Chapter 40. The Uninvited Guest of the Academy (1)
After pruning the rotten roots and tending to the orchid again, Yulian calmly contemplated his thoughts upon seeing Lazlot.
'...... There's no way that vicious monster would let anyone who harbors discontent against him be.'
Yulian was surely aware that some members of the Dawn Society held hostility towards him.
Ignoring that was out of the question, given his nature.
- 'When managing orchids, always isolate one root on the outer side, like bait.'
As always, he would break the sword that headed toward him, cut off the hand that wielded the sword, and sever even the life string of the attacker.
Wasn't this what the "Smiling Executioner" did?
'This time, he might be planning to eradicate all those opposing him from the Dawn Society.'
If anyone could use their own life as bait, it would be that man, so devoid of emotion.
'...... Gulp.'
Yulian's chilling aura made Lazlot swallow dryly.
"Is that all you came for?"
Yulian asked Lazlot, who was deep in thought, in a low voice.
Lazlot, terrified, lifted his head to meet Yulian's gaze. With slit eyes that revealed nothing and an elusive smile, Lazlot did his best to maintain a semblance of calm as he spoke.
"T-that, in addition to what we have discussed, I have assigned tasks to 'Blind Eyes' from the secretariat. They have requested participants to perform the duties of the royal guard for the upcoming Victory Day."
"Hmm......."
"In addition, there are lecture and practical examination assistant duties as the academy's swordsmanship instructor."
While continuing to speak, Lazlot was certain that Yulian would undertake the royal guard duties.
"...... If it's Victory Day, my master, the Sword Saint Hayden Reich, might make an appearance."
"Huh? Ah...... yes, that seems likely."
A chance to meet the master he was estranged from, Hayden the Sword Saint.
"What will you do? For the upcoming Victory Day......"
"No, somehow I feel like taking on a simpler task this time. I'll take the academy-related tasks. Assign the royal guard duties to another member from 'Blind Eyes'."
"Understood. Then...... What?"
Lazlot reflexively questioned Yulian's unexpected choice, which was out of character for him.
'Who would have thought the ambition-driven Yulian would make such a choice....... Could it be!'
It was to purge the 'Monsignor' ranks, under the Bishop plotting a surprise attack in the Dawn Society.
The 'Smiling Executioner' Yulian hadn't chosen the mission for 'advancement'.
Astutely, he had singled out the "execution stage" for those hostile forces showing animosity towards him.
For an important imperial anniversary like 'Victory Day', the imperial palace would bolster its guard presence, consequently leading to the academy's guards being redeployed to the palace.
'Which means the academy's security will be more lax than usual.'
Those harboring resentment toward Yulian would not neglect the security lapse.
Surely they would attempt a surprise attack when Yulian was handling academy-related tasks.
'And Yulian is counting on that......!'
Thinking that he intended to use Victory Day to purge his adversaries made Lazlot click his tongue internally in disbelief.
"Didn't you hear? I said I'll take the academy's mission."
Realizing this, Lazlot swallowed again.
"Ah, got it. I'll inform Commander Ordwin."
He quietly hoped for the tempest, which he foresaw approaching, to pass quickly.
***
"Ha, haha......"
Vice Principal Allom Chorny, with his forehead wrinkled and beads of sweat forming, wiped the sweat with a handkerchief, paired with an awkward chuckle.
While walking down the corridor of Bayer Academy's main building, I paused my steps momentarily, shifting my attention to him.
"Though I requested 'Blind Eyes' for a lecturer or instructor position......"
A timid smile, rather uncharacteristic for someone in the position of the vice principal of the academy.
Of course, it was likely because of me.
"I never imagined Sir Yulian would personally come."
"Is that so?"
"I assumed you'd take up tasks specifically for the upcoming Victory Day. You've always done so in the past. Haha."
In fairness, what Allom said wasn't wrong.
If it were the 'Yulian' widely known, he would have chosen the Victory Day tasks to present himself favorably to the imperial family.
However──
'The Sword Saint Hayden Reich might participate.'
So I opted for the Bayer Academy tasks through 'Blind Eyes', as opposed to imperial duties this time.
"I expected just a regular member to come, but having Sir Yulian here is a great honor."
"Heh, no need for such words."
Yulian laughed lightly, answering casually like it was nothing.
"But is it really alright, Sir Yulian?"
Allom's voice, laced with concern, made me turn my head.
"What do you mean?"
"There's, um... the special lecture for academy students taking the practical exam as part of the request to 'Blind Eyes'......"
What?
I was startled by Allom's words and was about to question further, but managed to restrain myself to avoid coming off as a fool unaware of his mission details.
After calming myself with a cough, I spoke.
"Yes, I am aware."
Upon hearing my response, a bright hue returned to Allom's expression.
It seemed his earlier unease was over concern that I might refuse to conduct the lecture.
However, hearing those words made me anxious.
'I have to teach them?'
