NOVEL NEXT chapter 38
38. Admission Preparation (2)
“…Day by day, his frame is swelling.”
Aoal laid out his sword as he watched Hersel pass by from a distance.
Cowlo scratched his head with the end of the wooden sword’s handle and replied,
“Indeed. His forearms seem to have almost doubled in size.”
“Did you perhaps train him?”
“Never. Hmm, but his physique is no ordinary one.”
As he looked closely with focused eyes, an exclamation slipped out.
“Hooh…”
The way his muscles were growing evenly in each area, fitting into his clothes, was apparent.
It was far from a foolish body built just for size.
It seemed strategically crafted, balancing mobility and strength.
‘Without someone skilled leading him, he couldn’t have become like this…’
Then, this man must have noticed as well.
Cowlo squinted one eye and casually probed Aoal.
“Recently, he’s been wandering outside often, as if he’s been training under someone else. The Duke must be feeling unwell?”
The son, who always mentioned his father when discussing the strongest swordsman, had sought instruction elsewhere.
Disappointing as it might be, the corners of Aoal’s mouth faintly lifted.
“…He’s always been uncomfortable around me. I’m not particularly sad.”
“Eh, such a bland reaction.”
Cowlo shook his head and scratched his chin.
After all, it made sense.
Praising him was inevitable since he had secretly been training his body while pretending to indulge in frivolous activities outside.
“Well, the great young master I knew was a man who left everything unfinished, but this is quite unexpected.”
“He must be taking his enrollment seriously.”
Although not entirely convinced, Coulro nodded, as no other thoughts came to mind.
“Hmm, I wonder what kind of knight he will become after graduation. It’s quite exciting.”
“By then, I won’t have much to worry about even if I hand over my position.”
* * *
It was a path traversed while avoiding the juvenile gazes of two monsters who had poured their lives into their swords.
Arriving in front of the mistress’s office, I twitched my eyebrows at the sight of the door already open before I could even knock.
As the maid who opened the door tactfully made herself scarce, I shot the mistress a look and asked.
“Did you know I was coming?”
“Just as I was looking out the window, I saw Hershel entering through the main gate.”
It was far from welcome.
In a mansion this large, with more than a handful of people, the fact that she knew I would come here was unsettling.
“I could have been here to see the twins.”
“That doesn’t quite fit the situation, does it?”
“The situation?”
As I asked in surprise, the mistress answered in a gentle voice.
“Perhaps it’s because the entrance notification arrived just in time, or maybe because you’ve been secretly learning magic. Or could it be that you entered here when the Duke was away?”
“…”
The journey to meet Carmelo was long because it truly involved passing through brothels and gambling dens, perhaps even shaking off any potential pursuit.
And yet, with Donatan acting as eyes on the back of my head, how did she notice?
“How did you know I was learning magic?”
The mistress, seemingly uninterested in answering, changed the subject while holding a seal in her hand.
“Is that really what’s important right now? You’re here for the guardian’s consent form, aren’t you?”
“…”
I decided not to pry any further since I needed the seal.
Though I was reluctant, there was no point in ruffling feathers.
“That’s true.”
“Hershel and magic… That’s quite a prejudice to overcome, hmm.”
The mistress murmured as she scanned the documents.
From now on, my task was to explain and convince the other party that there was also an advantage for them.
But it seems there was no need for that.
Thud!
The seal was stamped without a moment’s hesitation.
“That was stamped too easily.”
“Obviously, from Hershel’s mouth, if you enter the Ministry of Magic, you’ll fall out of favor with your father, and won’t you drift away from the position of head of the family?”
…Was there ever such a thing as a trait related to mind-reading?
“But still, are you trying to get in with a donation?”
The hostess asked with a slight smile.
Indeed, ‘Frost Heart’ does have a system for admission by donation.
“Or is it a proxy exam? Either way, you have a son who costs a lot of money.”
“Why do you only think in that direction?”
“Well, Hershel often shows unexpected sides, but even so, that’s it. To learn magic within six months…”
The hostess trailed off, then suddenly opened her eyes wide in surprise.
As she watched intently, I spread the flames of elemental fire magic with my index finger, a talent I supposedly lacked.
Whoosh!
A flame no bigger than a matchstick.
The hostess chuckled.
“How did you manage that? You’re quite the enigma.”
Having finished what I came for, I no longer wanted to talk and picked up the documents.
There had been many crises before, and somehow I had managed to escape them, but the most chilling moment must have been when I faced this woman.
It wasn’t much different now.
“Well then, I’ll take my leave.”
As I was about to leave the office, a sudden question stopped me in my tracks.
