Novelingua - High-Quality Translations of Foreign Novels, Chinese Novels, Korean Novels, Japanese Novels

Chapter 03

Gainando was momentarily convinced that Yi-Han was joking.

How could a person live on nothing but hard black bread and cold rice balls?

And how could someone wear such a rough and shabby cloak?

Yet, Yi-Han's expression was not that of a joker.

‘House Wardanaz... what a fearsome family it must be!’ Gainando was shocked.

The noble houses of the Empire wielded immense power, each with their unique customs and family traditions. Among these, Yi-Han's family, House Wardanaz, was known for having little information available about them. They were not actively involved in politics, focusing solely on magic research.

This led Gainando to a misunderstanding.

So, this was how House Wardanaz raises their kin!

‘Isn't that too harsh? Even slaves are treated better than this... I never imagined the head of House Wardanaz to be so cruel.’

Sympathizing with Yi-Han, Gainando patted his shoulder.

"Come visit my mansion sometime. I will make sure to treat you properly."

"Uh... thank you?"

Though unsure why Gainando was behaving this way, Yi-Han nodded in response.

—

After the Skull Principal's tempestuous speech, students dispersed, providing Yi-Han with another chance to speak with Yonaire.

Yi-Han asked about his earlier curiosity, "Why are you with Gainando? Even if you're cousins, a family like Maykin shouldn't need to heed a minor royal's whims."

"Ah. Because of Gainando's mother," Yonaire replied casually.

Yi-Han, intrigued, inquired further, "Did you owe something to Gainando's mother?"

He imagined a younger Yonaire at a royal banquet, making a grave mistake. Everyone looked at Yonaire with contempt, and she, scared and tearful, was approached by Gainando's mother, one of the empresses.

"It's okay. Everyone makes mistakes."

Such an experience would indeed be moving. Even if Gainando was an insignificant royal, he could still receive royal treatment...

"Eh? No. Gainando's mother is incredibly wealthy. Being friendly with Gainando meant receiving generous sums of money."

Yi-Han was astounded.

There was such a secret?

'I should get close to him too!'

—

The magic academy of Einroguard welcomed everyone from royalty to slaves, as long as they had talent. Of course, the mages knew too well that bringing together sharp and sensitive young boys and girls could easily lead to trouble. Thus, Einroguard's dormitories were divided into four, based on background.

The Tower of the Prideful Blue Dragon.

This was for royalty and noble families of high repute.

As a member of House Wardanaz, Yi-Han naturally belonged here.

"Ugh. Clergies. Wonder if they're just here to preach."

"Shh. Don't start trouble."

Grumbles were heard from those watching the new students of 'The Tower of the Immortal Phoenix'.

The Tower of the Immortal Phoenix.

Followers of the empire’s various religious orders were assigned here.

Remarkably, the empire's priests did not shy away from magic. They saw mana as blessings bestowed by the gods. Thus, sending clergies to Einroguard, the empire's finest magic academy, was not unusual.

'They do stand out.'

The royal and noble students had not yet changed into their uniforms, so their attire varied greatly, but the students that belonged to the Tower of the Immortal Phoenix were all dressed in modest clerical garb.

Noble boys and girls, who had grown up listening to the sermons of priests visiting their families, frowned at the memories these priests evoked.

Clank, clank -

However, their expressions soured even further at the sight of the newcomers.

The Tower of the Fearless White Tiger.

This was where the children that came from a knight family entered.

It seemed unusual for members of a knight family to attend a magic academy, but even among knights, magic was necessary. From telepathy to healing, magic was indispensable. These students were prepared to walk both paths, as knights and as mages.

Gainando grumbled, seemingly displeased by this.

"Do they really have to accept such people who insult the noble and pure path of magic? Wouldn't it be enough to hire street mages as tutors?"

Yi-Han, overhearing this, felt slightly stung. While others might pursue magic to seek pure truth, Yi-Han had entered the academy simply to climb the social ladder.

"Anyone would want to learn from the best if they could."

"Why are you defending them?"

"Gainando."

Yi-Han was now more lenient towards Gainando, having heard about his mother's wealth.

"Noble beings do not scorn those beneath them."

"That seems like a tough condition to meet..."

Despite his reluctance to accept such nobility, Gainando fell silent.

After the students from the knight families passed, the last dormitory's students revealed themselves.

They had the most diverse and unique attire.

The Tower of the Omniscient Black Tortoise.

This dormitory had the most varied composition: commoners, servants, slaves, jesters, beggars, merchants, and emerging lower nobility. Aware of their low status, they seemed somewhat intimidated.

'I'd like to get close to them if I get the chance.'

Unlike others who looked down on them, Yi-Han wanted to form connections, seeing an opportunity.

What was the best way to make money?

Certainly, it was business. And for such ventures, people experienced in the real world, not someone like Gainando, were ideal partners.

