Chapter 165 - 163 Academy Interviews
Since exams such as the academy entrance tests had begun in the Imperial Capital, I had returned there for the time being.
Soon after, the Principal called for me.
"I wonder what kind of students will enter this year. Oh, that's right, let me inform you. It has been decided that Kate-kun will become a teacher next year."
"Is that so? She is highly trusted by the students, after all."
Nodding with satisfaction, he poured some tea.
"It seems Aristo-kun is training in your territory. Was there something specific he was aiming for...? It might be late to mention, but I don't think he's aiming to be an adventurer. Managing a territory must be difficult for you too, right? After all, you obtained the Title of Baron at only seventeen. I am honored to have a student like you!"
"That is true. Managing a territory is quite difficult..."
Looking down below, I could see students who had come for interviews getting into a quarrel.
"Principal. May I be excused for a moment?"
"Does it concern you? Go ahead!"
Leaving the Principal's office, I headed toward the quarreling students, where I saw a child from a peasant background taking the exam, being bullied by the son of a wealthy merchant family.
"You reek of manure! Don't come here, you pauper!"
"Hah! Just because your parents are rich doesn't mean you can act all high and mighty!"
The teachers tried to intervene, but the atmosphere felt like it was about to turn into a physical fight.
"Isn't it fine? Why don't they just fight? They seem to have more than enough energy."
When I said this to the teachers, the merchant's son asked, "Who the hell are you?"
"I am Shivans. I am your senior. Besides, if you are going to ask someone something, it is common courtesy to introduce yourself first, Mr. Naive."
The boy called Mr. Naive was met with derisive laughter from those around him; his face turned bright red and he lunged at me, but I smoothly dodged, and he tripped over a stone I had created with Earth Magic, slamming his face into the ground and sustaining a heavy injury.
"You failed your attack!"
"How pathetic..."
"Your parents are rich but you have nothing to be proud of yourself for? That's lame!"
"Your face is looking a lot more handsome now, Mr. Naive! Wahaha!"
"What kind of countryside did you crawl out of?"
As they burst into laughter, I helped up the frustrated boy, but he tried to shake me off, though he couldn't move at all.
"You seem to be making fun of others, but in three years, you might unexpectedly find yourself in the opposite position, you know? If you achieve excellent grades here, you can become a knight or an Internal Affairs Officer regardless of your status. If you cannot understand people's feelings a little better, it will be impossible even if your grades are good."
Was it a humiliation to be laughed at by everyone? He left as if fleeing.
Then, I spoke to the peasant child.
"Did you not come here because you wanted to study at this academy and become someone who can contribute to the country? Is it acceptable to throw your life away by falling for such trivial provocations? You only have three years to study at this academy. Whether it is to make good friends or to learn various things, do you really have enough leeway to spend those three years on someone with no common sense?"
Hearing those words, the boy shook his head and said, "I am very sorry."
"It is quite alright. That boy from before was surely a lonely child. He was what you might call an 'attention seeker,' I suppose."
The peasant child let out a snort and laughed loudly, saying, "He was an attention seeker...?", and the people around him also laughed, saying things like, "What a lonely guy," or "I wonder if he'll show up tomorrow with that face?"
The merchant's son had fled, but I wondered if he would come tomorrow—unaware that a fate awaited him where he would be called an attention seeker and laughed at in places he didn't even know.
There were also those watching the scene with mockery.
"It seems there's always a fool like that every year, isn't there, Wolf?"
"It's because they come without any goals or purpose. Even if a guy like that passes, he won't become a decent adult! Moreover, to go toward that person... Oscar thinks so too, doesn't he?"
The two former adventurers were also laughing as they watched.
Unexpectedly, the boy who fled was the son of a merchant in the Imperial Capital. When he returned home crying, the Head Clerk and the apprentices rushed to him, shouting, "Young master!"
"Did you not go to the exam?"
"Y-yes, but... I was harassed and beaten by a senior who was like a thug..."
That news reached his father, the shop owner, and Appo of the Appo Trading Company, an overprotective father, came rushing out.
"Who the hell made Akire go through such a thing? Get him treated immediately! As I thought, I should have provided a guard for the exam..."
As the shop owner expressed his regret, the Head Clerks informed him, "It seems the young master was bullied by a senior from the academy."
"So, it was just a school for the foolish young masters and young ladies of the nobility after all. To think they would look down on us merchants! Even if we complain to the Military Police or the academy teachers, they won't listen. I have a plan!"
