(EP-28) Academy Spring Season #3

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The Holy Kingdom Gracia was the headquarters of the Church of Light and Salt.

It was about the size of a city-state, similar to Monarch City – the metropolis of Angmar.

This meant its population should be around a million, right?

That was very large for a city, but quite small for a country.

However, its influence spread across the continent, acting as a neutral zone.

"So this is the cradle of countless Champions, huh?"

Following the delegation, Elga looked around like a curious child.

In her eyes were people carrying all kinds of weapons, ranging from pickaxes, scythes, to ropes.

"Are all those people Champions?"

Archbishop Bayona, who was sent to greet the Angmar Queen, chuckled.

"That is correct. They are warriors, forged and trained. Most of them gathered to be baptized by the Saintess."

"I see, so these guys are like me, right? Is there anyone worth dealing with?"

It seemed that the Lioness was itching to have a go with the Champions and Champion candidates wandering around.

Archbishop Bayona then said.

"Lady Lioness is as curious and courageous as rumored."

"There are rumors about me?"

"Yes, as one of the largest countries on the continent, all kinds of tales from Angmar will naturally spread throughout the land."

"Hm, of course. After all, there's no way my greatness wouldn't be known all over the world!"

Elga had accumulated many achievements on Angmar's border.

It was a matter of course that the feats of Elga and her guards would spread to neighboring countries.

"So, what are the rumors circulating about me?"

Hearing this, Archbishop Bayona gave his reply.

"They say that you're forward and hyperactive, unlike any young lady from a great family."

"… What do you mean 'unlike any young lady'?"

Elga frowned slightly.

This reminded me of the fact that Elga had a complex about not being noble enough. Perhaps Elga's impression of Bayona had declined with this?

"What is not aristocratic about me?"

While the dissatisfied Elga was pursing her lips, Aira, who was silently walking, finally opened her mouth.

"Are there any rumors about me?"

"Of course! In fact, I have to wonder if there is anyone on this continent who doesn't know about Queen Aira."

"Hmmm, really?"

"If you hadn't arrived using the magic circle and instead went through the gate, there would have been a large crowd waiting to witness Your Majesty's beauty."

From Bayona's explanation, I realized that Aira's fame had spread far and wide.

That said, I was a little nervous about any stories related to me.

If something like those existed, they would probably not be positive…

Aira then asked.

"So, when can we meet the Saintess?"

"That… the Saintess has entered a week-long prayer vigil. So maybe you can meet her next week."

"You want me, The Queen of Angmar, to wait until next week?"

Aira's forehead slightly wrinkled. At the same time, I could see Bayona's shoulders trembling as he walked in front of her.

Perhaps he knew the rumors about what kind of queen his guest actually was…

To prevent something ridiculous from coming out of Aira's mouth, I decided to intervene.

"Ah, so that's why Archbishop Bayona is greeting us instead."

"That's right! Even though the Saintess is not present, we were instructed to treat you with utmost respect and hospitality. Later, as soon as you finish unpacking and get settled in your dwellings, we will hold a banquet."

* * *

A grand celebration party was held to commemorate the visit of Aira and Elga in the banquet hall of the church's headquarters.

"Didn't the church enjoy frugality?"

Elga looked at her reflection in the golden glass and spoke with a curious tone.

As she mentioned, the church was inherently virtuous of this aspect.

However, the highest dignitary from the great country of Angmar had visited the Kingdom today. Thus, it was understandable that the celebration could not be held frugally.

Apparently, despite not being able to meet the guests, the Saintess still put in efforts to make sure that they would be comfortable. 

━Let's move quickly.

━Yes. Please put away the plates on table 5 over there.

The nuns and priests were busy carrying dishes and food. Meanwhile, the sounds of various chords and accompanying hymns from the white-robed choir filled the background.

Upon looking at them, the image of Marmar flashed through my mind.

━Comrade!

I'd been constantly hearing that woman's loud voice for the past week. At this point, it felt like I was having auditory hallucinations…

By now, wouldn't the escort have departed from the kingdom?

There were loads of luggage and stuff, so they would probably get here in a week or so.

"What is with this watered-down wine? How am I supposed to drink it?"

Elga tasted the plain wine and frowned.

It seemed that she didn't like its remarkably low alcohol content. After all, the Church's commandments had made a law to prevent people from getting drunk.

"There are no dancers either. I'm honestly a bit bored. Is there any reason I have to attend this banquet? All the interest is over there anyway…"

Seuk.

Elga's dissatisfied blue eyes turned to the table where Aira was sitting.

━Aira-nim, you're so beautiful. The Creator's brilliance is really awe-inspiring!

━How do you take care of your hair?

There were many high-ranking priests and nuns chatting and sitting next to Aira.

This would probably continue for an hour or so.

Seeing this, Elga clicked her tongue.

"I didn't come here to be a bridesmaid…"

Elga's presence was enough to be the spotlight wherever she went. However, when she was next to Aira, she would inevitably get pushed into the role of Chunhyang.

This was simply a difference in their statuses.

Seuk.

Elga then got up.

I cautiously opened my mouth, wondering if Elga would interrupt Aira and the people around her before causing chaos.

"Lady Elga, where are you going?"

"I'm going to smoke, why?"

Elga pulled out a rolled-up cigar from the deep cleavage on her red dress. It appeared that she craved to smoke after finishing her meal.

"I don't think anyone would notice me leaving anyway."

"In that case, I'll go with you."

"Really? Well, whatever…"

We headed to the quiet garden behind the banquet hall.

On the way, the priests wanted to follow us, but I gently waved them away.

The church's garden had clean tiles laid out like a path.

