Chapter 101: Law and Fist (1)
Chapter 101: Law and Fist (1)
Even in a fantasy world, the daily life of a student doesn't change.
Despite the midterm exams being over, classes continue as usual, and we must diligently prepare for the upcoming final exams.
United Academy is no exception. We only get a day off after the midterms, and then classes resume as normal.
The only silver lining is that the afternoons during the exam week are reserved for self-directed training. Moreover, the weekend starts from the day after next.
Thinking about what to do over the weekend makes time fly by. If it goes as I expect, I'll probably be learning various training techniques from Rize.
Luna will join too, right?'
Luna also receives training from Rize on weekends. It's a special training that can quickly enhance physical abilities.
Despite groaning every time we train, the effectiveness is undeniable. After all, it's Rize's training.
Originally, I was supposed to train with Kara during the afternoon classes.
"Hm. Hm. Sivar?"
"?"
"If it's alright with you, could you come to my office this afternoon? There's something I'd like to discuss with you."
Before Godin came looking for me, after all the morning classes had ended.
I looked at Godin, puzzled by his request. My expression silently questioned his reasons.
Godin, reading the meaning behind my gaze, gave a wry smile. It seems the topic of discussion isn't something pleasant.
"As you might be aware, there's that incident during the exam period you were involved in"
"Ah."
I roughly understand what he's talking about. The various eccentricities, including waterboarding.
This would be a topic of consultation even without my involvement. The saying that one's true nature cannot be hidden is not without reason.
It wouldn't look good not to discuss it. Hence, I understood.
"So, will Sivar visit your office alone?"
Luna asked, who was supposed to leave for training with me. It appears I no longer need a guardian and can go by myself.
Yet, she still seemed worried, her expression slightly anxious. To an outsider, it might look like I'm a troublemaker.
Now that I think about it, that's a fact.'
The chaos I caused during the midterms alone was astonishing.
To Luna and the others, I must seem like a ticking time bomb.
However, I had no choice at that time. With the restrictions on my right to attack, doing my best was the only option.
"Yes. It's a sensitive and personal matter, so it would be best for Sivar to come alone. Now that he's officially enrolled, there's no need for a guardian, right?"
"Hm"
"The Principal will be informed by me."
"Ugh. Looks like I'll have to train with someone boring this afternoon then."
Upon deciding my consultation, Kara grumbled. By someone boring,' she must mean Luna.
Luna, realizing she was being indirectly insulted, shot Kara a sharp look.
Kara, feigning ignorance, maintained her nonchalance. She seemed more at ease.
"Ha-ha. Just come to my office after lunch. It won't be a long talk, so don't worry too much."
"Okay. I mean, yes."
I accidentally slipped into informal speech but quickly corrected myself to formal language.
Seeing me switch to formal speech, Godin seemed inexplicably pleased, giving me a kindly smile.
Despite his suspicious appearance, he's too kind-hearted. I should use this consultation as an opportunity to ask him a few things about magic.
Although I still stammer, I can use language, so magic should also be possible. It might only be simple spells, but that's still something.
"Sivar, this."
"Hm?"
It was when I was about to head to Godin's office after lunch. Kara called me over and held out her hand.
I looked at her palm. There were a few pieces of candy on it.
"Eat these on your way. Give a few to the professor as well. Just don't eat them during the consultation. That wouldn't be polite. Got it?"
"Yeah. Ill enjoy them."
"All right. See you later."
Having received candies from Kara, I headed to Godin's office located in the main building.
I popped a candy into my mouth as I walked. It wasn't the burnt rice flavor that Rod liked, but strawberry.
Does Kara like strawberry flavor? I'm not sure.'
From then on, I entered the main building and walked as I remembered. Although I might wander a bit, it shouldn't take long.
While some professors and staff recognized me, I just passed them by. They're only interested, not intending to get closer.
Soon, upon reaching the floor where Godin's office was located, I encountered an unexpected face.
"Huh? Sivar?"
I turned towards the familiar female voice.
Facing me was Grace, with her sharp demeanor, looking surprised.
"What brings Sivar here? Did a professor call you?"
Grace approached me. She had left immediately after the morning classes ended.
So, she wouldn't know that I was called by Godin for a consultation. I told her the truth.
"Professor Godin."
"Professor Godin?"
"He called me. For a consultation."
"You were called by Professor Godin for a consultation?"
She seems to roughly understand. Yet, her face still showed she was puzzled about the reason for the consultation.
"Midterms."
"Midterms Ah."
Mentioning the midterms seemed to make her understand. Even if she hadn't witnessed my antics directly, she must've heard something about them.
There are a few students still complaining about the aftereffects of my waterboarding. Moreover, Grace was right there when I created the bomb vest.
"I see. I understand the situation now."
"What about you, Grace?"
"Me? I have a consultation scheduled with Professor Delphoi today."
"Delphoi?"
A sense of unease crept over me. Delphoi causing trouble is supposed to be much later, around between the midterms and finals.
But maybe because of my warning, Grace plans to receive instruction from Godin instead of Delphoi.
"Yes. I have a consultation today, and then I'll be working as Godin's assistant."
"Really?"
