Chapter 888

“Young master, it’s time to get up.”

Hana gently brushed Ian’s forehead, waking him. After chasing Varsave around all week, he was now struggling to come to his senses from a near-comatose sleep.

Ian mumbled softly in protest but soon threw off the covers and sat up, muttering absentmindedly, “…Today, right?”

“Yes, today’s the first day of school.”

At that, Ian leapt out of bed and dashed toward the washroom. Hana chuckled and followed, while outside, the footsteps of servants preparing breakfast echoed through the halls.

Creak.

“Good morning, Count Jacques.”

“Oh, hello.”

Jacques, who had already come down to the dining room, pushed his newspaper aside and greeted Ian. Beside him, Varsave was aggressively chopping through a hefty slab of meat, even at breakfast.

“Seeing you dressed like Varsave is quite the sight. Sit here. It’s going to be a long day, so make sure you eat well.”

“Thank you.”

A servant placed a thick steak in front of Ian. It felt a bit heavy for breakfast, but after glancing at Varsave’s fierce appetite, Ian picked up his cutlery. If Varsave was eating like this, there had to be a reason.

“I heard you’re looking for a place to live.”

“Yes, I’ve been getting recommendations from real estate agents, but it’s hard to find the perfect spot.”

“Central areas are already taken by the big players, so it won’t be easy.”

The count nodded thoughtfully with a hum.

Ian felt a bit self-conscious. No matter how wealthy the Jacques family was, having a stranger like him living under their roof was still a bit awkward.

“But rushing into a decision can lead to disaster. Choosing a home requires time and care. Take your time to look around.”

“Thank you for the advice.”

“Varsave, take good care of Ian at the academy.”

“I’m not sure if we’ll have any classes together.”

Unlike Ian, who had just taken a bite, Varsave had already devoured half his meat. Ian wondered how the academy’s classes worked. If he was the first mage, there probably weren’t any magic courses yet. It was surprising he’d even been accepted.

“And Ian.”

The count pulled something from his pocket and handed it to Ian.

“Congratulations on your admission. Use this to buy something nice with your friends or get whatever you need.”

Ian froze, recognizing the item. It was the jewel he had given the count through his butler.

Since his stay at the mansion was extending, he had offered it as a token for lodging and living expenses. He’d thought giving money directly would be rude, so he’d chosen a decent jewel instead…

“I appreciate the thought. This is from my heart, so I hope you’ll accept it.”

“Thank you.”

Ian took the pouch. It didn’t feel like jewels beneath the cloth. Instead, it must be gold coins equivalent in value.

As a warm atmosphere settled between Count Jacques and Ian, Varsave stuck out his tongue.

“What are you doing? Not eating?”

“I am!”

“Try being late because of you.”

“Don’t worry about that!”

Ian checked his pocket watch and hurriedly cut into his steak. Varsave, determined not to be outdone, started clearing his plate, while Count Jacques picked up his newspaper again.

Truly, a peaceful morning.

---

“Eeeek!”

Varsave rummaged through his bag, checking if he’d forgotten anything. Ian expected books or writing tools, but instead, there were only training items—daggers, bandages, splints—piled high.

Ian looked out the carriage window and asked, “Do you usually take a carriage to school?”

“Yeah.”

So that’s because they’re nobles, he thought.

“Well, the school’s halfway up the mountain, so walking’s tough. Everyone uses whatever transport they prefer. Those who can fly just fly.”

“…?”

Could that really be possible? Ian was skeptical but then recalled the mage he’d seen right after arriving in the capital. They really could fly. Okay, that made sense.

“Hey.”

As they entered a quiet forest path, Ian suddenly sensed something and reacted. Varsave raised his eyebrows approvingly.

“That’s right. From here on, the magic barrier is active.”

“To protect what, exactly?”

The students? Or the people outside?

Varsave had never thought about it and shrugged after a long pause.

“Whatever it is, it’s better to be safe.”

Boom!

At the same moment, a faint explosion sounded somewhere. Ian looked around in surprise but saw only birds flying above the trees.

He gripped his bag tightly and stared straight ahead. The school carriages were gathering one by one. Then, Varsave tapped the window.

“There.”

Up ahead, perched high, stood a massive and beautiful ancient castle. From the outside, it looked less like a special school and more like a pristine monastery nestled in the woods.

