Chapter 15
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 15
Chapter Title: Scene 015 Stairway of Truth
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Mondri couldnt say a word.
It felt like a cold hand was tightly squeezing his heart.
With his face drained of color, he could barely manage a response.
Im sorry I couldnt help The special talent selection is entirely up to the admissions director I just give the approval
It was right after that.
The anger pressing down on Mondri vanished.
Tristan leaned back in his chair and spoke.
!.
..
I see. I understand what you mean.
With his breath finally returning, Mondri gasped for air.
This little punk
Mondri barely held back the curse rising in his throat.
The legendary mage Mondri Cremont, president of Meikahel University, was said to be closer than anyone to the realm of the sages.
Everyone who recognized him hurried to bow their heads.
Yet this kid showed no sign of intimidation.
Like father, like son, perhaps.
Mondri stared at Tristan.
A profoundly sinister man.
His murky eyes, deep as the abyss, reflected nothing.
In that emptiness, Mondri felt an inexplicable fear.
Wait fear? Me??
To feel fear at the sight of a noble who looked younger than his own son.
It was humiliating.
Am I seeing the ghost of dead Millium or something?
Mondri was confused.
Even so, the only reason his expression didnt change was the power of his years.
Thank you for understanding. If youd like, I can call the admissions director to discuss it.
Then do that.
Yes. But may I ask one thing?
What is it?
Mondri voiced the question hed been pondering.
Well Its surprising that the Count has discovered the joys of learning, even if late. But for a student without mana, studying at this school
Mondri.
Tristan cut him off.
His expression was subtle.
In that moment, Mondri realized his mistake.
For generations, the inability to use magic was the Ruelverta familys sore spot.
He had touched it.
Ah, Ive been rude. A slip of the tongue
Its not me.
Pardon?
Its not me who wants to enroll in this school. Its my servant.
Wrinkle formed between Mondris brows.
Had he misheard?
Mondri slowly took a sip of his tea.
In that brief instant, he mulled over what hed heard again.
The Count must have come to the wrong school by mistake.
This was Meikahel University.
Surely he knew it wasnt a place for mere servants.
Mondri spoke again.
With the exact same expression as before.
This, too, was the power of his years.
Not the Count, but the Counts servant you say?
Thats right.
Then where is this servant?
This girl.
Count Tristan pointed to the girl in a coat standing right beside him.
Ho?
As Mondri stared, the girl flinched, as if shrinking back.
Shed been keeping her head bowed the whole time.
Her abundant curly hair made her look like a small pet.
I thought she was the Counts little sister. She looks quite young, though.
How old is she?
Twelve.
Huh In that case, even at the earliest, she couldnt take the exam for another three years.
I know the special talent selection has no age limit.
Yes? Thats true, but
I intend to enroll her as a special talent.
Eek! Count, I-I-!
Tristan raised his hand to silence the girl.
She has sufficient qualifications.
Qualifications, you say?
This one has talent superior to others.
Mondris eyes narrowed.
He stared at the girl Tristan had brought again.
She looked young and frail.
Lacking confidence, with weak mental fortitude.
No matter where he looked, she seemed far from talented.
Hmm
Confirming her appearance, Mondri fell into thought.
Meikahel University, the nations top educational institution.
In line with the empires laws pursuing equality in education, on the surface, anyone could enroll.
But even looking at all past graduates, over 99 were nobles.
The reason was simple.
The exorbitant tuition.
It demanded at least 20 million kael per year.
And even if tuition was covered, the entrance exam was no joke.
Many students took up to three years of leave to prepare for Meikahel University.
The general track was tough enough, but the special talent track was absurdly difficult.
Special talents were, as the name implied, an admissions path for students with special aptitudes.
Unlike the general track, no amount of hard work guaranteed success.
Only those chosen by talent could pass through the narrow gate of special talent selection.
The Count surely knew this.
Mondri quietly gazed at Tristan.
He couldnt read the young Counts thoughts at all.
If the Count says so, I understand. Ill call the admissions director right away. Preparing the special talent exam takes time, so shall we do it this afternoon?
Fine.
Even after all this, Tristan seemed unperturbed.
As if he truly believed this girl had some talent.
Allowing the exam was mere curiosity on his part.
Mondri was intrigued.
The son of the one man hed fearedTristans intentions.
That detestable Millium had never lied, after all.
Mondri decided it was worth the expectation.
If she failed the exam, he could just refuse.
Mondri rose from his chair.
There was still time, but preparing the exam required prompt action.
He asked Tristan,
Then, will you wait here a moment? Ill prepare the exam right away
Theres a place I want to visit before the exam.
Hmm?
Mondri stroked his beard and asked,
Where might that be?
C-Count L-Lets go t-together
Wendy, following behind, spoke in a voice on the verge of tears.
I was climbing the stairs right now.
In the center of Meikahel Universitys main building floated stairs leading into the air.
A place students called the Stairway of Truth.
Wendy, go back down. I can go alone.
B-But I want to, but
Wendy looked at me, on the verge of crying.
I cant go down
There was nothing beneath her feet.
The Stairway of Truth was a magical structure.
In other words, it was transparent.
So Wendy looked like she was floating in midair.
Wendy. Calm down.
Im sorry, Count I guess this is as far as I go
Her words were so adorable I nearly let out a chuckle, but I held it back.
To her, this must feel like a brush with death.
Thats why I told you not to follow me.
B-But Im your exclusive servant I have to stay by your side always
.
Always so eager beyond her means.
But reaching this far must have taken courage on her part.
I wasnt rotten enough to ignore that.
No choice.
I turned around and descended the stairs one step at a time.
Each time I stepped into the air, I felt a wondrous sensation as I stood before Wendy.
Her tear-streaked face spoke.
C-Count leave me and go ahead Please remember me as one who didnt cry till the end Sniff.
Close your eyes.
Huh?
Dont make me say it twice. Close your eyes.
Y-Yes
Wendy obediently followed my command.
I took her hand.
Her small body jolted, the tremor transmitted through my hand.
Wendy. Listen well.
In truth, this stairway had a secret.
Youre in the middle of the stairs right now.
Y-Yes
The way to climb this magically made transparent stairway.
Ill hold your hand, so take one step at a time.
Y-Yes! B-But I cant see anything
Opening your eyes wont change that.
On this magical stairway, the next step appears where you believe it will be.
So you just climb it like a normal stairway.
So close your eyes and climb just like this.
Sniff Count What if theres no stair in front of me? I dont trust myself
In other words, only those who believe can climb the stairs.
You dont trust me?
Thus, if you dont think youll fall, you never will.
Then trust me.
Sniff.
Wendy wiped her tears with her eyes closed.
I trust you, Count
And Wendy slowly lifted her right foot.
One step.
The air supported her small foot.
She lifted her left.
Two steps.
From there, her pace quickened.
Wendy climbed vigorously.
Relieved, I held her small hand and ascended the stairs.
Looking around, I saw students whod come to study during break.
As I climbed the towering stairs, I scanned for any named characters among them, but there were none.
I stopped midway up the Stairway of Truth.
Wendy.
Yes?
You can open your eyes now.
Before us stretched a sight far grander and larger than what Id read in the book.
Weve arrived.
It was Meikahel Universitys pride and joy: the magic library.