Chapter 12
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 12
Chapter Title: The Spoils of Victory
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“Well done, everyone.”
When the allotted time came, all the students had reached the final destination.
Some on their own two feet, others eliminated and escorted by the teaching assistants.
The common thread was that, except for a few who straggled in late, everyone had either witnessed or experienced the final battle.
“I will now announce the rankings.”
Grad, having finished a brief discussion with Rosalia, unfolded a piece of paper.
“First, the thirty-one pairs, sixty-two students, who failed to arrive are excluded from the rankings.”
“Ah…”
“Of all the luck, we had to run into them there…”
Eliminated students swallowed groans of disappointment here and there.
“Fifty-third place, the Horn and Velos pair…”
“Thirty-first place…”
“Tenth place…”
With each announcement, sighs and cheers erupted from the crowd.
“Looks like the guys who came in with His Highness swept the top spots.”
“Damn it, I’m so jealous.”
“Yes! I made it into the top twenty.”
And they realized that a major upset had occurred in this exam.
“Wait, Carlo Deneve and Alia Torta didn’t even make the rankings?”
“Ah, you came in late so you wouldn’t know. They were eliminated early on.”
“Those two? Eliminated early? How is that even possible?”
The student, shocked by the unbelievable story, asked back without thinking.
“From what I hear, they ran into Ruina and Pernyan.”
“So not only did those two come in first, but they also took down Carlo’s pair?”
Whispers rippled through the crowd, and Carlo and Alia’s faces flushed slightly.
“…Second place. Ludger Schwaben and Almon Doneretz.”
“And first place. Ruina Bercefe and Pernyan Fallenberg.”
So when the first-place winners were finally announced, no one was surprised. Though there might have been some controversy in the process, they had all seen the results with their own eyes.
“Honestly, wasn't it a little cowardly? They just hung back while everyone else fought, then trapped them to finish it.”
“It’s not cowardly, it’s smart. And trapping ten people for over five minutes is pure skill.”
No one had imagined Pernyan possessed that level of mana and magical prowess. He had hidden himself that well.
“That’s true. He’s definitely not at a tenth-place level.”
“And His Highness Ludger and Almon were there too, right?”
Most students had expected Ludger and Almon to be the victors of this practical exercise.
“And they took down Carlo and Alia on top of that…”
“I can understand Ruina. Honestly, she’s not that far behind Almon, right? But Ruina couldn’t have done it alone…”
“So Pernyan was hiding his true strength?”
“But why? And if you’re going to hide it, why not hide it all the way? Why reveal it now?”
Even without that, there were various other reasons, but not many had considered Pernyan and Ruina for first place.
It wasn’t that they were weak, but that their competitors were formidable.
A pair couldn't succeed with only one strong member. And objectively speaking, Pernyan was indeed a step below Ruina.
Nevertheless, whatever the process, the victors were Pernyan and Ruina.
By defeating Carlo and Alia and trapping the other students, they had proven it wasn't just a matter of luck.
“Quiet. I’m not finished.”
At Professor Grad's words, the murmuring students fell silent.
“Finally, the scores and bonus points from this practical exercise will be tallied and added to your final grades for the semester. First place for bonus points goes to Ruina and Pernyan’s pair for capturing eight pairs. Second place goes to Almon for capturing six pairs…”
Professor Grad continued.
It was then that the students realized something.
Ruina hadn't paired with Pernyan simply for the money.
The Fallenberg name would never be satisfied with a mere tenth place.
And that, perhaps, a major shift in this semester's rankings was highly likely.
Wary gazes fixed upon Pernyan and Ruina.
* * *
“…ina!”
After the practical exercise ended, Ruina headed for the La Vie Douce Dormitory.
Thanks to a certain wealthy benefactor, she had drunk and applied potions like water, so she had no lasting injuries or physical problems. But after three days of rolling around and fighting in the mountains, she was mentally exhausted.
‘I just want to lie down on my soft bed and take a nap.’
Before that, a piece of sweet chocolate would be all the luxury she needed.
Fortunately, she had a little of the kraken ink chocolate she had won as a prize.
It was a good thing she’d saved it for a time like this, she thought idly as she walked.
“Ruina!”
A shout piercing her eardrums snapped Ruina out of her thoughts. She turned to see two students approaching.
“Bella? Aina?”
They were her friends from the Knight Department.
“Come over here for a second.”
“Why all of a sudden?”
“Just come on.”
They grabbed Ruina’s hand and pulled her along. They arrived at a small cafe in the city.
Bella immediately ordered a sweet chocolate cake and handed it to Ruina.
