Chapter 207
Chapter 207
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 207
Chapter Title: Reborn as the Plum Blossom Sword Master in the Count's Family
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“Heh heh... I never imagined Baron Yujin Prucker would grace Goldway Academy with his presence.”
The elderly man seated before me spoke in a gentle tone.
He was Habis Brachio, the 11th dean of Goldway Academy and an archmage.
An archmage was equivalent to an Aura Master among knights—a pinnacle realm.
“I've held a deep interest in Goldway Academy since long ago. The finest academy on the continent! An institution where anyone who receives its education is guaranteed success in life! I've always wanted to visit at least once.”
“As you say, Goldway Academy is exceptional. That's precisely why we don't admit students lightly. Moreover, we're not currently in the enrollment period.”
Goldway's entrance exam was infamous. It was a place no ordinary person without talent in swordsmanship or magic could enter. The bare minimum requirement was the ability to handle mana.
Goldway was so obsessed with talent that it rejected even nobles' children lacking it. Conversely, talented commoners could receive recommendations from alumni scattered across the lands, along with financial support, to take the entrance exam.
“I am an Aura User of the highest grade. I'm on the verge of reaching Expert level.”
“Ho ho. To achieve that realm at your age... Impressive indeed.”
“Yet I feel something is missing to ascend to Expert. Perhaps attending the academy will fill that gap... I truly wish to enroll in Goldway Academy.”
“Baron Prucker, you are already remarkable. There's no need to rush. Effort never betrays; with steady progress, you'll reach Expert before long.”
Dean Habis showed no intention of admitting me.
It was understandable. The academy's traditions were at stake.
“I understand my brother enrolled in Goldway Academy...”
“Your brother...? Ah, Student Kyle? If you wish to meet him, feel free. Goldway doesn't stand in the way of family reunions.”
Kyle was operating as a commoner, without the Prucker name. The fact they'd identified him meant they'd investigated. It was only natural, and since he used his real first name, it hadn't been hard.
'Looks like words alone won't get me enrolled.'
Convincing the dean verbally had been the best plan... No choice now.
I placed the iron briefcase I'd prepared onto the table.
A clinking sound echoed from within.
“A box I've never seen before. What might this be?”
“It's a donation prepared for Goldway Academy. If I'm allowed to enroll, I intend to give it all. It's only right for the academy I attend, isn't it?”
What I'd prepared was money.
“Heh... Heh, heh heh.”
Habis let out a disbelieving chuckle.
There must have been plenty of nobles like me, willing to pay to enter Goldway. But they'd all been rejected.
'Goldway ultimately cares about talent. Admitting underqualified nobles would invite suspicion.'
The difference between them and me wasn't money—it was talent. My skills were sufficient for Goldway. No other student would suspect I'd bought my way in.
“My brother entered the Swordsmanship Department not as a formal student, but as a special auditor, correct? Couldn't I do the same?”
“Special auditors differ slightly from students. Student Kyle became one through strong recommendations from the Swordsmanship Department professors.”
Auditors at the academy required professor recommendations. They received education like students but also assisted professors.
Typically drawn from students, Kyle was a special auditor brought in from outside.
His swordsmanship was fundamentally different from this world's, so the professors had summoned him for research purposes.
“I have no intention of becoming a special auditor like my brother. My abilities fall short for that anyway.”
Click clack.
Opening the case revealed it filled with gold coins.
Habis's eyes widened as he peered inside.
“4,000 gold coins in total. 2 billion Ner.”
“......Heh.”
Habis's eyes wavered.
2 billion Ner was a fortune—several months' revenue for a modest magic tower.
Habis was an archmage, but still human. He couldn't be immune to greed.
'And recently, there was that incident at Goldway. They must have spent a bundle cleaning it up.'
Rumor had it a captured chimera exploded during research in the Magic Department, destroying several labs.
“Hmm... But...”
The earlier resolve was gone. I could see his hesitation plain as day.
“I don't plan to attend Goldway long-term. As lord of a territory, I intend to stay only about three months.”
Goldway was a five-year program. Early graduation exams existed but were notoriously difficult.
“Three months?! Truly?”
“Why would I lie?”
“Hm. Three months might be feasible. Though I can't issue a diploma.”
“I understand. Walking away with a Goldway diploma after three months would be outright robbery, wouldn't it?”
“Glad you see it that way. A standard student status won't work, though. We need some workaround...”
He pondered. I waited silently. Gaining entry was goal enough for now.
“Sudden transfers would raise eyebrows among professors and students... Hm. That's it—auditor status.”
