NOVEL NEXT chapter 127
127. Emergency (4)
Even as Melton looked at the middle-aged man, he did not release his grip on Hershel.
It was clear that something was amiss.
—
‘At this age, still wearing such clothes?’
Though it was the uniform of the headquarters, it was something only the lowest ranks would wear.
Moreover, even at an average age of thirty, one would expect at least a single epaulet on the shoulder, yet there was none.
This was proof that he hailed from the very bottom of the hierarchy.
‘Must be from the Shulafe Hall. A true misfit, even there.’
He had likely come here to reminisce or indulge in some sentimentality.
It was quite common for graduates to visit.
“You seem to be treating that student rather carelessly.”
It was a middle-aged man, blinking as he spoke.
Meldon felt the urge to bow his head, grasping the collar of his shirt.
After all, he was a senior, and being in active service meant he needed to show some respect.
“Good day, sir.”
A polite greeting slipped from Meldon’s lips.
Yet the words that followed bore the weight of a warning to refrain from interference.
“If that’s how it appeared, I apologize, but this is all to maintain discipline.”
Frost Heart was steeped in a culture that revered hierarchy.
Just look at the dormitories run on a grading system.
Professors even tacitly encouraged discipline and punishment for lower students under the guise of maintaining order.
“Tradition must be upheld, don’t you think?”
Having said this much, the man should have understood.
The culture of hazing was said to have been even harsher in the past, so it must have been ingrained in him, whether he liked it or not.
Especially coming from a mere Shulafe Hall, not even the Bürger Hall.
Yet the middle-aged man approached with a serious expression, as if disturbed.
“I thought things had improved compared to the past. Was I mistaken? For now, step away from that student.”
At this, a male senior beside him spoke with a hint of annoyance.
“Even if you are a senior, isn’t it a bit too much to interfere with our policies? This is all to keep the Academy running smoothly.”
“Indeed, hierarchy is very important. Of course, it is right to impose appropriate punishment for breaking the rules. But to impose sanctions simply because someone is in a foul mood is wrong.”
The middle-aged man spoke clearly, prompting a female senior to ask in an irritated tone.
“Are you saying that we intend to torment him without reason?”
“You have not followed the proper procedures. If you wish to punish him, you must first explain what he did wrong and ensure he understands before taking action. You cannot simply grab him by the collar as you have.”
Melodon, who had been listening in silence, pondered the justification for the impending punishment.
“Not showing respect and having a bad attitude? No, that alone won’t suffice for a beating…”
Just then, the senior woman stepped forward, wielding her power.
“Honestly, I treated you with some respect because I’m a senior. Excuse me. Do you know who we are? We are the elite. After graduation, some of us might become your superiors.”
The middle-aged man’s eyes widened.
The senior woman, feeling justified, pressed on relentlessly.
“You work at the headquarters, right? My brother is involved there. You know what could happen if I just say a word?”
Such seniority only applies among those of similar ranks.
The moment the class disparity became apparent, the hierarchy was redefined.
The middle-aged man, perhaps feeling a twinge of anxiety, narrowed his eyes and asked, “What’s your brother’s name?”
“Does that even matter? What matters is that I remember your face. Well, I wouldn’t need to hear a name to figure out who you are. How many low-ranking men could possibly be around at your age?”
The senior woman shouted, glaring at Melodon.
“What are you doing? Hurry up and drag him away!”
“Ah, yes.”
Melodon tightened his grip once more.
Only then did Hessel feel his soul return, his eyes snapping open.
As he regained his senses, he saw Melodon, slightly turned away, muttering under his breath.
“Honestly, are you coddling him just because you come from the same trash?”
Hessel despaired inwardly, realizing that everything he had seen in a daze was not a dream.
“Is this for real…?”
* * *
By the time one reaches elder status, a mere gesture could sever the necks of the subordinates.
They had acted foolishly in front of such a powerful figure, failing to grasp the gravity of the situation.
“Let go of that hand.”
When Arental spoke to the man gripping my neck, the woman scowled fiercely.
“Did you not hear me, old man? Should I demote you to the outskirts of the cursed lands?”
This was the result of professors coddling and nurturing their precious students, treating them like golden children.
Having been pampered for so long, they had lost all sense of reality.
“Those, those crazy b*stards.”
—
‘Cluck, cluck, cluck, this situation is turning quite amusing.’
‘Do not laugh, Donathan… This is a rather serious matter.’
Because of those lunatics, the support I was supposed to receive earlier might all go up in smoke.
The only fortunate thing is that Arental possesses a gentle disposition; he is not the type to break his promises just because he’s in a foul mood.
As long as the high-ranking official accompanying this man does not witness it, we might just navigate this crisis smoothly.
I opened my mouth to say something, anything.
