Chapter 11 – Karela Academy

It has been a day since I’ve listened to Yurasia’s constant chatter without a break.

We spent the night at an inn in a village between the Eustetia Duchy and the capital.

And finally, we have arrived in the capital.

“Wow…”

The capital of the Herman Empire, Rascal.

As I had seen in pictures, the imperial palace, resembling the sun, stands at its center, with a quiet river flowing serenely around it.

The city is divided into districts, with paths extending from the imperial palace in four directions: east, west, north, and south. The Academy is located in the southern district.

The Academy didn’t require me to look far—it was the most splendid building after the imperial palace.

That aside…

“Wow…”

Has the world changed this much?

The imperial palace. When did it become that big?

And when did they bring the river around it?

Are they raising ducks like that without anyone eating them?

…Is it okay if I catch one?

If I roast it with butter, it’ll taste amazing.

Great. Tonight’s dinner will be duck.

I’ll ask Sara, and she’ll probably know of a place that serves good duck dishes.

As I smacked my lips and looked up at the sky, I saw yet another strange object floating there.

A round disc attached to a body made of rhombus-shaped crystals. Low buildings stretched in rows above that disc.

I know it’s a temporary magic tower… or something like that, but seeing it in person gives me a fresh perspective.

A huge object floating in the sky without a sound—it’s hard not to be amazed.

I want to ride it someday.

A giant flying fortress?

What man wouldn’t be excited by that?

But still, wow.

I’d read about it in books, and I’d heard all sorts of rumors, but the world has changed a lot.

400 years ago, with the threat of the Demon Race looming over us, we couldn’t even imagine things like this.

Back then, everything had to be practical and sturdy. We didn’t care about appearances at all.

The fact that this much development happened, even under a false sense of peace, means that even fake peace was real peace to humans, I guess.

“The world’s gotten easier to live in…”

But I didn’t feel entirely pleased.

Yurasia, however, seemed utterly excited.

“Wow! Wow!! Miss! That soufflé shop is really famous! You have to book a week in advance to eat there! Can we make a reservation too?”

Yurasia’s cheerful voice echoed through the vibrant streets of the capital.

Some people, hearing her lively voice, looked at her with fond smiles, but as soon as they saw my hair color, they quickly corrected their expressions.

I expected this, but I didn’t realize I’d be this famous.

Well, it’s not like pink hair is common, so it’s not strange that they recognize me.

Sara says I should be proud of this hair color, but I don’t welcome this kind of unwanted attention.

I also dislike the strangely fearful atmosphere.

I didn’t do anything, so why are they acting like this? Well, I guess it’s because I’m a noble—no, the daughter of a notorious duke family.

Still, I’d better wear my hood.

“Let’s go write our enrollment application.”

“Huh. Then how about that pancake place over there too?”

“We’ll do that after—”

“Wow! There’s a crepe shop! It’s said to be one of the princess’s favorite places! Miss!!”

“After—”

“Wow, wow! That pasta place is famous for the Blue Tower Lord eating there every day! The carbonara is supposed to be amazing. How about carbonara for dinner?”

“After—”

“No, no. You should have the lasagna, Miss! I’ll take the carbonara! Sara, how about having the oil pasta?”

I held back three times.

I held back no less than three times.

I took a deep breath, about to snap.

But when I saw Yurasia’s eyes sparkling with expectation and excitement, I couldn’t bring myself to speak harshly.

Well, it’s understandable to be excited.

She’s still a kid.

Sighing inwardly, I said softly,

“Okay, fine. But let’s write the enrollment application first and then take our time looking around.”

“Yes! Then, can we go down that alley first? There’s a really famous designer there! It’s super expensive, so we probably can’t afford it, but I want to at least look!”

“Sure. Do whatever you want.”

“Yay!”

Yurasia happily replied, and Sara, who remained silent, followed a step behind me, matching my pace.

I found it a bit burdensome.

Walking ahead of two tall women with long limbs made me feel like I had to work my short legs even harder.

…It’s annoying.

“Sara, why don’t you go ahead and settle our things at the lodging? We’ll finish writing the application quickly and join you.”

“There are many people in the capital, so we can’t predict what might happen. I will stay with you.”

