Chapter 171

Countless stars twinkled on the hill.

In this desolate place where the only sound was the whispering wind, Ulan stared blankly at the silver-haired girl in front of him.

Thin, trembling golden eyes.

At that moment, as he watched her increasingly flushed face…

“…!”

He suddenly snapped back to reality.

In that instant, he realized what Delia had said. He also understood she saw him not as a comrade but as a romantic interest.

And just like that, he was at a loss for words.

How could he not be?

The Delia he remembered from his past life was nothing like this.

‘She had zero interest in men.’

It would be more accurate to say she had no curiosity about the opposite sex at all.

Delia kept her distance from men, avoiding them altogether. That’s how he remembered it.

‘But…’

To receive a confession from someone like Delia.

This was completely unexpected.

And it was the first time he had received such a sincere confession in all his moments.

It was natural to feel flustered.

At that moment, when their eyes met again, Delia’s face had turned bright red.

With a tense expression stiffened by nervousness, he could see her glistening, teary eyes.

Her gaze was fixed solely on Ulan, as if waiting for a response, prompting him to instinctively part his lips.

“I…”

Yet he couldn’t say it.

At the instant his voice was about to escape, a tiny hand covered his mouth.

“…It’s okay.”

Delia, now on tiptoe and swaying slightly, shook her head.

“You don’t have to answer right now.”

A delicate tremor passed through her palm.

As if she were someone extremely tense.

A moment later, taking a deep breath, Delia continued her calm response.

“I just wanted to share my feelings.”

Of course, she wanted to hear his answer as well.

But now was not the right time.

Just looking at Ulan’s expression told her that.

‘A startled face.’

This was a reaction that indicated he hadn’t seen it coming.

In other words, it meant he wasn’t mentally prepared for this.

Hearing a response in such a situation wouldn’t bring any joy. Hence she mentioned why she didn’t need to hear it right away.

“And isn’t there something more important right now?”

“More important?”

“The Abyss.”

As soon as that short answer ended, Ulan’s eyes gleamed sharply.

Delia was right. They were tasked with stopping the Abyss as heroes.

“So, when we defeat the Abyss and complete all our missions, I hope you’ll answer me then.”

“Is that okay?”

“Yes, I can wait.”

In fact, that was preferable.

Delia wasn’t even ready to hear his answer right now. Nodding willingly, she mumbled in a tiny voice.

“It’s actually better this way.”

“Better how?”

Ulan tilted his head in confusion.

She had fallen into his trap. A faint smile blossomed on her lips as she placed a hand on her chest.

“I’m half-human and half-fairy.”

Mentioning something she already knew.

Delia pointed to her cheek.

Her skin was flawless, with a complexion as pure as white jade.

“I have a lifespan exceeding several centuries, so I won’t age until you are gone.”

This was also true.

She was a long-lived species.

Maintaining a youthful face and body, she was a blessed existence who spent most of her life that way.

“And I’m still growing.”

This, too, was correct.

Long-lived beings achieve physical growth through mental growth and enlightenment.

“Even if I’m not enough right now, I’ll surely grow just like the others in the future.”

In body and heart alike.

Her pale cheeks turned a rosy hue.

A moment later, with the distance between them now reduced, she spoke with her reddened face.

“So remember this well.”

To ensure she had the advantage.

Delia smiled gently.

Her expression was one of overcoming shyness.

As the conversation drew to a close and silence began to settle again, Ulan, who had been quietly listening, suddenly asked.

“Can I ask you one thing?”

“Sure, what is it?”

“Why do you like me?”

Ulan couldn’t understand.

No matter how hard he tried to recall memories of Delia from his past life, he just couldn’t think of a reason why she would like him.

Then…

Delia’s lips parted.

“…At first, I was against it.”

“Against it?”

“I thought you liked me. You said something like that during the entrance exam.”

That they were meant to be together in the future.

Hearing that naturally drew his gaze.

Initially, it began with curiosity.

But as time passed, curiosity transformed into interest, which evolved into affection.

“I found myself always watching you, always thinking about you, wishing to be with you wherever and whenever.”

Then suddenly, the realization hit her.

The true nature of this emotion.

The feeling of liking someone. The moment Delia recognized that she liked Ulan, she was engulfed in happiness.

“That’s why I said it.”

After surviving the ambush of the Abyss Worshippers.

When she was hospitalized in the academy’s ward.