“At Enerjes, students can choose the subjects they want. Freshmen have required courses, but—”

He started to say more about the “required courses” but stopped himself. It was better to experience it firsthand than just hear about it.

“Anyway, to move up a grade, you need to earn enough credits and pass exams. I’ll help you make your schedule later.”

“Yes, sis.”

“Make sure to take ‘Basic Swordsmanship’ and ‘Basic Physical Training.’ They’re graded on an absolute scale, not relative, so it’s easier to get good scores. You get what I mean?”

Varsave had already recommended several courses, but unfortunately, they were all geared toward students aiming to become swordsmen. He clicked his tongue and muttered.

“There aren’t many magic-related classes, so just pick whatever looks interesting to you. I’m a little jealous.”

“You can take whatever you want, too.”

“I only have one body, you know. How can I manage everything?”

“Really?”

Varsave’s words made Ian nod, though he didn’t quite understand. Why couldn’t he do it all if he was organized?

“We’re here. Get off.”

The carriage couldn’t enter Enerjes itself, so it stopped near the main gate. Varsave thanked the coachman, who tipped his hat and cheered them on.

“Have a good day, miss! Good luck, young master Ian!”

“Shut up! Just go!”

“Thanks!”

Thud!

The two children stepped down. Students in various uniforms spotted them and glanced over.

Not just Ian, but Varsave was also quite young for the academy. Most students were between thirteen and seventeen. Two small kids holding hands and running around were bound to attract attention.

“Isn’t that Varsave?”

“Who?”

“The nine-year-old who takes ‘Practical Magic Swordsmanship.’”

“Who’s that with him? A younger brother?”

“Did he even have a younger sibling?”

Ian was too busy running and taking in the campus to answer. The well-maintained buildings and lawns gave him an inexplicable thrill.

“Sis, everyone’s staring at us.”

“Of course. There’s never been a kid your age at the academy.”

“But where are we going?”

“I’ll take you to the administration office, then I’ll head to class.”

Varsave pointed to a sign by a door: ‘Building 1, Administration Office.’ After escorting Ian there, he checked his watch and hurried back the way they came.

“Go meet the principal! I’ll see you at the main gate after class!”

Ian waved lightly and looked up at the large door. Should he announce himself first? He hesitated—

Screeech!

The door swung open as if it had been waiting. A well-dressed man with stylish glasses appeared. His face was… mole-like?

“Ian Hadel?”

“…Good morning.”

Ian managed to compose himself and greet him properly. Mole-man or man-mole, he was an adult male, only slightly taller than Ian.

“Pleasure to meet you. I’m Dashu Ailse, principal of Enerjes Academy, and I teach ‘Geographical Exploration of Rajasan,’ ‘Casting Technology Training,’ and ‘Applied Plaster Mold Casting.’ There’s an opening now, so feel free to enroll anytime.”

His rapid-fire self-introduction sounded a bit desperate. Ian cautiously shook the hand he offered. The thick fur on his hand was surprisingly soft.

“Principal Dashu, it’s an honor. I’m Ian Hadel.”

“Hmm. The honor’s mine. By the way, I’m from the Dera tribe, near western Bariel, around Rajasan.”

He waddled inside, beckoning Ian to follow. The administration office was empty, and Ian’s nerves showed, but Dashu gave a warm smile. Actually, it seemed more like a desperate attempt to appear friendly.

“No need to be so formal. The principal sounds grand, but I don’t have much authority. I’m temporary and will be replaced soon. So, no big deal.”

Enerjes was an academy run by the Bariel Empire. Professors were paid based on the number of students they took and had authority over their training.

On the other hand, unpopular professors? They had to sacrifice themselves for scheduling, facility management, and everyone’s convenience. A noble but thankless role.

“Is the school principal someone with nothing better to do?”

From Dashua’s muttering, Ian instantly grasped the whole ecosystem of Enerjes. No wonder he was so eager to introduce his subjects the moment they met.

Dashua shuffled through some papers he’d prepared in advance and handed them to Ian, explaining the curriculum.

“The educational philosophy of Enerjes is ‘Top-tier skills, finest talents.’ Since students come from all sorts of backgrounds, conventional standards don’t really matter here. What I mean is—”

“I’m not expecting any special treatment as a noble.”

“Oh. Just as the rumors say, sharp as a tack. You seem like the perfect fit for ‘Geographical Explorations of Rajasan.’”