"Are they looking this way?"

"Don't make eye contact. Nothing good will come of it."

"Detestable brats..."

The students from the Tower of the Prideful Blue Dragon looked on with contempt, but the others were not oblivious to this disdain. Knowing there was nothing to gain from a confrontation, they averted their gaze and moved on.

"Do we really have to accept such vulgar people? Even considering everything, this is too much."

One whisper stood out clearly among the murmuring voices.

The students of the Tower of the Omniscient Black Tortoise heard it too, their expressions turning grim.

'Ah.'

Yi-Han realized this was an opportunity. A chance to build connections with the students of the other tower!

'Time to make a move.'

—

Despite their efforts not to, the students of the Tower of the Omniscient Black Tortoise felt intimidated. Even the more audacious ones hesitated to respond to the unfamiliar atmosphere and the whispers.

Then, a boy from the Tower of the Prideful Blue Dragon stepped forward: Yi-Han. The boy, with a bold and statuesque appearance, slowly spoke up.

"It's you who are vulgar. Didn't everyone here relinquish all they had before entering Einroguard? To forget that and flaunt such petty pride..."

From the boy emanated a formidable presence, coupled with an intense aura of authority. His demeanor was that of a high noble, proud and confident, borne of noble lineage - a grandeur only the highest nobility could exude. This noble bearing seemed to resonate with the other students from the Tower of the Prideful Blue Dragon.

"That's right."

"He's from House Wardanaz, isn't he? Truly characteristic of their lineage."

The one who had earlier mocked was now embarrassed, remaining silent, unable to retort. And the students from the Tower of the Omniscient Black Tortoise also reacted.

"House Wardanaz??"

"That family of mages...?!"

"Don't make eye contact, you fool! It's a dangerous family!"

"Their family head is a dragon, right? Of the dragon's bloodline?"

"I thought it was the bloodline of an ancient spirit, not a dragon..."

"..."

—

Initially, Yi-Han felt pleased with himself. All the students seemed persuaded by his words.

'Not bad.'

If only the students from the Tower of the Omniscient Black Tortoise would now thank him...

"House Wardanaz??"

"That family of mages...?!"

"Don't make eye contact, you fool! It's a dangerous family!"

"Their family head is a dragon, right? Of the dragon's bloodline?"

"I thought it was the bloodline of an ancient spirit, not a dragon..."

"..."

However, the reaction he received was different from what he had anticipated. Instead of seeking to build connections, the students looked at him with fear. Yi-Han realized something was going wrong. He had expected gratitude, not this...

Yonaire, admiringly, commented from the side, "The way you just presented yourself was impressive. Right. That's how a noble of Wardanaz should be."

"...Yonaire, do I look intimidating?"

"Eh? No? You look dignified, like a noble should."

Yonaire didn't understand Yi-Han's concern.

Yi-Han's appearance was indeed 'noble-like' - handsome, with bold lines, a strong jaw, and pursed lips, all under sharp, piercing eyes. His commanding presence, almost too daunting for commoners to approach, was considered an asset among the nobility.

In fact, the students from the Tower of the Prideful Blue Dragon were all viewing him favorably. Feeling helpless at this reaction, Yi-Han sighed. 'It seems mingling will be a challenge.'

—

Each dormitory was situated at a distance from the academy’s main building, spread out in the cardinal directions. Yi-Han and the other students followed the path leading to the distant blue tower.

'It's really vast.'

The size was astonishing from within. An academy with lakes, forests, rivers, and mountains - where else could one find such a place? This brought to mind something the Skull Principal had said.

‘Get it yourself, he said?'

The academy, according to the Principal, provided endless opportunities for those who sought them. Certainly, this view affirmed that belief. Whether hunting in the forest or fishing in the lake...

"You're thinking the same thing, aren't you?"

"Eh?"

"You must be thinking how great a blessing it is to witness this beautiful scenery?"

"No. I was wondering what kind of beasts could be hunted in the forest."

"...Does House Wardanaz train you for that too?"

—

The Tower of the Prideful Blue Dragon was a tall tower, made of blue stones. From the outside, it didn't seem very large. But inside, it contained a vast space, almost infinite, expanded by the mages of Einroguard.

"!"

As Yi-Han passed through the tower's door, he realized that the many students who were with him had all vanished. Regaining his senses, he found himself alone in a dark space.

[Where do you wish to go?]

“??”

‘Ah.’

Yi-Han realized that it was the tower itself that was speaking to him.

"Where can I go?"

[You adapt quickly.]

Though the tower was not visible, Yi-Han sensed it smiling at him.

[Currently, you can go to your personal room and the first-year student exclusive resting lounge.]

"Can I go anywhere else?"

[Yes. Some places can be accessed by just knowing their names, while others require additional knowledge.]

The Tower of the Prideful Blue Dragon Dormitory

The Tower of the Immortal Phoenix Dormitory