episode_0068

The princess, who had been staring at me intently, asked, “Are you talking about the code of chivalry?”

“Not to that extent, but you could say that the satisfaction of a single knight is what I’m referring to.”

I wasn’t talking about those empty, pompous knights who cry out endlessly in stories but can’t be found in reality.

In a fairy tale world, it might make sense, but in reality, there are unrealistic aspects that don’t fit.

Even the most outstanding individuals can’t save everyone. That’s just the way it is.

I have no intention of wandering the world seeking glory. I have enough sense to understand that.

I’ve decided to act only to the extent of not turning a blind eye to the injustices happening right in front of me. So as not to fall into the savagery imposed by the times.

It wasn’t as grand as being called just, but it was my duty as a knight, a promise to be kept as a matter of human decency. It fell within the realm of what I could do, so why wouldn’t I do it?

“Is this answer satisfactory?”

The princess seemed puzzled, but she nodded anyway.

As usual, I didn’t expect her to understand, so the conversation ended there.

As we finished speaking, we arrived at the end of the line of people waiting in front of the city walls.

The group stopped, and I checked the status window in my pocket as I dismounted from Sancho.

*****

Just like the previous village, there was nothing resembling a checkpoint here.

Everyone’s identities were clear, and there were no suspicious items to be found. If we lingered here too long, we would have to start suspecting that our host wasn’t a noble.

“Are you all together?”

“Yes. The toll is 10 silver coins, correct?”

“That’s right. You may pass.”

I handed the guard some worn silver coins.

After quickly counting the coins, the guard allowed us to pass through the gate into the city.

As I took my first step, Lycia let out a small gasp.

The city where all knowledge gathers, Vologna.

This place, with the university at its center, was a cradle that attracted the empire’s intellectuals.

In the distance, the spire that had been visible since earlier stood tall. I heard it was the tower of the church built within the university.

Because of the many architectural structures, murals, and statues, artists and architects flocked here.

From students who arrived early to secure a room before the crowds, to merchants targeting those students, and even tourists.

The number of people walking the streets clearly reflected the city’s prosperity.

Of course, due to arriving earlier than planned, the saint’s classes had not yet started.

According to the stories I picked up on the streets, there were still a few weeks left.

However, just because we had arrived in Vologna didn’t mean I was going back to Alpen right away. There was still work to be done.

I decided to first look for a room for Lycia to use in the future.

There were no dormitories in the university.

Unfortunately, there was no romantic campus like in medieval academies, and students had to find their own accommodations nearby.

I headed towards a building that seemed welcoming, one that looked like it was frequented by students.

“How much do you charge per month here?”

“It’s three gold coins per month. If you pay for a year, you’ll get thirty-five coins.”

The wealth that seemed overwhelming compared to the past made my wallet snap shut willingly. Even though students hadn’t arrived in droves yet, the prices were already high.

“It didn’t seem this expensive in other cities.”

“It must be your first time at the university. This area has always been like this.”

The prices that had been slowly creeping up on the way suddenly skyrocketed. The cost of living near the university in Vologna was exorbitant.

Books and stationery were always expensive, but even if we overlooked that, the cost of groceries and rent had skyrocketed compared to other places.

It was an enlightening time when I could understand why the church was so frustrated with the merchants.

But oh well, what can you do.

I couldn’t just build a new building on empty land, and I couldn’t just sit back and watch this injustice. Remodeling the lodging into a construction site-themed place was out of the question.

I wasn’t going to take the money to my grave. Wasn’t it meant to be used at times like this?

I paid upfront for a month’s worth of lodging for Lycia.

*****

I’ve had a lingering question for quite some time.

It’s a question I keep to myself, without asking anyone else.

What kind of existence is a university student in this era?

I couldn’t simply judge based on my past life’s knowledge. In the medieval academy, it was easier to find differences rather than similarities with my past life.

But still, isn’t Lycia going to experience university life?

I couldn’t help but be curious. A educational institution with fantasy elements, how would it differ in certain aspects?

And the answer came quickly.

The days I spent just confirming Lycia’s enrollment and preparing to return. Three days after arriving in Volagna, I saw a commotion on the street in front of the lodging.