“…”

“Ahem. Anyway, there are ten mandatory courses for incoming students. Take a look at the list. Every 40 credits you earn, you get the chance to move up a grade. The detailed school regulations are in the back here…”

Ian quickly understood why Dashua’s subjects weren’t popular. The explanation was half-hearted at best. Whether it was a lack of enthusiasm or talent, Ian wasn’t sure, but if this kept up, Dashua would probably be principal again next year.

“Thank you.”

“Courses related to magic will be introduced soon. I’ll let you know separately.”

“Magic courses?”

“Why? Planning to dabble in other majors?”

“Not exactly, but I heard Enerjes doesn’t offer magic classes. I’m supposed to be the first magic-user to enroll…”

Dashua twitched the tip of his long nose, answering as if half right and half wrong.

“This is Enerjes, focused on nurturing talent. If a student’s aptitude doesn’t match any existing course, it’s school policy to create a new one.”

“I see.”

What an unusual rule. So what about the professor? Will they hire someone new?

Noticing Ian’s curiosity, Dashua added quickly.

“Well, there’s someone suitable, but a rather lazy fellow—no, no, that’s not it. Just that his schedule’s tight, so it’ll take some time!”

Dashua hurriedly changed the subject. Suspicious, but at least it was good news. Ian would be able to take magic classes after all.

Dashua checked his watch.

“The current mandatory freshman course is ‘Basic History of Bariel,’ held on the second floor of the main building, Block 2. If you head there now, you won’t be late.”

That was it? Ian looked up at Dashua, clutching the papers to his chest. After a brief silence, Dashua’s face lit up with certainty.

“Oh? So you’re interested in ‘Geographical Explorations of Rajasan’ after all!”

“Well then, it was nice meeting you.”

With a clatter, Ian bowed his head and left the academic affairs office.

The Enerjes campus was impressively neat, Ian noticed, probably because there were no cluttered signs everywhere. The students who had rushed in earlier had long since disappeared into their classrooms.

“What should I do…”

Maybe I should check out the building across the street? Ian was about to move when he heard a familiar voice.

“Ian?”

Turning his head, he saw Ethan approaching with some friends. Since they were carrying textbooks, it didn’t look like they were late—just heading to class.

“Ian Hadel? The magic-user?”

“Wow, so cute.”

“You’re like a little kid! Why are you here all alone?”

As the students whispered in awe, Ethan stepped forward with a small smug grin and grabbed Ian’s hand tightly, acting like they were old friends.

“You remember me, right? From the department store.”

“…Yeah.”

“Wow, you’re officially a junior now, huh?”

At Enerjes, seniority didn’t really matter, but Ethan grinned slyly. Here, some geniuses graduate in a year, while others take ten years to move up a grade.

“Oh, Ethan! You know each other?”

“Yeah, sure. We’re good.”

In front of everyone, Ethan squeezed Ian’s shoulder hard—again. Hard enough to hurt. Ian gently pulled Ethan’s hand down.

“Hey, Ethan.”

“Yeah?”

Ian was trying to take control of the situation, but he didn’t realize what his action implied. He’d never learned or experienced this kind of social cue before.

So Ian assumed Ethan just didn’t know.

“Gripping someone’s shoulder so hard it hurts is rude.”

Basic manners.

“…What?”

“Also, your firm handshake last time wasn’t great either. When you first meet someone, a lighter grip is better.”

Ian demonstrated by lightly shaking Ethan’s hand.

“It’s okay. You might not know. But it’s good to learn the basics. By the way, is Block 2 that building over there?”

“…”

“Ethan?”

Ethan’s face flushed red and froze. Instead of hearing Ian’s well-meaning advice, it sounded like this to him:

‘Must be a commoner who never learned manners. Gotta act polite.’

His friends glanced at the stiff Ethan, then approached Ian warmly.

“Block 2? That’s on the way. We’ll show you.”

“Oh, thanks.”

“You’re close with Ethan?”

“I want to be. But this is only our second meeting.”

“Oh, I see…? But you’re really cute.”

“Five years old, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Want me to hold you?”

“No.”

Watching Ian and his friends walk away, Ethan snorted in frustration. A noble acting all high and mighty—especially in front of friends—what a disgrace!

“Just you wait.”

He stomped hard on a nearby rock, grumbling to himself.