episode_0031

Unfortunately, Pyrnea could not enjoy a peaceful academy life, merely attending lectures.

As the daughter of Seriratus, she had to pay the price of her birth.

“So, what’s next?”

“Members of the Ruzan and Faeden families have requested an audience.”

“…Ruzan? Can’t we just cut them off? They’re just a mining family with nothing but a single, insignificant mine.”

“That won’t do. Moreover, referring to a family that can fill an entire carriage with gold every year from their gold mine as merely a ‘mining family’ is hardly an appropriate description. This is the sixth time you’ve nitpicked like this. I’d appreciate it if you’d give it a rest.”

“Ughhh…”

In front of the changing room.

While Pyrnea grumbled endlessly as she changed clothes, I skimmed through the stack of letters that had already surpassed fifty.

All of them had arrived at Pyrnea’s dormitory just yesterday.

If this much attention gathered in a single day, it was safe to say that a peaceful academy life was already out of the question.

By the time she graduates, she’ll have hosted and attended at least a thousand such gatherings.

The crown of Seriratus is far heavier than one might think.

“…Hmm.”

I read the letters meticulously.

Even if the content is the same, the nuances change depending on the phrasing. Greetings, inquiries, self-introductions, purposes—I scrutinized each one, separating those worth meeting from those who weren’t.

We don’t know who our hidden enemy is.

Even now, that bastard is lurking somewhere, targeting Pyrnea.

Perhaps they’re even among these letters.

I couldn’t afford to make a single misjudgment, no matter how trivial the encounter.

“Excuse me, Virdem, the butler?”

“…Just Virdem is fine. What is it?”

While I was busy reviewing the letters, one of the two young ladies waiting outside the changing room with me spoke up.

Frezium Lariel.

She holds ownership of the Frezium River, which stretches across the empire.

Naturally, she’s from an immensely powerful family. She could easily form her own faction. It was baffling that she chose to align herself under Pyrnea.

“You seem quite close to Lady Pyrnea?”

“That’s a rather bold way to phrase it. After spending so many years together, I’ve grown somewhat comfortable in my speech. It’s something I ought to correct.”

“I-I didn’t mean it as criticism.”

…Wayo?

Did I mishear? I took a closer look.

Her golden hair, which looked as if it had been melted and poured into shape, was braided into what’s commonly called a “roll bun.”

Her makeup sparkled, and despite the sun not being particularly harsh, she held a black parasol.

Hmm.

“By any chance, are you from the Garden of Traviču?”

“Huh? How did you know, wayo?”

“…”

The Garden of Traviču.

A prestigious institution reserved solely for those of the noblest bloodlines.

In Korean terms, it’s an elite educational facility combining kindergarten, elementary, and middle school…

But as evidenced by Pyrnea not attending, it has its issues.

Having stood firm for centuries, the Garden places excessive importance on tradition.

There’s a saying: “If you were to drop a noble from the Garden into the empire a hundred years ago, no one would notice.”

This is taken as high praise by Garden graduates, who pride themselves on preserving tradition flawlessly.

Well, since she’s from the Garden…

Her fashion, speech, attire—even her laughter—are all exactly as they were a hundred years ago.

The problem is, no one can call them out on it.

As mentioned, only the most exalted bloodlines can attend. No matter how eccentric they act, it’s impossible to criticize them openly.

Personally, I refer to them as this world’s version of Cheongdam-dong.

“Your speech simply exudes too much elegance to ignore.”

“Oh~ hohohohot! You’re quite perceptive, aren’t you?”

See?

Pleased by the compliment, Lariel stepped closer and asked:

“Since you’re so favored… have you served as Lady Pyrnea’s butler for long?”

“Yes. It’s been over nine years now.”

“Ah, as I thought…! There’s something I’d like to ask of you!”

“What is it?”

“U-um… by any chance… what does Lady Pyrnea… like?”

“?”

When I gave her a puzzled look, her eyes sparkled as she launched into an explanation.

“Last night, I saw Lady Pyrnea visiting the girls’ dormitory and, without thinking, challenged her to a duel.”

…How is this girl still alive?

“It wasn’t a duel of magic or swords, but of wit and logic—testing each other’s knowledge. Not to boast, but I was the top of my class at the Garden, so I was confident. But… not even once… could I best her in any subject.”

“I see. So…”

“I’ve never met someone so brilliant in my life. Reflecting on my foolish ignorance of the world’s vastness, I’ve resolved to live the rest of my life as Lady Pyrnea’s loyal servant…”

The conclusion is insane. She’s a lunatic.

Lost in reverie, Lariel suddenly turned her gaze back to me.

“To be honest, wayo, I want to win Lady Pyrnea’s favor. What would she like as a gift?”

“Hmm…”

This isn’t particularly threatening to Pyrnea. Whatever gift she gives, I’ll inspect it thoroughly anyway.

Garden graduates are notoriously gullible, often falling for scams. Gaining Pyrnea’s trust would actually benefit both sides.

I took a moment to recall what Pyrnea had been happiest to receive in the past.

“Ah.”

“What is it, wayo?”

“She was very fond of pendants. Since she’s wearing one now, other jewelry would likely please her.”