She had promised to stay by Ulan’s side, to be with him forever.

“However…”

That happiness didn’t last long.

Because she realized that this relationship had started from a misunderstanding. Yet, despite that, her feelings for Ulan hadn’t changed.

“I learned it was a misunderstanding, but my feelings had already grown too big to erase.”

Too big to hold inside her chest.

And so, she let out her feelings.

With this sincerity expressed in her voice, she shaped it into a confession for Ulan.

“I see.”

Once Delia finished explaining, Ulan bowed his head toward her.

“Thank you for answering.”

Though he didn’t fully comprehend it.

More than anything, Ulan had never seen her as a woman.

Yet he felt it was clear her confession was not a spur-of-the-moment thing, but rather a genuine sentiment she had contemplated for a long time.

‘So…’

He realized he couldn’t answer right away.

Just as much as she had pondered, Ulan needed to consider his response equally.

“As you said, I will seriously think about it until we defeat the Abyss.”

“That’s fine.”

Delia nodded her head.

With a satisfied expression.

As they continued to gaze at each other, suddenly Delia began to wiggle her fingers. It was as if she had something more to say.

“…You know.”

“Hmm?”

“Helena once told me that I had a profound attachment since I was young.”

“Attachment?”

“Yes, whether it’s a person or an item, once I fixate on one thing, I completely overlook everything else.”

Listening to that, it indeed seemed true.

Just looking back on her past life, Delia had obsessively focused on finding a medicine that could heal Rudine.

‘And after that…’

After Rudine passed away, she had clung obsessively to Ivella, who had been her emotional support at the time.

As she recalled that time, Delia spoke again.

“So let me just say this.”

“…?”

“Even if you reject my confession in the future, I won’t give up on you.”

After making that bold declaration, Delia leaned in closer.

“I swear on my mana, absolutely.”

Her golden eyes gleamed with determination.

Ulan was accustomed to this look.

It was the same face she had worn when searching for clues about the Healing Potion in his past life.

“That’s all I wanted to say.”

Once she had said everything, her expression seemed relieved as she extended her palm toward Ulan.

But she didn’t wait idly this time.

Like a hawk snatching its prey, she swiftly reached out and pulled Ulan’s arm close.

“Now let’s head back. The banquet should be ending soon, and everyone will be waiting.”

A smile bloomed on her lips.

It was a heartfelt smile.

On the day the banquet of the Arpen Duchy concluded.

With Delia’s confession, the relationship that had begun from a misunderstanding entwined into a new connection.

One connected by sincerity and obsession.

9.

The day after the banquet ended.

A large carriage arrived in front of the Royal Castle.

A carriage waiting, as if for someone.

Moments later, the castle gate opened, revealing three men and women. The ones who would ride the carriage back to the academy—none other than Ulan and his group.

“Have you forgotten anything?”

“Nothing.”

As they hardly had any baggage, it wasn’t at all surprising.

Just as they concluded their departure preparations perfectly, two women approached from afar.

Helena and Rudine.

They were likely here to see Delia off. Meanwhile, Ulan was looking around, as if searching for someone.

“Hasn’t the King of Arpen come?”

“Hmm, it seems not.”

Erhent hadn’t shown his face since the banquet ended.

The reason was reasonably predictable.

He likely prioritized his responsibilities as king over seeing Delia off.

‘But maybe that’s for the best.’

It would be better than appearing suddenly and ruining the atmosphere. As he pondered the reason for Erhent’s absence.

“Take care on your journey, sister.”

“You too, don’t overdo it.”

As Delia and Rudine’s conversation ended, Rudine suddenly recalled something she had forgotten and added.

“Oh, and please wait until next year.”

“Huh? Until next year?”

“I’ll work hard to recover my health and definitely enroll in the Arsen Academy.”

It seemed her words from yesterday were not just empty promises. She had gained a new goal, and her vibrant expression was proof of that.

Having returned to her former self, full of energy, Delia wore a gentle smile.

“Yes, I’ll support you.”

“Yes!”

After saying their farewells, the group boarded the carriage.

Soon, the carriage set off, and Delia waved until Rudine was out of sight.

Meanwhile, at that moment.

Noa leaned back against the soft seat and let out a brief sigh.

‘Now that’s done…’

It felt as if the vacation was already over.

With their arrival at the academy scheduled for two days from now, the school term was set to start immediately afterward. Following the course registration period, the second semester would begin.

