knightley, on the verge of tears, shouted. ¡°I thought we¡¯d have to climb up there!¡± She pointed to Linus¡¯s infiltration route I had seen earlier. ¡°Up there? Are you crazy? How could anyone climb that?¡± She¡¯s lost her mind, seriously. ¡°Enough. Get on the elevator quickly.¡± I pushed Knightley into the elevator, and as I got in, it started to rumble and ascend. ¡°Wait for me!¡± At that moment, Kirrin sprinted over and barely made it into the elevator. ¡°Headmaster, you shouldn¡¯t do such dangerous things. You should set an example for the students.¡± ¡°Hehe, sorry. I was just excited because it¡¯s my first time here.¡± Kirrin smiled awkwardly, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. ¡°But it¡¯s a bit cramped. They should have made it bigger.¡± At the same time, she pressed her body closely against mine. ¡°Sorry¡­ it¡¯s just so tight¡­¡± The feel of her chest against me was unmistakable under her usual white turtleneck. Ha, this Dark Elf, seriously¡­ What kind of behavior is this in front of the students? Thankfully, the students were more interested in the scenery outside the elevator. ¡°Woah.¡± They marveled at the view, and Knightley, seemingly forgetting her earlier frustration, gaped at thendscape. ¡°So cramped¡­ sorry, sorry¡­¡± Meanwhile, Kirrin clung to me even though there was more space avable. ¡°Eh¡­ touched again¡­ just bear with it a little¡­ why is it so cramped here, sorry¡­¡± Kirrin kept apologizing and making excuses while pressing against me. ¡°Headmaster¡­ please, don¡¯t touch there¡­¡± ¡°Sorry¡­¡± Feigning innocence, Kirrin quickly withdrew her hand. Looking at Kirrin¡¯s behavior right now, it was clear that Celine was still Celine. Even after ten years, she hadn¡¯t lost her sharp intuition. # # # # # [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] The elevator quickly ascended and stopped on a narrow teau right in front of Ivronic Castle. This was the area where the Demon King¡¯s army had spread poison gas andid mines in the past. Now, it was bustling with tourists, guides, and peddlers. ¡°We got up here so fast¡­¡± Kirrin, seemingly regretful, smacked her lips after getting off the elevator. ¡°Special Academy students, this way!¡± Orendi used magic to draw the academy¡¯s emblem in the air, gathering the students. As we moved towards the emblem, Professor Ismera was standing there with a disgusted look, covering her nose and mouth with her hand. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? I thought you said there wasn¡¯t any poison gas.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry. The smell is terrible. I just can¡¯t stand it.¡± As I cracked a joke, Ismera forced a smile, answering in a nasal voice. So, in simpler terms, she finds the smell of people repugnant. Typical of a pureblood elf. ¡°Greetings! Wee, graduating ss of the Special Academy!¡± As all the students and professors gathered, a guide from the castle management waved a g to lead us. We crossed the nd and entered the castle while the guide exined the historical significance of the site to the students. In the north of the Empire, the Hoshria Mountains stretch along the border. This extreme terrain forms a natural barrier, traditionally protecting the Empire. It was more than sufficient to keep out the belligerent minor kingdoms and tribal alliances that refused to join the Empire. Norge-scale army capable of threatening the Empire could cross it. Moreover, the deep valleys were teeming with monsters and criminals who had fled justice, making crossing the Hoshria Mountains an insane risk. The only passage through the mountains is the Hoshria Canyon, where Ivronic Castle is located. The wildly jagged mountains are miraculously cut to form a narrow passage, about a hundred meters wide. This passage is the only safe way to cross the Hoshria Mountains, making it a critical strategic point for the Empire. Therefore, the Empire undertook an insane construction project here: building the Ivronic Castle. Not only did they block the nearly vertical cliffs with a 20-meter-high wall, but they also built a fortress midway up the cliff to oversee and defend everything. Despite numerous interruptions from northern enemies and onsite idents, the Empirepleted Ivronic Castle in fifty years. For centuries, it served as a steadfast shield for the Empire. ¡°But that glory turned into a mere historical tale about ten years ago when the Demon King¡¯s army emerged.¡± The castle had no means to counter the unprecedented threat of wyvern riders. Ivronic Castle, seized by the Demon King¡¯s army, turned into a fortress that surrounded and blocked the Empire¡¯s rear. The Empire tried to reim the castle, but it was nearly impregnable due to its location. Moreover, the Demon King¡¯s army¡¯s poison gas and mines caused immense casualties, leading to prolonged bloody sieges. Finally, the Emperor sent the continent¡¯s hero, Linus, to end the hellish battle in this narrow canyon. ¡°At that time, Sir Linus realized he couldn¡¯t break through the poison gas and minefields head-on and devised a bold and creative infiltration n.¡± The guide pointed to the bottom of the cliff with his g. ¡°That¡¯s where Sir Linus climbed the cliff alone and opened the impregnable gates of Ivronic Castle.¡± I noticed yellow markers on the cliff, indicating the exact route Linus and I climbed. Wow, I can¡¯t believe they marked the path we climbed. Now that I see it, it¡¯s really high. What a crazy thing we did. ¡°Ugh!¡± At that moment, Felimia, who was standing next to me, suddenly covered her mouth and bent over as if about to vomit. ¡°Are you okay? Do you have a fear of heights?¡± ¡°N-No¡­ Ugh!¡± ¡°Go see Priestess Maya over there.¡± Felimia couldn¡¯t even respond and staggered towards the Priestess at the back. ¡°Professor Felimia doesn¡¯t seem well. She¡¯s been like this since the pub incident.¡± Lina looked worriedly at Felimia retreating. ¡°She brought this on herself.¡± ¡°Huh? What do you mean?¡± ¡°Never mind.¡± What I had shown Felimia were my memories of the battle to reim Ivronic Castle. She probably hasn¡¯t been able to eat properly since then. I walked to the edge of the cliff and looked down at the route Linus and I had climbed. There was nothing left now, but back then, the cliff was slick with blood and bodies. I could still hear the screams of the soldiers who flew through the air. # # # # # Linus and I arrived at the Hoshria Canyon, assigned to reim Ivronic Castle. Wyverns flew densely under the low, dark clouds. It was a measure by the Demon King¡¯s army to prevent infiltration via a dimensional gate above Ivronic Castle. Hence, the human alliance was desperately trying to enter the castle from below the canyon. ¡°Are they really fighting with just their bodies? Without catapults or anything?¡± No sooner had I spoken than catapultsunched rocks towards the castle. The rapidly rising rocks crashed into the walls and burst like tomatoes. ¡®Why are they bursting instead of breaking? Were these new explosive projectiles?¡¯ ¡°What¡­ what is that?!¡± Linus, who had better eyesight than me, saw it first and was horrified. ¡°Stop at once!!¡± Linus yelled and started running towards the battlefield. ¡°Wait up!¡± As we ran, the catapultsunched another volley at the castle. ¡°Uwaaaaaaaak!!¡± Only then did I see what it was. Bound demon soldiers screamed as they flew and crashed into the castle and cliffs. Responding in kind, something arced over the wall towards us. A human soldiernded and exploded right beside me. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 61 – Field Trip to the Battlefield (7) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 61 ¨C Field Trip to the Battlefield (7) ¡°Damn it.¡± Wiping blood and flesh off his face, Dian cursed. Meanwhile, Linus had already reached themand post of the human alliance and was furiously confronting the officers. ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?! Launching people with catapults?!¡± The corpsmander looked baffled by the sudden appearance of a young man and turned to his staff. ¡°Who the hell is this bastard?¡± ¡°I believe he¡¯s one of those people from the Pce, mentioned recently.¡± Upon hearing the report from a staff member, themander raised an eyebrow and straightened his posture. ¡°Apologies. You don¡¯t look like the typical noble. So, you¡¯re from the special unit of the Imperial Pce?¡± ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this? Why are youunching demons instead of projectiles?¡± ¡°Oh, that.¡± Themander nced at the catapultsunching demon prisoners again. ¡°They¡¯re demon prisoners we captured. They¡¯re low-ranking soldiers with no use to us, so we¡¯re sending them to demoralize the ones holed up in the castle.¡± ¡°You think the demons will surrender because of that? They¡¯re retaliating byunching our prisoners back at us!¡± ¡°Uwaaaaaah!¡± From above, several humans fell and exploded upon hitting the ground. Some collided midair, causing a gruesome scene. ¡°Damn it!¡± ¡°Uweek!¡± Soldiers covered in the debris cursed or vomited violently, retreating in horror. Seeing this, Linus shouted in anger. ¡°Stop this immediately! This is uneptable!¡± ¡°What¡¯s eptable in war? You do whatever it takes to win.¡± ¡°There¡¯s now that allows the execution of prisoners like this. This only results in our prisoners being killed in retaliation!¡± ¡°Haha, you special unit folks don¡¯t get it.¡± Themanderughed, tapping his baton on the table. ¡°We¡¯re fighting demons here. These horned bastards don¡¯t y by normal rules. We¡¯re in a desperate gamble where it¡¯s victory or annihtion.¡± ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean we should be like them. Stop this at once.¡± ¡°What if I refuse?¡± ¡°Then I¡¯ll exercise the authority granted to the special unit by the Imperial Pce.¡± Debating the treatment of enemy prisoners in such a critical battle was inappropriate. Ivronic Castle was crucial for both the Demon King¡¯s army and the human alliance. It had to be taken and defended at all costs. However, for Linus, destined to be a hero, the act ofunching defenseless prisoners with catapults was an intolerable atrocity. ¡°Who are you to dictate our operations?!¡± Themander exploded in rage at Linus¡¯s words. ¡°That¡¯s nonsense! Thew? Prisoners? They started it! Look at the cliff over there!¡± Themander pointed to Ivronic Castle¡¯s wall. There, bodies were strung up in a long line. ¡°They did that first! You might not know because you just got here, but they were alive at first! All of them!¡± ¡°What did you say¡­?¡± ¡°They tied up living prisoners on the cliffs to prevent us from using siege weapons! If you didn¡¯t hear the cries of those dying prisoners, shut up!¡± Linus was speechless, and themander, seething with rage, ordered his staff. ¡°Keepunching the prisoners! Ignore the special unit!¡± ¡°Calm down, Linus.¡± Just then, Dian, who had reached themand post, patted Linus on the shoulder. ¡°Now is not the time for internal conflict.¡± ¡°And who are you? If you¡¯re here to interfere, get lost!¡± Themander spat, but Dian raised his hands, smiling. ¡°I¡¯m not here to interfere. I¡¯m here to end this mess quickly. So listen to my n.¡± Dian quickly exined his strategy, which he had devised on the way to themand post. ¡°We¡¯ll infiltrate through the cliffs, clear the inside, and open the gates.¡± Themander and his staff were aghast at the seemingly insane n, but Dian shrugged. ¡°Do you have any other ideas? Before I arrived, I heard they¡¯re using poison gas and mines. There¡¯s only one approach route, and sending infantry through it is madness. Anyone else got a brilliant idea?¡± Dian exaggeratedly looked around, but no one offered an alternative. With all approaches blocked, scaling the cliffs was the only feasible option. ¡°But¡­ how do you n to climb the cliffs? It¡¯s high, and we haven¡¯t figured out a way to¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s our job, so don¡¯t worry about it.¡± ¡°Alright. We have nothing to lose. But don¡¯t meddle with our operations.¡± ¡°Sure thing.¡± Themander agreed to Dian¡¯s n, and at midnight, Linus and Dian began their infiltration of the cliffs. # # # # # [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] ¡°Linus, we have no choice.¡± Just before climbing, Dian patted Linus on the shoulder. ¡°It might not seem right to you, but what can we do? Right now, the corps is blinded by vengeance.¡± ¡°I understand. It¡¯s just¡­ I can¡¯t stand it.¡± ¡°Then let¡¯s finish this quickly. It¡¯s the only way.¡± The infiltration up the cliffs was far from smooth. It couldn¡¯t be. They had to climb through corpses, smeared and stuck to the cliff in unrecognizable bloody masses. All the while, both sides continued tounch prisoners at each other with catapults. St! A demon soldier,unched off-target, crashed above Dian, showering him with blood and an unidentifiable, slimy chunk. Dian spat out the blood and removed the gooey piece from his mouth¡ªa bloodied eyeball stared back at him. This marked the start of shredded body parts and sticky blood covering Linus and Dian. Climbing through this grisly waterfall, they had no choice but to use the dangling corpses as footholds. ¡°Ugh! I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± Every time a corpse, weakened by exposure, tore under their weight and fell, Linus grimaced and apologized to the dead. Eventually, they scaled the wall, ughtered the defending troops, and rescued the prisoners waiting their turn to beunched by catapults. Few survived, and those who did were left with permanent injuries from severe torture. Linus¡¯s expression was one of unspeakable grief as he looked at the survivors. ¡°Dian¡­ I don¡¯t know¡­¡± Despair etched deep into his face, Linus asked Dian. ¡°Was I right to protest to themander about the demon prisoners?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not about right or wrong. Everyone has values and ideals they strive for, which often conflict.¡± ¡°I see¡­¡± ¡°Otherwise, why would wars happen? The Emperor and the Demon King could just sit down, have a cup of tea, and shake hands, couldn¡¯t they?¡± Linus slowly shook his head. ¡°I think I was wrong¡­ Here, themander was right¡­¡± ¡°Well, we¡¯re not just stopping at reiming Ivronic Castle, are we? After we take the Demon King¡¯s head, we can think about it again.¡± Dian smiled and tore up the Demon King¡¯s army g, scattering the pieces. ¡°Let¡¯s go down. We need to tend to the surviving soldiers.¡± Dian and Linus descended the blood-stained tower steps side by side. # # # # # ¡°This is the very tower! This is where Sir Linus tore the Demon King¡¯s g right after reiming the castle.¡± The guide stood on the tower, exining. ¡°You¡¯ll see this moment depicted grandly in the Ivronic Remation Mural inside the castle. Let¡¯s move on.¡± The clean stone steps bore no trace of the past bloodshed as we descended into the inner castle. A few elderly people were trimming the courtyard trees with pruning shears¡ªlikely the caretakers. ¡°When the Demon King¡¯s army upied the castle, the remaining people here were all taken as prisoners.¡± The guide paused in the courtyard to exin. ¡°At that time, the Demon King¡¯s army frequently vited thews of war, abusing and executing prisoners. Thus, very few prisoners from Ivronic Castle survived. These are the surviving veterans.¡± The guide pointed to the elderly caretakers. ¡°These veterans miraculously survived but were left mute from the Demon King¡¯s army¡¯s torture. So, the Ivronic Castle management hired those who wished to work here as caretakers as part of our support and gratitude.¡± As the guide introduced them, the elderly men turned to us, smiling warmly and tipping their straw hats in greeting. ¡°Let¡¯s give a round of apuse to these veterans who fought and gave their lives for our present.¡± The students pped, and the veterans bowed deeply in response. ¡°Now, please follow me! Next, we will see the mural of Sir Linus tearing the Demon King¡¯s g.¡± The students followed the guide into the castle. ¡°Uh, uh, uh!¡± As I passed the veterans, one of them suddenly pointed at me and made a sound. ¡°Yes? Me?¡± ¡°Oh! Oh! Oh!¡± Then, the other veterans rushed towards me, pointing and making noises. ¡°Oh! Oh¡­ uh¡­¡± With tears streaming down their faces, the veterans grabbed my hands with their calloused, rough ones. I was momentarily confused but quickly understood and smiled. They still remember my face. ¡°It¡¯s been a long time. I¡¯m d to see you¡¯re all doing well.¡± As I embraced them, pulling them into a hug, the veterans cried even harder, bowing their heads in sorrow and relief. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 62 – Field Trip to the Battlefield (8) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 62 ¨C Field Trip to the Battlefield (8) Since getting off the elevator, Kirrin had been sticking close to Dian. This ce was a safe, well-managed tourist destination, and various professors and assistants were already keeping an eye on the students. There wasn¡¯t much for the headmaster to do. The guide from the castle¡¯s tourism management was leading the tour, with Professor Ismera providing additional exnations. This allowed Kirrin to stay close to Dian without worry. ¡°You¡¯re not a student, you should be at the front. Why do you keep following me?¡± ¡°Ugh. I¡¯m just making sure no student gets left behind.¡± Kirrin replied with a sly smile, offering a flimsy excuse. When Dian gave up asking, Kirrin continued to trail behind him. ¡°When the Demon King¡¯s army upied the castle, all these people here were taken as prisoners.¡± The guide paused in the courtyard to introduce the elderly caretakers. They were veterans who had been captured by the Demon King¡¯s army and miraculously survived. Kirrin, fearing they might react angrily upon seeing a Dark Elf, hid behind Dian. ¡°Now, let¡¯s head into the main castle!¡± As the group moved into the main castle, Dian and Kirrin were passing by the veterans when suddenly, the veterans excitedly approached Dian. ¡°Oh! Oh no!¡± Kirrin was frightened by the sight of the veterans approaching with sharp pruning shears. ¡°Ugh¡­ oh¡­¡± But the feared attack did not happen. The veterans dropped their shears and sped Dian¡¯s hands, tears streaming down their faces. Kirrin found the scene difficult toprehend. The age difference between Dian and the veterans was like that of a grandfather and his grown grandson. One was the Head Combat Professor at the Special Mission Academy, and the others were elderly veterans employed as caretakers. There seemed to be nomon ground between them¡­ ¡°I¡¯m d to see you¡¯re all doing well.¡± Dianforted the veterans with a gentle voice, embracing their shoulders. ¡°I¡¯m a professor at the academy. We¡¯re here on a field trip. Everything has changed so much since then; it¡¯s surprising.¡± Dian continued speaking, and the veterans, unable to stop their tears, nodded repeatedly. ording to the Combat Department professors, Dian was a veteran of the battle to reim this ce, so he must have known these men back then. Seeing Dian console the weeping veterans, Kirrin felt an unexpected sense of reverence and found herself tearing up. She had always thought of Dian as someone who took everything lightly and was always cheerful, but he had this side to him as well¡­ ¡°Ah¡­¡± Just then, Felimia, who had just joined the group, let out an involuntary gasp upon seeing Dian. # # # # # While Kirrin sniffled and wiped her tears, Felimia stared at Dian in a trance-like state. She had just received holy healing from Priestess Maya and rejoined the groupte. When the guide had exined Sir Linus¡¯s infiltration route, ¡®those memories¡¯ had resurfaced, causing severe dizziness and nausea. ¡®Those memories¡¯ were the ones she had seen in Dian¡¯s mind at the pub a few days ago. Felimia had been so shocked by the gruesome images that she had run outside and vomited loudly against a wall. She had almost fainted from the sudden, horrific scenes that unfolded without warning. No matter how much she prided herself on her mastery of psychological warfare and her ability to remain unshaken, there were no absolutes in this world. What did I just see? Whose memories were those? Could they really be Professor Dian¡¯s¡­? But that makes no sense¡­ Those can¡¯t be Dian¡¯s memories¡­ ¡°Wipe your mouth.¡± The sudden voice startled Felimia, making her almost copse. A strong hand caught her arm, supporting her. ¡°Here, wipe your mouth.¡± Dian, who had followed her out, handed her a tissue. ¡°Th-Thank you¡­¡± Felimia wiped her mouth with the tissue, looking at Dian with fearful eyes. ¡°Who are you¡­ really?¡± ¡°You saw it all, didn¡¯t you?¡± ¡°But those¡­ those aren¡¯t your memories. They should be Sir Linus¡¯s.¡± The only person who climbed the cliff of Ivronic Castle upied by the Demon King¡¯s army was the hero of the continent, Sir Linus. That was definitely Sir Linus¡¯s memory¡­ Felimia suddenly felt a chill run down her spine. She recalled the testimonies about two mysterious humans from ten years ago when she interrogated the demons. The blonde and the tousled brown-haired man who always stuck together. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] The blonde was undoubtedly Sir Linus, which meant the tousled brown-haired man was really¡­ ¡°Professor¡­ you were Sir Linus¡¯spanion¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. I moved with Linus from the time I enlisted as a lower-ranking soldier.¡± Surprisingly, Dian revealed his identity without hesitation. ¡°What you saw just now was a memory from the time we climbed the cliff together during the recapture of Ivronic Castle. It was a shocking scene, wasn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Yes¡­¡± ¡°Even seasoned soldiers lost their minds back then. It must have been overwhelming for you, who specialized in psychological warfare from the rear.¡± Felimia bit her lip and closed her eyes tightly. It was a memory she never wanted to revisit. ¡°I enlisted as a lower-ranking soldier in the 8th Corps,nded in the Kingdom of Avoca, and met Linus. We performed various missions together. Of course, I can¡¯t tell you most of them. Even if I experienced them, I can¡¯t casually disclose the Empire¡¯s secrets.¡± ¡°Then¡­ were you also part of the Demon King yer Special Unit¡­¡± ¡°The Pce didn¡¯t provide the academy with any information about me when I was appointed.¡± Felimia tried to speak, but Dian continued. ¡°I don¡¯t know why. I haven¡¯t asked yet. Maybe it¡¯s for political reasons or just to maintain the academy¡¯s hierarchy. But there must be a reason why the Pce acted that way, don¡¯t you think?¡± ¡°Yes¡­¡± ¡°I share the same sentiment as the Pce . I don¡¯t want unnecessary attention. Like the kind of attention you¡¯re giving me, Felimia.¡± Although not explicitly stated, Felimia understood it as a clear warning: ¡°Don¡¯t bother me.¡± ¡°So, keep the memory you saw today and what I said to yourself. No one would believe you anyway unless they see it for themselves.¡± Dian¡¯s words were true. If Felimia ran into the pub and told the other professors that she saw Dian climb the cliff of Ivronic Castle with Sir Linus, that he had been with Linus since his days as a lower-ranking soldier, and that Dian was one of the heroes who saved the continent, how many would believe her? Even if it¡¯s the truth, something too oundish seems like a lie. ¡°Are we done now? If you have more questions, let me know. I can always show you my memories.¡± ¡°I-I¡¯ll decline¡­¡± Stammering, the frightened Felimia watched Dianugh heartily and head back into the pub. After that, Felimia never mentioned her suspicions about Dian¡¯s past again. She had no desire to. Dian¡¯s warning was one reason, but the memory she glimpsed was so shocking that she was terrified of recalling it. The mere thought of identally bringing up those memories again was enough to paralyze her with fear. She had considered noting on this field trip but couldn¡¯t miss the academy¡¯s first trip since its founding. Barely managing to pull herself together, Felimia followed the group into the inner courtyard and saw Dianforting the veterans. Across the Empire, there were numerous paintings and statues of Sir Linus, depicting him leading the human alliance through the chaos of battle or holding the severed head of the Demon King. Felimia had seen many of these, but none had moved her as much as seeing Dian now. Bathed in sunlight streaming through the narrow valley, Dian hugging the veterans was as beautiful and sacred as any artwork praising Sir Linus. Only then did Felimia realize. The Head Combat Professor, Dian, was one of the heroes who saved the continent alongside Sir Linus. He was a nameless hero who lived quietly, leaving all his achievements behind. Despite this, there wasn¡¯t even a small monument to honor him. Caught up in the horrific memories she saw, Felimia had missed this realization. Removing her sses and wiping her eyes with her sleeve, Felimia thought: I will keep Professor Dian¡¯s secret to myself, as he wishes. Until Dian or the Imperial Pce decides to reveal the whole truth. For someone like me to gossip about him would be a vulgar insult and a severe disrespect. Felimia bowed her head in silent reverence. She paid this small tribute to a hidden and forgotten hero who sought neither recognition nor reward for his deeds. However, despite Felimia¡¯s intention to keep Dian¡¯s secret out of respect, several others had already witnessed the scene. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 63 – Field Trip to the Battlefield (9) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 63 ¨C Field Trip to the Battlefield (9) What the hell is that bastard doing? Hindrasta crossed her arms, looking very displeased as she watched Dian. Why is he bothering those poor old men and making them cry? Hindrasta had been wandering around instead of following the tour guide¡¯s group. To a dragon like Hindrasta, visiting battlefields from the Four-Year War meant nothing. So she was aimlessly observing when she saw the elderly men start crying at the sight of Dian. That scum doesn¡¯t even spare his own kind. Not even the elderly. Well, of course, a bastard like him would pull those kinds of stunts while chasing me. No sane person would do that. But why are those women crying too? Hindrasta clicked her tongue as she watched Kirrin and Felimia shed tears. Rustle, rustle, rustle. About to leave in disgust, Hindrasta turned at the sound of writing. Priestess Maya was watching Dian and quietly taking notes in her journal. This bitch is always writing something. What is she jotting down this time? ¡°Don¡¯te any closer.¡± When Hindrasta tried to sneak a peek, Maya shifted aside to block her view. ¡°Whatever, it¡¯s probably nothing interesting.¡± Hindrasta muttered, annoyed, as Maya continued her writing without reacting. Losing interest, Hindrasta turned and bumped her face into Knightley¡¯s chest. ¡°Ugh! What the¡ª!¡± Knightley, who was much taller than Hindrasta, didn¡¯t seem to realize that Hindrasta had buried her face in her chest. She was staring vacantly at Dian over Hindrasta¡¯s head. ¡°Move. Don¡¯t block the way.¡± When Knightley didn¡¯t budge, Hindrasta stubbornly pushed her face into Knightley¡¯s chest. Finally, Knightley noticed her and pushed her head aside. ¡°Hey!¡± But Knightley soon forgot about Hindrasta and continued to stare nkly at Dian. What¡¯s going on? Why are those veterans reacting to Professor Dian like that? Does that mean they know each other? How? Professor Dian said he lived in Brunswell for ten years. That means he must have known them during the war, right? Did Professor Dian participate in the battle to recapture Ivronic Castle? Knightley suddenly recalled what Dian had said after they captured the troll. He imed to be friends with Sir Linus and that they had done many things together. At the time, Knightley thought Dian was joking, trying to mess with her. But now, seeing him with the veterans, she started to believe it might actually be true, though it seemed unbelievable. But that¡¯s impossible, right¡­? How could someone so extraordinary be just a Head Professor at an academy? Seeing Knightley¡¯s confusion, Hindrasta grinned widely. ¡°You¡­ You¡¯re curious about what the Head Professor used to do, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Do you know something?¡± Knightley asked, and Hindrasta¡¯s grin grew wider. ¡°I know a few things. You might faint when you hear them.¡± ¡°Hmm, really? Let¡¯s hear it then.¡± ¡°That guy was chasing me during the war.¡± Knightley stared at Hindrasta. ¡°Why would the Head Professor chase you during the war?¡± ¡°Well, I¡¯m actually a dragon¡ª¡± ¡°Bullshit.¡± ¡°Hey! I¡¯m not done yet!¡± Knightley sighed and walked away, making Hindrasta shout and run after her. # # # # # Meanwhile, several professors of the Combat Department, including Morton, were also observing the scene. ¡°He¡¯s definitely a veteran from here. He wasn¡¯t exaggerating.¡± Linamented, and Morton stroked his beard in thought. There were many peculiarities about him being a simple veteran. For someone who participated in the Ivronic Castle remation, Professor Dian was remarkably unscathed. It seems likely that he was a special unit operative rather than a regr soldier. But were there any notable special unit operations in Ivronic Castle? Other than Sir Linus climbing the cliff to open the gate, nothinges to mind. One could argue that special units were deployed but failed, yet Dian survived unscathed. It feels like a crucial link in the story was missing. But Morton couldn¡¯t quite put his finger on what that link was. Or rather, he suspected but dared not voice it. Could it be¡­ the records have been falsified? Was it actually Dian who did it instead of Sir Linus¡­? Or did they perhaps do it together¡­? If Sir Linus led the special unit including Dian up the cliff, then it makes sense. After all, Sir Linus had experience serving in the special forces. But why didn¡¯t Professor Dian get any recognition in history? Obviously, the Imperial Pce wanted all the spotlight on Sir Linus. There was no ce for someone like Dian, just a member of the special unit. Did Professor Dian really climb the cliff with Sir Linus? While Morton was deep in thought, the other professors reacted positively in their own ways. Lina wiped her tears like the other female professors, and Waver and Orendi were visibly moved. They were the kind of people who saw the good in everything. Brogg and Kazadar were nowhere to be seen, and Geneb stood silently in the shade of the castle, his thoughts unreadable. Professor Anna, scratching her head, muttered about how the grass in the courtyard looked perfect for grazing, showing she cared only about mundane matters. Other students also witnessed the reunion of Dian and the veterans, but none of them thought deeply about it. They simply assumed that the smooth-talking Dian had said something to move the veterans, or that he had volunteered here in the past. None of these rumors had any basis in fact. These young students had grown up hearing the legend of Sir Linus. To them, he was the hero of the Ivronic Castle remation, and the idea of someone else ying a crucial role alongside him was unimaginable. # # # # # [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] After touring the murals of Sir Linus inside the castle, Professor Ismera led the students out. The morning tour had ended, and it was time to head down for lunch before returning. As she helped load students onto the elevator, Ismera suddenly felt a surge of anger. Where on earth is the headmaster? She¡¯s been missing the whole time! Wait a minute. Even the Head Combat Professor isn¡¯t here! Those two have left everything to me and wandered off together?! Fuming, Ismera left the other professors in charge and stomped back into the castle. ¡°Oh dear, the elf professor looks mad.¡± Kazadar chuckled, stepping aside as Ismera stormed past, looking ready to bite someone¡¯s head off. Spotting Dian and Kirrin approaching from the distance, Ismera strode over and snapped at them. ¡°What are you doing right now?¡± ¡°Uh, what do you mean?¡± Dian blinked in confusion, prompting Ismera to lose her temper entirely. ¡°As the Head Combat Professor, you should be fulfilling your duties during this field trip! How dare you leave everything to me and take a leisurely stroll!¡± ¡°A stroll?¡± ¡°This is thest straw! And you, headmaster!¡± ¡°Y-Yes?¡± Kirrin, startled, responded in a rare disy of formality. ¡°Yes, headmaster, you! I¡¯m talking to you!¡± Ismera was about to continue when the guide hurried over. ¡°Excuse me! Sir! Sir!¡± The guide stepped in front of Dian, causing Ismera to step back in surprise. ¡°Finally, you¡¯re here.¡± Grabbing Dian¡¯s hand, the guide spoke, leaving Ismera bewildered. ¡°The veterans have been waiting for you.¡± ¡°Oh, uh¡­ there was no need to say that.¡± Dian looked around ufortably. ¡°They stayed here, despite the painful memories, hoping you woulde back one day.¡± The guide continued, shaking Dian¡¯s hand. ¡°At first, I thought they were talking about Sir Linus. But they insisted otherwise. Despite their inability to speak, they made it clear it was someone else. I didn¡¯t believe it until this morning¡­¡± Ovee with emotion, the guide paused. ¡°Thank you foring. Now the veterans can finally find peace. And this¡­¡± The guide handed Dian a heavy pouch. ¡°This is what the veterans have saved from their wages. It¡¯s not much, but it¡¯s their heartfelt gratitude.¡± ¡°Huh? Please don¡¯t give me that!¡± Dian frantically waved his hands, rejecting the pouch. ¡°I didn¡¯te here for this. Please tell them that just knowing they¡¯re doing well is enough. Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me!¡± Grabbing Kirrin¡¯s wrist, Dian hurried out of the castle. What on earth just happened? Ismera, bewildered, watched Dian disappear before turning to the guide to ask what had transpired. ¡°Excuse me, but what¡¯s going on?¡± But the guide, wiping tears, had already retreated into the castle. ¡°Professor Ismera! Hurry up! It¡¯s thest elevator!¡± As she was trying to follow behind the guide, she turned to see other professors calling for her. Caught in a dilemma, Ismera eventually headed towards the elevator. What was that all about¡­ [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 64 – Joyful, the Savior Has Come (1) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 64 ¨C Joyful, the Savior Has Come (1) After returning to the academy, I resumed my daily routine. Following the morning meeting, I patrolled the campus, meddled in various subjects, bought snacks from the dessert cafe, and exercised with the professors in the afternoon. Fortunately, the academy has a well-maintained tennis court. Often, I gather with the professors for team matches with bets involved. Today, Anna and I were teamed up against Lindus¡ªno, Lina and Waver. At first, I doubted Anna¡¯s ability to y tennis. Anna usually moved sluggishly and didn¡¯t seem fit for strenuous sports. However, those doubts vanished once the game started. Thwack-!! Anna¡¯s racket swings were powerful, sending the ball like a bullet, forcing Waver and Lina to scramble around the court. Thanks to my decent tennis skills from real life, our team won by andslide. ¡°Wow, this is¡­ no contest.¡± Waver said, hands on his hips, tongue out. Lina was busy cooling off, pping her chest. ¡°Well done, Anna.¡± ¡°Thank you¡­¡± Anna mumbled, head down, holding her racket limply. ¡°So, you guys are treating us to snacks today, right? Let¡¯s go, I¡¯m thirsty!¡± We all headed to the dessert cafe and ordered juices and other drinks. ¡°This is delicious¡­¡± Anna said gloomily, sipping her juice slowly. ¡°But professor, I have a question.¡± Lina, sitting across from me, asked. ¡°During the battlefield tour, the veterans cried when they saw you, right? Were they people you met during the liberation battle?¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. I thought they¡¯d forgotten after ten years.¡± ¡°How could anyone forget someone they met in such circumstances? Were you in the same corps?¡± ¡°No, I was part of the attacking force, and they were trapped inside the fort.¡± ¡°Ah, I see. So you met them during the rescue after Sir Linus recaptured the Castle. What a remarkable connection.¡± Lina looked at me with teary eyes, clearly moved. Sometimes, Lina reminds me of a retriever, always friendly and weing to everyone. ¡°Head Professor, look over there.¡± Waver raised his hand and pointed to the rear of the main building where the faculty offices are located. Someone was standing by the window Waver pointed at but quickly disappeared. It was the Head Theoretical Professor, Ismera. ¡°She¡¯s been watching us since earlier. She¡¯s been doing that often since the battlefield tour.¡± Back then, Ismera had been furious, saying that Kirrin and I were idly strolling around, leaving the students behind. It wasn¡¯t due to her bad temper but rather her strong sense of responsibility as both the Head Theoretical Professor and acting vice-headmaster. It¡¯s not like Kirrin and I were cking off, but still. Since then, Ismera¡¯s gaze towards me has be much harsher. In the past, she always had a smile typical of elves, buttely, she¡¯s been openly showing her emotions. Even as a pureblood elf, her angry look is still quite pretty, but it¡¯s ufortable to be red at like that all the time. Given how she worried about Kirrin before and now about me, it¡¯s understandable. Maybe I should talk to the Princess about promoting Ismera to headmaster next time I visit the Pce. The academy is stable enough now, and I don¡¯t necessarily need to be the headmaster. It seems best for me to remain as the Head Combat Professor, for Kirrin to step down as the assassination instructor, and for Ismera to be the headmaster. The Emperor¡¯s stubbornness is the issue. Why does he insist on keeping the Dark Elf¡¯s daughter as headmaster and make her untouchable? If the Princess agrees to promote Ismera, maybe I¡¯ll talk to that guy named Nemara about it. It¡¯s not urgent, so I¡¯ll think about itter. # # # # # # # Waver and I washed up at the bathhouse in themercial district and then headed home leisurely. With a few spring rains, summer is just around the corner. The sky was already turning purple, stars emerging in the east, and a warm breeze from the unseen sea cooled my body, fresh from the bath. It felt great. I ran around tirelessly to save Linus up to the prologue, then defeated the Demon King in line with the story, reaching the ending. I don¡¯t know what happens after the ending, so I intended to enjoy a quiet life, but I was unexpectedly drawn into the academy. And I¡¯m very satisfied with life here. They say there¡¯s no paradise in escape, probably because they escaped to ces other than paradise. If they had escaped to good ces like I did, it would have been fine. ¡°Oh, right!¡± A thought struck me, stopping me in my tracks. I hadn¡¯t checked the patient records from Priestess Maya yet. Should I go now? No, Olysia is at home waiting with dinner. I¡¯ll check it on my way to work tomorrow. But what should I say to ess the patient records¡­? As I pondered this, I sensed someone ahead. Looking up, I saw Kirrin leaning against a wall, startled when she saw me. ¡°D-Dian¡­ Are you off work?¡± ¡°What are you doing here?¡± ¡°Oh, I was on my way home as well¡­¡± What is this Dark Elf saying? Her dorm is on the other side ¡°What brings you here?¡± ¡°Well¡­ it¡¯s a bit awkward to bump into you like this at this hour¡­¡± Kirrin mumbled, circling around the point. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] ¡°Since we¡¯re here anyway¡­ how about having dinner together?¡± ¡°You haven¡¯t eaten yet? I don¡¯t mind.¡± ¡°R-Really! Then let¡¯s go quickly!¡± Excited, Kirrin scurried over and clung to my side. After a while. ¡°Dian¡­ I meant to go to a restaurant in town¡­ but this is the opposite direction¡­¡± As we continued heading towards my house, Kirrin nced around nervously. ¡°I suggested dinner, not anything else¡­¡± ¡°What are you talking about? We¡¯re just going to eat.¡± ¡°But this ce is so secluded, it feels like something could happen without anyone knowing¡­¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re thinking, but it¡¯s not like that. We¡¯re here.¡± Kirrin¡¯s eyes widened as we stopped in front of my house. ¡°Th-This is¡­?!¡± ¡°Hey, Olysia! I¡¯m back! We have a guest!¡± ¡°Eeek?!¡± Hearing Olysia¡¯s footsteps, Kirrin panicked and backed away. ¡°See you tomorrow, Dian!¡± With that, Kirrin fled at an incredible speed typical of Dark Elves. ¡°Wee home. But where¡¯s the guest? Why are you alone?¡± ¡°They were here, but they left.¡± ¡°Huh? Are you kidding me? Come in. Dinner¡¯s ready.¡± I sat down to eat with Olysia and mentioned Kirrin. Olysia clicked her tongue knowingly and nodded. ¡°If she has any pride, she wouldn¡¯te in.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the story?¡± ¡°I told you before, right? The headmaster came looking for you the day you visited Sir Linus¡¯s house.¡± ¡°Oh, right. I remember now.¡± Kirrin was caught sniffing my freshly washed shirt by Olysia back then. I had forgotten about that. No wonder she was flustered when I brought her to my house. ¡°Sir Dian, what¡¯s your rtionship with the headmaster?¡± ¡°There¡¯s nothing between us.¡± ¡°Does the headmaster think that too?¡± ¡°How would I know, you brat. Pass me more food.¡± As she brought more food from the kitchen, Olysia spoke. ¡°I think the headmaster clearly likes you, Sir Dian. Why else would she be smelling your clothes? If she didn¡¯t like you, she¡¯d be crazy to do that.¡± ¡°I know she likes me. But that¡¯s all there is to it. There¡¯s nothing more.¡± ¡°Hmm, I see.¡± Olysia, cheeks puffed out, was lost in thought, not even touching her food. Of course, I know Kirrin likes me. I¡¯m not blind or stupid. But that¡¯s it. Right now, I don¡¯t have any feelings for Kirrin other than sympathy. Just because someone likes you doesn¡¯t mean you have to like them back. But it seems Olysia thinks differently. ¡°Sir Dian.¡± Olysia spoke in a serious tone, her expression grave. ¡°You should consider the headmaster.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Try developing a good rtionship with her.¡± ¡°Why should I do that?¡± ¡°Because you¡¯re at an age where you should be thinking about marriage. Do you n to live like this forever?¡± ¡°I n to. Being single isfortable.¡± ¡°That¡¯s nonsense. People need a partner. Besides, the headmaster is a good woman.¡± I stayed silent, wondering what she was getting at. ¡°She¡¯s pretty, has a great figure, is kind, and she¡¯s the headmaster of an Imperial Academy. Sure, the fact that she¡¯s a Dark Elf is a bit of a hurdle, but so what? It¡¯s not like we¡¯re at war anymore.¡± ¡°So, you¡¯re saying I should marry Kirrin?¡± ¡°If you do, I¡¯d be happy.¡± ¡°Why would you be happy if I get married? Ah, I see.¡± This brat. She thinks that if I marry the headmaster, I¡¯ll never be kicked out of the academy and can stay in the Imperial Pce. As smart as she is, she¡¯s still a child. ¡°Why don¡¯t you invite the headmaster over sometime? I¡¯ll prepare a grand feast. I¡¯ll even tidy up the master bedroom.¡± ¡°You really don¡¯t hold back, do you?¡± When I reached out to flick her forehead, Olysia quickly dodged and snapped her fingers as if remembering something. ¡°Oh, and there¡¯s mail for you. It looks like an invitation.¡± ¡°An invitation?¡± Olysia retrieved an envelope from the living room table. It was an invitation to the ¡°Tatarnok Vige Restoration Day Event.¡± This must be from Linus. He mentioned joining him for an event in the vige we rescued from the Demon King¡¯s army. So, this was it. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 66 – Joyful, the Savior Has Come (3) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 66 ¨C Joyful, the Savior Has Come (3) ¡°Are you okay, Professor¡­?¡± Lina asked with concern, and I shook my head with a smile. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine. It was just a dream. Don¡¯t worry about it.¡± Having just seen the invitation to the Tatarnok event, I couldn¡¯t help but dream of something like this. After finishing the scalp massage, my hair felt quite decent. ¡°Oh my goodness!!¡± Lina sped her hands in excitement when she saw me. ¡°You should have cut it like this sooner! It looks so, so, so, so good! Right, Anna?¡± ¡°Uh, yes¡­¡± Anna, who had nced at me, quickly averted her gaze and mumbled. It¡¯s not wartime anymore, and with a salon right next door, I guess I¡¯lle here more often. Hearing that, the owner was overjoyed. ¡°I¡¯ll personally take care of the Head Professor. You muste again.¡± ¡°Yes, thank you.¡± As we stepped outside, students enjoying their free time after school crowded around us, shouting. ¡°It¡¯s the Head Professor!¡± ¡°Professor Dian!¡± The students¡¯ enthusiasm was overwhelming, and Anna and Lina were soon lost in the crowd. ¡°Your haircut suits you so well!¡± ¡°You look handsome!¡± ¡°When will you give me a private lesson!?¡± ¡°Secret prince!¡± Kids at their age are always so noisy. And ¡®secret prince¡¯? There are still students who believe such nonsense. Responding appropriately, I headed to the faculty area when something caught my eye. It was Kirrin, hiding around the corner of the market, watching me. If I guess correctly, she came to suggest having dinner with me today but lost the chance because of the crowd. When I waved, Kirrin quickly disappeared. # # # # # ¡°Hm, what could it be¡­.¡± After parting ways with Dian, half-forced, Professor Lina walked alone, lost in thought. ¡°What could it be¡­¡± ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Professor¡­?¡± Anna, who was walking beside her, asked gloomily. Lina stopped and turned to her. ¡°You heard the Head Professor talking in his sleep just now, right?¡± ¡°Well¡­ I didn¡¯t hear it clearly¡­ he shouted so suddenly¡­¡± ¡°I definitely heard ¡®Linus¡¯ and ¡®Horned Ones¡¯. What could it be¡­?¡± ¡°Is it something serious¡­? I don¡¯t really understand¡­¡± As Lina continued to ponder, Anna mumbled hesitantly. ¡°It was just sleep-talking¡­ Everyone knows Sir Linus¡­ And since the professor is a war veteran¡­ maybe he dreamt of fighting alongside Sir Linus¡­¡± ¡°Could be¡­ Hmmm¡­¡± But Lina couldn¡¯t let it go as easily as Anna. Although she had always thought that what Professor Dian did in the past wasn¡¯t important now, his sudden outburst during the scalp massage was too vivid to ignore. ¡°Where are you twoing from? Anna, did you get your hair cut?¡± Just then, Professor Felimia greeted them, and Lina ran over to her. ¡°Professor! You used psychological warfare on the Head Professorst time, right?¡± ¡°What? Um¡­ No¡­?¡± Felimia adjusted her sses and averted her gaze. ¡°You did, didn¡¯t you? Didn¡¯t you end up kneeling and vomiting?¡± ¡°That was just¡­ because I drank too much¡­¡± ¡°Really? Professor, you think I wouldn¡¯t notice if you used psychological warfare?¡± At a loss for words, Felimia quickly drew back her cloak. ¡°Alright. I did attempt it. But I failed. But why?¡± ¡°It¡¯s just that, earlier in the salon, the Head Professor had a strange sleep-talking episode.¡± After Lina exined what happened, Felimia shook her head, looking baffled. ¡°I have no idea. It was probably just sleep-talking. Why give it so much meaning?¡± ¡°Maybe¡­ But if you had heard it yourself, you¡¯d be suspicious too, Professor.¡± ¡°Suspicious of what¡­ Anyway, take care.¡± ¡°Goodbye.¡± Felimia walked quickly away from Lina and Anna toward the dormitory. Seeing Dian reunite with war veterans at the Ivronic Castle that day, Felimia had resolved never to reveal what she discovered about his identity. Revealing the truth against Dian¡¯s will would be an insult to the hero who made such noble sacrifices. So she had no choice but to feign ignorance when Lina asked. Despite her cheerful exterior, Professor Lina possessed sharp intuition and keen judgment. She had noticed Felimia¡¯s psychological battle against Dian in the pub and quickly dug towards the truth from a single sleep-talk phrase. Even so, Felimia couldn¡¯t step forward to defend Dian. But there was no need to worry. Professor Dian was a hero who, along with Sir Linus, had saved the continent. Professor Lina couldn¡¯t confront someone like that out of mere curiosity. # # # # # ¡°Did you always look like this?¡± Olysia asked with a satisfied smile when she saw him in his suit. ¡°It¡¯d be great if you always dressed like this.¡± Now, wearing a suit Olysia bought from a store in the city center and shiny shoes, he looked quite different. Today was the day of the Tatarnok Vige Restoration Event. ¡°Hoooh, that¡¯s right. The Head Combat Professor of the Imperial Special Mission Academy should look like this.¡± Olysia smiled contentedly, patting my shoulders. ¡°Well, I¡¯m off.¡± I e left the faculty area and walked towards the main gate. Linus had arranged for a carriage to be sent to the gate. ¡°Hello, Anna.¡± ¡°Huh¡­? Who are you¡­?¡± Anna, carrying something to the stables, stared at me nkly. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] ¡°It¡¯s me.¡± ¡°He-Head Professor¡­?¡± ¡°What are you doing this weekend? Going to see the kids?¡± ¡°Uh, yes¡­ But your outfit today¡­ um¡­¡± Anna stammered and quickly ran off. As I continued to the main gate, I saw students gathered there. Students preparing for their weekend outings. ¡°Huh?! It¡¯s Professor Dian!!¡± I tried to walk around them, but someone noticed and screamed. ¡°Where, where?!¡± At that, students began to swarm like a flock of sheep. ¡°Professor Dian!! You look so cool!¡± ¡°Where are you going!!¡± ¡°Uhh. I¡¯m off to marry a dragon.¡± Even though the joke wasn¡¯t that funny, the kidsughed uproariously. But one student stood in shock. ¡°Wh-What do you mean¡­ marrying a dragon¡­?!¡± It was Hindrasta, the pink-haired White Dragon. Is that dragon ever doing any studying with all this wandering around? ¡°A dragon¡­ there¡¯s only me¡­¡± Hindrasta trembled and muttered nonsensically. ¡°No, no¡­ I can never mate with someone like you!!!!!!¡± Her roar was almost like the Dragon Roar, shocking the students who turned to look at her. ¡°You beat me up before, and now you n to assault me?! No way! I¡¯d rather die! Just kill me instead!!¡± ¡°Sophie, what¡¯s wrong¡­?!¡± Hindrasta¡¯s lower-ranking followers, who worshipped her like a god, worriedly watched as she burst into tears and ran off. ¡°Where are you going! Not going out?¡± Her followers chased after her as she fled to the dormitory. That crazy dragon. Tsk, tsk. ¡°You look impressive.¡± While watching Hindrasta run off, Knightley appeared, pushing through the students. ¡°Are you going out too?¡± ¡°Yes. But where are you going?¡± ¡°I told you. To marry a dragon.¡± ¡°Ha. I see. If you¡¯re going into town, let¡¯s go together? It¡¯s on the way.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll go on my own.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve called for a carriage. Come on, let¡¯s go together.¡± Knightley pointed to a carriage waiting at the main gate. Wait, that carriage¡­ ¡°You guys take another carriage.¡± Opening the carriage door, Knightley turned to her followers with a cold re. ¡°This carriage is for the Head Professor and me.¡± ¡°Okay, fine¡­¡± As her followers moved back, Knightley smirked and got in the carriage first. As she sat down, she froze. ¡°Uh¡­?¡± ¡°You¡¯ve mistaken the carriage.¡± ¡°Huh¡­¡± Knightley¡¯s eyes widened as she saw Linus sitting across from her. Oh no, it¡¯s Linus¡¯s carriage. ¡°Uh, um¡­ So¡­¡± The usually cynical Knightley scratched her head awkwardly. ¡°Sir¡­ Sir Linus¡­?¡± ¡°Move aside, kid. This isn¡¯t your carriage.¡± As I pushed her aside, Knightley clumsily stepped down the steps backward. ¡°Seems you¡¯re quite popr at the academy, Dian.¡± As I boarded and closed the door, Linus chuckled. ¡°A student casually sharing a carriage with the Head Professor.¡± ¡°That kid¡¯s unusually cheeky. She¡¯s the Knightley Toulouse I mentioned before.¡± ¡°Ah, yes. The youngdy from the Duke Toulouse¡¯s house. Bold, she¡¯ll make a great figure someday.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know about that. But she¡¯s certainly talented. If she were an ordinary student, she couldn¡¯t keep up with half of what I demand and would¡¯ve given up.¡± ¡°Blood doesn¡¯t lie. By the way.¡± Linus looked at me up and down. ¡°You¡¯re dressed splendidly.¡± ¡°Olysia insisted. Said it would be impolite otherwise.¡± ¡°She did well. The vigers will appreciate it.¡± Will they? I¡¯m not sure. Will Knightley be okay? Of course, she will. ¡®Just try telling people that Sir Linus arrived at the academy gate to pick up Professor Dian,¡¯ I thought. ¡®Who would believe that?¡¯ # # # # # ¡°Knightley. Knightley!¡± ¡°Huh¡­?¡± Waking from her daze, Knightley blinked at Professor Lina¡¯s call. ¡°What are you doing here, standing like that?¡± Lina had been on her way out for errands and saw Knightley standing like an idiot on the side of the road. After staring at Professor Lina for a moment, Knightley finally managed to speak. ¡°Professor¡­ Sir Linus¡­¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°I just saw Sir Linus¡­¡± ¡°What are you talking about? You saw Sir Linus?¡± ¡°He was in that carriage over there¡­¡± Knightley pointed to a carriage moving away in the distance. ¡°And Professor Dian was with him¡­ They went together¡­¡± ¡°The Head Professor¡­?¡± At that moment, Lina recalled the strange sleep-talking incident at the salon the day before. ¡°P-Professor? Where are you going? Huh?! That¡¯s the carriage I called for!?¡± ¡°Please follow that carriage!¡± Lina jumped into the carriage that had just stopped at the gate and ordered the driver to follow the disappearing carriage. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 65 – Joyful, the Savior Has Come (2) Chapter 65 ¨C Joyful, the Savior Has Come (2) I never thought Tatarnok Vige would still be standing. It¡¯s fascinating. Back then, I thought it waspletely reduced to ashes and would never rise again. When Linus and I passed by the vige, the Demon King¡¯s army had already set it on fire. We managed to save the vigers, but we couldn¡¯t protect the burning houses. As I looked at the invitation, recalling those memories, Olysia peeked over the table. ¡°What is that?¡± ¡°Oh, this? It¡¯s an invitation to a vige event.¡± ¡°What kind of event?¡± ¡°A vige we saved during the war. They¡¯re asking me toe this time.¡± ¡°Really? Then you should go. When is it?¡± ¡°This weekend.¡± ¡°Perfect timing. I¡¯ll prepare a nice outfit for you. And you should get a haircut. Stop by the salon in themercial district after work tomorrow.¡± ¡°Yeah, yeah. Without you, I¡¯d live like a beggar.¡± I joked, and Olysia shrugged her shoulders with a smug look. Funny kid. # # # # # # # ¡°Head Professor! Let¡¯s go y tennis!¡± The next day, as I was about to leave work, Lina ran up and grabbed my arm. Behind her, Anna stood awkwardly, dragged along by Lina. ¡°Are you swimming in money? You¡¯re just going to lose again today. Besides, I¡¯m busy. I need to get a haircut.¡± ¡°Are you going to a wedding or something?¡± ¡°Something like that. Let¡¯s y tennis tomorrow.¡± ¡°Oh, then we¡¯lle with you to the salon!¡± What¡¯s she talking about now? Lina hooked her other arm around Anna and said. ¡°Anna needs a trim anyway. We might as well go together.¡± ¡°N-No, I¡¯m fine¡­.¡± ¡°What¡¯s fine about it? Come on.¡± Anna¡¯s hair was indeed a bit scruffy. She didn¡¯t seem to care about anything except horses. She was theplete opposite of Lina, who was always neatly dressed. Speaking of which, about their names¡ªLina¡¯s real name is Lindus, but she asked people to call her ¡®Lina¡¯ because her original name sounded too masculine. There¡¯s no special connection between Anna and Lina¡¯s names. ¡°Oh my goodness!¡± When we entered the salon in themercial district, the owner made a fuss, weing me enthusiastically. ¡°Isn¡¯t this the Head Combat Professor from the academy!?¡± ¡°It¡¯s my first time here.¡± ¡°Even if it¡¯s your first time, who wouldn¡¯t know the Head Combat Professor? Are you here for a haircut?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Pleasee this way.¡± The owner guided me to a chair in the center. There were several other chairs around, with students sneaking nces at me. ¡°Professor Anna is here for a haircut too.¡± ¡°Is that so? Professor, please have a seat here.¡± Encouraged by Lina, Anna reluctantly sat next to me. A different stylist attended to her, while the owner focused on me. ¡°How would you like it cut?¡± ¡°Just keep it neat, same style as now.¡± ¡°You look great already, but this style would suit a handsome man like you.¡± The owner showed me a booklet with various hairstyles illustrated in detail. ¡°Aren¡¯t these styles that are popr with the male students? I¡¯ll just stick with my current style.¡± ¡°Understood¡­.¡± The owner looked a bit disappointed but picked up the scissors. ¡°No, no¡­ Just a little, a very little¡­.¡± ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we cut this much? It¡¯s almost summer.¡± ¡°No, no, no¡­.¡± Next to me, Anna was also having a debate about hair length with her stylist. The stylist wanted to cut off a lot of Anna¡¯s thick hair, but Anna, who was not ready for such a drastic change, was firmly against it. After a heated discussion, including Lina, they settled on trimming it and tying it up tightly. ¡°Professor, you shoulde more often.¡± Listening to the fuss andughing, the owner spoke while touching my hair. ¡°Or do you get your hair cut somewhere else in town?¡± ¡°I just cut it at home with a razor.¡± ¡°Really? Are you serious?¡± Seriously. I just swipe the long hair off with a razor. Olysia freaks out, but it¡¯s convenient for me. It¡¯s a habit that has been solidified since I¡¯ve reincarnated in this world. Since joining the army until the end of the war, I couldn¡¯t afford to go to a proper salon, so I just cut my hair roughly. Now, I¡¯m so used to it that I can style it decently with just a razor. ¡°How does this look?¡± After trimming my hair, the owner showed me the mirror. It was indeed neat. ¡°Looks good.¡± ¡°Now, let¡¯s wash your hair.¡± The owner washed my hair with warm water, asking, ¡°How¡¯s the water temperature?¡± ¡°Feels like paradise.¡± After washing, the owner offered a scalp massage, saying it was aplimentary service for first-time visitors. Applying a fragrant oil and gently massaging my scalp felt surprisingly good. ¡°Feels nice, doesn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°It does¡­.¡± The rhythmic pressing on my scalp was so soothing that I unintentionally drifted off to sleep. # # # # # # # ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª HEL SCANS [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] [Proofreader ¨C Demon God] Join our Discord for release updates! ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª ¡°Ah, this feels great!¡± Emerging from the ice-cold creek water, my entire body felt refreshed and rejuvenated. ¡°Hey, Linus. Why don¡¯t you join me?¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Linus replied, keeping a vignt eye on the entrance to the creek from the other side. ¡°I don¡¯t see any signs of movement yet.¡± ¡°Of course not. We¡¯ve been running non-stop for two days. Come on, wash up. If not, you might copse by morning.¡± ¡°Maybe¡­.¡± ¡°And you need to wash off the smell to avoid being tracked.¡± Linus must have found the logic sound, as he slowly descended the slope, stripped off his clothes, and stepped into the creek. In the meantime, I got dressed and climbed up to the spot where Linus had been standing, looking out over the direction we had fled from. ¡°No lights, no aura. They probably think we¡¯re dead and went back.¡± ¡°I hope so.¡± Linus answered, sshing water on himself. ¡°We need to make it back to the battalion HQ safely¡­.¡± Right now, we were the only two survivors from our toon, making a desperate escape. The corps had dispatched a toon to scout the enemy¡¯s situation, and it just had to be ours. Our toon leader was a newlymissioned officer, fresh to the front lines, blinded by ambition. The previous toon leader was reassigned after I reported him to the battalion for embezzling supplies. I initially nned to let it slide, but when he ordered a charge against an ogre vanguard, I had a bad feeling that staying under him would mean a pointless death before even facing the Demon King. Then we got a new toon leader, who turned out to be even worse. If thest one was merely ipetent, this one was both ipetent and greedy. Before the reconnaissance mission, he inspected our gear and openly dered that we should seize this opportunity to make a name for ourselves. Ignoring the boundary set by the corps, he infiltrated deeper and discovered a Demon King¡¯s battalion camp. He then ordered a night raid¡ªa suicidalmand. The result was the annihtion of our toon. Not the bat ineffective¡± kind of annihtion, butplete wipeout. Somehow, Linus and I managed to survive and were retreating to the distant battalion HQ. If our insane toon leader had died near the boundary, we might have reached HQ by now. We had infiltrated so deeply that no matter how much we ran, the HQ was nowhere in sight. Judging by the terrain, we might need another day or two. We should rest today. There¡¯s no way they¡¯d pursue us this far just to catch two soldiers. We need to sleep if we want to keep running. ¡°You¡¯re right, Dian. I¡¯ll take the first watch.¡± Finding a hollow spot, I piled branches and leaves to lie on while Linus climbed back up the slope to keep watch. ¡°Alright. Wake meter.¡± With that, I hit the ground and fell asleep immediately. Who knows how much time passed. ¡°Dian, Dian!¡± Linus shook me awake roughly. ¡°What is it¡­?¡± ¡°A vige over there is under attack!¡± ¡°What?¡± I followed Linus up the slope and peeked out. Indeed, not far away, a small vige was engulfed in mes. It was a vige we hadn¡¯t seen earlier because there were no lights. ¡°Look. It¡¯s the Demon King¡¯s army.¡± Linus pointed to the corner of the vige where horned figures carrying torches roamed. We could hear the screams of people fleeing from them. ¡°They haven¡¯t evacuated yet. How unlucky.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s help them, Dian.¡± ¡°How? We¡¯re just two, and they look like a toon at least.¡± ¡°If we leave them, they¡¯ll all die.¡± That was true, but¡­ I hesitated for a moment before shaking my head. If we don¡¯t hold back now, Linus and I might never kill the Demon King. ¡°Linus, I understand, but¡ª¡± ¡°Waahhhh!¡± At that moment, a child¡¯s scream tore through the air. A kid, about six years old, had fallen while carrying an infant on his back. ¡°Dian!¡± Linus grabbed my shoulder. ¡°We promised to kill the Demon King, but if we ignore this, I¡¯ll regret it for the rest of my life!¡± ¡°Damn it, fine!¡± Seeing the child shielding the baby with his body, I jumped to my feet. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Linus! Let¡¯s take out those horned bastards!¡± ¡°Professor?!¡± As I was about to rush down the slope, someone shook my shoulder. I opened my eyes to see the salon owner looking down at me. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Did you have a dream? You were talking about Linus and horned something¡­?¡± ¡°Did I?¡± As I turned, I saw Anna, Lina, and everyone else in the salon staring at me. Chapter 67 – Joyful, the Savior Has Come (4) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 67 ¨C Joyful, the Savior Has Come (4) ¡°How have you been, Dian?¡± As I looked out the window of the running carriage, Linus asked. ¡°Judging by your face, it seems you¡¯ve been well.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been great. There¡¯s no reason not to be.¡± I turned my gaze from the window and smiled. ¡°These days, the headmaster is working hard, no one interferes with me, and the academy has everything I need. Everything is perfect. Except for the fact that you invited me to this event today.¡± ¡°Haha. Sorry, but it couldn¡¯t be helped.¡± Linus raised both hands. ¡°You have no idea how the people of Tatarnok vige have been longing for you these past ten years. Although I know you don¡¯t want to rely on past glory and attract public attention, you might change your mind when you get there.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know yet. I¡¯m not sure.¡± ¡°By the way, have you checked the patient logs?¡± ¡°Not yet. The timing hasn¡¯t been right.¡± ¡°I see. As you know, the Lormane¡­¡± ¡°Enough. There¡¯s no need to bring up Lormane on a day like today.¡± Linus smiled awkwardly and fell silent. ¡°Recently, I visited the Ivronic Castle for a battlefield tour.¡± I changed the subject to shake off thoughts of Lormane. ¡°It¡¯s changed a lot. It¡¯s be a tourist attraction.¡± ¡°The Imperial Pce exaggerated my achievements to gain public support.¡± ¡°It seemed so. There were murals of you and markings on the cliffs.¡± ¡°Ha, yes¡­¡± Linus, embarrassed, rubbed his forehead and sighed deeply. ¡°When I first heard about the development n, I opposed it. As you know, reiming Ivronic Castle wasn¡¯t solely our achievement. We stepped over the bodies of the dead and delivered the final blow.¡± ¡°Right. Many had already died before we got there.¡± ¡°Disregarding all that and only putting my name on the signboard is an insult to those who died there. I didn¡¯t even climb the cliff alone.¡± ¡°It¡¯s kind of funny, actually.¡± ¡°I wanted to preserve the original form of Ivronic Castle and carve the names of the fallen on the cliff. But the result is what you saw there. Guides, cafes, souvenir shops, murals. It¡¯s absurd.¡± Linus continued speaking with a grim expression, looking out the window. ¡°Now that you¡¯re back in the Empire, you¡¯ll see many more ces like this. There are countless ces simr to Ivronic Castle here in the Empire.¡± Familiar names flowed from Linus¡¯s mouth. The Camel Ridge, Dervion, Callias, Rajoram, the ck Swamp, Orandir, Pinluk, Pensimian, Tiraellen, and many more. ¡°Every ce where you and I briefly visited has a small monument or statue. These are all the Emperor¡¯s desperate attempts to maintain his political life.¡± After the war, the power structure of the Empirepletely reversed. The nobles¡¯ council, the Emperor, and other old elites who had controlled the Empire achieved nothing significant during the war. Their rigid thinking, self-preservation, and strategic ipetence, which they had hidden behind their authority, were exposed. In contrast, the Second Princess, a concubine¡¯s daughter, and officers frommoner backgrounds achieved remarkable results against the Demon King¡¯s army with their unique cleverness and flexibility. To restore his weakened base, the Emperor heavily promoted the achievements of the Demon King yer Special Force, especially those of Linus. The Emperor himself had approved the formation of the special task force, and it was his only aplishment during the war. ¡®The task force personally established by the Emperor achieved these great exploits and restored peace by killing the Demon King.¡¯ But my name isn¡¯t there. I refused all offers from the Pce and disappeared, which enraged the Emperor. His anger stemmed from my refusal of his proposal, his fear that it might tarnish his only achievement, and his concern that I might harbor other ambitions. ¡°The Second Princess wants you to remain a secret even while serving as a professor at the academy.¡± ¡°That¡¯s what I want too.¡± ¡°But it¡¯s not just out of consideration for you.¡± ¡°I can guess. She probably wants to keep me for herself. You¡¯re already under her control.¡± Linus nodded. ¡°I am publicly known as a hero of the continent, and Celine is now in no condition to act. Lormane is the chief executive of the church and untouchable. Kaiden is isted in the Magic Tower.¡± ¡°But the one missing member of the task force is now a professor essible to anyone. She wants to prevent opposing forces from approaching and recruiting me. Since she can¡¯t forcefully bind me, she¡¯s hiding me in the Special Mission Academy she controls, keeping my existence a secret?¡± ¡°You¡¯re remarkable. You¡¯ve already figured everything out.¡± ¡°It¡¯s obvious to anyone who isn¡¯t an idiot. But there¡¯s one thing I still don¡¯t understand.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Your actions.¡± I pointed at Linus. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] ¡°I don¡¯t care about being treated as a hero, and the Second Princess prefers me staying quiet, right? So why are you trying to take me to this event?¡± ¡°Because you and I did it together.¡± Linus said with a serious expression. ¡°It¡¯s not just my achievement. It¡¯s ours. It¡¯s unfair for me to be celebrated while you¡¯re forgotten.¡± ¡°But this could go against the Pcel¡¯s intentions. Rumors will spread eventually.¡± ¡°That too is unfair.¡± Linus replied firmly. ¡°I want you, Dian, to be in a position worthy of what you¡¯ve done. I don¡¯t want you to be hidden or revealed due toplex political purposes against your will. You shouldn¡¯t be treated like that.¡± ¡°I understand what you¡¯re saying. It¡¯s my choice to decide whether to be a hero or remain hidden. But I want to live quietly.¡± ¡°Ten years ago, you left the Pce and moved to a distant port city, unaware of how the world changed. You don¡¯t even know how many people who owe you are waiting for and honoring you. I want you to experience everything objectively and then decide for yourself.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­¡± ¡°If, after meeting the people of the Tatarnok vige today, you still want to live quietly disconnected from everything, I¡¯ll respect that. I prioritize your free will and choice. The Pcel¡¯s intentions are irrelevant.¡± As I slowly nodded, Linus asked, ¡°You visited Ivronic Castle, so you must have met the veterans there. Didn¡¯t they recognize you?¡± ¡°They did. The guide there seemed to have already heard about me from them.¡± ¡°There are many people across the continent waiting for you. And over there too.¡± Linus pointed out the window. Between the mountains, a ratherrge vige came into view. Is that the Tatarnok vige? It¡¯s grown so much since then! Seeing the vige, which had been in ruins, standing intact, I felt an indescribable emotion. ¡°After the war, I continued to support the vige in our names. I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t get your consent in advance. But there was no way to contact you.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. And¡­ it¡¯s not bad. It looks good.¡± ¡°And over there is the valley where we took a brief rest.¡± Following Linus¡¯s gesture, I saw a sunken valley not far from the vige. Memories from that time flooded back. Linus and I ran straight to the vige from there and immediately struck the rear of the Demon King¡¯s army. The Demon King¡¯s army then had about thirty soldiers, roughly a toon size. It was night, and they were attacking civilian houses, so they were scattered. Thanks to that, Linus and I hunted them down one by one. But the houses were already burning and copsing, and the vigers were thrown into an extreme situation in the path of the main force of the Demon King¡¯s army. I never thought this vige would recover¡­. ¡°They¡¯reing! Sir Linus¡¯s carriage is here!¡± As the carriage approached the vige, people rushed out and cheered. ¡°Sir Linus! Did you bring him with you?!¡± ¡°You promised to bring him this year!¡± As Linus got out of the carriage, people grabbed him and bombarded him with questions. ¡°I did bring him. Dian,e out.¡± Linus stepped aside with a smile, and I awkwardly stepped out of the carriage. As soon as I fully stepped out, a cold silence fell over the crowd. ¡°S-Sir Dian¡­¡± ¡°Sir Dian is really here!¡± ¡°Waaaah!¡± At someone¡¯s shout, people screamed and rushed toward me. They immediately grabbed me and started tossing me in the air in celebration. # # # # # ¡°What¡¯s going on¡­?¡± Meanwhile,Lina, who had been hiding in the nearby mountains, observed everything happening at the vige entrance. It was indeed Sir Linus and Professor Dian who got out of the carriage. Knightley¡¯s words were true. And suddenly, the vigers enthusiastically weed Professor Dian and even tossed him in celebration. Not understanding the situation, Lina decided to infiltrate the vige. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 68 – Joyful, the Savior Has Come (5) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 68 ¨C Joyful, the Savior Has Come (5) After being tossed into the air several times in celebration, I finally managed to set my feet on the ground. I didn¡¯t expect such a vigorous wee. ¡°Sir Dian! You¡¯ve finallye!¡± ¡°We¡¯ve waited so long for this day!¡± As I tried to fix my disheveled hair, people surrounded me, greeting me loudly. Looking at their faces, I recognized a few and smiled. ¡°You¡¯re all still alive and well.¡± ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to you and Sir Linus!¡± ¡°How is it that you haven¡¯t aged a day in ten years?¡± ¡°But you seem to have aged quite a bit. You look so much older.¡± ¡°Hahaha!¡± It¡¯s not that my memory is particrly exceptional, but I remember the faces of the vigers because of the dire situation back then. When we defeated the Demon King¡¯s toon, the vige was already engulfed in mes and copsing. The vigers had be refugees, and staying there would have left them exposed to the advancing Demon King¡¯s army. After much deliberation, Linus and I decided to take the vigers with us on our retreat to the battalion headquarters. Among the vigers were young children and elderly people who couldn¡¯t walk, extending our expected two-day return to four days. And since few vigers survived, I remember most of their faces. Fortunately, we didn¡¯t encounter the Demon King¡¯s army again during those four days, and we safely reached the battalion headquarters. In recognition of our efforts, Linus and I received medals. ¡°Everyone, calm down.¡± A woman emerged from the excited crowd. ¡°Hello, Sir Dian. Do you remember me?¡± ¡°Um, I¡¯m not sure.¡± She smiled when I didn¡¯t recognize her. ¡°Do you really not remember? I said I would marry you when I grew up.¡± ¡°Whaaaat?!¡± Her words startled me, and the people around us burst intoughter. ¡°Of course, you wouldn¡¯t recognize me. I¡¯ve grown so much in ten years.¡± ¡°So, are you going to marry him now, Merilda?¡± ¡°Hahaha!¡± Seeing my surprised expression, Linus answered with augh. ¡°That¡¯s right, Dian. She¡¯s now the acting vige administrator.¡± ¡°Acting administrator?¡± ¡°Yes. She studied public administration at the public academy. She¡¯s very smart.¡± ¡°Huh¡­ The world really has changed in thest ten years¡­¡± That girl is the savior of this vige. To be precise, she was the reason Linus and I decided to save the vige. When we saw her running with her baby sibling on her back, falling over, we both rushed into the vige. She was just a kid back then, but she¡¯s grown up so much? And she graduated from a public academy with a major in public administration and now serves as the acting vige administrator? The ten years of an adult and the ten years of a child are certainly different. ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to the support from Sir Linus and you. I was able to attend school with the money you both provided.¡± I was about to say that Linus provided the money alone, but Linus quietly shook his head to stop me. ¡°Why don¡¯t you show Dian around the revitalized vige?¡± ¡°Sounds good!¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± At Linus¡¯s suggestion, the people cheered and, led by Merilda, began to push me forward. I entered the vige with the vigers like a small boat caught in a wave. Linus followed slowly, smiling contentedly. ¡°Oh? Wow.¡± I couldn¡¯t help but exim as I entered the vige. Tatarnok vige hadpletely transformed from the horrific state it was in ten years ago. The burned and copsed houses had been rebuilt into neat, sturdy brick houses, and flowers were nted everywhere, creating a cheerful atmosphere. In the center of the spacious cobblestone square stood arge fountain spraying cool water. The fountain featured white marble statues, one of Linus and¡­ was the other one supposed to be me? The small statues depicted Linus and me shoulder to shoulder, holding the severed heads of the Demon King¡¯s soldiers. Embarrassing. Around the fountain, little children who didn¡¯t understand who Linus was or what the rebuilding event was about were ying joyfully, running in and out of the fountain. And that wasn¡¯t all. There was even a school. Considering that this world, unlike modern times, didn¡¯t have apulsory education system, it was incredible to see a school in a vige, not a big city. But the building really was a school with several ssrooms. Educated vigers voluntarily taught the children, making this vige the one with the highest academy enrollment rate in the area. It was like saying kids from a small rural vige in modern times mostly went to top universities. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] In this world, academies were highly prestigious institutions that were difficult to get into. ¡°This is truly¡­ hard to believe¡­.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it? Everyone worked hard over the past ten years. The continued support from Sir Linus and you made the biggest difference.¡± Merilda said proudly. I knew Linus had a lot of money, but I didn¡¯t realize he could revive an entire vige. Well, being the hero of the continent must mean having that kind of capability. It took quite a while to tour the entire vige, which had grown significantly. It seemed more appropriate to call it Tatarnok city now. ¡°We¡¯re nning to apply for city status soon. We recently met all the conditions for the upgrade.¡± Merilda answered confidently to my remark. ¡°Then our vige will have an official administrator assigned, and we can develop even more. It¡¯s all thanks to Sir Linus and you. Without you both, the vige and everyone in it would have perished back then.¡± Merilda continued. ¡°We¡¯ve all been waiting for you to visit, Sir Dian. Sir Linuses to see us every year, but you haven¡¯t visited even once in the past ten years. We wanted to show you what your decision and courage that night achieved.¡± Merilda spread her arms, gesturing to the vige that was now practically a small city. ¡°Look, Sir Dian. This is all thanks to you and Sir Linus. You saved the lives of everyone here, including the children born afterward.¡± ¡°Yes¡­ I¡¯m so d to see everyone doing so well.¡± It feels strange. The vige of Tatarnok, which was helplessly burned down by just thirty Demon King soldiers, is now on the verge of being upgraded to a city. The child we saved has graduated from the academy and is serving as the acting administrator, and the other vigers are all doing well. Some have married and had children, and the vige has grown into such a peaceful and beautiful ce. After touring the entire vige, we headed to the vige hall. Therge hall was filled with food, like a wedding banquet, prepared to celebrate my visit. ¡°Sir Dian, please say a few words. Everyone is waiting.¡± As Merilda pushed me onto the stage, all eyes turned to me. ¡°Hello, everyone. I¡¯m Dian. It¡¯s been ten years since we parted.¡± The vigers nodded with pleased smiles. ¡°I vividly remember leaving the burning vige with you all that dark night. Strangely, I recall it being quite a warm night.¡± Voices of agreement came from here and there. ¡°At that time, to be honest, I thought the vige would bepletely gone. I never imagined it would rise again so magnificently. It¡¯s truly amazing.¡± ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to Sir Linus and Sir Dian!¡± Someone shouted. ¡°I¡¯ve heard. Sir Linus continued to support the vige in both our names. But that¡¯s secondary. Without your determination to rebuild, no amount of money could have created the Tatarnok vige we see today.¡± The vigers apuded. Some began to tear up and sniffle. ¡°I should havee sooner. I didn¡¯t save you that night to be recognized. But seeing the significance of what I left behind while seeking a quiet life has made me realize how important it was to someone.¡± ¡°Thank you, Sir Dian!¡± ¡°You saved us, Sir Dian!¡± The sobbing quickly spread, and most of the vigers were now crying and pping. I nced at Linus, who was nodding with a warm smile. # # # # # What is all this¡­? Lying t on the roof of the vige hall, Lina blinked in confusion. What did Professor Dian and Sir Linus do¡­? [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 69 – Joyful, the Savior Has Come (6) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 69 ¨C Joyful, the Savior Has Come (6) Lying t on the roof, Lina quickly organized the information she had just heard. So, Professor Dian rescued the vigers alongside Sir Linus during the war? Does that mean Professor Dian was also part of the special task force? Or did he temporarily join forces with Sir Linus by chance? Lina considered various possibilities but couldn¡¯t be sure of the answer. The story Professor Dian told the vigers only outlined the situation. At least she knew that Professor Dian had conducted an operation here with Sir Linus, so she decided to investigate further. Lina silently jumped down from the roof, disappearing from sight just before touching the ground. # # # # # The celebration that started at lunchtime continued into the evening. The food seemed endless, and the atmosphere was filled with singing, dancing, and ys, creating a festive mood. Having been pulled out several times to dance and sing, I returned exhausted and copsed next to Linus. ¡°Hey, Linus. Do they do this every year?¡± ¡°No. This is special because you came. Usually, it¡¯s just a modest meal.¡± ¡°Really¡­ I¡¯m exhausted¡­¡± ¡°Exhausted? That¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve heard you say that.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not just about physical stamina. It¡¯s more like my energy is being drained.¡± I gulped down a cold beer as Linus chuckled and pushed a te of food towards me. ¡°You can¡¯t help it. The people here have been waiting for you more than for me.¡± ¡°That¡¯s ridiculous. Sir Linus, the yer of the Demon King, the hero of the continent, and the savior of the intelligent races, is right here.¡± ¡°But that¡¯s the true. So, has your perspective changed?¡± I silently ate my food for a moment, pondering Linus¡¯s question. On the way here, Linus had told me that I didn¡¯t know how the world had changed in the ten years since I left for Brunswell, and that the Pce¡¯splex situation had intentionally hidden me. He said it was unfair and that I should decide my own treatment, not others. To do that, he brought me to the Tatarnok vige reconstruction celebration to see everything with my own eyes. In simpler terms, he was saying, ¡®You¡¯re being sidelined intentionally or unintentionally. Please face reality!¡¯ Coming to Tatarnok vige, I realized how valuable the things I had thoughtlessly left behind were. Of course, I had simr thoughts when I saw the tears of the war veterans at Ivronic Castle. Linus was probably thinking, ¡®See, I told you so.¡¯ ¡°See, I told you so.¡± As expected, Linus said exactly what I had guessed. That guy is so simple-minded, always predictable. ¡°Let¡¯s attend more events like this in the future. It¡¯s not just about giving. Allowing those we¡¯ve helped to express their gratitude is also a virtue.¡± ¡°Maybe. I¡¯ve never thought about it that way because I¡¯m not as noble as you.¡± ¡°This has nothing to do with nobility. It¡¯s an important social interaction.¡± ¡°Alright, alright. You¡¯re so great.¡± But Linus hasn¡¯t realized one thing. This world is a novel where hero Linus, the protagonist, defeats the Demon King. I was merely a supporting character helping Linus until the end, and my disappearance after the Demon King¡¯s defeat was part of that. I didn¡¯t fail to face reality and retreat to Brunswell. Supporting characters have their own endings. I chose to quietly step back after the ending, unaffected by the elements Linus worried about. For example, the Pce¡¯s schemes or my failure to recognize my own worth. Those are just thoughts of Linus, who cares too much about me. I really just wanted a peaceful life, which is why I went to Brunswell. Only after hearing about Linus¡¯ difficult situation, I became a professor at the academy. I don¡¯t care how the Pce tries to use me, and if they go against my will, I won¡¯t just stand by. But today is a good day, so let¡¯s avoid serious and sensitive topics. I don¡¯t n to reveal the whole truth to Linus anyway. ¡°Sir Dian!¡± Just as I was about to suggest heading home, Merilda grabbed my hand. ¡°What are you doing on such a happy day? Come and join us!¡± ¡°I was just ying until now¡­¡± ¡°Come on!¡± Merilda pulled me to the center of the hall, where many vigers were dancing. At that moment, the lively music stopped, and softer, gentler music began to y. Merilda wrapped her arm around my waist and took my hand. ¡°Do you know how to dance?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°Then I¡¯ll teach you.¡± Merilda led me slowly, dancing as we turned. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] I just followed her lead since I had never danced formally before. I had only danced once before, forcibly with Lormane at the wee party after we killed the Demon King. Back then, Lormane didn¡¯t know how to dance either, and the dance wasn¡¯t really the point. She just dragged me out to keep me from looking at other women. So, I moved my body as Merilda guided me. ¡°Sir Dian, I¡¯m d you¡¯re back. Where have you been for the past ten years?¡± ¡°I was hanging out in an unnamed port city far away. But you¡¯ve really grown, haven¡¯t you?¡± Ten years ago, she was a small child who didn¡¯t even reach my waist, and now she was an adult almost as tall as me. ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to you, Sir Dian. If it weren¡¯t for you, I would have died back then.¡± ¡°It¡¯s thanks to Linus.¡± ¡°No, I know. Sir Linus helped us because you suggested it.¡± ¡°Who told you that?¡± ¡°Sir Linus.¡± What a funny guy. He¡¯s not entirely wrong, though. Linus is a hero, but he¡¯s not an overpowered character from a web novel, who is chosen by god, and can cut the sky and move mountains. He¡¯s more like a protagonist from aing-of-age story, oveing hardships with hispanions and ultimately achieving justice. Moreover, Linus didn¡¯t really start to grow until the prologue, after the special task force was formed. So, without me, Linus couldn¡¯t have saved the vige alone. ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m really happy to see you again, Sir Dian.¡± ¡°I¡¯m also grateful and happy to see you doing so well.¡± Merilda smiled and buried her face in my chest. The warmth of Merilda in my arms felt somewhat mncholic. When the Demon King¡¯s army attacked the vige, Merilda was separated from her parents and was running with her baby sibling on her back. She tripped and fell, and when we arrived, the baby was already¡­. Seeing that, Linus and I lost it and killed every single one of the Demon King¡¯s soldiers. We didn¡¯t spare even those who begged for their lives, cutting off their heads or throwing them into burning houses. Of course, killing them didn¡¯t bring the baby back to life. Linus med himself for a long time afterward, thinking that if he had found the vige a bit earlier¡­ I felt the same. What if I had immediately run out before suggesting helping the vige. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for beingte. If I hade sooner¡­.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Merilda pressed her finger to my lips. ¡°You arrived just in time, Sir Dian.¡± Was she referring to ten years ago or today? ¡°I just turned an adult this year.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°I said I¡¯d marry you when I grew up. You haven¡¯t forgotten that promise, have you?¡± Iughed out loud at Merilda¡¯s joke. # # # # # ¡°Whew, I¡¯m exhausted.¡± As the music changed, Merilda stepped back from me with a smile. ¡°Shall we go get some fresh air?¡± ¡°Shall we?¡± It was early summer, and the weather was quite hot. Even though all the windows in the hall were open, it was still sweaty with so many people dancing. As we stepped outside, the warm breeze of an early summer night blew in. ¡°Ha, it¡¯s not even cool at night anymore.¡± ¡°It can¡¯t be helped. It¡¯s summer.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go somewhere cooler.¡± ¡°Where?¡± ¡°Follow me.¡± Merilda led the way across the vige. When we were far enough that the noise from the hall was barely audible, she stopped at the outskirts of the vige. It was the boundary between the forest and the ins surrounding the vige. It was quite dark, as the vige lights didn¡¯t reach here, and the sound of flowing water could be heard. From the look of the terrain, it seemed to be a stream flowing from the valley where Linus and I had rested briefly. ¡°Let¡¯s rest here for a while, Sir Dian. Dip your feet in the water. It¡¯s really cool.¡± Following Merilda¡¯s advice, I stepped into the stream, and the ice-cold water from the valley was indeed very refreshing. ¡°Wow, it¡¯s really cool. Come in too, Meril¡­ What are you doing?¡± Merilda was standing there naked. Her clothesy at her feet like discarded skins. ¡°I¡¯m keeping that promise.¡± [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 70 – Joyful, the Savior Has Come (7) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 70 ¨C Joyful, the Savior Has Come (7) ¡°I haven¡¯t forgotten the promise.¡± Merilda opened her mouth, stepping over her discarded clothes. ¡°The promise to marry you when I grow up.¡± Back then, after safely arriving at the main headquarters following a four-day escape. Little Merilda told me she would marry me when she grew up. She said she wouldn¡¯t meet or love anyone else until then and asked me to wait for her. ¡°I¡¯m an adult now. I¡¯ve graduated from the academy and have a proper job.¡± Walking through the water, Merilda stood in front of me with a blushing face. ¡°I was so happy to hear you wereing. I¡¯ve kept myself pure for this moment.¡± Seeing the serious Merilda, I was so dumbfounded that I had to stifle augh. If Iughed now, it would surely hurt her deeply. But aside from that, it was amusing. At that time, Merilda was just a kid, not even ten years old. She probably didn¡¯t even understand what she was saying, swept up in the moment. Even though she¡¯s an adult now, to me, Merilda still looks like a child, no different from Knightley or Olysia. ¡°I appreciate your feelings, Merilda.¡± ¡°Dian¡­¡± I held Merilda¡¯s shoulders as she tried to hug me. ¡°But I must respectfully decline. To me, you¡¯re still the little girl from ten years ago.¡± ¡°What¡­?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t save you with this in mind.¡± ¡°But¡­¡± ¡°If I epted you, it would tarnish the noble sacrifice I made.¡± Merilda¡¯s face showed extreme confusion at my words. ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry¡­ That wasn¡¯t my intention¡­¡± ¡°I know you didn¡¯t mean it. That¡¯s why you still seem like a child to me.¡± ¡°I see¡­¡± Merilda lowered her head in disappointment. ¡°I¡­ wanted to repay your kindness¡­ So¡­¡± ¡°You having be such a wonderful person is repayment enough. I don¡¯t expect more.¡± ¡°Ah, Dian¡­¡± Tears began to fill Merilda¡¯s eyes. ¡°You¡¯re so noble and pure¡­ and I foolishly tried to taint someone like you¡­¡± ¡°Not at all. Your intentions were pure. You¡¯re just young, and your way of expressing it was inappropriate.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± ¡°You don¡¯t need to apologize. I already feelpletelypensated bying here today.¡± ¡°You¡¯re truly¡­ an amazing person¡­¡± Merilda wept. ¡°You should be celebrated as a hero¡­ more than Sir Linus¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯m really fine. Your tears are more precious to me than any title of hero.¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡± Overwhelmed, Merilda covered her mouth with both hands, trembling. ¡°Let¡¯s head back. People will start looking for us.¡± ¡°Yes, Dian¡­¡± After waiting for Merilda to get dressed, we returned to the vige together. All the way back, Merilda kept praising my noble soul. ¡°Yes, yes.¡± Actually, there was another reason I rejected Merilda. Of course, what I told her was the main reason, but there was also something else. Frankly, Merilda isn¡¯t my type. Shecks, how should I put it¡­ the right kind of curves? Being with someone like her feels likemitting an unforgivable crime to me. In my memories, Merilda is a ragged, snot-nosed little girl. It really feels seriously guilty. Even seeing her naked, I had no reaction down there, which says it all. But I couldn¡¯t say that outright. I couldn¡¯t just tell her, ¡°I¡¯m not into you.¡± If I were the protagonist of a web novel, the readers would probably call me a eunuch, but truth is truth. I like someone with a body like Kirrin or Ismera. Anything less just doesn¡¯t do it for me. I don¡¯t want to be with someone who hasn¡¯t matured enough. And most importantly, there¡¯s a bigger problem. Lina is hiding in the bushes using her stealth skills right now. Why is she even here? # # # # # Meanwhile, Lina was silently wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. She was deeply moved by how Dian treated Merilda. Following Linus and Dian¡¯s carriage, Lina had infiltrated the vige from a distance. She saw Dian being warmly weed by the vigers and giving a speech at the town hall. While understanding the general situation, she eavesdropped on various conversations to grasp the finer details. Especially those between Sir Linus and Professor Dian. As a result, Lina discovered an astonishing truth. Professor Dian was part of the same special task force as Sir Linus and had been active for quite a long time. They first met as soldiers during the early days of the Four-Year War, meaning they were together before the formation of the Demon King yer Task Force. Yet, Professor Dian¡¯s name wasn¡¯t on the official list of task force members announced by the Pce. What on earth¡­? Seeing Professor Dian and Merilda leaving the town hall, Lina hurriedly followed. At the stream outside the vige, Merilda, naked, offered herself to Professor Dian, who respectfully declined. Moved by the manner of his refusal, Lina wept silently behind a tree. After Dian and Merilda returned to the vige, Lina also made her way back, pondering the missing pieces of the puzzle. If they were together since their days as soldiers, Professor Dian would¡¯ve naturally been part of the task force unless there was some disqualification. Yet, despite the grand publicity of the task force¡¯s achievements, his name was never mentioned. What could it be? Nearing the bustling town hall, Lina found her answer. The Emperor is involved. Professor Dian is from the task force. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Her real name is Lindus. Due to its masculine tone, she prefers to be called by her nickname, Lina. However, Lindus in fact is not her real name. No one knows her true name. Upon retiring from the task force after the war, the Pce created the new identity of Lindus for her. All task force members go through a simr identity change like Lina. Members whose true names are public, like Sir Linus, are rare exceptions. Like most covert operatives, Lina possesses unique physical abilities not found in ordinary people. She has incredible stamina and endurance, silent movement skills, the courage and physical attributes to traverse difficult terrains, and even the ability to perceive spatial structures without seeing them. For these reasons, Lina was recruited by the Imperial Security Office and served in the task force for years. She infiltrated noble estates to steal critical documents and worked as a spy in neighboring kingdoms. Then war broke out, and instead of gathering intelligence on the Demon King¡¯s army, she was deployed to the 3rd Corps of the Imperial Army,manded by the Second Princess. Until then, Lina believed the task force was about making sacrifices in the shadows for the Empire. But after infiltrating the 3rd Corps, she received baffling orders. Her superiors wanted detailed personal information about key figures in the Corps, operational ns, and supply statuses. Why illegally obtain secrets from our own forces during a war against demons? The information could be obtained through regr channels. Skeptical, Lina collected intelligence but dyed reporting it to her superiors. She investigated why these unreasonable orders were given. As an adept covert operative, Lina soon uncovered the whole story. The rivalry between the Second Princess and the Emperor, and the Emperor¡¯s attempts to find any excuse to depose her. What nonsense is this? The demons are inherently superior in physical abilities andmand demonic creatures as their livestock. Millions of them form armies, and the continent is on the brink of copse. The 3rd Corps, led by the Second Princess, is the savior of the civilized races and the human alliance. If the Second Princess is deposed, the 3rd Corps will copse, leading to the copse of the front lines. Having infiltrated the Corps, Lina had several chances to observe the Second Princess up close. She is cool-headed, brilliant, bold, ruthless, yet infinitely kind, gentle, and loving. And they want to bring her down for political reasons? Even her own father? It¡¯s absurd. So, Lina deliberately provided only low-value intelligence to her superiors. As a result, her ability toplete missions was questioned, and she was eventually expelled from the task force. The war ended shortly after. Jobless, Lina was suddenly offered a teaching position at the ¡®Special Mission Academy¡¯ by the Imperial Security Office. That¡¯s when Lina realized that the Second Princess knew everything. She knew Lina was a covert operative, that Lina hid intelligence unfavorable to her, and that offering the teaching position was a reward. Having experienced all this, Lina deduced that the Emperor was involved in the obscurity surrounding Professor Dian¡¯s contributions, despite his achievements alongside Sir Linus. The Emperor, who prioritized deposing his daughter over the continent¡¯s peril, likely concealed Professor Dian¡¯s contributions for trivial reasons. So, what should I do now? For now¡­ I¡¯ll keep this to myself. Professor Dian must have a significant reason for not revealing everything himself. How can a mere professorprehend the mind of a hero who saved the continent with Sir Linus? Like how she withheld intelligence about the Second Princess during the war, Lina decided to keep the truth about the unsung hero to herself for now. But to think Professor Dian was such a person¡­ He¡¯s truly amazing¡­ [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 71 – New Special Student (1) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 71 ¨C New Special Student (1) When we returned to the hall, Linus gave me a meaningful look. ¡°It¡¯s not what you think.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything.¡± As I sat down next to him, Linus nced at Merilda walking away and asked. ¡°So, what did you two do?¡± ¡°It was hot, so we dipped our feet in the stream outside the vige and talked. Seriously, nothing happened!¡± ¡°I said I didn¡¯t say anything.¡± ¡°Damn it! Your eyes are saying everything!¡± Linus chuckled quietly and leaned back, avoiding my hand as I tried to grab his cor. As I retracted my hand, Linus spoke again. ¡°There¡¯s something you need to know, Dian.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Merilda has turned down numerous marriage proposals waiting for you.¡± ¡°That¡¯s her choice. That doesn¡¯t mean I have to do anything.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true. But you¡¯re at the age where you should start considering a partner.¡± ¡°Not Merilda, though.¡± I shook my head. ¡°Would you marry someone you saved as a kid? Legally she¡¯s an adult, but at twenty, she¡¯s still just a kid. Think about when we were twenty.¡± ¡°Well, we were in the midst of war at twenty, so it doesn¡¯t quite resonate.¡± ¡°Anyway, it¡¯s a no. If I ever do get married, it¡¯ll be to someone more mature, not someone like Merilda.¡± ¡°Everyone has their own values and preferences. I¡¯m not saying you should marry Merilda. I just wanted you to know the situation.¡± ¡°Yeah, yeah, you¡¯re so wise.¡± ¡°But Dian, Merilda is an impressive young woman.¡± Linus continued. ¡°Despite losing her parents and siblings, she didn¡¯t give up. She graduated with top marks from the public academy and now serves as the vige¡¯s acting administrator. I don¡¯t know if you realize, but that¡¯s akin to being a civil servant¡­¡± ¡°Were you trying to set me up on a blind date by bringing me here?¡± ¡°Of course not.¡± Linus said, smiling and closing his mouth. Merilda had indeed grown into a fine young woman, but that didn¡¯t change my feelings. ¡°But Dian, are you just going to leave things as they are?¡± Linus gestured with his eyes to a corner of the hall while eating. As expected, Linus had noticed too. There, hidden from view using stealth techniques, was Lina. She was sitting at an empty table, propping her chin with her hands, staring intently at me. ¡°She¡¯s been watching you like that for a while now. Who is she?¡± ¡°She¡¯s a professor in our Combat Department. Specializes in infiltration. Probably a former special force agent.¡± ¡°I see. But I¡¯m not interested in her resume. I¡¯m curious why she followed you here and why she¡¯s staring at you like that.¡± ¡°I have no idea. Maybe she¡¯s curious about who I am.¡± ¡°That makes sense. She¡¯s probably intrigued by the past of the suddenly brilliant Head Professor. So, are you going to leave her like that?¡± ¡°It¡¯d be awkward and startling if I acknowledged her. She¡¯ll leave on her own eventually.¡± ¡°Alright, if you say so.¡± With that, we shifted our attention away from Professor Lina. # # # # # ¡°Haa, Head Professor¡­¡± Lina continued to gaze at Dian with her chin in her hands. Ever since she was captivated by how Dian handled Merilda at the stream outside the vige, she had been doing this. A young, handsome, and capable Head Combat Professor who appeared out of nowhere and quickly restored the academy to its proper course. And it turns out he was an unsung hero who fought alongside the hero of the continent Sir Linus?! On top of that, he achieved incredible feats and never mentioned them, embodying humility?! A noble soul who refused a pure-hearted girl who waited ten years for him to preserve the meaning of his sacrifice?!?! How could she not fall for him? Living with such a person would surely bring lifelong happiness. But that¡¯s just a fantasy. Lina had encountered many secrets unknown to ordinary people during her time in the special force. She knew how dangerous and dirty the Imperial Pce could be. Given the current circumstances, Professor Dian was likely entangled in theplex affairs of the Pce, preventing him from receiving the recognition he deserved. Acting rashly in admiration could lead to significant trouble. Moreover, Professor Dian was a noble person and her superior. She couldn¡¯t presume she was suitable for him. Revealing her feelings could result in one of them having to leave the academy. And that would probably be her. After being dismissed and bing unemployed due to the Pce¡¯s hostility during the war, she had found this job thanks to the Second Princess¡¯s grace. Still¡­ being kinder and more considerate towards the Head Professor wouldn¡¯t be a problem, right¡­? After all, he is a hero deserving of such treatment¡­ And maybe, slowly opening his heart and naturally getting closer¡­ So wonderful, Head Professor¡­ # # # # # [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] It waste at night when all the events finally concluded. The vigers urged us to stay until the next day, but that was difficult. Linus had no intention of staying out overnight, leaving his wife and child, and I wanted to get home and rest. ¡°Dian¡­¡± Merilda, tears streaming down her face, came to see me off. ¡°When will youe again¡­?¡± ¡°I¡¯lle when I get the chance.¡± ¡°When will that be¡­?¡± I gave an awkward smile as I didn¡¯t know when that would be, and Merilda grabbed my hand. ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you here, however long it takes. Until youe to me.¡± ¡°Alright¡­¡± This was getting burdensome. I couldn¡¯t tell her not to wait for me right to her face. ¡°Goodbye, everyone!¡± As the carriage started moving, the vigers cheered or cried as they saw us off. ¡°Dian! I mean it! I¡¯ll wait for you!!¡± Merilda shouted, running after the carriage. ¡°Yes, Merilda! See you again someday!¡± I leaned out of the window and waved until Merilda stopped and was out of sight. Just before I pulled back inside, I nced up to ensure Lina was still hidden on the roof of the carriage. Having no other way to return, she had secretly climbed onto our carriage. Linus, with a faint smile, spoke. ¡°Dian, let¡¯s attend such events together more often.¡± ¡°It¡¯s tiring.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not asking you to participate in all events. But there are many who honor and await you. At least show them you¡¯re alive.¡± ¡°asionally, it might not be a bad idea.¡± Waving to Merilda and seeing the night view of Tatanok Vige honestly moved me. Our reckless decision ten years agoid the foundation for thisrge vige on the verge of bing a city. This is quite a fulfilling episode. I didn¡¯t expect events like this after the ending. I¡¯m d I chose to support the protagonist rather than disrupt the original story with my knowledge. If I had been a typical web novel transmigrator, hogging all the opportunities and heroines and spouting idiotic lines like ¡®Something¡¯s wrong. The protagonist¡¯s specs are significantly lower than in the original.¡¯ And said some stupid line like, ¡®I must intervene, h h h.¡¯ Would I have experienced a day like today? It¡¯s impossible to know. # # # # # ¡°Goodbye, Linus.¡± ¡°Rest well.¡± After parting with Linus at the academy gate, I walked alone towards the faculty quarters. Lina, who had just jumped off the carriage, ran ahead without making a sound. Her stealth skills were truly remarkable. Usually, no one would notice her, and even if you knew she was there, you¡¯d only see a slight distortion in the air. Linus and I could see her faint form, though. Was she really curious about what I was doing and followed me all the way to Tatanok Vige? How much did she hear? There wasn¡¯t anything problematic that I said, but¡­ As I continued walking, Lina suddenly appeared ahead of me. ¡°Oh? Head Professor? Where are you going?¡± ¡°Home.¡± ¡°Really? Perfect timing. I was just heading to the dormitory.¡± I chuckled at Lina¡¯s clumsy act and asked. ¡°So, what were you doing wandering around the campus sote?¡± ¡°Me? Just doing some overtime. Let¡¯s go together!¡± Lina, avoiding the question, linked her arm with mine. She often did this because of her naturally lively personality, so it wasn¡¯t unusual. Lina, clinging close to me, started chatting about various things in her usual gentle manner. Of course, Lina wasn¡¯t foolish and didn¡¯t mention anything about what happened at Tatanok Vige today. Eventually, Lina suddenly asked. ¡°By the way, do you have someone special?¡± ¡°What? You mean like a girlfriend? No, I don¡¯t.¡± ¡°Really? At your age, shouldn¡¯t you start thinking about serious rtionships?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to.¡± ¡°What¡­?¡± Lina looked up at me, slightly bewildered. ¡°Why not?¡± ¡°I¡¯mfortable being alone. It¡¯s hard to find a woman who suits me.¡± ¡°Oh, I see¡­ But you should at least try to find out if there¡¯s someone suitable¡­¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. Right now, ensuring the students graduate safely without anyints from the Pce is the priority. Romance and marriagee after that.¡± ¡°Then I guess I¡¯ll have to work hard too!¡± Lina eximed loudly. ¡°Of course, you should. Don¡¯t state the obvious.¡± # # # # # ¡°Then I guess I¡¯ll have to work hard too!¡± Hearing the loud voice from outside, Kirrin got up from her bed and went to the window. Who¡¯s making such noise at this hour? As the headmaster, she had to sternly address this¡­ ¡°Eeek?!¡± Professor Dian and Professor Lina were walking affectionately, arm in arm, in the dark night. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 72 – New Special Student (2) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 72 ¨C New Special Student (2) Kirrin covered her mouth and crouched beneath the window, overwhelmed by the absurd scene she had just witnessed. What was that? What did I just see? Did I misinterpret it? Just to be sure, Kirrin peeked out the window again. But she hadn¡¯t been mistaken. Professor Lina and Dian were walking through the night, chatting cheerfully. What is this, what is this¡­ What is this all about¡­ Crouching back down, Kirrin quickly thought of several possibilities. Professor Lina was returning fromte-night work and ran into Dian. That¡¯s usible. Both Professor Lina and Dian workedte and returned together. But Dian¡¯s attire doesn¡¯t seem to fit that scenario. Professor Lina called Dian out for a night walk. Hmm¡­ That¡¯s possible¡­ Dian called Professor Lina out for a night walk. Could Dian¡­? They went somewhere together and just returned now. Ugh¡­ No matter how she thought about it, her thoughts kept spiraling in a bad direction¡­? What is this, what is this¡­? What¡¯s going on between those two¡­? Peeking out again, she saw Dian walking away while Professor Lina entered the dormitory alone. At least they didn¡¯t go somewhere else together. That¡¯s a small relief. Alright, let¡¯s think this through again. Assuming Lina and Dian are romantically involved. It¡¯s natural for attractive, unmarried colleagues to develop feelings for each other and for that to progress. Professor Lina and Dian are both single and at a suitable age, so it¡¯s not really strange. But she couldn¡¯t just ignore this as a good thing. This messes up all my ns¡­ This is a big problem. The key variable here is Dian¡¯s feelings. Their rtionship isn¡¯t clear yet. They might have just coincidentally met on their way back, or maybe Professor Lina is the only one with feelings for Dian. Okay. So, Dian might like Lina or he might not. What about Dian¡¯s feelings for her? She couldn¡¯t be sure. The only thing that¡¯s certain is that he didn¡¯t seem to dislike it when they were pressed together in the elevator at the Ivronic Castle. If he had been ufortable, he would have pushed her away or avoided her, but he didn¡¯t. She followed him around during the entire inspection, and he didn¡¯t show any negative reactions. So, at least he doesn¡¯t dislike her. She was neutral, and Lina either was neutral or slightly favorable. Who knows? Professor Lina has a lively personality, unlike her, so she might just habitually link arms with Dian. First, she needed to clearly understand their rtionship. Then, she could formte a n. If Dian¡¯s feelings for Lina are neutral, she would make the first move. If they¡¯re favorable¡­ she would still make the first move. In any case, she must act first. So, how should she go about it? Kirrin hugged her knees and quietly pondered. Upon arriving, Dian immediately reformed the academy and gained the full support of the Pce. This shows that Dian isn¡¯t someone who does things haphazardly or prefers idling. Given his nature, it would be more effective to achieve results as the headmaster rather than approach him emotionally. A diligent andpetent person like Dian is likely to be more attracted to someone simr to himself. If she attempted to raise his favorability using her ¡®Dark Elf¡¯s Racial Characteristics¡¯ n, she might be branded as a vulgar woman. What Kirrin considered as ¡®Dark Elf¡¯s Racial Characteristics¡¯ included smooth ck skin and beautiful appearance, among other physical attributes. From Dian¡¯s perspective, who works tirelessly for the academy¡¯s advancement, he might misunderstand her as a headmaster with misguided priorities. In conclusion, Dian is currently a highly desirable man who could be taken by someone else at any time. To achieve her n, she must capture Dian¡¯s heart first, and to do that, she must win his favor. To win Dian¡¯s favor, she needed to perform well as the headmaster and achieve significant results. This will not only impress Dian but also create a good impression on the Second Princess, potentially aiding her transition from headmaster to professor in the future. Alright, Kirrin. Let¡¯s do this¡­! # # # # # [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] ¡°Head Professor, the headmaster has requested to see you.¡± A few dayster, an assistant came to the faculty room to ry Kirrin¡¯s message. ¡°Did she mention what it¡¯s about?¡± ¡°She just said it¡¯s rted to the academy¡¯s operations.¡± Academy operations, huh? What could it be? I thought about our current projects and other matters as I headed to the headmaster¡¯s office. ¡°Oh? Hello.¡± I raised my hand upon seeing Ismera standing in front of the headmaster¡¯s office. Her expression immediately soured upon seeing me. She doesn¡¯t even try to hide her feelings anymore. Ismera, who consistently disliked me since I took office, became tantly hostile after our inspection at Ivronic Castle. She probably thinks I was cking off while she was working hard. But I wasn¡¯t cking off. I was justte because of a reunion with the veterans. I understand Ismera¡¯s feelings. She works incredibly hard. She¡¯s highly qualified, akin to holding a doctorate in the real world, and is involved in almost every aspect of the academy. If Ismera weren¡¯t here, the academy would have failed. She should have been the headmaster instead of Kirrin. The Second Princess would have done that long ago if not for the Emperor¡¯s stubbornness. Moreover, Ismera is a pureblood elf, so even her disdainful expression is beautiful, which doesn¡¯t bother me much. Elves have a low birth rate, a small poption, and are known for being difficult and cunning. Their stunning looks must be a big reason they haven¡¯t gone extinct. It¡¯s like how cats are loved by humans despite their troublesome nature because they¡¯re cute. ¡°Please, Professor, show me more contempt.¡± ¡°What did you say?¡± ¡°Nothing.¡± I smiled and entered the headmaster¡¯s office, where Kirrin greeted me warmly. ¡°Wee, Dian! And Professor Ismera¡­¡± But her voice dropped significantly when she noticed Ismera. ¡°Please, have a seat. I have something to discuss.¡± Ismera, who had sat across from me, averted her gaze as soon as our eyes met. ¡°So, I¡¯ve been thinking¡­¡± Kirrin began, ncing at Ismera. ¡°How about we participate in a contest?¡± ¡°A contest? Is there such a thing?