Chapter: 291
It seems like this year is going to be a good one. Yeah, I’ve been crawling around like a dog, so it’s about time for some comfort. If Enen has a conscience, it’s high time to bestow some blessings on us outsiders too.
I’m happy. I must have hit a jackpot because unexpected luck is pouring in! If no one was around, I would have probably done a somersault and let out a joyous roar, not just north, south, east, and west, but all directions—I’d even try for eight!
That’s why Lather looks extra pretty today.
‘Our number three.’
The warmth in my gaze towards Lather increased. I’d thought of him and Rutis as the annoyances in my life, but who knew he had this kind of gratitude in him? Truly a magician, the symbol of intellect.
Honestly, when he popped up in the club room with no one else around, I was worried he might be here to make some unreasonable request or confess to a crime. No matter how I thought about it, I couldn’t figure out why Lather would come first.
“I’ll take care of the magicians. Can’t trouble our busy advisor more than necessary, right?”
But hearing that turned my worries into joy. The prince of the Magic Powerhouse is going to manage the magicians? Isn’t that him accurately understanding the annoying parts and offering to help?
“And if you have some spare time, I’d like to ask for a favor—”
“Don’t worry. If it’s a request I can’t fulfill, I’ll just ask Duke Marcilio.”
Of course, a royal isn’t a philanthropist who moves without reason. He must want something from me in return, but fortunately, it seems he wants something I can provide. Given the time, it’s obvious what a magician desires.
So before Lather even finished, I gave him my answer. If you help me properly, I’ll give you what you want.
“Thank you, Advisor.”
With that cool and pragmatic deal wrapped up, Lather nodded slightly. Gratitude? Nah, I’m the one who should be grateful.
When I was at the capital, I was worried about how to get through this year, but as soon as I arrived at the Academy, the urgent workforce I desperately needed started rolling in, and they’re not just any workers, but extraordinary ones!
In fact, Lather was like an unexpected gift, no, employee! Unlike Ainter, who must fulfill his royal duties, and Erich, who helps out due to family, Lather came to lend a hand of his own volition. Sure, it might be the result of some thorough calculations, but who cares? The fact that there’s something in it for him means he’ll work harder.
‘This is awesome.’
As I quietly closed my eyes watching Lather leave the club room, the only word that came to mind was “awesome.”
Even though I’m technically engaged to Duke Marcilio, as an advisor, I couldn’t get close to the students. That distance would make control challenging. However, if student Lather collaborates, that distance problem would be resolved. Plus, having the authority of a royal will make it even easier.
Of course, considering the crazy zeal and actions of magicians, not even a royal could fully control them, but even that would suffice. If Lather filters them first, only a tiny fraction would remain, which I could manage easily.
‘Thank you…’
I recalled Lather’s face, the true reason of intellect in this era. I am genuinely grateful. I’ll make sure he gets one hour of one-on-one training with Duke Marcilio each day.
By the time he graduates from the academy, he’ll be the foremost magician in Yuben.
*
Unlike the worries before the entrance ceremony, the academy was quiet. Whether it was the Principal’s speech that stirred the consciences of the freshmen or simply their steadfast common sense and etiquette, the academy was peaceful.
Moreover, with Villar managing foreign students and Lather controlling the magicians, how could there be any chaos? In a pinch, Ainter and Erich could also be deployed, creating a lineup that would make any heart swell. Securing Oho Daejanggun and playing the Yu Bi army feels like this!
“If it weren’t for Sir Villar, I would have needed two bodies.”
So I invited Villar to the club room as a token of gratitude. The other three could meet during club hours to take care of things, but Villar is a different story. Coincidentally, Duke Marcilio was absent due to class, making it a perfect time to invite someone.
“That’s too kind. Even without me, the academy would have embraced the students beautifully.”
“Haha, that’s a delightful thing for an imperial citizen to say. The Principal would be pleased too.”
I smiled slightly at Villar’s dull reaction and poured tea. The fact that Villar took on the responsibility for foreign students was a joint decision between the Principal and me, and it weighed on my heart, but thankfully, it didn’t seem like he harbored any resentment about the decision.
He likely concluded that cooperation and delegation were vital to overcoming this insane enrollment frenzy. To be honest, if Villar didn’t take care of the foreign students, we would have been in deep trouble. Both the Principal and I, being imperial citizens…
“Still, thanks to your help, I’ve found it easier to manage things. How can I not express my gratitude for your cooperation with foreign matters?”
I handed Villar the box I had placed to my left on the chair. Visible materials speak louder than mere words of thanks.
“It’s a small token of my sincerity. For a knight, nothing is more valuable than physical heft.”
Villar, who rolled around with me last year, would roll again for the next two years. Surely, if I didn’t feel a bond or camaraderie as comrades who roll together, I would be lying.
So I prepared a rare gift that couldn’t be found just anywhere.
“This is a potion made by Duke Marcilio. It heals most injuries instantly and, if taken regularly, is good for health.”
At those words, Villar’s eyes widened. No matter how little he was involved in magic, he’d know the fame of Duke Marcilio. Even for a knight who works physically, a high-quality potion is the most precious item. A potion made by Duke Marcilio is superior to any other potion.
