Chapter 69

Chapter 69The esteemed Instructor Vernon and renowned Professor Lars were instrumental in closing the case.

Upon Ludwig’s death, all magic connections were severed, eliminating any further complications.

The demon’s power was rapidly diminishing.

The might of the two scholars, even as secondary participants, was a force to be reckoned with; they could dismiss a lower or mid-level demon with a mere hand gesture.

This significantly lightened the load for the students and allowed me to conserve my energy.

I’m merely recuperating now.

[The debuff ‘Recoil’ momentarily diminishes the player’s physical capabilities].

...I believe I’ve hit my physical threshold.

After acquiring it, I never anticipated using [Genius Hour+] so extensively. It’s usually my last resort.

I didn’t expect to unveil such a vital tool this early.

‘...Now I’m obligated to be Professor Lars’ assistant. I really can’t be bothered.... Are they the same?

One and only one exists.

Without that document, the itemization and enhancement system would be severely impaired.

Inner Lunatic.

This wretched game is undoubtedly the creation of some high-level demons. Even if you refuse, can you reach the finale on the more challenging Inner Lunatic level without enhancements?

I assure you, even a creator with comprehensive knowledge of all the hidden elements couldn’t achieve it, unless equipped with some sort of master cheat code.

“Gray hair, you’ve had a rough time. Regrettably, I don’t carry any misfortune, but for once, your efforts have borne fruit!”

Vernon’s compliment carried an odd undertone, which I chose to overlook.

My body was too depleted to worry about anything else.

A deep ache resonated within my chest, accompanied by the foul taste of blood in my mouth. It mirrored the sensation I experienced while battling the twins.

[You have attained Cold Lv 3 due to the negative trait ‘Nagging Cold’]. {1}

“Kehuk!”

(“kollog!”)

I coughed, startled by the sudden burning sensation. The air around me immediately grew cold, and eyes turned in my direction, but I paid them no mind.

A slight trace of blood was swiftly cleaned up with a handkerchief.

The movement was graceful, a testament to my [acting talent].

Yet, I couldn’t evade the two penetrating stares.

The first was from Talia, who was acutely aware of my illness.

Her concern for me was apparent.

This was likely a reflection of her kind nature.

Talia was a character with a generous heart, so naturally, she would worry about my well-being.

It’s uncommon for a child to witness so much bloodshed. Even she, with her knightly aspirations, would be taken aback.

Nox was inconsolable.

It’s a predictable reaction for the defeated.

It’s unavoidable.

The second stare came from the unlikely named Princess Penelope.

The ‘Cold-blooded Princess.’ She hadn’t yet revealed that icy demeanor, but I was the player who knew her future best.

A chill crept down my spine.

‘Is she just concerned about me? ...That’s probably a stretch.’

By now, she must have discerned my capabilities and background. She’s likely judging my true self based on my protective actions towards her.

Penelope von Arkheim, a princess who has lived her entire life under the shadow of assassination attempts, stands at the front of the succession line.

It’s only natural for her defense mechanisms to be in play.

The fact that it’s me... it’s horrifying.

‘How can the Princess be so unforgiving, even after I saved her?

I sighed internally.

What can I do? I draw attention each time I cough.

I seem to be scratching my head more than necessary.

Perplexity fills me more than I’d like to admit.

I’m venturing into turbulent waters, and becoming a student of Professor Lars will inevitably spark envy and jealousy.

‘Well, if my aim were to play the villain, this would be a good outcome.’

Injustice is often unavoidable.

I remain silent, not attempting to alter what has been set in stone.

That’s my modus operandi.

‘On another note, I’m utterly drained.’

A deep yearning for the comfort of my dormitory bed consumes me.

I’ll seek medicinal relief from Zitri and surrender to some much-needed rest.

My future holds a heavy workload.

Though, as expected, I’ll have to endure Zitri’s familiar grumbling for a spell.

