C77 - 78
Chapter 77: Return
The tumultuous banquet came to an end, and I returned to the academy, only to be summoned to the principal’s office.
Did he perhaps desire some intimate time alone with me?
As soon as the door to the principal’s office closed, a barrier went up to ensure no one could enter.
Anyone witnessing this might mistake it for an interrogation rather than a conversation.
“I’ll ask you straightforwardly,”
Looking at the principal’s firm eyes, I thought that this might really be the case.
“Did you know in advance that this incident would occur?”
“If I had known, such a thing wouldn’t have happened in the first place.”
The story of the infamous blood banquet had spread not only throughout the empire but across the continent, so it wasn’t unreasonable for the principal to be in such turmoil.
Considering the attendees at this banquet, including Silica and several academy affiliates, the aftermath was surprisingly simple despite the magnitude of the event.
However, there would inevitably be questions, especially considering that a member of the prominent Empress’s family had died, yet there was no significant aftermath.
Among the wild rumors that circulated, some even suggested involvement from the Quazel family, trying to undermine the Nepelis family to elevate themselves.
I could only laugh at such nonsense.
While the dead may tell no tales, there were plenty of tales to be told about the deceased.
Moreover, although this incident may not be entirely unrelated to Quazel, our principal must feel quite unjustly treated while not knowing anything.
Well, now that I think about it, I feel unjust too.
It’s not like I could speak, but I was definitely the target of an assassination.
Not only did I handle all the marionettes and summons in the palace, but I also ran around tirelessly to save the other two, and yet, they suspect me like this?
As if understanding my intentions, the chief chuckled and said.
“I heard you saved the granddaughter of the Regens, Magic Society’s head.”
“I did save her and got injured in the process.”
Though it had been healed for a while now.
“Aren’t you the kind who wouldn’t care if others died? I found it remarkable that you risked your life to save her. I was curious, that’s all. It’s better if you didn’t know.”
“How much of a despicable scum do you see me as?”
I couldn’t find words to argue with him; it was beyond absurd.
While I almost let slip a remark about the principal needing to manage his household properly, I managed to swallow it down.
Instead, I retrieved a piece of paper from my pocket.
“I’ll give you this while you’re here. Just one favor, please.”
“A favor?”
The principal’s eyebrows furrowed slightly downward.
He seemed quite surprised that I, of all people, would ask for a favor.
What I handed him was a document containing someone’s personal information.
“Isn’t this… a Guardian Knight registration?”
“Yes. It could have been sent to the administration, but I thought it would be better if you, the principal, handled it directly.”
As I’ve explained before, according to academy regulations, only Guardian Knights are allowed entry as escorts.
Most students disguise their escorts as Guardian Knights to enter the academy.
If additional personnel are required, related registration documents need to be submitted to the administration.
However, if the principal handles it, it will likely be expedited without any hassle.
The principal looked at the ID I handed him with a puzzled expression.
“You hired a female knight?”
It seemed he thought so because of the name written on the document.
I shook my head and replied.
“It’s just a formality to list her as a knight. In reality, she’s just a personal attendant.”
“A personal attendant? Don’t you know it’s against academy rules for students to have personal attendants?”
“Bringing up the law at this point seems a bit hypocritical, doesn’t it? Anyway, you’re well aware of the loopholes, aren’t you?”
“Your audacity knows no bounds. I understand your intentions. I’ll take care of it, so you can leave now.”
With his approval, he flicked his fingers lightly, and the barrier that had surrounded the room just moments ago disappeared instantly.
“Just out of curiosity, is there anyone else besides the maid you’re bringing in?”
Although I felt a bit sheepish inwardly, I maintained my composure and said.
“There isn’t, but… why do you ask?”
“I’m asking because your food expenses have been abnormally high. After all, you only have one guardian knight, right? I don’t know if it’s because of your tastes, but it’s strange that a room for two people receives enough food for four every day. The supply department has mentioned this more than once.”
I couldn’t help but squirm uncomfortably and avert my gaze.
Having a roommate with a healthy appetite was something I couldn’t complain about.
“Well, my knight happens to have a good appetite. Isn’t it normal for knights to have good appetites?”
Brian was the easy scapegoat.
After clumsily explaining, I promptly made my escape from the principal’s office.
* * *
– Thud!
The forceful slam on the desk emanated with intense anger.
Despite the restrained expression, such demeanor only heightened the tension in the room.
“What were you all doing while this debacle unfolded like a dam bursting?!”
Regens Rainriver, the head of the Garam Kingdom’s Magic Society.
As someone involved with the society, hearing the account of this incident would likely incite anyone’s wrath.
The crucial evidence, the Daze Stone, was unequivocally the property of the Garam Magic Society.
