Chapter 146

It was the start of a sweltering summer.

The final exams at Arsen Academy had just wrapped up.

Three whole days was the exam period.

Compared to the lengthy three weeks of midterms, this seemed ridiculously short, but there was a reason for that.

While midterms mostly involved practical exams, finals were primarily written tests.

With the final exams done, the break ceremony began. Students were split into two main types.

First, the ones going home.

This included the majority of students who had less than a week’s travel back to their hometowns.

Ivella Elea’ad and Delia Arpen were prime examples of this group.

Second, those staying at the academy.

Students who faced a round trip of more than a fortnight had no choice but to stay.

Like Ulan and Noa, for instance.

But even beyond that, Ulan couldn’t leave the academy.

“Ulan, you’re a re-exam candidate.”

A cold, official voice echoed through the classroom.

It was Professor Miel announcing it.

The reason was simple. He had failed every single test during the finals.

The bare minimum score to avoid failing was an average of 75. However, Ulan’s average was barely 20.

As a result, according to school rules, he couldn’t leave the academy until he passed the re-exam.

“Then let’s all enjoy our break and meet again in two weeks, healthy and happy. That’s all.”

After a swift break ceremony.

Students flowed out of the classroom like water receding from the shore. Most were returning home.

However, not everyone left the room.

Ulan, Noa, and Ivella remained. Ivella, in particular, crumpled her face and yelled.

“No way, this can’t be right!”

“Huh? What are you talking about?”

“I mean it! Ulan is the top student, and he’s getting a re-exam? There’s clearly a mistake!”

Ivella vented her frustration.

Noa, on the other hand, awkwardly chuckled. She realized Ivella was still lost in confusion.

After a moment, Ivella finally calmed down a little, but her face suddenly turned gloomy.

“Ugh, what is this really….”

It was understandable.

The plan to head to Count Deorg’s domain with Ulan was now dashed.

But after a brief moment of despair, Ivella clenched her fist as if to say she would never give up.

“No, it’s okay. I can wait.”

“What? You’ll wait?”

“That re-exam isn’t a big deal for Ulan! He’ll pass it right away, right?”

Her sparkling eyes turned toward Ulan.

There was not a shred of doubt in her gaze.

“Well, that’s….”

Confronted with her unwavering belief, Ulan scratched his cheek awkwardly. He had no guarantee he’d pass the re-exam.

Yet Ivella shook off his uncertainty.

“Here, take this.”

“What’s this?”

“It’s a special pass.”

With a kind explanation, she looked at him earnestly.

“With this, you’ll be able to come straight to the Count’s domain. So once you pass the re-exam, come right over. I’ll be waiting!”

After pleading multiple times.

Ivella turned to leave, as the departure time for the carriage heading to the Count’s domain was fast approaching.

A little while later.

The carriage she boarded passed through the main gate, heading south. Just as it disappeared from view.

“Goodbye.”

An all too familiar voice rang in Ulan and Noa’s ears.

A girl with golden eyes.

It was Delia. She approached them and suddenly looked around, as if searching for someone.

“By the way, where’s Ivella?”

“She left first.”

“Left first? Why?”

“Well, it’s because….”

Noa explained to Delia that Ulan had to stay behind for the re-exam and that Ivella had headed to the Count’s domain alone.

After she finished explaining.

Delia nodded silently.

“That’s too bad.”

While she said it was too bad, her lips were actually slightly curled up, as if relieved that Ulan wasn’t leaving with Ivella.

Just then.

Thud-thud!

A group of soldiers waiting at the front gate approached with purposeful strides.

“Loyalty, we greet the princess.”

“We greet the princess.”

Special forces of the Duchy, Rubens.

This unit, composed of rangers who had served in the military for over a decade, was renowned for being specifically established to guard Delia.

They spoke in a stiff posture, proving they were well-trained.

“Preparations for departure are complete.”

“We will escort you to the carriage.”

It was time to part ways.

Delia looked at Ulan as she spoke.

“Then, let’s meet when school starts again.”

Her face was obviously full of reluctance.

She looked as if her feet couldn’t move.

At that moment, Ulan, who had been silent, suddenly spoke up.

“So, you’re staying in the Duchy for the entire break?”

“Yeah, I have personal issues to handle.”