¡± What kind of contest exists in this JRPG-like medieval fantasy world? I sent a questioning look, and Ismera sighed deeply before exining. Apparently, there are contests asionally hosted by the Pce or other institutions for academy students. They cover various subjects like literature, research, and more, simr to real-life contests. Winning these contests can be beneficial. It¡¯s good for building graduates¡¯ resumes and enhancing the academy¡¯s prestige, so there¡¯s no reason not to participate. ¡°Sounds good. Let¡¯s do it. But what kind of contest is it?¡± ¡°We need to decide that. I¡¯ve already requested and received a list of current contests from the Pce.¡± Kirrin handed me and Ismera a paper with a slightly shy demeanor. ¡°Can you take a look?¡± As I scanned the list, Kirrin¡¯s ears twitched, and she stared at me, looking like a dog awaiting praise. ¡°Wow, how did you manage to get this? Impressive.¡± Complimenting her as she seemed to expect, Kirrin¡¯s face turned a deep red. Ismera¡¯s eyes reflected disdain, disgust, and various other negative emotions. Alright, let¡¯s put aside Kirrin¡¯s confidence-boosting headmaster act for now and take a closer look. The Imperial Literary Association¡¯s Literature Award. Not suitable. The Pce¡¯s Department of Magical Engineering¡¯s Innovative Magic Technology Research Contest. We don¡¯t teach magic. The Arts and Culture Association¡¯s Painting and Sculpture Contest. More suited for the arts academy students. The Chamber of Commerce¡¯s Startup Idea Contest. Not applicable. None of these seem relevant¡­ Anything worthwhile? As I continued reading the list, I found something interesting. ¡°How about this? The one hosted by the Continental Adventurers and Mercenaries Guild.¡± {74th Guild President¡¯s Ogre Hunting Competition}. ¡°Are you crazy?¡± Ismera immediately protested. ¡°You want to send our students to a contest like this? I¡¯m against it.¡± ¡°Huh? Why? Should the Special Mission Academy participate in a book club instead?¡± ¡°That¡¯s not the issue. This is a barbaricpetition. Were you living under a rock in Brunswell?¡± Ismera exined that thispetition involved releasing ogres into arge circr arena, and the winner was whoever killed them most brutally. In short, it¡¯s like bullfighting in the real world. Indeed, this doesn¡¯t seem appropriate. Hmm, is there anything suitable¡­ Not really. Seeing Kirrin and me silent, Ismera spoke up. ¡°Not all contests require brute force. Any contest where we ce well would be beneficial, so let¡¯s select a few substantial ones and invite participants.¡± ¡°Yes, Professor Ismera is right. That would be good. But I still feel we need something that fits the ¡®Special Mission¡¯ academy¡¯s theme.¡± ¡°If you¡¯re so keen on such a contest, why don¡¯t you go to the Imperial Security Office and ask them to organize one?¡± ¡°Oh, that¡¯s a great idea!¡± Ismera clearly meant it sarcastically, but it gave me a good idea. During the war, I briefly worked with other special force members who mentioned that a certain security office department regrly held tournaments orpetitions to maintain their agents¡¯ skills and justify performance bonuses. If we could open that to the public, it would align with our academy¡¯s purpose, and winning would be prestigious given the host would be the Imperial Security Office. ¡°Headmaster, you should visit the Pce and meet with the Second Princess.¡± ¡°Eeek?!¡± Kirrin looked ready to faint, and Ismera stared at me with a mix of suspicion and curiosity. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 73 – New Special Student (3) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 73 ¨C New Special Student (3) ¡°Wh-wh-why do I have to go to the Pce? And to the Second Princess, no less¡­?¡± Kirrin, extremely flustered, stammered. ¡°To request a proper contest under the Imperial Security Office¡¯s auspices. Something fitting for our academy.¡± I then shared what I had heard from other special force members in the past. Exining that we should ask the Imperial Security Office to open their evaluations or events to match the academy¡¯s level. ¡°Is that really necessary? Can¡¯t we just select a few from the list and participate?¡± As Kirrin hesitated, Ismera suddenly spoke up. ¡°I fully support that idea.¡± What¡¯s this? She¡¯s taking my side? ¡°Our Special Mission Academy is directly under the Imperial Security Office. Therefore, it is appropriate to request a contest that aligns with the academy¡¯s founding purpose.¡± ¡°I-is that so¡­.¡± With both Head Professors expressing the same stance, sweat started to form on Kirrin¡¯s forehead. It seemed she would have to go to the Pce, but the problem was Kirrin was terrified of the Second Princess. But she had to go. She was the headmaster, after all. Holding the headmaster title means bearing both authority and responsibility. High positions are inherently challenging. To those who have never been in such a position, it may seem easy and rxed, but that¡¯s not the case. Sometimes, an ambiguous middle management position is better. Especially in my situation, it¡¯s perfect. That¡¯s why I never wanted to be the headmaster. ¡°If the headmaster feels ufortable.¡± As Kirrin continued to waver, Ismera offered. ¡°I can go as the acting vice-headmaster.¡± It was then that I realized why Ismera agreed with my suggestion. She wanted to make an impression on the Second Princess. Ismera, aspiring to be the headmaster, saw meeting the Second Princess as a huge opportunity. Then let¡¯s send Ismera. Whether Kirrin or Ismera goes, as long as we can organize the contest, it¡¯s fine. ¡°Not a bad idea. Then Professor Ismera can¡­.¡± ¡°No, I¡¯ll go¡­.¡± Surprisingly, Kirrin forced out the words. ¡°I¡¯m the headmaster¡­ I have to fulfill my responsibilities¡­.¡± ¡°No. There¡¯s no need to push yourself. The Head of Security won¡¯t make an issue of it.¡± Despite Ismera¡¯s attempt to dissuade her, Kirrin spoke firmly, with effort. ¡°I¡¯ll go. Don¡¯t worry, you two. I¡¯ll definitely secure the contest.¡± ¡°No, really, I can go¡­.¡± With the headmaster having made up her mind, Ismera was left speechless, unable to say more. Thus, it was decided that Kirrin would go to the Pce. ¡°Head Professor.¡± As soon as we left the headmaster¡¯s office, Ismera coldly called out to me. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s talk for a moment.¡± Without waiting for my response, Ismera turned and walked away. I wondered if she was going to her office, but no, she led me to a secluded spot behind the main building. Here, away from windows and offices, Brogg and Kazadar often smoked during their breaks. ¡°What do you want to talk about?¡± Ismera crossed her arms and looked at me with suspicion and distrust. ¡°Head Professor, you mentioned the Imperial Security Office earlier.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Where did you hear about that?¡± ¡°From a special force member I met during the war. You know I¡¯m a veteran, right?¡± ¡°A special force member revealed internal information to an outsider?¡± ¡°Not exactly, just vaguely mentioned that such things exist. What¡¯s your point?¡± I spread my arms, smiling. ¡°Are you curious about who that special force member is, or are you questioning the truth of the story?¡± ¡°At the Ivronic Castle inspection.¡± Ismera changed the topic. ¡°What was your rtionship with the veterans there?¡± ¡°I met them during the recapture operation. I participated in that operation too.¡± ¡°Really? In what rank and position?¡± ¡°I think I was a lieutenant back then. Or maybe a second lieutenant? Anyway, not a high rank. I had no specific position. I worked solo. I was in the special force.¡± ¡°Special force?¡± Ismera¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°What exactly was your mission in that operation?¡± ¡°Excuse me, Professor Ismera. Do I have to answer that?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you know what it means to ask a special force member about their past missions?¡± Ismera¡¯s face instantly hardened. ¡°Are you referring to the National Security Law?¡± ¡°Well, I¡¯m not using a pureblood elf with a high degree and an academy professor of being a foreign spy.¡± ¡°If that were the case, I wouldn¡¯t be stupid enough to ask so openly.¡± ¡°Oh, so you¡¯re admitting you did something stupid just now?¡± Ismera¡¯s face turned red. In truth, I didn¡¯t care about the National Security Law. I just found it amusing to see the lofty elf flustered. Even when angry or embarrassed, pureblood elves are beautiful. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll tell you. I was part of the Demon King yer Special Force.¡± ¡°What¡­?¡± ¡°Surprised? But it¡¯s true. At Ivronic Castle, I climbed the cliffs and recaptured the fortress with Sir Linus.¡± Ismera stared at me nkly for a moment, then scoffed. ¡°So, you¡¯re mocking me now.¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s the truth¡­.¡± ¡°Enough. I¡¯m disgusted.¡± Ismera cut me off sharply. ¡°It was my mistake to ask. Goodbye.¡± [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] As she passed by me, I could smell the fresh forest scent unique to elves. I knew she wouldn¡¯t believe me, tsk tsk. I wouldn¡¯t believe it either. If someone suddenly imed they were a secret agent in WWII who infiltrated Hitler¡¯s bunker and shot him with a pistol, you¡¯d think they were crazy. Anyway, I need to get back to work. But first, I need to visit the infirmary. I need to check the patient log. # # # # # # What nonsense. Spouting such lies. Entering the main building after passing Dian, Ismera gritted her teeth internally. Special force member? National Security Law? Sir Linus? He was probably just a regr soldier or a junior officer trying to mock me with ridiculous ims. What¡¯s such an amazing person doing as an academy professor? Thatzy, good-for-nothing¡­. And why did Kirrin suddenly insist on going to the Pce? She usually trembles at the mere mention of the Pce¡­. I missed a golden opportunity¡­. I¡¯m scared she¡¯ll embarrass the academy with her blunders. Ismera was displeased with both Dian and Kirrin. # # # # # # ¡°Eeek?!¡± On her way to a dessert cafe, Hindrastra, who was skipping ss, quickly hid in the flowerbed upon seeing Dian approaching. ¡°Why is he going there?¡± Hiding among the flowers, Hindrastra watched Dian enter the infirmary and muttered to herself. Why would a healthy person go to the infirmary at this hour? Oh, maybe he¡¯s nning to skip work and take a nap in a sickbed? Considering Dian¡¯s usualzy behavior, it wasn¡¯t entirely impossible. That guy has always been such aplete scumbag. # # # # # # At the infirmary, Priestess Maya greeted me with a silent nod. She¡¯s incredibly quiet. ¡°Hello, Priestess. Sorry, but I need to look at the patient log.¡± ¡°What is the reason?¡± ¡°It¡¯s rted to Student Sophie. She¡¯s a top student I¡¯m overseeing, and I need to update her health records.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Priestess Maya handed over the patient log without hesitation. This was easier than expected. Feeling a bit tense, I opened the log. ¡°Huh¡­?¡± What¡¯s this? There¡¯s nothing here. No, it¡¯s not empty; there are entries. Dates, symptoms, and treatment procedures for Hindrastra¡¯s visits. But there¡¯s nothing suspicious in any of the entries. For instance, 0 month 0 day / Lower abdomen bruise / Holy treatment and internal medicine prescribed. All entries were like this. I checked Knightley¡¯s records as well, but found nothing problematic. What¡¯s this? Was Celine wrong? Was it unnecessary suspicion? Pretending to skim through the log, I returned it. ¡°Thank you, Priestess.¡± ¡°Goodbye.¡± Even as I left, I was puzzled and tilted my head. ¡°Did she erase it all?¡± No way. She wouldn¡¯t have had the time if I came so suddenly. Maybe it was just a groundless worry. # # # # # # After Dian left, Priestess Maya retrieved another patient log from under the desk. She opened it and pondered for a moment before picking up a pen. [Professor Dian visited unexpectedly and requested to see Student Sophie¡¯s patient log, flipping through pages as if searching for something before returning it]. [As he was leaving, he muttered ¡®Did she erase it all?¡¯. During hisst visit, he had forcibly ordered Student Sophie to ¡®erase something¡¯]. [It¡¯s cautiously spected that he might have misunderstood the holy treatment performedst time as an attempt to erase something and was checking if it was thoroughly erased (needs further verification)]. [Noted that Sophie was hiding in the flowerbed outside the window, watching this direction. Unclear if it¡¯s rted to Professor Dian¡¯s visit]. With an impassive expression, Priestess Maya diligently wrote the patient log. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 74 – New Special Student (4) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 74 ¨C New Special Student (4) ¡°I¡¯m going crazy, I¡¯m going crazy¡­.¡± Kirrin sat trembling in the carriage, nervously chewing her nails. She had met with the Second Princess before and received praise, but she couldn¡¯t help being tense again. The Second Princess¡¯s charisma was overwhelming, emanating naturally from her very being. Moreover, her single remaining eye seemed to see right through a person¡¯s soul, making her truly intimidating. Although the Second Princess had never raised her voice or directly shown difort towards Kirrin, even her subtle smile conveyed everything. But Kirrin knew she couldn¡¯t run away anymore. She was the headmaster of the academy, and she had to fulfill her responsibilities. If she worked hard now and gained the Second Princess¡¯s favor, she could stay at the academy as a subject professor even after stepping down as headmaster. And above all, she couldn¡¯t let Dian down. Dian worked tirelessly for the academy, and if the headmaster shirked her duties just because she was afraid of the Second Princess, it would be uneptable. Dian would be disappointed in her and eventually dislike her. And then he might end up with Professor Lina¡­. Kirrin squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head vigorously. That couldn¡¯t happen. Get a grip, Kirrin. Get recognized by the Second Princess, gain Dian¡¯s approval, smoothly hand over the headmaster position, and remain as a subject professor at the academy. And if possible, develop a ¡®good rtionship¡¯ with Dian as a safety. Focus entirely on this n. As Kirrin indulged in these thoughts, the carriage entered a narrow mountain path. A winding road snaked through the rugged hills outside the Pce. Kirrin had no idea where it led. She was riding in a carriage without windows. When Kirrin arrived in the Pce, a security office official informed her that the Second Princess was out and offered to guide her in a new carriage. Where could they be going? As the winding path continued, a building soon appeared ahead. A low, two-story structure stretched out to the sides, resembling military barracks. There was an open space in front, surrounded by high brick walls, giving it the look of a military post. ¡°Please step out.¡± The carriage stopped, and the security office official opened the door. Kirrin stepped out in front of the main gate. Two men in civilian clothes, looking like guards, stood by the thick iron gate. Though they appeared to be ordinary citizens, Kirrin¡¯s racial abilities quickly discerned their true nature. These men were hiding various weapons in their clothes. In addition to daggers, their belts had iron tes inside, which could be used as whips if needed. They weren¡¯t ordinary citizens or soldiers. What could they be? Probably part of one of the many organizations under the Imperial Security Office. So, this ce guarded by such people must be¡­. ¡°Please,e in.¡± Following the security office official inside, Kirrin saw a group of people gathered in front of a tform. On the tform sat a tall woman with silver hair¡ªthe Second Princess, head of the Imperial Security Office. ¡°H-How have you been¡­?¡± ¡°Wee.¡± As Kirrin bowed nervously, the Second Princess smiled gently. ¡°You¡¯ve had a long journey. You have something to propose?¡± ¡°Yes¡­.¡± ¡°Is it urgent? If not, we can discuss itter.¡± ¡°I-it¡¯s not urgent¡­!¡± ¡°Good. Have a seat.¡± The Second Princess gestured to an empty chair beside her. Kirrin sat down, realizing that the people below the tform were all staring at her. Men and women dressed in ck, with menacing eyes above their masks, were watching her. Kirrin recognized those outfits well. Professor Lina often wore simr gear during infiltration exercises. ¡°The headmaster of the Imperial Special Mission Academy.¡± At the Second Princess¡¯s words, the people shifted their gaze away from Kirrin. It was only then that Kirrin felt a chill run down her spine. They hadn¡¯t been looking at her out of curiosity. It was because she was a Dark Elf. Dark Elves had fought on the side of the Demon King during the war. Although Kirrin¡¯s Nemara n betrayed the Demon King and saved the Emperor, it was a rare exception. Other ns did not defect and scattered into hiding after the war. Thus, the world¡¯s view of Dark Elves remained harsh, and the Nemara n had not left their forest despite their debt to the Emperor. Although Kirrin¡¯s skin was much lighter and her build different from pureblood Dark Elves, she was still a Dark Elf. To the uninformed, one Dark Elf was the same as another. ¡°Let¡¯s begin.¡± At the Second Princess¡¯smand, the people in ck formed a formation. They created arge rectangr space in the center, surrounded by a perimeter. ¡°These are agents under the Security Office. Today, they will demonstrate abat training session, and you¡¯ve arrived just in time.¡± ¡°Are these agents¡­ special operatives?¡± ¡°Their training purpose differs from special operatives.¡± ¡°Then what¡­.¡± The Second Princess didn¡¯t answer, turning her gaze to the agents instead. Two agents stepped into the center of the rectangr space, facing each other. They held swords about two palms long, which looked real rather than practice swords. Were they really going to spar with those? That seemed extremely dangerous. Thinking they had probably rehearsed beforehand, Kirrin was in for a shock. As soon as the match began, the two agents charged at each other, fighting as if their lives depended on it. Seeing blood spur from various cuts and gashes, Kirrin¡¯s eyes nearly popped out. Kirrin had learned assassination and stealth in her n¡¯s forest. These were basic skills for a Dark Elf from an early age. However, Kirrin was a child born with a different purpose by the Nemara. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] While other Dark Elves were deployed inbat, Kirrin remained in the forest, so she had never seen such a scene. ¡°Gasp¡­!¡± At the sight of one agent stabbing the other in the side, Kirrin inhaled sharply. ¡°Are you alright?¡± ¡°I-I¡¯m fine¡­.¡± Kirrin, who was answering the Second Princess¡¯s question, felt dizzy as she watched the sword being repeatedly plunged into the agent¡¯s side. ¡°Stop.¡± At the Second Princess¡¯smand, the sparring ended. The victorious agent stepped back, while the other copsed with the sword still in his side. Several medics rushed to treat the fallen agent, and a golden glow suggested the presence of a priest. ¡°How do you feel, Headmaster Kirrin?¡± The Second Princess looked at Kirrin. ¡°It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve seen¡­ something like that¡­.¡± Kirrin, her face pale, answered with difficulty. ¡°Some of the academy¡¯s graduates will undertake such missions. If trained inadequately, they will die like dogs in the field.¡± ¡°Yes¡­.¡± ¡°It¡¯s said that the best welfare amander can give their soldiers is rigorous training. Guide the students with dedication.¡± ¡°I understand, Your Highness¡­.¡± ¡°I hope next year¡¯s graduates will meet the standards required by our security office and other institutions.¡± ¡°I will do my best¡­.¡± Graduates don¡¯t go straight into practical assignments after leaving the academy. Each institution and organization has its own requirements and conducts separate training programs. Only after passing these can one begin fieldwork. Nevertheless, physical fitness and basic skills are essential, and that is the academy¡¯s responsibility. Kirrin¡¯s responsibility. ¡°So, Headmaster Kirrin. You have something to propose.¡± Kirrin, ncing at the bloodied agent being carried out on a stretcher, began hesitantly. ¡°Your Highness¡­ we, we would like to participate in a contest¡­.¡± Facing the Second Princess¡¯s single eye, Kirrin couldn¡¯t continue and swallowed hard. ¡°You want to participate in a contest.¡± ¡°Yes¡­.¡± ¡°Deciding on participation is entirely within the headmaster¡¯s authority. Surely you didn¡¯te all this way without knowing that.¡± ¡°The thing is¡­.¡± Kirrin, trying not to offend the Second Princess, exined as politely as possible. To improve the students¡¯ skills and career prospects, they wanted to participate in contests. However, the current contests in the Empire didn¡¯t quite align with the ¡®Special Mission¡¯ academy¡¯s nature. So, they were requesting the security office to organize a contest rted to their mission. ¡°You want the security office to host a contest?¡± ¡°Yes¡­ for example, if some of the evaluations for current agents could be opened to the academy¡­.¡± ¡°Who suggested this?¡± ¡°What¡­?¡± Seeing Kirrin nearly panic, the Second Princess smiled. ¡°Never mind. I understand your intention. I¡¯ll discuss it internally and get back to you soon.¡± ¡°Th-thank you¡­!¡± Kirrin bowed deeply, almost touching her forehead to the ground. ¡°By the way, how is the selected special student doing?¡± ¡°If you mean Student Sophie, she¡¯s adjusting well.¡± Relieved from the immense pressure, Kirrin responded with a slightly brighter expression. ¡°She will contribute greatly to the Empire¡¯s security after graduation. I¡¯ll ensure she graduates with top marks¡­!¡± ¡°Excellent, Kirrin.¡± ¡°Eek!? Thank you!¡± Kirrin, rarely praised by the Second Princess, made a strange noise as she bowed again. ¡°The special student selection is an excellent system for uncovering hidden gems in the Empire. Make good use of it.¡± ¡°Yes¡­!¡± ¡°Good. You may return now.¡± After the dazed and ecstatic Kirrin left, the Second Princess beckoned with a finger, summoning her adjutant. ¡°Yes, Your Highness.¡± ¡°Turn some of the 5439th Unit¡¯s evaluations this year into a contest. I¡¯ll discuss the details with the unitmander.¡± ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll ry and prepare immediately.¡± After the adjutant left, the Second Princess ran her hand through her silver hair, feeling quite satisfied. Asking the security office to open their agent evaluations? This must be Dian¡¯s idea. Truely an impressive person indeed. His past achievements and his immediate transformation of the academy upon appointment, now suggesting using internal evaluations as academy contests. He¡¯s truly a worthy friend of Sir Linus and a member of the Demon King yer Special Force. He¡¯s fully qualified to be my dagger. He must have already thought this through, looking ahead with careful consideration. # # # # # Meanwhile, at the Special Mission Academy, in Dian¡¯s house. ¡°Sir Dian! I told you not to take your socks off inside out!¡± Olysia was scolding Dian, holding a pair of inside-out socks. ¡°Huh? What¡¯s the problem?¡± ¡°I can¡¯t wash them properly, and I have to turn them right-side out again!¡± ¡°It¡¯s no problem. Just wear them inside out and turn them the right way next time.¡± ¡°Argh! Really!!!!¡± Contrary to the Second Princess¡¯s expectations, Dian was teasing his young maid andughing. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 75 – New Special Student (5) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 75 ¨C New Special Student (5) The Second Princess praised me¡­ She said I was excellent¡­ Kirrin was almost delirious with joy as the carriage carried her back to the academy. It was natural to feel this way; the Empire¡¯s most powerful figure, who had been looking for a chance to get rid of her, had praised her not once, but twice. Thest time was thanks to Dian, and this time, too, Dian had orchestrated everything. If Dian hadn¡¯t mentioned the internal evaluations of the security office and pushed Kirrin forward, none of this would have happened. By now, she¡¯d probably be fussing over some literary contest that had nothing to do with the Special Mission Academy. It¡¯s all thanks to Dian. Since Dian arrived, her life hadpletely changed. She was forced into the headmaster position by her father and lived in constant fear of being fired. But when Dian came, everything fell into ce. Dian is my savior¡­ I can¡¯t do without him¡­ So I must make sure Dian likes me even more. With his sincere and noble character, he would consider any overt advances vulgar and distasteful, so I need to show conduct and actions befitting the headmaster. I¡¯ve secured the promise for the contest from the Second Princess, so I just need to wait for the news. What else can I do? Kirrin snapped her fingers as an idea came to her. The Second Princess mentioned making good use of the special student selection system. Why not hold another selection soon? Instead of arge-scale selection, this time it could be smaller and focused on support roles rather than frontline agents. Supporting those on the frontlines is just as important. That¡¯s why our academy has bothbat and theory departments. If holding another selection feels too burdensome, I could ask headmasters of other schools to rmend graduates interested in this field. Good, Kirrin. Keep it up. You¡¯re doing great. Kirrin felt quite pleased with herself. # # # # Kirrin told us the Second Princess agreed to host a contest for our academy through the security office. ¡°You did a great job, Headmaster.¡± My praise made Kirrin¡¯s face turn crimson, while Ismera looked at her in disbelief. She probably expected Kirrin to stammer in front of the Second Princess, get rejected, and return empty-handed. But Kirrin is no longer the same. She has found her confidence. ¡°We have about two months until the contest. It¡¯ll likely be held right before summer break.¡± ¡°How can you be so sure?¡± ¡°The criteria for evaluating current agents won¡¯t be applied as strictly to students. The standards and evaluation forms will need to be adjusted, and they¡¯ll also have to find a new venue for security reasons. The Imperial Security Office won¡¯t prepare this hastily.¡± Seeing the logic in my words, Ismera didn¡¯t argue further and remained silent. That elf may always be critical, but she is highly rational. ¡°The main issue is who will be eligible for the contest.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious it¡¯ll be for our academy?¡± ¡°No, headmaster. It¡¯s not that simple.¡± As Kirrin tilted her head in confusion, I exined further. ¡°There are several Imperial Academies besides ours. Including private and public academies, the number increases.¡± ¡°Right. So?¡± ¡°While the criteria for students will be rxed, it¡¯s still based on current agents¡¯ evaluations. If someone excels in this contest, they¡¯ll likely be seen as qualified to be hired immediately after graduation.¡± ¡°Right.¡± ¡°So the Security Office would probably want to maximize the pool of applicants to find the best candidates.¡± ¡°Ah?¡± ¡°While they won¡¯t hire the winners on the spot, they might offer bonus points at graduation or select them for special recruitment.¡± ¡°Ah!¡± Kirrin finally understood, expressing her amazement. ¡°Do you have any basis for believing the Security Office will do that?¡± Unlike the eager Kirrin, Ismera was still skeptical. But her skepticism was justified. What I said was based on my own conjecture, not any solid evidence. ¡°I have no concrete proof. But if I were the Second Princess, that¡¯s what I would do.¡± ¡°And what if we assume that, but the contest ends up only for our academy? What then?¡± ¡°That wouldn¡¯t be a major problem.¡± ¡°Why not?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s prepare for both scenarios¡ªmine and Professor Ismera¡¯s.¡± [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] I held up two fingers. ¡°If the Security Office opens the contest to the entire Empire, each academy will likely send representatives. With so many academies, they can¡¯t amodate everyone who wants to participate. Do you agree?¡± ¡°Agreed.¡± ¡°In that case, we need to select representatives or teams internally. This would require internalpetition and evaluation to rank students.¡± ¡°Not incorrect.¡± ¡°Now, if we follow Professor Ismera¡¯s scenario.¡± I folded one finger. ¡°If the contest is only for our academy, we simply ept volunteers without needing to select representatives. Right?¡± ¡°Correct.¡± ¡°But if we prepare as Professor Ismera suggests and the Security Office suddenly asks for academy representatives?¡± ¡°We¡¯d have to conduct internal evaluations hastily.¡± Kirrin interjected, earning a brief re from Ismera. ¡°Exactly. Conversely, if we prepare as I suggest and the contest is only for our academy?¡± ¡°We just send the students we already selected through internal evaluations.¡± ¡°Precisely, headmaster.¡± ¡°So if we prepare as Dian suggests, we¡¯re ready for both scenarios. I support Dian¡¯s opinion.¡± Kirrin said, ncing at Ismera. ¡°Internal evaluations will help us assess the students¡¯ levels before the break and n the second semester ordingly.¡± Wow, Kirrin. You¡¯ve really improved. Or maybe you were always this capable. ¡°What do you think, Professor Ismera?¡± But Ismera didn¡¯t respond. She was staring at the floor, biting her lip furiously, looking extremely angry. ¡°Professor Ismera? Are you alright?¡± When Kirrin cautiously touched her shoulder, Ismera jerked her head up. The previous expression of rage was gone, reced by a calm demeanor. ¡°Fine. The Head Combat Professor¡¯s suggestion is absolutely correct. Let¡¯s proceed.¡± However, her voice was so icy that Kirrin hurriedly ended the meeting. ¡°Haah¡­¡± After Ismera left, Kirrin sighed deeply and then smiled at me. ¡°Dian.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Want some cake?¡± ¡°Sure. Let¡¯s go.¡± At the dessert cafe, Kirrin ordered an entire cake. ¡°Is someone else joining us?¡± ¡°No?¡± ¡°Then why order a whole cake?¡± ¡°We need at least this much for two people.¡± ¡°Hmm, alright¡­¡± I nced at Kirrin¡¯s figure through her cloak but didn¡¯t see any signs of weight gain. With the high metabolic rate of Dark Elves, it seemed she could eat a lot without gaining weight. Only humans tend to gain weight from overeating. ¡°Dian, I¡¯ve been thinking.¡± Kirrin spoke between bites of cake. ¡°About what?¡± ¡°Selecting more special students.¡± She then told me about her conversation with the Second Princess. Adding more special students wasn¡¯t a bad idea, but doing it back-to-back could be burdensome. ¡°So this time, I¡¯ll keep it private. I¡¯ll ask headmasters of other academies to rmend graduates interested in this field.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not a bad idea. Try the public academies.¡± ¡°Public academies? Why? There are other good ces.¡± ¡°That¡¯s precisely why I said public academies.¡± Most other academies are either private, backed by noble houses, or have special purposes like ours. Graduates from those institutions typically have guaranteed career paths, with alumniworks to support them. In contrast, public academy graduates often struggle to find clear career paths due to lower social standing. However, this doesn¡¯t mean their skills arecking. Many top students attend public academies due tock of funds or connections. By scouting talented but underappreciated graduates, we can benefit. It¡¯s like buying undervalued blue-chip stocks at a low price. ¡°So, it¡¯s okay to try?¡± ¡°Yes. There¡¯s no harm even if we don¡¯t seed.¡± ¡°Alright, then. Since Dian approved¡­¡± What is she saying? Why does the headmaster need my approval? I almost pointed this out but stopped when I saw her smile with cream on her lips. # # # # # Meanwhile, Ismera was. ¡°Damn, damn, damn it all!!¡± She pounded her fist on her desk in fury. Ismera¡¯s anger stemmed from Dian, not because she hated him, but because he was right. Why hadn¡¯t she thought of that earlier? Why is thatzy bum thinking further ahead than me? I¡¯m a highly educated schr, not just some soldier who swung a sword in battle. So why? Why does it always turn out this way? ¡°Why, why, why!!¡± After several more punches, Ismera slumped down. I worked so hard. I fled to this human city after our forest burned down and worked tirelessly¡­ Why can¡¯t I surpass him¡­ Why¡­ He does nothing butze around with backing from the Pce¡­ Why is he always ahead of me¡­ Ismera began to sob, her shoulders shaking as she curled up on the floor. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 76 – New Special Student (6) [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 76 ¨C New Special Student (6) The scenery outside the carriage window changed as they left the capital. The seemingly endless expanse of the Kalbasar ins gradually gave way to gentle,zy hills. Massive, brilliantly white cumulonimbus clouds, typical of summer, drifted slowly across the bright blue sky. Kirrin leaned on the window, gazing absentmindedly at the peacefulndscape. She was on her way to select new special students. # # # # # A few days earlier. Emboldened by Dian¡¯s praise, Kirrin immediately took the next step. That was to follow Dian¡¯s advice and visit the headmaster of the public academy. Stepping out of the carriage in front of the academy¡¯s main gate, Kirrin took a moment to look around before heading inside. Located on the outskirts of the capital, in an area wherend was rtively cheap, the public academy resembled an old military outpost. Therge main building and lecture halls stood at the center, with modest structures like a cafeteria, dormitories, and storage buildings clustered around them. Due to theck of tuition fees and its operation solely on imperial taxes, it couldn¡¯t bepared to private academies funded by high tuition fees and the donations of affluent parents. Nevertheless, the academy still functioned as an institution of learning, and graduating from here meant one wouldn¡¯t starve. In this medieval fantasy world, systematic public education from a young age, as in modern times, did not exist. Thus, gaining entry into any academy was quite challenging, and the public academy was no exception. Unlike private academies where money and connections yed a significant role, the public academy required pure talent, making it a ce where outstanding individuals could be discovered if one looked carefully. Surely, there were graduates who, due to their background, couldn¡¯t secure good employment. ¡°Dark Elf¡­¡± As Kirrin walked through the academy, students whispered amongst themselves. Currently, Kirrin was the only Dark Elf residing in a human city, so she drew attention wherever she went. Because of this, she rarely left the Special Mission Academy unless absolutely necessary. Even when invited to the Combat Department gatheringst time, she didn¡¯t attend for the same reason. One could never predict what might happen if a Dark Elf appeared in a tavern full of drunk patrons. Despite being widely known as the only Dark Elf in civilized society and the Headmaster of the Special Mission Academy, the animosity between the human alliance and the intelligent races that fought against the Demon King¡¯s army ran deep. ¡°Isn¡¯t that the Dark Elf headmaster from that academy?¡± ¡°Looks like it.¡± ¡°But why is her skin like that? Is she really a Dark Elf?¡± Ignoring the whispers, Kirrin entered the main building. Knowing theyout, she navigated the corridors and climbed the stairs without hesitation. The public academy was where she had graduated from, having been forcibly enrolled by her father after the war. Thus, she reached the headmaster¡¯s office without any trouble. ¡°Wee, Kirrin.¡± Upon entering, a warm, middle-aged woman greeted her warmly. ¡°Hello, Headmaster. You look well.¡± This woman had been the headmaster since Kirrin was a student, a mentor who had cared for her during her difficult time dealing with racial discrimination. The two embraced and exchanged pleasantries. ¡°You look much better than before.¡± ¡°I¡¯m managing. How are things with you, Headmaster?¡± ¡°The same as always. It is a public academy, after all.¡± The headmaster smiled kindly and asked, ¡°How are things at your Special Mission Academy? Are you still focusing mainly on indoor lectures? I¡¯m sure there will be talk from the Imperial Pce eventually.¡± ¡°Not really. We¡¯re now incorporating Combat Department practicals as well. In fact, the emphasis on practicals has increased.¡± ¡°Oh, really? Why the sudden change of heart?¡± ¡°It wasn¡¯t so much a change of heart as it was the arrival of a new Head Combat Professor.¡± ¡°You mean the one who reced the predecessor that fled in the night?¡± ¡°Yes, Headmaster. The new Head Professor was rmended by the Imperial Pce. His name is Dian, and he seems to be a veteran of past war.¡± ¡°If he was rmended by the Pce and is a veteran, he must have an impressive background.¡± ¡°Actually, I don¡¯t know much about his past. The Pce didn¡¯t provide any details.¡± The headmaster nodded understandingly. ¡°He¡¯s probably from the special forces.¡± ¡°I think so too. Anyway, the academy has changed a lot since he arrived.¡± Excitedly, Kirrin began recounting Dian¡¯s achievements to the headmaster. ¡°Honestly, it¡¯s a bit embarrassing. Those are things I should have done myself. I always feel grateful and apologetic towards Dian.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t think that way, Kirrin. Everything he did was possible because you allowed it.¡± ¡°Really¡­?¡± ¡°Of course. If you had intervened, there¡¯s no way he could have done anything, regardless of his position. It¡¯s a matter of structure and legal authority, not capability.¡± Kirrin looked at the headmaster, mouth slightly agape, unable to respond. Until now, she had believed that the academy¡¯s normalization was solely due to Dian¡¯s efforts. As a result, she had felt intense guilt for not fulfilling her role as headmaster properly, despite relying on Dian. The headmaster was the only one who acknowledged Kirrin¡¯s contribution. ¡°So don¡¯t be so hard on yourself. Delegating authority to capable subordinates also requires courage and decisiveness.¡± ¡°I understand¡­¡± Kirrin barely held back tears, managing a smile. ¡°So, Kirrin, what brings you here? This isn¡¯t exactly a ce for leisure. If you¡¯vee despite being busy, you must have something to discuss.¡± ¡°Actually, I have a favor to ask.¡± ¡°Go ahead.¡± ¡°Are there any graduates who might be suitable to bring in as special students at our academy?¡± Upon hearing Kirrin¡¯s exnation, the headmaster nodded in understanding. ¡°I see what you mean. You¡¯re looking for outstanding graduates who are considering a change in career or social status.¡± After a moment¡¯s thought, the headmaster called someone from the adjacent administrative office. ¡°Could you bring me the employment status of our graduates from earlier this year?¡± [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Receiving a thick stack of documents, the headmaster smiled and said, ¡°Since it¡¯s a public academy, many students find it hard to secure good jobs on their own, so the academy tracks their progress and assists with employment.¡± She sifted through the documents, selecting a few promising candidates. ¡°Would you like to take a look?¡± Kirrin meticulously reviewed the documents handed to her. They contained basic personal information, current employment status, and past academic performance. ¡°What does ¡®contract expiration¡¯ mean, Headmaster?¡± ¡°They are students who found employment on a contract basis. They¡¯re also worried because if their contracts aren¡¯t renewed, they¡¯ll immediately lose their ie.¡± ¡°Then I should consider these individuals as well.¡± After thoroughly reviewing the documents several times, Kirrin selected one and handed it to the headmaster. ¡°What about this person?¡± ¡°Let me see.¡± The headmaster looked at the chosen candidate¡¯s profile and nodded approvingly with a smile. ¡°You¡¯ve got a good eye. I was actually going to rmend this one myself.¡± She exined the candidate¡¯s brief history to Kirrin. ¡°Seems like a good choice. It wouldn¡¯t hurt to pay a visit.¡± ¡°Yes. If we bring this person in as a special student, Dian will be pleased.¡± The headmaster watched Kirrin with a warm smile but said nothing. ¡°Why¡­?¡± ¡°Kirrin, you like him, don¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Eeek?!¡± Startled, Kirrin stood up abruptly, nearly knocking over her chair. ¡°No! What are you saying!?¡± ¡°The selection of special students was a matter between you and the Second Princess. Yet you¡¯re thinking about what Dian would think, not the Princess.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± At a loss for words, Kirrin sat back down, her face flushed. ¡°Do you like him?¡± ¡°Well¡­¡± Hesitant, Kirrin slowly began to speak. She had never discussed this with anyone before, but she felt she could confide in the headmaster. After listening to Kirrin¡¯s story, the headmaster spoke. ¡°What¡¯s most important is your feelings.¡± ¡°Yes¡­¡± ¡°Your father and the Imperial Pcee after that.¡± ¡°But I can¡¯t ignore them¡­¡± ¡°What if you didn¡¯t have to step down as headmaster or if you weren¡¯t the headmaster anymore?¡± ¡°Pardon?¡± ¡°In that case, wouldn¡¯t you feel less obligated to like Dian?¡± ¡°Th-that¡¯s¡­¡± ¡°Do you like Dian for who he is, or because he fits into your ns?¡± Kirrin looked away, unable to respond. As her silence stretched on, the headmaster spoke again. ¡°You¡¯ve always been unable to express your opinions due to your strict father, always concerned with others¡¯ approval.¡± She ced a gentle hand on Kirrin¡¯s knee and continued. ¡°Since bing headmaster, you¡¯ve been trapped between the Imperial Pce and your father, unable to act freely. It¡¯s not your fault that you ended up retreating and doing nothing.¡± The headmaster soothingly patted Kirrin¡¯s knee. ¡°Simrly, it¡¯s not because you¡¯recking that Dian has revitalized the academy in your ce. You were just suppressed.¡± ¡°But I¡¯m ipetent¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s not true, Kirrin. How can our top graduate say such things? You¡¯re the pride of our public academy.¡± ¡°Headmaster¡­¡± Kirrin bit her lip and roughly wiped her eyes with her sleeve. ¡°You regret the past, don¡¯t you? You me yourself? But it¡¯s okay. Just don¡¯t do it again from now on. You¡¯re already making changes. Dian is helping you.¡± ¡°Yes¡­¡± ¡°ept your feelings for Dian, Kirrin. If liking him makes you happy, then embrace that. Don¡¯t hesitate. Don¡¯t worry about your father or the Imperial Pce.¡± ¡°Thank you, Headmaster¡­¡± When Kirrin began to cry, the headmaster hugged her with a motherly smile. # # # # # If liking Professor Dian makes you happy, then embrace that¡­ ept your feelings purely¡­ Don¡¯t worry about your father or the Imperial Pce¡­ ¡°We¡¯ve arrived, Headmaster.¡± The coachman¡¯s voice pulled Kirrin from her thoughts back to the present. The carriage had stopped in arge city nestled in the tnd between the hills. So this was Tatanok. [Trantor ¨C Peptobismol] Chapter 77 - New Special Student (7) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 77 - New Special Student (7) After the academy leadership meeting, I separately convened the Combat Department. This was to inform them about the uingpetition and prepare ordingly. ¡°The Imperial Security Office is hosting apetition? And it¡¯s going to be based on active agent evaluations?¡± Naturally, the professors were astonished. The Security Office had never disclosed such evaluations to outsiders before. Although the difficulty and other factors would be adjusted for the academy students, the basis would still be the confidential evaluations for active agents. For the professors, this was a surprising development, especially since Headmaster Kirrin had personally secured this from the Second Princess. ¡°Headmaster Kirrin is really something.¡± ¡°Indeed. To face the Second Princess without flinching¡­¡± ¡°She¡¯s apletely different person now.¡± ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to our Head Professor...¡± At thisstment from Lina, the professors turned to look at her. Their gazes seemed to ask what she was talking about. However, Lina continued to look at me with shining eyes, unbothered. ¡°Isn¡¯t it true? Before Head Professor arrived, Headmaster Kirrin wasn¡¯t willing to do anything. All the external activities, including practical exercises and battlefield tours, started after he arrived.¡± ¡°Hmm, that¡¯s true.¡± The professors nodded in agreement, as Lina''s statement wasn''t incorrect. ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s begin. Thepetition is expected to take ce in about two months. That gives us a time frame of one to one and a half months, or at most, two months.¡± Here¡¯s my n for preparing for thepetition: First, the entire graduating ss will be evaluated without exception, with detailed scoring for each category. The categories are mainly three: infiltration, assassination, and intelligence. A typical special forces unit operates with these three functions, although theposition varies slightly with the number of personnel. After these evaluations, the students who score well in each category will form teams and undergo training, which is the second phase. This way, we can be prepared topete whether thepetition is among various academies or just our own. Moreover, this thorough evaluation will help identify the graduating ss¡¯s weaknesses, allowing us to focus on improving those areas in the second semester. Thispetition serves as a great opportunity to evaluate the overall performance, assess the graduating ss, and revamp the curriculum all at once. ¡°But don¡¯t we need the evaluation forms from the Security Office to start preparing?¡± ¡°Waiting for that would be too tight. We¡¯ll create our own preliminary evaluation forms and prepare the students. Once the official forms arrive, we can incorporate any additional elements.¡± The Security Office won¡¯t impose unreasonable standards on academy students. They will likely create conditions simr to typical special forces missions. Given that, our Combat Department professors should be able to predict the necessary conditions. ¡°The Head Professor is absolutely right. But as someone who knows nothing about special forces, I can¡¯t quite grasp it.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much. Lina and I will draft the preliminary evaluation forms. The rest of you can prepare the training grounds and materials ordingly.¡± With Lina¡¯s field experience from special forces, the two of us should easily create the preliminary forms. Although Kirrin is the assassination and abduction professor , she has no realbat experience and wouldn¡¯t be of much help. ¡°Sounds great!¡± Lina jumped with joy at my words, her enthusiasm palpable. There¡¯s one issue, though. For the intelligence category, we¡¯ll need Professor Ismera¡¯s cooperation. The Theoretical Department has courses on code-breaking and signal detection for intelligence gathering. Hopefully, that elf doesn¡¯t start foaming at the mouth like a Chihuahua again. # # # # # ¡°You¡¯re here to see the Head Professor?¡± The administrative assistant in the Theoretical Department looked slightly troubled. ¡°Is there a problem?¡± ¡°Not exactly...¡± Hesitating, the assistant asked me to wait before running inside. ¡°You may go in now.¡± Shortly after, the assistant returned and ushered me in. ¡°Professor Ismera.¡± A voice from inside invited me in after I knocked on the office door. Opening the door, I was taken aback. Professor Ismera was sitting at the desk, but her eyes were bloodshot, and her face looked gaunt and unwell. ¡°Are you alright? Are you feeling sick?¡± ¡°What¡¯s your business here?¡± Her voice was colder than ever, short and curt. ¡°It¡¯s about thepetition. We need the Theoretical Department¡¯s cooperation.¡± Without an invitation to sit, I exined the situation while standing. Professor Ismera offered no opinions, merely turning her gaze to the window. ¡°We¡¯ll discuss internally and support you.¡± ¡°Thank you. Please provide an answer by the day after tomorrow. If support isn¡¯t possible, we need to make alternative ns.¡± That was it. Ismera didn¡¯t seem to want to talk further. ¡°I¡¯ll be off then. Take care.¡± With no response, I gave a slight bow and left the office. # # # # # ¡°Hyaang, I¡¯m so happy.¡± Lina looked around the Head Professor¡¯s office with a dreamy expression. ¡°Just thinking about workingte with the Head Professor makes me excited.¡± Lina had a backpack almost as big as herself. ¡°Did you move in?¡± ¡°More or less. I need to be well-prepared to stay here and work.¡± ¡°What do you mean? You¡¯ll be done by pulling an all-nighter.¡± ¡°Will it really be that quick? But this is important work.¡± ¡°Importance doesn¡¯t necessarily corrte with the time and effort spent.¡± ¡°Oh, I see...¡± Disappointment was evident on Lina¡¯s face, but she suddenly brightened up. ¡°But I can still take a nap if I get tired!¡± ¡°Alright, alright. Unpack your things over there and let¡¯s get started.¡± ¡°Haa, Head Professor, I¡¯m so excited I could burst...¡± Like a puppy wagging its tail, Lina looked up at me with sparkling eyes. I pushed her forehead with my finger. ¡°Let¡¯s get to work.¡± ¡°Yes, Head Professor!¡± At that moment, a Theoretical Department professor walked in. ¡°Good evening, Head Combat Professor.¡± ¡°Wee.¡± I wasn¡¯t sure if they woulde, but it seemed Professor Ismera sent them after all. Despite her difficult personality, she was a rational woman. ¡°Huh? What¡¯s going on?¡± Seeing Lina¡¯s confusion, I exined the situation. We decided to get support from the Theoretical Department for the intelligence category. ¡°So¡­ we¡¯re working with three people?¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡± A shadow quickly fell over Lina¡¯s face. # # # # # [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] When Professor Dian chose her, Lina was overjoyed. Already smitten with him due to a series of events, the chance to workte together in his office was an unexpected opportunity. Rushing to the dormitory, Lina began packing her things. Snacks for when she gets hungry, reference books, teaching materials, and a sleeping bag since they would likely be working through the night. And just in case something special happened, she even packed her most cherished and risqu¨¦ underwear. Who knew? Better to be prepared. But when she arrived, Dian said they could finish in one night. That wasn¡¯t what she expected¡­ But that¡¯s okay. They won¡¯t be working all the time, right? There would be breaks for naps, washing up, and who knows what else could happen! However, it was all just a fantasy. ¡°Good evening, Head Combat Professor.¡± ¡°Ah, wee.¡± Lina, humming happily while unpacking, saw a Theoretical Department professor walk in. It turned out they were there to help with the intelligence category. ¡°So¡­ we¡¯re working with three people?¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡± This is terrible¡­ my ns, my underwear¡­ And to make matters worse, Dian works incredibly fast. Unfurling several sheets of nk paper, Dian began writing evaluation elements without hesitation. He distributed them to Lina and the intelligence professor, instructing them to review and revise. As Lina and the intelligence professor checked the infiltration and intelligence elements, Dian reviewed them again. After several rounds of review and revision, they were done. Honestly, everything Dian initially scribbled included almost everything necessary, so there wasn¡¯t much to add or remove. ¡°Lina. Go get the administrative director.¡± When the administrative director arrived, Dian asked if the academy had the resources to evaluate all the listed elements. The director reviewed the list and confirmed that most could be done, with any gaps to be filled by cooperating with other academies or nearby units. ¡°Good. The preliminary draft isplete!¡± Dian then called a meeting with the Combat Department professors to review the draft. ¡°This looks good.¡± ¡°Excellent work! Nothing is missing!¡± ¡°I agree. We should send this to the Security Office as a reference.¡± ¡°With everyone¡¯s approval, the draft is finalized!¡± With the professors'' positive feedback, Dian took the draft to the headmaster¡¯s office. ¡°Hey, assistant! Tell Professor Ismera toe to the headmaster¡¯s office regarding thepetition¡¯s preliminary evaluation draft!¡± ¡°Yes, Head Professor!¡± Looking out the window, the sun was just beginning to set, around the usual quitting time. What¡¯s this¡­? I was so excited, but it was just a normal day¡¯s work¡­? Ugh, my underwear! Still¡­ Professor Dian is amazing¡­ How can he finish everything so neatly before the day ends¡­? I really like him¡­ ¡°Snap out of it, Lina. You¡¯re drooling.¡± When Felimia shook her shoulder, Lina hurriedly wiped her mouth with her sleeve. She was indeed drooling, lost in thought. ¡°What were you thinking about to look so silly?¡± ¡°I was just disappointed I couldn¡¯t show Professor Dian...¡± ¡°Show him what? What is it?¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing...¡± [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 78 - New Special Student (8) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 78 - New Special Student (8) I went to get the evaluation forms reviewed and knocked on the headmaster''s office door, but there was no response. "Headmaster! It''s Dian!" Still, there was no answer. What''s going on? "Ah, Head Professor. The headmaster is currently out." A staff member from the adjacent administrative office informed me. "Out? Where did she go?" "She left regarding matters rted to the new special students, but she didn''t give any details." "Do you know when she''ll be back?" "She should be back by the end of the workday." What now? I had already sent a message to Ismera through an assistant. If shees here and finds out the headmaster is absent, she''ll probably throw a fit. I should inform her as soon as possible. Just as I was about to turn around, I saw the assistant I had sent for Ismera approaching. Ismera herself was not with him. "Head Professor, Professor Ismera cannot make it." "That''s convenient. I was just about to tell her not toe because the headmaster isn''t here. Why can''t shee?" "She''s not feeling well and went to the infirmary." "The infirmary?" She must really be unwell. I decided to head to the infirmary instead of returning to my office. After all, as colleagues, we should check in on each other. Just as I opened the infirmary door, I ran into Ismera. "Professor, are you alright?" "What''s the matter?" Ismera asked coldly. "I heard you went to the infirmary, so I was worried." "There''s nothing wrong with me." "But you look quite unwell." Ismera''s face was pale, and dark circles shadowed her eyes. I''d never seen an elf look this unhealthy. "I''m just a bit tired. Thank you for your concern." She clearly didn''t want me to worry. "Understood. By the way, thank you for supporting the intelligence professor. Thanks to you, we finished the evaluation draft." I handed her the draft. She nced over it briefly before handing it back. "Since it''s still a draft, it will need further discussion with you and the headmaster." "Good work." And with that, she walked past me and headed towards the main building. Elves like Ismera usually live in their secluded forests, rarely venturing outside because they find other races inferior. Losing her forest in the war and living in the bustling human city of Kalbasar for ten years must have taken a toll on her. Despite her qualifications, she couldn''t be headmaster due to Kirrin''s imperial backing. And now I had arrived, likely worsening her situation. I should arrange a meeting with her to rify that I have no intentions of bing the headmaster. It would be better for her to know I''m not apetitor. # # # # # Entering the main building, Ismera stopped and leaned against the wall, feeling faint. The evaluation draft she had seen was shocking. Ismera didn¡¯t know the exact nature of the special forces'' work, only that they performed dangerous, secretive missions. However, she was a highly skilled academic, having earned a master¡¯s degree in just ten years, a feat that typically took others over twenty years. Despite herck of field experience, her keen insight allowed her to assess the draft¡¯s quality. Dian¡¯s draft was exceptionally well-crafted, and that realization made her feel even worse. Initially, she thought Dian was just a well-connected, idle man. She believed his sess was mere luck, but now, it was clear that wasn¡¯t the case. Struggling to keep herself upright, she bit her lip and stood up straight. She couldn¡¯t afford to give up. She had to remember the resolve she had when she left her forest ten years ago. p! She pped herself hard, then walked down the hallway with renewed determination. # # # # # By the end of the workday, Kirrin had returned. After reviewing the evaluation draft, Kirrin praised it as perfect and signed it with grandiose enthusiasm. "By the way, Headmaster!" "Yes?" "Where have you been all day? I heard it was rted to the special students. Did you have any sess?" "Oh, that¡­ well, sort of." Kirrin perked up her ears and smiled slyly. She must have seeded in something. If not, she¡¯d be sulking with drooping ears like a sad puppy. Unlike Ismera, Kirrin¡¯s feelings are always written on her face. She must be nning a surprise, hence her silence. How cute. With Kirrin¡¯s signature, the evaluation draft became official, and the academy immediately began preparing for thepetition. The first step was setting up the training grounds ording to the evaluation draft. Thanks to regr maintenance, this didn¡¯t require much effort. The second step was announcing thepetition to the students, which was straightforward. The most basic yet crucial task was physical training. While the academy already had physical training, it wasn¡¯t enough. All units under the Security Office, regardless of whether they are field or desk jobs, must meet physical standards during evaluations. Thepetition would likely require simr standards, so we needed to enhance the students'' physical training ordingly. "Morton, get ready." I entrusted this to Morton, a former long-distance patrol unit member known for his exceptional endurance. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Every day, we ended sses early and gathered at the parade ground for physical training under Morton¡¯s leadership. "Uweek!" After running ap around the academy grounds, the students copsed, retching. The academy''s grounds are vast, and Morton¡¯s pace was very fast. While it wasn¡¯t particrly fastpared to the patrol squad¡¯s infiltration speed, it was challenging for the students to keep up. "Head Professor!" Professor Ismera approached me with a concerned expression. "Isn''t this too harsh? Suddenly imposing such rigorous training!" It seems she¡¯s recovered enough to be feisty again. "You¡¯re exaggerating." "But look at them; they¡¯re struggling." "That¡¯s just temporary. In a week, more than half of them will be able toplete the course without trouble." Ismera still looked skeptical. As a pure-blooded elf with a master''s degree, she probably knew little about physical training. She only saw the students vomiting and copsing. "I understand your concern, but leave this to the experts. The professors have extensive field experience, especially Morton, who has also served as an instructor at the patrol unit training camp." "That camp trains recruits with basic military training. This is different." "It¡¯s different, which is why we¡¯re adjusting ordingly. Our academy isn¡¯t like other academies. We can¡¯t afford to prioritize safety above all else." "They¡¯re still just kids." "Don¡¯t worry. With Priestess Maya here, there won¡¯t be any serious incidents. We¡¯re conducting the training efficiently, grouping them by ability. You might think of us as recklessbat professors, but trust us on this." When I didn¡¯t back down, Ismera bit her lip and looked away. At that moment, the students with the lowest stamina staggered in, crawling on all fours and vomiting. Seeing this, Ismera hurried over, crouching beside them. "Are you okay? Can you breathe?" Ismera gently patted a student¡¯s back, showing unexpected concern. I didn¡¯t think she cared about such things. She¡¯s a moreplex character than I thought¡­. # # # # # Along with physical training, we began evaluating the graduating ss based on the evaluation draft. The three main categories were infiltration, assassination, and intelligence, the core functions of a special forces unit. Typically, a special forces team consists of three members, each specializing in one of these functions. While missions and situations might require solo orrge team operations, the fundamental functions remain the same, either handled individually or divided among team members. During their first years, recruits gain experience in all three functions before specializing in one, much like choosing a major in college. I had already mentally shortlisted a few candidates for evaluation: Knightley, Hindrasta, and a few other top students. If, as I suspect, the Security Office organizes a nationwide academy teampetition, it will likely involve the typical three-member team format. Knightley has excellent overall performance, and Hindrasta, with her dragon lineage and Lenc Mercenary background, has significant experience. With another top student, we could form a strong team. "Head Professor, the headmaster is calling for you." An assistant approached me. "What for?" "The special student selected through the confidential process has arrived. She¡¯s at the main building entrance." "Oh, really? Alright. I¡¯ll be right there." At the entrance, Kirrin was already waiting. "Wee, Dian." "Where¡¯s the special student?" "Looks like it¡¯s that carriage over there." She pointed to a carriage approaching from the main gate. Let¡¯s see what kind of talent Kirrin has brought in. The carriage stopped in front of us, and a delicate-looking woman stepped out. "Sir Dian." "What?!" Merilda, carrying arge bag, smiled at me. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 79 - New Special Student (9) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 79 - New Special Student (9) A few days ago, Kirrin visited Tatanok for a special student interview. At that time, she found herself in a somewhat awkward situation. It was caused by the people blocking the entrance. As she got off the carriage and was about to enter the city after surveying the surroundings, she was suddenly stopped. "Dark Elves aren''t allowed in." "What...? I can''t enter?" "No, you cannot." For a moment, Kirrin wondered if she had mistakenly arrived at a frontier town. Frontier towns are cities established by humans in harsh environments, such as deep jungles or the cold north. Typically, these towns are built to exploit natural resources in regions inhabited by indigenous peoples or monsters, leading to inevitable conflicts between the resource-seeking humans and the original inhabitants. As a result, in these frontier towns, the residents consider all non-humans entering from outside as enemies. But this ce was an ordinary city, not far from the capital. If it were truly a frontier town, Kirrin would have been turned into a pincushion by crossbows and arrows the moment she stepped out of the carriage. It must be because she''s a Dark Elf. "This ce was once burned to the ground by the Demon King''s army before it was rebuilt." Sure enough, an elderly man stepped forward and exined. "Everyone here harbors deep resentment against the Demon King''s forces. Weren''t Dark Elves also allied with the demons during the war? So, please leave peacefully." That¡¯s the reason. If that¡¯s the case, Kirrin could understand why they were rejecting her. But she couldn''t just leave. "I am Kirrin Nemara, the headmaster of the Imperial Special Mission Academy. I''m here on official business." "The Special Mission Academy?" The moment Kirrin mentioned the academy, the people who had been hostile just moments before began murmuring among themselves. "Isn''t that the academy?" "Isn''t that where Sir Dian is?" "Someone, go fetch the deputy administrator!" A short whileter, the crowd parted to reveal a young woman with neatly groomed long brown hair. "Hello, I''m Merilda, the acting administrator here. You said you''re from the Special Mission Academy?" "Yes, that''s right. I¡¯m Headmaster Kirrin Nemara." "Isn''t that the ce where Sir Dian serves as the Head Combat Professor?" "Uh, yes... How did you know that...?" "Everyone! This person is not an enemy! She''s the headmaster of the academy where Sir Dian works!" Upon hearing Merilda''s words, the townspeople''s faces brightened in an instant. "She''s Sir Dian''s boss?!" "We apologize for our rudeness! Please forgive us!" "Quick, escort her to the town hall!" Even as she was being ushered into the city by the suddenly weing crowd, Kirrin was bewildered. What is going on here...? # # # # # Even after sitting on a sofa inside the town hall, Kirrin was still looking around, trying to grasp the situation. "You must have been quite surprised." Merilda, who had just served tea, sat down across from her and started to speak. "This vige, Tatanok, has a painful past of being reduced to ashes by the Demon King''s army during the war. That''s why the people reacted that way." "Yes, I understand. I¡¯m sorry for arriving unannounced." "It¡¯s alright. We should be the ones apologizing. Tatanok is now officially a city, and we should be more flexible." It turns out that Tatanok had recently met all the criteria to be upgraded to a city. Soon, a full-time administrator would be dispatched from the central government, and Merilda would step down from her acting position. "In viges without an administrator, someone with a degree or certification in administrative studies can take on the role temporarily under contract." "I see. Actually, that¡¯s partly why I¡¯m here. I have official business with you, Miss Merilda." As Merilda gave her a questioning look, Kirrin began to exin. The Special Mission Academy is currently recruiting additional special students. After considering various factors, they determined that someone from a public academy would be ideal, and the current headmaster rmended Merilda. With Tatanok being upgraded to a city, Merilda¡¯s acting administrator contract would soon end. Furthermore, she was the right age for the position. "I see. This is quite an unexpected offer." Merilda smiled faintly and took a sip of tea. "You¡¯re asking me to transfer to the Special Mission Academy where Sir Dian works?" "Since it¡¯s been brought up, how do you know Professor Dian? From what I saw earlier, it seems the whole town knows about him." "That¡¯s because Sir Dian is the savior of our Tatanok vige." "Savior? What do you mean? I apologize, but didn''t you say this vige was destroyed during the war?" "Yes, the vige was destroyed, but the people survived. If it weren''t for Sir Dian, we all would have died back then." Merilda then recounted the story of how, ten years ago, Dian and Linus appeared like a divine revtion when the vige was under attack by the Demon King''s army. The two of them defeated the entire Demon King''s army and led the surviving vigers on a long journey to a safe area. After the war, they continuously supported the vige¡¯s reconstruction, which eventually allowed Tatanok to be elevated to city status. "I lost my entire family during that time, but thanks to Sir Dian, I was able to rebuild my life. Sir Dian is the one who saved my entire life." "Ah, so Dian did something like that..." As Kirrin listened, her eyes sparkled with admiration, but then she realized something strange. Dian saved the vige with Sir Linus? Could it be that the Sir Linus they¡¯re referring to is the hero of the continent who defeated the Demon King? "Yes, they both visited together not long ago for the vige''s reconstruction day event." What is this? I knew Dian was a war veteran, but I never heard anything about him being with Sir Linus. "I had no idea there was such a connection. Professor Dian never talks about his past." "He¡¯s a humble man. Anyway... about the special student program." Ah, right. We were talking about the special student program, not Dian. "You would start from the final year and could graduate and move on to rted fields next year. Your diploma wouldn¡¯t mention anything about being a special student or a transfer." "That sounds like a wonderful program." "It¡¯s perfect for someone like you, Miss Merilda. What do you think?" "If the academy will have me, I¡¯d love to join." Merilda answered readily. "In a few days, I¡¯ll be stepping down from my acting administrator position. After that, I¡¯ll need to find new work, but there aren¡¯t many opportunities for public academy graduates." Merilda nodded at her own words and sipped her tea. "And if it¡¯s at the academy where Sir Dian is, I¡¯d be happy to go a hundred times over." I feel the same way, Merilda. If it weren¡¯t for Dian, I might have run away before the year ended. "But I¡¯m curious. If I transfer to the academy, will I be able to learn directly from Sir Dian?" "Not exactly. Professor Dian is the Head Combat Professor, so he doesn¡¯t teach students directly." "That¡¯s fine. As long as I can be near Sir Dian, that¡¯s all that matters to me." At that moment, Kirrin had a strange feeling. It seemed like Merilda''s feelings towards Dian were a bit excessive. She wasn¡¯t asking about life at the Special Mission Academy or her future career path, only about Dian. Well... I guess it''s natural, considering he saved her life... In any case, it was beneficial for Kirrin to bring Merilda in as a special student. As a top graduate of a public academy, Merilda would significantly contribute to the quality of the academy¡¯s final year students. And so, Merilda of Tatanok became the second special student at the Imperial Special Mission Academy. "I¡¯lle after everything here is settled. It shouldn¡¯t take more than a few days." "Alright, Miss Merilda. See you at the academy." Having achieved what she came for, Kirrin boarded the carriage with a light heart. Let¡¯s keep this a secret from Dian for now. It¡¯ll be a nice surpriseter. Hehe. As for what I heard about Sir Linus, I¡¯ll look into thatter. # # # # # After hearing the full story from Kirrin in the headmaster''s office, I let out a wryugh. "Fate is strange indeed, but I never imagined it would turn out like this." "Right? I was surprised too when I heard about what happened between Miss Merilda and Dian." Kirrin then looked at me like a puppy, ears drooping, as if asking for her head to be patted. "You did well, headmaster." "Hehe." Watching all this with a smile, Merilda sipped her tea. "So, Merilda. You do know what this ce is, right?" "Yes, Sir Dian. After graduation, I¡¯ll be a Special Agent in the imperial capital." "Even though you graduated at the top of a public academy, adjusting won¡¯t be easy." "I¡¯m prepared for that. As long as you¡¯re here, Sir Dian, I can endure and ovee any hardship." Oh boy... "Alright then. How about we do a skill assessment? It just so happens that we¡¯re preparing for apetition, so the timing is perfect." With that, I led Merilda to the evaluation hall after our chat. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 80 - Academys Representative Team Complete (1) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 80 - Academy''s Representative Team Complete (1) As news of thepetition spread, the academy buzzed with excitement. An externalpetition had never been held before, and this one was even organized by the Imperial Security Office. Winning here would undoubtedly be a tremendous boost to anyone''s career. Because of this, Knightley''s followers fawned over her even more than usual. Knightley was currently the top student in the graduating ss. Rumor had it that thepetition would be conducted in teams, just like the active Special Task Forces. Being on the same team as Knightley would significantly increase the chances of winning. However, Knightley ignored her sycophants with her usual cold arrogance. With their poor skills, they¡¯d only hold her back. Did they really think I wouldn''t notice how they curse me behind my back while trying to use me to their advantage? I''d be better off going solo. Knightley wasn¡¯t wrong in her thinking. Her followers despised her. But as the daughter of a Duke and the top student at the academy, they clung to her, hoping to catch even the smallest crumbs that might fall. And of course, Knightley was fully aware of this. "What? Competing alone? What nonsense is this?" Professor Dian looked incredulous when he heard. "You want to enter thepetition solo? Nothing''s even been decided yet! Besides, no matter how skilled you are, thepetition is based on rookie agent evaluations. Going solo would be tough." Professor Dian chuckled. "No matter how much of a top student you are here, in the field, you''re still a greenhorn. Now go get ready for the evaluation." "Evaluation?" "If you''re entering thepetition, we need to assess your skills and train you. Now go on, I''m busy." Reluctantly, Knightley left the Head Professor''s office under Dian''s urging. As she closed the door, she caught a glimpse of Professor Dian cheerfully pulling out a whipped cream cake from the cupboard. That man always kicks me out just to eat cake by himself. A few dayster, the academy released the draft of its internal evaluation criteria. Infiltration, assassination, and intelligence¡ªthose were the main focus areas. Overall, there was nothing particrly problematic. After all, these were topics the academy had been teaching all along. And thanks to the asional personal lessons from Professor Dian on infiltration and assassination, Knightley felt confident she had reached a decent level in those areas. But there was a problem with the intelligence field. There was an intelligence course in the Theoretical Department, but it was notoriously difficult. At the academy, intelligence is treated in a somewhat narrow sense. It¡¯s not about extracting information through torture or infiltrating enemy lines for observation and guidance. Instead, it involves deciphering codes and patterns, analyzing intercepted magicalmunications, utilizing publicly avable information like rumors and market transaction records, and then using all of this to assess enemy intentions, evaluate potential threats, and predict future developments. Just hearing about it was enough to give one a headache. Even Knightley, with her excellent grades, had only managed to get an A in intelligence once. The Imperial Security Office is said to have a specialized unit known as the 5439th Division that handles these matters exclusively. She couldn¡¯t even imagine how insanely talented those people must be. Anyway, this was the biggest challenge¡­ She definitely needed to study more. Having assessed the situation, Knightley decided to stop wasting time nning and get straight to work. Her first stop was the academy library, where she loaded up on books rted to intelligence. After struggling to haul them back to her dormitory, she headed to the Theoretical Department next. "Hello, Professor." Knightley approached the intelligence professor to ask if she could get ess to any past cases or previous exam questions from other academies rted to the uing evaluation. Fortunately, she managed to get her hands on an old set of questions from the Imperial Cipher Decoding Competition that had been held once long ago. Armed with these, Knightley headed to the market next. "I''ll take these, these, and these, please." She stocked up on longsting snacks. She nned to stay holed up in her dormitory over the weekend to study, so she needed something to munch on. And so, the top student, Knightley, began her serious preparation for the evaluation. She was determined to be selected, to uphold the academy''s honor, and to earn recognition from Professor Dian. And then, she would be a Special Agent in the Security Office right after graduation. Then, not even my father could interfere with my life. Perfect! But it wasn¡¯t the extreme difficulty of the intelligence course that stood in her way¡ªit was the physical training. "Uweeeeek!!" On the first day of intense physical training, Knightley vomited everything she had inside afterpleting argep around the academy and entering the drill ground. The Special Mission Academy had always emphasized physical training, and Knightley had always been considered quite fit. But even so, the physical training led by the old, white-bearded Professor Morton was grueling. And it was here that Knightley¡¯s pride took a major hit. The pink-haired special student, Sophia, easily outpaced her and finished first. That girl was from a mercenary background. Her physical stamina is insane. There was no way Knightley could just let this slide. No matter what, she couldn¡¯t lose to a newly transferred special student. She would have to conquer both the intelligence course and physical training. This won¡¯t be easy... Instead of getting discouraged, Knightley pushed herself even harder. Despite her arrogance, Knightley was a surprisingly diligent student with grand ambitions for the future, willing to give her all to achieve her goals. Surprisingly so. # # # # # Hindrasta, who had outrun Professor Morton to be the first to arrive at the drill ground, looked back with a bored expression. The weak humans were copsing to the ground, vomiting everywhere. How pathetic. So much fuss over thispetition. I don¡¯t care about any of it. What do I care if the academy seeds or fails, or if I get better grades at graduation? I showed up to this training because it¡¯s mandatory, but I¡¯m definitely not entering thepetition. "Hey, Hindrasta. Enter thepetition." "Eek?!" Hindrasta nearly fainted when Dian suddenly appeared. "You¡¯re entering, no excuses. Don¡¯t say you can''t or won¡¯t." "Is this the Sovienna Federation or something? You can¡¯t just boss me around! No way!" But as Dian stared her down, Hindrasta quickly lowered her head. "I¡¯ll do it..." She couldn¡¯t escape from Dian, and if she tried, she¡¯d likely have to face Linus too, so she opted toply for now. A thousand years from now, you¡¯ll all be dead. I¡¯ll return to my true form and burn everything to the ground. But considering humans only live about a hundred years, it was a rather meaningless vow of revenge. # # # # # The academy¡¯s internal evaluation began alongside physical training. As she headed to the intelligence evaluation hall, Knightley recited from a small notebook she held. It was a summary of the intelligence material she had crammed into her head over the past week. If she could just memorize all of this, she wouldn¡¯t make any basic mistakes, even if she didn¡¯t get a perfect score. Upon entering the evaluation hall, the first thing Knightley did was search for the special student, Sophia. Sophia was sitting in the back, doing nothing, with her chair tilted back and her legs propped up on the desk. She seems so rxed. She must have studied in secret like I did and is just pretending not to care. But I worked hard too. She might be better at physical training, but I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll do better in the written test. As Knightley took her seat and the evaluation was about to begin, the door opened, and Professor Dian walked in with a female student. "This is the new special student. She¡¯ll be joining this evaluation right away." As Professor Dian spoke to the evaluation supervisor, the room buzzed with curiosity. A new special student¡­? Knightley''s sharp gaze fixated on the shy brown-haired girl standing next to Dian. "Starting right away? That might be tough for her." "She¡¯ll be fine. She graduated at the top of her public academy and served as a deputy vige administrator. She¡¯s got the basics." The supervisor hesitated, but Dian¡¯s response only heightened the room¡¯s excitement. A top public academy graduate? A deputy administrator? "Headmaster Kirrin personally recruited her, so there¡¯s nothing to worry about." "Well¡­ if the Head Professor says so..." Recruited by the headmaster herself? "Alright, everyone quiet down! The evaluation is starting!" Just as the murmurs threatened to turn into a full-blownmotion, the supervisor raised his voice to bring the room to order. Meanwhile, the new special student, Merilda, quickly took a seat next to Sophia. Knightley turned slightly in her seat, scrutinizing Merilda¡¯s every move. A new special student? Top graduate of a public academy and already has experience? And recruited by the headmaster? Hmm... "Hello." Merilda, having just sat down, greeted Hindrasta, who was sitting next to her. But as expected, Hindrasta didn¡¯t even bother to acknowledge the greeting, let alone respond. After all, she was the Great White Dragon. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 81 - Academys Representative Team Complete (2) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 81 - Academy''s Representative Team Complete (2) The intelligence evaluation began. Despite being suddenly thrust into the evaluation, Merilda epted the test paper with a calm expression. During our earlier conversation in the headmaster''s office, she mentioned that while she hadn''t studied much about intelligence, she was eager to give it a try. "It''s like solving puzzles." Merilda said with a positive look when she learned what intelligence work entailed. She enjoyed puzzles and believed she was good at them. "Well, it is somewhat simr to puzzles. Let''s see how you do. I need to gauge your level to tailor your education ordingly." "By the way, Dian." Kirrin suggested after hearing. "How about pairing Merilda with Knightley for personal tutoring?" "Personal tutoring?" "Yes. I heard that you two have a past connection. And both are special students, after all." Kirrin wasn''t wrong, and adding another student to the personal tutoring sessions wouldn''t be too difficult. The issue was Knightley. Would she ept sharing her personal tutoring sessions with someone new? But then again, her approval isn''t my concern. I never promised to tutor her alone. Besides, I''ve been considering bringing Hindrasta into the personal tutoring sessions as well. Other professors have noted that Hindrasta''s academic behavior is far from ideal. She often skips sses, spending her time in her dormitory or at dessert cafes. Her participation in sses is poor, but there''s one positive aspect: her social rtionships. Lower-ranked students adore Hindrasta, likely because when she first joined the academy as a special student, she beat up some upper-ss bullies, sending them all to the infirmary. To the lower-ranked students, Hindrasta is a savior who appeared out of nowhere to rescue them. However, that doesn¡¯t mean she sees them as equals. While the other professors only see the surface, I know the truth. Hindrasta doesn''t care about the lower-ranked students who cling to her. To them, she might be an idol, but to her, they are insignificant humans. This is typical of dragons, who generally look down on other races. Moreover, Hindrasta is quite ignorant of social customs and etiquette. I saw her eat with her hands at Linus¡¯s house the other day. Having spent her life as a ruler in the mountains before being exiled and joining the Lenc Mercenary Corps, all she knows is fighting. It''s unlikely she learned proper manners ormon sense among those brutish and unrefined mercenaries. If she is to eventually join the Imperial Security Office, I need to start teaching her proper behavior now. Given that her polymorph form won¡¯t wear off for a thousand years¡ªa brief time for a dragon, but an eternity for a human¡ªshe needs to learn how to live among humans during that time. So my current n was to personally teach the top student and Duke¡¯s daughter, Knightley, and the special student dragon, Hindrasta. And now Merilda? It¡¯s not a bad idea, but the real question is whether Merilda can keep up with Knightley and Hindrasta¡¯s levels. If I include her in personal tutoring just because of our past connection, she might end up struggling and falling behind. I only remember Merilda from when she was young, so I don¡¯t really know how capable she is now. Although she graduated at the top of her public academy, which is akin to a regr humanities school in the modern world, she likely hasn¡¯t acquired much knowledge rted to the Special Mission Academy. But with a sharp mind, she should be able to catch up quickly with a little guidance. For now, I''ll observe her performance in this internal evaluation to see where she stands. And so, the intelligence evaluation, now including Merilda, began. I had asked the intelligence professor to lower the difficulty slightly for this test. The intelligence course is almost as challenging as theology or magical engineering, so bringing in real-world examples could easily crush the students¡¯ spirits. The real-world knowledge needed for the field will be taught and experiencedter during new recruit training at the respective organizations. There¡¯s no need to demoralize the students right now. Even with the difficulty lowered, the test paper was still tough. It involved tasks like decoding hidden meanings byparing arbitrary cipher tables, inferring overall situations from snippets of intercepted conversations, and solvingplex passwords made up of intricate shapes and numbers. It felt like a public sector aptitude test from the modern world, but much harder. If this is what they consider an "easier" version, I can¡¯t imagine how talented the members of the Imperial 5439th or 6974th Divisions must be. I hope our students can handle it. As expected, after a while, sighs and groans began to echo throughout the room. Everyone seemed to hit a wall. "Ugh, damn it..." I turned to see Hindrasta trembling with frustration, her hand gripping her pencil as if she might snap it in half while staring down at her test paper. That¡¯s understandable. But what about Knightley? I walked past several desks and stood next to Knightley. She was furrowing her brow, but she was diligently working through the problems. Honestly, Linus and I were hopeless in this area too. We preferred the easier method of capturing and forcing demonmanders to confess instead of trying to decipher codes. As forplicated passwords, we¡¯d just smash the locks or doors. If that didn¡¯t work, we¡¯d call in the legion¡¯s attack magic to clear the area. Eventually, we¡¯d be left with just the vault or room, which we¡¯d haul back to the rear to dismantleter. When it came to intercepts, we¡¯d roughly listen and, if it sounded right, we¡¯d storm in, beat the target to a pulp, and drag them back. If they turned out to be innocent, we¡¯d let them go. Why did anyone engage in suspicious behavior to begin with? Anyway, that was our approach until the formal Demon King yer Task Force was established, and Kaiden joined us. He brought a much-needed expertise in intelligence. Kaiden was primarily a mage, but his sharp mind made him proficient in this area as well. Now that I think about it, didn¡¯t I hear he joined some magic tower? The Tower of Illusions, was it? I should visit him sometime. # # # # # After the evaluation, I was urgently summoned to the Theoretical Department. When I arrived, I found the intelligence professor excitedly waving around a test paper. "Look at this!" I took the test paper he handed me and first checked the name. It was Merilda''s. The paper was filled with what looked like scribbles, indicating that she had spent considerable time thinking. "This student¡ªis she the new special student who joined just before the evaluation?" "Yes. Is there a problem? Considering she¡¯s from a public academy, it wouldn¡¯t be surprising if her score is low..." "That''s not it!" Even with the test paper in hand, I couldn¡¯t make sense of it. Seeing my puzzled expression, the intelligence professor snatched the paper back and eximed. "She scored an impressive 40 points! That''s the second-highest score in this evaluation!" The highest score, unsurprisingly, belonged to Knightley, who scored 41 out of 50. Only a one-point difference. But considering Merilda knew nothing about intelligence, the real gap is likely more than just one point. "Student Merilda clearly has a natural talent for this field!" Is that really the case? Did she not just guess correctly? Or could she have copied Hindrasta¡¯s answers? But Hindrasta only scored 5 points. What an absurd dragon... I decided to call Merilda in to exin her reasoning. Professor Ismera joined us as well. With a special student performing exceptionally well in a theoretical subject, it made sense for the Head Theoretical Professor to be present. When Merilda arrived, summoned by an assistant, she looked slightly flustered but smiled as she noticed the group waiting for her. "Is there a problem with my answers?" "Student Merilda, could you exin your thought process for this problem?" Ismera asked, presenting one of the questions from today¡¯s test paper. The task was to decode a secret document obtained from the enemy. The encryption method was aplex multi-substitution cipher in the imperialmonnguage. The content read: VOBBR MMNNO NKKUYU TS JIPOO NZLY "Oh, this one." Merilda replied calmly. "It seemed like each letter was substituted with the letter five ces ahead, so I shifted everything back by five ces to restore the original text." Using the pencil Ismera handed her, Merilda wrote out the decoded letters on the paper. "But the resulting words didn¡¯t make sense, so I tried reversing the order. However, it still didn¡¯t form coherent words." "And then?" "So I decided to swap the consonants and vowels, and finally, it made sense." The sentence Merilda wrote was "Infiltration begins at midnight". The correct answer. But this wasn¡¯t the standard method. Normally, this type of cipher requires knowledge of a codebook and rted techniques to solve. How did she figure it out? This multi-substitution cipher is a high-level encryption method thatpletely stumps anyone encountering it for the first time. Back when Linus and I first encountered it, we couldn¡¯t solve it either, so we resorted to throwing the demonmanders off a cliff one by one until one confessed. But Merilda... how did she manage this...? Could it be... she¡¯s just exceptionally intelligent? [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 82 - Academys Representative Team Complete (3) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 82 - Academy''s Representative Team Complete (3) Professor Ismera, still slightly stunned, presented another problem to Merilda. This time, it was a problem that required identifying a pattern in numbers to deduce critical geographical information. 120 121 123 131 141 151 161 230 231 232 242 252 262 272 310 320 330 340 350 360 370 410 411 412 413 414 415 416 520 530 540 550 560 570 580 630 631 632 642 652 662 672 740 741 742 752 762 772 782 "This one was solved like this." Merilda exined, as if it were no big deal. She assumed that the first digit of each row represented the horizontal coordinate. The second digit was assumed to represent the vertical coordinate. The third digit appeared to be the result of a specific rule being applied. The entire pattern likely corresponded to a specific date and geographical location, as indicated by the problem. Using this assumption, Merilda analyzed the pattern and identified the rule, eventually deducing the correct date and coordinates. This was an extraordinary stroke of luck. Her initial assumption was as random as blindly throwing a rock and having it hit a dragon¡¯s vital spot. Yet, it was spot-on. Honestly, even after listening to Merilda¡¯s exnation, I still had a hard time grasping it. My approach, and that of Linus, was nothing like this. "Student Merilda, wait in the assistant''s office for a moment." Ismera instructed Merilda out. She stared intently at the process Merilda had just written down with her pencil. "What do you think, Professor Ismera?" "Although shecks specific knowledge, her ability to solve problems with keen intuition and logic is remarkable." Ismera replied, not in her usual sarcastic tone, but with genuine surprise. "She has potential and promise. As much as I hate to admit it, the headmaster''s judgment was correct this time." Oh, Ismera praising Kirrin? That¡¯s a rare sight. "Student Merilda seems to have an exceptionally sharp mind. In cases like hers, even without prior knowledge, she can see through to the essence of the problem." So, in other words, Merilda¡¯s a genius? It wasn¡¯t even my aplishment, yet I couldn¡¯t help but feel proud. But why would someone so intelligent settle for a temporary position as a deputy administrator? Even if she graduated from a public academy, as the top student with such talent, she could have aimed much higher. Then again, Kirrin was also the top student at a public academy, wasn¡¯t she? "It¡¯s strange, isn¡¯t it? How a student like her ended up as a deputy administrator in a small town instead of pursuing opportunities in the capital." Ismera seemed to be thinking along the same lines as me. After a brief silence, Ismera made a sudden deration. "Head Combat Professor, I will personally guide this student." "Suddenly?" "Student Merilda has innate talent. She¡¯s a gem with boundless potential. A student with such a brilliant mind needs a specialized curriculum." Was she suggesting that she wanted to tutor Merilda personally, the way I tutor Knightley? "Oh, really? Actually, I was considering cing Merilda in our academy¡¯s representative team." The moment I saw her evaluation results, I made up my mind. If I could ce Knightley and Hindrasta in charge of assassination and infiltration, and have Merilda handle intelligence, we¡¯d have the perfect team. "Are you out of your mind? You¡¯re thinking of sending a public academy graduate to represent the Special Mission Academy in apetition?" Ismera looked at me as if a filthy insect had just crawled into her neck, raising her voice in disbelief. "You just said she¡¯s a genius. Geniuses excel in any field. I¡¯ll guide her alongside Knightley." "That won¡¯t work. Merilda¡¯s talents lie more in theory than inbat." "In active duty, you can¡¯t separatebat from theory." "Not everyone has to be on the front lines. Supporting the field from the rear is also crucial." "I¡¯ve never disregarded support roles. But there¡¯s no need to view things so dichotomously. Right now, what¡¯s most important is thepetition. We need to focus all our efforts. We need to make a good impression on the Imperial Security Office and the Second Princess." Ismera¡¯s expression changed at the mention of the Second Princess. I didn¡¯t miss that. "The academy is in a good position right now. I heard the Second Princess was pleased when we brought in Sophia. If we do well in thepetition, and the team includes two special students directly recruited by the academy, how do you think the Second Princess will view us?" Ismera was a rational person. Unable to find fault with my reasoning, she reluctantly nodded, though she still didn¡¯t seem fully convinced. "How about this?" Ismera proposed, adding a condition. "You handle Student Merilda until thepetition, and after that, I¡¯ll take over." It wasn¡¯t a bad idea. After all, it might be beneficial for Merilda to experience instruction from both of us before making a decision. Knightley personally chose me, and Hindrasta would never adhere to Ismera¡¯s authority, but Merilda might benefit from it. Honestly, I also felt that Merilda might be better suited to Ismera¡¯s teaching. "Alright. Student Merilda,e back in." Ismera called out. Merilda re-entered the room, having been waiting in the assistant¡¯s office. Ismera greeted her with a warm smile and spoke kindly. "Student Merilda, I¡¯ve heard your exnations. I hope I¡¯m not being too hasty in my judgment, but it seems you have considerable potential." "Thank you, Professor." "But I¡¯m curious about something. You were the top student at a public academy, and you have such abilities. Why did you take on a position as a deputy administrator in a small town?" "After I graduated, someone from the capital approached me." Merilda answered calmly. "They invited me to join the Imperial 5934th Division." The 5934th Division is part of the Empire¡¯s intelligence unit, known for its expertise in signals and human intelligence. It¡¯s where the Empire¡¯s brightest minds go. "But Tatanok is my hometown. It¡¯s a small vige without an administrator, and I was the only qualified person avable." "And now that Tatanok has been upgraded to a city, your contract as a deputy administrator has ended. Did you have other ns afterward?" "If the offer from the capital still stands, I was nning to join the 5934th Division. But then the headmaster suggested I transfer here as a special student, so I decided toe." "I see. I understand now. Well, I have a proposal for you." Ismera then exined to Merilda that she had shown exceptional talent in the intelligence field, and that with such potential, she should take advanced courses. She offered to personally tutor Merilda. "So, you¡¯re suggesting I receive separate instruction from the head professor of the theoretical department? But doesn¡¯t the Theoretical Department ovep a lot with what I learned at the public academy?" "That¡¯s true, but here we delve into the material in more detail. Even if you¡¯ve studied it before, you¡¯ll find it a fresh experience here." "I see... but..." Merilda hesitated, then looked at me. "Won¡¯t the Head Combat Professor be offering personal tutoring?" "Me? Yes, I will." "Then I¡¯d like to learn from the Head Combat Professor." At Merilda¡¯s firm request, Ismera smiled, though it seemed forced. "Of course, the Head Combat Professor is an excellent teacher. However, since you¡¯ve shown such great potential in intelligence, I thought the Theoretical Department might be a better fit." "But I believe that if I¡¯m at the Special Mission Academy, I should also master the subjects in the Combat Department." "I¡¯ve discussed it with the Head Combat Professor. Until thepetition, you¡¯ll train under him. After that, I¡¯ll take over." Merilda was silent for a moment before asking. "If the professor decided so, do I have to follow it?" "The choice is yours, Student Merilda. I can¡¯t force you." "I understand, Professor. I appreciate your offer, but if I¡¯m to receive personal tutoring, I¡¯d prefer to learn from the Head Combat Professor." Wow, she¡¯s leaving no room for doubt. Not even a needle could prate that resolve. Ismera was clearly taken aback, and her forced smile wavered slightly. "Merilda, how about this?" Unable to stand it any longer, I intervened. "For now, let¡¯s have you learn from both Professor Ismera and me during thepetition. I¡¯mpletely clueless about the intelligence field. After experiencing both sides, you can decide what¡¯s best for you after thepetition. Sometimes, a person¡¯s perspective changes once they¡¯ve experienced things firsthand." "If that¡¯s what you suggest, Professor Dean, then I¡¯ll agree to that." Merilda¡¯s immediate andpliant response made Ismera¡¯s eyes twitch slightly. After all her attempts to persuade Merilda had failed, seeing her agree so quickly to my suggestion must have stung her pride. However, Ismera maintained herposure, smiling warmly at Merilda as she gestured toward the door. "Alright, Student Merilda. You may return to your studies." "Thank you, Professor." After Merilda left, I turned to Ismera. "That¡¯s settled, then. You¡¯ll handle the intelligence training, and I¡¯ll take care of the physical and other aspects. In fact, why don¡¯t we co-lead the entire representative team? It¡¯s not just about Merilda." Since Ismera wanted to make a strong impression on the Second Princess, leading the representative team together would be beneficial for her as well. But Ismera didn¡¯t respond. Was she upset? "Professor Ismera, what do you think?" "Why do you..." Ismera began, still staring out the window. "Why do you always get ahead of me and take everything?" "Me...?" "No." Ismera shut her eyes tightly and waved her hand dismissively. "It¡¯s all my fault for being ipetent and unlucky." Now that I looked closer, Ismera¡¯s face was pale. "Are you okay?" But she didn¡¯t respond. After hesitating for a moment, I decided to leave the office. As I closed the door, I caught a glimpse of Ismera holding her face in her hands. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 83 - Academys Representative Team Complete (4) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 83 - Academy''s Representative Team Complete (4) The first round of evaluations was over. As expected, Knightley came in first ce. Surprisingly, Hindrasta performed well, securing second ce. Her weak score in the intelligence field was offset by a perfect score in the physical ability test. Merilda scored high in the theoretical section, but, as expected, her performance in physical evaluations was somewhatcking. Still, she wasn¡¯tpletely uncoordinated or out of shape, managing to avoid the lowest scores. Physical abilities can be improved to a basic level, and I already have ns for that, so it won¡¯t be a major obstacle. With this, I¡¯m confident that the team I envisioned¡ªKnightley, Hindrasta, and Merilda¡ªcan effectively handle assassination, infiltration, and intelligence. Good, it¡¯sing together. I immediately called the students together. The location was a cafe in themercial district. I ordered a whole whipped cream cake, my favorite, and waited for them to arrive. Knightley was the first to show up. She had never beente for a meeting before. "Wee." Knightley sneered at the whipped cream cake on the table. "So, you¡¯ve given up on eating secretly?" "How did you know I was eating secretly?" "I know you always tell me to leave first and then take it out from the cupboard." "Haha, you got me. Have a seat." Knightley sat down, crossing her legs and folding her arms. "I heard there¡¯s a new special student? What¡¯s that about?" "What do you mean? You already know everything." "A top graduate from a public academy, a deputy vige administrator in Tatanok, personally recruited by the headmaster. What kind of weirdbination is that?" "A Duke¡¯s daughter from a powerful imperial family, fleeing an arranged marriage to the Special Mission Academy, acting all arrogant in front of the Head Combat Professor." Knightley''s face turned red at the jab. "Anyway, what¡¯s the deal with her?" "She¡¯s a special student, like you said. That¡¯s all there is to it. She¡¯s got the skills, so we brought her in. And she¡¯s older than you." "Older or not, we¡¯re in the same grade, so what does it matter? So why did you call me here?" "It¡¯s about the uingpetition. I¡¯m nning to pre-select the academy¡¯s representative team." At this, Knightley uncrossed her legs and straightened her posture. "Representative team?" "If my prediction is correct, the Imperial Security Office will likely hold thepetition for all the academies in the Empire. What do you think that means?" "Each academy won¡¯t submit all hopefuls; they¡¯ll select representative candidates or teams. So am I going to be part of the representative team?" Knightley, unable to maintain her usual cold and haughty expression, asked in an excited tone. I knew it. She pretends to be so mature, but she¡¯s still just a kid. "Well, that depends on how you perform." "I¡¯m the top scorer in the internal evaluation for thepetition. What more is there to say?" "It¡¯s not just about you." Knightley¡¯s expression changed at that. "Who else is a candidate?" "Herees one now." I pointed to Hindrasta, who was approaching with a scowl. Knightley¡¯s face instantly twisted in displeasure. "That pinkhead? She¡¯s a total idiot!" "She may be rough around the edges, but she¡¯s strong. You¡¯ll work well together." "I don¡¯t want to do anything with her. She¡¯s reckless and ignorant, like a typical mercenary." "At least she canmunicate in themonnguage. Hurry up, stop dawdling!" I shouted, and Hindrasta grumbled but quickened her pace. "Why did you call me here after work?" Hindrasta spoke in somewhat awkward formalnguage. I had drilled into her the importance of using formal speech in front of others. "Sit down." "Oh, cake! Ouch!" She reached out for the cake with a grin, but I pped her hand, causing Knightley to snicker in disbelief. "Did you grow up in a jungle with monkeys? Even if you were a mercenary, don¡¯t you know how to use utensils? And how dare you try to eat before the professor?" But Hindrasta didn¡¯t seem to hear a word Knightley said. Instead, she asked me. "So why did you call me? Just to eat cake? If so, that¡¯s great." "Pinkhead. I¡¯m talking to you!" "Why don¡¯t we eat first? I¡¯ve been craving something sweet." Ignoring Knightley¡¯s scolding, Hindrasta continued speaking only to me. Other professors had mentioned that Hindrasta onlymunicated with other students when necessary, and seeing it in person, it was something else. As expected of a dragon. She views humans as nothing more than insects, fitting for a race that considers itself supreme. But considering you¡¯ll be on the same team, that attitude won¡¯t do. "Hey, Sophia. Why don¡¯t you introduce yourself to Knightley?" "Who? Knightley?" Hindrasta blinked in genuine confusion. She didn¡¯t even know her name. When I pointed at Knightley, Hindrasta finally turned her gaze toward her. "So you¡¯re Knightley?" "You seriously don¡¯t know who I am?" "I know your face, but not your name. I don¡¯t care." "How can you not?" "Why should I? You¡¯re just another academy student." "Ugh..." Knightley turned away, clearly not wanting to continue the conversation. Meanwhile, Hindrasta licked her lips, eyeing the whipped cream cake. "Professor, the cake." "One more person¡¯sing. We¡¯ll eat once everyone¡¯s here." "Someone else? Is it one of the seniors?" Knightley listed the names of a few top-ranking students. "No, it¡¯s someone entirely new. They¡¯ll be handling intelligence." "So it¡¯ll be the three of us forming a team? Honestly, I think that¡¯s not bad." "When did you change your mind? You were talking aboutpeting solo before." "Well, if it¡¯s her, it¡¯s fine." Knightley gestured at Hindrasta with her chin. "I¡¯m sick of those who try to ride my coattails and scheme behind my back. At least with her, I know she can hold her own. She won¡¯t be a burden." Knightley is surprisingly rational and pragmatic, much like Ismera, epting things when they make sense. It¡¯s a relief that she¡¯s not opposing the idea of teaming up with Hindrasta. At that moment, I saw Merilda approaching. "Hey, Merilda! Over here!" "Hello, Professor Dian." Merilda greeted me politely with her hands sped together. Then, she turned to Knightley and smiled warmly. "Hello, Knightley." "What?" Knightley, caught off guard by Merilda suddenly addressing her by name, stared at her in surprise. "You know me?" "How could I not know someone so famous at the academy? You¡¯re the daughter of a Duke and the top student. That¡¯s impressive." "Uh, yeah..." Knightley¡¯s ears turned red. Merilda¡¯spliment had clearly taken her by surprise. Merilda smiled slightly, then turned her attention to Hindrasta. "Hello, Sophia." "..." As expected, Hindrasta, true to her proud and aloof dragon nature, didn¡¯t respond to Merilda¡¯s greeting. "Don¡¯t bother with her. She¡¯s got no manners. You¡¯re wasting your time." At Knightley''s words, Merilda smiled and bent down to meet Hindrasta¡¯s gaze. "Hello, Sophia? I¡¯m Merilda, the new special student. It¡¯s nice to meet you." Merilda offered her hand with a cheerful smile. "Let¡¯s shake hands." "Huh." Hindrasta let out a disbelieving chuckle and looked away. But Merilda simply reached out, grabbed Hindrasta¡¯s hand, and shook it. "Nice to meet you, Sophia." "What are you doing?!" "Isn¡¯t it polite to return a greeting? And since we¡¯ll be seeing a lot of each other, we should get along." "Why would I be seeing a lot of you?!" "Because I was also called here by Professor Dian." At those words, Knightley¡¯s eyes nearly popped out of her head. "Professor?! You¡¯re not seriously putting her on the team, are you? She¡¯s from a public academy!" As Knightley reacted in shock, Merilda smiled and said. "Even at a public academy, I learned everything I needed to, Knightley. You don¡¯t need to worry so much." "But you didn¡¯t learn how to kill or infiltrate there, did you? You¡¯re not in great shape, either. No matter how much the headmaster rmended you, this is too much..." "It¡¯s not favoritism. I took the same evaluation as you, which is why Professor Dian called me." Merilda¡¯s gentle yet firm tone cut off Knightley¡¯s argument. "Even if I¡¯m not as physically strong as you, I can still y a supporting role." "So you¡¯re saying you want to handle intelligence? But how will you do that? I got the highest score in the evaluation." "I heard. You scored 41 points. Unfortunately, I was one point short, so I came in second." "R-really?" Knightley stammered, momentarily thrown off by the unexpected score difference. But she quickly recovered. "Still, I scored higher." "You¡¯ve had years of training in intelligence, whereas I¡¯m new to it. Considering that, it¡¯s not just a one-point difference." Merilda¡¯s calm response left Knightley at a loss for words. It seems Merilda is surprisingly strong-willed. She managed to assert herself against both Knightley and Hindrasta on their first meeting. Impressive. Anyway. "Alright, kids. May I speak now?" "Yes, Professor." Merilda sat down demurely. I looked around at the three students gathered around the table. A Duke¡¯s daughter who fled an arranged marriage and became the academy¡¯s top student. A dragon who caused trouble and was exiled for a thousand years. A seasoned recruit who has been waiting for a hero for ten years. What a strangebination of stories. These are the students who will form the representative team for our Imperial Special Mission Academy. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 84 - Bustling Group Training (1) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 84 - Bustling Group Training (1) As we ate cake, I exined the n to the students. "You three will be working together, so you''ll receive separate training." "Separate training?" "I¡¯ll handle thebat training, and Professor Ismera will take care of the theory. The two Head Professors will be personally involved." "Gasp!" Knightley¡¯s face lit up with uncontroble excitement as she realized what this meant. For a diligent and ambitious top student like Knightley, there couldn¡¯t be better news. She seemed even more excited than when I offered her personal tutoring. "I have a question." Merilda said, raising her hand. "If Professor Ismera is also going to be involved, why isn¡¯t she here?" "She¡¯s on her way. She had some work at the department and will be a bitte." "Hmph, that arrogant elf... Who does she think she is...?" Hindrasta sneered, but Merilda turned to her. "Sophia, I don¡¯t know much about you, but I think it¡¯s important to show respect to our professors at the academy." "None of your business." "We¡¯re not strangers anymore. We should show proper respect to the professor who¡¯s teaching us." Merilda gently but firmly admonished Hindrasta with a smile. Hindrasta looked like she was about to retort but, after meeting Merilda¡¯s gaze, merely scratched her head in annoyance. "Professor, if we¡¯re going to have separate sses as a team, shouldn¡¯t we also have separate amodations?" Knightley asked. I considered this for a moment. It wasn¡¯t a bad idea. "I agree with Knightley. It would be much more efficient for us to train together." Merilda chimed in with a smile. "I heard that you live in a detached house on the academy grounds, Professor. That seems like an ideal ce." Why is she suddenly bringing up my house? "Are you a genius? No wonder you did so well in the intelligence course." Knightley suddenly praised Merilda, seemingly delighted with the idea. "I think staying at the professor¡¯s house for group training is a great idea. What do you think, Pinkhead?" "Absolutely not! I¡¯d rather sleep on the bare ground!" Hindrasta growled, baring her teeth. "Then you can sleep outside. Merilda and I will stay at the professor¡¯s house." Knightley said, giving Merilda a friendly look. Just a moment ago, she had been wary of Merilda, but now that she had suggested staying at my house, they seemed like best friends. "Professor, we¡¯ll go pack our things from the dorms. We can discuss the rest at your ce." "Hey, wait! This is my house we¡¯re talking about. Shouldn¡¯t I have a say in this?" I called out to Knightley and Merilda as they began to stand up. "Shouldn¡¯t we focus on how the training will be conducted first? Isn¡¯t that more important?" "But eating and sleeping arrangements are important too. So, what do you think, Professor?" "Well, my thoughts are¡ª" At that moment, I noticed Professor Ismera approaching from the distance, her meeting at the department apparently over. "Professor! Over here!" Ismera flinched slightly when she saw me, thenposed herself and walked over. "Hello, Professor." Knightley and Merilda greeted her with a bow, while Hindrasta remained indifferent. Merilda, still smiling, ced a hand on Hindrasta¡¯s shoulder. "Sophia, aren¡¯t you going to greet the professor?" "Ugh..." Hindrasta seemed like she was about to protest, but after seeing Merilda¡¯s gaze, she reluctantly bowed her head. "Hello..." A look that can even subdue a dragon... She¡¯s got quite the strong will. It¡¯s often the calm, gentle ones who have the strongest mental fortitude, stronger even than those with fearsome appearances like Hindrasta. "Good to see you all. Sorry I¡¯mte" Ismera said, gracefully returning the greetings as she sat down. She nced at the half-eaten cake on the table and forced a smile. "Professor, here." Merilda offered a fork, but Ismera waved it off. "Thank you, Student Merilda, but I¡¯ll pass. I don¡¯t eat cake." "Elves only eat nts. They don¡¯t eat meat or anything thates from living creatures. Didn¡¯t you know that?" Hindrasta seized the opportunity to boast, but Merilda turned to her with a warm smile. "Thanks for the information, Sophia. I knew elves are vegetarians, but I think it¡¯s polite to offer food, even if you¡¯re not sure they¡¯ll eat it." "Damn it..." Hindrasta, already frustrated by Merilda¡¯s subtle rebukes, found herself unable to mount a proper counterattack. When the upper-ss bullies insulted her as a "whore of Lenc," she simply beat them up. But dealing with someone like Merilda was far trickier. Hindrasta, with her strength-focused character, was ill-matched against Merilda¡¯s type. This is exactly how she should be handled. And let¡¯s not forget that Merilda was a deputy administrator who helped a ruined vige rise to city status. She has experience that shouldn¡¯t be underestimated. And with Merilda¡¯s demeanor, there¡¯s something in her eyes that¡¯s hard to ignore or dismiss. She¡¯s what you might call a "hidden, intense presence" under a calm exterior... She even managed to assert herself over Knightley right from the start. She disarmed Knightley by addressing her by name as soon as they made eye contact and then won her over during the suggestion to train at my house. There are different ways to assert dominance. Making someone feel a strong positive connection with you is one of them. Initially, I was going to have Knightley lead the team, but judging by how things are going, Merilda might end up being the implicit leader. With Ismera now seated, we began discussing the training n for the team. I exined the agreed-upon details to the students, and we confirmed any restrictions. "So, we¡¯re going to adjust the ss schedule so that we can focus on intensive instruction from the professors?" Knightley summarized, trying to contain her excitement. "I understand everything, and I have no objections. Right, you two?" "Yeah, Knightley. I¡¯m in." "Uh-huh." Merilda replied brightly, while Hindrasta answered indifferently. "Now, back to what we were talking about earlier. We¡¯re nning to do group training. What do you think about that, Professor Ismera?" Knightley hadn¡¯t given up on the idea yet and was now trying to get Ismera on board. "Group training?" "Yes. Since thepetition isn¡¯t far off, we thought we¡¯d stay at the Head Combat Professor¡¯s house to eat, sleep, and study together." "Th-three female students living in a male professor¡¯s house...?" Ismera¡¯s expression was one of utter disbelief as she looked at me. Her eyes seemed to be saying, ¡®Exin yourself right now, you bastard.