How to Survive at the Academy Chapter 211

Restrain yourself, Ms. Yenika (2)

The next morning, the cabin where Jenika lived was noisy with the sounds of spirits scrambling.

When you wake up, you have to go to the royal residence where Princess Penia is staying, so dress up properly and come out.

It was definitely me who said that, but I didn’t expect to spend so much time getting dressed.

As for me, I’m just wearing a reddish-brown robe over my usual shirt. However, that alone was quite high-end, so it was never at the level of hearing that it didn’t fit the seat.

For Jenika, a commoner, she seems to have been arguing with the mirror all morning, as if wearing clothes suitable for a meeting with the imperial family was too much of a burden.

Even if I said that there was no need to think hard, it didn’t seem to mean much.

As I was sitting near the campfire and idly refining my bow, I heard the sound of the spirits discussing what color skirt would be better and which hairpin would be better from inside the cabin.

In addition, it would be a burden for me to brush up on it, so I waited for as long as I could.

After another 15 minutes or so, Yenika came out wearing an unusual bluish skirt and an amber blouse. Her trademark cosmos-printed shawl wrapped around her slender shoulders.

Along with the persimmon flower hairpin, the beautifully braided hair is impressive. Even if she didn’t bother to borrow her maid’s hand, Yenica knew how to put the back of her hair in her half-pile so that it was perfectly symmetrical, and neatly braid her side hair as well.

In fact, Sonjae is not a girl who can be beaten anywhere. The same goes for dressing up.

“Uh, how’s Ed?! Check it out!”

“…test?”

“If you wear this, you won’t be kicked out of the door even if you go to the imperial family’s quarters?! Hey, what’s the dress code like there?! Do you think this is too strong? Hey, should I take off the hair ornaments?!”

It’s okay, let’s just dress up and go.

I know very well that the answer is wrong.

“It’s a little strange to say that you’re a swordsman… Well, it suits you well anyway. You look like a lady, Yenika.”

“lady!”

Seeing how much meaning was given to that three-letter word, Yenika suddenly giggled and cautiously put her arms in front of her and quickly lowered her voice.

“Yes, yes. That’s right. If you’re going to go to a place like the imperial family’s quarters, you shouldn’t be so frivolous and riotous…”

“Yenika… Acting so unnaturally is the biggest problem… You don’t even have to worry about your voice.”

“No. What should I say? I’ll speak calmly and with a lowered voice.”

Something had subsided, and it felt like it was very different from the usual Yenika.

“Is it right to leave the wand after all?!”

Seeing as the tone rose rapidly after just two words, it was futile, but…

*The imperial residence is quite far away from the living and teaching buildings with high floating population. It is a space decorated like a different world on the cliff area on the west coast of Aken Island, and it is a place surrounded by questions as it is a place where few people are normally allowed to enter.

If you look west from the end of the Magic Goods Trading District in the Living Building, you can see the tip of the royal residence building in the distance, but that’s all this building can be seen by ordinary students.

Occasionally, students who run around the island to exercise or take a walk take the wrong path and approach the imperial family quarters, blocking them from proceeding behind them. Thanks to this, only rumors about this imperial residence are rampant.

Of course, I have visited this royal residence quite a few times. It was because there were several records that Princess Penia had privately called out.

However, from Yenika’s point of view, visiting the rumored royal family’s lodgings must have been very nerve-wracking, and she made a fuss while walking on the trail leading to the lodgings.

“I’m trying to enter a place I can’t normally go to, so what should I say… I think I’m going way too far.”

It is clear that he is nervous as he walks along the driveway hesitantly.

Actually, it would be fun to leave it alone, but I don’t have a bad taste in flirting while watching people get in trouble.

However, since I can’t think of a way to relieve tension… I decided to take advantage of the time now to bring up the stories I had decided on yesterday.

“Yenika. Come to think of it, there was something I had to tell you.”

“Huh? Me?”

“Yes. That’s why I’m attending this school.”

I trudged down the street, talking as if it were not important.

Actually, it is a very, very important story. However, if you talk about it with such a hint, it is good to see that Yenika will listen again and act reverently.

I didn’t want to give too much meaning and discuss it heavily, so I intended to talk quietly on the way to the imperial residence.

In a tossing tone, as if it wasn’t a big deal…

“If you stay like this, everyone will die.”

“…”

“…”

…Actually, it’s a futile effort.

No matter how much you twist your body to say you don’t want to burden it, it’s not a story you can listen to without any burden.

