Ch.34EP.11 – The Knight Hate Spellcasters (2)

After finally completing his 120-minute speech, the dean ended his oration, and the faculty members gave sincere applause, relieved they could finally escape what was called a “meeting” but was actually a lecture hall.

While the faculty dispersed, leaving behind the dean’s self-satisfied face, several groups formed as people gathered to chat.

Since faculty from different departments rarely had opportunities to meet, they were likely using this chance to familiarize themselves with one another.

Though Ihan had resigned himself to being ostracized, fortunately, Hans, with whom he had become acquainted by chance, turned out to be a kind person—kind enough to introduce an abrasive person like him to his acquaintances.

“I’m Dorothy. I’m an instructor in the Art Department, specializing in religious paintings.”

“Call me Cam. Just a fallen nobleman teaching in the Statistics Department.”

“I’m Den from the Architecture Department. Somehow I’ve been honored with a professorship, haha.”

“Alain de Wagner. Professor in the stuffy History Department. Just call me Alain.”

They were all Hans’s acquaintances, and though they downplayed their importance, Ihan knew they were prominent figures. Though Ihan rarely read newspapers, his only friend in the Order occasionally updated him on current events, and these names had frequently appeared in those conversations.

“It’s an honor to meet a rising star painter. I hope I can purchase one of your paintings someday, even if it’s a failed work, Dorothy.”

“My goodness?”

A rising talent considered the most promising among young female painters.

“I don’t think we can dismiss someone as merely a fallen nobleman when even the royal family’s invitations are declined, Cam.”

“Oh?”

A young, capable scholar coveted even by the royal family.

“I’ve heard much about the master architect who led the reconstruction of the royal capital, Den. And only a madman would dismiss as stuffy the legendary archaeologist who risked his life excavating Briton artifacts, Professor Alain.”

“Well, this is embarrassing.”

“You have quite the insight despite your appearance.”

Even figures who had been famous before he was born.

These were all people with whom even most nobles couldn’t easily network. Being renowned in their fields meant they were highly respected and dignified. They must be important figures constantly protected by the guild.

“I’m glad the introductions were worthwhile,” said Hans.

And Hans himself, the master craftsman who had introduced all these prominent figures.

‘Birds of a feather flock together…’

He realized anew the truth in that old saying. This was truly a dream team that left him astounded.

“I’m just a soldier who knows nothing but swinging a sword—you’re all too distinguished for me to deal with.”

“Haha! Who’s being modest now? Anyone who calls a knight of the Order of the Silver Lion a mere civil servant would be insane, wouldn’t they?”

“That’s right.”

“As you said, I’ll give you a painting. As a gesture of goodwill.”

Of course, even to such distinguished people, knights were no less prominent. More precisely, being a knight of the Order of the Silver Lion made him appear even more distinguished. Though he had been demoted to an instructor, no one looked down on him. They had already witnessed it.

His skill overwhelming the vice-commander of the Pollet Knights, famous for their swordsmanship.

But beyond that, they were genuinely kind-hearted and generous people. They hadn’t sought fame or power; they had simply worked hard in their fields and eventually became famous.

That’s why they showed excessive kindness to him simply because Hans, their acquaintance, had introduced him. As long as Ihan didn’t stab them in the back first, they wouldn’t view him with suspicion.

‘…I owe them a great debt.’

He felt more drawn to them for being sincere, kind people than for being prominent figures, and he felt deeply indebted to Hans for introducing them. While goods can be purchased with money, friendship and goodwill cannot be bought.

‘I’ll have to repay them someday.’

While he might act like a morally bankrupt individual toward despicable people, shouldn’t he approach these people of integrity with equal kindness?

So Ihan and the faculty decided to go to a café for a simple introduction and tea time.

Incidentally, there are no cafés in the kingdom that serve iced coffee.

Only espresso, herbal tea, or black tea. It’s possible to request ice in your coffee, but doing so would invite contemptuous glances from all directions, so he refrained.

As he was feeling somewhat disappointed about this…

“May I interrupt for a moment?”

“Oh, Count Odwal.”

“I’ll take that as permission.”

“Uh…”

The atmosphere, which had been pleasant, became strangely tense at the appearance of this rude man who spoke forcefully, as if the answer was already decided. His appearance was eccentric, and he gave the impression of being stubborn, unlikely to listen to others’ opinions. The faculty couldn’t hide their expressions suggesting they had stepped on something they shouldn’t have, but he didn’t even glance at their changing expressions.

A person who seemed completely devoid of consideration.

And then, turning to Ihan:

“Irene Windler, that pure genius—don’t waste her time with nonsense. This is not a request or advice, but a ‘warning.’ If you add even the slightest impurity to her talent… I don’t know what I might do.”

He delivered a polite “threat” and made no attempt to hide his hostile intent, as if even conversing with a knight was repulsive to him.

And to him, Ihan replied:

“Hmm, hey, old wizard.”

“!!?”

“I can’t understand what nonsense you’re spouting, so could you repeat it? How am I supposed to understand when you cut off the beginning and end? You’re jumping to conclusions on your own.”

He spewed insults, making no attempt to hide his “contempt,” which matched the wizard’s hostility.

“And speak from a distance. How long has it been since you brushed your teeth? It’s truly disgusting.”

“!!!”

“What? You want to try something?”

Ihan provoked him again, secretly hoping that the man would draw his staff.

