Book 1 Chapter 266
266
“There’s a similar request from Seirun as well.”
At Aine’s words, Berga snorted.
“He’s likely from the Knight Department, isn’t he? In that case, it would be better to send him to our Azonia than Seirun.”
“That’s true.” “Excuse me. I’m sorry, but isn’t Leo Flobe from the Summoning Department?”
Yura quickly interjected into their conversation.
If Ren had been there, it would have been chaotic, but fortunately, Mel had come instead of Ren this time.
‘Did the principal anticipate this and exclude Ren from this departmental schedule?’
As Yura was having such thoughts, the welcoming party grew even more lively.
The awkward atmosphere between the schools had already vanished.
Just then, Digness walked to the center of the hall and cleared his throat.
“Ahem, ahem!”
At that, the party atmosphere subsided, and everyone turned their attention to Digness.
“I wanted to proceed with the discussion with Seirun present, if possible, but there’s been no news from them.”
Digness smiled gently.
“During this exclusive contract period for smiths, our Demian second-year students wanted to meet students from Lumerne, Azonia, and Seirun—these three schools—all in one place.”
Digness looked at the Lumerne and Azonia students and said.
“I’ll get straight to the point. We want to sign a contract with the best hero candidates. Of course, from your perspective, you might feel uncomfortable, as if we are evaluating you.”
At his words, annoyed voices emerged from the Lumerne and Azonia sides.
“However, I hope you understand our position as well. Our Demian second-year students are regarded as the best blacksmiths assembled in decades.”
Digness put on a serious expression.
“Before we are hero candidates, we are smiths. There is no greater honor than for our creations to be wielded by the most skilled individuals.”
Digness clenched his fist tightly.
“So, we wanted to create the finest armaments for the best hero candidates. Lumerne, Azonia, and Seirun—since all of you are called the greatest generation, we wanted to meet everyone and discuss as blacksmiths.”
At his words, the Lumerne and Azonia students looked at each other.
“Over the next two weeks, you will work together and decide on partners. But I promise you this one thing! Just as we have chosen you! We will forge armaments that you can trust and rely on in battle! Because we chose the best, we must repay you with the best creations!”
As Digness’s speech concluded, a round of applause erupted from the Lumerne and Azonia students.
Watching this, Chen Xia narrowed her eyes.
“What a fox.”
“Huh? What?”
Iliana tilted her head and asked.
“Demian’s second-year representative just quelled Lumerne and Azonia’s resentment with that speech, naturally inciting competition.”
The emphasis on being smiths rather than hero candidates was also for that reason.
“Hoo, he’s as sharp as a knife when it comes to quick thinking.”
Iliana exclaimed in admiration.
Meanwhile, Digness spoke.
“Alright then! In the spirit of getting along well for the next two weeks, shall the class representatives make a toast?”
At his words, Leo and Ar stood up.
And they raised their glasses, heading towards Digness.
As Ar walked towards Digness, he stared intently at Leo.
‘How did the Black Rabbit use Howling? Howling is a beastkin ability. No matter how versatile the Black Rabbit is, is it possible to transcend racial barriers?’
His mind was racing.
‘Did I perhaps make a mistake?’
As Ar was pondering various thoughts, he suddenly made eye contact with Leo.
Leo chuckled, looking at Ar.
That smile, as if understanding why, made Ar certain.
‘The Black Rabbit definitely used Howling.’
Ar’s eyes were filled with curiosity.
‘How, exactly?’
Meanwhile, Digness raised his glass.
“Alright, a toa—”
Bang-!
Just then, the hall doors opened.
And the Seirun students appeared.
The Seirun teacher leading the group scanned the hall and muttered softly.
“How frivolous.”
A very soft murmur.
But there was no one there who didn’t hear it.
Several Seirun students flinched and looked at him.
Especially Lunia, who was standing to his right, looked up at the man with a surprised expression.
Eiran’s face, standing behind Lunia, turned pale.
Herdeum, the Seirun teacher standing to his left, looked up at the ceiling and let out a small sigh.
The man’s name was Revere. He was Seirun’s second-year general supervisor.
“Don’t make that face, Lunia Run Eldoa.”
Revere glanced at Lunia and said.
“As Seirun’s class representative, do not lose your elegant composure.”
“What exactly is ‘elegant composure’? Is it elegant to use such words to describe the welcoming party Demian prepared for us?”
“Teacher Herdeum.”
“Yes, General Supervisor Revere.”
“I understand student Lunia has been under your charge for a year, is that correct?”
“Yes.”
“The education seems to have been flawed. How dare she utter such disrespectful words to the general supervisor.”