“I’ll have to make sure to work hard since it comes from someone my kid is indebted to!”
And Duke Marcilio indeed put in extra effort to make it.
Although it isn’t the 40-year-long Jangsaeng potion I’m currently consuming, potions generally don’t offer life-extension effects.
“I’ve brought one for Sir Perosa as well, so please accept it.”
“Thank you. I didn’t expect to receive something so precious.”
Villar momentarily hesitated, fearing he’d look superficial by accepting something so valuable, but once I mentioned that I had also included something for his precious daughter, his hands immediately moved. After all, as a father, health matters more than social standing.
“I feel embarrassed since my gift is so shabby in comparison.”
Feeling slightly awkward, I lowered my gaze at the well-packaged box on my right.
It turns out Villar wasn’t the only one feeling this sense of camaraderie. He had prepared a gift for me too. I was deeply moved when he handed it to me the moment he entered the club room. My time at the academy wasn’t a wasted one after all!
“This gift is for you and your romantic interests. It’s from a fairly famous artisan in Armein, so I believe you will like it.”
I couldn’t lift my head at the thought of him preparing six pairs of gifts, but I never expected this sturdy knight to bring back bracelets. It’s always more touching to receive unexpected gifts from unexpected people.
“How could it be shabby? We shared what we didn’t have, there’s nothing shabby about it!”
I gave Villar Armein’s jewelry, something I couldn’t acquire, while he gifted me Duke Marcilio’s special potions. It’s just a warm exchange of gifts, with neither of us being shabby or extravagant. Since no comparisons should be made.
“Your words ease my mind.”
I smiled back at Villar’s faint smile.
If only everyone in the world had half of Villar’s good nature, they’d all be so much happier.
*
I feel like I’m about to fall into a hatred of my kind. These rabid dogs that can’t see in front of them.
But I can understand how they became so rabid, so I can stop just short of being a hater. If I weren’t a member of the pastry club and had no transactions with the advisor, I’d probably be one of those rabid dogs too.
‘This isn’t easy, after all.’
I pressed my forehead and let out a small sigh. I prepared for such trouble when I suggested transactions with the advisor, but I never thought it would be this annoying and frustrating.
Sadly, even the authority of royalty couldn’t quell the frenzy of magicians. After all, people from all over the continent came to see Duke Marcilio alone. It’s too extreme and fanatical to be subdued by mere authority. Only through combining authority with subtle persuasion and mild pressure could I yield results, and even then, it wasn’t a perfect result.
‘Such tenacious beings.’
Even after I fought like a desperate war, there were stubborn magicians left. There are already people openly writing up pastry club applications, and the mention of submission during the application period is being tossed around.
“Brother Lather?”
While I was sitting there dazed, I heard Tannian’s voice.
“Tannian.”
I wanted to wave, but I couldn’t muster the strength and merely nodded. It might be rude, but Tannian focused on my miserable state more than any perceived rudeness.
“What’s wrong? You look drained.”
“Care to lend me some magical law?”
“Of course.”
Tannian chuckled at my words, placed a hand on my head, and briefly recited a prayer.
Thanks to that, I felt a burst of vitality in my body, and my hazy mind started clearing up. I never dreamed he’d really do it.
“Is this about the club?”
With a knowing look, I simply nodded. There’s no secret about me being the gatekeeper of the pastry club.
“You’re going through a lot. I feel a bit guilty that it seems like you alone are suffering.”
“I took it upon myself, so it’s no big deal.”
Right, I took it upon myself. Honestly, the reason I could raise this as a condition for a transaction was because it was tough. If it were easy and comfortable, the advisor would have easily handled it herself.
Moreover, strictly speaking, I’m not the only one suffering. As I kept a sharp eye on the situation, some magicians began contacting other members. They were looking for even a sliver of hope rather than pursuing a hopeless path. It’s a very magician-like approach.
“And how about you?”
As it turns out, Tannian is also one of those members, one of the hopefuls, and he must be going through the wringer in real-time too.
“I was actually coming to talk about that.”
Tannian opened his mouth with a broad smile.
“There’s a new pastry club being formed by a student from the Holy Kingdom who recently enrolled.”
?
“Why don’t we guide those who want to join the pastry club to this new club?”
“…A new pastry club?”
The clarity in my mind seemed to vanish again. What on earth is that supposed to mean?
However, Tannian, undeterred by my reaction, continued with an even wider smile.
“It wouldn’t be strange for people unfamiliar with pastries to want to join a pastry club. So, as a means for practice before formally joining, we’re creating a small club.”
No way, didn’t we also join the pastry club without knowing anything about pastries?
“Duplicate clubs can’t be formed, right…?”
I raised a fundamental question first. There’s already a pastry club, so a new one—
“Oh, officially, it’s a club that compares the Old and New Testaments and discusses the respective eras.”
“A discussion club?”
“Yes, we’re merely making a few light desserts in between discussions.”
I just nodded at that.
‘If blocking is impossible, just push them into another place.’
…Now that’s a way I never imagined.
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