Chapter 98: The Putrid Smell (2)
On the second floor of the academys administrative building.
A woman with a furrowed brow stared at a red-haired girl.
Surely I warned you about the same thing before. Student Lucia.
Im sorry.
Do you really think you are sorry?
[Part-time instructor Echidna] sighed and looked troubled. It was already the fifth time she was facing the student who had become the most problematic in this batch.
Assaulting peers, assaulting seniors, causing property damage, and again today, attacking multiple seniors. Even though it had been only two months since the semester started, it was natural for Echidnas stress level to rise.
But this too shall pass. It would be foolish to take unnecessary stress thinking deeply about it.
After all, the unproductive task of guiding troubled students always falls to the juniors. So, Echidna recalled the manual for guiding problematic students in the back of her mind.
The centuries-old academys manual, created to guide students with high noses and even higher power, always supported powerless staff like Echidna.
Echidna crossed her legs alternately, feigning ease.
Student Lucia.
Yes.
Its surprising how rarely things in the world are solved by simply saying sorry.
If you truly feel sorry and are reflecting, shouldnt you be careful to not let such incidents happen again?
I have no face to show for causing concern. But,
But?
I dont see whats wrong with my actions.
Lucia raised her bowed head and stared at Echidna. A flicker of anger shone in her golden eyes.
If they start trouble isnt it natural to be prepared to face the consequences? Especially when they come in groups seeking revenge.
Thats a regrettable response.
Echidna sipped her now-cold coffee, trying to shake off her fatigue. This girls aggression did not discriminate. However, Echidna saw this not as an infringement of her authority but as a trait commonly found in children of this stormy age.
But
It was inevitable that unfavorable feelings towards Lucia would accumulate.
Immature and emotional. Its natural shes compared to Siriel, a first-year but called a role model for other students.
Echidna adjusted her glasses and spoke to Lucia.
Couldnt there have been a more moderate way?
Moderate?
You know. Like just brushing it off with the other party Or if you dislike that, asking for help from a guardian.
Are you saying to tattle like a child to parents?
A bit harshly put, but not much different.
Echidna said with a smile.
As far as I know, Miss Lucia is the foster daughter of Hugo Prient.
At the mention of Hugo Prient, Lucia bowed her head.
Hugo Prient, a mountain-like figure known to everyone in the empire. Then wouldnt borrowing the prestige of Lord Hugo be the fastest and most moderate solution? No matter how much the Imperial Academy prohibits external interference and pursues equality regardless of status, its still an educational institution within the empire.
For Student Lucia, who is constantly targeted even the foolish kids would quickly resolve the issue at the mention of that name.
But
Lucia pursed her lips as if choosing her words. However, she couldnt bring herself to say the next words. How could she say she couldnt do it because of her pride?
Of course, there might be parts youre not comfortable with.
Echidna glanced at the clock on the wall. It was already late into the night. It was time to wrap things up.
But this academy is not just for academic achievement. Its also a social arena for practicing before entering society.
As you might know, in society, reporting to ones backer in case of disputes is quite common. Ultimately, its one of the ways to resolve problems.
Echidna slowly rose from her seat. She gathered her belongings and continued.
If this continues, no matter how much Miss Lucia defends herself as responding to provocation, you wont be able to avoid suspension. Think carefully and choose.
I understand.
Lucia bowed to Echidna and left the building.
When the meeting started, it was dusk, but now the night sky was dotted with stars.
Is it over?
Then, like the beautiful stars in the night sky, a girl approached Lucia. Siriel was waiting for Lucia at the bench in front of the main gate.
Im sorry
Lucia repeated softly.
Despite maintaining her stance of innocence, Lucia always felt sorry for Siriel. Siriel never liked seeing Lucia coming home alone.
Lucia walked a few steps towards Siriel and then bowed her head.
Im sorry, Siriel, I made you come home late because of me.
Why would it be your fault?
Siriel covered her mouth with her hand and giggled softly. However, the words that came out of her mouth werent filled with laughter.
Its all because of those ignorant fools.
Im sorry.
Lucia repeated her apology.
That a well-behaved noble lady like Siriel would use such coarse language meant she was quite upset. Even though Siriel didnt blame Lucia, Lucia had no choice but to keep apologizing to her.
Why do you keep apologizing? You did nothing wrong.
Do you think so too?
Yes.