Also, it’s not a situation where you can be considerate of the other person by mentioning things like mental burden.

It is a daily life that flows naturally like water, but I know that only disaster awaits at the end of this.

Sitting by the fire in a secluded camp, intoxicated with the scent of the peaceful northern forest, there are times when you almost forget.

However, it should not be forgotten. If we stay still, we must be aware that the future, in which everyone will die, is rapidly approaching.

I remember the shape of the dragon that covered the sky and roared.

In particular, Yenica is the girl who helped carry Velbroke’s molars out of the island of Aken. Together she battled and fought with the Apostle of Telos, and in return had to lie ill for several days, losing her eyesight.

That’s why… It wasn’t hard to convince Yenika by discussing the reason for the fight that day.

A quiet road to the imperial residence.

The conversation between me and Jenika was quite bloody, unlike the seemingly peaceful trail.

Discussing death and the future… even if you try to brighten it up, it doesn’t work.

It was unavoidable.

*

“I’ve been waiting. But by any chance… Where are you uncomfortable?”

Claire, the captain of the escort, was waiting for me at the entrance of the royal residence.

The imperial lodging where the members of the imperial family stay is not as huge as the Ophelis Hall. However, the Ophelis Hall is a shared lodging shared by dozens of VIPs, and the royal lodging is a building built for only one person.

No matter how noble a dignitary is, the space allowed to him is only one private room in Ophelis Hall.

Even Saint Clarice was allowed to have only one room as her dwelling place, even though it was the best room.

It is a part where you can clearly feel how special the Princess Penia, who is living in a new luxurious building, is receiving.

“Oh, no…”

Claire tilted her head at Yenika.

For some reason, Claire’s expression of bewilderment was evident on her face, which seemed to linger in tears.

“We just came and talked about some depressing things. It’s okay.”

I stopped Claire and asked her to guide me. Claire led us to the princess’ room with a nod of her head.

Basically, the imperial residence, which consists of two buildings with a garden in the middle, uses the building on the left for servants and the building on the right for Princess Penia.

A marble building that stands neatly on the side of a cliff. We thought we would pass through the lobby on the first floor and head towards the reception room we came from last time, but Claire took us through that door and up the stairs to a large wooden door.

This is the private room used by Princess Penia. From the entrance, it is splendid and strong.

In < Failed Swordsman of Sylvania >, it is a place where you can visit several times to fulfill the request of Princess Penia as an individual event.

Since it was designated as a secret area in the corner of Aken Island, the entry conditions were very complicated.

“By the way… even if you think Ed has a lot of affairs… why did you call me?”

That’s what Yenica asked Claire before meeting Princess Penia.

“That’s… you can go in and check it yourself.”

After saying that, when Claire opened the door, Princess Penia’s room came into view. And, I saw the owner of this room on the terrace side.

It is also completely different from when I was taking classes in the faculty building.

Inside the faculty building, she lives without receiving special treatment as much as possible according to the will of Sylvania, the land of learning… But outside the faculty building, she is treated like a noble princess.

Princess Fenia, who was sitting still in the middle of the room that was dazzling just by looking at it, sent a hint of greeting when she saw the faces of me and Jenika.

“Welcome, Ed. And Jenika.”

Princess Penia was reading a book while basking in the sun, sitting at a wide wooden table on the terrace.

And as soon as our eyes met, I gently closed and opened my eyes and talked.

“Sit down. I have a story I want to share. Maybe you two will be interested.”

“…”

“It’s about time to seriously discuss the imperial competition.”

*

“If Selaha unnie takes power, the Ross Taylor family won’t be safe. If you’re lucky, you might step down as a periphery noble and slowly decline, and if you’re unlucky, you might end up being labeled a criminal and perish.”

With her old-fashioned platinum hair hanging down and wearing a comfortable lace dress, Princess Fenia hinted.

“I’m done talking with Tanya, the student council president. I decided to defend the Ross Taylor family.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. I’ve known President Tanya for quite some time. Even before I became the student council president, I even stayed at the royal residence, and I knew that she was a completely different person from Krepin Rosteiler.”

When the servants served tea, Yenika quickly got up from her seat and hesitated to accept it, so I stopped her.

In this case, it is more comfortable for the other person to stay still.

Yenika, who had hardly received any kind of treat, turned her body around as if uncomfortable, but I calmed her down by pressing her shoulder.

“And you, Ed Rosteeler.”