Moreover, the person who delivered it disguised as jewelry to Princess Arin and Luna was affiliated with the Garam Magic Society.
But even what has been uncovered marks just the beginning.
The individual who delivered the stone bit their tongue and committed suicide, leaving behind questions about whether they were a spy, a defector, or what motivated their actions.
“We hurriedly investigated the individual involved, but there was no apparent connection. Their background, relationships, they had no ties to the Ushif Empire, and their lifestyle and movements showed no signs of irregularity! We’re left with nothing but the explanation that they suddenly defected…”
As the bearer of the report, they felt as if they were losing their mind.
It’s a frustrating situation where you can’t come up with an answer even if you try to infer the process.
This was truly something that calculating wizards would be reluctant to do.
“It’s incomprehensible. Not only that, but the Emperor ended the matter without any repercussions from the Empire?!”
——————
——————
“Yes, the Imperial Family doesn’t want to disturb the peace with uncertain matters…”
“Something fishy must be going on over there too. There’s a possibility that the Imperial side was involved in this incident.”
Flicking his finger against the report, Regens’ gaze suddenly drifted elsewhere.
“Where is Luna?”
“She just finished her regular inspection and returned to her room.”
As soon as her whereabouts were confirmed, Regens rose from his seat and left the room.
Passing through the lengthy corridors, he headed towards the room of a young girl filled with countless books.
Calling it a girl’s room felt slightly off.
The room’s inhabitant was deeply engrossed in reading.
“You’re here, Grandfather?”
There was no response to her listless greeting.
Approaching her, Regens skipped the pleasantries and cut to the chase.
“During your interrogation in the Empire, did you notice anything suspicious from them?”
Her gaze remained fixed on her book.
“At first, they probed aggressively, but soon they changed their attitude. After that, they let me go quickly.”
“I didn’t ask for a recount of known facts. I’m asking if there were any movements that even the Empire is reluctant to disclose, something they were trying to keep hidden!”
Regens’ tone grew slightly harsher.
The girl, with unwavering eyes, closed her book and replied.
“There was nothing.”
Her voice was both honest and firm.
For a brief moment, Regens stared at her with suspicion.
“Understood. Then let me ask something else. What about that boy? Have you found out anything about him?”
“…..”
The slight tremble in her hand holding the book went unnoticed as she maintained her composure and spoke with an unwavering gaze.
“Contrary to what I expected, he seemed to possess a great deal of kindness.”
“Kindness?”
“Yes. It’s not easy for a noble to sit at a table with a knight and a maid for a meal, right? To him, it seemed like a natural, everyday occurrence. There was no awkwardness…”
“Was there anything else?”
Interrupting her response, he asked again, perhaps not satisfied with her initial answer.
“He seemed more considerate than I thought. Despite risking himself to save me, he didn’t ask for anything in return and even escorted me back despite being somewhat impulsive when he first arrived. It seems he isn’t entirely indifferent…”
“That’s not what I’m asking!”
A thunderous voice filled the room with a gust of wind.
“What kind of mana did you sense from him? Perhaps hidden abilities? Who are the people around him? I’m asking about those important details!”
“…”
Books tumbled, and despite the dizzying whirlwind, the girl’s gaze remained unwavering.
After a brief silence, she spoke first.
“Why are you so fixated on him?”
With his excitement subdued, Regens replied in a calm tone.
“I’ve told you, haven’t I? Everything I ask of you is for the advancement of our magic society. As my granddaughter, you must fulfill this duty. Luna…”
Without reason, simply obey the given instructions.
It was a life imposed upon her as a Rainriver.
With a small sigh, Luna finally provided the answer he sought.
“His attribute score is 93%, slightly higher than what you mentioned. While he may not have achieved the highest magical grade, he surpasses the 3rd-grade rank in the academy’s official records by far. I’m not sure if he’s intentionally hiding any power, but I sensed something concealed. I’m not sure what it is…”
“Are you certain?”
“I am. I felt it when I embraced him myself.”
“Understood.”
Seemingly done with the matter, Regens turned and left the room without a word of thanks or acknowledgment.
Left alone, the girl tried to resume reading but soon closed the book again.
“It’s not interesting.”
With a sudden outburst, she tossed the book aside and flopped onto her bed.
Could each day be so dull?
It was already dull to begin with, but since returning from the Empire, her unrelenting boredom seemed to worsen with each passing day.
She absentmindedly turned her head to look out the window.
The view outside lacked any freshness, a gloomy scene mirroring her mundane life.
It felt as if she was gazing at her own monotonous existence.
For quite some time, she stared out the window.
Ironically, the direction she looked was none other than where the Royal Academy stood.
——————
Chapter 78: Luna Rainriver (1)
“…!”
If someone saw, they might mistake this blanket for a top-grade magical robe.
