Chapter 199

After giving Karas some suitable stock recommendations, class commenced.

The lesson itself was conducted in an orientation format, with no major differences from the first semester.

But of course, there’s always a big event lurking around. This time, a ‘Class Showdown’ awaits!

Each class will elect representatives to duel, and the categories are quite diverse.

“There’s individual duels, and of course, team battles as well. We’re planning to replace the midterms with these duels, so keep that in mind.”

“What about the points system?”

“It’s simple. Win and you get more points; lose and you’ll drop.”

Originally, Erica was supposed to make an appearance through those duels. Other students would be the same.

However, apart from Erica, there aren’t many standout students.

The reason will unfold during the Academy’s collapse. It’s basically one gigantic disaster.

“The second semester will be a bit of a breather.”

Overall, there isn’t much difference from the first semester. Wednesdays are for autonomous training, and we receive training from mentors.

There are practical sessions here and there, but there’s no need to pay much attention to them.

After all, I’m likely to crush everything with my overwhelming physicality regardless of whatever I do.

The professors can’t be unaware of this either. They might even impose some fun restrictions like during the last siege warfare.

Anyway, as classes wrapped up, everyone dispersed to take care of their own business. I had my own tasks as well.

“Here’s the contract. These are the clauses you must adhere to when living together.”

“…”

Visiting the committee alongside Grace. And entering a contract with them was on my agenda.

I stared blankly at the committee chairwoman sitting across from me. She was an elderly lady, reminiscent of Rod.

She had a somewhat stern aura, yet a strong presence seeped out of her. The typical grandmother perm hairstyle was a bonus.

Lastly, she even wore reading glasses, giving off an image akin to a very old-fashioned witch.

“This is the first time seeing this grandma in person.”

In the Soul World, encounters like this are rare. Unless, of course, you’ve caused a massive incident like murder.

If Rod plays a sort of suppressor role, this grandma holds immense power in administrative affairs.

She’s someone Rod can’t do much about regarding administration. Unsurprisingly, she’s elected through votes.

She’s essentially the real headmistress of the Academy. Rod’s position is rather unique.

“No need to make an enemy of her.”

She’s someone who clearly distinguishes between public and private, but there’s no need to be on her bad side.

I glanced at the contract as she wished. I would check the clauses first.

[…and should either party cause harm to the other, the contract will be immediately nullified.]

[Moreover, disciplinary actions will be imposed according to severity, and a mandatory one-year suspension will be enacted.]

This much was understandable. At the same time, it was something that would never happen.

The committee would probably monitor Grace as a watchdog, and I’d leave it at that.

Just when I thought about signing without any particular thoughts, something caught my eye.

[Lastly, should the two of you have a child, you are required to visit the temple to obligate yourselves with a marital vow.]

“…?”

What does this even mean? I couldn’t contain my astonishment.

Are they really putting this clause in case Grace and I get a little too careless?

“Uh… Madam Chairwoman?”

“Yes. Please, go ahead.”

“This last clause seems… a bit strange?”

It seemed Grace sitting next to me had a similar thought.

As she pointed to the contract with her finger, the chairwoman turned her attention.

After a nod that seemed to indicate she understood, she explained in a somewhat stiff and elderly voice.

“It’s exactly as you see it. It’s always prudent to prepare for the unexpected.”

“But do we really have to take a vow?”

“I’ve seen far too many who just say the words and then run away. A vow made at a temple should prevent that.”

“…”

I could almost hear the sound of humanity shattering into pieces. Both Grace and I obediently signed the contract.

It felt like the ugly side of humanity was glaringly exposed. I must never let that happen.

Ah, of course, before that, I intend to avoid any ‘such activities’ with Grace as much as possible.

I have no intention of obstructing the bright path of a maiden with a promising future. I have my own tasks to attend to.

Moreover, Grace has trauma in that regard. She needs to be treated as delicately as an artisan’s craft.

“Great! Since both of you have signed, now we just need to decide on your room.”

“Oh, we decided to stay in my room together.”

“That won’t do.”

“What?”

At the firm response of the chairwoman, Grace was flustered. I was too.

Grace clearly said it would be fine to move into her room. I wondered if she hadn’t thoroughly checked things.

“The dormitory is strictly for personal rooms. Also, it’s a place where males and females reside separately. Living together there would drastically increase the chances of… accidents.”

“And that chance…?”

“I know well that you both wouldn’t do anything. But I must prepare for the unexpected.”

I vaguely understood what she was getting at. Having worked long in the Academy, she must have witnessed all kinds of incidents.

It may seem a bit strict, but as a chairwoman, it’s a reasonable measure. I can understand that.

So where would we go instead? The chairwoman explained that too.

“You two will stay in a different dormitory. It’s typically where professors with families reside. It’s a bit bigger, but it won’t be uncomfortable.”

“F-family…!”

“…”

The word family slipped from Grace’s lips in an excited manner. I desperately tried to ignore it.

It’s true that if it’s a place where families live, the chance of crime would drop significantly. It’s definitely better than being thrown among hormone-fueled youngsters.

‘Will I run into Dun?’

Malboro’s family would also be staying there. Perhaps we might meet from time to time.

After that, we heard about various regulations from the chairwoman. The surprising fact was that other people could visit as well.

However, she sternly mentioned that while entry is allowed, there’s an absolute ban on overnight stays or engaging in any other actions.