There, Appo headed out to place a request in the Underworld.
"I want you to avenge my son! I will pay!"
"Even if you say that, if we don't know the face or the name..."
"It's useless talking to someone like you! Call your boss!"
The foolish son, Akire, had not remembered the name Shivans.
"Unfortunately, the boss is away. For now, since you said it was an academy senior, we will look into it on our end."
"Umu. You should find out soon! I'm counting on you!"
After Appo left, the story quickly reached Mosel.
Upon hearing the contents and intuitively sensing (Shivans-sama is involved), Mosel sent Glassman toward the academy.
Glassman, who was able to meet me, looked relieved.
"I am the cause of that story, but it has been quite distorted."
When I explained that it was a commotion caused by Akire discriminating against a peasant, Glassman gave a wry smile.
"Fufufu. Would you leave this matter to us?"
"I suppose so. Let me see the skill of Mosel and Glassman."
Once the story reached Mosel, he immediately met with Appo.
"My son was victimized! I will not just let this go!"
"We are still in a situation where the opponent is unknown, but we should find out once we investigate. What do you intend to do once you find out? The opponent is likely a noble. It won't be easy, you know?"
Nodding deeply at Mosel's words, Appo pressed him, "How much would I have to pay for you to do it?"
"Shall we say one hundred million, including investigation fees, as an upfront payment?"
"I-impossible! How could I pay such a large sum!"
"If you think you can manage with pocket change, please do it yourself. I will act as if I heard nothing regarding this matter. Appo-san, it seems it is time for you to go home. Please see him out."
When he called out to the young men behind the door, Appo was ushered outside.
What should I do...
As Appo stood at a loss, a stranger called out to him.
"Sir. To come to a place like this, are you perhaps in some trouble?"
Feeling as though he were grasping at straws, Appo immediately fell for the man's sweet temptation.
"That's right! I want to avenge my son!"
"I have many acquaintances among the refugees, the displaced, and the immigrants. Please, tell me the details."
Thinking that there would be no way to trace him if he did that, Appo told everything to the mysterious man.
"I understand. About how many people do you need? Also, would you like to interview the ones with motivation?"
"I suppose so. I want to interview them. However, I do not want my face to be seen, so please prepare a place like that."
It was more of a dark deal than an interview, but when told, "I will charge an introduction fee, you know?", he asked, "How much is required?"
"The venue fee plus an introduction fee of ten thousand G per person will be fine."
"Understood. I will pay."
Since the one hundred million upfront had been so high, he felt ten thousand was cheap and complied readily. To accommodate Appo's convenience of wanting somewhere other than a shop, the negotiations were held in a place that avoided public eyes.
That Night.
In a dilapidated house lit only by candles, he was guided to a place with partitions like shoji screens. Once he was made to enter, Appo conducted interviews one after another.
"My pride is my physical strength! Look at the thickness of these arms! If it's just to inflict pain, it's 500,000 upfront. If you're going all the way to killing, it's 1,000,000 upfront. Can you pay?"
"I-is it really okay? You won't run away with the money?"
"If you can't trust me, use your own subordinates! I'm leaving!"
His subordinates were nothing but merchants.
Damn it! These guys are taking advantage of me!
"W-wait! I'll pay! I'll pay, so..."
Thinking it was better than paying the one hundred million, he handed over the upfront payment.
"Next person, please."
When told that, Appo was disappointed to see a woman emerge.
"What? It's a woman?"
"You think you can kill people with just physical strength? Rather, women have their own weapons, you know? Don't you know? Since long ago, they've said 'to be slit by a woman' in her sleep, right? Isn't it a man's romance to die while embracing a good woman?"
Thinking that might be true, he ended up handing over 1,000,000 G.
In the end, he was introduced to ten people, paid the mysterious man 100,000 G, and ended up paying 1,000,000 G to each of the assassins, Appo.
Ultimately, he paid 10,100,000 G, but they were not supposed to act immediately.
"We need to make preparations, so please give us some time for now."
"When will you move into action?"
"Please wait at least one month for now."
"How can I wait that long! Forget it!"
Appo angrily shouted, "Give me my money back!", but after that, contact could never be made with them again. The true identity of the mysterious man was Glassman, and the ten assassins were the shop's employees.
"Damn it! A whole month away..."
Appo stomped his feet in frustration.
The next day, when he went to the academy and the Military Police to complain, he was laughed at.