“Eat.”
“…Suddenly?”
“Just eat.”
“Well, I’ll eat it since you’re giving it to me…”
The rich, sweet flavor of chocolate filled her mouth, and Ruina’s expression softened slightly.
Aina, who had been watching her closely, seized the opportunity, her eyes shining as she asked her question.
“How long have you known?”
“Known what?”
Ruina asked, taken aback by the out-of-the-blue question.
“Pernyan. I’m talking about Pernyan.”
“What about Pernyan?”
“How long have you known he was hiding his strength?”
Aina continued without waiting for an answer.
“Honestly, at first, I thought you were crazy. All the guys in the Magic Department were dying to be your partner, and you just pass them all over for Pernyan?”
Of course, it wasn't that Pernyan was lacking. But considering the objective metric of grades and Ruina’s own ambition for a high rank, it was a strange choice for anyone to see.
“I didn’t say it, but I did wonder… did you do it for the money? Not that you definitely did, but there was no other reason… just a little?”
“Right, just a tiny bit.”
At their words, Ruina flinched. Fortunately, it wasn't too noticeable.
“…No.”
Originally, there had been no other reason, but they had conveniently provided her with a good alternative.
“As you said, I just saw Pernyan’s potential.”
“Yes, I knew you would say that!”
“Right, there’s no way you’d be swayed by mere money. Sorry for misunderstanding.”
“I understand. It was bound to look that way.”
It was also the truth. Ruina felt a prick of conscience for lying but managed to maintain a poker face.
“Still, it’s surprising. It’s not like you didn't have better options, and he is a Fallenberg, after all. The ones who schemed against your family.”
“…That's a matter between our families. There's no reason to bring personal feelings into it.”
That wasn't true. She hadn't thought well of the Fallenbergs or Pernyan either.
But the part about it being a family matter was genuine. No amount of bickering between her and Pernyan would solve anything.
…Or so she had thought until recently.
“…Ruina, you’re too nice.”
“If it were me, I would never have paired with a Fallenberg, no matter what.”
“Me too, me too.”
“But even if Pernyan was hiding his strength, isn’t he still a little lacking compared to Carlo?”
Bella raised another question.
Ruina had no particular response, as she felt the same way, but there was no need for a clumsy excuse.
“I think he proved why this time.”
History, after all, is written by the victors.
“That’s true.”
“Well, I’m sure you know what you’re doing, Ruina.”
Her friends nodded in agreement.
The conversation soon shifted to idle chatter.
“I didn’t even make the rankings this time. I ran into His Highness and Almon and was eliminated right away.”
“Talk about bad luck. I was lucky enough to get in. I ran into Herold midway and it scared the life out of me, but I guess he was in a hurry because it was near the end, so he just passed by.”
“You’re so lucky.”
Ruina listened quietly to their stories until Bella’s question broke her out of her peaceful state.
“Ruina, how was it for you?”
“…What was?”
“The three days with Pernyan. Honestly, I didn’t see you fight in person, so I’m really curious about how it went.”
Beside her, Aina chimed in with a “Me too!”
“It wasn't anything spectacular.”
“Nothing spectacular, but you got first place?”
“Right, and you defeated Carlo and Alia’s pair?”
“Hmm.”
How was Pernyan? Ruina paused to think.
It was no exaggeration to say they had won thanks to his efforts.
The problem was that it was thanks to his artifacts, which she considered a bit cowardly, and Pernyan didn't want that fact to be revealed.
“We just worked well together.”
“That’s it?”
“There’s not much more to say…”
An awkward silence followed her vague answer.
“But Ruina.”
It was Bella who broke the silence.
“You really didn’t do it for the money, right?”
“I already said no. Why do you ask again?”
“No, it’s not that…”
Her gaze shifted to Ruina’s body.
“It’s just that your armor looks new…”
“And your weapon, too…”
*Cough.* Ruina used her aura to suppress the tea that was about to spray out of her mouth. Her throat and nose stung, but she managed to keep her expression neutral.
“…I bought them with my scholarship money. My father insisted I shouldn’t ask him for money this time, since he’s doing well. And my weapon and armor were getting a bit old.”
“Really?”
“Good for you, Ruina. Your gear was looking a little—no, a lot—worn out. I was tempted to buy you a new set myself.”
Fortunately, it seemed she had gotten away with it.
‘Good thing I thought of that excuse beforehand.’
Ruina secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
It was a secret that she had been thinking up excuses every day, not wanting to reveal that she was being sponsored by Pernyan.
* * *
“You’ve worked hard, sir.”