¡¯ "Nothing¡¯s been decided yet. It¡¯s just what the kids want..." "What do you think, Professor Ismera?" "Well, I..." Ismera¡¯s beautiful emerald eyes darted nervously between me and the students as she struggled to find the right words. "I think it might be inappropriate. People might find it very strange for female students to stay at a male professor¡¯s house." "But you¡¯ve been living with a girl much younger than us for over ten years now, haven¡¯t you, Professor?" "Wh-what...?!" Ismera nearly jumped out of her seat, looking at me in shock. "Is that true?!" Oh, right, Ismera doesn¡¯t know about Olysia. Since she isn¡¯t part of the Combat Department and doesn¡¯t like me, she probably never cared about my personal life. It would have been odd if she had. "It¡¯s not like that. She¡¯s my maid. I took her in when she was a war orphan being sold into very. She¡¯s more like a child I¡¯m raising." Ismera said nothing. "It¡¯s true! If you don¡¯t believe me, you can ask her yourself! Why do people always assume... what¡¯s that word?" "Pedo." "Yeah, Sophia, that! Wait, no! Not that!" "Why did you hit me?!!!" Hindrasta clutched her head, crying after I smacked her. "Ugh, quiet." Knightley pretended to cover her ears, while Merilda gently patted Sophia¡¯s head. "Anyway, it¡¯s not like that. Don¡¯t get the wrong idea, Professor Ismera." "If that¡¯s the case, then it¡¯s even better." Knightley said. "With the maid living there, nothing strange will happen." "Professor Ismera, as an educator, don¡¯t you think group training would be beneficial?" "Of course, for team-based training, group training is definitely¡ª" "Guys! Professor Ismera just gave her permission!" "No, I didn¡¯t say anything about permission, and that¡¯s not what I meant¡ª" "Thank you, Professor. We¡¯ll work hard under your guidance and win first ce in thepetition." Merilda interjected politely before Ismera could finish. "It can¡¯t be helped, then, Professor." Ismera said, turning to me. "The students are so eager, and group training is beneficial. I think it¡¯s only right for you to make a small sacrifice." "That¡¯s right, Professor. The whole academy is focused on thepetition. We need to give it our all." "Quiet, Knightley. It¡¯s my house, not yours." "If you¡¯re really worried, why don¡¯t you join the group training too, Professor Ismera?" "N-no, I¡¯ll pass...!" These kids are really something. It looks like my words won¡¯t have any effect, so it¡¯s time to bring Kirrin into this. Kirrin likes me, so she¡¯ll strongly oppose the idea of group training. And what will they do when the headmaster herself says no? # # # # # "I think it¡¯s a good idea." Kirrin approved. "What?" "Doing well in thepetition is important. Let¡¯s go with it." "But, headmaster..." "There¡¯s no big problem. They¡¯re still kids, and it¡¯s not like you¡¯ll be alone with them. The maid will be there too." Kirrin smiled. "And Dian, you wouldn¡¯t have any inappropriate thoughts about them, right?" "Of course not. I¡¯m more interested in women with mature figures, like the headmaster or Professor Ismera¡ªno, no, I mean, I don¡¯t like children that young." "What did you just say?" "Never mind, forget it." So even Kirrin is on board? But I have one more card to y¡ªOlysia. Olysia desperately wants me to remain a lifelong professor at the academy. She¡¯s always on edge, worrying that something might happen to jeopardize my position. So when she hears that three female students are staying at our house? She¡¯ll have a fit, and there¡¯s no way she¡¯ll allow it. Olysia can be quite intense when she¡¯s determined. If she decides to put her foot down, it¡¯ll be hard to manage. # # # # # "That¡¯s a great idea." Olysia pped her hands. "What...?" "If the students you¡¯re teaching do well in thepetition, the higher-ups will think highly of you, right?" "Well, yes..." "So, by any means necessary, you need to bring out the best in them. Group training sounds like a very effective approach." [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 85 - Bustling Group Training (2) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 85 - Bustling Group Training (2) And so, it happened. The students all wanted it (well, except for Hindrasta, but still), and even Professor Ismera publicly agreed that it would be effective. Headmaster Kirrin gave her approval, and Olysia was surprisingly enthusiastic about the idea. With everyone on board, I didn¡¯t really have a solid reason to oppose it anymore. My initial concerns were just about how it might look for female students to stay at a male professor''s house. But with the headmaster and the Head Theoretical Professor backing it, and with Olysia as a diligent overseer, I didn¡¯t have to worry much. Indeed, there¡¯s no better way to build team cohesion than group training. And just in time, the Imperial Security Office sent down thepetition guidelines. Much sooner than I expected. It¡¯s a nationwidepetition, just as I predicted. Not only are the academies participating, but anyone who meets the Security Office''s criteria can join, regardless of affiliation. That part was unexpected. I thought it would be limited to students from officer training schools and academies, but it seems that evenrge mercenary groups and adventurer guilds can participate. Looks like they¡¯re nning to recruit high-quality new talent from all over. But I had an odd feeling. The Security Office is one of the Empire¡¯s most important departments, controlled by the Second Princess. The Second Princess, born of a concubine, is on the rise, having established a strong track record, unlike the ineffectual Emperor. Her loyal elite officers now hold key positions within the Security Office. And now, they¡¯re organizing a nationwidepetition to find talented new recruits? This is a tant move to strengthen the Security Office¡¯s power and capabilities. But did the Emperor approve of this? Or is the Security Office acting independently? Or did the Emperor try to stop it and fail? I¡¯m not sure. What¡¯s important now is that thepetition is nationwide, and each organization must field a three-person team. Luckily, my prediction was spot-on, and our academy has already selected its first team through internal evaluations. Now, we just need to train like there¡¯s no tomorrow. "As expected of you, Dian! You¡¯re amazing!" Kirrin, thrilled after reading the Security Office¡¯s ns, chattered excitedly. "Everything is unfolding just as you predicted! Thanks to you, we¡¯ve saved so much time! How did you know?" "I just had a feeling that the Second Princess would do something like this." "Amazing, amazing! You¡¯re the best!" Kirrin was practically glowing with excitement, her face flushed as she gave me double thumbs up. But Ismera waspletely disconnected from the high spirits around her. Since the moment she read thepetition ns, she seemed like a person who had lost all emotion. Her once lush hair, emerald eyes, and wless skin now seemed to be covered in ayer of gray dust. "So now, Dian, you and Professor Ismera have a crucial role to y." Kirrin said, even as she mentioned Ismera¡¯s name, the professor seemed utterly unaware, lost in her thoughts. Caught up in her enthusiasm, Kirrin didn¡¯t notice Ismera¡¯s state and continued chattering away. "Dian, teach the students well and make sure we win first ce in thepetition. That will prove that our academy¡¯s students are the best in the Empire." "Don¡¯t worry. Professor Ismera and I will do our best." Even when I mentioned her name, Ismera didn¡¯t respond. "So the students will be staying at your ce?" "Yes, that seems to be the n." "Great, great. Then I¡¯ll stay at your house for a while too." "What? Why?" "Because I¡¯m the headmaster. It¡¯s my duty to support and keep an eye on the students during such an importantpetition." "Don¡¯t be ridiculous. There won¡¯t be any room left for you once the three students move in." "I¡¯ll justy a nket on the floor in your room. I don¡¯t mind." "Oh no, I mind. Stop saying absurd things." I deflected Kirrin¡¯s unreasonable request and nced at Ismera. Normally, she would¡¯ve been ring daggers at Kirrin, but she continued staring at the floor. "Anyway, as nned, we¡¯ll take the students and start their training." "Yes, yes. You two take care. I¡¯ll drop by asionally." As I left the headmaster¡¯s office, Ismera staggered off in another direction. "Professor Ismera." I called out as I approached her, and she slowly turned her head towards me, almost as if her neck creaked like an old hinge. "What is it...?" "We should move the students'' things to my ce and start the training right away." "Yes..." Then, with another slow turn of her head, she trudged away. That elf... She¡¯spletely lost her motivation after seeing my predictionse true. # # # # # Ismera, who had been walking sluggishly, stopped once Dian was out of sight and leaned against the wall. Everything had gone exactly as Dian predicted. The Security Office opened thepetition not only to our academy but to everyone else as well. They required only one team of three, skilled in infiltration, assassination, and intelligence. Our academy selected the top three through internal evaluations, and now we just need to train them and send them off. This wasn¡¯t just a prediction; it was practically a prophecy. I¡¯ve been utterly defeated... Completely outmatched... Since Dian took over as the Head of the Combat Department, Ismera had never once managed to outshine him. Dian always made absurd suggestions and took irrational actions, and every time, Ismera tried to challenge him. Everything Dian did was beyond Ismera¡¯s experience, knowledge, and understanding. But in the end, Dian was always right, and Ismera was always wrong. Even with the second special student, Merilda... When Ismera first learned that Dian was personally tutoring Knightley, she was furious. But when she found out that Knightley had requested it herself, and that Headmaster Kirrin had approved it due to theplex situation involving the Toulouse family, her anger turned into envy. If only I could personally teach a student with such potential... Then, out of nowhere, Kirrin brought in a second special student, Merilda, who showed remarkable talent in intelligence. Ismera immediately recognized Merilda as a genius and wanted to take her under her wing. If Dian can personally teach Knightley, why can¡¯t I, as the Head of the Theoretical Department? But the result was aplete defeat for Ismera. Merilda refused Ismera, insisting on being Dian¡¯s student instead. And when Dian stepped in to mediate, she immediately agreed, even though she had been firm in her refusal of Ismera¡¯s earlier persuasion. As if that wasn¡¯t humiliating enough, when Dian suggested that Merilda reconsider her decision in the future, it made Ismera feel even more wretched, as if Dian were pitying her and throwing her a bone. And she hated herself for feeling a glimmer of gratitude and hope in that moment. The series of events that unfolded left Ismera on the verge of a mental breakdown. The only path left for Ismera now is to ensure that the academy¡¯s representative team wins first ce in thepetition. The team is jointly supervised by Dian and Ismera, so Ismera has a stake in it. The team must win. That¡¯s the only way to prove mypetence. So how can our team win first ce in a nationwidepetition? Ismera began to think. # # # # # "Listen, I have something to tell you." On the way to my house, riding in the special carriage, I turned to the students, raising three fingers as I spoke sternly. "There¡¯s a maid at my house named Olysia. She¡¯s younger than all of you. Knightley, you¡¯ve met her, right?" "I know her. She¡¯s got quite a temper." "Yes, she does. She¡¯s been cleaning the house, preparing your rooms, and buying food for you all. She believes that if you do well, I¡¯ll do well, too." "Oh my, how thoughtful. She¡¯s very sweet." Merilda said, sping her hands together in admiration, while Hindrasta scoffed. "Right. But there¡¯s something she¡¯s extremely sensitive about. What do you think it is?" "Hmm, maybe something that could harm Professor Dian¡¯s reputation? Since Olysia wants the best for you." "Exactly, Merilda. Olysia is terrified that I might lose my job as a professor. If I get fired, we¡¯d have to go back to Brunswell. She hates that ce; she thinks it¡¯s a backwater." "Long story short, what¡¯s your point?" "Sophia, you can¡¯t talk to the professor like that." Hindrasta interrupted, her tone impatient, and Merilda scolded her immediately. "It¡¯s a good thing the professor is so lenient with you; otherwise, you¡¯d have been disciplined long ago." "What? Dian is lenient? Do you even know how many times I¡¯ve been beaten?" "If you did something wrong, you deserved it." Hindrasta began to yell, but Merilda smiled and cut her off. "You should be thankful it was just corporal punishment. At least you can still attend the academy." "Do you think I want to be here?" "Then why haven¡¯t you dropped out?" "I want to! But it¡¯s... It¡¯s not that simple... If I do, I¡¯ll die..." Hindrasta¡¯s sudden shift in tone surprised everyone as she started crying. "Please continue, Professor." Unlike Knightley, who was looking at her in disbelief, Merilda was unfazed by Hindrasta¡¯s tears, and turned her attention back to me with a smile. "Olysia is excited about your arrival but also anxious about what might happen. For example..." "A scandal between a beautiful blonde student and a young, capable professor?" At that, Merilda simply smiled without saying a word and looked at Knightley. "I¡¯m kidding, I¡¯m kidding." Seeing that look, Knightley awkwardly tried to smooth things over. Now that I look at it, Merilda, she can be a bit scary. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 86 - Bustling Group Training (3) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 86 - Bustling Group Training (3) When the carriage arrived at the house, Olysia was already waiting for us outside the gate. "Wee, representative team members!" As soon as the carriage door opened, Olysia rushed forward and bowed deeply. To an outsider, it might have looked like the representative team had already arrived at the athlete¡¯s vige. "Here, let me take your luggage." Knightley naturally handed over her handbag to Olysia. It wasn¡¯t a matter of her character, but rather an ingrained habit from being born a noble. "No, it¡¯s fine. I can carry it myself." Merilda said politely, smiling as she declined, while Hindrasta simply walked past without a word, clutching a hastily folded gym uniform under her arm. Wait a minute, why doesn¡¯t she have any other luggage? What¡¯s going on? We all entered the house together. The living room sofa and table had been pushed to the side, reced by thick,fortable bedding. Since there weren¡¯t enough rooms, I¡¯d nned for them to share the living room. After all, the kitchen, bathroom, and toilet are all on the first floor, and my room is on the second, so this arrangement seemed most appropriate. "It hasn¡¯t changed much sincest time." Knightley remarked, ncing around the living room, prompting Merilda to look at her with a smile. "You¡¯ve been here before?" "I slept here." While it was an unaltered fact, it sounded a bit dangerous, causing Merilda to gaze at Knightley with a curious smile. "What do you mean by ''slept''?" "Oh, Lady Knightley stayed here once before." Olysia interjected, exining the situation, finally prompting Merilda to look away from Knightley. "So that¡¯s what happened. I misunderstood it in a different way." "In what way?" Knightley asked, but Merilda didn¡¯t answer, instead changing the subject. "So, we¡¯ll all be staying here until thepetition. It feels like we¡¯re on an exciting trip somewhere far away." "That kind ofid-back thinking is dangerous." Knightley crossed her arms and said arrogantly. "We¡¯re not here for a vacation; we¡¯re here for group training to win first ce in thepetition. Never forget that." "Of course, Knightley. I was just saying." Meanwhile, Hindrasta was walking around, peering into different corners of the house with her hands behind her back. "Hey, why didn¡¯t you bring any luggage?" "Luggage? What for?" "You know, like a change of clothes or something." "I don¡¯t need any. I don¡¯t smell." "What the heck are you talking about?" "A polymorphed body doesn¡¯t need that. Mind your own business." Hindrasta waved her hand dismissively, as if shooing away a fly. "Really? But when you peed yourself at Linus¡¯s house, it was a whole different story..." "Aaaaack!!" Hindrasta made a strange noise and lunged at me, mping her hand over my mouth. "Shut up, you bastard...!" But when Merilda looked our way, Hindrasta quickly withdrew her hand, hissing a low threat. "Go get your stuffter, alright?" "Ugh... I don¡¯t have anything to bring." "Do you want to keep spouting nonsense?" "I¡¯m serious, I don¡¯t have any clothes to bring, you jerk...!" Hindrasta¡¯s eyes began to well up, as if she were about to cry. "I¡¯m stuck here because of you, and I don¡¯t have a single coin on me... I don¡¯t even have money to buy underwear... I had to throw away the panties I wet that time, and now I don¡¯t have any left...!" "What...?" I couldn¡¯t help but nce at Hindrasta¡¯s skirt. Could she really be goingmando right now? From the outside, there was no way to tell. "Don¡¯t believe me? You don¡¯t?" In response to my skeptical look, Hindrasta suddenly lifted her skirt. "Oh, crap." I quickly turned away, cursing as I caught a glimpse of her bare pink skin between her legs. Has this crazy dragon lost her mind? Even if it¡¯s a polymorphed body, she¡¯s being way too reckless. It looks like she really doesn¡¯t have any clothes. For now, she¡¯ll need to borrow some underwear from the others. Olysia and Merilda¡¯s sizes are probably too small, but maybe Knightley¡¯s would fit. "You should ask Knightley to lend you some underwear. Stop walking around like that." "Are you crazy? You want a dragon to ask a human to borrow panties? I might as well bite my tongue and die right here. You ask her!" "That would be social suicide for me. Forget it. Let¡¯s drop it." I shook my head and walked away from Hindrasta. I¡¯d have to take her shopping for clothes after today¡¯s training. "But Professor, I have a question." Merilda politely raised her hand. "If the three of us are using the first floor, where will you and Olysia stay?" "Oh, right. I have a room on the second floor, and Olysia has her own room over there." I pointed to the door leading to the stairs to the second floor, and Merilda stared at the stairs intently. "So, you¡¯ll be using the second floor alone?" "Yes. There are more rooms upstairs, but I thought it would be inappropriate to share the same floor with you all." "Of course. That¡¯s very considerate of you." Merilda nodded, but she didn¡¯t take her eyes off the stairs. "So, what should we do now? We¡¯re not just going to stand around chatting all day, are we?" Knightley interjected with a somewhat displeased tone. Knightley is diligent and eager to learn. With thepetition looming, every minute counts for her. "It¡¯s time for training. Everyone, change into your gym clothes. Once you¡¯re ready, call for me." The team¡¯s training was a joint effort between Ismera and me. Ismera would take care of the theory, while I¡¯d focus on drilling them inbat. I headed upstairs after instructing them to change, but soon enough, a loudmotion erupted from downstairs. "Hey! Why aren¡¯t you wearing anything underneath?! Are you a crazy pervert?!" "Sophie, do you find pleasure in exposing yourself to others?" "Shut up, you bitches! Unless you¡¯re going to buy me clothes, mind your own business!" Hindrasta snapped back at Knightley and Merilda¡¯s reactions with irritation. "If you¡¯re really desperate, do you want to borrow mine? If you train like that, everything will be visible." "It¡¯s too small. My butt won¡¯t fit. What¡¯s wrong with your body?" It seemed she tried on Merilda¡¯s clothes. "Knightley, would you mind lending her yours?" "No way! Why should I?! I don¡¯t even want to touch her!" "Knightley." Merilda¡¯s calm voice was followed by a cold silence. Perhaps she was disying her unnerving demeanor, and Knightley, who usually stood her ground, ended up reluctantly offering hers. "Fine... Here." Despite her usual strong-willed nature, Knightley handed over her underwear, looking embarrassed. "It fits perfectly. Good, Sophie. For today, just wear this and let¡¯s buy new clothester." "Ugh... This is so gross..." "That¡¯s an expensive pair of underwear! Something you could never afford, even if you worked yourself to the bone for a year!" As Hindrasta grumbled, Knightley snapped back sharply. "Did I ask about the price? I just hate wearing something that¡¯s been on your obnoxious body." "Spoken like a true dirty, ignorant mercenary." "Alright, both of you, enough. The professor can hear everything." "Yes, you¡¯re going to be living together from now on, so why start fighting already?" Fortunately, with Merilda and Olysia¡¯s mediation, the argument between Knightley and Hindrasta was temporarily put on hold. Listening to it all, I felt a sudden throb in my temples. # # # # # The training began with stretching. Hindrasta and Knightley were incredibly flexible, their legs stretching and splitting as if they were gymnasts. But Merilda... "Ugh..." Sitting on the floor, Merilda let out a pained groan as soon as she spread her legs just slightly past 90 degrees. "She¡¯s as stiff as a board." Hindrasta chuckled, while Knightley sat in front of her. "I¡¯ll help you. Give me your hands." As Merilda extended her hands, Knightley grabbed them and pulled while pushing her knees out with her legs. "Uuugh..." Most people would¡¯ve screamed by now, but Merilda gritted her teeth and endured, showing extreme patience. However, her legs didn¡¯t seem to be stretching any further, so I went behind her and pressed on her back with my knee. "Just hang in there a bit longer." "It hurts so much, Professor..." "It can¡¯t be helped. If you¡¯re this stiff, you¡¯ll get injured easily." "Ahh¡­! It hurts... Please be gentle..." Merilda curled up, letting out a delicate, high-pitched moan. "Wow, she¡¯s like a dead tree. Professor, press harder." Knightley said, applying more force, causing Merilda to tremble as she tightly closed her eyes. "Ahh... Please... It¡¯s too painful... Be gentle..." "More!" "If this keeps up... I¡¯ll break... My body can¡¯t take it...!" "Would you look at that..." Hindrasta stared at us, frowning as Merilda continued to moan. "If anyone heard this, they¡¯d think you¡¯re being forced into something indecent." "Please¡­ refrain¡­ from using such vulgarnguage..." Even in her pain, Merilda managed to reprimand Hindrasta¡¯s outrageousment. But, to be honest, I was starting to feel a bit awkward as well. "Please... I beg you... Please... ahh...!" Merilda was whimpering in a voice mixed with desperation and difort instead of screaming, sweat dripping from her forehead. This is getting really ufortable to listen to. It seemed Knightley was feeling the same way because, before long, she loosened her grip and awkwardly scooted back, her embarrassment clear. "P-Professor, let¡¯s call it a day since it¡¯s the first day..." The normallyposed Knightley was stuttering, clearing her throat as she abruptly stood up and moved away. "Thank you, Professor... I thought I was going to tear apart down there..." Even then, Merilda bowed her head low, massaging the insides of her thighs, speaking with an unsettling calmness. "I was worried that it might getpletely torn¡­ and never return to its original state." "Is she out of her mind...?" Even Hindrasta couldn¡¯t help but shake her head at that. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 87 - Bustling Group Training (4) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 87 - Bustling Group Training (4) After stretching, we did a light jog to get our bodies warmed up. But even though it was just a light jog, Knightley and Hindrasta had already taken off at full speed, far ahead of us. At first, Hindrasta started sprinting ahead without much thought, but Knightley couldn¡¯t resist chasing after her as if it were apetition. Then, as if Hindrasta¡¯spetitive spirit was ignited, they started racing each other, back and forth, like mad. What kind of dragon races against a mere human? It seems that being stuck in this forced polymorph state has made her unconsciously adapt to human tendencies. They were running so fast that they¡¯d alreadypped the entire training field once and were catching up to us again. "That¡¯s enough. That should do it." "Huff... huff..." Knightley stopped and bent over, hands on her knees, panting, while Hindrasta sneered and mocked her. "A wyvern trying to keep up with a dragon is bound to tear its wings." "How can you run so fast with all that extra weight?" "Because of this, right here." When Knightley looked at Hindrasta¡¯s chest, Hindrasta chuckled and patted her thighs. "This is all muscle. How could I not run fast? With that plump body that only males would like, you¡¯ll never be able to keep up. Impossible." "That¡¯s not even funny. You call that muscle? It¡¯s all just fat, like a pig." "What?! Come here,e here you!" Hindrasta roughly grabbed Knightley¡¯s hand and ced it on her thigh. "Feel that! You think this is fat? Huh?!" "Hmm..." Knightley carefully squeezed Hindrasta¡¯s thigh and groin area before nodding. "It¡¯s impressive." Knightley, just like Ismera, never argues against facts and quickly acknowledges the truth. "Hey, what¡¯s so impressive about it?" When I reached out, Hindrasta readily offered her leg. Touching it, I found the skin was soft, smooth, and silky, but beneath that, there were firm muscles. But why are her muscles so developed? "Not bad, huh?" Hindrasta shifted her thigh slightly to the side, moving my hand closer to her groin. "What the¡ª?!" Feeling that area, I was shocked. It¡¯s like a rock, just solid muscle. Wow, this is really amazing. Her muscles are incredible. There wasn¡¯t a single inappropriate thought in my mind¡ªjust pure admiration. "Excuse me. How long are you going to keep groping a female student¡¯s thigh?" As I kept marveling at Hindrasta¡¯s leg, Knightley cut in with a dissatisfied tone. "Weren¡¯t you the one refusing the group training because of how it might look? And now, what do you think you¡¯re doing?" "It¡¯s not that. Here, you try touching it. It¡¯s no joke. It¡¯s like touching an ogre¡¯s leg." "Ew! No way! Gross!" When I tried to guide her hand towards Hindrasta¡¯s groin, Knightley recoiled in horror and pulled away. "Gross?! What¡¯s gross about it?! Wait, are you spreading rumors that I wet myself?!" "What are you talking about? When did you wet yourself?" When Hindrasta started shouting, Knightley didn¡¯t miss the opportunity to press her further. From a step behind, Merilda silently watched the scene unfold with a smile. Ugh, my head. I¡¯m getting a headache on the very first day of training. # # # # # We trained all morning. Thepetition is in about a month. There¡¯s so much to teach. Just following the academy¡¯s regr curriculum won¡¯t be enough to secure first ce in thepetition. That¡¯s like trying to win a fight with just a textbook, without any private training¡ªit¡¯s foolish. If thepetition were only between academy students, that might work, but there will surely be applicants from reputable mercenary groups and other ces. Topete with seasoned professionals who have plenty of real-world experience, we¡¯ll need to pass on additional knowledge and skills beyond the standard curriculum. "I¡¯m hungry. Give me food." Drenched in sweat, Hindrasta flopped down and whined. It¡¯s summer now, and the weather is quite hot, so even though it¡¯s not yet noon, it¡¯s already sweltering. That¡¯s why Professor Ismera and I agreed to teachbat training from early morning until midday, and then do theory indoors in the afternoon. In thete afternoon, when the sun is down, we¡¯ll do physical conditioning, take a short break, and then have a night session for supplemental training. It¡¯s a perfect n. "Good work, everyone!" When we returned to the house, Olysia came out with several towels in hand, weing us. "Good work, Lady Knightley!" "Mmh." Knightley gave a light nod. "Great job, Miss Merilda!" "Thank you as always, Olysia." Merilda smiled warmly. "Well done, Miss Sophie!" Sophie took the towel without a word. "You,e here." I tugged Hindrasta¡¯s ear as she walked by. "What the heck!" "Answer when someone talks to you. Don¡¯t ignore people." "Ouch!" When I let go of her ear, Hindrasta red at me with teary eyes, rubbing her ear. With a nudge of my chin, I gestured toward Olysia, and Hindrasta, with a resigned look, mumbled briefly. "Thanks." Sigh... She¡¯s a dragon, so I get it, but if she¡¯s going to live like this for the next thousand years, she needs to start acting like a human. I¡¯m the only one on this continent who can teach Hindrasta proper manners, so it looks like I¡¯ll have to teach her one step at a time. "Sophie, you should use a fork and spoon." At the table, Merilda gently grabbed Hindrasta¡¯s hand as she tried to grab something with her bare hand. "It might be okay with just us, but if you do that outside, people will think you¡¯re a savage." "She is a savage. Merilda, don¡¯t you know about the Lenc Mercenaries?" Knightley, sitting across the table, spoke while eating her soup. Right now, Knightley is elegantly scooping her soup from the inside out. It¡¯s a move that nomoner could ever mimic, scraping from the inside. When Knightley mentioned it, Merilda slowly shook her head. "I¡¯ve heard the name, but I don¡¯t know exactly what kind of ce it is." "Lenc is a ce for people who enjoy killing others." Knightley set down her spoon and gracefully wiped her mouth with a napkin as she spoke. "But just because someone likes killing doesn¡¯t mean they¡¯re all uneducated." Merilda countered with a pointed question, and Knightley gave a dryugh. "Are you trying to argue that killing with a pen or thew is the same? I¡¯m telling you, these people actually enjoy beating and shing others to death with tools." "But among the nobles, there are those who enjoy such things as a hobby. The desire to ughter people doesn¡¯t seem to have much to do with one¡¯s status or education." "Th-that¡¯s true...?" Knightley stammered, flustered by Merilda¡¯s unflinching statement. "You¡¯re right, but a noble with such sadistic tendencies wouldn¡¯t join a mercenary group, would they? You can guess the kind of person who¡¯d join a lowly mercenary band just to kill people, right?" "Is there evidence that every member of the Lenc Mercenaries shares that motive?" "Their track record speaks for itself." The Lenc Mercenaries started as a violent gang of about a dozen thugs in the Lenc region. They built their reputation by doing the dirty work for the local nobles and growing in size. During the Four-Year War, they took on the dirtiest and hardest tasks that the army couldn¡¯t handle, spreading their infamy to where they are today. I use the term "infamy" because of the nature of the mercenaries themselves. They are ignorant, brutal, savage, and ruthless, with nothing to loseplete trash with no fear of death. This is a medieval fantasy world. It¡¯s filled with bottom-dwellers who make the dregs of modern life seem like nothing¡ªpeople living in a basement so deep you can¡¯t see the bottom. So Knightley¡¯s words aren¡¯t exaggerated at all. For that reason, there are no female mercenaries in the Lenc Mercenaries, but Hindrasta proved her skills by snapping the neck of a senior mercenary to gain entry. She really is a crazy dragon. "So there¡¯s a high chance that mercenary group will participate this time too?" Merilda, who had been quietly listening, spoke up. "Since they meet the criteria set by the Imperial Security Office, they¡¯ll probably send out some young mercenaries under the age limit, right?" "Hmm... That makes sense." Knightley nodded, stroking her chin, before turning her gaze to Hindrasta. "Hey. What do you think?" Hindrasta looked at Knightley, her mouth full of food. "What do you think? Do you think your mercenary group will enter?" "How should I know?" "Now that I think about it, didn¡¯t you and two other mercenariese during the special student selection? I think they might enter this time too." "That time, I was there to guard some rich girl who came to take the entrance exam." "Oh, really? It was because of a request? Then why didn¡¯t you go back and instead stayed here?" "I¡¯m trapped. Can¡¯t escape." "What?" "I can¡¯t leave this ce... It¡¯s like an antlion pit..." Her voice began to tremble, and Hindrasta started crying again. Knightley and Merilda exchanged puzzled looks. "My money is all outside... I couldn¡¯t even grab a single coin... All my treasures in my nest... It¡¯s all over now... I¡¯mpletely broke... I¡¯m a beggar who has to borrow someone else¡¯s underwear because I can¡¯t even afford to buy a single pair... Waaaaah!" Hindrasta kicked her chair and ran outside. "What was that...?" Olysia, who had been bringing out drinks from the kitchen, stared at the slowly closing door with a confused expression. "I¡¯ll go check on her." Merilda went outside, and Knightley looked at me and asked, "Professor, what¡¯s up with her? What was she talking about? Nests and treasures?" "Who knows. I don¡¯t either." It¡¯s a secret that special student Sophie is actually the dragon Hindrasta who terrorized the human coalition during the war. It¡¯s something that mustn¡¯t be revealed, and even if it were, no one would believe it. It¡¯s like when people hear that I used to run around with Linus¡ªthey just dismiss it as nonsense. But it seems like Hindrasta really is broke. She¡¯s racked up a huge tab at the dessert cafe under my name, and I thought she was just trying to mess with me. I¡¯ll have to take her out to buy clothes and somehow track down that money, wherever it is. Just then, Merilda returned with a sniffling Hindrasta, and there was someone else with them. It was Professor Ismera, looking pale and weary. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 88 - Bustling Group Training (5) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 88 - Bustling Group Training (5) Ismera must have encountered the students while arriving a bit early for the afternoon theory lesson. "You¡¯re here, Professor Ismera?" "Professor Dian, what in the world is going on here?" Professor Ismera asked sharply, though her tone had noticeably softenedpared to when we first met. "How harshly did you train them for one of them to run off crying?" At that, Hindrasta, still crying, buried herself in Ismera¡¯s arms. "Professor... sob, sob..." Ismera embraced Hindrasta, ring at me. "It¡¯s not the training; it¡¯s for a different reason. It¡¯s a money issue. There¡¯s no need for you to worry about it, Professor Ismera." "A money issue? What could cause an academy student to have money problems?" "It¡¯s nothing serious. She just didn¡¯t get a chance to retrieve the money she earned from her previous mercenary work before being selected as a special student. I was nning to take care of it after today¡¯s training." "That¡¯s not serious?" Ismera¡¯s voice rose in pitch. "If she¡¯s running away crying over money, it means she literally doesn¡¯t have a single coin to her name. How can you say it¡¯s not serious?" It¡¯s understandable for Ismera to react this way since she doesn¡¯t know that Sophie is actually the infamous Hindrasta. As for me, I¡¯ve spent four years being chased by this dragon, so her whining about being broke doesn¡¯t exactly tug at my heartstrings. "For now, use this." Ismera rummaged through her pocket and pulled out a few silver coins, cing them in Hindrasta¡¯s hand. "There¡¯s no need to pay me back. Just win first ce in thepetition." "Thank you, Professor." Hindrasta bowed her head as she epted the money. "Oh, there¡¯s no need for that. I¡¯m sure she has plenty of money in the bank. She is from the Lenc Mercenaries, after all." "Is that money essible right now?" Ismera gave me a sharp look before addressing the students. "Alright then, everyone, go ahead and wash up, and we¡¯ll start the afternoon ss afterward." As the students headed to the bathroom one by one, Ismera and I sat at opposite ends of the sofa, waiting in silence. Ismera didn¡¯t say a single word the entire time. I nced at her and noticed that she looked extremely tired, staring down at her knees. "Did you stay up all night?" "No, I didn¡¯t." "You look really pale." "It must be the heat." But from what I know, elves aren¡¯t particrly affected by heat or cold. As proof, despite walking from the main building to here, Ismera hadn¡¯t broken a sweat. If it were any other race, they would have been drenched in sweat walking that distance in this weather. I can only guess that she stayed upte or didn¡¯t sleep at all to prepare for the students¡¯ lessons. Ismera is very simr to Knightley in many ways. She¡¯s sharp, rational,petent, and more diligent than anyone else. Thispetition is a crucial opportunity for Ismera to prove her abilities. She won¡¯t take it lightly. It¡¯s truly unfortunate. The fact that Ismera didn¡¯t be the headmaster isn¡¯t due to herck of ability, but solely because of the Emperor¡¯s stubbornness. Kirrin has her own desperate reasons for not stepping down. Even the formidable Second Princess couldn¡¯t do anything about it, so what could a mere elf without any backing do alone? I once considered having a serious conversation with Professor Ismera about my past, but now I wonder if that¡¯s really the right thing to do. ¡®The truth is, I worked with Linus on a special task force to y the Demon King, and the academy wanted me to be the headmaster. But I have no intention of taking that position and would rather stay where I am, so please don¡¯t worry about me.¡¯ It¡¯s easy to say, but for Ismera, it would just be another insurmountable wall. Even Kirrin, who doesn¡¯t want to be headmaster, is stuck in that role, so would Ismera truly believe me when I say not to worry about me? I don¡¯t know. For now, let¡¯s focus on finishing thepetition and think about it afterward. # # # # # Once the students had all washed up and changed clothes, we began the afternoon theory lesson. We didn¡¯t go to a ssroom; instead, we sat around the kitchen table, like a group study session. "Professor, you can go take care of your business." Seeing me sitting in the corner, Ismera spoke up. "You¡¯re not seriously here to monitor whether I¡¯m teaching correctly, are you?" "That¡¯s not it. I wanted to learn more about the field of intelligence." Before Kaiden, the magical prodigy, joined the task force, Linus and I were clueless about espionage. Neither of us was particrly bright, so we preferred the brute force approach often referred to as the ''rubber hose'' method. If we couldn¡¯t understand a cipher or if there was a password lock, we¡¯d just grab the relevant people and torture them until they talked. When our continuous breaches forced the Demon King¡¯s army to step up their security measures, they responded in kind. They increased the protection for security officers, spread the password among multiple individuals who all needed to be present to unlock it, and if someone was kidnapped, they¡¯d spout a fake password that triggered a self-destruct spell. Even if we cracked the code and opened the door, they¡¯d rig it with traps. Sometimes, they¡¯d even preemptively feed the captured individuals false information to mislead us. So we developed countermeasures for their countermeasures. We¡¯d kill all the security personnel, capture everyone who knew part of the code, and if the self-destruct spell triggered, we¡¯d reopen it and destroy all the traps. If they tried feeding us false information, we¡¯d track down the person who knew the real information and capture them. And surprisingly, this method was quite effective. We¡¯d spend months collecting and handing over intelligence to the espionage department, only for them to take over a month to decipher it. Using our method, we¡¯d have the relevant person strung up, dunking them in water repeatedly until they cracked the code, processed the prisoners, and then celebrated our sess over tea in just one hour. However, this was a crude and loud method. The best approach is to solve things quietly on the spot with sharp wits, vast knowledge, and experience. In that regard, Ismera is... well, perfect. "This is a runic cipher. You learned about runes in the public academy, right?" "Yes, Professor. I took it as an elective." "Well done. Knowing runes is never a disadvantage." Merilda smiled brightly at Ismera¡¯s praise. "Among cipher systems, there¡¯s something called attice cipher withbined encryption. It¡¯s unfamiliar but surprisingly simple..." Ismera¡¯s voice, like that of a pureblood elf, was nothing short of gentle and soothing. "This problem will be quite difficult. If you get stuck, I¡¯ll help you with the solution." Whenever she leaned forward to help the students, a pleasant scent wafted over. It wasn¡¯t perfume or soap¡ªsomething more... like the fresh scent of a forest. Elves really are... "What¡¯s got you daydreaming like that?" Without realizing it, I had been watching with a smile, and Ismera noticed. "About what?" "Weren¡¯t you going to learn along with us?" She gestured with her chin toward the worksheet in front of me. "Since you were in the task force, this should be a piece of cake for you." "Ah, yes. Of course. Absolutely." Of course not. Just by reading the problem, I could tell I wouldn¡¯t be able to solve it. Hindrasta was frowning deeply, holding her head, while Knightley was struggling, trying to solve it with her pen. In contrast, Merilda seemed to be working it out effortlessly, jotting down calctions and answers. "Aah..." A sigh of despair escaped Knightley¡¯s lips as she looked at Merilda¡¯s work. It can¡¯t be helped. No one can excel in everything. "Let¡¯s go over the problem again." Ismera¡¯s problem-solving was wless. She¡¯s undoubtedly the ideal candidate for the position of Head Theoretical Professor at the Imperial Special Mission Academy. Most pureblood elves are highly disdainful of other races and tend to stay within their forests, so people often only see them as outwardly beautiful and noble, not realizing how intelligent and capable they truly are. But every elf I¡¯ve met so far has been brilliant, and Ismera is no exception. If elves were just a little less exclusive, the history of the continent might be very different from what it is now. # # # # # "Good job, everyone. I¡¯ll check the assignments I gave you in tomorrow¡¯s ss." With the afternoon lesson over, Ismera packed her bag and smiled at the students. As always, her smile was beautiful, but she seemed tired. After Ismera left, I took the students out for physical training. Physical training, dinner, self-study, and then bed. But Hindrasta was making a fuss. "I¡¯m going to get my money!" Does it really have to be today? I was about to say, but then I reconsidered. If I told her we¡¯d go tomorrow, she might actually start breathing fire. If we wait until after physical training, the bank might close, so it¡¯s better to go now. "Bank? What are you talking about? We need to go to the mercenary camp!" It turns out all her money is stored in the mercenary camp¡¯s vault. "Then we can¡¯t go now. Let¡¯s wait until after thepetition." "Waaah! I don¡¯t have any money!" "But Professor Ismera gave you some silver coins earlier." "That¡¯ll be gone after I buy some panties and a few slices of cake! We need to go now, right now!" As Hindrasta stomped her feet and caused amotion, Knightley snapped in frustration. "Where are we supposed to find time to chase after a few coins with thepetition so close?!" With that, she pulled something out of her pocket and tossed it to Hindrasta. It was a gold coin, gleaming brightly. As Hindrasta hastily caught it with both hands, Knightley snapped at her. "Take care of your urgent needs with that! And stop talking nonsense about running back to the mercenary camp! Thepetition is our top priority right now!" As Hindrasta stared nkly at the gold coin, Knightley clicked her tongue and rummaged through her pocket. "Is that not enough?" Hindrasta blinked in surprise as a second gold coinnded in her hand, and she looked up at Knightley. "This is when you say ¡®thank you.¡¯" Merilda prompted her, and Hindrasta stammered. "Th-thank you... sniff..." Hindrasta covered her mouth and ran to the bathroom, where the sound of quiet sobbing soon followed. Ah, that crybaby. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 89 - Bustling Group Training (6) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 89 - Bustling Group Training (6) The training continued without pause. Mornings were dedicated tobat training, afternoons to theory, evenings to physical conditioning, and nights to self-study and supplementary lessons. Knightley and Hindrasta¡¯s skills kept soaring to new heights. As a polymorphed dragon, Hindrasta¡¯s physical abilities were naturally far superior to those of a human. With systematic training, Hindrasta had now reached a level where she could be thrown into the field without much issue. Of course, that¡¯s just a way of speaking¡ªshe still had many areas to improve. In the theory subjects, Hindrasta struggled considerably. People often think of dragons as cunning and wise. After all, they¡¯re creatures that live for unimaginably long periods, and spotting one in the sky is as rare as a miracle. Their massive bodies arerger than most fortresses, they possess a breath that incinerates everything in its path, and their true formmands a deep, resonant voice. Because of this, people tend to think of dragons as not only cruel and savage but also as sages who have mastered all the world¡¯s wisdom. This is only half-true. It¡¯s true that dragons have a high level of intelligence, which allows them tomunicate with sentient races. However, this is not a trait unique to dragons; other creatures likemias and goblins canmunicate as well. But are dragons actually more intelligent than humans? Not really. Studies have shown that a dragon¡¯s intelligence is roughly on par with that of an average human. While individual differences exist, the species as a whole doesn¡¯t surpass other sentient beings in terms of intellect. So it¡¯s not surprising that Hindrasta struggles with theory subjects, especially in the notoriously difficult field of espionage. Even I find espionage incredibly challenging. In fact, I¡¯m rather impressed that she hasn¡¯t thrown down her pen and given up altogether. Knightley, on the other hand, is a prodigy with a well-rounded talent. Under the guidance of Ismera and me, Knightley¡¯s abilities in all areas have improved exponentially. A while ago, she was still within the bounds of a top student at the academy, reaching the peak of what a student could achieve. Now, she seems to have surpassed that limit. Her dedication is astounding. ording to Merilda, Knightley even studies by herself in the kitchente at night, with only a small candle for light after everyone else has gone to bed. Merilda, as Ismera predicted, possessed incredible talent and potential. With Ismera¡¯s expert teaching, Merilda had reached a level where she could solve most espionage problems with just a few strokes of her pen. "I¡¯m not sure exactly what the Empire¡¯s 5934th Unit does..." Ismera began, looking at Merilda¡¯s perfect score on the evaluation sheet. "But it seems that if Merilda were to join them now, she wouldn¡¯t feel out of ce." "Thank you, Professor. It¡¯s all thanks to your guidance. I never imagined I¡¯d receive such high-quality instruction." I was taken aback. Ismera couldn¡¯t hide the bright smile that spread across her face after hearing Merilda¡¯s words. "R-really...?" "Yes, Professor. I guess the Imperial Academy really is something special." "I¡¯m d you think so..." Ismera cleared her throat, trying to manage her expression, but her lips kept twitching into a smile. "Professor Ismera is indeed remarkable." Knightley chimed in from the side. "After the war, she earned her advanced master¡¯s degree in less than ten years. That¡¯s an impressive achievement, one of the best. Right, Professor? It was under ten years, wasn¡¯t it?" Here, an advanced master¡¯s degree is equivalent to a Ph.D. in our world. Ismera had started from scratch at the academy aftering to the human city and had earned her advanced master¡¯s degree in just six years, as far as I knew. In terms of our world, it would be like a freshman student repeatedly graduating early and earning a Ph.D. within six years. At first, I thought an "advanced master" was just a master¡¯s degree, but it¡¯s much more than that. Throughout the lesson, Ismera couldn¡¯t stop smiling in response to the students¡¯ praise. It was the first time I¡¯d ever seen Ismera genuinely smile like that. Perhaps it was because she had finally received recognition for her abilities, after being overshadowed by Kirrin and me. When Ipliment her, she grimaces, but then again, my words and those of Merilda, who she¡¯s eager to teach, would holdpletely different meanings for her. I¡¯ll have to talk to Merildater and try to persuade her to take private lessons with Ismera. It¡¯s clear now that Merilda doesn¡¯t have much talent inbat but is limitless in the realm of theory. She absolutely needs to learn from Ismera. I can¡¯t handle a genius like her. Speaking of which, thepetition is almost here. It feels like just yesterday we were debating whether or not to do this group training. So far, the results of the training are clear. Hindrasta is all about maximizingbat, Knightley is bnced, and Merilda is focused entirely on espionage. It¡¯s perfect, an excellentbination. Let¡¯s keep it up just like this. # # # # # "Today, we¡¯ll be practicing an infiltration mission assuming anding on the eastern coast." Lina, who had drafted the training n based on my instructions, exined it with a bright and cheerful voice. With thepetition drawing near, we had entered the final stage of practice. Combat professors were also brought in to create an environment as close to realbat as possible. "Hold on, Professor Lina." After Lina finished her exnation, Professor Ismera spoke up. "No matter how much it¡¯s summer, the water temperature isn¡¯t that high. Don¡¯t they need wetsuits to maintain their body temperature?" "W-wetsuits?" Lina looked a bit flustered and turned to me, her expression asking if she should answer. There is a difference in rank between a regr professor and a head professor, after all. "I¡¯ll exin that." I said, stepping in to help Lina. "This training is for maritime infiltration using a small boat, not underwater infiltration. While a dry suit would indeed provide warmth, the drawbacks outweigh the benefits." "Drawbacks?" "The most vulnerable time during a coastal infiltration is right afternding when you¡¯re removing the wetsuit. Since we¡¯re not actually infiltrating underwater, there¡¯s no need to wear wetsuits and risk exposure to the enemy." "I see. That makes sense. I was just asking because I wasn¡¯t sure." As expected, Ismera is a rational woman. Once something is exined logically, she epts it. Despite it being a night training session focused onbat, Ismera had joined us. Although she didn¡¯t say it directly, from her asional remarks and expressions, I could tell she was worried I might put the students in extremely dangerous situations. No matter how much I train them as if it were realbat, I¡¯m not that reckless. Besides, I¡¯ve also brought in otherbat professors as assistants. That¡¯s how much Ismera cares about the students¡¯ safety. After checking the safety arrangements with the assistants positioned all around, the training began. The students, dressed in ck with masks on, rowed a small boat toward the eastern coast of the academy. Hindrasta was rowing while Knightley and Merilda guarded the front and rear with crossbows. About ten meters from the shoreline, the students disembarked, hid the boat behind some rocks, and finally set foot onnd. Watching the students infiltrate in a single file through the darkness, Ismera spoke in a somewhat dry voice. "Head Combat Professor." "Yes, Professor?" But Ismera didn¡¯t say anything more, just remained silent. I wonder what she was going to say. # # # # # After the maritime infiltration training ended, we were heading back home. "Good job today, everyone." Those weren¡¯t my words. It was Knightley who spoke to the others. She was patting Hindrasta and Merilda on the shoulder with words of encouragement...? "You too, good job." Even more surprising was Hindrasta¡¯s response to Knightley! "Let¡¯s go back and take a warm bath. I¡¯m freezing." "It might be summer, but it¡¯s chilly at night. Don¡¯t kick off the nket again like you did yesterday¡ªat least cover your stomach." What is this? Knightley and Hindrasta are calmly exchanging kind words? For a moment, my mind went nk, and I did something foolish like pinching my cheek. Seeing my reaction, Merilda smiled and approached me. "Are you surprised?" "Of course I am." "They¡¯ve been like this for a while now." It seems that after spending time together, eating and sleeping under the same roof, Knightley had be quite friendly with Merilda, Hindrasta, and even Olysia. Back in the day, she¡¯dined that Olysia was too arrogant for a servant and had often dismissed Hindrasta as a brute. Now,pared to that, she¡¯s like an angel. Merilda confided to me that she thinks Knightley now considers them friends. "Really? The nobledy herself?" "She didn¡¯t say it outright, but I think it¡¯s because we treat her as an equal, without trying to tter her or talk behind her back." Now that I think about it, that makes sense. Knightley doesn¡¯t have any real friends. The only people around her are minor nobles who circle her, trying to win her favor. But they¡¯re just looking to pick up the crumbs that fall from Knightley¡¯s table; they don¡¯t genuinely see her as a friend. Knightley is well aware of this and openly despises them. But she¡¯s unusually kind to Merilda and Hindrasta, perhaps because, as Merilda suggested, they neither intend to use her nor fear her. Just the other day, she even gave Olysia some pocket money¡ªa whole gold coin, no less! No wonder Olysia has been cing the main dish in front of Knightley instead of metely. "As for Sophie, I think the two gold coins Knightley gave her made a big impression." Ever since she received those two gold coins, Hindrasta has quietly regarded Knightley as the leader of the team. In the past, she would have constantly picked fights and argued, but now she follows Knightley¡¯s lead withoutint. Whether Knightley bought her friends with money, became friends by spending money, or spent money because she considered them friends... In any case, it¡¯s a huge relief that they¡¯re getting along. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 90 - Bustling Group Training (7) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 90 - Bustling Group Training (7) The Imperial Security Office issued an additional directive rted to thepetition. "Take a look at this, Professor Ismera." I pointed out a specific section of the document. "Doesn¡¯t this seem a bit off?" "What exactly do you mean?" "Right here, it says the opposing force will be represented by scarecrows." The evaluation criteria for thispetition follow the typical sequence of special operations: infiltration into enemy territory, assassination, and securing ssified documents. Naturally, subduing enemies during infiltration would be part of the evaluation. However, ording to this document, the opposing force would be substituted with scarecrows. It was strange to see them described as "scarecrows," but they weren''t the kind you ce in a field. Instead, they were "real dolls" crafted by gnomes and dwarves, designed to look like actual humans. "It doesn¡¯t seem to be a problem. You¡¯re not suggesting our students should actually kill people, are you?" "Of course not. But if the opposition is just scarecrows, the difficulty drops significantly. We¡¯ve put these students through intense training, but if thepetition¡¯s standards are too low, it won¡¯t be beneficial to us. If anything, the bar should be raised." Ismera seemed to understand my point, remaining silent as she continued to study the document. Then she suddenly asked, "So, do you have any better ideas? Based on what you¡¯re saying, the only alternative would be to use real people." "We need toe up with something." Ismera looked at me with an incredulous expression. Using "real dolls" isn¡¯t going to cut it. If we go that route, any second-rate participant could seed in infiltration. We need real people. But if we do that, we can¡¯t have the participants actually stab or strangle them; just going through the motions would lead to issues of fairness. Consider how live military exercises work in our world. When two units engage, they can''t use live ammunition, so they¡¯re given nks. However, nks make a lot of noise but don¡¯t provide any visual feedback. In such cases, the exercise controllers usually make thebat judgments, which often leads to disputes amongmanders. "This maneuver was supposed to work like this," or "There was an obstacle here," or "We called in artillery support," and so on. The same issues could arise in thispetition. Suppose we ce people and simte killing them with mock weapons like wooden swords. Who will judge the oues, and will other teams ept those judgments? I can already predict that it could easily turn into chaos. This isn¡¯t just anypetition; it¡¯s organized by the Imperial Security Office. Other academies will be on high alert, and seasoned mercenary groups and adventurer guilds will also be participating. In such a high-stakes environment, even the slightest w could spark disputes. If real people can¡¯t be used and scarecrows aren¡¯t viable, we need a better solution... But what could that solution be? This requires serious thought. It¡¯s not a problem we can just overlook. # # # # # "Good job, Merilda!" Knightley encouraged Merilda as she struggled to climb over the wall. "See? You can do it with practice." "Thanks, but it really hurts here." Merilda said, forcing a smile as she rubbed between her legs. The students were currently undergoing obstacle course training. The academy¡¯s infiltration training ground was filled with various structures, and they had chosen one area to focus on for intense practice. Merilda, who couldn¡¯t do anything on the first day, was now managing to climb walls and crawl through the course with some skill. But as someone from a rural public academy, she stillgged behind the others. As Hindrasta observed Merilda rubbing her sore area, she made a suggestion. "How about this, Knightley?" "A good idea?" When Hindrasta whispered to her, Knightley nodded, agreeing it was a great idea. "Kyaah!" Merilda screamed as she was thrown over the wall. Hindrasta¡¯s suggestion was to simply throw Merilda over. With Hindrasta¡¯s strength, she could toss Merilda over the wall, and Knightley would catch her on the other side. "Merilda, if you scream like that, we¡¯ll get caught. Let¡¯s try again." "Alright... Mmph!" This time, Merilda covered her mouth to stifle her scream as she was thrown. "Hmm... this isn¡¯t a great solution." Hindrasta said, rubbing her chin as she watched Knightley stagger under the weight of catching Merilda. "We can¡¯t keep throwing her like this. There has to be a better way..." Hindrasta snapped her fingers as an idea struck her and called out to me. "Professor! Professor!" But I didn¡¯t respond. I was deep in thought. "PROFESSOR!!!" "Huh? Did you call me?" "Where¡¯s that dwarf professor?" "I don¡¯t know. Probably in the lecture hall." Hindrasta, now left alone with me, switched to informal speech and bluntly asked about Professor Kazadar¡¯s whereabouts, while I, clearly distracted, pointed vaguely in some direction. Seeing me in this state, Hindrasta asked with suspicion. "What¡¯s going on? What are you thinking about?" But I didn¡¯t respond. "Guys! We¡¯re going somewhere!" Leaving me behind, Hindrasta returned to the students. "Where are we going?" "To see Professor Kazadar. I¡¯ve juste up with a brilliant idea." As the students chatted excitedly on their way to the lecture hall, I remained behind, pacing back and forth, lost in thought. # # # # # Later that night. When everyone was asleep, Merilda quietly opened her eyes. She nced over to see Knightley and Hindrasta sleeping together, their legs entwined. Hindrasta¡¯s snoring was incredibly loud. She looked over and saw that Olysia¡¯s door was tightly closed, with no light seeping through the cracks, indicating that she was asleep too. Having confirmed all this, Merilda silently slipped out of bed and crept towards the stairs. At the top of these stairs was Professor Dian¡¯s room. In truth, Merilda had nned to visit Dian on the very first night of group training. However, nearly a month had passed, and she hadn¡¯t seeded even once. Not because anyone had stopped her, but because Merilda had never had enough energy left to get up. The dailybat training had left her so exhausted that she often copsed onto her bed, barely able to keep her eyes open. As a result, even now that she had built up some stamina, she would close her eyes for a moment in bed, only to wake up to the morning sun. But not tonight. Thanks to the help of Sophie and Knightley, Merilda had be much stronger, which allowed her to wake up in the middle of the night like this. Tonight, she was determined to have her "midnight conversation" with Professor Dian. She had failed before, but this time, she would seed. However, as Merilda reached the second floor, she was startled. The door to Dian¡¯s room was locked from the outside. How does hee out if it¡¯s locked from the outside? And more importantly, how did he lock it? Then a thought crossed Merilda¡¯s mind. The maid, Olysia, who worked here... She was always worried about the possibility of something inappropriate happening between Dian and the students. Could it be that she locked the door to prevent any nighttime encounters? But Merilda didn¡¯t give up. After all, she was now a student of the Special Mission Academy. Thanks to her hard work, she could easily pick a lock like this. With a few deft twists of a sharp pin, the lock clicked open. Merilda took a deep breath, her hands trembling with excitement as she pushed the door open. She had prepared herself for this moment by not wearing any underwear after her bath earlier. As she opened the door, she rushed in. "Professor!" "That¡¯s it! That¡¯s the solution!" Just as Merilda threw herself onto the bed, Dian suddenly sat up and shouted. As a result, Merildanded where Dian had been lying moments before, then bounced off and rolled onto the floor. "Ouch...!" But Merilda wasn¡¯t one to give up easily. She had waited ten years for this. She threw herself at Dian again, intending to embrace him from behind and rub her chest against his back! "Yes! That¡¯s the method I needed!" "Ahh!" But as Dian leaped to his feet, swinging his fist in excitement, Merilda was thrown off again. "Professor!" Gritting her teeth, Merilda lunged at Dian once more, only to crash into the wardrobe. "There¡¯s no time for this. I have to go right now." Dian mumbled as he hurriedly walked toward the door, barely brushing past Merilda. "Huh? What are you doing?" "P-Professor!" Unwilling to give up, Merilda ran after him, and Dian caught her, asking, "Can¡¯t sleep? Want toe with me?" "Wh-where are we going...?" Merilda was taken aback by the sudden question. "We¡¯ve got a bed here and a ce to wash up. Why would we go somewhere else...?" "We¡¯re going to the Tower of Illusions." "The Tower of Illusions...?" Merilda blinked,pletely confused. # # # # # "The Tower of Illusions?!" Orendi, who had woken up in the middle of the night, screamed in shock. "Shh, keep it down. You¡¯ll wake everyone else." We were in the staff dormitory for single faculty members. I had just woken up Orendi by knocking on her door, bringing Merilda along with me. "Why suddenly go to the Tower of Illusions? It''s not a ce just anyone can enter." "Oh? Is that so?" "Yes. Only affiliated mages can enter." "If that''s the case, it''s not a problem. I know a mage." Orendi raised an eyebrow and asked, "The Head Professor knows a mage of the tower? Who?" "Kaiden." "Don''t be ridiculous!!" Orendi shouted. "You know Kaiden!? The magical genius Kaiden who will go down in history?!" [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 91 - The Tower of Illusions (1) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 91 - The Tower of Illusions (1) "It''s true. I know Kaiden." "That¡¯s impossible! I believe almost anything you say, Head Professor, even that wine is made from grapes. But this ispletely different!" "Of course wine is made from grapes. And why would I wake you up in the middle of the night just to lie?" "Hmph, well, that¡¯s true¡­" Orendi scratched his head. "So, are you really going to see him now? Are you sure it¡¯s okay?" "It¡¯s fine. With thepetition right around the corner, I need to meet with him as soon as possible." "Well, if that¡¯s the case, let¡¯s go. Who knows, maybe I¡¯ll get lucky and get to have a conversation with the great magic prodigy myself." Wait, what? Kaiden has this much prestige among mages? I knew he had talent, but I didn¡¯t realize he was a historical legend and that speaking with him was considered an honor. "But is Merildaing too?" "I was thinking of bringing her along. Is that a problem?" "Well¡­ considering her current attire, it might be a bit inappropriate." Merilda was wearing pajamas with only a light cardigan on top. It was definitely not suitable for a visit to the Tower of Illusions, the equivalent of a graduate school for mages. "Let¡¯s get changed first." # # # # # Orendi, Dian, and the others quickly returned to the house via teleportation. As Merilda rustled around, changing clothes, the noise woke up Knightley. "Where are you going?" "Mm, I¡¯m going to the Tower of Illusions with the professor for a bit." "What? The Tower of Illusions?" At those words, Knightley sprang out of bed like a coil. "I¡¯ming too!" "You want toe?" "Would you pass up a chance to visit the Tower of Illusions?" "Well, no, but you¡¯ll need the professor¡¯s permission¡­" "It¡¯s fine, it¡¯s fine. The portal doesn¡¯t have a limit on the number of people." With that, Knightley quickly threw off her clothes, and themotion woke up Hindrasta, who rubbed her eyes. "Is there a war?" "Merilda and I are going to the Tower of Illusions. You can go back to sleep." "The Tower of Illusions? What kind of nonsense is that in the middle of the night?" Merilda exined the situation, and after thinking it over for a moment, Hindrasta got up as well. "I¡¯ming too." "Why?" "I¡¯ve got business with a mage." # # # # # As Orendi and I waited outside, the kids came bustling out. Even Olysia, looking disheveled, joined them. "Why are all of you going to the Tower of Illusions at this hour¡­?" "There¡¯s something we need to do. But what about you guys?" "We¡¯reing along too. Good evening, Professor Orendi." "Good evening." Knightley and Hindrasta greeted Orendi with a polite bow. They¡¯re alling along? Well, I guess there¡¯s no harm in it. The Tower of Illusions isn¡¯t an easy ce to visit, so this could be a good opportunity to broaden their horizons and give them valuable experience. "Alright, let¡¯s all go." "I¡¯ll open the portal now." "Wow!" As Orendi conjured the dimensional portal, Merilda let out an exmation of awe. Knightley¡¯s eyes were wide with amazement as well. Only Hindrasta seemed unimpressed, her expression bored. "Take care, Olysia." I waved to Olysia before stepping through the portal. # # # # # "Is this the right ce?" As soon as we emerged from the portal, Merilda asked the question. "What is this ce?" Knightley looked around in confusion. We were standing at the top of a gentle hill. Below us stretched a forest that carpeted thend all the way to the horizon. The sky was filled with a strange mixture of purple and green auroras, twisting and turning, while shooting stars fell constantly. "Professor, are we in the wrong ce?" Hindrasta asked, to which Orendi scratched his head. "No, this is right. The coordinates are correct." "Let¡¯s head down." With Hindrasta leading the way, we descended the hill. "Gasp!" Suddenly, Merilda let out a sharp breath, trembling. "What¡¯s wrong?" "P-Pr-Professor! What in the world are you wearing?!" Merilda pointed towards the edge of the forest, where darkness hung like a thick curtain, blocking the view ahead. She was breathing heavily, not looking at me, but at the forest. "I can¡¯t believe it¡­ How could someone as noble as you wear something so¡­" Merilda muttered, still staring into the forest as she clutched her chest. "You must be trying to make up for what happened earlier¡­ Professor, I¡¯m so touched." Without warning, Merilda started unbuttoning her uniform, one button at a time. "The ten years I¡¯ve waited... I knew this day woulde when I could finally prove that waiting for my beloved warrior was not in vain¡­" "No!" "I didn¡¯t see anything, Head Professor!" Just as Merilda was about to rip her shirt open, Knightley and Hindrasta rushed over and stopped her. Orendi squeezed his eyes shut and turned away, while I focused on the forest instead of looking at Merilda. There was nothing there. "Wait¡­ what the¡­?" Now it was Knightley¡¯s turn to tilt her head in confusion as she nced towards the forest. "Professor...? What are you doing there?" Now it¡¯s Knightley¡¯s turn? "Why are you standing there naked¡­? What did you say?" Knightley¡¯s amber eyes widened. "You¡¯re saying we¡¯re no longer just professor and student...? You want to give me special personal lessons, something totally different¡­?" Knightley hesitated for a moment, then her expression melted into a dreamy smile as she swayed. "Yes, Professor¡­ That¡¯s what I¡¯ve always wanted. Please teach me... notbat... but... something else¡­" "Hindrasta, grab her!" Hindrasta quickly tackled Knightley and dragged her back as she tried to run into the forest. "What¡¯s wrong with them? What did they see to lose their minds like this?" "It¡¯s an illusion spell." "Illusion spell? I don¡¯t see anything." "That¡¯s because you¡¯re a dragon and immune to magic. Look at Orendi." Orendi was iling wildly, swinging his arms in every direction. "No, stop! We can¡¯t do this! We¡¯ll get in big trouble!" I wonder what he¡¯s seeing. "You mentioned the Tower of Illusions, right? Is the forest covered in illusion magic, and that¡¯s why everyone is enchanted?" "Possibly. Even this scenery might be an illusion." "Hooh, this illusion magic is fascinating. But what are they seeing?" "Probably their deepest desires." "Desires¡­" Hindrasta shuddered as she watched Knightley and Merilda, who were still crying out for me, clearly caught up in their fantasies. "Hey, Dian. Why aren¡¯t you affected?" "I¡¯m not an ordinary human. Do you think I¡¯d fall for something like this?" At that moment, someone emerged from the forest. Was it Kaiden? "Hey, you! Cut the magic¡ª Huh?" But it wasn¡¯t Kaiden. It was... "Professor Ismera?" It was Professor Ismera, the elf, walking toward me gracefully. But why wasn¡¯t she wearing any clothes? Ismera stopped in front of me and spoke. "Professor Dian." "What are you doing here? And why are you naked?" "I was waiting for you." "Why are you not wearing any clothes?" "Clothes are just a bothersome barrier between us." With that, Ismera raised her hand and gently stroked my cheek. "I¡¯ve always admired you." "You don¡¯t hate me?" "That was just an act to hide my true feelings. Outwardly, I would say harsh words to you, but inside, I always wondered how warm it would feel to be in your arms." Ismera smiled warmly, an expression that could melt anyone¡¯s heart, as she pressed herself against me. I could feel her soft chest squish against me vividly. "Professor, let¡¯s be one." "This is troublesome. There are students and Professor Orendi here." "It doesn¡¯t matter. Let everyone see. In fact, I¡¯d prefer it. I want to announce to the world that I¡¯ve be yours and that I belong only to you." "Haha, you crazy bastard." Iughed softly and flicked her forehead. "Know your limits." Ismera looked confused, not understanding my words, so I smiled. "A pureblood elf wouldn¡¯t say such vulgar things. If you¡¯re going to do something like this, at least do your research properly." "The dark elf hasn¡¯t even shown up yet." Now I noticed, behind a tree, a dark-skinned Kirrin was nervously watching me, only her upper body visible. Seeing that, I chuckled and flicked my thumb and middle finger sharply. "Enough with the games." As my fingers snapped, Ismera¡¯s illusion crumbled into a shower of glittering sand. Though it was only an illusion, I had to admit that the sight of a naked Ismera had been quite something. A shame, really. "Professor? Where did you go?" "No! I was so close!!" "Ahhhhh!!!" The moment the illusion dissipated, Knightley and Merilda screamed in frustration, and Orendi copsed onto the ground with a panicked shout. Only Hindrasta stood, arms crossed, looking at the humans with disgust. "These insane humans¡­ What kind of filthy, disgusting fantasies do you live in every day?" As the illusion magic was dispelled, the forest quickly receded, and the fantastic auroras in the sky disappeared. What remained before us was a small, dpidated cabin. It was leaning at about a 40-degree angle, its pirs rotting and crumbling. Half of the roof had caved in, and the structure was so covered in moss and vines that at a nce, it looked like a pile of rocks. A single person stood in front of it. He had neatly trimmed ck hair and pale skin, with eyes that were almost fox-like in their slits. He was dressed in a ck robe. "It¡¯s been a long time, Dian." Kaiden greeted me with a smile. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 92 - The Tower of Illusions (2) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 92 - The Tower of Illusions (2) "Kaiden!" I smiled as I approached Kaiden and pulled him into a tight embrace. "It¡¯s been ten years, but you haven¡¯t changed at all, Dian." "Neither have you. But seriously, what¡¯s going on here? The Tower of Illusions?" "If you had to choose between what you¡¯re good at and what you love, it¡¯s obvious you¡¯d choose what you love." As always, Kaiden spoke in his usual cryptic manner, shing an enigmatic smile. "What brings you here after ten years?" "I need a favor from you." "Ah, I see. Helping you is always a pleasure, Dian. But¡­" Kaiden squinted as he looked past me at the people standing behind me. "Ah, they¡¯re students and a professor from my academy." "Academy, you say?" "Yeah, at the beginning of this year, I became the Head Combat Professor at the Imperial Special Mission Academy." "A professor¡­ Dian, a professor¡­" Despite his intelligence, even Kaiden seemed to struggle with the idea, nodding slowly as he tried to process the information. "Well¡­ considering you¡¯re the Head Combat Professor, I suppose it¡¯s not entirely unthinkable." "Hey, I¡¯m doing a decent job." "Of course you are. Even though you didn¡¯t master formal academic disciplines, you¡¯ve always had a sharp mind that sees through to the essence of things." As Kaiden nodded to himself, he suddenly remarked, as if a thought had just urred to him. "By the way, Dian, pure-blooded elves and dark elves, huh? You certainly have unique tastes." "That¡¯s our academy¡¯s headmistress and vice-principal. Watch your mouth. If this were Earth, you¡¯d be in jail for nder." "Ah, I¡¯m relieved then. After all, only you can see them." Kaiden was the only one who knew that I was a transmigrant. I hadn¡¯t told him¡ªhe figured it out on his own. Kaiden was so incredibly smart and observant that he pieced it together by himself, building theories and hypotheses after analyzing my suspicious behavior and strange speech patterns behind a wall of illusion. His conclusion: I was from another world. Once he realized that, everything made sense to him. What a terrifyingly brilliant guy. The only silver lining is that he¡¯s not the type to b about what he knows. Kaiden, as a rare magical prodigy, doesn¡¯t care about things that don¡¯t interest him. Once he understood that I was from another world, that was it. He epted it and moved on. When I asked if there was a way back to Earth, he said it was impossible. He rambled on, spewingplex forms, but to summarize: transferring a physical object from one world to another requires an enormous amount of magical energy. Gathering such energy would cause the formation of a ck hole, a massively dangerous event. Moreover, ording to theoretical calctions, you¡¯d need at least five archmages to pull it off. The problem? There are only three alive. In short, the method exists, but it¡¯s impossible to execute. Since I didn¡¯t have a desperate desire to return, I let the matter drop. "Ahem, excuse me¡­" Orendi stammered as he awkwardly approached us. "Uh¡­ so¡­" Before Orendi could say anything, Knightley rushed forward, demanding answers. "Was it all fake?!" Knightley ran up, her voice full of indignation. "That was all an illusion?! Are you telling me the confession from Professor Dian was fake?!" "Ah, Knightley, shut up. This is embarrassing." "No! This is a scam! A fraud!!" As Knightley ranted, Merilda stood silently behind her, watching. She had probably seen something simr to Knightley. For someone like Merilda, who had been waiting for me for ten years, Knightley¡¯s outburst must have seriously aggravated her. Normally, Merilda would have cut her down with a sharp remark, all while smiling sweetly. But today, she remained silent, simply buttoning up her shirt that she had started to unbutton earlier. She was probably embarrassed about having run towards me, stripping her clothes in the illusion. "You two, get your heads straight." Hindrasta wrapped an arm around Merilda and Knightley¡¯s necks, pulling them close as she spoke. "You both saw Professor Dian, didn¡¯t you? You both like him, huh?" "What does it matter who I like? Are you trying to eliminate thepetition or something¡­?" "Ha!! What nonsense!!" Hindrasta recoiled in disgust at Knightley¡¯s insinuation. "That man may look fine on the outside, but he¡¯s rotten to the core on the inside." Hindrasta spoke in a low, serious tone. "Do you think I passed up all the money I could make with the Renc Mercenaries just to stay here at this academy? He¡¯s ckmailing me, holding onto my weaknesses to keep me trapped here." "What kind of weakness?" "Well, it¡¯s like¡­" Hindrasta mmed up and nced my way. "Ah, anyway, it¡¯s something!" Since I had drilled it into Hindrasta never to reveal that she was a dragon, she hastily brushed the topic aside. Knightley just clicked her tongue in response. "I can already tell what your real motives are, Sophie." "It¡¯s not like that! I¡¯m genuinely concerned for you. That¡¯s why I¡¯m giving you advice!" "Yeah, sure. I¡¯ll take it into ount." Knightley brushed off Hindrasta¡¯s warning, while Merilda straightened her clothes and approached Kaiden. "Hello, Master Kaiden. My name is Merilda, a student under Professor Dian¡¯s tutge." "Greetings, Miss Merilda." Kaiden returned the greeting with a slight smile. "I was wondering, that illusion we just experienced¡­ is it possible for me to learn that magic?" "If you have a talent for magic, then yes. However, I don¡¯t sense any magical energy in you." "I see¡­" Merilda looked disappointed as she realized she had no potential to be a mage. "Please,e inside. It¡¯ste, but you¡¯re still guests." "I¡¯m sorry for showing up unannounced, Kaiden." "It¡¯s no trouble, Dian. After all, you left without a word when you disappeared." "Yeah, I apologize for that." "It doesn¡¯t matter anymore. You¡¯ve returned safe and sound, and thanks to the motivation you gave me back then, I¡¯ve found a new path." As Kaiden spread his arms, the students all screamed in unison. From behind him, a pure white dragon unfolded its wings and spread its massive body. It was a white dragon. "Oh my god! It¡¯s so beautiful!" "That¡¯s illusion magic¡­" While everyone else was captivated by the sight, Hindrasta copsed t on the ground, trembling as she muttered under her breath. "Please forgive me, Elders¡­ I swear I won¡¯t cause trouble again¡­" Fearing the worst, I nced at her rear but was relieved to see she hadn¡¯t wet herself. That would have been a real hassle. Thest time, when she wet herself at Linus¡¯s house, she refused to ept recement clothes, saying she didn¡¯t want to take anything from a man who had humiliated her so badly. Whatever that meant. "Please,e inside." Kaiden led us into the crumbling, decrepit cabin. "Wait¡­ is Kaiden a woman?" "No¡­ I thought Kaiden was a man¡­?" "I¡¯m pretty sure he is a man¡­" As they followed behind, the students whispered among themselves, lowering their voices. Orendi tried to strike up a conversation by staying close to Kaiden, but in the end, he didn¡¯t say anything and returned to walk beside me. "Head Professor, how do you know Kaiden?" "We worked together a long time ago." "And by a long time ago, you mean¡­ about ten years ago, right? Kaiden was a member of the Demon King yer Task Force back then." Rattle, rattle! Suddenly, there was a loud noise. We turned around to see Kaiden grabbing the doorknob of the crooked door, shaking it violently. "This ce is quite old, as you can see." "Wait, that¡¯s not an illusion?" "No, it¡¯s real. Just a moment." Rattle, rattle, rattle! Despite being a powerful mage, Kaiden seemed too weak to open the door, so I finally stepped in and opened it for him. "Thank you, Dian. Please,e inside." "KYAAAAAAHHHH!!!" The moment we stepped inside, the students screamed and clung to me. "Wha-?! Professor!" Even Orendi panicked, tugging desperately at my cloak. And no wonder¡ªsuddenly, we found ourselves in the middle of a fourne highway, with cars zooming past us, missing us by mere inches. "The carriages are moving on their own!" But that wasn¡¯t all. On either side of the road were towering skyscrapers, and crowds of people dressed in modern attire hurried by. "Could that be¡­ Yggdrasil?" Hindrasta muttered dumbfoundedly as she craned her neck to stare up at the towering buildings. "Wee to the Tower of Illusions." Kaiden, standing in the middle of the street, smiled with his eyes almost shut and bowed. "This is a ce where all fantasies be reality. If you¡¯re not careful, you¡¯ll lose your sense of reality in an instant." "Incredible. Everything feels so real." Kaiden grinned as he looked around the bustling city. "This is a virtual world I created based on the fascinating stories you told me long ago, Dian. This entire space is like one giant VR." "This is¡­ illusion magic at its peak¡­ absolutely astonishing¡­" Orendi, overwhelmed, dropped to his knees and touched the ground, tears of awe welling in his eyes. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 93 - The Tower of Illusions (3) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 93 - The Tower of Illusions (3) After learning that I was from another world, Kaiden, with the curiosity typical of a mage, often asked me to tell him stories about Earth. This world follows the ssic setting of medieval fantasy. There¡¯s mysterious magic, and non-human intelligent species roam freely, butpared to Earth''s civilization, it¡¯s utterly primitive. Highly developed science bes indistinguishable from magic, and Earth''s technology far surpasses the magic level of this world¡ªaside from dimensional gates. A single missile is more powerful than most offensive spells, and no matter how noble an emperor may be, the average citizen of South Korea enjoys a morefortable and prosperous life. Frankly, if a single division of the South Korean military were toe over, they could conquer the continent in no time. For a mage like Kaiden, the idea of Earth''s civilization must have been utterly shocking. I had be so ustomed to Earth¡¯s stories that I recounted them without much thought, but Kaiden listened to them intently, especially taking a great interest in virtual reality¡ªwhat we know as VR. "You¡¯re saying it¡¯s possible to create a world that doesn¡¯t exist and make it seem real? By tricking all five senses?" Since the night Kaiden left the capital over the drawbridge ten years ago, I hadn¡¯t heard anything about what he¡¯d been up to. I had assumed Kaiden would have joined the Empire¡¯s Magic Department. In addition to his quick thinking, Kaiden is abat-specialized mage who can wield extremely destructive offensive magic. Considering that, I thought it was natural that he would end up in the Magic Department supporting the Imperial Army, not somewhere like the Tower of Illusions, of all ces. Of course, it¡¯s not that illusion magic is without value, butpared to other useful schools of magic, its practicality is somewhat limited. But when you think about it, it¡¯s strange¡ªwhy wouldn¡¯t magic that can deceive the five senses be considered useful? The problem is that research on this field of magic is woefully underdeveloped. To begin with, very few mages even enter the Tower of Illusions, andpared to other straightforward forms of magic, it¡¯s an incrediblyplex field. At most, they¡¯ve only managed to create something akin to a hologram. Even the people of this medieval fantasy world wouldn¡¯t believe the poor quality of it. But Kaiden, the magic prodigy, had joined the Tower of Illusions, and now, here before me, was a living, breathing replica of Earth. It¡¯s so vivid and clear that I could almost believe I had returned to Earth itself. Geniuses are geniuses, no matter where they go or what they do. "Everyone, this way." As Kaiden raised his hand, the traffic light turned red, and all the cars came to a sudden halt. Watching this, I became curious. I had never exined traffic signals or roadws to Kaiden. "That? I deduced it." "Deduced?" "It¡¯s a world where cars are in use. Given that they¡¯re iron carriages, they must be dangerous. It stands to reason that there would be some sort of system to manage them." Is this guy crazy or what?! Kaiden leisurely crossed the street and took a seat at an outdoor cafe table by the roadside. The table was small, so the kids sat at one, while I sat with Orendi and Kaiden at another. After cing our orders, the drinks arrived, and I took a cautious sip. It was delicious. This really tasted like coffee. Wait, hold on. "Is this real?" "It depends on how you perceive it, Dian." "The taste, the aroma, even the way it goes down are all spot on, but since we¡¯re at the Tower of Illusions, it still feels fake." "Then let¡¯s say that only the taste, aroma, and texture are real." "In that case, isn¡¯t it basically real? That¡¯s all there is to coffee." "Then it must be real." While we chatted, Orendi was scribbling furiously in his notebook, muttering to himself as he wrote down everything Kaiden said. "This is unbelievable¡­ to be able to hear Sir Kaiden¡¯s words inside Sir Kaiden¡¯s illusion magic¡­ this is really crazy¡­." Like a deranged fan writing in blood, Orendi suddenly snapped to his senses and looked at Kaiden. "Ah, greetings! My name is Orendi! I¡¯m sorry for thete introduction!" Orendi shot up from his seat, bowing so low that his forehead nearly touched the teacup. "I¡¯m currently serving as the Magic Response Professor at the Imperial Academy! It¡¯s a great honor to finally meet you, Sir Kaiden, someone I¡¯ve always deeply admired!" "Nice to meet you, Professor Orendi." As Orendi grabbed Kaiden¡¯s outstretched hand, a burst of flowers bloomed and scattered in the air like foam, disappearing before they even touched the table. "This is unbelievable¡­ This is on such a high level¡­ How on earth did you do that?! Please, teach me even a little!" "Alright." Kaiden pulled out a napkin and began scribblingplex forms on it with a pen. "First, you¡¯ll need a rotation matrix. This allows an object to move on a two-dimensional ne. In this equation, ¦È represents the angle of rotation. The first value in the first row is the cosine of the angle ¦È, and the second value is the negative sine of ¦È. The first value in the second row is the sine of ¦È, and the second value is the cosine of ¦È. Using this matrix to rotate a point will result in the point rotating counterclockwise by the angle ¦È." "Oh, I see." "Next is the trantion matrix. This matrix moves an object by a certain distance on a two-dimensional ne. The trantion matrix T(x, y) is as follows. Here, x and y represent the distance to be moved along the x-axis and y-axis, respectively. The third value in the first row is the distance along the x-axis, and the third value in the second row is the distance along the y-axis. The remaining values are set to 1 or 0 to maintain the coordinate system after the transformation." "I understand." "Next is an optics form. In optics, the refraction of light is critical. When light moves from one medium to another, its speed changes, altering its path. The form to exin this phenomenon is as follows. Here, n1 and n2 represent the refractive indices of the first and second media, respectively, and ¦È1 and ¦È2 represent the angles of incidence and refraction. This form is used to calcte how much light is refracted when crossing the boundary between two media." I didn¡¯t understand a single word of what he was saying. But Orendi was nodding furiously, his neck about to break from the effort, while he rapidly jotted down notes. He was so absorbed it seemed like his head might fall off from his neck at any moment. Kaiden went on, exining sonic equations, expansion matrices, affine transformations, optical interference, sound wave refraction, acoustic impedance, and so on. Once mages start talking about magic, they get so absorbed that there¡¯s no end to it. The kids were staring nkly at the city¡¯s scenery, so I rxed, enjoying my coffee and the atmosphere, reminiscent of Earth. The sound of car horns, phone ringtones. Suits, ties, sses,ptops. Square, towering buildings and countless signs. Traffic lights, airnes cutting across the sky. Kaiden¡¯s illusion magic really has reached its pinnacle. "My apologies, Dian." At some point, Kaiden had finished his exnations and bowed his head slightly. Orendi was flipping through his thoroughly filled notebook, muttering to himself like a madman. "So, are you done?" "Yes. You mentioned you needed my help. Could you tell me specifically what it is?" "I need to kill some people." Kaiden remained silent, waiting for me to continue. "The Imperial Security Office is hosting apetition. It¡¯s for evaluating the Special Task Force. They said they¡¯re going to use dummies as the enemy forces." "I understand. Considering the purpose of the evaluation and the need for fair judgment, they can¡¯t use real people, but merely pretending to kill wouldpromise fairness." "Ha, as expected, you¡¯ve already figured it out. Anyway, I was pondering the problem when I heard that you were at the Tower of Illusions." "You want me to create an evaluation field that mimics realbat using illusion magic?" "Can you do it?" "Of course." Kaiden answered without hesitation. "I can control the environment, the structures, even the cement and reactions of the enemy forces, all to your specifications." "Great. Could you perhaps show me a sample¡­." Before I could finish my sentence, the scenery around us shifted like a kaleidoscope in an instant. "What the¡ª?!" As the tables and chairs disappeared, the kids screamed and jumped up in surprise, and Orendi almost fainted, gasping for breath. "This is a miracle! It¡¯s the power of a god!" We were no longer on the bustling street but standing in a dimly lit corridor. Judging by its appearance, we seemed to be simting an infiltration of the Imperial Pce¡¯s interior. Ahead, a single pce guard stood with his back to us. "Go ahead." I looked down to find a heavy dagger in my hand. "Step lightly. His senses are just like a real person¡¯s." Following Kaiden¡¯s advice, I moved quietly, creeping up behind the guard. The guard was breathing softly, humming a low tune as if he were a living person. I mped my hand over the guard¡¯s mouth and stabbed the dagger repeatedly into his side. Blood gushed out like a waterfall. The warmth of the blood was so real it was eerie. "KYAAAAAAHHHH!!!" Merilda let out a piercing scream. "A-a person was just killed!" "Get a grip, Merilda. It¡¯s all an illusion." Knightley, trying to calm Merilda down, looked pale. It was probably the first time either of them had witnessed someone being killed right before their eyes. "A true professional, a real expert." Hindrasta, however, watched with interest as I subdued the guard, a fascinated expression on her face. As the guard took hisst breath, Kaiden approached and asked, "So, what do you think, Dian? Will I be of use to you?" Looking down at the copsing guard, I replied, "It¡¯s so realistic that it makes you feel guilty. I¡¯ll talk to the Pce and have you set up the evaluation field for thepetition." "If it¡¯s to help you, Dian, I¡¯ll do anything." Kaiden smiled and bowed his head. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 94 - The Tower of Illusions (4) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 94 - The Tower of Illusions (4) "Now! Stab him!" "Eek! It''s stuck on the bone!" "Not there! You should¡¯ve aimed a little lower!" "Move aside! Let me do it!" The kids were busy dealing with the illusionary enemies, clutching their knives and nooses. Watching them, I sat back and leisurely sipped my coffee with Kaiden. Orendi was nowhere to be seen, who knows what he was up to. "Are you here alone?" "No, there are other mages. But this is my private space, so you won¡¯t run into anyone." "A private space?" Kaiden exined that the ce we were in was actually just a small research room of a few square meters, but we werepletely unaware of it due to his extreme illusion magic. "This is really impressive. Incredible." "As I mentioned, the VR stories you told me were incredibly helpful. But¡­ bing a professor at the academy? How did that happen?" "It¡¯s all because of Linus." I told him how I reluctantly became a professor due to circumstances surrounding Linus, and Kaiden nodded in understanding. "That¡¯s exactly like you, Dian. Even after ten years, you¡¯re still a dependable ally for all of us." "It¡¯s not that big of a deal." "By the way, Dian, after returning to the capital, did you meet with Lormane?" "Yeah, I did. I went to ask for help because we needed a priest for the academy." Kaiden¡¯s half-closed eyes glinted with interest. "How was it?" "She weed me warmly and helped out. That¡¯s all. Honestly, I was a bit surprised myself." "Is that so¡­ For the object of her obsession to return after ten years without any incident¡­" Kaiden stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I¡¯m not someone who¡¯s usually called stupid, but Lormane¡¯s reaction is something I can¡¯tprehend." "Neither do I. Maybe her feelings changed over the past ten years." "Hmm, I¡¯m not so sure." Kaiden shook his head, still doubtful. "Don¡¯t you remember? Your underwear kept going missing, and when we searched for them, they were all stuffed into Lormane¡¯s bag." "Hey, shut up about that." "And when we were escorting that subus prisoner from the Demon King¡¯s army, she imagined the subus was trying to seduce you and killed her in the middle of the night without any reason." "Hah, yeah¡­ that did happen." "That¡¯s not all. She even imed once that she had your child." "Don¡¯t remind me of that, you bastard." "And do you recall the one time Linuspletely lost his temper at her?" How could I forget? During a battle, Lormane tried to stage a dramatic rescue of me by intentionally putting me in danger. She kept secretly mixing a paralyzing herb into my food, hoping I¡¯d copse mid-battle so she could heal me with her divine powers, thereby indebting me to her. However, her n didn¡¯t work. I consumed enough of that herb to kill a normal person in a day, but I felt no effects even after several days. When Linus found out, he was genuinely furious with her. Linus, in a fit of righteous anger, made even the mighty Lormane cower, forcing her to grovel on the ground and swear she¡¯d never endanger arade again. To be honest, even I found Linus¡¯s rage a bit frightening. "Did you know, Dian? After the war, Lormane tried to leave the church. She wanted to live as amoner and marry you." "She mentioned something like that in passing." "It wasn¡¯t just passing talk. She used the reward money from the Pce to buy a house in some remote countryside for the two of you to live in. She even ordered a wedding dress from the best shop in the capital and still keeps it stored away. She also had invitations made¡ªwithout a date, of course¡ªand stacked them up. When Ist met her, she mentioned she had even prepared baby supplies." "Wh-What?" "And this wasn¡¯t right after the war. She kept preparing all of this even after you left, Dian." I felt dizzy. "She meticulously prepared everything, waiting for your return, and yet¡­" "Kaiden." My voice dropped as I sternly interrupted. "Let¡¯s stop talking about Lormane on this happy day." "Understood. To be honest, I wasn¡¯t entirelyfortable bringing it up either." After that, we drank our coffee in silence for a while. # # # # # It was time to head back to the academy after securing Kaiden¡¯s cooperation. He apanied us to the front of the Tower of Illusions, disguised as an old, dpidated hut. "Hurry up! Come on, let¡¯s go!" Hindrasta shouted from in front of the dimensional gate, urging us to move faster. Kaiden, noticing her impatience, turned to me and asked, "That girl, she¡¯s a dragon, right? The one you and Linus supposedly gave a good beating." "Huh? Yeah, that¡¯s right. How¡¯d you know?" "She came to me earlier and asked if there was a spell to undo her polymorph form, and begged for my help." "Is there such a thing?" "No. A dragon¡¯s polymorph is a natural ability, not something that can be undone by magic." Looks like Hindrasta was really frustrated with her current form. I mean, for a dragon who used to soar through the sky, being stuck walking on two legs must be pretty miserable. "Then she went on about being imprisoned and begged me to help her. What¡¯s that all about?" "It¡¯s nothing serious. She came to the academy on her own, tried to pick a fight with me, lost, and ended up as a student." "Quite a dramatic turn of events, but it¡¯s best not to help that dragon." "Exactly. She won¡¯t be able to break out of her polymorph for another thousand years, so she might as well graduate and get a proper job." "Dragons are an arrogant species with inted egos. You¡¯ll have to personally guide her, Dian. No one else in this world could possibly tame her." "She used to be pretty defiant, but these days, she¡¯s finally doing what I tell her." "Um, excuse me, Master Kaiden." At that moment, Merilda timidly approached. "Do I really have no talent for magic?" "You don¡¯t, Merilda." Kaiden¡¯s blunt response didn¡¯t dampen Merilda¡¯s spirit. Instead, she quickly asked another question. "Then is there a way for me to use illusion magic when I need it? Like through a magic-infused stone or tool?" "Illusion magic isn¡¯t something you canpare to simple spells like that. It¡¯s impossible." Kaiden¡¯s answer left no room for hope, and Merilda¡¯s shoulders drooped. "Hey, Merilda. Just give it up. What¡¯s the point? It¡¯ll only lower your grades." "But it¡¯s such a shame." Merilda responded to Knightley¡¯s teasing. "I waited ten years¡­ I had hoped, even if it was just an illusion¡­ but to have it end like this¡­" "What exactly is this ¡®ten years¡¯ you keep talking about? And what did you see earlier?" But Merilda didn¡¯t answer, only lowering her head further. "Sir Kaiden, I will never forget your teachings. I will strive to improve, again and again." Clutching his notebook tightly, Orendi repeatedly bowed to Kaiden. "Very well, Professor Orendi. I hope we meet again." "Yes, Sir Kaiden!" Watching this made me feel rather odd. Ten years ago, Kaiden had been just a kid, and now he was someone being admired and respected like this. "Hurry up! I¡¯m getting sleepy now!" Hindrasta yelled from in front of the dimensional gate again, and I shook hands with Kaiden. "I¡¯ll see you at thepetition." "It¡¯s truly an honor to be able to help you, Dian. I always thought I would repay your kindness one day, and now that day hase." "Kindness, huh? I just put you to work because you¡¯re smart." "Regardless of your reasons, you brought me into the light. You¡¯re the benefactor of my life." "Well, if you say so." Kaiden was, after all, an important member of the Hero Party, as the original story dictated. Bringing him along and convincing the Pce to let him join the Special Task Force was all part of following the original story¡¯s progression. But even so, that didn¡¯t mean my rtionship with Kaiden was strictly businesslike. We wererades who had faced countless deadly situations together during the war. That bond wasn¡¯t something you could fake with illusion magic¡ªit was real. "By the way, Kaiden." As everyone else passed through the dimensional gate, I lingered behind and asked Kaiden, "What exactly did those kids see earlier?" "Would you like me to tell you?" "I¡¯m curious." "Both Merilda and Knightley saw you, Dian. Though their visions differed slightly in terms of clothing and attitude." As Kaiden exined each detail, I felt a strong sense of dizziness wash over me. "Those girls are insane. They¡¯vepletely lost it." "Girls their age don¡¯t just read romance novels and weep over falling leaves. Everyone harbors secret desires they can¡¯t reveal." "I¡¯ll have to be more careful with how I behave around them." Kaiden chuckled and shook his head. "They¡¯re alreadypletely infatuated with you, Dian. Unless you decide to strip down in the middle of the academy courtyard, I don¡¯t think their feelings will change." "Maybe I should take a dump on the training ground so they finally snap out of it. Anyway, thanks, Kaiden. See you tomorrow in the capital." "It¡¯s been a long time since Ist visited the capital. I¡¯ll see you tomorrow, Dian." I gave Kaiden a quick hug before stepping through the dimensional gate. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 95 - The Tower of Illusions (5) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 95 - The Tower of Illusions (5) On the way back to the academy. Orendi, whom I had expected to pester me with questions about my rtionship with Kaiden, paid no attention to me. Instead, he walked straight to the dormitory, his nose practically buried in the notebook filled with the magical forms Kaiden had exined earlier. Mages, huh. After sending Orendi off, I walked home alongside the kids when Knightley spoke up. "Professor, how do you know that mage, Kaiden?" "We¡¯ve known each other since the war." "What kind of connection? You two seemed really close. And he¡¯s from the Demon King yer Task Force, right?" "Yeah, that¡¯s right. Didn¡¯t I mention before? I was part of that too." This time, unlikest time, Knightley didn¡¯t freak out and use me of lying. She simply looked at me, then at Merilda and Hindrasta, one by one, without saying a word. "Wee back, Sir Dian." When I got home, Olysia, who had been dozing on the living room sofa, groggily stood up. "Why didn¡¯t you go to bed?" "Everyone else was out on business, so I couldn¡¯t rx and sleepfortably. Are you hungry?" "No, I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m just heading to bed. You should get some rest too." "Yes. Good night¡­" After Olysia went to her room, I bid the kids goodnight as well. "You all did well today. See you in the morning." "Good night, Professor." "And don¡¯te upstairs." "Got it." After making sure the warning was clear, I headed up to my room. # # # # # "Hey, Merilda." Lying awake and staring at the ceiling, Knightley turned her head toward her. "You know something about Professor Dian, don¡¯t you? You kept talking about waiting for him for ten years. But ten years ago, that¡¯s around the time Professor Dian finished the war and went to Brunsswell, right?" But there was no response. Looking closer, Knightley realized that Merilda had already fallen asleep. She thought about shaking her awake but decided against it. Instead, she turned to the other side. "Sophie, you know something too, right? You said before that Professor Dian was actually a terrible person and that you were trapped. What did you mean by that?" But Hindrasta didn¡¯t answer either. She, too, was sound asleep. Looks like I¡¯ll have to ask them again tomorrow. But what if Professor Dian really was part of the Demon King yer Task Force? That¡¯s something hard to believe. The reputation of the Demon King yer Task Force is so legendary that even from a young age, I¡¯ve been bombarded with tales of their aplishments. In the Empire, knowing the history of the Task Force is practically a requirement for being considered educated. If you¡¯re ignorant of their deeds, you¡¯re seen as unlearned. Linus, Celine, Lormane, Kaiden. But there¡¯s no mention of anyone named Dian. Not in textbooks, not in statues, not in murals¡ªnowhere. If that¡¯s the case, it means someone intentionally suppressed information about Professor Dian. And the only entity powerful enough to do that across the entire Empire would be the Imperial Pce. But why would the Imperial Pce go to such lengths? What would be the point? Could there have been some undisclosed conflict between Professor Dian and the Imperial Pce? Now that I think about it, the fact that he went all the way to the distant neutral port of Brunsswell is strange in itself. Maybe he was exiled or banished? But that doesn¡¯t make sense either. From what I¡¯ve seen of Professor Dian¡¯s character, he¡¯s not the kind of person to get into extreme conflicts with anyone. He¡¯s the type tough things off and move on, always preferring to avoid conflict. There¡¯s clearly something moreplicated going on here, but I can¡¯t even begin to imagine what it is. But could it really be true that this guy was part of the great Demon King yer Task Force? It just doesn¡¯t seem to fit¡­. # # # # # The next morning. The kids were nowhere to be seen on the first floor. ording to Olysia, they had left early, saying they were heading to the main building. As I walked toward the training grounds, I thought about what I needed to do today. The most important task was to inform Ismera and Kirrin about Kaiden¡¯s cooperation with his illusion magic and get approval from the Pce. Kaiden was supposed to head directly to the capital today, so we just needed to make sure we weren¡¯tte. The only problem was that I hadn¡¯t made an appointment in advance with the Second Princess. Well, I¡¯ll figure it out somehow. "Good morning, Professor!" At that moment, Lina approached me with her usual upbeat bounce in her step. She¡¯s always in such a good mood, honestly. "You¡¯re early." "With thepetitioning up soon, we need to focus all our efforts on the academy." Lina was right. Thepetition was just next week. After that, it would be summer vacation. It felt like only yesterday that I left Brunsswell at Linus¡¯s request, and now, half a semester had already flown by. When you¡¯re busy, time really does fly. "I saw the kids at the main building earlier." "What were they doing there?" "They said they were going to Professor Kazadar¡¯s workshop. Apparently, they had something made." "Commissioning something from a dwarf? What on earth are they up to?" "I¡¯m not sure, but I imagine it¡¯s something for thepetition." Something for thepetition, huh? What could it be? Before long, I heard the sound of excited chatter and looked up to see Hindrasta approaching with something strapped to her back. "How¡¯s it, Sophie? Is it okay?" "It¡¯s not bad." And floating above Hindrasta¡¯s head was Merilda¡­? Wait, what? "Merilda, how¡¯s the ride?" "It¡¯sfortable and nice. But I¡¯m worried you¡¯ll get tired." "Tired?! What do you take me for!" With that, Hindrasta sprinted toward me at full speed, Merilda bouncing up and down on her back. "What is that?" "Isn¡¯t it obvious? It¡¯s a carrier." Hindrasta was carrying a small backpack-like carrier with Merilda sitting in it, securely fastened with safety belts. It looked more like a square hiking carrier for kids than a regr carrier. "Wait¡­ did Kazadar make that for you?" "Since Merilda can¡¯t keep up with us, I decided to carry her around. What do you think?" "Carry her around? You think that¡¯ll work?" Without hesitation, Hindrasta dashed toward the wall of the infiltration training ground and effortlessly scaled it. "Wow, Sophie¡¯s really strong." Lina marveled as she watched. Hindrasta, with Merilda on her back, scaled the wall without any difficulty, prompting Knightley to p her hands in approval. "Impressive, Sophie. You pass." "See? I told you it was a good idea." Hindrasta beamed as she unbuckled the carrier. "You¡¯re nning to use that during thepetition? What if they don¡¯t let you?" "Oh, don¡¯t worry about that." Hindrasta confidently began folding the carrier. "Wait, am I doing this right?" "Let me help." With Merilda¡¯s assistance, the carrier was neatly folded down to the size of a dagger, small enough to carry with one hand. Is this even possible? Dwarven craftsmanship really is something else. "I doubt the Security Office will realize that this can turn into a full carrier." The kids, thrilled with their new toy, ran off to the training grounds,ughing and taking turns riding in the carrier. Finally, they¡¯re acting like girls their age. "Take care of the kids for me. I¡¯m going to see the headmaster." "Don¡¯t worry about a thing!" After Lina¡¯s cheerful send-off, I headed toward the main building. # # # # # "Illusion magic, you say¡­?" Kirrin nodded as she listened to my report. "So, you went to the Tower of Illusionsst night and requested the help of a mage there? What was his name again?" "Kaiden." "Kaiden¡­ Could it really be ¡®that¡¯ Kaiden?" "Yes, it¡¯s that Kaiden." "I don¡¯t understand." Ismera, who was sitting beside her, spoke up. "You¡¯re telling me you just showed up out of the blue, asked Mage Kaiden to use illusion magic for thepetition, and he agreed?" "I went with Professor Orendi. I can call him in to testify if necessary." "Hmm, is that so?" "The Tower of Illusions isn¡¯t a ce you can reach without a dimensional gate. The kids saw it with their own eyes too." "The kids? You took them to the Tower of Illusions?" "It was a good experience. It broadened their horizons." "Alright, let¡¯s say that¡¯s true, and you met Kaiden and secured his cooperation. But it still seems strange." "What¡¯s strange now?" "How did you manage to get his cooperation, Professor Dian? Do you have some kind of prior connection with him?" "We¡¯ve been close since the war. I mentioned this before, but you didn¡¯t believe me." At this, Ismera fell silent, not asking any more questions. "So, we need to inform the Security Office, right?" Kirrin asked, sounding slightly anxious. "Yes. We can¡¯t proceed on our own. We¡¯ll suggest they consider the idea and see if they think it¡¯s a good solution." "Do you think they¡¯ll be upset?" "Why would they be upset? Do they think we¡¯re overstepping? We¡¯re the Imperial Academy. We have the authority to make such suggestions." "Hmm, that¡¯s true. But how should we phrase it¡­?" Kirrin scratched her head and nced at me. "Do I have to go?" "I was thinking of going myself this time. Since I didn¡¯t inform the Second Princess in advance, I¡¯ll go take the heat." It¡¯s better that I take on the role of the uninvited guest than Kirrin. With that, I got into the carriage and headed for the Imperial Pce. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 96 - The Tower of Illusions (6) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 96 - The Tower of Illusions (6) The tall spires of the Imperial Capital started toe into view through the carriage window. At the entrance of the drawbridge stood Kaiden, dressed in a ck robe, waiting. It¡¯s hot enough to kill, and yet he¡¯s wearing that robe. But as Kaiden boarded the carriage, he wasn¡¯t sweating a drop. ¡°Aren¡¯t you hot?¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine. I used illusion magic to make it feel like I¡¯m inside a refrigerator.¡± ¡°But that¡¯s fake.¡± ¡°Still, it fools the senses. If you believe you¡¯re not hot, then you won¡¯t feel hot.¡± Is that even possible? ¡°It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve been to the Imperial Capital. Not much has changed.¡± ¡°There hasn¡¯t been a direct attack here, so there wouldn¡¯t be much to repair or rebuild.¡± While we exchanged small talk, the guards at the drawbridge stopped our carriage. ¡°What brings you here?¡± ¡°I¡¯m here to seek an audience with the Second Princess.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no scheduled visitors today. Who are you?¡± ¡°I¡¯m Dian, Head Combat Professor of the Imperial Special Mission Academy. And this is Kaiden, a mage from the Tower of Illusions.