Chapter 83
Chapter 83
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 83
Chapter Title: Great Moving Operation (7)
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The second floor, unlit by lamps, was enveloped in serene moonlight. Iril's mouth slowly opened wide.
"Whoa...!"
Beyond the spacious balcony stretched the panoramic view of Phileon Academy. Normally, the walls encircling the grounds would limit the vista, but this house, facing the east gate, offered a beautiful sight of the campus.
"Let's go out and see."
"Huh? Oh...!"
Ronan led Iril out onto the balcony. A cool night breeze tousled their hair.
From the elevated vantage point, more came into view than usual. He could see the paths bustling with students, the streetlamps lining both sides of the roads, the sky-piercing spires, and the river cutting through the heart of the grounds.
Even in the pre-dawn hours before sunrise, lights flickered throughout Phileon Academy. Suddenly, Ronan raised his index finger and pointed to a building in one corner of the campus. It was Navardoje Hall, his dormitory.
"I live there."
"Whoa, it's really close...! That's the place you mentioned in your letter last time, right?"
Iril's eyes sparkled as she gauged the distance. In truth, it was only about a ten-minute run from Navardoje Hall to the new house.
That was the biggest reason Ronan had chosen this place. The five layers of anti-intruder enchantments were nice, as was the secret underground shelter, but ultimately, proximity was the best security.
No matter what happened, he could rush over in an instant, or if it was urgent, send Cita. At Cita's speed, it would take mere dozens of seconds from the dorm window here.
And as a bonus, his sister could always keep an eye on where her little brother lived, gaining some psychological comfort. Iril, who had been admiring the night view, suddenly continued in a serious tone.
"...Thanks, Ronan. Really."
"So, you like the house?"
"Yeah. A lot...!"
Iril nodded vigorously. Tears of emotion trickled down her cheeks. Ronan averted his gaze, his nose suddenly tingling. He quickly wiped his eyes and let out a sigh of relief.
'...Finally settled.'
The goal he'd set since enrolling at Phileon was complete. Now he could roam freely without worry. Unless he came down with severe homesickness, there'd be no reason to return to distant Numbton.
Ronan turned his head, reminiscing about the days he'd spent house-hunting with Schlieffen. Regardless of intentions, that guy had played a big role in securing this great place.
Schlieffen was staring at Iril's back like a man possessed. Catching Ronan's gaze, he hurriedly pretended otherwise. Ronan chuckled.
'Easy to read.'
Maybe it wouldn't hurt to invite him over occasionally or ask him to guard Iril. It'd probably provide more than enough motivation. Just then, Cita soared through the night sky and perched on the railing.
"Pya!"
"You're back."
Following Ronan's orders, it had scouted for any tails during the move and was now returning. Iril's eyes widened as she stroked Cita's head.
"Ah, Cita. Where'd you go?"
"Pyaa~"
"Hehe, you like the new house? Now come here instead of Numbton."
Cita coquettishly nuzzled Iril without any report. Fortunately, nothing had happened. Ronan slipped back inside while Iril played with Cita. He alternated glances between Asel and Schlieffen before speaking.
"Thanks, everyone. We wrapped it up thanks to you."
"Just doing what needed doing."
"Ah, no. There were... various things, but I'm glad I could help."
Asel added softly. 'Various things.' Ronan snickered, then snapped his fingers as if remembering something.
"Oh, right. You should bring your parents too, Asel."
"Yeah. I was planning to finish before summer anyway."
"Good thinking, man. No use regretting after losing everything."
"L-Lose? That's not... ."
"Just a figure of speech. Anyway, I'll help for sure, so let me know when."
Asel nodded timidly. He too was steadily preparing to bring his parents from Numbton.
With Nebula Klazie stirring, who knew what might happen. Schlieffen, arms crossed, spoke up.
"So, when do we unpack?"
"Can't we take it slow?"
"I can't trust you barbarians' taste. Start now."
Schlieffen declared firmly. They immediately began unpacking and arranging. Even with few belongings, placing a household's furnishings properly wasn't easy.
Fortunately, Schlieffen and Asel made it smooth. Schlieffen directed with his keen aesthetic sense, and Asel used telekinesis to position the furniture.
"No. That flowerpot there ruins the aesthetics. A bit more to the right."
"Th-Then here...?"
"Adequate. What's your name?"
"Ah, Asel... ."
"I see, Asel. I heard you grew up in the same village as Miss Iril. Is that true?"
"Y-Yes? Well... ."
An awkward but oddly fitting pair. They finished as the sun rose. Unpacking everything from Numbton gave the empty house a lived-in feel.
"Whoa, done! You all worked so hard! Eat before you go!"
The first rays of dawn crossed the kitchen. Iril cheered and insisted on breakfast. With only potatoes available, it naturally became potato stew.
"This. Can I really eat it?"
"Stop with the dramatics and dig in."
They gathered around the rickety wooden table from Numbton. Schlieffen ate the meatless potato stew as if it were imperial wine bestowed by the emperor. Seeing this, Iril beamed.
"Whoa, does it taste good? I thought nobles like you wouldn't care for this."
"Very. Delicious. Very."
"Hehe, plenty more! Have seconds!"
Schlieffen nodded. On his fifth bowl, his face even held a heroic resolve. Even the heroes facing Dragon Lord Orse probably hadn't worn such an expression.
Idiot. Muttering that, Ronan stealthily headed upstairs. Emerging onto the balcony, he pulled out his pipe.
"Can't hold back."