"Do you have something to say? You seem a bit tense."
I touched my face. Thinking about what Delphoi might do to Grace made me inadvertently frown.
Normally keeping a straight face, Grace seemed to notice my concerns.
"Be careful."
"Pardon?"
"Be careful. I have a bad feeling."
The best way to deal with Delphoi is to catch him in the act. He's cunning and rarely leaves evidence behind.
In the Soul World, Godin was able to discover his crimes and apprehend him. But that was no easy feat either.
Grace, being a victim, was silenced by her family's pressure, and other students faced a similar situation.
Although it's an awkward time, I figured I could at least warn her. If it doesn't work out, I can always visit later.
Grace, after hearing my warning, looked at me for a while and then glanced around. Seeing no one, she leaned in close and whispered.
"Sivar."
"Yeah?"
"I heard that the professor who restricted your attack rights was Delphoi."
So it was him. Given his penchant for politics, it's not surprising.
I just hadn't thought of him due to all the aggro his absurd restriction pulled.
"So I'd recommend you also avoid entangling yourself with Professor Delphoi if possible. From what I've seen, he doesn't seem like a good person."
"Got it."
"Alright. Then I'll be going now."
"Wait."
"Yes?"
I called her back before she left. Digging through my pockets, I handed her a candy.
There were still plenty of candies Kara gave me. Plus, I always keep uneaten candies in my pockets.
It's like Porori storing acorns in his cheek pouches. He has acorns, and I have candies.
"Here."
"Is this candy?"
"Yeah."
I gave Grace a grape-flavored candy that matched her hair color. The color similarity seemed fitting.
Watching her blink in surprise at the candy and then at me, I quietly added.
"Eat it when you're having a hard time."
She lightly laughed at my words and accepted the candy. Her sharp gaze softened, enhancing her beauty.
Then, she put the candy in her pocket and gently thanked me.
"Thank you. It's tough now, but I'll make sure to eat it later."
"Yeah."
"Should I buy you a cake as thanks?"
"Really?"
I'd be grateful for that. A trade of candy for cake, what a miraculous exchange.
Grace nodded at my confirming question.
"Of course. I already said I'd buy you a cake whenever you want, didn't I?"
"Are you sure? Really?"
"It's fine. You might not know, but the Berche ducal family has lots of money."
It felt like we were having a conversation at eye level. This wasn't neglect but consideration.
From this, it's clear Grace has a kind heart. Her sharpness is merely a result of her family's strict upbringing.
"Thanks."
"No need to thank me. I've received a lot of help from you, after all. See you later."
Grace waved goodbye and left. I waved back at her.
Watching her retreating figure, I moved on, but the ominous feeling grew stronger.
Is he really going to do it today?'
Suppressing the unease, I arrived at Godin's office. It was always filled with the musty smell of old books.
"Ah, you're here. Would you like to sit down for a moment?"
"Yeah."
"Do you like coffee?"
"I haven't had it."
Thinking about it, I've never drunk coffee before. Even at cafes, I only had sweet drinks, never coffee.
Might as well try it now. I took a slow sip of the coffee Godin made.
"How is it?"
"It's bitter and sweet. No, sweet and bitter?"
"Coffee is supposed to be like that. There's a saying that you drink coffee with your nose, not your mouth."
"Really?"
"Not literally drinking it with your nose. It means to enjoy the aroma."
Godin hurried to clarify, perhaps sensing my anxiety. As if I would drink it through my nose.
Even I wouldn't subject myself to such torture. The pain of getting water up the nose is bad enough.
And yet, I inflicted that pain on others. Thinking back, there was plenty of material for consultation.
Grace'
Even while consulting with Godin, my unease about Grace lingered. No matter the timing, Delphoi is still Delphoi.
If that incident occurs, I'll never see Grace again.
As mentioned before, she would be practically abandoned by her family.
My legs trembled uncontrollably with anxiety. Godin's words barely registered.
Is this a primal instinct or just intuition?
Regardless, I felt I needed to visit Delphoi's office.
"Godin."
"Yes? What is it?"
"I need to use the restroom."
"Go ahead. I'll be here waiting."
Using the restroom as an excuse, I managed to leave Godin's office. Immediately, I headed towards Delphoi's office.
I wasnt sure where Delphoi's office was, but remembering the direction Grace went, I should find it easily.
I found it.'
Soon, I reached Delphoi's office. It was quite far from Godin's.
Barging in might not be timely. Plus, there's no rule saying it has to be today.
*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*
So, I knocked lightly. I could sense movement behind the door.
*Click!*
Followed by the sound of unlocking. Normally, the door would be opened, but why lock it?
While I pondered, the door slowly creaked open.
However, it didn't open fully. Not even halfway, just slightly ajar.
"Who are you?"
Through the small opening, a familiar face appeared. A man with an ill-suited short haircut.
Facing Delphoi, I tried to peek behind him to see, but unfortunately, Delphoi was tall enough to block my view.
"Where's Grace?"
"Grace?"
"Yeah. Is she here?"
At my question, Delphoi glanced behind him briefly.
"She's not here. What do you want?"
Blatantly lying.
You're done for.