¡± ¡°Mage Kaiden¡­?¡± The guard looked Kaiden up and down suspiciously, then his eyes went wide in shock. ¡°P-please wait just a moment!¡± The guard rushed across the drawbridge and returned shortly with a higher-ranking officer. ¡°You¡¯re saying you¡¯re Mage Kaiden? Do you happen to have identification¡­?¡± Kaiden extended his hand, and with a sh of light, a document appeared. ¡°Wha¡­?!¡± The officer epted it with reverence and, after reading it, shouted in astonishment. ¡°Open the gate! Mage Kaiden is visiting the pce!¡± As the heavy gates opened, the carriage slowly began to move again. ¡°Wow, you¡¯ve got quite the presence.¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± Kaiden took back the document and burned it in the palm of his hand. ¡°Was that a fake?¡± ¡°The contents were real, but the original is kept at the Tower.¡± We crossed the drawbridge, and as we disembarked near the pce, we heard the sound of hurried footsteps approaching. Several mages in ck robes were rushing toward us. ¡°It really is Mage Kaiden?!¡± The mages couldn¡¯t hide their excitement upon recognizing Kaiden¡¯s face. ¡°Mage Kaiden! What brings you to the Imperial Capital?!¡± ¡°Are you perhaps epting the Magic Division¡¯s proposal?¡± ¡°This is no time for questions. Let¡¯s escort you inside right away! You must meet with the Head Mage¡­¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m here on other business.¡± Kaiden raised his hand, silencing the mages. ¡°I¡¯m here to seek an audience with the Second Princess alongside this gentleman.¡± ¡°Th-then, after your audience, could you please visit the Magic Division? Even just for a brief tea with the Head Mage¡­¡± ¡°I doubt I¡¯ll have time. You¡¯ll likely just ask me to join the division again, and I¡¯ve already answered that question several times.¡± ¡°But¡­¡± ¡°Well then, I¡¯ll be off.¡± Kaiden smiled and turned toward the pce. ¡°Hey, you!¡± Just as I was about to follow, one of the mages called out to me from behind. ¡°Me?¡± ¡°You must be Mage Kaiden¡¯s assistant. After the audience, make sure you bring him to the Magic Division!¡± ¡°That¡¯s not possible. We¡¯re busy.¡± ¡°It¡¯ll only take a minute! Even just five minutes¡­ wait, hold on¡­¡± The mages¡¯ faces twisted as they finally realized I had been speaking informally. ¡°And who do you think you are to speak down to an Imperial mage? An assistant dares to¡­¡± ¡°But you were the ones who spoke informally first. And besides, I¡¯m¡­¡± ¡°Waaahh!?¡± Suddenly, the mages screamed, crouching down and fleeing in a panic. ¡°Dian. This way, please.¡± I turned to see Kaiden standing calmly inside the pce, looking at me. He must¡¯ve used illusion magic on the mages. Even the Imperial mages fell for it. This guy, Kaiden¡­ he¡¯s really something else. ¡°What did you show them?¡± ¡°I gave them a little taste of some of the things we¡¯ve been through.¡± ¡°You¡¯re cruel.¡± ¡°Indeed, I am.¡± As we walked down the corridor side by side, the passing ministers stared in confusion. Upon seeing Kaiden, they paled. ¡°Mage Kaiden? What brings you here?¡± ¡°I¡¯m here to see the Second Princess. Is she in?¡± ¡°She¡¯s currently out. She had external engagements¡­¡± ¡°Where has she gone?¡± ¡°That¡­ uh¡­¡± The ministers hesitated to answer, ncing at me, so Kaiden introduced me. ¡°This is Professor Dian, Head Combat Professor at the Imperial Special Mission Academy. We¡¯re here to propose something rted to the Imperial Security Office''s uingpetition.¡± Kaiden subtly gestured with a finger that peeked out from under his cloak. ¡°The Second Princess is attending the founding ceremony of the Esto Trade Guild.¡± The ministers, as if under some spell, revealed the Second Princess¡¯s whereabouts without hesitation. ¡°Shall we head there, Dian?¡± ¡°Is this really okay?¡± As we left the pce, I asked Kaiden, who chuckled softly. ¡°No one will notice.¡± ¡°Is that so? I wouldn¡¯t know.¡± ¡°Kaiiiiden!!¡± Just as we were about to exit the pce, an enraged shout echoed behind us. Turning around, I saw a man in a ck robe charging toward us with terrifying momentum. ¡°You bastard!!¡± ¡°Well, this is troublesome.¡± Kaiden raised his hand slightly, and a translucent wall sprang up from the ground, blocking the man. The man¡¯s robe shed with light as he cast a spell, which shot toward us. The attack spell, flying like a bullet, ricocheted off Kaiden¡¯s barrier and grazed one of the spires. ¡°Waaah!¡± As bricks came crashing down into the courtyard, people scattered in all directions, screaming in fear. ¡°Are you not going to clear this up?!¡± The man shouted, pounding his fists against the barrier, frothing at the mouth. ¡°You could at least say hello if you¡¯re visiting! Isn¡¯t that the polite thing to do?!¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I havepany. And we were just about to leave. Goodbye.¡± ¡°No! Come back! Just talk to me for one minute!¡± ¡°I won¡¯t be joining the Magic Division. I¡¯d like to continue practicing the magic I enjoy.¡± Kaiden¡¯s cold response left the man looking pitiful. ¡°Kaiden¡­ is it because of that person? Huh? Are you trying to live your life like that person, the one who left saying they wanted to do whatever they liked?¡± That person? I think I know who he¡¯s talking about. ¡°That was their choice. You¡¯re a mage, aren¡¯t you? A genius unmatched in the Empire. You should join the Magic Division. It¡¯s a crime and an insult to waste your talent!¡± ¡°One minute has passed. I¡¯ve heard your piece.¡± Kaiden smiled as he turned away. ¡°Shall we go, Dian?¡± ¡°Y-yeah¡­¡± ¡°Kaiden! Stop! If you don¡¯t, I¡¯ll kill myself!¡± Despite the man¡¯s frantic, terrifying cries, Kaiden boarded the carriage as if he hadn¡¯t heard a word. ¡°I don¡¯t care if you¡¯re a man or a woman! Juste to the Magic Division! Just stay by my side!¡± The man screamed desperately, but Kaiden indifferently closed the carriage door. ¡°What was that about?¡± As we left the pce, I asked Kaiden, who gave a faint smile. ¡°That was the Head Mage of the Imperial Magic Division. He¡¯s been trying relentlessly to recruit me into the division.¡± ¡°Is that so? But¡­ something seems a little off.¡± ¡°You noticed? He¡¯s a bit¡­ unhinged, isn¡¯t he?¡± ¡°What do you mean, ¡®unhinged¡¯?¡± ¡°He¡¯s obsessed with me.¡± ¡°Obsessed how?¡± ¡°He wants to possess me.¡± ¡°Hm¡­¡± It¡¯s natural for someone in charge of an organization to want to recruit talented individuals. But this doesn¡¯t seem like a simple recruitment effort. ¡°Dian.¡± Kaiden looked up at me and spoke. ¡°Most mages have some sort of mental defect. It¡¯s the result of spending too much time studying the iprehensible nature of magic.¡± Is that so? But Orendi and Kaiden seem perfectly fine. ¡°Not all mages are mentally ill, of course. But that Head Mage? He¡¯s definitely not sane.¡± Kaiden dered matter-of-factly. ¡°At first, he approached me because he thought I was a woman. He¡¯s usually someone who¡¯s extremely power-hungry and never allows anyone more skilled than himself into the Magic Division.¡± ¡°So, he must¡¯ve really taken a liking to you, in more ways than one.¡± ¡°The extent to which he¡¯s been pursuing me, even after learning I¡¯m a man, is quite abnormal.¡± To someone who doesn¡¯t know, Kaiden does look like a woman. His mysterious narrow eyes, and shoulder-length hair, and wlessly pale skin have an allure that could stir impure thoughts in anyone who looks at him. That Head Mage must¡¯ve fallen hard for Kaiden¡¯s strange charm. He seems like the type who doesn¡¯t care whether someone¡¯s male or female, as long as they look good. But no matter how pretty, a guy is still¡­ well¡­ ¡°What can I say¡­ it¡¯splicated.¡± ¡°Do you think so as well, Dian?¡± Kaiden gave a faint smile. ¡°I¡¯m not sure what exactly I think.¡± ¡°By the way, it seems the Second Princess has been quite busy with various projectstely.¡± Kaiden shifted the conversation. ¡°Yeah, she¡¯s busy. She¡¯s in one of the core positions of the Imperial Capital, after all.¡± ¡°That much is true. But even attending the founding ceremony of a trade guild that has little to do with national security¡­¡± There was a sharp edge to Kaiden¡¯s words. ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± ¡°It seems the Second Princess is nning to shake things up in the Imperial Capital soon.¡± ¡°Shake things up?¡± ¡°She¡¯s not the kind of person to be content with merely being the head of the Imperial Security Office.¡± ¡°Are you saying she¡¯s going to start a rebellion or something?¡± Kaiden didn¡¯t answer. Instead, he conjured an illusion of the Second Princess dressed in the Emperor¡¯s robes, covered in blood from head to toe. ¡°That¡¯s hideous. Get rid of it.¡± ¡°My apologies.¡± Kaiden smiled and dispelled the illusion. As I watched Kaiden turn his gaze out the window, I thought back to what he¡¯d just said. A coup led by the Second Princess, huh? It wouldn¡¯t be all that surprising. Born to a concubine and oppressed, she earned unprecedented achievements during the war and quickly rose to the top of the post-war power structure. She has taken control of the Security Office with force, consistently growing her power while disregarding the efforts of those trying to check her. The Emperor is a coward, and her siblings have nothing to boast about besides their bloodline. It wouldn¡¯t make sense for the Second Princess to be content as the head of the Security Office. If that was all she wanted, she wouldn¡¯t have gone to such great lengths to turn the legitimate forces against her and seize the Security Office. It¡¯s hard to say when, but sooner orter, something is definitely going to explode. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 97 - The Tower of Illusions (7) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 97 - The Tower of Illusions (7) We arrived at the location where the Esto Trade Guild¡¯s founding ceremony was being held. It must be quite arge trade guild, as the ce was swarming with people, almost as if there was a festival going on. ¡°Impressive.¡± ¡°Indeed.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s head inside. The Princess should be seated at the front, in the ce of honor.¡± When the guards at the entrance asked for invitations, Kaiden pulled two out from inside his robe. ¡°Please, go ahead.¡± The guards allowed us in without any fuss after seeing the invitations. That¡¯s probably magic too. If only I were a bit smarter, I could¡¯ve be a mage. ¡°Kaiden, this way.¡± As Kaiden stumbled in the crowd, I grabbed his wrist and pulled him along. ¡°My apologies, Dian. It¡¯s difficult to use magic in the middle of an event like this.¡± ¡°If you did, we¡¯d be in big trouble. Just follow me.¡± Despite my confident words, it was taking quite a while to reach the front due to the sheer number of people. This is no joke. But no matter how big a trade guild is, it¡¯s still a privatepany. And yet, they¡¯ve managed to invite the Second Princess, the head of the Imperial Security Office, and she actually came? Suddenly, I remembered what Kaiden had said. That the Princess was attending such ceremonies because she seemed ready to overturn the Imperial Capital. Hmm¡­ so that¡¯s what he meant¡­ ¡°There she is.¡± Following Kaiden¡¯s gaze, I spotted the Second Princess, engaged in conversation with several people. She had the same tall, striking figure as Ismera, with silvery hair like silk and a scar that disfigured half of her face. Even if you threw her into the middle of a battlefield with legions shing, you¡¯d find her right away thanks to her unique appearance. ¡°She seems to be in an important conversation, so let¡¯s wait a bit.¡± Following Kaiden¡¯s suggestion, we moved to a corner and waited for the Princess to finish her conversation. She smiled as she spoke and asionally patted her conversation partners on the shoulder. There was an air of authority in her every gesture and expression, fitting for a princess of the Empire. Behind her stood a young man in Imperial livery, likely her personal aide. I think he was the one who guided us when Linus and I visited the Imperial Pcest time. The aide was scanning the surroundings carefully, almost as if he were on guard duty, and our eyes met for a moment. After scrutinizing my face, the aide whispered something into the Princess¡¯s ear. She stopped her conversation and turned her head in my direction. When I gave a slight bow, she smiled and gestured for me to wait. Seems like she¡¯s asking us to hold on for a moment. ¡°Let¡¯s wait a bit. If you¡¯re bored, I could show you some magic.¡± Before I could respond, Kaiden had already begun casting illusion magic. ¡°Dian.¡± This time, Ismera and Kirrin appeared in front of me, wearing what looked like string bikinis. ¡°Whoa, hey¡­!¡± Kaidenughed quietly and changed the illusion. And then, Lorname appeared¡­?! ¡°Hey, you bastard¡­!¡± ¡°My apologies.¡± When Lorname disappeared, I let out an involuntary sigh and wiped my forehead. The sight of Lorname¡¯s perpetually unfocused, eerie eyes had sent a cold sweat running down my back. ¡°You¡¯re still afraid of her, I see.¡± ¡°Of course I am. You¡¯re scared of her too.¡± ¡°She is scary.¡± At that moment, the Second Princess started walking toward us. ¡°Sir Dian. What brings you here? And with Sir Kaiden, no less?¡± ¡°Greetings.¡± When Kaiden greeted her, a mischievous smile appeared on the Princess¡¯s face. ¡°Did you run into the Head Mage?¡± ¡°I did. He was so overjoyed to see me after such a long time that he didn¡¯t know what to do.¡± ¡°I can imagine. So, what brings the two of you here?¡± ¡°We¡¯vee to present a proposal rted to the uingpetition, so we took the liberty of visiting without prior notice.¡± ¡°Hmm, thepetition, you say. Go on.¡± ¡°How about using illusion magic for thepetition?¡± When the Princess gave Kaiden a curious look, he cast a spell. Immediately, the surroundings changed into a dimly lit corridor of some facility. ¡°What the¡­?!¡± The personal aide, startled, gripped the hilt of his sword, but the Princess stopped him. ¡°It¡¯s illusion magic. Calm down.¡± The Princess nodded approvingly as she looked around at the realistic environment and the fake guards standing with their backs to us. ¡°I see. Sword, please.¡± Taking the sword from her aide, the Princess walked forward and, without hesitation, decapitated one of the guards. As the severed head fell and blood spurted like a fountain, the Princess¡¯s face lit up with satisfaction. ¡°It¡¯s incredibly realistic.¡± ¡°Yes, Princess. Instead of using mere dummies, why not incorporate illusion magic? Kaiden has agreed to assist as well.¡± ¡°I like it. No, I love it.¡± Handing the sword back to her aide, the Princess looked at Kaiden. ¡°Sir Kaiden.¡± ¡°Yes, Princess.¡± ¡°If I recall, we¡¯ve sent you several summons to the Imperial Pce in the past.¡± ¡°That did happen.¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t respond at all back then, yet now you¡¯ve suddenly emerged from the Tower of Illusions. Why is that?¡± ¡°It¡¯s because Dian asked me to.¡± At Kaiden¡¯s straightforward answer, the Princess¡¯s half-smile grew wider. ¡°I see. You must have quite the special bond with Sir Dian.¡± ¡°We¡¯ve ovee many hardships together. And Dian is also my savior, the one who brought me back into the light.¡± ¡°I see. If that¡¯s the case, then it makes sense that you¡¯d drop everything to help.¡± Kaiden responded with a slight bow. ¡°I approve of using illusion magic for thepetition. And while we¡¯re at it, what do you think of transforming the entire evaluation venue with illusion magic?¡± ¡°It¡¯s possible.¡± ¡°Good. Sir Kaiden, let¡¯s proceed with that. Though it took going through Sir Dian, I still appreciate your willingness to assist the Imperial Pce.¡± ¡°I¡¯m only helping Dian, not the Imperial Pce. Once thepetition is over, I¡¯ll return to the Tower of Illusions.¡± ¡°Haha, as you wish.¡± At Kaiden¡¯s rather blunt reply, the Princess¡¯s aide looked ufortable, but the Princess herself simply smiled without any sign of displeasure. # # # # # After Dian and Kaiden left, the Princess¡¯s aide whispered to her. ¡°Your Highness. Is this truly okay?¡± ¡°What¡¯s the problem?¡± ¡°Mage Kaiden. He has refused every summons to the Imperial Pce until now, but suddenly he appears out of nowhere¡­¡± ¡°There¡¯s no problem. Sir Kaiden has no interest in anything other than magic.¡± ¡°But why would someone like that involve himself in non-magical matters¡­?¡± ¡°You heard him, didn¡¯t you? It¡¯s because of Sir Dian.¡± The Princess said this while watching Dian¡¯s figure as he walked away. ¡°Sir Dian was a member of the Demon King yer Task Force. So is Sir Kaiden. They¡¯ve entrusted their lives to each other. A request like this is nothing to them.¡± ¡°I see¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s why Sir Dian, who had been missing for ten years, dly became a professor at the academy when Sir Linus asked him.¡± ¡°It¡¯s truly strange.¡± ¡°What¡¯s strange?¡± The aide pondered for a moment before replying. ¡°During the war, there were many special task forces, but most of them met unfortunate ends. They were either wiped out or driven into extreme situations, leaving their members at odds with one another. But for some reason, Sir Linus¡¯s Demon King yer Task Force remains astonishingly loyal to one another.¡± ¡°I wonder why that is. Let¡¯s go now.¡± The Princess and her aide brushed past the people trying to approach them for attention and left the ceremony. # # # # # ¡°Woooow! That¡¯s amaaazing!!¡± Kirrin shrieked with excitement, her ears perked up. ¡°Unbelievable! Is there anything Dian can¡¯t do? This, perfect! That, perfect! Everything, perfect, perfect, perfect!!¡± ¡°Please, Headmaster,pose yourself.¡± At that, Kirrin¡¯s ears drooped dramatically as she nced nervously at Ismera, who was seated beside her. Right now, Ismera was shooting daggers at Kirrin with her eyes, or rather, she was staring emptily at the table. It must be because I had proudly imed I¡¯d get approval from the Second Princess, and then actually did. ¡°Thepetition¡¯s tomorrow, right? So I¡¯ve got an idea.¡± Still keeping an eye on Ismera, Kirrin spoke up. ¡°To cheer everyone up, I¡¯d like to treat the kids to something delicious tonight. Is that okay?¡± ¡°That¡¯s fine, but let¡¯s stay home to eat. It¡¯d be a disaster if something happened while we¡¯re out.¡± ¡°Oh, right, right. In that case, I¡¯ll bring some stuff to your ce. Professor Ismera¡­ you¡¯ll join us, right?¡± But Ismera didn¡¯t respond. It wasn¡¯t that she was ignoring her, but it seemed like she didn¡¯t even hear the question. ¡°Yes. Professor Ismera will be there. She¡¯s always at my ce around that time.¡± ¡°Oh, really¡­? Even in the evening¡­?¡± Kirrin hesitated, stumbling over her words. ¡°Hmm, why would Professor Ismera be at your house in the evening¡­?¡± ¡°She¡¯s there to supervise the kids¡¯ evening study sessions. What on earth are you thinking? Huh? She doesn¡¯t stay overnight, you know.¡± ¡°What? Ah, right. Well, that¡¯s a relief.¡± What exactly is ¡°a relief¡±? Honestly, she¡¯s such a scatterbrain. ¡°So, that mage Kaiden won¡¯t be joining us?¡± ¡°He went back to the Tower.¡± ¡°Why? I wanted to treat him if he came.¡± ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be fair. Besides, he¡¯s not very sociable.¡± ¡°I see¡­ Well, there¡¯s no helping it. Let¡¯s just eat by ourselves. It¡¯ll be a party, a party.¡± The Dark Elf beamed brightly, while the Pure-Blooded Elf looked like a withered leaf. What a rare sight. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 98 - The Competition (1) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 98 - The Competition (1) Unfortunately, Kirrin¡¯spetition pep rally party, meant to encourage everyone, was called off. It was due to Knightley¡¯s strong objection. ¡°With thepetition starting tomorrow, having a big meal doesn¡¯t seem right, does it?¡± ¡°Knightley¡¯s right. What if something goes wrong and we end up with an upset stomach? All our efforts would go to waste.¡± Listening to Merilda¡¯s reasoning, I had to admit it made sense. Even athletes don¡¯t eat special foods before important matches. They stick to their usual routine and eat simple meals. It¡¯s true. ¡°Headmaster Kirrin seemed really disappointed.¡± Olysia, who had gone to ry the message to Kirrin, returned and reported. ¡°When I went to her office, she was all dressed up in a beautiful outfit and had even done her hair.¡± ¡°What, was she preparing for a noble¡¯s party or something?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not about what kind of event it is, but who you¡¯re sharing it with. You are the academy¡¯s representatives for thepetition, after all.¡± Olysia added with a smile. ¡°After thepetition, why don¡¯t we invite the headmaster? I¡¯ll make sure to properly prepare for it.¡± ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s do that.¡± And so, the party was canceled, and we had a simple dinner like usual. With thepetition starting tomorrow, Knightley was incredibly tense. It was aplete contrast to her usual confident demeanor. She kept tapping her fingers nervously on the table, biting her lips anxiously¡ªit was unsettling. I understood, though. Top students always get worried before exams, stressing out over the possibility of not getting perfect scores. And if they miss even one question during a preliminary grading, they lose their minds. On the other hand, Hindrasta didn¡¯t seem to care at all that thepetition was tomorrow. ¡°Ah, the day before an event is for resting. If you push yourself too hard, you might get injured.¡± She was sprawled on the sofa,zily scratching her belly. Well, she is a dragon after all. For a dragon, a humanpetition doesn¡¯t really mean much. Still, Hindrasta had worked hard enough during training. It was her idea to carry Merilda in the device they got from Kazadar because of her slow mobility. ¡°If we don¡¯t win first ce, you¡¯ll probably try to kill me, right? Aargh?!¡± That¡¯s why Hindrasta was so motivated. Meanwhile, Merilda looked calm on the outside. It could be because of her usualposed personality, or maybe it was her confidence in her field of expertise. She had Hindrasta¡¯s help with infiltration, and killing people wasn¡¯t really her thing anyway. It¡¯s certainly better than being so nervous that you start shaking. But then, there was Ismera¡­ ¡°Haa¡­¡± Ismera, sitting at the table and exining things to the students, let out a shaky sigh. Right now, we were reviewing potential questions for tomorrow as part of our final preparation. Everything was rted to espionage. Thebat section had already been covered, so we were focusing on this until tomorrow. ¡°Sorry¡­ Where was I¡­?¡± Ismera, who had bepletely worn out, forced a tired smile as her dark, shadowed eyes blinked heavily. For the past month or so, Ismera had beening to my house every day to teach the students. Her routine went as follows: She arrived around the time the students finished lunch and taught them until dinner. After that, when the students went out for physical training, she reviewed the lesson by herself and prepared for the evening study session. While the students were washing up and eating dinner, she would quietly sit in a corner, poring over books and making further preparations. As for dinner, she would only nibble at a small sd Olysia had made for her. Then, she would teach the students until almost midnight before heading back to the main building alone. Other professors said the lights in Ismera¡¯s office stayed on until early morning. It seemed she only managed to catch a few hours of sleep in the morning, between dawn and lunchtime. Repeating this schedule for a month¡ªof course, she was exhausted. What¡¯s more, thispetition was extremely important to Ismera. It was a chance to prove her abilities. Up until now, she had been extremely unlucky and kept getting overshadowed by me, but this time was different. If the students won first ce, Ismera would share the spotlight with me as a co-director, not hidden in my shadow. For Ismera, this was a matter of life and death. I, too, wanted her to be recognized. In fact, I hoped she would be the headmaster. Ismera is a smart and capable elf. If she became the headmaster, she could advance the academy far better than Kirrin or I ever could. But there areplicated factors beyond her control, which makes that difficult for now. If we win first ce in thepetition, I¡¯ll formally rmend her to the Second Princess. ¡°Oh?! There¡¯s blood!¡± Suddenly, Hindrasta shouted. I turned to see Ismera hurriedly tilting her head back, covering both her nose and mouth with her hand. A few drops of blood had fallen onto the test papers she was holding, and blood was now trickling down her cheek. Olysia quickly fetched some tissues, and I helped Ismera sit upright again. ¡°The blood could flow down into her airway. Let¡¯s stop the bleeding here.¡± ¡°Please, remove your hand.¡± Once Ismera moved her hand, I passed her the tissue, and she plugged her nose. ¡°Let¡¯s call it a day. Thepetition is tomorrow, so everyone should get to bed early.¡± At my suggestion, Ismera silently nodded. She hadn¡¯t lost that much blood, but herplexion was terribly pale. Now that I looked closely, her hair was a tangled mess, as if she hadn¡¯t washed it in days. But being a pureblood elf, she didn¡¯t smell bad¡ªon the contrary, she had a fresh, grassy scent. From what I know, elves don¡¯t even have the concept of regr bathing. Their bodies don¡¯t produce odors at all. Back when we rescued prisoners from the Demon King¡¯s army, the humans and dwarves who had been held for a long time reeked of rot, but the elven prisoners smelled clean, as if they had just bathed that morning. Honestly, I¡¯m a little envious. ¡°Everyone, get some rest.¡± After stopping the bleeding, Professor Ismera packed her things and stood up. ¡°Shall I walk you home?¡± ¡°No need.¡± Ismera rejected my offer tly, but as she turned to leave, she suddenly lost her bnce and staggered. I rushed to support her, but Ismera pushed my hand away, braced herself against the wall, and squeezed her eyes shut. She seemed to be extremely dizzy. ¡°Professor, why don¡¯t you stay here for the night? We¡¯re all leaving together tomorrow anyway.¡± ¡°I said I¡¯m fine.¡± She struggled to push herself off the wall and staggered out of the house. ¡°I¡¯ll follow her and make sure she¡¯s okay.¡± Merilda, who had been watching worriedly, offered to go with her, and I told her to go ahead. After Ismera left, we all got ready for bed. We had to leave early tomorrow morning for thepetition venue. Knightley was still anxious, her leg bouncing nervously as she frantically flipped through the summary Ismera had prepared. Hindrasta, meanwhile,y back, looking up at me upside down. ¡°I bet there¡¯ll be a funeral soon.¡± ¡°What are you talking about?¡± ¡°That elf.¡± Hindrasta pointed her chin toward the door where Ismera had left earlier. ¡°She looks like she¡¯s on the verge of death. Her face is covered with the shadow of death.¡± ¡°She¡¯s just sleep-deprived from teaching you. And it¡¯s not the shadow of death¡ªit¡¯s called dark circles.¡± ¡°What¡¯s that? Whatever. If we leave her like this, she might really die. Elves are only strong in the forest; outside, they¡¯re weak and die quickly.¡± ¡°If you¡¯re that worried, win first ce in thepetition and give her some relief.¡± ¡°Is there even a chance we won¡¯t win first ce?¡± ¡°We¡¯ll find out tomorrow. Now go to sleep. Knightley, you too.¡± After pulling Knightley away from the table, I stepped outside. I was waiting for Merilda to return after seeing Ismera off. As I paced along the road in front of the house, I soon saw Merilda approaching from a distance. ¡°How was it? Did Professor Ismera make it home safely?¡± ¡°Yes. She was headed to the main building, but I forced her into the dormitory instead.¡± ¡°Well done. Let¡¯s head inside.¡± ¡°Professor, by the way.¡± Just as I opened the door, Merilda called out from behind me. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°After thepetition, should I continue taking private lessons from Professor Ismera?¡± ¡°That¡¯s up to you to decide, but I¡¯d rmend it.¡± ¡°I suppose that would be best. I¡¯m more suited for theory thanbat.¡± ¡°Someone like you is better off in a support role, and that benefits the Empire, too.¡± ¡°And Professor Ismera as well.¡± Merilda nodded in agreement. ¡°Professor Ismera cried a lot earlier.¡± ¡°She cried?¡± ¡°She asked us to win first ce in thepetition, and after that, to continue taking private lessons from her.¡± ¡°I see¡­¡± For her to cry in front of a student¡­ She must be incredibly exhausted from theck of sleep and the overwhelming pressure. After thepetition, I¡¯ll definitely have to take some action. # # # # # The next morning, at dawn. Before the sun had even risen, we set off from the academy in a carriage. The carriage was a four-seater, so Ismera and the students rode in the passenger cabin while I took the reins. By the time the rising sun cleared the morning mist, we arrived at the designated gathering ce. Thepetition venue wasn¡¯t in the Imperial Capital, as we¡¯d been informed, but at the Capital Defense Headquarters. Let¡¯s see¡­ Is themander still that guy from back then? There was already a long line of carriages in front of the headquarters, filled with participants for thepetition. Judging by the crests and gs on the carriages, there were participants from all sorts of ces. There were academies scattered across the Empire, military academies, mercenary bands, adventurers¡¯ guilds, noble private armies¡ªyou name it. The scale of the participants was just as diverse. Some people were riding open carts pulled by donkeys, while others arrived in luxurious six-horse carriages, or towering caravans that looked like something desert tribes would live in. And as expected, there were the Lenc Mercenary Corps. Instead of a carriage, they hade on warhorses, loitering around outside the main line, smoking cigarettes with a swagger. From their builds and armaments, they didn¡¯t seem like rookies. It looked like they¡¯d sent their most seasoned veterans, as long as they were still within the age limit. At that moment, the gates of the headquarters opened, and the participants began entering the venue. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 99 - The Competition (2) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 99 - The Competition (2) The Capital Defense Headquarters is somewhat unsuitable as a venue for thepetition. While the premises are quiterge, there are no special training structures capable of evaluating this many teams. Most areas are restricted due to security, and there don¡¯t seem to be any buildings that allow free ess. However, the size of the venue may not be the key factor in thispetition. The reason for that is the person standing right at the entrance. Most people passed him by without a second nce, but a few stopped in surprise or whispered among themselves. That¡¯s because the person standing at the entrance was none other than Kaiden, the mage of the Demon King yer Task Force. "Dian." As our carriage passed through the gate, Kaiden walked alongside it, greeting me. "Hello, Kaiden. Is everything ready?" "Yes. Everything is perfect. The participants will enter the sealed rooms to be evaluated." Illusion magic in a sealed room. It¡¯s like full-on VR. "Anything unusual with the Second Princess?" "There were a few minor matters, but nothing serious." "Good. I¡¯ll see youter, then." Parting ways with Kaiden, I headed toward the drill grounds, which had been turned into a parking area. I expected Ismera to pounce on me the moment the carriage stopped. She¡¯d surely seen me talking to Kaiden and would want to know how I was connected to a former member of the Demon King yer Task Force. However, strangely enough, I didn¡¯t hear her usual sharp voice filled with suspicion. When I opened the door, I saw that Ismera had fallen fast asleep, her head resting against the wall. "She fell asleep while we were waiting at the gate." Merilda gently shook Ismera¡¯s shoulder, and she blinked her eyes open before quickly sitting upright. "Have we arrived?!" "We¡¯re inside the headquarters." "Oh, dear¡­" Ismera sshed her face with water from her hands and climbed out of the carriage. She must be really exhausted. We entered one of the annex buildings of the headquarters with the other participants. "What a motley crowd." Hindrasta clicked her tongue at the chaotic scene. Just as she said, the ce was like a bustling marketce. There were young academy students, mercenaries, and all sorts of dialects from around the Empire. Curses andughter echoed all around, creating a noisy atmosphere. Merilda practically clung to me to avoid being swept away by the crowd. Knightley kept her nose buried in a small summary book Ismera had given her, despite being jostled by people on all sides. As for Ismera, her fatigue seemed to peak at this critical moment, and she kept losing us in the sea of people. I had no choice but to grab her wrist and pull her along. "Let go of me!" "If I let go, you¡¯ll just get swept away again. I¡¯d rather not waste my energy here." With no other choice, Ismera allowed herself to be dragged along. "Hey, wait! Over there!" Suddenly, amotion erupted from the other side. Armed men were roughly shoving people aside as they made their way toward us. They were the Lenc mercenaries. "Hey, you! Isn¡¯t that Sophie?!" They must have spotted her distinctive pink hair, even through the crowd. "Long time no see." Hindrasta greeted them with a bored expression as the mercenaries looked her up and down in disbelief. "What the hell happened to you?" "What do you mean? What¡¯s wrong with this?" Hindrasta nced down at her academy infiltration uniform. "We heard you ditched your contract and ran off to the academy. And now you¡¯re here for thepetition as an academy student?" "Traitor to the mercenary corps!" "Do you think the boss is just going to let this slide?" As the mercenaries yelled at her, Hindrasta rubbed her ears. "Geez, stop shouting. I can hear you just fine." "Sophie! What do you think you¡¯re doing?! Huh?!" "What do you mean, what am I doing? And since I ran into you, I¡¯ve got a favor to ask. Can you get my money and send it to the academy?" At Hindrasta¡¯s words, the mercenaries flinched and exchanged nervous nces. "Money¡­? What money¡­?" "Money, you idiots. That shiny stuff that makes you feel invincible when you¡¯ve got it. Wait a second." Noticing the mercenaries¡¯ expressions, Hindrasta¡¯s face grew cold. "Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯ve already spent it." "W-we didn¡¯t spend it¡­." "So the boss did? Where is he?!" Before she could finish, the mercenaries bolted, running for their lives. "My money! Where¡¯s my money!!" I grabbed Hindrasta by the shoulder before she could chase after them. "Thepetition¡¯s about to start. We¡¯ll deal with the money afterward." "Ugh, those bastards probably spent it all, thinking it was unimed." "Even if they did, the Lenc Mercenary Corps is still around, so we¡¯ll just take it back from them. For now, focus on thepetition." "Ugh, that was my entire fortune¡­." "I¡¯ll help you out." "Tsk¡­." Reluctantly, Hindrasta turned and continued walking. Just then, we heard more murmuring from the opposite direction. Turning to look, we saw something ck towering over the crowd. It was someone a head taller than the average human, with pitch-ck skin. Their cold expression and the chilling aura that seemed to flow from them¡ªlike someone who hadn¡¯t shed a single tear upon leaving their mother¡¯s womb¡ªmade it clear who they were. Dark Elves. That¡¯s what a pureblood Dark Elf looks like. They¡¯re one of the intelligent races that sided with the Demon King¡¯s army during the Four-Year War. Their appearance ispletely different from Kirrin, who¡¯s a human-elf hybrid. "Who the hell let you in here?!" Angry shouts rang out from the crowd upon seeing the Dark Elves. "Get out of here before we kill you!" "You traitorous bastards of the continent!" The atmosphere turned murderous, as if a brawl could break out at any moment. It was so tense that even Ismera clung to me for safety. However, the Dark Elves didn¡¯t react. They simply scanned the faces of the people hurling insults at them with their red eyes. Surprisingly, this simple action caused themotion to die down. People who had been shouting angrily immediately fell silent when their eyes met the Dark Elves. Dark Elves are unparalleled assassins. It¡¯s no exaggeration to say that their race was created by the gods for assassination. There¡¯s no guarantee that those marked by a Dark Elf¡¯s gaze would live through the night. Of course, that¡¯s not going to happen. The fact that they passed through the main gate means that these Dark Elves are part of the Nemara tribe, the same tribe Kirrin belongs to. The Nemara tribe was the only Dark Elf tribe that turned against the Demon King¡¯s army during the war and sided with the human alliance. They were pardoned by the Emperor¡¯s decree. There¡¯s no way they¡¯d be stupid enough toe after someone for a simple insult, not after being granted a royal pardon. "Please refrain from threats or insults! These people are from the Nemara tribe!" As expected, a security officer appeared and shouted. "The Nemara tribe was pardoned by His Imperial Majesty! Any harm done to them will be considered an act against the Emperor!" "Unbelievable, just unbelievable." Someone quietly clicked their tongue at that announcement. "What nonsense. Traitors who defected and then defected again get royal protection?" "What¡¯s the point of risking our lives to fight? If you just join the Demon King¡¯s army and then switch sides again, you get to live freely?" As tempers red again, the security officer quickly ushered the Dark Elves further inside. "Wow, they¡¯ve got some terrifying faces. Our headmaster looks like a cute puppypared to them." "Yeah, I¡¯ve only ever heard that purebloods looked different, but this is the first time I¡¯ve seen one in person." Knightley and Hindrasta shared their thoughts after seeing the pureblood Dark Elves up close. After the Dark Elves made their quick exit, the crowd began filing into the building again. Inside was arge hall with partitioned booths for each team. When we reached the booth marked ¡®Imperial Special Mission Academy,¡¯ we found that it had been meticulously prepared with chairs for resting and refreshmentsid out. State funding really does go a long way, whether here or in the real world. [All team leaders or representatives, pleasee up to the stage!] A voice echoed through the hall, likely through magic, and I made my way to the stage. There, we were given a brief exnation of how thepetition would proceed. The environment would be simted perfectly using illusion magic in the sealed rooms. Each team would face the same illusions, and their every move would be observed and evaluated by a panel of experts. It was the same information we had already received via official notice, so there wasn¡¯t anything new. After returning to our booth, I repeated the instructions to the students. "Nothing special. Let¡¯s just get it over with quickly." Hindrasta, acting smug, stretched her legs out and started doing some stretches. Knightley continued reading through Ismera¡¯s final summary while limbering up. Merilda was taking deep breaths, mentally preparing herself. As for Ismera, what was she doing? Oh, dear. "We have to get first ce. We have to get first ce¡­" She was pacing nervously near the entrance of the booth, muttering to herself. "Professor, please sit down. It¡¯s not like chanting is going to change anything." Ismera obediently started walking over. But it wasn¡¯t because she had listened to me. A shadow had suddenly darkened the entrance of the booth. It was three Dark Elves. Ismera had retreated inside as if she were running away from them. "Ah?!" "Oh my god!!!" "What the hell, you crazy dark-skinned bastards?!" Knightley and Merilda screamed and hid behind me, while Hindrasta growled and started moving forward, which I quickly stopped. "Professor, over here." But Ismera was so paralyzed with fear that she didn¡¯t even hear me calling her. "Professor!" When I wrapped my arm around her waist and pulled her back, Ismera instinctively buried herself in my arms. Her body trembled slightly. She had beenpletely overwhelmed by the Dark Elves¡¯ presence. Regardless of her state, the Dark Elves silently scanned the booth before one of them finally spoke. "Where is Kirrin?" [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 100 - The Competition (3) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 100 - The Competition (3) Let''s see. One of them was built like an orc, a massive figure. Another was incredibly agile, and thest one was a muscr woman, whose physique couldn''t be hidden even by her clothes. Their skin was darker than Kirrin¡¯s, their eyes a piercing red, and their faces emotionless, impossible to read. They were unmistakably pureblood Dark Elves. Linus and I had killed a lot of them back in the ck Swamp area. We ambushed them while they were infiltrating human defensive lines, dozens of them at once. Come to think of it, maybe some of the Nemara tribe were mixed in back then. That was well before the assassination attempt on the Emperor, so it¡¯s possible. "Has Kirrin not arrived?" Snapping me out of my thoughts, one of the Dark Elves asked again, his voice so monotonous it was as if nothing in the world interested him. "Before you ask about Kirrin¡¯s whereabouts, shouldn¡¯t you first¡­." "Apologize for barging in unannounced and introduce yourselves properly?" Before I could finish, Hindrasta interrupted. The woman in front, showing no emotion, nced at Hindrasta and slightly bowed her head. "We are Kirrin¡¯s siblings." "The headmaster¡¯s siblings?" Everyone was surprised. Did Kirrin have siblings? Actually, it¡¯s not that strange. Dark Elves and regr elves don¡¯t use the word "family" but rather the term "tribe." In the case of elves, it¡¯s a matriarchal society, with no concept of fathers, only mothers. Elven men leave the forest uponing of age, wandering the continent, and visiting nearby forests to procreate. The children are raisedmunally by the mothers, so all children of simr age are essentially siblings. Dark Elves, on the other hand, have a patriarchal, polygamous society. There is a tribal leader with multiple wives, and child-rearing is simrlymunal. So, those of the same age within a tribe are all considered siblings. "We represent our tribe, and since our younger sibling is working hard in the human world, we thought it wasmendable and wanted to see her face. We heard her academy students were participating in thepetition, so we came to see if we could catch a glimpse." "I see. Unfortunately, the headmaster isn¡¯t here." "Has she not arrived yet?" "No. She¡¯s noting today." I wasn¡¯t lying. Kirrin is currently tied up with academy work, and her attendance at thepetition was uncertain. Besides, since the evaluation is done through illusion magic, there¡¯s no need for her to cheer anyone on. I had already told her not to bothering unless it was for giving out rewards and encouragement afterward if the students won. "If you have any messages for her, feel free to leave them with me." "I¡¯ll speak to her directly if we meetter. Until then." After the Dark Elves left, the students sighed in relief and stepped out from behind me. Maybe it was just me, but the booth seemed a lot brighter now. "What was that?!" Ismera, who had been clinging to me, jumped back, startled, and pushed herself away. "Who were those Dark Elves? Are they participating in thepetition?" Merilda asked, watching the Dark Elves disappear between the booths. "Probably. Their numbers match, and if they were allowed through the main gate, I can''t think of any other reason." "True. Even though the war is over and their tribe was pardoned, they wouldn¡¯t be allowed into a military base without a valid reason." I hadn¡¯t expected the Dark Elves to participate in thepetition. I don¡¯t know about the other teams, but Dark Elves are a race specialized in assassination. Even Kirrin, a half-blood, can jump up two floors in a single leap and handle throwing weapons as if it were instinct. Imagine how skilled the purebloods must be. An unexpected threat has appeared¡­ # # # # # The final identity checks of the participants werepleted, and all the preliminary procedures were finished. Now, only the main event remained. Knightley was so tense that her lips were trembling, while Merilda sped her hands together, eyes closed, taking deep breaths. Hindrasta was munching on snacks provided by the organizers, and Ismera was continuously patting the students'' heads and rubbing their shoulders. "You can do it. I believe in you." But Ismera¡¯s hands were trembling uncontrobly. [Attention, all participants.] At that moment, a magically amplified voice echoed throughout the hall. [The organizers have prepared the evaluation scenario. The evaluation for thispetition is as follows.] The general details of the virtual scenario the students would face were clearly announced. In summary, they were to infiltrate a facility equipped with various traps, detection spells, and security systems to steal important documents. Additionally, they were provided with details about avable allied forces, weather, terrain, and other specifics. But the more I listened, the more familiar this sounded¡­. What is this¡­? "Professor, this seems much harder than I thought¡­" Knightley turned to me, her face filled with worry. But I didn¡¯t have time to answer Knightley¡¯s concern. Something was nagging at me, like I was on the verge of remembering something important. "Professor! What should we do? We need toe up with a n!" "Quiet down, Knightley. Professor Dian seems to be thinking." "Come on, now! What¡¯s there to think about? We just need to do it!" Hold on, hold on¡­. There was definitely an operation we ran that was simr to this¡­. Aha. I see. Kaiden, you bastard¡­. "Everyone, gather around. I¡¯ll give you the n now." Iid out the uing scenario and provided specific strategies for each phase. "Wait a minute, Professor. Is this for real?" Ismera interrupted, listening intently. "What do you mean?" "You¡¯re describing everything down to the smallest detail, like it¡¯s a script. Is this really how it will go? What if even one thing is off? The students might get confused." "It¡¯ll probably y out like this." "On what basis?" "I¡¯ve done this before." "Excuse me¡­?" [The evaluation will begin shortly. All teams, please prepare.] At that moment, an announcement signaled the imminent start of thepetition. "There¡¯s no time to exin everything now. Just follow the n, got it?" "And if it doesn¡¯t go like that?" "Then use everything Ismera and I have taught you so far to figure it out on your own." Another announcement followed, calling out the teams and having them step forward from their respective booths in order. [Imperial Special Mission Academy. Knightley and team, three members.] "Alright, we¡¯re off." Ismera and I walked the students to the entrance of the hall to see them off. "Professor Dian." Just as I was about to turn back into the hall to escape the hot sun, Ismera called out to me. "The strategy you just gave them¡­ are you sure it¡¯s urate?" "It¡¯ll be mostly right. Don¡¯t worry too much. Even if it¡¯s not exact, the kids will handle it just fine." "Really¡­?" Still looking uneasy, Ismera nodded slowly before asking again. "But, Professor, how do you know all of this?" "I¡¯ve done this exact mission during the war. It wasn¡¯t a battle, but a mission. Remember, I mentioned I was part of a special task force?" "I remember." "Well, that¡¯s why." The scenario the students were about to face was based on a mission the Demon King yer Task Force had carried out during the war. Many of the task force¡¯s achievements are well known, but this particr mission was highly ssified and had never been made public. That means, out of all the people here today, only Kaiden and I know the full details. Kaiden, you bastard. I can¡¯t believe you pulled this off for an empire-widepetition¡­. Still, it¡¯s not like giving instructions guarantees sess. In the end, the students¡¯ skills will decide the oue. "One way or another, it¡¯s out of our hands now." I stretched as I spoke. "The students are in the thick of it. There¡¯s nothing more we can do. You¡¯ve worked hard this past month." "I¡¯ll go inside first¡­" Looking utterly exhausted, Ismera returned inside. After lingering for a moment, I wondered if there was a way to observe the students'' evaluation, so I headed toward the evaluation chamber. Officials at the entrance tried to stop me, but luckily, Kaiden appeared from within. "Let him through." At Kaiden¡¯s word, the officials immediately stepped aside. The prestige of the Hero Party is something else. "Here to take a look at the evaluation?" "Yeah." "This way." Following Kaiden inside, we immediately heard the sound of screams from one of the chambers. "Waaaaah! Did I kill him?! I killed someone!!" "This can¡¯t be happening! No! Get away! Aaaahhh!" In another chamber, academy students who had just finished their evaluations were stumbling out. They were drenched in sweat and lookedpletely shaken by the experience. Kaiden¡¯s illusion magic is so realistic that it¡¯s almost impossible to distinguish from reality. Facing it for the first time must be extremely difficult to endure. In fact, mercenaries with real experience in killing might perform better than actual academy students in this scenario. "You¡¯re really a piece of work. Recreating one of our old missions just like that." I said as we walked down the corridor, and Kaiden gave a faint smile. "I judged it to be the most suitable test for assessing their capabilities." "Did the Second Princess approve this?" "Yes. It seems that, currently, nothing in the Security Office can be done without going through the Second Princess. It¡¯s like seeing the Goddess Banpasha." Banpasha is the Goddess of Destruction who wields hundreds of des with hundreds of arms. She falls to the earth, bing even stronger after being despised by the Creator Deity, and ultimately ughters everything on the final day¡ªa verymon trope. It closely resembles the situation of the Second Princess, the child of a concubine, sharpening her sword while controlling the Security Office, and its affiliated organizations. And Kaiden rarely speaks unnecessarily. The fact that hepared the Second Princess to Banpasha means that, over the past few days of preparing for thepetition, he has already grasped the situation in the Imperial Pce and is indirectly expressing that the Second Princess will eventually stage a coup like Banpasha. Eventually, it wille, someday. After looking around the evaluation chamber, Kaiden suggested we take a walk. "The Capital Defense Headquarters is famous for its well-maintained gardens. How about we take a walk?" "Alright. Sounds good." After walking among the beautifullyndscaped garden trees for a while, I suddenly thought of something and asked Kaiden. "By the way, I¡¯m curious about one thing. Did the Second Princess set any conditions on you in exchange for epting my suggestion to use illusion magic?" "As expected of you, Dian." "What conditions? Did she ask you to join the Imperial Magic Division?" "No. She asked me to be the Head Theoretical Professor at the Special Mission Academy." [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 101 - The Competition (4) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 101 - The Competition (4) ¡°The Head Theoretical Professor?¡± When I stopped walking, Kaiden, who had walked a few more steps ahead, stopped btedly and turned to look at me. ¡°I can¡¯t go to the Combat Department, can I now?¡± ¡°No, that¡¯s not it. Why specifically the Head Professor position?¡± ¡°The academy students don¡¯t learn magic, do they?¡± Kaiden, this guy, he¡¯s answering literally even though he knows exactly what I¡¯m getting at. ¡°What I mean is, there¡¯s already a Head Theoretical Professor, so why do they want to put you in that position?¡± ¡°You mean the elf professor.¡± Kaiden gave a faint smile. ¡°I¡¯m sure you already know why the Second Princess set such a condition.¡± ¡°Well, I¡¯d rather hear it directly from your clever mouth.¡± ¡°Is that so? Understood. If you insist.¡± Kaiden slightly bowed his head and then spoke. ¡°After the war, Linus served in the highest position in the Imperial Pce as Captain of the Royal Guard, but a few years ago, he transferred to the Security Office.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± ¡°And recently, by the orders of the Second Princess, he was almost appointed as the Headmaster of the Special Mission Academy. However, due to family matters and raising a child, after several processes, it was settled with you bing the Head Combat Professor.¡± ¡°We all know that. So?¡± ¡°Why do you think the Second Princess tried to appoint Linus as the Headmaster of the Special Mission Academy?¡± Kaiden asked with a smile. ¡°Linus is not someone who would be content with just being a headmaster.¡± ¡°It¡¯s obviously because she wants to keep the Hero under her control.¡± ¡°Correct. The Special Mission Academy is an organization under the Security Office. It was to securely bring the powerful Linus to her side. And the same goes for you.¡± ¡°Because I¡¯m also a member of the Demon King yer Task Force, it¡¯s convenient to use me as a substitute for Linus.¡± ¡°Exactly. The same goes for me as well.¡± Kaiden ced his delicate hand on his chest. ¡°But since the current Headmaster, Kirrin Nemara, is under the Emperor¡¯s protection, she¡¯s offering the professor position instead. However, since I¡¯m also from the Demon King yer Task Force, she¡¯s giving me the position of Head Theoretical Professor, not just a regr professor. You as the Head Combat Professor, and me as the Head Theoretical Professor¡ªit¡¯s a picture the Second Princess would be quite pleased with.¡± ¡°It certainly would be.¡± ¡°If I be the Head Theoretical Professor, it¡¯s as good as the Second Princess having the entire Demon King yer Task Force under her control. With Celine focusing on raising children and Lormane bound to the church, the remaining three members would all be under the shadow of the Security Office.¡± It¡¯s nothing surprising. I could have guessed as much myself. ¡°So, what does the Second Princess gain?¡± ¡°She gains a formidable deterrent that others won¡¯t dare challenge, and a weapon capable of unleashing devastating power in times of need.¡± ¡°So, she¡¯s nning to use us for a coup?¡± ¡°If not, there would be no reason for her to do all this. At the very least, it could be a precaution to eliminate potential obstacles when staging a coup.¡± ¡°Hmm, right¡­. She wants to use us like chess pieces. She¡¯s choosing aplicated path. If she just focused on her agenda and left us alone, she¡¯d have the throne handed to her on a silver tter.¡± Kaiden smiled as if in agreement. ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s because she never had direct involvement with us during the war.¡± ¡°I hate being someone¡¯sckey. And Linus feels the same way. The Second Princess seems to be seriously mistaken.¡± ¡°She¡¯ll realize it eventually.¡± ¡°Yeah. But that¡¯s not the problem here.¡± I pointed a finger at Kaiden. ¡°Are you seriously considering bing the Head Theoretical Professor?¡± ¡°I haven¡¯t given a definite answer, but I find the offer quite appealing.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t do it.¡± At my words, Kaiden slightly narrowed his eyes. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°The current Head Theoretical Professor is a capable and diligent person. They¡¯ve been working hard, and it¡¯s not right for them to get caught up in some high-ranking official¡¯s sinister scheme and be kicked out.¡± ¡°But if I take that position, I¡¯ll be at the academy with you, Dian.¡± ¡°Sure, I¡¯d like it if you were close by. But that¡¯s beside the point.¡± Kaiden tilted his head slightly, as if not fully understanding. And when he did, his neat bobbed hair swayed along. ¡°You say you¡¯d like me to be close by, yet you¡¯re rejecting a way for me to be near you?¡± ¡°I already told you.¡± ¡°You said it¡¯s unfair treatment toward the current Head Theoretical Professor. But it¡¯s a decision made by the Second Princess.¡± ¡°Then I¡¯ll personally oppose it to the Second Princess. It¡¯s just unreasonable.¡± Kaiden looked at me for a moment before asking. ¡°The pureblood elf who came with you, isn¡¯t she the current Head Theoretical Professor? Do you have some special rtionship with her?¡± ¡°What? No? How could that be? She hates me like she wants to kill me.¡± ¡°Is that so? Then why are you defending that elf?¡± ¡°Because it¡¯s unjust? Think about it. What if the Second Princess suddenly brought in another mage and kicked you out of the Tower of Illusions? And then you find out that mage and the Second Princess have some personal dealings. How would you feel?¡± Kaiden didn¡¯t answer, only nodding slowly. Why is this guy acting different than usual? ¡°So, to summarize, you have no particr feelings toward that elf professor; you¡¯re just upset about the unfair situation.¡± ¡°That¡¯s exactly it. Wrong is wrong. So, Kaiden, don¡¯t ept the offer. It¡¯s not about your ability or qualifications.¡± ¡°I understand your feelings, Dian. I¡¯ll speak to the Second Princess again.¡± Kaiden bowed his head. ¡°But, Dian, there¡¯s one thing I¡¯m truly curious about.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Why does that elf Head Theoretical Professor hate you so much?¡± ¡°Because she wants to be the Headmaster, but she keeps getting passed over because of me and Kirrin.¡± After briefly exining what Ismera had told me, Kirrin nodded as if understanding. ¡°So that feeling isn¡¯t directed at you, but at the Head Combat Professor suspected of having connections with the Imperial Pce.¡± ¡°Is there really much of a difference?¡± ¡°There is a difference.¡± Kaiden smiled. ¡°In the former case, even if you made her Headmaster, she would still dislike you. But in thetter case, depending on the situation, there¡¯s a chance she might no longer have any reason to dislike you.¡± ¡°That doesn¡¯t seem relevant to this matter.¡± ¡°Of course, Dian.¡± Kaiden responded with his usual mysterious smile. But wait a minute. Now that I think about it, this is quite funny. From the Imperial Pce¡¯s perspective, since we used illusion magic to provide a vivid experience, they should be rewarding Kaiden or me, not attaching conditions. What are they thinking? The Second Princess, she¡¯s much more unpredictable than I imagined. # # # # # Kaiden had to continue overseeing the evaluation, so we parted ways and I returned to the hall. But in front of our booth, I saw the three Dark Elves from earlier standing there. Other participants, upon seeing the Dark Elves, shuddered and kept their distance, taking a wide detour. Indeed, pureblood Dark Elves have coal-ck skin and unusually red eyes that give off an unpleasant aura, enough to make your skin crawl. Suddenly, I found myself really missing the gentle Kirrin. Bute to think of it, Ismera is probably alone in the booth right now. Earlier, when faced with the Dark Elves, Ismera was so frightened she couldn¡¯t even speak properly. I hurriedly ran over, pushed the Dark Elves aside, and entered the booth. ¡°Professor Ismera!¡± But there was no sign of Professor Ismera anywhere in the booth. ¡°Has Kirrin not arrived yet?¡± Just then, one of the Dark Elves spoke from behind me. ¡°What?¡± ¡°I asked if Kirrin has not arrived yet.¡± ¡°Can¡¯t you tell by looking at the empty booth? And I¡¯d like to ask you in return. Where¡¯s the pureblood elf who was here?¡± ¡°We don¡¯t know either. There was no one here when we arrived.¡± Where did she go? This woman¡­. She didn¡¯t even notice when we arrived earlier because she was asleep in the carriage. She should¡¯ve caught some sleep while she had the time. Maybe she went to the restroom. ¡°Is Kirrin noting today?¡± While I was wondering where Ismera could be, the Dark Elf asked the same question again like a machine. ¡°I¡¯m not sure either. She said she¡¯de if she finished her academy work quickly, but looking at the time, she probably won¡¯t be able to make it.¡± ¡°Then we might not get to see her face. We just finished our evaluation and need to return to the forest.¡± ¡°In that case, you might miss her.¡± The female Dark Elf looked at me for a moment before taking something out of her pocket and handing it to me. It was a small note, folded twice. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± ¡°Please deliver it to Kirrin.¡± Through the slightly parted gap in the note, I could see characters that I couldn¡¯t make any sense of. ¡°You¡¯re free to open it, but you probably won¡¯t be able to read it. It¡¯s written in the script unique to our tribe.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll make sure to deliver it.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± With that, the Dark Elves all turned and left the booth. ¡°By the way¡­¡± At that moment, thergest of the Dark Elves turned back and spoke to me. ¡°You look awfully familiar.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know about that.¡± ¡°Have you ever fought in the war?¡± ¡°War, huh. Now that you mention it, I did have some ties with Dark Elves in the ck Swamp.¡± ¡°The ck Swamp, you say.¡± The Dark Elf stared at me for a moment before speaking. ¡°Fate is truly a strange thing.¡± ¡°That¡¯s how the world works.¡± I replied with a smile, and the Dark Elf slightly bowed his head and turned away. The Battle of the ck Swamp. At that time, Linus and I set up a counter-ambush and inflicted near-obliteration on the Dark Elves who wereing to assassinate the army¡¯s highmand in the dead of night. Judging by his talk of familiarity, that elf must have been at the scene back then. So what? That was over ten years ago. The past is the past. But what¡¯s written on this note? I couldn¡¯t make any sense of the Dark Elves script on it. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 102 - Ismera’s Great Forest (1) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 102 - Ismera¡¯s Great Forest (1) Thepetition ended. Perhaps because of the illusion magic, it finished much faster than expected. ¡°Professor! Over here!¡± Among the peopleing out after the evaluation, Knightley waved her hand. Next to her, Hindrasta was carrying Merilda on her back. ¡°Good job, everyone. But Merilda, are you¡­ alright?¡± Merilda¡¯splexion was as pale as if she had juste out of cold water after being submerged for a long time. ¡°I¡¯m fine¡­. I¡¯m just a bit tired¡­.¡± ¡°Jeez, really. I barely resisted the urge to leave you behind.¡± Hindrasta grumbled. ¡°If we hadn¡¯t been able to open thatst door, you would have been in big trouble, you know that?¡± ¡°Sorry¡­.¡± Knightley roughly exined the evaluation story to me. They did exactly what I instructed. ¡°You really did well, all of you.¡± ¡°Thank you. So, are you going to give us a reward?¡± ¡°Dian! Kids!¡± I turned around at the sound of someone calling from behind, and it was Kirrin running toward us after just getting off a carriage. ¡°Ah, Headmaster. Wee. The evaluation just ended.¡± ¡°Sorry I¡¯mte. Things wrapped up toote¡­.¡± ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡± ¡°So how did it go? Did you do well? Was it difficult? Did everything you learnede out? Hmm?¡± Kirrin fired off questions like a storm, but an announcement flowed from inside the hall. [We will now announce the evaluation results. Participants, please gather in the hall.] The results are already out. That¡¯s fast. When we went to the hall, everything was ready for the announcement and awards ceremony on the stage. ¡°Ah, I¡¯m going crazy. I¡¯m so nervous.¡± Kirrin kept mumbling incessantly while holding the kids¡¯ hands. But even after waiting for a while, there was no sign of the ceremony starting. Just when murmurs started growing louder here and there, an official hurriedly ran up to the stage. ¡°We apologize. The Director of the Security Office, who was supposed to preside over the ceremony, could not attend due to urgent matters.¡± So the Deputy Director of the Security Office would be hosting the ceremony instead. ¡°Now, we will announce the evaluation results.¡± The Deputy Director looked at the paper handed to him and cleared his throat. ¡°First, in third ce: The Lenc Mercenary Corps.¡± ¡°Woooooo!!¡± Three members of the Lenc Mercenaries cheered and hugged each other, causing a ruckus. ¡°What a fuss over barely getting third ce.¡± Hindrasta clicked her tongue as she watched. ¡°Second ce goes to the Nemara Tribe.¡± As soon as second ce was announced, the atmosphere became chaotic. ¡°Nemara Tribe?¡± ¡°Are they talking about those Dark Elves?¡± ¡°Dark Elves got second ce? Then who¡¯s in first?¡± Indeed, everyone seemed to have the same thought. I was tense the moment I learned the Dark Elves were participating. Dark Elves are a race specialized in assassination, and during the war, they prated all those strict defenses and infiltrated even the Emperor¡¯s bedchamber. Everyone probably assumed that the Nemara Tribe would take first ce. ¡°Nemara Tribe¡­? What do you mean?¡± On the other hand, Kirrin was wide-eyed in surprise, looking around in confusion at the news that her tribe had been here. ¡°Well, actually¡­.¡± I was about to exin when the Deputy Director announced first ce. Everyone held their breath as they focused on the Security Office Deputy Director¡¯s lips. ¡°The Imperial Special Mission Academy.¡± ¡°Oh my gosh! Kids! We got first ce!¡± ¡°Aaaaaah!!¡± The kids screamed and hugged each other. ¡°Dian! Dian! I didn¡¯t hear that wrong, did I?!¡± ¡°You heard correctly.¡± ¡°Oh my goodness! We really got first ce! I can¡¯t believe this is happening!!¡± Kirrin shrieked with a high-pitched voice and jumped into my arms. ¡°What?! This is ridiculous!¡± At that moment, a heavily armored mercenary who seemed quite experienced pointed and shouted. ¡°How could those kids take first ce when even those dark bastards only got second? Are they ying favorites with their own people?!¡± Then, fierce protests erupted from the crowd. If I didn¡¯t know the situation, I¡¯d react the same way. These girls did better than the Dark Elves? It¡¯s unbelievable. But what can they do? The results are what they are. ¡°Is that why you used that strange illusion magic or whatever?!¡± ¡°Yeah! It¡¯s not fair!¡± Then someone slowly stepped onto the stage. It was Kaiden. ¡°Everyone, please calm down.¡± ¡°How can we calm down right now?!¡± ¡°Who the hell are you?!¡± ¡°I am the mage Kaiden. I was in charge of constructing the illusion magic for thispetition.¡± When Kaiden introduced herself, everyone went silent as if they had turned mute. ¡°Kaiden¡­? Could it be that Kaiden from the Demon King yer Task Force¡­?¡± ¡°I heard Kaiden was a man¡­. She¡¯s a woman¡­?¡± Amidst the hushed whispers, Kaiden continued speaking in a clear voice. ¡°I understand why you might have doubts about the evaluation results. Therefore, I will now show you the evaluation videos of the winning teams here on the spot.¡± Oh, Kaiden. So you¡¯re going to do something like a VAR (Video Assistant Referee) review. Not bad. Suddenly, a massive screen big enough to cover the stage appeared, and screams erupted from the crowd. The screen showed the Lenc Mercenary Corps¡¯ evaluation video ying at double speed. Initially, the mercenaries seemed a bit confused, but they calmly infiltrated the facility, avoided traps and security forces, but eventually got caught. They fought but failed to overpower the guards in one strike, which led to more forces gathering from other areas. The video ended with them surrounded and cornered by countless enemies. The fact that they didn¡¯t even reach the objective yet still took third ce means the other teams didn¡¯t even get that far and were wiped out. The second video was the Dark Elf Nemara Tribe. ¡°Gasp?!¡± Kirrin covered her mouth as the Dark Elves¡¯ faces were zoomed in on. In the video, the Dark Elves moved skillfully like shadows, prating deep into the facility without being detected by anyone, earning gasps of admiration from the crowd. But at the veryst stage, they failed to disable the security measures. That was the decisive point. Lastly, our kids¡¯ video yed. As soon as the video started, a dazzling barrage of shes went off, making it hard to keep your eyes open. It was an attack spell that streaked across the sky and crashed down onto the facility. One of the key elements of the operation I ordered the kids was that attack spell. Responding to the fire support request, the army mages began bombarding the enemy facility withbat spells like crazy. The coordinates Knightley calcted for guiding the firepower were astonishingly precise. Taking advantage of that chaos, they began their infiltration. Once inside the facility, the kids overcame traps and ughtered all the encountered security forces. Since they didn¡¯t know the exact details of the internal security operations, even if they managed to avoid the guards¡¯ eyes temporarily, they could run into them againter. It¡¯s better to take the shortest route, killing everything in sight to buy time. The objective of this evaluation isn¡¯t stealth, but ¡®securing the important documents.¡¯ As long as they secured the documents and got out, everything was fine. The Lenc Mercenary Corps tried the same tactic but failed because they couldn¡¯t kill the enemies before the rm went off. They took too long in the fight. But our team has the dragon Hindrasta. When Hindrasta¡¯s sword cleaved an enemy¡¯s head in half along with their helmet, people gasped in horror. While the attack spells pounded the exterior of the facility, the kids ughtered every enemy they encountered and advanced toward the central area at breakneck speed. ¡°That¡¯s impossible! How could they do that?!¡± Then, in the final stage, when Merilda decoded the encryption in a matter of seconds, people screamed in disbelief. ¡°Does anyone still doubt the rankings?¡± After the video ended, Kaiden asked, and someone raised their hand in protest. ¡°Combat magic support, that¡¯s cheating!¡± Kaiden smiled and shook her head. ¡°We clearly announced the allied situation and avable support elements before the evaluation. Why do you think it¡¯s cheating?¡± The reason other teams didn¡¯t take advantage of this is simple. Most people automatically associate ¡®infiltration¡¯ with the idea that it must be stealthy. But intentionally causing chaos and slipping in through the confusion is also infiltration. As long as you get in undetected. ¡°Properly grasping the evaluation¡¯s intent is practically equivalent to understandingmands in a real operation.¡± At Kaiden¡¯s calm response, the person protesting couldn¡¯t argue further. Kaiden nced around the room and met my eyes, giving me a mysterious smile. The reason I ordered such a bold operation for the kids is simple. The evaluation scenario for thispetition was directly based on a mission that Linus, Kaiden, and I had carried out in the past. The only differences between then and now are: Back then, instead of army bombardment, Kaiden alone unleashed firepower equivalent to that of an entire army. And Linus and I, ¡®just in case,¡¯ simply killed every enemy inside the facility. Thanks to that, when we reached the final stage of securing the important documents, there were no surviving enemies, so we leisurely cracked the security measures while snacking on ourbat rations. That¡¯s about it. But seriously, where is Professor Ismera in a moment as glorious as this? # # # # # At that moment, Ismera was outside the hall. She leaned against the wall with her head hanging low. She had gone out in search of Dian after being startled when the Dark Elves came to the booth alone, but she had overheard something by chance. The Second Princess wants to rece me with the mage Kaiden¡­. The moment she heard that, she was so shocked that she ran straight to this spot. From beyond the wall she leaned against, she faintly heard that the Special Mission Academy had taken first ce. I need to go back¡­. I need to go back and congratte the kids¡­. But for some reason, her feet wouldn¡¯t move. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 103 - Ismera’s Great Forest (2) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 103 - Ismera¡¯s Great Forest (2) Kaiden is a genius mage known for being a member of the Demon King yer Task Force. An ordinary elf with no backing like Ismera is no match for someone like him. If the mage Kaiden epts the offer, Ismera will undoubtedly have to step down from her position as Head Professor. In that case, will she be demoted to a subject professor? The people who received orders from her until just yesterday would be her equals? That¡¯s something Ismera can¡¯t even imagine. It would be better to just quit. But if she quits, whates next¡­? What happens next¡­? She would have to return to the forest, right? But¡­ There¡¯s no forest to return to. The forest where Ismera¡¯s tribe lived was burned down by the Demon King¡¯s army during the Four-Year War. Since then, the tribe has been steadily working on restoration, but it¡¯s no easy task. The ce where elves live is typically called a "Great Forest," a very deep forest. The vegetation there is typically thousands of years old on average, so it¡¯s almost impossible to restore it to its former state in just ten years. Then why not find another Great Forest? But all the suitable ones already have native inhabitants. Yet elves are extremely exclusive, not just towards other races but also towards other elf tribes, so it¡¯s not easy to merge their homes. And Ismera¡¯s tribe has no intention of doing that whatsoever. Elves are too stubborn to simply flip over a ce where they¡¯ve lived for tens of thousands of years, passed down from their ancestors. For this reason, Ismera¡¯s tribe stubbornly continues nting trees in the ashes of the burned-down forest, hoping that someday, even if it¡¯s not in their generation but in the future, it will once again be their home. The problem is that none of thises for free. Even for a race that lives in harmony with the forest, it¡¯s not as if they can get resources from the forest for free, from start to finish. Moreover, it¡¯s about restoringnd that waspletely burned to the ground. So some members of Ismera¡¯s tribe stay in the forest to work on restoration, while others go out into the human world to earn money to support the effort. For this reason, Ismera has been sending most of her sry from the academy to her tribe. One of the reasons she wants to be Headmaster is exactly this: a sry increase. No one knows about these circumstances because she¡¯s never spoken about them. Elves are such a noble and arrogant race. And now, one of the continent¡¯s heroes, the mage Kaiden, ising to take her ce. The peaceful forest was burned down, and Ismera barely escaped death¡¯s door. For the sake of her tribe and the forest¡¯s restoration, she humbled herself and came to the human city, bowing her head low, and worked her way up to this position. She¡¯s endured serving under an ipetent Dark Elf who¡¯s under the Emperor¡¯s protection, thinking only of her tribe and the forest. Then suddenly, this human named Dian was appointed, and now even the mage Kaiden ising. The Second Princess is someone who gets things done, and since she couldn¡¯t touch Kirrin, she will undoubtedly push through with this personnel change. If Kaidenes¡­ she¡¯ll have to leave the academy... But with her qualifications as a senior schr and experience as Head Professor at the Imperial Academy, it won¡¯t be entirely hopeless... But... Leaving on her own terms to find better conditions and being pushed out like this arepletely different things. Ismera furrowed her brow and covered her face with both hands. ¡°Haha...¡± A hollowugh escaped her. Why is the world so eager to trample all over me¡­? # # # # # On the way out of the hall after receiving the awards and prize money. ¡°Where did those guys disappear to?!¡± Hindrasta grumbled as she sharply scanned the crowd. She was looking for the Lenc mercenaries. ¡°Did they already bolt? Hey! Excuse me! I need to ask something!¡± Hindrasta ran to a staff member at the entrance and asked about the whereabouts of the Lenc mercenaries. ¡°Those people just rode off on their horses and left the headquarters.¡± ¡°Aaaaah! No way!¡± Hindrasta screamed, causing everyone passing by to turn and look. ¡°Come on now, you can always settle money issuester. Even if you catch them and rough them up, you won¡¯t get much out of it. We¡¯ll have to go to their mercenary camp.¡± ¡°If they touched even a single copper coin, they¡¯re going to get wrecked...¡± ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s do that.¡± As we calmed Hindrasta down and left the hall, we saw Ismera standing in the distance. ¡°Professor Ismera!¡± The kids ran over and swarmed around Ismera. ¡°Professor! We got first ce!¡± ¡°Where were you? Mage Kaiden even showed the evaluation videos.¡± ¡°The exact problem you taught us came up! You really are amazing, Professor!¡± Watching the excited children, Ismera forced a smile on her dry lips. ¡°You did well. I¡¯m really proud of you.¡± For some reason, Ismera didn¡¯t seem happy at all. Wasn¡¯t she the one who wanted to win first ce more than anyone? ¡°It¡¯s party time! Everyone, gather at Dian¡¯s house!¡± ¡°Yay!¡± When Kirrin excitedly shouted, the kids jumped up and down in joy. But Ismera remained still, unmoved like a withered old tree. Even the smile on her lips quickly faded. ¡°Let¡¯s head back for now. Professor Ismera must be very tired.¡± We got into the carriage and headed back to the academy. The entire ride back, Ismera didn¡¯t say a single word. # # # # # A grand weing ceremony was held at the academy. All the faculty and students came out to greet us, and as the kids stepped out of the carriage, they nervously gave their impressions and were met with rounds of apuse. ¡°Dian, say a few words too. You taught the kids, after all.¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m fine.¡± I shook my head as Kirrin pushed me forward. The congrattions and attention should be reserved for the kids. ¡°But where is Professor Ismera...¡± ¡°She said she was tired and went in first.¡± ¡°I see...¡± She must be really exhausted. She barely slept the entire month, focusing all her energy on teaching the kids to prove her abilities. After the weing ceremony, I called out Merilda. ¡°Merilda. Go and talk to Professor Ismerater about the private lessons.¡± ¡°Understood, Professor.¡± After thepetition, Merilda was supposed to be Ismera¡¯s private pupil, and a promise is a promise. Hopefully, this will help improve Ismera¡¯s condition a bit. In the evening, at Kirrin¡¯s suggestion, we held a small celebration at my house. The attendees were Kirrin, the kids, me, and the professors from the Combat Department who had helped with thepetition preparations. ¡°Professor Dian, why didn¡¯t Professor Ismerae?¡± ¡°She¡¯s tired.¡± At my answer, Olysia nodded. ¡°Herplexion was really bad. I¡¯ve never seen an elf before, but that definitely didn¡¯t look normal.¡± ¡°Elves living outside the forest is abnormal in itself.¡± Elves are a race born in the forest, live in the forest, and die in the forest. Even though it¡¯s been just ten years, living in a city teeming with humans and other races doesn¡¯t suit elves. But as far as I know, Professor Ismera has no forest to return to. It burned down during the Four-Year War. The forests where elves live are called "Great Forests," deep and ancient woods scattered across the continent. It¡¯s a mystical ce, almost like another world within this world, lined with towering trees reaching the sky. They certainly exist, yet they¡¯re treated almost like legends. Even though Linus and I roamed the entire continent, I¡¯ve only been to one of those Great Forests once. During the war, the Demon King¡¯s army indiscriminately attacked the elves¡¯ Great Forests to obtain strong, durable wood for siege weapons. The elves resisted as individual tribes, but it was a battle they were never going to win. So, in the early stages of the war, many elves died, but it wasn¡¯t until the mid-war that the Human Alliance became aware of this. Because of their stubborn pride in "protecting my own forest," they didn¡¯t seek any outside help. Ismera is probably one of those who survived from the many Great Forest tribes that were wiped out. But now that I think about it, I heard that Linus is also involved in the restoration of the Tiraellen Forest. That forest is also one of the Great Forests, and it just so happened that the army that attacked it was the one Linus and I were tracking to assassinate themander. When we tracked them down, the forest was under attack, and after we killed themander, the Demon King¡¯s army, in a "you die, I die" frenzy, set the forest on fire. I lifted my arm and reached under my shirt cor, feeling the rough scar. I got this while rescuing surviving elves when a burning tree fell here and gave me a severe burn. At the time, I was so preupied that I didn¡¯t even realize my clothes were on fire, butter Linus noticed and, instead of just putting it out, stomped on me relentlessly to extinguish it. That crazy guy, I could¡¯ve just rolled on the ground. Didn¡¯t he suggest thest time I went to his house that we visit that forest sometime? What a troublesome guy. He just won¡¯t leave me alone. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 104 - Ismera’s Great Forest (3) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 104 - Ismera¡¯s Great Forest (3) I woke up early in the morning. Today is the day I promised to talk with Ismera one-on-one. I n to reveal everything about my past to Ismera and strongly emphasize that I have absolutely no interest in bing the Headmaster. Last time I mentioned it, she didn¡¯t listen at all, but this time I¡¯ll bring Merilda along to back me up. Honestly, I originally didn¡¯t intend to be this proactive. Ismera has been hostile toward me, and I¡¯m not the type to meddle in others¡¯ business like Linus, poking my nose in everywhere with a do-gooder attitude. It¡¯s ridiculous to go out of my way to reassure someone who arbitrarily dislikes me and feels stressed out for no reason, saying, "Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not going to be Headmaster~." But now the situation has changed a bit. During the preparation period for thepetition, I saw up close how diligent, capable, and kind Ismera was to the kids. Being under the same roof, spending the whole month together, she feltpletely different from how she had seemed when I watched from a distance before. Human emotions change frequently depending on the situation and circumstances. So I decided to ease Ismera¡¯s burden, even just a little. At least she shouldn¡¯t be stressed because of me. Not that I¡¯ve done anything to cause it in the first ce. As I was heading to work, I saw Kirrin iling her arms wildly and running toward me. ¡°Diiiaaan!!¡± ¡°What¡¯s the matter so early in the morning?¡± ¡°There¡¯s an appointment order from the Imperial Pce!¡± Kirrin waved the official document in her hand like crazy. A bad feeling hit me. An appointment at the end of the semester? There¡¯s no reason for a professor to be reced, and if it weren¡¯t about a professor, Kirrin wouldn¡¯t be causing such a fuss. No, there is one thing. That matter about the Head Theoretical Professor that Kaiden recently mentioned. I clearly told Kaiden not to ept the offer, so there shouldn¡¯t be any official documenting down. But the fact that one came down anyway¡­ ¡°Is it really that Kaiden?! The mage from the Demon King yer Task Force?¡± ¡°Yes, but why?¡± ¡°That person ising as the Head Theoretical Professor?¡± ¡°Bring the carriage!¡± As soon as I heard Kaiden¡¯s name, I immediately shouted toward the assistant¡¯s office. ¡°Wha-what? Why the carriage all of a sudden?¡± ¡°I have ¡®inquiries¡¯ to make about this appointment order. I¡¯m heading to the Imperial Pce today.¡± ¡°Wh-what?! You¡¯re going all the way to the Imperial Pce¡­?¡± Legally, there¡¯s nothing wrong with the Second Princess recing the Head Theoretical Professor. The Second Princess is the superior of the Imperial Special Mission Academy and can reassign personnel without prior notice. And no one would care if an ordinary professor had objections to it. But it matters to me. I only came to the academy because Ipromised, to some extent, due to Linus. For Linus¡¯s convenience in raising his child, I¡¯ve tolerated the Second Princess¡¯s intentions so far. Anyway, the Second Princess can never use us as her chess pieces. She can only keep us where she can see us, ensuring we don¡¯t fall into the hands of her enemies. Iply with the Second Princess¡¯s ns to some extent, and in return, she¡¯s content with keeping me here without interfering further. This was the unspoken boundary and rule we both had to follow. She¡¯s crossing the line. ¡°Uh, um, Dian¡­.¡± Kirrin hesitated in confusion. ¡°But Professor Ismera has served longer than you, so wouldn¡¯t it make sense for her to be the Vice-Headmaster instead of you going all the way to the Imperial Pce¡­?¡± ¡°What? Vice-Headmaster?¡± I snatched the official document from Kirrin¡¯s hand and read it. Appointment Order No. 00-000 The personnel appointment of the Imperial Special Mission Academy is as follows: New Appointment: Kaiden / Head Theoretical Professor Position Change: Ismera / From Head Theoretical Professor to Vice-Headmaster (newly established) Vice-Headmaster? # # # # # ¡°Are you satisfied now?¡± The Second Princess asked Kaiden, who was reviewing the appointment order. ¡°I believe Dian will be satisfied.¡± Kaiden responded. An appointment order that sends Kaiden as the Head Theoretical Professor and promotes Ismera to Vice-Headmaster. The Special Mission Academy doesn¡¯t have a Vice-Headmaster. The academy is smaller in scalepared to others and already has two Head Professors. Despite that, a Vice-Headmaster position was created and Ismera was promoted to it because of Dian¡¯s request ryed by Kaiden. ¡°Did Dian really ask you not to take the Head Professor position? Why?¡± ¡°Because there¡¯s already a Head Theoretical Professor at the academy.¡± When the Second Princess turned to look inquiringly, her personal aide standing behind her exined. ¡°It¡¯s Professor Ismera. An elf who lost her forest in the war and came to the human city, obtaining a master¡¯s degree before being appointed to the academy.¡± ¡°Ah, right. That pretty and dignified pureblood elf.¡± In truth, the Second Princess had forgotten about Ismera¡¯s existence entirely. To be precise, it wasn¡¯t that she forgot; she simply never paid attention to her, so she faded from memory. The Second Princess, as the Head of the Security Office, holds the highest position in the Empire andmands countless subordinates and organizations that operate in the field. She handles almost all of the Empire¡¯s intelligence. Given that, it¡¯s only natural that she has little interest in an educational institution like the Special Mission Academy. ¡°So, Dian asked for that elf professor¡¯s position to be protected?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Hmm, surprising.¡± This was something she hadn¡¯t expected at all. It¡¯s difficult to understand why Dian suddenly got involved in this. ¡°He said it was unfair?¡± ¡°Yes. He expressed strong resentment over the idea of dismissing someone who has worked diligently for the academy up until now in such a manner.¡± To the Second Princess, the position of Head Theoretical Professor at the academy is something that can be reced at any time as needed. It¡¯s like how a militarymander can¡¯t be expected to know the circumstances of every captain or major under them. It¡¯s a natural and unremarkable thing, neither unusual nor wrong. The Second Princess has too many tasks and concerns to take care of individual circumstances. And above all, she has the authority to do so. But now, it¡¯s like a general or a regimentalmander saying, "Leave this person alone and just let them be." This was something the Second Princess did not anticipate. In a normal situation, it would be appropriate to ignore this and proceed as nned. But Dian is not someone who can be handled within the bounds of ordinary logic. The Second Princess made a quick decision. She must secure Kaiden, who has finallye out of the Tower of Illusions. It¡¯s not that she wants to use him for anything specific. It¡¯s simply to prevent him from being swayed by other forces, keeping him somewhere she can always see him. To achieve this, when Dian proposed using illusion magic, the Second Princess countered by offering Kaiden the position of Head Theoretical Professor at the academy in exchange for using illusion magic. On the surface, it¡¯s an absurd proposal. Using illusion magic to enhance the quality of thepetition should already merit generouspensation for Kaiden. However, the Second Princess saw through everything during that brief conversation with Kaiden. Kaiden likes Dian. He¡¯s willing to do anything for him. The fact that Kaiden, who ignored countless invitations and remained secluded in the Tower of Illusions, personally showed up just to cast illusion magic for thispetition speaks volumes. So, the Second Princess proposed to Kaiden, ¡®How about doing this much in exchange for giving Dian what he wants?¡¯ "It¡¯s an opportunity to be with Dian, whom you like, so it¡¯s not a bad deal, right?" And the Second Princess¡¯s insight was spot on. Kaiden responded that he would seriously consider the offer. Everything was fine until suddenly, Dian opposed the recement of the Head Theoretical Professor, calling it unfair. Despite this, the Second Princess intends to ce Kaiden at the academy. Butpletely ignoring Dian¡¯s request carries significant risks. During the war, as themander of the 3rd Army, the Second Princess operated separately from the Demon King yer Task Force and had no direct encounters with them. After the war, she only directly interacted with Linus and Celine. Dian disappeared, Lormane returned to the church, and Kaiden retreated to the Tower of Illusions. The Second Princess assumed that the rest of the Task Force members had simr personalities to Linus and Celine, who were both mild-mannered. But upon meeting him, she realized that Dian is not that kind of person. Dian quietly became a professor, developed the academy, and even awakened Kirrin¡¯s potential. So, morally speaking, the Second Princess had to ept Dian¡¯s request. Thus, thepromise was to create the position of Vice-Headmaster. If even this doesn¡¯t satisfy Dian, she¡¯ll have toe up with another solution. Since it¡¯s been half a day since the appointment order was issued and there¡¯s no news of a carriage barging into the Imperial Pce, it seems Dian epted the Second Princess¡¯spromise. ¡°If I may speak freely¡­.¡± The personal aide cautiously addressed the Second Princess, who had spent the entire morning in her office, staring out the window toward the drawbridge in the Imperial Pce. ¡°If you keep giving in to every demand like this, it might be unmanageableter on.¡± ¡°What are you saying? They were unmanageable from the start.¡± The Second Princessughed and turned around. ¡°Do you know what the only good thing the Emperor has done so far is?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± ¡°It¡¯s giving the Demon King yer Task Force generous rewards. If they had be dissatisfied with their treatment, our Empire might look very different today.¡± ¡°I see¡­.¡± ¡°So don¡¯t express any objections to me granting Sir Dian¡¯s requests.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t expect Sir Dian and Sir Linus to fight on my side. They never would anyway. But at the very least, I must prevent them from bing my enemies. If they just turn a blind eye when I take major actions in the future, that alone is practically the same as supporting me.¡± ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right.¡± The personal aide bowed his head. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 105 - Ismera’s Great Forest (4) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 105 - Ismera¡¯s Great Forest (4) I hurried to the meeting room to share this good news. I nned to announce Ismera¡¯s appointment as Vice-Headmaster and celebrate it with everyone. Vice-Headmaster¡ªit¡¯s not bad. After all, the things Ismera has been doing are all tasks that a Vice-Headmaster should handle. Even if they couldn¡¯t change the Headmaster because of the Emperor, creating a new Vice-Headmaster position specifically for Ismera means that even the Second Princess acknowledges her in her own way. For Ismera, who has been desperate to make an impression on the Second Princess, there¡¯s nothing better than this. As I headed to the main building, I thought about how happy Ismera would be, and it already made me feel warm inside. Let¡¯s be honest. Ismera is a good person. At first, she was unlikable, but that was because of the innate arrogance of her elf race and theplex situation she was in. As Kaiden said, her resentment wasn¡¯t directed at me, Dian, but at the Head Combat Professor who suddenly appeared to block her path. And although Ismera is ambitious and wants to be Headmaster, she¡¯s not someone who only focuses on that to the exclusion of everything else. She¡¯s capable, works harder than anyone for the academy, and is incredibly kind and caring toward the students. There¡¯s even that charming contrast between her striking elven beauty and her prickly attitude toward me. ¡°Good morning, Head Professor. A letter has arrived for you.¡± As I entered the main building, abat assistant handed me a letter. It was from Linus. When I opened it, it said he wanted to go together to the Tiraellen Forest this weekend. It¡¯s one of the Great Forests of the elves that was burned down by the Demon King¡¯s army, where Linus and I were deployed. It¡¯s one of the ces Linus has been involved in rebuilding after the war. Normally, I¡¯d hesitate to decide right away, but today¡¯s a good day, so I¡¯ll go. But that¡¯s forter. I waved the appointment order and entered the meeting room, shouting. ¡°Professor Ismera!¡± But Ismera wasn¡¯t in the meeting room. Normally, she¡¯d arrive about twenty minutes early and re at our Combat Department for arriving on time like we¡¯re insects. Not only Ismera, but none of the Theoretical Department professors were there. That¡¯s strange. This has never happened before. Professor Ismera has never beente, no matter what. But now she¡¯ste? Did something happen? ¡°Good morning, Head Professor.¡± The Combat Department professors greeted me. ¡°The Theoretical Department isn¡¯t here?¡± ¡°Who knows? They¡¯re unusuallyte today.¡± Just then, the professors from the Theoretical Department entered the meeting room and shouted. ¡°Has anyone seen Professor Ismera?!¡± ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯d like to ask you.¡± ¡°Ah¡­.¡± At my response, the faces of the Theoretical professors darkened. ¡°Did something happen?¡± ¡°Well¡­ Professor Ismera didn¡¯te to work today.¡± At this, a few of the Combat professors gasped in shock. Ismera notte but absent?! That¡¯s as unbelievable as hearing that the Demon King has been resurrected. ¡°She¡¯s not in her office?¡± ¡°All we found on her desk was this¡­.¡± One of the Theoretical professors held up an envelope. The word "resignation" was written on the front. A resignation letter?! What on earth¡­? ¡°Did you check the dormitory?¡± ¡°We haven¡¯t gone there yet.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± We left the meeting room and ran to the single dormitory. Let¡¯s see, Ismera¡¯s room is¡­ I checked the roomyout on the first floor and headed straight to Ismera¡¯s room and knocked on the door. ¡°Professor Ismera! Are you there?¡± But there was no answer. I turned the doorknob, but it was locked. ¡°I¡¯ll climb through the window!¡± Before I could break it open, Kirrin, who had followed us, ran outside and jumped straight up to the second-floor terrace. She opened the door from the inside, and we hurried in. ¡°Professor Ismera!¡± The room was empty except for the bed and a small dresser. ¡°Could she have already left?¡± Kirrin anxiously stomped her feet as she looked around the room. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Elves usually don¡¯t carry much with them.¡± Elves have almost no concept of personal belongings. They can get everything they need from the forest, and within their tribes, everything is shared with no private property. All they carry are simple toiletries and a few changes of clothes. Since elves have no body odor and don¡¯t care about grooming, that habit likely remains to this day, so it¡¯s impossible to tell if Ismera has left the academy just by looking at the room. But for the ever-punctual Ismera to be absent suggests that she¡¯s either left the academy or¡­ The lifeless expression I saw during thepetition suddenly came to mind. A chill ran down my spine. ¡°Headmaster. Send someone to the security posts at all the gates immediately to check the entry and exit records. And instruct all faculty members who aren¡¯t teaching to search the campus.¡± ¡°Search the campus¡­?¡± ¡°Including unused warehouses and abandoned buildings.¡± At my words, Kirrin¡¯s face turned pale. ¡°You don¡¯t think Professor Ismera would¡­.¡± ¡°We can¡¯t rule anything out. Hurry!¡± Kirrin and the other professors quickly scattered. I rushed back to the main building and found Orendi. The Combat Department professors and remaining assistants were justing out. ¡°Head Professor! What happened?!¡± ¡°Orendi! Use reconnaissance magic!¡± ¡°I already did!¡± When I looked up at the sky, I saw several hazy spheres darting around like ghostly eyes. ¡°The rest of you, start a detailed search.¡± I quickly assigned search areas to the professors on the spot. ¡°The range is up to half a day¡¯s journey from the academy based on elven footsteps. Assume she¡¯s wearing ordinary clothes. The target is Professor Ismera.¡± They¡¯re all battle-hardened veterans. Even with rough instructions, they understood immediately and led their assistants off in different directions. ¡°Weaber! You¡¯reing with me to the eastern forest!¡± ¡°Yes, Professor!¡± Elves move extremely fast in the forest. So it made sense for Weaber, an expert tracker, to head that way. And if Ismera left the academy, the forest is the most likely ce she¡¯d go, so I¡¯m going too. We crossed the eastern gate and entered the forest, where Weaber immediately knelt and examined the ground. ¡°Head Professor. She was here.¡± It didn¡¯t take long for Weaber to find a trace. A faint footprint barely visible to my eyes. ¡°It¡¯s an elf¡¯s footprint. It was made around dawn. There aren¡¯t many races that leave such faint tracks of this size while walking. And among those, the only one at our academy is an elf.¡± ¡°If it¡¯s a footprint leading from the main gate to here, then it¡¯s not just a wandering male elf passing by.¡± ¡°Exactly. And male elves rarelye to shallow forests like this.¡± We entered the guard post and checked the entry and exit records. ¡°Here it is. She left at dawn.¡± Just as Weaber said, there was a record of Professor Ismera leaving alone through the eastern gate around dawn. The stated reason was a walk. Was it really just a walk? I doubt it. Ismera is always too busy with work to even think about taking walks, let alone exercise. ¡°There¡¯s no sign she returned. It¡¯s possible she entered through another gate, but it¡¯s still best to continue tracking.¡± ¡°Right. Others are checking the other areas, so let¡¯s keep following this trail. How far could an elf who entered the forest at dawn have gone by now?¡± Weaber nced at the sun and replied somewhat pessimistically. ¡°She might have already left the forest by now.¡± ¡°That¡¯s incredibly fast. Still, let¡¯s keep going. We at least need to know where she went.¡± I instructed the sentry at the guard post to inform the others, and Weaber and I immediately started running along the trail. But tracking wasn¡¯t easy. It¡¯s summer now, the season when the forest is thick with growth, making it hard to move as we went deeper. And elves move so quickly and lightly through the forest that the trail kept breaking off in ces. ¡°This is tough.¡± I stopped for the umpteenth time, wiping the sweat off my face and looking around. ¡°Head Professor. I can¡¯t see any more traces.¡± Weaber, covered in dirt and leaves, shook his head. ¡°By now, Professor Ismera has likely left the forest¡¯s edge.¡± Weaber wiped his sweat and looked east. ¡°Beyond that, there¡¯s another forest. At this point, it¡¯s impossible to track an elf in the forest.¡± ¡°Dammit¡­¡± Of all times to disappear, she does it just when she¡¯s been made Vice-Headmaster. We even had an appointment to meet today. ¡°Let¡¯s head back.¡± As we returned to the eastern gate, Kirrin and the other professors ran up. ¡°Dian! Did you find Professor Ismera?!¡± Kirrin pushed through the crowd, grabbing my cor and shaking me vigorously. "She''s not on campus! Are you sure she went to the eastern forest? Did you find any traces?" "The trail has gone cold. It''s impossible to follow now. For now, we need to investigate possible destinations where Professor Ismera might go and get there as fast as we can." Back at the main building, we spread out the map and quickly discussed with thebat professors. "Here''s the Academy. The trail goes in a straight line from here to here." "Hmph, to think one can go straight through the forest. Elves are truly impressive." Kazadar clicked his tongue. "There''s no race that can follow a trail through the forest." "So, what do you all think? What could Professor Ismera¡¯s intentions be?" "She¡¯s resigned, right? And the trail continued for a long distance. It doesn''t seem like self harm, so it could be two things: either a job change or returning home." "If it were a job change, she would have headed towards the capital, not the eastern forest. Even if she went to another city, this route would be a big detour." "Then it must be returning home." "Does anyone know where Professor Ismera¡¯s home is?" It was a foolish question. Ismera''s forest was burned down during the Four-Year War. The academy''s dormitory is Ismera''s home. "Or maybe which Great Forest she¡¯s from?" "I don¡¯t know. She never talked about her personal life¡­" "Hold on a second. I know where." Kirrin, who had been lurking in the back, raised her hand. "Professor Ismera is from the Tiraellen Forest. I remember seeing it on her resume when she first joined a long time ago." The Tiraellen Forest...? Ismera is from there? Seriously? [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 106 - Ismeras Great Forest (5) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 106 - Ismera''s Great Forest (5) "The Tiraellen Forest is here." Weaber pointed to a spot on the map. The professors who saw it let out low groans. The ce Weaber pointed to was a forest located to the northeast of the academy. It was a very far distance, nearly a three-day journey by carriage. "This is strange." The orc professor Grogg pointed a thick finger at the eastern forest of the academy. "Ismera''s home is this way, so why go out that way?" He was right. To get to the Tiraellen Forest, it would make more sense to go north rather than east. "Because of the forest." Morton, who hadn''t said a word until now, finally spoke. "Elves can move very quickly in the forest. Passing through the eastern forest and then here, here, and here is better than heading north, which is mostly urban and ins, from an elf''s perspective." The route Morton indicated was a very long, roundabout path that passed through the academy¡¯s eastern forest, then to the northeast, north, north, west, northwest, and west. However, as Morton said, if you go that way, you can continuously move through the forest, like stepping stones, with only brief interruptions. "Are you saying that even though it''s such a far distance, she could arrive faster than by going north?" Orendi scratched his head, genuinely unable to understand. "Then why did so many elves die during the war? If they had just run away, it seems like they all could have survived." "That''s because elves value their Great Forests more than their lives. To elves, a Great Forest holds a meaning iparable to human dwellings." Morton exined. "Each elven tribe has a sacred tree they revere. The Great Forests formed around these trees are their homes for tens of thousands of years. To an elf, a Great Forest is their religion, their survival, their entire world." "Were you an elf?" "When I was in active service, I picked up bits and pieces of information here and there." When Kazadar asked, Morton replied curtly. "Then the question is whether Professor Ismera really went home or if she left to find a new job." "We should head to the forest." Felimia suggested. "After earning her High Master''s degree, Professor Ismera came directly to the academy. She has no other work experience and no other skills¡ªshe''s a pureblood elf. So even if she were to change jobs, it would be in a simr field, like education or research. But with such an impressive qualification like a High Master¡¯s degree, it''s actually harder to change jobs unless it¡¯s in the capital or anotherrge city. Only a few ces can amodate someone with such credentials. That means we could still find her if she¡¯s changing jobs. But if she¡¯s gone to the forest, we won¡¯t be able to find her unless we go after her." Felimia was right. We needed to go to the forest. But there was one problem. "This is the size of a small kingdom." Lina clicked her tongue at the boundaries of the forest marked on the map. "Not all of it is a Great Forest. She¡¯s somewhere in this vast forest, but how are we supposed to find her?" Lina looked around, but Weaber shook his head, lookingpletely unsure. "We already lost her trail in the eastern forest of the academy. In such arge forest, we¡¯ll never find her." "There is a way." All the professors looked at me. "Orendi, prepare yourself." "Eek? I can¡¯t do it! The distance is too far, and I can¡¯t pinpoint the exact coordinates for a dimensional portal. Especially in a forest, if I''m off by even a little, we could end up impaled on a tree branch¡­." "I¡¯m not asking you to send us there. Just get us close enough. We don¡¯t have time to take a carriage." "Close enough?" "There¡¯s someone who knows the exact location of the Tiraellen Forest." # # # # # After thepetition ended. Ismera slipped out of the wee ceremony and entered the main building alone. "Oh? Head Professor!" Assistants who were heading to the wee ceremonyte ran up to Ismera. "Congrattions! We heard that you urately predicted all the questions. You¡¯re amazing, as always!" "Now we won¡¯t have to see the Combat Department unting themselves anymore!" "Yes¡­." Despite the assistants¡¯ congrattions, Ismera responded with an emotionless smile and quietly passed by them. Returning to her office, Ismera staggered to her chair and sat down. On the desk was a letter that had arrived for her. Ismera slowly reached out and picked it up. The envelope was elegantly scrawled with a name in the unique script used only by elves. Only pureblood elves like Ismera would know exactly how to read it. ¡®To my beloved Ismera.¡¯ Leaning back in her chair, Ismera opened the envelope and took out the letter. ¡®To my beloved Ismera.¡¯ The first line was the same as the one on the envelope. "It¡¯s already been over ten years since you left for the human city. Ten years is just a fleeting moment, but for some reason, it feels especially long." A faint smile spread across Ismera¡¯s lips. ¡®How¡¯s life at the academy? I still vividly remember how you left, boasting that you¡¯d be the Headmaster. Since there¡¯s been no news, I assume it hasn¡¯t happened yet.¡¯ If it had been an ordinary elf, the meaning behind this would have been, "You, a Headmaster? Dream on," and Ismera would have torn the letter to shreds in anger. But instead, Ismera just gave a sad smile. The person who sent the letter was not someone who would ever mock Ismera like that. ¡®But don¡¯t be too hasty. A needle in a pocket will eventually poke through. The world will recognize your talents one day, I¡¯m sure of it.¡¯ "Ha¡­." Ismera let out a sigh offort as she read the advice she had heard countless times but never grew tired of. ¡®The forest¡¯s restoration is progressing smoothly, thanks to you and all our kin who endure hardship in the strange human city and send funds. I¡¯m always grateful. It¡¯ll take at least a few hundred years to regain the appearance it had before the war. But that¡¯s okay. This is for our descendants, not for us.¡¯ Biting her lip, Ismera continued reading the letter. ¡®My dear friend Ismera. I always miss you. If life in the human city bes too difficult and unbearable,e back to the forest. You¡¯re always wee.¡¯ After reading the entire letter, Ismera folded it and struggled to hold back her tears. Nierta, who is always on my side. But what should I do? I can¡¯t send any more money to the forest for a while. I¡¯ve been dismissed. I don¡¯t know what to do anymore. What would you have said if you were here? You¡¯d probably say it¡¯s okay. That I can start over. But I¡¯m not as optimistic as you. Even though I won first ce in thepetition, I¡¯m not happy at all. I hoped that the Imperial Pce would recognize my contribution to winning first ce in thepetition, even just a little. I hoped to keep my pride as a Head Professor by personally tutoring Merilda. But now, everything is over. Kaiden, the mage from the Demon King¡¯s Special Task Force, wille as the new Head Theoretical Professor, and I¡¯ll be dismissed. In the past, I would have med Dian for all of this and burned with hatred and anger. But now, I don¡¯t even feel that anymore. Because I already know. That it wasn¡¯t Dian or Kirrin¡¯s fault that I fell into ruin. Neither of them did anything wrong. It¡¯s just that I wasn¡¯t destined to be the Headmaster. The forest was destroyed by the Demon King¡¯s army. I left for the human city and managed to secure a decent job, but my superior was protected by the Emperor. I held on, hoping that if I just endured, everything would be fine, but then another professor with connections to the Imperial Court showed up. Even though I did my best in my position, hoping I¡¯d be recognized someday. Now they¡¯re trying to put someone new in my ce. This isn¡¯t anyone¡¯s fault or some conspiracy. It¡¯s just¡­ just that the world is rejecting me. Ismera slowly opened her eyes. Then she took out some paper and a pen. I¡¯ll resign. It¡¯s better to leave than to be dismissed. Even if I could stay on as a regr professor, I couldn¡¯t ept that. It¡¯s better to die than to go from Head Professor to regr professor overnight. No matter what I do here, I can¡¯t change the situation. This is a decision made by the Second Princess, who wields the greatest power in the Empire. Ismera carefully folded the resignation letter and ced it in an envelope before standing up. As she looked down at the resignation letter, she thought about potential ces where she could move to. After all, with a High Master¡¯s degree and the experience of being the Head Professor at the Imperial Academy, there should be plenty of ces where she could go. But¡­. But right now, I¡¯m so tired. Everything I¡¯ve worked so hard for over the past ten years has crumbled in an instant. I just want to rest for a little while. Suddenly, Ismera recalled the words at the end of Nierta¡¯s letter. ¡®If life in the human city bes too difficult and unbearable,e back to the forest. You¡¯re always wee.