“I told you it’s fine. Why trouble yourself with carrying the heavy luggage?”

“I am fine as well. I will stay with you.”

“Then why don’t we hire a porter?”

“I am also a porter, being paid to carry things.”

I shot a glare at Sara, but she maintained her usual expressionless face.

“…Fine. Do whatever you want.”

“Thank you.”

Clicking my tongue, I continued walking.

From that point on, the path to the Academy was smooth.

Although the streets were crowded, people parted as soon as they saw my hair color, so we didn’t have to stop.

Even nobles dressed in expensive clothing and surrounded by servants made way for us.

For a moment, I found my hair color useful, like some kind of special ticket, but I quickly shook my head.

I’m sure it will lead to some troublesome situation sooner or later.

The Eustetia family, known as the descendants of the Hero.

Being a direct descendant of that bloodline, I could become a target of demon worshippers or attract trouble from black magicians who would love to harm me.

Of course, the black magicians allowed into the capital have undergone various inspections and are considered upstanding individuals, but…

I don’t trust them.

The only decent black magician is a dead black magician. Demon worshippers, demonic creatures, demons…

They’re all the same.

“Wow… It looked huge from afar, but up close, it’s even more amazing!”

“Yeah.”

When we finally reached the Academy, we were struck by its magnificence, adorned in all sorts of vivid colors.

About 350 years.

That’s the age of the Academy.

It was built around 50 years after my death. But still, it’s far too splendid.

It would have been difficult to achieve this level of grandeur with the technology back then, unless they used demon stones, which were called the hearts of demons.

Impressive.

But…

“Can we even finish applying today?”

I clicked my tongue as I looked at the endlessly long line in front of the Academy.

“Well… Did we come too late?” Yurasia’s expression darkened as well.

She had been eager to finish the application quickly so she could start enjoying herself, but it seems her plans were ruined.

“It’s okay.”

But Sara quietly smiled.

“As the Eustetia Ducal family, who are regarded almost as founders of the empire, we don’t have to stand in line.”

“What, so you’re saying that because I’m from Eustetia, I should just march in past everyone?”

I asked, feigning disbelief.

But honestly, I thought it was a pretty good idea.

Not bad. Actually, it’s great. Should I just go in?

“I thought Lady Ellie might say that, but that’s not the case. Even if we stand in line, someone will come to escort you personally.”

Sara’s eyes shifted to my hair.

“The cherry blossoms bloom beautifully, no matter where they are.”

Where does she even learn these cringy lines?

“Alright. Let’s just wait here.”

No sooner had I said that than a woman approached us and bowed.

“I am Wivir Arkand, affiliated with the Blue Tower and serving as a senior professor at Karela Academy. It is an honor to meet you, Lady Eliaernes Eustetia, the spring of the empire and the cherry blossom of the Eustetia family.”

Arkand.

I know that family.

400 years ago, a mad but valiant magician blew himself up in the heart of the Demon Realm, taking hundreds of demons with him.

I thought the family had died out, but I guess they had children.

As I stared blankly at the top of her blue-haired head, recalling old memories, the crowd’s attention began to gather.

A brief silence followed, then whispers spread.

-Her hair is so pretty.

-She’s super cute!

-How can it suit her so well?

-Look at her pale skin. No blemishes, right? I’m so jealous…

-But her eyes look so dirty. Well, I guess she is a noble.

-But she’s so short, it’s kind of cute. Do you think she’s our age?

-Maybe she’s here for a tour.

-Damn. Maybe.

Shit. Is this an assassination attempt?

“Ah, yes. Nice to meet you. I am Eliaernes Eustetia.”

Feeling awkward under the uncomfortable gazes and whispers, I returned the greeting, and the blue-haired woman lifted her head.

“And this person next to you is…?”

“Hello. I am Yurasia Espilot, a knight of the Eustetia Order and personal guard to Lady Eliaernes Eustetia.”

“Ah. Yes, I’ve heard the rumors. I hear you are very talented. It’s an honor to meet you.”

“Oh, ahaha… Well, I’m not that great… Hehe.”

Yurasia responded to the stiff greeting with a warm reply, grinning like she’d already forgotten her previous anxiety.