"What is so funny, Principal?"
"What is being said about Akire-kun regarding this matter?"
Appo was stunned as he was told a story completely different from what he had heard from his son.
"T-that's impossible! My son is an honest, good boy!"
"In front of the examinees, he mocked a peasant, picked a fight, and when he lunged at a senior who tried to stop him, he swung and missed. He tripped on a stone and fell on his own, getting injured. Since many people were watching, why don't you go and check?"
Even when he went to the Military Police, he was kicked out, told, "Your upbringing is lacking! Blame yourself before coming to complain to others! Even though you're a good-for-nothing parent!"
The commotion grew large, and Appo became a laughingstock to the public.
It was no longer just about the 10,000,000 G; customers began to point fingers at him from behind, saying things like, "I can't do business with your place!" or "That shop is..."
And then, he was aghast to learn that the person Akire had lashed out at in a fit of rage was 'Baron Shivans von O'Brien.'
"Akire... why did you lie!"
"I wasn't wrong! I just said the peasant kid smelled because he smelled! And that bastard got in the way! If he hadn't come sticking his nose in so arrogantly..."
The employees who heard this were completely repulsed.
With this kid, this shop is finished.
Everyone thought so.
Everyone looked on with exasperation, thinking it was typical of Akire, a quintessential young master who had never once experienced the pain of being on the receiving end.
Then, Appo spoke to Akire as if to admonish him with a sorrowful face.
"Do you not know what is okay to say and what is not? Besides, wasn't that injury your own doing? You were supposed to be an honest, good boy, weren't you?"
Akire revealed his true nature as if mocking his father.
"Tch! All my hard work until now has gone down the drain. And after I spent all this time pretending to be a good boy. That's right! It's all that senior's fault! I wanted to punch him at least once!"
Rather than being exasperated, the father lamented, feeling as though his own son had become a completely different person.
"I failed to teach my son something important. The vital thing called trust. You should have suffered more!"
Akire ended up being kicked out of the house.
Then, out of spite, he attempted to attack me, but he was subdued and handed over to the Military Police.
In an instant, it became a matter for the newspapers, and the Appo Trading Company closed its doors due to this incident.
The incident was also highlighted in the newspapers, and more families began to worry, asking, "Will the children in our house be alright?"
The examinees gossiped, saying, "I knew he was a crazy guy," but it was soon forgotten.
Everyone was too preoccupied with their own affairs.
They were working desperately, knowing that if they could graduate from the academy with excellent grades, it was possible to get various jobs, and they could go to higher schools in specialized fields, ensuring a secure and stable future.
"First, I have to pass!"
"Even a peasant child can become a knight!"
"That's right! They say even women from merchant families can become Internal Affairs Officers or doctors!"
The Principal welcomed such students.
Thinking it would be a pity to end the interviews for the examinees who came from far away with just the interviews, he had them talk with seniors and visit the school cafeteria.
Among the first-year to third-year students, the most common topic was about me, a student and a noble. In particular, the second and third-year students were asking questions because they felt a sense of incongruity regarding the fact that they called me a devil.
"Why are you called a devil? One of my seniors was stripped naked and hung from the rooftop! No matter how much bad things they did, that was going too far! That senior is still crying because they don't have a marriage partner yet..."
"Is that so? Those seniors with the bad temper extorted money from me, and I've even cried! When those seniors were hung by the devil, I was clapping!"
While there were pros and cons, as the examinees struggled with what was right and what was wrong, a third-year student taught them.
"In this world, if you change your perspective, there are both good things and bad things. I think once you enter this academy, you should learn what is right and what is wrong. I also want you to know that it changes depending on one's own sense of justice."
Hearing those words, many examinees said, "I see."
In the school cafeteria, the Seven Idols were also very popular for making food. The ladies at the school cafeteria, who had brought in my recipes, were also delighted as their cooking skills improved.
"We belong to a club called the Cooking Club!"
When Rinora, who prided herself as having the 'largest breasts' among the seven, said that, the male examinees flocked to them, but examinees who had heard the rumors about the seven women avoided them.
"I heard those seniors were taken away by bandits and gang-raped."
"Seriously? They're just pretty prostitutes, then. Ahahaha."
Hearing that, Valentina became angry, but the other six stopped her.
"Just let them talk! Our future is bright! We have no business with people who grumble about the past!"
"That's right! It's just as Arina says!"
Valentina regained her smile.
