Chapter 66
Who’s the biggest victim of this school trip debacle? Is it me, who mistakenly shot at the Gold Duke’s family earlier this year and is now slated to head to his territory? Or perhaps it’s the Student Council, who intended to leisurely choose a decent territory to visit? Regrettably, neither of us takes the crown. The true victim is somewhere else.
“I heard the destination is the Boyar Duchy.”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
It’s the forces of the three countries, praying day in and day out for nothing untoward to happen to their escort target. Unfortunately, the deity of this world isn’t one who fervently listens to prayers. In this prayer meta, if you shoot for the stars and aren’t Tannian-level, you’ll crash and burn.
“I’ve heard of the Boyar Duchy. They say it has beautiful seas, right? For the students holed up in our inland academy, this should be a special experience.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
Though Villar calmly stated that, deep down, it was a gut-wrenching scream of ‘Why are we heading from the inland academy to the coastal Boyar?’ I get it, though. If it had been an internal academy decision to go to Boyar, I would’ve pushed for a different location. But alas, this is what the Gold Duke wants. There’s no way to stop it.
“This is the first field trip, and many are watching with great anticipation. It will likely become a significant event for the academy in the future, so it should be interesting.”
Internal monologue: This is beyond what I can manage. If I try to push back, I’ll end up in bits and pieces.
“Escaping the daily grind with a trip is always a joy, yet I worry that being the first field trip might lead to a few hiccups.”
Internal monologue: Sure, I can understand the rationale for a field trip. But was Boyar really the best bet? Isn’t there anywhere else?
“Haha, I also had my concerns, but the academy has genuinely put in commendable effort. It should be a blast.”
Internal monologue: Nah, it’s definitely just Boyar, regardless of what anyone says.
While our conversation was punctuated by bright smiles, it was a façade hiding discontent. This wasn’t leading the dialogue in a direction I desired; it was more akin to informing Villar that a dreaded event was about to unfold. Sorry, Villar. Everyone in the academy is also in the loop because of the Gold Duke.
“They say the Boyar Sea is enchanting. There are spots radiant like emeralds and others that shine like sapphires. I hope Sir Villar can enjoy it too.”
“Just hearing about it gives me goosebumps. Thank you.”
Villar’s expression finally brightened up a bit. With my words, he’d confirmed that even in the worst-case scenario, at least he’d be granted entry to the Boyar Duchy.
Had the plan unfolded as intended, they wouldn’t have to worry about trivial matters. The forces of the three countries could’ve hung out around the academy, ready to spring into action if the need arose, or they could’ve crafted some bizarre excuse for merely passing through, courtesy of staff requests.
But Boyar? Waiting around in the academy is a joke; it’s too far, and excuses won’t apply here at all. Even a nearby territory would be a stretch, let alone Boyar. Undoubtedly, they would feel a bit relieved knowing I’d be lending a hand.
Internal monologue: If you guys vanish, I’m going down too.
During the club exhibition, I surprisingly dragged the three-country forces into booths as a contingency plan. Yet, this time it’s outside the academy, at a resort buzzing with an endless crowd. I wouldn’t trust myself to keep an eye on the club all alone.
The sticking point? I still haven’t been granted permission from the Gold Duke to let the three-country forces enter. But knowing the Gold Duke, he doesn’t just ignore people’s requests. If it’s about protecting important foreign officials, he’ll surely understand.
The kicker? I need to touch base directly to gain that permission. It’s still awkward navigating my conversations with the Gold Duke since the Yorun Earl incident.
“I hope the Executive Manager can de-stress during this trip.”
“Your kind sentiments are appreciated.”
After a moment of silence, Villar casually chimed in again. His comment meant he hoped to limit my involvement during the trip. It seems he’s intent on minimizing my workload whenever crises arise.
Yet, regrettably, for Villar—with his limited authority—his best play was merely to alleviate my burdens. But at least he’s making some effort. He isn’t the type to simply sponge off others without returning the favor.
Internal monologue: Just hurry up and get back to your home country already.
Truthfully, if he genuinely cared for me, there’s nothing else I’d need. I merely want him to take his prince and head home as soon as possible.
Upon returning to my room, I fiddled with the communication crystal for ages. Logically, I knew the best move would be to reach out quickly and state my case. Yet, my heart was lagging behind my mind.
Internal monologue: I have a feeling he’s going to ask for something else.
I could feel the vibes—the kind that said I’d be asked to do yet another task after reaching out for a favor. I managed to salvage things from the last Yorun incident through the tearful apologies of the 3rd Manager, yet the fact that we had nearly backed an Earl into bankruptcy related to the Duke is etched in my memory. Surely, they’ll use that incident as a launching point for another dubious quest.
Of course, the Gold Duke is a stickler for give-and-take. Even with past grievances used to throw a forced quest at me, the rewards for success are pretty sweet. But isn’t there a time when it’s better not to get involved and just enjoy the downtime instead? Now feels like that kind of time.
