Chapter 84
Chapter 84
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Translator: crow
Chapter Title: EP.23 – The Knight Holds Interviews (2)
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It had been over two weeks since the terrorist incident infamously dubbed the [Monster Subjugation Battle].
The power struggle between the academy head and the royal auditors was still ongoing, and there were plenty of issues in various areas, but those were now merely extensions of politics.
They were no concern for those below.
As such, classes and atmospheres in other departments had long since returned to normal, and the lingering echoes of the terror were gradually fading from memory.
Humans truly are creatures of forgetfulness—a most apt description.
However, with midterms over, the academy was essentially entering 'summer recess'..., meaning a two-month break, so it was only natural for both cadets and instructors to slacken a bit.
Recess.
How sweet that word sounds.
No matter how ambitious one's goals, no one dislikes rest.
Already, quite a few were buzzing with excitement, and some had even drawn up systematic plans for how to spend the break.
The Swordsmanship Department was no different from other departments, drifting in a somewhat relaxed atmosphere—
"—Today, after class, we'll have individual consultations."
-??
Their instructor suddenly declared, injecting tension into the air.
Whoa, could it be...
"No sparring or anything, so just take it at face value. Even as your instructor, I have to do some pre-break counseling. Annoying as it is..."
-...Phew.
Good. At least the instructor wasn't inflexible.
...I was worried I'd end up hospitalized in the temple the whole break.
"You lot! Anyone hearing that would think I hospitalize people every time we spar!"
-......
...No conscience?
"Eyes aren't opening nicely."
-Ahem.
They meekly lowered their gazes.
'What is this? Did they all coordinate before coming?'
The consultations were one-on-one, but Lee Han could have sworn they were in cahoots.
For some reason—
"I plan to return to the territory and train with the knight order. Personally, though, I'd like to seek more instruction from you, Instructor. If invited..., would you come to the territory?"
This from the young masters.
"I'm thinking of taking some jobs from the guild. Light scouting to odd jobs—earn money and build real combat experience. And, if it's okay, could I visit you personally, Instructor? I want more training..."
The bear cubs.
"Fall semester starts debutante season. I'll practically live at my salon preparing for fall. ...So, about that, Instructor. If you had a partner—, ...Ah, nothing! I misspoke, ahem."
...Even the chicks.
These were the three teams he'd deliberately divided for clarity, and the words coming from their mouths were remarkably similar.
Young masters heading to territories for training.
Bear cubs taking guild jobs for livelihood and practice.
Chicks doing noble lady things...
Not scripted, yet each team gave identical answers as their teammates, leaving Lee Han feeling oddly awkward at their excessive diligence.
In response to his reaction—
"Even during recess, how many cadets truly rest? Even if they avoid expulsion this year, no one can guarantee survival next year, so maximizing growth is the rational choice. I'd actually like to see the face of anyone slacking off. Curious just how bold they'd have to be."
Yi Sang—slave, no, Assistant No. 1—replied.
As fellow cadets best understand cadet woes, it was a well-organized explanation.
Lee Han thought anew that the assistant was perfect in every way except personality.
"But you're not heading back to your territory?"
"...Rubbing salt in the wound? I'm currently disowned."
"Oh, right."
"......"
He poked habitually.
He knew it was a bad habit, but breaking it wasn't easy.
'Feels satisfying.'
Lee Han muttered to himself that it felt better than a sandbag, while Damian Pollet wore a aggrieved expression.
Anyway!
Excluding such special cases, most were striving for self-improvement, and Lee Han felt anew how duties varied by status and gender.
"—That's the gist. So, what about you three?"
With most cadet consultations done and few left, Lee Han asked the trio he'd gathered together.
Wondering their recess plans.
"Why call us Kuntas together?"
"Weren't these personal interviews?"
"Instructor sir, we have privacy too..."
The trio, summoned en masse, voiced complaints.
Why them alone as a group instead of individuals?
But Lee Han ignored the gripes.
Calling them as a set was fine anyway.
After airing complaints to no avail, they dropped it and answered promptly.
"Kunta's invited by Arno."
"Heard the way home is far, so the family decided on joint studies. Good sparring partner, and quite a stimulus for the family disciples too."
"I got invited too, but sadly heading to see our old man for a bit. Sigh, already daunting meeting that geezer."
Fitting schedules for them, and Lee Han nodded.
Then—
"Hmm, before recess, want a serious spar? I'll do 3-on-1."
As if compensating for their recess, Lee Han offered a special proposal with consideration.
His eyes gleaming with confidence in peak form.
The trio...
"Ku-, Kunta, not ready to return to Mother Nature's bosom yet. I-, Instructor's scary now..."
"The aura emanating from your body is far more ferocious than before. You've grown, but... clash and one of us might end up crippled."
"What'd you do to get even buffer? Share the secret."
Responded with pale faces and vehement refusal.
