The Top Student Mudskipper (1)
Quite some time has passed since the Pink Dragon Knights became the 1st Knight Order. The royal palace of Rok has been peaceful ever since Roin ascended to the throne as queen. But today, the atmosphere is markedly different.
"We can put this off no longer."
Int, the 2nd prince and prime minister, spoke with a grave expression. In his hand was a single official document.
This letter originates from the Midland Empire of the central continent...
An official document from the great empire that unified the central continent and stands as the world's strongest power today. Its contents were exactly as had been mentioned before.
Crumple! Int crumpled the document he'd already read several times. Then, in a low voice, he opened his mouth.
"Midland Academy accepts royal and noble students from countries across the world. In peaceful times, it serves as an alliance; in turbulent ones, as hostages."
Int sighed. This issue had plagued him even before Roin became queen—back when he was actively vying for the throne.
In truth, what they called "new student recruitment" was little more than thuggery. Under the pretext of national security, they sent out official notices to every nation on the continent, gathering talented individuals. And if things went south, those talents became hostages.
Even if they weren't taken hostage, those who went to study in Midland rarely returned home after their four years. Most received scouting offers and stayed put. Local friends forged over four years, a cherished living space, efficient and systematic systems, and above all, enormous salaries and prestigious jobs that everyone admired. These were more than enough to make them forget any favors from their homeland.
Hostages? It was really no different from headhunting.
This had led to a severe brain drain from nations worldwide. Midland was monopolizing top talents capable of entering the academy year after year, squeezing them dry to grow ever stronger.
Yet small nations couldn't just send mediocre prospects with a fancy wrapper. Midland Academy had its own proprietary method to measure potential during admissions. Fail that test, and you couldn't even enroll.
If a candidate failed and returned home, it dealt a serious blow to the nation's image. Midland would suspect they'd sent subpar talent on purpose, while other countries would sneer, "What, no real prospects?"
This naturally led to diplomatic losses and increased risks of invasion. It was a dilemma all around.
"The North Sea pirates have been acting suspiciously lately. With Midland bordering the North Sea, they're understandably worried. This academy recruitment seems to be under the banner of subduing those pirates."
"Who should we send to Midland Academy? That's the question."
Roin propped her chin on her hand, her face serious at Int's words. As a remote minor kingdom, Rok couldn't send just any noble—it wouldn't save face. At minimum, it had to be royalty or equivalent.
But who? Queen Roin herself couldn't go. The other princes were too old for academy enrollment. And there were no heirs with heirs of their own.
"Think it over carefully. Ideally, someone in their late teens or early twenties who won't stir up domestic politics or diplomacy, yet still carries influence. If not, I'll have to go myself."
Roin sighed at Int's words. In fact, the 2nd prince Int had long been the kind of talent Midland coveted. If he went, he'd snag a spot in the 1st-year S Class in no time. His age was a bit advanced, but the academy took everyone from child prodigies on early scholarships to mid-twenties adult learners.
But he was Rok's prime minister now. The countless critical projects under his watch could make or break the nation's future. He couldn't just up and leave.
"I have no idea what to do."
"Mm, me neither."
Roin and Int put their heads together and began pondering.
"Ugh... what to do..."
Roin had been agonizing over this for days now. In council meetings, on walks, in the bath, at meals—it was always on her mind.
"Something wrong?"
Cliche asked around a mouthful of food during dinner.
"Well, actually..."
When Roin explained her dilemma, Cliche answered readily.
"I'll go."
Roin's eyes went wide.
"What are you talking about, Cliche? You don't have to! You're a state guest!"
But Cliche looked rather pleased.
"I've been wanting to check out Midland anyway."
It was probably because of the intel from raiding Syndewendi's pharmaceutical company, Rodigia. There was definitely a dragon's scent at Midland's Wanggabi Stone. Investigating that could lead him to the dragons' world.
Or so Cliche figured.
"..."
Roin hesitated, looking anxious, as if to say something but holding back. Come to think of it, no one fit the bill better than Cliche. At his young age, he was captain of the royal 1st Knight Order with unmatched prowess. His age was perfect, his combat strength immeasurable, and his social standing high.
He wasn't exactly positioned for politics or diplomacy, though. And above all, he seemed eager to go...
"Sigh... fire... Midland's... so far... such a hassle~,"
"Ho ho ho. I've just started tending the flower beds, and leaving for a long trip feels regrettable."
"Beep! Long trip drains battery."
"Heh! The world outside the covers is dangerous."
Hotse, Unicef, AlphaGo, and Diablos openly griped about the inconvenience. Cliche just shook his head.
"Nah. I can handle it solo and be back quick."
He turned to the apologetic-looking Roin.
"Just assign me one attendant. Someone sharp."
Roin thought seriously. If Cliche, captain of the kingdom's 1st Knight Order, went, it would save face even for a minor remote nation like Rok.
'The issue is whether anyone would buy him as 1st Knight Order captain...'
Cliche was too young and cute-looking. Captain-level figures were usually seasoned veterans of middling age.
