Chapter 9 – Academy?

Just before breakfast with Ellie.

After five days of barely leaving her room (though not exactly starving herself), the news that Ellie had overcome her guilt (also not exactly true) had reached Turrius. He greeted the morning with a brighter face than usual.

However, he still had a small concern.

“I should praise her for the sparring match, but I’m worried that if I do, Ellie might fall back into negative thoughts…”

Ellie had trained by herself for five years, with no help or formal education, yet she easily defeated Yurasia, who was regarded as one of the most talented in the knight division.

That alone was an achievement more than worthy of praise and reward.

And that punch, the one that ended the match, revealed an unexpected talent within Ellie.

Of course, Turrius and Kerian already knew Ellie had great talent.

But they believed it was in handling weapons, not in unarmed combat. They had no clue about that.

But there was more to it.

Ellie’s talent for unarmed combat far exceeded her skill with weapons.

Though Turrius, who prided himself on having a sharp eye for martial ability, may not have been the strongest, when he saw Ellie’s potential, he was reminded of someone.

The commander of the Nameless, the last line of defense of the Empire.

Kerian shared this same thought.

And so, the two brothers, who were now of one mind, eagerly showered Ellie with praise, filling the air with an animated and cheerful atmosphere.

However, there was a concern.

Ellie, who had always loved using weapons, had now shown remarkable talent in unarmed combat—something that society often looked down upon.

But still, it was Ellie.

Eliaernes Eustetia, who was always confident, sometimes even tougher than Turrius himself, would surely overcome this, he thought.

Besides.

Even if the past had been different, in today’s world, there were famous fighters known for their unarmed combat.

And some of them were from Eustetia.

The two brothers, growing even more excited, continued to heap praise on Ellie, thinking, “Who could dare look down on the Eustetia family?”

Turrius spoke up.

“Hahaha! With Ellie’s skill, she’s more than qualified to join the Eustetia Knight Division—maybe even the First Division! And with Yurasia by her side, I’m sure Ellie will be very satisfied. Hahaha!”

Kerian responded.

“Indeed, joining the Imperial Knight Division may not be as good. But I also think the Nameless might be a good fit for her. It may be a bit rough, but Ellie will surely do well. Plus, our commander is also a martial artist. She’ll be able to learn a lot.”

With their laughter echoing, Turrius and Kerian turned to look cautiously at Julie, who had remained silent up to this point.

“No matter what, I think we should just do our best to support whatever Ellie wants,” Julie said, smiling warmly at the two brothers’ slightly lacking but heartfelt conversation.

And so began breakfast with Ellie.

Watching her closely, Turrius noticed that Ellie seemed to be in a good mood and decided to offer her some praise.

At that exact moment, Ellie spoke up.

“Oh, by the way, I’m going to the Demon Realm once I come of age.”

Turrius’s hairline receded further.

***

“…Ellie. Did Daddy do something wrong?”

“No? Why would you think that? You’ve done nothing wrong.”

“Then… why would you suddenly say something like that? Did Kerian say something to you?”

“Suddenly? Why is it sudden? And, I swear on my mana and sword, Uncle Kerian didn’t say anything to me.”

“That’s right. I didn’t say a word,” Kerian added.

And indeed.

It wasn’t sudden at all.

Since my reincarnation as Eliaernes Eustetia.

No, ever since I regained the memories of my past life, I had always had this goal.

Of course, I could have mentioned it earlier.

But I didn’t, in fear that it would come across as childish fantasy since I had yet to prove my worth.

I had kept my hatred for demons and my loathing for dark sorcerers hidden.

But now, I thought it would be fine.

Because I had discovered… a talent.

And within that detestable talent, I saw a possibility that defied reason.

Sure, I’m on the path to becoming a martial artist, which wasn’t exactly what I planned.

But if I can kill the Demon King as a martial artist, won’t that make me worthy of being called human?

And besides.

I had long suspected that I might find some trace of my old comrades in the Demon Realm. I’ve held onto that thought for a long time.

I had no proof, just a vague guess that those arrogant bastards would have left some sign of their existence somewhere.

Whether they’re dead or alive, I want to know where they are.

Even if they’re dead, I’m sure they didn’t die of old age.

They ate enough elixirs, dragon hearts, and magical potions to rejuvenate a whole army, so there’s no way they aged to death.

And then there’s Kaloso, the one who betrayed us and left a hole in my stomach.

