Chapter 68 of the Academy's Weapon Replicator

Scout (2)

Quinera. Not bad.

No, the best among all possibilities.

Of course, I didn't completely ignore the possibility of scouting Quinera, but I thought the chances of success were very low. She must be incredibly popular.

But if Quinera were to make the first proposal, there would be no reason to refuse.

"Then I'll go, Mom. I need to talk to your father. You should go see Quinera."

"Yes. I hope it goes well."

I cheered for Maria. But I don't think anything will change.

Ampere doesn't easily give in to his stubbornness.

Maria is the same, but that means they'll just run parallel.

The final exams will end before Maria can change Ampere's mind.

After Maria left, I glanced around the room.

This is the infirmary, so there's no real reason for me to be here. I was just about to get up when I heard a voice.

"It's been a while, young master of Roach."

I turned my head at the voice behind me.

A man bowed politely to me.

There was a window behind the man. He must have come in through there.

...I know who this man is.

I've never met him before, but my intuition clearly warned me.

The man who whispered the ancient language to Frontier.

The man who tried to make Elody lose her divine power.

The man wore a long robe that covered his entire body, and his face was hidden in the shadows like a reclusive wizard. His voice and build clearly indicated he was a man, but it could also be a disguise.

"It seems I've surprised you after such a long time. I apologize. I'm in a position where I can't show myself to anyone."

When I didn't respond, the man bowed even deeper.

...This courteous treatment is different from what I imagined.

The incident in the cabin, the memories of Frontier I saw.

The impression I got was that this man was manipulating Frontier like a puppet.

Perhaps the reality isn't much different, but it seems that on the surface, Frontier was in the dominant position. Or rather, he made Frontier believe he was in the dominant position and moved him as he intended.

I opened my mouth. The silence had been a bit long.

Before he starts to suspect, I need to say what I have to say.

"Who are you calling young master?"

I said to the man, feigning arrogance and pride.

Young master of Roach, that title naturally belongs to Ajie.

I don't know if Frontier liked being called young master, but he would have certainly given such a warning.

As expected, the man nodded as if it were no big deal.

"I apologize. I saw such a future and kept making mistakes. I was too hasty."

...Kept making mistakes.

It seems he didn't call Frontier young master just once or twice.

And from the fact that nothing happened until now, it seems Frontier secretly enjoyed the title.

"By the way, Lord Frontier. The interpretation of the ancient language is taking too long."

This man still doesn't know that the interpretation of the ancient language is complete.

"Didn't you ask me to bring out the daughter of the Risha family?"

...It's about Elody.

"I've changed my mind. That's all."

As I spoke, I scrutinized the man's identity.

The fact that such a conversation is possible means that even if Frontier was foolish, he knew the man's identity. It's frustrating that I have no memory of him.

"Wow, that's strange."

A persistent voice flowed from the shadowed face.

"Didn't you ask me, Lord Frontier?"

...What?

Frontier asked him? This guy didn't make the first proposal?

"You hated her, didn't you?"

The man's words coiled around me like a snake.

This feeling, a sweet fragrance from somewhere. He must have infused his words with magic.

But perhaps because the target was the 'original Frontier,' it doesn't seem to affect me now.

...A slight opportunity. I was pretending to be enchanted and listening to his words.

"With all her talents, didn't you find her giggling in front of you disgusting?"

The denigration of Elody. It just sounds unpleasant to me now.

"Didn't you find it unbearable to see her act superior in front of you?"

Perhaps believing in the effect of the magic, the man's expressions became more pointed. To provoke Frontier's jealousy and inferiority.

Fine. Let's see what happens.

"...You."

I slowly opened my mouth.

"Be careful with your words."

"…!"

The man immediately bowed his head deeper upon hearing my words.

"Don't forget who you are. Have you forgotten who you are?"

"No, I haven't."

"Who are you? Why are you by my side?"

"I am Hagley of 'Manget.' I protect you from potential enemies."

"Don't forget."

As I spoke, I felt a sense of frustration filling my body.

...Manget.

The exiles of the continent. And among humans, the group closest to 'the outside.'

Frontier, that fool, must have messed with Manget.

Now, it's me.

The reason Hagley is bowing before me now is because of Ampere.

The original Frontier wouldn't even dare to speak properly to him.

"Now, what about that girl?"

"Elody is not my enemy."

Hagley's face was hidden, but from his lack of response, it seemed he didn't like my words.

But it doesn't matter. I had to say this. I don't know what this guy might do.

"I will eliminate Elody's enemies just as I eliminate my potential enemies."

* * *

At around the same time, as Frontier expected, the scouting was in full swing on campus.

Especially the talented and famous second and third-year students were surrounded by first-year students, creating a spectacular scene. The third-year students, who had more experience and skills, were even more sought after than the second-year students.

The best example of this was Quinera de Viate.

"Senior Quinera! Please join our team…!"

"No, with us!"

Quinera, as expected, was receiving enthusiastic offers from first-year students while sitting in her seat. The line even extended outside the classroom.