An attendant was waiting for Pernyan as he left the lecture hall. He familiarly threw himself onto the bed inside the carriage.
“…I feel like I’m dying.”
“I heard you took first place.”
“I did. I bought first place with money.”
*Pfft.* Pernyan let out a dry laugh.
“This is why I love money.”
“Did you use everything you took with you?”
“Fortunately, it didn't come to that.”
Of course, while it wasn't everything, the amount he had spent was by no means small.
“Still, it’s a relief I earned some back.”
Pernyan took out five glass bottles filled with troll blood and handed them over.
“Troll blood, I see.”
“It wasn’t a situation where I could grab everything, so I just took what was most efficient.”
“Well done, sir. But how was Ruina Bercefe?”
“She was more cooperative than I expected.”
For someone forcibly bought with money, she was decent.
She occasionally pushed back against his words, but if it was a rational choice, she didn't refuse.
Her skills, of course, were beyond question. She wasn’t the second-ranked student for nothing. Whether she would become a true Royal Knight, however, remained to be seen.
“I’m tired.”
So much had happened.
From taking first place in the practical exercise to the sudden visions of the future. He was both physically and mentally exhausted.
“You should get some rest. I will wake you when we arrive at the La Vie Douce Dormitory.”
“Please do. Oh, and was there anything unusual while I was away?”
“Nothing within the academy.”
Which meant there was something outside the academy.
“What is it?”
“A letter arrived.”
“A letter?”
The attendant handed him the letter. The elegantly embossed golden turtle seal was so distinct that it was immediately clear who it was from.
“My father?”
“Yes. It is a letter from His Grace the Duke.”
Pernyan tore open the envelope and unfolded the letter.
On the pristine white paper.
As if to emphasize the beauty of empty space, only a single sentence was written.
[I accept your audacious proposal.]
But it was powerful, and it was exactly what Pernyan had been hoping for.
“…Excellent.”
“Was your bluff successful?”
“The pufferfish strategy.”
The corners of Pernyan’s lips curled up.
Though a grim future had newly emerged, everything was proceeding smoothly.
For now.
***
[An Upset in the Joint Class of the Second-Year Knight and Magic Departments. Defying All Expectations, the Victors are Knight Department Runner-Up, Ruina Bercefe, and Magic Department 10th Rank, Pernyan Fallenberg.]
[Pernyan Fallenberg Defeats Carlo Deneve and Alia Torta’s Pair, Trapping Ten Students for Nearly Five Minutes. Was He Hiding His True Strength?]
[How Did Ruina Bercefe and Pernyan Fallenberg Become Partners?]
The joint class of the Knight and Magic Departments became a huge issue not just for the second-years, but for the entire academy.
Aint read the daily paper and let out a sound of admiration.
“As expected of a Fallenberg. And a Bercefe is still a Bercefe, even if they’ve lost the rights to the Golden Bull.”
- Hmph, so the upstart managed a decent result.
- No, perhaps it was thanks to the Bercefe bloodline.
- To think the upstarts’ prestige is rising while the Bercefe name has fallen into near ruin. The world truly is in its final days.
The ego dwelling within the sword, Gardner Alpenparsen, clicked his tongue in displeasure.
“You seem to dislike the Fallenbergs but favor the Bercefes?”
- Do not compare those two families. The head of the Bercefe family was the only knight who could stand shoulder to shoulder on the battlefield with the former emperor and myself.
- How I miss those days, storming across the battlefield and taking the heads of those demon bastards.
Gardner’s voice, which had been lost in nostalgia, hardened once more.
- But those Fallenberg scum…!
- Never compare them again. It is an insult to the Bercefe name.
“But the Fallenbergs are more highly regarded now. And the Bercefes owe the Fallenbergs a massive debt.”
- That is why I say the world is in its final days.
- The family of heroes is trampled in the dirt while those wretched upstarts’ prestige soars to the heavens.
- If I didn't need the war funds, I would have dealt with them myself… Wait a moment.
The sword housing Gardner trembled.
- That’s it.
“Sir? What’s it, all of a sudden?”
- Didn’t that Pernyan or Vernyan fellow say it? To come find him anytime if you need anything.
“…Senior Pernyan never said such a thing.”
He had sought him out, true, but they had only engaged in utterly pointless small talk.
- Did I not tell you? Even if nothing direct was offered, showing favor and going out of their way to speak with you is their method.
- Your equipment isn't very good, so go and ask for some money.
“…Sir?”
- Why the surprise?
- You agreed that we need to make them our patrons.
“But isn’t it too sudden to do that now?”