She was twisting her body with delight.

“I am Sara, the personal attendant of Lady Eliaernes Eustetia.”

Sara, true to her personality, gave a short greeting with a slight bow.

But even that simple action was filled with grace and elegance.

Wivir smiled at Sara just as warmly as she had at Yurasia, and then turned her attention back to me.

“I would love to chat with you more, but given the situation, I’ll lead you inside for now.”

“Yes, please do.”

“I am unworthy to serve you, but I shall try my best.”

“…It’s fine.”

With an elegant motion, Wivir turned and led the way. Her heels clicked awkwardly, mismatched with her steps, creating a grating sound that drove me mad.

Because of that, I had to work my short legs even harder to keep up.

***

The process of entering the Academy was quite complicated.

Starting with a check of our belongings, we underwent four or five other inspections.

It was a bit bothersome, but I nodded in satisfaction.

Most of them were checks to identify demons.

That’s right. Even in an age of peace, thorough precautions should be taken in a place full of children.

I don’t know who made these rules, but I like them. They deserve praise.

After that, nothing much happened.

I greeted a person of lower rank who had come on behalf of the headmaster, who was too busy to meet us. We were also given a tour of the Academy’s facilities.

We walked around the Academy like tourists.

If I had to pick a few facilities that stood out:

First, there’s a special class for talented students.

It’s determined by the results of exams, with the decision made by a vote of senior professors and special lecturers. I heard that they prioritize practical skills over written tests.

The class is called Signia.

While students are still required to take general courses, they get to create their own schedules for other classes and receive additional benefits.

The special building used by the Signia class is even more luxurious than the one for the regular classes. The dormitories are the same way.

Of course, the buildings for the regular class, called Frunt, aren’t lacking by any means.

It’s just that Signia’s facilities are exceptionally extravagant.

And then, there are the training grounds for both Frunt and Signia.

Both of them are extremely spacious and high-quality, especially considering they’re for students.

Frunt’s training grounds are even bigger than the Eustetia Order’s, and while Signia’s is smaller, the facilities themselves are better.

There are plenty of fun things for training as well.

While I looked around, nodding in satisfaction, Yurasia ran about, grinning and overreacting to everything she saw.

But if the Academy claims that there’s no discrimination based on status, how do they justify this kind of special treatment?

I shot Sara a questioning glance, and she leaned in to whisper in my ear.

“You are not yet an Academy student, but still Lady Eliaernes Eustetia, the Duke’s daughter. As long as we are in the capital, you will receive this kind of treatment everywhere, so you should get used to it.”

Upon hearing that, I made a firm decision.

I will never step outside the Academy.

I’m confident.

After all, I’ve spent the last seven years holed up in the house, repeating a cycle of eating, sleeping, and training. I can do the same here.

Anyway.

It’s time to fill out the enrollment application.

Yurasia’s expression is getting gloomier as the day darkens.

Still, I addressed the middle-aged man, who was ranking third in his excessive flattery.

“It’s getting late, so we should return and rest. Thank you for your guidance today, Professor William.”

“…It’s Wilrac. Ahem. It has been an honor to meet Lady Eliaernes Eustetia, the descendant of the Hero, the spring of the Empire, and the cherry blossom of Eustetia. I look forward to seeing you again at the Academy.”

“Ah… Yes. See you next time, Professor Wilrac.”

As I rose from my seat, Wilrac, Yurasia, and finally Sara followed me out.

We then arrived at the enrollment office.

“Excuse me, but could you repeat your specialty?”

“Martial arts.”

“Martial arts…?”

“Yes.”

“…Understood. Please wait a moment.”

Click-click. Scratch-scratch. Bang―!

“It’s done. The date of the entrance exam is written under the second item, so please check it and be on time. Thank you.”

I completed my enrollment application while receiving an uncomfortable but cautious glance from the receptionist.

The exam is in two days.

The results will be announced three days after that.

And the entrance will take place a month after the results are announced.

It’s a long time, but if I spend it training, it’ll go by quickly.

So until the exam, I’ll rest well, and after that, I’ll resume training―

“Miss! Miss! The carbonara! The place might close! Hurry!”

Right. Let’s get that damn carbonara first.