episode_0111

The competition ended amidst fervent cheers.

The Serpent, who had shown shocking prowess. Ultimately, the boy who unanimously seized victory after much deliberation among the faculty became the hottest topic of conversation at the academy for a short week.

Stories about that time were constantly on the students’ lips. It was natural. After all, he had achieved a feat that had been considered impossible throughout the academy’s long history. Children who had witnessed the match firsthand knew. The miracle they witnessed then transcended the realm of mere talent; it was a [power] with the potential to reach the stars. It also hinted at a future that would lead the continent. The hero who reached the highest star. The Red Sword Saint. He was a talent of the [Star] that appeared three years after his death. As such, the outpouring of interest was understandable.

“—I just can’t forget that scene.” “—I knew he was beyond student level… but who would have thought he’d win against a professor?” “—Especially the last scene, where he parted the tidal wave, it sent shivers down my spine.” “—Is this talent destined for history?” “—Apparently, all sorts of organizations are going crazy right now. Not just the Imperial Family, but also the Magic Tower, the Knight Order, and noble families… they’re all scrambling to get ahead, and letters are pouring into the academy.” “—I heard the assistants haven’t slept for a week trying to process them all.”

Indeed, overflowing talent often inspires admiration. Students, each with shining eyes, spoke. Even the envy and jealousy that had poured forth before were now tinged with admiration. Proof, as a form of measure, elicits recognition from others.

“—Doesn’t he seem like a pretty good guy?” “—He’s not arrogant despite his abilities… and the fact that he’s rejected all the recruitment offers makes him quite likable, doesn’t it?” “—He firmly said he wants to focus on his studies right now.” “—I heard he even gets along well with that commoner girl.” “—His impression is strangely ominous, but if you look closely, he has many commendable aspects.” “—I should try to talk to him later.”

Public opinion was flowing positively. Of course, not everyone. On the other hand, there were also those who had questions.

“—There’s no dispute about his talent reaching the stars… but honestly, it feels sudden.” “—Isn’t that family more famous for alchemy than magic?” “—While talent doesn’t necessarily follow bloodlines, for a family that has inherited alchemy for generations to suddenly produce a mage…” “—I heard they were originally known for their academic heritage.” “—Moreover, with such outstanding talent, it should have been known outside the family by now… why was there no talk about it until now?” “—It seems they’re hiding something.”

It was a reasonable question. Why had the [Star], dormant for years, only now revealed itself to the world? Questions about this often arose. However, even those slowly subsided. Because there was no one to provide a suitable answer. It was simply buried by the ongoing buzz. Thus, the questions about the Serpent’s family scattered beyond the surface, unknown to anyone. Forgetting all the answers.

***

A week after the tumultuous event ended. I spent my days leisurely. Since the busy schedule, including the practical exams, was over, I was now granted a period of leisure until the break. Of course, the academy’s attention was focused on me due to the aftermath of the match. Aside from such minor details, the past few days had been quite peaceful. I spent time with those around me.

“Congratulations on your victory!” “Regia.” “Young Master is amazing! I, I believed you would succeed from the very beginning…!” “Such excessive faith weighs heavily on my shoulders.” I also patted the head of the protagonist, who was jumping up and down happily.

“It’s not very surprising… but still, you worked hard.” “It pleases me to hear you say that.” I responded with a smile to the villainess who coolly expressed her effort.

“Was it hard?” “It wasn’t particularly hard.” “Hm… Yuda really is amazing.” I conversed with the young prince, who was nodding his head alone.

“You were more amazing than I thought.” “Haha… I am in a position to assist Your Highness, after all. If I struggled with just this much, I wouldn’t be able to face you.” “The problem is you’re always so good with words.” “So, do you dislike it?” “……No, not that.” I playfully teased the blunt Rose.

Although the sentences they uttered were different, they all conveyed worry and congratulations in common. They were words I was secretly grateful for. The academy’s calm daily life continued. Additionally. There was also a conversation with Professor Cadell, my opponent in the competition. This event had a tradition where the loser would grant one request from the winner, and as the one who achieved victory this time, I was also granted the right to request something from him.

What I requested was as follows: “—Step down from the lead professor selection next year.” “—Because I intend to put my teacher in that position.” “—Instead, I’d like you, Professor, to lend your support so our side can be reappointed.”

It was a somewhat excessive request. The price to pay was too great for a simple event. I thought the other side might refuse, but unexpectedly, Professor Cadell scribbled his signature on the contract without another word. Since he had already suffered a crushing defeat in front of the entire student body. It seemed he couldn’t refuse, if only for his pride. Of course, he was clenching his teeth so hard it looked like his jaw would shatter at any moment, but that was none of my concern. From my perspective, I had merely returned the insult I received.