I have to find that bastard too.

There’s no way he’s dead.

The one who betrayed us to side with the Demon King couldn’t have died that easily.

“So, why did you bring this up all of a sudden?”

“I want to follow the path of our ancestor, Arisa Eustetia.”

I had prepared this answer in advance.

Hearing this, Father’s face hardened, and he fell silent.

Kerian also paused, his expression mirroring Father’s.

But Mother.

She simply nodded, as if she had known I’d say this all along.

However.

“Don’t you think it’s too dangerous for you, Ellie, at this point?” Mother asked softly, her tone gentle but her eyes piercing.

The red glint in her half-shut eyes was more intimidating than usual today.

“Yes, it’s dangerous for me now. That’s why, when I come of age—”

“Hmm. I’m afraid even when you’re of age, it’ll still be dangerous.”

A cold silence filled the dining room.

To others, it would have sounded like a parent expressing concern for their child—a perfectly normal thing to say.

But everyone at the table knew exactly what Mother’s words really meant.

She wasn’t saying it would be dangerous even after I became an adult.

No, what she was really saying was:

“Even when you’re an adult, I still think you’ll be weak.”

What?

Seriously?

Has Mother ever said something like this before?

I knew she wasn’t an ordinary person, but I never expected her to say something like that.

I was speechless.

Sure, I knew this might come up eventually, but I thought it would be from Father or Uncle Kerian, not Mother.

“What do you think, Ellie?”

…It’s true that I’m not strong enough right now.

And if I were just the talented Eliaernes with no memories of my past life, it would definitely be dangerous.

But I’m the reincarnation of Ronan Lujarak, a member of the Hero’s party, with memories of my past life.

Even if I lack strength now, it won’t be as dangerous as they think. After all, I’ve killed more demons than anyone.

But right now?

On the outside, I’m just a small girl with pink twin-tails, barely 150 centimeters tall, with a soft and delicate body.

I look like a sheltered noble girl who’s never set foot outside her estate.

Eliaernes Eustetia.

I had prepared several answers for this inevitable question, but none of them seemed like they would satisfy Mother.

Still, it didn’t feel like she was opposed to the idea.

It felt more like she was trying to draw out a specific response from me.

…I guess I should give her the answer she’s looking for.

“How can I prove myself?”

Mother smiled.

“Why don’t we discuss that after breakfast? You must be hungry after exercising.”

“…Alright.”

***

“What is this?”

After finishing breakfast, I accepted the paper that Mother handed to me with a smile as bright as the scent of tea, and I was left dumbfounded.

“This is how our Ellie can go to the Demon Realm safely and return unscathed.”

“This?”

“Yes, of course.”

Mother’s confident response left me staring at the paper again.

At the top of the paper, in large letters, was the name:

Karela Academy.

“…Are you suggesting that I attend an academy?”

“That’s right.”

“You mean, go to school… with kids?”

“That’s right.”

“Why?”

“Well, there’s no one in the Eustetia family who can teach you unarmed combat, right? But at Karela Academy, there’s a professor who can help you. You’ll receive a lot of valuable training there.”

She wasn’t wrong.

I do need to learn more about martial arts.

Of course, I have a vivid memory of Arisa’s movements. But I don’t know the mechanics behind them or how she used those techniques.

So, I do need some fundamental training.

But judging from Mother’s expression, that wasn’t the whole reason.

“What’s the real reason?”

“Because you’re weak.”

“Huh?”

Mother, now unconcerned if anyone overheard, spoke bluntly, leaving me speechless.

“I’m strong.”

“I don’t see it that way.”

“I beat Yurasia.”

“Do you really think Yurasia is strong?”

“Well… no.”

“Exactly.”

My mouth fell open again, and Mother popped a candy into it.

“Of course, I know that you have incredible talent, and you’re stronger than kids your age. But I also know that you’re not yet strong enough to go to the Demon Realm.”

She chuckled softly.

“Even if you don’t think so, your mother does. Does that hurt your feelings?”

“A little.”

“Oh… But can’t you see it’s because I’m worried about you? I’m saying this out of genuine concern.”

“I understand.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

Sighing deeply, I sucked on the candy while looking over the paper again.

Karela Academy.

An institution in the Empire known for training knights, adventurers, and members of the Demon Realm expedition force.

Blah, blah, blah—ignoring all the puffery about the academy’s prestige, I skipped to the part listing its graduates, who had become prominent figures in the Empire.