Quinera's mood was at its peak. She was hiding a smug smile behind her fan.

Anne was watching her with a cold eye but didn't say anything.

Come on, it's rare for a friend to enjoy some popularity. It won't last long.

But Quinera gave the same response to every student who scouted her.

"I'm sorry, but I already have a prior commitment."

The first-year students, disappointed by her words, turned and left.

Hmm, Quinera is so full of herself.

Yes, this is normal.

Quinera de Viate, the merchant who single-handedly revived her family.

Insight to rival a seer, calculation skills to match, personal combat skills, and a network of connections!

The 'Little Demon Quinera' should be treated like this.

"...So?"

After Quinera's continuous rejections made the first-year students leave, Anne spoke up.

"Huh?"

"Aren't you going to be a 'support unit'?"

When upperclassmen approve a first-year's scouting and participate in the final exams, they are called 'support units.' It's not an official term but one that has become common among students.

"What did you hear? I have a prior commitment."

"...You don't."

"What do you know?"

Quinera replied to Anne, who spoke with a sarcastic tone, while half-covering her face with the fan.

Anne answered matter-of-factly.

"I know because I'm always with you. Even if a scouting offer came in early, would you accept it right away given your personality? You'd check out a few places and then choose the best one. It's strange that you suddenly have a prior commitment."

Why is this girl suddenly so smart? Quinera narrowed her eyes behind the fan.

Anne, who is smart and perceptive.

"Even if, you wouldn't team up with Frontier, right? Who would do such a crazy thing?"

But Anne shrugged and organized her thoughts.

'Hey, you're in a bad mood? Why is it crazy?'

I couldn't say it out loud, but my eyes darted around.

...In fact, there is no prior commitment. Instead, Quinera had given a hint to Malia, Frontier's mother.

Frontier probably won't easily scout anyone. Not only because of his bad reputation, but also because he seems to be on the same team as Atene, and he doesn't have the strong heart to handle a mission with the princess.

Elin is a strong candidate, but she won't participate in the final exams due to her internship. A good merchant never misses such small details.

─I heard the announcement calling Frontier to the infirmary a while ago.

Then Malia will pass the hint to Frontier, and when he comes to this classroom and makes a scouting offer, Quinera will reluctantly accept it. Perfect.

...

...

...But why isn't he coming?

It's been quite a while since the announcement, but there's no sign of him.

"Um, hmm. Then, I'll go to the bathroom."

"Huh? Let's go together."

"Okay, okay. I might be there for a while."

"Ah... Ahaha. Sorry."

Anne laughed awkwardly.

It's annoying to know what she's thinking, but I can't really argue, so Quinera just left.

The destination was, of course, the infirmary.

Coincidentally, she is feeling unwell. Her stomach is queasy, and it feels like something is poking her side. Her breathing is also uncomfortable.

This is really bad timing, right before the final exams. It's dangerous.

So, going to the infirmary is a fated choice, isn't it?

While walking, Quinera suddenly stopped. She ended her momentum in a way that surprised even herself.

"Why, thinking about it, what do I need to do? I can just go back to the classroom and wait."

Meeting Frontier now seems a bit premature.

He's probably still in the infirmary.

She turned around and walked back the way she came.

I'll just go to the bathroom as I told Anne. Suddenly, that thought came to her.

...Quinera stopped again.

'...What is this?'

Quinera frowned.

Since becoming the head of the Viate family, she has rarely changed her decisions.

She has never been indecisive for trivial reasons.

Her decision to go to the infirmary was clear, with a reason and no hesitation.

But she turned back.

Just because she suddenly thought of it.

...Quinera, pull yourself together.

Something is off.

Quinera's ability to read people is comparable to a seer.

But her ability to read 'objects' is not yet at that level.

Her skill in distinguishing between fake and real is still immature, which is why she lost the bet with Frontier.

Quinera continued to study traps and barriers after meeting Frontier.

She didn't neglect such studies even before, but she couldn't tolerate being behind the one she was trying to teach.

...Therefore.

She noticed.

The 'barrier of approach.'

The moment she identified it, the scent of mana stung her nose.

The barrier of approach used by Renzo to kidnap Atene.

It was revealed because this place isn't as wide as a field, and the target was Quinera.

A barrier of approach is set up in the infirmary, preventing anyone from entering.

Why?

'...Frontier is in danger.'

Quinera's steps quickened. Even knowing the nature of the barrier, its effect was still ongoing.

It felt quite unpleasant, as if her will was continuously being denied.

But if she tried to break it forcefully, the person who set it up would notice. Fortunately, knowing it's a barrier reduces its effect.

And when she reached the front of the infirmary.

Quinera discovered an unexpected person.

Someone had arrived before her.

The person was standing in front of the infirmary door, staring at it endlessly.

As if just by looking, they could see through to the other side.

No, no. She was listening. To the conversation inside the room.

"...Elody?"

When Quinera muttered almost inaudibly, Elody slowly turned her head.

The gaze that confirmed Quinera was trembling, as if she had heard something she shouldn't have.