‘There were so many things that happened in such a short time.’

The treasures needed to confront the Abyss.

Noa had completed Einar’s gemstone, spent the night out with Ulan, and even helped Delia pass the Trial of the Hero.

And as a result.

Delia reached the level of a High Mage faster than in the original work. Without a doubt, she had become a significant power for the upcoming Abyss War.

‘And other changes happened too.’

Snapped back to reality, Noa looked at Delia, who was grinning at Ulan.

She was currently clinging to Ulan, even wrapping her arms around him tightly. Suddenly, Ulan called her name.

“…Delia.”

“What’s up?”

“Isn’t this uncomfortable?”

“No, I find this comfortable.”

Delia smiled brightly.

It was a genuine smile filled with sincerity. Seeing that, Noa quickly noticed how Delia had changed.

‘Her way of speaking.’

Originally, due to the trauma of her childhood, she used a halting speech pattern.

This was a habit even mentioned in the original work.

But for some reason, since this morning, her way of speaking had completely transformed.

‘No, more accurately…’

She spoke that way only to Ulan.

To Noa, Helena, and even Rudine, she reverted to her original speech pattern.

And one more thing.

There was a noticeable change.

She was, as now, clinging excessively to Ulan. Realizing this, Noa naturally initiated a conversation.

“By the way, about yesterday…”

“Huh?”

“Did you two go somewhere?”

When she was called by Helena yesterday.

Noa realized Ulan and Delia had vanished from her side.

‘And then…’

They returned only after the banquet concluded.

Delia’s behavior had changed after that. Therefore, she wanted to inquire about what happened.

In response to Noa’s question, Delia answered.

“We went to see the stars.”

“Stars?”

“There were no clouds yesterday at all, so we went stargazing.”

It was an unexpectedly trivial reason.

Noa tilted her head in confusion.

“Is that all?”

“Um, well…”

Ulan trailed off, seemingly wanting to say more.

By his reaction, it was evident something had occurred. So she intended to delve deeper with more questions.

But that wasn’t necessary.

Delia’s response came much quicker.

“I confessed to Ulan.”

“…Huh?”

“I told him I liked him.”

Even though she hadn’t heard his answer yet.

She added this in a small voice, with a beaming smile on her face.

“Now, I won’t hide it anymore.”

Her honest feelings toward Ulan.

The moment she expressed that, she had made up her mind. Regardless of whether Ivella and Laurea became adversaries, she would not give up on Ulan.

“I won’t let anyone take him away from me.”

A response filled with strong resolve.

Delia tightly clutched Ulan’s arm.

As if she had no intention of letting go. Meanwhile, upon hearing Delia’s answer, Noa understood the current situation.

And she simultaneously realized.

That Delia’s penalty had manifested.

‘…Obsession.’

Attachment to items or people.

Delia Arpen’s unique penalty.

Just looking at her eyes, the level of attachment was evident.

As soon as she realized this, tension gripped her chest.

As if crushed beneath a massive rock.

Her heart raced.

It felt as if Delia, who she had thought was on the same starting line, had suddenly pulled ahead.

“…”

With her heart feeling constricted, Noa quietly lowered her head.

As if she understood her feelings, the carriage smoothly continued its path.

The three of them headed toward their destination.

To Arsen Academy.

In the meantime, back at the academy.

1.

At that moment.

Three days before the semester, the academy was imbued with a tranquil ambiance. There was actually an even quieter space on campus.

The Source of Magic, Arsen.

Due to the recent disappearance of the Magic Department’s head, Diplyn Cernio, the area had become increasingly deserted.

However, today was different.

Someone was visiting the Source of Magic.

As a middle-aged man approached the entrance with purposeful strides, the Arsen guards promptly blocked his way.

“This area is off-limits.”

“Unauthorized personnel cannot enter…”

Just as they were about to continue, he appended something to his claim.

“Is this sufficient?”

It was then that the man unexpectedly produced something.

After bewilderingly receiving it, the guards’ eyes widened.

“…!”

What the man handed over was a document.

It was an appointment letter granting him authority to manage the Source of Magic, prominently stamped with the imperial seal.

“My apologies, but…”

“May I verify your identification?”

“Of course.”

Handing over his identification willingly, the guards compared the details on it to the appointment letter before standing at attention to salute.

“Yes! Verification complete.”

“Count Dermore, Your Excellency.”

