Chapter 46 – If You Mess with Little Ellie, You’re Absolutely Fucked

Blink. Blink.

I rubbed my bleary eyes and took in my surroundings. Gold-trimmed ceiling. Luxurious wallpaper. Soft lighting. A plush blanket enveloped my entire body, supported by a cushiony mattress beneath.

“Ughh…”

I rolled my stiff body onto its side.

And then…

“…That savage beast. That insane lion bastard.”

As yesterday’s memories flooded back, I unleashed a torrent of curses at Leona.

Leona. That Beastkin is clearly out of her mind. Sure, I might have mouthed off a bit, but to knock out a student by hitting their pressure point? And she’s the Vice Headmaster, no less!

I ground my teeth in frustration. Though I had to admit, her technique was impeccable—the spot where she’d struck was completely healed. My legs moved perfectly, and the soreness from the beating had vanished.

And then there was my mana…

Whether from the elixir or some breakthrough yesterday that affected my rank, my mana control had improved significantly. The channels felt wider, more elastic, and the mana itself flowed with unprecedented purity.

At this rate, I’d reach the next level in less than three months.

“Heh, heh-heh…”

Though I kept spewing insults—beast, stinking lion, and all manner of speciesist slurs—my anger toward Leona dissipated as I assessed my improved condition.

I’d been desperate to find a worthy sparring partner, and this turned out perfectly.

If one humiliating incident led to such results…

No, no. I still don’t want to face that kind of humiliation again.

I am Ronan Lujarak, and I am Eliaernes Eustetia. My body may be soft, but inside I’m hard as steel.

Next time something like this happens, I’ll crawl back on my own strength.

I refuse to suffer such disgrace twice.

“Whew…”

I never thought my mood would improve so quickly. Was I always this simple-minded?

Well, I wasn’t exactly petty before… but I wouldn’t call myself particularly generous either. Lately though… maybe it’s this body, or perhaps growing up in a peaceful household, but I’ve definitely softened.

But anyway.

Did Yurasia bring me here?

I rubbed my body against the comfortable blanket. Soft and smooth. No sticky sweat, just pure softness.

…?

Why am I so clean?

Lying back, I ran my hands over myself to check. Armpits, neck, back, stomach, groin. Every place that usually collected sweat felt dry and smooth.

“…What?”

Even my clothes had been changed.

I was wearing pajamas with an enormous pink rabbit printed on them—the ones Sarah had insisted on packing despite my protests.

As for my underwear… my top was off, but the bottom was still on.

“Yurasia?”

Did Yurasia bathe me and change my clothes?

“…No way.”

Surely Yurasia wouldn’t have gone that far.

Then how did I end up like this?

The fog in my mind cleared instantly, and any desire to stay in bed vanished. I sat up immediately and surveyed the room. The mess I’d left after yesterday’s hasty wash-up had been completely cleaned away.

And there, on the bedside table, sat a note.

[Good morning, young lady! How are you feeling? Nothing hurts, right? The Vice Headmaster said you’d be fine by morning, but I’m still worried… Oh! I changed your clothes! Don’t worry—I kept my eyes closed the whole time! And for bathing, I thought that might be too much, so I used a Cleanse Scroll instead! I left sandwiches and milk in the fridge for breakfast—make sure to chew properly!]

“Heh.”

I couldn’t help but smile at the small note packed with cute handwriting.

Of course. There’s no way Yurasia would have given me a full bath. No matter how close we are, seeing is one thing, but actually doing that… well, that would cross a line.

“Heh-heh.”

After reading Yurasia’s note several times, I carefully placed it on the desk and opened the fridge. Just as promised, there was a pork cutlet sandwich and milk.

Another note was attached:

[It’ll be cold, so please warm it up! After yesterday’s ordeal, you shouldn’t eat anything cold! Make sure to heat it up!]

“She’s too precious.”

My lips wouldn’t stop curling into a grin.

Maybe I should give her a gift later. No, rather than a gift, it might be better to review her training progress. We haven’t had proper practice in a while.

She must have hit some plateaus.

Thanks to Leona, I’ve gained so much insight—I could focus on helping Yurasia for a while.

“Heh.”

I removed the note from the sandwich and placed it neatly on the desk, then immediately unwrapped the food.

As endearing as she is, I had no intention of following her heating instructions.

“Ahh.”

Chomp chomp.

After finishing the sandwich, soaking in warm water, and changing out of that ridiculous rabbit-print pajama dress into comfortable training clothes—and after carefully filling my sandbags—I headed outside.

But today, I was alone again.

I knocked on Yurasia’s door, but whether she was sleeping or out, there was no answer, so I had no choice but to go solo.

I could try calling her on the Terminal, but I’m not used to it, and there’s no real need, so I let it be.

Maybe she’s already at the training grounds.

That’s probably it.

Yurasia isn’t the type to sleep in.

“Whew.”

After stretching in the crisp morning air, I gathered my hair into a ponytail.