¡¯ Yes, let¡¯s go to the forest. Let¡¯s go to the forest and rest, even if it¡¯s just for a little while. Otherwise, I might really die. I want to die, but I mustn¡¯t. For the sake of the forest¡¯s restoration, I have to work again. So just for a little while, just a little while. Rest in the forest, recover, and then work again, Ismera. The next morning at dawn, Ismera left for the eastern forest. Elves can move quickly in the forest, so she should be able to get far away before the academy gets noisy. And so, Ismera set off for her homnd forest. # # # # # "Is this the person¡¯s house? The one who knows where Professor Ismera¡¯s Great Forest is?" After stepping out of the dimensional portal, Orendi looked up at the grand mansion standing tall in the middle of a cultivated field. "But that crest. It looks really familiar¡­." Orendi scratched his head as he stared at the crest of two fists crossed above the front gate. Ignoring Orendi, I knocked on the door, and a servant came out. "Hello. I¡¯m Dian, a friend of Linus. Is Linus home?" "W-what?! What did you say?! You are who?!" [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 107 - Ismera’s Great Forest (6) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 107 - Ismera¡¯s Great Forest (6) "Ah, it''s Sir Dian. Please,e in." The servant recognized my face and opened the door. "What is this? What on earth is going on, Head Professor?! Are you talking about Sir Linus?!" "Quiet down. And stop shaking my cor." I pushed away Orendi''s hands as he grabbed my cor and shook me back and forth, then entered inside. "This is unbelievable. The home of Sir Linus. I can''t believe I''m at the home of Sir Linus. This is absolutely incredible." As we crossed the neat garden, Orendi muttered like a madman. "Dian! What brings you here at this hour?" Celine, leaning on a cane and limping, came out from the grand entrance of the marble mansion. "Oh, Celine. Why are youing out instead of Linus? Especially when you''re not feeling well." "Linus is giving Lumien a bath right now." He could have easily had a servant do it without lifting a finger, but he¡¯s washing the child himself. What a remarkable guy. Well, it''s no wonder he turned down the Second Princess''s offers to take parental leave. He¡¯s so devoted and exemry that it''s hard to believe we''re the same species. Linus is happy taking care of the baby, Celine is happy to have Linus at home, and Lumien is happy to be with both parents. I¡¯m d I came to the academy in Linus¡¯s ce after all. If a little inconvenience on my part can make Linus and Celine happy, then it¡¯s worth it. And when I think about it, Lumien already has the strength to crack walnuts with bare hands. Especially since newborns can¡¯t even control their limbs properly, no ordinary nanny would be able to manage. It¡¯s only right that Linus stays home. "Ugh, ugh¡­." I heard a strange noise next to me and turned to see Orendi choking as if something had gotten stuck in his throat. "What''s wrong with you?" "If it¡¯s Celine¡­ c-could it be¡­ Lady Celine¡­?" "That¡¯s right." "Eek?!" Orendi grabbed my cor again and shook me. "What in the world is going on?!" "Let go! You''re going to rip off my buttons!" Celine, amused by our little skit,ughed and led us inside the house. "Wow?!" Orendi¡¯s eyes widened as he looked around thevish interior of the mansion. "What is this, Head Professor? What is this ce?" Orendi looked around wildly, like a squirrel about to dart out of its burrow, turning his head frantically and firing off questions. Celine led us to the drawing room and called over a servant. "Miss, could you please fetch Linus?" "Yes, ma¡¯am." Celine instructed another maid to bring us some tea. As I sat down on the sofa, I introduced Orendi to Celine. "This is Orendi, our Combat Department''s Professor of Magic Response. He''s a mage. Orendi, this is Celine. The Celine you know." "Hello, Professor." "Uh, hello¡­." Orendi gave a bewildered nod in response to Celine¡¯s greeting. Then he grabbed my cor again. "First, you bring me to the Chief Administrator Lormane, then it was the mage Kaiden, and now it¡¯s Celine and Linus¡­! You owe me an exnation!" "Let go, let go! You already ripped a button off!" As I bent down to pick up the button that had fallen to the floor, a servant brought out some drinks. It was cool mint lemon tea. After searching the forest for Ismera, I was parched, so I drank it down in big gulps. "Please have some as well, Professor Orendi." "Ah, yes, yes." Orendi nervously took the cup with both hands and turned aside, sipping it politely. "It¡¯s delicious. But, really¡­ um, that is¡­." "Dian? Aren''t you supposed to be at work?" At that moment, Linus appeared. His sleeves were rolled up, and his pants were pulled up to his knees. He looked like he had just finished washing Lumien. "Huh?! It¡¯s really Linus?!" Recognizing Linus¡¯s face immediately, Orendi screamed. There wasn''t a person in the Empire who didn¡¯t know Linus¡¯s face. His statues, portraits, and effigies were everywhere, from public squares to government buildings and all sorts of ces. When Linus gave him a questioning look, Orendi introduced himself. "Greetings, Sir Linus! My name is Orendi, Professor of Magic Response in the Combat Department under Head Professor Dian! As you can see, I am a mage!" "Nice to meet you, Professor Orendi." Linus shook hands with Orendi and then sat on the sofa, taking a sip of his drink. "You look like you did the bathing yourself." Noticing his wet hair sticking to his forehead, I asked, and Linus smiled. "As if washing Lumien would be that difficult. So, what brings you here? It doesn''t look like you¡¯re off-duty and just visiting." Linus looked at Orendi, who flinched and bowed his head so low that his forehead nearly touched his knees. "Remember when you and I talked about going to the Tiraellen Forest together?" "I remember. But that was supposed to be this weekend." "It¡¯s urgent, and I need to go right now. Do you know the exact location of the Great Forest? I want to get there directly through a dimensional portal." "I do. But what''s going on?" I exined everything to Linus about Ismera. I told him that there was an elf who had been the Head Theoretical Professor and had practically been running the academy before I arrived. She saw me as an obstacle and was extremely hostile and aggressive from the start. I mentioned that the work I did for the academy¡¯s development inadvertently made it seem like I was outpacing her, which stressed her out and made her dislike me even more. I admitted that I didn¡¯t particrly have a good impression of Ismera either, but during the preparation period for thepetition, I saw unexpected positive sides to her, and my feelings changed. I wanted to let her know that I wasn¡¯t her rival blocking her path, to ease her burden a little, but in that brief moment, she left like this. "Dian." After hearing my entire story, Linus let out a soft sigh. "Sometimes, you need to be the first to extend your hand." "I''m not as generous as you are. Why should I take the first step towards someone who hates me?" Linus smiled and leaned back on the sofa, as if he had given up on trying to persuade me. "But if you had been the first to say something nice to that elf professor, she might not have hated you anymore. So, since you think she went to the Tiraellen Forest, you¡¯re going to bring her back?" "Yeah. The Imperial Pce epted my proposal to promote Professor Ismera to Vice-Headmaster. I think she should at least hear that before making any decisions." Linus fell silent for a moment. "And Kaiden ising in as the new Head Theoretical Professor." "You know what that means, right?" "I do." "We¡¯ll talk about thatter." Linus held back, aware of Orendi sitting next to me. "Alright. Let¡¯s go right away." Linus got up from his seat. "Professor, you¡¯re a mage, correct? Please open a dimensional portal to the coordinates I provide." "Ah, yes, of course!" Startled, Orendi jumped up and prepared to open the portal immediately. "Not here, outside." "S-sorry!" In the garden, Orendi opened a dimensional portal using the coordinates Linus provided. "Head back to the academy." I stopped Orendi as he tried to follow us. "Elves are very wary of strangers entering their territory." "Oh, I see¡­." "Go back and let everyone know. Reassure them that I¡¯ll bring Professor Ismera back." "Understood." Leaving Orendi behind, Linus and I crossed through the portal alone. Orendi¡¯s portal led us to Tiraellen. But we ended up a bit too high. As soon as we exited the portal, we fell onto the trees. "Seems like we were way off." "It¡¯s a long way from my house to here. Unless you¡¯re at Kaiden¡¯s level, it¡¯s hard to get the coordinates exactly right." "At least we didn¡¯t end up in the North Sea. But where exactly are we?" After surveying the terrain from the treetops and gauging the sun''s position, Linus and I figured out our approximate location. "Could it be that way?" "That seems right. Let¡¯s move." As we descended from the tree and started moving, I suddenly stopped, grabbing Linus¡¯s shoulder. "Isn¡¯t that an ogre?" Between the trees, a massive creature, about four meters tall, with bulging muscles, was visible. It grumbled in some unintelligiblenguage, clearly in a foul mood as if it hadn¡¯t eaten all day. "Let¡¯s just pass by quietly. No need to waste time." Following Linus''s suggestion, we quietly circled around the ogre, but suddenly it let out a roar and turned toward us. "It noticed us. Must be really on edge from hunger." "Then we have no choice." As the ogre smashed through trees, stomping toward us, Linus deftly sidestepped and kicked the ogre¡¯s leg. The blow caused the lower part of its knee topletely detach, making the ogre lose its bnce and topple forward. As it fell, I delivered a solid ser kick to its head, causing it to explode with a loud pop. "Ugh, disgusting." "Brings back memories." As I wiped the brain matter off my shoe, Linus chuckled. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 108 - Ismeras Great Forest (7) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 108 - Ismera''s Great Forest (7) A scorching summer. And an even hotter forest. mes raged all around, the red ze licking the skies, and thick smoke blocked out the sunlight. Torches darted back and forth, and ming arrows streaked across the sky. The 56th Special Force of the Demon King¡¯s army had reached Tiraellen and was systematically burning the forest. Their objective was the trees deep within the Great Forest. The smaller trees on the outskirts were of no concern to them. However, since the forest leading to the Great Forest was so vast, entering it directly would result in significant losses due to the elves¡¯ annoying guerri tactics. So, they decided to burn the forest to clear a path. To achieve this, the 56th Special Force set fires on multiple fronts, advancing as if to encircle the Great Forest, and stationed ambush units in ces where the elves might retreat and establish defensive lines. In the rear, engineers were advancing to carry out actual logging operations. As soon as the Special Force subdued the elves in the Great Forest, the engineers would begin cutting down the trees. The fire attack was progressing very aggressively, with the vanguard already prating the Great Forest. Many elves had died, and the surviving elves were moving from tree to tree,unching sporadic attacks. However, asrge portions of the forest burned, the elves'' range of movement was bing increasingly restricted, making their extermination only a matter of time. Themander of the 56th Special Force received these positive reports from the front lines and was in high spirits. Just then, the sound of something cutting through the air was heard, and an arrow with bird feathers aimed for themander¡¯s head. "(Watch out!)" At the shout of his warriors, themander slightly tilted his head, deflecting the arrow with the horn on his head. The warriors around him let out exmations of awe mixed with reverence. "(Commander! We havepletely surrounded the Great Forest!)" A demon warrior ran up to report. "(Shall we send the final ultimatum?)" "(It¡¯s pointless. Those pointed-ear scum will never take a single step out of the Great Forest.)" Themander chuckled. Stupid and stubborn pointy-eared fools. "(Advance ording to n! Leave no prisoners! Exterminate them all!)" At themander¡¯s order, signal arrows were shot high into the sky. At that signal, warriors from all sides let out battle cries and charged into the Great Forest. # # # # # While the main force advanced into the Great Forest. Ambush units from the Special Force were lying in wait along the outskirts of the forest behind the advancing troops. They were there to cut off the retreat of any elves who might attempt to escape after failing to defend the Great Forest and to annihte them. However, since it was unthinkable that the elves would abandon the Great Forest, the ambush units had taken a rather rxed stance,fortably perched on trees. Whoosh! Suddenly, an inexplicable sound sliced through the stillness of the trees. The demon warriors flinched, quickly adjusting their stances and scanning their surroundings with sharp eyes. It wasn¡¯t the signal for an attack, nor was it the characteristic sound of elves on the move. It was an unfamiliar and unsettling noise, the likes of which they had never heard before. Whoosh! Thud. After the second sound, a dull thud followed as something heavy hit the ground. It was arge fruit, about the size of a southern coconut. The key difference was that, unlike the typically oval and hairy coconuts, this one had two horns curved like those of a mountain goat. "(What the...!?)" Only when one of the warriors realized that the object on the ground was a severed demon''s head did he gasp in shock. Whoosh! Thud, thud. Whoosh! Thud. Whoosh! Thud, thud. Heads of demons began to drop all around. The sight of this made one of the demon warriors tear off his camouge and shout. "(It¡¯s an ambush!)" But there was no response from hisrades. In the eerie silence that raised the hairs on his body, the demon warrior trembled and jumped down from the tree. He shouldn¡¯t have. "(Gah!)" As the demon warrior jumped down, a noose caught around his neck, causing him to dangle from a branch as if being hanged. "Don¡¯t kill him, Dian! I need to ask him something!" Linus emerged from the underbrush, shouting, and the demon warrior dropped heavily to the ground. As the demon warriory on the ground, trying to flee, the noose tightened around his neck once more, choking him. "(Gah, gah!)" "You¡¯re damn heavy." Dian, who had wrapped the other end of the noose around his wrist, stepped out of the dark shadows. "Ask your questions and let¡¯s finish this." Linus knelt on one knee to match the terrified demon warrior''s eye level. "(State your unit and rank.)" At Linus''s clumsy demonnguage, the demon warrior remained silent. Then Dian strode forward and stabbed the demon warrior''s foot with a dagger. "(Aaaah!)" "(State your unit and rank.)" In pain, the demon warrior babbled a response to Linus''s question. "Dian. The intel from the reconnaissance team was correct. It¡¯s the 56th Special Force. The engineers are advancing from the rear." "Ask where the Special Forcemander is. If we get that bastard, it¡¯s over." Linus asked again. "(Where is themand unit now?)" "(I don¡¯t know! I¡¯m just a low-ranking officer! I don¡¯t know that much!)" At Linus''s signal, Dian stabbed the other foot this time. "(Aaaaah! The Great Forest! They¡¯ve gone straight into the Great Forest!)" "(Mark themand unit¡¯s route of attack.)" Linus shoved a map in the demon warrior¡¯s face, and the demon, ncing fearfully at Dian, hastily drew a line. "Is that good enough?" "It is." Dian¡¯s dagger shed, and blood spurted from the demon warrior¡¯s neck like a fountain. "What do we do now, Linus?" Dian asked as he looked at the map. "Just take out themander¡¯s head, or what?" "There are six attack routes, so that won¡¯t be enough." After a brief moment of thought, Linus came up with an idea. "Let¡¯s split up here. I¡¯ll take out the Special Force¡¯smand unit, and you hold off the other unitsing from the other directions. I¡¯ll join you as soon as I can." "Want to bet on who finishes first andes to help the other?" "I don¡¯t have any money left to bet with you." Linus, who had lost several simr bets before, gave an awkwardugh. "I¡¯ll lend you some." "Fine, let''s bet." When Linus agreed, Dian finally removed the noose and looked out into the distance. The area he gazed at was filled with nothing but mes and smoke. "Ha, those pointy-eared bastards. We kept telling them to join the alliance, but they ignored us, and now they¡¯re paying the price." "Maybe they¡¯ll change their minds after we help them this time. Let¡¯s go before it¡¯s toote." Dian and Linus quickly made their way toward the Great Forest, which was covered in ck smoke. # # # # # The 56th Special Force was gradually taking control of the Great Forest from the outskirts. The elves were fiercely resisting, but from the moment the fire attack began, the oue of the battle had already been decided. If they were fighting in an intact forest, the Special Force would have been bogged down by the elves¡¯ elusive guerri warfare. But now, with the forest burning, the elves had nowhere to hide, leaving them hopelessly outmatched against the heavily armed demons. Moreover, the demons were seasoned warriors with extensivebat experience, pushing back the Human Alliance¡ªa forceposed of various races¡ªinto a defensive position. Although their advance had slowed somewhat due to the recent disruptions by mysterious humans who were systematically assassinating the legionmanders, this was a remote area far from the main front lines. There was no way those rumored humans would show up here. In fact, there was a possibility that these rumors were baseless, perhaps spread by the Human Alliance to demoralize the Demon King¡¯s army and rally their forces. The reports of legionmanders being killed one after another across the front lines couldn¡¯t possibly be the work of just a few humans. Most likely, themanders had fallen for their own reasons, and the incidents were strung together to create some absurd myth. "(Commander! There¡¯s someone suspicious up ahead!)" One of the warriors pointed ahead. Someone was blocking their path. It was a neatly dressed blonde man, his face covered with a ck mask to avoid inhaling smoke. "(He¡¯s unarmed. Could he be an elfing to surrender?)" At the warrior¡¯s question, the Special Forcemander scrutinized the figure standing in their way. Despite the well-built physique and the blonde hair that resembled that of an elf, his ears were short. "(He looks like a mutant.)" "(I¡¯ve heard that sometimes elves have such disabilities. Perhaps he tried to flee the Great Forest alone and froze when he encountered us.)" "(Makes sense. Keep advancing. Leave that one alive.)" The Special Forcemander grinned. "(Let him watch with his own eyes as the Great Forest behind him burns to the ground. Then he¡¯ll writhe in regret, fitting for a traitor to his kin.)" The demon warriors sneered with contempt and ridicule as they passed by the man standing in the middle of the path. "(Coward.)" The demon warriors muttered as they passed by the man. As thest of the group was just passing him by, suddenly¡ª "(What the hell?!)" "(Get out of the way!)" The man abruptly pulled out a long sword from nowhere and began shing wildly. "(Where did that sworde from?!)" "(Kill him!)" The demon warriors at the rear rushed at the man who had started attacking. "(Ignore it! Keep advancing! Our goal is to exterminate the elves in the Great Forest!)" At themander''s order, the remaining warriors continued moving forward. A minor skirmish like this couldn¡¯t be allowed to disrupt the mission. "(Aaaah!!)" "(Help me!!)¡± Just then, a series of horrifying screams erupted from behind. When themander turned around, he was left speechless. The man, surrounded by demon warriors, was twirling his sword as if performing a dance, and it was causing a spray of blood and flesh to burst out, like meat being pulverized in a grinder. "(Who the hell is that?!)" "(He¡¯sing this way!)" The demon warriors at the front tried to block the man who was steadily advancing, but they were dismembered and scattered in all directions. "(Raise your shields! Form a wall!)" The shield-bearers rushed forward to create a barrier, but it was shattered as easily as a hut in a hurricane. The man, tearing through everything in his path, looked like a giant, spinning saw de. "(Fire the crossbows!)" The warriors shot their crossbows at the man, but he disyed uncanny skill, deflecting each quarrel with almost ghostly precision. Despite being demons, they were still intelligent beings. Witnessing something so unbelievable could cause their rational minds to falter momentarily. The Special Forcemander, seeing his subordinates disintegrating right before his eyes, felt his mind go nk. Suddenly, a thought crossed themander¡¯s mind, one that he could hardly believe even as it formed. The rumors about those humans said to be assassinating legionmanders across the front lines. He had dismissed them as mere propaganda spread by the Human Alliance to weaken the Demon King''s army and bolster their own morale. But the unprecedented sight unfolding before his eyes was starting to crack themander¡¯s resolve. Could that human be¡­ the one from the rumors?! "(W-what should we do?!)" "(Give us orders!)" Snapped back to reality by his warriors shaking him, themander quickly assessed the situation. If that human really was ¡®that¡¯ one, he couldn''t be stopped with ordinary anti-personnel weapons. At the very least, they needed siege weapons. But since siege weapons were unnecessary for this operation, the Special Force hadn¡¯t brought any. And they couldn¡¯t halt the mission and retreat now. It wasn¡¯t just about the disgrace of his n losing the Demon King¡¯s favor¡ªwhere could they even retreat to? The lunatic was advancing from the rear. Falling back would be suicide! "(Charge into the heart of the Great Forest! Charge!)" Themander shouted, waving his sword. On the opposite side of the Great Forest were the other units attacking from different directions. They¡¯d join forces with them to take down this human! No matter how skilled he was with a de, even he couldn¡¯t stand against a thousand demon warriors! Terrified by the steadily approaching human, the demon warriors immediately began sprinting forward at themander''s order. "(Look out! Commander, ahead!)" Just then, one of the leading warriors shouted urgently, pointing ahead. Another human stood in their path. This one had brown, tousled hair, also wearing a mask, and wielded two swords. But the shape of those swords looked oddly familiar. Those were the swords used by the Special Force¡¯s unitmanders?! C-could it be that the other units that entered from different directions¡ªcould it be?! "(Should we keep going?!)" "(Commander! Commander! What should we do?!)" "(Damn it! Keep going! Charge!)" With the human tearing through their rear guard, they had no choice but to charge forward. As the demon warriors charged, the man in front spread his two swords and began running toward them. "(Alright,e on! I¡¯ll cut you in two!)" Themander gritted his teeth and gripped his sword tightly. Just as they shed, and themander swung his sword down¡ª The human suddenly disappeared from sight. "(Don¡¯t you dare run away! Where did you go?!)" Themander turned around, trying to locate the vanished human, but suddenly felt as if his height was rapidly decreasing. Why does it feel like I¡¯m getting shorter? At the same time, the upper bodies of dozens of warriors around him began to slide off their lower halves at a diagonal angle, falling to the ground. The same fate befell themander. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 109 - Ismera’s Great Forest (8) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 109 - Ismera¡¯s Great Forest (8) After taking down the ogre, we continued walking for another half hour. In the area that had been devastated by the Demon King¡¯s army ten years ago, small saplings now stood. "What is this? Did they regrow on their own?" "Some did, and others were nted by the elves." "But still, this much in just ten years?" "ording to experts in the Imperial Pce, the ashes from the fire actually acted as fertilizer." Linus looked around, smiling contentedly. "It¡¯s beautiful, don¡¯t you think? To see everything rise from the ashes, moving forward into a new world after the despair of total destruction." "Yeah, it is beautiful." Ten years ago, I thought it was all over, that everything would end in mes. Time really does seem to be the cure for all things. We walked along the path lined with the tall saplings. Looking around, it seemed we were following the exact route we took back when we captured the Special Forcemander. At the time, the 56th Special Force of the Demon King¡¯s army attacked the Great Forest from six directions. Linus and I ambushed and took down the rear ambush units, which allowed us to discover the route themand unit was taking. Linus blocked themand unit¡¯s path, while I nked them and ambushed the forcesing from the other five directions. But despite tearing through the Special Force at lightning speed, we missed the golden hour. By the time we reached the outskirts of Tiraellen, the assault on the Great Forest was already well underway, and many elves had died. To make matters worse, the fire started by the Demon King¡¯s army spread to the trees of the Great Forest. So Linus and I had to struggle to evacuate the elves who were determined to burn to death with the forest. "It was no joke back then. Those pointy-eared folks are so damn stubborn." "To the elves, the Great Forest holds a significance far beyond that of human dwellings." If Linus and I hadn¡¯t used force to drag them out, the elves would have ended up roasted. "By the way, how¡¯s the scar?" At Linus¡¯s question, I touched the back of my neck lightly. "It¡¯s been ten years. New skin has grown, just like the forest, and it doesn¡¯t bother me anymore." "d to hear it." "But the feeling hasn¡¯t returned." "It¡¯s because the skin was damaged once. Even Lormane couldn¡¯t do anything about it." The burn scar was caused when a burning tree fell on my neck while I was dragging out an unconscious elf who had fainted from smoke inhtion. Thanks to Linus throwing me to the ground and stamping out the fire, I managed to avoid losing all my hair. I wonder if that elf is doing well now. My memory is hazy from all the smoke and fire, but she seemed to be about Merilda¡¯s age, just a young elf. But even if I met her again now, she probably wouldn¡¯t recognize me. Elves are a peculiar long-lived race that retains their youthful appearance for a very long time. They go through a normal childhood like humans, then experience a few years of rapid growth before bing adults, and from that point on, they remain unchanged until they die. And back then, I was wearing a scarf and mask to avoid inhaling smoke, so that elf wouldn¡¯t know my face either. But it doesn¡¯t matter. I didn¡¯t do it expecting any sort of reward. Still, I risked my life to save them, so I hope they¡¯re all doing well wherever they are. "Lord Linus!" A clear voice called out from somewhere unseen. I looked around and saw an elf with a bow stepping out from between the trees. She was tall and blonde, with striking green eyes, much like Ismera. "Wee! You were supposed toe this weekend, but what brings you here today? Not that I¡¯m unhappy to see you, of course." "My friend had an urgent matter." The elf¡¯s green eyes turned to me as Linus answered. "This is Dian. As I mentioned before, he fought alongside me during the Demon King¡¯s attack on the Great Forest ten years ago. Dian, this is Nierta, one of the survivors of the Great Forest." Linus introduced us. "It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you, Lord Dian. But wait¡­ You fought alongside Lord Linus ten years ago? Then could it be that you are¡­?!" Nierta¡¯s eyes widened as she looked back at Linus. "Yes, that¡¯s him. After living quietly in a distant port city, he recently returned to the capital." "This is incredible..." Nierta stepped forward and grasped my hand tightly. "Wee, Lord Dian!" "Uh, yes..." I was taken aback. For an elf, a race known for their aloofness, to suddenly grab a human¡¯s hand? Elves usually avoid physical contact with other races... "Lord Dian, you are my savior. It¡¯s an honor to meet you again after all this time." Nierta spoke as she shook my hand enthusiastically. "I¡¯ve waited ten years for you toe so that I could thank you. But after the war ended, you disappeared, and I never got the chance." "It¡¯s fine. I didn¡¯t do it to hear thanks." "But we don¡¯t see it that way. To us, you are a savior and a hero, just like Lord Linus." With that, Nierta bowed her head, still holding my hand. "I apologize for not being able to express our gratitude earlier because we didn¡¯t know where you were." "Uh, no, it¡¯s alright..." "But¡­ so this is what you look like." Nierta raised her head and smiled as she looked at my face. "Sorry for the way I look. Compared to elves, I¡¯m just a dirt potato." "Not at all. I didn¡¯t know what you looked like because you were masked back then, but I¡¯m surprised at how handsome you are." "Really? Well, should I be grateful that you can tell me and Linus apart?" I threw out a half-joking remark, and Nierta giggled. There¡¯s a famous line: All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. Simrly, all handsome and beautiful people look more or less the same, while those who aren¡¯t have a wide variety of unique faces. So right now, to me, all these elves look alike¡ªhighly idealized and stereotypical beauties. On the other hand, when elves look at humans, especially at first meeting, they usually can¡¯t tell them apart. It¡¯s like how Westerners and Easterners often struggle to distinguish each other. But one thing¡¯s for sure, this elf looks different from Ismera. I¡¯ve spent enough time around Ismera to be certain¡ªIsmera is more beautiful. Anyway¡­ I nced over the elf¡¯s shoulder and asked. "Has Professor Ismerae to the Great Forest by any chance?" "Ismera? How did you know?" "I work at the same academy as Professor Ismera. She suddenly resigned and left, so I thought she might havee here." "Is that true?! Professor Ismera and Lord Dian are at the same academy?!" Nierta was so excited that she practically shouted. "Are you the one who started at the beginning of this year?" "That¡¯s right. I¡¯m the Head Combat Professor." "What?!" Nierta almost jumped in surprise, looking flustered. I¡¯ve never seen an elf like this before. "What are the odds? The very person she hated enough to want to kill..." "What¡¯s going on, Nierta?" At Linus¡¯s question, Nierta quickly regained herposure. "We should discuss this in the Great Forest. You came to see Ismera, right?" "Yes. I need to inform her of her promotion to Vice-Headmaster, issued by the Imperial Pce." "Vice-Headmaster?" When I showed her the official document, Nierta¡¯s eyes widened again, and her mouth fell open. Her emotional expression was so honest and varied¡ªquite unlike an elf. "Oh, Ismera¡­ After all the suffering she¡¯s endured..." Nierta looked as if she might burst into tears any moment, but then she turned to us. "Let¡¯s head to the Great Forest. Everyone will be d to wee you." With the elves guiding us, Linus and I entered the Great Forest of Tiraellen. The Great Forest, which I hadn¡¯t seen in ten years, was different now. The towering trees that once seemed to hold up the sky had been reduced to charred stumps, and only small saplings like those we had seen earlier remained around them. But some of the great trees had miraculously survived the fire and were still standing, forming the center of a small tent vige. "This is our tribe¡¯s temporary settlement until the Great Forest is fully restored." There were just under a hundred elves around the tent vige and the great trees. Some were nting trees, others were climbing the trees on ropes to carry out restoration work, while others were gathering fruits and vegetables for food. One thing stood out: they were all women. There wasn¡¯t a single man among them. "Tout le monde! Lord Linus est l¨¤!" Nierta shouted in thenguage of the elves, and all the elves turned their gazes toward us. [TL/N: The author really put french and called it thenguage of elves ??] Recognizing Linus, the elves stopped what they were doing and gathered around. "Wee, Lord Linus. You¡¯ve arrived earlier than expected." One of them, likely the leader of the tribe, stepped forward as their representative. "Have you all been well? I apologize for this unannounced visit, but I¡¯m here on behalf of a friend." All the green eyes of the elves turned toward me. "This is Dian. During the Demon King¡¯s attack ten years ago, he fought alongside me here." The elves began murmuring among themselves, ncing at each other. "Lord Linus, are you saying this human is the one we¡¯ve been waiting for?" "Yes, that¡¯s right. After living in obscurity for the past ten years, we miraculously got in touch with him." "Is that so... This man..." The voice of the elven leader trembled as she looked at me. "Wee back to the Great Forest, savior..." Startled, I nearly let out a scream. The leader of the elves knelt before me! For an elf to kneel before a member of another race was something that didn¡¯t even happen in fairy tales¡ªit was an utterly unimaginable event. "After ten years, we can finally bow our heads deeply and offer our heartfelt thanks." As the leader knelt, all the other elves followed suit, kneeling and bowing their heads. "Uh, yes. But, um¡­ there¡¯s no need to kneel..." Feeling extremely embarrassed, I tried to help the elf up, but Linus quietly shook his head. His gesture seemed to suggest that I should allow the elves the opportunity to express their gratitude. "Our Tiraellen tribe will never forget the sacrifices and dedication of Lord Dian and Lord Linus, even after thousands of years." "Um, yes¡­ thank you¡­" Feeling awkward just standing there, I ended up kneeling down with the elves and awkwardly patted the leader¡¯s shoulder. Linus watched the scene unfold with a deeply satisfied smile on his face. # # # # # Meanwhile, inside a small tent in the corner of the vige. Ismeray on a makeshift bed, sweating profusely and groaning. She was having a nightmare. A hellish scene where everything in sight was engulfed in mes. And a man dressed entirely in ck, carrying her in his arms. As they ran through the relentless ze, the man spoke to Ismera. "Don¡¯t die. I¡¯ll make sure you survive, so stay alive until the end." Her consciousness had been so hazy, and the man was masked, so she couldn¡¯t be sure, but that seemed to be the gist of it. Suddenly, arge burning tree fell toward the man¡¯s head. "Ah!" Ismera screamed and woke up, realizing it had only been a dream, and let out a sigh of relief. A nightmare like that¡­ She must have been extremely exhausted after the long journey she made in such a short time. But where had Nierta gone? She was with her just before she fell asleep. As she tried to sit up to look for Nierta, the tent p opened, and Nierta walked in. "Ismera, are you awake? You have visitors." "Visitors¡­? Here? Who could it be?" "Professor Ismera." Following Nierta into the tent, Dian stepped inside. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 110 - Ismera’s Great Forest (9) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 110 - Ismera¡¯s Great Forest (9) "Professor Dian?!" Ismera cried out in surprise at my sudden appearance. "H-how did you get here? No, more importantly, why did youe here?" "Ismera, Professor Dian says he has something important to tell you." Nierta said gently, trying to soothe her. Ismera red at both Nierta and me. "It¡¯s over! I¡¯ve left the academy, and I have nothing to do with it anymore..." But Ismera couldn¡¯t finish her sentence and tightly shut her eyes. Her lips trembled slightly, and her face was pale, as if she didn¡¯t even have the strength to raise her voice. "Ismera, are you okay?" Nierta walked up and knelt beside her, looking up at her with concern. "I¡¯m fine... It¡¯s just¡­ I¡¯m just a little dizzy..." "Should wee backter, once you¡¯ve had a chance to rest?" I asked, but Ismera slowly shook her head. "If you followed me all the way here, you must have something important to say..." "Then I¡¯ll take a seat." I brought over a small folding chair and sat down, and Nierta stood up. "Then I¡¯ll step outside. You two can talk." "Stay with me, Nierta..." Ismera grabbed Nierta¡¯s wrist. "You need to stay with me..." Nierta looked at me, clearly ufortable. "It¡¯s fine. You can stay and listen. What I have to say isn¡¯t private." "Alright¡­ If that¡¯s okay." Nierta said as she sat back down on the edge of Ismera¡¯s bed. Then she turned to Ismera and asked. "Professor Ismera, why did you suddenly resign? Did something happen?" "What does it matter to Professor Dian whether I quit my job or not? And I¡¯m not a professor anymore." "Until the Headmaster epts your resignation, you are still a professor. In fact, right now, you¡¯re considered absent without leave and have deserted your post." "So you came all this way just to tell me that? And how did you even get here?" "Professor Orendi opened a dimensional portal for me. But that aside, why are you trying to resign? I need to know the reason before deciding whether to ept or reject your resignation." Ismera flinched and then closed her eyes again. She sighed deeply and murmured, almost to herself. "There¡¯s no reason for me to stay at the academy anymore¡­ That¡¯s why I left..." "Why? You¡¯re such an important part of the academy." "Am I? But it seems the Second Princess doesn¡¯t think so." Ismera replied with a bitterugh. Hearing that, I suddenly had a strange feeling. "Professor Ismera¡­ did you overhear my conversation with Kaiden during thepetition?" Ismera squinted at me, then closed her eyes and nodded slightly. "I didn¡¯t eavesdrop on purpose. The Dark Elves suddenly came in, and I went to find you to let you know. That¡¯s when I overheard it." "I see..." I never imagined Ismera had overheard that conversation. No wonder she looked like she was about to die even after winning first ce in thepetition. "So, the mage Kaiden ising to take my ce. In that case, it¡¯s only natural that I leave. How could an ordinary elf like me everpete with a genius mage from the Demon King¡¯s yer Special Unit?" Ismera shook her head with a smile. "Rather than sticking around and being disgracefully kicked out, it¡¯s better to leave on my own terms, isn¡¯t it?" "How much of that conversation did you hear?" "Up to the part where the Security Office decided to appoint Kaiden as my sessor. I didn¡¯t bother listening to the rest because it didn¡¯t matter." "I see. Well, Kaiden is indeeding as the new Head Theoretical Professor. The appointment has already been made." I took out the official document, but Ismera turned her head away as if she didn¡¯t want to see it. "How far do you intend to push me down before you¡¯re satisfied?" She spoke sharply, still avoiding eye contact. "If that¡¯s your n, you should have just left me alone, whether I resigned or not. Whye all the way here to rub it in? If you¡¯re seeking revenge for the way I treated you, you¡¯ve seeded. My heart is already torn to pieces..." "Let me finish. Kaiden is bing the new Head Theoretical Professor, and you, Professor Ismera, have been promoted to Vice-Headmaster." I cut her off and waved the appointment letter. "Vice-Headmaster¡­?" "You won¡¯t believe it unless you see it with your own eyes, so take a look." Ismera took the document and read it carefully, then nodded slowly. "It really does say Vice-Headmaster..." "I told Kaiden not to ept the proposal. I said the academy already had an excellent Head Theoretical Professor. So instead of bringing Kaiden in as your recement, the Security Office decided to promote you to Vice-Headmaster." "That¡¯s wonderful, Ismera." Nierta said, holding Ismera¡¯s hand. "You always wanted to be the Headmaster. The Vice-Headmaster is just below the Headmaster, right? If you keep working hard, you could definitely be the Headmaster." Ismera looked down at the appointment letter for a moment, then handed it back to me. "Now do you believe me? From now on, no one will be able to unfairly dismiss you." She didn¡¯t say anything, but her hands were trembling slightly. "And I should mention this, even though it¡¯s a bitte. I have no intention of bing Headmaster." "What¡­?" "The Security Office initially wanted me to be Headmaster, but I refused. I didn¡¯t even want to be a professor, but due to variousplicated reasons, I ended up here, half by choice, half by force. So I¡¯m not your rival. In fact, I would be more than happy if you became the Headmaster or whatever you want." Ismera looked at me with a bewildered expression. "But as long as Headmaster Kirrin is there, you¡¯ll never be able to be the Headmaster. Don¡¯t take this the wrong way¡ªit¡¯s not because youck the ability, but because Headmaster Kirrin is under the Emperor¡¯s protection. I¡¯m sure you¡¯re aware of the Nemara Tribe¡¯s situation." "I know..." "There¡¯s nothing the Second Princess can do about it unless the Emperor changes his mind. It¡¯s like a natural disaster that can¡¯t be ovee by individual will. So, if I may offer some advice, I hope you won¡¯t stress too much about it." After a moment of silence, Ismera spoke slowly. "Why are you telling me this now¡­?" She paused, taking a deep breath before continuing in a slightly agitated tone. "Why are you only telling me this now? Did you suddenly start pitying me? Would it have hurt you to tell me sooner? Or did you want me to suffer even more?" "To be honest, yes. I do pity you." Ismera''s eyes widened slightly. "I never intended to help you from the beginning. But that doesn¡¯t mean I wanted you to suffer. It¡¯s just that." I chose my words carefully in my mind. "It''s just that at the beginning of my appointment, I had no particr interest in you. The actions you took toward me didn¡¯t really mean much to me. So what I mean is¡­" "You¡¯re saying that I¡¯m a being not worth the effort to even pay attention to or change your mind about." Since it wasn¡¯t incorrect, I just smiled. It¡¯s like a moleining to a bulldozer digging up the ground; it doesn¡¯t even get noticed. And there¡¯s no need to exin the necessity and circumstances of the construction to the mole or seek its understanding. Simrly, I didn¡¯t give a second thought to a single elf¡¯sints. So I intended to talk to her properly at some point but then forgot as soon as other issues arose. With a past of fighting countless fierce and perilous enemies during the war, dealing with the grumpy elf Ismera¡¯s hostility, andforting and understanding such an elf, was a very low-priority and trivial issue. And right now, my urgent priority was to normalize the academy to get Kirrin recognized by the Second Princess. Someone might criticize me as trash for this, but everyone has their own capacity,mon sense, and boundaries. As I was thinking these things, Ismera asked me. "If I was so insignificant to you¡­ why are you here now, saying these things¡­" "Because recently I¡¯vee to realize that you¡¯re truly a good person." Ismera¡¯s mouth slightly fell open in shock. "You are arrogant and conceited. Just because I was appointed, you hated me so much that you wanted to kill me, and didn¡¯t hesitate to show hostility." I continued with a faint smile. "But while preparing for the publicpetition and observing you up close, I came to understand that you are capable, diligent, and endlessly kind to your students." Ismera''s eyes darted back and forth, not knowing where to go. "To me, that was an incredible charm." "Huh?!" "You are a good person." "What¡­ are you talking about?!" Ismera yelled and moved back. "Calm down, Ismera! Professor Dian isn¡¯t making that kind of offer to you." Nierta, who was grabbing the shocked Ismera, looked back at me. "I¡¯ll apologize on behalf of her, Lord Dian. We elves rarely praise each other. What you just said was at a level usually reserved for courtship¡­" Ah, it was a misunderstanding due to cultural and customary differences. It¡¯s not a big deal. "I¡¯m sorry, Professor Ismera. That wasn¡¯t my intention. I just thought you were a truly good person." However, seeing Ismera gripping her chest and not calming down easily, I decided it was best to step outside for a moment. "Anyway, Professor Ismera. Congrattions on bing the Vice-Headmaster. So please return to the academy. I will take measures to ensure the Security Office cannot touch you. I¡¯ll wait outside, so please give me your answer once you¡¯ve sorted your thoughts." "Wait a minute!" As I was about to get up from the chair, Ismera stopped me. "There¡¯s one thing I still don¡¯t understand while we¡¯re talking." "Please go ahead." "You keep saying that you can keep the Security Office from moving. Do you have any grounds for that?" "It might be hard to believe, but that¡¯s the case. Don¡¯t you have any doubts about my private conversations with Kaiden, who is from the Demon King¡¯s yer Special Force?" Ismera gave me a look asking for an exnation. "I mentioned before. I was part of the Demon King¡¯s yer Special Force along with Linus during the war." "Yes, you did. Of course, I didn¡¯t believe it. It¡¯s ridiculous. The members of the Demon King¡¯s yer Special Force all became prominent figures. So why are you working as a mere professor? Moreover, your name wasn¡¯t mentioned at all in the praise for the Special Force¡¯ activities from the Imperial Pce." "Hmm, Ismera¡­" At that moment, Nierta, who was next to me, cautiously spoke up. "Ten years ago, when our Great Forest was being attacked by the Demon King''s army." Nierta said in a soothing tone. "Do you remember that Lod Linus and another human hade to save our Great Forest? They disappeared after the war." "And why is thising up now?" "That human was actually Lord Dian." Ismera gave a disbelievingugh, as if she was being joked with. "Nierta¡­" "It¡¯s true. Lord Linus is now in the Great Forest. He came with Lord Dian, who wanted to see you." "Lord Linus is here¡­?" "If necessary, you can get a testimony from Lord Linus. That Lord Dian is one of the saviors of our tribe." Ismera stared at Nierta with an expression of disbelief. "So then¡­" "That¡¯s right, Ismera. The one who saved you when you were trapped in the mes and fell unconscious was him." [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 111 - Ismera’s Great Forest (10) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 111 - Ismera¡¯s Great Forest (10) "L-Lies..." Ismera stuttered, and Nierta shook her head. "It¡¯s not a lie. It¡¯s the truth." "That can¡¯t be true... It¡¯s impossible..." "Ismera." "Why is everyone doing this to me...?" Ismera shook off Nierta¡¯s hand as she tried to hold hers. "Why are you doing this to me... Please, stop... Why is everyone so eager to torment me...?" "That¡¯s not what we¡¯re trying to do¡ª" "Stop it!!" Ismera bolted out of the tent. "What? Professor!" "No, Lord Dian." Just as I was about to chase after her, Nierta, who had followed me out of the tent, called out to stop me. "Don¡¯t follow her. Let her be alone for now." "Will she be okay?" "She¡¯ll be fine. Ismera¡¯s not behaving this way because she doesn¡¯t believe who you are, but because she can¡¯t ept it." "I see... But there¡¯s nothing to ept or reject. It¡¯s just the truth." "Not to Ismera. She hated you, Lord Dian." "Well, that¡¯s true..." "From her perspective, it¡¯s driving her mad. The human she¡¯s hated all this time has suddenly turned out to be the one who saved her life." "I understand." "Ismera is strict with herself, sensitive, and doesn¡¯t have much room for error." Nierta smiled gently. "She¡¯s likely filled with regret and guilt over what she said and did to you, loathing herself, and feeling angry and confused about how twisted the situation has be." "Hmm, yes..." "Ismera¡¯s always been like that. Just leave her for now. Give her some time to process everything and figure out how she really feels." "Alright, I¡¯ll do that..." Following Nierta¡¯s suggestion, I watched Ismera¡¯s figure disappear into the forest. I wonder where she¡¯s headed. # # # # # The summer of about ten years ago was particrly hot. Outside the Great Forest, war raged between the demons and humans, and those who patrolled the forest often brought back news of battles taking ce on the outskirts. However, the elves felt no real sense of crisis about it. The Great Foresty deep within the vast Tyraellen Forest, and there was no reason for demons, humans, or any other sentient race toe all the way here to start a battle. Tyraellen¡¯s Great Forest was a safe and cozy refuge from the harsh and savage world beyond. So young Ismera, rather than being fearful of the war, was more focused onining about the unbearably hot summer. "It¡¯s so hot. I feel like I¡¯m going to melt." "Melt? Then I¡¯ll have to put you in a pretty jar and keep you on a shelf." Ismera, who had her feet dipped in the pond, grumbled, making her friend Nierta burst intoughter. It was a small pond deep within the forest, far from the Great Forest. A secret ce that only Ismera and Nierta knew, where they often came to escape the nagging of their elders. "I¡¯m not joking. It¡¯s really hot. I don¡¯t want to do anything, and I¡¯m just getting annoyed." "But the heat isn¡¯t all bad, Ismera. When the summer is hot, the fruits be sweeter." "It wasn¡¯t this hotst year, and the fruits were still sweet." "Then this year, they¡¯ll be even sweeter thanst year." Ismera couldn¡¯t help but smile at Nierta¡¯s endlessly positive attitude. Unlike the strict and rigid other elves, Nierta was gentle and kind, a peculiar personality. She was Ismera¡¯s best friend, despite her sensitive nature. "Still, I can¡¯t understand how there could be a war in this weather. Maybe they¡¯ve all gone crazy from the heat." "It was a war that was bound to happen eventually." Nierta said as she looked around the forest. "The races outside don¡¯t enjoy the abundance we do. So they fight to take it from each other." "Hmph. If they just lived like us, eating fruits and nts, everyone could be happy." "That¡¯s true for us, but other races would probably wither away if they tried to eat like we do. If you saw demons or orcs, that thought would vanish right away." "Why? What are they like?" "Have you seen the ogres that live in the forest? They¡¯re just a little smaller than that." "And that¡¯s supposed to be a sentient race? It¡¯s practically a monster! You¡¯re lying to me!" "I¡¯m not lying! Look over there. They look just like¡ª" Nierta¡¯s words were cut off. Between the trees, massive silhouettes flitted by. With their keen elven eyesight, Ismera and Nierta quickly recognized the figures as heavily armed soldiers with goat-like horns on their heads. "D-Demons..." "Ismera. Get up. Hurry...!" Nierta jumped up and roughly pulled Ismera to her feet. As they fled towards the Great Forest, hot mes began to rise behind them. "Gasp?!" Ismera¡¯s body twisted as if in a seizure, and she jolted awake. She breathed heavily as she quickly looked around and sighed in relief, leaning back against the tree. She was now at a small pond on the outskirts of the Great Forest. A secret pond she and Nierta had often snuck away to as children to escape the elders¡¯ nagging. She had ended up here unconsciously after running away from the tent in a panic. The pond, which hadpletely dried up during the Demon King¡¯s attack ten years ago, was thankfully full of water again. Though it no longer sparkled like a hidden gem amid the lush foliage as it once did. It was a ce where she often came to find peace, dipping her feet into the water. So it was no surprise that Ismera had sat down by the pond, leaning against a tree to catch her breath, and had fallen asleep without realizing it. It had been around midday when she left the tent, but now it was alreadyte evening, with twilight settling in. Considering thete summer sunset, quite a bit of time had passed. I should be heading back now... But Ismera couldn¡¯t bring herself to get up. The thought of returning and facing Dian again sent a storm of turmoil through her. Dian was the one who had saved me back then... Now that she thought about it, it made sense. Dian had already told her the truth directly and indirectly several times. And during the publicpetition, Professor Dian and the mage Kaiden had spoken with each other like old friends. But at the time, Ismera had been too shocked by the thought of her position being reced to dwell on it. And then there was Nierta¡¯s testimony. Plus, the potential confirmation from Sir Linus. Ismera wasn¡¯t the type to ignore what was inly in front of her, even if she wasn¡¯t particrly sociable or proud. In fact, she was more rational than emotional, and at this point, Ismera was starting to ept that Dian¡¯s words weren¡¯t baseless. But even so, the reason she ran away instead of thanking Dian was because it was Dian. Ismera hated Dian. From the moment he arrived, Dian¡¯s various entricities had driven Ismera up the wall, and the fact that those entricities had all led to good oues only made her angrier. To the strict elf Ismera, Dian was a rogue human who used connections with the Pce and the Security Office to take the easy way out of everything. She resented his every action and was ufortable with his very presence. And now this man, who she detested, had suddenly appeared before her as the one who had saved her life. It was an uneptable paradox. The thought crossed her mind that it would have been better if she had never known, or if she could have continued hating him without ever learning the truth. Ismera¡¯s thoughts scattered, unable to settle on anything, and her emotions were a tangled mess. Everything she had believed in, and all the resentment she had harbored towards Dian, shattered in an instant. A deep sense of guilt rose within her, making her feel like she was suffocating. She tried to push away the chaotic thoughts, but the more she did, the more questions and self-reproach flooded in. Ismera felt like everything she had said and done to Dian wasing back to stab her like a boomerang. All the anger and contempt she had hurled at him now turned into usations against herself, piercing her deeply. Ismera felt like she couldn¡¯t endure this situation any longer. All of her actions now felt like self-inflicted wounds, and the pressure was choking her. What should I do now? Obviously, she should go back and apologize to Dian, ask for his forgiveness. But Ismera couldn¡¯t bring herself to do it. The moment she bowed her head to Dian, the weight of her guilt would crush her. She felt that she couldn¡¯t bear the consequences of everything she had done to him. Maybe... I should just run away... After all, she had never nned to stay in the Great Forest permanently. She had onlye here to rest briefly before moving on to another city, so it wouldn¡¯t be much of a loss to leave now. But still, she had to return to Dian... Ismera had always longed to find the person who had saved her life ten years ago. She had always thought that if they met again, she would repay him. And now, she had met that person. So she had to go back... "It seems to be around here." A voice suddenly broke through her thoughts. "The ce where Dian saved you from the mes." She looked up and saw a blond man standing there. Ismera knew who he was. There wasn¡¯t a single citizen in the Empire who didn¡¯t recognize his face. "Sir Linus...?" Linus stood with his hands behind his back, gazing up at the starry night sky. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 112 - Ismera’s Great Forest (11) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 112 - Ismera¡¯s Great Forest (11) "H-How did you find this ce...?" "Nierta told me. She said you¡¯d probably be here, that this was a ce you both often visited as children." "That¡¯s right... But what brings you all the way here, Sir Linus...?" "Dian asked me toe find you since it was gettingte. He said you¡¯d feel ufortable if he came himself." At the mention of Dian''s name, Ismera lowered her head. "I can¡¯t deny that..." Linus looked down at Ismera for a moment before asking. "Professor. Could you tell me a bit about Dian¡¯s time at the academy?" "Professor Dian...?" "Yes. As you probably know, Dian and I have been friends for a very long time. And now he¡¯s reluctantly working as a professor at the academy in my ce. So of course, I¡¯m curious about how he¡¯s been getting on." "That makes sense..." Hesitating for a moment, Ismera eventually began to speak about Dian¡¯s time at the academy. "When Professor Dian first arrived, there was a lot of gossip. At the time, there were rumors that you, Sir Linus, might be a candidate for Headmaster. But then you didn¡¯te, and instead, someone with no experience showed up." "The academy must have been taken aback." "Exactly. Plus, Headmaster Kirrin had already packed up and was ready to leave, but then Professor Dian showed up and said he had no intention of bing Headmaster, which left everyone in a state of confusion. Some of the professors even tried to investigate him, but they couldn¡¯t find anything. All they could learn was that he¡¯d lived in a remote port city for ten years without any notable job. And that was information he gave them himself. In reality, they couldn¡¯t uncover anything." Ismera shook her head as if in disbelief. "It was the first time I realized that, if the Pce wants to, it canpletely erase someone¡¯s traces." "It¡¯s truly a chilling thought." "So, at the academy, there were spections that Professor Dian might be a former member of a special unit, like some of the Combat Department professors, or even a secret prince hidden by the Pce, although that seemed far-fetched." Linus let out a low chuckle at the mention of a secret prince. "Professor Dian, who made such a strong first impression, turned the academy upside down from his very first day." Ismera began recounting the story of how Dian had unleashed a barrage of attack spells on the graduating students. At that time, Kirrin nearly fainted, and the Combat Department, experiencing real training for the first time, was thrilled. Most of the students were also enthusiastic about Professor Dian¡¯s bold actions. Afterward, Dian resumed all the practical training, renovated the neglected training grounds, and even seeded in recruiting a priestess for the infirmary, something everyone thought was impossible. He brought in a market for the campus, captured a herd of wild horses for practice, and even captured a troll for potion-making exercises. But that wasn¡¯t all. He pushed forward with the long-dyed selection of special students, securing the exceptional talent, Sophie, and even won first ce in thepetition, among many other achievements. "He worked harder than I expected. I thought he would just sit around and upy the position." At Linus''s words, Ismera shook her head. "That¡¯s not true. Professor Dian always gave his best. He may have seemed indifferent or careless on the surface, but he always worked towards the academy¡¯s progress and achieved results no one expected. And yet, Professor Dian never sought any rewards..." Ismera suddenly fell silent. Before she realized it, she had started praising Dian. Now that all her misunderstandings and ill feelings toward Dian had dissipated, as she recounted his actions, Ismera was finally able to judge everything objectively. Yes, that''s right. Professor Dian always gave his best. He pushed through the things that the Headmaster opposed, the things everyone said couldn¡¯t be done, and in the end, he made them happen. And yet, Dian never sought anypensation for what he did. He had no desire to be Headmaster, nor did he use his achievements as a stepping stone to rise in the capital. Even with the overwhelming support of the academy¡¯s staff and students, he never grew arrogant or wielded power. He just continued to stroll around like a carefree wanderer. He¡¯d spend nights drinking with the Combat Department professors, calling it a gathering, and whenever he had time, he¡¯d buy a strawberry cream cake at the dessert cafe. He¡¯d wander around the campus with a practice sword at his waist, cracking jokes with the students, and whenever he ran into Ismera, he¡¯d tease her with infuriatingments. And yet, Dian always gave his best. Truly, he was such a remarkable... amazing person... And yet, I... blinded by my own ambitions... treated him so harshly... And despite all that, Professor Dian never got angry at me... Even though I was an elf with no power, who didn¡¯t even know her ce, despite already owing him my life... If he¡¯d wanted to, he could have easily gotten rid of someone like me... And yet, instead of getting angry, Professor Dian actually helped me... What have I done to this man... Ismera began to sob quietly. "Professor." As Ismera¡¯s shoulders shook with her silent cries, Linus spoke. "As you said, Dian doesn¡¯t expect any reward for what he¡¯s done. He doesn¡¯t boast about it either. That¡¯s why he¡¯s lived as an unsung hero all this time withoutint." Ismera nodded silently through her tears. "That¡¯s the kind of person Dian is. He¡¯s someone who, even after performing heroic deeds that no one else recognizes, is content just knowing that the people he saved are living well." Linus looked back up at the starry sky as he continued. "To be honest, I still don¡¯t fully understand Dian. If he were an ordinary person, it would be hard to live like that. He hasn¡¯t received the rightfulpensation or rewards for what he¡¯s done. But Dian, as if he were some kind of saint, remains detached from all that. And yet, what¡¯s funny is that when you get close to him, you realize he¡¯s not quite the kind of person you¡¯d admire from afar." There was a deep affection and respect in Linus¡¯s voice as he spoke about Dian. "Professor, you must be very confused right now, aren¡¯t you? The fact that the person you disliked is actually your savior. You feel you should repay him, but your past actions toward Dian are holding you back, aren¡¯t they?" "Yes... I just don¡¯t know what to do..." "If you¡¯re willing, I¡¯d like to give you some advice." Ismera looked up at Linus, her face still wet with tears. "Go back and tell Dian that you¡¯re sorry for what happened in the past. And thank him for saving you." "But just ending it like that..." "That¡¯s enough. Dian will say it¡¯s okay if you apologize, and he¡¯ll acknowledge it if you thank him. And he might even end up thanking you instead." "Thank me...?" "As I mentioned before, Dian is someone who feels fulfilled when the people he saved are living well. It¡¯s the only thing he expects in return. If the people he risked his life to save end up dying or living miserably, his sacrifice and dedication would be meaningless." In that moment, the scene from that day yed out before Ismera¡¯s eyes. Fireballs rained down like a storm, streams and ponds boiled away, and the charred grass turned to ash. Smoke darker than the night sky filled her vision, and the searing heat made it impossible to breathe. The world Ismera knew had be a hellishndscape of mes. And in the midst of it all, Dian was running. He wore a ck mask to protect himself from the smoke, held a sword in one hand, and had Ismera tucked under his arm. With a crash, a burning tree fell, and Dian barely managed to leap out of the way. "Stay awake! Don¡¯t close your eyes!" Afternding, Dian pped Ismera¡¯s cheek with his palm, a bit harder than necessary, as her eyes began to flutter closed. "My head... feels fuzzy..." "If you fall asleep now, you¡¯ll die! I¡¯ll get you out of this, so don¡¯t give up!" Dian steadied Ismera and started running again. But the mes had already spread for kilometres. No matter how fast they ran, it was impossible to escape. If he were alone, he might have been able to break through the mes, but he had a young elf with him, one who had inhaled too much smoke and was teetering on the edge of life and death. They needed to find the safest possible escape route. But even that wasn¡¯t easy. "Damn it." Dian cursed as an enormous fallen tree blocked their path, forcing him to change direction abruptly. But the alternate route was also blocked by copsing debris. The fire had been raging for so long that the weakened trees were copsing like dominoes, simultaneously crashing down around them. Crack¡ª! Crackle¡ª!! Thud! "Dian! Where are you?! Answer if you can hear me!" Just then, a voice called out from somewhere beyond the wall of mes. It was Linus. "I¡¯m here! Can you get to me?" "It¡¯ll be difficult! There are too many obstacles in the way!" After a moment of consideration, Dian lifted Ismera into his arms. "Kid, have you ever flown before?" Dian asked as he gauged the direction of the voice. "I¡¯m going to throw you over there. Don¡¯t be scared. The blond man will catch you safely. Linus!" Dian shouted. "I¡¯m throwing her! Catch her!" "What about you?!" "I can¡¯t jump with her! I¡¯ll get her out first!" "Damn it... Throw her, then!" Dian smiled as he looked at Ismera. "Alright, get ready for a nice flight." "What about you...?" "Don¡¯t worry about me. I can handle myself. And even if I die here, don¡¯t me yourself. Just survive. That¡¯s how you repay me." "Mister..." "The Great Forest falling doesn¡¯t mean the world is ending. So never give up, and keep living." "Dian! If you¡¯re going to throw her, do it now! It¡¯s dangerous here too!!" Linus shouted, and Dian hoisted Ismera onto his shoulder. "Here you go! Take care! And don¡¯t worry about thanking me!!" Dian threw Ismera with all his strength. As she flew backward, Ismera, her vision blurred, looked at Dian, who was left behind. But in an instant, several ming trees copsed, engulfing Dianpletely. "After that, Dian managed to escape on his own. As soon as he did, he immediately went to attack the Demon King¡¯s engineering corps that was following the main force. He joined up with me, and we were deployed to another battlefield." "I¡¯m so sorry, Professor Dian..." Ismera crouched down, sobbing uncontrobly. "I¡¯m truly sorry... What have I done to you..." As he watched her, Linus spoke with conviction. "You want to repay Dian, don¡¯t you? Then go back and tell him. Tell him you¡¯re sorry. Tell him thank you. Tell him that thanks to him, you¡¯re alive and well. That will be your way of repaying Dian¡¯s kindness and apologizing for your past actions." # # # # # Too much time had passed. Nierta said that Ismera was probably at the pond on the outskirts of the Great Forest, and it seemed like she should have arrived by now. Could it be that Ismera, that elf, has run off somewhere again? "Professor Dian..." Just then, a voice called out from the darkness. Turning around, I saw Ismera standing between the trees. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 113 - Ismera’s Great Forest (12) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 113 - Ismera¡¯s Great Forest (12) Right after Ismera ran out of the tent. I decided to help the elves, as Nierta had suggested. The elves were working on the restoration of the Great Forest. It was a massive project to restore the Great Forest, which had been entirely burned down by the Demon King¡¯s army¡¯s fire attack ten years ago, back to its original state. Calling it a massive project to simply nt trees was not an exaggeration because the trees in the Great Forest, which had burned down, had lifespans of thousands of years. No matter how long-lived the elves are, it would be difficult for the current generation to see the forest restored to its former glory. But I was sure the elves would never give up halfway. To the elves, their Great Forest is the world itself. That¡¯s why they fought the Demon King¡¯s army, despite the enormous casualties, instead of fleeing when they had the chance. And I have no doubt that, no matter how many generations it takes, they will eventually restore the Great Forest. "This way, Lord Dian!" Following Nierta, I found several carts lined up. The carts were loaded with fairlyrge saplings, sacks of fertilizer, andrge ss bottles that looked like potions. "What are these? Are they potions?" "They¡¯re nt nutrients." Nierta exined when I pointed to the ss bottles. "It would be great to use potions, but we can¡¯t afford the cost. So we mix a little of this with the fertilizer and use it." "I see. But I¡¯m curious, where does the funding for all thise from?" "We receive support from the Imperial Pce, and some of our kin work in human cities to earn money. Like Ismera." "Ah, I see..." So, they¡¯re like breadwinners. "Of course, Ismera wanted to go further and be Headmaster, and that¡¯s where the conflict began." "This is the first I¡¯ve heard of it. In fact, I only just found out that Professor Ismera was from Tyraellen." "Ismera doesn¡¯t usually talk about herself. Even when she was in the human city, I was the only one among our kin she exchanged letters with." Nierta smiled as she hoisted a sack of fertilizer onto her shoulder. But the sack was heavy, and Nierta¡¯s slender elven frame wobbled as if she might copse at any moment. "Let me take that." "It¡¯s okay. I should at least do this much. As you can see, there aren¡¯t many male elves around." As Nierta said, most of the elves walking around the tent vige were women. Male elves, upon reaching adulthood, leave the Great Forest to lead a wandering life. They roam the continent, stopping by any Great Forest to sire children and then move on. The children are raisedmunally, with daughters staying in the Great Forest while sons grow up to wander like their fathers. From a human perspective, it¡¯s a strange culture and custom, but elves and humans are fundamentally different species. "Come this way. Spread the fertilizer here." With a sack of fertilizer on each shoulder, I followed Nierta and spread the fertilizer on the pre-tilled soil. Nierta then soaked it thoroughly with the nutrient solution and stirred it with a shovel. It¡¯s a lot simpler than I expected. I wasn¡¯t much into farming in my previous life, so I couldn¡¯t tell if this was the right way to mix things or not. Meanwhile, over there, several elves were struggling to pull a plow. A few male elves, who hade to visit the Great Forest on their travels, were pulling from the front like oxen, while the female elves pushed the plow from behind. "They¡¯re tilling the soil." "Wouldn¡¯t it be better to buy an ox to pull the plow?" "There¡¯s nothing for oxen to eat in this forest. And we¡¯re not too keen on making animals work..." As expected of the elves. If this were Earth, they¡¯d probably be protesting with picket signs at an all-you-can-eat meat buffet. "Whoa?!" Just then, the male elves pulling the plow in front lost their footing, causing the female elves pushing from behind to fall, leading to a chaotic scene. The whole idea of delicate elves pulling a plow meant for strong livestock didn¡¯t make sense from the start. "Move aside. I¡¯ll do it." I told the elves to step back and fastened the yoke firmly around my waist. "It¡¯s Lord Dian...!" The elves quickly gathered around me, murmuring in excitement. They were all incredibly beautiful, with golden hair and green eyes like Ismera and Nierta. "I¡¯m going to pull the plow now, but I need someone to press down on it. Ten people should do. Who wants to help?" "Me! I¡¯ll do it!" The elves eagerly climbed onto the plow as if they were children lining up to ride an amusement park ride. Once the plow was sufficiently weighted, I started running forward with all my strength. Crack-crack-crack!! "Kyaaa!" As the plow cut through the soil, the elves on top shrieked with excitement, as if they were surfing. "This is so much fun!" After a few rounds back and forth, we had arge field ready for immediate cultivation. "You¡¯re incredibly strong." The elves, with their hair tousled by the wind, gathered around me as they dismounted from the plow. "Lord Dian, you¡¯re strong enough to do the work of several wandering males on your own." "What are you saying?" The elves giggled and fussed around. "Lord Dian, will you be staying here for a few days?" "I¡¯m not sure. I think I¡¯ll have to return today since this isn¡¯t a vacation." "Then we better hurry." One of the elves shouted. "Whoever wants Lord Dian to plow their secret ce, get in line!" "Don¡¯t joke around, you! Lord Dian is human!" "So what? I¡¯d be fine with a half-elf. And it¡¯s not like you get pregnant just because you do it, right?" "Then I want to be plowed too!" They joked andughed, making a ruckus. Are these really elves? Maybe they only pretend to be refined outside the Great Forest. "Everyone, quiet down!" Suddenly, Nierta raised her voice. "Have you all forgotten the World Tree''s Oath after just ten years?" At that, the elves fell silent, ncing at each other sheepishly. "We were just joking around, Nierta." "There are some things you shouldn¡¯t joke about." Nierta spoke firmly, and the elves muttered as they dispersed. What¡¯s this World Tree''s Oath that made them react like that? "I apologize on their behalf, Lord Dian. I¡¯m sorry." Nierta turned to me and bowed her head. "They¡¯ve had no proper recreation while tending to the forest for ten years. And now, the savior who had disappeared has returned, so they¡¯re all excited. Plus, you¡¯re a human with an exceptional appearance, so they¡¯re probably all a bit flustered." "Uh, haha. It¡¯s fine." "Thank you for understanding." Nierta looked around and then leaned in close to whisper to me. "Lord Dian, some of the elves might make personal proposals to you." "Proposals? Like what?" "Like asking you to bathe with them." "Excuse me?" "To human eyes, elves must appear very beautiful, but you must absolutely, absolutely resist. Do you understand?" "Understood..." "I¡¯m serious." Nierta emphasized her words. "No matter how tempting it might be, please exercise self-control. I¡¯m counting on you, Lord Dian." "Yes, well... Honestly, since I came here to get Professor Ismera, I¡¯m not really in the mood for anything like that..." Nierta openly showed her relief at my words. "That¡¯s good to hear. Oaths are important." "Speaking of which, what exactly is this World Tree''s Oath?" "I¡¯ll tell you when the time is right. But not now." So it¡¯s some kind of secret among their kin. I shouldn¡¯t press further. "Anyway, Lord Dian, please remember what I said. This is for Ismera¡¯s sake as well." "Professor Ismera? I¡¯m not sure what this is all about, but okay." Even after that, Nierta made me promise several more times. What on earth is this World Tree''s Oath? # # # # # I helped the elves until sunset. Afterward, I followed Nierta¡¯s advice and turned down the elves¡¯ invitations to bathe together and fled to Linus. "The elves here are really intense." "They¡¯re just excited and giddy because you¡¯re here." "They act all high and mighty outside the forest, looking down on other races, but this is how they behave?" "What can you do? You saved them, so you¡¯ll have to endure some of their affection and advances." "You must have found it awkward at first too, huh?" "Not at all. This is my second visit, and the first time I came with Celine. But more importantly..." Linus looked up at the darkening western sky. "Professor Ismera is quitete. Shouldn¡¯t we go look for her? Nierta mentioned some ces where she might be." "If I go, she¡¯ll really run away. You should go instead." "Yeah, that¡¯s probably better." With that, Linus left the Great Forest, and quite a bit of time passed. I waited for Ismera, swinging a fallen branch I had picked up from the ground. As the sky grewpletely dark and the stars began to appear, I started to worry that Ismera might have already left the forest and gone somewhere else. We had reached an understanding, and I made it clear that I wasn¡¯t an obstacle to her career and that the Security Office wouldn¡¯t be able to rece or dismiss her in the future... But that¡¯s probably not what¡¯s troubling Ismera right now. What if Ismera has gone far away? Should I go after her, or should I respect her wishes? If I don¡¯t bring her back, Kirrin might faint. "Professor Dian..." As I was lost in these thoughts, a voice called out. Turning around, I saw Ismera standing between the trees. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 114 - Ismera’s Great Forest (13) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 114 - Ismera¡¯s Great Forest (13) "Professor Ismera, I was worried you wouldn¡¯te." I tossed the branch I had been swinging aside and smiled, while Ismera forced a small smile in return. "I just needed to clear my head a bit..." Ismera hesitated as she slowly approached me. "You¡¯ve... sweated a lot..." "I helped out here while you were clearing your head. If I¡¯m going to get a meal out of this, I figured I should earn it." I tried to joke, but Ismera didn¡¯tugh. "You could have bathed by the stream..." "From what I saw earlier today, that might not have been a good idea." "I see..." Ismera nodded slowly, seeming to understand my point. "Have you made up your mind? Headmaster Kirrin is probably waiting anxiously." Instead of answering, Ismera quietly began to speak. "Well..." But she trailed off and lowered her head, remaining silent for a while. "Well... I¡¯m sorry." Just as I was about to ask again, Ismera suddenly bowed deeply. "I apologize for all the disrespectful things I¡¯ve done. I waste because I was trying to figure out how to properly apologize..." "Ah, well, you just need to say you¡¯re sorry. There¡¯s no need to go that far." "No, I¡¯ve done so much wrong... I felt that a passing apology wouldn¡¯t be enough." Ismera remained bowed as she spoke. "It might sound like an excuse, but it wasn¡¯t that I disliked you as a person, Professor Dian... It was just that..." Here, Ismera faltered, unable to continue, so I finished her sentence for her. "You hated the Head Combat Professor, who had connections to the Imperial Pce and was getting in the way of your advancement to the Headmaster position. Not the person, but the position." "That¡¯s right..." Ismera bowed her head even lower. "I know this apology alone isn¡¯t enough. But I had to start with it... Please forgive me... Please, I beg you to forgive me..." "Hmm, should I forgive you?" I stroked my chin with a smile, and Ismera trembled silently. "Alright. I¡¯ll forgive you, just this once!" "Th-thank you..." Ismera bowed repeatedly, her forehead nearly touching her knees. In all my life, I¡¯ve never seen an elf begging a human like this. "And also..." Still bowing, Ismera stammered. "Th-thank you... for saving me..." "Oh, well, it was the right thing to do." "I was foolish... I didn¡¯t recognize you... and repaid your kindness with hostility..." "Well, I was wearing a mask back then. And I didn¡¯t recognize you either. You were just a little girl at the time, but elves grow up so fast." "Regardless of the reasons, I apologize... If only I had known sooner..." Ismera¡¯s voice began to tremble with emotion. "If I had known... things would have been different... If someone could send me back in time with magic... I¡¯d go straight to the past and p the face of the younger me who treated you so harshly, Professor Dian..." "Don¡¯t me yourself too much. These things happen." "I¡¯m so sorry... So very sorry..." "It¡¯s okay. I¡¯ve epted your apology, and that¡¯s enough." I lightly patted Ismera on the shoulder, and she copsed to her knees, crying. "I¡¯m truly sorry, Professor... I never repaid the kindness you showed me by saving my life... And I couldn¡¯t even keep the promise you made to me to live without despair or giving up..." Ismera ced her hands on the ground and wept. "I wanted to be Headmaster... Once I left for the city, I wanted to see how far I could climb... But no matter how hard I struggled, I kept getting stuck in the same ce..." Oh dear... "I wanted to kill Kirrin... I hated that she was above me just because of her connections, doing nothing... Her education was inferior, her skillscking... Yet just because she was born to the right parents..." Ismera shook her head violently. "Still, I tried not to give up...! I kept telling myself that one day Kirrin would step down... So I endured, doing my best in my current position... But then suddenly you arrived..." Ismera stopped speaking and took a deep, ragged breath. "I¡¯m sorry, Mister... Instead of bing a great person... I gave in to jealousy and envy... In the end, I abandoned everything, gave up, and ran away like a coward... All the while thinking the world was against me..." Ismera, with her forehead pressed against the ground, sobbed, her shoulders shaking. "I¡¯m sorry... I wanted to thank you, but... I¡¯m just so sorry, Mister..." I looked down at Ismera for a moment before letting out a sigh. "Ismera." I knelt down on one knee and ced my hand on Ismera¡¯s trembling back. "I ept your apology, and I understand your thanks. But right now, I¡¯m the one who¡¯s grateful to you." I continued to stroke her trembling back as I spoke. "Thank you for growing into such an amazing person." "I¡¯m not... I¡¯m a failure..." "Why would you say that? You earned your advanced degree in less than ten years after moving to the city. That¡¯s a huge achievement, isn¡¯t it?" "It¡¯s not..." "What are you talking about! Others spend twenty years trying to achieve that, and you did it without even basic education. You did great. It¡¯s truly impressive." I continued tofort her, gently rubbing her back. "And I heard from the Security Office that you practically took on the role of Vice-Headmaster, leading the academy in ce of Headmaster Kirrin ever since it was founded." "That was just to get the Security Office¡¯s attention..." "The results aren¡¯t invalid just because your motivations were less than pure. And that¡¯s not something anyone could manage without a strong sense of duty." Ismera¡¯s sobbing and trembling gradually began to subside. "And I¡¯ve also heard that most of the sry you receive from the academy goes toward the Great Forest restoration project. That¡¯s something I could never have imagined doing." "Others are doing the same... It¡¯s not just me..." "Are they, like you, enduring and working hard despite difficult circumstances?" Ismera didn¡¯t answer that. "You lost the Great Forest and went to an unfamiliar city, where you earned that advanced degree. You diligently maintained the academy instead of openly expressing your frustration, even though the odds of rising further were slim with a Headmaster under the Emperor¡¯s protection. And you sent your earnings back to your kin. An ordinary person would have given up and fled long ago." "But in the end, I did run away..." "Running away isn¡¯t always a bad thing, Ismera. It¡¯s better than stubbornly staying until you break. Running away also takes courage. And more importantly, I don¡¯t think I ever asked you to stick it out and endure." Ismera slowly lifted her head. "In a situation where most people would have given up andshed out, you showed remarkable resilience. So you¡¯re not a failure." "Mister... I..." "You said that if you had known I was the one who saved you, things would have been different. The same goes for me. If I had known that you were the elf I saved back then, what would I have done?" "You probably... would have hated me... thinking I was a monster who repaid kindness with ingratitude..." "No. I probably would have hugged you tightly and said thank you." "What...?" I looked into Ismera¡¯s eyes and smiled. "I¡¯m thankful to you." "You¡¯re thankful to me...?" "Yes, Ismera. Thank you for growing up so well." I reached out and gently stroked Ismera¡¯s head. "I was worried that without the Great Forest, you might have ended up living a meaningless, hopeless life. If that had happened, the act of saving you from the mes back then would have been meaningless." A glimmer appeared in Ismera¡¯s green eyes. It was as if the stars in the night sky were reflecting in her eyes. "When I returned after killing the Demon King, they gave me all sorts of things in the Pce. A noble title,nd, gold, and other things I can¡¯t even remember. But I gave up everything, well except the money." "Why...?" "Because it was meaningless. Killing the Demon King doesn¡¯t make you a noble or give yound. You can earn those things through other means. Those titles andnds can¡¯t be a badge of honor for killing the Demon King. Of course, I needed the money. I didn¡¯t want to bother working for it." I added a joke at the end,ughing. "But Ismera, seeing the people I saved still alive and well, even by chance, yearster, is different. It¡¯s a reward I could never have gotten if I hadn¡¯t been part of the Demon King¡¯s yer Special Force. There aren¡¯t many people in this world who can hear someone thank them for saving their life ten years ago." "That¡¯s really true..." "So, thank you. For giving meaning to what I did. For proving that the choice I made back then wasn¡¯t wrong." I grabbed Ismera¡¯s shoulders and smiled brightly. "Saving you back then was absolutely the right thing to do!" # # # # # Dian¡¯s bright smile filled Ismera¡¯s vision. In that moment, it was as if time had stopped, and Ismera forgot even to breathe. Dian¡¯s smile was filled with firm conviction and affection, sweeping away all the guilt and regret that had weighed down on Ismera. As his hand touched her shoulder, Ismera realized that she was still someone important to someone. "Waaaaaah!" Ismera threw her arms around Dian and burst into tears like a child. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 115 - Ismera’s Great Forest (14) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 115 - Ismera¡¯s Great Forest (14) Ismera hugged me tightly and began to cry her heart out. It¡¯s a bit funny to be thinking this in such a situation, but today is really something special. An elf bowing her head, an elf begging, an elf expressing her apologies and gratitude, an elf kneeling, an elf performing a full prostration, an elf baring her soul, and an elf crying her eyes out. These are all rare sights, each of which would be difficult to witness even once in a lifetime, yet I¡¯ve seen them all in a single moment. I wanted to make a joke about it, but Ismera was crying so bitterly that I decided to just quietly pat her back. After crying for a long while, Ismera finally pulled back, sniffling. "Have you cried it all out?" "Yes... I feel relieved now..." "Then get up. Let¡¯s head back." I reached out to help her up, but suddenly, Ismera grabbed my hand tightly. "What¡¯s wrong?" "Mister... would you... like to bathe together?" "What are you talking about, all of a sudden?" I stared at her, and Ismera looked back at me nkly before suddenly recoiling in shock. "Did I... did I just say that?" "You asked if I wanted to bathe together." "Eek?!" She quickly yanked her hand away from mine as if my touch had burned her, then scrambled backward on her knees. Ismera, who had retreated quite a distance, stared at me with a dumbfounded expression before violently shaking her head. "I must be crazy... I must have lost my mind..." "Given your usual behavior, you might be onto something." "I¡¯m so sorry... I got too caught up in my emotions..." "Enough with the apologies. My ears are going to start bleeding soon." I approached with a smile and helped Ismera to her feet. "What exactly does it mean for elves to bathe together? Nierta warned me quite seriously about it." "Nierta did? What kind of warning?" "She kept telling me to absolutely refuse if any elf asked me to bathe with them. She warned me several times, saying it was for your sake." "For... my sake?" Ismera tilted her head in confusion. "I¡¯m not sure either. Oh, by the way, do you happen to know what the World Tree''s Oath is?" "The World Tree''s Oath?" I told her what I knew¡ªthat when the other elves started flirting with me, Nierta sternly reminded them of the World Tree''s Oath and drove them away. She also told me to be careful of the other elves and that it was all for Ismera¡¯s sake. "I asked, but no one would tell me. Linus didn¡¯t seem to know either. I¡¯m curious." When there was no response, I looked at Ismera and saw that she had lowered her head. "Is it some kind of secret among your kin? If it is, you don¡¯t have to tell me." But it wasn¡¯t that Ismera was refusing to answer. She was speaking, but so quietly that her words were barely audible. "The World Tree''s Oath... Nierta did it for me..." "What did you say?" Ismera stopped mumbling and slowly lifted her head. She stood there with her mouth half-open, staring into the distance. "Are you okay? You look like you¡¯re in a daze." "Mister..." Ismera stiffly turned her head toward me, almost like a broken doll. "There¡¯s somewhere I need to go. Please, follow me." "Where are we going?" Ismera didn¡¯t answer and instead grabbed my wrist and started running. She led me deeper into the Great Forest. Suddenly, an enormous tree came into view, towering with overwhelming presence. It was so massive that its circumference could easily encircle an entire apartment building. It was the World Tree of Tyraellen, the one the elves had risked their lives to protect. Even though it had burned down ten years ago, leaving only its base, it was still an awe-inspiring sight. "Why did you bring me here?" "Shh." Ismera looked around cautiously before leading me toward the base of the World Tree. There was a long, vertical crack in the trunk, wide enough for two carriages to pass through side by side. "Whoa! What is this?!" As I stepped inside the World Tree, I couldn¡¯t help but shout in surprise. There was a forest. Inside the hollowed base, bathed in the moonlight streaming through the open ceiling, was a forest. Trees simr to those outside grew densely, and I could hear the mysterious calls of nocturnal birds. A forest within a tree. It was like another world within this world. "This is your World Tree. Why did wee here?" "There¡¯s a pond. You can bathe there." I was still marveling at the sight when Ismera grabbed my wrist again. "Wait. Is this really okay? A human bathing inside an elven World Tree feels... like sphemy." "It¡¯s fine. It¡¯s to fulfill the World Tree''s Oath." "Hmm, I feel like I¡¯m getting involved in something here. Shouldn¡¯t you exin what this World Tree''s Oath is first?" "Oh, right." Ismera seemed to realize her mistake and let go of my wrist, looking sheepish. "I¡¯m sorry, Mister. I was so nervous that I wasn¡¯t thinking straight." "It¡¯s fine. Just exin it to me." "The World Tree''s Oath is, as the name suggests, an oath made to the World Tree. Humans have a tradition of swearing oaths on the River Styx, right? It¡¯s something like that." "Then it¡¯s really serious. What exactly did you swear?" But instead of answering, Ismera blushed and fidgeted. "The World Tree''s Oath is something you must never break. It¡¯s a kind of pact or contract. If the oath is broken, it¡¯s voided, and there¡¯s no turning back." Then, instead of answering, she suddenly started talking about something else. "Okay, I get it. It¡¯s a serious matter with the World Tree and an oath involved. So what did you swear, and why are Nierta and the other elves so sensitive about it?" "You¡¯ll help me keep the World Tree''s Oath, right?" Unlike her usualposed demeanor, Ismera seemed almost deaf to my questions, focusing only on what she wanted to say. "Well, of course. I¡¯ll help." "In that case..." Now that she had my confirmation, Ismera nced around and then spoke. "First, let¡¯s bathe..." "What does bathing have to do with keeping the World Tree''s Oath?" "It¡¯s... rted." "Well, if you say so..." I suppose it¡¯s part of some ritual involving purification and preparation before performing an act rted to the World Tree. Ismera led me further into the forest within the World Tree. What exactly is this oath that she made...? We eventually stopped at a small pond. The sight of the pond reminded me of the small pond where I had first found the unconscious Ismera years ago. It was when I was desperately trying to evacuate the elves from the burning Great Forest after taking down the detachment force that had invaded. I had just barely managed to convince the stubborn old elves who wanted to die with the forest toe with us, when a young elf came running up, crying. She had been running in a panic and had lost sight of her friend, begging us to help find her. The young elf who asked for help was Nierta, and the missing friend was Ismera. After leaving the elves in Linus''s care, I came to this area and finally found Ismera, who was copsed and inhaling smoke. Back then, Ismera was so small and light that I could carry her while running... Lost in reminiscing, I btedly realised what Ismera was saying. Ismera was holding her hands above her head as if in reverence, speaking to the forest, to the World Tree. "World Tree. I havee to fulfil the vow from ten years ago!" To my surprise, the forest emitted a faint green light. "World Tree! May I fulfil the vow from ten years ago?" As if in response, the forest''s light flickered on and off. What is this¡­? This is really amazing, isn¡¯t it? It really does look like¡­ a deity. So this is the World Tree that the elf ns revere... I understand now why they would risk their lives to protect it. "The World Tree has granted permission. Now, go bathe. I have some preparations to make." Ismera said this and then walked away, turning her back to me and hunching down. What is she doing? I peeked over and saw she was rummaging through a small crossbody bag she always carries. She seemed to be trying to take something out. What Ismera pulled out was a small book. "Let me see, where is it¡­" Ismera muttered as she diligently flipped through the pages of the book. "What are you doing?" "I was looking for information on what to do in a situation like this." I then realised that what Ismera was holding was not a book but a notebook. I had seen it briefly before when she was preparing for thepetition. It was a personal notebook where Ismera had handwritten important things she must not forget. It was densely filled with notes on academy administration, theoretical subjects, and so on. When I first saw it, I thought it might be like an encyclopaedia where you could find almost anything. "Mister, go bathe. There¡¯s not much time." "Alright, I got it." I took off all my clothes and entered the pond to wash myself. Perhaps because it was an elven forest, the water seemed especially cool and clean. "Ismera, what should I do next?" After finishing my bath and sitting in the water, I asked, but Ismera didn¡¯t answer. Ismera kept sighing as she turned the pages, seemingly unable to find the information she was looking for. "What should I do¡­." Ismera was getting anxious and started biting her nails. It was a familiar sight from when she was preparing for thepetition. It seems this behavioures out when she feels she hasn''t prepared thoroughly. "What are you looking for? And do we have to stay here like this? You should at least tell me something." Then Ismera suddenly looked up. "Oh, I have a good idea. I¡¯ll be back in a moment." "Suddenly¡­?" "I¡¯m going to ask the Elder for advice. The Elder is also my mother. She will have the wisdom rted to this." "Wait, Ismera! After getting me to bathe, what are you going to ask her about?" As I blocked her from exiting the water, Ismera screamed and covered her face with her hands, turning away. "Hey. Tell me exactly what the World Tree¡¯s Oath is. Otherwise, I¡¯ll run around the Great Forest like this." "Oh¡­" Ismera hesitated but eventually spilled everything. "I made an oath to the World Tree¡­. That if I ever met the one who saved me and my tribe again, I would give them my everything." "Huh? Everything?" "For example¡­" Ismera¡¯s face turned bright red. "Things like¡­ my purity I¡¯ve kept until now¡­" [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 116 - Ismera’s Great Forest (15) [18+] Chapter 116 - Ismera¡¯s Great Forest (15) [18+] Purity? This is insane. "That''s why I suggested we bathe together... When a wandering male elf visits our tribe... if we like them, we subtly propose bathing together..." I had a feeling something was off, but... to think she''d swear something like that on the World Tree? "But Mister... I can''t do anything without knowing more. I need some prior knowledge." "You don''t need to go to the elf elder. I can teach you." Well, now that it''se to this, there''s no point in holding back. Backing out now would be cowardly. "You, Mister? You know something about this?" "Yeah. Even though I''m far less educated than you, I do know a bit about this." "Then..." Ismera swallowed hard. "Please teach me..." "First, take off your clothes." "Okay... Please don''t look..." I turned my back, and behind me, I heard the soft rustling sound of Ismera undressing. "You can look now..." I slowly turned around and was left speechless. Ismera¡¯s blonde hair caught the moonlight, shimmering softly in the breeze. Her green eyes resembled the depths of a serene forest, glowing with a deep, mysterious light, as if leading the beholder into an infinite maze within the woods. Ismera¡¯s body was elegant and harmonious. Her waistline flowed smoothly like a river, her ample chest trembling gently like petals in the wind. Her skin, reflecting the moonlight with a glossy sheen, looked so smooth that it felt like I could sense its silky texture without even touching it. Her legs, as straight and graceful as the trunks of trees, extended down to where something indescribably delicate and mysterious existed between them. Ismera''s body, blending seamlessly with nature, exuded a tranquil charm, like a poem in motion. This was the first time I''d ever seen an elf naked. I can confidently say that nothing I''ve seen before, or will ever see, could surpass this beauty. Seeing my gaze, Ismera''s face flushed deeply as she murmured. "Then please... Teach this ignorant elf with your personal lesson..." "Come closer." Ismera wobbled as she approached and stood before me, ready to be embraced. But as I tried to hold her, my lower half, already aroused, ended up poking her in the stomach. Ismera stiffened, looking down between her fingers at what had happened with a bewildered expression. "Kyahhh!!" She shrieked and scrambled backward in a panic. "Wh-what is that?!?!" "Ah, sorry about that. It¡¯s not something I can control at will." Seeing my member standing tall, Ismera¡¯splexion turned pale. "I-is that some kind of parasite?!?!" "No, no, this is just the male genitalia." "A genitalia?! What do you mean?! Are you saying you''ve been walking around the academy with thatrge, hard thing attached all the time?! Are you sane?!" "It doesn''t stay like this all the time, only when I''m excited. It''s not weird." Ismera, clutching her chest and breathing heavily, eventually calmed down and slowly approached me again. "This... is your genitalia..." Ismera crouched down, carefully examining my engorged, vein-covered member. "It looks like a mushroom from the Great Forest... though it''s muchrger... Does it have poison?" "Of course not. Human women touch it, lick it, even suck on it." "What?!" All color drained from Ismera''s face. "Why would they...?" "Because it feels good. Do you want to try?" Ismera stared at it for a moment before standing up and shaking her head. "I''m sorry, but... Let''s just wash up and go back today... I¡¯m suddenly not feeling well..." "Not feeling well? Are you sick?" "Yes... After seeing yours, my body suddenly feels hot... and I keep getting this tingling sensation below my waist... I think I might have a fever..." Now that I looked closely, Ismera''s face was flushed, and her nose was slightly sweaty. "A fever?" "Haaah!" When I touched her forehead and cheeks, Ismera moaned and curled up. "Don''t... Don''t touch me! It feels weird!" "Ismera. This isn''t an illness..." I was about to exin but decided against it. What¡¯s the point of exining everything to someone who¡¯spletely ignorant about this? "Mister!! What are you doing!!!" I suddenly pulled Ismera into an embrace. "Seeing is believing. Let''s learn by experiencing it ourselves." As Iid her down on the grass, Ismera curled up like a pill bug. When I grabbed her wrists and ankles, pulling them apart, a soft moan escaped her lips. "Mister..." "You have to keep the World Tree''s Oath." At my words, Ismera flinched, then reluctantly spread her legs on her own. "Give me... your personal lesson..." # # # # # At first, Ismera could clearly feel everything. Dian held her as they left the pond,id her down, and she allowed him to do as he pleased to keep the World Tree''s Oath and to im him for herself. As Dian embraced her and kissed her, was that when it started? Ismera¡¯s consciousness began to blur. Her first kiss was so intoxicating that even with her eyes closed, it felt like the invisible sky and earth were spinning like a clock. Ovee with a sudden surge of heat, like she was about to cry, Ismera unconsciously wrapped her arms around Dian¡¯s neck and extended her tongue. The sensation of their tongues intertwining sent shivers down her spine, and Ismera nearly bit Dian¡¯s tongue. She felt like she could get addicted to kissing... Lost in a trance, Ismera didn¡¯t even notice the saliva dripping from her mouth as she rubbed and sucked on his lips. So when Dian finally pulled away, she felt a sharp sense of loss. "Why did you stop...?" "We need to move on to the next step." "Heuk!" As Dian moved down and suddenly bit Ismera¡¯s nipple, she couldn¡¯t even resist, only arching her back in response. Though Dian was stimting her nipples with his teeth and tongue, for some reason, the sensation shot down to her groin far below. This must be urine. I¡¯m definitely about to pee! Not wanting to disgrace herself in front of Dian, Ismera tried to excuse herself to relieve herself in the bushes. But she couldn¡¯t. Dian, still sucking on her nipple, slid his fingers between Ismera¡¯s thighs. When Dian''s fingertip touched her most intimate and secret ce, Ismera bit her lip and threw her head back. "Ismera. You¡¯re really wet." "Please don¡¯t... say such things... Ah!" Dian¡¯s fingers mercilessly teased Ismera¡¯s slick valley, now drenched with her own slippery fluids. Feeling these unbelievable sensations for the first time in her life, Ismera writhed in silence, like a deer struck by an arrow in its vital spot. "Ugh...! Ngh! Mmm...!" The most graceful of all races was now writhing on the grass in the middle of the night, sumbing to crude, primal pleasure. "I¡¯m going to put it in now." "Wh-what are you going to put in...? No! No!!!" Ismera, with her hazy eyes, nced down and suddenly snapped back to reality, shouting. Dian¡¯s massive, angry-looking mushroom was about to enter her body!! "You can''t put something that big in me! Wait, Mister! Please wait!" Ismera desperately pushed against Dian¡¯s chest, pleading. "Please wait here just a moment! Let me go ask the Elder if it¡¯s really okay to put it in! Please! I¡¯m ignorant about this, so let me consult with the Elder first, and then...!" Ignoring herpletely, Dian¡¯s mushroom forced its way into her knot, and Ismera could no longer speak. At first, Ismera was pinned beneath him, being mercilessly pounded. At this point, Ismera¡¯s body had already lost control. Every time Dian thrust deep inside her, the shock reverberated all the way to her brain. It hurt, but at the same time, the overwhelming pleasure was so intense that tears welled up in her eyes. Ismera instinctively wrapped her legs tightly around Dian¡¯s waist. After pounding into her ruthlessly for some time, Dian switched positions, turning Ismera on top. For a moment, Ismera tried to escape, but Dian grabbed her hips and pulled her back down, not allowing it. As they continued their frenzied movements, at some point, Ismera found herself squatting down, drooling and furiously bouncing her hips. Then Dian trembled, releasing a tremendous amount of heat inside Ismera. "Mister¡¯s essence... this precious thing..." In her dazed state, Ismera licked up all the fluids spilling from her knot and onto Dian¡¯s stomach. Even Ismera herself couldn''t understand why she had done such an absurd and vulgar thing. As she licked his belly, Ismera moved down and took Dian¡¯s mushroom into her mouth. The salty yet rich sensation was enough to drive both Ismera and Dian crazy. Dian¡¯s mushroom quickly readied itself to release its spores again. This time, Dian had Ismera get on all fours and attacked her from behind. It was a position akin to how stray dogs in the city¡¯s alleys mate¡ªa profound humiliation for the proud elf. If it were the usual Ismera, she would have erupted in anger, but now things were different. The thought of being treated like an animal by Dian overwhelmed Ismera with a sense of shame and excitement, causing her to spray a clear stream of liquid uncontrobly. Like a female dog peeing on a roadside tree as if she had truly be a bitch in heat. In this moment, Dian was the high sorcerer, while Ismera was an uneducated, illiterate peasant. She was no longer even making human sounds but rather the whimpers of a beast. This was thest part Ismera could recall clearly. Beyond this point, she had no memory. It wasn¡¯t that she had forgotten, but rather that her consciousness blurred under the onught of sensations overwhelming her from head to toe. Even when she tried to remember, it was all a fog. The heavy, dull feeling in her lower belly, the shame and guilt of having peed on Dian¡¯s body multiple times, and the dizziness that came as her vision whitened and her body floated up from the intense waves of pleasure¡ªall of these were moments where Ismera¡¯s mind went nk. Dina¡¯s firm body, the shared heat between them, the slippery exchange of fluids, and the steady progression through unimaginable positions in this "personal lesson"¡ªall of it blurred together. "Mister, Mister..." Ismera shook Dian¡¯s chest, her voice soft. "Mister... You can still go on, right...?" As the saying goes, ¡°Ate learner is relentless.¡± Having learned the pleasures of being a woman from Dian, Ismera¡¯s desire was insatiable, continuing long into the night. "I can¡¯t anymore... There¡¯s nothing left to give..." "Mister... I¡¯ll help, so please gather your strength..." Ismera slowly crawled down and began to lick Dian¡¯s member again. Being a high achiever by nature, Ismera had an exceptional capacity to learn. So in just one night, she mastered the art of reviving Dian with her mouth and tongue. Her skilled ministrations soon had Dian standing at attention once more. "Haa, Ismera... This really is thest time..." "Hurry. My thirst for knowledge isn¡¯t quenched yet... Let¡¯s proceed to the advanced course..." With a smile full of joy, Ismera, her eyespletely unfocused, pulled Dian close with her entire body. Soon, Dian began to relentlessly thrust deep inside her once again. Ismera¡¯s body convulsed wildly as she started to spray fluids uncontrobly. This continued, without pause, until the eastern sky began to brighten with the dawn. Chapter 117 - Ismera’s Great Forest (16) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 117 - Ismera¡¯s Great Forest (16) It wasn''t until the early morning sunlight streamed through the ceiling at the base of the World Tree that Ismera, seemingly satisfied, copsed beside me. "That was the best lesson of my life..." In contrast, my lower back felt dull and sore, likely from being overworked. My body was covered in bite marks from Ismera, drenched, and utterly disheveled. "We should get up now..." Even so, we couldn¡¯t just lie around here forever, so I slowly got to my feet. "There are people waiting for us. Both in the Great Forest and at the Academy." "Yes... But I think we need to wash up first." We entered the pond together, washing each other clean. "This scar on your neck... it¡¯s from back then, isn¡¯t it?" Ismera gently touched therge burn scar on my neck, unable to continue speaking. "It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s just a simple scar. It didn¡¯t threaten my life." "But even so, it¡¯s because of me..." "Look at this." I showed Ismera the various scars all over my body. "This one¡¯s from being impaled by a demon¡¯s horn, this one¡¯s from an axe wound, and this one¡ªwell, a spear went through me, but fortunately, it narrowly missed an artery." Tears began to well up in Ismera¡¯s eyes as she looked at the scars etched across my body like a battle record. "So many scars..." "Inparison, this burn scar is nothing." "But still, I¡¯m grateful and sorry..." Ismera whispered, kissing each scar. The sensation was rather peculiar. # # # # # After leaving the pond, I carried Ismera on my back as I walked toward the exit of the World Tree. Ismera¡¯s legs were trembling like those of a newborn fawn, making it impossible for her to walk properly. "Um, by the way... isn¡¯t this weird for you?" Ismera quietly asked from her spot on my back. "What do you mean?" "Me calling you ¡®Mister¡¯... I¡¯ve grown so much now... Most people probably think I¡¯m older than you." "It¡¯s not weird at all. When I saw you crying and fussing, you looked just like that little girl back then." "Oh... How embarrassing..." "I¡¯m just teasing. And besides, elves are all like that, right? You grow rapidly in a few years and then maintain that appearance." "That¡¯s true. I suddenly grew a lot before leaving for the human city. That¡¯s why I was worried... that you might find it gross..." "Not at all. Don¡¯t worry about that. What we should think about is how you¡¯ll address me from now on." "Yes..." "You¡¯re not going to keep calling me ¡®Mister¡¯ in front of other people, are you?" Ismera let out a smallugh. "Of course not." "Good. So, except when we¡¯re alone, we¡¯ll act like we did before." "Understood." We walked side by side, chatting about various things. When I mentioned how Kirrin grabbed me by the cor in a panic after Ismera disappeared, she seemed a bit surprised. "I always thought she¡¯d be happy if I were gone since she¡¯s constantly criticizing and nitpicking me." "That¡¯s not true. Headmaster Kirrin isn''t that kind of person. She was really worried." "I see... Headmaster Kirrin..." "Even though she¡¯s a Dark Elf, she¡¯s mixed-blood, so her personality is quite mild and gentle." "That¡¯s true. Compared to the real Dark Elves I saw during thepetition, the headmaster might as well be apletely different species." Oh, that reminds me. I still haven¡¯t given her the note that the Dark Elves from that time addressed to Kirrin. I¡¯ll make sure to hand it over when we return to the Academy. "And about Merilda. You¡¯ll be taking her on, right?" "You mean student Merilda?" "Merilda would benefit more from learning from you. She¡¯s better suited to support roles rather than the front lines, and she¡¯d excel there." "That¡¯s true, but she seems more eager to learn from you than from me." "I helped her vige during the war." When I shared the story of Tatanok Vige, Ismera¡¯s eyes sparkled with interest. "How did that connectione about...?" "It¡¯s amazing, isn¡¯t it? Anyway, that¡¯s the reason. It¡¯s not because she dislikes you or thinks you¡¯recking. I¡¯ll exin it to her properly, so if you¡¯re okay with it, please take Merilda under your wing." "Understood... If you entrust her to me... I¡¯ll do my best. Thank you so much..." Ismera began to tear up again. I found a new opportunity for a joke. "I never realized this, but you¡¯re quite the fountain, aren¡¯t you? Gushing water from both above and below?" "D-don¡¯t say things like that...! It¡¯s embarrassing!" Ismera bit my neck in response. Ismera, like most adult elves, had a very mature appearance. Given her typically cold and nearly emotionless demeanor, I never expected her to do something so cute. Well,st night, Ismera was aplete mess, crying and begging non-stop. She seemed like apletely different person from the one I knew at the Academy. Then again, people aren¡¯t made up of just one consistent persona. But still, Ismera... She just won¡¯t stop sucking on my neck. This could be a problem. If she leaves too big a mark, others might get suspicious. We passed through the crack and emerged from the World Tree. "Dian? Professor Ismera?" I squinted against the sudden burst of bright light and heard a voice. When I opened my eyes, I saw Linus, Nierta, and the Elf Elder of Tyraellen standing before us. "We were about toe looking for you since you hadn¡¯t returned by morning. Have you only just finished talking?" "Oh? Oh, yes, that¡¯s right." "Please put me down..." Ismera whispered in my ear, so I set her down. Ismera tried to stand beside me, but her legs gave out, and she copsed. "Ismera!" Nierta hurriedly knelt down, supporting Ismera. "Are you okay? Are you hurt?" "Oh, um... I guess I¡¯m just tired from staying up all night, haha..." "Wait a minute... What is this?" Nierta carefully inspected Ismera¡¯s exposed neck. What she was seeing now were my bite marks. When she rolled up Ismera¡¯s sleeve, she found more simr marks on her arm. "Ismera, don¡¯t tell me!" "I-I can exin...!" As Ismera stammered, Nierta cried out. "You were attacked by a beast when you went into the forest alone!" "Huh?" "Now that you mention it..." Linus pointed at me. "Dian, you¡¯ve got simr marks on your neck and wrists." Following Linus''s gesture, Nierta¡¯s eyes lit up. "Lord Dian! You saved Ismera again, didn¡¯t you?" "Huh?" "You rescued Ismera from the beasts again... As expected of Lord Dian." "Well, yes, yes. It was nothing. Just what I had to do, really. Haha." "Thank you for saving Ismera, Lord Dian." The Elf Elder, who had remained silent until now, bowed her head to me. "It¡¯s quite fortuitous that we happened to meet here." The Elf Elder smiled warmly at all of us. "Now then... Why don¡¯t we go inside? Though we strictly prohibit others from entering, it¡¯s only right to show the interior to Lord Dian and Lord Linus." "Hey, Ismera..." I whispered to Ismera. "Are other races usually not allowed inside the World Tree?" "Of course not... You absolutely mustn¡¯t mention what happened yesterday..." "Come on in, you two." Linus called out, and we followed a short distance behind. Since Ismera was struggling to walk, Nierta had to support her. "Thank you so much, Lord Dian. Ismera is my dearest friend. I¡¯m deeply grateful that you saved her." As we walked toward the World Tree, Nierta showered me with words of gratitude. I felt a bit embarrassed. "Oh, this is amazing." As we entered the World Tree and saw the scenery inside, Linus eximed in admiration. "Look, Dian. There¡¯s another forest inside the World Tree. Isn¡¯t it incredible?" "Yeah, it¡¯s incredible." Having seen it the night before, I found it hard to react as excitedly as Linus. "Ten years ago, everything inside waspletely burned, but as you can see, it¡¯s teeming with life again." The Elf Elder spoke with immense pride as she gazed at the forest within the World Tree. "Initially, no matter how hard we tried, trees wouldn¡¯t take root inside here. But when Ismera made her oath, everything changed." "Professor Ismera made an oath?" "Yes, Lord Linus. After the war, Ismera secretly entered here and made an oath to the World Tree. Amazingly, the World Tree, which we thought waspletely gone, responded to her oath. Since then, this new forest has rapidly grown." "That¡¯s truly miraculous." "I¡¯m sure Lord Dian and Lord Linus must be curious about what this World Tree¡¯s Oath is." Linus responded with great curiosity, and I nodded, trying to look puzzled. "This way." The Elf Elder led us further into the forest. "This is the pond where the essence of the World Tree gathers." It was the very pond where Ismera and I had just been frolicking. "Eek!" Ismera gasped, and Nierta, unaware of the situation, wrapped an arm around her shoulder. Meanwhile, the Elf Elder walked alone into the center of the pond with a ssh. Standing waist-deep in the water, she raised her arms high, just as Ismera had done the night before, and cried out in a clear voice. "World Tree! Your daughter Ismera and her savior, Lord Dian, havee to fulfill the oath made ten years ago!" The forest within the World Tree emitted a faint glow. "Excuse me? What did you say?" The Elf Elder, having received the World Tree¡¯s response, suddenly looked flustered. "The oath... has already been fulfilled...?" [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 118 - Ismera’s Great Forest (17) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 118 - Ismera¡¯s Great Forest (17) The Elf Elder''s face was a picture of confusion. "The oath has already been fulfilled? What on earth¡­?" "Mother, ask again." Nierta suggested. "Maybe someone else made an oath without your knowledge. We need to know exactly what oath has been fulfilled." "Very well." The Elf Elder raised her hands and called out again. "World Tree! We havee to fulfill the oath! Ten years ago, during the Demon King''s attack, these two humans standing here saved our tribe! Afterward, the daughter of our tribe, Ismera made an oath to the World Tree that if she ever found one of these two humans, Dian, again, she would give everything she has to repay the debt of her life! And in response, did you not reestablish your roots?" The Elf Elder paused for a moment, perhaps due to a sore throat from the lengthy exnation, then continued. "The oath you mentioned that has already been fulfilled¡ªwhat exactly was it? Is it the oath that Ismera made, as I just described?" The World Tree responded with light. "That oath... is correct...?" The World Tree continued to glow, several times in session. With each sh of light, the Elf Elder''s expression shifted dramatically. "They sneaked in herest night?" sh. "And they fulfilled the oath in this pond of essence?" sh. "They engaged in various... activities until dawn?" sh. "Ismera even begged to continue?" sh. "Thirty-year-old mushroom? Knot? Maple sap?! What are you talking about?!" The Elf Elder''s final exmation was practically a scream. I, too, felt like screaming. Has the World Tree gone mad?! "Oh dear." Linus cleared his throat and turned away politely, while Nierta''s face turned as red as it could get. But the funniest thing was Ismera. Why is she hanging her head and giggling to herself?! "What is the meaning of this, Ismera?" However, when the Elf Elder turned around, Ismera''s smile quickly vanished. "Um... well..." Ismera couldn''t continue and instead looked straight at me. ¡®What? You want me to exin?