- Sudden? It’s likely what he’s hoping for.
- I guarantee it. The boy will hand over the money as if he’s been waiting for you to ask.
Gardner smiled with confidence.
- Of course, they’ll try to collect with interest later, but who cares? When the demons begin to stir, they’ll be the ones clinging to your coattails, begging for help.
“…Demons.”
At that word, Aint’s expression hardened.
“…Honestly, it’s still hard to believe. Are the demons really going to stir again?”
- Yes.
Gardner affirmed.
- The reason the former emperor made me into a sword’s ego was because he foresaw the demons’ return and wished to prepare for it.
- The fact that I have awakened means the future is unfolding just as he predicted.
“…Mmm.”
- Do not worry. You will surely defeat the demons and save the world.
- I will make it so.
“…Yes, sir.”
- So, for now, go get some equipment from that upstart.
- He’s a hero who will save the world; they should at least do that much for you.
The serious tone from moments before had once again turned flippant.
Aint was a little confused about what Gardner’s true nature was.
“…But won’t they be wary of the Schwabens?”
- That’s all the more reason to do it.
- Aren’t you curious why he approached you, despite the Schwabens?
- If my guess is correct, he will definitely help you. Of course, he won't do it openly because of watchful eyes.
Gardner said with conviction.
And that conviction…
“…I’m sorry, but Young Master Pernyan said he has no reason to meet with you.”
“…What?”
…was shattered in an instant as he was turned away at the door by the clerk of the shop where they had secretly met.
* * *
His status had changed.
Pernyan Fallenberg had attracted attention from the moment he entered the academy.
But the attention he was receiving now was quite different.
Before, it was the prestige of the Fallenberg name and the expectations that came with it.
There was no direct expectation or acclaim for Pernyan himself.
Even when he ranked tenth, it was considered natural because he was a Fallenberg. In fact, he was judged as not particularly talented for only achieving tenth place.
That perception had been overturned in an instant.
Although it was thanks to being paired with Ruina, and he had only achieved first place once, it was a completely different image from before.
“You must be pleased.”
“It’s a flame that will soon die out.”
They might treat him like a great talent now, but that interest would cool as quickly as it came. If his grades were to drop even once, it would be even faster.
Therefore, Pernyan didn't react much to the praise of others.
That wasn't what was important.
“Weren't you the one who was happy, saying it was your first time in first place?”
“I thought I was, but I don’t feel that way now.”
Ruina shook her head.
“Even though you finally beat Almon?”
“It’s just a practical exercise, not a midterm or final exam.”
“An exercise that Rosalia, if not Grad, said would contribute to our grade almost as much as those two. She doesn't lie.”
This time, she gave a small nod. But her determined gaze did not waver.
“It’s only once. He was just caught off guard by an unexpected blow from you. We don’t know what will happen from now on. We must redouble our efforts and continue to win.”
“You only speak in stiff, formulaic phrases.”
“I am speaking of the standard approach.”
She took a sip of her tea and changed the subject.
“So, why did you call for me this time?”
“The academy gives scholarships as a reward for good grades.”
“…Are you saying you’ll give me something for getting first place?”
You? Ruina’s face contorted slightly.
“I am your sponsor, after all.”
“I don’t need it.”
“I think you’ll need it. And it’s my decision to give it.”
“I was already nearly suspected by my friends after receiving the equipment. A second time…”
“Take it.”
Pernyan didn't even listen to Ruina's objection and took out a small box.
“What is this…?”
“You haven't consumed the mandrake yet.”
“My preparations are not yet complete.”
The mana contained within a mandrake root was so vast that it wasn't an elixir one could ingest rashly.
“Yes, my mistake. I naturally assumed such preparations would be easy for you, but I was thinking too much from my own perspective.”
The Fallenbergs were prepared for anything. But the Bercefes, having just barely rebuilt after their decline, could not be.
“……”
Her shameful circumstances exposed, Ruina fell silent and glared at Pernyan.
“I had no intention of insulting you. If you were offended, I apologize.”
“Your expression says otherwise.”
“The important thing is that I said the words.”
*Click.* Pernyan opened the box. Inside were five vials of reagents.
“What are those?”
“Reagents for a mana control magic circle, a reagent to strengthen your mana road, a reagent to enhance your mental fortitude, a reagent to increase the mandrake’s efficiency, and a reagent to neutralize the mandrake’s toxins.”
It was a set of supplements for smoothly ingesting the mandrake.
“Naturally, they are all top-grade items that fetch a high price. What do you say, don't you need them?”
“…I do.”
