Ch.6Uneasy Beginning (4)

“My name is Marie. Marie Housen Reckyless. Red hair, what about you?”

The white-haired girl, Marie, introduced herself while sitting down next to me. Just a moment ago she was making a fuss all by herself, but now she was being friendly.

She seemed to have a quick temper, but since yesterday’s incident was a misunderstanding, her personality didn’t seem bad. Anyway, since she introduced herself first, I should do the same.

I silently stared at her smiling face before opening my mouth in a flat tone.

“Issac Dukar Mayshall.”

“Dukar Mayshall? As expected, you’re a nobleman’s son.”

“You look like nobility too.”

“That’s right. I’m the daughter of the Reckyless family, no less. Hmph.”

I didn’t ask. While I was thinking that to myself, Marie raised her chin proudly. She seems to take pride in her family.

Speaking of the Reckyless family. They’re not counts or marquises, but dukes, second in rank only to the emperor.

I’m well aware of how famous the Reckyless duchy is. I naturally learned about it when my mother taught me the history of the Empire of Minerva.

To explain the Reckyless duchy, they’re one of the founding contributors of the Empire of Minerva. Moreover, they’ve practiced “noblesse oblige” since ancient times, giving them an excellent reputation among the citizens of the Empire of Minerva.

Of course, occasionally there are troublemakers, but when caught, they’re removed from the family registry and exiled.

‘How wonderful it would be if all nobles were like this.’

When a duke second only to the emperor personally practices noblesse oblige, what about other nobles? Unfortunately, they’re not like that at all.

Even in my previous life, people with power often abused it, and this world has clear class distinctions. There aren’t even smartphones or computers to record evidence.

Because of this, the custom of nobles discriminating against commoners persists. They can even openly oppress them and use their power to cover it up.

I stared at Marie for a moment before speaking. Just to be safe, I didn’t forget to use polite speech.

“So you’re a lady of the Reckyless duchy. I apologize for not recognizing you.”

“…Just speak casually. I don’t like that kind of thing.”

When I used polite speech, Marie’s pretty face wrinkled. As rumored, she seems to dislike authoritarianism.

So I started speaking casually as she wanted. Marie seemed comfortable with this and began chattering away.

“How many volumes of Biography of Xenon do you have? I only have five.”

“Umm…”

I have the original manuscript, you know. These words rose to my throat, but I barely suppressed them. This is comedy at its finest.

I pondered what to answer before telling a lie that she might find believable.

“I don’t own any myself, but I know all the stories. My mother borrowed them for me to read.”

“Really? Well, there are many people like that. My brother wouldn’t even lend his to me.”

“Why?”

“He’s someone who treasures his belongings terribly. He hates anyone touching his things, even family.”

By brother, does she mean that white-haired man who was gently soothing Marie yesterday? I looked at the grumbling Marie and asked her something I was curious about.

“By the way, I overheard your brother yesterday saying something about arresting a group hoarding Biography of Xenon?”

“Huh? You didn’t know… Ah, that makes sense. It happened recently, so it’ll take some time before it appears in the newspapers. Probably in about two days?”

As expected of a ducal family, their speed of obtaining information was unrivaled.

When I looked at her with admiration, Marie seemed to read my thoughts and puffed up proudly. Her nose was practically reaching the sky.

“You don’t have to look at me like that. This is just the basics for our family.”

“Still, it’s impressive. My home is in the countryside, so newspapers are the only way to get news.”

“Countryside? Puhah! You have a funny way of speaking.”

Drrrr-

While Marie and I were chatting excitedly, I heard the front door of the classroom opening. As soon as that sound was heard, the buzzing classroom instantly fell silent.

Thump- Thump- Thump-

An elderly man was walking to the center in front of a blackboard large enough to fill an entire wall. His hair was a mix of dull gold and white, and while he had an impressively grown mustache, he had a somewhat stubborn impression.

His attire was exactly what you’d expect a professor to wear—a suit.

“Ahem.”

Finally standing at the center of the blackboard, the old man cleared his throat and looked around. All students, including myself, waited patiently for him to speak.

