Chapter: 315
The life of a Duke for decades in the limelight—I never really wanted to know, but these days, I can’t help but feel it intensely. Overwhelming attention on a poor civil servant is toxic.
“Since I assumed you must be busy, I’ve been rather distant in reaching out. It’s embarrassing to think we’re not strangers—sharing time here at the Academy, yet I’ve been so aloof.”
Just looking at the demeanor of the chief swordsmanship instructor before me is a tangible change. Sure, they were polite before, but I usually avoided interactions with the school staff, unless it was with the Principal or Vice Principal, or maybe Gerhardt on a good day.
Aside from that unavoidable instance where I had to reach out first, the exchanges, just as the chief instructor said, were pretty much nonexistent. It’s scary to meet someone with authority, and I had to maintain the appearance of not pressuring the staff.
But since the sky-slicing incident and the official announcement from the royal family, swordsmanship faculty have been visiting the club room multiple times. They come over with an urgency—as if they have nothing better to do when there isn’t a scheduled class.
“You’re too kind to say that. Not only is the work of the chief instructor heavy, but anyone can see that, right? Honestly, if we met more often, it would’ve seemed unusual to others.”
“Haha, I appreciate your understanding.”
With the chief instructor leading the way, it seemed they were subtly hinting, “Are you really allowed to come here so often?” But whether they didn’t understand or were pretending not to, the instructor just smiled and responded.
When you imagine someone whose life is dedicated to the sword, it seems like the former is more likely. Still, if they were that dense, they wouldn’t have made it to the chief instructor role in the Academy.
‘Mages or swordsmen.’
I used to think of mages as a bunch of lunatics, but it hit me that I was mistaken. It isn’t just them; it’s the whole lot!
Actually, now that I reconsider, the swordsmen might be worse than the mages. At least the mages didn’t blindly come at me. They were cautious and annoyed before they struck.
‘Maybe it’s because they’re all about action.’
That’s a pretty reasonable hypothesis. Compared to the cerebral mages, swordsmen tend to be a lot more hands-on.
“These days, I’m getting all sorts of messages from my acquaintances. Those who didn’t care about me becoming the chief instructor have suddenly gone wild.”
“Oh, is that so?”
“Yeah. My communications have been ringing nonstop, making it hard for me to get a good night’s sleep.”
In the midst of this banter, I could see quite a bit of joy on the chief instructor’s face rather than discomfort.
Becoming the chief swordsmanship instructor in the industry is considered an honor. If there are indifferent acquaintances now, they’re likely rivals or figures from different factions. If even those guys are bowing down and reaching out first, there’s no better news for the instructor.
“Luckily, having seen the incredible feats of the civil servant, I had plenty to share with my acquaintances who reached out after a long time.”
That made me chuckle. That’s basically saying to those people, “Did you ever see something like this before?”
“I can’t thank you enough, civil servant.”
The chief instructor took a deep bow while still holding a smile. I guess that gesture expressed gratitude for the chance to gain an edge over rival factions and to showcase what it means to reach the heavens as a swordsman. After all, it’s fantastic to catch two rabbits in one go without even lifting a finger.
And that thank you was a reflection of the chief instructor’s above-average character. It’s precisely why, even if they frequent my space, I still refuse to send them off.
“It’s embarrassing to be thanked for such a small act of wielding a sword.”
“Is that so? Then can I ask you to perform another small act of civil servitude?”
“Oh dear, that would be a bit difficult.”
I shook my head with a smile at the chief instructor’s joke. It’s hard to pull off an encore performance of sorts. If I did that, whoever requested it would feel the wrath of a Duke.
Honestly, I should have picked up the hint from the chief instructor’s mention of rival factions contacting them. It’s obvious which factions they belong to—the Imperial ones.
“Are you referring to Armein?”
“Yes, indeed.”
Seeing Villar nodding with visible embarrassment almost choked me up.
“It seems they’re planning a visit to the Imperial Academy. Naturally, it would require cooperation from the Academy and your agreement, civil servant…”
Villar was noticeably hesitant to finish his thought. You could tell he felt awkward bringing it up in front of me.
I get it. Villar is nothing more than a messenger delivering the will of his home country. It’s the power behind him that’s the real problem.
‘They’re moving quickly.’
And since I was already braced for it, the shock was lessened.
Hearing about the Duke’s Academy residence from the mages across the continent and the swarm of Ernesto Academy students swarming during the fair—if I hadn’t anticipated this situation, I’d probably be missing a few marbles. It had long been established that Armein would maneuver in one way or another.
The issue is just how quickly they acted. Leave it to Rutis and his homeland to be hyperactive.
‘Robens Academy, huh.’
Anyway, after Ernesto Academy, the next place hoping to experience the Imperial Academy is Robens Academy. Named after the Armein royal family, the significance they hold in Armein is overwhelming.
And lo and behold, the heavyweight from the rival faction that surrendered to the chief instructor happens to be the current Vice Principal of Robens Academy. It’s no wonder things escalated quickly—looks like they needed all the groundwork laid for a visit to the Imperial Academy.
