Chapter 422

I received a shocking and terrifying letter from Karas, but nothing really changed.

Karas made it clear that he separated work from personal matters, ending with a simple inquiry about whether I received his letter and that he was looking forward to a good reply.

I felt a bit uneasy but brushed it off since that was just his way. However, there was another letter that was far more important.

“Did everyone manage to rest? Those blackened faces seem a little lighter now.”

“Doesn’t seem that way to me.”

Not long after, Malboro walked in and kicked off the meeting. With him came jokes echoing from somewhere.

Laughter, big and small, erupted from the non-joke he made. As a result, the atmosphere in the classroom became slightly more relaxed.

Malboro seemed to be expecting such jokes; he let out a chuckle before returning to his serious professor demeanor.

“You all may have experienced it, but there are many out there with greater combat skills than those trained by the esteemed Academy. You probably felt that deeply.”

“··· ···”

Malboro’s words brought the once-light classroom atmosphere back down. He really touched a nerve in the pride of the Academy students.

Yet, no one dared to refute him. They realized this truth during the recent Tartar field experiential learning.

They had underestimated the so-called savages, but after getting thoroughly wiped out, many probably wanted to hide in a mouse hole.

“Hum.”

Kara had a contrary opinion, as it was only natural to feel pride when the strength and potential of one’s homeland was clearly demonstrated.

Thanks to Luna’s promotion, things were slightly better; otherwise, they would have faced complete embarrassment.

‘What about me…’

I was among the odd ones out anyway, so let’s move on. I wasn’t even someone who enrolled through normal means in the first place.

“From the second semester, not only will the classes become significantly more difficult, but the practicals and exams will also ramp up in difficulty. Some students may even flunk out here.”

“··· ···”

“So, ensure you bring passion to every class. Got that?”

The classroom filled with shouts of “Yes!” in response to Malboro’s instructions. I merely nodded my head to conclude the discussion.

Malboro seemed satisfied with that answer, smiling. From now on, the students would work hard in class.

“And just a word of caution: please do not trouble Sivar. Tampering, according to the Academy regulations, could bring severe consequences, so keep that in mind.”

“··· ···”

In the end, Malboro wrapped up the session by mentioning me. Tampering is a term generally used in sports.

It meant that a student shouldn’t act as a bridge connecting various parties. I believe the penalties for that are quite heavy.

‘Putting aside the outside world, students have to see each other’s faces.’

What’s the most effective thing for passionate youth? I hate to say it, but it’s engaging with the opposite sex.

There are many cases where people use their looks to lure others, and it frequently leads to messes that extend beyond Academy life into life itself.

The worst cases involve forcing one another into situations of unwanted pregnancy, whether male or female.

‘If I can’t have it, I’d rather destroy it. That’s the kind of vibe.’

Better to just smash it than risk letting potential enemies gain access to talent. It sounds crazy, but it’s an effective tactic.

Moreover, considering the current times, awareness regarding human rights is quite shallow. That’s why all sorts of crimes keep popping up.

Malboro, who should ideally maintain political neutrality, stressing this point means he’s already under pressure.

“May you all make wise choices. This concludes today’s meeting.”

The meeting closed. Shortly afterward, another professor, Lee Yeonhwa, walked in.

Lee Yeonhwa’s classes mainly involve first aid and medical-related subjects. But something felt different today.

‘She keeps looking this way.’

Though she pretended otherwise, she occasionally cast glances in my direction.

I tried my best to ignore it, but my eyes couldn’t escape. I wonder if she realized.

‘It’s probably because of the letter from the Hwan Empire.’

Not just any letter, but a high-quality rolled-up message. But I can’t shake off the suspicion that the rumors have already reached the professors’ ears.

What if it was Lee Yeonhwa who handed me the letter? That kind of reasonable doubt even crossed my mind.

Publicly, Lee Yeonhwa played the role of the Hwan Empire’s envoy. That’s merely the outward narrative.

‘More importantly…’

While the class was underway, I subtly glanced to the side. Separated at a distance, Lee Yeon-joo was sitting there.

Originally, she should always be sitting next to Grace. But lately, she had often been alone.

Not just alone, but it felt like her entire presence had faded. It had been a while since we had a conversation.

‘It didn’t use to be this way.’

Perhaps it was since most of the first-year students came from the Eastern Empire.

She probably talked with the underclassmen more than her peers. Eventually, she’d connect with someone.

I turned my gaze back in front of me, focusing on the class. I had to do well to avoid raising suspicions.

“There are many vital points on the human body. In particular, in cases of numerous arteries like the carotid artery…”

The class itself proceeded without a hitch. The same went for the other classes.

The afternoon sessions had no particular highlights either. Today was just an ordinary day.

But the real thing still awaited.

“As I mentioned this morning, I sincerely hope to hear a good reply.”

