Ch.9Old-Timer (1)

“…Why are you asking that?”

My heart sank and I felt my blood run cold.

I asked Rina with a trembling voice that I couldn’t hide, while carefully covering my right hand.

Rina looked puzzled by my reaction for a moment, but soon answered my question.

“Most officials working in the imperial palace have calluses there. I was wondering if that was the case for Issac too.”

As she said, typewriters haven’t been invented here yet, so all documents must be handwritten. Naturally, people who prepare documents, especially officials working in the imperial palace, develop calluses on their hands.

I quickly racked my brain in this critical situation. Fortunately, Rina had no idea I was writing a book. If I could give a plausible answer, I might get through this predicament.

After much deliberation, I finally managed to come up with a suitable response.

“…I got them from studying. I have a habit of taking notes while studying. It helps me remember things more easily.”

“Hmm… is that so? Well, I suppose it’s not strange to develop such habits when trying to properly absorb knowledge. I used to do the same when receiving private education at the imperial palace.”

Thankfully, she seemed to accept my explanation. Although she still looked somewhat suspicious, perhaps due to my reaction, it was much better than being discovered.

As I was inwardly sighing with relief, Marie, not Rina, suddenly jumped in.

“Now that I look at it, your hands are really pretty. Can I see them?”

“Huh? My hands?”

“Yes. Let’s compare them with mine.”

Marie showed me her outstretched hand. I was taken aback at first, but since it wasn’t a problem, I quickly agreed.

“Wow. Your hands are really beautiful. I think they’re even prettier than mine.”

Marie genuinely admired my hands after comparing them with hers. And she was right—despite the pen calluses, my hands were quite beautiful.

My fingers were long and slender, and my skin was white and smooth, perfectly fitting the description of “delicate jade hands.”

I scratched my head with an embarrassed smile at Marie’s compliment. My mother had praised this feature too, but hearing it from someone else made me feel strangely shy.

“Do you take special care of them?”

“No. They’ve always been like this.”

“I’m so jealous. My skin cracks all the time, which is annoying.”

Marie grumbled, but her hands were very beautiful too. As a duke’s daughter, she must have paid attention to various aspects of her appearance, not just her face.

Perhaps thanks to the change in atmosphere, I could feel my racing heart gradually calming down. I smiled slightly as I watched Marie grumbling while looking at her own hands.

“Oh, right. Cecilly, can you show us your hands too?”

“Me?”

“Yes. I’m curious what a demon’s hands look like.”

Cecilly blinked her red eyes at Marie’s sudden question. She didn’t seem to mind Marie speaking informally to her.

After hesitating briefly, Cecilly carefully showed her hands. But for a princess of a nation, they had too many calluses. Especially her palms, which were rough and cracked like a turtle’s shell.

While everyone was hesitant to speak about the unexpected condition of her hands, I felt like I’d seen similar hands before and looked more closely. Upon careful examination, they were exactly like my father’s, brother’s, and sister’s hands.

These were the marks of countless hours of training.

“Do you use a sword?”

“Ah.”

At my question, Rina also let out a belated exclamation of realization. Cecilly answered while embarrassedly covering her hands.

“Yes. I’ve been learning swordsmanship since I was young.”

“Aren’t demons specialized in magic?”

That’s what I had heard when gathering information about demons.

Demons, along with elves, are naturally superior to other races in magic. While humans calculate complex formulas to manifest magic, demons cast spells as easily as breathing.

Moreover, the “dark mana” that only demons can use is several times more powerful than regular mana. So while an ordinary mage might throw a fireball, a demon could drop a meteor.

“That’s true, but as a princess of Helium, I’ve learned various martial arts. As you know, ‘restraint’ is an essential virtue for our demon race.”

“A healthy mind in a healthy body. Is that it?”

In my previous life too, athletes, firefighters, and special forces soldiers had incredible mental strength as well as physical prowess.

When you can’t do what you like and must do only what you must, occasionally being pushed to extreme situations, your mental strength naturally becomes tempered.

As I shared this thought, Cecilly’s eyes widened. Wait, what did I say to make her react like that?

Then Cecilly nodded as if she had gained a great insight and murmured softly.

“A healthy mind in a healthy body… That’s really good advice. I should always keep that in mind.”

“…I’m honored if it helped.”

When I glanced at Rina, I noticed her gaze had become subtle. I deliberately ignored it.

Shortly after, just as Rina was about to speak—

Clap!

