TTND 52

CHAPTER 52

The other students were surprised.

According to Professor Deneve, Idnia really hadn’t studied magic in advance?

‘But she seems better than all of us.’

‘Isolde and Fiona are good too, but they studied ahead of time…’

‘Now that I think about it, the Academy does have general education classes. That dryad teacher also said learning chemistry helps with alchemy.’

‘If the secret to her magic is in those classes, maybe we can become like her if we study them too?’

Now everyone understood why Idnia’s magic was so different and strong.

“Once you finish the basic required classes, take some general education subjects like chemistry, geometry, or math. It’ll help you design magic better and make your spells stronger.”

“Alright, that’s it for today.”

After class ended, Professor Deneve spoke to Karl and Idnia, who had applied for overnight leave.

“For those going out, here’s your overnight pass. Would you like to leave now or after lunch?”

“I’ll go now,” Karl answered quickly.

It would be cheaper to eat the dorm food and then leave, but they didn’t want to waste a precious meal during their rare day off on such bad food.

“Then finish packing at the dorm and come to my office.”

With that, Professor Deneve opened a teleportation gate and disappeared from the classroom.

Isolde and Fiona watched her silently.

‘So that’s how it is… Her strong magic isn’t from training, but from basic studies. Fine. I’m behind now, but I’ll catch up soon.’

‘I won’t lose either.’

The two hard-working girls from Zephyros and Notos burned with determination to beat Idnia.

‘Hmm… I can feel those intense stares. It’s heating up now.’

‘But wow, Professor Deneve really figured out my trick. I was scared for a second there.’

‘I’m grateful for the extra point, but honestly, I wish she hadn’t noticed. It would’ve been better to stay under the radar.’

Idnia felt her classmates’ competitive stares as she prepared for her overnight leave.

After getting her pass, Karl approached her.

“Hey, Idnia.”

“Yes, sir Karl? Do you need something?”

“What are you planning to do during your leave? Got anything scheduled?”

“I do, but I’d like to keep it a secret.”

Idnia planned to use her free time to find and trigger in-game events in the village to gain useful rewards.

But Karl didn’t give up.

“So you do have plans. But not all your time will be busy, right? Since we’re going out together, how about we have a meal and talk about future plans?”

“…”

Idnia was surprised at how persistent Karl was, even after she politely refused.

Maybe he just wanted to talk about forming alliances at school. But if this was about romantic interest, it felt more like a pushy boss bothering a new intern.

Then suddenly, someone jumped between them.

It was Heukrang, Idnia’s servant. He couldn’t stand it anymore and stepped between them.

‘This kid just slipped into my range like nothing?’

Karl was shocked.

A young foreign boy had jumped in between him and Idnia. The distance was so close, if he had a dagger, Karl could’ve been stabbed.

Realizing Heukrang had assassin-level skills made Karl back off. He realized that if the boy had real intent to kill, he wouldn’t have had time to react.

Cold sweat ran down Karl’s back.

“Heukrang. He’s a prince from the Ansbach Duchy. And it’s not like he did anything too rude.”

“I’m not that weak. If he really tried to threaten me, I could handle it on my own.”

Idnia didn’t want Heukrang to cause trouble and make enemies. So she warned him ahead of time.

Heukrang cleared his throat and adjusted his expression.

His tribe had a deep hatred for the Eldar Empire nobles. Their land was taken, and they were forced into slavery, famine, and even genocide.

As the future leader of his tribe, Heukrang often spoke rudely to others. But going up against someone like Karl could lead to serious consequences.

Still, Heukrang didn’t back down.

“A prince of Ansbach? Then why are you acting so threatening toward my master?”

At that, Karl’s servants approached.

They already knew Heukrang from the village, but even so, they couldn’t stand seeing him being rude to their young master.

“This little brat?!”

“Do you even know who you’re talking to?”

“And do you guys know who she is?”

As the tension rose, Karl raised his hand to stop them.

“Everyone, step back. This was my fault.”

“Huh?”

“Yes, sir…”

His servants stepped away.

Since they already knew Heukrang, they even made little hand gestures to show they meant no harm.

‘These guys…’

Karl saw them signaling and smiled inside.

If he ordered them to fight, they’d risk their lives to protect him. But he didn’t want to start a fight with a kid they knew just to prove loyalty.

‘Besides, I have to admit… that kid’s assassin skills are amazing.’

Karl then asked Heukrang directly,

“Did I really seem that dangerous to you?”

“You were being too pushy. It looked like a strong man bullying a lone girl.”

“Ouch. That’s rough. Back home, no girl ever rejected me.”

“My mother used to say I’d be the most handsome man in the world.”

“You must be out of touch with reality, sir. The world is a harsh place.”

“Haha…”

Karl was shocked. Not just by Heukrang’s stealth, but also by realizing he came off as a creepy guy pressuring a girl.

Karl might seem bold, but he was still a teenage boy. Realizing he looked like a bully hurt his pride.

“You’re a funny guy. Saying I’m not handsome—that’s a bold joke.”

“…”

Heukrang stayed quiet. He had already gone too far with the rude talk and didn’t want to make it worse.

As the future leader of his tribe, he had his pride. But he could tell Karl, unlike most noblemen, was surprisingly kind and forgiving.

Heukrang felt quietly thankful.

‘That’s why I won’t say he’s ugly. But don’t try to take my master.’

Karl smiled at Heukrang’s expression.

“Alright. Let me apologize to Miss Idnia.”

“I was a bit too pushy. Will you forgive me? I’m still young and inexperienced.”

“It’s fine. Thank you for being understanding toward Heukrang.”

“No need to thank me. But seems like you have the wrong idea about me.”

“Well then, let’s head to the village. No need to waste time.”

“Are you sure, sir?”

“That brat talked down to you, sir. Just say the word and we’ll deal with him.”

Karl’s servants acted like they were ready to attack Heukrang, even though they’d been friendly with him moments ago.

“He’s the heir’s servant. And he’s probably really strong.”

“Even if the Beit family is struggling, they wouldn’t send someone weak to serve her.”

“Don’t mess with him. He’s dangerous.”

Karl then got into the carriage his servants had prepared.

As it began to move, some servants climbed in while others followed on foot.

One of them came over to Heukrang.

“Hey, Heukrang. You’ve got guts, talking like that to a noble.”

“I’m the future leader of my tribe. I can’t bow to some imperial noble.”

“Pfft. You’re her servant and the next tribal chief? Come on.”

“Idnia is my friend.”

The servant clearly didn’t believe him.

“Yeah, yeah. I’ve got a golden cow at home too.”

“Anyway, just tell your master that we scolded you.”

“No thanks.”

“C’mon, it’s for your own good. See you later.”

“Yeah.”

As the servant left, he bowed politely to Idnia.

“Sorry for the trouble, my lady. Please forgive our young master. He means well.”

He ran off to catch up with the carriage.

“That was unexpected.”

“Hm? What was?”

“They actually seem to like you a lot.”

Idnia was surprised to see Heukrang getting along with Karl’s servants.

“Well, back when everyone else was confused, I helped them find good spots to pitch tents.”

“Why tents?”

“They’re worried the inn is full of spies.”

“Oh… sounds tough.”

“Let’s go. Should we ride Heukpae? There’s no roof on the cart, but this umbrella should be enough.”

“Sure.”

Idnia took the umbrella Heukrang handed her from the cart.