Chapter 156: Ring (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 156: Ring (2)
“Kyaaaaa…! Hey, what kind of nonsense is that to say in front of the Imperial Knights?!”
“Elena, shut your damn mouth.”
Aria Lilias ignored the frightened Elena and stared straight at Magrio.
To outsiders, the Headmistress of Märchen Academy and the Master of the Hegel Magic Tower appeared to have a cooperative, professional relationship. Magrio, however, saw it as an advantage. As the Tower Master, Aria was close enough to Headmistress Elena that she surely knew every detail regarding the Nameless Hero.
“Indeed. It seems the academy is deliberately choosing not to investigate the Nameless Hero…”
“I don’t want to hear another damn word out of you.”
“…?”
Who asked for his opinion in the first place?
“Listen closely. The Nameless Hero is an entity you do not fuck with.”
“…And why is that?”
“Even with the Emperor’s backing, your power doesn’t mean squat before his overwhelming might. He is a being capable of effortlessly bringing this entire empire to its knees.”
Aria’s expression was as cold as frost.
“The Nameless Hero is protecting us. There must be a reason he hides his identity while hunting demons. We shouldn't dare meddle with him, and there sure as hell isn't a justification to try.”
“Revealing the identity of the Nameless Hero is for the sake of the empire—and for our own safety.”
“This is also for the empire and for us. Remember that areas beyond a nation's control revert to the logic of pure power… Think about who you’re trying to mess with, and whether you’re being arrogant enough to pay the price.”
Aria and Magrio locked eyes, their glares clashing.
Headmistress Elena was internally screaming, ‘Eeek…!’
Cold sweat poured down her face. ‘What do I do about this atmosphere…?’ Elena’s gaze darted back and forth between Aria and Magrio, her hands fluttering nervously in the air.
Finally, Magrio closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and stood up.
“…Further discussion seems pointless. It’s clear we have irreconcilable differences.”
“Agreed.”
“Aria… why are you talking like you’re the one in charge of the academy?!”
“Please continue to cooperate in the investigation of the Eltra Sea incident,” Magrio said, ignoring Elena. “I shall take my leave now.”
“Good luck with that.”
“Aaagh…!”
The Imperial Knights standing behind Magrio clicked their tongues at Aria’s blatant rudeness, but Magrio paid them no mind. Soon after, the knights filed out of the reception room.
“Ariaaaa…”
Headmistress Elena slumped powerlessly onto the sofa, her mouth agape as if her soul had left her body. Tower Master Aria nonchalantly picked up Elena’s cup of herbal tea and took a sip.
“Oh my…”
The female secretary, watching the scene, rested her chin on her hand with a look of utter bewilderment.
*
As they descended the stairs of Bartos Hall, one of the subordinate knights questioned Vice Commander Magrio irritably.
“That woman—what was her problem? The way she spoke to you, Vice Commander…! We are the Imperial Knights. There’s no reason for us to be treated like that. Aren’t you being too lenient?”
“It’s an Imperial Order. We must maintain a friendly relationship with Märchen Academy. Even without the order, I will not tolerate overt aggression in a place of learning. That applies to the Hegel Magic Tower as well, given their close ties to the academy.”
“Even so, that Tower Master lacks even basic courtesy!”
“Don’t worry about her; she’s always been like that. More importantly, those two women…”
Magrio recalled his conversation with Elena and Aria.
“They must know who the Nameless Hero is. Perhaps… it wasn’t that they were lax in their investigation, but rather that there was no need to delve deeper.”
Headmistress Elena Woodline and Tower Master Aria Lilias had likely realized the hero's identity a long time ago. Upon further reflection, it made no sense for them to still be in the dark.
If that speculation was correct, what was their reason for concealing it? As the questions piled up, a new possibility occurred to Magrio.
“…No, it might be the opposite.”
Magrio stroked his chin. Perhaps, on the contrary, they weren't just keeping a secret—they were protecting the information.
What could be the reason? There was no need to ponder deeply.
—‘Think about who you’re trying to mess with, and whether you’re being arrogant enough to pay the price.’