Wrapped in it like a shield, trembling all over, as a means of defense was truly pitiful.
“How long are you going to keep that up?”
I asked, exasperated.
“Why on earth did you bring that in, master? How could you just decide to raise such a thing in our room?”
“You say you won’t be scared anymore even if there is a demonic beast in front of you?”
“Well, that’s a different story! Besides, she’s not even a demon, she’s just a dr—”
Her frightened eyes met those of Nana, who was eating.
“Hey, hey!”
Just as she seemed frozen in fear, Emily suddenly let out a strange whimper and bolted back to her room.
Nana approached me with a puzzled expression.
“Papa, why is Emily acting like that?”
“Don’t worry about it. She’ll adapt on her own eventually.”
I gently stroked her head and reassured her.
Nana smiled happily in response.
Eventually, Emily was brought back to the academy.
By procedure, she should return to the Velias Estate.
However, for nobles, a personal attendant is akin to personal property; if the owner wishes, their whereabouts can change at any time.
As she’s still classified as my personal attendant, I have the authority to decide her fate.
No one can interfere unless they’re the head of the household.
Emily probably couldn’t even dream of it.
That she was used as a pawn to kill me.
Though their plan failed, there’s no reason to keep her, considering the various risks.
Returning her to Velias would be the worst scenario, and I have no intention of just standing by.
Since nobody would question me taking back my attendant, they wouldn’t dare to approach her recklessly.
Well, as for Emily…
My gaze shifted back to Nana, who had resumed her meal.
Is this what parents worry about as their children grow?
Even though I’ve hidden it well for the past two years, it’s far from perfect.
Not only suspicions about the food expenses, but also from other aspects, if these things continue to pile up, it’s bound to explode.
Though she managed to suppress the mana by her ability to transform freely…
Continuing this lifestyle seems unrealistic.
In any case, I think we should enroll Nana in school instead of fake employment like Emily did.
“I’m back, Master.”
Just as Brian returned from his private training, he handed me two unfamiliar letters.
“Both were received from official channels of the academy.”
Seems like I’ve been receiving letters more frequently lately.
I was slightly anxious, wondering if they were strange invitations or something, but thankfully, they weren’t.
First, there was a letter from Alice.
Along with brief greetings, she mentioned that she had finally decided on her future.
It’s finally happening.
Joining the Knights of Light to uphold the family legacy.
It wasn’t particularly surprising.
It had been drilled into me since I was young, and I had already resolved myself countless times, so my sister’s choice was expected.
In fact, it’s not an exaggeration to say that she chose the best path available to her.
I don’t deny that the Knights of Light are the most suitable place for her innate talents to be utilized.
Normally, upon applying, there’s a period of 6 months to a year for review and probation, but my sister will likely have those periods significantly shortened.
If you ask if it’s a special recruitment, it is.
There’s no need to waste time on a talent so renowned that every citizen of the Empire knows about it.
At the very least, within 3 months, and possibly within a month, my sister will be bestowed with the title of a Knight of Light.
The problem lies in what comes after.
Despite the past hiccup, my sister’s life is progressing in the same direction as before.
That means, ultimately, her life’s end will also be the same as before.
There isn’t much time left.
Soon, there will be a day when she leaves the academy.
I carefully preserved the letter my sister had written after reading it.
Then, I naturally looked at the second letter.
“What’s this?”
Although the recipient was clearly me, there was no indication of the sender anywhere on the letter.
So I tore it open and checked right away.
The awkward title attached to my name immediately gave away who the sender was.
It was Luna.
To an observer, it might seem like an affectionate relationship between senior and junior.
The more I read the letter, the narrower my forehead seemed to become.
Was it because of my mood?
Even brushing past each other’s clothes is considered a connection, but isn’t this a bit excessive?
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that they’re forcing a connection from one side.
Or was this brat approaching me for some purpose?
While others might say, “Isn’t this girl clearly showing interest in you?”
I, on the other hand, naturally have a negative mindset, so I don’t feel anything even if I see this.
It just triggers my wariness even more.
Amidst this, my lips unknowingly curled up when I read the last sentence.
I said this out of fear of being misunderstood, but I laughed because it was ridiculous.
Coming to see me soon?
Is she coming to visit me before school starts?
A sense of unease that something annoying might happen soon began to rise strongly.
I even seriously considered going on a vacation somewhere else during the remaining vacation.
Just as I was pondering that,
-Knock, knock
A strange knocking sound echoed in the room.
At the same time, the anxiety that arose from reading the letter surged even stronger like a blazing fire.
Stopping Brian from leaving and cautiously approaching the door, I peeked outside.
As mentioned earlier, it’s currently vacation time.
That means, there’s no one living in the Royal Palace except me.