Better smoke before Iril caught him. He exhaled smoke while watching students on campus. By now, Professor Baren was probably frothing at the mouth after arriving at work. Lost in thoughts, a faint commotion brushed his ear.
"...No!"
"Hm?"
"...Nim! Endure it!"
A familiar voice. Ronan turned toward the sound.
Not far off, people clustered in a circle like spectators. Among them stood Jai-fa’s beastmen subordinates like scarecrows in a field.
'Why are those furballs huddled there?'
Ronan leaned out from the balcony. At the crowd's center stood three figures: two men and a woman. Ronan's face twisted.
"Fuck."
Jaifa and Naviroje faced each other. With Urusa gripped in Naviroje's hand, the mood looked far from friendly. Adeshan, in uniform, clung to her, shouting.
"Instructor, calm down! You can't do this here!"
"But you saw it too, Adeshan. That old cat provoking me."
"It was just eye contact!"
The mana rippling along Urusa's blade was visible even from here. Cursing, Ronan leaped down from the balcony.
"Talk about bad luck...!"
If either swung wrong, it’d be a disaster. Reaching the spot quickly, Ronan chided the idly watching beastmen.
"You idiots, fur in your brains too? The area's about to blow, and you're just spectating?"
"K-Kid. Don't you know who that woman is? Former Sword Saint."
"How do we butt in? Maybe the adjutant...!"
"Useless."
Ronan pushed through the crowd. Soon, he saw the two Sword Saints and the fidgeting Adeshan. Jai-fa, silently looking down at her, spoke.
"Your fiery temper remains, Naviroje. I thought becoming an educator might mellow you."
"Shut up and draw. Preferably your real sword, not that toothpick."
"Don't you know your competitive spirit is overrated? You can't beat me."
In that instant, Naviroje's sword vanished from sight. No one but Ronan and Jai-fa saw its path. Whoosh! As Urusa traced a semicircle in the air, a crescent blade aura shot skyward.
The massive sword energy, nearly 200 meters wide, cleaved a drifting cumulus cloud in half. The onlookers paled. An intrigued voice escaped Jai-fa.
"...Interesting. Much stronger than before."
"Feeling up for it now?"
"A light workout might be fine."
Veins bulged on Jai-fa's hand gripping the glaive. The beastmen's tails curled between their legs.
The air between the Sword Saints crackled as if they'd roar and charge any moment. Naviroje stepped forward first. Ronan leaped over the crowd, landing between them.
"Damn it, what are you big shots doing here?"
"Ronan?"
Adeshan's eyes widened. Naviroje halted. The tension eased, time resuming its normal flow. Jai-fa let out a deflated chuckle and sheathed his blade.
"...Move went well?"
"Yeah."
"Good. I must go. Told your adjutant, so collect the bounty from the local guard."
"Bounty?"
"Yes. That Nebula Klazie old man you killed was quite the wanted criminal."
Jai-fa informed him that the old man under Star's Blessing had a hefty bounty.
Ronan nodded. An unexpected gain. Stunned Naviroje pointed her sword tip at Jai-fa, growling.
"Why are you talking so casually to my disciple?"
"If you won't even let him speak, you must cherish him. Understandable."
"Don't change the subject. And moving? What's that?"
"Ask him yourself. Oh, this kid and the Empire's Rising Star both stood on two legs after my greeting. Fine disciples."
"What?"
Naviroje furrowed her brow. As Jai-fa opened his mouth to continue, the crowd parted for Adjutant Wearlion. Saluting Jai-fa, she spoke.
"Captain. His Majesty summons you. Head to the palace immediately."
"Damn, that's why I tried to leave quick... Fine."
Jai-fa clicked his tongue. Predictably, he harbored no fondness for the emperor. Their bond was forced by the Blood Oath anyway. Saluting Naviroje too, the adjutant looked down at Ronan.
"Thank you for your cooperation in the capture. Please claim the bounty."
"Sure. What's your name? See you often but never caught it."
"Imperial Knights, Major Nemea."
"Whoa, total elite. Might suit one of my professors. Want an intro?"
Nemea flinched in surprise. Ronan chuckled at her unmatching demeanor. Sighing heavily, Jai-fa spoke.
"Then I'm off. Looking forward to the Sword Festival, Ronan."
"Sword Festival?"
Ronan tilted his head at the unfamiliar term. Jai-fa didn't answer. He departed toward the palace, subordinates including Nemea in tow.
The fluffy beastmen giants finally vanished from sight. Suddenly, Adeshan swayed as if her legs gave out. Ronan hastily supported her.
"Ah... Thanks."
"What? Why the sudden... You okay?"
"Yeah... But seeing them for real... I was tense, I guess."
Adeshan's breathing was ragged. Realizing belatedly, Ronan grimaced. Jai-fa, who triggered the Night of Fangs, was essentially her family's killer.
"Damn. Don't know what to say. You did well."
"Yeah, I'm really fine now. Thanks for helping."
Adeshan stood, releasing his support. After facing off so long, her reaction was understandable.
Impressive she hadn't screamed or fainted. Considering the man directly caused her family's deaths. Then, Naviroje, who had been staring into space, approached Ronan.
"Ronan. Is what that cat said true?"
"Huh?"
"That you stood on two legs after his greeting."
"Uh... Yeah? If that shitty ambush counts as a greeting."
Naviroje's eyes widened. Calming herself with deep breaths, she continued.
"Tell me everything that happened with that old monster. Leave nothing out."