Chapter 428

I got some interesting news from Lee Yeon-joo.

It turns out there’s going to be a class observation by the first year students’ parents soon. Quite unexpected, to say the least.

However, looking back at the academy’s history, it’s not like parent observations were completely unheard of. In fact, they used to happen quite a bit.

Back when political pressure and instability weren’t a thing. It was during what they call the “Era of Peace.”

It was more like a social gathering. Even with a bit of scrutiny, it wasn’t too intense.

That said, a parent observation now could easily spark conflicts; it’s a pretty risky affair.

It’s no wonder Rod is keeping an eye on things personally. There’s no way anyone would act out in front of the Sword Saint.

“Sivar, is that true?”

“What is?”

Rumors about the parent observation had started creeping up when it was a peaceful weekend, just like any other. That’s when Reina, who came for dyslexia treatment and some studying, asked that.

Her eyes were already bright blue, and today they seemed even more vibrant.

“That you dueled with the Destruction King and it was a close fight!”

“Oh, that?”

“What did Reina say?”

Grace, who was tutoring with me, asked.

She didn’t know much about the Frozen tongue like I did, so it was natural for her to ask.

I translated for her and then answered Reina’s question.

“Maybe? If things went well, I won.”

“That’s not an exaggeration, right?”

“I’m not lying.”

I might fib about other things, but not when it comes to competitions.

Especially since Hector had fought twice and won both times. The first fight even started with him getting hit first.

Reina looked at me with bright eyes and smiled. A grin filled with competitive spirit.

“How strong was he? I wouldn’t stand a chance, right?”

“Yeah.”

If we really fought, she’d probably be out in five seconds. She had just gotten hit by Kara too.

But she loved fighting strong opponents, so she’d probably be fine with that.

Right now, even with me stating a fact, she wasn’t mad; instead, she was cheerfully smiling. That’s just her nature.

“When will I be as strong as you, Senpai?”

“It might be tough? And speak in the common tongue. Grace can’t understand you.”

Asking questions is fine. I have a knack for answering sincerely as long as it’s not something weird.

But if she speaks in Frozen, what’s the point of studying? It’s crucial to answer in the common tongue, regardless of inconvenience.

Especially since Grace was helping, so it could be rude otherwise.

“Alright. I understand. It’ll be hard, but I’ll try.”

“Good. Oh, I have something to ask.”

“What is it?”

“Parent observation.”

As soon as I mentioned parent observation, Reina blinked rapidly.

Then her sky-blue eyes rolled around for a moment before she spoke in a less confident voice.

“…That kind of thing. There was?”

“Haven’t you heard the rumors? Grace has heard, right?”

“Yeah. I heard something about the first years’ parents watching the classes.”

Even with Grace chiming in, Reina still blinked, looking confused.

Her expression was pure innocence, as if she had heard nothing at all. It made me question things.

“Really haven’t heard anything at all?”

“No.”

“Not even from your classmates?”

“I don’t have any friends.”

“….”

I felt a pang of guilt, like I’d stepped into a sore spot. It was almost finals, and she had no friends.

But I was just as curious. If rumors had started circulating, that meant the first-year professor must have informed the students.

It made no sense for Reina not to know. I tilted my head in confusion.

‘Has it not been communicated yet? Or what’s going on?’

As I was sorting my thoughts, Reina seemed to realize something, letting out a small gasp.

Then she thought hard for a moment and opened her mouth, hinting that she might have heard something.

“Now that I think of it, the professor mentioned there would be special guests coming. Stay sharp, he said.”

“That’s probably the parents.”

Even in a short sentence, she grasped it all. It felt oddly familiar to see my past self reflected in her.

Reina tilted her head at my words and asked with a questioning tone.

“Parents? Why? Is it an academy tradition?”

“Not really a tradition. Just… it’s complicated for various reasons.”

Grace spoke indirectly. She likely thought it would make Reina uncomfortable to state outright that it had political ties.

But she didn’t know Reina well enough. She’s the type who values relationships over politics and isn’t bothered by it at all.

“Really? Will my parents be coming?”

“Hasn’t a letter arrived or anything?”

“No. They probably won’t come. It’s too hard.”

Still, she’s got a good heart. Even if she experienced a sort of social exclusion in the Soul World, she swallowed her feelings deep inside.

Although that hurt grew so much that she ended up dropping out, that’s no longer the case. Now it’s just a little bittersweet.

Reina grew up filled with love without any rough edges. She even has consideration for others.

“What are your parents like, Reina?”

“They’re nice. Kind. I love both of them.”

Look at that! Her face lights up the moment parents come up.

It’s the expression of a daughter who clearly grew up receiving love. Despite the harsh weather in Frozen, most people are kind.

Even if they seem gruff and serious, the warmth of their actions can’t be hidden.

Because of that, Reina could shine brighter than anyone else.

“…I’m envious.”

Grace muttered quietly. There was genuine feeling behind her words.

Her parents weren’t exactly something to rave about, even in passing. Her mother was okay, but her father had many issues.

‘I had… ‘

I did have them once, but they’re gone now. They were truly wonderful people. A household that was the happiest in its simplicity.

They may not have had material wealth, but they cherished me wholeheartedly. People I can no longer meet.

