Chapter 66

After the new student orientation ended, everyone was to check their class assignments and then head to their respective classrooms.

As Lucian tried to look at the posted class assignments from the side, he was pulled by Yuthis.

"Lucian, you're definitely in the same class as us."

When he looked, it was indeed the same class.

"What criteria do they use for class assignments?"

"By academic performance. I had a rough idea that Lucian's grades would be good from the books he reads.

You studied with Count Sariel, right? I heard your uncle was very excellent."

"Yeah. Father's lessons were easy to understand."

As Lucian and the others walked to the classroom, people's gazes followed them.

They were always the center of attention.

Yuthis had a cool and confident demeanor. Odine, as usual, had a composed expression.

Yuthis and the others were used to being watched.

Lucian was also being watched, but he had gotten used to it.

—Father told me to be resolute.

Father had said:

"Lucian is my son and the heir of the Vione family, an old line of mages. No one can touch you. You are protected. However, in return, don't forget that you carry the family name.

Lucian has good hearing, so you might hear various things, but don't be swayed by things not said to your face. Be resolute. If you do, you'll be able to laugh about it later as a good experience."

At the classroom door, they were checked by the registrar with the student list before entering.

Soon, an older man appeared in the classroom, and the noise inside quieted down.

"I'm Zack Marlow. I'll be teaching magic and handling this class," the teacher with black hair and golden eyes announced.

Next came the self-introductions. "Introduce yourself freely," he said, starting with the students at the end of the row.

This class seemed to have many children of high-ranking nobles. There were a few from merchant families, but they were few.

Yuthis's turn came about 15 students later.

"I'm Yuthis Anzelar. I'm a year younger than most of you, but I wanted to experience the academy early, so I enrolled. I hope to have a fruitful school life. My hobby is riding, and I'm good at speed reading."

He smiled beautifully.

He had a perfect prince's face, but his eyes weren't smiling. It seemed he didn't use his usual carefree smile in such situations.

The girls around him blushed and whispered how charming he was.

Next was Odine.

"I'm Odine Anzelar. My hobby is taking care of horses, and my specialty is also taking care of horses. Nice to meet you."

Odine received particularly enthusiastic gazes from the boys.

In Odine's case, it was the opposite of Yuthis.

She wasn't her usual sarcastic self but smiled unusually cutely, as if she was being social.

When Lucian was impressed, Odine glared at him.

It was Lucian's turn.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Lucian Vione, the eldest son of the Vione family. My hobby is studying herbs, and I'm good at that too."

Studying herbs... wasn't a complete lie, but it was a cover to hide his abilities. He thought that if he was seen looking at plants, people would think it was just a hobby. At least it was an excuse.

The rest of the day was spent distributing textbooks.

◇◇

After the academy ended, Lucian was to head to the palace with Yuthis.

It took about an hour and a half by carriage from the royal academy to the Vione family's mansion. With this distance, he could have been allowed to board, but Yuthis invited him to stay at his place. The queen and the king also said it was fine, and the matter progressed.

Sariel was quite hesitant about receiving such special treatment, but he was convinced that it was normal since they were family.

—Father, isn't this a bit too much? But if the king insists, it's hard to refuse.

While descending the stairs to where the carriage was waiting, Lucian called out to Yuthis and the others.

"Yuthis, Odine.

I want to make a quick stop. It's a favor from Heine.

I need to give something to Professor Seth Levania, so go ahead without me."

"Huh. Heine knows a teacher at the academy?"

"Surprising."

Odine also turned around.

"Yeah. They're tea-drinking friends.

I also get books from the professor sometimes.

Today, I just need to deliver something and say hello."

"I'll go with you."

On a whim, Yuthis decided to go along, and they parted ways with Odine, who was in another carriage.

◇◇

Lucian confirmed that it was Professor Levania's study by the sign on the wall next to the door and knocked.

A gentle voice from inside immediately said, "Come in."

Lucian had met Seth a few times when he came to see Heine.

The professor was of medium height and slender, with an intellectual appearance that clearly marked him as a researcher, yet he was also kind.

"Professor Levania, I have a friend with me. Is it okay?"

Opening the door and calling out, he immediately received a response, "It's fine."

Entering with Yuthis, the first prince's presence made Seth's eyes widen.

"Your Highness.

It's a pleasure to meet you."

Seth quickly regained his composure and smiled, bowing.

"Professor, I'm just a student."

Yuthis also smiled.

"I see.

I was surprised at first."

Seth's face showed a wry smile.

"Professor Levania, this is from Heine."

Lucian handed the package he took from his bag to Seth.

"Ah, thank you. This will be helpful.

Is Heine well?"

Seth took the package carefully and asked cheerfully.

"Yes. Heine said he looks forward to your success."

"Haha. I'll have to work hard. Please convey my thanks."

Seth's study was filled with a large drafting table and bookshelves.

Yuthis, who had been looking around the room, suddenly spoke.

"What kind of bribe did Heine give to Professor Levania?"

Lucian was taken aback by Yuthis's outrageous comment, and Seth chuckled again.

"Herbal tea. It helps with sleep. It has a soft, pleasant aroma.

It's a thank you for the books I gave Heine. We've been friends for a few years."

"I see.

I'm looking forward to the class on magic array structures. Lucian recommended it."

"Is that so? It's rewarding to teach. I look forward to teaching everyone."

Lucian and Yuthis soon left.

"... Yuthis, why did you say such a strange joke?"

While heading to the carriage, Lucian complained to his cousin.

Yuthis, who was a few steps ahead, turned around and looked at Lucian with a probing gaze.

Yuthis, trying to sound as meaningful as possible, asked his cousin.

"Lucian.

Is Professor Levania really just a friend of Heine's?"

"Huh?"

Lucian responded with a blank voice and tilted his head.

Yuthis, seeing Lucian's reaction, realized something.

—... Lucian really doesn't know...

Very few people knew the secret of Lucian's birth.

Yuthis didn't know either and couldn't get an answer when he asked.

But it bothered him.

When they were young, it was enough for Yuthis to just like Lucian and have fun together.

But as they spent more time together, questions arose.

—Where is Lucian's mother?

Is she dead?

Yuthis was told it was impolite to ask about a family's death.

So he asked his mother, Noelle.

"Where is Lucian's mother?"

Noelle had a pained expression.

"I'll tell you when the time comes. For now, leave it alone.

Lucian's mother can't be by his side. Lucian is a broad-minded child, so he doesn't seem to mind. Or, he might be trying not to mind.

That's why Lucian himself doesn't know."

"To not mind" and "to try not to mind" are completely different.

—Lucian probably didn't mind when he was young. About not having a mother. But now, he's probably "trying not to mind."

Yuthis speculated.

Yuthis couldn't possibly not mind.

But there are situations where, no matter how much you worry, you can't do anything about it.

Conversely, even if you don't worry much, you can do something depending on your position or environment.

Lucian must have his own thoughts.

Yuthis had always followed his mother's instructions.

Thank you for reading!