Chapter 384

Almost had Grace go down the wrong path, but somehow it got resolved.

Sometimes, a direct approach is the answer, so instead of pushing myself, I chose to talk to Kara directly.

She suggested that we all eat together in our dormitory, and Kara gladly accepted.

I kept a cautious eye on Grace while I prepared the meal. It was best to stay quiet during times like this.

“Kayng.”

“Thanks. And the knife over there too.”

“Kyung.”

“Smart one.”

Now that little Neoburi helps out with cooking too. How can he be this clever?

There were times when he even peeled fruits by himself. Washing his hands with water was just a bonus.

While the meal preparation was well underway, someone knocked on our lodging door.

Since it was too early for Kara to arrive, Grace and I were both puzzled.

“Who… Ah! It’s the Princess.”

“Nice to meet you… Hmm? Sivar is here too.”

“Yes. I heard the test is over for today.”

“May I come in?”

“Of course.”

It was Danyerin. Whether she knew I was here or it was pure coincidence, the timing was perfect.

As Danyerin stepped inside, she winked at me. That slightly curved gaze radiated a mesmerizing vibe.

How can someone create such an atmosphere just with a smile? She’s absolutely not like anyone else.

“Hmm? You.”

“?”

“There’s a ring on your left hand’s pinky… What’s up with that?”

Yep, she spotted it right away. But unlike Grace, her tone was calm.

Given our relationship with Danyerin is kindly put as ‘an affair,’ but negatively could be seen as ‘infidelity,’ I wouldn’t pay much mind to it.

From her expression, it was clear she was genuinely curious. Then Danyerin turned to Grace and asked.

“When did you get that ring? I heard that usually, the left pinky is reserved for fiancées.”

“I can’t speak for the East, but in the West, it’s also common for any couple, engaged or otherwise, to wear them. And that ring isn’t even mine.”

“Hmm? Then who does it belong to? Please don’t tell me you had it stolen…”

“Who said it was stolen?!”

Grace erupted loudly, clapping a hand over her mouth immediately afterwards.

Her wide eyes showed she hadn’t meant for that to happen. That just shows how concerned she actually is.

Danyerin, on the other hand, seemed indifferent. She wouldn’t care whether a ring was worn or not.

“Phew… Sorry for yelling. There seems to be a slight ‘misunderstanding.'”

“A misunderstanding… What if that misunderstanding turns into certainty?”

“That’s a problem to think about when it arises.”

Is she just talking to herself? Every time I see her, her eloquence is simply marvelous.

If Karas specializes in inciting and swaying public opinion, then Danyerin’s debating skills are of a whole different level.

‘Who would win if they got into a verbal fight?’

I’m kind of curious about that. Karas tends to pull out logic that seems nonsensical but is quite persuasive, whereas Danyerin is skilled at striking at the heart of the matter.

The common ground is that both have sharp tongues. The difference is Karas is optimistic, while Danyerin is quite the pessimist.

If the two get into a fight, it would be more than just thrilling; it might blow my mind. Politically speaking, of course.

Anyway, let’s skip the useless chatter; by the time dinner preparations were nearing completion…

-*Knock knock knock*

[Sivar! Grace! I’m here!]

From outside, a robust shout echoed in. Even with the door in the way, the voice was loud and clear.

At that moment, did the atmosphere drop drastically or was it just my imagination? I subtly glanced at Grace.

Her lips were pressed straight. The shadows on her face made it hard to read her expression.

Danyerin, however, found the whole scene amusing from a distance. It felt like watching a fire across a river.

-*Creeeak*

“Wow, that smells delicious. I hope I’m not late!”

“…Yes. Perfect timing.”

Her face lit up at the sight of Kara, as if she hadn’t been worried at all just moments ago—her acting skills were definitely something else.

Soon after, Kara was slightly taken aback to see Danyerin, but she quickly transitioned thanks to Grace’s explanation that Danyerin frequently visits.

While Kara chatted with Danyerin, Grace kept her gaze fixed on one spot. Kara’s left pinky.

Just like mine, it flaunted an orange gem ring. A situation she certainly can’t ignore…

“What? Really? Was that what it meant?”

“Did… you really not know? Is there no such culture in Tartar?”

“Nope. We hardly have a wedding culture to begin with. It’s usually just negotiations or dowries and done. Although, it has changed somewhat lately. With Gulrak being our state religion, our customs might reflect that.”

As I mentioned earlier, Kara genuinely had no idea. Being a budding nation from a nomadic tribe, their marriage and dating culture is notably narrow.

Grace felt a moment of relief knowing Kara was speaking the truth but soon became curious about something.

“So how did you confess back then?”

“Kidnapping was the norm.”

“…”

“It’s forbidden now, so don’t worry. The moment you try that, it’s off with your head.”

Grace’s expression could be summed up with one word. What a barbaric culture!

Still, it was quite intriguing, and she was listening intently. Danyerin, too, took in the conversation like a spectator at a boxing match.

“Speaking of which, we’re heading to Tartar soon. Anything we should be cautious about?”

“Cautious about… Ah. Please avoid cursing in your native language as much as possible. We understand everything.”

“You understand everything?”

“Our country’s economy is majorly trade-based.”

Tartar, or more specifically, the Tartar desert, boasts a geographical advantage great enough that it’s considered the center of the world.

That’s why they’ve robbed neighboring countries at the drop of a hat. This led to quite a number of unfortunate victims.

After establishing their nation, things have calmed down, but tensions still linger.

“There’s bound to be quite a few incidents. Our people have caused harm to many others.”

“Any students from our class who’ve suffered harm?”

“There might… be. Not in the immediate family, but I heard there’s a soldier among distant relatives.”