A sudden applause echoed through the classroom. If it had been ordinary applause, it would have been drowned out by the surrounding noise, but it resonated like an echo, drawing everyone’s attention.

At this, not only I but also the three others turned their heads forward. An elderly man was standing confidently in front of the blackboard, though I had no idea when he had entered the classroom.

While Professor Virus, who taught humanities, had given off a strict impression overall, this professor had a benevolent appearance.

Moreover, with his abundant beard and long white hair, he looked like Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings.

“Hmm. Now you’re ready to listen. Break time is over, so everyone please focus.”

The newly arrived professor nodded heavily as the students focused on him. I looked at the professor who resembled Gandalf and checked the schedule first.

The schedule listed “Leaf Magnar,” a professor of magic studies and one of the critics who had denounced the Biography of Xenon.

“My name is Leaf Magnar, the professor who will impart knowledge about magic studies to you all. Pleased to meet you.”

As soon as Professor Magnar announced his name in a monotone voice, applause erupted. I joined in clapping while taking out the notebook and magic pen I had brought in advance.

I hadn’t felt the need to take notes during Professor Virus’s humanities class, but this time felt different. Not only was the style completely different, but this was magic studies.

Magic—the power that naturally comes to mind when thinking of fantasy.

As I mentioned before, magic is almost a privilege that only the upper class can use. Even books about magic are full of incomprehensible terms. They’re recorded in a way that only mages can understand, making them extremely unfriendly to ordinary readers.

“You seem very interested in magic? You weren’t like this earlier.”

“Yes. I’m very interested. I’ve never seen it before.”

I answered immediately when Marie asked with a surprised voice. Magic! What a wonderful sound!

Although I wouldn’t be able to manifest magic directly like martial arts, just hearing the theory was enough. For me, who had been an Earthling, this was more valuable than anything else.

Soon the applause that had filled the classroom died down, and Professor Magnar opened his mouth in an aged voice.

“Before we begin the class proper, there’s something that’s been bothering me. The Biography of Xenon, was it?”

“…Huh?”

Why is the Biography of Xenon being mentioned right at the start? I was thinking this when—

Professor Magnar made a statement that caused my eye to twitch, not hiding his displeasure.

“Please be careful not to mention such a low-grade novel during my lecture time. I don’t want to acknowledge such things as novels.”

“… …”

Is this some new concept of trolling? No, trolling is what I saw in newspapers; this is just slander. And it’s slander being spewed in front of the person concerned.

Of course, he doesn’t know that the subject of his slander is in the same room, but it still doesn’t feel good. Beyond not feeling good, it feels downright awful.

But what can I do? I’ll just have to think of him as an old fogey. I let out a long breath through my nose in frustration and looked to either side.

Sure enough, everyone’s expressions were not good. Cecilly’s was the worst—she was emanating a fierce aura, her face contorted as if she was ready to fight at any moment.

I assume she’s exercising restraint, but as an ordinary person, I found it a bit frightening.

“…Cecilly?”

“…Yes?”

“It’s starting to get cold…”

“Ah…! S-sorry…”

Fortunately, when Rina quietly pointed it out, Cecilly hastily contained her aura and apologized immediately. I rubbed my goosebump-covered arms gently and looked forward.

Should I call this an awkward situation? When Professor Magnar openly criticized the Biography of Xenon, the classroom became as quiet as a mouse. Regardless, Professor Magnar clicked his tongue and lamented.

“Tsk tsk tsk… That damned kindling has lowered everyone’s standards. It’s sad. Really sad.”

Then why don’t you avoid using difficult words from the start? You used words that even nobles find difficult to understand, and now you’re blaming others? I can see my common sense waving goodbye as it runs away.

Professor Magnar began his lecture, ignoring the suddenly chilled atmosphere. The mood was markedly different from Professor Virus’s time, but it seemed best to listen to the class for now.

“First, you should know that studying magic doesn’t mean you can use magic. So what’s the difference? Simple. Magic studies is learning knowledge related to magic, while magic is literally learning to use magic.”

Comparing to my previous life, magic studies would be like learning the history of machines, while magic would be creating those machines. Even though magic is a power granted only to the upper class, it’s already integrated into daily life, so its history must be vast.

‘This would have been better if he hadn’t said unnecessary things at the beginning.’

I’m very interested in magic studies. But the professor is really annoying.

My dislike for Professor Magnar had already drilled through the floor and reached the mantle. Anyone would be pissed if their carefully created work was criticized right in front of them.

