Chapter 40
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 40
Chapter Title: Being Secret Friends is Enough (2)
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It was the day after the exam.
"Miss Evi, I saw your swordsmanship yesterday. It was quite impressive. Very different from the entrance exam."
"I-Is that so?"
"This may sound rude, but I had been underestimating you because you're a woman. It was just my prejudice. I want to apologize."
"It's fine. Anyone would think that. I understand."
"If the opportunity arises, I'd like to spar with you next time."
The first official exam since enrollment naturally caused quite a stir. One of the results was that everyone's perception of Evi had changed.
I hadn't seen it myself, which was a shame, but from what I heard, Evi had shown remarkable skill. Her swift movements and sharp attacks were like watching a bee, or so they said.
Being called bee-like might not be a compliment for a woman, but for a knight, it certainly was. At least, that's how it felt to me.
Even those who had inwardly looked down on Evi wouldn't dare do so anymore. She'd proven she could do it, after all.
"Luke, did you hear? It's the first time in my life anyone's said my swordsmanship is impressive."
"Yeah, you did well."
A smile never left Evi's lips. She seemed overjoyed at being recognized by everyone.
Not long ago, she'd even considered giving up the sword entirely. That made the recognition all the sweeter.
It wasn't long after that.
"Everyone, take your seats."
Shabel entered the classroom, holding a sheet of yellowish paper.
The students, scattered around the room, found their seats at her words.
Shabel scanned the class before continuing.
"The results from yesterday's exam are out. I'll post the paper, so check it once."
It was the paper with the exam scores—my fate written on it.
Most people, including Evi and Yubel, had said I was first, but I hadn't given up yet. I couldn't.
It wasn't over until it was over. Not until I saw that paper with my own eyes...
"Luke Nineheart and Yubel Lutwalt. Come to the faculty office after class today. I have something to say about the exhibition match."
Shabel called our names herself, and quite kindly at that.
Thanks to her, I didn't even need to check the scores. I was just grateful.
So grateful I could cry.
The rest of the day proceeded as usual. Theory classes in the classroom, then physical training and sword practice on the training grounds.
But the atmosphere was markedly different...
"I want to know the strengths and weaknesses of different sword types."
"I'm curious what the war's outcome would have been if they hadn't yielded the plains."
Guys who usually listened quietly were asking questions.
"You gonna collapse here?! Give up again?!"
"No... I won't...!"
Those who used to quit at the slightest hardship were gritting their teeth through the training.
In short, most students were enthusiastically participating in classes and training.
Probably because the objective exam scores had let them gauge their own levels. Bad scores motivated some, good ones spurred others.
Of course, there were exceptions even then...
Me, that is. I did my usual moderate physical training and sword practice.
No need to overdo it on a whim. It would backfire if it affected tomorrow's training.
On top of that, my head was full of thoughts about the exhibition match, so I couldn't muster any enthusiasm.
'I swore I'd never do the exhibition match...'
Honestly, I felt a bit wronged. I hadn't shown swordsmanship far superior to others, nor dodged every golem attack.
All I'd done was coincidentally exploit something others hadn't thought of.
But refusing to participate in the exhibition match...
'Elena was looking forward to us competing together.'
If she found out I voluntarily withdrew, Elena wouldn't let it slide. She wouldn't fire me as her exclusive attendant, but she'd ignore me for at least three months.
It might feel freeing not to be dragged around everywhere, but sacrificing future happiness for that brief comfort was out of the question.
My dream was to live long and prosper as Elena's exclusive attendant, lounging around. I couldn't afford to get on her bad side.
'No helping it...'
I let out a long internal sigh and made up my mind.
They say crying when it's tough is third-rate, enduring is second-rate, and smiling is first-rate. Looks like I couldn't make first-rate.
Time passed, and after class arrived before I knew it.
I headed to Shabel's faculty office, passing students heading home. Yubel came along, of course.
Upon reaching the door, I knocked, and a voice replied immediately from inside.
"Come in."
Yubel and I entered, soon facing Shabel. She was scribbling on some papers at her desk.
As before, her office felt not just sparse but downright empty. Just the desk and chair she used, plus a sofa for guests.
Maybe I should gift her a potted plant next time. As long as she's not sensitive to bribes...
As I thought that, Shabel's gaze turned to me.
"Both of you, sit comfortably."
Yubel and I sat on the sofa at her words.
We couldn't exactly slouch, given who she was.
"As I mentioned this morning, I called you here about the exhibition match. If you've checked the scores, you were first and second."
I didn't want to believe it, but it was true.
I'd double-checked the scores three times, and it was still the same.
"So, you'll participate in the exhibition match, but I won't force you. If you don't want to, say so now."
For someone who didn't want to participate, it was tempting, but I couldn't accept. I couldn't disappoint Elena as her exclusive attendant.
"I'll participate."
"Me too."
Right after I spoke, Yubel said the same.
It was only natural. For competitive Yubel, the exhibition match was an appealing stage. Plus, he could show off to Elena—perfect.
Did our answers please her? A faint smile graced Shabel's lips.
"Good. I'll let you know the details once they're set, so hone your swords until then."
That ended the conversation. I bowed to Shabel and stepped toward the door.
Just as I reached for the knob, a voice called from behind.
"Luke Nineheart, a moment?"
"Yes, of course."
I turned to face Shabel, while Yubel left the office. Now it was just us two.
What could she want with me alone...?
Given past events, it felt ominous. Like something bad might happen.
But surprisingly, what Shabel said was perfectly normal.
"You asked about auras before, right?"
"Yes."
"From what I saw this time, it seems you used aura again. Did you gain any insight?"
"Hard to explain, but I think I get it a little."
Shabel had described aura as will and sense. Back then, I couldn't grasp it, but the exam had started revealing its shape.
Aura responded to my will.
When sparring Yubel, I willed victory. Against the beast, survival. Facing the golem, to cut it down.
Once roused, it was handled purely by sense.
Completely different from moving limbs—an utterly alien sensation. Like arbitrarily shifting blood through my body, if I had to compare.
I'd miraculously wielded it in crises, but mastering it freely was another matter. Probably required even harsher trials ahead.
"I explained in theory class, but fewer than half of swordsmen awaken aura. Even fewer can wield it like I do."
You could tell from how knights earn junior baronet ranks for their achievements.
Awakening and wielding aura wasn't easy. If it were, everyone would be a junior baronet.
"You're already doing very well. Keep it up, and you'll surely become an excellent knight."
"You're too kind."
"That was a long aside, but what I really wanted to say is this."
A brief silence fell between her words. In it, my heartbeat sounded strangely loud.
"Luke Nineheart, how would you like to become my direct disciple?"
It seemed Shabel wanted to make me her graduate student.