“...Pardon?”
Auditor out of nowhere?
“A transfer student for just three months would seem odd and spark backlash. But if I subtly spread rumors that you're an undercover inspector... the opposition vanishes.”
“...That would work.”
An inspector posing as a student, auditing covertly for three months. If whispers spread, professors and students would treat me with extra care.
“Starting tomorrow is too abrupt; we need time for rumors. Begin as a transfer student three days from now.”
“Thank you, Dean Habis. Thanks to you, I can finally attend the Goldway Academy of my dreams.”
“Hm. Will you be dormitory living?”
“Yes, if possible. Though I have three maids. Dorm space might be tight?”
“No issue. Some noble dorms are vacant; you can use those.”
“Much appreciated.”
“Just doing my duty as dean. Now, this money...”
“Yes. All donated. Use it for Goldway Academy.”
“Ahem. Very well.”
Habis took the briefcase. Would it all go to the academy?
I shook off the doubt. The money was gone from my hands; how it was spent was their business.
'Heh heh. Academy life. Can't wait.'
???
My maids and I moved into the dormitory Dean Habis had arranged.
The noble dorm was narrower than expected: three bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, and private bathroom.
'A bit lacking for noble quarters. And the furniture's all cheap.'
We decided to replace all the furniture.
'Trash compared to the mansion in Tevora... but it's not permanent.'
I settled for adequacy.
I had a plush king-sized bed brought into the largest room and summoned the maids.
“Girls, come here quick. We're living here now—time to mark our territory!”
???
“Pleased to meet you. I'm Yujin Prucker from the Rapelli Kingdom. I've admired Goldway Academy since childhood and will be joining your classes for the next three months. Looking forward to it.”
Swordsmanship Department, fourth year. Over fifty students watched as I spoke confidently. Though young, my skills surpassed them all—save one, Kyle.
Kyle stared blankly, clearly shocked.
After introductions, I took an empty seat, away from Kyle. He was surrounded by people, popular as the protagonist should be.
Kyle glanced my way repeatedly. He wanted to approach but minded the eyes on him.
The other students eyed me warily, knowing the rumors of me as an undercover inspector.
Class began.
The Swordsmanship Department taught more than swordplay: continental history, war strategy, and more.
Graduates became knights—essentially soldiers.
During break after class, students gathered around me.
“Prucker... You mean the Prucker Count family from Rapelli Kingdom?”
“Goldway's wonderful. I'm from the Tethys Kingdom...”
Mostly nobles, eager to impress me—a fellow noble.
I smiled politely, fending them off half-heartedly despite the annoyance.
“Yujin Prucker. If it's alright, could we talk privately? I can tell you about Goldway.”
“...And you are?”
“Kyle Jeder.”
Kyle Jeder—his alias.
I stood.
“Pleased to meet you, Kyle.”
I grinned at him.
Kyle led me to a secluded spot—a prep room with armor, swords, and dummies.
“Yujin! I never dreamed you'd come to Goldway. You didn't follow me, did you?”
Bingo.
“No. I've been interested in Goldway for ages.”
“What a coincidence. How does this even happen...?”
“Not entirely coincidence. I knew you were here.”
“You knew?”
“You're the second son of the Prucker family—don't you think we know what you're up to?”
“......”
Kyle looked stunned. His somewhat dense side hadn't imagined the family tracking him.
“Bro, your jaw's gonna drop off.”
“Uh, yeah. But if the family knew, why...?”
“We respect your choice. Mother was a bit upset, though.”
“......”
Kyle pondered the family. Perhaps he'd return to the mansion sooner than in the original story.
“I'm surprised, honestly. With your skills, no need to learn swordsmanship here.”
“I owe the professors a debt... and wanted to learn this world's various styles.”
I knew this from the original work.
Kyle aimed to establish the Huashan Sect here; studying local sword arts would help.
“By the way... rumors say you're an inspector here. True?”
“True.”
I lied without batting an eye. It was all arranged with Dean Habis—no risk of exposure.
“Whew. No wonder professors and students are sucking up. They even did a massive cleaning yesterday.”
Kyle laughed it off.
“Bro, when will you return home?”
“...Did Mother and Father send you to fetch me?”
“You know they're not the type. Just asking since we're here. I'd love for you to come back soon.”
I wanted him back to clash with eldest brother Zent, letting me profit in between.
“Not for now, at least.”
“Got it. I'll smooth things over with Mother.”
“But Yujin... If you're here, does that mean Yuria came too?”