“…”

“I won’t say that there is no political intention. Anyway, the Ross Taylor family has formed a large power within the imperial family for a long time, so the remaining power cannot be ignored… Also, the image of a vested power still remains. there is.”

Princess Penia is not that naive.

We are not so weak as to make a national judgment just because we cannot tolerate injustice.

“As long as Ross Taylor’s name is still there, absorbing the remaining forces can also absorb bureaucrats who still have knowledge of internal affairs. So I… I’m defending the Ross Taylor family for this political reason.”

Princess Penia had definitely spoken about it.

Rather, it was her way to say it clearly without being too lazy.

“But… aside from that, I know that you brothers and sisters Ross Taylor… are no lunatics like Creffin. It’s one of the biggest gains I’ve had coming to this Sylvania. You’re the family’s rudder. , at least it will be very different from when Krepin led it.”

However, Princess Fenia’s biggest characteristic was that she did not act only for such prudent reasons.

There was a reason for her being nicknamed the Princess of Benevolence.

“Political gains can be obtained by sitting at a desk and thinking intently while looking at documents, but it is difficult to judge a person unless you directly look at them with your own two eyes.

It was this part that made the decisive difference between Princess Selaha and Princess Persica.

Princess Selaha sees status and authority.

Princess Persica sees ability and practicality.

And Princess Fenia… sees people.

The words that Princess Penia wanted to say when she summoned us finally came out.

“Please defeat Dyke Elphelan at the Crestol Grand Festival duel.”

Princess Penia put down the teacup and spoke calmly.

The name of the person who jumped out of it was unexpected.

“You mean senior Dyke? I’ve already heard that the two will face each other. I’ve also met him a few times.”

“The Elpelan family that produced the Dyke is the one who believes in and follows Selaha the most. In fact, even if Selaha didn’t try to appease, it’s a force that would have joined Sellaha.”

Dyke himself doesn’t seem to have that much affection for the Elphelan family.

Still, at least it was the place where he fed and raised him, so he was only doing the bare minimum.

In any case, the King of Powers, Dyke Elphelan, cannot be completely free from the will of his family. It is because of his character that he never forgets what he has received.

“They intend to solidify the relationship by winning the grand festival duel and giving the honor to Selaha. When the time comes for the festival, Abamamama will be on the island of Aken, and I don’t know about Persica, but… Sellaha does. I would never fall for a place like this.”

“I never thought it would be such an important position.”

“It’s a national celebration that only happens once every four years in the first place. I’ll be visiting many territories, but I can’t help but stop by Sylvania, where the future talents of the empire are gathered.”

Princess Fenia brushed her platinum blonde hair. The knuckles of her fingers, which slipped gently through her falling hair, were so white that they were pale.

“I won’t ask you to win the duel and lift me up. At least stop Selaha and the Elphelan family from becoming stronger.”

“Is that a variable that has a big impact on the imperial competition?”

“I have a plan in place. The Elphelan family… will be the cornerstone to destroy Selaha.”

Princess Fenia had a somewhat unassuming face.

All sorts of cheating and fighting under the water that had plagued him since childhood.

Now, because he knew he had to dive into it.

“We have to tear the relationship between the Elphelan family and Selaha sister. The beginning… this duel.”

However, do not force justification. Accept the fact that if you can’t avoid it, you’ll have no choice but to dip your toe.

Apart from Tanya preparing to kill Princess Selaha, Princess Penia is also preparing to capture Princess Selaha.

“You know something.”

“Please help me. Selaha’s rise to power is not good at all for the Ross Taylor family.”

“That… If it’s Dyke-senpai… You’re the chief of the 4th year’s combat team, aren’t you?”

Yenika spoke worriedly.

The girl, who didn’t even eat a single bite of the refreshments served by the servants, as if it was burdensome for nothing, raised her voice as if she was anxious.

“I’ve heard rumors. Seniors in the 4th grade all recognize and respect Dyke-senpai.”

“That’s right, Yenika Failover. Even when you were a senior, you were respected by the 3rd year students, but Dyke Elphelan has an aura that’s completely different from that. It feels like… more like a spiritual support. “

Rumors were already rife.

Dyke Elferlan is a dull man who stands alone among geniuses.

He was the one who entered the school at the bottom of the ranks among the students in the Combat Team, and rose to the top with only grit and hard work, without any talent whatsoever.

The reason why those who do not see the light and do not have natural talents respect Dyke is simple.

He is the savior of all who have ever hit a wall and been left behind. His existence is the consolation that supports the spirit from despair.