'Maybe "candidate for 1st Knight Order captain" would work?'
A captain candidate was quasi-royalty, a high post often held by elite nobles en route to royal marriages.
Roin figured that would be persuasive enough. Once Cliche showed his skills, who would dare question his qualifications?
'Now, who to send as his aide?'
They'd enroll in the academy together, so not someone too old or high-status.
Just then, something caught Roin's eye. She picked up the last remaining document on the desk opposite.
"...This?"
Roin's eyes widened as she looked down at it.
Knight Officer Academy Visit, Encouragement, and Overnight Stay Event
"Oh, that?"
When Roin visited the office to ask, Int kindly explained.
"Traditionally, the king visits the officer academy every four years to encourage the cadets training to become knights. It's modeled after the Great Empire of Midland's system. You know they have years 1 through 4, right?"
"Of course. Father often took me there as a child."
"Exactly. With visits every four years, every student gets to see the king once. Usually, he meets the principal, teachers, and the 4th-year top student for talks."
"Huh? What's this 'overnight stay'?"
"Nothing major. It's a home visit to the 4th-year top student's house, then spending the night together. Top students are likely to rise high, so building rapport with the king early on."
Int's eyes gleamed as he finished.
"That's why 4th-year grade competitions are fiercest. Sharing a roof with the king is a once-in-a-lifetime honor."
"Hm... but I'm a woman. Is that okay?"
"Who'd dare see the queen as just a woman? Haha! The top spot doesn't discriminate by gender, so we can check and decide."
Roin felt a bit relieved at Int's words. Still, who was the school's top student? She was a little excited.
'A promising talent like this should pair well with Cliche.'
She couldn't say it aloud—Int would flip—but ideally, a smart, refined flower boy.
Roin had such thoughts too.
A few days later.
"Ooh! Your Majesty, what an honor."
A portly old minister hurried out and bowed politely. A silver star denoting brigadier general rank gleamed on his neatly pressed uniform top. He was Principal, former Brigadier General—an honorable reserve general.
His veteran presence demanded Roin's respect. She recalled he'd studied at Midland Academy long ago and bowed slightly.
"It's been a while, Principal. Since my coronation, right?"
"Indeed. It's chilly—please come in."
Roin alighted from her carriage and entered the grounds. A grand welcoming with a mascot game had been planned, but she skipped it all, visiting each classroom personally instead.
"Here is the one you will ultimately serve!"
At Principal's words, every cadet in the classroom stood. Razor-sharp discipline. Roin smiled and shook hands with them all.
"Loyalty! Cadet Snoopy reporting!"
"Nice to see you. From the sports festival last time, right? Still planning to join the Red Bulls?"
"Gasp!?"
Cadet Snoopy was overwhelmed that Roin remembered him. To think she'd recall every face from past encounters!
"A knight dies for one who knows him; a woman adorns herself for one who delights in her." Knights live for their lord. For these pre-knight cadets, how rare was it to meet so closely the future sovereign they'd serve? Especially if she remembered and approved of them?
No wonder some burst into tears mid-handshake. It wasn't strange at all.
Principal watched each handshake with a pleased smile. Seeing the disciples he'd raised in virtue and martial arts happily follow a fine sovereign—what greater joy?
Even Principal's eyes misted over as Roin warmly offered kind words and attention to every cadet.
After visiting every class across all years, Roin headed to the principal's office. Now to meet the 4th-year top student. He had an important mission: escort Cliche all the way to distant Midland.
"Who's this year's 4th-year top graduate candidate?"
Roin asked with anticipation. Principal hesitated slightly.
"Ah... well... that is..."
"...?"
"N-no! He's waiting in the inner room. This way."
Principal led Roin inside. She found his demeanor odd but followed quietly.
Creeeak...
The door opened, revealing the room. Modest yet not shabby, reflecting Principal's austere and tidy nature.
A young man on the sofa shot to his feet.
"Loyalty!"
He saluted crisply. Roin's eyes widened at the sight. He was the very image of the flower boy she'd envisioned: tall and lean, broad shoulders, handsome features blending Int's intellect with Estial's wild allure.
"Cadet Lerkerk, at Your Majesty's service!"
Principal's tense face relaxed at the spirited words. He unleashed a torrent of praise.
"Cadet Lerkerk hails from a prestigious noble house (cadets can't disclose family until knighthood) and boasts a 4.4 GPA across all semesters. He aspires to the 3rd Knight Order, Black Yack. An outstanding talent."
"Ooh..."
Roin shook hands with Cadet Lerkerk, eyes sparkling. Prestigious house, excellent skills, handsome to boot. She nodded, satisfied.
"So he's the 4th-year top? Impressive!"
Principal's face darkened at Roin's casual question. Had she said something wrong? Roin panicked briefly.
Well, his presence here meant he was top student, obviously. Unnecessary question.
But?
"I humbly report, Your Majesty..."
Cadet Lerkerk's unexpected words followed.
"I am not the class top student!"