Messing with the Nameless Hero was like an ant trying to take on an elephant. Such a powerful figure, concealing his identity while protecting the academy, must have a significant reason for doing so. Rather than troubling such a being, it made more sense to strengthen the academy’s defenses while riding the momentum of the hero’s protection.
‘But…’
Elena and Aria were known for their foresight. Would they really settle for such an obvious objective? There might be deeper reasons behind their actions. However, even if there were, Magrio had no way of knowing, and no evidence to support his theories.
After all, he was a mere knight; he couldn't possibly keep up with the machinations of women like them. Magrio blinked firmly and headed toward the Eltra coast to join the investigation.
*
The gaze of Luce Eltania, the top seat of the second-year Magic Department, remained fixed on a single spot.
Whether she was in the dorm or walking between the living quarters and classrooms, she was distracted. Even during lectures, she would often stare down at her hands resting in her lap.
Watching her space out and occasionally break into a faint, dreamy grin sent a chill through the students of Class A—except for Kaya in the front row, who remained oblivious.
“…?”
In the Class A lecture hall, during a lesson on magic beast ecology, Ciel Carnedas sat in the back. The short-haired girl, blessed with a supernatural ability to sniff out gossip, guessed that Isaac must have been up to something.
Ciel had zero interest in the lecture and wasn't paying the slightest bit of attention. No professor complained, though. Ciel was famous for her lackadaisical attitude and for falling asleep in class, so the faculty was usually just relieved she was awake. Despite her laziness, her grades were excellent. Seeing her rapidly grow and apply her knowledge, the professors couldn't bring themselves to dislike her.
But today, Ciel’s eyes were sharp and alert. She couldn't use the lecture as a lullaby or cuddle her ‘everyone falls asleep pillow’ because she was too preoccupied with Luce’s unusual behavior.
Ciel glanced at Luce, tracing the line of her gaze.
‘A ring…?’
Finally, she spotted the black ring on Luce’s left ring finger. Ciel’s mouth fell open in surprise. Even though it was her first time seeing it, she was certain it was a magic weapon. But that wasn't the point.
‘Why on the left ring finger, of all places?’
Ciel knew there had to be a significant reason for Luce to wear it there. This meant the person who gave it to her was almost certainly Isaac. Had he finally given in to his desires and made a move?
‘No…’
Ciel shook her head. Isaac seemed intent on making three different women his own—a promising rascal, without a doubt. If he committed so decisively to just one, it would mean war. All three women who liked Isaac were terrifyingly powerful.
Of course, Isaac could practically establish his own harem kingdom if he wanted to. He had single-handedly defeated the Floating Island, easily vanquished the Abyssal Sea Monster, and was the youngest archwizard in history. He was an absolute monster without precedent.
‘But we’re still students, and for some reason, he’s hiding his identity…’
Ciel hugged her pillow tightly, pondering the situation.
‘One thing is certain. If that ring didn't come from Isaac, the top seat wouldn't be wearing it on that finger…!’
What kind of chaos would this ring cause among the three women? A surge of anticipation swelled within Ciel. She turned her gaze toward the front row.
As usual, Kaya Astrea, the second seat of the Magic Department, was intently focused on the professor’s explanation, her pale green twin-tails swaying slightly.
‘Don’t lose, second seat…!’ Ciel clenched her fist, silently cheering for Kaya.
*
“If you add the Saman stroke here, the elemental magic will spread. This stroke varies for each type of magic, so you need to memorize them all. Do you understand?”
“…Yes.”
“No, look at the magic circle, not at me.”
“Yes…”
“…”
As usual, I was tutoring Snow White in a corner of the Hydrangea Garden. Nearby, her escort knight, Merlin Astrea, watched us with crossed arms and a heavy, watchful stare.
‘She can’t concentrate.’
Lately, White had been giving me meaningful glances whenever she got the chance. Using [Psychological Insight], I could tell she couldn't stop thinking about our battle during the joint practical evaluation.
Well, this was an improvement. Right after the evaluation, she had been paralyzed by the demon incident. Now, that fear seemed to have faded. Thanks to the academy and the Nameless Hero acting as a solid wall against the demons, she had grown to trust this place.
Anyway.
‘This won’t do.’
I rolled up the parchment with the magic circle, startling her.