Some people even say that being in the top position itself is a symbol of natural talent.

However, those who can say such things have never seen Dyke Elphelan practice.

“One thing I can assure you of is…”

Nonetheless, I have spoken.

“…I win.”

Taken for granted beyond certainty.

Fenia opened her eyes wide for a moment at my words, which I spat out as if asserting, and then took care of it.

“If you want, you can even win by an overwhelming margin.”

No matter what, he was the one who occupied the top spot in one grade. It is also the highest grade.

Can it be said so easily?

Looking at Princess Penia, who was staring at me with such thoughts in mind, I hinted at it.

“Tell me what the hell you’re planning.”

* There are too many geniuses on this small island of Aken.

Sitting quietly in the arena of Obel Hall, Dyke Elphelan laughed and said such a monologue.

I attended this academy for almost 4 years.

Even though I’m getting older, I don’t feel like I’ve reached the right level.

If you walk the warrior’s path like a turtle, you will see many geniuses who beat me on the back and overtake me.

Although he is sweating and barely walking along the stretched road, he feels even the irrationality of their innate ability to stretch out without breaking a drop of sweat.

send all first There are many times when I feel a sense of collapse at the speed of those who run ahead… Nevertheless, Dyke Elphelan just walks away looking at their tails.

As you move forward sluggishly like a turtle, you will see geniuses lying exhausted on the side of the road.

There are a lot of people who meet a wall, crash into it, fall down, and lament that this is the end of their ability, and find another way to escape.

Dyke Elferlan stepped on the backs of such geniuses and climbed up to the position of chief.

Even if it was later than others, he broke through all the blocked walls and sat on the throne.

The basic magic response ability is also poor. It’s not like you’re born with strength or bones. Although he comes from a famous family, his incompetence prevented him from receiving proper support until he reached the top position.

He had hardly even received an education, and he started learning letters when he was over ten years old. He read the books of his vassals one by one and learned the letters by self-study overnight.

After coming to Sylvania, he stayed up all night training his magic sensitivity, which was almost non-existent. She had endured many years of hard work and trained her magical powers until she entered the fourth year, but even at this point, she was unable to obtain even one-tenth the sensitivity ability of a typical Ministry of Magic student.

At least, since I was able to handle as much magic as I could use in physical combat, that was enough.

It’s not like you’re born with physical abilities.

He has a massive body and a lot of muscular muscles, but all of this is the result of training by overexerting his body to the limit.

The knuckles he uses have been overworked until they are soaked in blood each time.

The number of fist knuckles and gauntlets that have been broken in four years and have to be obtained are over 200. Except for the time to sleep and eat, it must have been a life where only hard work and training continued.

In the end, this body is not a body given innately, but a body acquired through birth. Although he had strong muscular strength and a huge body, he could not take as much effort as his innate fighting sense.

Ziggs Epelstein, who systematically learned combat in just one year, has a much sharper sense of combat than Dyke, who trained for several years.

Slow, dull, and heavy.

That was the growth story of a man named Dyke Elphelan.

“I’ll learn a lesson. Senior Dyke.”

The bloody and sweaty efforts were acknowledged by the bachelor’s degree.

And, it was recognized by the students as well.

Even Wade Calamore, the head of the arrogant freshman combat club, bowed his head once.

An exchange competition for students belonging to the Sylvania Combat Team.

It was a small event where the chiefs of the combat department of each grade gathered and lightly sparred in front of the students.

Dyke stood up from his seat and looked at the top students in the arena.

Wade Calamore, the first year chief of the Combat Club.

He received a lot of support from the Calamore family, a renowned swordsman, and trained, and the skills he used were already far beyond the level of a first grader.

Think of yourself when you were in first grade. She hadn’t even learned how to punch her fist properly, let alone be the chief.

Senior Cleveland Nortondale of the 2nd year.

That boy was already far stronger than Dyke at this point.

Innate talent can already be said to be a blessing from God. Although Clevius himself thought of it as a curse.

Senior Drake Ragers, Year 3.

He is also a gifted genius. The bow he handles never misses. The level of sophistication in handling the longsword was astounding, to the point where he couldn’t even imagine being an archer.

He handles various weapons freely, but his ability to guarantee more accurate hits than anyone else when it comes to throwing and shooting weapons… It is not strange that he is nicknamed the hunter of the Ragus family.

Everyone… In the 4th grade, Dyke and the like were the owners of the talent to lightly wit.