“Come to think of it, I haven’t asked yet.”
Now that the festival was over, I had no choice but to ask the person involved to find out the answer.
There had been assassinations before, but the servants had participated voluntarily; the hostess had never stepped in directly, and the friction with the Schweik family had eliminated any chance to confirm.
So I was curious.
“How were you planning to kill me?”
“Oh, that?”
I watched the trajectory of the hostess’s lips carefully as I faintly ignited the ‘noble blood’s lingering flame’.
She wanted to hide her trembling insides.
The method this woman had conceived was indeed a ‘one-second invincibility’ that could not be dealt with, a dead end.
“…was what I thought. I may lack imagination compared to others, but somehow, I felt that might not be the answer.”
Even if they became neutral, she would probably continue to dislike this woman all the same.
* * *
Daysel handed over a pen with a serious look in his eyes.
“I have no one to ask but you, Eruzel.”
Eruzel broke out in a cold sweat in the awkward situation.
The document in front of him was an admission form for Frost Heart Academy.
It was the most obscure academy with little information available, and he knew it was far from a path to success, so his reluctance was natural.
“I was planning to enroll next year, but this isn’t a place I want to go to, and it’s a bit… premature.”
“I think it’s excessive too. But you’re the only one I can trust, brother.”
“Big brother, no… Didn’t that man give up his position as head of the family? I wonder if there’s really a need for this. Mother must have given a firm answer too.”
Daysel’s eyes narrowed.
“Do you believe that b*stard’s words? You seem to have forgotten what kind of man he was.”
“…”
Eruzel closed his mouth.
Looking back, ever since they were young, that man never kept a single promise he made.
He was a despicable man who would promise to stop tormenting him in exchange for a favor, only to later mock him for believing such promises.
“But still…”
Of course, Eruzel understood Daysel’s intentions.
Graduating from the academy was half-essential to become the head of the family.
Preventing the entrance exam or expelling him would lead to a more certain conclusion.
‘But to follow that guy into the academy just because of that…’
No matter how he thought about it, it didn’t seem right, and he was about to express his refusal when Daysel whispered sweet words.
“Eruzel, trust me. I’m different from that trash. I promise to secure your position as soon as I become the head of the family.”
“…”
“There’s no need to stay at the academy for long. As soon as that guy fails the entrance exam, you can come right back.”
Eruzel’s eyes trembled at the tempting offer.
Realistically, it would be wise to accept Dacel’s offer.
I’m not outstanding in swordsmanship like Mircel, and I’m third in line for succession.
Someday, when one of my brothers becomes the head of the family, I’ll have to leave the house; that’s the reality.
‘Yes… It’s only right to take something with me if that’s the case.’
After much thought, I picked up the pen.
Then, Erucel suddenly voiced a question that had come to mind.
“By the way, is it really the Knight’s Academy that I should be entering?”
Dacel sighed wearily.
“…You ask such unnecessary questions, Erucel. Our family is renowned for its swordsmanship.”
“No, it’s just that… I’ve often heard that father tore up the magic book he was reading, so I just wondered.”
“Even if he’s a fool, he’s not stupid enough to defy father’s words.”
Erucel nodded immediately.
“Ah, that’s certainly true.”
It would be no different from committing suicide.
Besides, there’s no way he could have learned magic in such a short time.
In the end, Erucel, convinced by Dacel’s words, filled out the Knight’s Academy admission papers.
* * *
The day I had to leave the mansion.
I couldn’t step out rashly.
Because a pair of tiny hands were clutching my pants, refusing to let go.
“Hmm…”
I patted Niacel’s shoulder, who had buried his face in my thigh.
“Anyone would think you’re going off to die. Lift your head, will you?”
“…”
“Just leave a portrait behind. Let’s see how you’ve grown.”
As I ruffled his hair, Niacel managed a forced smile and pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket.
On it was written a brief sentence: [Have a safe trip].
“I’m proud, really. Maybe I should buy you a gift next time? Well then, hmm…”
Was it because we had grown quite close?
I felt an unnecessary worry, and my steps wouldn’t easily move forward.
With Aol’s return, that Daycel guy won’t dare to act rashly…
Looking at myself, harboring such thoughts, I wonder if I’m just looking for excuses not to go.
I steeled my heart and took a step forward.
“I’ll be back. Take care.”
Passing through the annex’s main gate, traces of winter still lingered on the garden path.
From a distance, Mircel, wrapped in a scarf, approached, crunching the snow underfoot.
“Leaving already?”
“I have a long journey ahead, so I must hurry.”
Mircel pouted, seemingly reluctant.
“…It’ll be boring without you.”