Scratch- Scratch-

I calmed my boiling insides while recording in my notebook with the magic pen. Since no one else seemed to have notebooks or pens, the sound of my writing seemed particularly loud.

“Before I ask a question… you there, the red-haired student.”

“…Yes?”

Why me again? Is it because of this damn red hair?

While I was greatly flustered, Professor Magnar explained why he had called on me.

“You seem to be recording something, but if it’s related to magic, please don’t record it.”

“…Why not?”

“Magic has always been a power that only the chosen ones can use. It should never be carelessly spread. Even if it’s just fragmentary knowledge.”

“But that’s…”

What a backward way of thinking, right? Then what about this magic pen and the temperature control function in the dormitories? The refrigerator?

I was so dumbfounded that the above words didn’t come out of my throat. Moreover, this statement directly contradicts Professor Virus’s beliefs.

No wonder books related to magic are rare—it seems mages are all such old fogeys. Judging by how naturally he holds such thoughts, it’s understandable.

“Professor, are you denying that knowledge should be widely shared?”

Finally, a student who couldn’t stand it anymore asked a question. I had wanted to say the same thing, so I waited for Professor Magnar’s answer.

But after hearing the question, Professor Magnar stroked his abundant beard and gave an unexpected answer.

“Not at all. That only applies to magic; other knowledge is fine. Magic is truly a dangerous power. You can see this in races that use it as easily as breathing, like demons and elves. And if, like demons, they sometimes can’t even control it? They’re walking disasters.”

“… …”

“In that kindling, they’re portrayed as beings with a tragic fate, but demons are just demons. No matter how much they pretend to be human, their essential nature doesn’t change.”

That’s blatant racial discrimination. Naturally, as soon as Professor Magnar made that statement, many gazes turned toward Cecilly.

I was worried Cecilly might get angry, but she only gave a bitter smile. Her expression suggested she had somewhat expected this.

Well, even though the Biography of Xenon has changed perspectives toward demons, many people still consider them a source of anxiety. Moreover, Professor Magnar is both an old fogey and someone who denies the Biography of Xenon, so it’s even more so.

“It’s okay, Cecilly. You don’t need to mind what that professor says. Understand?”

“…Yes.”

Even though Rina tried to comfort her in a whisper, Cecilly’s face showed no signs of brightening. Instead, she hung her head dejectedly.

Seeing this, I pondered as much as possible. Even if I get kicked out of the classroom, I want to give Professor Magnar a taste of his own medicine. A big one that he’ll never forget.

Fortunately, Professor Magnar pointed at me again.

“Let’s put aside useless talk for now. You there, red-haired student.”

“…Yes, Professor.”

“What do you think magic is?”

What else? It’s an incredibly amazing power.

If I said that directly, I’d just get kicked out without giving him a taste of his own medicine, so I gave a vague answer.

“…I think it’s a power that can ease human labor.”

“Could you elaborate?”

“Well…”

I slowly stood up from my seat. As with Professor Virus’s time, I felt the focus of attention as I stood up again.

Then I threw back at him the very statement he had made earlier.

“Magic is certainly a dangerous power, but if used well, it can save lives or help achieve what one desires.”

“What?”

“…Issac?”

Professor Magnar frowned at my presentation, and Cecilly looked at me with round eyes. But wait, what did I say to make her react like that?

“Magic can only be used by the chosen ones, but if you look closely, it’s integrated into our daily lives. The ability to control the temperature in this classroom is magic, and the ID cards we received when entering Halo Academy are imbued with magic. Thus, magic is like a double-edged sword. Sometimes it threatens human lives, but other times it can save lives and add convenience to our daily lives.”

“… …”

“It doesn’t matter if the user of that power is a demon. Given that even we humans use magic as weapons of mass destruction, discriminating against demons is absurd. So I believe the disaster you mentioned, Professor, is not demons but mages themselves.”

The more I spoke, the more Professor Magnar’s expression hardened. Honestly, I would be uncomfortable too if I were him. It’s like having all your beliefs denied by some novice.

Professor Magnar took a deep breath as if to calm his anger and spoke in a subdued tone.

“…It’s also a skill to beautifully dress up nonsense. But my question was about the definition of magic, not such an argument.”

“Then what do you want me to do?”

“Tell me the definition of magic. The definition of magic.”

To that question, I answered in a sarcastic tone.

“What’s the point of explaining with difficult words when you won’t understand better? As you know, Professor, the students here have low standards.”

Hahaha!

At my words, faint laughter bloomed in the classroom. Marie burst out laughing with a “Puhah!” and Rina also let out a mature laugh, seemingly finding it satisfying.