“Welcome to the Source of Magic.”

This man was D’muehl Ron Dermore.

A wizard commanded by Crown Prince Chartang of the Rubens Empire to oversee the Source of Magic.

“Can I enter now?”

“Yes, just tell us your purpose for visiting.”

“I thought I should get a look at the place I’ll be managing from now on.”

“I see. Understood.”

The formalities concluded quickly.

The guards promptly opened the entrance leading to the Source of Magic. As Count Dermore started to step inside, they advised him.

“However, we recommend you avoid the area beyond Zone 2.”

“I believe you understand the reasons.”

“Yes, I will keep that in mind.”

Nodding with a smile, the count stepped into the Source of Magic.

Not long after, arriving at the boundary of Zone 1, he strode boldly toward Zone 2, ignoring the guards’ warning.

How much time had passed?

Suddenly, something burst from the count’s pocket. It was a small doll made of dirt and pebbles.

Specifically, it was a little Golem.

In an instant, the Golem perched upon the count’s shoulder, glowing with red eyes.

“I sense the familiar energy of the Abyss.”

It then spoke in the human tongue.

But the count wasn’t startled.

He already knew what the Golem was.

“Are you talking about the Abyss’s power?”

“Yes, this is the place nearest to the Abyss.”

One of the Six Lords of the Abyss.

The howling eye, Rakus Clanman Duratus.

This identification perfectly described the small Golem.

More accurately, it referred to Rakus’ consciousness being imbued within the Golem’s form, making it a replica of his being.

“Oh, on that note, Master.”

“…?”

“I have something to report.”

In a sudden relay, Rakus’s red eyes gleamed brightly as if anticipating his report.

“Is it about the Eastern Jungle?”

“Yes, indeed.”

The hunter, Sven Isaac.

The count had initially intended to send his Abyss Worshippers to eliminate him. However, they quickly discovered this task wouldn’t be easy.

“I’ve been gathering information, but pinpointing his base has proven significantly difficult.”

“That’s hardly surprising.”

Rakus nodded in agreement.

“After all, he possesses the exceptional talent of hiding his presence among the seven stars.”

Sven Isaac was the best hunter among the Abyssal races.

Renowned for being elusive and leaving no trace, even Rakus recognized this challenge, which is why he had come here.

“But there’s no need to worry.”

His red eyes focused sharply on the mist beyond.

The land beyond Zone 3.

The region at the center of the lake.

“If I send my minions to the jungle, it will all be resolved.”

“I’ll make sure that’s understood.”

The count bowed his head respectfully.

Then, suddenly recalling something he had forgotten, he turned back to Rakus.

“And there’s additional news.”

“What is it?”

“There’s a group separately gathering information on Sven Isaac in the Eastern Jungle.”

Aside from the Abyss Worshippers?

Rakus’ eyes gleamed with interest.

“Who are they?”

“They are said to be priests from the Holy Nation of Eloden.”

The Holy Nation was searching for Sven Isaac.

With this new report, Rakus frowned. From this brief mention, he could deduce what the overall situation looked like.

“Tch, seems the Outsider is meddling.”

A clear look of displeasure shadowed his eyes.

“What shall I relay?”

“Eliminate all of them.”

“…What?”

Did he just hear that correctly?

The count asked in bewilderment.

“You mean the priests of the Holy Nation?”

“They’ll have to be disposed of eventually, whether now or later, the outcome remains unchanged.”

Rakus’s response was unwavering.

His eyes burned fiercely.

With a tone indicating no room for negotiation, the count nodded somberly.

As their conversation was concluding, they finally reached their destination.

Source of Magic, Zone 3.

The very place where Diplyn Cernio had once opened the Abyssal Rift. The count completed a gigantic magic circle on the floor and opened his mouth.

“Then I shall begin.”

“I grant you permission.”

With Rakus’s affirmation, pure energy from the Abyss seeped into the magic circle. Moments later, the air itself split apart.

The morning three days before the start of the semester.

In Zone 3, the Abyssal Rift was opened.

But sadly, no one knew about this fact.

Except for one.

[Grrr!]

The White Wolf of the Mist.

Hidden in dense fog, the white wolf observed the unfolding scene from afar.

For his master’s return.

Without leaving anything behind.

2.

The dawn had just broken.

The sound of slicing wind echoed sharply from the training ground of Count Deorg.

Swish! Whoosh!

