Chapter 35
Chapter 35
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 35
Chapter Title: Assembling the Travel Club
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◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Cheryl emerged from the room after thirty minutes, opening the door with a groan.
"Ugh..."
She rubbed her temples with her fingers, as if her head was pounding.
"...It was the toughest challenge I've ever faced. I somehow got the first two right, but from the third one on, I had no clue what to do."
The Trial of Wisdom tested creativity and logical thinking.
According to what Philip had checked in advance, the difficulty was similar to the creative quizzes circulating on the internet or in educational magazines.
Familiar problems like "What can you make by moving matchsticks a certain number of times?" or "How many round trips does a raft need at minimum to safely transport a few wolves and sheep?"
"Getting two right from the start is impressive. Not many people could do that."
He praised Cheryl.
In an environment shaped by rote learning, it was normal not to even grasp how to approach such problems.
"I've known for a while that you have a great imagination. Ever since I first saw you."
"Ehehe, thank you."
Cheryl was basking in Philip's praise when she suddenly recalled their first meeting.
The memory of herself immersed in reciting famous lines from novels made her good mood sink in an instant.
"A sensitive sensibility and rich imagination are assets in any field. No need to be ashamed of them. If you keep worrying about others' gazes, you'll end up losing yourself one day."
Reading her mind, Philip gently stroked her hair as he spoke.
'He's such a weird guy.'
Cheryl felt an odd sense of fulfillment and comfort from his touch. And despite spending hardly any time together, she didn't feel burdened around him for some reason.
'Is it because of what happened in the underground dungeon?'
As she pondered that, Philip asked,
"You must have gotten rewards for solving two. Mind if I ask what you received?"
"The monkey... I mean, the gentleman inside recommended this."
As she answered, Cheryl held out the black blindfold she had been clutching. Philip recognized the item at once and nodded.
"You got something good. He must have recommended it properly."
"It improves sleep efficiency, so even a short nap feels like... Oh, you knew?"
The straightforwardly named "Sleep Blindfold."
It was an artifact that boosted the efficiency of any sleep-related activity, whether a quick nap or deep rest. It didn't grant immediate power, but it was hugely beneficial in the long run.
"Of course. Anyway, keep working hard until you solve all five. Oh, and could you wake up Janis Muruella?"
"Sure."
Cheryl shook the fainted Janis awake. The moment she opened her eyes, Janis trembled in fear, then spotted Philip and quickly clung to him.
"Ah, inside, there was a... vampire..."
"That was all a dream, an illusion. What you saw wasn't real."
Once Philip reassured her, Janis grasped the situation, cleared her throat a few times, and pulled away from him.
"Ahem, I knew that already!"
"Right, got it. Now let's head back. It's getting late."
The sun was already setting, so Philip led the two girls out of the Hall of Achievements.
On the way back to the grand plaza, with Philip walking ahead, Janis whispered to Cheryl.
"Don't go back to the dorm tonight. Sleep with me."
"Why?"
"I have a feeling I'll have nightmares."
The magic department girls didn't know how sharp Philip's hearing was. He chuckled softly and quickened his pace.
He had quite a bit to do from now on.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Back at the villa, Philip sought out Lua first.
"Meow~"
Lua was lying on the bed, playing finger games with Tania. She was entertaining the cat with her own fingers instead of a toy.
'Is that really the same ferocious cat?'
Amazed by her extraordinary affinity, Philip called to her.
"Lua."
"Ah, Instructor!"
"...Not only did you let Tania on the bed, but have you two even bathed?"
His conclusion was that they'd been playing so wildly they hadn't done anything else. Lua's face, which should have been fresh from a bath by now, looked a bit grubby.
"I did wrong..."
Lua hung her head with a sullen expression. Philip had no intention of scolding her over something as minor as forgetting a bath, so he smiled and beckoned her.
"It's fine, come sit. I have a few questions for you."
"Okay."
Lua perched on the edge of the bed. Philip sat beside her and asked,
"How's academy life treating you lately?"
Lua brought a finger to her lips, thought for a moment, then replied.
"Hmm, it's fun! Learning new things is great, and a few days ago, I decided to be friends with Olivia and Annis."
"How about swordsmanship class?"
"...It's fun, but a bit frustrating too. Olivia and Annis say it's hard... but it's not for me. Still, I feel like saying that would make the other kids dislike me."
"Good job. Everyone excels at different things."
In truth, Lua's learning speed was exceptional. A young girl who'd never held a sword had learned a proper stance in less than two months.
Her basic physical specs were impressive too. Philip had never seen her tire.
Her strength, resilience, and flexibility were unmatched among her peers.
Philip sensed the time had come.