Unlike other cadets, the trio sensed Lee Han's exponential growth with their exceptional talents, deciding to flee before his encirclement and turning swiftly.
Bang!
Vanishing at cheetah-zero-back speeds, leaving Lee Han—
"Tch, sharp-eyed brats."
A shame.
They'd have been perfect to calibrate his improved physique.
As he mulled the regret briefly—
"Ah, you're here. Reserve Assistant No. 3."
"......Call me Blackie instead."
The rarely sour-faced surveillance target No. 1—the reincarnator—frowned, and Lee Han tilted his head.
Wondering why everyone recoiled at assistant offers.
"What's wrong with being an assistant that everyone hates it?"
"After seeing how you treat Damian Pollet, who would want it?"
"...What's the issue?"
"......The fact you're asking is already terrifying."
??
Lee Han couldn't comprehend at all.
And rightly so.
'Compared to my sergeant days, I'm treating him humanely...'
What Assistant No. 1 endured was a mere scratch compared to his past, so the lack of appreciation irked him.
"—We're investigating those who summoned the Ghost King the other day. Apparently, that 'great' 'Grand Duke Highness' has already traced their tracks."
"That... Not my place to say, but on bad terms with your father?"
The consultation veered unexpectedly noir-ish.
He hadn't wanted to glimpse another family's darkness like this...
Lee Han tried lightening the mood playfully, but it backfired.
"What's good or bad about it? 'Bastard born' that I am."
"Yeah, definitely the worst father-son relationship."
Lee Han sobered.
'That guy seemed fine when I saw him before... Treats his people well but zero as a father?'
Some men are like that.
Perfect outside, neglectful at home.
Just seeing Blackie show rare resentment confirmed Lee Han's guess was likely spot-on.
"...I heard you met Grand Duke Lionel."
"Eh, circumstances."
"Be careful. He's capricious. Yet has no 'greater good.' Best not tangle with such a man."
"...Mind not dredging up your family darkness in front of me?"
Lee Han, fatherless, imagined scorning his own child would hurt.
...Though that stone-hearted man probably felt no pain.
Empathy for a family head's burdens was fleeting.
A chill glinted in Lee Han's eyes.
"So, he found 'traces'..."
Traces of the trash who summoned the monsters.
Recalling the incident, Lee Han's blood cooled, voice dropping.
"Seems reliable info."
Roan added personal sentiment but affirmed the Grand Duke's intel.
Incompetent he wasn't, despite being heartless.
High chance he held crucial details.
"Details mean going straight to the source, but if you want, Instructor, I'll share separately."
"...Too many rats around me lately for secret drops."
"Fortunately, I have overly capable subordinates."
"......"
Lee Han finally grasped why this guy brazenly spilled vital info inside the academy.
Jack.
The guy always stuck like a right-hand man.
Talent better suited to assassin than knight.
Probably sweeping suspicious elements nearby.
"That normal guy has a knack for rat extermination too?"
"Should be quiet for a while."
"Thanks. I'll repay him personally later."
"He'll be thrilled."
Lee Han and Roan shared knowing smiles, nodding.
Worlds apart in looks, upbringing, backgrounds—yet both lived desperate lives.
Thus, the oddly similar auras made facing each other comfortable.
A curious bond of trust.
"I'll head out then. Think I've passed everything."
"Was supposed to be a consultation, but turned into a covert chat."
"Neither of us are the quiet-living type, right?"
"...Really want to decline. I want to retire, please."
"Won't be easy. World's not soft enough to let the capable rest."
"......Damn."
"Haha."
Roan chuckled lightly, turning to leave.
As if business concluded.
...Halt.
But midway, he paused.
What impulse?
Even he couldn't pin it down, but somehow now...
'Thought meddling wasn't my style...'
This meddling learned from the first man he acknowledged as master?
Old him would've dismissed it as petty, pointless emotion...
'...Don't want that.'
Living exactly as 'before' would just repeat the end.
Roan resolved to try a slightly different path from the time-defying man, opening his mouth.
"—Levi Polt. She's probably still in the capital."
"......"
"Know it's needless meddling, but just in case."
"Doesn't suit you, the meddling."
"Realized that myself."
Roan gave a light nod, then turned fully.
No more words needed.
His eyes alone showed he wouldn't sit idle.
'...No need to push his back.'
Roan wryly smiled, figuring people don't change overnight.
"......"
Lee Han watched the door Roan exited, then opened his desk drawer.
"Mm, gonna get chewed out by the head."
By rules, repairs due today...
"But this needs face-to-face handover, right?"
Riiip.
Lee Han tore the [Withdrawal Application]-labeled envelope in half and stood.
To catch the 'delinquent bear cub' on day 5 of unauthorized absence, skipping even the interview.
Anyway.
'Diligent kids are the ones who cause headaches.'
Lee Han felt anew the trials and joys of being an instructor.