As Siriel slowly approached, Lucia smelled the fragrance emanating from her. She felt the warmth of spring from Siriels body.
Were sisters, right? This is natural. And umm Ive brought some news to cheer you up.
Siriel pulled out a paper from her elegant handbag and handed it to Lucia. Despite the dark night, Lucia could clearly read the words on the paper.
The paper was a list of passengers on airships entering and leaving the empire.
And then, Lucia spotted the name Shiron Prient, highlighted with a fluorescent pen.
Shiron?
Lucias eyes widened instantly.
It had been five years since Shiron left the mansion. The one she had longed for, who was too busy to even reply to her messages, was back.
But Lucia couldnt be purely happy about this fact.
Siriel, where did you get this?
Lucia.
Siriel grinned and put her index finger to her lips.
Be mindful.
Uh
The important thing now is that our brother is in Rien, right?
Siriel took the piece of paper back from Lucia. The paper, which had been snuck out from the Immigration Bureau, was too risky for the careless Lucia to hold for long.
We should prepare a welcome party. He mustve been lonely staying abroad for so long. So Lucia, you shouldnt look so gloomy, right?
Got it.
Lucia rubbed her face with her hands, trying to compose her expression. But there was no need to pretend; the thought of meeting Shiron had lifted her spirits, dispelling her gloom as if it were a lie.
Meanwhile, in the bustling pleasure district that never slept, someone was annoyed by the stagnant situation.
Damn it.
Shiron scowled and stepped out of the building.
This was the fifth establishment, but he could only feel faint traces of magic, unable to find anyone who seemed like an Apostle.
However, walking from place to place was not in vain. Even with the use of polymorph magic, one couldnt escape the eyes of the Prients as long as they bore the identity of an Apostle.
So, eventually, he would find the Apostle by hopping from one establishment to another.
But doing it himself made him realize this wasnt it.
This is inefficient.
If this continued, not only would dawn break, but Camilla, who was now working as a prostitute, might disappear somewhere.
There was no gain from this place either.
Seira, sitting nearby on a bench, spoke up. She began rubbing her legs as if in slight pain.
What will you do? There are still many places left, and rumors might spread about an outsider looking for someone. If the one you seek has legs to move you should consider changing your approach.
Right.
Shiron slumped down next to Seira. He took a moment to catch his breath and drank some water from his pocket. The water from Luchern imbued with divine power, seemed to clear his mind.
Shiron looked around with a somewhat clearer head.
People were staring at them.
The reason Shiron hadnt taken off his clerical robes upon coming here was to attract attention. Such conspicuous clothing made him easy to identify, and there was a chance that an Apostle, sensing a threat, would reveal themselves to eliminate Shiron.
Camilla Rodos
Shiron leaned his head back, recalling information about Reincarnation of the Sword Saint.
The troublemaker in Reincarnation of the Sword Saint that almost got the game rated as adult only
Camilla Rodos was a disaster in both the game and reality. Frankly, it was a miracle that Reincarnation of the Sword Saint didnt receive an adult rating.
Provocative attire.
A cheap setting where she supposedly entertained dozens of men and women daily.
But the main plot was the Apostles hatred for Prient. Has the game turned into reality and changed?
In the game, it was easy to encounter Camilla just by wandering around this pleasure district. And being an action RPG, it inevitably led to bloody battles of life and death.
However
The game was just a game, after all. An area that took only 5 minutes to circle in the game, when turned into reality, strangely gained plausibility and expanded to the size of a decent-sized town.
I didnt think it would turn out like this.
Shiron stretched and stood up from the bench.
Lets change the approach.
How?
Make that guy come to us.
Saying this, Shiron walked towards a certain location. There was the Central Bank of the Empire, the Nightreil branch.
Seira, seemingly intrigued, followed close to Shiron. Shiron began reaching into his pocket.
Why, planning to rob the bank?
Are you crazy?
Shiron gave Seira a side glance for her absurd comment and quietly entered the bank.
And now, dozens of minutes later, a commotion erupted in the streets.
But it was chaotic rather than violent.
Priest! Bless me, too!
Me first!
Dont push! Stop pushing!
Please wait your turn. The Lords grace will come to everyone.
Swoosh-
Shiron, riding in a palanquin, scattered gold coins into the air. His face, as he freely threw away wealth, resembled that of a Buddha.
People clamored and picked up the gold coins off the ground, and the news of a priest showering golden blessings spread instantly.