“My apologies.”
“Hmph. They called you an excellent teacher. Utterly disappointing.”
Lunia clenched her fist, watching Revere snort.
Veins bulged on the back of her hand.
‘Damn parachute from the General Council!’
Originally, Herdeum was to become the second-year general supervisor.
However, with the former principal, Benet, stepping down from the principalship and Rurhagan taking the position of interim principal, that matter was canceled.
‘Should I just confront him?’
Since the start of the semester, Revere had been extolling the superiority of elves.
Lunia also prided herself on being a proud elf.
She also respected the progenitor of the Great Nebula.
But she detested excessive racial purists.
They even despised their own kind who didn’t agree with their views.
Their attitude of disregarding other races was even worse.
‘Without even knowing anything about Leo.’
Since the start of the semester, he had openly disparaged Leo.
Due to his attitude, Lunia’s rationality was slowly eroding.
It was then that Lunia’s red eyes glinted dangerously.
Grab-!
A small hand from behind grabbed Lunia’s hand.
Lunia, who turned her head, and Eiran made eye contact.
Eiran, with a frightened face, subtly shook her head.
Seeing Eiran, Lunia gave a bitter smile and nodded.
“Ahem! It’s regrettable that corporal punishment has disappeared from Seirun. Otherwise, even the class representative would have been made an example of to restore discipline.”
‘Crazy bastard. Why is he blathering on about corporal punishment that disappeared 500 years ago!’
Lunia took a deep breath, inwardly uttering thoughts that would have terrified Herdeum or Eiran had they heard them.
“Teacher Revere. Our school students have painstakingly prepared this welcoming party to greet the Seirun students. We would appreciate your attendance.”
Depheto, who had guided the Seirun students, said with a smile.
But his eyes were utterly cold.
“One cannot claim to be Seirun if one disregards sincerity.”
Revere curled the corners of his mouth and, along with the Seirun teachers, headed towards the front seats reserved for faculty.
As he did so, he made eye contact with Leo, who was standing in front.
“Hmph, a scoundrel who defiles the name of the Progenitor.”
As he passed Leo, he muttered softly, as if intending for Leo to hear.
“What? What’s that guy saying?”
Ar growled.
“Leave him be.”
Leo said calmly.
‘These guys are bigger jerks than I thought?’
It was enough to remind him of the high elves he had met when conquering Luna’s world before.
Digness, using his characteristic cheerfulness, approached Lunia.
“You’re Lunia El Rundua, right?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“We were about to make a toast in honor of our four schools gathering. Would you mind joining us as the class representative?”
“Yes, that’s fine—”
“As Seirun’s class representative, putting your lips to such low-class liquor is unacceptable.”
Once again, the entire hall turned frigid.
Everyone’s gaze turned to Revere.
“Sorry, I want to ignore that guy… but it seems like it’ll ruin the atmosphere even more.”
Lunia said with an apologetic look, and Digness shook his head.
“Don’t worry about it. You’re going through a lot.”
“Sorry for ruining the atmosphere.”
Lunia wore a truly apologetic expression.
It was then, as an awkward atmosphere lingered.
“Hmph!”
Ar immediately chugged the beer in his glass.
“Tastes great.”
And he snorted, as if to be heard.
“Hey, what are you doing drinking by yourself?”
“Oops!”
Ar clasped his head, wearing a flustered expression.
At his sight, laughter erupted from the Lumerne, Azonia, and Demian sides.
Leo glanced at Revere, made a toast, and then returned to his seat.
But the chilled atmosphere showed no signs of thawing.
Shortly after, the Seirun teachers and students left the banquet hall.
Some students showed apologetic expressions, but others reacted as if they considered it beneath them, much like Revere.
“That’s harsh. I’m worried about these two weeks.”
Kal clicked his tongue.
The banquet continued amidst the awkward atmosphere.
But the boisterous atmosphere from before did not return.
It was then.
“Student Leo.”
Someone spoke to Leo.
It was Mel.
“Professor Mel.”
“Here.”
Mel took a letter from her pocket and handed it to Leo.
And she winked, then left.
“Oh? What’s that?”
Kal showed interest.
“It’s nothing much. I asked for something before. It seems to be that.”
Leo calmly lied and tucked the letter into his pocket.
“Hehehe— Is it perhaps a love letter and you’re just making excuses?”
“Pfft!”
“Cough—! Cough—!”
As Kal poked Leo’s side and spoke, Chelsea and Chloe, who were eating, started coughing as if they had choked.
“Oh~ Romance with an older professor!”
“It’s not like that.”
Leo said with a calm smile, and Kal grumbled.