“No one has the right to block learning. There’s absolutely no reason to refuse a legitimate request.”
Regardless, having Robens Academy bow down to the Imperial Academy is positive news. An academy coincidentally bearing the name of the Armein royal family coming to admit they’ve got something to learn from the Imperial Academy? It’s a clear endorsement of the Empire’s triumph and destiny. In the eyes of the Empire, eager to keep the Armein state on its knees, there’s no better fortune.
Admittedly, given that Armein even hinted at sending Robens Academy to the Empire, that iconic sky-slicing display must have left an impression.
“I’ll communicate this to the Principal. The desired results from Armein will take shape.”
“Thank you, civil servant.”
With my prompt answer, Villar’s expression relaxed. Really, I should feel more thankful. As long as I don’t get dragged into nuisance, this is all gain for the Empire.
There’s only one issue—
“Once students who will be the pillars of Armein witness this heavenly display, it’ll spur them to push themselves harder.”
“Haha, looks like I need to step up.”
If Armein acts with such determination, the Empire must reciprocate accordingly.
To sum it up, I need to show off another sky-slicing performance.
‘What do I do?’
Not doing anything isn’t an option. The process of Armein’s surrender hinges on the Imperial warrior slicing through the sky, after all. If they come to the Imperial Academy and see no performance at all, they’ll suspect the Empire is just flapping its gums.
Honestly, if I were in their shoes, I’d probably be suspicious too. If your own warrior is capable of slicing through the sky, wouldn’t you be eager to show that off rather than keeping it a secret? It’d be downright odd otherwise.
So, when Robens Academy students show up, I’ll need to prepare for another slice. That’s what the Crown Prince desires, what the Imperial Academy desires, what Armein desires, and what everyone wants in this ideal scenario.
‘…How do I convince them?’
I’ve got a tall mountain to climb to achieve that ideal.
Just then, the Duke wrapped up his class and casually opened his mouth. It’s easier to win over even one person first instead of trying to convince all four at once. Moreover, if the Duke turns from opposition to support, persuading the others will be a piece of cake.
“Absolutely not!”
Of course, the response was resolute.
“Dear, have you forgotten what Marg said? Your body no longer belongs solely to you.”
With the firm shout followed by a sincere plea, I felt like I was branded a sinner for even suggesting it. Oh wait, I am a sinner.
“True, healing is possible. But once wounds disappear, do they magically erase the pain? How do you think we feel watching you get hurt?”
With my hand grabbed by the Duke, they continued on with trembling eyes.
“Or should I assume you wouldn’t care if we were hurt as long as you could get healed after?”
“That wouldn’t be true!”
That question was so horrible I shook my head vigorously. Just because a scar is healed doesn’t mean the pain it caused is forgotten. For heaven’s sake, shock exists for a reason!
Because of that, it’s even more complicated. The logic is impeccable, and I have nothing to counter with. Irrespective of whether I resort to rationality or appeal to emotions, I can’t win against the Duke.
“But also, since it’s a journey from Armein to the Empire, out of politeness—”
“Did you invite them, dear?”
“Not really…”
Why would I invite foreigners into my personal space? I’ve got plenty of imperial subjects I can’t even stand.
“…It seems you’re bearing a heavy burden.”
The Duke seemed to ponder for a moment and murmured in a chilling voice.
Upon hearing those words, chills ran down my spine. Someone of the Duke’s caliber must know exactly what expectations the royal family has of me. When they mention burdens, it sounds like they’re preparing to go knock on the royal family’s door.
Honestly, as much as I’m curious, I wouldn’t mind seeing my brother get pulled around by the Crown Prince like a bunch of grains during harvest season. But if Armein is bowing down, the Emperor would have caught wind of this, meaning it’s something too big to tackle just with the Crown Prince.
Could you imagine the Empire facing off against the Duke over something so trivial? It would go down in the annals of history as one of the worst black marks in the Empire!
Most importantly, I’ve already funds deposited. I used my position at the Academy as leverage; now, if I suddenly said, “I can’t do it,” I’d be signing my own pink slip filled with repercussions.
‘Ugh.’
While desperately racking my brain, a rather decent idea popped up.
“Is it enough to avoid injury?”
“Uh, huh?”
The Duke, who looked like they might fly off the handle with just one more comment, tilted their head in response.
“There are enhancement spells too. Can’t we ask Tannian to help with that?”
Enhancement spells like healing are specialized techniques for survival. After all, priests focus on boosting soldiers before battle and healing post-battle, don’t they? If Tannian, the next saint, boosts them, even starving beggars could come out looking like arm-wrestling champions.
“…If the body is intact…”
It seemed the Duke had reached that conclusion themselves, their voice softening.
Yeah, as long as there’s no injury, showcasing my prowess as a fiancé would be something to be proud of, not a reason to intervene.
“Enhancement? Of course, that’s possible.”
And during club time, I heard Tannian confirm it.
“Learning enhancement spells comes before healing. I’m actually more confident in enhance techniques.”
“Awesome.”
From today onward, I’m banking on Tannian’s skills.
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