If he did that…

‘I’d finally get to taste the pleasure of beating a wizard.’

Wouldn’t he get a precious opportunity to beat up a wizard?

Just thinking about it made Ihan show a bright smile that couldn’t be more innocent.

…Though his opponent certainly wouldn’t perceive it as innocent.

*

*

*

…Unfortunately, the wizard just left.

He might have taken the bait with a bit more provocation, but with his newly made acquaintances around, Ihan had no choice but to hold back his taunts with regret.

And now:

“You shouldn’t have dismissed Count Odwal like that, hmm…”

Hans and the others showed concerned expressions.

After arriving at the café, they continuously expressed worry toward Ihan.

It was evident they weren’t worried about their own safety but about Ihan. Normal acquaintances showing concern for someone they just met today…

‘How wonderful.’

He didn’t regret treating them to tea and dessert.

He had bought them as an apology for creating an unpleasant atmosphere, and while drinking the hot chocolate he had purchased for himself to replenish his daily sugar intake, he continued with certainty:

“I’ll take full responsibility. Whether a dispute arises with him or the conflict escalates. You won’t be harmed in any way, so don’t worry.”

“No, that’s not what we meant.”

“I know you’re worried. But really, there’s no need to worry. I may not look it, but I’m quite tough.”

“…That old man is too frightening to be dealt with by mere toughness.”

There was probably a huge gap between Hans’s idea of toughness and Ihan’s, but unaware of this, Hans could only sigh heavily.

“What is Count Odwal trying to do now…”

Odwal Bernard.

That was the name of the wizard who had approached Ihan confrontationally earlier, and he was also a faculty member whom all other faculty members found uncomfortable.

Why uncomfortable?

Because he was a [Wizard].

Wizard.

Those who have been chosen by mana, a blessing that can only be innate.

Also, beings who form a “spell world” through mana and manipulate even the laws of nature, defying common sense.

And because they defied common sense, wizards were sufficient objects of fear simply for being wizards.

One never knew what harm might come from getting involved with them.

“Well, the instructor’s remarks earlier were refreshing, though.”

But fear was fear, and few people had positive feelings toward wizards.

Wizards as a race were fundamentally arrogant.

“He’s an eccentric old man.”

“We shouldn’t gossip behind someone’s back, but it’s hard to deny.”

“He’s beyond eccentric—he’s a hothead.”

Wizards despise and look down on those who cannot use magic, constantly displaying their specialness and demanding respect.

They disrespect even nobles and royalty, and to make matters worse, they don’t spare irreverent language even toward the gods.

Well, most who are that ill-mannered tend to disappear without a trace after offending the wrong people.

Of course, even if Odwal wasn’t as reckless as the aforementioned wizards, he exhibited the typical arrogant attitude of wizards.

For example, one famous incident:

“Six years ago at the entrance ceremony, he caused an incident by shooting flames everywhere. All because a regular student merely coughed during his self-introduction.”

“…So you were a senior.”

“Sir Turtle’s case is different. What that man did was simply violence.”

An outrage incomparable to the incident Ihan had caused.

Without justification, it was just ruthless violence because something didn’t please him.

Several students were injured in that accident, and half the auditorium was burned down…

He was nothing short of a criminal.

“I hate to ask this, but why is such a person still at the Academy? From what I can see, he seems like someone who should be imprisoned rather than at an Academy.”

“…Hmm.”

At this point, the faculty members briefly withheld their words.

After all, he was pinpointing exactly what they had been thinking internally.

“Sigh, wizards are valuable resources. In other words, irreplaceable personnel. Though their personalities are rough, they’re generally protected as long as they don’t commit murder.”

Though it was a somewhat understandable explanation, Ihan shook his head.

“That must be the superficial reason. What’s the real reason?”

“…Perhaps you often hear that you’re more perceptive than you look?”

“I do.”

“Haha.”

Hans found the knight’s honest and straightforward remarks refreshing.

Was it because he wasn’t a knight of noble origin?

There were no thorns in his words; he was simply direct.

It felt like dealing with guild craftsmen.

‘I’m glad I’ve built a good relationship.’

Though he wasn’t without his rough edges, he seemed to be someone who knew where to draw the line.

“…There are many nobles who sponsor Count Odwal. Among those sponsors are numerous individuals who pay substantial annual support fees to the Academy. That’s why they can’t easily dismiss him.”

“What a ridiculous old man.”

He despises everyone who can’t use magic, yet he needs sponsors?

Even more ridiculous are the nobles who sponsor such a person.

What are they thinking?

“Anyway, Sir Turtle. Be careful. I know you’re strong, but that man is dangerous. He may threaten you in some way.”

It was sincere advice for Ihan, and while Ihan wanted to tell them there was nothing to worry about, he wasn’t the type to casually dismiss sincere advice.

“Thank you for the advice. I’ll certainly keep it in mind. However…”

“?”

“Well, this is like a hidden talent of mine, but keep it between us. Very few people know about this talent.”

“What…?”

“My hidden talent is…”

He spoke with sincerity.

Saying he was confident he wouldn’t lose to anyone in this talent.

“The talent to make madmen behave.”

“??”

“Haha, just remember that.”

You know what?

No matter how insane someone is, there’s a way to make them “behave.”

None other than:

‘They tend to behave when they stop breathing.’

Ah.

It’s even better when their hearts stop beating too.