The fact that a strange visitor came here, where even the facility managers pay no attention…
Though I hadn’t confirmed it yet, I already felt like I knew who was behind the door.
Hoping it wasn’t the person in my mind, I cautiously opened the door.
-Creak
“…”
I didn’t say anything after opening the door.
It wasn’t because I was too surprised to speak, but because the situation I had anticipated was unfolding before my eyes.
The unfamiliar visitor looked at me with an unabashed gaze and said,
“It’s been a while, Senior.”
* * *
Naturally, unable to stay in the room, I grabbed her hand and pulled her outside.
Luna didn’t resist or show any sign of strength as she followed me out, like a soulless doll.
——————
——————
The destination we arrived at together was the cafeteria, a place I hadn’t set foot in since enrollment.
Of course, there were no other people besides us.
“You turned out to be quite a bold guy, Senior,”
She said, stroking her wrist.
“Don’t talk nonsense and get to the point. Why did you come to find me?”
“I was bored.”
Her expression was infinitely confident and upright.
There was not a hint of falsehood.
“Seeing your face, Senior, it feels like you’re facing someone with a secret agenda.”
She hit the nail on the head.
I affirmed with silence.
“I’m a bit disappointed. We’ve sat at the same table, but you didn’t seem interested.”
More like you just joined us uninvited during mealtime.
I didn’t want to waste time with idle talk.
Leaning against the waist with my arms crossed, I gave her a guarded look.
“Hey, junior. You seem to have misunderstood the proper relationship between seniors and juniors. We’ve barely spent two hours face to face.”
“Less than I think? I thought it was about 20 hours.”
She’s talking nonsense.
“Even if you live for 20 years, trust doesn’t necessarily develop in human relationships. It’s strange enough to treat you warmly for just 2 hours. Don’t you think?”
“…..”
She seemed momentarily speechless, but her face didn’t show shock.
“Senior, considering we’re only a year apart, it’s odd that you speak as if you’ve lived more than 20 years.”
There’s no retort to that.
I briefly averted my gaze.
She’s quick on the uptake.
“Okay. Anyway, trust should be built between us, right? Since I already trust you, I just need to earn your trust.”
She’s quite articulate.
Luna closed her eyes momentarily, lost in thought.
She seemed to ponder how to gain my trust.
“Shall I tell you a secret about our society that you might like, Senior?”
“…?”
“In fact, our society, including my grandfather, has been keeping an eye on you. The reason I was sent to the Imperial banquet was to investigate you.”
For a moment, I frowned, thinking I had heard something wrong.
What?
Am I hearing this right?
“You might feel unjust, but our society has been experiencing unfortunate incidents recently.”
“Unfortunate incidents?”
“Yes. A knight who supplied blood from the frontlines was suddenly assassinated one day, and a merchant who provided research materials and human test subjects to the society was unexpectedly found dead. Also, the dragons that were of great help to our magic society suddenly disappeared near the academy, among other fatally consequential events.”
It’s unbelievable, but I couldn’t laugh.
All the facts she mentioned were related to me.
Without showing any expression, I asked,
“……So, the Garam Magic Society is suspecting me as the perpetrator of those disgraceful incidents you mentioned. Is that right?”
“Yes,”
Luna’s answer was consistent.
“Do you not know that telling lies when trying to gain trust will have the opposite effect?”
“It’s not a lie. I just told you the truth.”
I understood.
At least, she wasn’t lying about the incidents.
The problem was that these events were related to the Garam Magic Society Luna belonged to, and they were suspicious of me as the culprit.
“On what basis are you saying this?”
I could only deny it as frivolous talk.
“I honestly think it’s not appropriate. However, because my grandfather has a very suspicious personality, he keeps all possibilities in mind. You, Senior, have lived near the frontlines before enrolling in the academy and are easily capable of erasing traces as a Darkness attribute user.”
“So it’s not a definite conclusion but a vague assumption?”
“Sort of.”
Regens, the society president.
I knew he was suspicious, but I never thought he’d consider me a suspect.
Moreover, the dragons I killed were actually related to the Garam Magic Society… even in my past life I didn’t know this fact.
A pact between dragons and humans.
How would other dragons, including those from other countries, react if they knew this fact?
“Well, if what you say is true, people in the magic society, including your grandfather, are now suspicious of me, and you’ve just told me about it. Is there any reason to go to such lengths to gain my trust? I have nothing to offer you.”
This is not just a secret, but classified information.
It’s not something I can casually discuss as a favor.
Why is she doing this?
What’s the reason for continually approaching me to gain my trust?
Unless she speaks out about this, she’ll never get out of my guarded target.
“…”
She continued to fixate her gaze on me with unwavering indifference.
Behind the slightly trembling pupils, I could see her inner turmoil, as if she were deeply contemplating something.
Luna soon opened her mouth.
——————