Judging by her expressions and the relaxed atmosphere, her mental state seemed healthy enough now.
"Lua. If you want, I'd like to teach you personally."
"Huh?"
She tilted her head at the sudden offer.
"Exactly as I said. I plan to teach you swordsmanship and more. But it's not mandatory—if you don't want to, we won't. I'm satisfied just seeing you attend the academy happily like this."
This was Philip's sincere feeling.
Lua had the talent to reach the pinnacle of the sword on her own someday. He thought it was fine if she just kept going to the academy, making friends, and getting lost in pretty clothes and tasty snacks.
At least two more years could pass like that.
"...I'm not sure, but if it means spending more time with you, Instructor, then yes."
After a brief pause, Lua answered.
"Huh?"
The reason struck him as odd, so Philip widened his eyes and looked at her.
Lua fidgeted shyly and continued in a small voice.
"You're always so busy these days. The maids and butler are kind, but I like you best, Instructor."
Feeling his steady gaze, Lua thought to herself.
She couldn't quite explain it. Philip laughed when she did and panicked when she was sad. For young Lua, that was more than enough.
"Alright then, let's start. Come find me after classes end tomorrow. There are older kids, but they're nice, so you'll get along."
"Yes!"
Lua replied excitedly, then grabbed his arm.
"So, sisters or brothers?"
"Two girls and one boy."
"I'm a commoner. Will the sisters and brothers like me? Can't you tell them to be friends with me, Instructor?"
"I'd gladly do it if you want, but I don't think it's necessary. There's a girl named Cheryl who's from a commoner background too. You can meet her at the library—try getting along."
And so, Philip was held captive by Lua until late into the night.
He had forgotten the penalty for a fourteen-year-old girl's endless chatter all day.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "I thought joining a club just meant putting my name on the list."
Stefan Breida had been dragged by Cheryl to a warehouse near the back mountain. He couldn't refuse a request from Cheryl, whom he'd grown up with like a sibling.
"...So you're complaining?"
Janis shot him a light glare. Stefan flinched and shook his head.
"No, miss."
These third-year students had just decided to help Philip clean the warehouse building. He said it wasn't necessary, but leaving the supervising instructor to clean alone felt improper.
"Don't call me miss—use my name. We're friends with Cheryl now, so if you're all stiff, it'll make her uncomfortable."
Janis snapped curtly.
Stefan blinked in surprise, looking back and forth between Cheryl and Janis.
"Pardon? You're friends with miss... I mean, Cheryl?"
As the master-servant dynamic flipped in an instant, Cheryl poked his side.
"...Just go with it. Young master."
"Cheryl, you stop calling this blockhead 'young master' too. From now on, the three of us will be friends at the academy... Eek! Instructor! You scared me!"
Janis, braving her embarrassment to define their new relationship, yelped as Philip approached unnoticed.
"Sorry. Looked promising—keep going."
Philip waved it off with a smile.
"Forget it."
Janis huffed and turned away.
The three students, now part of the Travel Club, noticed a girl holding Philip's hand.
With chubby cheeks from baby fat and brown hair, she was adorably lovable just to look at.
"She's a new member joining our Travel Club in a month. I'm personally sponsoring her too. You'll meet soon anyway, so I brought her to get acquainted early."
The students had heard rumors. The tale of the Oswald family's sponsored freshman had been a hot topic at the academy, if only briefly.
"Say hello, Lua."
"...Okay."
Urged by Philip, Lua stepped forward and bowed politely.
"Hello. I'm Lua, first-year in the Swordsmanship Department. Nice to meet you."
Cheryl and Stefan greeted her casually and introduced themselves.
"Hi! I'm Cheryl, I work at the library. Do you like books?"
"Stefan Breida, third-year Magic Department. Pleased to meet you."
But Janis stared silently before speaking.
"I'm Janis Muruella. Fourth in line of the Muruella family direct descendants."
Watching this, Philip tilted his head. Janis seemed tense for some reason.
"Nice to meet you..."
Lua looked a bit anxious under her noble poise and speech.
'That's not what I meant to do.'
Janis simply didn't know how to treat a junior just two years younger.
She had three older brothers, and even the youngest was eight years her senior.
Philip watched the kids exchange greetings warmly, then spoke up.
"...Since we're all here, cleaning and decorating together isn't a bad idea. It's your space from now on, so doing it yourselves will make you fonder of it. Tell me if you want any furniture or items—I'll provide whatever fits the budget."
'I wish he'd just hire people.'
'We're actually cleaning?'
'I've never done this. Isn't it for maids and servants?'
The three students exchanged glances, but soon had no choice but to grab gloves, brooms, and cloths to cover their mouths and noses before entering the dusty warehouse.