“I see. Have a good trip.”

Ulan nodded, saying farewell.

It was an unremarkable send-off, but Delia beamed, as if she was just happy to have received a send-off.

As she was about to turn away.

“Delia! Here, take this.”

A voice called out, stopping her in her tracks.

It was Noa. She quickly closed the distance and handed her a red pouch.

“What’s this?”

“It’s a talisman I made.”

“A talisman?”

“Yeah, I felt a strange sense of foreboding, so don’t take it off your body at any time.”

Noa’s earnest request was just finishing when.

Delia’s expression hardened.

“Tell me the details.”

Her intuition about the future was usually spot on.

Delia, who trusted her premonitions, wanted to know what future Noa had seen, but she couldn’t get the answers she wanted.

“Sorry. Even if I wanted to tell you, it’s just that strange feeling, that’s all.”

Noa scratched her cheek awkwardly.

Of course, her intuition was a lie. Her only goal was to hand her the talisman.

The reason for this behavior was simple.

Delia was going to face the Trial of the Hero this summer break.

‘All trials have a Death Branch Point.’

It wouldn’t hurt to have insurance.

That’s why Noa had spent two whole days sacrificing her sleep to create the talisman. Just in case the Death Branch Point activated, she would be safe.

“What’s inside is a protective talisman.”

“A protective talisman?”

“It’s a talisman that protects your body. If you tear it, the magic will activate automatically, so if you ever feel even a hint of danger, use it right away.”

Noa said with a worried expression.

Maybe it was because she felt genuine concern from her? Delia gently smiled.

“Thank you. I’ll take it gratefully.”

Finishing her genuine expression of thanks.

Delia climbed into the carriage.

Afterward, the carriage carrying her quickly left the academy and headed toward the eastern border.

“Shall we head out too?”

“Let’s do that.”

Ulan nodded.

Right after the re-exam was decided, he had asked Noa for help. A request for guidance to avoid failing.

Noa gladly agreed, and they headed to the library. Just as they were on their way, they unexpectedly ran into the dorm supervisor.

“Noa! Here’s a letter for you.”

“Oh, yes. Thank you.”

Seizing the letter in confusion.

Noa checked the sender of the letter.

There was no need to confirm the sender. There was only one place that could send her a letter.

Count Dermore’s house.

The Grand Nobility who wrote a recommendation for Noa and Ulan.

And also the leader of the investigation unit from the Rubens Empire that came recently to investigate the Source of Magic.

“What does it say?”

“Just a simple greeting. It says to come by the mansion if you have the time.”

Along with an invitation for a meal.

Noa shrugged.

“Of course, I have no intention of going.”

“Why not?”

“I have a lot to do this vacation. Plus, I have a personal request for Ulan too.”

“A request?”

“Yeah, something really important.”

Noa nodded seriously.

She was about to reveal what it was but couldn’t as a voice suddenly cut through their space.

“It’s been a while, you two.”

A familiar deep voice.

Ulan and Noa both turned at the same time. Where their gaze landed was on a middle-aged knight with a goatee.

“Do you have a moment to spare?”

A man with serious, glimmering eyes.

He was one of the Five Swords of the Empire and had once dueled Ulan in a friendly match—

Seoric Al Gorphant.

2.

At the café located near the dining hall.

Perhaps because the break ceremony had just ended, the café was quite empty. Not long after, when their ordered drinks arrived, Ulan immediately chugged his drink.

Glug glug!

The cool drink flowed in, making his previously hot body feel a bit cooler. After that, he regained his composure and stared intently at Seoric.

“What did you want to say?”

He ended his question, looking for his purpose. Awkwardly pulled into this café, Noa glanced at Seoric too. However, Seoric’s gaze had been solely focused on Ulan from the start.

“I heard about what happened in the friendly mock battle.”

Without sipping his drink.

Seoric asked with a stern face.

“You revealed you’re a Master, right?”

“That’s right.”

“Why did you do that?”

“Because my opponent challenged me with all their might.”

Ulan answered without hesitation.

Seoric soon figured out who Ulan meant by ‘opponent.’ Ian Marcus. The knight closest to becoming a Master in the Holy Nation.

“Hah, while I understand your feelings….”

Still, this time it was too reckless.

