NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 58
“Ha…”
The long-established Academy’s headmaster, Deirint Granciole, wiped the sweat from his forehead.
This year seemed to be cursed; the new students’ backgrounds were incredibly troublesome.
From the empire’s third prince to the princes of various kingdoms, the offspring of high-ranking nobles, and even the children of the military commander from the Republic, as well as relatives of sword saints and Kings of Rights, all checked in.
If even one of them got hurt, it would cause a huge uproar.
But that’s beside the point.
Though it was rare, there had been instances of such noteworthy enrollments in the past.
However, nothing could have prepared Deirint for the shock presented by the resume right before his eyes.
“…So, you have defeated a great demon once, defeated demons ten times, numerous experiences in exorcising demon possessions… Extensive experience in slaying summoned beasts, multiple participations in heretic eradications under the church, an upper-level magician of the Ivory Tower, a certified instructor in the Forest of Swords, and a senior adventurer of the Adventurer Guild?”
“Yes.”
“And besides all that, you are an honorary Count of the Empire, an honorary Baron of the Deorent Kingdom, an honorary Count of the Robies Principality, an honorary member of the Tvalon Republic, an honorary Dwarf, Elf, and Beastfolk…”
“Haha, those are titles I acquired during my journey to become a Sage.”
“Yes… To think you’re a Sage at such a young age…”
Deirint wiped his sweat, unable to even adjust his slipping glasses.
He had never seen such a dazzling resume in his life.
If this were the work of an amazing con artist, he might have laughed it off.
But the attached credentials indicated that every part of this resume was true.
‘What kind of hero of the continent has shown up?’
While staring at the man in his early thirties before her, Deirint struggled to adjust her glasses.
Perhaps she might have to give up her long-held position as headmaster.
‘I’m short on funds after buying a mansion… How about being satisfied with the vice-headmaster position…?’
The thought of losing her current position was something Deirint dreaded.
Thus, she pondered how she might persuade the man in front of her and looked at the resume once more.
“…Huh? It seems the request is a little off…”
“What do you mean?”
“You said you want to be an instructor, not the headmaster or vice-headmaster?”
“Yes.”
With qualifications and abilities like that, and on top of being so young, he had no greed!
Deirint trembled with emotion.
If such an outstanding talent wished to teach the students, she would naturally have to grant that wish.
Just having the title of Sage would be enough to secure a teaching position, but with this many qualifications, she could offer him anything he wanted.
Except for the headmaster position.
“Do you have a preferred class?”
Worried his mind might change, she quickly handed him the document. It contained details of the current classes at the Academy.
The document listed the students’ information for each class. Among them, the third-year A class seemed decent.
But the man looked at the document and showed an indifferent expression.
“Is there no data on the newly enrolled students?”
“Well, we do have it… but I wouldn’t recommend them.”
Was there really any point in suffering through that?
Every single newbie entering the Academy was full of energy.
That meant they wouldn’t hesitate to challenge the instructor.
Especially those of higher standing.
She didn’t want to witness this gentle man, who, despite possessing the title of Sage and without any greed for power, potentially facing trouble without reason.
“I’d like to see it anyway.”
“If that’s the case…”
Reluctantly, Deirint handed over the documents.
These were the files of those who had applied to enroll this time.
The man took the documents and smiled, lifting one of them.
“I will be the supervisor for this class.”
“Let’s see… The Empire’s third prince, the first princess of the Deorent Kingdom, a disciple of the grand sorcerer Rutgen of the Ivory Tower, along with both twins of the magic engineer Sriel, and the nephew of the King of Rights in the first-year A class. Is that… okay?”
“Very okay.”
“But that class already has a designated instructor…”
“In that case, I shall take the headmaster position…”
“…But if a Sage desires it, then of course we must change it. Don’t worry, I haven’t issued the appointment letter yet.”
Quickly changing her words, Deirint smiled brightly and extended her hand.
The man, staring intently at her hand, smirked and shook it.
“I look forward to working with you, headmaster.”
“I look forward to working with you, Instructor Lee Hyun.”
.
.
.
The glorious Empire’s third prince, Ludwig Yggdrasil, couldn’t shake the scowl from his face.
It was only natural.
He was the third prince of the Yggdrasil royal family, descended from dragons.
That meant he hailed from noble bloodlines.
How could he possibly enjoy the fact that he had to attend an Academy where nobles and commoners mixed?
If it weren’t for the command of his father, the glorious Emperor Thermaios Yggdrasil, he would never have come here.
‘Disgusting.’
The only thought that crossed his mind, as he stepped into the classroom with a scowl, was how filthy it was.
It wasn’t even the luxurious furniture he was used to.