“How boring. You’re so popular, yet you’ve never dated anyone?”
“Where would older brother Leo, an honor student, find time to date?”
“Exactly. Don’t put strange ideas in his head for no reason.”
Chelsea and Chloe admonished Kal.
At their reactions, Kal put on a mischievous grin.
‘They’re having a good time.’
Watching them, Leo muttered inwardly.
***
After the banquet, the Demian students escorted the Lumerne and Azonia students to their respective accommodations.
“Whoa— a double room.”
Kal admired as he organized his luggage.
“What should I say? Doesn’t it feel like dorm life, making your heart pound?”
“Isn’t what we’re doing dorm life?”
“That’s true, but we each have our own room.”
Kal chuckled.
“Surely, you need a roommate for it to feel like a proper dorm, don’t you? Well, our school also has many noble students, so there might be many who find a double room uncomfortable. Ugh!”
Kal laughed and lay down on the bed.
Meanwhile, Leo took out a letter from his pocket.
The letter was written in Dragon Language.
“Hmm. Kal.”
“Why?”
“I think I need to go out.”
At his words, Kal shot up.
“Hey! Are you really having a secret rendezvous with Professor Mel?!”
“It’s not like that.”
“What else would you be doing breaking curfew in the middle of the night if not a date?!”
Demian had a curfew.
Thus, one could not go out late at night.
Leo opened the window.
“It probably won’t take long, so please cover for me.”
“Okay!”
Kal winked one eye.
So, after Leo left, a short while later.
Tap-tap-
Someone knocked on the door.
Fling open-
“Who is it?”
“Kal, is Leo inside? I want to ask Leo for advice regarding the magic staff I’m commissioning.”
“I just came along to hang out.”
At the door were Chloe and Chen Xia, who shared a room.
“Uhm. Come in for now.”
Kal scratched his cheek and invited the two into the room.
When Leo wasn’t in the room, the two female students looked puzzled.
“Where is Young Master Leo?”
“Hmm.”
‘Should I just make up an excuse?’
Kal pondered, but if they said they’d wait, that would be troublesome.
If his lie were to be discovered later, he’d only get into trouble.
‘Well, Chloe and Xia aren’t the types to spread rumors.’
If it had been anyone else, he would have made an excuse, but he figured it wouldn’t matter telling these two, who were good at keeping secrets.
‘And I’m curious about their reaction.’
Kal said with a mischievous smile inwardly.
“He secretly went out to meet Professor Mel.”
“At this hour?”
Chen Xia narrowed her brow.
“Yeah. Wouldn’t they be spending a passionate night?”
Kal said playfully, glancing at Chloe.
Chloe looked at Kal with her usual expression.
It was then, as Kal looked puzzled by her nonchalant reaction.
Thwack-!
“Ouch!”
Chloe dropped the book she was holding.
Kal, whose instep was hit by the thick book, jumped and rolled on the floor.
***
“What’s going on at this hour?”
Leo, who arrived at the meeting place, wore a puzzled expression.
Mel, sitting on the bench, dangled her legs and smiled gently.
“I was thinking of having a late-night date with Lord Leo.”
“Didn’t you say I was like an old man once?”
“Did I say that?”
Despite Leo’s words, Mel stood up with a calm smile.
“Well, actually, there’s something I want to show Lord Leo.”
Mel approached Leo.
“Actually, the place we’re going is somewhere outsiders can never enter.”
“Then how do we get there?”
“Hehe. A privilege as a Lord, perhaps? I received the key from Demian’s vice principal.”
‘…Looking at the atmosphere, it seems like she snatched it.’
Leo sighed.
Mel smiled cutely and pointed her hand to the top of Demian Castle.
“What’s up there is, in a sense, yours, Lord Leo.”
Saying that, Mel took out a key from her pocket and inserted it into thin air.
Then a door appeared.
‘Is it a warp gate that can move anywhere within Demian?’
As Leo wore a puzzled expression, Mel, who had opened the door, gestured.
“Come on, Lord Leo.”
Leo stepped inside.
The space beyond the door was an armory where various armaments were enshrined.
And every single one of the stored armaments was old and rusty.
Among them, Leo’s gaze was drawn to one spot.
A weapon hanging on the wall.
More than half of the blade part had rusted away and disappeared.
The remains of a sword that was now embarrassing to even call a sword.
But for Leo, it was an unforgettable sword.
“My sword…”
The sword Dwenno had last left to Kyle.
Besides that, everything else in this place was made by Dwenno.
“All the armaments here are Lord Dwenno’s legacy, collected by the dwarves over the past 5000 years.”