To reveal your abilities in front of many people! Because of that, the plan to slowly win you over was thrown out the window.

Principal Berge was eager to recruit Ulan without delay, and the military was also keen on securing him after hearing the news.

‘There’s no time to waste.’

They had to recruit Ulan by any means necessary.

Thus, Seoric summoned his advisors to figure out a plan to draw him into the Empire.

Just then, Ulan spoke up.

“Is that why you called me?”

“…No. My real purpose is different.”

After lightly shaking his head.

Seoric’s lips began to move.

“However, as I lack the skill for euphemistic speech, I’ll get straight to the point. Please grant me your understanding.”

“I will listen.”

“As you may already know, right now, you’re the center of attention at Arsen.”

Ever since the moment Ulan revealed himself as a Master.

Many people have been trying to contact him. Of course, none of those meetings materialized.

Because there had been the incident at the Source of Magic, and he also had to prepare for the finals, he had rejected all requests for meetings.

“And I, too, have been assigned to recruit you representing the Rubens Empire.”

“Recruit?”

“To become the Empire’s sword, Ulan.”

As soon as the words left Seoric’s mouth,

The room was engulfed in silence.

It was a sudden proposal. Meanwhile, Seoric, who had dropped the bomb, took out a thick document from his bag and placed it on the table.

“If you swear to become the Empire’s sword, I will provide you with the privileges listed here.”

Seoric whispered earnestly with a serious expression.

Meanwhile, Ulan silently gazed at the documents.

‘That’s a lot…’

Too much, in fact.

Trying to read them all would take him the entire vacation, if not longer. What’s more, just looking at the crowded text made him feel dizzy.

“…….”

So, Ulan didn’t keep his gaze on the documents for long, quietly looking back at Seoric, as if to say to summarize the main points.

Meanwhile, Seoric swallowed hard.

It was due to Ulan’s indifference.

‘I never expected to see him blink even once at the offer of privileges.’

It was as if he had no avarice at all.

Seeing that reaction, he figured securing his allegiance wouldn’t be easy.

But still…

Having come this far, he had no choice but to push forward.

Seoric steeled himself.

After a moment, he recalled the contents of the privileges listed in the documents and spoke.

“Let me be direct. The Rubens Empire wishes to make you a Marquess.”

“A Marquess?”

“Yes. If you accept the offer, the northern prairies will be protected under the Empire’s banner.”

After a nod of agreement.

Seoric launched into a passionate speech.

“Furthermore, the military plans to provide substantial support to all the tribes of the prairie. That means you won’t have to worry about food in winter anymore.”

“Uh-huh….”

“Not only that. You would be exempt from taxes for the next hundred years, and those who wish to enlist in the military will be offered the same treatment as the Imperial Army.”

There were many other privileges as well.

However, he couldn’t cover them all here, so he chose to explain only the major ones.

“Next, there’s a privilege of graduating from Arsen Academy early as well.”

Ulan was a Master of great prowess.

Even if he stayed at the academy, he wouldn’t learn anything new. So if he could easily obtain a diploma, he would surely be pleased.

Seoric was confident of that.

“…….”

In contrast, Ulan’s reaction was quite different.

As soon as the word ‘graduation’ left Seoric’s lips, Ulan immediately furrowed his brow. Whether he realized it or not, Seoric continued to speak.

“Lastly, I’ll grant you a wish.”

“A wish?”

“As long as it doesn’t challenge the authority of the Imperial Family, it’s anything you want. There are various other privileges, so take your time reading through them.”

After Seoric finished laying everything out on the table, he attempted to pass the documents to Ulan.

But suddenly, the documents had vanished without a trace.

What? Where did they go?

Panicking and glancing around, he soon spotted someone reading the documents.

“Um, I listened carefully, but….”

It was the girl who had remained silent until now.

It was Noa.

While Seoric had been talking, she had comprehended all the contents of the documents.

“This doesn’t really seem like a privilege.”

“What?”

“I mean, sure, you mentioned tax exemption as a privilege, but there’s never been a time when the prairie had to pay taxes to the Empire.”

Noa swiftly found the holes in the agreement and continued laying out her counterarguments.

“Then there’s the part about food and supplies. It’s unclear whether that’s a one-time thing or if it would be a continuous support.”