Internal monologue: Can’t just refuse, can I?
Finally exhaling heavily, I contacted the Gold Duke. Regardless of my feelings, I was born beneath the Duke’s station. If I didn’t fall in line, then what on Earth could I do?
— So, you’re the Executive Manager? I’ve been waiting for your call.
Before long, the Gold Duke’s visage appeared before me—a middle-aged man with neatly arranged gray hair, cigar in mouth. Judging by the documents nearby, it seemed he was working.
I bowed, ready to extend my greetings, but the Gold Duke spoke first.
— Let’s get straight to the point. I know you have escort troops from the three nations.
“Yes, that’s correct.”
— You’re welcome to bring them. All of them, if need be. Just let me know how many you have.
“Understood, Your Grace. Thank you.”
— It’s for a loyal servant of the Empire, so this much is nothing.
He laughed casually, his demeanor echoing that of a typical Gold Duke—straightforward and to the point. He granted me what I asked for without me uttering a word.
— Oh, but I have a personal request.
And as expected, the Gold Duke’s forced quest was at hand. A “request” from the Duke? Though dubbed a request, who could possibly refuse?
“Speak freely. I’m all ears.”
— Hmm.
The Gold Duke hesitated briefly, stroking his chin. It’s rare to see him hesitate about something; it sets off alarms. This can’t be a good sign.
— Have you heard of the Kraken?
“Yes, I’ve heard…”
Wait, no way…
— I see. Well, now you’ll have the opportunity to see it firsthand.
— What the hell?!
What does he mean by “opportunity”?
The Kraken—a colossal squid roaming the seas, obliterating ships like they’re mere toys. Not something you see every day and definitely not something I want to greet face-to-face. But he’s dropping the bomb that I can see it up close? Seriously?!
Had any other official brought this up, I’d have thrown every curse in the book. Nonetheless, I found myself speechless. Seeing my reaction, the Gold Duke offered a sheepish grin. Ah, so he still has a sliver of a conscience.
— Recently, we discovered a Kraken habitat near the newly completed resort.
No way…
— But don’t get me wrong. We only started building after determining the area safe. The Kraken was residing so deep we didn’t realize until it was too late.
“I’m seriously worried about the resort’s safety.”
— We’ve cleared out the habitat. All the adult Krakens have been dealt with, too.
He added, almost as an afterthought, that one baby managed to escape. I stroked my chin, mulling that over. Saying “one baby escaped” sounds like “the last of the mohicans” only more dramatic.
— But this little one is cunning. Given that it witnessed its kin being hunted, it’s extremely cautious. Even if you manage to locate it, it won’t surface. Only when you drop a lightning spell into the sea might it consider surfacing momentarily.
“How annoying.”
Generally, Krakens show themselves boldly once they spot a ship, knowing their sheer size and strength overshadow humans.
Of course, they wouldn’t have known that the elite mage corps of the Duchy were aboard those ships. They’d likely be converted into fried calamari before they knew what hit them. Wait—was that evolution or devolution? At least, it would taste fantastic.
Regardless, this poor baby, witnessing what befell its parents, is likely huddled down below, enduring it. Just how deep must it be, hiding from detection, only surfacing momentarily when shocked by a jolt of electricity?
— Thus, we need someone tasked specifically to tame the Kraken when it surfaces.
It made sense why the Gold Duke paused earlier.
— We have no clue when that baby will show up.
Since I’m supposed to be on a school trip, if he’s asking me, it shows they’ve got an inkling about where the little squirt might surface. The issue is that while they check every possible region, it’s impossible for me to guess how long I’ll be stuck on the ship waiting.
I could be out at sea for the entire duration of the school trip, only managing to catch it on the last day. That would be so frustrating!
— I’ll ask the busy Executive Manager for this favor, so I can at least throw in a little something extra for you.
As he said that, the Gold Duke raised three fingers, indicating he’d be giving me an extra 30% on top of the normal funds provided.
Hmm.
“For the safety of the talented students and young minds, it’s certainly imperative to eliminate that creature.”
After a brief deliberation, I firmly nodded in agreement.
Though the one who obliterated the Kraken family’s peaceful existence was none other than the Gold Duke himself, who eradicated their home and wiped out their kin without so much as a blink. But c’mon, if a monster wants to be “unfair,” it can always choose to reincarnate as a human, right?
The only “good monster” is a dead one.
— Your patriotism stands out, Executive Manager. The efforts you put forth for the youth will surely be remembered.
“It’s an honor, Your Grace.”
And just like that, our conversation ended on a high note, satisfying us both.
To think that a Kraken would be lurking in the very seas where students are meant to unwind. I can’t let this slide. You evil Kraken, I’m sending you back to join your parents!
End scene!
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