Kara’s expression darkened slightly. That’s the most painful aspect of Tartar.

The guilt is undeniable. Under current circumstances, that guilt is ripe for being exploited.

But fighting back? Then establishing a nation would be meaningless.

‘That’s why diplomacy is such a headache.’

There’s a saying that fists reach out easily. But if you resort to force, all the built-up efforts could crumble in an instant.

Unless you have overwhelming military power, but Tartar isn’t exactly known for that. No matter how strong one individual is, they’d be no match for an army.

Although Hector might be someone who can face the military, it’s still dangerous. As I mentioned earlier, a single person is ultimately just that.

If Hector were to die, it would be like losing half of the nation’s strength. That’s the reason for choosing diplomacy.

‘Is it a consolation that our resources are abundant?’

Like the magical stones discovered last year, there’s an incredible amount of resources buried beneath the desert.

Especially the ratio of ‘ruins’ is quite high, and they might still be oblivious since they’re focusing on managing them.

“We’ll be staying in Tartar for a week. Do you know what we’ll be doing?”

“Not really? I don’t know? The professor will probably enlighten us.”

“It’s kind of a cultural experience, isn’t it? They’ll likely show us what monsters pop out in the desert.”

As Danyerin aptly pointed out, it’s mostly a cultural experience. The problem is the nation is still ‘inexperienced.’

Since it’s the first time, it implies there are nearly no manuals on safety regulations.

Thus, various incidents are bound to occur. This might lead to a significant amount of stress for students, and Tartar inhabitants might retaliate accordingly.

Somehow everything will get sorted out, but Hector will have a tough time. Unless Hector awakens as a king, it’s all over.

‘In other words, I need to somehow meet Hector…’

I shot a glance at Kara. She was busy concentrating on the meal I had prepared.

I assume Kara will take on the role of guiding the students, returning to her identity as a princess.

While there might be a designated guide, she’ll likely handle the details herself.

‘I really hope the students keep their mouths shut.’

That’s unlikely. It will probably lead to some clashes.

Complaints about food, clothing, smells, weather, and so on.

Those who should just keep quiet will surely stir things up again. Just like in the Soul World.

‘They probably think we won’t understand their native tongue.’

But we do understand everything. Especially those from the Matra Empire or Granada Empire.

If I could mediate that, it would be great, but… it might be tough this time. Worries piled up like a mountain already.

“Then, when we go to Tartar, I’ll need to take off that ring. Who knows what weird misunderstandings might arise?”

While I was lost in thought about the future, Grace cheerfully suggested. As she said, it’s necessary to remove the ring.

Kara, however, seemed to disagree. She remarked casually that it didn’t matter to her.

“Our culture doesn’t recognize such things yet. People will just think it’s decoration.”

“Kara, your father, the king of Tartar, might think differently.”

“Hmm… is that so?”

When Hector was brought up, Kara nodded in agreement. Certainly, Hector would have a general understanding of these customs.

As a king of a nation and a father of a daughter, it would surely put him in an uncomfortable position. In the end, they decided to take off the ring while in Tartar.

“Then I’ll put it on my index finger. Just to seem decorative.”

“Sounds good. What about you, Sivar?”

“I’ll wear it on my index finger too…”

“No. If it’s not urgent, just remove it.”

“Okay.”

I had a feeling I’d be stabbed if I didn’t take it off. Even if it were just a scratch, I didn’t want to risk it.

Though, I was allowed to wear something around my neck. They let me because it was a means of communication.

“Communication, huh… Should I make one too? I think it’d be nice.”

“Why are you making one? We’re going to be living together anyway.”

“Even when living together, there are times we’ll be apart, right? It’s just preparing for such occasions.”

“Wait a minute. I think I should wear it on my left pinky.”

“Didn’t I just say to take it off while in Tartar?”

Things seemed to be going out of control. I subtly began to rise from my seat to do the dishes.

-*Thud*

But someone plopped their foot onto my leg. It was the person across from me.

When I looked over, it was Danyerin, propping her chin and staring at me intently.

The two beside her were too busy with their silent confrontation to pay any mind.

“Could I trouble you for a cup of tea?”

“…Sure.”

“Thanks!”

While saying this, she gently rubbed my leg with her foot.

Should I call it bravery or boldness? Or perhaps just shamelessness?

Given how she’s acting with Kara right next to her, she was clearly enjoying this.

‘What does my future hold?’

At least, it was a relief I wouldn’t get hurt physically, regardless of the blade.

Time passed…

“Is everyone here? As I mentioned, we’re heading to Tartar today for a week-long experiential learning course.”

The day to journey to Tartar had approached.

All the students and professors were gathered, including those dispatched from Non-Combat Classes.

“Hey, Sivar! We’ll see each other a lot during this week, right?”

“Hey.”

As previously noted, Eli was here too. Her arrival had several, no, many students turning their eyes towards her.

With her cute looks and especially her figure visible beneath her clothing, it’s no surprise.

I met the gaze of each student who was staring at Eli. They quickly looked away.

‘But I can understand it.’

Being born a guy makes it unavoidable. That said, it’s quite rude to stare too intensely.

Anyway, by the time everyone was nearly prepared, Malboro began to share some considerations.

“I truly hope everyone maintains their manners even after reaching Tartar. If the food doesn’t suit your taste, please bring it to our attention.”

I wonder if those words will actually be respected. I smirked internally.

“Alternatively, if the food suits your taste too much, refrain from eating indiscriminately.”

“?”

“While Tartar may be Tartar, we represent the Academy as well. I sincerely hope you’ll watch your conduct.”

Could he be targeting me with that?

Those sorts of comments weren’t said in the Soul World.

‘Nah. No way.’

Surely not.

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