Considering how many people come and go, rumors would spread quickly. So, as long as we’re careful, it should be fine.

“Have you finished sorting your things?”

“No, I need to go do that now. I don’t have much stuff anyway.”

“Very well. Let me guide you to the location.”

The chairwoman sent someone to guide us. The location was between the male and female dormitories.

The building structure resembled that of a mansion. Not one of those crumbling types, but rather a stylish one.

Since it’s a place where families stay, a mansion is quite fitting.

“Hmm? You there.”

“Yeah?”

Just as we were about to enter the mansion, we unexpectedly encountered someone.

She had the same distinctive updo, but was wearing an Eastern-style outfit instead of a school uniform.

Thanks to her strangely alluring face, I recognized her instantly.

“Princess Danyerin? What are you doing here?”

It was Danyerin. She looked back and forth between us before answering Grace’s question.

“What’s it to you? I’ve been living here from the start.”

“What?”

“They recommended that with the guards around, it would be more comfortable to stay here.”

It seemed that from a certain number of people, one was required to stay here. But I wondered how Rize managed.

Could she have just barged in without a word? It’s entirely possible with Rize.

“I see that you two will be staying here as well. Is Sivar your guard?”

“Yeah, that’s…”

“Oh, no need to explain. I think I have a good idea of the situation. That incident was quite famous after all.”

Danyerin extended her hand and spoke. It seemed that incident had spread further than I thought.

For Grace, it was not just uncomfortable; it was terrible. That reaction was showing now.

The moment Danyerin mentioned the incident, Grace shrank back and subtly clung to me.

Seeing this made my heart ache. She may pretend to be strong on the outside, but deep down, Grace is incredibly fragile.

“It looks like we’ll have many chances to meet in the future. I look forward to working with you.”

“…Yes. We look forward to working with you too.”

“Glad to hear that.”

“Hehe.”

Danyerin listened to our greetings and smiled softly before continuing on her way.

I had a feeling I’d be frequently encountering not just Dun, Malboro’s son, but also Danyerin.

After all, it’s only beneficial to forge connections with her. Besides, aren’t there events related to her?

‘It must happen after the duel, right?’

I gazed at Danyerin’s departing figure, then walked towards the room alongside Grace.

“Hmm? What are you doing back here?”

“…Um, this is our room? No way?”

“This is the place where I’m living.”

But Danyerin happened to be living right next door. It was quite the remarkable coincidence.

It was a bit surprising, but it wasn’t entirely out of the question, so we all just brushed it off.

‘Should I send some rice cakes later?’

I wonder if such a culture exists in the Hwan Empire. Otherwise, a simple greeting would suffice.

Finally, when we entered the room where we would be living together, Grace and I had similar reactions.

“Hmm. I like this place. If this were a newlywed house… oh no, I mean, a place to cohabitate.”

“It’s spacious.”

Since it was a place for family units to live, it was quite roomy. There were quite a few rooms, and even a separate bedroom.

Moreover, the bed placed in the bedroom was extraordinarily large—enough for three adult men to lie down with some space to spare.

Is that what they call a queen-sized bed? The dormitory beds were already quite large, but this one was even bigger.

“Well then, let’s start bringing our things over. See you later.”

“Okay.”

When it comes to the stuff, it’s just a few clothing items and some food. Along with my weapons, of course.

While the items are okay, bringing along weapons is slightly annoying. I think it would be best to fetch Ragnarok first.

How to bring it, you ask? Obviously, I have to call for it. I didn’t forget to stretch my hand towards the fully opened door outside in case of an emergency.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m summoning my weapon.”

“Weapon? Oh, the axe you mentioned?”

“Yep.”

The greatsword of blood cannot be summoned as it’s not engraved.

Sooner or later, I’ll have to ask Kara separately or go look for her myself.

The blacksmith capable of engraving isn’t at the Academy. They’re a globally precious resource, so finding one is a bit challenging.

‘But why isn’t it coming…’

Crash!!

It had been some time since I called for it, and just when I began to ponder, I heard the sound of glass breaking from behind me, not in front of me.

Startled, I whipped around, and there was Ragnarok charging at me with great ferocity.

Thud!

Fortunately, it was easy enough to catch it with my hand. The issue was the completely shattered window.

It seems it misjudged its position. This unfortunate incident occurred due to the mansion being sandwiched between the male and female dormitories.

“…You really started off with quite the accident on the first day.”

“…”

Feeling awkward from Grace’s jab, I just scratched my head. Surely, they wouldn’t kick me out for this.

It wasn’t part of the clauses, so that much is certain. Otherwise, I can just beg Rod for help again.

“What’s going on? I just heard something break.”

We weren’t the only ones startled by the glass shattering. Danyerin and Yeohye who lived next door dashed in, looking alarmed.

Grace, however, waved her hand dismissively as if nothing happened to reassure them.

“It’s fine. Just… Sivar broke something. It’s a regular occurrence.”

“…Is this really a regular occurrence?”

Yeohye murmured this in disbelief. Danyerin wore a similar expression.

“But Sivar.”

“Yeah?”

“Did you leave the window open in the dorm where you were staying?”

Ah. Right.

“…No?”

I had a bit of a lapse in thought there.

“Hmm. I’ve heard rumors that the destroyer is of the Tartar race.”

Facts can be brutal, Princess Danyerin.

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