Ch.74This Letter Originated From the Imperial Court…

“Next, I will explain effective strategies for when a mage faces another mage. In this case, which magic combinations you use-“

The professor’s lecture continued.

After that, there wasn’t much content particularly helpful to me…

But I suppose it would be useful for the others.

The content about formal magic was something I already knew.

Basic spells that had been standardized by simplifying procedures and forms for military use.

From simple projectile spells like fire arrows, wind blades, and ice spears to bindings and barriers.

All things I’ve experienced before.

—-

After the lecture ended, I had a brief chat with the three before lunch.

The main topic was about the changed curriculum.

Like how even first-years were now allowed limited external assignments.

“I’ll probably be assigned wherever healing is needed, according to the church’s instructions!”

“Well, that makes sense since Lena is a Priest of Healing. Neither Millia nor I have thought about it yet. What about you, Haschal?”

“Well, I’m still thinking about it too.”

To begin with, there probably aren’t any urgent places that would require me to be dispatched yet.

Other first-years would at most be called to hunt trolls or kobolds.

The unlucky ones might get dragged to the north?

Rolling around in that cold place would certainly help them grow into proper knights.

But once the monster outbreak happens, everyone will be busy with monster subjugation.

There’s still quite some time before monsters start increasing significantly… but the werebeast attack happened earlier than expected.

I guess we’ll only know when the time comes.

Even if I wanted to prepare, how could I prepare for the entire world changing?

It’s not a man-made disaster but a natural one, almost like a natural phenomenon.

All I can do is become strong enough to eliminate the threatening monsters along with Demian.

After finishing the conversation, I escaped to the special building.

I couldn’t stay there any longer.

Everyone was busy glancing at me instead of thinking about going to lunch.

Frider laughed as if she had expected my exasperated expression.

“Looks like you’ve been through quite an ordeal? Your expression is absolutely miserable… you look quite pitiful like that. Must be popular, huh?”

“Damn it… don’t you have any suitors or fiancés or something?”

I was hoping to hear about Frider’s fiancé so I could tease her about it.

Why should I be the only one teased about romantic interests?

“I don’t. The daughter of Faelrun doesn’t need a political marriage, and no man has met my conditions yet.”

“Conditions?”

“A warrior who can face seven werebeast Champions simultaneously. That’s the minimum qualification to become Faelrun’s son-in-law, don’t you think?”

Frider nodded confidently.

Seven Champions, huh. Is there even a man capable of that at this point?

Ah, there might be one, I suppose.

“…Want me to introduce you to my father?”

“A middle-aged married man who’s also a barbarian is a bit…”

Frider made a genuinely disgusted expression.

“Ah, but it might be fun to hear you call me ‘mother,’ Haschal?”

Frider started laughing again.

Like someone who never had friends before, getting excited about talking with a peer for the first time.

Well… as someone with many friends, I should be understanding…

I gave Frider, who was covering her mouth while laughing, a warm, motherly gaze.

—-

“Welcome back, Lord Haschal. How was the academy lecture?”

“A nightmare.”

Nigel smiled awkwardly at my drained response.

“That’s unfortunate. Then for the afternoon lecture…”

“I’m skipping it.”

I loosely put down my black iron longsword and flopped face-down onto the bed.

The soft cushioning embraces my tired body. Doubly so.

There should only be one cushion on the bed, so why is the softness doubled? Well, that’s because I’m lying face down.

Damn it, now everything bothers me.

I turned over onto my back.

I realized that recovering my body was the top priority.

After experiencing it, nothing seemed more important.

Nigel, who had been observing my expression, bowed slightly and withdrew.

Honestly, I felt like drinking until I was completely drunk.

But since I’d lose control of my body if I really got drunk, I hadn’t touched alcohol since the possession.

I mean, think about it.

If a drunk Haschal threw a tantrum, what would happen?

They’d be cleaning up hundreds of corpses the next day.

And what would welcome me when I woke up would probably be either the Dosan Forest of Swords or an underground prison.

—-

Five girls who had become the academy’s idols performed an exciting show with dancing in the main hall.

Numerous students waved swords instead of light sticks and cheered.