People were gathered around someone in a circle.

It didn’t seem like a scene of violence, but everyone seemed visibly angry.

There was a familiar face on the outskirts of the crowd. It was the fruit vendor I had seen in the past few days.

“Hey, what’s going on?”

“Oh, are you a knight? We caught a thief.”

“Then you should hand him over to the guards, why are people gathering like this?”

Could it be that I witnessed a private punishment scene? Is this the time for me to ‘negotiate’?

But the fruit vendor waved his hand and said, “It’s the opposite. We can’t hand him over to the guards, so we’re in a difficult situation.”

“Why is that? Is it because of his status or…?”

“If you put it that way, you could say that.”

The boy in the center boldly shouted despite the sharp gazes around him.

“You lot think you can ‘judge’ me? If you can, go ahead and try.”

“Why is he talking like that? Did he hit his head?”

“He’s a university student.”

Did being a university student mean losing your mind here? Is this a new common knowledge that I’m not aware of?

Even though university students were further from the law than others, they were still closer to the law than to provocation.

When I roughly asked that question, the answer I received was different from what I had expected.

“Those affiliated with the university are not subject to the city’s laws. We believe in that and act accordingly.”

“I see, that makes sense.”

There were two main laws in the world.

The secular law that applied to ordinary people, and the church law that applied to clergy.

Many professors were former clergy. So students received similar treatment.

If Lycia were to enroll later, she would likely experience the same.

“We can’t arrest him… even the guards say it’s not their jurisdiction, so what do we do?”

Student and immunity privilege. Just… wasn’t he an old boy rather than a young man?

I never imagined that these two words could be in the same sentence.

I looked down at Lycia, who was watching the scene.

I couldn’t help but wonder if sending a girl to a place like this was the right thing to do.

*****

But still, it didn’t seem like Lycia would stray off course.

I believed in the kindness she held.

Despite the first impression of university students being like medieval young men, time passed quickly.

The frozen land began to bloom with flowers, signaling the arrival of spring.

Spring was a good season for going to college or returning home. It was risky to wander around in winter, as one could easily freeze to death.

Of course, unless one had a strong body that could withstand three days and nights barefoot with only a shirt on, there would be no need for such precautions. But such a person… couldn’t possibly exist in this world.

There was someone who came to mind, but anyway.

So, whenever there was a chance, the professors who were always arguing with theories and ideologies finally reached a consensus to start a new semester in spring.

This was the time when students from various backgrounds gathered from all corners.

And sadly, the world was not fair to all of them.

Let’s say two people with the same abilities applied to a university.

But if one was a noble and the other a peasant, as a professor, you would naturally be drawn to the former.

The university as an institution was neutral, but its authority solely came from the saint.

The professors themselves had social lives. It was no use trying to maintain absolute neutrality if your family suffered.

The law is far, but the fist is close.

So, even if they tried hard to maintain fairness, they couldn’t help but see the reality of favoritism.

However, there was one professor who broke free from such constraints, and that was none other than the saint herself.

That’s why the saint’s theology class was as difficult to pass as it was popular.

She was not lacking in money, had no interest in power, and was not hindered by her status. All she cared about was ability. And the standards could only rise as high as the applicants.

There was a legend circulating in academia about this.

During the admissions period, two students decided to determine whose theory was correct through a duel.

“Verbal arguments are meaningless. Let’s settle this with strength.”

“Fine. I willingly accept the duel.”

“However, if we duel here, innocent people could get hurt. So let’s move to a place where there are no people.”

“Where to? It’s the peak admissions season, and everywhere is full of prospective students.”

“I know a good place. How about here?”

“If it’s here… surely no one will come.”

And so, the two students went to the waiting room for successful applicants to duel, and despite the commotion, they were undisturbed until the outcome was decided.

They might have stood a chance against other professors, but the noble status of a princess couldn’t earn them any extra points in front of the saint.

That’s why, compared to Lycia, who exuded a confident demeanor, Heine looked much more anxious.

“We have started recruiting students to take the saint’s class. Will you go?”

“Yes. Is Lycia ready as well?”

“Of course.”

But until they actually entered, they wouldn’t know for sure.

I headed to the university with the two of them.