* * *

“I have decided to mentor Nox von Reinhafer formally. He has consented to assist with my thesis, and I intend to appoint him as a co-author of the research paper.”

Fast-forward to the following day.

The chairman attended a banquet at Talonfeather’s. Alumni professors, including Noah, made an appearance.

Subsequent to this gathering.

Lars was the first to voice his intentions to everyone boldly.

“Co-author... isn’t that a premature assessment? Let me clarify, and I’m not questioning Nox’s capabilities.”

And it was easy to deduce who.

Nox von Reinhafer, the most illustrious among the new students, arrived on the scene with Lars, holding a black sword—clinging to fragments of the demon’s unstable mana.

Even though the sword was sheathed, it was not difficult for Penelope to decipher the truth.

This gave rise to a pressing question.

How had Nox managed to defeat a demon during his first year single-handedly?

Why had Professor Lars concealed that Nox was the one who defeated it?

Rumor had it that Professor Lars had already taken Nox under his wing.

Day after day, he had refused, yet following yesterday’s battle, he suddenly agreed to become his student.

What could Nox’s intentions be?

These queries puzzled the princess.

“He’s proving to be a formidable opponent.......”

Penelope bit her lip lightly. A surge of magic filled the room, soon followed by Echidna’s voice from beyond the door.

“I have come with a report, Princess.”

“Enter.”

Echidna bowed and stepped inside.

“The Academy’s faculty meeting has concluded.”

“And the outcome

?”

“Nox von Reinhafer’s exploits were not explicitly mentioned. However, there was a consensus that he should be rewarded. After all, he protected the Princess, and the imperial family seems to concur that he deserves proper recognition.”

“Is this a demand from Nox von Reinhafer?”

“No. It is Dean Noah von Trinity’s decision.”

“I see....”

After a moment, I concluded it might be for the best.

This situation could provide an opportunity to gauge whether Nox would be a bane or boon.

With that in mind, I decided.

“Please inform my father and the imperial family. I will accompany Nox to the capital castle of Talonfeather, where I shall personally present the reward.”

“You mean ...the Princess herself?”

Echidna asked, taken aback. I nodded.

“Indeed. Regardless, he did attempt to protect me.”

Regardless.

This word... signifies an incomplete trust in Nox.

Here, in Elidane, close to Talonfeather, Penelope trusts no one. Apart from Echidna, the concept of trust is almost devoid of value to her.

Even those who’ve stood by her side for years could easily forsake her.

Such is the decaying empire of Arkheim. An empire that would one day be under her reign.

Princess Penelope kept this reality at heart.

Her mistrust was unlike Eleanor’s.

While Eleanor’s mercantile approach involved weighing profits and losses, it was about life and death—a matter of survival.

That was the gravity of the crown she was destined to bear.

“Tomorrow, I will meet Nox myself. Ensure that preparations are in place.”

Empress Penelope now acknowledged the man who saved her. She needed to discern whether Nox could potentially turn against her in the future.

Grasping her intentions, Echidna nodded.

“I understand.”

* * *

...The following day.

As fate would have it, Penelope and Echidna never met.

The reason was straightforward yet unexpected.

[Talent ‘Weakling’ triggers].

[You are under the debuff ‘Mana Drain Lv 2’].

Princess Penelope had succumbed to [Mana Depletion].

This was not the sole issue.

A similar predicament had ensued within the Nox’s Dormitory at Sidious Hall.

[Debuff ‘Cold’ has upgraded to Lv 4].

[Debuff ‘Body ache’ stacks to Lv 2].

.

.

.

The occurrence was inevitable.

Both of them were debilitated due to the effects of the talent [Weakling].

Consequently, their meeting had to be postponed for a few days.

An act of God, it seems. {2}

{1} : “Nagging Cold” is more thematic here than “Crippling Chill.”

{2} : Fits the Euro-centric academy theme but don’t want you to have to look it up and then read the etymology.

Penelope’s proper title might be Crown Princess.

A fellowship I believe best represents the academic relationship between Lars and Nox.