Magic shot by Ophelia from behind the stage burst like fireworks in the air.

Nigel and Millia kept spinning on both sides.

Lena jumped up high.

Lacy sang a beautiful melody in the center of everyone.

And a black-haired woman walked forward, dancing intensely while rapping.

The students’ praise echoed throughout the hall.

Please… I’d rather have nightmares about the dead.

—-

Rumors about the slender black-haired woman spread throughout the academy.

About her identity and someone’s comment calling her the Daffodil Princess.

Students who remembered her original appearance initially denied it.

However, the prejudiced views toward Haschal had already weakened considerably.

After all, she was the one who had saved their lives.

So the content of the rumors was gradually, and more naturally than expected, accepted.

Still, calling her a goddess would be excessively blasphemous…

In the end, only the word “daffodil” remained.

Outside rumors called her the Were Eater who resembled a monster, while inside the academy she was known as the Daffodil Princess.

It was hard to believe these contrasting nicknames referred to the same person.

After hearing the story, I secluded myself for a week.

I’ll kill that eunuch bastard when I meet him.

Frider laughed so hard she forgot her dignity as a duchess, and even Kalix chuckled.

Asha even made jokes. “Should I engrave daffodil patterns on your armor?” she asked.

I told her I’d return it immediately if she did, and she said she was just kidding.

…I wonder if Millia and Demian are diligently attending lectures.

It’s been a week since I’ve seen them, but they probably haven’t made any dramatic progress in that time.

Both of them are at a point where they need proper field experience rather than simple training.

Thanks to resting for a week without doing anything, my energy has gradually returned.

Though it’s still at an ambiguous level.

But at this rate, I should be quite recovered by the time of the ceremony.

My appearance, which had looked like a terminal patient, has improved a bit.

My sunken cheeks have regained some vitality, and my dark eyes have brightened considerably. But that’s about it.

I’ve gone from a sickly beauty to a tired beauty – should I be happy about that?

It’s a complicated feeling.

In the midst of this, invitations from the imperial family finally arrived. Two of them.

Like last time, the luxurious invitation covers had the names Leopold and Ernst written in elegant handwriting.

So it’s finally come… Well, I need to meet them anyway.

The original story has been twisted from the beginning, and at this point, I have no choice but to experience it directly.

I opened the envelopes and read the letters.

—-

Princess Haschal Aishan-Gioro,

I too cannot help but admire your dedicated struggle for the Empire.

Even just reading the written report, your courage and strong spirit reached me.

Every time I recall your brave figure and heroic achievements from that day, I cannot stop my heart from beating foolishly, forgetting all propriety.

I was deeply saddened to hear reports that you fell ill from the aftereffects.

The Margrave of Landenburg informs me that you are regaining your health, which is a blessing for the Empire and divine providence.

The Empire will never forget your contributions. Neither will I.

If possible, on the coming 7th day, I would like to discuss that time with you while celebrating the newly born Master of humanity.

I look forward to your reply with pleasure.

– Leopold Wittelsbach

—-

Princess Aishan-Gioro,

I heard you performed well in the battle against the werebeasts. I express my gratitude on behalf of the Empire.

Regarding the rewards for your achievements, I need to have a discussion with you.

I believe you already know the reason. You can also guess the meaning of my letter.

If you agree, visit me at the Imperial Palace on the 7th day of this month.

– Ernst Wittelsbach

—-

These letters were truly polar opposites.

Leopold’s letter adorned with all sorts of flowery phrases, and Ernst’s so brief and to the point that it seemed almost rude.

And they’re openly inviting me on the same day? This is blatant.

They’re watching to see whom I visit first, aren’t they?

Honestly, judging by the tone alone, Ernst seems more compatible with my personality…

The First Prince’s intentions to draw me in feel too strong, which actually makes me uncomfortable.

…Still, I should visit Leopold first.

I was planning to choose Leopold between the two anyway, and it’s also natural to meet the elder one first.

Being invited by both the First and Third Princes but meeting the Third Prince first might be seen as an indication that I already support Ernst.

Contrary to my intentions.

There was never any choice other than Leopold. Probably.

I’m not sure about Ernst, but his mother Isabella is definitely… a woman with many issues.