“Senior Isaac?”
“Do you have something on your mind?”
“Yes?”
“If you can’t concentrate, there’s no reason for me to keep you here.”
I tapped her shoulder with the rolled-up parchment. I wasn't being overly authoritative, but I kept my voice firm and decisive.
“If something is bothering you, let’s resolve it right now.”
“Ah, oh… s-sorry…”
White made a troubled face, stammering. After a moment of hesitation, she finally decided to speak up.
“…Senior Isaac.”
“Yeah.”
“Can I really do well?”
As expected. It was the exact concern I’d anticipated.
“This place is filled with monsters like you, Senior… Honestly, after that exam, my confidence just plummeted. I don't feel like I can succeed at all.”
A total loss of motivation. The way to encourage someone in this state was simple. I gave her a moment to think, then pushed up my glasses. I closed my eyes, let out a low sigh, and then looked her in the eye.
“I may not be 'great' enough to be called a monster, but personally, I think you have talent.”
“Talent?”
“Do you remember what I said during the joint evaluation?”
White couldn't have forgotten. My feedback, combined with her fear and eventual relief, was likely burned into her memory.
“Around this time last year, I wasn't as good as you are now. That’s why I said you were excellent.”
“Really…?”
“And yet, I’ve come this far.”
When I was preparing for my own exams in my past life, my biggest anxiety was the uncertainty of whether I was actually improving. Even after memorizing textbooks, I wasn't confident until the day of the bar exam. If someone had just told me, ‘You’re doing well,’ it would have been the greatest encouragement possible.
‘Self-confidence.’
The belief that one is on the right track is vital. And I had the influence to instill that belief in her.
“Even if you don't see it yet, you’re doing well. That much I can assure you.”
As I gave her a gentle smile, a glimmer appeared in White’s eyes. I noticed Merlin, leaning against a tree, smiling subtly. She was likely feeling proud of the ‘youthful’ moment unfolding before her.
“…Ehehe.”
Blushing, White smiled awkwardly and scratched her cheek. Her embarrassment was adorable.
“I-is that so…? Hearing you say that makes me feel…”
She swayed her body slightly, looking genuinely happy. That should do it.
“Now, let’s focus.”
“Y-yes, sir!”
After that, White listened to my explanations without distraction and threw herself into training. Pleased with her progress, I rewarded her with a mana pudding bar. When Merlin stepped in and snatched half of it, White let out a small whimper of protest.
*
“Nihihi, the President has arrived!”
“Ah, Senior.”
I had stopped by a corner of the butterfly garden after parting with White to continue my own training. A female student with light purple hair looked up from her book to greet me. The cluster of starlights floating beside her was striking.
The purple brooch on her uniform ribbon marked her as a third-year. As usual, she was leaning against a tree. She was my favorite character, Dorothy Heartnova.
Even the dimming evening sky couldn't hide her loveliness. Under her witch’s hat, her beauty was radiant—like the halo around a world-class celebrity.
“As expected of a training junkie! You came straight here after dinner? Aren't you worried about a stomachache?”
“I’ll be careful. Did you eat, Senior?” I asked with a smile, setting my bag down beside her.
“Of course. I had chicken~.”
“As expected. Your love for chicken is eternal.”
“Nihihi.”
Dorothy’s favorite food was chicken. So much so that it made up about 70% of her weekly diet. As Dorothy returned to her book, I began warming up my shoulders, preparing to move to the center of the field.
“President, I saw something interesting today, you know?”
Dorothy’s voice drifted over.
“Something interesting?”
“Yeah. Your stalker friend was wearing a ring on her left ring finger.”
“…”
A heavy silence fell over the garden. I stopped dead in my tracks. A chilling sensation crawled up my spine. I slowly turned my head back toward Dorothy.
She was looking at me, still smiling.
“Do you know who gave it to her? A student giving another student a ring… it feels so romantic~ I’m quite curious.”
The brim of her witch’s hat tilted, partially obscuring one of her eyes. Even though she was smiling, the warmth didn't reach her expression.
“You’re her friend, so you might know who gave it to her…”
Intimidation.
Somehow, the psychological pressure felt even heavier than when I was facing the Floating Island.