“I-I see, jewelry, jewelry… Where was it that uses the purest gemstones again…”

As Lariel pondered deeply, Pyrnea emerged from the changing room.

Instead of her usual dress, she wore comfortable athletic wear. Pyrnea raised her arms and twisted them around, looking satisfied.

“At least I can take off the dress. It was uncomfortable.”

“Aah…! Lady Pyrnea, you’re beautiful no matter what you wear, wayo…!”

“Thanks. Lead the way, Virdem.”

“Understood.”

Glancing back, I noticed that while the degree varied, most of the young ladies following Pyrnea seemed to genuinely respect her.

At this rate, it’s less of a faction and more of a fan club.

As long as their loyalty holds, it shouldn’t be a problem.

“So, what should I watch out for this time?”

“Yes, both families are unusually supportive of the late princess.”

“Strange people. Why cling to a dead puppet?”

“I’m not sure. But be cautious when mentioning the crown prince…”

As we passed the academy’s training grounds, exchanging necessary details—

“—Aaaahhh!!!”

A scream filled with agony echoed from a nearby building.

“My lady.”

“I know.”

Pyrnea made a swift judgment.

She closed her eyes for exactly ten seconds.

“…It’s done.”

Nothing seemed to have changed.

But from this moment on—the area within 20 meters was under Pyrnea’s dominion.

Anyone who entered could be crushed to death instantly.

A minimal precaution for safety.

After steadying her breath, she asked for my opinion.

“Should we leave?”

“No, let’s check it out. It doesn’t seem serious.”

“Very well.”

The scream had been a one-time occurrence, soon drowned out by murmurs.

“…!…!”

“…!!!”

It sounded like a heated argument. Likely a dispute among students.

And in the academy, student disputes aren’t just simple scuffles.

Everyone here represents their family, so conflicts rarely end peacefully.

If a dispute breaks out, it’s not just between two individuals—it escalates into a clash of noble factions. In such cases, it’s best to gather information early.

Still, just in case, I rested my hand on my sword hilt and stepped ahead of Pyrnea.

With Pyrnea having already secured the area, it might not mean much… but better safe than sorry.

Entering the building where the commotion seemed to be—

“How did a witch get into the academy?!”

…A familiar voice reached my ears.

“A witch?”

“…A witch, you say?”

“What do you mean by ‘witch,’ wayo?”

Naturally, everyone except me—Pyrnea and the faction’s young ladies—tilted their heads in confusion.

Pushing through the crowd (which parted automatically as Pyrnea approached), we saw the scene of the duel—

“Ugh… uuugh…”

A male student clutching his wrist, seemingly sprained, groaning in pain.

“You think you can run away?!”

“How dare you set foot here with those filthy feet?!”

“…”

And of course… Arin was there.

Standing dazed, gripping her sword, while the injured student’s peers hurled abuse at her.

…Well, I had a feeling something like this would happen eventually.

“Virdem, that girl—”

“Ah, yes. Her name is Arin. She took the special admissions exam with me. She helped me last time.”

“Arin, is it.”

“Yes. Just Arin—no family name, as she’s a commoner.”

“…You’re close?”

“Huh?”

“Never mind.”

“It’s nothing serious. A simple misunderstanding should clear things up.”

She did help me during the exam.

Now it’s my turn to return the favor.

I stepped forward—

“Stop right there.”

“…Ugh.”

I froze.

It was Pyrnea’s command. For whatever reason, I had to obey.

But—this time was different.

I clutched my shoulder and staggered slightly.

“Ah, V-Virdem!”

Startled, Pyrnea dropped her fan and rushed over, flustered.

“I-I’m sorry. I didn’t—I didn’t mean to. Why did I…?”

“…It’s fine. It’s nothing.”

The scar of obedience etched into my shoulder had reacted to its master’s command.

This had never happened before. Pyrnea’s orders were always phrased as commands, but never with genuine intent to enforce obedience.

Until today.

“…Bandages, get bandages!”

“Y-yes!”

I barely managed to stop Lariel from dashing off at Pyrnea’s order.

“It’s really nothing. There’s not even any blood.”

“I—I really didn’t mean to…”

“My lady.”

I gently grasped Pyrnea’s shoulder.

“Everyone is watching.”

Since the witch-hunt against Arin was the more pressing issue, no one outside our faction had noticed Pyrnea’s state.

The young ladies were staring at us in mild confusion. Thankfully, the situation was too abrupt for them to process.

“You need to calm down. I’m perfectly fine.”

“…R-right…”

Pyrnea trembled but gradually steadied herself.

…Good.

Still, leaving Pyrnea here could lead to unpredictable outcomes, so I had no choice but to observe Arin’s situation for now.

“If no one else will step in, I will!”

“…”

The situation was escalating to its worst.

A student from the injured boy’s faction drew his weapon.

Arin still wore a dazed expression, but if attacked, she would retaliate.

That’s bad. As a commoner with no backing, Arin would bear the full brunt of the blame.

At that moment—

“Finally here… Ahem, ahem!!”

Someone loudly cleared their throat—

“Stooooooop!!!!!!”

With confident strides.

A student with a grin that didn’t belong here strode forward boldly.

A familiar face.

“This per… no, this person isn’t a witch! I vouch for her!”

…For some reason, with her hair dyed green.

The Hero, Armeria.