The sounds of a steel sword slicing through the air.

Wielding her sword from early morning, the blond girl, Ivella Elea’ad.

How long had passed?

As her breath hitched in her throat, she finally ceased her swordplay.

With slightly ragged breath.

Ivella, retrieving her sword, gazed quietly northeast toward the sky. In the direction of the Arsen Academy.

“……”

Today was the day to return to the academy.

Maybe that was why? Having awakened earlier than usual, she had come out to train.

But she couldn’t seem to focus at all.

There was just one reason.

Ulan, who had suddenly headed to the Arpen Duchy, breaking their promise to search for the Count’s territory.

‘Why…’

Her white teeth slightly bit her lips.

It was not that she couldn’t comprehend it.

Ulan, who valued promises, must have had an urgent reason to break theirs.

‘But…’

Something in her heart ached.

She felt rejected, as if he had chosen Delia over her. It plagued her, stealing her sleep for several nights.

Unable to suppress her frustration, she had even spoken to her mother, Idelyn.

“Why don’t you try doing the same?”

After hearing the whole story, Idelyn offered this piece of advice.

“School starts soon. When you return to the academy, act distant on purpose. The key is to provoke the other’s jealousy.”

Such a notion had some validity.

It was also an opportunity to gauge whether Ulan truly had feelings for her. Yet, there was a lingering concern.

‘What if it causes us to drift apart instead?’

At that point, it would truly be unfixable.

And there’s one more issue.

‘…Laurea.’

The next Saintess from Eloden.

As long as she existed, it was challenging to easily follow Idelyn’s advice. It could give Laurea an opening to step in.

Back to square one.

As she exhaled a heavy sigh, she sensed a presence at the entrance of the training ground.

“…Ah.”

Upon noticing the visitor, Ivella furrowed her brows.

It was Istan El Deorg.

The lord of this castle and Ivella’s biological father.

Just seeing him brought forth uncomfortable feelings, prompting her to turn her back. Just as she was about to leave the training ground…

“Your swordsmanship has improved.”

Suddenly, he spoke to her.

And it wasn’t just flattery; the genuine surprise on his face was evident. And it was indeed surprising.

Considering her swordsmanship alone, she had reached the level of an intermediate knight, and her ability to wield mana was comparable to that of a high-ranking knight.

‘The last time I saw her…’

It felt as though she had been two levels lower back then.

In such a short time to achieve this level of proficiency! Even Himel Deorg, known as the swordsman genius, wouldn’t have reached this level so quickly.

‘It must be thanks to that man.’

The Barbarian Master, Ulan Bator.

She was undoubtedly influenced by him. The same instinct as a fellow master informed her of that.

On the other hand, regardless of what Istan said, Ivella simply chose not to respond. She only wanted to gather her belongings and leave the training ground.

In response, Istan tried to engage her again.

“You seem troubled.”

“….”

“Is something bothering you?”

His keen insight was apparent.

Master acknowledged Master. Just by her sword movements, he was able to discern that she was preoccupied with something.

However, she didn’t want to answer him.

So she gave a curt response, her face cold.

“It doesn’t concern you…”

“Is it about Ulan?”

But she found her lips sealed again.

He had struck directly at the heart of the matter. Having hit a nerve, Istan pressed on.

“If it’s a problem involving men and women, I could help.”

“…Really?”

Ivella asked, half in doubt.

Her honest feelings didn’t want to accept help from him, yet the glimmer of hope led her to seek his guidance.

With eyes filled with a hint of expectancy.

However, it quickly morphed into disappointment.

“Next time I send a letter, I’ll throw in a few more hotel accommodation vouchers.”

“…”

Ivella’s face scrunched up.

That was of no help whatsoever.

She glared at him with fierce eyes. Then she exhaled deeply, chastising herself for expecting anything from this man.

Yet at that moment.

He suddenly posed a question.

“Can I ask you one thing?”

It was a sudden query. Before Ivella could even respond, he quickly brought forth his request.

“Do you happen to know a student named ‘Silfi Rudrik’ among Arsen’s new entrants?”

That’s a name she didn’t know.

Ivella shook her head.

“I don’t know. I’m not interested.”

“What about Silfi Rudhina?”

That was a name from among her few friends.

Upon hearing Silfi’s name, she stared at Istan with a puzzled expression.

“How do you know that name…?”

“Deliver this to her.”