Some familiar family names from 400 years ago appeared on the list.

I even saw the name of someone I thought had no heirs.

Then there was the faculty.

From the Tower Master to the Imperial Knight Commander, Imperial Court Mages, nobles from various houses, and many other notable names.

Some names were ones I recognized personally.

The minimum age for enrollment is 17.

The entrance exam consists of both practical and written tests.

The practical test changes every year, so there are no specifics listed. The written test covers the Empire’s history, various subjects, and even demon ecology.

Graduation takes three years, although it says students can be held back if their grades are low or their performance is poor.

If I were to go to this academy, I’d have about two years left.

No, maybe just over a year.

The exams aren’t much of a concern.

As I rolled the candy around in my mouth, I looked up at Mother.

To be honest, I could just leave the house.

I could send letters about my safety and whereabouts.

Sure, I’d be seen as a scoundrel by my parents, but what choice would I have? They wouldn’t let me go otherwise.

And yet, here I am, asking for permission.

The reason?

Well, you know…

Because…

They’re my parents, after all.

Even though I’m the reincarnation of Ronan, these are my parents now, and I…

…Ugh, this is so cringeworthy, damn it.

Anyway, that’s how it is.

I didn’t have parents in my past life, so now that I do, I don’t want to be a brat to them.

“If I graduate from the academy, will you let me go to the Demon Realm?”

“I was thinking of making it a condition that you graduate at the top of your class, but I don’t want you to run away from home out of rebellion.”

Mother laughed softly as if she had read my mind and then nodded.

“If you graduate from the academy, your father and I will fully support whatever you choose to do. Of course, no illegal activities.”

“What if I lead the knights and go to the Demon Realm?”

“Of course.”

“Even if I ask for the Nameless?”

“That might actually be better than the knights. If the Eustetia knights go to the Demon Realm, who will protect our family?”

“Even the commander of the Nameless?”

“Of course.”

In that fleeting moment.

It was so brief that even I almost didn’t notice it, but Mother’s breathing seemed to falter slightly.

So, even for someone of her caliber, the commander would be difficult to handle.

I’d heard even the Emperor didn’t know the commander’s identity.

Well, anyway.

“Alright. I’ll go to the academy.”

Let’s do this.

I’ll graduate when I’m 20.

That’s the age I had planned to go to the Demon Realm anyway.

So, there’s no problem in terms of timing.

It sucks that I’ll have to spend three years with a bunch of kids, but I’m sure I’ll gain something from it.

However.

“Can I bring Yurasia with me? I won’t ask you to pay for her tuition. Just let the knight division know, and I’ll ask for her approval.”

Yurasia will be coming with me.

“I don’t mind paying the tuition, but why bring her along?”

“Well, I’ve never shown my face at social events, and I’ve never been to a banquet. So, I’m worried I might not have any friends.”

That’s a lie.

The real reason I’m bringing Yurasia along is that I’m worried her fighting style will stagnate without me around.

Before she becomes completely accustomed to Eustetia’s swordsmanship, I want to teach her everything I learned in my previous life.

I may be giving up the sword.

But Yurasia isn’t.

So, if she ends up coming to the Demon Realm with me later…

I want to position her where I used to be.

And, well… I also want to leave behind a trace of myself.

Not the idiotic warrior Ronan.

But the legacy of Ronan Lujarak.

Of course, all of this depends on whether Yurasia agrees.

“Hmm… Haha, alright. May I tell your father about today’s conversation?”

“Yes. We’ll need to tell him, of course. I’ll go talk to Yurasia now.”

“Alright. Don’t push yourself too hard. Be careful.”

“I will.”

I’ll spar with Yurasia too while I’m at it to work off the meal.

“And don’t be too hard on Yurasia, okay?”

“Huh? Why would I be hard on her?”

I take such good care of her.

***

“Hic… S-sniff… A-am I being fired? Am I really going to be kicked out of the knights? Am I really becoming your personal attendant? I-I’m sorry! I promise I’ll do better, s-s-so please give me one more chance, okay? Please? Sniffle…”

“No, you’re not getting kicked out for another year—”

“A year… I only have a year left!! Huuuuhuwaaaaah!!”

“Hey, stop! Listen to what I’m saying, damn it!”

“Sniff… M-Miss Ellie just cursed at me… Huuuuhuwaaaaaaah!!”