Whilst the humming bustle from the noisy banquet sounded in the distance, Elga lit the cigar she was holding in her mouth among the trees.

Hwareuk.

After inhaling some smoke, Elga puffed it out.

"I don't think I'll last here. The rigid atmosphere just doesn't suit me."

It had only been half a day, yet Elga was already starting to regret her choice.

"When does the class start?"

"It will probably take a month because we arrived early."

"Daɱn it! If I want to go back to Angmar, I will have to travel by carriage for a week."

"Are you going back?"

"I don't know…"

You 'don't know'?

Elga usually had a clear yes or no.

She was a girl who would proudly say that she liked or hated something. This was probably hurting her ego.

「You have calmly judged the situation!

You have gained experience points through the talent "Calm Thinking".

All job experience +5」

So it really was like that.

I felt the need to pacify the sulking Elga before she caused trouble abroad and turned this into a diplomatic catastrophe.

Also, I was afraid of leaving the banquet hall for too long. After all, there was no telling what Aira would do out of my sight…

So I spoke skillfully, as I had always done.

"But, Elga-nim. If you go back to Angmar by yourself, everyone might think that you ran away."

"Me? Ran away? What are you talking about? What would I be running away from?"

"It is a well-known fact that the Church's education is difficult. Thus, Elga-nim leaving would be misunderstood as fleeing back to Angmar because you could not stand such hardship."

"That's not true, is it?"

"Unfortunately, rumors don't always flow the same way as the truth."

Rumors tended to circulate in a stimulating and intriguing direction, regardless if it was true or not. I knew this better than anyone else.

So, I tried to scare Elga a little.

Knowing Elga, she would hate being branded as a coward more than anything else.

After thinking for a long while, Elga mumbled softly while puffing out some smoke.

"That would be troublesome…"

「You have successfully bent the will of the other person!

Gained job experience for 'Tutor'. + 50」

「Job 'Tutor' +1 Level!

Lv. 2 → Lv. 3

Your teachings are more convincing!」

All right, that went well!

If I just continued with what I usually did, my experience points and job level would rise. There were so many advantages that I wondered if this was even possible.

My level improved better than expected.

It would have been nice if this had existed from the beginning.

I would've been able to control and tame these problematic gals to my liking.

Tame-.

That was just a word I thought of, yet it sounded pretty good.

With this System and time, it might not be a dream to tame these villainesses and tyrants.

Wouldn't it be well worth the challenge?

First of all, compared to Aira whose thoughts were hard to understand, the mind of that fiery Elga had many holes and corners to dig into….

"So, Theo. What do you think?"

That question snapped me out of my musing. As I was thinking, Elga spat smoke on my face.

I coughed and choked from the smoke while hurriedly fanning it away. At the same time, the words that were floating in front of my eyes disappeared.

"Well? What do you think?"

What did she say?

I didn't hear it.

I was thinking about this terribly friendly System and missed Elga's words.

"Did you not hear what I said?"

"...."

What should I do? Elga looked angry…

While desperately wracking my brain, I recalled the experience with the ogre Gorgor. Opportunities were high in times of crisis like this.

At that time, didn't I also take advantage of the situation and turn it into a chance?

So, to get out of this situation, I decided to dig myself further into the hole.

"I'm sorry, I was preoccupied with something."

"You dare think of something else in front of me, Elga? What were you thinking? No, who were you thinking of!?"

"… Well, I was thinking about Elga-nim."

"What-?"

Elga frowned.

"I am standing right here! Why would you think of me? What kind of absurd excuse is that? Do you think I'm stupid?"

Anger was added to her already sulking mood. At this time, Elga's fury made her ponytail stand upright.

Her rage rose to the point that it manifested itself.

However, I decided to trust my Level 8 Actor job and spoke with the utmost sincerity, more than ever.

"It's exactly because I'm alone with Elga-nim. This situation reminded me of what happened back then. When I thought of that time, the feeling I experienced also came to mind…."

"What? What does that mean?"

"… I am terribly ashamed and sorry, but I have been thinking about Elga-nim's chest."

Elga's hair shot up.

"Th, this, you p£rvert… ! We're in a temple right now…!"

Elga exclaimed in great perplexity.

She then blushingly covered the front of her dress, though I couldn't tell whether it was due to shame or anger.

"Are you crazy!?"

"Since that night, there hasn't been a single day when I haven't thought about Elga-nim's chest. I tried to forget, but the feeling kept on coming back over and over again…."

Actually, this wasn't all acting, it was half serious.

Elga's chest seemed to possess some sort of magical power. In fact, for over two days, I had constantly thought about how good it felt.

That soft and warm sensation gave me a lingering desire. How would it feel if I touched its bare skin? That would probably be the goal of life itself…

"Ugh…. What are you spouting now?"

Elga frowned, while looking at me strangely.

However, with her not twisting my neck or slapping me, it was already half successful.

Good, good.

Things were going better than I thought.

Maybe I could experiment with this as well.

"Elga-nim…"

I looked at Elga with puppy eyes.

There would always be people in the world who were bad at rejection.

Wearing pointed high heels, Elga was a little taller than me, so I naturally had to look up.

"Do you wanna die!? Who told you to look at me with those eyes!?"

Bonk.

"Hieek…!"

Elga delivered a honey chestnut that hit the back of my head like a meteor. Euk- I grabbed my head and shed some tears, wondering if I had failed.

But soon, words appeared in front of my hazy, teary-eyed vision.

「Yelp from a honey chestnut…!

Gained job experience for 'Half-Fairy'. +50」

What? What-the-Half-Fairy?

To read up to 300 chapters. patreon.com/Daoist02