Chapter 48

The second part will be posted today if it's possible. If not, it will be posted around noon tomorrow.

Ain, as usual, was led by Chris and headed towards the academy.

Despite the many people at White Rose Station, Ain, who was already used to such things, was thinking about what to do today as he headed for the academy.

"Hey, Lord Ain, good morning."

"Good morning, Your Highness. It seems we were on the same train."

The two friends, who had met early in the morning, had been close since their first year. Ain often spent time with Roland, and the other was a silver-haired boy named Leonard. Leonard was the heir of the Fors Ducal Family, one of the upper nobles of Ishtalika. After the inter-school competition that Ain watched in his first year, Leonard mustered the courage to speak to Ain.

Since then, the three of them have been getting along well, perhaps due to their compatible personalities.

"Yeah, good morning. It's really tiring with all these people, isn't it?"

The two laughed lightly at Ain's words. Since there was no need to have a conversation at the station, they started heading to the academy. Chris, Ain's bodyguard, and two bodyguards from the Fors Ducal Family accompanied them, making a total of six people walking to school.

And so, Ain's usual school life began once again.

* * *

Upon arriving at the academy, Chris and the Fors family's bodyguards parted ways with Ain. In fact, the Royal Kingsland Academy, though not widely publicized, has several people skilled in covert operations stationed on the grounds to protect the children of nobles and the future leaders of Ishtalika.

"Your Highness, have you had breakfast yet?"

"Not yet. What about you two?"

"I just had a light snack."

"Me too. It's perfect, so let's head to the terrace first, shall we?"

The open terrace at the academy is adjacent to the cafeteria and lounge, where they can eat or study. The three of them enjoy having leisurely conversations and studying on the open terrace, as well as gathering for meals.

Following Roland's suggestion, they decided to head to the terrace first.

"What should we eat today?"

"I think I'll have some mountain delicacies today."

"I'm not sure... I'll eat some meat to replenish my energy for the afternoon practicals."

"Then I'll go for seafood."

"Your Highness, that's the same as always, isn't it?"

"Caught me. But the food here is delicious, and sometimes I do try other dishes."

The cafeteria menu, created by several renowned chefs, is so good that even Ain and Leonard, who have refined palates, have no complaints. The portions are also generous, as they are designed for students. Since the cafeteria fees are included in the tuition, there is no additional charge. For Roland, who was born a commoner, this is especially appreciated.

Ain particularly enjoys seafood here. The fresh ingredients delivered every morning are of such high quality that they can be eaten raw. Although he occasionally orders other dishes, Ain mostly orders seafood.

"But it still feels luxurious, doesn't it?"

"Luxurious, you say?"

Leonard was puzzled by Ain's words.

"Exactly. We're just students, yet we get such delicious food this early in the morning and can relax on the terrace."

"Indeed, as you say, Lord Ain. I sometimes think the same thing."

"But in return, we must produce results. That's the academy's policy... We must demonstrate our value and be evaluated for it. Compared to other schools and groups, there are certainly unique aspects that cannot be denied."

After a while of talking, Ain and his group arrived at the open terrace. They glanced at the people sitting at the tables, but all of them were in groups, regardless of grade.

Some were quietly eating, while others were studying. They were truly enjoying their freedom to do as they pleased.

"I'll go order for us. Is it okay with what you two said earlier?"

"Thanks, Roland. I'll leave it to you."

"Alright, then I'll sit with His Highness and wait. Thanks, Roland."

"Got it. I'll be right back."

Roland, who was considerate enough to order for everyone, left, and the remaining two sat down to wait for him. They always sat at a table on the edge of the open terrace, near a large tree and a small fountain, providing a beautiful view. The weather was nice, and the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees and the gentle breeze made it a perfect day to enjoy the surroundings.

"Leonard, I heard that Duke Fors was called by Warren yesterday. Was something wrong?"

"Yes. There was a bit of trouble with the August Trading Company. Some of the existing trading companies have been causing trouble. These companies are quite influential and large... Among them, there is a trading company with ties to the Fors family, and they wanted to hear the story."

"I see. It was like a bit of information gathering, then."

"Exactly. The August Trading Company is currently the most dynamic, and many people are jealous. Personally, I imagine that within a few years, it could become the most powerful trading company in the capital. The chairman's skills are so remarkable that even we are impressed."

The chairman's name is Graf August, formerly known as August. His expertise in logistics, which he demonstrated in Heim, also proved effective in Ishtalika. Warren highly regards him, even saying, "Lord Graf was born in the wrong country" due to his exceptional skills.

When the August Trading Company was established about a year ago, it was not even a topic of conversation. However, within half a year, the situation changed, and the name of the August Trading Company began to be heard more frequently in the capital.

"Right. Graf seems to be very competent."

"By the way, Your Highness, you know the chairman of the August Trading Company, don't you?"

"Various things happened..."

"Actually, aren't you closer to his granddaughter, Crown?"

"I, I don't know what you're talking about. But I do know Crown... yeah."

Leonard smiled, finding Ain's response amusing. Leonard usually has a stern expression, as the Fors Ducal Family has produced many high-ranking officials in the Legal Bureau over generations. Therefore, he has received a high education and has been raised to be a strict person.

However, as they talk, a different impression emerges. His facial expressions are hard to read, but he is quite easy to talk to. He is sensitive to people's feelings and can take care of small details. Ain has heard that he has many hidden fans.

"Hey, sorry to keep you waiting! ...What were you talking about?"

"Just that you two seem very happy. Sorry, Roland, for leaving the ordering to you."