“—I will remember this.” The professor exited with a somewhat flag-like line. I retorted with a meaningful scoff. Because I had no intention of backing down from the subtle war of nerves he was waging. Thinking of his decaying expression made me chuckle for no reason.

“Hehe.” “……I don’t understand.” Selena looked at me as if I was strange. Her eyes held deep doubt. Her carelessly disheveled purple hair hinted at her characteristic fatigue. The silent woman soon posed a few questions.

“May I ask the reason?” “Hmm?” “I’m talking about the last match. You responded to the opponent’s provocation on my behalf, didn’t you? I wondered if there was a need for Student Yuda to do that.” “Perhaps I overstepped my bounds?” “No. On the contrary, I am grateful. I am merely asking out of pure curiosity.” “Haha… As for the reason, it’s as I told you before.”

I smiled faintly. My gently curving lips held warmth.

“I stepped forward for my Teacher-nim.” “……” “You’ve helped me countless times, haven’t you? The insults directed at you, whom I’ve relied on, bothered me, and I thought it was a disciple’s duty not to let them pass.” “I thought it was a joke you threw out.” “You speak unkindly.”

I spoke nonchalantly. I took a few steps and stood beside Selena. A faint scent of alcohol wafted past my nose.

“It was solely for your sake.” “As I pointed out before… we are merely a teacher-student relationship based on a contract. I don’t believe Student Yuda has any obligation to be loyal to me.” “It’s fine. It wasn’t an action swayed by obligation.” “Then?” “It’s taming.”

I lingered near the woman. But I didn’t reach out. Because it was obvious the drunkard would push me away if I did. Indeed, when taming, the initial distance between each other is important. One must allow the other party to gradually grow accustomed at a gap that doesn’t intimidate them. I was maintaining a precarious boundary. A distance too far to be decisively pushed away, yet too close to be ignored as if nonexistent, constantly catching one’s eye. Even without conscious awareness, the relationship slowly deepened.

“You don’t need to feel any particular burden. I merely wanted to repay the help I’ve received.” My bright, cheerful reply. The woman, who had been silent for a moment, soon nodded.

“……Yes. If that’s the reason, then I will be grateful.”

Her lifeless eyes were slightly wavering. Ripples spreading across the calm surface of the water. Even the drunkard’s icy demeanor was showing cracks. With satisfaction, I retracted the steps I had taken closer.

‘I shouldn’t rush.’ It was the foundation for future developments. To approach an adult ailing from sadness, it was necessary to be more careful than usual. I continued the taming process, standing on a precarious boundary.

***

Two days later. I visited the main building to receive my reward for the competition. Apart from the tradition where the loser granted the winner’s request, there were separate benefits granted to the final champion. Since it was considered one of the academy’s most prominent events, they seemed to be putting a lot of effort into it in various ways.

‘A reward.’ If it were something useless, I would have dismissed it lightly… but this time, it was hard for me to be so certain. Because it was an unpredictable part, even though I knew the original story. Therefore, confirmation was necessary.

“Excuse me.” Creak. I opened the ornate door and entered. The scene that met my eyes immediately after. Between bookshelves stretching wide like a library, a single desk stood, and beyond it, an elderly man with white hair sat leaning back in a chair. His pale, colorless pupils were staring intently in my direction.

“I’ve been waiting.” The old man gestured for me to enter. As if he had known in advance that I would visit, two cups of freshly brewed black tea were placed on the table. I pushed away my complex thoughts and greeted him.

“It’s my first time seeing you up close like this.” He made appearances at every academy event, yet he was a figure with virtually no interaction with students. None other than the one serving as the academy’s head.

“Director-nim.” The Director of Gallimard Academy. Gaston Gallimard. I had wanted to meet him ever since I was transmigrated into this world. Until now, there had been no opportunity to connect, but by winning this competition, I was able to get a private audience with him. I spoke calmly.

“First, I will ask directly.” “Proceed.”

Information about the old man flashed through my mind. An old man with a gentle impression. In this world, everyone called him ‘Director,’ but in the original story, another name described him. A sinner who, cursed by the world, saw beyond the ordinary.

“The Prophet.” The Prophet of the Apocalypse. (prophète de l’apocalypse)

“How much do you know?” “……” A direct question, thrown without delay. His white eyes, without the slightest tremor, held the lingering image of the Serpent. The silent old man soon parted his lips.

“……What answer do you seek from me, betrayer?” The Prophet was seeing right through me.