Why did I have to be forcibly taken from that happy time? Who sent me back here?

And why do they have to be gone forever? All I needed was that, yet here we are.

Why?

“…Sir.”

“….”

“Sivar?”

“Uh, yeah?”

I lifted my head at the voice that pierced my ear. Maybe I got lost in thought since we were talking about parents.

When I looked around, Grace and Reina were staring at me with puzzled expressions.

“What were you thinking about?”

“…Just spacing out.”

“That doesn’t seem like it….”

– Knock knock

Just then, someone knocked on the door.

When all eyes turned that way, I heard a familiar voice from outside.

[Sivar. Are you in there?]

It was Eli’s voice. As soon as I heard it, I got up from my seat.

I was curious about Eli’s purpose for coming, as it would also help break the awkward atmosphere.

-Creak

As soon as I opened the door, Eli’s pretty face and a large bump came into view.

Not just her face, but everything just slammed into my sight all at once.

I hesitated for a moment, trying to figure out where to look, then finally locked eyes with her and said,

“Hey? What’s up?”

“Yeah. The headmaster called for you. Said he needs to talk.”

“Oh really?”

“Yeah. He wants to talk to just the two of you. Can I stay here for a bit?”

I didn’t mind at all, but Grace was here, and Reina was someone I didn’t know.

I turned back and exchanged glances with Grace, who nodded. Reina did the same.

Eli usually got along well no matter who it was, so that didn’t seem like a problem.

‘Definitely, Eli’s got a good personality.’

Even if Reina’s speech was a bit odd, Eli would probably brush it off with a comment about how unique it was~.

After granting permission, Eli entered with an apology for intruding.

“Hello? Who are you? You’re so pretty!”

“Oh, hi! I’m Reina! I’m from Frozen!”

“What an interesting accent. I’m Eli. Are you a noble?”

From the looks of it, they seemed to get along just fine. I closed the door and walked over to Rod’s office.

I had a hunch regarding why he wanted to see me. It was most likely about the forthcoming parent observation.

Even though it’s called a parent observation, there’s a decent chance I’d be included in that mix. After all, I’m a student with heavily circulated rumors around me.

Moreover, being the assistant for the class being observed, I’d naturally attract attention. I could see why Rod would be worried.

‘This is why I dislike politics.’

It’s exhausting and bothersome. Still, I intend to stick to the most basic principle.

Danyerin had told me. The fundamental rule of politics is not to make enemies.

If you create an enemy, you’ll have to figure out what they’ll do, and that’s just a headache.

‘Even if this Dongnara episode comes to an end, I doubt I’ll be able to be free.’

I arrived at Rod’s residence while sorting my complicated thoughts.

However, I didn’t sense any presence inside, so he was probably out in the backyard.

Just as I was getting curious about what he might be doing out there, I heard a tiny sound next to my ear.

[That’s right! That’s how you do it!]

[Cheep! Cheep!]

[Just hold your balance a bit more. Wonderful! You can fly even higher than this… oh?]

-Flap! Flap!

Though it was small, noise is still noise. Hearing that sound made me step back a couple of paces from the door.

Instead of entering through the door, I decided to leap up to the roof.

It was just a hunch, but it felt better than opening the door.

-Flapping! Flapping!

“Oh, wow! I’m flying high! I’m already at roof height!”

[Cheep! Cheep!]

“You’re happy too! Haha!”

Hmm. What am I even looking at right now? Is this a dream or reality?

Pijon-tu flapping away bravely at roof height with Rod aboard.

The more Pijon-tu flapped its wings, the more Rod’s face lit up with joy.

It was no longer the gentle smile Rod usually wore, but rather a plain face of an ordinary man. His expression was filled with nearly pure happiness.

“Well done…!”

“….”

Did he never expect to see me on the roof? Our eyes crossed.

Somehow, it was too unbelievable, and I had no choice but to rub my eyes in disbelief. Was I seeing things?

As soon as I pulled my hands away from my eyes, Rod’s figure had vanished. Only sounds from beneath the roof remained.

[Sivar. Come down from the roof. What are you doing up there?]

It was Rod’s voice, formal yet stern.

With a heart full of questions, I descended from the roof and opened the door.

Upon entering, I found Rod leisurely seated on the sofa, sipping tea. Pijon-tu was also pecking at some food beside him.

“…Grandfather?”

“Why are you calling?”

“Um…”

Must’ve been a mistake? That thought lingered as I stepped further in.

Seeing Rod looking impeccably well, nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

Except, of course, Pijon-tu’s feathers looked strange and disheveled.

Anyway, I figured it was just a mistake. That’s what I decided.

“No, I just thought you called for me.”

“That’s right. Can you sit for a moment?”

“Sure.”

It was a mistake, that’s what I should think.

“This is about the parent observation. What I want to ask is…”

“….”

“Are you paying attention?”

“Yes.”

I had to act oblivious.

“Though I’ll be nearby, don’t go messing around. I’ll be strict if you pull any shenanigans, so keep that in mind.”

“Got it.”

“Now tell me what I just said.”

“Uh….”

I looked at the feathers resting on Rod’s head, belonging to Pijon-tu.

“Don’t go messing around?”

“Seems like you heard well.”

I desperately pretended not to know.

[Faith level increases!]

Get a clue, man!

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