“Well, that….”

“And it’s nonsensical to claim you’d be protected under the Empire’s banner.”

Continuing her points, Noa spoke without a hint of a smile.

“A Marquess is the commander who defends the border, right? Would it be more accurate to say that the Empire needs protection from Ulan instead?”

“…….”

“Sure, the wish you mentioned at the end is an attractive proposal, but aside from that, there’s really no reason to accept this offer. And….”

While she had been laying out her arguments without a hitch, she suddenly found herself speechless.

A sudden prickling feeling ran through her skin, sending chills down her spine. Then came a pressure so intense that it felt like it was suffocating her.

“That’s enough.”

The source of the pressure was Seoric’s aura.

Noa froze like a stone statue.

With her now pale face, Seoric warned her.

“I don’t recall giving you permission to speak.”

To be honest, it was a bit of an overreaction.

But Seoric didn’t think so.

The moment he heard Noa’s words, he instinctively knew: If she was left unchecked, she would become a stumbling block to Ulan’s recruitment.

‘So…’

It would be best to incapacitate her, albeit a bit roughly, in this moment. Seoric made the decision to lace his aura with malice.

But at that moment.

“……!”

Seoric’s eyes widened.

The aura dispersed like smoke.

There was only one person who could cause such a phenomenon here. He looked over at Ulan, who had suddenly pulled Noa close to him.

“Hah, hah!”

Thanks to that, Noa was freed from the aura’s influence and began to breathe heavily.

Her complexion slowly returning to normal.

Meanwhile, Ulan spoke up.

“Then I’ll allow it.”

“Wha, what?”

“Noa is a sorceress from my clan and a colleague I trust. She has every right to be part of this conversation.”

As soon as he finished his resolute reply.

A deep crimson glow suddenly descended.

“And let me warn you.”

As he spoke in a stiffened voice.

The spirits swirled around Ulan like a storm. It was a presence far more potent than the aura Seoric had just exuded.

“Don’t ever threaten my colleagues in my presence again.”

A force that pressed down on Seoric like a heavy weight. He gritted his teeth and held his ground.

Ulan’s spirit was powerful enough that he had to unleash all his aura just to withstand it. Eventually, he managed to utter a few words.

“I swear….”

“Good.”

As soon as Ulan’s reply rang out, the oppressive force bearing down on him dissipated like smoke.

With the pressure lifted, Seoric’s eyes trembled, filled with confusion.

‘He’s become even stronger than last time…’

The friendly duel had taken place just three months ago.

Yet in such a short time, Ulan had grown significantly stronger. It was now debatable whether they were even equals as Masters.

‘With this level of pressure…’

One of the Empire’s Five Swords.

He could now be level with Saxen Yul Orden, the Emperor’s Knight and protector of the Imperial Family.

No, he was even more impressive.

Saxen had long since surpassed middle age, while Ulan was still only seventeen.

‘A true monster indeed.’

Seoric felt cold sweat trickle down his back. At the same time, he was engulfed by the determination that he needed to secure Ulan’s allegiance—

For one reason only.

He didn’t want to make an enemy of him. Just then, Ulan spoke again.

“To return to our earlier conversation, I actually know nothing about this sort of thing. So I’ll leave all matters regarding the proposal to Noa.”

“But this is an important matter….”

“It’s fine. I trust Noa.”

Ulan replied without hesitation.

The absolute trust he conveyed made Noa smile faintly, feeling a strong bond she had never experienced before.

A short while later.

After catching her breath, Noa slightly bowed her head, facing Seoric.

“I’m sorry for the late introduction, Lord Marquis. I’m Noa Darshen, as introduced.”

“…Seoric Al Gorphant.”

Seoric replied with a somewhat displeased expression.

But Noa didn’t shrink back. Sure, the aura he had exuded was intimidating, but it wasn’t enough to freeze her in place.

“Before we get into the details of the conversation, there’s something I’d like to ask.”

“You want to ask me?”

“Yes. This is a necessary question for negotiation. So….”

Because just before she came to this world,

the last character she played was the one and only Seoric Al Gorphant.

As such, Noa smiled brightly.

“How much do you already know?”

A smile free of tension.

It was a relaxed smile that only someone who knows all the cards on the table could wear.

35. How much do you already know?

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