¡¯ I asked with my eyes, and Ismera bit her lip and averted her gaze. She''s really passing the buck to me. With the Elf Elder, Linus, and Nierta all looking at me, I had no choice but to speak in a serious tone. "Yes, the oath has been fulfilled." "Is that true¡­?" The Elf Elder sped her hands together, her face filled with emotion. "Is it true that the oath Ismera made to the World Tree has been fulfilled? And that Lord Dian has epted it?" "Of course. There was no reason to refuse. After all, Ismera is the girl I saved, and she has grown into such a fine woman." "So, it¡¯s certain that Lord Dian has taken Ismera¡¯s body? That you were her first?" "Uh... It¡¯s a bit embarrassing to put it so bluntly, but yes, that¡¯s correct." "That is indeed wonderful news!" The Elf Elder beamed with a bright smile. Elves practice polyandry. Or more urately, they practice both polygamy and polyandry. It is their culture and tradition for wandering male elves to visit the Great Forest, impregnate several women, and then leave. This is how they propagate and continue their species. So, while elves may act refined and dignified in the outside world, among themselves, they are very open when ites to sexuality. That much was clear from how casually the elves flirted with me yesterday, something that would be considered extremely rude in human society. Thus, it made sense that the Elf Elder would be persistently questioning me about whether I had taken her daughter¡¯s first time and then expressing joy about it. This is one of those moments where it really hits home that elves and humans are fundamentally different species. "Ismera." Ismera, who had been making an obscene hand gesture by forming a circle with her thumb and index finger and poking it with the other hand''s finger, quickly dropped her hands and lowered her head when Nierta called out to her. "Yes, Mother." "Now that the oath has been fulfilled, you can return to the academy without any worries." "Yes, Mother¡­" "Thank you, Lord Dian." The Elf Elder bowed her head to me. "Thanks to your help in fulfilling the oath, the World Tree will further elerate the growth of the Great Forest. As a result, our tribe will once again flourish as it did before." "That¡¯s certainly something to celebrate." "Lord Dian saved our tribe ten years ago, and now again." The Elf Elder knelt, followed by Nierta and Ismera. "Lord Dian, you are truly a hero and warrior of our Tyraellen." "Uh... Thank you." I awkwardly knelt as well, and Linus nodded with a deeply satisfied expression. "By the way, I heard from the World Tree that you¡¯ve been teaching Ismera quite thoroughly..." "Please convey to the World Tree that if it wants another lesson, it might need to get burned down again." Nierta couldn¡¯t hold back herughter. # # # # # After leaving the World Tree, we returned to the tent vige. "Oh, it¡¯s Lord Dian!" "Lord Dian! Where were youst night? We were looking everywhere for you!" "Are you staying here today too? Come to our tent!" As elves heading out for work started making crazyments from all directions, Nierta red at them. "You lot!" Under her intense gaze, the elves grumbled and scattered in all directions. At the outskirts of the Great Forest, we prepared to part ways. "Now, Ismera, return to the academy with Lord Dian. You¡¯ve be the Vice-Headmaster, so you must set a good example." "Yes, Mother." Ismera bowed her head. "Lord Dian, please take care of Ismera. She may be a bit rough around the edges, but she''s a bright and capable child." "Don¡¯t worry. She¡¯s done well so far, and I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll continue to do so." The Elf Elder nodded in satisfaction at my response. "Please visit the Great Forest again. You are always wee." "I will. Thank you." "Ismera!" Nierta rushed over and hugged Ismera. The two embraced tightly, whispering words we couldn¡¯t hear. Judging by Nierta¡¯s face, which was already flushed, and her asional nces at me, I had a good idea of what they were talking about. "That¡¯s enough now." As Ismera and Nierta separated, Linus looked around at all of us. "Well then, let¡¯s head back. Goodbye, everyone." "Take care." "Goodbye, Ismera! I¡¯ll write to you!" And so, we all safely returned to the Academy. # # # # # "Head Professor!" As soon as Ismera and I arrived at the Academy, a group of professors rushed over. "You¡¯ve finally returned, Professor Ismera!" "Ah, yes." Lina, shaking both of Ismera''s hands, made her look quite flustered. "You should call her Vice-Headmaster now." "Ah, right. Vice-Headmaster." Lina smiled awkwardly as she corrected herself, following Morton¡¯s reminder. "Congrattions on your return and promotion, but you should first report to the Headmaster." Felimia adjusted her sses as she spoke. "She hasn¡¯t been eating or drinking. You should go report your return immediately." Ismera and I hurriedly rushed to the headmaster¡¯s office. "Headmaster!" When we opened the door, a dark figure was slumped over the desk. It was Kirlin, looking quite haggard. Her normally dark skin was even darker, and her hair was a mess. It seemed she hadn¡¯t washed or groomed herself since I left the academy yesterday. "Headmaster. I¡¯ve brought Professor Ismera¡ªno, the Vice-Headmaster. Please, get a hold of yourself." "Ismera...?" Kirlin¡¯s ruby-red eyes widened as she saw Ismera. "Ismera!" Leaping over the desk like a leopard, Kirlin tackled Ismera into a hug. "Waah! I thought you weren¡¯ting back!" Then, out of nowhere, she began to cry. Both Ismera and I exchanged bewildered nces. "It¡¯s because I¡¯m so useless! How could someone as talented and intelligent as Ismera endure having an idiot like me in charge...?" "Headmaster..." Ismera hesitantly raised her hand and gently patted Kirlin¡¯s back. "It wasn¡¯t because of you..." "No, it¡¯s all my fault!" Kirlin was yelling so loudly that Ismera winced and had to pull her face away slightly. "I should¡¯ve resigned as headmaster... That would¡¯ve made everyone happier, but I couldn¡¯t, and I¡¯m sorry... I¡¯m so sorry for being a coward..." Ismera let out a soft sigh and held the weeping Kirlin. It seemed like Kirlin would keep crying endlessly, so I decided to step in. "Come on now, stop crying and calm down. It looks like you haven¡¯t eaten anything either, so why don¡¯t we go get something to eat?" Honestly, I was starving at that moment. Although they provided food in the Great Forest, it was all just greens, and no matter how much I ate, I never felt full. The three of us went to a cafe and ordered a whole strawberry shortcake, while Ismera ordered a sd. "I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sorry... I¡¯ve caused so much trouble for both of you, Dian and Ismera..." Kirlin kept sniffling and apologizing as she stuffed her face with the cake. She looked so pitiful that Ismera had to keep patting Kirlin¡¯s shoulder, trying tofort her, which was a rather odd role reversal. # # # # # That evening. After work, I got a bit of a scolding from Olysia. It was just the usual stuff, like how I should¡¯ve informed her in advance if I nned to stay out overnight. But she seemed very pleased when she heard that I had brought Ismera back and that she had been promoted to Vice-Headmaster. After all, Olysia always wants me to do well at the academy, and now that Ismera, who owes me a lot, had be the Vice-Headmaster, it was a win-win. "So, you¡¯ve be quite close with Professor Ismera, who¡¯s now a very important person?" "Well, you could say that." "Oh my, that¡¯s wonderful!" I was smiling as I watched Olysia dance with excitement when suddenly, someone rang the doorbell outside. "I¡¯ll get it!" Olysia dashed across the yard and went to the gate. Momentster, she called out to me loudly. "Sir Dian! Come out quickly!" Wondering what the matter was, I went outside to find Ismera standing at the door. "Vice-Headmaster? What brings you here at this hour?" Since we had agreed to act as we did before in front of others, I addressed her formally. Ismera, looking somewhat excited, showed me the small bag she was holding. "It¡¯s my luggage from the dormitory. As you can see, I didn¡¯t bring much." "What? Oh, yes, well, that¡¯s typical for elves. But that¡¯s not the point¡ªwhy did you bring all your stuff here?" "What do you mean?" Ismera smiled as she responded. "We¡¯re going to live together from now on, aren¡¯t we?" "Guh." As Olysia caught sight of Ismera¡¯s bright smile, a look of horror crossed her face. "Why is she smiling like that... Has she gone mad...?" [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 119 - A Slap for Every Penny Found (1) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 119 - A p for Every Penny Found (1) "We¡¯re going to live together from now on, right?" I was momentarily speechless as I looked at Ismera¡¯s brightly beaming face. It wasn¡¯t because I had gone deaf, nor because she had spoken in Elvish. I just couldn¡¯t make sense of the sentence itself. The subject seemed to be missing, but it probably implied something about us living together? She suddenly showed up at the academy dorms with all her luggage? "Olysia, you go inside and finish what you were doing." I sent Olysia back into the house and asked Ismera quietly. "What are you talking about all of a sudden?" "What do you mean? Isn¡¯t it obvious that we should live together?" "Okay, but who with who?" "Me and you, of course." "Why?" "Why? What do you mean why?" Ismera gave me a look like I was a stubborn student who just couldn¡¯t understand no matter how many times she exined it. "Which part are you struggling toprehend?" "Just... all of it. Why do you need to live with me? And when you say ''live together,'' you mean under the same roof? In the same house?" "Is there another way to live together under one roof?" "No, what I mean is, why do we have to live together under one roof?" "Why are you asking me that? Are you seriously confused? Of course we have to live together! We¡¯ve already shared our hearts, our bodies, our tongues, and gone all the way!" "Shh! Shhh! Quiet!" I quickly mped my hand over Ismera¡¯s mouth and turned around to check behind me. Thankfully, it seemed Olysia hadn¡¯t overheard. "Ismera, just go back. If we live together at the academy, it¡¯ll cause a hugemotion." "Why would it?" "For one thing, Olysia might flip out." "Olysia?" "Yeah. She¡¯s obsessed with me keeping my professor position at the academy secure. She can¡¯t stand the thought of even the smallest blemish on my career." "I know. When we were preparing for thepetition, she kept asking me if you were doing your job properly or if you werezing around like some idle, no-goodyabout, and whether you were on bad terms with the Headmaster." What? What kind of image has Olysia been spreading about me? "But what does Olysia¡¯s concern for your career have to do with me moving in?" "It¡¯s all rted. Think about it: suddenly, the Vice-Headmaster and the Head Combat Professor are living together. They¡¯re not even married. And in the academy dorms, no less. You think people won¡¯t gossip?" "Married¡­ That¡¯s a bit problematic¡­" Elves don¡¯t practice marriage. In fact, they tend to find the concept of being bound by contract to someone for life quite shocking and off-putting. That exined why Ismera¡¯s expression instantly changed the moment I mentioned marriage. "So, while it¡¯s only natural for me to live with you, in the human world, for a man and a woman to live together, they have to get married¡­ If they live together without going through that process, all sorts of bad rumors will spread¡­" Ismera nodded seriously, looking thoughtful. "In that case, I suppose it¡¯ll be difficult for now. I understand, I¡¯ll stay in the dormitory for the time being." She hugged her bag and gave me a bright smile. "Mister,e closer, please." As I stepped closer, Ismera quickly nced around before pressing her lips to mine. "See you tomorrow, then." "Take care." After Ismera left, I savored the lingering, fresh scent around my lips as I returned to the house, where Olysia was waiting for me in the living room. "Sir Dian!" "What¡¯s with the yelling?" "Why did the Vice-Headmaster say she¡¯s moving in? Why did she bring all her luggage here?" "Well, it¡¯s¡­plicated. Let¡¯s just say it¡¯s something you don¡¯t need to know about." "I¡¯m not a kid, you know? Hmmm¡­" Olysia stroked her chin and scanned me up and down. "Something happened the night you stayed out, didn¡¯t it? That¡¯s why the Vice-Headmaster came here, right?" I almost told her, but then I remembered that Olysia was still a minor, so I decided against it. Actually, it was only recently that Olysia found out I was a former member of the Demon King ying Special Unit. I brought her here when she was very young, so I was worried she might b about it to everyone if I told her. Even when Linus visited Brunswell earlier this year, Olysia had no idea who he was. Brunswell is a distant neutral port that was spared from the war, so Linus¡¯s legend hadn¡¯t really reached there. It was only after we moved here that Olysia realized how famous Linus was and started asking how we became friends, so I told her. Now that she¡¯s older, she knows how to keep secrets. Surprisingly, when I told her I was a former member of the Demon King ying Special Unit, she wasn¡¯t that shocked. ¡®Oh, so that¡¯s why you were able to beat the crap out of those Ferencino thugs all by yourself?¡¯ was about the extent of her reaction. I guess to Olysia, my past doesn¡¯t really matter that much. Anyway, I decided not to tell her. She¡¯s still a minor, and how on earth am I supposed to say, "Yeah, I slept with Ismerast night"? "Quiet down, you brat. You¡¯re still a kid to me." "What?! Sir Dian! This is really important! We¡¯re talking about the Vice-Headmaster here!" "Let¡¯s eat. I¡¯m hungry!" I chased the fuming Olysia off to the kitchen. But seriously, Ismera really surprised me. Who would¡¯ve thought she¡¯d just show up out of nowhere, ready to move in? # # # # # The day after we returned, the personnel order from the Security Office officially appointed Ismera as the new Vice-Headmaster. A new Vice-Headmaster¡¯s office was established not far from the Headmaster¡¯s, and Ismera moved in there. Her old office, which she used as the Head Theoretical Professor, was reassigned to Kaiden. Kaiden isn¡¯ting immediately; he has some matters to wrap up at the Tower of Illusions. When the announcement of Ismera¡¯s appointment as Vice-Headmaster was posted on the bulletin board, the response from staff and students alike was overwhelmingly positive. Considering how much Ismera had dedicated herself to the academy, this reaction was only natural. "Oh, Professor Ismera¡­ I¡¯m so d for her¡­" Merilda, upon reading the announcement, even teared up. It made sense, as she had witnessed firsthand how hard Ismera had struggled over the past month while preparing for thepetition. "Merilda,e with me to the Vice-Headmaster¡¯s office. We need to talk." "Is this about the private lessons?" Sharp as ever, Merilda picked up on it right away. "Yeah. We said we¡¯d discuss it after thepetition, didn¡¯t we? Besides, the Vice-Headmaster herself invited us toe check out her new office." "Sounds good. Let¡¯s go." As Merilda and I headed towards the main building together, I heard someone calling out from behind. "Head Professor! Head Professor!" I turned around to see Orendi, his cloak billowing as he rushed towards me in a fluster. "Can we¡­ haa, can we talk? It¡¯s really¡­ haa¡­ it¡¯s really important." Barely able to catch his breath, Orendi, who clearly didn¡¯t get much exercise, bent over with his hands on his knees, panting. "What is it?" "Just a moment¡­ away from Merilda¡­ somewhere private¡­ Hold on¡­" It took him a long while to catch his breath, but eventually, Orendi pulled me aside. Once Merilda was far enough away, Orendi asked. "Head Professor, who are you really?" "Me? You idiot, I¡¯m the Head Combat Professor, of course." "That¡¯s not what I mean, and you know it!" Orendi shot back. "When you went to bring in Priestess Maya, you were with the Chief Administrator Lormane. During thepetition preparations, you were with the Great Mage Kaiden. And when you went to get the Vice-Headmaster, you were with Sir Linus and Lady Selene. They¡¯re all members of the Demon King ying Special Unit!" "Yeah. What citizen of the empire doesn¡¯t know that?" "All of this seems incredibly suspicious. You came here rmended by the Imperial Pce, you¡¯ve got ties to the Special Unit, and¡­ it just doesn¡¯t add up." Of course, he¡¯d figure it out. He¡¯s a mage, after all. Only an idiot wouldn¡¯t have noticed by now. I guess I¡¯ll have to tell him. There¡¯s no point in denying it anymore. "Yeah, yeah. As you guessed, I was a member of the Demon Kin¡ª" "You¡¯re a secret prince, aren¡¯t you?" Orendi blurted out. "¡­What? What did you say?" "A secret prince. You¡¯re the hidden prince that the Imperial Pce¡¯s been keeping under wraps. It all makes sense now." Orendi nodded to himself, as if confirming his own theory. "You came rmended by the Imperial Pce and suddenly became the Head Combat Professor. Every time you get involved in something, the Security Office steps in to help you. It¡¯s as if the entire Empire is working to support you. There¡¯s no other exnation¡ªit must be because you¡¯re a secret prince. Right, Your Highness?" Orendi stared at me with a look that said, "There¡¯s no escaping it now." "You crazy bastard. Tch, tch." I chuckled and flicked him on the forehead with my finger. "Stop spouting nonsense and go do your work. I¡¯m busy." After getting rid of Orendi, I went up to the Vice-Headmaster¡¯s office with Merilda. "Vice-Headmaster, it¡¯s Dian." "One moment please." I heard Ismera¡¯s voice from inside after knocking. After waiting a bit, I heard footsteps and the sound of locks being undone. It seemed like she had locked the door from inside. "Don¡¯t open it yet. Wait a little longer." Then came more hurried footsteps and some rustling sounds. "Alright, you cane in now." I opened the door halfway, but then immediately backed out and closed it again. "What''s going on, Sir Dian?" Ignoring Merilda¡¯s question behind me, I spoke through the closed door. "Vice-Headmaster, Merilda¡¯s with me too." "Ehh?! Ahh! Uhh! Oww! That hurts!" Inside, I heard the sounds of Ismera moving around frantically, apanied by a loud crash. "Why is she doing that?" "Oh, she probably only prepared two chairs and is getting an extra one ready for you." I lied. There was no way I could tell her that Ismera had been standing by the window in nothing but some very revealing underwear. That crazy elf¡­ [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 120 - A Slap for Every Penny Found (2) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 120 - A p for Every Penny Found (2) After a series of loud thuds and crashes, the door finally creaked open. "Come in." Ismera was fully dressed now, even wearing a cloak despite the summer heat. Her face was flushed, and beads of sweat clung to her forehead, with strands of hair stuck to her cheeks. "Vice-Headmaster, is something wrong?" Merilda asked, noticing the unusual scene. Ismera gave an awkward smile and shook her head. "No, nothing at all. Please,e inside." The newly created Vice-Headmaster''s office was extremely simple. A personal desk, a bookshelf, a round table for meetings, a cab, and a single potted nt. In the Great Forest, everything is shared¡ªeven men¡ªso the concept of personal property is almost nonexistent among elves. That¡¯s why, when Ismera had showed up with her things to move into the dorm yesterday, she only had a small bag. And since the academy provides everything necessary for her duties in this office, none of the items here belonged to Ismera. As Merilda looked around, she remarked. "It feels very different from the Headmaster''s office." I couldn¡¯t agree more. Kirrin¡¯s office looks like it¡¯s one step away from being raided by the prosecution, just before they shred all the important documents. Her desk is piled high with papers awaiting approval, and the room is a chaotic mess, with items scattered all over the ce. It¡¯s a disaster. Not to mention that Kirrin often leaves the window open in her office, hoping to escape the overwhelming workload¡ªsometimes causing piles of papers to topple over in the breeze. Her method of escape is to jump out the window and pretend she¡¯s out of the office. Even though Ismera handles more of the workload, it¡¯s Kirrin who ends up looking like she¡¯s drowning in work, which is honestly pretty hrious. "By the way, what brings you here, Student Merilda?" As she served tea, Ismera asked the question. "It¡¯s about the private lessons. You remember, I mentioned itst time." I answered for her. "We agreed to discuss it after thepetition, and today seemed like the right time." "That¡¯s right. I agree." Ismera nced at me with a warm smile, but quickly shifted her expression to a moreposed and serious one. "So, Student Merilda, have you given it some thought?" As she sat across from us, Ismera asked, and Merilda nodded. "I¡¯d like to study under you, Vice-Headmaster. Thepetition confirmed it for me. I¡¯m better suited for theoretical disciplines rather thanbat." "You¡¯ve made a wise choice. I¡¯ve always wanted to teach a student like you. Let¡¯s work hard together." "Yes, Vice-Headmaster." Ismera extended her hand, and Merilda shook it, smiling. It was essentially a done deal from the start. This was just a final confirmation between both sides. A few brief words were enough to wrap everything up. As we sipped tea, we discussed how Merilda¡¯s private lessons would proceed. Unlike Knightley, who isbat-focused, Merilda¡¯s lessons would be held in the Vice-Headmaster¡¯s office as theory tutoring. We had already reported everything to the Headmaster, and the n was to make an official announcement to the students. Each field would select one top student, with one assigned to the Head Combat Professor and another to the former Head Theoretical Professor for advanced training. Additionally, if any other students met the criteriater, they too could be private students. This approach would prevent any usations of favouritism or corruption. Besides, there weren¡¯t any students at the academy who could match Knightley or Merilda¡¯s level anyway¡ªexcept for Hindrasta. Being a polymorphed dragon, Hindrasta¡¯s physical abilities were superhuman. The only downside was that, surprisingly, she didn¡¯t seem particrly bright. To put it more urately, she didn¡¯t really understand the ways of the human world yet and had a tendency to charge ahead recklessly. There are things that could be solved with a bit of thought, but she usually prefers to bulldoze through them¡ªprobably an innate dragon trait. After all, why would a mighty dragon bother spending time and effort adjusting to the whims of mere humans? That might exin why she doesn¡¯t have a single friend at the academy and always moves about alone. Though I heard that many of the lower-ranked students worship her like a goddess and follow her around. But Hindrasta treats them with the indifference of a ray towards the remoras stuck to its belly. During thepetition preparations, the only social activity she engaged in was getting somewhat closer to Knightley and Merilda, which formed her sole human connections at the academy. "Let¡¯s start the lessons next week, Merilda. This week, I need to get familiar with the new duties, and it¡¯s going to be hectic." "Understood, Vice-Headmaster." After agreeing on the schedule for the private lessons, Ismera smiled and said. "Well then, you can go now." As Merilda and I stood up to leave, Ismera suddenly shot me a sharp, disdainful look and spoke in a cold voice. "Professor Dian, stay behind. I need to talk to you privately." "Uh, sure. No problem." After walking Merilda to the door and seeing her off, Ismera came back and locked the door behind her. The stern expression she had worn just moments ago disappeared, and she shed a bright smile as she ran over, sitting on myp and wrapping her arms around my neck. "I almost had a heart attack when Merilda suddenly showed up." "Well, what were you thinking, doing that in your office during work hours?" "I thought it was just going to be you." "And what were you nning to do if it was only me?" "Well, what do people who¡¯ve already seen everything about each other usually do?" With that, Ismera kissed me, biting and sucking on my lips while she threw off her cloak and began unbuttoning her shirt. Sigh¡­ Looks like there¡¯s no helping this. # # # # # "That was amazing, Mister. Please,e again." After checking both sides of the hallway, Ismera wrapped her arms around my neck and gave me another kiss. "Ismera, no matter what, we need to keep work and personal life separate. If anyone catches us, you¡¯re the one who¡¯ll be in real trouble. I can afford to lose my job, but you can¡¯t." "I¡¯ll be careful." Despite her words, Ismera gave me another kiss. Then, hearing footsteps approaching from down the hall, she quickly switched to a stern expression and shouted. "If you¡¯re done, then get out already!" "Yes, yes. I¡¯m leaving now." As I turned to leave with a grin, the owner of the approaching footsteps hurried over to me. "Professor! Why is the Vice-Headmaster scolding you?" It was Lina, the Combat Professor specializing in infiltration. "Oh, it¡¯s nothing serious. Just some minor things." "I see. I just hope the Vice-Headmaster can ease up a little." "She¡¯ll rx once she gets used to the role. Anyway, where are you headed?" "I¡¯m on my way to ss." "Perfect. I was about to head that way too. Let¡¯s walk together." "Sure!" Lina lit up with excitement and quickly linked arms with me. It was probably an inappropriate scene, with a Head Professor and a regr Professor arm-in-arm, but Lina¡¯s bubbly personality made it seem normal, like she was just a yful puppy. The other staff members passing by barely batted an eye and casually greeted us as they walked by. "Head Professor, there¡¯s something I¡¯ve been curious about." Lina said, clinging more tightly to my arm. "What is it?" "How would you feel if someone knew your secret?" "My secret? I don¡¯t have any secrets." "Come on, don¡¯t brush it off like that. Just imagine it for a moment. Let¡¯s say someone knew a secret you¡¯d never told anyone before." "Hmm, I¡¯m not sure¡­" Did I have any secrets? None came to mind. Sure, my past in the Demon King ying Special Unit is something the Imperial Pce has kept under wraps, but everyone who needs to know already knows. I don¡¯t go around bragging about it, but if someone figures it out, I usually don¡¯t deny it either, so it¡¯s not really a secret. "What if someone knew your secret and promised never to tell anyone? How would you feel about them?" I tried to brush the topic off, but Lina kept pressing. "What exactly are you getting at?" "I¡¯m asking how you¡¯d feel about someone who knows everything about you but keeps your secret safe." "Hmm, well¡­" I nced over at Lina and noticed her eyes sparkling with anticipation. Then it hit me. The time I followed Linus to the Tatarnok Vige. Somehow, Lina had tailed us and hidden herself, watching everything from the shadows. She must¡¯ve overheard my conversation with Linus and figured out that I was part of the Demon King ying Special Unit. So, her question now is how I feel about her knowing that. How should I respond? Lina¡¯s been a huge help to me. When I first started here, she went out of her way to guide me. During the selection for special students, she even infiltrated the military academy to steal the ns for me. And while we were preparing for thepetition, she supervised the students¡¯ practice sessions, lightening my load considerably. "I¡¯d be grateful to them, of course. It¡¯s nice of them." Better to give a positive answer. And honestly, I am grateful. "Really?" "Yeah. Keeping someone¡¯s secret means respecting them. That¡¯s something to be thankful for." "Hehe, I see." Lina giggled quietly. "Besides being thankful, isn¡¯t there anything else?" "Hmm¡­ What else could there be?" As I pondered what to say to make her feel even better, I spotted something at the dessert cafe in the distance. It was Hindrasta, her long pink hair styled in twin pigtails, scrutinizing the cakes in the disy case as she stroked her chin. What¡¯s she doing there during ss hours? Could she be skipping ss again? "Lina, let¡¯s talk moreter. Good luck with your ss." "Oh, yes¡­! Understood!" After parting ways with Lina, I headed over to Hindrasta. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 121 - A Slap for Every Penny Found (3) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 121 - A p for Every Penny Found (3) Without even noticing I was getting closer, Hindrasta scrutinized the cakes with great seriousness and finally pointed at one. "I¡¯ll take this one. Just put it on Professor Dian¡¯s tab." "Put it on my tab, you say?" "Eek?!" Hindrasta jumped backward as she saw me. "You little rascal. I cleared off everything you put on my tabst time, and now you''re at it again! Where do you think you''re running off to!" I grabbed the ends of Hindrasta¡¯s twin-tails as she tried to escape. "Oww!" "Where did you spend all your money?! Didn¡¯t Knightley and Vice-Headmaster Ismera give you an allowance back then?!" "Ugh, seriously!" Hindrasta swatted away my hand angrily. "That pocket change was long gone! Did you think it would still be around?! And while we¡¯re on the topic! You promised to let me go get my money!" "Oh, right. I did." I hadpletely forgotten about that because of the situation with Ismera. Beforeing here as a special student, Hindrasta worked for the Renc mercenary group and still needed to retrieve her earnings. When she charged at me to kill me, I ended up dragging her here as a special student by force, so she couldn¡¯t collect that money. Even if she¡¯s a troublesome dragon, that doesn¡¯t justify denying her rightful wages. "Alright, you can go. But not on weekdays." I raised my finger as she was about to protest. "You¡¯ve got quite a lot of demerit points already. Didn¡¯t you beat up the honor studentsst time, and haven¡¯t you been skipping a lot of sses too? If you leave without permission during the week, you¡¯ll be disciplined immediately." "Hah, this damned academy. I¡¯ll just quit if ites to that." Grumbling, Hindrasta nced at my expression and immediately backed down. "Fine, fine! I¡¯ll go out on the weekend!" "And how do you n to get there? Renc is quite far from here." "They have a branch in this city. I¡¯ll just go there and shake them down. Don¡¯t worry about it." Hindrasta waved her hand dismissively and left the cafe. What a cheeky brat. "Excuse me, shop owner. How much has she put on my tab here?" I asked while pulling out my wallet, and the owner gave me the amount. "What, how much?!" Hearing the total, I had to chase Hindrasta down and give her a good whack on the head. # # # # # After wrapping up the morning meeting for the Combat Department, I was heading out when I noticed Ismera standing in the hallway. She stood there with her arms crossed, looking quite displeased. "Good morning, Vice-Headmaster. Lovely morning, isn¡¯t it?" "How can you sound so carefree right now?!" As I greeted her, Ismera snapped at me furiously. Hearing her shout, the other professors quickly dispersed, leaving the hallway empty save for the two of us. The moment we were alone, Ismera¡¯s expression rxed. "Mister. What are you doing this weekend?" "This weekend? I¡¯m going to town with Olysia. Why?" "For what purpose?" "Well, to look around, do some shopping, eat something tasty." "Then I¡¯ll join you, if that¡¯s alright." Ismera suggested with a smile. "I¡¯m sure you¡¯re nning to cheer up Miss Olysia, who¡¯s tired from household chores, right? She helped me a lot during the preparation for thepetition, so it¡¯s only right for me to repay her as well." Come to think of it, Olysia did prepare vegetariante-night snacks for Ismera, catering to her picky tastes. She had a point. "Sure, sure. Let¡¯s do that." "Great. Then give me a kiss." Ismera closed her eyes and puckered her lips, and I gave her a light kiss. "Have a good day today." With a gentle smile, Ismera stroked my cheek and then turned away, her steps light as she walked down the hallway. Is that really the Ismera I know? Sometimes I get confused because her behavior has changed so much. Still, it¡¯s nice to see her like this¡ªso cheerful. # # # # # The weekend arrived. I headed to the main gate to supervise the students who were leaving for their weekend outings. The gate was already crowded with a bustling crowd of students who had applied for leave. "Hello, Professor." When I turned around, I saw Merilda approaching with Knightley, both greeting me. "You two going out together?" "Yes. Knightley is taking me somewhere nice." "Somewhere nice, huh?" "The kind of ce fresh, vibrant young girls our age would enjoy." Knightley replied with a smug look. Since thepetition, Merilda and Knightley had be quite close. Both were honor students, and Merilda seemed to tolerate Knightley¡¯s arrogant personality quite well. It was like watching Ismera and Niertra. Surprisingly, even Hindrasta had built some rapport with the two of them. There may be various reasons, but perhaps it¡¯s simply because they treat her equally without knowing she¡¯s a dragon. Or it could be because Knightley threw her some gold coins, feeling sorry for her. However, Hindrasta wasn¡¯t here at the moment. "So that¡¯s where she was?" Knightley chuckled in disbelief. There was Hindrasta standing right in front of the tightly shut gate, practically pressing her nose against it, shuffling her feet impatiently. "Ugh, I¡¯m in a hurry... Why won¡¯t it open¡­." But weekend outings weren¡¯t allowed until nine o¡¯clock. No matter how early she arrived, the gate wouldn¡¯t open before then. "I asked her toe along, but shepletely ignored me and left the dorm an hour ago to do that." Knightley shook her head. "She says she¡¯s going to get the money she earned working with the mercenaries. She¡¯s so naive." "What do you mean by that?" Merilda asked, her tone hinting at curiosity. Knightley responded with a look that seemed to say, ¡®Isn¡¯t it obvious?¡¯ "Think about it. Mercenaries are just legalized ruffians. They may call themselves mercenaries, but they could easily be bandits if it suits them." "And?" "Do you think people like that would keep the money safe for her, holding onto it with the intent to return it someday? It¡¯s probably long gone without a trace." "I see¡­." Hearing Knightley''s exnation, Merilda looked at Hindrasta with pity in her eyes. But they were missing something. Hindrasta is a dragon. If they refuse to give her the money, she¡¯d squeeze the oil out of those mercenaries if she had to. Dragons have an almost pathological obsession with gold and treasures. There¡¯s a saying: if you want to kill a dragon easily, steal treasure from itsir and throw it in front of its doorstep. That way, the dragon will burn the house to the ground without asking any questions. At nine o¡¯clock, the gate finally opened, and Hindrasta bolted out ahead of everyone else. "I¡¯ll be back, Professor!" "I¡¯ll bring back some snacks. Wait for me." After that, Merilda and Knightley hailed a carriage and left as well. After confirming that all the students had left safely, I returned home. I needed to change clothes since I was going into town with Olysia and Ismera. By the time I arrived home, Olysia was already dressed up and waiting outside for me. "Sir Dian! Hurry up! What took you so long?!" "Alright, alright, I¡¯ming." Olysia, like many girls her age, loves indulging in small luxuries at the glitzy city shopping districts. However, being a war orphan sold to ve traders during her unfortunate childhood and growing up in the remote Brunswell, she had suppressed those desires. But now that I was working as a professor at the academy, we lived in Calvasar, thergest city on the continent. No wonder she was so eager. That¡¯s why she was constantly anxious, fearing I might get fired from my post and we¡¯d have to return to Brunswell. "Come on, hurry up." After I changed clothes and came out, Olysia nudged me towards the carriage. "Oh, by the way, Vice-Headmaster Ismera said she¡¯d be joining us. You don¡¯t mind, do you?" "Vice-Headmaster Ismera? Of course not!" Olysia, hoping for me to strengthen my ties with those in high positions, had no reason to object to Ismera joining us. I rode the carriage with Olysia to the main building. "Vice-Headmaster!" Seeing Ismera ahead, Olysia leaned out of the carriage window and waved. "Miss Olysia." Wearing a flowing dress and a wide-brimmed hat, Ismera waved back with a bright smile. Ismera looked truly beautiful. The elegant sky-blue dress suited the summer¡¯s hot sun perfectly, flowing naturally along the curves of her body. The lightweight material reflected sunlight with a gentle shine, and her waist was cinched with a ribbon, highlighting her slender figure. She also wore a wide-brimmed white hat adorned with a sky-blue ribbon matching her dress, and her strapped sandals were tied neatly around her ankles. She looked just like the spirit of summer. Ismera, wearing such an outfit? Really unexpected. After getting into the carriage, Ismera smiled at us. "You both look lovely." "You look absolutely beautiful, Vice-Headmaster." Olysia, trying to act as mature as possible, exchanged pleasantries and excitedly shouted. "Alright, let¡¯s go!" The carriage set off briskly, leaving the academy behind. From the seat opposite, a refreshing scent wafted from Ismera¡ªlike the smell of a forest in the early morning of summer. So I, caring little for appearances, closed my eyes and took a deep breath, soaking in her scent. Not that it makes me a pervert or anything. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 122 - A Slap for Every Penny Found (4) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 122 - A p for Every Penny Found (4) "Hiyahhh¡­." As the carriage left the academy and entered the main streets of Calvasar, Olysia couldn''t contain her amazement. Although it wasn¡¯t her first time seeing the city, she always had the same reaction every time she visited. "Calvasar in the height of summer has a unique charm, doesn¡¯t it¡­." She¡¯s said that a few times now. "Calvasar in early spring is so full of life¡­." "Now that the weather is getting warmer, Calvasar¡¯s streets seem even more lively¡­." "Looking at the fashion of these stylish people, it feels like summer is here¡­." Olysia always speaks like that whenever wee to town, and I¡¯m out of words to respond with anymore. Still, it¡¯s not like what she says is wrong. Calvasar in summer does have a distinct character different from spring. As thergest city of the Empire and the birthce of every trend, fashion, and culture, Calvasar retains its sophisticated elegance and wealth, even under the zing summer sun. The towering old-fashioned buildings reveal the grandeur and dignity of the Empire, while the finely paved streets shimmer in the sunlight. On both sides of the street, rows of shops showcasing thetest trends disy a colorful assortment of goods. Summer fruits, flowers, jewellery, pretty clothes, essories, shoes, artwork, food, and so on¡ªlisting everything could take more than a week. Banners and posters announcing summer festivals were scattered around, and the cafes and restaurants had filled their terraces with tables. The bustling streets, thoughplex and shy, were packed with people. Silk dresses that were light as air, hats adorned with pearls and gold, sharply tailored linen shirts and pants, polished shoes, fans decorated with various ornaments, sunsses, cool sandals. People dressed in styles you wouldn¡¯t see in any other city walked the streets, enjoying the leisurely weekend. No wonder Olysia waspletely mesmerised. Compared to Brunswell, this ce might as well be an entirely different world. Many cities were destroyed during the war, and reconstruction was still ongoing, which drove even more people towards Calvasar. Thanks to its geographical advantages, Calvasar was one of the major cities that miraculously escaped the ravages of war. To the west and south, it faced the sea, while the southeastern side was blocked by mountains, making it very difficult to attack. The only ce an army could easily move was the Calvasar in stretching to the east and north. The same ins where Linus now holds some territory. The Demon King''s army, which was weak at sea but excellent in major open field battles, naturally advanced on the capital through the Calvasar in. At the time, the Human Alliance was struggling severely, with no means to stop the massive army advancing across the ins. The Imperial Pce responded by gathering all the mages left in the Empire and bombarding the advancing forces with attack magic. In addition, Linus and I wreaked havoc from behind enemy lines, ultimately preventing the Demon King''s army from crossing the Calvasar in. The losses the Demon King''s army sustained were devastating, and after that, the tide of the war began to turn. The Demon King ying Special Unit was established, and from there, the army was driven into ruin. "Hurry up and get off, Sir Dian!" While I was lost in my memories, Olysia pulled at my arm. As soon as I got off the carriage, passersby turned to look at me. More precisely, they were staring at Ismera, who was standing beside me. Elves, being beautiful by nature, always drew attention no matter where they went, and especially today, as Ismera had dressed up for the outing. Anyone who didn¡¯t nce at Ismera like this probably wasn¡¯t human. "Let¡¯s start over there!" Olysia led us into the bustling shopping district. "Hello." "Hello, Professor!" As I followed behind Olysia, who was running around like an excited colt, I had to exchange greetings with students who were also out for their weekend outings. Olysia was practically out of her mind with excitement, and Ismera¡¯s words in the carriage about "getting her a gift for working hard during thepetition preparations" had clearly acted as a trigger. "Miss Olysia certainly has a lot of energy." "Of course, she¡¯s thrilled to receive a gift from an esteemed elf. She¡¯s probably imagining how expensive and luxurious it¡¯ll be. Besides, Olysia¡¯s always loveding into the city." After sharing a brief story about her ten years living in Brunswell, Ismera nodded as if she understood. "For a human girl, that ce must have been unbearably dull." "Well, it¡¯s what happens when you end up with the wrong master." "Master, you say? Come to think of it, I heard Miss Olysia used to be a ve¡­ Ten years ago, she must have been just a little girl. Why would you take in such a child as a ve¡­." As Ismera¡¯s voice grew increasingly suspicious, I hurried to exin. I told her how I had seen Olysia being caught and whipped after she tried to escape from a ve ship docked temporarily at Brunswell, and I couldn¡¯t bear it, so I bought her. Upon hearing that, Ismera''s expression softened. "That¡¯s truly incredible¡­. You¡¯re always saving everyone, aren¡¯t you¡­." "What are you doing?! Come on, hurry up!" At that moment, Olysia, who was standing in front of a clothing store, waved at us. "Alright, alright, I¡¯ming." As we walked over to her, the people passing by began whispering among themselves. "She¡¯s a half-elf but lookspletely human." "Is that what happens when the mother¡¯s an elf?" I realized they were mistaking me and Ismera for a married couple and assuming Olysia was our daughter. Olysia and I both have brown eyes and brown hair, and back in Brunswell, we were often mistaken for siblings with arge age gap. It must be the same here. And since elves are generally known to be aloof and rarely associate with other races, seeing us together like this, it made sense for them to think we were a couple. It was a reasonable assumption. "People¡­ they¡¯re mistaking you and me for a married couple¡­." Ismera''s face flushed bright red, and she clung tightly to my sleeve. "Could they be thinking we''re a young couple on a weekend shopping trip with our child¡­." "Yeah, it seems that way." "What would they think happened, then¡­? That an adventurer, visiting the Great Forest by chance, fell in love with an elf there¡­?" "That¡¯s a possibility." "After having a child, the adventurer quit his dangerous job for the sake of his family and took a more stable position, while the elf supports such a husband, finding joy in their modest happiness each day¡­." "Uh, yeah, something like that?" "Ah¡­ Just imagining it makes me happy¡­." Ismera let out a trembling sigh and unknowingly took my arm, but then quickly caught herself and stepped away. "I hope no one from the academy saw us, right?" "It¡¯s better to be careful. Now, let¡¯s go. Olysia¡¯s getting impatient." Ismera bought Olysia a very pretty dress. It was the twenty-third dress out of a total of sixty that Olysia tried on today, after visiting eight different stores. Olysia was so serious about picking the right outfit that her expression was as focused as a mage calcting coordinates for a precision strike. I didn¡¯t dare suggest she pick something at random. Surprisingly, Ismera matched well with Olysia, enthusiastically bringing her clothes to try on. "Your mother must be young, judging by her sense of fashion." The store owner said, and Ismera simply smiled shyly without correcting her. Eventually, Olysia picked out the dress she wanted and changed into it on the spot before stepping out onto the street. "How do I look?" "It looks good." "You look beautiful, Miss Olysia." When Olysia spun around once, both Ismera and I apuded her and gave herpliments. Feeling excited, Olysia leaped like a ballet dancer, tapping her feet together in mid-air. She¡¯spletely ted. "So, shall we have some lunch now? I¡¯m starving after all that walking." Following a girl who¡¯s absorbed in shopping is exhausting; it¡¯s almost more tiring than marching or infiltrating somewhere, to be slightly dramatic. "Wait a moment. I¡¯d like to buy something too." Ismera unexpectedly spoke up. "You? Elves buy things? Fine, go get whatever you need, and then we¡¯ll eat." What could an elf, who practically has no personal property, possibly want to buy¡­? The ce Ismera headed to was a men¡¯s clothing store. "Try this on." She picked out a sleek, white silk shirt. It was glossy on the surface, obviously quite expensive and high-quality. After trying it on, I found that it fit perfectly, and was veryfortable for movement. I rather liked it. "Hey, this is pretty nice. But why clothes for me all of a sudden?" "Your usual shirts are getting quite worn out." When I first arrived at the academy, Olysia bought several identical white shirts. Professors generally wore white shirts beneath their capes, so I had her get multiples for convenience. After half a year of rotating those shirts while catching trolls, climbing mountains, riding horses, and doing all sorts of activities, they were gradually wearing out. I wasn¡¯t interested in fashion, and since Olysia washed and ironed them so thoroughly that you couldn¡¯t really tell from the outside, I just kept wearing them. But clearly, that wasn¡¯t good enough for Ismera. "It suits you perfectly." Ismera approached me, smiling as she ran her hand across the chest of the shirt I was wearing. Olysia was staring at us with a very puzzled look on her face. # # # # # Finally, we left the clothing store district and went for lunch. Since Ismera is strictly vegetarian, finding a ce to eat could¡¯ve been tricky, but this was Calvasar, the Empire¡¯srgest city. As a ce where all kinds of intelligent races gathered, there were, of course, plenty of restaurants with vegetarian menus for elves. We had just picked a restaurant when suddenly, loud noises came from the other direction. When I turned to look, I saw several city guards blowing their whistles and pushing people aside as they rushed somewhere. If the city guards were making such a fuss, it must be a serious crime. In that case, the culprit must be a real idiot. Calvasar was home to the Imperial Pce, making it the safest citypared to any other. Besides the well-trained city guards, the Imperial Guard and inclothes knights often patrolled the streets. What kind of idiot would¡­? [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 123 - A Slap for Every Penny Found (5) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 123 - A p for Every Penny Found (5) "Looks like there''s a big fight going on at a mercenary office." The conversation between some passersby reached my ears. No matter how I considered it, this had to be Hindrasta. Who else but Hindrasta would be causing a ruckus at a mercenary office as a student of the academy? It looked like things had escted enough for the guards to be called in. I couldn¡¯t just leave it alone. "Wait here for a moment, you two." Leaving Ismera and Olysia behind, I ran after the city guards. When I arrived at the scene, I saw arge crowd gathered in front of a building. From inside, the sounds of something breaking, shattering, cursing, and shouting could be heard. They were clearly having a huge brawl in there. "Professor!" Merilda and Knightley rushed towards me from the crowd. "What happened here?" "Sophie went inside there!" The door at the entrance of the building Merilda pointed to was missing. Upon closer inspection, the small, shattered wooden pieces scattered on the ground seemed to be what remained of the original door. As I thought¡ªit was Hindrasta. "We ran into her just out front and invited her to join us for lunch, but she said she had to collect her money first, iming she¡¯d treat us once she got it¡­." "Honestly, what an idiot." Knightley clicked her tongue. "Sure, unpaid wages are terrible, but if she handles it like this, she¡¯ll probably end up paying more inpensationter." "If Sophie had enough brains to think that far ahead, she wouldn''t have broken down the door in the first ce¡­." Merilda calmly stated the facts, causing Knightley to frown. "Move aside! Step back!" The city guards were pushing the crowd aside when suddenly, the second-story window shattered, and something flew out. With a loud crash, an orc hit the ground, his nose bleeding and his swollen eyes making him a pitiful sight. "Help me! It¡¯s a monster! A monster!!" "Eek?!" The terrified onlookers retreated several meters in an instant. A mercenarypany of any decent size would inevitably hire members from various races, and the most popr among them were orcs. With immense strength, animal-like reflexes, and an almost natural-born affinity forbat, orcs were the ideal warrior species. Having just one orc in a mercenary group significantly boosted theirbat power, and for arge guild like Renc, it was practically a given. They even had monsters that had been tamed from a young age. Regardless. In this case, it was a burly, muscr orc being thrown out. The city guards, who had been boldly pushing their way into the building, now hesitated, exchanging nervous nces with each other. The frightening noise inside continued. "Captain, what should we do¡­?" "Didn¡¯t they say it¡¯s an academy student¡­?!" The guards muttered, hesitating. "I think we should call for reinforcements from headquarters. If an orc ends up like that, there¡¯s no way we can handle it alone!" "This is a disaster. And during my shift, of all times¡­." With the city guards still unable to decide whether to enter, I moved forward. "Oh! It¡¯s dangerous! Please step back!" "I¡¯m a professor at the academy." I pulled out my ID card, proving I was an academy professor. There were plenty of stores in the city offering teacher discounts, so I always carried it with me on outings. "It seems like one of our students is in there, so I¡¯ll go in and check things out." "It¡¯s far too dangerous. Look at that." The guard pointed to the orc, who was now sitting on the ground, wiping the blood from his nose. "It¡¯s reckless to enter the building unarmed when someone was able to do that to an orc." "It¡¯s alright. She¡¯s my student, and I¡¯m the Head Combat Professor. It¡¯ll be better if I go in than if the guards try." "Hmm¡­ if you insist¡­." The captain reluctantly gave his permission, and I approached the building. "Sophie! It¡¯s me!" I shouted from the entrance, but there was no response. "I¡¯ming in, so let¡¯s talk!" Without waiting for an answer, I stepped through the broken doorway into the building. "Ugh¡­ Don¡¯t step on me¡­." "Oh! Sorry." Feeling something soft underfoot, I looked down to find a mercenary sprawled on the ground. "Get outside. The city guards are here, and they can help you." I helped the mercenary to his feet and continued deeper inside. "Aaagh!" I narrowly dodged a falling mercenary as I climbed the stairs to the second floor, where several mercenaries had formed a defensive formation in front of a safe. They were all armed with various weapons, but it didn¡¯t seem like a great choice. Hindrasta, standing opposite them, had mes zing from her shoulders as if she were on fire. No matter how well they polymorph, a dragon is still a dragon. No matter how brave these mercenaries were, in the face of an enraged dragon, they were still nothing more than frail humans. "Open the safe!" "Please, calm down! We need approval from headquarters first!" At Hindrasta¡¯s roar, the mercenaries were practically begging, their voices almost shrill. "Approval, my foot! Just take the money out now and get approvalter!" "I¡¯m telling you, there¡¯s no money here! We recently sent everything to headquarters as a down payment for a job!" "That¡¯s your problem! Does that mean all the work I did for your mercenary group counts for nothing?! Open the safe!" "No one¡¯s saying you didn¡¯t work hard, Sophie, but we don¡¯t have any money on hand right now! And besides, you weren¡¯t even officially part of our branch! If you want to argue, go to headquarters!" "Headquarters is too far! I can¡¯t go there and get back before my weekend leave is over! I have to return to the academy today, so open the safe! Let¡¯s see if there¡¯s money or not!" This wasn¡¯t going anywhere. Dragons are incredibly possessive of what they consider theirs, especially gold and treasure. Seeing that the situation was going nowhere, one of the mercenaries stepped forward angrily. "Are you really going to keep this up?! Do you think the mercenary group doesn¡¯t know your situation?!" "What do you mean by my situation?!" "You abandoned the mercenary group without permission!" "What?" "We sent you on a bodyguard mission, not to take the academy entrance exam! Then you suddenly joined the academy without any word and just settled down! Everyone in the branch knows about it!" The mercenary¡¯s temper red as his voice grew louder. "That¡¯s a clear breach of contract! If anything, you should be paying us a penalty fee! No matter how talented you are, you can¡¯t just treat this line of work like a joke!" "What did you just say?! You think I joined the academy because I wanted to?! Penalty fee?! Do you want me to kill you all?!" Hindrasta stomped her foot, shattering the wooden floor beneath her. If this continued, someone was going to die. "That¡¯s enough, Sophie." I pushed my way past the mercenaries and moved forward. "Enough already. This isn¡¯t something that can be solved like this." "Stay out of it! I¡¯ll handle my own problems!" "I¡¯m not trying to interfere; I¡¯m trying to help you. If someone dies, things will get reallyplicated." "Grrrr!" Hindrasta was clearly at her boiling point and looked ready to leap forward at any moment. "Think about it. You¡¯ll have to live in this city for a long time with that appearance." Reminding her of the thousand-year curse seemed to calm her down a bit. "Ugh¡­ nothing ever goes right¡­." Avoiding my gaze, Hindrasta scratched her head in frustration. "Phew¡­ I really thought I was going to die¡­." The mercenaries behind me put down their weapons and breathed a deep sigh of relief. "Thank you, sir. I don¡¯t know who you are, but you saved us." "I¡¯m a professor at the academy Sophie attends." "Oh, you¡¯re really a professor. I¡¯m the head of the Renc Mercenary Group''s Calvassar branch." I shook hands with the branch head, whose expression turned slightly curious. "Excuse me, but are you really a professor? The calluses on your hands¡­ they don¡¯t seem like the hands of someone who teaches." "I¡¯ve eaten my share of battle rations. I¡¯m the Head Combat Professor." "Ah, I see. I thought there was something different about you. Anyway, thank you for saving us. Sophie is incredibly strong-willed, and I honestly thought we might die here." "Shut up! Just give me the money already!" "Ugh, seriously! How am I supposed to give you money when there isn¡¯t any?!" "Stop lying! Then open the safe and show me! Why won¡¯t you open it?!" "Do you think we can just let someone who¡¯s no longer part of the mercenary group open our safe?!" It looked like another argument was about to start, so I raised my hand to stop them. "Enough, enough. This will never end if you keep going like this. Let¡¯s settle this through conversation. But first, we need to deal with the city guards outside." At the mention of the city guards, the branch head¡¯s face looked troubled. "The guards are here?" "Of course. They¡¯d be neglecting their duty if they didn¡¯t respond to thismotion. So, what do you want to do?" The branch head sighed deeply in response to my question. "We don¡¯t want the guards involved." "Alright. Then I¡¯ll tell them this is an internal dispute within the mercenary group." I went outside and exined the situation to the guards, and they reluctantly epted it before leaving the scene. It seemed the guards also didn¡¯t want to get involved in any unpleasant business with the Renc Mercenary Group. It was customary for the guards and mercenaries to generally avoid interfering with each other. Besides, there wasn¡¯t much the guards could do about a fight between mercenaries anyway. "Now, let¡¯s hear the details. I¡¯m nowyer, but I¡¯m the only one here who can mediate for Sophie at the moment." "You¡¯re right. Then, this way." The branch head righted a table and chairs that had been knocked over during the fight and had Sophie and me sit down. "Would you like some tea? Ah, no, never mind. Everything¡¯s broken." He nced at the shattered teacups and spilled tea leaves on the floor and gave a bitter smile. "That¡¯s alright. Forget the tea, just tell us what¡¯s going on." The branch head sighed deeply and began to speak. "Our mercenary group is on the verge of bankruptcy." [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 124 - A Slap for Every Penny Found (6) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 124 - A p for Every Penny Found (6) I could hardly believe my ears at what came out of the branch head''s mouth. "On the verge of bankruptcy? The Renc Mercenary Group?" "Yes, Professor." "Are you saying they¡¯re practically bankrupt?" "That''s correct." It was unbelievable. The Renc Mercenary Group was far toorge for bankruptcy to even be a consideration. They started as a small mercenary band made up of thugs operating around the Renc region, taking on all the dangerous and dirty work others refused. Through this, they grew steadily, and during the Four-Year War, they expanded tremendously. Now, they had branches everywhere, and everyone knew their name. And yet, here they were, on the verge of bankruptcy. What had happened? "Please exin the situation in detail." "Recently, a major territorial conflict broke out in one of the Imperial regions. The two noble families involved decided to fight to the death, and our mercenary group got involved too. It was a massive contract, with almost everyone mobilized, leaving only the minimum essential personnel at each branch." It''s not unusual for a mercenary group to get involved in a territorial war. Not many nobles in the Empire can afford to maintainrge standing armies. Most rely on a handful of knights and retainers, supplemented by peasants who know nothing of warfare when the timees. So, as the branch head said, they sometimes hire mercenaries to bolster their forces for big territorial disputes. "But did they lose?" "Yes, we lost. The client family waspletely shattered and scattered. And most of our mercenary leadership was taken prisoner by the opposing side." "Taken prisoner? Why take mercenaries as prisoners? Who would pay the ransom?" "Obviously, our mercenary group would. Who else?" Suddenly, my eyes fell on a small framed que hanging on the wall. It read, . "Hah¡­ So you¡¯re telling me all your funds went into raising ransom money?" "Yes, it''s embarrassing, but that''s the truth¡­. Headquarters took everyst bit of funds from all the branches. It''s absolute chaos right now." "I see¡­." "You idiots!" Hindrasta suddenly burst out. "Dragging even the branch members into a contract like that?! And the leadership, too? Don¡¯t tell me even the boss and his sons got involved?!" "The client family promised to cede part of their territory to us if they won the territorial war. That family had staked everything on the war, just like we did. But who would have thought they¡¯d lose so miserably? Honestly, I still can¡¯t believe it. Not Renc Mercenary Group, of all ces¡­." The branch head leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. This truly seemed like a dire crisis for the mercenary group. If what he was saying was true, then there was no way they could return the money Hindrasta had umted. Moreover, since Hindrasta was technically affiliated with headquarters rather than a branch, it made it even more impossible. "What a load of crap." Hindrasta snorted. "Did you really pour everyst coin into paying the ransom? You must have kept at least enough for food and a roof over your heads, right?" "The money we have now is just enough to cover the living expenses of the people here. We can''t afford to pay you the wages you saved up, Miss Sophie. If you really don¡¯t believe me, I can open the safe for you. But I need you to promise me something." The branch head looked back and forth between Hindrasta and me. "It¡¯s not much at all. Nowhere near what you¡¯ve saved, Sophie, but it¡¯s the bare minimum to keep the branch afloat¡­." "Understood. I¡¯ll make sure Sophie doesn¡¯t take any of it." I intervened, and the branch head, relieved, stood up to open the safe. Inside the safe were a few gold coins, about twenty silver coins, and some coppers. It was practically empty. I could now understand why the branch head hadn¡¯t wanted to open the safe for Hindrasta earlier. If even this much were taken, they might very well starve. If he had opened it earlier, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to stop Hindrasta from taking the money, but at least now I could intervene. That being said, I also understood Hindrasta¡¯s side. The headquarters in Renc was too far away for Hindrasta, trapped in her polymorphed state, to easily reach, and with the branch unwilling to open the safe, it had naturally left her filled with doubts. Considering she¡¯s a dragon, it was impressive she¡¯d shown this much restraint. "Is the mercenary group really going bankrupt¡­? I can¡¯t believe it." Hindrasta muttered, staring at the empty safe. To be honest, I could hardly believe it myself. The Renc Mercenary Group was a famousrge guild in the Empire, known for their strength and even having direct contracts with the Imperial Army. For them to lose an assignment with their full force mobilized¡ªwho on earth was their opponent? "The survivors say that a nameless swordsman single-handedly turned the tide of the battlefield." "A nameless swordsman? Alone, you mean?" "Yes. A young man wielding a greatsword, fighting so well that whenever he showed up, people were torn apart like meat through a grinder." The branch head shook his head. "If he¡¯s that skilled, someone should¡¯ve recognized him, but no one knew who he was." A swordsman of incredible skill that even lifelong mercenaries had never seen before¡­ This was getting suspicious. "Anyway, I¡¯m very sorry, Miss Sophie. It would be best for you to go to headquarters. Even there, I can¡¯t make any guarantees¡­." "What kind of nonsense is this? I thought you were broke because I couldn¡¯tplete the assignments and had to pay a penalty or something." "Isn¡¯t that a bit arrogant? Our mercenary group isn¡¯t so fragile that losing one person would bring it down." "What did you just say?!" Once again, I had to step in and break up the brewing fight. # # # # # After roughly wrapping things up at the mercenary group, we stepped outside. Hindrasta wore a vacant expression, muttering quietly to herself. It seemed she¡¯d taken a heavy blow after expecting to get her money back right away and finding out it wasn¡¯t possible. "Let¡¯s eat first. Then we can think about what to do next." "Okay¡­." Ismera, Olysia, Merilda, and Knightley came running over from where they had been waiting outside. "Are you alright?" "Yeah. We¡¯re fine. Sophie¡¯s okay too, without a scratch." "That¡¯s a relief. So, Sophie, did everything get resolved?". Sophie shook her head weakly at Merilda''s question. "Far from resolved. Looks like I¡¯m going to be stiffed on my money." "Let¡¯s talk about it over lunch." I was starving from trailing Olysia around all day, so we all headed to the restaurant we had originally nned to visit. As we ate, I exined what had happened at the mercenary office. "This whole situation is a mess. It doesn¡¯t look like you¡¯ll get your money." Knightley said, and Hindrasta massaged her neck as if she were suppressing her anger. "Those idiots¡­ What were they thinking, burning the whole mercenary group over one contract." Suddenly, Hindrasta began to cry, tears falling like a stream. "Ugh, my money¡­ If I¡¯d known, I would¡¯ve taken it bit by bit¡­." And there she goes, crying again. "Now what¡­? I don¡¯t even have money for cake¡­ It¡¯s the money I earned with all that hard work¡­." "Wipe your tears, Student Sophie." Hindrasta wiped her eyes with the tissue Ismera handed her and then suddenly looked at me. "Help me." "Me?" "You promised to help me. You said after thepetition, you¡¯d help me get my money." "Yeah, I remember. I think I heard that too." "Me too." Merilda and Knightley agreed. I was already thinking about what I could do to help Hindrasta get her money back. The first step would be to visit the headquarters in Renc. I needed to hear more details there to determine if we could get her money or if we needed to explore another option. After all, Hindrasta was one of my students, and I had to help her resolve her difficulties. Though she did attack me first, I still brought her to the academy, so I had a responsibility here. "Let¡¯s eat, and then we¡¯ll head to Renc. Sound good?" "Really!? Wait, um¡­." When Hindrasta trailed off, I realized what she meant and chuckled. "This time, it¡¯ll just be you and me." She was probably scared of running into Linus again, likest time. This seemed to make her feel a little better, as Hindrasta stopped crying and started eating. Merilda, who was watching her with a satisfied smile, suddenly asked. "But Professor, why are you and the Vice-Headmaster out here together?" "Yeah, I¡¯m curious too. You don¡¯t usually wear clothes like that, do you?" Knightley said, pointing at Ismera¡¯s dress. "We came to buy Miss Olysia a gift." Ismera answered without hesitation. "During thepetition, she prepared vegetariante-night snacks for me every night and helped me in various other ways. Miss Olysia¡¯s contributions were a big part of why our academy won first ce. Since Professor Dian and Miss Olysia were already nning an outing, I decided to join them." "Oh, I see. Now that I think about it, I should do something for Olysia too." Knightley nodded, quickly epting Ismera''s exnation. But Merilda simply stared at Ismera without saying anything. # # # # # After lunch, Hindrasta and I decided to head back first. The others said they¡¯d stay a while longer and buy Olysia some more gifts. I headed to the faculty¡¯s single dormitory and pounded on Orendi¡¯s door with my fist. "Orendi! Are you in there?!" After a moment, Orendi opened the door in casual clothes. "Professor Dian? Sophie? What brings you here on a weekend afternoon?" "Take us to Renc." "Huh? Renc? Why do you need to go there all of a sudden?" "We have to collect some money from the Renc Mercenary Group." "What¡­?" Ignoring Orendi¡¯s confusion, I pressed him to open a dimensional gate to Renc. Having a mage around to use as a means of transportation was certainly convenient. As wended right in front of the Renc Mercenary Group¡¯s headquarters, I thought as much. "Open up!" Sophie ran up and pounded on the front doors. "It¡¯s Sophie! Give me my money!" Soon, the door opened, and a young woman appeared. "Sophie¡­? You traitor! Didn¡¯t you run off to the academy?!" "Traitor?! Who ran off?! Ask Dian over here!" The woman, bewildered, looked down at Sophie and then turned her gaze to me. After staring at me for a while, her eyes widened, and she let out a startled shout. "Brother Dian?!" [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 125 - A Slap for Every Penny Found (7) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 125 - A p for Every Penny Found (7) Short silver hair, scars, tanned skin. That look¡­. "Brother Dian!" The woman called out to me again, and suddenly, memories came rushing back. "You, you¡­ you¡­ could it be¡­." "It¡¯s me, Sc!" The woman pounded her chest proudly, smiling broadly. "Huh? What the¡ªwhat happened to you?" "What do you mean, ¡®what happened¡¯? Is that how you greet someone you haven''t seen in ages?" "No, it''s just that¡­ back then, you were small, pale, and cute. What the hell happened¡­." "You really have no filter, do you?!" Sc ran up and gave me a punch to the chest. Though there was no real force behind it. "When I didn''t hear from you, I thought you were dead!" She then angrily pulled me into a hug. "As you can see, I¡¯m not." "Then why didn¡¯t you send even one letter?! You could¡¯ve told me you wereing! Especially at a time like this¡­." "I heard. The mercenary group¡¯s in shambles, isn''t it?" "How did you know?" Sc asked as she pulled away from me. "We stopped by the Calvasar branch on the way here. She came to collect the money she saved up while working with the mercenaries." "Give me my money!" Sc looked back at Sophie and rubbed her neck as if she were getting a headache. "Bad things really do happen all at once. Ugh, my neck¡­ Anyway, who is this girl, and why is she with you? And who¡¯s that person back there? A mage?" "Hello." Orendi, who had been standing near the dimensional gate, greeted awkwardly. "Let¡¯s head inside first. We need to understand the situation properly." "Alright. Everyone,e in. You too, Mr. Mage." "O-okay!" The inside of the mercenary building was cold. Of course, no matter how far north Renc was, it was still summer, so I didn''t mean it was literally cold. Rather, the atmosphere was utterly bleak. Normally, the ce would be bustling with mercenaries on duty, those setting off on new missions, those returning, and the reception staff. Now, it was deathly quiet. In one corner, a few mercenaries sat chewing jerky or something, watching us. They seemed unusually dispirited, not at all like the Renc mercenaries I knew. Just as the branch head at Calvasar had said, it seemed that the mercenary group really had been smashed. Seeing something simr, Hindrasta''s expression darkened. "It really seems like I might lose my money¡­." Even after we entered an office, Hindrasta kept ncing around restlessly, her anxiety evident. "What are you looking at? You look like it''s your first time here." Sc asked, watching Hindrasta. "I¡¯m looking for where my money is. Why?" "Forget the money for now. Let¡¯s go step by step." Sc firmly raised her hand to stop Sophie from speaking. "I have no clue what¡¯s going on right now. Why is this traitor back, and how is Brother Dian still alive when I thought he was dead? I have way too many questions." "Traitor?!" "Hey, stop it, Sophie. Calm down. Let¡¯s talk." I forced Hindrasta into a chair and got Orendi to sit down as well. "Is it alright for this mage to be in on this?" Sc asked, eyeing Orendi, who was reluctantly taking a seat. "It¡¯s fine. If he doesn¡¯t hear, he might just lose his mind with curiosity." "Thank you, Head Professor." Orendi gave me a polite bow. "Alright, let¡¯s start exining things from the beginning, one at a time. Let¡¯s start with you, Brother Dian. You left the mercenary group ten years ago and didn¡¯t contact us once." "Well, isn¡¯t now really not the time for a long story like this? Aren¡¯t things urgent on your end?" "An hour or so won¡¯t make a difference." "Really? If you say so, I''ll tell you." I briefly exined everything that had happened since Ist left Sc. My short stint with the Renc Mercenary Group had been during the war. Back then, the Renc Mercenary Group had gained fame by signing a direct contract with the Imperial Pce and being deployed in ces where the Imperial Army couldn''t easily go. Such ces included guerri warfare zones where a conventional army would struggle, or politically sensitive areas where it would be inappropriate for the Empire to intervene. When Linus and I joined them on orders from the Imperial Pce, the mercenary group was already operating in some noble¡¯s territory. Even during the war, nobles would practically froth at the mouth if Imperial forces entered theirnds. They feared that under the guise of an emergency, the Imperial forces would take over and never leave, essentially stealing their territory after the war ended. But the Imperial Pce couldn¡¯t afford to just leave these territories to fend for themselves, as some were strategically vital. Therefore, mercenary groups of uncertain origin were sent in to rece the weak private armies of the nobles and establish a front line. Imperial officers, no matter how veteran, couldn¡¯t be as reckless and ruthless as the rough mercenaries. Anyway, Renc Mercenary Group had been operating on the border of the noble territory of Chtorrerong, and Linus and I were sent to reinforce their power against a fairly strong Demon King¡¯s unit. That''s where I first met Sc. Back then, unlike the sprawling organization with branches everywhere, the Renc Mercenary Group was a single massive unit, all its members moving together. They would set up a base camp in a secure rear area, leaving behind minimal defensive personnel, while the main force went out, fought, and then returned. As the daughter of the mercenary leader, Sc had followed her father and brothers to the front lines. Sc had always wanted to go out and fight with her father and brothers, but what kind of leader would be crazy enough to bring his young daughter to battle? She would stay behind at the camp, sulking. I felt sorry for the little kid left behind, so whenever there were no battles, I would call her over and teach her different ways to fight. That''s how we grew close, and Sc began calling me "Brother Dian" and followed me everywhere. Back then, she was even smaller than Olysia¡ªpale and adorable. What the hell happened to make her end up like this¡­? Anyway, after working with the mercenary group for about a month, we sessfullypleted the operation and moved on. Then came the war¡¯s end, my retreat into seclusion, and my eventual appointment at the academy. "Hmm, so you went into seclusion after the war ended, then became a professor at the academy." Sc nodded as she listened, arms crossed, then suddenly mmed her fist onto the desk. "So why the hell didn''t you send even one letter?!" "Stop your whining. What do you think you are, betrothed to him or something? Wake up. Dian''s got plenty of females around him now." Sophie retorted, and Sc bared her teeth. "Shut your mouth, you traitor. And why are you talking to Brother Dian like that? You¡¯re supposed to be his student, right? Looks like you kept the same nasty attitude you had in the mercenary group." "What''s it to you how I talk to Dian? I¡¯m not with the mercenary group anymore, so leave me alone and hand over my money." "Brother, why on earth did you select her as a special student at the academy? She was uncontroble even when she was with the mercenaries." I couldn¡¯t help butugh at Sc''s description. "To improve the academy''s average scores a bit. No matter her personality, her skills are remarkable." "That¡¯s true, but¡­ how did you even manage to keep her at the academy? She never listens. There were times when I wanted to smash her with a mace." "A mace wouldn''t do the job." Sophie sneered, and Sc shook her head in disbelief. "Sophie and I go way back, to the war. Our first meeting wasn¡¯t exactly pleasant, but I managed to catch her in a weak moment. That''s why she¡¯s stuck at the academy now." "Really? The war, huh? Hey, Sophie, what did you do during the war? And what''s this weakness he caught you on?" "Let¡¯s just say it¡¯s something. Just leave it at that." "Fine, fine¡­ I understand your story now, Brother. So, you¡¯re here to help Sophie get her money back." "Yeah. So, do you have any money?" Sc didn¡¯t answer right away. Instead, she gave a bitter smile and leaned back in her chair. Seeing this, Sophie, who had been scratching at Sc earlier, now looked at her almost pitifully. "You said you knew the situation. There¡¯s none." "Argh!" "Sophie. Wait." I stopped Sophie from screaming and asked Sc. "Is it that bad?" "My father, my brothers, and all the other officers were taken as prisoners." Sc rubbed the back of her neck again. "There are so many of them that even using all the cash the mercenary group had and taking out loans wasn¡¯t enough." "Shouldn¡¯t you be asking the client to pitch in a bit?" Sc scoffed. "The client¡¯s family went bankrupt paying reparations ages ago. Besides, byw and in the contract, the responsibility for ransoming captured mercenaries doesn¡¯t fall on the client." "True, I suppose. But I still don''t get it¡ªhow did the Renc Mercenary Group lose?" "There was a madman on the opposing side. Just wait a moment." Sc called in the mercenaries who had been outside. Among the survivors of this territorial war, they had witnessed a nameless swordsman wielding a greatsword. "It was an unbelievable sight¡­." The mercenaries trembled as if recalling that moment vividly. "While a fierce brawl was going on, suddenly a tremendous noise erupted from somewhere. When I turned around, there was a man holding a sword nearly as tall as a person." "A sword as big as a person." "I know it¡¯s hard to believe. Even we, who are telling you this, can hardly believe it ourselves." The man, who appeared as if he had fallen from the sky, swung that enormous sword recklessly, and anyone caught in its arc was cleaved in two. It was a widespread attack that didn¡¯t distinguish between friend or foe, causing immense casualties on both sides. At first, they thought it might be a third party, but after the battle ended, it became clear he was definitely an enemy mercenary or a soldier. "I tried to snipe him with a crossbow, but it was useless. It was as if he had eyes on the back of his head; he dodged everything or deflected the shots." "Did anyone manage to identify who he was? A skilled person using such a peculiar weapon should have garnered some rumors." "No, no one did. After he first appeared in the battle, everyone talked about him, but there was nothing." It''s not impossible. This ce isn¡¯t governed bypletemon sense or thews of physics. There is magic and divine power, dragons breathe fire, and beings like Linus exist. So, it wouldn''t be strange for there to be a human with monstrous strength capable of wielding a human-sized lump of metal around with ease. But still, it feels strange. A greatsword that¡¯s difficult to handle. Not just an ordinary zweihander, but something of a monstrous size, "toorge to be called a sword." If someone had such a unique weapon and strength capable of grinding people to pieces, they should have been well known¡­ [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 126 - A Slap for Every Penny Found (8) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 126 - A p for Every Penny Found (8) "Wait a moment. I''ll show you the relevant documents." Sc rummaged through the stack of papers on her desk and pulled out a few toy in front of me. "These are the ransom demands from the other side. Ridiculous, right?" "That''s quite a lot." "And this is the money we can scrape together from our mercenary group. It doesn¡¯t evene close." "You''re right." "And this is the amount you saved up under your name, Sophie. The amount matches, right?" "Yeah, it matches. Now hand it over." Sc shook her head at Hindrasta''s demand. "Sorry, but things were urgent, so we had to use it too." "That¡¯s my money! It¡¯s not yours!" "I know, I get it." Sc sighed, looking fed up. "I know. But what else could I do in an emergency? Ourrades are all captured. What, should we just let them die?" "You keep saying rades,'' but aren¡¯t I one too?! I earned that money while I was part of the mercenary group!" "Dammit!" Sc mmed her fist down on the desk at Hindrasta''s rebuttal. "That''s why I''m saying, because you earned it as one of us, we used it to help save our people! I told you before too! We were ufortable holding onto your money, so we told you to just take it all and stash it in a bank! But what did you say? You couldn¡¯t set up a bank ount because your identity was unclear! So we had no choice but to hold onto it for you!" "Does that mean you can spend it however you like just because it''s not in a bank?" Hindrasta shot up from her seat, knocking the chair over noisily. Sc immediately stood up too. "We need to keep ourrades alive first before we can worry about paying you back! The money you left with us, we can earn it back in no time if we get the mercenary group back on its feet! We won''t steal from you, I swear!" Sc kicked the fallen chair, smashing it to pieces. Poor Orendi flinched and hunched his shoulders, looking terrified. "And you, Sophie! Are you even human?! My dad took you in without a second thought when you were a nobody without any experience! He let it slide when you made a scene about wanting to join! He fed you, sheltered you, paid you on time, even got you the best equipment when you did well, and prioritized your missions! We¡¯ve never missed a single paycheck, right?! We made sure to ount for every penny and set it aside for you! Plus, we even gave you spending money to use however you wanted! And now you¡¯re acting like this? Loyalty is thicker than blood! We ate, slept, and worked together for years! Don¡¯t you have a single shred of gratitude for my dad?! Huh?!" "That¡¯s¡­." Hindrasta stammered, looking flustered. "So can you please stop talking about money for a moment?! My head¡¯s already about to explode! Everyone¡¯s been captured, from my family to my subordinates, and I¡¯m the only one left¡ªwhat the hell do you expect me to do?!?!" Sc was gasping for breath, her head hanging down as she stomped on the broken pieces of the chair. "So please¡­ help me. I can¡¯t do this alone¡­. I promise I won¡¯t cheat you out of your money¡­. Just stop bringing it up until this is all over¡­. I¡¯m begging you¡­." Hindrasta hesitated, her mouth opening and closing before she finally managed to speak. "I¡­ I¡¯m sorry¡­." And with that, a cold silence fell over the office. I could almost hear the sound of Orendi¡¯s eyes darting around nervously. I could understand both Sc and Hindrasta. Right now, Sc didn¡¯t have the luxury to care about anything other than saving the captured mercenaries. So, she probably had no choice but to dip into the funds Hindrasta had left with them. Given the situation, it made sense. But at the same time, it wasn¡¯t unreasonable for Hindrasta to keep insisting on getting her money back. Sc was appealing to her sense of humanity, but Hindrasta wasn¡¯t human. As a dragon, she didn¡¯t care at all about the lesser races she deemed inferior, and she had an obsessive attachment to her possessions. So, the fact that she apologized to Sc, even a little, probably meant that she hade to understand humans somewhat over the ten years she had been forced to live in a polymorphed state. "Alright, Sophie. It looks like you understand how urgent the situation is for the mercenary group." Hindrasta nodded weakly. "Yeah, the old leader did a lot for me¡­." "Good. Let¡¯s sum things up, then. The mercenary group got involved in a territorial conflict, lost, and most of them were taken captive. The ransom they¡¯re asking for is more than what we have, even with all our cash and loans." "That¡¯s right." Sc answered, her tone grim. "Isn¡¯t there any way to get support from the capital?" "We¡¯re out of favor now that the war¡¯s over. We¡¯ve gotten too big, so they see us as a threat. The capital might even be happy to see us struggling like this." "Hmm, I see. But if this doesn¡¯t get resolved, Sophie won¡¯t be able to get her money back. And that¡¯s why we¡¯re here." I stroked my chin, watching Sc lower her head and Hindrasta sigh, and then I made a suggestion. "What if we tried this, Sc?" "What?" "If there aren¡¯t any prisoners, there¡¯s no ransom to pay, right?" "Well, that¡¯s true¡­ but don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re suggesting we just abandon the prisoners." "Of course not. What I¡¯m saying is, let''s make it so there were prisoners, but now there aren''t. Do you get what I mean?" Sc''s eyes widened as she stared at me. "Can you do it?" "Yes. I¡¯ll tell you the n." My n was simple: a prisoner rescue. We don¡¯t have the money to pay the ransom, and we¡¯re not going to abandon our people. So, we¡¯re going to take them back by force. That way, we won¡¯t have to pay anything, and we won¡¯t have to leave anyone behind. The enemy might not get their ransom, but they still won the territorial war and grabbed plenty of spoils, right? It can still be a happy ending for everyone. The problem is figuring out who that nameless swordsman was. If they were just a mercenary hired by the other side, they''re probably long gone now that they''ve been paid. But if they are part of their knights or soldiers, we¡¯ll have to deal with them. The thing is, we have no way of knowing if they are still there or not. So we¡¯ll just go and find out. Despite my straightforward n, Sc¡¯s face remained clouded with worry. "It¡¯s not a bad n¡­ but even if we gather all the mercenaries we have left, we don¡¯t even have ten people. That¡¯s too few." "We don¡¯t need to bring everyone. Just you, me, Sophie, and Orendi the mage here." "Four people?! That¡¯s reckless! And what if that nameless swordsman shows up?" "No problem. We have the best swordswoman from the Renc Mercenaries¡ªyou, Sc." "M-me¡­?" She pointed at herself, startled at being singled out. "You want me to fight that guy?" "You haven¡¯t forgotten what I taught you, right?" "Well, no¡­ but if my dad and brothers couldn¡¯t beat that guy¡­." "Do we have anywhere else to go? If you¡¯re not nning to jump off a cliff, we have to push forward." The Renc Mercenary Group was at a cliff¡¯s edge. There were no options left to negotiate orpromise. So, we¡¯ll advance. And there¡¯s nothing legally problematic about it. The Empire¡¯sws don¡¯t apply inside a noble¡¯s territory. In the fief, the lord is thew, and if you can overpower the lord, then you make the neww. "And if things get too rough, Sophie will help us. No one can withstand a beatdown when we gang up on them." Hindrasta jumped. "Me?! Why me all of a sudden?!" "Because if you want your money back, this is the fastest and easiest way. If we beat them up and make the ransom a non-issue, that money will go straight to you." After a simple exnation, Hindrasta nodded. "Well, yeah, that makes sense. Fine. Let¡¯s go smash them up. But what about you? Are you just going to watch?" "For now, I¡¯ll observe. I want to see how my students perform in a real fight." Sc had trained with me for about a month during the war, and Hindrasta had received intensive training during a month-longpetition, so calling them my students wasn¡¯t entirely wrong. With that, everything was settled. "Orendi, open the dimensional gate. We¡¯re short on time." "Ughh¡­ I don¡¯t even care anymore¡­." With a resigned look, Orendi opened the dimensional gate. # # # # # The exit of the gate led directly to the enemy¡¯s territory. Ahead of us was the lord¡¯s castle. There were a few guards wandering on the walls, but overall, security didn¡¯t seem that tight. They must have rxed after their big victory in the territorial war. Inside the castle, lights were zing, and there was a loud mor. Maybe they were throwing a big feast, celebrating with the reparations they wrung out from the family that hired the Renc Mercenaries. "So, the prisoners are supposed to be in there?" "That¡¯s what I¡¯ve heard. There¡¯s supposed to be a prison underground." "Hey, Orendi. Can¡¯t you open a gate straight into the building or the underground?" Orendi¡¯s face scrunched up in difort at my request. "It¡¯s hard to calcte coordinates that precise¡­." If it were Kaiden, he would¡¯ve opened a gate right in front of the prison door, maybe evenid out a red carpet. "What about dropping in from above?" "I thought of that, but the castle has a coordinate-disruption spell." That would prevent us from opening a gate urately. It could lead to a dangerous situation if we ended up in the wrong ce. This is amon setup for important facilities, done with simple totems enchanted with magic. If it were Kaiden, he¡¯d find a way to slip through, but Orendi still had a long way to go to reach that level. "Looks like there¡¯s no choice. Orendi, st the front gate with an attack spell." "Yes¡ªWait, what?! An attack spell?! I thought I was just here to open dimensional gates!" "We have to get the gate open if we¡¯re going to enter. Or did you think we¡¯d just ring the doorbell and politely state our purpose?" "Well, no¡­." Orendi looked around nervously, ncing at each of us. Sc and Hindrasta both had desperate expressions, their eyes silently pleading with Orendi. "I¡­ I guess there¡¯s no other way." Unable to ignore those looks, Orendi finally extended his hands. "Let¡¯s hope they don¡¯t have any defensive spells." He muttered, conjuring a bluish glow in his hands. "I don¡¯t even understand what¡¯s happening anymore¡­ I was rxing in my room, and now I¡¯m about to attack a noble¡¯s castle¡­ Here goes!" A straight line of magical energy shot from Orendi¡¯s hands, crashing into the front gate of the castle. With a thunderous boom, the gate was blown clean off its hinges. Guards on the walls began shouting, ringing bells, and causing amotion. "Alright, let¡¯s go." We charged into the castle, pushing through the rising clouds of dust. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 127 - A Slap for Every Penny Found (9) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 127 - A p for Every Penny Found (9) "Who are you people?! Ahh! Everyone, fall back!" As the guards charged toward us, a spell came crashing down in front of them. "There¡¯s a mage! One of the intruders is a mage!" "If you get too close, you¡¯ll be in trouble!" Orendi, hiding behind me with just his upper body sticking out, was trembling as he shouted a kind of non-threatening threat to the guards. In contrast, Sc, who led the charge, knew how to intimidate the opposition with much more finesse. Brandishing her sharp de with a fierce presence, Sc kept moving steadily, neither speeding up nor slowing down, as she strode through the courtyard of the castle. "I am Sc of the Renc Mercenaries!" As Sc shouted, crossbow bolts came flying down from the castle walls. But not a single bolt hit her. In a blink, her de shed, deflecting each one with precision. Watching Sc''s movements, I felt both admiration and pride. Ten years ago, Sc was just a little girl, swinging around sticks she found, envious of her brothers going off to battle. It felt like just yesterday that I took pity on her and taught her a few things, and now she¡¯d grown into such a fine warrior. "Lord,e out here this instant!" Sc shouted, but the lord did not appear. If I were in his ce, I wouldn''te out either. Four people smashing through the main gate with magic in the middle of the night, marching in without any backup¡ªit¡¯d make anyone suspicious. Besides, since this involved negotiations over the prisoners, the lord held the upper hand. There was no reason for him to easilyply with our demands. But it didn''t matter. I had no expectation that the lord would cooperate in the first ce. "Alright, everyone, back away. We didn''te here to fight you." I spoke to the guards, who were hesitantly keeping their distance, intimidated by Sc¡¯s aggressive aura and Orendi¡¯s magic deterrence. "There are mercenary prisoners in the dungeon here, right? We¡¯re just going to take them and leave. If you don¡¯t interfere, no one will get hurt." "Who are you people?!" At that moment, someone stepped forward from the ranks of the guards. Unlike the others, he was d in armor that looked quite expensive, probably a knight. "I am the chief knight of this castle! It¡¯s the middle of the night, and you have the audacity to smash through our gate! Identify yourselves!" "I am Sc of the Renc Mercenaries." Sc lowered her sword slightly and stepped forward. "I¡¯m here to take back the prisoners." "Mercenaries, are you? Lowly scum who know nothing of basic decency." The knight drew his sword from its sheath. "Everyone, stand down! I¡¯ll handle this!" After dismissing the guards, the knight nted his sword point-down into the ground and ced his hand on the hilt, solemnly dering. "I am Varian, a knight of the Chtorrerong territory! This sword is drawn for the honor of my lord and thisnd. Now that you insolent brutes have trespassed here, there is no turning back¡­ damn it!" Before the knight could finish his deration, Sc rushed forward and swung her sword,unching an attack. The startled knight stumbled back, hastily deflecting Sc''s strike with his own. Knights typically exchange formalities before engaging, introducing themselves and stating their reasons for drawing their swords. But Sc was a mercenary. She had no time for the outdated customs of knights. "Ugh!" Taking advantage of the knight''s momentary distraction, ded a sharp kick to his groin. The knight groaned, doubling over in agony. "How dishonorable!" "You filthy wretch!" The guards, who had been watching the duel, booed and jeered from the sidelines, while I pped and whistled in approval. "Well done, Sc! That¡¯s the spirit!" Mercenary battles are not about fighting honorably; the one who uses dirty tricks effectively is the one who wins. That''s why, over ten years ago, I taught Sc how to fight dirty. No matter how skilled one is, the physical differences between a man and a woman can be hard to ovee. So, instead of straightforwardbat, one must rely on tricks, deception, and every possible advantage. "You wretched woman!" Despite the excruciating pain, the knight managed to twist away, dodging Sc¡¯s follow-up strike. Then, with a burst of strength, he pushed her back with his sword, knocking her to the ground. "Kill her!" As the knight raised his de over the fallen Sc, ready to strike. "Ugh! Ptooey!" Sc threw dirt into the knight¡¯s face, rolling backward to dodge the attack. "Nice one, Sc! Keep it up!" As I cheered on my student¡¯s impressive growth, the knight snarled. "What are you all standing around for?! Stop watching and get in here!" Realizing he couldn¡¯t win the duel, the knight called the guards to join the fight. As the guards finally shouted and charged in, Hindrasta leapt forward. "Raaaahhhhh¡ªugh!" One guard, seized by the cor, let out a pained cry as Hindrasta threw him into a wall, where he collided with a thud. "What, what the¡ª?!" "Whoa, whoa!" When Hindrasta reached out for another target, the guards panicked, shoving each other as they scrambled to retreat. "Aaah! She¡¯s got me!" But one unfortunate guard was caught by Hindrasta¡¯s grip and disappeared across the courtyard, smashing through the branches of a tree and out of sight. "What the hell is that¡­?" The guards fell silent, their disbelief at Hindrasta¡¯s raw strength turning the courtyard eerily quiet. I could almost hear the sounds of them nervously swallowing. Alright. It looks like I can leave this to Hindrasta and Sc. Since that swordsman wielding the giant sword hasn''t shown up despite all thismotion, they must not be here. Maybe they were just a wandering mercenary working solo. "Orendi. Open that door." I pointed at the entrance to the inner section of the castle, and Orendi fired off an attack spell. Boom! The door crashed open, and as we stepped inside, the unarmed staff screamed and fled at the sight of us. "Where¡¯s the dungeon?" I grabbed one of them by the cor and forced him to lead us down to the underground dungeon. It was dark and damp, to the point where it was hard to make out anything. I grabbed a torch from the wall, shining it into the cells where I could see several people locked up. "Renc Mercenaries, right? We¡¯vee to get you out." "You¡¯vee to save us? Wait a minute¡­ your face looks¡­ familiar¡­." One man peered at me through the bars, tilting his head. "Could it be¡­ Brother Dian¡­?" "Hey. Long time no see. You don¡¯t look so great." "What the¡ªare you serious?! It¡¯s really Brother Dian?!" The young man jumped to his feet, shouting excitedly. "Father! Brothers! Brother Dian is here! He¡¯se to save us!" "What? Dian?!" At his shout, all the mercenaries who had been lying down or sitting sprang to their feet. "Dian? What are you doing here?" The middle-aged leader of the mercenaries reached through the bars to grab my hand. The man had aged considerably over the past ten years. "I heard the news and came. Sc¡¯s been having a rough time handling things on her own." "Sc? She¡¯s safe?" "She¡¯s outside holding off the guards with Sophie." "What? Sophie¡¯s here too? I thought she¡¯d gone to the academy. What¡¯s she doing here?" "I¡¯m a professor at that academy." "A professor?! Are you serious?! This is like some kind of joke¡­." "Alright, everyone, quiet down." I raised my hand to silence the barrage of questions from the mercenaries. "We¡¯re nning to leave without paying the ransom, so let¡¯s get moving. We can talk more once we¡¯re back at HQ." I made the mercenaries step back, then used magic to break the bars. "A mage too¡­? I really don¡¯t understand what¡¯s going on¡­." "Hurry up and get out, old man. Don¡¯t dawdle." As the mercenary leader was climbing out of the cell, he seemed to remember something and asked. "What happened to that guy?" "That guy? You mean the swordsman with the greatsword? Not sure. Didn¡¯t see them. Maybe they left, being a contract mercenary and all." "Damn." The leader¡¯s face darkened, and he ordered the other mercenaries to arm themselves. Arming themselves, in this case, meant using the broken bars as makeshift spears and clubs. "Listen, Dian. That guy is still in the castle. They''re the one who captured us, and they said they''d personally collect the ransom." "Really? That¡¯s odd. Why would they, and not the lord? Are they a retainer or something?" "No, they''re just a wandering swordsman." "Then why not just kick them out?" "It¡¯s not that simple. The lord can¡¯t stand up to them. Before you arrived, they were having a feast, but it was all set up because that guy forced the lord to do it. That bastard¡¯spletely insane." What kind of story is this? So, this nobody swordsman fights in the territorial war, decides to pocket the ransom, and then sticks around to drain the lord''s resources until they get their money? I don¡¯t know who this bastard is, but I¡¯d like to see them for myself. "Anyway, let¡¯s get out of here. The area has a coordinate disruption spell, so we need to get outside the castle walls before we can open a dimensional gate." As I led the mercenaries outside, we saw Sc and Hindrasta cornering the guards. Especially Hindrasta, whose overwhelming strength had left the guards terrified, none of them daring to step forward. Anyone who got grabbed by her was sent flying, so no one wanted to take their chances. "Alright, everyone! Time to head home!" I shouted, and Sc and Hindrasta came running over. "Father! Brothers!" Sc rushed to the mercenary leader, throwing her arms around him. "How disgraceful, Renc Mercenaries being taken as prisoners!" "Heh, I¡¯m sorry about that. And Sophie, thank you foring to help." At the mercenary leader¡¯s words of gratitude, Hindrasta awkwardly scratched the back of her head. "I just came to get the money I left with you guys, but then they said they couldn¡¯t give it to me because of the ransom. So don¡¯t get the wrong idea." As we made our way past the hesitant guards toward the exit, I suddenly felt an odd sense of unease. "Dian! Up there!" At Hindrasta¡¯s shout, everyone looked up. There, on the terrace of the castle¡¯s spire, stood a dark figure. With a massive, straight object resting on their shoulder, it had to be the nameless swordsman. They stepped onto the edge of the terrace railing and then leaped down,nding between us and the exit. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 128 - A Slap for Every Penny Found (10) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 128 - A p for Every Penny Found (10) The ground cracked slightly under the nameless swordsman''s feet, indicating the immense weight he carried. It could have been due to his massive frame or the giant sword still resting on his shoulder. The swordsman slowly stood up, lowering the greatsword at an angle. The description of it being "the size of a person" was no exaggeration; it was so huge that it looked more like a steel pir than a sword. "Where do you think you¡¯re going?" The nameless swordsman finally spoke. "There is no paradise to be found in escape." "Fire." Orendi¡¯s attack spell hit the nameless swordsman directly. It was at close range, and the spellnded urately, prompting cheers from the mercenaries. "No matter how tough you are, a magic st evens the ying field!" But Hindrasta didn¡¯t celebrate and shouted back. "Quiet down, everyone! It¡¯s not over!" As the dust from the explosion began to clear, the nameless swordsman reappeared, holding his greatsword in front of him like a shield. "What the hell is that guy?!" "He took a direct hit from magic and he¡¯s still fine!" "There is no paradise to be found in escape." The swordsman finished his sentence, as if the attack hadn¡¯t interrupted him at all. The nameless swordsman rested the greatsword back on his shoulder and calmly scanned us without much expression. He was tall, draped in a worn ck cloak. His hair was cut short, and his face had no scars, which was unusual for a seasoned warrior. I studied him closely, but he wasn¡¯t familiar, nor had I heard of anyone with a simr appearance. It was odd, considering how unique he looked. Most people would¡¯ve been seriously injured from a fall from that height, but he was fine. Magic didn¡¯t faze him, and that absurdly massive sword¡ªhow much strength would it take to wield it so effortlessly? Whatever the case, he looked extremely dangerous, and the fact that he was blocking our escape was the biggest problem right now. "Did you bring the ransom? I know the terms were confirmed and delivered. But¡­." The nameless swordsman¡¯s eyes shifted to Sc and Hindrasta. "Judging by how things are, that doesn¡¯t seem to be the case." "Damn it, you piece of¡ª!" Hindrasta interrupted him, stepping forward. "So what? Stop blocking the path and either fight or get out of the way! We don¡¯t have time to listen to your crap!" "You are not human, are you?" The swordsman eyed Hindrasta with curiosity. "You appear human, but there¡¯s clearly something else inside." "What? How the hell do you know that?" "I¡¯ve been watching from above. Is it normal for a young human girl to throw full-grown men like they¡¯re pebbles? I¡¯d like to see for myself." The nameless swordsman raised his greatsword, drawing it closer to him. "Let¡¯s find out what¡¯s really inside." "This isn¡¯t going to work." Hindrasta said, picking up a spear from the ground. "He¡¯s not going to listen. Can I kill him?" "Hmm, well¡­." Should we consider rescuing prisoners from a territorial conflict by force a crime, or just an extension of the battle? Is capturing prisoners in a territorial war legal or illegal? It¡¯s definitely legal. Sure, mercenaries are irregr forces that don¡¯t always get POW status, but that¡¯s more of a wartime issue. When ites to conflicts between territories outside the Empire¡¯s jurisdiction, it¡¯s all up to the whims of the local lords. And ording to the mercenary leader, this guy isn¡¯t even officially affiliated; he¡¯s just a wandering mercenary.... That means there shouldn¡¯t be any major problems. This is just a fight between mercenaries. It just so happens to be taking ce at the lord¡¯s castle. We did break a couple of doors, but that¡¯s something we canpensate forter if needed, and so far, no one¡¯s been seriously hurt. "Kill him." With a spear in hand, Hindrasta charged forward. At the same time, the nameless swordsman twisted his body and swung his greatsword with tremendous force. As Hindrasta thrust her spear, the swordsman¡¯s massive weapon sliced through the air, causing everyone¡ªmercenaries and guards alike¡ªto flinch and shrink back. It was a truly immense disy of power. As the greatsword swept in, Hindrasta nted the spear into the ground, using it like a pole vault tounch herself into the air. The spear broke in half as it collided with the greatsword, but Hindrasta somersaulted andnded on the swordsman¡¯s shoulder. "Haah!" Everyone watching gasped at her nimble maneuver. "Die, die, die!" Wrapping her legs around the swordsman¡¯s neck, Hindrasta began pummeling his head with her fists. "He can¡¯t withstand that." "Sophie¡¯s always been better with her fists than any weapon." Seeing her fists m into the swordsman¡¯s head and face, the mercenaries talked as if the fight was already over. If a polymorphed dragon were beating on you like that, it would usually mean your skull was about to be crushed. "This is weird." Sc said, watching the scene. "Why isn¡¯t he going down¡­?" Despite taking blow after blow, the nameless swordsman didn¡¯t copse; he didn¡¯t even flinch. "Sophie, get back!" Sc shouted as she saw the swordsman¡¯s hand begin to rise. Hindrasta noticed the hand reaching for her and tried to leap away, but she was toote. The hand moved like a serpent, separate from the rest of the body, and grabbed Hindrasta¡¯s arm tightly. "Gah!" Her arm turned white under the intense pressure, and Hindrasta gritted her teeth, groaning. She tried to break free, but the swordsman¡¯s grip was unyielding. "Sophie!" The swordsman yanked Hindrasta off his shoulder and mmed her into the ground as Sc rushed forward. "Watch out, Sc!" The mercenaries, clutching makeshift weapons and broken spears, charged in behind her. "Uraaaaagh!" But they were swept away by the shockwave as the nameless swordsman swung his greatsword, scattering them across the ground. He didn¡¯t even hit them directly; the force alone knocked them down. Overpowering a polymorphed dragon with sheer strength¡­ that guy¡­ he can¡¯t be human. "There is no paradise to be found in escape." The swordsman said, lowering his greatsword. "I made my position clear. I would release the prisoners if the ransom was paid. But instead, you resort to these rude methods. I cannot continue to respond politely or rationally." As he lifted his greatsword again, the nameless swordsman looked down at the groaning figures strewn around him. "Ahh! Head Professor! What do we do?! Even magic doesn¡¯t work on him!" Orendi¡¯s panicked voice rang out as he ducked behind me. I had thought that someone with extraordinary strength could be handled by Hindrasta, but it seemed I¡¯d have to step in. If my guess is right, this guy isn¡¯t human. I¡¯ll have to take him down and find out who he really ister. "Uh, excuse me!" Just then, someone called out to me from behind. I turned to see a slightly plump man, sweating profusely. From his richly adorned clothing, trimmed with gold, I guessed he was the lord of the castle. Several others stood behind him, probably the castle¡¯s retainers. "I have a word to say! You look like mercenaries too, don¡¯t you?" "Technically, no. But what is it?" "Please, do something about that lunatic!" The lord jabbed a finger toward the nameless swordsman, almost spitting as he spoke. "That bastard is ruining my entire estate! Please, I beg you¡ªkill him or drive him out!" "Wait, wasn¡¯t he a mercenary you hired?" "Yes! I hired him, but only for the territorial conflict! After it ended, he captured a bunch of prisoners on his own and holed up in the castle¡¯s dungeon, refusing to leave!" The lord¡¯sints poured out like a dam bursting. I could barely keep up, but here¡¯s the gist: During preparations for the territorial conflict, this guy showed up. The lord, impressed by his skills, hired him under generous terms. As expected, he performed exceptionally in the war, and the lord was pleased, paying him and ending the contract sessfully. But the nameless swordsman didn¡¯t leave. Instead, he captured a bunch of prisoners, locked them up in the castle¡¯s dungeon, and decided to stay. He said he¡¯d leave only after the ransom was paid, and whenever the lord protested, the swordsman would intimidate him with disys of strength, so he couldn¡¯t be forced out. The lord wanted to release the prisoners when we arrived, but the swordsman interfered, even deploying guards to gauge our strength. "So, taking the mercenaries as prisoners was his decision alone?" "Of course! There¡¯s no profit in taking mercenaries as hostages! During a territorial conflict, mercenaries get paid regardless of the oue! If word gets out that we¡¯re capturing them, no one will want to work for us!" The lord¡¯s tone was bitter and resentful. "So please, help me! I¡¯m willing to pay if you can get him out of the castle!" Well, well. I was already nning to deal with that guy, and now the lord is even offering to pay for it? This is a great opportunity. "Alright, then. How about you pay us the amount he¡¯s asking for the ransom as our fee?" "Wh-what¡­?" The lord looked taken aback, clearly not expecting that. "So, you¡¯ll cover the ransom instead. It shouldn¡¯t be too difficult, right? After all, you won the territorial conflict and must have taken plenty of spoils. You probably received a heftypensation as well." "Hmm¡­." The lord nced nervously at the nameless swordsman. "There is no paradise to be found in escape." "Ugh! Not this nonsense again!" The nameless swordsman repeated his strange phrase once more, causing the lord to shout in frustration. "Fine! I¡¯ll pay! I¡¯d do anything just to stop hearing that phrase again!" "It¡¯s a deal." With the agreement confirmed, I stepped forward. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 129 - A Slap for Every Penny Found (11) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 129 - A p for Every Penny Found (11) The nameless swordsman silently watched as Dian and the lord reached an agreement. The pink-haired girl turned out to be far weaker than he expected, but this man might be different. He didn¡¯t carry any weapons or armor, and judging by his clothes and appearance, he looked like a schr who had never even held a sword properly. As Dian stepped forward, the nameless swordsman rested his greatsword on his shoulder and spoke. "I wonder if you¡¯ll be able to satisfy me. I¡¯ve met all sorts of people iming to be strong, but none havested more than a single minute¡­ Ugh!" The swordsman didn¡¯t get to finish his sentence as he quickly retreated. Dian hadunched a sudden attack. "Proper etiquette dictates you should listen until your opponent finishes speaking¡­ Hey!" The swordsman¡¯s words kept getting cut off as he dodged, prompting him to shout in frustration. "You should listen to¡ªdamn it!" Dian grabbed the edge of the swordsman¡¯s cloak. As he yanked on the cloak with all his strength, the nameless swordsman lost his bnce and stumbled forward. "What kind of strength is this?! Who the hell are you?" But Dian didn¡¯t answer. He simply kept tugging on the cloak like he was pulling on a rope, steadily closing the distance. Realizing he couldn¡¯t shake off the iron grip, the swordsman hurriedly shed the cloak with his greatsword. Dian discarded the tattered piece of cloth and reached out again, forcing the swordsman to m his greatsword into the ground. From the point where the de struck, a powerful shockwave erupted like a raging storm. Dian dodged the st, and the wave tore through the earth, crashing into the lower section of the lord¡¯s castle. "Ahhh! The castle¡¯s going to copse!" The lord screamed as the castle shook violently. With the ground torn up and dust clouding the air, Dian disappeared from view. The nameless swordsman crouched low and quickly surveyed his surroundings. After exchanging a few blows, the swordsman had reached a clear conclusion: closebat with this man was absolutely out of the question. That girl from before had inhuman strength, but this man was on apletely different level. If he catches me, I¡¯m finished. I¡¯ve heard of such monsters existing among humans, but I never thought I¡¯d meet one here. "Where are you? Could you have run away? There is no paradise to be found in¡­" The nameless swordsman spun around in a panic, nearly screaming when he saw Dian right behind him. "Let me see your back." The swordsman hastily raised his greatsword as a shield and tried to retreat, but Dian was faster. "Ugh!" The swordsman¡¯s vision went white as Dian grabbed him by the cor. I can¡¯t breathe! "Ahhhhh!" Summoning all his strength, the swordsman managed to shake off Dian¡¯s grip, only to feel an excruciating pain in his temple. Dian had somehow picked up a stone and smashed it into the side of the swordsman¡¯s head, shattering the rock. With his head spinning and his mind reeling, the swordsman scrambled to regain hisposure, raising his greatsword once more. "I¡¯ll cut you in half!" But he never got the chance. Dian caught the greatsword with both hands. The swordsman tried to pull it free, but Dian held on, lifting a leg and kicking him in the gut. "Urgh?!" Reeling from the heavy, crushing pain, the swordsman staggered back, vomiting as he struggled to regain his breath. "It¡¯s made from dragon scales, huh? No wonder it¡¯s so light and durable." Dian inspected the greatsword, casually twirling it in his hands. "Are you a dragon yer, or did you pluck these scales from your own body?" At that question, the nameless swordsman flinched. "Which dragon is it? Judging by the sword¡¯s shape and color, it looks like a White Dragon." "For a human to figure that out¡­" The swordsman stared at Dian, a smirk forming on his lips. Or maybe¡­ he¡¯s not human after all? Wiping the blood from his lips with the back of his hand, the swordsman slowly straightened up. "It seems we¡¯ve had a major misunderstanding. Let¡¯s stop fighting." The swordsman approached Dian with a friendly smile. "Actually, I¡¯m a dragon too. I never expected to meet a fellow kin here. Your polymorph is quite convincing." He extended a hand toward Dian. "Nice to meet you. I¡¯m the White Dragon Tarkanik. And you are?" "Human. Dian." Dian shook the hand as he answered. "Dian, huh. Nice alias. What¡¯s your real name?" "I told you, I¡¯m a human, you bastard." Sensing something ominous, Tarkanik tried to pull his hand away, but he couldn¡¯t. Dian yanked on the hand, smashing his forehead into Tarkanik¡¯s nose. "Aaaaaargh!!" With a sickening crunch, Tarkanik¡¯s nose broke, and he screamed in agony, clutching his face. "You bastard! Dragons have an unspoken rule not to interfere in each other¡¯s domains! What tribe acts so recklessly?" "That was back when I was a dragon." Dian kicked Tarkanik in the face, sending him sprawling. As he flew backward, a memory suddenly resurfaced in Tarkanik¡¯s mind. Ten years ago, during the skirmishes between demons and humans, there were strange rumors among the dragons. The rumor was about two polymorphed dragons causing chaos on the battlefield. At first, Tarkanik had thought they were talking about Hindrasta. But Hindrasta had been roaming around in her true form, not in a polymorph. So who were these two dragons? The truth remained a mystery until after the war, when the legendary human hero Linus, the one who had killed the Demon King, emerged. The dragons then realized it had all been a misunderstanding. The person mistaken for a polymorphed dragon was simply a human with extraordinarybat abilities. But what about the second one? Was that part of the rumor also exaggerated nonsense? That was the conclusion most hade to, and the story was gradually forgotten. Yet, as Tarkanik¡¯s broken nose was kicked again, he was now certain he knew who that "second one" was. It¡¯s him! Bleeding profusely, Tarkanik made a decision. I¡¯ll undo my polymorph. With physical abilities rivaling that of a polymorphed dragon, I¡¯m at a disadvantage in this human form. I¡¯ve already been grabbed several times, and I can¡¯t match his strength. I¡¯ll return to my true form and crush him! Tarkanik¡¯s hands began to swell, his sleeves tearing as sharp ws and white scales started to emerge. "Rrraaaaagh¡­!!" With a mighty roar, Tarkanik¡¯s clothes shredded as his massive body transformed back into the form of the White Dragon. "Raaaaaaaahhhh!!" At the sudden appearance of the enormous dragon,rger than the lord¡¯s castle, everyone screamed and fled in all directions. [You wretch! You dared to mock a dragon! Your crime is unforgivable!!] Tarkanik¡¯s voice boomed. [I¡¯ll crush you beneath my feet! You¡¯re not even worth using my breath on!] He raised a massive foot and stomped down on Dian. Boom! Boom! Boom! Each step Tarkanik took sent tremors through the ground, shaking the castle as if it were about to copse. "No! Brother Dian!" Sc screamed in terror. After several stomps, Tarkanik lifted his foot to inspect the remains of Dian. But instead of a crushed body, there was only a swirling portal where Dian had been. [What the¡­?!] In that instant, Tarkanik sensed something dangerous approaching rapidly from above. Instinctively, he looked up, every scale on his body standing on end in fear. Far above, Dian was descending through the portal, gripping Tarkanik¡¯s own greatsword in his hands. "Let me see your back!" It was toote to dodge¡­. # # # # # Hindrasta, staring in shock at the massive form of the dragon that had suddenly appeared, shouted in surprise. "Tarkanik?!" It was none other than the White Dragon Tarkanik, one of Hindrasta¡¯s own kin. They weren¡¯t exactly friends, but she had crossed paths with him once in the past. Why on earth was he polymorphed and pretending to be a mercenary here? But Hindrasta didn¡¯t have time to ponder further. Dian, who had leaped down from the portal, struck Tarkanik¡¯s head with the greatsword. The impact sent scales flying from Tarkanik¡¯s head. From that moment on, Dian began to relentlessly pummel Tarkanik. [Aaaaagh! It hurts!] Tarkanik screamed in agony as he was struck by his own sword, made from his very scales. [You filthy little¡ªAaaagh!] Roaring in fury, Tarkanik swung his arms wildly, but Dian dodged each blow, expertly targeting his vital points like a skilled butcher. Soon, Tarkanik couldn¡¯t even stay standing and copsed, crumbling to the ground. [Stop! It hurts too much! Please!] Writhing in agony, Tarkanik, now desperate, even resorted to begging, but Dian didn¡¯t stop. Watching the scene, Hindrasta recalled a memory. The terror of being beaten senseless by Dian during the war. The humiliation of fleeing with her body battered and broken. Crack- [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 130 - A Slap for Every Penny Found (12) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 130 - A p for Every Penny Found (12) "Uwaaaah! It''s a dragon!!" People were thrown into a frenzy at the sight of the massive White Dragon, and they all fled inside the lord¡¯s castle in terror. "Damn it! That bastard was a dragon all along?! No wonder something felt off!" "Get to safety, my lord!" The retainers dragged the lord, who was furiously shaking his fist at the dragon, back inside the castle. When the enraged dragon mmed its tail into the ground, the entire castle shook, and chunks of stone from the ceiling began to rain down. "Stop! Stop it right now! The castle will copse for real!!!" As cracks began to appear in the ancient walls of the lord¡¯s castle, the lord ran back outside in a panic. "Agh! My lord! It¡¯s too dangerous!" The retainers threw themselves at him, desperately trying to hold him back. [Graaaaagh!!] The dragon''s roar, designed to strike fear into lesser beings, echoed through the air, and everyone around it fell to the ground, trembling in fear. But Dian, standing right in front of the dragon, didn¡¯t even flinch. Angered by the sight, the dragon lifted its foot to stomp on Dian. "No!!! Brother Dian!!!" Sc grabbed a fallen crossbow and dashed forward. She aimed for the dragon¡¯s head and fired. But as the dragon stomped, the ground shook violently, causing her to lose her bnce, and the quarrel missed its mark by a wide margin. "Sc! Stop it!" Her brothers pulled her back as she loaded another quarrel. "But Brother Dian¡­!" "There¡¯s nothing we can do! No one can stop an enraged dragon!" At that moment, far above the castle, right above the dragon¡¯s head, a portal opened, and Dian came falling through it. In his hands was the greatsword that the nameless swordsman had been using. "It¡¯s Brother Dian!" As Dian¡¯s greatsword struck the dragon¡¯s crown, its scales exploded off, flying in all directions. "Whoa! Get inside, get inside!" When one of the enormous scales, about the size of a person, embedded itself in the ground, Sc¡¯s brothers grabbed her and fled into the castle for safety. Crash! Boom! "You bastard!!!" As the scales rained down like a storm, smashing the outer walls of the castle, the lord lost his mind, frothing at the mouth. "You bastard! I¡¯ll peel off all your scales and sell you at the fish market!!" "My lord! Just because it has scales doesn¡¯t mean it¡¯s a fish!!!" Meanwhile, Dian had climbed onto the dragon¡¯s head and was now making his way down, shing the greatsword as he went. Head, neck, shoulder, corbone, arm, chest, stomach, thigh, calf, tail. Then he climbed back up its spine and hacked away at its wings, piece by piece. Like a butcher tenderizing meat, Dian struck the dragon systematically, one blow after another, while the dragon howled in agony, pleading for mercy. [I was wrong! Please, forgive me!] But Dian showed no mercy, and soon the dragon could no longer withstand the punishment and copsed to the side. Thuuuuuud! The top of the castle¡¯s tallest tower crumbled, sending a massive cloud of dust into the air. "Brother Dian!" Sc broke free from the mercenaries holding her back and ran into the cloud of debris in search of Dian. She wandered through the thick dust for a while before finally spotting a figure in the distance. As she got closer, she saw it was Dian, standing with his arms crossed. At his feety the greatsword, now broken in two. And in front of him, a naked man was kneeling, bowing his head. But something seemed off about his head¡­ the top waspletely bald¡­? Just before he transformed, he had a full head of hair, so how¡­? Could it be when Dian struck him with the greatsword earlier, the scales that flew off were from his scalp¡­? In that moment, Sc felt a strange sympathy, beyond anger, for the dragon that had attacked Dian. "Ah, Sc. This bastard was a dragon." Dian said, smiling casually when he noticed her. "I did think he was too strong to be human." "Y-yeah¡­ but his head¡­." "The ransom¡¯s off the table now, right? Isn¡¯t that right?" "Yes, absolutely!" The dragon Tarkanik, his head bowed, shouted desperately. "And in addition, I¡¯ll fullypensate the mercenaries who were injured or killed during the territorial conflict!" Dian nodded in satisfaction. "Good. And you¡¯ll cover the repairs to this castle too, right?" "Of course! I¡¯ll take the riches from my hoard to restore the copsed tower and the damaged outer walls!" "And the two doors that got destroyed." Tarkanik hesitated for a moment, looking confused. "Th-that wasn¡¯t me who broke them¡­." "Hmph. You captured the prisoners, which forced me toe here, and that¡¯s why I had to break down those doors. So in the end, it¡¯s your fault they were destroyed, isn¡¯t it?" "Ah¡­ I see your point. You¡¯re absolutely right!" Tarkanik bowed his head even lower. At this point, Sc couldn¡¯t make sense of what was happening. She knew Dian was strong, but she had never imagined he¡¯d be able to beat a dragon into submission, force it to revert to human form, and make it kneel. Even Sir Linus couldn¡¯t do something like this¡­. Just who on earth was Dian¡­? # # # # # Everything had been settled. The nameless swordsman who had crushed the Renc Mercenaries and secured victory in the territorial war with his overwhelming strength was, in fact, the White Dragon Tarkanik. He was from the same n as Hindrasta, a young dragon who had only recently reached maturity and emerged into the world. His goal had been to gather wealth for his own independence. Once dragons grow into adulthood, they leave their n¡¯s nest to im their own territory and live independently. Over time, they fill theirirs with gold and treasures. Tarkanik, after much deliberation, hade up with an idea inspired by Hindrasta¡¯s activities in the human world. He had decided to polymorph into a strong mercenary to gather gold through contracts and ransoms, while enjoying a bit of fun on the side. "What if you ended up getting banished like Hindrasta?" "Hindrasta wasn¡¯t banished just for entering the human world, sir. It was because she brought shame to the n by losing to a human." Ah, so that was the reason. If Hindrasta hadn¡¯t run into me and Linus, she wouldn¡¯t have ended up trapped in a human body for a thousand years. The cost of repairing the lord¡¯s castle was covered by granting ownership of the dragon scales that had fallen off Tarkanik¡¯s body. The lord, who had been about to tear out the rest of the dragon¡¯s hair in a fit of rage, was instantly relieved upon hearing this. Overjoyed at the prospect of saving his ancestral castle, he immediately paid me the fee we had agreed on for getting rid of the nameless swordsman. He was so happy to have his castle saved that he didn¡¯t even care that I had been the one to take down the dragon. The Renc Mercenaries were sent back to their base for now. Hindrasta and I would be heading to Tarkanik¡¯sir to collect thepensation owed to them. There had been talk of ripping off a few more of Tarkanik¡¯s scales once we got there, but that idea was dismissed. A dragon¡¯s scales are like armor, and they¡¯re incredibly valuable. It takes a long time for them to regenerate. Tarkanik wasn¡¯t keen on losing any more scales, and the mercenaries, who needed cash quickly, decided they¡¯d rather take gold or other valuables instead. "So, let me get this straight, the Head Professor fought alongside Sir Linus in the war, now he beats dragons into submission, forces them to kneel, and is about to head into a dragon¡¯sir¡ªa ce no human has ever entered¡ªjust to make sure he doesn¡¯t get stiffed on the money¡­." Orendi muttered to himself as he opened a portal, he shook his head in disbelief. "And now it¡¯s almost confirmed that he¡¯s a secret prince from the Demon King ying Special Forces? I mean, seriously, this is ridiculous¡­." But where¡¯s Hindrasta? I haven¡¯t seen her since earlier. Oh, there she is. "Hey! Hurry up!" "Don¡¯t rush me¡­!" Hindrasta approached slowly, walking stiffly with her legs squeezed together and her upper body hunched over. It looked familiar¡­. I couldn¡¯t help but nce at her skirt. Her thighs were wet, and her socks were soaked too¡ªshe had definitely wet herself again. Why does she keep doing that? "Um, does anyone else smell something¡­ weird, sir?" When Hindrastar came, Tarkanik asked, covering his privates with the broken hilt of the greatsword. "Shut your mouth, you bald-headed freak!" "What are you getting so mad about? And what do you mean, freak?" Tarkanik retorted. "Isn¡¯t it you who¡¯s the freak? What kind of dragon goes around as a big-breasted, pink-haired, pigtail-wearing girl?!" "Alright, enough. Don¡¯t fight. You two are from the same n, after all." Just as I separated the two bickering dragons, Orendi finished opening the portal to Tarkanik¡¯sir. "I¡¯ming too!" As we were about to step through the portal, Sc came running over. "Shouldn¡¯t you be heading back to the base?" "I¡¯m going with you." "Will that be alright?" Dragons typically don¡¯t allow anyone to enter theirirs. Hindrasta and I are exceptions, though. "Can shee along?" "Of course! No problem at all!" Tarkanik answered enthusiastically. And with that, we all stepped through the portal, heading toward Tarkanik¡¯sir. On the other side, the first thing that greeted us was a fat, stupid-looking ogre sitting on a small rock, scratching his belly. He was using a wooden club, the kind ogres usually carry, as a backscratcher. Beyond him, a massive cave entrance loomed¡ªit had to be Tarkanik¡¯sir. "Gah?! An ogre?!" Sc, thest to step through the portal, gasped and instinctively grabbed the hilt of her sword, but Tarkanik stepped forward. "Don¡¯t worry, he¡¯s one of mine. He¡¯s harmless." "What?! You keep an ogre as a pet?!" "Dragons usually have a few monsters guarding theirirs." Sc looked around. "But I don¡¯t see any others¡­." "Well, I¡¯ve been gone for a while, so the smarter ones probably ran off. This guy¡¯s too dumb andzy to bother leaving." The ogre didn¡¯t attack us or anything, just muttered to itself while scratching its belly. I had never seen such a non-aggressive ogre before. "Come on in." We walked past the yawning ogre and entered their. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 131 - A Slap for Every Penny Found (13) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 131 - A p for Every Penny Found (13) The cave was incredibly deep, and its size was enormous. Since dragons usually live in their massive true forms, the space needed to be this big to amodate their bodies. ¡°Gah?!¡± At the end of the twisting passageways, a huge open space suddenly appeared, and Sc gasped. It was big enough to fit an entire ser field inside. ¡°This is insane¡­ how can it be so huge¡­?¡± ¡°It¡¯s truly incredible¡­.¡± Sc and Orendi were in awe, staring up at the distant ceiling. This was my first time inside a dragon¡¯sir as well, and honestly, I was a little shocked too. I had heard they dig out a massive space deep inside so they can lie downfortably, but I didn¡¯t expect it to be this big. ¡°Hey, is yourir this big too?¡± I asked Hindrasta. ¡°Yeah. All dragons have something like this.¡± Unlike us humans, who were marveling at the sheer size of the cave, Hindrasta answered indifferently. But the size of the cave was nothingpared to what came next. ¡°Wha¡­ what the hell am I looking at?!¡± Sc and Orendi¡¯s eyes nearly popped out of their heads as they spotted the mountain of gold and treasure piled high. Gold coins were stacked like hills, shimmering with hues of blue, gold, and silver, undting like waves. On top of the pile were enormous golden crowns, intricately crafted jewelry embedded with jewels, stacked inyers. Emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and opals¡ªall manner of rare gemstones¡ªsparkled as theyy scattered about. Among them were legendary weapons from history¡ªa sword with a golden hilt, a silver shield, and battle helms adorned with jewels. Giant golden urns were ced around the room, each one filled to the brim with even more jewels and ornaments. Some of the gems were sorge and brilliant that they looked like small stars, twinkling within their. Amidst the gold and gems, ancient books and scrolls engraved with magical scripts were strewn about haphazardly. Luxurious silk cloths and tapestries covered parts of the treasure, adding a mystical glow to the cavern as the golden light and jewels illuminated the darkness. ¡°Do you have this much treasure too?¡± ¡°Do you think I¡¯d have anything left after scraping by as a human for ten years, collecting scraps? And all my stuff got confiscated by the Elders, and I won¡¯t get it back for a thousand years.¡± Hindrasta¡¯s sarcastic tone suddenly fell silent. Her expression crumbled, and she unexpectedly began to cry. ¡°I worked so hard for all of it¡­ ugh¡­.¡± ¡°For now¡­ I should probably get dressed.¡± Tarkanik, who had been naked the whole time, said. He rummaged through the piles of gold and jewels, then pulled out a set of clothes. It was a ceremonial armor,vishly embroidered with gold and encrusted with jewels. I had seen this type of armor before¡ªback during the war, when noble soldiers or some deranged royalmanders wore such things into battle. But the one Tarkanik was wearing now was on another level entirely. Suddenly, a thought crossed my mind. What would happen if someone looted an entire dragon¡¯sir? The sudden influx of wealth into the market would cause massive intion, for sure. Maybe dragons are actually the ones controlling the economy, acting like the central bank of the continent, regting prices and interest rates. Who knows, maybe one of the smarter dragons is already secretly living in the human world, using their wealth to run a lending business and raking in even more money. While I was lost in these thoughts, Tarkanik brought over arge sack and handed it to Sc. ¡°Fill this up. Enough topensate your mercenary group for their losses.¡± ¡°Yay!!¡± Sc¡¯s eyes lit up as she grabbed the sack and dashed toward the treasure pile. ¡°Huff¡­¡± Tarkanik¡¯s face twisted with anguish as he watched Sc shovel treasure into the bag without hesitation. ¡°Uh, excuse me, Dragon¡­ sir¡­¡± Orendi stammered as he approached Tarkanik nervously. ¡°There seem to be some books over there¡­ would it be alright if I took a look? Just to read, of course.¡± He pointed to a stack of ancient manuscripts piled in one corner, clearly centuries old at a nce. ¡°Go ahead.¡± ¡°Ahh! Thank you!¡± Orendi¡¯s robe fluttered as he rushed over to the old scrolls, excitement in every step. He really is a mage, through and through. ¡°By the way, there¡¯s something I¡¯ve been curious about, sir.¡± Tarkanik said, turning to me, carefully avoiding the sight of Sc swimming through the gold coins. ¡°I¡¯ve heard of a man among humans named Linus. Among us dragons, he was once mistaken for a polymorphed dragon. I¡¯ve also heard that he had a closepanion¡­ would you know anything about that?¡± A closepanion of Linus¡­ That would be me, wouldn¡¯t it? ¡°It¡¯s this guy right here!¡± Before I could answer, Hindrasta interrupted with a shudder. ¡°He¡¯s the one who ran around with that blonde idiot!¡± ¡°As I thought! So that¡¯s how it was!¡± Tarkanik pped his bald head with realization. ¡°I was devastated after losing to a human, but somehow, this brings me a littlefort. Wait a minute, so you were defeated by him too?¡± ¡°Of course! You¡¯ve felt it yourself! If it were an ordinary human, fine, but against a crazy monster like this? There was nothing I could do! And there were two of them! Being exiled just because I lost to humans is too harsh a punishment!¡± ¡°You make a good point. It wasn¡¯t a fight between humans and dragons; it was more like a battle between equals.¡± ¡°Right? So go tell the Elders! It wasn¡¯t the disgrace of the n, it was a fight that no dragon could have won! So please, tell them to cancel my punishment and give me back everything they confiscated!¡± Hindrasta grabbed Tarkanik by the cor, pleading desperately. ¡°You think I¡¯m crazy? If I say something like that, I¡¯ll get punished too!¡± Tarkanik shook her off with a scowl. ¡°Aaargh!¡± With a loud wail, Hindrasta copsed to the ground and began pounding the floor, sobbing. What a mess. Meanwhile, Sc returned with the sack, dragging it along the ground since it was so heavy and overstuffed. ¡°Ugh¡­¡± Seeing the long trail the sack left on the ground as she dragged it, Tarkanik sighed deeply. ¡°This should be enough to cover the damages.¡± Sc said, grinning from ear to ear. Tarkanik, rubbing his forehead, just turned away, unable to bear looking at the situation any longer. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s head back. Hey! Orendi! What are you doing?!¡± Orendi didn¡¯t seem to hear me as he had his nose buried in a book. ¡°Orendi. Let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Huh? Oh, yes, yes¡­.¡± Still, Orendi seemed reluctant to part with the book, staring at it longingly as he put it down. Curious, I nced at the book to see what it was about¡ªit was rted to magic. So are all these books about magic? But dragons don¡¯t use magic, so that¡¯s odd. I sifted through some of the other books and saw they weren¡¯t all about magic. There was a wide range of topics, mostly old, valuable collections that Tarkanik had hoarded. Then, something unusual caught my eye. Unlike the other books, one was incredibly clean, with no cover or markings of any kind. What is this? I opened to the first page, and in the corner, there was a small signature. The handwriting looked strangely familiar. What does it say¡­? Kaiden kyr¡­? Wait, this is Kaiden¡¯s?! I flipped through the rest of the pages but found nothing written inside¡ªjust nk sheets. Why is Kaiden¡¯s notebook here? And why is it empty? I had no idea, but I figured I should return it to him. ¡°I¡¯ll take this.¡± ¡°Oh, sure, go ahead.¡± Tarkanik didn¡¯t seem to mind at all, relieved that it wasn¡¯t something valuable. # # # # # Tarkanik escorted us to the entrance of their. The ogre guarding the entrance had fully sprawled out on the ground, snoring loudly in his sleep. I envy how carefree he is. Tarkanik clicked his tongue when he saw the ogre. ¡°Thatzy fool¡­¡± ¡°Hey, you¡¯ve got it all wrong. That ogre isn¡¯t stupid¡ªhe¡¯s actually really smart.¡± Hindrasta said with a snicker. ¡°No one around to boss him, no predators because it¡¯s a dragon¡¯sir, and with food around, he doesn¡¯t even have to hunt. Where else could he find a better deal?¡± ¡°Now that you mention it¡­ that¡¯s pretty clever. How annoying.¡± Tarkanik stormed over to the ogre and kicked him in the butt. ¡°Get up, you idiot! Do your job properly!¡± The ogre grumbled as it woke up, using its club as a walking stick to help it stand, then beganzily patrolling the area. Tarkanik pounded his chest in frustration as he watched. ¡°Alright, we¡¯re heading out now.¡± Orendi opened the portal, and we said our farewells to Tarkanik. ¡°If you n on staying active in the human world, I have one piece of advice for you.¡± ¡°What might that be?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t stand out. The nail that sticks up gets hammered down. If you get on the radar of the Imperial Security Office like Linus and I did, you might not be able to move freely anymore.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll remember that. I¡¯ll keep it in mind.¡± As Tarkanik bowed, his bald head shone brightly. I genuinely feel bad about that. If I had known that losing the scales on his head was like losing hair, I would¡¯ve avoided hitting him there. Still, the scales will grow back, so the hair probably will too. Though, if he continues working as a mercenary, it won¡¯t be long before rumors spread about the bald mercenary with a shiny scalp. ¡°Goodbye, sir. I hope we never meet again.¡± Tarkanik called out, waving as we stepped through the portal. ¡°So, let me ask you something.¡± I said to Hindrasta as we returned to the Renc Mercenary Headquarters. ¡°What happens if we secretly go back and loot that guy¡¯sir?¡± ¡°What kind of nonsense is that? Do you think dragons are idiots who¡¯d let someone raid theirir after its location is exposed? He¡¯s probably already preparing to move.¡± ¡°Ah, so that¡¯s how it works.¡± A little disappointing. ¡°Ugh¡­ I wonder if the treasure I saved up is still safe¡­.¡± Suddenly, andpletely out of context, Hindrasta started crying again, tears streaming down her face. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 132 - A Slap for Every Penny Found (14) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 132 - A p for Every Penny Found (14) ¡°Dian! Come on in!¡± As soon as we arrived at the headquarters, the leader and the mercenaries rushed out to greet us. ¡°Are you hurt? You really gave us a scare earlier! I mean, who beats up a dragon?!¡± ¡°You¡¯re my hero, Brother Dian! I look up to you so much!¡± ¡°Come on, get inside!¡± The mercenaries poured into the headquarters, and when Sc dumped the treasure onto the table, their excitement grew even more. ¡°Wh-what is all this?!¡± ¡°What do you think? It¡¯s the loot from that dragon¡¯sir. This should be more than enough to support the families of our fallenrades.¡± With that, Sc scooped up a portion of the gold coins, stuffed them into a small sack, and handed it to Hindrasta. ¡°Sophie. This is your share.¡± ¡°My share?¡± ¡°I promised, remember? I wouldn¡¯t cheat you out of it.¡± ¡°Ah¡­ right¡­.¡± Hindrasta looked genuinely flustered as she peered inside the sack. ¡°So, this is¡­¡± ¡°Your savings that you left with the mercenaries, plus a little extra for your help today.¡± ¡°Ah¡­.¡± Hindrasta tied up the sack and scratched her head awkwardly, as if trying to find the right words. ¡°Uh¡­ thanks¡­¡± ¡°No, we should be thanking you.¡± The mercenary leader approached and patted Hindrasta on the shoulder. ¡°Thanks foring to help, Sophie. Because of you, we all made it back safely.¡± ¡°Yeah, Sophie! Thanks a lot! It¡¯s all thanks to you!¡± Mercenaries all around threw out their thanks, causing Hindrasta to blush and nce at me, clearly ufortable. ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know how I¡¯m supposed to react to this¡­¡± ¡°I think you¡¯re supposed to smile.¡± She hesitated for a moment before giving an awkward grin and shouting. ¡°Well, of course! There¡¯s nothing in this world that Sophie can¡¯t do!¡± As Sophie yelled, the mercenaries erupted into cheers. ¡°And Dian. Thanks again. You saved our mercenary group.¡± The leader turned to me, his face serious. ¡°You came to our aid back during the war, and now, ten yearster, you¡¯ve saved us again.¡± ¡°Well, Sophie was involved, and we go way back, so I figured I¡¯d help out. I¡¯m just d to see everyone smiling again. Although, there¡¯s nothing we can do for those who didn¡¯t make it.¡± ¡°Yeah¡­ that¡¯s just how it is with mercenary work.¡± The leader hid his sadness behind a bright smile. ¡°Now that we¡¯re all here, why don¡¯t you and Sophie stay the night? Have some food with us, and we can catch up.¡± ¡°Hm, I don¡¯t know. Got anything good to eat?¡± ¡°Of course! Down in the cer, I¡¯ve got something special. It gets better when stored in a cool, dry ce.¡± Looks like he finally built that wine cer he always dreamed of. During the war, when the mercenaries were living out of tents with no fixed base, the leader would always say that once he made it big, he¡¯d build a proper headquarters with a basement full of booze. It seems he finally achieved that dream after the war ended. Let¡¯s see¡­ I don¡¯t have anything urgent at the Academy this weekend, so I guess it¡¯s fine. And as for Hindrasta, Ismera already knows we¡¯re here, so that¡¯s not a problem. ¡°Orendi, what about you? Want to stay here or head home ande backter?¡± ¡°Uh, I¡­.¡± Before Orendi could decide, the leader grabbed him by the wrist with a serious look. ¡°You¡¯re not going anywhere! We need to treat our mage with the respect he deserves! You¡¯re one of our saviors too!¡± ¡°M-me? I just did what I was told¡­ but alright, if you insist.¡± And so, we decided to stay at the mercenary headquarters for the night instead of heading back to the Academy. # # # # # The feast was massive. The leader spared no expense, celebrating our return, thepensation we got from Tarkanik, and our reunion. The mercenaries took their newfound gold and went into town, returning with carts full of food, including a whole pig. It didn¡¯t take long for the mercenaries, who were used to chopping wood and fighting, to ughter the pig and start roasting it over the fire. Normally, roasting a whole pig takes all day, but Orendi sped things up. Using magic, he cooked the inside and outside simultaneously, and within just an hour, we had a perfectly roasted pig. The pig was ced in the center of arge table, surrounded by roasted vegetables: potatoes, corn, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and more. On another side of the table were heaps of chicken, thick ham, sausages the size of a grown man¡¯s arm, and rough-baked bread. It was theplete opposite of a noble banquet¡ªa feast that was thoroughly mercenary-style. And, of course, the most important part: the booze. The leader¡¯s long-anticipated wine cer was finally opened, and massive oak barrels of beer were rolled out, each so heavy that it took ten mercenaries to haul them into the dining hall. ¡°Open them up!¡± At the leader''smand, the mercenaries pried the lids off with crowbars. ¡°Whoa! What is that?!¡± The strong aroma hit Orendi, who practically drooled at the smell. ¡°This is beer made from the best barley from Aigara. There¡¯s no better beer on the continent.¡± The leader said with pride, pouring a mug for himself. ¡°Today, we eat and drink to our heart¡¯s content!¡± ¡°Yeah!!¡± # # # # # The partystedte into the night. Mercenaries are known for being heavy drinkers, so it probably wouldn¡¯t end even after dawn. They ate, drank,ughed, danced, and sang, making enough noise to shake the whole city of Renc. Orendi, who had initially been reserved, now led the dancing, firing off illusion magic that captivated everyone. Every time a stream of light shot from his fingers, it exploded in the air, creating images of candy-eating dragons, perfectly boiled Krakens, and naked Sirens, driving the mercenaries wild with excitement. I spent the evening at a table with the leader, catching up on everything that had happened. The Renc Mercenaries had grown rapidly after the war, just as I¡¯d heard. The turning point was the covert operation where Linus and I had joined them. The tremendous sess of that mission led to the Imperial Pce viewing the Renc Mercenaries favorably. Afterward, the capital cut ties with several other mercenary groups they had been working with and formed an exclusive contract with Renc. Some smaller mercenary groups, seeing their deals with the capital end, even chose to merge with Renc. ¡°Our mercenary group grew so big thanks to you and Linus. We¡¯re always grateful for that.¡± The leader filled my mug with beer as he spoke. ¡°After the war, I tried to meet with Linus, but he wouldn¡¯t see me.¡± ¡°Why not?¡± ¡°He said that as the leader of a sessful mercenary group, being seen with him might give people the wrong idea, like we were getting special favors.¡± That made sense. After the war, Linus became a hero of the continent, and if he had met with the wrong people, it could have caused rumors. He¡¯s always been a smart guy. ¡°So, I asked if he knew where you were, but he said he didn¡¯t. I heard you were missing. What happened?¡± ¡°Well, about that¡­¡± I told the leader how I had been living in Brunswell for ten years before bing a professor at the Academy earlier this year. ¡°What?! You¡¯re a professor at the Academy now? That¡¯s unbelievable! And that¡¯s where you met Sophie again? I¡¯ve got so many questions.¡± The leader bombarded me with questions. Why did Sophie suddenly quit her bodyguard job and be a student at the Academy without telling anyone? Sc told him that Sophie had a history with me from the war, but what was the exact story? And what was up with Sophie speaking so casually to that White Dragon back at the lord¡¯s castle? Now that I thought about it, Sophie¡¯s strength and fighting skills are way beyond that of a normal human. It was a bit suspicious. After a brief pause, I decided to lie. Telling him that Sophie was actually Hindrasta, the dragon from the war, didn¡¯t seem like a good idea. ¡°Sophie was part of an elite task force in the Imperial Pce. We worked together a few times, and apparently, she crossed paths with Tarkanik during one of those missions. I don¡¯t know all the details. But at some point, she stole some operational funds and did a lot of other shady stuff, so she got kicked out.¡± ¡°Ah, I see. That makes sense. Sophie was always obsessed with money, so I can believe it.¡± The leader nodded as if it all clicked into ce, probably recalling how much Sophie used to talk about money. ¡°And as for why she became a student at the Academy¡­ well, I¡¯m sorry to say, that was my fault. I recruited her.¡± I exined the situation at the Academy at the time, not leaving out any details. ¡°I needed top-tier students to save the Academy, and I figured someone like Sophie could help raise the bar.¡± ¡°That makes sense. Sophie¡¯s definitely not someone whose skills could be doubted.¡± The leader took a sip of his beer and spoke. ¡°Now that I think about it, Sophie going to the Academy might¡¯ve been what saved us. If she had stayed with the mercenaries and taken part in the territorial conflict, she would¡¯ve been captured too. And if that had happened, no one would¡¯vee to rescue us. Right?¡± The leader looked over at Hindrasta, who scoffed. ¡°If I had been there, we wouldn¡¯t have lost the battle in the first ce.¡± Sure, thising from the same person who was pinned to the ground by Tarkanik, but she¡¯s got confidence, I¡¯ll give her that. ¡°I¡¯m just really thankful for you, Brother Dian.¡± Sc, who had been listening quietly, reached across the table and grabbed my hand. ¡°You helped our mercenary group grow during the war, taught me how to fight, and now you¡¯ve saved us again.¡± Sc nced at the leader and her brothers before continuing. ¡°This is enough, right? Isn¡¯t it more than enough?¡± ¡°Absolutely. If it¡¯s Dian, there¡¯s no problem at all.¡± The leader and Sc¡¯s brothers all agreed in unison. ¡°Uh, hold on. What exactly are we talking about?¡± ¡°Well, Dian, there were a lot of marriage talks involving Sc and various other mercenary groups.¡± He continued. ¡°By getting married, we could form alliances and grow stronger. It¡¯s simr to the arranged marriages among nobles.¡± ¡°Ah, I see. So what¡¯s the issue?¡± ¡°The issue is that Sc said she wouldn¡¯t marry anyone unless they were as strong as you, Dian. She said bringing in someone weaker would only weaken the mercenary group.¡± ¡°Hm, well, she¡¯s not wrong. So, what¡¯s the problem?¡± ¡°What do you mean, ¡®what¡¯s the problem¡¯?! Sc¡¯s demand is impossible! How many people in this world are as strong as you? Linus? That guy¡¯s already married with a kid.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not denying that¡­ but what¡¯s your point?¡± ¡°My point, Dian, is that the only person as strong as you¡­ is you!¡± [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 133 - A Slap for Every Penny Found (15) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 133 - A p for Every Penny Found (15) At the mercenary leader''s words, Hindrasta suddenly burst outughing. ¡°Haha! So, what, you¡¯re saying Sc and Dian should mate now or something? Oh, this is killing me!¡± Hindrasta wiped away the tears that had welled up fromughing so hard and continued. ¡°You¡¯re dreaming if you think that. Do you even know how many women Dian¡¯s been flirting with at the Academy? The elf Vice-Headmaster, a Duke¡¯s daughter, some country girl, the dark-elf Headmaster¡ªugh, it¡¯s exhausting just listing them all.¡± ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Sc¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°Why are you even asking when you clearly already know? The number of women interested in Dian at the Academy could fill a wagon.¡± ¡°R-really?¡± Sc looked between Hindrasta and me, then smiled and shrugged. ¡°Well, I mean¡­ that¡¯s to be expected, right? Brother Dian¡¯s handsome and talented, so it¡¯s only natural women would be drawn to him. But¡­ he¡¯s not married yet, is he?¡± Her gaze fell on my hand, which was holding a beer mug. ¡°Dating is one thing, but as long as he hasn¡¯t promised to marry anyone yet, it¡¯s fine. Right? You¡¯re not engaged, are you?¡± ¡°Not yet.¡± Sc beamed at my answer. ¡°Great, then there¡¯s no problem.¡± ¡°Haha!¡± And, of course, Hindrasta erupted inughter again. ¡°And what if you think there¡¯s no problem? So what? Are you the only one getting married? You realize you haven¡¯t even asked Dian what he thinks yet, right?¡± Hindrasta¡¯s point hit Sc like a sudden realization, and she whipped around to look at me, her eyes clearly asking for my thoughts. I didn¡¯t need to think about it. The answer was an obvious ¡®NO¡¯. With the whole situation with Ismera¡ªbeing so ¡®deeply¡¯ involved with her¡ªI couldn¡¯t just casually agree to marriage with someone else. Even if it weren¡¯t for Ismera, marriage isn¡¯t something you just rush into like frying beans over a fire. Besides, Sc¡­ she¡¯s still too young. She¡¯s about the same age as Merilda in terms of both body and maturity. Even thinking about taking things further with her made me feel guilty. And on top of that, I¡¯ve seen her as a little kid from ten years ago. It just didn¡¯t make sense. I smiled awkwardly without saying anything, and Sc¡¯s expression stiffened, while Hindrasta¡¯sughter only grew louder. ¡°Look at her face! Did you seriously think Dian was going to marry you without a second thought?¡± ¡°Shut up!¡± Sc snapped, ring at Hindrasta, who made a zipping motion across her mouth, as if sealing it shut. She really has a natural talent for pissing people off. ¡°You know, you¡¯re acting pretty suspicious yourself.¡± Sc pointed a finger at Hindrasta. ¡°Why are you so keen on mocking me and tearing me down? You¡¯re acting like you have a personal stake in this.¡± ¡°What? What are you talking about?¡± ¡°Exactly what it sounds like. You keep trying to put me down, acting like me marrying Brother Dian is impossible. Why are you so worked up about this? Do you have some kind of personal issue with it?¡± Hindrasta blinked, then mmed her hands on the table as she realized what Sc was implying. ¡°Are you seriously saying that I¡¯m secretly in love with Dian and trying to stop you from being with him?!¡± ¡°What else could it be? You¡¯re not the one marrying me. Brother Dian isn¡¯t marrying you, either. So why do you care so much? Are you one of those women chasing after him?¡±n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous! Just thinking about that makes my skin crawl! He¡¯s not even human¡ªhe¡¯s a monster, and a top-ss one at that!!¡± Hindrasta shrieked in outrage, and I couldn¡¯t help but be amused. I know she hates me, but seeing her so adamantly dere her dislike for me to my face¡ªyep, that¡¯s a dragon for you. Sc¡¯s misunderstanding stems from not knowing Hindrasta is actually a dragon herself. If she knew the whole story, she definitely wouldn¡¯t be talking like this. ¡°Enough fighting on such a happy day.¡± The mercenary leader stepped in, trying to mediate. ¡°Marriage is a serious matter. It¡¯s not something you decide while eating snacks at a party. Let¡¯s leave it at this for now: Dian has heard our and Sc¡¯s thoughts on the matter.¡± He ced a hand on my shoulder. ¡°Dian, I¡¯d be thrilled if you became my son-inw, but I know we can¡¯t force you into anything.¡± ¡°Yeah, to be honest, this all came out of nowhere, and I¡¯m not sure what to say.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t need to give an answer right away. Now that we know where to find you, we can reach out anytime. I assume Academy professors aren¡¯t prohibited from talking to outsiders?¡± ¡°Of course not. Professors aren¡¯t that high and mighty. Anyway¡­ I understand what you and Sc are thinking.¡± ¡°Brother Dian!¡± Sc¡¯s eldest brother suddenly stood up. ¡°I¡¯m all for you joining our family.¡± ¡°So am I!¡± The other brothers echoed as they stood up with determined expressions. ¡°We, the brothers of the Renc Mercenary Group, strongly support Dian!¡± As Sc¡¯s brothers voiced their opinions, Hindrasta shook her head in disbelief, looking utterly unimpressed. ¡°Ridiculous. You¡¯re going to bring a freak like him into your family and tear it apart.¡± ¡°Raise your mugs!¡± The eldest brother shouted, raising his beer high. ¡°Today is the day Brother Dian saved our mercenary group for the second time. Thanks to him, we¡¯ve been reborn.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± The mercenaries cheered, raising their mugs in unison. ¡°To Brother Dian!¡± ¡°To Brother Dian!!¡± After downing their beers, the mercenaries began pounding their fists in rhythm on the table, breaking into song. We are the wolves of the wastnd! With swords and shields in hand! Soaked in the blood and sweat of ourrades! We survive together! Steely and unbreakable! We fight as one, our mercenary band! Through fire and blood, we live on! Sworn in iron to im victory! Through the dark we march with no fear! No hand of death will break our stride! ¡°Ugh, enough already.¡± Hindrasta groaned, plugging her ears as if the whole thing bored her. # # # # # The celebration seemed like it would never end. After being held captive for so long, the mercenaries were making the most of their freedom, and the beer must¡¯ve tasted especially good. Orendi had already passed out and been thrown into a room upstairs. I was starting to feel drowsy too¡ªI¡¯ve never been good with alcohol. Hindrasta, being a dragon, wasn¡¯t drunk at all and still looked perfectly fine, and Sc was holding strong as well. ¡°I think I¡¯m going to head up to bed.¡± ¡°Alright, Dian. Get some rest.¡± After bidding the leader goodnight, I made my way upstairs and copsed into an empty room. The noise from downstairs filtered through the floor as I drifted off to sleep. But then, some timeter, I heard loud noisesing from outside my door. It sounded like an argument. The party was still going strong downstairs, so I figured it must¡¯ve been a drunken brawl between mercenaries and tried to fall back asleep. Then, after a while, something shattered, jolting me awake. When mercenaries drink, it¡¯s not umon for tables or chairs to get broken. Must¡¯ve been something like that. I was just about to doze off again when suddenly, my door opened. Wait, is this not the guest room? Did I get the wrong room? I sat up and squinted in confusion at the figure stepping into the room. ¡°Who are you?¡± It was Hindrasta. She closed the door behind her and stood at the foot of the bed, staring down at me. ¡°You¡¯re not asleep?¡± ¡°Too noisy to sleep. What are you doing here?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t like being in debt.¡± ¡°Debt? Wha¡ªugh!¡± Without warning, Hindrasta climbed onto me. She may have the appearance of a human woman, but underneath that form, she was still a dragon¡ªher muscles were dense, and she was so heavy I could hardly breathe. ¡°Get off! You¡¯re crushing me!¡± ¡°We have to settle the ounts properly!¡± I tried to shove her off, but she grabbed my wrist, pinning it to the bed. ¡°I hate messy finances! No more talking¡ªjust get ready to settle this debt!¡± ¡°What the hell are you talking about?! What debt?!¡± ¡°Today, you helped me out a lot, didn¡¯t you?¡± Hindrasta pressed my wrist harder into the bed as she spoke. ¡°Back during the war, I repaid the debt for causing trouble by getting beaten and trapped in this polymorph form. And today, I¡¯ve settled the score for you forcing me to stay at the Academy by recovering my money.¡± ¡°Then there¡¯s no debt left, right?¡± ¡°Wrong. Sc gave me extra on top of what I was supposed to get. I need to settle that too.¡± ¡°Fine, but how do you n to do that? Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re actually¡­.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not giving you the money, nor am I splitting it. That¡¯s going straight into my hoard for the next thousand years. And besides, you¡¯re not the greedy type anyway, right?¡± ¡°You can¡¯t just decide that for me¡ª¡± ¡°The problem is, I don¡¯t have anything else to give right now except money. But I do have something else, after thinking it over during the party.¡± She cut me off, tightening her grip on my wrist. ¡°This body.¡± ¡°This crazy dragon¡­¡± ¡°Even though it¡¯s in a polymorphed form, it functions exactly like a human body. And it¡¯s beautiful.¡± Hindrasta spoke confidently. ¡°Besides, you¡¯re obsessed with women, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°What? When did I ever¡ª?!¡± ¡°You¡¯re always surrounded by them, practically leading them on. But anyway.¡± She squeezed my wrist even tighter, continuing with her n. ¡°I get to pay off my debt, and you get to have a beautiful woman. It¡¯s a win-win, so shut up.¡± With that, Hindrasta spread her legs, revealing the heat building between them. ¡°If you lick me here, I¡¯m sure we can settle this debt in no time. Don¡¯t hold back¡ªyou can lick as much as you want.¡± ¡°Ugh¡­? No, thanks¡­.¡± Feeling utterly repulsed, I muttered my response. ¡°I mean¡­ your, uh, hair down there¡­ it¡¯s pink too, and it looks weird¡­ Plus, it smells. It reeks of piss¡­.¡± ¡°Huek?!¡± Hindrasta¡¯s face went pale as she quickly fumbled between her legs. ¡°Eek?!¡± And then she bolted from the room, breaking down the door in her rush to escape. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 134 - A Slap for Every Penny Found (16) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 134 - A p for Every Penny Found (16) Hindrasta, who had smashed the door to escape, thundered down the stairs. "Argh?! What the hell?!" "Where the hell are you going at this hour, Sophie?!" Amotion broke out on the first floor, followed by the sound of things crashing and breaking. With a sigh, I got up from the bed and walked over to the door. As imposing as Hindrasta''s body was, I still couldn''t stand the smell of urine. Judging by earlier, she seemed to have tossed her underwear somewhere and was going aroundmando, but even so, it¡¯s not like the smell just disappears. She''s been walking around the Academy without panties because she imed to have no money. Crazy dragon. As I picked up the broken pieces of the door, I noticed someone copsed in the hallway. It was Sc, unconscious. So, it was Sc and Hindrasta arguing at the door earlier. I could guess what happened. The two must¡¯ve been fighting over who¡¯d get into my room, and Hindrasta knocked Sc out and barged in first. I lifted Sc and tossed her onto the bed before heading back downstairs. Thanks to Hindrasta, I was wide awake, and it didn¡¯t seem like I¡¯d be getting any more sleep. # # # # # "Aaaaahhh!!" Hindrasta burst out of the headquarters and sprinted madly, fleeing the city of Renc. KWA-KWANG!! A polymorphed dragon running at full speed is quite a sight to behold. It was like a massive beast plowing through a field¡ªthe unpaved ground kicked up dirt, trees swayed, and birds scattered into the night sky, cawing in rm. Hindrasta kept running until she reached the Renc River, which circled around the city, and then leaped several meters into the air, diving into the middle of the river. Once in the water, she began frantically scrubbing herself, washing deep into every part of her body. "Dammit, dammit, dammit!!" It had seemed like a good idea. As a dragon, Hindrasta had an insatiable greed for wealth, money, and treasures. But just as much as she was obsessed with money, she had a pathological need to settle debts. She couldn¡¯t stand owing anyone anything. She had racked up quite a bit of debt with Dian today, and in her desperation to clear it as quickly as possible, she¡¯de up with a n. The n was to offer Dian her polymorphed body. It wasn¡¯t her true form, so it didn¡¯t matter, and Dian seemed to like women, so wouldn¡¯t it be a mutually beneficial arrangement? If it turned out to be enjoyable, they could do it again in the future. In truth, Hindrasta¡¯s grudge against Dian had faded considerably over time. After being forced to live as a human in the city for the past 10 years, her mindset had started to assimte to a degree. For a dragon, 10 years is a blink of an eye, but living as an entirely different species is another matter. Hindrasta hade to realize that when Dian had beaten her during the war, it wasn¡¯t because he hated her personally, but because he needed to change the tide of the war, which had been going poorly for the human alliance. That didn¡¯t erase the pain, fear, or humiliation she felt back then, but still. In the Academy, apart from the initial period, Dian hadn¡¯t even bothered her¡ªhe¡¯d actually taken care of her in small ways here and there. She had to admit that staying at his house for a month while preparing for thepetition had been fun. After ten long years of rough mercenary work, Dian¡¯s cozy home had been like heaven for her. The diligent maid, Olysia, who catered to her every need, and the always calm and kind Ismera who taught her... even the experience of working with friends her own age (in human years) toward a shared goal had been something entirely new to her as a dragon. Had she not been cursed with this polymorph form, she likely would never have known these emotions for the next several thousand years. For a variety of reasons, Hindrasta¡¯s feelings toward Dian had changed somewhat, which was why she¡¯de up with her n. And to be honest, Hindrasta was also curious. She had to live as a human for the next thousand years, so it made sense to get used to some aspects of human life, right? Someday, she¡¯d need to know about human mating, and Dian seemed like the perfect teacher. He knew her well, was much stronger, and based on her experience over thest ten years, he was quite handsome by human standards. If she had to learn about it anyway, wasn¡¯t it better to learn from someone like Dian? So, she had seized the moment and headed to his room. Sc had been lingering at the door, so they¡¯d had a bit of a scuffle. When she wouldn¡¯t give in, Hindrasta had simply knocked her out by mming her into the wall. She managed to get into Dian¡¯s room and onto him, but she¡¯d forgotten the one crucial detail of washing up after peeing. How could I have missed that? I¡¯m going to lose my mind! Scrubbing herself furiously, Hindrasta berated her own stupidity. After thoroughly washing, Hindrasta climbed out of the river, dripping wet. Now that she was clean, it should be fine, right? She could just ask Dian to do it again, couldn¡¯t she? After all, there was still a debt to settle. When she returned to the headquarters, Dian was already downstairs. "Hey,e up." Hindrasta called, dripping water and gesturing with her finger. "It doesn¡¯t smell anymore." "I¡¯m not going." "What? Why?!" "I¡¯m wide awake now, and I¡¯m not in the mood anymore." "We can just do it again!" "No, no. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s going to happen." When Dian waved her off, Hindrasta had a sudden thought. Is this bastardpletely turned off by the smell earlier? Does he not even think of me as a female anymore? Come to think of it, it''s weird to expect him to be okay with the idea in the first ce, knowing I¡¯m a dragon. This is a lost cause. "Then what about the debt? Are you just going to let it go?" "Do whatever you want with it. Sc gave you that extra as a fee, so I don¡¯t care." "Hmm, I see... that¡¯s how it is..." Well, that¡¯s not so bad. Since there¡¯s no debt left, I don¡¯t have to worry about it anymore. But why does thinking about it piss me off so much? "Wait a minute! Tell me why you don¡¯t want to do it with me! Is it because of the smell, or because I¡¯m not attractive to you as a female?!" The mercenaries around them stopped what they were doing and turned to stare. "I scrubbed everything clean, but you¡¯re still saying no? Does that mean I¡¯m not attractive?!" Somewhere in the background, the sound of a beer mug hitting the floor was heard. Even though she¡¯s lived as a human for ten years, Hindrasta was still a dragon at heart. At important moments like this, none of the other mercenaries amounted to more than ants in her eyes. "Give me a clear reason! I need to know!" "I said no! I just keep thinking about it!" "You little...!" When Dian refused again, Hindrasta clenched her fists, trembling with rage, and stomped her way back up to the second floor. Anger boiled inside her. Originally, her goal was just to settle the debt. So, when Dian said she didn¡¯t owe him anything anymore, she should¡¯ve felt relieved¡ªbut she didn¡¯t. Being rejected to her face again and again just made her feel... dirty. As a dragon¡ªone of the most powerful creatures¡ªHindrasta had never in her life been denied something she wanted. Back in her dragon days, every creature in the mountains trembled at her feet, and during the war, both humans and demons fled in terror when she appeared.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Sure, she had run into a couple of crazy humans who had managed to overpower her, but that was just a temporary setback. Even after bing human and joining the Renc mercenaries, nothing had changed. As a polymorphed dragon, stronger than any human, no one had ever dared defy her will. No one, that is, except for Dian. Why is it always like this with that guy?! Not a single thing goes the way I want it to with him! This is humiliating. Not as bad as getting beaten half to death ten years ago, but still, it¡¯s shameful! Having never experienced anything like this before, Hindrasta found herself slowly developing an overwhelming desire to crush that smug human beneath her and make him kneel before her, begging for mercy. Dragons are known for their obsessive tendencies. Usually, this manifests as an obsession with material wealth, but sometimes they fixate on entirely different things. For example, some of the ancient great magicians of the past were actually dragons in disguise¡ªdragons whose obsession had twisted into an all-consuming passion for magical research. The famous Varosa Labyrinth, the most magnificent and bizarre structure on the continent, was also the work of a dragon. Would you believe that a single dragon built that vast maze that even the dwarven gods of architecture were in awe of? In this way, some dragons be fanatically obsessed with specific, unimaginable pursuits. And now, Hindrasta found herself slowly shifting her obsession in a new direction. Just you wait, Dian... I¡¯ll make sure you crumble and beg at my feet.... # # # # # The next morning, after being treated with great hospitality, we finally made our way back to the Academy. "Thank you so much, Dian," The mercenary leader said, shaking my hand vigorously. "You¡¯re the savior of our mercenary group. If you ever need anything, don¡¯t hesitate to reach out." "I appreciate it. But I doubt a professor at the Academy will have much need for a mercenary group." "Well, you never know. Maybe you¡¯ll need us to assassinate a rival professor to secure your next promotion?" I burst outughing at that ridiculous response. No matter how likable he was, a mercenary was still a mercenary. His father, Sc¡¯s grandfather, was a notorious thug in Renc, after all. Some things never change. "Brother!" Sc barged in, pulling her father away and grabbing my hand tightly. "You¡¯lle back again, won¡¯t you?" "I¡¯lle if I have the time." "You have toe! I have a gift for you. I was going to give it to youst night, but I got too drunk and fell asleep." Seems like she doesn¡¯t remember getting mmed into a wall by Hindrasta. "Anyway, you have toe back. And next time, you have toe alone!" "Alright." "When are youing?!" "Ugh, why are you being so clingy, you damn brat?!" Hindrasta snapped, clearly annoyed by Sc¡¯s persistent questions. "We need to get back to the Academy! We¡¯ve got work to do! A mountain of it!" "What work do you even have?! All you ever¡ªwhoa!? Don¡¯t push me! You crazy¡ª!" Ignoring her protests, Hindrasta shoved Sc aside, baring her teeth like a feral dog. "Professor Orendi! Open the gate!" "Ugh... yeah, sure..." Still hungover and looking half-dead, Orendi weakly raised his hand to open the dimensional gate. "Come on! Let¡¯s go!" "Take care, everyone. Good luck with your business." "Goodbye, Dian! See you next time!" "Ughh... I think I¡¯m gonna puke... stop pulling on me, Student Sophie...." With Hindrasta¡¯s iron grip on me and Orendi, we bid farewell to the mercenary group and returned to the Academy. What the hell was Hindrasta in such a rush for anyway? [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 135 - The Academy Visit of Lormane (1) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 135 - The Academy Visit of Lormane (1) "I¡¯ll keep it a secret for now." As soon as we returned to the Academy, Orendi spoke up. "Such a significant figure, and yet no one knows their past¡ªthere must be a reason for keeping it hidden. So, I¡¯ll be the only one to know." "Yeah, sure. Do that." "And the same goes for Student Sophie." Orendi looked over at Hindrasta. "Me? Everyone already knows I¡¯m from the Renc Mercenary Group." "Not that. The fact that you pissed yourself when you saw the dragon, let¡¯s keep that¡ªoof!" Before he could finish, Orendi barely avoided Hindrasta grabbing him by the cor, fleeing at lightning speed toward the dorms. "What the hell is that crazy mage rambling about?!" "Watch your mouth! He¡¯s a professor!" "Professor my ass. And hey, you!" "What now?" Hindrasta seemed ready to say something as she fumed, but then she shook her head. "Never mind. Forget it for today. I¡¯m leaving." With that, she turned around and walked off toward the student dormitories. Crazy dragon, tch. When I got home, Olysia greeted me. "I heard from the Vice-Headmaster! You went to the Renc Mercenary Group? Did everything go well?" "Yeah, it all went smoothly." I told Olysia about what had happened in Renc. "Eek?! A d-dragon?! Why?!" "Sometimes dragons live in human form for various reasons." "Ugh, that¡¯s terrifying¡­ But you chased off the dragon, didn¡¯t you? And even gotpensation. That¡¯s incredible. But there¡¯s one problem." With a stern expression, Olysia raised a finger. "That was way too dangerous! It¡¯s a good thing everything turned out fine, but what if you¡¯d gotten seriously hurt fighting a dragon?!" "What else could I do? If I¡¯d left things as they were, everyone would¡¯ve died." "You could¡¯ve just run outside the castle and opened a dimensional gate to escape! Dealing with dragons isn¡¯t the job of an Academy professor¡ªit¡¯s for the military!" "Do you really think you can outrun an angry dragon?" "Even so! Please, never do something so reckless again. Promise me!" "Alright, alright. I won¡¯t. And even if I do get hurt, I¡¯m not going back to Brunswell." "That¡¯s not what I meant!" Olysia shrieked. "I don¡¯t care about Brunswell! I don¡¯t want you to get hurt!" "Is that so?" "Of course it is! You¡¯re my only family! If something happens to you¡­." Olysia trailed off, biting her lip as she cupped her face in her hands. "If I end up alone again¡­ what will I do¡­." She let out a trembling sigh before roughly wiping at her eyes and looking straight at me. "I¡¯ve made up my mind." "Made up your mind about what?" "Invite the higher-ups over for dinner tonight." Confused, I stared at her nkly, and Olysia frowned, as if she couldn¡¯t believe I didn¡¯t understand. "The Headmaster and the Vice-Headmaster! We¡¯ll prepare a great meal and ask them for a favor." "What favor?" "To make sure you don¡¯t do anything foolish again!" "There¡¯s no need to go that far¡ª" "Yes, there is!" Olysia cut me off firmly. "I was already nning to throw a small dinner to congratte Vice-Headmaster Ismera on her promotion, so this works out perfectly. Invite both of them. I¡¯ll take care of the rest." A dinner to entertain Kirrin and Ismera, huh¡­. Honestly, it wasn¡¯t a bad idea. We hadn¡¯t really celebrated Ismera¡¯s promotion to Vice-Headmaster properly yet, after all. It made sense for the Academy¡¯s leadership to have a quiet dinner together. And the leadership of the Academy was just Kirrin, Ismera, and myself as the Head Combat Professor. We had no idea when Kaiden would show up, so waiting for him would be pointless. "Alright. Let¡¯s do it." At that, Olysia¡¯s expression finally rxed. "Great! I¡¯ll need to head out right away. There¡¯s a lot to prepare." After Olysia bustled off to get ready, I took the reins of the carriage and drove us into town. On the way, I stopped by the faculty dormitory to invite Kirrin and Ismera for dinner that evening. "Really? I¡¯m all for it!" Kirrin was thrilled, of course. "Are you okay? I was so worried about you!" Ismera threw her arms around me the moment she opened the door. "Dinner with the Headmaster? Hmm... sure, why not." She agreed to join us as well. With everyone on board, we headed out to shop for supplies. Olysia was humming with excitement the entire time. Watching her, I found myself thinking back on what had happened earlier. Olysia had be a war orphan at a very young age. She didn¡¯t even know where she was originally from. I¡¯d been curious about it, but when I bought her from the ve trader, she was only about six years old¡ªtoo young to remember the name of the ce she¡¯d been born. Her memory of her parents was mostly of them working in the fields from morning until night but still always being poor. Most likely, she had been the daughter of a serf in some lord¡¯s domain. This is a medieval-style fantasy world, after all, where many serfs live their entire lives without ever setting foot outside their own fief. So, there¡¯d be no need to know the name of their domain or where it was located. Even if she did know, it was probably in ruins by now. Olysia had be a refugee when the Demon King¡¯s army attacked her vige. She lost her parents in the chaos of the refugee march, and in the midst of it all, a battle between the Demon King¡¯s forces and the Human Alliance broke out, throwing everything into disarray. She somehow made it to a port with a group of strangers, where she boarded a ship headed to the Empire¡¯s maind. But that ship¡¯s captain turned out to be a ve trader in disguise.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om The ve trader intended to sell the refugees, but they made a stop in Brunswell, where I was living in seclusion at the time. Olysia had managed to escape through a tiny window, but before she could even get off the dock, the ve trader found her and started beating her¡ªright when I happened toe across the scene. It was so absurd that I paid the ve trade off and bought Olysia on the spot. Initially, the ve trader had asked for fifty gold coins, but after some ''negotiating,'' we settled for a single silver coin. And that¡¯s how Olysia became my maid¡ªand my family. She¡¯s my only family, and I¡¯m hers. That¡¯s why she was so angry earlier when she found out I¡¯d fought a dragon. Such a sweet kid. Still, Olysia¡¯s a teenager now. Maybe it¡¯s time to think about sending her to school. She spends all her time doing housework with no friends¡ªthat¡¯s no way to live. Since both the Headmaster and Vice-Headmaster will be at dinner tonight, maybe I should startying the groundwork for enrolling her. Even though it''s called the Special Mission Academy, the theory sses aren¡¯t that different from other academies. With the right adjustments, the curriculum could work for her. Just like she¡¯ll asking them to take care of me, I¡¯ll ask them to look after Olysia. # # # # # The afternoon was incredibly busy. Since the Headmaster and Vice-Headmaster wereing, we had to clean the house and prepare the meal¡ªlots to do. Olysia usually worked like an ant, so there wasn¡¯t much to clean indoors. I headed outside to tidy up the garden instead. I pruned the overgrown trees and swept the area in front of the house. While sweeping along the wall, I noticed something odd. Two rectangr stones were propped up against the back wall of our house at an angle. What¡¯s this? Leftover construction materials? But they didn¡¯t seem like building supplies based on their shape. We didn¡¯t have any stones like this anywhere else around the house. Hmmmm¡­. "Olysia!" "What is it!?" "Did you put these stones here?" Olysia came running out of the kitchen and tilted her head when she saw the stones. "Huh? Why are these here?" "Do you know what they are?" "These were originally stacked over there. I moved them because they were an eyesore, thinking we might use themter. But¡­." She tilted her head again. "I definitely didn¡¯t leave them here. I put them over there." She pointed to a spot a few meters away. Olysia has an excellent memory, so there¡¯s no way she¡¯d be mistaken. "Really? So someone must¡¯ve moved them here¡­." "Who would go out of their way to do that?" "Good point." After mulling it over, I decided to get rid of the stones altogether. Judging by their size, someone could use them to climb over the wall. I tossed them into the nearby overgrown lot and returned to finish tidying up around the house. # # # # # As thete summer sun dipped below the horizon and dusk settled in, someone was lurking around Dian¡¯s house. It was Maya, the Priestess from the clinic. At the moment, Maya was flustered because something she had always relied on was missing. The two stone bs she had hidden out of sight behind the house hadpletely disappeared. She walked around the property several times but couldn¡¯t find the bs anywhere. Without them, short-statured Maya couldn¡¯t see over the wall. While she pondered what to do, she sensed people approaching and quickly pressed herself against the wall. It was Headmaster Kirrin and Vice-Headmaster Ismera heading her way. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 136 - The Academy Visit of Lormane (2) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 136 - The Academy Visit of Lormane (2) Maya, pressed up against the wall, cautiously peeked out to observe the Headmaster and the Vice-Headmaster. Considering the distance from the faculty dorms to here, you¡¯d think they would have struck up a conversation on the way. Yet, for some reason, the two elves remained silent, creating an awkward atmosphere. After all, the two had never been on good terms. It was always too much for Ismera, a pure-blood elf, to tolerate serving under a lesspetent Headmaster. Even though she had been promoted to Vice-Headmaster, the old resentments weren¡¯t something that could easily fade away. Maya had quietly observed and mapped out the key rtionships at the Academy since she started here. But why had the elvese here today? As she continued to spy on them, the door soon opened, and Olysia stepped outside. "Wee!" Seeing this, Maya realized there was an arrangement she didn¡¯t know about. It must be some kind of weekend evening gathering for the Academy¡¯s leadership. This was something new. Staring up at the wall, too high to scale without her stepping stones, Maya hesitated before quickly moving toward the front gate. The moment Olysia, the Headmaster, and the Vice-Headmaster entered the house, Maya dashed over and caught the gate just before it closed. The three had already crossed the small garden and gone inside. Maya quietly slipped through the gate and into the garden, sneaking between the trees. She crept from one tree to another, edging closer to the house, and eventually crouched below therge windows of the living room. From there, she could see inside and hear their conversation. Perfect. Maya huddled low, pulling out her patient log, something she always carried with her. # # # # # That evening, Kirrin and Ismera came to the house. "Wee!" Olysia, dressed neatly, rushed out to greet the two elves with excitement. "Whoa! Olysia, what is all this?!" Kirrin¡¯s eyes nearly popped out at the sight of the feast spread out on the table. Roast beef, crispy potato gratin, chicken breast with mushroom sauce, spicy seafood pasta, grilled mixed vegetables, cr¨¨me br?l¨¦e, fresh fruit tarts, sds¡ªthe list went on and on. It was a colorful array of dishes, even amodating the vegetarian Ismera. And as the finishing touch, there was a bottle of Armand de Brignac, a gift from Linus. This was more than enough to impress the Academy''s top brass. Even Ismera discreetly swallowed her saliva, unable to hide her appetite. "Well,e on in. Let¡¯s skip the formalities and dig in." At my suggestion, the two elves hurried to their seats. I uncorked the Armand de Brignac and poured it into each of their sses. Kirrin let out a satisfied moan. "Wow, the aroma is amazing¡­ What is this drink?" "It¡¯s Armand de Brignac." "That¡¯s a mouthful." If they had even the slightest knowledge of fine wines, their eyes would have popped out by now. But Kirrin and Ismera weren¡¯t familiar with such things, so they simply nodded along with an indifferent expression. "First, let¡¯s officially congratte Vice-Headmaster Ismera on her promotion. You¡¯ve endured a lot up until now." "Thank you, Head Professor." Ismera raised her ss with a slight smile in her eyes.N?v(el)B\\jnn "Now that I¡¯ve be Vice-Headmaster, I will dedicate myself even more to the Academy¡¯s progress." "I¡¯ll work hard too!" Kirrin, full of energy, raised her ss high and cheered. "Let¡¯s toast! To Ismera!" "Headmaster, that¡¯s a bit too sudden. You should make your remarks more calmly." "Oh, is that so? This is my first time at something like this." Kirrin scratched her head with a sheepishugh and then cleared her throat. "Er, so, this gathering tonight... is a meaningful asion to celebrate the promotion of Ismera, the Head of the Theory Department, to Vice-Headmaster. Uh, hmm... Ismera has always worked diligently for the Academy, and, uh¡­." Kirrin started to ramble, making the toast longer than necessary. "So, as Headmaster, I... sincerely congratte her... and, uh, whenever the new Head Theoretical Professor is appointed, work with them closely... you know, and so forth...." Out of respect for her position, we patiently waited as Kirrin awkwardly wrapped up her lengthy speech. "Uh, anyway, congrattions...! Let¡¯s toast!" We clinked our sses and took a sip of the Armand de Brignac. "Paaah, delicious!" "Ugh! Cough cough!" Kirrin smacked her lips in delight, while Ismera grimaced and coughed loudly. Olysia quickly handed her a napkin, and Ismera wiped her mouth, shaking her head. "I don¡¯t think alcohol is really my thing." "It¡¯s a shame. This is really good stuff." "How good exactly?" "Well, if you had about ten bottles of this, you could buy an Imperial battleship." "What?!" Kirrin was so shocked she turned her empty ss upside down and tried to shake everyst drop into her mouth. "This is that expensive?! Dian, are you rich or something?" "My friend is. He¡¯s the one who gave it to me." "Huh, I see. Must be nice to have rich friends¡­." Kirrin nced longingly at the bottle. Smiling, I held it out, and she eagerly took it with both hands like it was a prized treasure. "Hyaaaaaang!!" After downing a second ss, Kirrin let out a bizarre shout and licked her lips with a strangely long tongue. Seeing that, Ismera¡¯s face slowly began to show signs of both disgust and pity. Though her attitude toward Kirrin had softened somewhat since the Great Forest incident, her fundamental disdain and irritation hadn¡¯t entirely disappeared. "Did Olysia make all this?" With her face slightly flushed, Kirrin marveled at the spread once more. "Let¡¯s have a taste!" She took a huge bite, and her whole body shivered with delight. "This is amazing! It¡¯s way better than the food at the Academy cafeteria! So delicious!! Incredible!" "Hehe, thank you." Overwhelmed by the Academy¡¯s highest authority¡¯s unfiltered praise, Olysia squirmed bashfully and smiled shyly. Kirrin then became so absorbed in tasting everything that she practically forgot Ismera and I existed. She had always eaten heartily when we visited dessert cafes for cake, so this wasn¡¯t a surprise. Meanwhile, Ismera elegantly picked up her fork, reviewing the vegetarian dishes prepared for her with careful scrutiny. "I sensed it during thepetition preparations, but Olysia really has a natural talent for cooking." Wiping her mouth with a napkin, Ismera gave herpliment. "Magnificent. This is the best meal I¡¯ve had in a long time." "Thank you, Headmaster, Vice-Headmaster! I¡¯m so happy you¡¯re enjoying it!" Olysia bowed deeply to express her gratitude, then suddenly remembered something and brought up a new topic. "Actually, I have a small request." Is she really going to say it? "I heard yesterday that Sir Dian fought a dragon." "Wh-what?!" "A dragon?!" Both Kirrin and Ismera shouted in shock at the same time. "You didn¡¯t know¡­?" "What¡¯s this about, Dian? A dragon?! Exin!" With Kirrin trembling, I had no choice but to briefly recount the events of the previous day. "This is unbelievable... A dragon in polymorph form?" "Truly shocking...." Olysia addressed the stunned elves. "And so, I was hoping you could keep a close eye on Sir Dian for me. If left unchecked, he¡¯s bound to cause trouble wherever he goes." She then began recounting the stories from Brunswell¡ªof how Dian fought with the local guild, the pirates who docked for resupply, and the navy from a foreign country that he beat up whenever he had the chance. "He¡¯s been rtively well-behaved sinceing to the Academy, but first, he brings in a troll, and now he¡¯s fighting a dragon. At this rate, I might not survive for much longer." Olysia clutched her chest dramatically, and Kirrin clenched her fists with determination. "Don¡¯t worry, Olysia. I¡¯ll make sure Dian doesn¡¯t do anything reckless from now on. You can count on me!" "It¡¯s such a relief to hear that." Pleased, Olysia served Kirrin arge helping of perfectly roasted meat. "Oh, right. Now that we''re on the subject, I have a favor to ask as well." "What is it?" Kirrin blinked her ruby-red eyes and looked at me expectantly. "Do you think Olysia could study at the Academy?" "Olysia?" "Huhhh?! Me?!" Since it wasn''t something we had talked about before, Olysia shrieked in surprise. "She¡¯s turning sixteen or seventeen this year. I think it¡¯s about time she went to school." "That makes sense. What do you think, Ismera?" Kirrin turned to Ismera, who nodded slowly. "If it¡¯s the standard public education level, she could manage with just the theory curriculum. However, since she¡¯d be starting partway through, it might be difficult to keep up. It might be better for her to start as a new student next year. If she¡¯s willing, I think it¡¯s more than possible." "Sounds like a good n!" Both Ismera and Kirrin seemed to approve. "What do you think, Olysia?" "Uh, I... hmm...." Olysia hesitated, then suddenly whipped her head around toward the window. She dashed over and leaned out the window. "What is it?" "I thought I heard something strange, but I must¡¯ve been mistaken." # # # # # When Olysia suddenly appeared at the window, Maya hurriedly crawled into the bushes to hide. "What was that noise¡­." Peeking at Olysia, who looked around like a predator searching for its prey, Maya quietly clutched her stomach. The sound Olysia had heard was none other than Maya¡¯s stomach growling. The smell of the food wafting out the window had made Maya¡¯s mouth water so much that her stomach had rumbled involuntarily. "I must¡¯ve misheard." Fortunately, Olysia didn¡¯t find anything and returned inside, while Maya quietly resumed writing in her patient log. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 137 - The Academy Visit of Lormane (3) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 137 - The Academy Visit of Lormane (3) "What was that sound you heard?" "I¡¯m not sure. I really don¡¯t know." Olysia shook her head. "In any case... are you saying I should attend the Academy starting next year?" "Yes. You need to learn if you want to do something with your life. You can¡¯t stay as my maid forever, right?" "Huh? What are you talking about?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om Olysia¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. "Forever? I thought the n was to serve you until you grow old and die." "And what will you do after I¡¯m dead?" "What else? I¡¯ll live off the inheritance you leave behind for me." At that, I burst outughing. "Oh, Olysia. What are you talking about? A smart girl like you should be doing something greater. Isn¡¯t that right, Vice-Headmaster?" "Absolutely." Ismera agreed. "I saw it while helping with thepetition preparations¡ªOlysia seems quite intelligent. It would be better for her to pursue an education at the Academy and follow a career suited to her talents rather than remain a maid." "But I¡¯ve... never studied anything before.... All I know is how to read and do simple arithmetic because you taught me, Sir Dian...." "That¡¯s fine, don¡¯t worry about it." Kirrin cut in. "I started as illiterate myself. Dark elves have their ownnguage, so I didn¡¯t know any of themon tongue. But I eventually graduated from a public academy just fine. Everyone starts somewhere." "Is that so...." Still hesitant, Olysia slowly nodded. "I¡¯ll think about it. It¡¯s just all so sudden...." "Olysia, I know you can do it. Don¡¯t be too afraid. Just give it some thought." "Alright...." We continued our meal after that. At Kirrin¡¯s request, I shared the story of how Olysia and I met. As I recounted the events, Kirrin suddenly burst into tears. "Oh, it¡¯s so moving.... Dian, you¡¯re just...." Kirrin couldn¡¯t finish her sentence as she yanked tissues from the box, dabbing at her eyes and blowing her nose loudly. "It¡¯s quite the coincidence, isn¡¯t it?" Ismera, who had been listening, spoke up. "Olysia, I was also attacked by the Demon King¡¯s army during the war. They invaded the Great Forest where I lived, and Sir Dian saved me. It seems we both owe him a great deal." "What¡¯s this now?!" Kirrin, her eyes red and swollen, perked up with curiosity and eagerly leaned forward as Ismera nced at me. ''You didn¡¯t tell her?'' ''I didn¡¯t.'' Reading my expression, Ismera pressed her lips together. Kirrin, impatient for answers, grabbed Ismera¡¯s shoulders and shook her. "What happened?! What are you talking about?!" "It¡¯s... aplicated story. I¡¯m not sure I should share it casually." "Is it what I think it is?" Kirrin¡¯s expression turned serious as she began to voice her suspicions. "When Dian first came here, I knew he was someone the Imperial Pce had sent in ce of Sir Linus, but beyond that, there was no information about him. I figured he must have been part of some special unit¡ªsomething covert, right? Maybe someone who retired from the Imperial Pce¡¯s special forces?" "If he was from a special unit, his past would definitely be unclear." "Exactly. There wouldn¡¯t be any records. That¡¯s what I thought at first, but over time, as certain things happened, I started to get suspicious." Kirrin nodded to herself, her face growing stern as she continued to piece it together. "A rmendation from the Imperial Pce with an unclear past, capable of filling in for Sir Linus. Dian must have been a member of the Demon King ying Special Force." A cold silence descended. What the...? She figured it out way faster than Orendi did. Is Kirrin actually smarter than a mage? Or is Orendi just not that bright? "Am I right?" Kirrin alternated her gaze between me and Ismera, waiting for confirmation. "Am I right? Is that it? Come on, say something! I¡¯m right, aren¡¯t I?" "Well... yes, that¡¯s true." Since it hade to this, I decided to tell Kirrin the truth. After all, she was my superior, kind-hearted, and genuinely fond of me. I didn¡¯t think she¡¯d go around gossiping. Besides, there was no history between me and the Nemara Tribe, so there was no reason to leave any lingering doubts. I wasn''t nning to quit after just a year here, and Kirrin wouldn¡¯t be stepping down as Headmaster anytime soon, so it made sense to clear things up. I exined everything to Kirrin¡ªthe major points of my past. How I served alongside Linus from the early days, earning des and climbing the ranks, and how I was eventually selected as one of the founding members of the Demon King ying Special Force. How we gathered the rest of the team and ultimately killed the Demon King, and how, afterward, I retreated to Brunswell to escape the pressures and responsibility that came with fame until Linus called me here. As I told the story, Kirrin¡¯s jaw dropped, and she stared at me, wide-eyed and ck-jawed. "And that¡¯s the end of it. The reason my name wasn¡¯t recorded is that the Emperor was angry I ran away and ordered my records to bepletely erased." "Oh my...." I expected Kirrin to overreact or jump around in excitement, but instead, she remained unusually quiet. "Oh my god...." She repeated the same words over and over, staring nkly down at the table. "Hard to believe, isn¡¯t it? I couldn¡¯t believe it at first, either." Ismera gently patted Kirrin¡¯s shoulder, a bit unsure of how tofort her, but Kirrin shook her head. "I believe you. If Dian told me that a polymorphed dragon was secretly posing as a student here, I¡¯d believe him too. But... that¡¯s not the issue...." After a pause, Kirrin spoke again. "So... I really shouldn¡¯t be the Headmaster, should I?" "Excuse me? How did youe to that conclusion?" "Think about it.... Ismera is a prodigy who earned her master''s degree faster than anyone, and Dian is one of the hidden heroes who fought alongside Sir Linus. But me... I¡¯m just a nobody, a dark elf with nothing special to offer...." Kirrin¡¯s ears drooped. "I barely graduated from a public academy, only thanks to my dad pushing me to finish. The only reason I¡¯m here is because my dad begged the Emperor. I¡¯ve never achieved anything through my own skill or willpower." "No, Headmaster. That¡¯s an exaggeration. From what I¡¯ve heard, you graduated at the top of your ss from the public academy. How could that mean you¡¯re not¡ª" "In a public academy, not many students take their studies seriously. Just because I graduated at the top doesn¡¯t mean I have any outstanding talent. I feel so ufortable and ashamed being in charge when I¡¯m standing above two people far more capable than I am...." Suddenly, Kirrin started to cry, tears spilling down her face. "I¡¯m so sorry to both of you.... I should step down as Headmaster sooner. I¡¯m nothing but a useless fool blocking the paths of truly talented people...." "This isn¡¯t the reaction I was expecting...." "I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sorry... I¡¯m really sorry...." Ismera and I exchanged bewildered nces. "Headmaster, please calm down and have another drink." Looking around helplessly, Ismera grabbed the bottle of Armand de Brignac and refilled Kirrin¡¯s ss. "To be honest, I used to dislike you up untilst year." "I figured...." "But ever since Professor Dian arrived, I¡¯ve seen how the Academy has changed, and I¡¯ve watched you change as well. And that made me change my mind." Through her tears, Kirrin looked up at Ismera. "You¡¯re not ipetent, Headmaster. You¡¯ve just been held back." "Ismera...." "You were in a situation where you couldn¡¯t do much on your own. Don¡¯t be so hard on yourself." "Thank you...." Kirrin started crying again, overwhelmed by Ismera¡¯s kind words. "Drink up. Drink it all and forget about everything. Today isn¡¯t a day for you to cry¡ªit¡¯s supposed to be a day to celebrate my promotion." "Uuuu... that¡¯s right... it is...." Kirrin drank deeply, and Ismera refilled her ss again. "This is really good...." "Have some more. Drink as much as you like¡ªenough for both of us." "Okay.... Thank you, Ismera.... Without you, the Academy would¡¯ve fallen apart, and I would¡¯ve been forced back to the forest a long time ago...." "That would never have happened. You have me, and you have Professor Dian. We¡¯ll help you. Now, drink." "This is so delicious...." With Ismera continuing to pour, Kirrin downed ss after ss. Looks like she¡¯s going to drink all the good stuff by herself at this rate. # # # # # Quite some time had passed. Most of the food on the table had been eaten, and the bottle of Armand de Brignac waspletely empty. Kirrin had drunk the majority of it, but she probably had no idea that she had just consumed the equivalent of one-tenth of an Imperial battleship. Even if I told her now, she wouldn¡¯t understand. She waspletely knocked out. Armand de Brignac may taste good, but it¡¯s pretty strong, and she had been drinking it nonstop. The funny thing was, even Ismera, who only had one ss, was on the verge of passing out. I guess alcohol really is too much for elves. Since it was alreadyte, I decided to put the two of them to bed in one of the empty rooms upstairs. Afterying them side by side on the bed, I went back downstairs to clean up with Olysia. Even after we finished tidying up, the two elves showed no signs of waking up. "What should we do about the Headmaster and Vice-Headmaster?" "Leave them. We¡¯ll just go to work together from here in the morning." I headed upstairs, grabbed a book, and lounged around until I eventually fell asleep. # # # # # Knock, knock, knock. I wasn¡¯t sure how much time had passed, but the sound of knocking woke me up. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 138 - The Academy Visit of Lormane (4) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 138 - The Academy Visit of Lormane (4) "Sir Dian." The door opened, and Olysia entered the room. "I¡¯m leaving some water here. I thought you might be thirsty." "Thanks." Olysia ced the pitcher and a cup on the bedside table before quietly leaving the room. She was right. After drinking earlier in the evening, I had been feeling thirsty. Perfect timing. I took a sip of the cool water andy back down, falling asleep once more. I wasn¡¯t sure how much time had passed when I was woken up again by another knock at the door. "Olysia, is that you?" "No, it¡¯s me." It was Ismera. She entered the room, quietly closing the door behind her and locking it with thetch. "You¡¯re still awake, aren¡¯t you? I knew you would be. You were waiting for me, weren¡¯t you?" Not exactly. After all, Ismera had beenpletely wasted earlier, staggering around with Kirrin, so I assumed she was fast asleep by now. I didn¡¯t expect her to show up in my room, sober as could be. "Are you feeling alright?" "I¡¯m perfectly fine. I only had one drink, after all." "Then why were you acting like that earlier...?" "I didn¡¯t want to raise Olysia¡¯s suspicions." Ismera approached the bed with a faint smile. "If I¡¯d acted normal, Olysia would have insisted I return to the dormitory. She¡¯s afraid some weird rumor might start between us, and that you¡¯d end up resigning because of it. Isn¡¯t that right?" "I suppose that¡¯s true." "So, I pretended to be drunk. That way, Olysia wouldn¡¯t worry and would feelfortable letting me sleep in one of the upstairs rooms." "I see... and you kept feeding Kirrin drinks for the same reason?" Sitting on the edge of the bed, Ismera responded. "Exactly. Kirrin would have just been in the way. She¡¯s fast asleep now,pletely unaware of anything. She¡¯ll probably bete tomorrow. And Olysia is downstairs." Ismera then straddled me, slowly beginning to undo her clothes. "No one is going to interrupt us, Mister. This kind of opportunity doesn¡¯te around often. So let¡¯s see it through to the end." Fear suddenly gripped me. What exactly does she mean by "the end"? Thest time we were in the Great Forest, things didn¡¯t stop until sunrise. But there¡¯s no avoiding it. She¡¯s gone through all the trouble of setting this up so meticulously. It would be wrong to refuse her now. "Alright, Ismera. But this time, you¡¯d better be ready." # # # # # Kirrin stood in front of the Academy¡¯s main gate. She wasn¡¯t wearing the ck cloak that professors typically donned, but rather a simple set of everyday clothes, with arge bag at her feet. She turned to look behind her, but the gate remained firmly shut, showing no signs of opening. To make matters worse, a light drizzle began to fall. Sighing, Kirrin picked up her bag and walked toward one of the carriages parked in front of the gate. "Excuse me, I need to go to Belminoa...." "This carriage is for Academy staff only." "Oh, sorry...." Rejected, Kirrin moved on to the next carriage. "Um, to Belminoa...." "No." "Okay...." After being turned away several times, there were no more carriages left. All the drivers insisted they were only for Academy students and staff, and that Kirrin couldn¡¯t ride with them. In the end, she had to pay double the normal fare to get into thest, shabby-looking carriage. "Ugh...." As soon as Kirrin stepped inside, she was hit with an overwhelming stench, causing her to cover her mouth and nose.N?v(el)B\\jnn The source of the smell was a half-rotten rabbit carcass lying on the floor. Flies, maggots, and cockroaches swarmed over the dead rabbit, while the cushions were torn open, and the windows shattered. But she had no choice. Without this carriage, there was no way for Kirrin to get to Belminoa. It was much too far to walk. After several days of travel, the carriage finally arrived at the borders of Belminoa. As soon as Kirrin stepped out, the carriage driver whipped the horses and fled in haste. It was understandable, as Belminoa was a dark elf forest. The woods were dark, gloomy, and filled with an ominous atmosphere. Kirrin swallowed hard as she gazed at the shadowy forest, where darkness hung even in the middle of the day. Kirrin. As she entered the forest, the trees began whispering her name. Kirrin, why have you returned? Surely, you had promises to keep, didn¡¯t you, Kirrin? Judging by your appearance, it seems you¡¯ve failed miserably and were chased out. Frightened, Kirrin dropped her bag and covered her ears with her hands. But the trees continued their sinister whispers. A disgrace to your n. Your dead mother will rise from her grave. "No!" Kirrin shouted. "Mother wasn¡¯t like that!" What do you think your mother would say if she saw you now? Returning empty-handed, having achieved nothing of value, betraying all the n¡¯s expectations. "Mother... Mother wouldfort me!" Don¡¯t make usugh. She would have only done that when you still had worth. Now that you¡¯re useless, why would shefort you? No, she¡¯ll tell your father, ¡®You were right.¡¯ At the mention of her father, Kirrin felt her breath catch in her throat. Fear constricted her chest, making it difficult to breathe. Your father risked extinction to betray the Demon King. He seeded in his gamble to secure the n¡¯s future, choosing you as the bridge to the outside world. He even made unreasonable demands of the Emperor to send you to the city, and this is how you¡¯ve returned. There¡¯s no way he¡¯ll let you off easily. "Stop it... stop...." Unable to walk any further, Kirrin crouched down, pulling her ears down in distress as she sobbed. "I¡¯m sorry... I¡¯m so sorry...." After pleading for forgiveness for some time, Kirrin suddenly opened her eyes, sensing something strange. The first thing she saw was a wooden ceiling, with soft blue dawn light filtering through a square window. This isn¡¯t Belminoa...? Where am I...? Looking around, Kirrin began to piece together her memories. Right. I was invited by Dian to attend a party celebrating Ismera¡¯s promotion to Vice-Headmaster. We ate, drank, and partied... after that, my memory¡¯s fuzzy. I must have passed out from drinking too much. Ismera kept offering me drink after drink.... This isn¡¯t my dormitory room, so this must be one of Dian¡¯s guest rooms. He must haveid me here to sleep. So, what about Ismera? She only had one drink, so she probably went back to the dorms. Kirrin sat up in bed, her terrible nightmare keeping her fully awake. She wanted to thank Dian for taking care of her. Plus, this was a rare opportunity to have a proper conversation with him. There were questions she had about Dian¡¯s past that had always lingered in the back of her mind. And she also wanted to see how much he would support the ns she¡¯d been quietly working on. Kirrin¡¯s n wasn¡¯t anything grand. She intended to step down from the role of Headmaster and be a regr professor in the Combat Department. With the recent creation of the Vice-Headmaster position, Ismera would make a fine Headmaster. Dian could then take over as Vice-Headmaster, and Kirrin could remain in the Academy as the Head Combat Professor. That seemed like a reasonable n for the future. However, to make that happen, she desperately needed Dian¡¯s help. The authority to appoint the Academy¡¯s Headmaster rested with the Imperial Security Office, and the Second Princess herself held that power. Since Dian had close ties with her, Kirrin had no choice but to rely on him. There was one issue, though. Up until early this year, the Second Princess had utterly despised Kirrin. So if Dian somehow managed to mediate and Kirrin stepped down, the Second Princess might seize the chance to expel her from the Academy altogether. To prevent that disaster, Kirrin knew she needed to stay close to Dian, who had the Princess¡¯s favor. But Kirrin couldn¡¯t handle it alone¡ªshe needed Dian¡¯s support. It seemed like a good idea to broach the topic with him now. Summer break was approaching, and it would be best to settle any personnel changes during the break and start the second semester with everything in ce. With Ismera as Headmaster by the second semester, the Academy might be able to raise the level of its first graduating ss. Considering all these factors, Kirrin decided it was time to visit Dian¡¯s room. But just as she got up from bed, she quickly threw herself back under the covers. The door opened, and Ismera walked in. "Whew...." As Kirrin turned to face the other way and squeezed her eyes shut, Ismera let out a long sigh and sat on the edge of the bed. "My back is killing me...." Muttering to herself, Ismera sat for a moment before getting up and leaving the room. Kirrin heard her footsteps heading toward the stairs, and soon after, the sound of water running in the bathroom downstairs. She¡¯s taking a bath? I thought she¡¯d already gone back to the dorms. Where could she have gone in the middle of the night, only toe back at dawn to bathe? I really don¡¯t get it.... While Ismera washed up, Kirrin heard more ttering from downstairs, likely Olysia preparing breakfast. Then, one of the doors upstairs opened, and the sound of Dian¡¯s footsteps followed. "Ouch, ouch. Everything hurts." What does he mean by everything hurts? Maybe he slept in an awkward position and hurt his shoulder? "Everyone, breakfast is ready!" Lost in her thoughts, Kirrin heard Olysia call up from downstairs. With no other option, Kirrin resigned herself to heading down for breakfast without having aplished anything. # # # # # Meanwhile, Priestess Maya... Scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch. After tirelessly scribbling away in her patient log until dawn¡¯s first light, Priestess Maya finally closed the book and slowly stood up. She had reached thest page of the ledger. It looked like she¡¯d have to make a trip to the Church headquarters. There¡¯s a lot to report to the Chief Administrator. Stretching her cramped legs after crouching all night, Maya lumbered her way out of the gate. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 139 - The Academy Visit of Lormane (5) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 139 - The Academy Visit of Lormane (5) Dragging my exhausted body downstairs after being tormented by Ismera all night, I found Olysia bustling around the kitchen, busy as usual in honor of the esteemed guests. Ismera, having just finished washing up, wasing in through the back door. "Good morning, everyone." A momentter, Kirrin came down the stairs, her face looking rather haggard. She must have overdone it with the drinkingst night. Herplexion, usually a rich chocte brown, now resembled the pale gray of wet cement. It looked like she could use some holy healing at the infirmary. At my suggestion, Kirrin nodded weakly, agreeing to visit the infirmary after the morning meeting. In contrast, Ismera¡¯s face was glowing, as if she¡¯d consumed a high-grade healing potion with a high troll-blood content. After eating the breakfast Olysia had prepared, we all headed out to work together. As we made our way across campus, staff members we passed greeted us and stepped aside respectfully. "Good morning, everyone." For some reason, Ismera, in an unusually good mood, waved back with a cheerful smile, surprising everyone. She seemed full of energy today. "Good morning, Headmaster! Vice-Headmaster!" Lina, emerging from the faculty dormitory, spotted us and came running¡ªlike the wind, as usual. "And good morning to you, Head Professor!" After breezing past Kirrin and Ismera, Lina grabbed my hand and shook it energetically. "Yes, yes. Good morning. Now let go of my hand." Noticing Ismera¡¯s wide-eyed stare at Lina, I quickly pulled my hand back. "See youter!"N?v(el)B\\jnn Lina, oblivious to the sharp gaze from Ismera, cheerfully waved and darted off, her cloak billowing behind her. "As expected of a specialist in infiltration. She¡¯s fast." Kirrin, watching Lina disappear in the distance,mented in admiration. Meanwhile, Ismera, sidling up to me in a crab-like manner, softly took hold of my hand and whispered. "It¡¯s nothing, right?" "Nothing." "Good." She then let go, making sure no one saw, and moved away again. # # # # # Monday morning meant the weekly staff meeting. Looking utterly miserable, Kirrin ryed various updates. The one everyone was most interested in was Kaiden. Apparently, he was expected toe sometime this week after wrapping up his work at the Tower of Illusions. Kirrin also reminded us that the end-of-semester evaluations wereing up soon and urged everyone to prepare thoroughly. After that, she practically fled the room. "What¡¯s up with her?" Lina tilted her head in confusion, prompting Professor Felimia to adjust her sses and exin. "There was a dinner party at the Head Professor¡¯s housest night, with the Headmaster and Vice-Headmaster in attendance. Didn¡¯t you know?" "How would I know? You¡¯re the one who¡¯s always collecting gossip, Professor Felimia. I take it there was a lot of drinking involved? Right?" Lina nced at me, and I just shrugged with a smile. Ismera, seated directly to my right, was watching me intently. # # # # # After finishing my patrol around campus, inspecting ssrooms and practice areas, I suddenly remembered Kirrin had gone to the infirmary. I decided to stop by and check on her. "Hello, Priestess?" I entered the infirmary, but there was no sign of Maya, who usually sat at the reception desk, scribbling away at her ledger. Where could she be? Perhaps she¡¯s taking care of Kirrin? I walked further in, and sure enough, there was Kirrin lying in one of the beds, groaning. "Ohhh, ohhh...." "Headmaster. Are you alright?" "Dian.... Do I look alright to you?" "You look like you¡¯re on the verge of death." "Ohhh, ohhh...." Kirrin moaned as she weakly raised a hand. "Water... please...." "Sure." I handed her the water cup from the bedside table, and she gulped it down before copsing back onto the bed. "Where¡¯s Priestess Maya?" "She did some holy healing earlier and went to her room to pack...." "Pack? For what?" "She said she wanted to make a quick trip to the Church headquarters, so I told her to go ahead...." "Is that so?" Just then, Maya emerged from the back room. "Hello, Priestess." "Hello, Head Professor." With her usual indifferent expression, Maya gave me a slight nod before turning to Kirrin. "How are you feeling now, Headmaster?" "I don¡¯t know.... I feel like I¡¯m going to die... my head is splitting open...." "Holy healing doesn¡¯t cure hangovers, I¡¯m afraid. As I advised, you should spend the morning resting." "Alright.... But I have so much to do...." Kirrin grumbled, rubbing her forehead. "What do you mean, ''so much to do''? Vice-Headmaster Ismera took care of everything already." "That¡¯s true, but... still, I feel bad just sitting around doing nothing...." Such a kind-hearted dark elf. "By the way, Priestess, why are you heading to the Church headquarters so suddenly?" "I have matters to report to the Chief Administrator." Maya replied calmly. "As you are aware, I¡¯m officially assigned to the Academy, but my original affiliation is with the Church headquarters. I¡¯m obligated to report my activities to the Chief Administrator." "That makes sense. Please give my regards to Lormane when you get there. Tell her we¡¯re grateful for sending you to assist us." "I¡¯ll pass along the message." With that, Maya walked past me and back to the reception desk, where she began scribbling something down once again. Probably Kirrin¡¯s medical records. She¡¯s certainly diligent when ites to documentation. Linus and Celine had joked that Maya¡¯s ledgers were really reports on me, but when I had peeked at one earlier, there was nothing incriminating in it. Just a baseless worry. Ten years have passed since the war ended, and surely Lormane has changed over time. Linus and Celine seem stuck in the past, still viewing her as she was back then. If Lormane hadn¡¯t changed, there¡¯s no way I would¡¯ve made it out of the Church unharmed when I visited earlier this year. Something must¡¯ve happened. After all, as one of the continent¡¯s celebrated heroes now, I¡¯m sure Lormane has undergone some internal reform. "Ohhh, Dian...." Kirrin called out to me, pulling me from my thoughts. "What is it?" "If I die, Ismera should be the next Headmaster.... You¡¯ll be the new Vice-Headmaster...." I burst outughing. "I didn¡¯t know the Headmaster position was passed down like a noble title. And aren¡¯t you just hungover? Why are you talking like it¡¯s yourst will?" "Even if I don¡¯t die... it¡¯s still the best course of action.... Ohhh, ohhh...." Another wave of pain hit, and Kirrin clutched her head in agony, unable to continue. "Get well soon." I gave her a farewell and headed for the door, but something caught my eye before I left. There were leaves stuck all over the back of Maya¡¯s bright purple priestess robe. How did a priestess get her clothes covered in leaves? Maybe she hung them out to dry after washing, and they blew off the line without her noticing. "Priestess. You¡¯ve got leaves stuck on your back." Not wanting to touch her and risk any misunderstandings, I just pointed it out. Maya reached behind herself and brushed them off. "Thank you, Head Professor." Acknowledging her thanks, I left the infirmary. Scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch. Even as I closed the door behind me, the sound of Maya writing in her ledger continued. # # # # # When I got home after work, I found Olysia outside, broom in hand, poking around the garden. "Where could it have gone?" "What are you doing?" "Oh, you¡¯re back? I¡¯m looking for signs of a stray cat or wild dog." "Why all of a sudden?" "Look at this." Olysia pointed to a spot with her broom. It was just below therge window in the living room. A broken bush branchy on the ground. The branch looked like it had been pressed down, as if something heavy¡ªlike a sack of rice¡ªhad been ced on it. "Judging by the size, I¡¯d say it was a wild dog. It made quite a mess. Maybe it squeezed through a gap in the front gate?" "Maybe. But it¡¯s not a big deal, is it?" "How can you say that? Something unfamiliar entered the house! And don¡¯t forget the paving stones near the wall the other day. What if someone used those to climb over and spy on us?" "Hmm. Isn¡¯t that a bit of a stretch...?" Suddenly, a memory from this morning surfaced. The leaves stuck to Maya¡¯s robe. Now that I think about it, they were the same kind of leaves as the ones in our garden¡¯s bushes. "Where are you going?" I left through the front gate and headed for the overgrown lot nearby. Picking up the two leftover paving stones, I stacked them by the wall and helped Olysia climb up. "What¡¯s going on?" Peeking her head just over the wall, Olysia asked. She¡¯s a bit taller than Maya. If Maya had used the stones to climb up, she would¡¯ve been able to peer over the wall, just like this. Scritch, scritch, scritch, scritch. The sound I always heard whenever I visited the infirmary. The leaves stuck to her robe. The perfect height of the paving stones. And now her sudden trip to the Church headquarters. Of all times, right afterst night, when Ismera and I.... "Sir Dian! Where are you going? Dinner¡¯s almost ready!" Ignoring Olysia, I ran out of the residential area and headed straight for the infirmary. The lights were off, and the door was locked. "Priestess Maya!" I called out, but there was no answer. She usually lived here, keeping the infirmary open at all times, but now she was gone. "Excuse me!" I ran to the main gate. "Have you seen Priestess Maya leave?" "Yes, sir. She left a few hours ago." Damn it. # # # # # At that very moment, in front of the Church headquarters. After paying the carriage fare, Maya hurried up the steps and into the Great Temple, clutching the patient ledger tightly to her chest. Weaving through hallways and staircases, she soon reached her destination. "Chief Administrator, it¡¯s Maya." "Come in." The door to the Chief Administrator¡¯s office slowly opened. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 140 - The Academy Visit of Lormane (6) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 140 - The Academy Visit of Lormane (6) Lormane, seated in her chair, greeted Maya with a smile. "Come in." "Have you been well, Chief Administrator?" Maya bowed her head in greeting as Lormane stood up and approached her. "I¡¯ve been well. Let¡¯s have a look at you." Lormane gently cupped Maya¡¯s cheeks, her touch soft. "Judging by yourplexion, it seems you¡¯ve been doing well at the Academy." "I¡¯ve been well, thanks to Headmaster Kirrin¡¯s consideration." "Good. I¡¯m d to hear you¡¯ve adjusted to your assignment. Please, take a seat." Maya instinctively moved to prepare the tea, but Lormane stopped her. "You¡¯re my guest today. Let me handle it." "Understood." After preparing two cups of tea, Lormane sat across from Maya and began speaking. "What is it you wish to report?" "It¡¯s about various matters at the Academy." Maya took a sip of tea before continuing. "Do you recall what my predecessor reported upon their return?" "Of course I do. They basically cursed the Academy, saying it would copse within a year." "That¡¯s correct. But since I¡¯ve been dispatched there, several significant changes have urred." In a quiet voice, Maya began to report to Lormane about the developments at the Academy: the revival of the Combat Department, the resumption of intense practical exercises, the creation of themercial district, the capture of trolls and wild horses, the recruitment of special students, and winning thepetition. "This is apletely different picture from what your predecessor described." "Yes, Chief Administrator. And all of this is thanks to Professor Dian." "As expected of Sir Dian. He¡¯s truly remarkable. To single-handedly restore the Special Mission Academy, which was considered a failure even by the Imperial Pce... that¡¯s no small feat." Lormane smiled with a dignified grace. "Sir Dian has always been like that. Such a capable and extraordinary man. It¡¯s a pity that so few people truly understand who he is." "I agree wholeheartedly." As Maya nodded in agreement, Lormane¡¯s smile deepened. "You think so too? But you probably don¡¯t know the full extent of it. What you¡¯ve seen of Sir Dian as a professor is only a small part of who he really is." Lormane began recounting stories from about ten years ago, back when the Demon King ying Special Force was first formed. "You see, back then, Sir Dian did something truly remarkable...." "His judgment was wless. If we had followed Sir Linus¡¯s n, we would have been wiped out." "I sometimes wonder if Sir Dian is a man sent from the future, or perhaps a divine apostle sent by the gods to save the continent." Lormane passionately described the exploits of the Demon King ying Special Force, though in reality, she mostly focused on Dian¡¯s achievements. Maya silently sipped her tea, listening as Lormane went on at length about Dian. "Oh dear." At one point, Lormane found herself talking about how handsome Dian was, how strong and well-built his body was, and she covered her mouth in mock embarrassment. "I seem to be saying all sorts of things. Forgive me, Maya." "It¡¯s alright. Hearing you speak, I now understand why everyone at the Academy is so fond of Professor Dian." Maya¡¯s response made Lormane fall silent as she stared intently at her. After a brief pause, Lormane asked. "What do you mean by that?" "Exactly as I said. Everyone at the Academy likes Professor Dian." "Everyone?" "Yes, the professors, the staff, and the students." "Of course. Anyone who meets Sir Dian can¡¯t help but fall under his spell." Lormane smiled, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "Sir Dian has a certain charm, something that captivates people." Then sheunched into another long and fervent speech,vishing praise on Dian, this time with entirely new anecdotes and expressions that hadn¡¯t been mentioned in her earlier monologue. It wasn¡¯t until Maya¡¯s teacup was empty that Lormane finally stopped. "I¡¯m sorry, Maya. I got a little carried away. It¡¯s just that, for the past ten years, I haven¡¯t had anyone around who knew Sir Dian." "It¡¯s no trouble at all." "Shall I pour you more tea?" "I¡¯ll do it." Maya quietly stood up and poured herself a fresh cup of tea before returning to her seat. "So, do you have anything else to report?" "Yes. The elf, Professor Ismera, who was the Head of the Theory Department, has been promoted to the newly created position of Vice-Headmaster, and a mage named Kaiden is joining as the new Head Theoretical Professor." "Kaiden?" Lormane¡¯s eyes lit up with interest. "Kaiden has been in seclusion at the Tower of Illusions for the past ten years, with no contact with the outside world. How did thate about?" "I don¡¯t know the full details, but it seems Professor Dian asked Mage Kaiden for assistance while preparing for thepetition. Since illusion magic was used during the event, I assume that¡¯s when the connection was made." "I see. I understand now. There must have been some behind-the-scenes negotiations with the Imperial Pce as well." Lormane smiled knowingly. "If you wish, I could start keeping a ''patient ledger'' on the new Head Theoretical Professor as well." "That won¡¯t be necessary. Kaiden is a good person. I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll support Sir Dian well, so there¡¯s nothing to worry about. But...." Lormane¡¯s gaze shifted to the patient ledger sitting beside Maya. She picked it up. "This is the observation report you asked for on Professor Dian." "Thank you. I¡¯ve been looking forward to it." "But... are you sure you want to read it?" Maya hesitated to hand it over, her tone cautious. "What do you mean?" "I recorded everything exactly as I saw and heard it, without any embellishment. I just wanted to warn you." "There¡¯s no need to worry." Realizing what Maya was hinting at, Lormane smiled. "Do you think I would have asked you to do this without knowing what I was getting into? Go on, hand it over." Maya handed over the patient ledger, and Lormane slowly opened it to the first page. The first entry read: [Late at night, Professor Dian arrived at the infirmary with a troubled expression, carrying an unconscious and disheveled young female student, drenched in sweat.] Lormane turned the page. The next entry read: [Professor Dian brought in another unconscious young woman with visible rope marks on her wrists and bruises around her thighs.] She turned another page. [Late at night, Professor Dian arrived with what appeared to be a minor, iming she had passed out from a stomachache.] Crunch, crunch. [There were clear signs of strangtion on her neck, and significant bruising on her lower abdomen.] Crunch, crunch. [The patient repeatedly touched her belly, murmuring, ''I can¡¯t get rid of it,'' while Professor Dian whispered something to her. In tears, the patient replied, ''I¡¯ll do it. I¡¯ll do whatever you want,'' before lying down and sobbing for a long time.] [Additionally, there was a dried, sticky substance at the corner of the girl¡¯s mouth. It was unclear whether it was vomit or some other fluid.] [Professor Dian and Head Theoretical Professor Ismera visited the infirmary together, both looking extremely fatigued after staying up all night. They requested holy healing.] [No other students who participated in the same ss came to the infirmary, suggesting that some kind of intense, unnned physical activity had urred between the two of them.] Lormane continued turning the pages without reacting. Meanwhile, Maya sat quietly, sipping her tea.