Chapter 98
Chapter 98
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 98
Chapter Title: Academy Week 3: Resolve
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***
—The battlefield and the academy.
Though the two words were worlds apart, incomparable in any sense, Kalli found herself with much to reflect on upon returning to the academy from the front lines.
It was commonly said that officers were sent to the academy for rest and peace of mind, but Kalli was feeling something quite different from such stability and repose.
To be able to face another person and feel these emotions, not just based on their strength…
*Thud. Thud.*
As Han Cheon-seong’s footsteps slowly receded, they sounded exceptionally loud to Kalli.
“...”
Now, deep in the night, as she saw Cadet Han Cheon-seong off, a flutter in her chest was tinged with the sorrow of parting.
A day that felt long, yet short.
In that time, through deeper conversation, she had come to know more about Cadet Han Cheon-seong.
And I could see that my judgment had not been mistaken.
He was even more upright than I had thought, striving to walk the right path.
Moreover, I was most satisfied with having secured his promise not to overdo his training.
‘That’s why I gave him the mithril.’
A small smile escaped her lips at the thought.
“It was certainly an extravagant gift, if I do say so myself.”
But she felt no regret.
The mithril ore I had given him was of the highest quality, a piece that would easily fetch over 10 gold.
Yet, when the image of Cadet Han Cheon-seong looking at mithril for what seemed like the first time surfaced in her mind, she didn't feel it was a waste at all.
‘How can Cadet Han Cheon-seong give off such a different impression, even in the moment he receives a gift?’
Even now, watching his back as he slowly disappeared, she was filled with wonder.
Any other cadet would have accepted the mithril immediately, anxious that I might take it back, but Cadet Han Cheon-seong had hesitated, visibly conflicted.
And only after I called it a debt did he belatedly accept.
I had clearly seen a flicker of greed in his eyes at the mention of mithril, but Cadet Han Cheon-seong had managed to suppress even that.
“...It leaves a lingering attachment.”
If she had her way, she would have a spear forged for him by her own family, but that was far too much. She couldn't go that far.
Even if she favored Cadet Han Cheon-seong, such an act would inevitably start rumors.
A weapon forged by House Ishtar carried a completely different meaning. I had to restrain that impulse.
Once Cadet Han Cheon-seong had completely vanished from sight, I turned around.
*Click.*
As she stepped inside the mansion, she saw Raymond, the family butler, waiting to greet her.
“Lady Kalli. You seem to be in a good mood today.”
“Do I?”
“Yes. He seems to be a cadet you care for very much.”
At Raymond's kind smile, she let out a small laugh and nodded.
“I suppose so. I truly like him. I never thought I’d meet a cadet who would capture my heart like this.”
As she spoke, her meeting with Cadet Han Cheon-seong felt like destiny.
From the first moment they met at the entrance exam to now, where she was his instructor, this reality felt almost surreal.
Then, Cadet Han Cheon-seong's voice suddenly echoed in her mind.
—If there's anything you desire of me, Instructor, I will do it.
The words he had uttered after finally accepting the mithril.
The earnest tone in his voice had… a strange resonance for me.
—Is there, by any chance, something you wish of me, Instructor?
When I had hesitated, he had asked again, and in that moment, I had vigorously shaken my head.
What I was thinking then, even now…
“...Lady Kalli?”
“Ah, it’s nothing.”
For a moment, she felt a flush creep up her face.
Perhaps because she was aware of her favoritism toward Cadet Han Cheon-seong, she found herself having strange thoughts from time to time.
Thoughts an instructor should never have about a cadet…
She fidgeted with her hands, her lips hesitating.
‘That would be like…’
It would be like using my position as an instructor to demand something of Cadet Han Cheon-seong. That was something that must never happen.
No matter how much Cadet Han Cheon-seong said it was fine…
“Right. That’s why… I can’t.”
She steeled her resolve as she spoke.
I was the instructor, and Cadet Han Cheon-seong was just a cadet.
That was all… it was.
…
*Click.*
As Kalli slowly made her way to her private chambers.
Raymond, the Ishtar family butler who had known her since childhood, couldn't help but be a little surprised.
She wore an expression he had never seen before.
And so, he found himself recalling the cadet he had met today, Han Cheon-seong.
‘Is he truly a person worthy of Lady Kalli’s attention?’
Perhaps he was someone who needed to be watched closely.
Raymond, a high-ranking knight of the Marquis Ishtar household, inwardly solidified his thought.
***
The start of the third week at the academy.
Monday.
“...”
Han Cheon-seong, who had woken up earlier than usual, quickly sat up.
As he stretched deeply, his body felt refreshed, yet sore. Still, it was a completely different sensation from the pain he had felt upon waking the previous day.
“Still, it’s a relief that my recovery is fast.”
As if my body had thoroughly enjoyed its much-needed rest, my condition today was the best it had been in recent days.
It had been so long since I'd felt this refreshed while stretching.
