Episode 6 – The Magician’s Daughter

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A girl with red hair covering her shoulders was flipping through a book so huge it hid her upper body.

Her expression, like her hair, seemed to hint at a fiery temper, and she was scowling deeply.

Judging by the cover, it seems to be a book about magic.

Is she also a magician like her mother?

To be honest, I expected it to take a bit longer, but I didn’t think I’d find her this quickly.

Just then, Headmaster Magier called out, and I turned my gaze from her to the headmaster.

“What are you looking at so intently?”

“Ah, it seems I was unknowingly admiring the students studying hard. I apologize if it was rude.”

“Oh, not at all, hoho, it seems you’re inspired by the students’ enthusiasm for learning.”

“Yes, it really does.”

I pretended to scan the entire library, glancing at her once more. Red hair, yellow emblem, purple school uniform skirt.

Turning my gaze back to the headmaster, she introduced me to the green bob-haired woman standing next to her.

“Baron Salvie, this is the library’s librarian, ‘Banata’-ssi. Banata-ssi, this is the famous Baron Salvie from the city these days.”

“It’s an honor to meet you, Baron-nim.”

“Nice to meet you, Banata-yang.”

A small girl with green hair fluttering as she bowed.

A small wolf ear is visible between her fluttering hair.

Her black eyes, looking up at me, are full of curiosity like a naive puppy.

The headmaster cleared her throat and continued.

“Hmm- If you have any questions or need anything in the library, just ask Banata-ssi.”

“Please, just tell me anything, Baron-nim.”

“I’m sorry to trouble you.”

“Banata-yang, I’ll say it again…”

The headmaster grabbed Banata-ssi and repeatedly urged her not to be rude to Baron Salvie.

Banata-ssi nodded her small head repeatedly, answering in place of words.

“Well, I have a class, so I’ll go first.”

“Thank you for the guidance, Headmaster Magier-nim.”

“Yes, then.”

The headmaster left with a final nod.

As soon as she left, Banata-ssi grabbed my sleeve and asked.

“Baron-nim?”

“What is it?”

“I know this is rude, but- I’m so curious that I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep tonight if I don’t ask.”

“Yes? Um… ask me anything.”

“Why do you wear a mask? Do you wear it because you think it looks cool?”

Hmm. I thought librarians were mostly quiet and thoughtful people,

But seeing her perking up her ears, sparkling her eyes, and asking personal questions without hesitation, I realized.

This kid’s a bit weird.

“I have burn scars on my face.”

“Um? You can erase them with magic or divine power, right?”

“It happened when I was young, so it’s already ineffective. There are few magicians or priests in my hometown.”

“Shall I introduce you to a priest I know? He’s very skilled, I originally had bad eyesight and wore glasses, but that priest…”

“No, it’s alright.”

She’s not just weird, she’s a crazy bitch.

“Oh, why? You’d look much cooler without the mask. Wearing a mask just makes you look suspicious.”

“I was burned as a child due to my mother’s mistake. Seeing my mother blaming herself every time she saw my face, I always covered my face with a mask so my mother wouldn’t be sad.”

“Gasp…”

“Now my mother has passed away, but the mask is one of the memories I have left with her.”

“Ah… I’m sorry.”

After I brought up my parents’ story, she covered her mouth with both hands and apologized.

Of course, it’s a lie.

“Have I offended you?”

“Yes… No, it’s alright, Banata-yang. I suppose you might be curious.”

I said ‘yes’ without realizing it.

Banata-ssi now realized that she had been too rude to someone she had just met and was fidgeting.

Although a baron isn’t a high position, seeing Headmaster Magier treat me with such respect, I might be someone important.

Banata-ssi regretted her curiosity and apologized.

“I’m… really sorry.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll keep it a secret from the headmaster.”

When I smiled and answered, she seemed a little relieved and said with a smile.

“Thank you. In return, I’ll answer anything you’re curious about!”

“Yes, I’ll call you if I need anything. Then…”

I turned my head again to find the Hero’s daughter.

Lily, who had been following her with her eyes even while I was talking, pointed to her so that only I could see.

She slammed the book she was reading shut, tucked it under her arm, and was approaching us.

Stopping in front of us, she said to Banata-ssi.

“I’m borrowing this book.”

“Rose, you’re already overdue on the book you borrowed last time.”

“So?”

“So? You’re banned from borrowing until you return the book you borrowed.”

“Tsk. I don’t care, I’m borrowing it anyway, so write it down or whatever.”

“Ah, Rose!”

When Banata-ssi grabbed her as she tried to leave recklessly, she suddenly became furious.

“You fucking crazy bitch- who do you think you are, touching me!”

Suddenly shouting loudly, everyone in the library and hallway turned their attention.

“Banata-ssi. Are you out of your mind? You’re just a librarian doing a part-time job because you don’t even have money to pay for tuition, how dare you touch my body?”

“What? Are you done talking?”

“I’m done, you beggar, what are you going to do about it? What are you going to do? Tell your orphanage director? You don’t have parents, so you haven’t learned how to crawl in front of people, you retard?”