"It's fine, it's fine. Let's eat while it's hot. It looks delicious today."

"I can't start my school day without this. It's not an exaggeration to say that."

Roland returned to the two, skillfully carrying three servings of food. The three, who were in their growing years, eagerly started eating the long-awaited breakfast.

"Hey, you guys are here again. Go ahead and eat."

Several small birds flew to where the three were eating. These birds are regular visitors whenever Ain and his friends gather here.

Thinking the birds might be hungry, Ain tore off pieces of bread and gave them to the birds.

"Good appetite as always, I see."

"Indeed... To receive food from His Highness, these birds are truly fortunate."

"Fortunate, Leonard? It's not that grand, you know? Oh, you're still eating? Can't help it, I guess."

"This has become a regular thing, hasn't it?"

What was the trigger? It was probably when Ain and Roland first started sitting at this table. They heard the chirping of birds from the tree and saw them looking for food on the ground.

Thinking the birds might be hungry, Ain started tearing off pieces of bread and giving them to the birds. The birds began to gather whenever they saw Ain's face.

"I got permission from the cafeteria, so it's fine."

Considering the potential issues with bird droppings, giving them food could have been inappropriate. Therefore, Ain contacted the cafeteria manager and asked if it was okay to give them a little bread. Permission was easily granted, and now giving bread to the birds has become a daily routine.

"By the way, Your Highness, what are your plans for today?"

"I haven't really thought about it. Probably going to the library, as I have some research to do."

"You've been researching this for a year now, but have you found any clues?"

What Ain was researching was about the mysterious magic stone. Despite extensive efforts, no significant discoveries have been made. The academy has many valuable resources that are not available in the castle. Over the past year, he has read many documents, but no clues have been found. However, there are still many documents to explore, so he continues to visit the library daily.

"If you need help, we can assist... But it's different, right?"

"I appreciate your offer, but since it's something I want to research, I'll do it on my own. Also, I might visit the training facility in the afternoon, for the first time in a while."

The matter of the mysterious magic stone is not something he can share. Therefore, Ain is researching it alone. Although no clues have been found, reading many documents has helped him accumulate knowledge, so it's not entirely negative.

Another place is the training facility. Although Ain mainly trains at the castle, he occasionally visits the training facility at the academy. The training facility here is special, allowing for different types of training compared to the usual facilities or the castle.

The group enjoyed their meal for a while and then dispersed. Since they all have different main subjects, they go their separate ways to study, except for general education classes.

* * *

Today, as usual, I found no new clues about the mysterious magic stone.

Hello, it's Ain.

My head is getting tired, so I've decided to go to the training facility and move my body.

I can see a few students in the training facility, but it's large enough that it's not a problem.

"Alright, let's have a lively training session today... Hey, Instructor Kaiser! It's been a week!"

"...It's you. You always show up so suddenly. What's up today?"

"Of course, monster training!"

"You always say that."

"But this kind of training can only be done here. We do human combat training at the castle, so we balance it out here."

"Hmm... Fine. I'll get ready, so wait here."

Instructor Kaiser, despite his stern face and attitude, is actually very considerate. In fact, he is so kind that it can be confusing.

His attitude during the entrance exam, where he provoked the examinees, is completely different from his popular and considerate demeanor within the academy.

He's like a kind uncle who complains but still takes care of you.

After training, he gives precise advice and praises hard-working students with high energy, saying, "Good job!"

Honestly, when I first met him here, his completely different impression from the entrance exam was confusing.

"Who will be the opponent?"

"A Red Bison."

"That's not a monster for someone your age to face. Fine, I'll prepare the equipment."

White Bison is a high-end ingredient. I once absorbed its magic stone, and it tasted like the best steak.

The Red Bison, apparently, is the evolved form of the White Bison. Instructor Kaiser said it tastes bad. "It's like the Red Bison woke up to a wave of killing intent," he once said, but I don't understand what that means. However, it's good training, so I don't think about it.

"Hey, Instructor."

"What is it?"

"If I became an adventurer and joined a guild, how tough would a Red Bison be?"

"About the level that two mid-level adventurers could take down, with one acting as a decoy."

"Wow... I see."

"So, it's not something a kid your age should face alone."

"Then why can we fight it in the academy's training facility..."

The magic tool that allows monster training is really helpful. I heard it uses a ridiculous amount of magic stones to create illusions, but I don't understand the principle. The highest-level illusion it can create is apparently a Red Bison. I heard there are only about three of these expensive and high-maintenance devices in Ishtalika.

"Even though it's an illusion, the sensation is confusing, isn't it?"

"If you say that, the impact without actual damage is also confusing. I don't understand it either. Just leave the complicated technology to the developers. We use it to get stronger. No problem, right?"

"True. By the way, have you ever fought a Red Bison in real life?"

"Before I got injured, I killed many tougher monsters. Alright... I'm almost ready."

Instructor Kaiser was a respected adventurer, even by Lloyd. However, after sustaining major injuries to his limbs, he could no longer move as he wished and retired from adventuring. He then became an instructor at the Royal Kingsland Academy through a guild recommendation.

"Three in a row, please."

"Fine. You're a cheeky one... Prepare yourself, Ain. We'll start on your signal!"

—Kaiser was asked by Silverwood himself to be strict with Ain and to do so in the role of an instructor and student. Ain was grateful for this, as a more lenient instructor might have made him more reserved.

The monster training began. Focused on getting stronger, Ain concentrated on the illusions of the monsters that appeared.

Thank you for all the support.

I hope you continue to enjoy my work.