As I loosened up my body, I thought about what I needed to do today.
“...I have to rest until the afternoon.”
In my conversation with Kalli, I had agreed to take a complete rest until at least today.
And that promise… I had decided to accept it on the surface.
I felt truly sorry to Kalli, but as soon as midnight struck, I planned to resume training my skill.
The absolute deadline was before Wednesday, which meant I had to complete the skill by tomorrow, no matter what.
‘There’s no time left.’
I had a wonderful time yesterday and even received an unexpected gift from Kalli.
Even now, my gaze was drawn to the mineral on the table, glowing of its own accord.
The mithril ore, shining even more brilliantly under the sunlight. As I instinctively reached out, I felt the rough yet solid texture of the mineral.
“At least the amount of money I need to save has been greatly reduced.”
Of course, I would have to cover the cost of smithing the mithril, but just having the material itself was a huge relief.
As I gently caressed the mithril, a small smile escaped my lips.
“Is there anything I can do for Kalli?”
Just receiving things like this made me feel apologetic.
Kalli had called it a debt yesterday, but I knew those were just words. I felt it was only right for me to show her my sincere gratitude in a proper way.
After a moment of thought, I shook my head.
“First, after Karite’s matter is resolved. I’ll think about it then.”
For now, safely protecting Karite was more important than anything else.
…
C1 classroom.
The afternoon lecture was already underway, and I too was focused on the class.
“...It is often thought that the mind and body are separate. But I can assert this one thing. They are absolutely not separate. If the mind is struggling, it will undoubtedly affect the body, and conversely, even if the mind is sound, a struggling body will have a great impact. To try and see them as divided is…”
Kalli’s calm voice echoed gently through the classroom.
Her words certainly resonated with me.
The mind’s influence on the body was one thing, but it was also true that if the body was unstable, the mind was bound to become anxious.
And yet.
For the past few days, I had completely ignored that.
No matter how strong my desire for the skill was, my body clearly could not keep up with my will.
It struggled to endure, crying out in direct pain. It presented me with intense agony, a kind of signal from my body.
Despite that, I had forcefully ignored it and tried to push through with my training.
Even though my mind and body were out of sync, I had forced myself to continue, feeling the repercussions.
And yesterday, I had finally accepted that signal and taken a rest.
Thinking about it now… I realized just how reckless I had been.
“...Usually, it’s the cadet’s will that fails to keep up with the body. Even when they can strive harder and advance further, weakness and laziness prevent them from doing so. Training is incredibly difficult and arduous. That is why consistent training is essential for everyone. When the body is prepared, the mind’s will naturally follows…”
As Kalli continued, I was just composing myself when…
*Click.*
Footsteps sounded right beside me. Kalli, who had been lightly circling the classroom, was now near me.
As the sight of Kalli in her neat uniform came into view.
“...”
“...”
Our eyes met as if by chance, and I didn't look away.
But then, the corners of Kalli’s eyes crinkled into a gentle curve.
“However. There are also rare cases where one’s will is too excessive.”
She continued speaking while looking directly at me, and I felt a pang of guilt.
“Cases where one overworks themselves, pushing through training even when the body can’t keep up. It’s very rare, but such cadets do exist. However, that is not a good thing. Appropriate rest for both the mental and physical aspects…”
…She passed by me, her words seeming to carry a special weight. I could only remain silent, my lips hesitating.
Then, I noticed David’s gaze.
He was looking at me strangely. Why was he staring at me like that?
…
“Good work today, everyone. That’s all for today’s lecture.”
At Kalli’s words, the cadets began to rise one by one.
Among them was David.
“Han Cheon-seong.”
“Oh. David.”
“I was going to ask you to check on my training today, but do you happen to have plans?”
At his words, I blinked blankly before nodding.
“...How did you know?”
“Just a feeling.”
As I casually packed my things at his playful remark.
“And that prior engagement is with a girl, isn’t it?”
At his follow-up, my hands froze. I looked at David, unable to understand.
‘Did I ever tell him I had plans with Karite?’
I was sure I hadn't mentioned it. I had no idea how David knew.
“Judging by that reaction, I guess I’m right. Han Cheon-seong. You’re really… amazing.”
“What’s so amazing? So, how did you know?”
“It’s just… haa… I should really live like you.”
“What’s that all of a sudden?”
“Anyway, just saying. I’m off to train then. You have a tough time today, too.”
“What do you mean, a tough time… You’re the one who should be having a tough time.”
As I saw David off, I still couldn't understand.
‘Why would I have a tough time…?’
I finally rose from my seat.
Normally, today would have been a day spent in Kalli’s training room, but I had already spoken with her about it.
She herself wanted me to rest, so there was no way training would happen today.
*Thud.*
As I walked, the absence of the spear on my back once again felt empty.
‘Training spears can only be used in the training grounds…’
Letting out a short breath, I made my way to meet Karite.