It’s 9 o’clock now—I’ll do bodyweight exercises until 11, grab a quick meal, then head to the training grounds.

Yurasia should be there by then.

We can spend the day sparring while I check her swordsmanship and review what I learned yesterday. That should take us until evening.

It’s the same routine as always, but an excellent plan nonetheless.

Making sure my zipper was secure, I started jogging.

The route begins at the dormitory building, past Signia Hall, through Frunt Hall, around the fountain, by the lake, and finally to the library.

I didn’t choose this route—it’s just so clearly marked as a jogging path that I follow along.

One lap takes about 30 minutes.

I could go much faster using mana, but that would defeat the purpose with my frail body. Weak muscles, short stature, even my stamina is lacking.

My only advantages are flexibility, agility, and mana sensitivity.

That’s why these pure physical workouts without mana are essential. In battle, you never know when your mana might run dry—you need basic endurance. Especially with a body like mine.

I should bring Stella along starting tomorrow.

These days, mages just hole up in their rooms, glued to their desks. It’s pathetic.

Back in my day, mages maintained excellent physical condition. If your mana runs out and you can’t cast spells, you should at least be able to run away.

A mage who can’t use magic is just a bedwetter.

Yes, I’ll definitely have Stella join tomorrow. Might as well bring Pina too.

“Heh.”

Just thinking about making those weaklings run has me smirking already. Yurasia used to dry heave every morning at first.

These two will probably struggle even more than she did.

Better stock up on potions.

Chuckling to myself, I stopped at my usual resting spot—where I’d met Pina yesterday. I threw myself onto the bench and retied my loosened hair.

“Whew…”

It’s almost 11 o’clock.

Four laps completed.

With about ten minutes left, I thought I’d cool down and test my improved mana circulation.

That is, until I noticed the girl approaching from the distance.

Sharp gaze. Platinum eyes almost white in color.

Tightly pressed lips. Flowing platinum hair.

“Eliaernes.”

A tone even ruder than Stella’s.

Silina de Hermann had arrived.

“What are you doing here?” she demanded.

“Why the sudden attitude? Am I not allowed to exist in this space?”

“What…?”

Silina’s eye twitched. After a moment’s contemplation, she said, “Well, I suppose that’s typical for a Eustetia.”

She dropped onto the bench beside me. Feeling uncomfortable, I scooted two buttspaces away.

“So you’re free then?”

“No, I’m busy.”

“You look pretty free to me.”

“I’m going to eat and then head to the training grounds for sparring.”

At the mention of sparring, Silina’s eyebrow lifted. “Sparring? With whom?”

“Yurasia.”

“Yurasia… your knight?”

“Yep. You remember?”

“Of course I remember. We were together in that illusion.”

I’d expected her to forget—she didn’t seem the type to bother remembering a mere knight’s name.

“So you’re heading to the training grounds to spar?”

“Yep.”

“Then spar with me too.”

“With you?”

“What? Scared?”

“Why would I be scared of you?”

“If you’re not scared, why ask again?”

“Well, uh…”

I almost blurted out the truth—that she’s so weak it would be pointless. Instead, I said, “I need to help Yurasia with her swordsmanship for now.”

“Swordsmanship?” Silina scoffed. “Eliaernes, you’re a martial artist. What could you possibly know about swordsmanship?”

“I’m skilled with swords too.”

“Don’t tell me you learned that from books again?”

“Yep. Books, and the knights.”

Silina’s eyes narrowed. “Last time you bragged about your axe skills, then only used your knees and fists.”

“Still hung up on that? I didn’t realize you were so persistent.”

“Since when are we friends?”

“It’s just a figure of speech. Look at you, arguing over every little thing.”

“What did you just call me…? A ‘little thing’?”

“Yeah. Would you prefer ‘brat’?”

“Hah.”

Silina leaned back against the bench with a look of genuine disbelief.

“Watch your mouth.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“I’m not joking.”

She turned her head slightly to look at me. “I might let it slide, but Ferrando or Fabiana wouldn’t be so forgiving.”

Her normally cold eyes now held something darker—hatred and disgust.

Ferrando de Hermann. Fabiana de Hermann.

Third-year students at Karela Academy—the Second Prince and First Princess.

“Seems you don’t get along with your siblings.”

“That’s none of your concern.”

“True enough.”

I shrugged and stood up. “Let’s get food.”

Silina’s forehead creased. “Me? With you? Why?”

“You wanted to spar, didn’t you?”

“Forget it. I’ll message you when I’m ready.”

“Didn’t bring my Terminal.”

“…You didn’t bring it?”

“Nope. And I don’t have your contact info anyway.”

“Haa…”

After contemplating for a moment, Silina sighed and got up. “Fine, but I’m not eating.”

“Then you can watch me eat.”

“Eliaernes, that mouth of yours will get you killed one day.”

“I hear that a lot.”

Her fist clenched tight, but I pretended not to notice and headed toward the dining hall.

