Episode 1094
Episode 1094
'This is really unpleasant trust.' Lee Han thought to himself.
Both the Young Prince and the Skeleton Principal showed trust in Lee Han, but the specifics were quite different.
Frankly, the trust shown by the Skeleton Principal was downright unpleasant.
How was that any different from cursing him to go meet Evil God Worshippers?!
"I thought you brought this up because of the possibility of Professor Bagrak approaching me."
"If anything, it's more likely Professor Voladi would approach them than the other way around..."
The Skeleton Principal was skeptical.
Of course, Evil God Worshippers—who stuffed their skulls with madness and straw instead of brains—were hard to predict.
Still, if one had to make an educated guess, the likelihood of them approaching Professor Voladi didn't seem very high.
There was simply nothing the Evil God Worshippers wanted from Professor Voladi.
Though there was a bloody grudge between them, Evil God Worshippers were the type to prioritize spreading their faith even a single grain further over seeking revenge.
If anything, Professor Voladi was the one who had plenty of reasons to want something from them.
'Mostly their heads, probably.'
Honestly, Lee Han wouldn't have minded locking up both himself and Professor Voladi if he could.
Even if it was unreasonable for him, it was something Professor Voladi would seriously consider.
But given the professor's temperament, there was no way he'd obediently stay in the Punishment Room, saying, "Since you're worried about me, I'll behave." If anything, he'd immediately escape and go on a rampage.
Rather than forcing the issue and ruining the entire plan, it was better to at least keep him on a loose leash.
If they paired the professor with a favored student, he might at least hesitate for a moment—no, half a moment, or even a quarter of a moment—before doing something reckless.
The problem was the student's misfortune.
Considering the recent incidents Wardanaz had been through, it wouldn't be strange at all if Evil God Worshippers approached him.
Though it was just a vague hunch bordering on intuition, a skilled mage never ignored such signs.
"Still, this seems too vague."
"Do you want a plausible reason? You're from a high noble family, possess more mana than a dragon, and have formed a contract with one—that alone makes you a prime target for Evil God Worshippers. There aren't many prey like you in the entire Empire."
'It would've been better if he'd just stayed vague.'
Lee Han grumbled inwardly.
The Skeleton Principal's logical explanation only made him feel worse.
"You seem convinced now. Remember this well."
"Yes. If I see anyone suspicious, I'll be suspicious first."
"Don't forget to be suspicious of Professor Voladi too if he acts suspicious."
"...Yes."
"Then take this one and train him. Clzenberg?"
-Yes!
The Death Knight bowed respectfully.
"This knight will be escorting you outside the academy this semester."
"Professor Bagrak will be accompanying me—will the knights be coming too?"
"Of course. As I said, Professor Voladi might just beat you up and run off."
"......"
"Pick perceptive knights for escort duty."
-It shall be done.
The Skeleton Principal was thorough.
Even if he let his students loose, he never let his guard down.
If Professor Voladi watched the Evil God Worshippers, the Death Knights watched the Evil God Worshippers, and Wardanaz watched Professor Voladi, there would be no gaps.
-Didn't you say that last part wrong?
"I said it correctly."
-......
The knights were baffled by the order to watch the professor more carefully than the Evil God Worshippers.
Regardless, the Skeleton Principal waved his hand dismissively.
"Go on. I have matters to discuss with the professors. The messes your seniors made won't hide themselves... Wait."
"?"
Lee Han, who had turned to leave, paused when the Skeleton Principal called him back.
What now?
'Did he hear me cursing him in my head?'
"Never mind. Go."
"Yes."
Once Lee Han had fully left, the Skeleton Principal spoke to the remaining knights.
"Why is that boy wearing the Euangelion?"
"Well, perhaps... maybe he heard the location from the Avatar of Desire for Honor?"
"If you ever need to approach any wicked mercenaries or bandits, please entrust everything to me."
Ibinta fawned and flattered with servile deference.
Any trace of pride he once had as the master of an underground fortress had long since shattered and vanished.
There was only one thing he wanted now:
To get through this mission without displeasing the terrifying mage of the Wardanaz family.
No matter how eccentric this mage might be, surely he couldn't be scarier than the eldest son.
"There won't be any need to approach anyone."
"Pardon?"
"I said there's no need to approach anyone."
Lee Han kindly explained to the bewildered former bandit.
Despite the Skeleton Principal's malicious remarks, Lee Han had no intention of going out much this semester.
He'd already secured his supplies, and more than anything, the Skeleton Principal's words had put him in such a bad mood that he didn't even feel like going out anymore.
'If I only take requests that can be done within the academy, then the Skeleton Principal's curse won't mean much.'
"Wardanaz."
Giselle, who had been walking with her sword slung over her shoulder, called out to Lee Han from behind.
Frankly, she hadn't particularly wanted to call out to a friend caught between death knights and bandits, but she had no choice—there was something she needed to relay.
"Here. A letter from the Family Head."
"??"
Lee Han tilted his head in confusion at the letter Giselle held out.
Giselle looked even more baffled as she asked,
"Why are you surprised? It's a letter entrusting you with a request."
"What request?"
"...Did you suffer so much during the break that you lost your memory? You're the one who begged us to send you requests last year."
Giselle stared at Lee Han with an incredulous look.
-What if we formally send a request to Einrogard through the Headmaster?
-Yes. I'll be waiting.
"......"
As the conversation from last winter break resurfaced in his mind, Lee Han's face stiffened.
He'd even excitedly chattered to Giselle about splitting the money by taking on requests together.
'Oh no.'
Back then, he'd thought it was such a great opportunity that he'd accepted without hesitation—who knew it would come back to bite him like this?