Pernyan smirked. Ruina mumbled in a voice as small as a mosquito's.
“…I will surely repay this debt.”
“There’s no need. A sponsor doesn’t expect repayment for their support, do they?”
“I’m aware that they usually do.”
That was true. Sponsoring talent was ultimately about wanting that talent to work for you.
“And do you really expect me to believe you’d spend a fortune and expect nothing in return?”
“So, you’re not going to take it?”
“…Thank you. Someday, I will definitely…”
After sending Ruina off, Pernyan returned to the La Vie Douce Dormitory.
The relationship seemed to have improved more than expected, which wasn’t bad.
“The first button is fastened correctly. Now, on to the next.”
“All the buttons on your clothes are already fastened, sir.”
The attendant, who had just entered, asked.
“I wasn't talking to you.”
“We are alone, and you spoke loudly enough for me to hear, but if you say so, sir, then it must be so.”
At the attendant's deadpan remark, Pernyan considered for a moment.
‘Should I tell him?’
About the end of the world, about Aint Armian being the protagonist of the prophecy book, and about the terrible future where he falls into ruin.
The attendant, Hyde, had been his closest aide since childhood. Besides his family, he was the most trustworthy person he knew.
As Pernyan’s hands and feet, he was the most suitable person to assist in responding more smoothly to the apocalypse.
“Hyde.”
“Yes, Young Master.”
“…No, it’s nothing.”
Still, the words wouldn't come out.
Putting himself in Hyde’s shoes, Pernyan knew he would find it impossible to believe.
‘I’ll tell him after I have concrete proof.’
He decided to go with the method that was most like him.
Appealing to emotions was not his way, nor was he confident in it.
“But what is it?”
“Ah. A guest has arrived.”
“A guest?”
“Yes. He says his name is Aint Armian.”
“…Where is he?”
“At the merchant guild’s shop where you met before. What should I do?”
“Wait a moment.”
‘I never thought he’d be the one to make contact first.’
It was unexpected.
He thought the bait wasn't tempting enough yet, but perhaps he was wrong.
“Hyde, why do you think Aint Armian wants to see me?”
“It must be because you gave him an opening, sir.”
“The reason?”
“People knock on the Fallenberg door for many reasons, but their purpose is always the same.”
Money. Sponsorship, support, loans—it was all wrapped up in different words, but the root was the same.
“Yes. I think so too.”
Pernyan nodded.
If you know your opponent's intentions, it's easier to respond.
“You must be careful.”
“Careful?”
“We don’t know how the imperial family will react. The current imperial family is a pale shadow of the old one, but he will still be a thorn in their side.”
“I know.”
Nevertheless, he had to create and maintain this connection. Because he had seen what kind of hero Aint Armian would later become.
“For now, refuse the meeting.”
“Shall I send someone in secret?”
“Yes.”
“I will use the person prepared for such occasions. Will you write a letter?”
Pernyan shook his head. Their relationship wasn't sentimental enough for exchanging letters.
“Deliver an elixir.”
“Not money?”
“He was probably careful, but the academy is crawling with eyes. What if his equipment suddenly changes after he was seen coming to meet me and getting rejected?”
It would look suspicious to anyone.
“I will prepare a suitable elixir.”
“No.”
He recalled the future he had seen before.
‘Andromalius.’
The terrifying sight of it was enough to give him chills just thinking about it.
Pernyan had no desire to ever face it, and stopping it was Aint's role in the first place.
‘I don’t know how the future will change due to the butterfly effect I’ve caused. Helping when I can is the surest way to reduce variables.’
It was a bit of a waste, but it was better than the end of humanity.
“Go to the family vault and raid it yourself.”
Pernyan said resolutely.
* * *
That day, Aint, who had returned to his dorm grumbling to Gardner, was shocked to see a small box placed on his bed.
- See!
- What did I tell you!
“There’s no proof that Senior Pernyan gave this…”
Aint opened the box, and upon identifying the elixir inside, he dropped it in shock.
- The Heart of a Saint Bird? Crazy, how did they get this?
It was the heart of a sacred bird that wielded light. It was an elixir with perfect synergy for the Armian swordsmanship, which also harnessed the power of light.
- Just as I’d expect from those upstarts.
- Now, look at this. This expensive elixir, elegantly packaged and left on your bed. Are you telling me it wasn’t them?
- Does that make any sense to you?
“…I have to admit, it doesn’t. But it’s not the equipment I asked for.”
- Exactly. It’s proof that the upstarts are wary of the usurpers’ eyes.
Gardner’s triumphant smirk was an added bonus.