I finished my meal under the watchful eyes of the other students and Silina’s sharp gaze.

I’d ordered noodles as planned yesterday, but somehow they tasted different. The ones Leona had treated me to in the faculty dining hall were tastier and had better texture.

Do professors get better food? Or was I just hungrier then?

Whatever the case, after finishing our meal, Silina and I headed to the training grounds.

Oddly enough, there weren’t many students around today—specifically, the first-years were nowhere to be seen.

Usually, they’d flood the dining hall at this hour, but not a single first-year was present. Only second and third-years filled the space.

Sleeping in because it’s the weekend? These first-years have gone soft.

Tsk tsk.

“Eliaernes.”

As I clicked my tongue on our way to the training grounds, Silina spoke sharply.

“When we spar, let’s do it barehanded.”

“Why?”

“I want to see just how skilled you really are.”

“Oh? Hoping to learn from me after all?”

“How do you manage to say such insufferable things with a straight face? Did you learn that from your books too?”

“Being insufferable comes naturally to geniuses.”

“Hah.”

After Silina’s derisive laugh, we walked in silence until we reached the training grounds.

I reached for the door.

Clunk.

“Hm?”

Clunk-clunk.

The door wasn’t locked, but something was blocking it from the other side.

“Hmm…”

Something’s happening inside.

Something worth blocking the door for…

A fight maybe? Are they trying to keep other students or professors from entering?

Now I’m really curious.

“What are you doing?”

“Just wait.”

I flexed my wrist and channeled mana through it.

Then—

CRACK!

I forced the door open, revealing a massive male student. He must have been two meters tall, with a frame broad enough to block the entire doorway.

His face registered pure shock. He clearly hadn’t expected anyone to force their way through.

“What… what the hell?”

The student’s eyes widened as he looked between his hand and me.

“Eustetia…? And the Princess?”

Ignoring him, I tried to enter the training grounds.

But—

“…Now isn’t a good time to enter.”

The male student blocked my path.

“Come back in three hours.”

“Why?”

“Why—uh, ahem. I’m a second-year.”

“Ah, excellent. So why can’t we enter?”

“…You don’t need to know.”

“Hmm…”

I scratched my cheek while peering past his shoulder into the training grounds.

About a dozen students stood awkwardly—all first-years.

Six second-years faced them.

Looks like a disciplinary session.

I glanced back at Silina. “Hey, seems they’re doing discipline drills.”

“Appears so.”

“Strange they didn’t call us, don’t you think?”

“Are you suggesting we… join them?”

“Yep.”

“You’ve lost your mind.”

“We’re first-years too, aren’t we? Unless you’re planning to skip out just because you’re a princess?”

Silina’s eyebrows twitched violently.

“…You truly are insane. Even in the academy, how dare you suggest that I—”

“Oh, quit whining and come on. If you don’t join now, I’ll never spar with you.”

“What? That’s childishly absurd.”

“Whatever. Do as you like.”

Grinning, I stepped forward. The second-year tried to block me, but I swept his mana-enhanced arm aside with my own.

“What… what the hell?!”

A man shouldn’t be this weak.

Clicking my tongue, I pressed forward.

“Wow, it’s been ages since I’ve seen proper discipline drills.”

Entering the training grounds, I smiled at the sight of first-years sweating in push-up positions.

In a place full of self-proclaimed geniuses, this kind of discipline is essential. Especially in an academy mixing nobles, commoners, and even foreign royalty—you need to humble them before they get too full of themselves.

In my previous life, I’d overseen discipline drills for frontline recruits.

“Ronan, what are you doing?”

“Discipline training.”

“How can you call this brutality education?”

“If we don’t do this, these punks die early.”

“Mm, that would be tragic. I’ll help then.”

“Thought you said it was too much trouble?”

“I can’t let you handle such a difficult task alone. We’re comrades, after all.”

“Just admit you think beating them up will be fun.”

“My goodness. Ronan, you’re talking nonsense. I’m a saintess. I couldn’t possibly enjoy such cruelty.”

“Yurpia must be blind.”

“Don’t blaspheme. Move aside.”

“I can handle it alone. Just leave.”

“No. Let’s do it together. We can repent afterward.”

“Just don’t turn anyone into a vegetable like last time. That kid still drools at mealtimes. Holy power isn’t omnipotent, you know?”

“That one was unstable to begin with. He tried to stab you out of nowhere.”

“You do the same thing to me.”

“Ronan, are you perhaps mentally ill too?”

“You take that one. I’ll handle this one.”

“Ahaha…”

To think they still keep these traditions alive.

At least they’re not making them headbutt bottle caps anymore. That used to be mandatory.

Chuckling, I made my way to the center of the training grounds.

When I arrived, the scene before me wiped the smile from my face.

Stella was on her knees, subdued by a massive girl who looked worse than an orc.

And beside her—

“Oh my. If it isn’t Eliaernes?”

That girl from a branch family I’d met in the library was stepping on Yurasia’s back, forcing her face-down into the ground.