“Then I’ll send you letters. There’ll be all sorts of things happening there, so it won’t be boring.”
Somewhat comforted, Mircel smiled faintly and waved.
“Really? That sounds much better. Take care and keep in touch.”
“Well, it’ll be a while before we see each other again. Stay healthy.”
Mircel murmured softly, looking at the snow.
“Who knows? Maybe when the seasons change, it’ll be over.”
It was an awkward response, but I didn’t take it seriously.
Maybe if I graduate early, it could be summer.
With that, I waved back at Mircel and stopped in my tracks in front of the main gate again.
Aol and the hostess seemed to be waiting to see me off.
Aol patted my shoulder lightly and said,
“Frost Heart will be quite interesting.”
…
Now that I think about it, this gentleman was also from there.
With so many achievements to his name, his portrait and name were well-known at the academy.
“…I’m looking forward to it.”
“You’ll see. Life in the Knight’s Division there will be an unforgettable memory.”
My conscience pricked, and I fell silent.
It’s something that will be discovered eventually, but it doesn’t have to be now.
As I pondered a natural response, the hostess extended a wrapped box towards me.
“What’s this?”
“It’s a gift for your admission. Please open it inside the carriage.”
The hostess winked one eye.
Although I was suspicious, I embraced the gift and bid farewell to the two, then stepped into the carriage.
Following me, Selly also bowed deeply to Aol and the hostess before climbing aboard.
Click!
As the coachman shook the reins, the carriage began to move forward.
Listening to the clattering sound, I wiped the fogged window with a handkerchief.
The hostess was still waving her hand until she became a dot in the distance.
“……”
Perhaps my sunken feelings were showing on my face.
Selly asked.
“Sir, are you feeling unwell?”
“No, it’s nothing to worry about. But, you know…”
“Yes?”
“Aren’t you curious? How the hostess tried to kill me.”
Selly pursed her lips, then nodded her head.
“Well, I am curious. It must be something different from what the servants did.”
I recalled the conversation I had with the hostess on the day I went to get the guardian’s signature.
-How did you plan to kill me?
-Oh, that? It was ‘drowning.’ Lacking imagination compared to others, but somehow, I thought that might be the answer.
“Drowning.”
It was something not even the ‘One Second Invincibility’ that could counter a stabbing knife, poison, or even a breath could handle.
Unaware of my inner turmoil, Selly spoke nonchalantly, as if it was somewhat unexpected.
“I thought you would do something more flashy and meticulous… It seems a bit ordinary?”
It wasn’t an incomprehensible reaction.
Out of many methods, to choose something so modest.
It must have been a plan based on intuition, but knowing it was the right answer made me shiver to the core.
If Heinrich had not declared war on Tenest…
…Well, never mind.
It’s all in the past, and if you’ve lived, that’s enough.
“But, aren’t you going to open that box?”
“Hmm? Oh, right, I was just about to open it.”
As the lid of the box, crafted from a thin layer of exquisite metal, was lifted, a pair of gloves came into view.
[Gloves Blessed with Mana]
● Attribute Series: Blessing.
Master-crafted gloves by artisan Horutu and enchanted by alchemist Hailey.
Increases mana capacity by 10 percent.
Enhances the precision of spells by 10 percent.
Significantly improves the durability of the item held.
Allows for spells to be inscribed on the gloves.
“Wow…”
He swallowed hard, recognizing the true value of the item.
The options of increased mana capacity and spell precision were impressive enough, but the significant boost in durability meant that even a magic wand would hardly break.
And the most crucial feature: the option to inscribe spells on the gloves.
This was a game-changing option, allowing one to permanently load a spell without the need for a wand.
“This must have cost a fortune.”
“Why? Is it expensive?”
“Well, enough to buy a mansion?”
“Is that so?”
Was it an amount too detached from reality?
Selly seemed skeptical.
After all, even high-end shops wouldn’t have items this costly; it wasn’t unreasonable.
“But, young master, what’s that paper underneath?”
“Paper?”
Beneath the gloves lay a note.
[Please take good care of Erusel, Hersel.]
I pointed to the carriage following us and asked Selly,
“So, why is that one following us?”
“Young master Erusel? He said he’s enrolling in the Knight’s Division. Haven’t you heard?”
I had a vague understanding.
It’s just that I’ve been so focused on studying magic that I haven’t paid much attention.
“No, it’s obvious that Dacel paid you to ruin my entrance exam. Why would you even enroll in the Knight’s Department?”
“···Well.”
As if recalling the time she was slapped, Selly murmured with her hand on her cheek.
“That detestable person does have a bit of a foolish streak.”
“A response that makes many things clear.”