Chapter 28
Bord paused, as if organizing his thoughts.
“…It’s said the end of the Cosmos Empire was marked by corruption and depravity.”
Gilbert gripped his hand tightly. Fortunately, no one noticed.
“There are no detailed records, but it seems they even dabbled in forbidden research. Some high-ranking officials in the empire, unable to stand by, formed a secret revolutionary group. That was the Peacemaker.”
Bord, having said this, gauged the group’s reactions. As expected, most looked skeptical.
Elisha snapped.
“Is that information legit? The Cosmos Empire, corrupt? Depraved? Forbidden research? I’ve never heard of that. The established theory is that they fell because they couldn’t prepare for a sudden time chaos dungeon.”
“I told you. I’m just relaying what the book said.”
“What book? You didn’t read some kid’s novel, did you?”
“…I wish it was that. It was a record of the interrogation of a researcher who escaped when the Cosmos Empire fell. An original, with the Imperium Imperial seal.”
“….”
Mary, looking like she might cry, weighed her thoughts.
The Martin she’d known so far clashed fiercely with the new side of him that had emerged.
“Um… ha….”
Elisha raised her hand.
“Actually… I had someone tail Cadet Martin.”
As if confessing a guilty conscience, Elisha recounted the time she went to conquer a time chaos dungeon in a sealed civilian sewage treatment plant.
“Why are you only saying this now?!”
“That happened at dawn?!”
“We didn’t know anything!”
Not just Gilbert, but even Lina was shocked and questioned her. Bord, the eldest son of the Tauforos Ducal Family responsible for capital security, was hearing this for the first time too.
Elisha, her cheeks flushing, snapped back.
“Then it’s true, not fake, right?”
“Ha….”
“What, did we… really misunderstand him?”
“Even if we did, what can we do? If what we thought was true, he was using us.”
What kind of lunatic would use the power of the Four Great Ducal Families to bury themselves?
Mary timidly complained.
“I-I don’t know how to face Cadet Martin at the next group meeting….”
Normally, someone would’ve found an answer, but this time, no one could respond. They were in the same boat.
***
Strange things started happening.
“Today’s class is to conquer a Level 2 artificial dungeon in groups and write a strategy report. It’s critical strategic data used for future academy cadet training materials and statistical distribution of time chaos dungeon types.”
I thought this morning’s task would be quite a hassle.
“It requires meticulous work in every aspect, demanding detailed content. It’s time-consuming but essential. The teachers are busy today, so submit your group reports and dismiss yourselves.”
The dungeon conquest… I pretty much handled it, as usual. The difference this time was that Bord and Mary followed me around, helping out. You could say it was an improvement.
“No way!”
After finishing the dungeon, the pen I picked up to write the report was snatched away.
“We’ll handle this, Cadet Martin! You did great!”
Bord gave a thumbs-up.
Mary nodded vigorously beside him.
“C-Cadet Martin, g-go rest…!”
I was about to snap at them, asking what it had to do with them, but I stopped. It was a group project, so they had a stake too. I didn’t want to lose points for lack of cooperation again.
Since they relied on me for most of the dungeon, it was only fair they’d do this much if they had any conscience.
“….”
Feeling oddly unfamiliar, I nodded.
Since today’s group assignment was all there was, I planned to head back to the café and eat some cake Lilac made.
“Cadet Martin!”
Turning, I saw Assistant Teacher Hailey waving. I couldn’t just ignore her.
“Hello, Teacher.”
“I’m still an assistant teacher.”
If ability determined rank, Hailey would be a true teacher. I must’ve been thinking that inwardly.
“Want to take a walk?”
“If you’d like.”
Under the midday sun, I began an unexpected walk with Hailey in the academy’s garden.
Walking with an older, higher-ranking woman felt strange. I was much taller, and I had to match her stride.
It was awkward, but not unpleasant.
‘Pink chick.’
Why did I feel like I was walking with a fragile chick that might break if poked? A protective instinct welled up.
The chick looked up at me, chirping.
“I’m glad, Cadet Martin. I thought it’d take longer to recover.”
“It was just minor bruises.”
“Liar. I heard three ribs were broken. You shouldn’t lie to your teacher.”
“You said you’re an assistant teacher.”
“An assistant teacher is still a teacher.”
She spoke with her shoulders squared, clearly proud.
The scent of spring wafted. It was her fragrance.
Her aura, more beautiful than the nature magic she wielded, felt like something a filthy contaminant like me shouldn’t touch.
“…Why do you want to be a teacher?”
I regretted asking the moment it left my mouth. The words slipped out before I could think.
Hailey, delighted by the question, rolled her eyes at its content.