Eventually, when his gaze had moved from the right to the left end, his heavily closed mouth opened.

“Welcome, students. I am Professor Virus Ar Tristan of Humanities.”

His voice was quite dignified and relaxed, making it easy to listen to. When Professor Virus, as he introduced himself, bowed slightly, the students welcomed him with applause.

Then, straightening his back again, he continued in his characteristically relaxed tone.

“First of all, I sincerely welcome you to Halo Academy and to Literature. Especially this year, some special people have enrolled in Halo Academy.”

As he said this, he looked toward where Rina and Cecilly were sitting, then shifted his gaze to look directly at Marie. Well, even if she’s not an imperial princess or a demon princess, Marie is still special as a daughter of a ducal family.

“…What’s that supposed to mean?”

Of course, Marie grumbled when she was singled out. Meanwhile, the professor continued speaking politely.

“First, I’ll tell you what kind of life you’ll be leading from now on. In Literature, you’ll take common courses for two years, but after that, you’ll need to find your own path. Those interested in medicine go to medical studies, administration to administrative studies, politics to political science, and humanities to humanities. From that point on, you can choose the path you want.”

I had almost no knowledge about the academy, especially about literature, so I listened carefully to the professor. My brothers and sisters were all uneducated, so they couldn’t teach me anything.

“Then you might wonder: what if you can’t find your path in two years? Don’t worry. It’s perfectly normal for people your age to wander without finding their path. We can wait.”

“… …”

“Above all, most of you who entered Literature probably came because you wanted ‘knowledge.’ If you want knowledge, it doesn’t matter whether you find your path or not.”

So that means you can graduate whether you find your path or not. Whether to just get a graduation certificate or enter as an intern.

Actually, having such an idea in a world close to medieval times is quite remarkable. I rested my chin on my hand and waited for the professor’s next words.

“Since today is your historic first class, I’ll ask you a simple question. What do you think ‘knowledge’ is? If a student gives a good answer, I’ll give them extra points.”

The class began with his first question. As soon as I heard his question, a certain saying came to mind.

‘Knowledge is power.’

If this were Earth, it would be one of those sayings everyone has heard at least once. However, I didn’t raise my hand. Having been born and raised in South Korea, raising my hand to speak felt awkward.

While I remained still, one student raised their hand. Surprisingly, it was Rina.

As soon as Rina raised her hand, Professor Virus looked at her and extended his hand.

“Your name is… Rina, correct?”

“Yes, Professor.”

“What do you think knowledge is, Rina?”

Even if she’s the imperial princess of the Empire of Minerva, to the professor, she’s just a student. Rina didn’t seem to mind this as she stood up and answered in a nightingale-like voice.

“I think it’s something absolutely necessary for people to advance to higher places.”

“Hmm… Please explain in more detail.”

When the professor requested further explanation, Rina began to explain one by one, as if she had fully anticipated this.

“From cultivation methods that circulate mana within the body to magic, auras, and even architecture to rebuild civilization. All of these are only possible with knowledge. Without knowledge, people can’t do anything. So I think knowledge lifts people to higher places.”

“Very good. Everyone, applause.”

Clap clap clap clap clap!

When the professor called for applause, thunderous applause filled the classroom. I also clapped along with others and glanced to the side.

Marie was clapping slowly with a disinterested face. Judging by the way one corner of her mouth was raised, she seemed somewhat dissatisfied.

“As Rina said, knowledge can make people advance to higher places. But that’s not the answer I’m looking for. Is there any student who can explain more concisely?”

“… …”

No one raised their hand even when the professor asked again. That’s understandable, as they would have to summarize the imperial princess’s presentation.

If they gave a strange answer, they would surely be ridiculed, and if by chance the professor was satisfied, that would be problematic in its own way. They would be marked in various ways.

‘Damn class society.’

I clicked my tongue inwardly.

Everyone was probably secretly hoping for time to pass like this. Being marked by others would be scarier than disappointing the professor. At least if Cecilly or Marie presented, the impact would be less.

Swoosh-

Just as I thought that, Cecilly, who was sitting next to Rina, cautiously raised her hand. Judging by her hesitant appearance, she seemed to lack confidence.

