Chapter 312

Chapter 312: Minor Classroom Incidents

Fortress Academy, Black Swan Castle.

This large castle was situated halfway up a mountain. Among the buildings in the eastern Fortress Academy, this was the largest structure besides the one by the lakeside. The castle was nestled among the mountains, surrounded by forests. The gray stone bricks were painted white or light pink, complemented by sky-blue tiles, giving the castle an overall elegant appearance. (There is an image here.)

Like the Northern White Tower, this castle was also constructed before the establishment of Emanas Academy. Legend has it that there was once a young prince who was delicate in nature and deeply in love with a certain young lady. After he ascended to the throne, he built these structures to escape the chaos of the world and live with his beloved.

However, after the chaos of the disaster erupted, years of turmoil led to the fall of the kingdom. This land then became the site of Emanas Academy, and the castle was converted into teaching and experimental facilities.

“Classmate, can you stand up and answer a question?”

In a classroom within the castle, a teacher dressed in a proper black robe asked from the podium. Then, a young girl with short black hair stood up. She wore a dress in two shades of green, which indicated she was likely a second-year student in the Natural Sequence.

“I apologize, teacher. I don’t know the answer,” the girl said, her face showing embarrassment. Her voice grew softer, and her head slowly lowered.

“This won’t do. Come to my office after class,” the teacher’s words seemed to express some dissatisfaction. Below, the students began to whisper among themselves.

“She’s just a poor peasant from the dirt, unable to answer such a simple question.”

“Exactly. How can someone like her be in our classes? I saw her almost falling asleep just now.”

“Her grades are poor, and she isn’t even focused. Lazy and deceitful.”

“Ah, let’s not talk about it. We still have to consider the group from the west.”

Some girls whispered and giggled below. Most of them came from noble families of the Verdant Empire and were often in the same circle. Naturally, they looked down upon the few students from the Snowfall Seven Kingdoms. If it were the West Wind, they might still accept them, given the legends of the Wind and Moon spreading across the continent. But this girl from the Blackrock Duchy was viewed similarly to those from impoverished mountainous regions, especially since her academic performance was poor.

“Sit down. Now, let’s continue discussing the core structure of the Natural Sequence and the advanced techniques for inscribing runes,” the teacher instructed the student to sit, continuing to teach and occasionally demonstrating something.

After sitting down, the black-haired girl picked up her pen and slowly recorded the teacher’s lecture points and content. Despite her anxiety, she ignored the whispers of her classmates.

As the lesson progressed, everyone’s attention gradually shifted away, and no one paid any more attention to her.

Facing isolation, the black-haired, emerald-eyed girl seemed to slowly adapt. Fortunately, these noble classmates only occasionally talked about her; they wouldn’t specifically target her, as it would damage their ‘image.’ After all, many of them hoped to meet their soulmates at school and valued their own image. Nobles, to some extent, cared about elegance and propriety.

The bell rang, signaling the end of class. The somewhat handsome teacher announced dismissal, and a group of students gathered around him, asking various questions. Especially some noble girls, who had a particular fondness for this teacher, as he was a viscount from the Verdant Empire, though currently teaching at Emanas Academy.

After a while, when the teacher answered all the questions, the surrounding students slowly dispersed.

At this point, only a few students remained in the classroom, preparing to stay behind for self-study. The teacher quickly scanned the room and then asked the black-haired girl to follow him to his office.

Students in red and green uniforms passing through the corridor saluted and greeted the teacher. They glanced curiously at the student following behind him but didn’t say anything and naturally left.

Though the students didn’t speak, their curious glances made the girl feel uncomfortable, lowering her head even more.

“Alright, come in.”

With a creak, the thick wooden door opened, revealing the teacher’s office. Bookshelves and cabinets lined the walls, with several large desks in the center. On the desks lay pens, paper, and other miscellaneous items. A brick fireplace against the wall quietly burned with a small flame, with a tin kettle hanging inside, emitting a fragrant tea aroma throughout the room.

Apart from the teacher who had brought the girl in, another teacher wearing a shirt was present. He lifted his glasses and continued writing.

“Come, sit here for a moment,” the teacher casually pulled over a wooden chair and invited the girl to sit.

“Your name is Jenah, right?” the teacher asked while tidying his desk.

“Yes, teacher.”

“Are you from the Blackrock Duchy?”

“Yes, teacher.”

“The scenery there is beautiful, and the fish from the local lakes are particularly delicious when grilled.”

“Yes, teacher, have you been there?”

“I have, long ago.”

The teacher seemed to recall something but didn’t elaborate further.

“Your recent state isn’t good. You often fall asleep in class, and your grades aren’t ideal. This will cause you to fall behind.”

“I’m sorry, teacher,” the girl felt embarrassed and uneasy, speaking softly.

“Emanas’ curriculum and learning content become increasingly difficult. The resources of the school come mainly from donations and sponsorships from various organizations and countries, aiming to cultivate more outstanding Extraordinary Beings for this world.”

“It’s not just about extraordinary abilities; your disposition and ability to handle affairs in all aspects are what you need to learn.”

“And if you continue like this, it definitely won’t work.”

“Can’t you overcome this difficulty?” the teacher asked back.

“I’m sorry, teacher,” Jenah’s voice was even softer, her hands fidgeting by her side.

The teacher remained silent for a moment, seemingly deep in thought. His fingers tapped rhythmically on the wooden desk, neither too fast nor too slow. This silence made the girl even more nervous.

After a while, he finally spoke, “Forget it. As punishment, you need to copy my lecture notes neatly and completely three times.”

He then took out a thick stack of bound papers from a drawer.

“These are the notes. Hand them in two weeks from Wednesday. Understand?”

“Yes, teacher,” the student accepted the stack of notes filled with dense text and drawings, holding it close to her chest. She nodded slightly, feeling ashamed.

“That’s all for today. I don’t want to see you sleeping in class again next time.”

“Yes, teacher,” Jenah nodded, bowed slightly, and then left the office.

Afterwards, the office returned to silence, except for the lingering tea fragrance. At this moment, a voice came from the corner, exactly from the teacher who had been writing earlier.

“You treat her quite well, even letting her copy your notes.”

Thank you, Orquideas, Dreaming Back to Zero Degrees, Low Like Dust, QAQ, Night, Lone Dream in the Clouds, Ghost Hand Zero Seven, Reader 20210108000837870, Sword Asking Heart, Dongyang9527, Night Dancing Ice Dream, and ten others for their support.