“Hmm… Cadet Martin, your teacher believes that through proper education, children can grow into great adults.”
“….”
“I didn’t grow up in a good environment. So I thought, ‘Oh, I can guide them in a better direction!’”
“….”
“So I studied hard. Nature magic was tough, but I stayed up all night, nose bleeding….”
She was different from me. I don’t tolerate unfairness. I sharpen my blade inwardly, seek revenge, ignore, or turn away.
Hailey, mid-story, checked her watch and stopped.
“Thanks for humoring me with the walk, Cadet Martin. I should go now.”
She pulled a sweet fatigue recovery potion from her pocket.
“This is a gift from Santa Claus for good kids.”
This woman truly shone brilliantly.
“…If you get caught by Grandpa Santa Claus for impersonation, don’t blame me.”
“Oh, you wouldn’t report me, would you, Cadet…?”
The dark fog in my heart cleared a bit, and I headed home with a lighter heart.
I watched Hailey run off to an assistant teacher meeting until she disappeared from view, then left through the school gate. I deliberately took a less-traveled path. Nobles frequented the capital’s main streets, and I’d picked up this habit to avoid unnecessary irritation.
“Hey, stop!”
I heard voices talking nearby. Just ignore it and keep going.
“I said stop!”
I don’t know who it is, but they’re loud. Just stop.
“Can’t you hear me?! Stop! Stop!”
Wild Instinct (Lv 1) scratches its head, saying it feels like they’re calling us.
I turned to see someone running toward me. Long straight hair, sharp eyes. It was Elisha.
“Why didn’t you stop?!”
“No reason to.”
As I tried to continue, Elisha blocked my path.
“Let’s talk!”
“I have nothing to say.”
“I do!”
“I don’t.”
“It’s not a bad deal for you, so just come with me!”
“I still don’t—”
At that moment, Elisha, with a look of reluctance but no choice, pulled out a stack of cash.
It was too large an amount to refuse.
At a quiet café, drinks were served as if they’d been waiting.
“Don’t like coffee?”
“No.”
As a café owner, how could I? But I take pride in my barista skills. I’d rather not ruin my palate with bad coffee.
“Let’s talk while drinking.”
The coffee was a bitter Americano with pronounced acidity. A basic drink that showcased a barista’s skill.
Reluctantly, I took a sip given the mood.
‘It’s delicious!’
Know-It-All immediately began analyzing.
I was furious, but this café’s coffee-making was as excellent as mine.
If I competed with Earth’s menu, it’d be different, but their basic technique was neck-and-neck.
Feeling a deep sense of defeat, Elisha got to the point.
“I owe you a bit. Sorry, but for my pride, you need to accept this.”
“….”
My brow furrowed. What a way to talk.
I wanted to refuse outright, but my situation wasn’t great. My cherished shotgun was ruined fighting the Demon Count.
The Ulvhadin shotgun was a weapon made by the county for family members, so replacing it with something comparable would cost more than expected.
Without a weapon, I, who’d only grown strong through shortcuts, would need to revise all my future plans.
‘Still, no.’
Even if it’s impractical, I didn’t want to take anything from them.
“I refuse.”
Elisha smirked with a melancholic glint, as if she saw right through me.
“You can’t refuse. It includes reward money from the Petrak Kingdom and the academy.”
Reward money? First I’m hearing of it.
“You made significant contributions to the Dr. Keren incident and signed a confidentiality agreement. It’s a hefty sum.”
Wild Instinct (Lv 1) is certain the other party is speaking only the truth.
Wild Instinct could be clumsy at times, but it was reliable for discerning truth.
Elisha placed three bags of money on the table.
“Take them. They’re yours.”
“…Why three?”
“Tch.”
Elisha clicked her tongue, her first plan exposed.
“If you have a lot of money, you might bring three.”
Sure, that’s not strange.
“…Where’s the certificate? The academy and kingdom wouldn’t just hand over money without paperwork. They’re not that sloppy.”
“…Ha!”
Elisha sighed irritably, placing two documents on the money bags.
[Petrak Kingdom]
[Imperium Academy]
The third, she hesitated to produce, her hands trembling.
“And the last one?”
“…Here! Take it!”
She finally placed it on the money bag, then rambled as if making excuses.
[Harmadun Ducal Family]
“Listen! You saved the princess of the Harmadun Ducal Family twice! For her honor, you need to accept this reward—where are you going!”
I stood, taking only two money bags.
“I refuse the ducal family’s reward.”
“Refuse?! Not decline, but dare to refuse a ducal family’s reward?!”
Elisha shot up.
“I have the right to refuse.”
“What right do you have?!”
“I don’t want to get chummy with you guys.”