To be honest, part of avoiding the Sword Saint was due to the belief that serving as an instructor for the academy's practical exam couldn't be harder than the induction test for 'Blind Eyes'.
But the thought of having to teach someone already gave me a headache.
"So, when should I start the special lecture?"
Although I didn't consider it an entirely impossible feat, I calmly asked Allom for the schedule.
"Well, wasn't that why you came today......?"
Damn it.
Hearing Allom's answer, I cursed internally.
***
Given that Bayer Academy was famed even in the Adratatan Empire, it wasn't surprising that its curriculum was notoriously demanding, bordering on savage.
For academy students, a "special lecture" was a little respite from the rigorous curriculum.
Thanks to this, Rinne felt the rare relaxed ambiance in the lecture hall, taking a seat as she did.
"Rinne, you're here? The guest lecturer hasn't arrived yet."
Paruna, a classmate who arrived earlier, acknowledged Rinne.
After a brief greeting, Rinne buried her face into the desk, sprawling across it.
'...... Exhausted.'
Fatigue surged like a tide.
Having trained swordsmanship until late the previous two nights, she was utterly wiped out.
Considering the typical academy curriculum, she wouldn't pursue such strenuous routines, but today was the day of the special lecture!
"It's a relief there's a special lecture today."
"Right, right. It doesn't really impact grades, and we just have to quietly listen to the guest lecturer."
"I heard from seniors last year, for aspiring knights the guest is usually from 'Blind Eyes'."
"Then they're a commoner?"
"What's a commoner doing lecturing, haha!"
Due to the lower or almost nonexistent emphasis compared to other classes, Rinne decided to devote this time to rest, despite feeling sorry for the guest lecturer.
"The guest lecturer has arrived!"
With Paruna's voice tingling her ears, Rinne turned to see the 'guest lecturer' enter the room.
"...... Wait, isn't that......?"
"What is it? Oh......?"
As if a domino effect unfolded, serenity spread across the previously chatty lecture hall.
An entirely out-of-place individual took the podium.
'...... Why is he here......?'
Rinne, too, was at a loss for words.
Moments ago, the fatigue that laid heavily upon her eyelids dissipated upon seeing the guest lecturer's face.
"I am the invited lecturer from 'Blind Eyes', Yulian Cryphart Frason. Pleased to be with you today."
A man who could be considered a nemesis.
His solitary statement drew every student's gaze.
Immediately, the once-noisy lecture hall turned silent as a tranquil lake, as if the previous disturbance was all an illusion.
"Do not be too tense. I am here simply to provide guidance for the upcoming practical exam as an instructor today."
With a serene smile, Yulian scanned those around him from the stage.
At his gaze, a few students flinched, swallowing nervously.
His demeanor suggested familiarity with taking such podiums, exuding a sense of ease.
Yet, looking at him sparked questions that persistently lingered in Rinne's mind.
'...... What gain is there?'
Why on earth would he volunteer to be an instructor for the practical exam?
"I don't have much to say in this special lecture, actually."
What on earth are you trying to say?
Rinne frowned at Yulian's cryptic remark.
Even if being part of the 'Blind Eyes' duties, hearing a guest lecturer casually depreciating their own teaching felt absurd.
"What is the reason you all learn swordsmanship?"
The classroom's tense atmosphere and the students' wary expressions.
Although they did not harbor hostility towards Yulian, the sentiment was far from positive.
'...... Awkward.'
Such perceptions weren't foreign to him, yet having to teach this gathering felt somewhat uncomfortable.
To break this awkwardness, he had mulled over the impending question.
"...... Cough, cough."
A return of empty coughs, but none of the students seemed inclined to respond to Yulian's question.
How embarrassing.
Yulian, trying not to reveal his discomfort, began scanning the students seated in the lecture hall individually.
Upon spotting a familiar face, he inwardly sighed in relief.
"Seems nobody wants to answer. Let's ask Lady Rinne then."
"...... Yes?"
Caught off guard by her sudden name call, Rinne looked at Yulian, startled.
"Why do you learn swordsmanship, lady Rinne?"
"Why ask me......."
Usually, intending to express her discomfort towards Yulian, Rinne abruptly halted.
Currently, he was the lec.tur.er.
She was merely a stu.dent at the academy.
With such circumstances in mind, Rinne opened her mouth in her mildest tone to date.
"...... Why did Sir Yulian hone his swordsmanship?"
Unaware of the question's intention, she countered with one for Yulian.
To some, it might be a simple query, but to others, it is a sensitive topic revealing personal aspects.
Thus, Rinne echoed it back, challenging him with a silent, 'Let's see you answer.'
"Isn't it obvious? For advancement, of course."
However, the man at the stern was unabashed, one far from ordinary.
Clacky's Corner:
The novel is growing on me. The events doesn't seem forced. It's molded on coincidences, but there's a structure. I don't really know how to describe it, but the novel feels well written, if you get my drift.