“Get lost.”

What I meant by “get lost” was not Karas’ lame comments, but the letter from the Hwan Empire. As soon as I got to my lodging, that’s what I planned to read first.

Grace was just as curious about the letter’s contents and joined me in reading it.

“Uh…”

“Hmm…”

The moment we read the letter, both Grace and I were left speechless.

It wasn’t that they were using informal language. It also wasn’t written in Hwan Empire language.

“Sivar.”

“Yeah.”

“Do you know what this means?”

“Resolute.”

“Why would they use such a word?”

Quite frankly, the vocabulary was too difficult. It felt like they deliberately used complex words instead of simple ones.

Just because it’s a common language doesn’t mean every word is restricted to one. Just like how “to see” could also mean “to witness.”

Suddenly, I recalled Godin’s lectures in the first semester of the first year. There were countless words just meaning “to see.”

‘Probably a Hwan Empire characteristic.’

Hwan Empire language has this trait where a single character holds meaning. Similar to Chinese characters.

Trying to translate those into another language led to this catastrophe. And these writers were high-ranking officials.

Of course, someone in a higher position would use difficult words, and that’s how we ended up with a letter that feels like it’s from an exam.

‘At least it’s not so incomprehensible that I can’t understand it.’

The letter’s contents weren’t drastically different from Karas’.

It complimented me while humbling itself. It presented a vision and offered growth advice.

Aside from the complex vocabulary, it was an excellent proposal. In fact, unlike Karas, it was a rolled-up message instead of just letter paper.

“Seems like the Hwan Empire holds you in high regard, Sivar. So what will you do?”

“Not going.”

Why would I go? It’s a place where a rebellion could break out any moment.

I’d reply to them, but politely decline the proposal.

Instead, to avoid the typical Hwan Empire-like backlash, I’d need to stall.

It’d be better to say I’d decide after graduating from the Academy. By then, a rebellion would likely erupt, so that’s my best approach.

‘Just in case, I’ll send it in Hwan Empire language.’

The Hwan Empire has dominated the Eastern Empire. Naturally, their pride is quite high.

Sending a reply in the common language might provoke the kind of irritating behavior typical of them.

That’s why I plan to respond in Hwan Empire language as a form of respect. I’ll need to ask the neighboring princess for assistance.

‘Speaking of which, isn’t she skipping dinner today?’

I turned my head toward the door. Usually, around this time, she’d knock and see if I was in.

Maybe she has her own dilemmas, so I should let Grace rest and go visit her.

“Sivar. What’s for dinner today?”

“Braised ribs.”

“Braised ribs? What’s that?”

“An Eastern dish. I’m trying it out. Want to give it a taste?”

“Yes!”

First, I needed to take care of Grace’s meal. Braised ribs require some prep, so I got to work right away.

“Neoburi, can you cut this for me?”

“Ruff.”

With my cute and trusty assistant, Neoburi, helping out, I was able to speed things up.

How can it be that they listen so well? At least Neoburi is definitely more competent than Porori.

‘Way better than the one who can’t even stretch a thumb. For sure.’

Before long, I finished preparing the seasoning for the braised ribs, completing all the preparations.

Now all that’s left is to wait. I plopped down on the sofa while the cooking was wrapping up.

As I sat on the sofa, Grace joined me closely, and naturally, we started showing affections with light touches.

“Sivar.”

“Yeah.”

“Don’t you feel annoyed?”

Grace asked in a slightly lowered voice. I turned to look at her in response to that question.

I smiled, but it was closer to a bittersweet expression. Even my normally sharp demeanor had softened a lot.

“Why?”

“Sometimes I worry that I might bother you too…”

“Not really?”

“…”

In response to my candid reply, Grace looked at me. All traces of her bittersweet smile had vanished.

Instead, bewilderment took its place. Was I too bold in my honesty? I tilted my head in slight confusion.

“Is, is that so? Really?”

“Yep.”

“Don’t you usually have worries or anything?”

“I guess I’m not that typical.”

“…”

Grace was at a loss for words again. Her purple eyes locked onto me for a while.

It’s not an exaggeration. I truly didn’t find her bothersome.

On the contrary, I felt a bit guilty. I figured she’d understand without my needing to spell it out.

“Pfft… Hehehe.”

Then she burst into laughter, quickly followed by a wheezing fit.

“What’s with that silly answer? That makes me like you even more.”

“Glad to hear that.”

“That just makes me more anxious. I’m worried you might have ulterior motives and fall for weird temptations.”

“…”

“Even if you do, I’ll understand. You lack decorum, not morality.”

Hmm. I can’t argue against that.

“Here he comes, my dear.”

“Yeah.”

“Could you possibly show me that letter?”

My sense of morality has long been shattered by Danyerin.

‘Sorry, Grace.’

I could only internally apologize for my lapse.

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