Wow. Did she sleep with a rag in her mouth last night? Why is she talking so harshly?

Jennifer’s home education skills must be inversely proportional to her magical skills.

Lily was also so surprised that her mouth was wide open.

Lily might have met her a long time ago.

Banata-ssi was trying to hold back tears from the sudden insult, putting strength into her eyes and enduring.

Even I felt sorry for her, seeing the already small child shrinking her shoulders and sobbing.

“Ugh… *Uk*…”

“Going to cry? Cry? Do you even have money to buy a handkerchief to wipe your tears?”

“You, you…”

“If you have something to say, say it properly, if not, move. I’m taking the book, so write it down or do whatever you want.”

“…No.”

Banata-ssi finally let the tears flow, grabbing the book on her waist with both hands.

She trembled with her slender hands, but looked straight at Rose and said.

“Until you bring back the overdue book… you can’t borrow from the library.”

“Ah, this fucking bitch, really.”

Rose crumpled her expression, let go of the book with a snap, and created a fist-sized fireball in her hand.

Then, she shot the fireball at Banata-ssi, who had fallen from the recoil.

This crossed the line.

Unable to watch any longer, I blocked the fireball with one hand.

As the fireball burned my hand, Banata-ssi panicked, stood up abruptly, gathered both hands, and poured out water and ice from between them.

“Who the hell are you to interfere?”

Rose shouted at me, who had put out the fire on my hand thanks to Banata-ssi.

She was shouting loudly, but she also had a panicked expression.

Stopping Lily, who was about to step forward, I spoke to Banata-ssi.

“Banata-yang.”

“Yes…? Are you alright, Baron-nim?”

“Could you please call Headmaster Magier-nim?”

＊

I was sitting in the lounge next to the library, quietly watching Lily, who was bandaging my hand.

Lily muttered while bandaging.

“Rose *Unni*… wasn’t like that before.”

“The last time you saw Rose was when you were four, right? Even ‘before’ is too long ago. It’s enough time for a person to change.”

“I wonder what happened…”

“I don’t know, and I don’t care.”

At that moment. The door to the lounge burst open, and Headmaster Magier and Banata-ssi rushed in at the same time.

“Baron-nim! Are you alright?”

“…”

I deliberately didn’t say anything.

Seeing Lily bandaging my hand, Magier turned pale and asked Banata-ssi.

“Banata-ssi! I told you to take good care of the Baron-nim!”

“I’m… sorry…”

“Banata-yang is not at fault at all, Headmaster-nim.”

“Baron Salvie-nim. I am truly sorry that this happened. I will make sure to deal with the person involved…”

“No.”

I roughly interrupted the headmaster’s words.

Feeling the magnitude of my anger just from that action, she trembled, not knowing what to do.

“You don’t have to worry too much about me getting hurt. I’m not worried about it either.”

“Then… then?”

“However, I can’t understand how a student can hurl excessive insults at another student, and even attack them with magic, according to my common sense.”

“Yes… I am truly ashamed as an educator, Baron-nim.”

“My heart ached so much at the insults Banata-yang heard. It must have been even worse for Banata-yang, who was the one being insulted. And yet, you’re scolding Banata-yang!”

“…I… I’m alright, Baron-nim.”

“Who would sponsor a place like this? At least I won’t. Headmaster.”

“Ah…”

Magier was sweating profusely, with a blank expression.

Banata-ssi also glanced around, sweating profusely.

I deliberately ordered Lily, who was behind me, loudly.

“Prepare the carriage.”

“Baron-nim!”

Magier called me urgently.

Well, she wouldn’t be stupid enough to let go of someone who gave her a huge amount of money.

“I really, really have nothing to say. I bow my head and apologize on behalf of all the students and educators. I am truly sorry for disappointing you. Please, just think about it one more time…”

“Then, would you bring her here?”

“Yes…? Who?”

“The one who burned my hand… what was her name? Banata-yang?”

“Rose… ‘Rose Boldiras Robinson’… is her name.”

“Yes, bring her here. Right now.”

Headmaster Magier tried to order Banata-ssi to bring her.

I interrupted her again and shouted loudly.

“Banata-yang is the victim. Is it the way of this golden hall of learning to have the victim bring the perpetrator directly!”

Magier and Banata-ssi were startled.

Even Lily seemed slightly surprised that I would raise my voice.

“Headmaster Magier-nim, would you please bring her yourself.”

The headmaster bowed her head and left the lounge.

I could see many students peeking through the crack in the door.

I asked Lily to close the door and then invited Banata-ssi to sit down.

“Are you alright, Banata-yang.”

“Nyehehe… *Keu heum! Heum!* Yes…”

Banata-ssi, who was so nervous that her throat was hoarse, looked like she would faint if I touched her even a little.

I soothed her and calmed her down.

“It’s not Banata-yang’s fault, so don’t be so afraid.”

“But… but.”

“There’s nothing for Banata-yang to worry about.”

“…Yes. Thank you, Baron-nim.”

Still, Lily brought her water for her, who was still trembling.