To a guest of the Wardanaz family.
Our previous enlightening conversation provided much inspiration to our family. Your advice to not release the apprentice knights who visited our estate and instead train them harshly—thanks to that counsel, the apprentice knights have grown remarkably stronger...
The letter from Giselle's father, the Moradi Family Head, carried an unusual tone of respect.
It was rare for the always cold and efficiency-focused Family Head to show this much goodwill.
There were several reasons, but one of them was Lee Han's previous advice.
Don't let the apprentice knights who visit the family wander around—restrict their outings (just like at Einrogard)!
Apparently, the advice had been far more effective than expected, as the Family Head openly expressed his satisfaction in the letter.
'This is good. I'm glad I could help the knights.'
As Lee Han smiled, Giselle looked puzzled.
What could be in the letter to make him smile so warmly?
"What is it? Is there something else written besides the request details?"
"Ah, it's nothing much. The Family Head listened to my advice last time, and it seems to have worked."
"What advice?"
"I said that to improve the skills of apprentice knights visiting the estate, they should be treated like Einrogard students."
"...?!!!"
So you were the culprit!!
Giselle was horrified.
She'd wondered, 'Did the Skeleton Principal say something?' when the estate went as far as rearranging tower positions to monitor the apprentice knights and prevent them from slacking off—but the real culprit was right here.
While the apprentice knights' skills had indeed improved, it was hard to say whether they'd be grateful.
Judging by the glint of resentment in their eyes, the likelihood of gratitude was probably low.
"...If you ever visit the estate, never tell them it was your advice."
"Huh? Why not? Didn't everyone improve thanks to my advice?"
'This guy... He's becoming more and more like the Headmaster.'
Giselle cursed her friend inwardly.
Having spent too much time with the faculty during the break, it seemed his sense of judgment had deteriorated slightly.
"Are you really sure about this?...
As promised last year, I've sent a formal request to His Lordship. I look forward to your ingenious suggestions again this year.
— Jidorf Moradi"
"......"
After finishing the letter, Lee Han fell silent.
The Moradi Family Head seemed to have taken for granted that Lee Han would accept, as if he hadn't forgotten Lee Han's words from last year: "Just leave it to me."
'I dug my own grave.'
Lee Han reflected bitterly.
From now on, no matter how good the opportunity, he should think twice before blindly accepting anything.
Who knew things would turn out like this...
'Well, no choice. I'll just take this one.'
With a resolute expression, Lee Han spoke.
"I'll accept the request, Moradi."
"You already accepted it last year... What's wrong with you today?"
Giselle gave her friend a slightly worried glance.
She wasn't one to show such concern easily, but today, Wardanaz was acting in a way that made people uneasy.
Once Giselle left after finishing her business, Lee Han turned back to Ibinta and said,
"If we just visit the Moradi family's territory, we won't have to go outside much."
"Lee Han. Here's a letter."
"......"
Lee Han spun around abruptly. Never before had Yoner's voice sounded so terrifying.
"...What letter?"
"It's from my sister. Here."
Unfolding the elegant white stationery that carried the scent of alchemical reagents, Lee Han's eyes met large, hastily scrawled handwriting.
To Yoner's friend,
I don't know if you remember the work we did in the workshop last time. Actually, I heard a rumor that you've taken on a request from the Moradi Family Head this semester. Some students avoid going out to focus on their studies, but I'm glad to hear you're not one of them, Wardanaz. Though, of course, someone as active as you wouldn't do that.
Actually, I'm preparing a new research project, and I need the help of outstanding students. I'd be delighted if you and Yoner could come assist. Oh, and don't take Yoner's words too seriously—my little sister tends to exaggerate...
Lee Han shuddered.
'The Empire should legally forbid noble families from contacting each other.'
When noble families communicate, they never plot anything beneficial for the Empire—only sinister schemes.
The Moradi family's request had already reached Yoanen's ears?!
"A request?"
Yoner asked, as if she already knew the answer. Lee Han nodded weakly.
"You shouldn't accept it. If we go this time, we won't even get to sleep—just work nonstop."
"Maykin said the exact same thing and told me not to believe it."
"......"
Yoner's face paled.
To think her sister had predicted her actions this far...
"W-what I just said is a secret."
"Don't worry. More importantly, she asked you to come too."
"What?!"
Yoner snatched the letter from her friend's hand and frantically skimmed through it.
Even as she read, she muttered in disbelief,
"If it's just an alchemy request, she could've handled it inside the academy... But calling us out like this means she's planning to grind us into dust..."
"...I can hear you."
After finishing the letter, Yoner looked utterly dejected.
Unlike Lee Han, Yoner had no choice—if her sister summoned her, she had to go.
"No helping it... We'll just have to..."
"...Yoner. Think positively—the rewards will be good."
"True... If I collapse from overwork, at least I can use the money to buy a coffin..."
"Oh, she said we can bring more students. Should we take Gainando too?"
Yoner's gloomy face brightened slightly. Seeing this, Lee Han grew bolder with his suggestion.
"What about that senior or professor you've always disliked?"
"That's insane."
"Honestly, I thought so too."
Lee Han quickly backtracked. Bringing a senior or professor along might just make him suffer instead.
'Well, two places should be manageable.'
If they just visited the Moradi family's territory and Yoanen's workshop, then avoided going out afterward, it should be fine.
"Senior. A letter arrived."
"Lee Han. Here's a letter..."
"There's a letter flying onto the roof?"
"Wardanaz! Paper birds are swarming into your room! Check them before things start falling over!"
"......"
Before he could even finish his thought, the barrage of letters flooding in from all directions left Lee Han's face frozen stiff.