Most students didn't seem to care much even after hearing such rumors. The examinees who tried to spread those rumors were met with derisive laughter.
"So what? Do you think you'll even be considered?"
"Are you stupid? It's meaningless if you don't pass, you know?"
"The newspapers even said those people fled and were rescued while wandering the mountains in a life-or-death struggle. Don't you read the news? If you think you can pass with that level of intellect, you're truly blessed."
They were laughed at and ran away.
Many students did not mind the fools and focused on their own business.
They were asking many seniors what kind of questions would be asked in the interviews and what they should say. After that, they enjoyed their meals or thought about things after passing.
Such academy students were performing food distribution and medical treatment for the poor refugees and immigrants in the Imperial Capital.
When examinees asked, "Do you really go that far?", they were told, "Would you leave people in need right in front of you alone?", leaving the examinees at a loss.
That action was welcomed by many people in the Imperial Capital, and it was highly acclaimed by the common people, saying, "As expected! Students of the Altmea Empire's academy! You all shall carry the future of the country!"
The situation is completely different from a year ago.
Originally, a group that noticed it started it voluntarily, saying, 'If winter comes, they might freeze to death from the cold.' When that was published in the newspaper and they received an award from Klaus, everyone started doing it as if they were competing.
When examinees came to the Imperial Capital, they noticed that every shop had 'Academy Students Welcome' written on it, and they could receive discounts at each shop.
"Are you examinees? Good luck!"
"If you eat at our place as a Good Luck Charm, we'll give you a discount!"
The examinees' tension rose as they were cheered on by the townspeople, saying, "Do your best! Become like your seniors!"
"The academy really is for the elite!"
"I... definitely want to pass!"
Everyone had only come to take the exam, but those from the provinces, who had come with a longing for the city, were moved.
Knowing this, the Principal smirked.
"It is no longer just an academy for nobles; the possibility of obtaining more excellent students has increased!"
It was worth the Principal saying so happily.
This year, there were far more examinees than last year. Part of the reason was the economic boom, but a major factor was that the class system, which the nobility had been resting on, was no longer fitting the trend of the times.
It feels as though every common person is waiting for the arrival of a bright new era. It's a different flow from the uprising I had envisioned.
Of course, there are resistance forces that dislike rapid change.
Those who have benefited until now will resist.
The change of the times will be most prominent in the academy.
The number of merchant children increased last year, but this year, children of peasants and artisans are also taking the exam. Among them are children of former nobles and various other circumstances, but the Principal was also happy that there were many young people burning with dreams and hope.
In the Palace, His Majesty was also surprised by the large number of examinees. Previously, His Majesty had been concerned with the feelings of the nobility, but now he also looked at the reputation among the common people.
"It seems there are even parents who are hoping that they might become nobles from the commoner class. The reputation among the common people is excellent! Immigrants are increasing because it is a kind country, even to women and low-status persons!"
His Majesty nodded with satisfaction at Klaus's words.
"By the way, how is that fellow doing?"
"I heard he has returned to the academy for now. Shall I call him?"
There, a messenger arrived at the academy, and I headed to the Palace.
"You seem to be doing well. Is managing your new territory difficult?"
His Majesty asked with a smile.
"Thanks to you. There is one report I must make..."
At my words, His Majesty leaned forward with a serious expression.
When I told him that we were in the middle of creating a newly built ship to fight the upcoming Duchy of Walujava and a new weapon, he was surprised.
"If it is completed, first carry me aboard!"
"Understood!"
"Is the money alright?"
"If it is insufficient, I shall come to request your help."
His Majesty gave a large nod.
Once I return, I'll have to think about the ship's power source...
I had a rough concept.
I was wondering if the [Water Jet] of the Water Magic I used for attacks could be used as the ship's power source.
I had placed a request with the artisans who make magic tools in my territory.
"I understand, but we'll need a massive amount of magic stones too, you know?"
"I wonder if we can do it..."
To the people looking anxious while looking at the blueprints, I showed them a miniature.
"I will give a prize money of 10,000,000 G to the artisans who succeed. I will provide the magic stones for free, but even so, those who lack motivation may withdraw."
When iron was also provided, no one said they wanted to withdraw.
"Young master! We're going to get 10,000,000! Let's do this, everyone!"
"We'll be number one! Don't let anyone get ahead of us!"
Thus, the power source for the shipbuilding was to be created by the magic tool artisans with all their might.