It was funny to me that I was being treated like a senior by them just because I was in a high grade.

“Is there something to learn? I’m sparring to learn too.”

Dyke raised his massive body and let out a low, majestic voice.

“…It’s time for me to warm up as well.”

“…Come to think of it, you had a sparring with Ed Rosteyler.”

“Yes, that high-ranking aristocrat of the Ministry of Magic in the third year.”

Dyke Elphelan gently closed his eyes and recalled the old-fashioned blonde aristocrat he had seen at the practice range. grim expression. He had a face that seemed to see through everything in the world.

Dressed neatly in school uniform and wearing a wizard’s robe… I’ve seen that man’s battle standing proudly over and over again.

It was easy to find out.

“Maybe I’ll lose.”

He is a genius who stands out among geniuses.

You may think of yourself as a hard worker, but those who have lived their whole lives as real hard workers can tell.

Clevius lowered his eyes and spoke hesitantly.

“Dyke-senpai… is dying…?”

“Yes. He’s already reached the point where you can’t see him.”

Dyke closed his eyes and let out a laugh.

It was only after he assumed the position of head of Sylvania that he seemed to hear the laughter of his vassals, who poured out all kinds of support as members of the proud Elphelan family.

Nevertheless, since it was the family that provided a place for him to eat and sleep as a child, he did his best.

However, the reason why he couldn’t laugh at the family’s letter asking him to raise the name of Princess Selaha by winning the tournament was not because he was offended by such a family.

Dyke understands well that vassals who have a lot to care about politically have no choice but to act prudently.

I just wasn’t sure I could beat Ed Rosteyler.

“If you lose… in the family…”

“Why do you care about that, Clevius Nortondale.”

Because Clevius was well aware of the circumstances of the prestigious samurai family, he expressed his concerns to Dyke. However, Dyke responded with a smile.

“Did you run into Lucy Mayril because you thought you would win?”

When Dyke said that, Clevius was speechless.

“You would understand.”

Wade and Drake couldn’t understand their conversation.

However, Clevius seemed to have some understanding of what Dyke was talking about.

Rainy Day. The entrance to Ophelis.

Covered in blood, I remember the scene when I grabbed my sword and rushed at Lucy Meiril.

Dyke Elphelan is someone who understands that speculation.

“If you’re born as a man, there are times when you have to fight even if you know you’re going to lose. Of course, you have to do everything in your power.”

Dyke smiled and stood upright in the arena. There was no sign of running away, no sign of fear.

Clutching his knuckles, he straightened his body as if he were going to deal with the three students at once.

It was a new thing to announce that name to the combat department students now.

From the bachelor, the king of dummies.

This is the king of swords, Dyke Elphelan.

*

“Uh-but… Princess Penia… I’m presumptuous, but…”

As we were talking about the competition for imperial power and Princess Selaha, Jenika, who was sitting next to us, intervened.

She was not used to this kind of atmosphere, so she sat quietly for a long time.

“I… after all, I… why did you call me…?”

It’s hard to just sit still and listen. In the end, Yenika couldn’t stand it and asked first.

Yes. This duel had nothing to do with Jenika.

Nevertheless, Princess Penia called Yenica directly to the imperial family’s quarters.

It is to tell a different story than this one.

No, it may not be possible to say that there is no connection at all.

“…Selaha unni is the one who puts status, dignity, authority, and grace the most. I and I… have very different opinions.”

“Is that so…”

“Of course, as the nobles are intertwined with the people, there are many people who can be appointed as representatives of their faction. People with a status so great that their mouths will open just by saying their name will come out in support of Selaha.”

In that direction, it was Princess Selaha who moved diligently.

“But… even in my position standing on the opposite side, I need someone who can be the face of my forces.”

“Ed… you mean…?”

“Ed Rosteeler is a great person, but as I said, it’s clear that he’s from a vested power and high-ranking aristocracy. It can’t be helped. Because he’s from where he’s from.”

Princess Fenia looked down at the teacup and said.

“I need people who come from commoners, who have risen from the bottom, and have risen to the top only through their skills. The ‘competent people’ I want and appoint are… those people.”

Yenica blankly stared at Princess Penia’s face and nodded.

…Have you not yet realized that this is your story?

“Yenika Failover.”

Princess Penia must have thought the same, but this time she spoke clearly and directly.

“… You should get ahead a little more.”

“…”

It took a while for Yenika’s answer to come back.

“…yes?”

In fact, it was an ambiguous answer.