Before her words could finish, he pulled something from his coat pocket, handing it over. It was an envelope with the Deorg family seal stamped on it.

A sudden request.

While Ivella appeared taken aback, Istan slightly corrected his previous statement.

“More precisely, it’s a letter meant for her family.”

With eyes sharp as a hawk tracking its prey, he spoke with a wry smile on his lips.

“I have quite the history with the Rudhina house since the time in the desert.”

What? The desert?

Was Silfi’s family located out there?

Ivella tilted her head in confusion. But Istan seemed disinterested in further elaborating.

“So please, I ask.”

He simply inclined his head slightly.

Just as Ivella wore an uncertain expression, another guest appeared at the training area. It was the steward of Count Deorg’s estate.

“Count, breakfast is ready.”

“Understood. I’ll be there shortly.”

Istan immediately turned his body.

As much as he wanted to accompany Ivella, he knew well that wouldn’t be feasible.

He was aware she still regarded him unfavorably. So, as he was about to move toward the dining hall.

“Wait.”

He heard a voice that stopped him in his tracks.

It was Ivella. Clutching the envelope to her chest, she gazed at Istan and continued.

“I have a request too.”

“Speak. I will grant any request.”

Without hesitation, Istan replied.

Having never once uttered the word request, Ivella took a deep breath and, a while later, spoke in a voice smaller than a mosquito.

“…Give me.”

“What?”

“Accommodation vouchers! Just a few, please.”

Pondering that she might find a use for it in the future.

With a flushed face, she reached her hand out.

Perhaps the unexpected request surprised him; Istan burst into laughter.

“Well, I can even buy you a hotel if you want.”

“That’s not necessary.”

Ivella shook her head.

It’s not like he had genuinely intended to offer that. On the other hand, Istan was serious.

“I truly meant it.”

“No, just the accommodation vouchers…”

“Sure, I think it’s better to buy a hotel.”

“Ah, stop it!”

This was a person with whom it was impossible to reason.

Ivella screamed in exasperation, while Istan couldn’t stop smiling.

After a while, once breakfast concluded.

A carriage departed from Deorg Castle. It was on its way to Arsen Academy.

3.

Two days later.

Under the bright midday sun.

A black carriage arrived near the front gate of Arsen Academy. Following it, the guards who had been escorting it dismounted from their horses.

The Dukedom’s Special Operatives, Rubens.

Tasked chiefly with the protection of important individuals, they knocked on the carriage door while politely addressing.

“Princess Delia.”

“You have arrived at your destination.”

Shortly after their words ended, the door swung open. Then three figures emerged—a trio of Ulan, Noa, and Delia.

Perhaps it was due to the lengthy journey in the carriage?

Noa groaned as she stretched. Then she looked around, glancing about curiously.

“I really feel the break is over now.”

“Yeah, me too.”

Delia nodded in agreement.

Both of them seemed to share the same sentiment.

As they observed, the area surrounding the entrance to the academy was filled with numerous carriages and throngs of people. Students returning to school just before the opening ceremony.

“We’ll excuse ourselves now.”

“Wishing you good health. Loyalty!”

The Rubens soldiers bowed respectfully.

As Delia nodded, they promptly vanished from sight along with the carriage.

Left lone, the trio of friends gathered their belongings.

Noa pointed towards the gate.

“Shall we head in?”

There was no need to answer.

Leading the way, they fell into the throngs of returning students as they headed toward the entrance.

Shortly after, just as they were about to step onto campus.

“…Ulan Bator.”

A rigid voice echoed coldly.

As frigid as ice.

When they turned toward the voice, they found familiar figures gathered—the guards of Arsen.

“Do you have an explanation for missing your re-exam schedule and returning without permission?”

“If there is a reason, I shall listen.”

“Ah, well, that’s…”

It was Noa who was about to respond to their accusations.

Delia, too, stepped forward to defend Ulan. But neither could do so.

Ulan had stood in their way.

“I’m fine.”

“What? But…”

“If there are consequences, I’m prepared.”

Regardless of the reason, it was true he had returned without prior notice. Therefore, if there was a punishment, he prepared to accept it gracefully.

So he proclaimed boldly.

“I have none.”

“Hmph, at least your answer is refreshing.”

“Seize him!”

“No ropes! Bring the chains!”

Before he knew it, Ulan was bound up in no time.

Afterward, he was taken away to the Student Council as per usual.

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