Only Cecilly was looking at me with a mysterious expression, and when our eyes met, I smiled brightly at her.

When I smiled, even she, who had been gloomy until just now, managed a small smile.

“Sigh… Listen, student.”

At that moment, Professor Magnar called me. As soon as he called, the classroom, which had been filled with laughter, instantly fell silent.

“Yes, Professor.”

“I don’t need insincere students like you.”

Then Professor Magnar, with an angry face, sentenced me.

“Get out.”

“…What?”

“As you wished, I’ll lower my standards and tell you plainly. Leave.”

Professor Magnar pointed resolutely toward the classroom door. The atmosphere in the classroom fell even further than before.

I had a staring contest with Professor Magnar for a while, then looked around. Marie was watching cautiously, Rina had a surprised expression, and Cecilly was sending me a gaze full of worry.

To this, I smiled slightly and opened my mouth as if to reassure them.

“I’ll be back in the next class anyway.”

“What are you muttering? Get out now!”

Finally, Professor Magnar couldn’t contain his anger and shouted. His volume was so tremendous that it echoed throughout the room.

I hurriedly went down to the door as soon as he shouted. As I was going down to the door, Professor Magnar muttered while looking at me, as if cursing under his breath.

“Ill-mannered brat. Kids these days…”

Yes, yes. I heard you, old fogey.

But you know what? The big payback isn’t over yet.

I pretended to go toward the door, then turned back as if I had remembered something. As soon as I turned back, Professor Magnar asked me with an annoyed tone.

“Why are you coming back?”

“I left something behind.”

“What is it?”

As soon as Professor Magnar asked, I faced him directly. I could vividly feel the students sitting at their desks watching us.

Now it’s time for the final big payback, you old troll.

I spilled out a vast amount of words without stuttering once.

“It consists of numerous blank pages where one can record and summarize or organize learned knowledge, sometimes necessary for analyzing information, sometimes for drawing pictures, requires the help of a printing house to produce, was expensive in the past but now easily available in the market.”

“… …”

“… …”

Whew. That was breathtaking. Movies really are just movies, it seems. Still, I was satisfied that I managed to say it all without stuttering.

While trying to appear as calm as possible on the outside, I checked Professor Magnar’s reaction. He had his mouth slightly open, with an expression that suggested he didn’t understand what he had just heard.

“…What on earth is that?”

What else?

“A notebook.”

My notebook that I deliberately left behind.

Hahaha!

Laughter bloomed in the classroom once again at the revelation of such a simple object after such an elaborate explanation. However, Professor Magnar’s face was slightly reddened with humiliation.

Eventually, Professor Magnar glared at the students once, then reprimanded me in a voice closer to bewilderment than anger.

“Why explain it like that when you could just say notebook? Are you testing me?”

No. I’m trying to give you a taste of your own medicine.

Although I couldn’t say the above words directly, I could give a similar response.

“I thought a professor with high standards like you would understand.”

Hahahaha!

While the classroom turned into a field of laughter, Professor Magnar’s expression was quite a sight to behold. I left the dumbfounded Professor Magnar and returned to my seat to retrieve my notebook and pen.

“Aren’t you being too reckless? What if you get suspended or even expelled?”

As I was retrieving my notebook and pen, Rina expressed concern for my well-being. Although she said that, she was smiling, suggesting she found it satisfying too.

To her question, I answered in a nonchalant voice, shrugging my shoulders.

“Then that professor’s reputation would get even worse, wouldn’t it? Well, his reputation is probably already in the gutter.”

This level of political maneuvering is simple. If I were to receive excessive punishment, Professor Magnar’s personal safety couldn’t be guaranteed.

Professor Magnar disparaged the Biography of Xenon as a low-grade novel in front of many students and further discriminated against demons. This alone creates some possibility of social burial.

‘I’ll probably get scolded by my parents, but…’

It was at that moment.

“…You really are interesting.”

“What?”

“Nothing. Nothing at all.”

Even when I asked again, Rina just smiled brightly.

*****

The next day arrived. As I sat in my classroom seat, Marie, the white-haired beauty, sat next to me and shared incredible news.

“Hey. Did you hear?”

“What?”

“Professor Magnar. He got stripped of his professorship.”

“What? Really?”

“Yes. They say calling the Biography of Xenon ‘kindling’ was already out of line.”

“… …”

I was newly impressed by the power of my work.

‘I hope I won’t be burned at the stake if I write a bad ending.’