Of course, for the professor, having a student willing to present was a delightful thing. Professor Virus brightened up as soon as Cecilly raised her hand and spoke.

“Oh! Your name is…”

“Ce-Cecilly…”

“Good. Cecilly, what do you think knowledge is?”

Unlike when she gave her speech confidently, her voice was quite subdued. It seems that unlike during her speech, she lacks confidence without certainty.

“Hoo…”

Cecilly looked around nervously, then patted her chest as if to encourage herself. Then she stood up and answered with a voice that had regained confidence.

“I think it’s something necessary for people to live as people.”

A truly demonic answer. Professor Virus seemed interested as well, leaning forward slightly as he questioned her.

“Can you explain in more detail?”

“Yes. As Rina presented, knowledge is absolutely necessary for people to advance to higher places, but before that, one must become a ‘person’ for it to be possible. I think a person without knowledge is no different from an animal with no potential for development.”

“That’s quite a primal answer. But excellent. Everyone, applause!”

Like with Rina, thunderous applause filled the classroom. I watched Cecilly’s back as she hurriedly sat down with a strange expression.

It’s quite touching to hear such an answer from her, a demon, of all people.

“Both students gave excellent answers. However, unfortunately, they weren’t the answers I was looking for. Is there anyone else who would like to present differently?”

As if.

After even Cecilly had presented, there wouldn’t be any more volunteers. I could guarantee it.

I wish this would just end without any further incidents…

“If there are no more students willing to present, I’ll have to designate someone myself.”

As expected, the professor, just like in my previous life, is trying to put someone on the spot. I lowered my head to avoid eye contact as much as possible.

‘Please don’t pick me. Please…’

But ominous premonitions always come true.

“You there, with the red hair, looking down? Please answer.”

For the first time since being born into this world, I resented my father for giving me red hair. It’s truly a color that stands out wherever you go.

“Hey. I think the professor is talking to you?”

“…I know. Sigh.”

Cursing inwardly with all kinds of profanities, I raised my head. As I did, dozens of gazes were fixed directly on me.

I wanted to snap at them for staring, but I suppressed it and reluctantly stood up. As soon as I stood up, Professor Virus asked:

“Red-haired student. What is your name?”

“…Issac.”

“Yes, Issac. What do you think knowledge is?”

What should I answer? I tried to think of a different answer, but only the saying from my previous life kept circling in my mind.

Since it had come to this, I pretended to think for a moment before speaking in as calm a voice as possible.

“…I think it’s power.”

“Oho.”

What? Damn. What’s with that exclamation and why are your eyes shining?

While I was cursing inwardly, the professor asked me in an excited voice, unlike before.

“Why do you think so? That’s quite an interesting answer.”

“… …”

As soon as I heard the professor’s question, I looked at where Rina and Cecilly were sitting.

A pair of blue eyes and a pair of red eyes were staring at me with curiosity. Feeling anxiety rising in real-time, I barely managed to speak.

“…Throughout history, knowledge has been used to develop civilization. How to make fire, how to farm, how to build buildings, and what knowledge is needed to hunt monsters. Through this, we can see that knowledge has a stronger power than physical force.”

“You’ve summarized Rina’s presentation. Then what do you think of Cecilly’s presentation?”

No. This should be enough.

Regardless, the professor’s eyes grew even more sparkling. Sighing inwardly, I spoke as if resigned to whatever happens.

“…The knowledge one can gain alone is clearly limited. So people can exchange with each other or even steal through fighting. And being human… since it can’t be defined in one way, I’ll stop here.”

I really had nothing more to say, so I sat down without delay. Simultaneously, silence descended upon the classroom.

Sensing something unusual in the silence, I looked at the professor. He was looking at me with an expression of being deeply impressed by my presentation.

His expression was completely different from when Rina and Cecilly presented.

Following this, the professor exclaimed in an excited voice:

“Absolutely! A flawless answer! Issac, you said?”

“…Yes, and?”

“I’ll give Issac extra points! Everyone, welcome him with enthusiastic applause!”

Clap clap clap clap clap!

“… …”

Don’t do this to me. Damn it.