But to think this sacred place of education could be so dirty.
The dust gathered thickly on the window sills, suggesting it hadn’t been cleaned properly.
Ludwig touched it with his gloved hand, grimacing as he glanced around.
“To think I have to be educated in a place this dirty…”
This wouldn’t do. After today’s class, he’d have to clean up this classroom himself.
With that thought, Ludwig sat at the back of the classroom.
Rustle.
The door opened, and a male student walked in.
He had a sturdy build and an intimidating face.
He briefly glanced at Ludwig before heading to the back.
Then, the guy crossed his arms and stared straight ahead with an air of seriousness.
‘What a funny guy, trying to copy me.’
Rustle.
The door opened again.
This time, a woman with deep green hair entered.
A beauty with a somehow cold demeanor walked gracefully to the front and took a seat.
As Ludwig stole a glance at her, he couldn’t help but curl the corners of his mouth up.
‘The first princess of the Deorent Kingdom, Lumina Deorent.’
At least, someone of comparable status had entered the classroom.
However, he had no intention of talking to her first.
Though he didn’t particularly desire it, Ludwig’s goal, now that he was at the Academy, was to be first in his class, if not the entire year.
Lumina would probably aim for the same.
There was no way he would bow down to a rival aiming for the top from the start.
In the end, despite three students entering the classroom, a heavy silence prevailed.
Perhaps due to that strange atmosphere? One by one, students filed in, yet the silence continued.
“Oh! This is Class A!”
The silence was shattered by a radiant blonde beauty.
As the charming tall girl with a smiling face burst through the door, the heavy atmosphere in the classroom lightened considerably.
The girl, Rita, who was inwardly displeased with the atmosphere, forced a smile back at the cheerful girl.
“Yeah, this is Class A. And you seem to be the last one here.”
With only one seat remaining—right next to her—she pointed it out, and the blonde girl jumped over to take that spot.
“Hi there~! What’s your name? I’m Arisha Latelever!”
A bright-spirited beauty, Arisha extended her hand to Rita.
Suffocated by the atmosphere, Rita let out a sigh of relief as she took her hand.
Perhaps thanks to the vibe Arisha created?
Others gradually began awkwardly introducing themselves as well.
Of course, neither Lumina nor Ludwig spoke a word until the end.
Still, they didn’t mind the small chaotic noise, which was an improvement over the silence that had settled in.
Rustle.
Then, the door opened.
As the atmosphere grew more boisterous, a man entered.
He looked to be in his mid-thirties.
A tall man with black hair, the typical Eastern male, drew Arisha’s wide-eyed attention.
“Greetings. I am Lee Hyun, and I will be with you for the next year.”
“Teacher! Wow!! You’re the teacher?!”
Surprised and filled with joy, Arisha jumped up.
Rita tilted her head in confusion.
Could they be acquaintances?
Regardless, Arisha was so excited that if she had a tail, it would have been wagging joyfully.
Lee Hyun waved gently to the enthusiastic Arisha, cleared his throat, and lightly tapped the podium.
“As your instructor, I will be in charge of combat education and general lifestyle classes. Don’t worry too much about it; I’m a hands-off person as long as you keep the basics in check.”
“……”
“Now, it’s the first day, so let’s have an orientation where you can introduce yourselves. Share your aspirations, and say anything you’d like! So… who will go first?”
At that moment, Ludwig, Lumina, and Arisha raised their hands together.
Lee Hyun chose Ludwig first.
“I’m Ludwig Yggdrasil, the empire’s third prince. To get straight to the point, I’ll be vying for first place. Anyone is welcome to challenge me anytime. And…”
Ludwig’s gaze fell on Lee Hyun.
“Why is it, Lee Hyun, that you have the Emperor’s confidence yet are here instead of serving him? Are you judging my worthiness to serve you, or have you followed me here?”
The classroom erupted in whispers.
The one trusted by the Emperor was just an academy instructor.
Receiving everyone’s attention, Lee Hyun remained expressionless.
“That’s not it.”
With Lee Hyun’s cold denial, Ludwig’s face flushed slightly with embarrassment.
Sitting at the front, Lumina discreetly smiled and raised her hand. After receiving Lee Hyun’s permission, she stood up.
“I am Lumina Deorent, the first princess of the Deorent Kingdom, and the next queen. I too will be vying for first place. If you wish to challenge me, feel free to approach me anytime. And… Instructor Lee Hyun, you came here to evaluate me as well, didn’t you?”
With confidence, Lumina looked directly at Lee Hyun, who chuckled in response.
“Not really.”
With that dismissal, Lumina, now back in her seat, forced herself to maintain her composure, but her ears betrayed her; they flushed bright red from embarrassment.