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Before Maya¡¯s deployment to the Academy, Lormane had given her special instructions: document everything rted to Professor Dian. Maya quickly understood why. Lormane was clearly infatuated with Dian. The way Lormane had acted when Dian first visited the Church had been enough evidence for Maya. As someone who admired and respected Lormane, Maya had diligently carried out her instructions and recorded everything in the patient ledger. However, today, Maya realized she had been wrong. After listening to Lormane passionately praise Dian for nearly two hours, Maya understood that Lormane¡¯s feelings for Dian weren¡¯t ordinary. That¡¯s why she had hesitated to hand over the ledger. Maya was also curious. As a priestess, she was prohibited from engaging in romantic rtionships with anyone, regardless of gender. So why was the Church¡¯s highest-ranking official so obsessed with Professor Dian? If word got out, Lormane would face severe disciplinary action and likely be emunicated. And yet, Maya felt a strange sense of satisfaction. She was pleased that the Chief Administrator trusted her enough to show such dangerous, genuine emotions. "Hmm." Lormane let out a small, ambiguous sound as she reached the final page of the ledger. That page detailed all the sounds Maya had heard from Dian¡¯s upstairs room the previous night. "I see. I understand now." After a long pause, Lormane smiled faintly as she closed the ledger. "You¡¯ve written it all down quite diligently. Thank you." "You''re wee." Lormane said nothing more after that. She simply stared down at thest page of the patient ledger, her silence stretching on. But Maya wasn¡¯t ufortable in the least. She calmly continued to sip her tea. When her cup was empty, Maya stood up to pour herself another. Then she quietly resumed her seat and continued drinking. "Maya." After finishing her third cup, Lormane finally spoke. "Yes, Chief Administrator." "Is there anything special happening at the academy this week?" "As far as I¡¯m aware, there is not. We''re currently preparing for the end-of-term evaluations." "Then I suppose I can visit the academy for a bit." [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 141 - The Academy Visit of Lormane (7) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 141 - The Academy Visit of Lormane (7) The next day. Headmaster Kirrin, looking utterly distraught, came rushing to find me early in the morning. "Dian! Dian! Save me!" Clinging to the hem of my clothes, Kirrin begged desperately. "Please, save me!" "What¡¯s the matter? Has Vice-Headmaster Ismera threatened to kill you and take your position?" I joked, but Kirrin''splexion only worsened. "She¡¯sing!" "Who¡¯sing?" "Th-The, the Ch-Chief¡­!" Kirrin stuttered as he fumbled with his words. "The Chief Administrator!" "Ah, I see." "Snap out of it!" When I responded absentmindedly, Kirrin shouted in frustration. "Not just any administrator, Dian! The Chief Administrator of the Church Headquarters!" "I know. If it¡¯s someone important enough for you to be this flustered, it has to be the Church¡¯s Chief Administrator." "Why aren¡¯t you more shocked?" "I am shocked." But in truth, I wasn¡¯t. I¡¯d already expected this oue. The day after Priestess Maya¡¯s departure, we received notice that the Church¡¯s Chief Administrator would visit the Academy. This only confirmed my suspicion that Maya had been sent to monitor me. So that patient ledger she handed mest time¡ªit was all a ploy. Of course, as a priest serving such a high-ranking official, it¡¯s no surprise she¡¯d be meticulous in recording things like that. She wouldn¡¯t have kept such a crucial record carelessly. "Wh-What should we do...?" "We prepare to greet our guest properly." "But the Chief Administrator is equivalent to a minister! There¡¯s so much to prepare!" Kirrin practically shrieked. "Is there an established protocol for greeting high-ranking visitors? Then just follow that. The administrative office handles these matters all the time. Why are you so worried? Besides, you have Vice-Headmaster Ismera." "Th-That¡¯s true, but¡­" Kirrin trailed off, his ears drooping as he mumbled, realizing my point was valid. "It¡¯s just that¡­ she¡¯s such an important and famous figure. And more than anything, the fact that she¡¯s suddenlying here scares me¡­." "I have a theory. Priestess Maya probably reported all the Academy¡¯s shorings in detail." "Wh-What?!" Kirrin''s eyes bulged in horror. "So now the righteous Chief Administrator ising in person to serve divine punishment on you on behalf of the gods¡­." I caught Kirrin as he staggered, nearly copsing. "Just kidding. I¡¯m guessing she¡¯sing to see me." "To see¡­ you?" "Didn¡¯t I mention before? I¡¯m a former member of the Demon King ying Special Force. She¡¯s probablying to visit an old acquaintance." There was no need to tell Kirrin the real reason for Lormane¡¯s visit. That would genuinely make her faint. "Oh, right. Now that you mention it, I forgot about that because it seemed so far-fetched." Finally, Kirrin let out a sigh of relief. "Then can I leave the reception to you, Dian?" "Huh? If you¡¯re ufortable handling it, I suppose I can take over. It doesn¡¯t bother me." "Oh, thank goodness." Wiping the sweat beading on her forehead, Kirrin finally smiled. "Really, we¡¯re lucky to have someone from the Demon King ying Special Force at our Academy." "What are you two doing over there?" At that moment, Ismera approached us from down the hall, her expression full of suspicion. "Good morning, Vice-Headmaster. You haven¡¯t heard the news yet, have you?" "What news? And why are you and the Headmaster...?" "The Church¡¯s Chief Administrator ising to visit our Academy." "Wh-What?!" Just as expected, Ismera was just as shocked as Kirrin had been and shouted in surprise. "The Chief Administrator ising here? Why?!" "She¡¯sing to see Dian." Now fully reassured, Kirrin exined cheerfully. "As you know, Ismera, Dian and the Chief Administrator go way back." "Hmm, that¡¯s true. But still, out of the blue like this¡­." "So there¡¯s no need to worry. Dian will handle everything." "Headmaster! How can you be so rxed?" Ismera snapped in frustration. "Even if Professor Dian is close to her, the Chief Administrator isn¡¯t someone who moves so lightly. We must start preparing to receive her right now! Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re nning to leave everything to Professor Dian while you sit back?" "O-Of course not! No way!" Having her intentions seen through, Kirrin pped her ears and waved her hands in frantic denial. "Gather the administrative staff immediately, including the administrative director. We have a lot to prepare." "Y-Yes, yes, understood." Kirrin hurried off, with Ismera following closely behind. Honestly, if it weren¡¯t for Ismera, I don¡¯t know what would¡¯ve happened to our Academy. Now that the reception was being taken care of, it was time to focus on my own issue. Priestess Maya had been scribbling something every time I visited the infirmary. Not just then¡ªwhenever I saw her around, she¡¯d be jotting down notes in the patient ledger or spying on my house. What exactly did she write? Whenever I visited the infirmary, it was to bring others or visit sick students. I hadn¡¯t done anything suspicious at home either. Except for one thing. Last night, I spent the night with Ismera, and since it was hot, we had left the window open. That window was right above where I suspect Maya had been lurking. So Maya must have recorded everything she overheard. But what¡¯s the point of specting? I should just go find Maya and ask her directly. When I arrived at the infirmary, the door was locked. Peeking through the window, I saw the ce waspletely empty. It seemed Maya was still at the Church. She¡¯s probably nning to return to the Academy with Lormane. Makes sense. Lormane wouldn¡¯t send Maya back to the Academy alone. After all, knowing me, I¡¯d confront Maya immediately after hearing about the Chief Administrator¡¯s visit. Hmm, should I just wait for Lormane to arrive? But waiting around feels a bit passive. I might as well head over to Linus¡¯s ce and see if there¡¯s anything I need to know about what¡¯s been going on these past ten years. I called for a carriage and headed to Linus¡¯s house. # # # # # "So Lormane ising, huh." Linus slowly nodded. "That priestess at the infirmary was really Lormane¡¯s spy, after all." "Looks like it. She must¡¯ve been taking double notes in that patient ledger from the start. So, do you know anything about Lormane that I should be aware of?" "Well¡­" Linus nced at Celine, who just shrugged her shoulders. "Not really. Ever since she became Chief Administrator, she¡¯s been too busy for us to meet much." "I see. So I should just treat her like I did back during the war?" "You met her earlier this year, didn¡¯t you? How was it then?" "I don¡¯t know. It felt normal. Didn¡¯t sense anything particrly different." "Hmm¡­." A brief silence fell. Linus and Celine both had serious expressions, clearly trying to think of some advice to offer me. "To be honest¡­." Linus finally spoke up. "When ites to Lormane, the only solution is to face her head-on. The thing is, she¡¯s the type who only responds when you confront her directly." "But that only works when you¡¯re a third party." Celine interjected. "Dian, you¡¯re involved in this personally. If you do that, she¡¯ll see it as you turning the tables on her, and it¡¯ll only make things worse." "That¡¯s true. So then what should we do¡­ Hmm¡­." After thinking for a while, Linus finally gave a sheepish smile. "Sorry, Dian. I¡¯m not sure."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om "It¡¯s fine. I figured as much. I can¡¯t think of anything clear either." "What does she n to do at the Academy, anyway¡­?" Celine muttered. "One thing¡¯s for sure¡ªshe¡¯sing because she thinks your rtionships with women at the Academy areplicated. But I doubt she¡¯ll cause any major disruptions while she¡¯s here." "Maybe she just wants to see who these women are." "Could be¡­ but if we consider that subus incident, it feels too optimistic to think this will go smoothly¡­." "Right. That did happen." As Celine trailed off, Linus¡¯s expression also turned serious. Here¡¯s what happened with the subus incident: After a battle, we captured a subus. She was a high-ranking officer, so we decided to transport her to the rear. During the journey, we made camp, and Lormane killed the subus during her night watch. I still remember that night vividly. "Dian, wake up. Dian." Lormane shook my shoulder to wake me. I assumed it was because I was next on night watch, so I opened my eyes¡ªand was shocked. Lormane¡¯s face was covered in blood, her priestess robes soaked. Had we been ambushed? I jumped up to find the subus lying on the ground, brutally mutted. Not far off, Kaiden stood trembling, pale as a ghost. "That wretch tried to seduce you, so I took care of it." Lormane proudly showed me the dagger she always carried for self-defense. But it was all a delusion. At the time, the subus had been bound at the wrists, gagged, and blindfolded¡ªthere was no way she could have seduced anyone. So she was helplessly killed by a dagger-wielding priestess. "You¡¯re safe now, Dian. I made sure of it." Lormane stared at me with zed-over eyes. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 142 - The Academy Visit of Lormane (8) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 142 - The Academy Visit of Lormane (8) "Dian, are you alright?" "Huh? Oh, yeah." As I was lost in my thoughts of the past, Celine tapped the back of my hand. "No matter how much I think about it, I still can¡¯t figure it out. Lormane is just too unpredictable." Even Celine had given up. "It¡¯s fine. Don¡¯t worry about it. This is ultimately my problem, so I¡¯ll handle it." The whole situation really was kind of ridiculous if you thought about it. Here we were, three members of the Hero Party, all sitting together, racking our brains over one person with a clingy obsession. It¡¯s probably better to just deal with this the same way I always have. Head-on. I¡¯ve always been morefortable using my body than my brain, anyway. Maybe I should just go straight to the Church and get the first move in. But both Linus and Celine, not to mention myself, thought that wouldn¡¯t be a good idea. What would I even say? Ask her to stop being a bother? Judging by Lormane¡¯s usual behavior, that would be like fanning the mes of a burning house. Instead, we all agreed it would be better to prepare thoroughly and first figure out exactly what Lormane¡¯s intentions were. # # # # # A special emergency meeting was called by Kirrin to discuss the Chief Administrator¡¯s visit. Though calling it an "emergency meeting" was a bit dramatic¡ªit wasn¡¯t like the situation was dire. Sure, the Chief Administrator was an important figure, but she didn¡¯t have any direct stakes in the Academy. Besides, the Empire, despite being a medieval fantasy world, had a solid administrative structure with very clear, well-documented protocols for handling such visits. All we had to do was find the Chief Administrator¡¯s rank and prepare ordingly. ording to the protocol hierarchy Ismera had secured, the Chief Administrator was on par with a first-ss minister. Honestly, I was a bit surprised. A first-ss minister in the Empire had more authority than a king from a small kingdom. I knew the Church had a lot of influence due to its widespread following, but I hadn¡¯t realized it was this powerful. Just ten years ago, Lormane had been a trainee priestess stationed at a backwater temple, and now she¡¯d risen this high. I still remember that time. It was a bitterly cold winter day. When we first met her, Lormane had been outside the temple, her hands swollen and red from scrubbing rags in ice-cold water. None of us¡ªneither Lormane nor us¡ªcould¡¯ve imagined back then that things would turn out this way. It¡¯s really quite impressive. "ording to the official notice we received from the Church, the Chief Administrator¡¯s visit is for a tour and to offer encouragement to the Academy." Ismera, seated beside Kirrin, was the first to speak. "Therefore, we need to show her exactly what our Academy is all about." "Vice-Headmaster, we should schedule as many activities as possible. Let¡¯s show her the students¡¯ practical exercises as well." I raised my hand to suggest. "When they say ¡®tour and encouragement,¡¯ it¡¯s basically a way of saying, ¡®If you¡¯re doing well, we might give you something.¡¯ So we need to take full advantage of this opportunity and squeeze out whatever we can." Voices of agreement rose from around the room. If we can¡¯t avoid it, we might as well turn the situation to our benefit.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om The Church is filthy rich, and the Chief Administrator sits at the top of thedder, managing those enormous funds. If Lormane is in a generous mood, we might receive significant support for our Academy. And to be blunt, someone of her rank¡ªequivalent to a first-ss minister¡ªwouldn¡¯te all this way empty-handed. The n is to give her a grand tour, overwhelm her with what we have, feed her some delicious food, and then I¡¯ll deal with whatever follows. Kirrin, for her part, just needs to act like a proper headmaster, offering polite and dignified remarks. But Ismera is the problem. I can¡¯t stop thinking about the image of a blood-soaked Lormane standing over that subus¡¯s mutted body, smiling. The worst part is, the subus had long, pointed ears like an elf, making it all the more unsettling. What should I do with her? Maybe I should ask her to step away for a while during Lormane¡¯s visit. But Ismera would refuse for sure. As Vice-Headmaster, she¡¯s more passionate about her work now than she was when she was just a professor. It wouldn¡¯t make any sense to ask her to leave when a VVIP is visiting. And saying something like "The Chief Administrator might kill you" would sound ridiculous. After some thought, I called for Genev, Morton, and Lina. "I¡¯ve got a mission for you. It¡¯s important." "What¡¯s the mission?" "During the Chief Administrator¡¯s visit, Genev, you¡¯ll guard Vice-Headmaster Ismera. Morton, you¡¯ll guard Headmaster Kirrin. Lina, you¡¯ll guard student Knightley." "Is there a special reason?" "Yes, there is." "Understood." As always, the professors epted my orders without question. I¡¯ll be next to Ismera and Kirrin during the formal reception, but I can¡¯t predict what might happen during the Academy tour. Something could ur during the movement between locations, so we need to be prepared. For all we know, Lormane might suddenly lose it and stab one of them in the back. And I added Knightley to the list because of the patient ledger that Priestess Maya kept. Whenever I went to the infirmary, the women I had contact with were Kirrin, Ismera, Knightley, and Sophie. Sophie¡¯s a polymorphed dragon, so I¡¯m not worried about her, but Knightley¡¯s situation feels a bit more uncertain. Of course, it¡¯s probably just me being paranoid, but better to be over-prepared than caught off guard. Genev and Lina are former members of the Special Forces, and Morton is from an elite long-range patrol unit, so their skills should be more than enough for this. Alright, with that settled, we began preparations to wee the Chief Administrator under Ismera¡¯s leadership. The first step was deciding what to show her. Key Academy facilities, training grounds, themercial district, various convenience facilities, and even the trolls trapped underground were selected for the tour. We then conducted a massive cleanup along the tour route, including the headmaster¡¯s office, where the actual reception would take ce. "Wow, what in the world¡­?" When I entered the headmaster¡¯s office after a long time, I couldn¡¯t help but let out a mix of amazement and dismay. The mountain of paperwork on the desk hadn¡¯t shrunk at all. The trash can was overflowing with garbage, mostly leftover food and wrappers. I¡¯d heard Kirrin often ate at her desk because she was too busy to take proper breaks, but still, this was a bit much. And then, in the corners, I spotted discarded underwear. "Gah?!" I picked up a garter belt and stockings that Kirrin liked to wear, and she let out a bizarre noise as she rushed over to snatch them from my hands. "Wh-What are you doing?!" "We need to clean up! What is all this stuff?" I pointed at the pile of papers on the desk. "I thought Vice-Headmaster Ismera had already taken care of those?" "She did. These aren¡¯t rted to ongoing tasks." Ismera answered instead. "It¡¯s just outdated paperwork that the Academy had stored. Kirrin took it out to review, and then it just piled up like this." "Headmaster, we need to clean this up!" "I-I know¡­." Kirrin hesitated, mumbling. "I just felt bad asking someone to put it all back¡­." "Then why don¡¯t you do it yourself? Anyway, get all that sent to the archives, and we¡¯ll overhaul this ce." "No! Wait!" As I was about to call in the administrative staff, Kirrin let out a scream and lunged forward. Moving with incredible speed, Kirrin darted around the room, collecting her highly personal items scattered here and there. Like the still-warm stockings I¡¯d just picked up. Compared to Ismera¡¯s pristine Vice-Headmaster¡¯s office, the Headmaster¡¯s office was nothing short of a pigsty. "Ooh." The administrative staff, watching Kirrin¡¯s agile movements for the first time, apuded in awe. "Alright, let¡¯s get started." At my signal, the staff, armed with cleaning supplies, surged into the office. "Ugh¡­." As the staff bustled around, Kirrin stood in the middle, wringing her hands and looking around nervously. "What are you doing? Leave this to them and go check on the other areas." "R-Right, of course¡­." As Kirrin and I were heading out, something odd caught my eye. One of the staff members had emptied Kirrin¡¯s desk drawer, and something very familiar fell out. I looked closer¡ªit looked just like my shirt. Why was it here? Just as I was about to approach, Kirrin suddenly darted over like a sh of lightning, grabbed it, and stuffed it under her shirt before I could react. Now I couldn¡¯t take it even if I wanted to. "What are you hiding?" "M-My shirt¡­." "Really?" "Really!" Maybe I just saw wrong. It was just a in white shirt, after all, and all the professors wore simr ones. "H-Heheh¡­ let¡¯s go, hurry up¡­." Kirrin giggled nervously, trembling like a goat as she hurriedly pushed Ismera and me out the door. # # # # # All preparations for the Chief Administrator¡¯s reception wereplete. The main gate was thrown wide open, and Kirrin, along with the entire faculty, stood ready to wee her. Behind Kirrin, Ismera stood with Genev and Morton at her side. "Ugh, I¡¯m so nervous I could die¡­." Kirrin kept shifting her weight and fidgeting anxiously. "As the Headmaster, you shouldpose yourself. Stand still." Despite Ismera¡¯s stern scolding, Kirrin kept ncing nervously toward the road leading to the Academy. "I¡¯m way more nervous than when we met Duke Toulouse¡­." "Of course you are. The Chief Administrator outranks any Duke." At my words, Kirrin¡¯s face grew even more grim. "Dian, you said the Chief Administrator is your friend, right? Is there anything I should be aware of? Something I should watch out for?" "There¡¯s nothing special, just don¡¯t act too familiar with me." "Huh?" "They¡¯reing!" Kirrin was about to ask more when Waver, who had sharp eyes, shouted out. Off in the distance, a carriage was heading toward us. "Is that really the Church¡¯s carriage?!" "The crest on the carriage is the Church¡¯s." At Waver¡¯s confirmation, Kirrin clenched her hands together tightly and muttered. "Don¡¯t mess this up, don¡¯t mess this up¡­." The Church¡¯s carriage pulled into the Academy. First to step out was Priestess Maya. Then, following her, Lormane descended. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 143 - The Academy Visit of Lormane (9) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 143 - The Academy Visit of Lormane (9) A second carriage followed behind Lormane¡¯s, and more priests descended from it. They looked older, likely high-ranking members of the Church. "W-Wee! Chief Administrator!" Kirrin, tense and stammering, bowed her head deeply. "It is an honor to have you here!" "It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you, Headmaster Kirrin, and Vice-Headmaster Ismera, along with all the professors." Lormane responded with a dignified smile. Her gaze swept across the professors lined up in greeting, briefly lingering on me before moving on. Our eyes met for a second, and I looked past Lormane toward Maya, who was standing behind her. Maya didn¡¯t shy away, calmly meeting my gaze. "Th-This way, please¡­." Kirrin, trying topose herself, led Lormane inside the main building. The lobby showcased the Academy¡¯s history, a portrait of the only headmaster it had ever had¡ªKirrin herself¡ªand a few symbolic artifacts. "Allow me to introduce the history and growth of our Imperial Special Mission Academy¡­!" Kirrin, holding a small pointer stick, began her presentation, a bit stiff and awkward. She¡¯d practicedte into the night, so while her delivery was a bit unnatural, it wasn¡¯t bad. "This Special Mission Academy is a vital training ground for those who will stand on the front lines of the Empire¡¯s security." Lormane smiled after listening intently to Kirrin¡¯s exnation. "Now, we will take you on a tour of the Academy¡¯s facilities." "I¡¯m looking forward to it." As Kirrin and Lormane moved forward, Ismera and the professors followed behind them. Seeing Genev and Morton closely shadowing Kirrin and Ismera reassured me as I trailed along. Even if Lormane suddenly pulled out a weapon, they¡¯d be able to handle it. Not that I really expected her to do such a thing. We followed the nned route, introducing Lormane to the Academy¡¯s facilities and curriculum. Students flocked out to see her¡ªafter all, she was famous as a member of the Demon King ying Special Force, and the crowd became a sea of people. Lormane waved to them with a graceful smile, befitting her status as the Chief Administrator of the Church, responding to the students'' enthusiastic greetings. Watching herposed, elegant demeanor, I suddenly felt a strange sense of disconnect. The Lormane from the war and the Lormane now seemed like entirely different people. Had she matured mentally in the past decade? Well, it makes sense. She¡¯s aged ten years since then. If she hadn¡¯t changed at all, that would be concerning in itself. "This is the Academy¡¯smercial district." We had arrived at the area with various convenience facilities, including a dessert cafe. "This was established earlier this year under the initiative of Dian, our newly appointed Head Combat Professor." At that, Lormane smiled at me, her eyes crinkling slightly. "You¡¯ve done excellent work." "Thank you." Lormane turned her gaze forward again. Next was the underground area where the troll was held. "This is theb for producing and researching potions made from troll blood." Ismera took over the exnation. "It was previously an abandoned building, but when we captured a wild troll near the Academy, we converted it into aboratory." What used to be a damp, empty basement had been transformed into a clean, well-litb. It was fully equipped with venttion, furniture, and various research apparatuses. At the far end of theb was where the troll was confined, the creature restrained by Orendi¡¯s binding magic circle in ce of iron bars. "Oh, is that a troll¡­?" The eyes of the priests widened as they beheld the creature. Even in a fantasy world with monsters, it¡¯s rare for ordinary people to see a creature as dangerous as a troll up close. In the real world, it¡¯s akin to someone who¡¯s never even seen a deer suddenlying face-to-face with a predator. The troll, having just finished a meal provided by theb assistants,yfortably on its back, clearly rxed. It had gained a significant amount of weight since being captured, its skin glowing with health¡ªit looked like it was living quite the luxurious life. We feed it three nutritious meals a day to keep the blood supply stable. It¡¯s essentially an animal welfareb. "Capturing a troll¡ªthat¡¯s certainly fitting for the Special Mission Academy." "It was Head Combat Professor Dian who aplished that." At Ismera¡¯s response, Lormane nced at me once again, saying, "Impressive as always." Our next stop was thebat training grounds, and after that, the mountedbat area. The priests marveled at the sight of the horses scattered across the vast pasture. "I am Professor Anna, in charge of Combat Riding¡­." Professor Anna, dark circles prominent under her eyes, began her exnation in a somewhat gloomy tone. She described the ecology and habits of the wild horses from the Brun teau and gave a brief riding demonstration. "These wild horses were also personally secured by Head Combat Professor Dian. He brought them here from the Brun teau." "I see. The Brun teau¡­ that brings back memories." There was a time when we ambushed and wiped out a unit of the Demon King¡¯s army that hade to the Brun teau to capture warhorses for their cavalry. After showing her several more training facilities, we returned to the headmaster¡¯s office. Now it was time for a private meeting between Lormane and the Academy leadership. The professors and the priests withdrew, leaving only Lormane, Kirrin, Ismera, and me in the headmaster¡¯s office. After taking a few sips of tea, Lormane finally spoke. "Thank you for the warm wee. Thanks to your hospitality, I now have a much clearer understanding of the Special Mission Academy." "Th-Thank you¡­." Kirrin, visibly relieved by her praise, bowed her head. "By the way, Vice-Headmaster Ismera." Lormane turned her attention to Ismera. "I hear you have quite the impressive resume. I understand you hold the record for earning your higher master¡¯s degree in the shortest time." "You tter me. It¡¯s thanks to the guidance of an excellent mentor." "I see. Even so, earning a higher master¡¯s in just seven years is no easy feat. Truly remarkable." "Thank you."N?v(el)B\\jnn "I heard you were originally the Head Theoretical Professor." "That¡¯s right. I joined the Academy in that position at its founding, and I was recently promoted to Vice-Headmaster." "It seems the pce recognized your abilities and appointed you to a fitting position." "It¡¯s an honor, though ites with great responsibility. I¡¯m doing my best." Ismera responded smoothly. "That must mean your sry has increased significantly as well." "Ah, yes¡­ it has gone uppared to before." The odd question caught Ismera a bit off guard. "And you receive a pension as well, I assume?" "Yes, though the amount depends on years of service." "Is the position of professor at the Academy one with job security?" "As long as there aren¡¯t any major issues, it¡¯s a lifelong career." "And now that you¡¯re Vice-Headmaster, you¡¯ll likely be Headmaster one day, so you won¡¯t have to worry about retirement, at least." "Excuse me? Well¡­ I haven¡¯t thought that far ahead. I¡¯m not really at the age to be concerned about retirement just yet." "How old are you?" Ismera nced at me at that unexpected, personal question. Lormane¡¯s gaze followed hers andnded on me for a moment. "I¡¯m twenty-six this year. That¡¯s in human years, of course. But I¡¯m considered an adult by elven standards too." "That¡¯s quite young. Elves live for hundreds of years, don¡¯t they? You have a long future ahead of you." "Thank you." "So, if I may ask, why did you leave the forest to live in a human city?" Lormane continued her questioning. "During the war, my homnd was destroyed by the Demon King¡¯s army. It waspletely burned down. Rebuilding it will require a great deal of money, so I came out to earn the funds. Though I also wanted to pursue my personal goals." "There were indeed many forests devastated by the Demon King¡¯s forces. Which forest are you from?" "You may not have heard of it¡ªit¡¯s the Tiraellen Forest, in the north." "The Tiraellen Forest¡­." Lormane¡¯s reddish-brown eyes shifted, as if trying to recall something. "I believe I¡¯ve heard of it. Are your parents still alive?" "Pardon?" "Your parents." "If you mean the one who gave birth to me, yes. My mother is an elder of our tribe. I don¡¯t have a father. Elves are a matriarchal society, and women raise children collectively." "I see. I wasn¡¯t familiar with elven customs. So your mother, the elder, is still alive. What about siblings?" "My brothers left the forest, and as I mentioned, I was raised alongside many sisters as part of our collective upbringing. But if I were to categorize them like humans do, I had four close siblings, but they all died in the war." "That must have been hard for you. I¡¯m sorry for bringing it up." "It¡¯s alright, Chief Administrator. It¡¯s been ten years already." As the two of them continued their conversation, Kirrin sat in the middle, unable to move or even speak, her eyes nervously darting around. She had stayed up all night practicing her lines for this reception, but now she had no chance to use any of them. Poor her. She must be wondering why Lormane was focusing on Ismera with all these strange questions instead of her. But it was clear that Kirrin wasn¡¯t even on Lormane¡¯s radar at the moment. Lormane¡¯s persistent questions about personal matters were undoubtedly due to thest page of Maya¡¯s patient ledger. I didn¡¯t know what else was written in there, but the events of the other night were certainly undeniable. I studied Lormane¡¯s hands and posture, but there were no signs yet that she was about to pull out a weapon or cause a scene. "Speaking of elven culture, I¡¯m curious about something." Ignoring both Kirrin and me and disregarding the fact that this was an official reception, Lormane pressed on. "Do elves get married?" "No, we don¡¯t. We meet male elves who visit the forest, form rtionships with them, and raise children. That¡¯s all." "I see¡­ So do elves only have children with other elves?" It was an incredibly inappropriate question, especiallying from a priest, and Ismera remained silent rather than answer. "For example, there are half-elves, right? So does that mean elves can marry humans or other races as well?" "That¡¯s possible, but¡­ I¡¯m not sure what you¡¯re trying to ask, Chief Administrator." It seemed like it was time for me to step in. "Excuse me, Chief Administrator." "I¡¯m in the middle of a conversation with the Vice-Headmaster, Head Professor." Lormane cut me off sharply. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 144 - The Academy Visit of Lormane (10) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 144 - The Academy Visit of Lormane (10) "Of course, that''s true." Despite Lormane''s sharp response, I continued to speak. "But this isn''t an interview to recruit a new elven priest, is it? I suggest you refrain from asking personal questions." "Do you have any hereditary diseases?" Lormanepletely ignored me, directing another question at Ismera. "No, I don¡¯t." "Are you good at cooking and cleaning?" "Elves don¡¯t eat cooked food, so¡­ I¡¯m not very skilled at cooking." At this point, Lormane¡¯s questions were bing absurd, to the point where I couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. "That could be a problem. Now that you¡¯re living in a human city, you should adapt to their way of life." Lormane spoke in a condescending tone. "It will take a very long time to restore your Great Forest. In the meantime, you¡¯ll be staying in the city, so it¡¯s important that you get ustomed to human culture, don¡¯t you think?" This wasn¡¯t even a question¡ªit was more of a reprimand. "I¡¯ll keep that in mind." For now, Ismera respondedpliantly. After all, the Chief Administrator was not someone you could risk offending without reason. "That said, I imagine whoever ends up marrying you will have quite a hard time." "Excuse me?" "Considering you can¡¯t cook or do basic household chores. What do you think?" Ismera, who had been calmly ying along until now, suddenly changed her expression. It was the same look she¡¯d given me at the start of the semester, when she¡¯d been openly hostile toward me. It was a subtle shift, one that most people wouldn¡¯t notice¡ªbut having spent time with Ismera, I recognized it instantly. "I¡¯ll take your advice to heart, Chief Administrator. Of course, if I¡¯m going to live among humans, I should embrace their culture." Ismera smiled faintly. "As for marriage, yes, I am nning to wed soon. I¡¯ve found someone worthy of being my life partner, and I¡¯m sure that when I marry and take on my husband¡¯s care, I¡¯ll be grateful for the advice and concerns you¡¯ve shared today." "Marriage, you say?" Lormane¡¯s smile didn¡¯t falter. "If you don¡¯t mind me asking, who is the lucky man fortunate enough to wed such a beautiful, pure-blooded elven Vice-Headmaster?" "I thought you already knew." Lormane¡¯s eyes twitched slightly. "Well, I tend to be a bit slow on the uptake¡­ I can¡¯t quite guess." "Then I¡¯ll tell you. The person I¡¯m going to marry is¡ª" "Why don¡¯t we get up now, Chief Administrator?" I stood from my seat, cutting off Ismera¡¯s words. "You must have a busy schedule, and leaving the Church unattended for too long must be a burden." Lormane looked up at me, smiling. "Am I making you ufortable?" "You¡¯ve been asking nothing but inappropriate questions." "I am part of the Church." Lormane said. "I have no vested interest in this Academy or anything rted to it. Since I have no stake in its operation, I see no harm in asking personal questions to satisfy my curiosity." "Likewise, since you''re not in a position of authority over us, nor do you have any interest here, I believe I¡¯m within my rights to ask you to refrain from such questions." Lormane didn¡¯t respond, instead staring directly at me. I didn¡¯t avert my gaze either. "Very well, let¡¯s leave it at that." After a pause, Lormane shed a faint smile. "Thank you." "My apologies for the sudden visit and any trouble it caused." Lormane said, turning to Kirrin and Ismera. "I came because I was curious about the environment in which Priestess Maya works. Seeing that the Academy is far more impressive than I expected, I¡¯m relieved." "Thank you¡­" Kirrin stammered, bowing her head. "Before I leave, I¡¯d like to make one request." "Wh-What is it?" "I¡¯d like to have some private time to speak with my old friend, Professor Dian." Lormane had no idea that Kirrin and Ismera knew about my past. Still, the way she openly dered her intentions showed that in thest ten years, some things about Lormane hadn¡¯t changed at all. While she had mastered the art of maintaining social grace in her high position, deep down, she was still the same person. In any case, I was also curious about what Lormane wanted, so I nodded. "Headmaster, Vice-Headmaster, if you wouldn¡¯t mind excusing us for a moment." At my request, Kirrin stood up immediately. "Ismera! Come on!" She hurriedly dragged Ismera, who was still ring at Lormane, out of the office, practically fleeing in the process.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Once we were alone, I sat back down and asked. "Lormane, what¡¯s this about?" "What do you mean?" "Why are you here?" "I came because I wanted to see you." Lormane answered lightly, as if there could be no other reason. "I¡¯ve missed you so much I could hardly stand it. But a position like mine doesn¡¯t allow for personal visits. So, I needed a reason¡ªsomething grand like a tour and official encouragement for the Imperial Academy." "That¡¯s not the whole story." Lormane tilted her head, smiling exaggeratedly. "What do you mean?" "You came because of Maya¡¯s ¡®patient ledger,¡¯ didn¡¯t you?" Lormane smiled but didn¡¯t confirm or deny it. "Did you really think I wouldn¡¯t figure it out?" "Did Celine mislead you? Maybe she imed I sent Maya to spy on you. She¡¯s always been like that, always jumping to conclusions with her so-called hunter¡¯s instincts, using people of things they haven¡¯t done¡­." "Just a few days ago, I found evidence that Maya had snuck into my house. And you grilling Ismera today¡ªit¡¯s all because of what was written in those records, isn¡¯t it?" Lormane¡¯s smile wavered for the first time. "I¡¯m sure those records include notes on all the women I¡¯ve been associated with. You read those and got so worked up you had toe here, didn¡¯t you?" "Dian, what kind of person do you think I am?" "Do I really need to spell it out?" "I see." Lormane slowly nodded. "You must think I¡¯m some crazed woman, obsessed beyond reason." "Look at your behavior right now." "You¡¯re right, Dian. I am obsessed with you." Lormane smiled as she spoke. "But is that such a problem? Have Imitted any crimes in doing so? Have I acted against basic human decency? I¡¯m simply a woman in love with you. Is that really something I should be despised or rejected for?" "You said it yourself: you haven¡¯t broken thew or gone against morality?" I pointed directly at Lormane. "During the war, you did plenty of things that were far from normal. You killed a subus we¡¯d captured as a prisoner of war, drugged me so I¡¯d rely on you for help, and caused no end of small but serious problems." "Are you really bringing up things that happened ten years ago?" "I could talk about something more recent. Like how you had Maya spy on me. Do you think that was the right thing to do? Lormane, you need to snap out of it." "Snap out of it?" Lormaneughed. "Dian, do you truly think I¡¯ve lost my mind?" "I don¡¯t think you¡¯repletely insane, but in certain matters, yes, you¡¯re acting irrationally." "I see. But as usual, there¡¯s a big misunderstanding here." "If you¡¯re going to try the same old excuse you used ten years ago, don¡¯t bother." I raised my hand to stop her from continuing. "Lormane, let¡¯s be clear. You have no right to interfere in my life." "Of course not, Dian." "It doesn¡¯t matter who I spend time with or what I do¡ªthat¡¯s my decision. You don¡¯t get to control that. Consider this a warning." "That¡¯s a bit scary." "And you¡¯re not a low-ranking trainee priestess anymore; you¡¯re the Chief Administrator of the Church. You know how to act appropriately for your position, don¡¯t you?" "Of course I do." With a sigh, I leaned back in my chair. She wasn¡¯t listening at all, was she? "Why haven¡¯t you changed at all?" "You haven¡¯t either, Dian." Lormane smiled brightly. "I noticed earlier¡ªthosebat professors you had standing right behind the headmaster and vice-headmaster during the tour. You had them guard them, didn¡¯t you?" "Yes." "Were you worried I¡¯d pull another stunt like I did with the subus? Maybe stab that pure-blooded elf to death?" "I couldn¡¯t think of any other reason for you toe here." "I see. But unfortunately, you¡¯re wrong. Well, half wrong. I was curious about Vice-Headmaster Ismera, so I came to find out more about her." Lormane nced toward the chair where Ismera had been sitting. "As for Maya¡¯s patient ledger, yes, I ordered it. I told her to record everything about you and report it to me. But I wasn¡¯t spying on you." "Was there some noble purpose behind it, then?" "I was curious." Lormane¡¯s smile widened. "I wanted to know how you were doing at the Academy. Since I couldn¡¯t be there myself, I thought I¡¯d observe through someone else. Maya was just following my orders." "And you expect me to believe that?" "What difference does it make whether you believe me or not?" Lormane spread her arms slightly. "Whether you believe me or not, nothing changes. Even when we were in the Special Forces 10 years ago, you never trusted me, did you?" "That¡¯s true. I¡¯ve never been able to trust you." "Then that¡¯s settled. Buting here was the right decision¡ªI feel much more at ease now." Lormane abruptly changed the subject. "As for that elf Ismera, I like her. She¡¯s beautiful, capable, and intelligent." "What are you talking about now, Lormane?" "She has spirit, too. I didn¡¯t expect her to stand up to the Chief Administrator of the Church." Lormane¡¯s smile deepened. "I, Lormane, have concluded that Vice-Headmaster Ismera is fully qualified to be the partner of, you, the true unsung hero, who was overshadowed by Linus." ???????????? Where the hell did thate from? [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 145 - The Academy Visit of Lormane (11) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 145 - The Academy Visit of Lormane (11) "Haha!" Iughed out loud. "What on earth are you saying? And why do you think you have the right to make that judgment?" "It''s nothing." Lormane easily conceded. "As you said, I have no right to interfere in your life, Dian. That''s correct. Who am I, after all?" A smile slipped from Lormane''s lips. "But still, I can at least offer a bit of advice, can''t I? Sometimes an objective perspective from a third party can be helpful." I just stared at her, dumbfounded, as she continued. "Marry Vice-Headmaster Ismera, Dian. She¡¯s the right match for you. It¡¯s far better than getting involved with some random person; apetent colleague who¡¯s already been vetted is much more suitable." "Well, that is true." "She may not be skilled at housework, but that¡¯s why you have Olysia, isn¡¯t it? It¡¯s not an issue at all. And a capable woman like her shouldn¡¯t be confined to the home." She even knew about Olysia? How thorough. "If Vice-Headmaster Ismera had been some insignificant woman, I wouldn¡¯t have stood for it. But fortunately, she¡¯s not. I¡¯m quite pleased with her." "I''m relieved to hear that. But honestly, I still don¡¯t understand your true intentions."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Lormane just smiled, waiting for me to speak again. "Is this the end?" "Of course. What else could there be?" "It doesn¡¯t feel like it. What are your intentions?" "My intentions? You¡¯re being terribly unfair. I¡¯ve already told you: I came here to see with my own eyes if Vice-Headmaster Ismera is a suitable match for you, Dian." Lormane sped her hands together in an exaggerated manner. "Dian, I¡¯ve always wanted you to be happy. Ten years ago, and even now, that hasn¡¯t changed. Everything I¡¯ve done up until now was solely for your happiness." "Is that so? I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s true, but even if it is, it¡¯s rather creepy." "Even if my methods were wrong, I hope one day you¡¯ll understand that my feelings were sincere." Lormane released her sped hands, still smiling. "Dian, it¡¯s fine if you doubt me. You can think I¡¯m a madwoman, or call me a snake who only speaks lies and excuses. It doesn¡¯t matter how you see me. But." Lormane reached out her hand. "But it remains true that I only wish for your happiness, Dian." She gripped my hand tightly. "If someone can make you happy, it doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s not me. Just seeing you live a happy life is enough to make me happy." "Uh. Thanks." I said, pulling my hand away from hers. "Then I can rest easy that you won¡¯t suddenly pull out an axe or knife and start attacking Ismera, right?" "Of course. That was never going to happen in the first ce." "And I can also stop worrying about Maya following me around and digging into my business?" "That¡¯s a different matter." Lormane¡¯s expression turned cold and serious. "Maya will continue writing her patient logs. Dian, won¡¯t you grant me at least this small indulgence? It won¡¯t cause any trouble for you." "But it was because of those logs that you came here." "Do you consider my visit a nuisance, Dian?" "Yes. The concern that you might lose control and cause trouble is a burden. And if there ever seems to be tension between Ismera and me, how can I be sure you¡¯ll stay out of it?" "I see¡­ So, I¡¯m a burden to you¡­." Lormane¡¯s face darkened as she nodded. "Understood. I¡¯ll tell Maya to focus solely on her duties as a infirmary priestess." "Thank you." "I should be going now. Since my presence seems to be a burden to you, Dian." Lormane got up from her seat and headed toward the door. "Let¡¯s go, Dian. You should see me out." "Lormane." "Enough." Lormane said firmly, her hand on the doorknob. "That¡¯s enough. I achieved what I came for, and you¡¯re reassured. Let¡¯s end this on good terms." I watched her for a moment, then nodded slightly. "Alright. Understood." # # # # # When I stepped outside with Lormane, a carriage was waiting in front of the main building entrance. Kirrin and Ismera, who had left earlier, were standing with other priests, waiting for us. "Thank you once again for your hospitality." "It was an honor to receive the Chief Administrator." Kirrin bowed and shook hands with Lormane. "Vice-Headmaster Ismera." Next, Lormane took Ismera¡¯s hand and spoke. "Be happy." "Pardon¡­? Ah, yes¡­ Thank you." "Otherwise, things might get quite troublesome." Lormane''s expression hardened for a brief moment, and Ismera swallowed nervously. "Professor Dian." Lastly, Lormane shook hands with me, smiling. "When will I see you again?" "Hard to say. The position of Chief Administrator is a rather heavy one, isn¡¯t it?" "Then perhaps if I¡¯m emunicated and expelled from the Church, we¡¯ll meet again." The priests behind her gasped. "It¡¯s a joke." Lormaneughed as she ced her foot on the carriage step. "Ah, onest thing." Just before boarding, Lormane turned back to me. "Since we¡¯re parting indefinitely, would you give me a hug as a parting gift? Of course, that¡¯s a joke too." The priests were shocked, and Lormaneughed again. "I¡¯ll be going now. I wish you all the best." As Lormane got into the carriage, the other priests hurried to board the carriage behind it. "Maya. Will you escort me back to the Church?" Lormane asked, looking down at Maya from the carriage. Maya nced over at Kirrin. "Go ahead. Go on!" Kirrin urged Maya, pushing her forward. "Goodbye, everyone." With Lormane''s farewell, the door closed, and the carriage set off. "Ah, she¡¯s finally gone¡­." Only after the carriages passed through the academy gates did Kirrin breathe a heavy sigh, wiping sweat from her brow. "For a priest, I thought she¡¯d be warm and gentle, but she was absolutely terrifying. I could hardly breathe." "Yes, indeed¡­." Even Ismera, who had boldly spoken up against Lormane, seemed rattled, a sheen of sweat visible on her nose. "Good work, everyone. Without you two, today would have been really tough." Kirrin patted Ismera and me on the shoulders, smiling gratefully. Instead of responding, I just watched the carriages disappear into the distance. Lormane¡­ What on earth are you thinking¡­? # # # # # Inside the carriage heading back to the Church. Lormane, resting her chin on her hand, gazed out the window and spoke. "Maya." "Yes, Chief Administrator." Maya, seated across from her, answered. "From now on, there¡¯s no need to write any more patient logs about Professor Dian." "Is there a specific reason?" "There is. Professor Dian dislikes it." "Understood." Maya replied without a hint of hesitation. With that, Lormane fell silent. Lormane¡¯s reason for visiting the Academy was exactly as Dian had surmised. It was because of the patient logs Maya had written. ording to Maya¡¯s records, Dian had been mingling with various women at the Academy. But Lormane hadn¡¯t taken that at face value. Maya was a novice priestess who had grown up in the Church since she was very young. She knew little about romantic rtionships. So, she had a tendency to interpret any interaction between a man and a woman as a romantic entanglement. Because of that, Lormane had disregarded the earlier entries and focused on thest one¡ªabout the pure-blooded elf, Ismera. The rest were mere acquaintances. This elf was the real deal. Lormane was curious. Who was this elf? Was she truly worthy of Dian? And how did Dian feel about her, even ten yearster? To resolve these two questions, Lormane had made the special trip to the Academy. After meticulously observing Ismera, Lormane decided: this woman was truly exceptional. It had been a brief encounter, but Lormane could tell. And she also confirmed how Dian felt about her. As expected, Dian was wary of her. After all, there were the events from ten years ago, and they hadn¡¯t seen each other since. For Dian, those events must still feel like they happened just yesterday. Could she ever change his mind now? It was unlikely. Not when there was already someone like Ismera by his side. And even if she did, what would it mean? Lormane was now the Chief Administrator of the Church. Ten years ago, things might have been different, but now, she couldn¡¯t just walk away from her duties. Dian still didn¡¯t like her, and she couldn¡¯t take off her priestess robe. Meanwhile, there was a splendid woman named Ismera next to him. Lormane decided that, given the circumstances, it would be best to fully support Dian and Ismera¡¯s union. Rather than clinging to a faint hope, it was better for Dian to find definite happiness. Lormane had tried tirelessly to make Dian happy, only to fail repeatedly. As a result, Dian came to despise her, but Lormane didn¡¯t mind. As long as someone could make Dian happy, it didn¡¯t matter if it wasn¡¯t her. Just seeing Dian happy would be enough to make her happy. Because to her, Dian was practically a god. No, perhaps even more than a god. Gods might make lofty promises to save the world someday, but Dian had already saved Lormane. Lormane could never forget the day she first met Dian. # # # # # That day was unbearably cold. Even those who believed winter should be cold would have their minds changed if they came here. This was a small vige called Gauni, situated on the northern slopes of the Empire. Nestled in a valley, it was a ce where cold air constantly settled and couldn¡¯t escape. The chill was so harsh that there was even a legend of a monster being driven out of the vige, beaten with frozenundry stiff as clubs. In this vige stood a shabby temple. The door creaked open, and a young girl stepped out, walking with short, hurried steps. Her hair was a reddish-brown. A stark contrast to the snow-covered vige and the blue priestess robes worn by the lowest of the low, the novice priestesses. In her hands was a chamber pot, used by the head priest overnight. Her daily routine as a novice priestess began with emptying it and cleaning it with snow. After dumping its contents behind a snow-covered bush, the young priestess turned around, only to find a man standing right in front of her. "Are you the novice priestess Lormane?" A tall man with scruffy brown hair, wrapped in a fur cloak, was looking down at her. Behind him stood a man with blond hair and blue eyes. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 146 - The Academy Visit of Lormane (12) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 146 - The Academy Visit of Lormane (12) Anyway, the Head Priest was currently snoring away and wouldn¡¯t wake up even if someone tried. "Novice Priestess Lormane." As Lormane took a seat, Linus began to speak. "Have you heard about the current state of the war?" "No... I don¡¯t really know¡­ This is such a remote ce, even the Demon King¡¯s army doesn¡¯t care about it, so we never get any news¡­." "I see. Well, the Human Alliance is currently at a disadvantage. Just recently, the Demon King¡¯s army almost managed to invade the imperial capital, but we barely managed to stop them." "Th-the capital?!" Lormane covered her mouth in shock. She knew a war had broken out; after all, the regr supplies from the Church headquarters had been cut off. Because of this, Lormane had been struggling to keep the temple running, relying on the sparse monthly deliveries and the goodwill of the vigers. "Yes. Unless something extraordinary happens, it¡¯s likely that by next spring, the Human Alliance will lose in a final offensive, and the Demon King¡¯s army will im victory." "This is the first I¡¯ve heard¡­ Is there no hope¡­?" "Not necessarily. Recently, a priest received a divine oracle." "An oracle¡­?" "If the oracle is true, then next year, the victors will not be the Demon King¡¯s army but the Human Alliance. That¡¯s why we¡¯re here, to bring you with us, Priestess Lormane." Linus offered, seeing Lormane¡¯s nk, bewildered expression. "Come with us." "I don¡¯t really understand¡­." Lormane, who had been silent for a while, looked back and forth between Linus and Dian and asked. "From what you¡¯ve said, it sounds like if I go to the capital, the oracle will be reality, and we¡¯ll win the war¡­." "That¡¯s right. That¡¯s exactly what will happen." "Excuse me?!" Lormane jumped out of her seat. "What on earth are you saying?! I¡¯m just a novice priestess. I was brought into the Church because I can use divine power, but I¡¯m stuck out here doing menial work in this mountain vige. Did you reallye all this way to tell me such a joke¡­?" "We didn¡¯te all this way through a snowstorm to make jokes. It¡¯s not me; this friend of mine here says so." Linus gestured to Dian with his thumb. "He has the ability to see the future, and he says that you, Priestess Lormane, are essential for victory in this war." "The ability to see the future¡­?" "How many times do I have to tell you, Linus, I don¡¯t have such an ability." "Regardless, that¡¯s the situation, Priestess." Linus continued, ignoring Dian¡¯s words. "With the oracle and Dian¡¯s ability, it¡¯s clear that you will y a crucial role in this war." "Umm¡­ But first¡­ shouldn¡¯t you exin what exactly it is I¡¯m supposed to do?" "You will kill the Demon King." Lormane mped her mouth shut. She was a novice priestess with nothing to her name, sent to this remote vige to empty the chamber pot of the Head Priest. Now, all of a sudden, people from the capital were telling her to join the war and kill the Demon King. It was such an absurd scenario that it felt like a fever dream. "Perhaps it would be better if I brought the Head Priest here, and you could talk this over again¡­." "That won¡¯t be necessary." As Lormane awkwardly started to stand, Dian spoke up. "Let¡¯s cut to the chase and get to the point." He pointed directly at Lormane and said bluntly. "Come with us." "Dian, why are you being so forceful?" "We don¡¯t have time to ease her into it. We still need to recruit the other two, and we¡¯re running out of time." "There are others besides me¡­?" "Yes. The two of us, you, and two more. That makes five." Dian held up all five fingers. "Do you understand why it has to be five?" "Um, I¡¯m not sure¡­?" "An oracle said that five humans woulde together to y the Demon King and end the war. Haven¡¯t you heard about it?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "An oracle¡­? What are you talking about?" Lormane genuinely didn¡¯t understand and tilted her head. But what Dian said just now was something she already knew. Not long ago, Lormane had a dream. A radiant light appeared, forming the figure of a towering woman who ced her hand on Lormane¡¯s head and said those exact words. When she woke up, Lormane reported this to the former Head Priest, who said it was an ominous and sphemous dream. He insisted that the giant woman was clearly some otherworldly being trying to seduce a weak-minded novice priestess and sternly warned her not to speak of it to anyone. Dian, after hearing Lormane''s exnation, turned to Linus. "See, Linus? I told you. That bastard lied." "Indeed¡­ Pretending someone else¡¯s oracle was his own, deceiving everyone¡­." Lormane had no idea what Dian and Linus were talking about. "An oracle? What do you mean? The former Head Priest said¡­." "Do you really not know anything?" Dian asked, and Lormane slowly nodded. "Your former Head Priest is in the capital right now. He intercepted your oracle and pretended to be the oracle priest." "Wh-what¡­? But he said he got recognized because of the theological papers he wrote¡­." "Why would someone with that kind of ability be stuck in a ce like this for so long?" Lormane fell silent. "He wouldn¡¯t have been sent here in the first ce, would he? It doesn¡¯t make sense, does it?" "So¡­ what you''re saying is¡­." "You¡¯re the true oracle priest. Your former Head Priest tricked you, an innocent novice." "Oh¡­ um¡­ oh¡­." Lormane¡¯s eyes trembled violently. "Priestess Lormane." Linus spoke. "The dream you had was a divine revtion. Right now, in the capital, they are forming a special unit of five to y the Demon King, following the oracle¡¯s guidance. We were sent to find suitable candidates, which is why we came here." "Then among those five¡­." "You, Priestess Lormane, are included. You¡¯re the one who received the oracle that started the formation of this special unit. It wouldn¡¯t make sense for you to be left out, would it?" "And when something is wrong, it needs to be corrected." Dian interjected. "Doesn¡¯t it make you angry? The one who should have stayed here is now in the capital, boasting, while you, who should be recognized there, are stuck in this ce." "That¡¯s¡­." "Come with us, Lormane. You don¡¯t belong here." Lormane didn¡¯t immediately respond and kept her mouth shut. "I appreciate the offer¡­ But¡­." After a moment, she spoke with difficulty. "But it¡¯s all too sudden for me to ept. Killing the Demon King¡­ that¡¯s terrifying¡­." Lormane stood up from her seat. "I¡¯ll go fetch the Head Priest." "Priestess Lormane, what matters most is your¡­." "Please speak with him first." Lormane interrupted Linus and walked toward the door. "Fine. Go ahead and get the Head Priest." Dian said, crossing his legs. "So, if the Head Priest tells you not to go, you won¡¯t?" Lormane stopped in her tracks. "When the former priest told you to keep quiet about your oracle, how did that turn out?" "I didn¡¯t know any better back then¡­." "But now you do. So don¡¯t make the same mistake twice. Don¡¯t let someone else decide your life and future for you." "And what about you two?" Lormane turned around. "Aren¡¯t you both here trying to decide my future?" "We¡¯re not forcing you. We¡¯re offering you good terms while asking for your opinion. But you, instead of saying yes or no, keep wanting to fetch the Head Priest. We want to hear your true feelings." Lormane said nothing and simply stared at Dian. Then she turned back to the door. "Are you going to spend your whole life scrubbing chamber pots?" Lormane¡¯s hand, reaching for the doorknob, froze in mid-air. "Will you repeat the same days, thousands upon thousands of times, starting each morning by emptying someone else''s chamber pot?" "It¡¯s not a worthless task. It¡¯s something that needs to be done." "Fine. If that¡¯s what you think, I¡¯m d. But then, why didn¡¯t you kick us out right from the start, telling us not to waste your time?" "That¡¯s¡­." Lormane faltered. "If youe with us, your life will be different. I can¡¯t guarantee it will be better or worse. But do you think there¡¯s a situation that could be worse than this?" Dian¡¯s gaze fell to Lormane¡¯s hands. They were rough and chapped, pale from the relentless cold and constantbor. "I don¡¯t think there is." Lormane lowered her head. "If you back away out of fear, nothing will change, Lormane." Dian spoke to her back as she stood, head down. "Don¡¯t passively ept the misery others are forcing on you, bit by bit. Instead, swallow it whole, by your own will." And so, Lormane became the third member of the special unit to y the Demon King. Without even a moment to catch her breath, she set off on a journey to find the fourth member. The next target was a northern nomadic hunter named Celine. Linus was quite apprehensive about this. Long ago, the first Emperor had expanded the Empire¡¯s territory by making alliances and breaking them when convenient. The northern nomads were one of the peoples betrayed by the Emperor and driven to the harsh north. Their hatred for the Empire had been passed down through generations, deeply ingrained in their bones. So when the group first entered the territory of the nomads, they were greeted by a rain of arrows. Had Lormane not awakened and cast a divine barrier, they would have all been pincushioned and killed right there. It was the first time in her life she had ever created a barrier. "Well done, Lormane! I knew it! You truly are the oracle priestess! I always believed you could do it!" Dian was overjoyed, so much so that he lifted Lormane and twirled her around. "I feel dizzy¡­." Even so, Lormane was secretly pleased. During their journey north, Dian had worked tirelessly to help her harness her divine powers. He had even made her spar with monsters and sought advice from any priest they met along the way. Linus had tried to stop him, saying that Lormane was too young and inexperienced for such exertion, but Dian was resolute. But despite all this, she had never once seeded, and she worried endlessly that she would disappoint Dian, be kicked out of the special unit, and be sent back to the vige of Gauni. Yet now she had seeded, and her savior, Dian, was so delighted. How could she not be happy? After that, they sessfully recruited Celine, and the next target was the reclusive mage Kaiden. An entric and destructive mage obsessed with extreme offensive magic, rumors about him were abundant, but no one knew his true identity. Because no one who had ever approached his secretiveir had returned. Were they really going to meet such a dangerous person¡­? Could her divine barrier withstand his magic¡­? Lormane was terrified, but she did not back down. "I trust you, Lormane. Protect us with your strong divine power once again!" She was determined to live up to Dian¡¯s trust in her. I will definitely protect you¡­! [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 147 - The Academy Visit of Lormane (13) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 147 - The Academy Visit of Lormane (13) Lormane held the doorknob in silence. Linus, who had been watching, spoke up carefully. "My friend may have been a bit harsh, but I believe he got the point across, Priestess. So¡­." Before Linus could finish, Lormane opened the door and stepped outside. "Dian, I¡¯ve told you this many times." Linus turned to Dian, watching the door close. "You can¡¯t be so forceful with your words. Even if the meaning is the same, how people receive it depends on how you say it." "You¡¯ve said that, but she¡¯s still stubborn. Right now, she¡¯s not capable of making a decision on her own." Linus nced worriedly at the door. "The Head Priest will probably oppose this. After all, he doesn¡¯t want to lose someone who takes care of him." "If he tries to keep her here for that reason, we¡¯ll just have to beat some sense into him. Nothing is uglier than an old man holding back the younger generation." "True, but no matter what happens, hitting him is not the solution, Dian." Just then, the door opened again, and Lormane re-entered. She was wearing a thick winter coat, fur boots, and had a bag slung over her shoulder. "Let¡¯s go." Dian and Linus stared at her, speechless at the unexpected sight. "What are you doing? We need to leave before the Head Priest wakes up. If he catches us, we might never be able to go." "R-right. Let¡¯s go, then. Get up, Dian." "Yeah, let¡¯s go, let¡¯s go." Linus nudged Dian, who quickly got up and ushered Lormane out of the temple. And so, Lormane joined Linus and Dian on the journey to the capital. # # # # # By the time Dian and Linus arrived in the capital with Lormane, a scene of chaos was unfolding in the undergroundmand center. The Emperor was ranting, surrounded by his generals. "Bring themander of the 3rd Legion here at once and have her beheaded!! Immediately!!" The Emperor spat as he pounded his fist on the map spread across the table. His rage was directed at the Second Princess,mander of the 3rd Legion, for her insubordination. Technically, it wasn¡¯t exactly insubordination. She had simply not followed the pce¡¯s operational orders to the letter. More precisely, she had assessed the situation on the ground as amander and made flexible adjustments, skillfully maneuvering her forces. Yet, the Emperor was on the verge of losing his mind, convinced that the Second Princess had betrayed him and was about to turn her legion around for a coup. Despite the Emperor¡¯s fury, none of the generals at the table moved to carry out the order to arrest the Second Princess. They all knew that the Emperor was not in his right mind. Ever since the main force of the Demon King¡¯s army had almost reached the gates of the capital, Calvassar, the Emperor had been paralyzed by fear. He was already a greedy, paranoid old man, hopelessly inept atmanding a war. Despite receiving countless reports warning of the Demon forces¡¯ movements long before the war began, he had taken no action. And now, instead of letting the military fight, he was tying their hands, treatingpetent generals as potential traitors, seizing every opportunity to make their lives difficult. His chief target was the Second Princess, the daughter of a concubine. Unlike him, she was brave and capable, and the Emperor hated, resented, and feared her, constantly trying to use her of treason. If not for the efforts of the 3rd Legion under hermand and the general officers who followed her, the Empire and the Human Alliance would have long since fallen. "Why isn¡¯t anyone moving?! I said arrest themander of the 3rd Legion!!" As the generals remained silent, the Emperor grew even angrier, but at that moment, the doors to themand center opened, and Dian, Linus, and Lormane entered. "Your Majesty. The members of the special unit you ordered to be assembled to y the Demon King¡­." "You¡¯ve arrived just in time! I have a new mission for you! Go arrest themander of the 3rd Legion immediately!" "E-excuse me?" Linus, confused, nced around, and one of the generals quietly shook his head. "Your Majesty, it would be wise to hear their report first." Another general interjected. "The creation of the special unit to y the Demon King is far more important than discussing the punishment of the 3rd Legionmander. This is a matter of the continent¡¯s fate." The Emperor seemed to calm down slightly and, after a moment, sat back in his chair with a less aggressive posture. "Very well. Report." "We have recruited the third member of the special unit. She is Novice Priestess Lormane from the Church." The generals exchanged puzzled looks at the mention of a "novice priestess." "A novice priestess? What¡¯s this about? She can¡¯t even properly use divine power." Lormane¡¯s shoulders hunched under the generals¡¯ skeptical stares. "You fool! Do you think this war is a joke?!" The Emperor shouted in rage once more. "A novice priestess on a mission as serious as ying the Demon King?! And such a young girl at that! How absurd!" "Your Majesty, please hear us out. She is an oracle priestess." "An oracle priestess?" Several generals perked up, half-rising from their seats. "Has there been a new oracle? The gods haven¡¯t abandoned us after all!" "It¡¯s not a new oracle. It¡¯s the same one about forming the special unit to y the Demon King. And this novice priestess, Lormane, is the one who received that original oracle." "What?!" The generals were shocked, and the Emperor¡¯s expression grew even darker. "What nonsense is this?! Are you saying two priests received the same oracle?!" "No, Your Majesty. The previous so-called oracle priest was a fraud. He was the head priest of this novice priestess, and when she told him about the vision she received, he stole it and imed it as his own." At Linus¡¯s signal, Dian left the room and returned, dragging in a man. The man¡¯s eyes were bruised, and his front teeth were missing. His hair was matted with dried blood, and dirt and grime covered his face. He was a middle-aged priest¡ªthe one who had previously been Lormane¡¯s superior and had stolen her oracle. "Speak, you scum." Dian struck him on the back of the head, and the priest immediately fell to the floor, shouting. "It¡¯s true! I lied! I¡¯m not the oracle priest; she is!" Themand center fell into a chilling silence, shocked by the revtion. Breaking that silence, Linus began to exin everything in a calm, deliberate tone. "Isn¡¯t that right, Priestess Lormane?" "Y-yes¡­ I¡­ I received the oracle¡­." When Lormane confirmed it, the generals fell silent, turning their gazes to the Emperor. The Emperor stuttered as he pointed a trembling finger at Lormane. "That girl¡­ is the true oracle priestess¡­?" "That¡¯s correct, Your Majesty. Therefore, we ask that you grant permission for Lormane to be part of the special unit." "Absolutely not!" The Emperor shouted, cutting him off. "How can I trust this, based on just one testimony?! And besides!" He pointed at Lormane. "Even if she is an oracle priestess, she¡¯s just a young novice! What strength could she possibly have?! If a priest is needed, I¡¯ll assign a seasoned bishop from the Church!" At the Emperor¡¯s harsh deration, Lormane shrank further, her head hanging low. It was only now that she began to regret leaving the temple, swayed by these people¡¯s words. Yes, they¡¯re right. Even if I am the oracle priestess, so what? I¡¯m just a novice. Who among these high-ranking people would believe me just because I had a dream¡­. Would I end up being sent back to the vige of Gauni¡­? Overwhelmed with despair, Lormane bit her lip, trying to hold back her tears. "What kind of bullshit is this?!" Dian suddenly stepped forward, striding across the room. "Dian! What do you think you¡¯re doing?!" "Shut up!" Dian shrugged off Linus¡¯s hand and pointed at the Emperor. "If you¡¯re not going to include the priest who received the oracle to create the special unit, then who exactly do you intend to include?!" "Even so, she¡¯s just a young novice!" "Was that bishop you n to assign a bishop from the start? This girl is a priest chosen by God! Her potential is limitless!" Dian mmed his fist on the table, and the corner of the table cracked. "This madman! How dare you!" As the table broke, some generals moved to restrain Dian. But they hesitated. Dian¡¯s left hand was slowly moving up to the hilt of his sword. Normally, one would draw a sword with the right hand, so cing the left hand on the hilt meant nothing. Yet, the generals swallowed nervously, exchanging uneasy nces. "Let¡¯s settle this peacefully." When Dian spoke, the generals flinched. "This girl isn¡¯t here to serve Your Majesty; she¡¯s here to fight alongside us. So please respect our decision." The Emperor did not respond. Not because he didn¡¯t want to, but because fear had frozen his tongue. Lately, the Emperor had been sleeping in different locations each night, constantly paranoid about assassination attempts from the Demon King¡¯s forces. But while he was obsessing over external threats, he had overlooked the dangers lurking within. Namely, these men. These were the ones who had quietly slipped in and out, assassinating demonicmanders and striking fear into the heart of the Demon King¡¯s army. They could just as easily bypass the pce guards and magical wards and slit his throat in the dead of night. It was clear he could not afford to provoke them now¡­. "Fine." The Emperor swallowed hard, forcing a strained smile as he extended his hand. "If you insist, then I suppose I have no choice." "A wise decision." As the Emperor backed down, Dian ced a hand on Lormane¡¯s shoulder. "It¡¯s settled. From now on, you¡¯re with us."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om "Understood¡­." Lormane looked up at Dian, and the tears she had been holding back finally spilled over. This man¡­ he fought against the Emperor for me¡­. Perhaps it was from that moment onward. That was when Lormane began to care for Dian, and eventually, to be obsessed with him. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 148 - The Academy Visit of Lormane (14) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 148 - The Academy Visit of Lormane (14) After many twists and turns, they finally seeded in recruiting Kaiden, the fifth member, and the Demon King ying Special Force was officially formed. From now on, their journey had only one goal: to kill the Demon King, no matter the cost. Lormane felt nervous. But it wasn¡¯t fear of the difficult future awaiting her. She was afraid of making a mistake or falling short of expectations, thus disappointing Dian. Dian was her savior, the one who had rescued her from a bleak reality. For Dian, Lormane was ready to do anything. A priest is meant to serve only god, but that had never applied to Lormane. Dian saved me. But what had god ever done for me? Nothing. So Dian is my god, and I am his devotee. Serving one''s god is the most basic duty of a cleric. Lormane worked diligently. She threw herself into battle, and she tried her best outside of it too. "Lormane¡­ what is all this¡­?" "I washed everything, Dian. I thought it might ease your burden a bit." When Dian discovered a pile of his underwear, freshlyundered, stuffed into his bag, Lormane had expected him to thank her, to praise her. But instead¡­ "Don¡¯t do this again." "Eh?" "I¡¯ll handle my own underwear. No wonder I couldn¡¯t find any¡­." Dian began awkwardly gathering the scattered undergarments, stuffing them back into his bag with a troubled expression. That¡¯s strange. I did this for Dian, so why is he reacting like that? "I don¡¯t understand, Kaiden." That night, while they were camping, Lormane confided in Kaiden. Since Kaiden was a man of few words, who listened carefully and thoughtfully, Lormane often sought his counsel. "I followed your advice, Kaiden, but did I do something wrong?" "You did nothing wrong, Priestess Lormane." Kaiden replied in a gentle tone. "Dian was simply embarrassed. Anyone would react the same if someone else handled their dirty underwear." "Is that so¡­?" "Yes, so don¡¯t give up, Priestess Lormane. Someday, Dian will surelye to understand your sincerity." "Thank you, Kaiden." Lormane smiled. "Talking with you always clears up my confusion." "I''m d to hear that. But please remember one thing, Priestess Lormane." Kaiden smiled softly, raising a finger. "Never confess your feelings to Dian first. If a priestess like you were to do that, Dian would feel an enormous burden and distance himself even further." "Understood. I¡¯ll be careful, just as you advised. Thank you, as always." In this way, Kaiden was often there to support Lormane as she longed for Dian¡¯s affection. "Priestess Lormane, how about making a tonic to invigorate Dian?" "That¡¯s a great idea, Kaiden." Lormane knew how to make basic healing potions as part of her clerical training. She carefully crafted the tonic, nning to secretly mix it into Dian¡¯s food as a surprise. But¡­ "Keuk¡­!" For some reason, after consuming the tonic, Dian¡¯s body became paralyzed during battle, and he nearly lost his life! "Lormane! Exin yourself!" Linus, furious, red at Lormane, who was cowering on the ground. "What did you give Dian?!" "I-it w-was¡­ just a simple¡­ recovery potion¡­." "A simple recovery potion that causes paralysis?! How does that make any sense?!" "I¡¯m so sorry¡­ I only wanted to help Dian¡­ I don¡¯t understand what happened¡­." "Linus. Enough." Dian, still lying on the ground, stopped Linus from berating her further. "It¡¯s fine as long as I didn¡¯t die. Besides, Lormane¡¯s divine healing broke the paralysis in the end." Linus looked at Dian and let out a heavy sigh. "Lormane, I hope this never happens again." "I¡¯m so sorry¡­." Lormane couldn¡¯t understand what had gone wrong. She had made a very basic, standard recovery potion. It was impossible to mess up such a simple recipe. So why had this happened¡­? After that, things continued to go awry. She did everything for Dian, but somehow it always backfired. The more this happened, the more anxious and desperate Lormane became. Her mind was gued by fears andpulsions, and as time went on, her mental state deteriorated. Then, some timeter¡­ The special unit managed to capture a high-ranking subus and were escorting her to the rearmand post. Subi wield powerful abilities to cloud human minds, so they blindfolded her, gagged her, and restrained her hands and feet. "Lormane. Celine. She¡¯s all yours." That wasn¡¯t enough, so the subus was kept strictly under female supervision. Even when camping, she was bound near the women¡¯s section. "They say she can make men lose their senses, huh?" Lormane muttered as she kept watch near the subus. "I wish I had that kind of power. Then maybe Dian would love me without it being so hard." [Such a lewd little priestess.] A sudden voice startled Lormane, and she looked over at the subus. To her shock, the subus¡¯s blindfold and gag had somehowe loose! "W-what¡­?!" [A priestess obsessed with a man, desperate with lust. How utterly pathetic.]n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om The subus¡¯s red, slit-like pupils glinted as she grinned, her teeth showing in a smile that was both disturbingly beautiful and bone-chilling. [I¡¯ve seen everything. You, squirming and drooling, desperate to be dominated, your legs trembling with want.] Lormane found herself paralyzed, unable to breathe, locked in the subus¡¯s gaze. [You want to seduce him, don¡¯t you? Want to know how? nning to use it on that male over there?] The subus extended a wed finger, pointing across the campfire to where Dian was sleeping. [Then let me show you. I might as well teach you how to mate with him, too. Hehehehe¡­ Hahahahahaha¡­.] The subusughed, a sound that made the hairs on Lormane¡¯s skin stand on end, as she began to rise to her feet. What? She¡¯s going to seduce Dian? How dare she¡ª?! There¡¯s no way I¡¯ll let that happen! Ovee with rage, Lormane drew her dagger and plunged it into the subus¡¯s back. Die! Die! Just die! How dare you¡ª! How dare you try to take Dian¡ª! After stabbing the subus multiple times, Lormane staggered over to where Diany. "Dian. Dian, wake up." Dian awoke to see Lormane, drenched in blood, standing over him, and he sprang to his feet. "What¡ª?! What¡¯s going on?!" "That thing tried to seduce you, so I took care of it." Lormane pointed at the subus, blood dripping from her dagger. "Oh god!" Dian gasped when he saw the dead subus. "What¡­ what have you done¡­?" "Now you¡¯re safe, Dian. I made sure of it." "What are you talking about?!" Dian shouted. "Seduce? Get a grip, Lormane!" Why¡­? Why is he angry¡­? I did it to protect him¡­ I did this for Dian¡­? "Kyaaa! Linus! Linus!" Celine, awakened by themotion, screamed in horror. "What in the world happened? Exin yourself." Linus, assessing the situation, approached Lormane. "The subus taunted me, tried to trick me and seduce Dian. So¡­ so I¡­ um¡­." Lormane stammered, looking back at the subus, and her words froze. The dead subus was still blindfolded and gagged, her hands and feet securely bound to the tree. "I¡­ she was definitely speaking¡­ she got up, I swear¡­." Lormane stammered, trembling. "She was¡­ I was trying to protect Dian¡­ I didn¡¯t want him to be in danger¡­ I had to keep him safe, so I¡­ with my dagger, I¡­." As Lormane rambled, she caught sight of Dian¡¯s expression and went silent. The look in Dian¡¯s eyes at that moment¡­ she would never forget it, even ten yearster¡­. Lormane snapped back to the present. "Maya." "Yes, Chief Administrator." Maya, seated across from her, responded. "You can stop writing patient logs on Professor Dian." "Is there a specific reason for this?" "There is. Professor Dian doesn¡¯t like it." "Understood." Maya nodded without hesitation. After that, Lormane fell silent. The reason she hade to the Academy was exactly as Dian had guessed. She had seen the patient logs written by Maya. ording to those records, Dian was associating with various women at the Academy. But Lormane didn¡¯t take them at face value. Maya was a young priestess who had been raised by the Church since she was very little. She didn¡¯t understand theplexities of love between men and women. So she had a tendency to interpret any interaction between a man and a woman as some sort of romantic entanglement. That¡¯s why Lormane disregarded the earlier records and focused on thest entry¡ªabout the pure-blooded elf, Ismera. The rest were merely acquaintances. This elf was the real concern. Lormane was curious. Who was this elf? Was she truly worthy of being with Dian? And how did Dian feel about her now, ten yearster? To resolve these two questions, Lormane had made a special visit to the Academy. After meticulously observing Ismera, Lormane hade to a conclusion: this woman was truly exceptional. It was a brief encounter, but Lormane could tell. And she also confirmed how Dian looked at her. As she had somewhat expected, Dian was wary of her. After all, there were the events from ten years ago, and they hadn¡¯t seen each other since then. To Dian, those events must still feel as if they happened just yesterday. Could she change his feelings now? It seemed unlikely. Especially when he had someone like Ismera by his side. And even if she could change his mind, what would be the point? Lormane was now the Chief Administrator of the Church. Ten years ago, things might have been different, but now she couldn¡¯t just walk away from her duties. Dian still didn¡¯t like her, and she couldn¡¯t shed her clerical robes. Meanwhile, a wonderful woman like Ismera stood by his side. Given the situation, Lormane decided to help Dian and Ismera find happiness together. Rather than clinging to a faint hope, it was better if Dian had something certain to hold on to. Lormane had worked tirelessly to make Dian happy, only to fail time and time again. As a result, Dian hade to hate her, but Lormane didn¡¯t mind. As long as Dian could be happy, it didn¡¯t matter if it wasn¡¯t with her. Seeing Dian happy would be enough to make her happy. Because to her, Dian was like a god. No, perhaps even more than a god. Gods might make grand promises to save the world someday, but Dian had already saved her. But I¡¯m not a woman who suits him. No matter how much I long for him, I¡¯ll never be able to reach him. Dian needs someone more normal, more ordinary, by his side. And Vice-Headmaster Ismera¡­ she¡¯s¡­ she¡¯s¡­ "Ugh¡­" Lormane bowed her head and let the tears fall. "Please¡­ always be happy¡­ I¡¯ll pray for it for the rest of my life¡­." Maya, sitting across from her, silently watched as Lormane sobbed, her shoulders shaking. [TL/N: What a plot twist. Kaiden was the mastermind all along, manipting her¡­] [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 148.5 - Let’s Go; To Dian [18+] [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 148.5 - Let¡¯s Go; To Dian The Tower of Illusions. Kaiden, who had been lying in bed, slowly opened his eyes and sat up.N?v(el)B\\jnn "Where are you going?" Dian, lying beside him, asked. "The Academy." "Don¡¯t go." Another naked Dian, positioned at the foot of the bed, spoke up. "Stay here." This time, it was the Dian by the head of the bed. "Don¡¯t abandon us." The Dian lying across Kaiden¡¯s waist grabbed his wrist. "I''ll make you happy." "I can give you everything you want." "You¡¯ll never get tired of it." The numerous Dians, all entwined with Kaiden, spoke one after another. "Silence." Kaiden raised his hand, and the Dians stiffened, crumbling away like sand. Kaiden stepped over the scattered remains and went to the wardrobe, pulling out the ck robe he always wore. As Kaiden walked down the corridor, the room and the hallway behind him began to melt away, like watercolor paint bleeding and running down. All the illusions he had created over the past ten years were crumbling, dissolving into nothingness. They had been monumental achievements, so great that they could make the elders of the Magic Tower foam at the mouth and faint from shock. But that didn¡¯t matter. This ce no longer had any value to him. So let¡¯s go. To where the real Dian is. This time, I won¡¯t let you slip away. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 149 - Head Theoretical Professor Kaiden (1) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 149 - Head Theoretical Professor Kaiden (1) After the big event of the Chief Administrator¡¯s visit to the Academy, things returned to normal. Well, not exactly "normal"¡ªthe days were busier than ever. The end-of-semester evaluations and summer vacation were fast approaching. Though these evaluations happen twice a year, this time things were different. The reason was the normalization of the Combat Department. In the past, evaluations were all written exams, but starting this semester, practical exams were added. Since there were no previous examples to refer to, they had to build everything from scratch, causing the Combat Department to plunge into an unexpected wave of overtime. "Overtime, and we¡¯re not even the Theory Department!" Professor Kazadar, the dwarf, mmed his desk in frustration, sending stationery scattering to the floor. "Quitining. This is how it should have been all along." Felimia said as she picked up the fallen pencils. "Graduating without a single practical exam is unheard of. So stop whining and just do your best." "I¡¯ve had enough! Hey, Brogg! Let¡¯s go!" Kazadar mimicked puffing on a cigarette, and the orc Professor Brogg eagerly got up, thumping his way out of the room. "What a ruckus." As the desks shook from Brogg and Kazadar¡¯s exit, Professor Waver reached out to steady the items on his desk, chuckling. "Still, it¡¯s nice to have everyone working together after so long." "Indeed. And with all these delicious snacks too." Orendi replied, nibbling on a dessert. "Has anyone seen the Head Professor?" Just then, Professor Lina entered, pushing open the door.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "I went to get the evaluation questions reviewed, but he wasn¡¯t there." "No idea. I think I heard something about him going out for a bit." "I see¡­." Lina¡¯s shoulders slumped. Today, Lina had purposely worn the same lingerie she¡¯d worn back then. With evaluationsing up, everyone would be busy, and with summer vacation following, she wouldn¡¯t get to see Head Professor Dian for a while. So she was determined to make her move this time. As far as she could tell, Professor Dian didn¡¯t have any other romantic interests, so whoever acted first would win. She had nned to use the excuse of getting the evaluation questions reviewed to slip into his office and make her move. Back when she was in active service, her specialty was infiltration; she¡¯dplete her missions by seizing any opening, no matter how small. She thought this was just such an opportunity. But he¡¯s out¡­ where did he go, and for what? "By the way, when is the new Head Theoretical Professor going to arrive?" "Beats me. It¡¯s been vacant for a while, but still no word." "I heard something about him needing to settle things at the Tower of Illusions first." "The Mage Kaiden¡­ I still can¡¯t believe it." Kaiden was known throughout the Empire as a genius mage and a member of the Demon King ying Special Force. But even before the war, Kaiden had a certain notoriety among mages. A recluse who was obsessed only with creating highly destructive offensive spells, with no interest in anything else¡ªa true madman. No one knew why he was like that. Ordinary mages graduated from a magic academy or studied under a renowned master before debuting. But Kaiden wasn¡¯t from any academy in the Empire, nor was there anyone who imed to have taught him. Anyone curious enough to visit his hideout was vaporized by his offensive spells, so no one knew what he looked like or how old he was. The name "Kaiden" only became known after the formation of the Demon King ying Special Unit. Before that, he didn¡¯t even have a name. In short, everything about him, from start to finish, was shrouded in mystery. Even now, the only things known for sure were that his name was Kaiden and that his appearance was quite feminine¡ªeverything else remained a mystery. It¡¯s no wonder that current and former professors alike were eagerly anticipating the chance to see such a person up close. "Maybe we should ask the Headmaster if she knows anything?" "Why not? So, who¡¯s going to go?" "I¡¯ll do it. I have something to bring her anyway." Orendi packed up a few slices of whipped cream cake and stood up. Everyone knew Headmaster Kirrin couldn¡¯t resist the whipped cream strawberry cake from the dessert cafe in the shopping district. And since she was in charge of the Combat Department, it wouldn¡¯t do for the professors to eat all the snacks without offering her any. As Orendi walked down the hallway, he thought to himself. If the Mage Kaidenes, there will be two members from the Demon King ying Special Unit at the Academy. That¡¯s quite a big deal, and it makes me happy, too. Orendi had been deeply impressed when he visited the Tower of Illusions and witnessed Kaiden¡¯s illusion magic. So much so that the fact that Professor Dian and Kaiden were friends seemed almost trivial inparison. The illusion magic he knew was nothing like that. Illusions were typically crude, obvious even to a child, and practically useless in any serious application. This was due to the nature of illusion magic¡ªit doesn¡¯t just create something out of thin air, it distorts the perception of the person it targets. No matter how precise an illusion is, there¡¯s always a w, and making it appear real requires more than just magic. It¡¯s beyond the realm of spellcraft. How can anyone twist the senses of a rational being without being a god or demon? Because of this, the School of Illusions has barely maintained its existence over the thousand years since its founding, with no significant achievements to show. When Kaiden chose to join the Tower of Illusions instead of the Imperial Magic Department after the war, the magicmunity was thrown into chaos. Orendi hoped Kaiden would take up his post at the Academy soon. He had heard exnations before, but honestly hadn¡¯t understood a single word. Maybe this time, he could properly learn. Orendi¡¯s magical abilities were below average. That¡¯s why he hadn¡¯t been able to secure a job where magic was the main focus, and had ended up at the Special Mission Academy, where magic was more of a side subject. Not even teaching magic, but teaching how to counter it, as a professor of magic countermeasures. If he could learn from Kaiden, Orendi was sure he would improve significantly. "Oh? Headmaster?" As he walked, lost in thought, he spotted Kirrin up ahead. She was pacing back and forth in front of the Head Professor¡¯s office. "Oh! Uh! Eek!" Kirrin, startled when she noticed Orendi, hurriedly hid whatever she was holding behind her back. "There you are. I was on my way to your office." "What? Y-you were looking for me?" "Yes, I just wanted to share this. It¡¯s a snack from the Combat Department, and I thought I¡¯d bring you some." Orendi showed her the neatly packed slices of whipped cream strawberry cake, and Kirrin awkwardly smiled, shaking her head. "No, no, I¡­ I¡¯m not in a position to take that right now¡­." "Then should I leave it in your office?" "U-um, y-yeah, sure¡­ could you do that¡­?" "Understood. Oh, and by the way." Kirrin, who had been inching away sideways, stopped. "What else¡­?" "Do you happen to know when the new Head Theoretical Professor will arrive? The professors are all waiting." "The new Head Professor¡­? You mean the Mage Kaiden?" "Yes. I was wondering if you¡¯d heard anything." "Well¡­ I was told he¡¯d arrive before the end of the semester¡­ but honestly, I¡¯m not sure when. It feels a bit awkward to ask¡­." "Understandable, considering he¡¯s from the Demon King ying Special Force." "Well, then¡­ you should go now¡­." Kirrin, pressing her back against Dian¡¯s office door, gestured off to the side with her chin. "Take care, then." Orendi bid her goodbye and headed to the headmaster¡¯s office. He nced back to see Kirrin squatting down, clutching the doorknob, doing something. What is she up to¡­? # # # # # "Oh, dear¡­ oh dear¡­." Hindrasta groaned and sighed as she left the bank. "My money¡­ my hard-earned money¡­." "You were the one who asked me to do it." "I know, I know¡­ oh¡­." Hindrasta had asked me toe along after work to the bank. She was there to deposit the money she¡¯d received from the Renc Mercenary Corps. Being a dragon, she couldn¡¯t open an ount because her identity was unclear. So she¡¯d been keeping her money with the mercenary corps and, until recently, had hidden it deep in her dorm closet. But that had driven her to a state of anxiety. Unlike a dragon¡¯sir, a dorm closet is a ce anyone could easily break into if they wanted to. Worrying about it day and night, she eventually became so preupied that she couldn¡¯t focus on her studies. She hade to me, lookingpletely drained, and asked me to put her money into my ount instead. When I asked why she didn¡¯t go to Knightly, she said that if the bank ever went bankrupt, she felt I would be able to get the money back somehow. Yet, even at the counter, she was trembling, clutching the bag of coins so tightly that I had to practically pry it from her fingers. It couldn¡¯t be helped; she was a dragon, after all. Naturally, they prefer holding shiny, tangible things. But she knew that wasn¡¯t feasible here, so she¡¯d sought my help. "I''m feeling down, so let¡¯s get something tasty to eat¡­." Hindrasta, looking utterly deted, grabbed my wrist and pulled. "Do you have something in mind? I¡¯m guessing meat?" "Of course¡­." There¡¯s a ce I went to with the Combat Department professors not long ago; I should take her there. They serve ribs grilled directly over a me, and I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll love it. "Professor Dian, right?" As I was about to lead Hindrasta away, someone called out to me from behind. I turned to see a man in a robe looking at me. Who was he¡­? He seems familiar¡­. Oh, that¡¯s right. He¡¯s the head mage of the Imperial Magic Department. He was the one who caused a stir when he tried to recruit Kaiden for the department back when I went to get permission to use illusion magic for the contest. But what¡¯s he doing here? "Do you have a moment? It¡¯s about Kaiden." [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 150 - Head Theoretical Professor Kaiden (2) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 150 - Head Theoretical Professor Kaiden (2) "Kaiden?" "Yes, that¡¯s correct. Could we have a talk?" The Head Mage spoke with a very serious expression. "Oh,e on, let¡¯s just go. I¡¯m getting hungry." But I wasn¡¯t in the mood for a conversation right now. Hindrasta, who was growing increasingly grumpy and hungry, was tugging at me, urging me to get moving. "We can talk over a meal. I¡¯ll treat you." The Head Mage¡¯s tone became more urgent as Hindrasta started pulling me away. "Well¡­ fine. If that¡¯s what you want." I led Hindrasta and the Head Mage to the barbecue ce I had nned to go to earlier. The restaurant wasn¡¯t even in sight yet, but the smell of grilled meat was already thick in the air. "Mmm, smells good." Hindrasta closed her eyes and took a deep breath, while the Head Mage wrinkled his nose and covered it with his sleeve. "The scent¡­ is quite strong¡­." As we continued walking, the restaurant came into view, and the Head Mage took a sharp breath. "T-this is the ce¡­?" The Head Mage looked at me, clearly bewildered. To be fair, the ce was quite unlike your typical restaurant. It was an open-air setup. There was no building, just an empty lot filled with old tables and chairs around a central fire where the meat was grilled. You¡¯d ce your order, and they¡¯d grill the meat right there and bring it over, while beer was scooped from oak barrels off to the side. It was cheap, tasty, and the portions were generous, so it was always crowded with people on a budget. Once we sat down at a corner table, the waiters didn¡¯t even bother to take our order. They simply brought over three beers and started grilling the meat right away. Here, they served a set amount of meat per person, and then you could order more if needed. As we settled in, the Head Mage looked around, still wearing a strange expression, his eyes darting about. Being the Head Mage of the Imperial Magic Department was not a position you could attain without excelling in every way. He must have shown exceptional talent from a very young age and followed an elite path to reach his current status. To someone like him, this restaurant probably seemed like a whole different world. Even among those who weren¡¯t Head Mages, mages were treated like nobility in this society. "First of all¡­ I apologize for the sudden intrusion." The Head Mage began. "I came because there¡¯s something I need to discuss regarding Kaiden." "I see. Let¡¯s hear it¡­." I trailed off because a massive tter of meat had just been set down in front of us. "Eek!" Hindrasta, seeing the sizzling, slightly charred ribs, was nearly faint with excitement. "They cook these big ribs whole over charcoal, and they taste fantastic. If you haven¡¯t eaten yet, you should try some." "Ah, yes¡­." We paused the conversation and began our meal. Hindrasta, without hesitation, grabbed a rib with both hands and dug in, while the Head Mage, reluctantly, took a small bite at my urging. "This vor¡­ is quite unique¡­." The cheap meat was heavily seasoned, and the Head Mage¡¯s strained smile suggested he was struggling to enjoy it. He gingerly set the rib back down. "Go ahead, speak. I¡¯m listening." The Head Mage nodded slightly, as if seeking permission, then began. "I heard that Kaiden has been assigned as the Head Professor of Theory at your Special Mission Academy. Has he arrived yet?" "No, not yet. He¡¯s supposed toe after he wraps up his business at the Tower of Illusions, but I haven¡¯t heard when exactly." "I see. But eventually, he wille to the Academy." "Of course. No matter how much of a genius mage he is, he can¡¯tpletely ignore an imperialmand." "I wonder¡­ if Kaiden would actually do that¡­." The Head Mage shook his head with a skeptical expression. "After the war, the offers extended to Kaiden to join the Imperial Magic Department were extraordinary. But he turned them all down and secluded himself at the Tower of Illusions. I tried to persuade him, but I never even got to see him." "Lost your way at the Tower of Illusions, did you?" "Exactly. The magic was so intricate and solid that even seasoned mages couldn¡¯t see through it and had to give up." If it was Kaiden¡¯s illusion magic, that was entirely possible. I was amazed when I saw how he could perfectly recreate streets from Earth, a ce he had never even seen. "Excuse me, but how exactly do you know Kaiden?" "Me? We met briefly during the war." I wasn¡¯t quite sure what to make of the Head Mage yet, so I kept my answer vague. "You met briefly? But Kaiden doesn¡¯t really have anyone he¡¯d call an acquaintance¡­." The Head Mage muttered to himself, then shook his head. "Well, that¡¯s not the main issue here. What matters is that, as far as I can tell, you¡¯re the only person who has a normal rtionship with Kaiden." The Head Mage fixed me with a determined gaze. "Professor, I have a favor to ask. Please persuade Kaiden to join the Imperial Magic Department." "To the Magic Department? But he¡¯s already been appointed Head Professor at the Academy." "I¡¯m aware. But Kaiden is far too brilliant to be confined to a head professor position. Oh, please don¡¯t take this as an insult to the Academy." "It¡¯s fine. Honestly, I do think Kaiden¡¯s talents are being wasted in that role." "I¡¯m d you understand!" The Head Mage¡¯s expression brightened. "Please, convince Kaiden. We need him at the Magic Department." "So that¡¯s why you approached me today? To ask me to persuade Kaiden?" "Yes, Professor. During the recent Security Office contest, Kaiden assisted with illusion magic, right? I assume it was because you asked him to, correct?" "Yes, well¡­." "As I thought, you¡¯re the only one." The Head Mage clenched his fists, and faint sparks of magical energy crackled between his fingers. "Right now, there¡¯s no one in the capital who can officiallymunicate with Kaiden. Even Lord Linus and others I consulted said it would be too difficult. Only you can change Kaiden¡¯s mind!" As the agitated Head Mage mmed the table, Hindrasta¡¯s beer mug wobbled and nearly toppled over. "Ah!" Hindrasta yelped, scooting her chair back as the Head Mage¡¯s fingers twitched, causing the half-toppled mug to stop in mid-air. It was magic. "I¡¯m so sorry. I got a little carried away¡­." The Head Mage apologized, picking up the mug and setting it upright again. That was quite impressive magic. People often think the most powerful magic is about sting things apart, but that¡¯s not true. The real measure of magical skill is precision. A true mage can control their magic as delicately as threading a needle. Judging by how naturally the Head Mage used his magic, it was clear he was exceptionally skilled. "But, Head Mage, why should I persuade Kaiden to join the Magic Department?" I asked, putting down the rib I was holding. "The decision to send Kaiden to the Academy was made by the Second Imperial Princess. If I were to send him to the Magic Department instead, wouldn¡¯t that be going directly against her intentions? And also¡­." The Head Mage seemed about to say something, but I quickly added to finish my point. "If Kaiden goes to the Magic Department, the Academy will once again be left with a vacant key position. Those two issues can¡¯t be ignored." "Of course. First, regarding the Head Professor vacancy, we will send a senior mage from the Magic Department. While not as gifted as Kaiden, this person is a highlypetent professional who can hold their own anywhere." "I see. And what about the Second Princess?" "If I manage to persuade Kaiden, I will report directly to the Princess myself. She would see it as good news for the Empire. The Princess is always focused on strengthening the Empire¡¯s military might." "I understand¡­." "And, Professor." The Head Mage¡¯s expression was resolute. "If Kaiden dedicates himself to research at the Magic Department, there¡¯s no doubt that civilization across the continent will advance." "That¡¯s¡­ a rather lofty im." Hindrasta muttered quietly as she gnawed on her rib. But I didn¡¯t think it was nonsense. If Kaiden were truly motivated in that direction, he had the potential to bring about a whole new era. I¡¯d already seen that possibility in the Tower of Illusions. Honestly, Kaiden being the Head Professor of Theory at the Academy was a bit much. It was almost overkill. It was like when Lormane had once offered to staff the infirmary with thirty bishopspletely over the top. In that sense, having Kaiden at the Magic Department would benefit not just the Empire but many others. I could see the logic behind the Head Mage¡¯s plea. But there was one thing he didn¡¯t know. The main reason Kaiden was leaving the Tower of Illusions toe to the Academy was because of me. Since our time in the special force, Kaiden had never refused a request from me, and that¡¯s how this situation hade to be. If I were to tell Kaiden to go to the Magic Department instead of the Academy, what would happen? Would heply without a word because it was my request? Or would he refuse because that wasn¡¯t his goal from the start? I couldn¡¯t be sure. Kaiden was always smiling but spoke so little; it was hard to tell what he was thinking. For now, I¡¯ll just keep the Head Mage¡¯s request in mind. After all, it would be ridiculous to do exactly what he¡¯s asking just because he said so. I can wait to see how Kaiden adjusts to the Academy, and then maybe bring it up subtly at an appropriate time. If, for some reason, people like Kirrin or Ismera find him overwhelming, sending him to the Magic Department might actually be a better solution. I¡¯ll just keep this as a card to yter. # # # # # "Thank you so much, Professor!" After we finished eating, the Head Mage bowed deeply outside the restaurant, nearly touching his forehead to the ground. "Please, make sure Kaiden joins the Magic Department!" "I understand. I¡¯ll do my best." The next day, without any prior notice, Kaiden arrived at the Academy. [Trantor - Peptobismol]n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om [Proofreader - Demon God] The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 151 - Head Theoretical Professor Kaiden (2) [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] Chapter 151 - Head Theoretical Professor Kaiden (2) As the time for the end-of-semester evaluations approached, Knightley started acting a bit strange. "Professor. Professor." "What." "Do you have anything I could use as a reference?" "No." "Then could you at least give me a general idea of the direction?" "I don¡¯t know." "But you must know something, right? You¡¯re the Head Professor. It doesn¡¯t make sense that you don¡¯t know." The ever-diligent Knightley, hoping to take the top spot in this evaluation, persistently hovered around me. Honestly, considering she¡¯s always been number one, it¡¯s obvious she¡¯ll be number one again this time. What¡¯s she so worked up about? Even though the practical evaluation had been added for the Combat Department, that wouldn¡¯t pose much of a problem for Knightley. Hindrasta might have ridiculous physical abilities, but let¡¯s just count her out. Besides her, there¡¯s no graduating student who poses a real threat to Knightley. And no matter how high a score Hindrasta might get in the practical evaluation, she wouldn¡¯t surpass Knightley. Hindrasta is¡­ well, not the brightest. Her scores in theoretical evaluations are so abysmal that she¡¯s long given up on improving in that area. So when ites to thebined score of theory and practical evaluations, Knightley inevitablyes out on top. "I¡¯ll admit I¡¯m dumb, but that¡¯s not why Knightley¡¯s acting like this." Hindrasta said with a chuckle. "Her main concern is Merilda. There¡¯s a rumor going around among the students that Merilda might score the highest in the theoretical evaluation this time." Ah, right. Merilda. The one who graduated top of her ss from the public academy and worked as an administrative officer in Tatarnok Vige before being scouted as a special student. As soon as she arrived at the academy, she made a name for herself in fields like cryptography, quickly climbing to the top ranks. "I¡¯ve already given up, thinking of her as an insurmountable wall, but not Knightley. If Merilda beats her, Knightley won¡¯t have the top score in either the theory or the practical evaluations." Hindrasta¡¯s reasoning made sense. Knightley, though haughty as the daughter of a duke, was also incredibly diligent and fiercelypetitive. Even if she won in terms of total score, the thought of not being number one in each individual category would be intolerable to her. That¡¯s why Knightley kepting to me day after day, trying to coax, persuade, or even threaten me into giving her some information about the evaluation. She normally wouldn¡¯t even nce at underhanded tactics like this. She must be truly desperate. Still, evaluations must remain fair. There¡¯s no way I¡¯m telling her anything. Go home. "This is driving me crazy¡­." Knightley left, dejected, and Hindrastaughed at the sight. Sitting in my chair with her feet propped up on my desk, she looked insufferably smug. "Why are you still here?" "I¡¯m just hanging around. Nowhere else to go." "Excuses. You¡¯re hovering around because you¡¯re worried about the money you entrusted me with, aren¡¯t you?" "Sharp as always. Tsk." Getting up from the chair, Hindrasta went to rummage through the cab, looking for food. Since the incident with the Lenc Mercenary Corps, Hindrasta¡¯s attitude had shifted significantly. She used to be so annoying¡ªconstantly whining, yelling, and making me want to hit her over the head. But now, she¡¯d be oddly docile and cooperative, making her much less of a headache to have around. If she¡¯d stayed the same even after I went out of my way to recover her money, she wouldn¡¯t be human. Well, she¡¯s not human anyway, but you get the point. "By the way, why do you keep skipping sses? Go already. You missed all your morning ones." "What¡¯s the point of sses? I don¡¯t understand anything even if I go." "What are you going to do if you get expelled? Want me to report you to Linus?" "Ugh¡­ fine. I¡¯ll go, okay?" At the mention of Linus, Hindrasta sighed, waved her hand dismissively, and walked out. Alright, with the kids gone, I can finally go for a patrol. I slung the practice wooden sword over my shoulder and left the professor¡¯s office. Campus patrols were something I did regrly, not for any specific purpose. It was just a way to get some fresh air and stretch my legs. Our academy is enormous. A singlep around the outskirts takes a good amount of time. Wandering through every nook and cranny could easily take half a day, making it a great way to pass the time. Even though everyone else was busy preparing for the end-of-semester evaluations, I had nothing to do. Over the past six months, I¡¯d set up a system that ran smoothly without my constant involvement, so as long as I did periodic reviews, everything was fine. The Theory Department might technically be understaffed, but Ismera was handling it, so I wasn¡¯t worried. Being a professor was definitely better than being the headmaster. My decision back when Linus approached me was the right one. Well, it wasn¡¯t really my decision¡ªit was Olysia¡¯s judgment¡ªbut still. As I wandered around, I spotted Maya, the priestess, walking toward me with a bag from the dessert cafe in her hand. "Hello." I greeted her first, and she gave me a slight nod before walking past. I¡¯d never spoken to Maya about the patient records I¡¯d reviewed. There was no need to. She was simply following the orders of her superior, and confronting her about it wouldn¡¯t aplish anything. Besides, Lormane had already promised to withdraw the instructions he¡¯d given Maya, so I decided to leave it alone. Even if she continued to report on me, what could she really do? As I continued my patrol, I suddenly felt a strange sensation and looked around. Something felt off. Different from usual. Lowering the wooden sword from my shoulder, I waited. Soon, something peculiar shimmered into view ahead of me. A tall man, wrapped in a jet-ck cloak, with pale skin. He didn¡¯t seem to be one of our professors. None of them had horns like those, which curled like those of a mountain goat, glinting in the sunlight. The Demon King. "Tandem inveni (Atst, I¡¯ve found you)." The Demon King¡¯s cold smile spread as he surveyed the surroundings. "Non putabam te aliquem academiae professorem fore. Videtur te per decem annos multum emollitum esse (I never imagined you¡¯d stoop to being an academy professor. It seems the past ten years have softened you greatly)." The Demon King¡¯s cloak parted, revealing a sharp sword. Didn¡¯t I cut that thing in two? Did he make a new one, or is this the same one, patched up like a cheapskate? "Tempus ignominiae fuit (It was a time of humiliation)." Gripping the sword, the Demon King took a stance. "Nunc decem annorum ultionem capiam (Now, I¡¯ll exact my ten years of revenge)." As soon as he finished speaking, the Demon King vanished, leaving a fleeting afterimage. A gust of wind blew, and he reappeared right in front of me. Standing still, I let him swing his sword straight at my head. "Not funny, Kaiden." The Demon King dissolved, revealing Kaiden standing in his ce, wearing his usual ck robe and shing a strange smile. "How did you know?" "The Demon King suddenly appearing in the middle of the academy was a dead giveaway." "The Demon King was also a mage. He could have cast forbidden necromancy on himself." "True, but his footwork was all wrong." Kaiden raised a questioning eyebrow. "The Demon King doesn¡¯t move like that when attacking. You¡¯re not a swordsman, so you couldn¡¯t replicate it perfectly." "I see. I wasn¡¯t present for the final battle, so my depiction wascking. If I¡¯d been more precise, I might have fooled youpletely." "Doesn¡¯t matter. The Demon King showing up here doesn¡¯t make sense in the first ce." "Is that so? I¡¯ll keep that in mind." Kaiden chuckled. "Your timing is sudden, but wee to the academy. Everything¡¯s settled at the Tower of Illusions, I take it?" "Yes, Dian. There¡¯s nothing left for me there." "Good. Let¡¯s head straight to the headmaster¡¯s office. You need to introduce yourself and get started. Things are hectic right now with the evaluations." "You seem rxed for someone in the middle of all that, Dian." "That¡¯s just how I am." With Kaiden in tow, I headed toward the main building where Kirrin was. "By the way, where¡¯s your luggage?" "I don¡¯t have any. I just came as I was." "Really? Not even clothes?" "All my essentials are in my subspace. I¡¯ll take them out as needed." Kaiden reached out, and a seam in the air opened, revealing a robe identical to the one he was wearing. Every time I see it, I can¡¯t help but wonder what else is in there. But Kaiden has never once fully opened his subspace. Typical mage secrecy, I suppose. "Vice Headmaster Ismera!" I waved as I spotted Ismera up ahead. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om She smiled warmly when she saw me, but her expression quickly stiffened when she noticed the person beside me. "Ahem. What brings you here?" "Join me in the headmaster¡¯s office." "I¡¯m not busy, but¡­" Her gaze shifted to Kaiden. "Who is this? He doesn¡¯t look like a student. Did you bring in another special recruit?" "No, this is Mage Kaiden. He¡¯s joining us as the Head Professor of Theory." "M-Mage Kaiden¡­?! Kaiden¡¯s a woman? I always thought Kaiden was a man?!" Kaiden remained silent. [Trantor - Peptobismol] [Proofreader - Demon God] The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!