Her ears, already small and hidden between her hair, shrank even further.

I asked Banata-ssi, who had received the water cup.

“Is your earlier offer to explain anything still valid?”

“Yes?”

“You said you’d tell me anything I was curious about.”

“Ah… Yes!”

After swallowing the water in the cup in one gulp, she seemed a little less nervous and was waiting for my question.

I asked about Rose.

“Rose is a second-year student. Her grades are good, but she’s very selfish and bullies the students a lot. Especially me…”

“Isn’t she sanctioned?”

“She’s the daughter of the Hero-nim and the Magician-nim, after all…”

“Huh, do all the Hero-nim’s children receive such privileges?”

“…No.”

At that moment, her expression became even more pitiful.

If she had felt pressured by the atmosphere until now, now she had an expression of resignation, tinged with sadness.

“Not all of the Hero-nim’s children can act like Rose…”

*Beolkeok*.

As the saying goes, speak of the devil, and as soon as Banata-ssi finished speaking, Rose opened the door, her red hair fluttering.

Rose looked down at me, crossed her arms, and stood crookedly.

“Did you call me?”

“Rose!”

The headmaster, who had been chasing after her, came in with a loud voice.

Rose didn’t care and just glared at me with annoyance.

“Apologize to the Baron-nim right now!”

“Apologize? Me? To some Baron scrub?”

“Rose!”

“In the first place, I wasn’t even aiming at that Baron, he got hit because he interfered, why should I apologize?”

Rose scoffed as if I was insignificant.

I looked at her carefully.

Red hair resembling Jennifer,

Blue eyes resembling Robin.

It was hard to suppress the murderous intent rising up in me, as the girl, who only did things to hate, had both of their appearances evenly.

I said, pretending to be relaxed.

“That’s right. Rose-yang doesn’t need to apologize to me.”

“See? I’m not at fault…”

“The person you need to apologize to is Banata-yang.”

“What…?”

Rose glares at me as if she’s going to kill me.

Seriously, how can a kid have eyes like that?

Judging that I shouldn’t be underestimated, I went even harder.

“Are you not hearing me?”

“Baron-nim… please… I’m alright…”

“Huh! Who the hell are you? What’s your relationship with this bitch that you’re being so nosy? Is Banata-ssi giving you head or something?”

“Rose! Watch your mouth to the Baron-nim!”

The atmosphere in the lounge, which had instantly become a mess.

Rose had also unfolded her arms and was sticking to me as if she was going to attack, and Magier was stopping Rose.

Lily was protecting me without making eye contact with Rose,

And Banata-ssi was trembling, with her head bowed.

I raised my head and said.

“From today, I am Banata-yang’s sponsor.”

At those words, Rose and Magier were surprised and looked at Banata-ssi with wide eyes.

Banata-ssi also looked at me with wide eyes.

I smiled and continued.

“As Banata-yang’s sponsor, if you don’t apologize to Banata-yang, I will not make any donations to Aureo Academy.”

“Baron-nim! That… that’s!”

“And, Rose-yang. I will meet your sponsor and formally protest. Rose-yang’s sponsor. Yes, that’s right. Your parents.”

In an instant, the noisy atmosphere in the lounge became as silent as if cold water had been poured on it.

I could hear people swallowing their breaths from the hallway outside the door.

I finished strongly.

“If you can’t apologize, bring your parents.”

“…*Iik*… you…”

I secretly hoped that she wouldn’t apologize.

Because my goal from the beginning was to meet Robin or Jennifer by using her.

So I stimulated her by acting in a way that was not in my nature.

I didn’t know she would be such a reckless thug, but that was a huge stroke of luck for me.

I waited for her answer and muttered inwardly.

‘Please. Don’t. Apologize. Please. Don’t. Apologize.’

*Kwang*

She kicked the door open and stormed out, panting.

I smiled and said to Headmaster Magier.

“You’ll have to prepare to welcome the Hero-nim.”

＊

The Imperial Capital

A carriage stopped in front of a mansion so large that it would take 20 minutes to walk from the gate to the entrance.

A middle-aged man with blonde hair got out of the carriage.

Although wrinkles had increased, his still handsome appearance made him look like a charismatic middle-aged man.

The peerless hero who had subjugated the Demon King and turned this country, which was a kingdom, into an empire. It was Robin.

He asked the elderly butler who was waiting in front of the carriage.

“What’s going on that you called me so urgently from the palace?”

“There was an urgent call from Aureo Academy, Master-nim.”

“I was training the knights, I hope you’re not just trying to talk about donations.”

“That’s not it. They say that Master-nim must visit the academy.”

“Me at the academy? What’s going on all of a sudden?”

“It seems that your child attacked a sponsor of the academy.”

The middle-aged man sighed, holding his head.

Recently, Robin had driven out his teacher, the captain of the Valkyrie Knights, with his own hands and taken her place.

Unlike the public’s opinion that it would be a politically dangerous act to drive out his teacher so recklessly,

No one openly questioned or challenged him.

Because he’s the Hero.