Chapter 52
Chapter 52
Setting Up a Clever Move During an Overnight Stay
The other students were shaken.
According to Professor Deneuve, did that mean Idnia truly hadn’t studied magic in advance?
‘But she seems like the most skilled among us.’
‘Isolde and Fiona are good too, but that’s because of prior learning…’
‘Come to think of it, there were general education classes at the academy. That dryad instructor did say learning chemistry improves alchemy.’
‘If the secret to Idnia’s magic lies in those general subjects, could we become like her if we study them too?’
Now, all the students finally understood why Idnia’s magic stood out so much.
“From now on, once you complete your core required courses, take general classes like chemistry, geometry, and mathematics. They will help you construct magical structures more efficiently and enhance your spell effectiveness.”
“And with that, today’s class ends.”
Professor Deneuve then addressed the students who had applied for overnight leave—Karl and Idnia.
“I’ll issue you your leave permits. Will you eat lunch before leaving, or go now?”
“Well… it’s better to leave now.”
Eating at the dormitory would save money, but wasting a precious meal during overnight leave on terrible dorm food wasn’t appealing.
“Then prepare in your dorms and come to my office.”
With that, Professor Deneuve opened a portal and disappeared.
Isolde and Fiona silently watched her leave.
‘So that’s it. Idnia Kathe Betelgeuse’s magic strength doesn’t come from magic training, but from foundational studies… Fine. I may be behind now, but I’ll catch up soon.’
‘I won’t lose.’
The two studious girls from Zephiros and Notos burned with competitive spirit toward Idnia.
‘Hmm. I can feel those heated stares. Honestly… Professor Deneuve seeing through my little trick made my heart drop. I’m grateful she recognized it wasn’t prior magic training and gave me points, but honestly, I would’ve preferred if she hadn’t noticed at all.’
Feeling the competitive gazes of her peers, Idnia prepared for her overnight stay.
After receiving their permits, Karl approached her.
“Hey, Idnia.”
“Yes, Prince Karl. What do you need?”
“What are you planning to do during your overnight stay? Got any plans?”
“I do, but I’d prefer to keep them private.”
Idnia planned to take advantage of special events in the village—just like in the game—to gain benefits.
But Karl didn’t give up after being politely refused.
“So you do have plans? But surely that doesn’t take all your time. Since we’re going together, how about having a meal and discussing future matters?”
“……”
Idnia was almost impressed by his persistence.
Whether he wanted to discuss alliances or was simply showing romantic interest, either way, he was starting to resemble a pushy superior bothering a new employee.
At that moment, someone stepped between them.
It was Heukrang.
He physically blocked Karl and Idnia.
‘This young boy just slipped into my personal space so easily?’
Karl was startled.
The distance was close enough that a dagger could strike instantly. If the boy had killing intent, Karl would already be dead.
A cold sweat ran down his back.
“Heukrang, that is the Prince of the Duchy of Ansbach. And he hasn’t done anything rude enough for you to intervene. I’m not that weak—I can handle threats myself.”
Idnia quickly intervened to prevent trouble.
Heukrang coughed awkwardly and composed himself.
The Seongsu Tribe held deep resentment toward the El-Dar Empire nobles.
Their lands had been taken, their people enslaved, starved, and even subjected to ethnic cleansing.
As the next tribal leader, Heukrang was especially defiant toward nobles.
Still, he stood his ground.
“Prince or not—why are you pressuring my master like that?”
Karl’s attendants rushed forward.
“You brat!”
“Do you even know who this is?”
“No, do you?”
The situation escalated, but Karl raised his hand.
“Stand down. This was my fault.”
The attendants immediately withdrew.
Karl glanced at them signaling Heukrang secretly and almost smiled.
‘Interesting.’
He then spoke to Heukrang.
“Did I really seem that threatening?”
“You looked like a grown man pressuring a woman.”
“…That’s shocking. Back home, no woman has ever disliked me. My mother used to say I was the most handsome man in the world.”
“You might not know reality because of your status.”
“Ha… hahaha.”
Karl laughed awkwardly.
Being perceived as a thug was a blow to his pride.
“Interesting. A man who says I’m not handsome.”
Heukrang wisely stayed silent.
“I understand. Let me apologize again.”
“I accept. And thank you for forgiving him.”
Karl nodded.
“He seems to have a strong prejudice against me.”
Soon, Karl boarded his carriage and departed.
One attendant approached Heukrang.
“Hey, are you insane? Talking like that to a prince?”
“I’m the future tribal leader. I won’t bow to nobles.”
“Yeah, sure. And I’ve got a golden calf at home. Just say we beat you up later, okay?”
“No thanks.”
The attendant laughed and ran off.
Idnia looked at Heukrang.
“That’s surprising.”
“What is?”
“They seem to like you.”
“Well, I helped them earlier. When the Medici Company took over the shops and inns, I helped them find places to set up tents.”
“They’re living in tents?”
“The command staff is. They don’t trust inns.”
“I see… that’s tough.”
“Well, let’s get going. We’ll take the cart. Hope the umbrella is enough.”
“Yes.”
Heukpae, the sacred beast, pulled the cart like a normal horse.
Soon, the academy’s mist cleared, revealing Black Cow Village.
“It’s closer than I thought.”
The village was a bustling port town.
Though only a fraction of the academy’s wealth passed through it, the presence of students and their attendants made it highly profitable.
“Didn’t eat lunch, right? The Medici Company took over most shops, but the bakery is still academy-owned. Want to eat something decent?”
“They wouldn’t poison food. But first, let’s visit the village alchemist. Time is precious.”
Even though the timeline had changed due to Idnia breaking off her engagement with the crown prince, the tricks she learned from the game would still work.