“Ahem, Arent—”
But once again, my pupils trembled, and I could not continue.
Had the woman’s nervous high-pitched voice spread outside? The officer was watching this situation from the threshold of the indoor garden.
And with a gaze as sharp as ice.
“…Did you just dare to speak those words to me?”
The room froze at her frigid voice.
The golden-haired ones finally seemed to grasp the situation upon seeing her high-ranking uniform, bowing at a perfect ninety degrees.
“W-we apologize!”
“We did not intend to make such a racket!”
“We offer our sincerest apologies!”
Despite their desperate voices of contrition, the officer’s piercing gaze showed no sign of relenting.
Perhaps they had made yet another blunder that she found contemptible.
“Why are you apologizing to me? The one you should be apologizing to seems to be someone else.”
They bowed their heads to Arental, firing off apologies like a rapid-fire barrage.
“Ah, I truly beg your pardon for earlier.”
“I apologize if I spoke too rashly without understanding the situation.”
“I will ensure this never happens again…”
However, the commotion did not merely ripple across the calm surface; it seemed to spread like waves.
There were others who had come to hear it.
“…Those b*stards.”
Rockefeller glared as if he wished to kill, while Professor Gomon quietly rolled his eyes, gauging the atmosphere.
The officer, seizing the moment, turned to Rockefeller.
“It seems there are many issues with the educational policy. Even if you wear ordinary attire, it is still unacceptable for students without ranks.”
“I shall apologize on their behalf, Lord Noras. Those who dared to offend the elder shall be held accountable by me.”
—
The mention of “Elder” from Rockefeller’s lips drained the color from the faces of the golden children.
In their minds, the events of just moments ago must have been flashing by, and now, a shadowy parade of memories unfolded.
The senior who had boasted the most, brimming with bravado, now wept silently, perhaps realizing her fate.
But the emotionally shattered Rockefeller was not one to harbor sympathy for such trivialities.
“Do not think that a mere ten counts will lead to a light punishment. And do not imagine that I will feel pity just because you shed tears. I shall make you understand that, for you lot, being executed would be a mercy.”
As Rockefeller spoke, his hollow gaze sent chills down my spine.
At that moment, while the golden children trembled and stifled their sobs, Arental let out a bitter laugh.
“Ah, come now, Noras. And you, Rockefeller. There’s no need to be so harsh on the children. Isn’t this all a result of my disguise and this ridiculous attire? Ah, though I must admit, this uniform does have its merits.”
As Arental attempted to smooth things over, his aide and secretary, Noras, smiled brightly.
“Yes, if Lord Arental says so.”
Yet, the glance he cast at the golden children seemed to carry a weighty message: “Do not think this will be overlooked.”
Oblivious, Arental approached Rockefeller.
“It’s been quite a while since we last met. Have you been well?”
“Indeed, Lord Arental. Uncharacteristically well, I might add.”
From their exchange, it seemed they had some prior acquaintance.
While they chatted, Arental pulled out a pocket watch.
“Oh dear, I’ve lingered too long here. Hessel Ben Tenest must be waiting. We should be on our way.”
At the mention of my name, Rockefeller’s expression shifted to one of confusion as he glanced between me and Arental.
“…Ahem, Hessel Ben Tenest is over there.”
Arental’s eyes widened in surprise.
He then scrutinized my face, clutching his belly as he burst into laughter.
He likely had no idea I was Hessel.
It felt foolish to declare, “I am the one who will award you,” without being asked, so I had refrained from revealing my name.
“Ah, how embarrassing. I’ve made a fundamental mistake. Come to think of it, I never did ask for your name.”
Finally, I gathered the courage to address the true Arental.
“Allow me to introduce myself once more. I am Hessel Ben Tenest.”
“Hmm. No wonder you seemed somewhat familiar; you resemble the Grand Duke.”
Arental grinned, turning as if to leave.
“Then let us commence the awarding ceremony. Noras, please fetch the Elder’s robe.”
“Yes, Lord Arental.”
Arental seemed intent on preparing properly for this award ceremony.
It was a bit odd to wear such a lowly garb, not befitting his original status.
“You wait here while I get ready first,” he said, slipping out of the indoor garden.
In that moment, Professor Gomon whispered in my ear.
“If it weren’t for you, we would have been in real trouble.”
He seemed to think well of my ability to make Arental smile.
“Even without me, the outcome would have been the same. I doubt the Director would be one to take offense at such matters.”
“Not just this, but there’s also the repairs to consider. Honestly, I thought you wouldn’t finish in time.”
“I merely issued orders, nothing more.”
I said this, fixing a fierce gaze on the golden-haired ones.
They flinched, lifting their heads.
“Hey, seniors. Did you pick up something strange in the magic field? You’re acting completely mad.”
They grimaced in disdain.
I couldn’t help but laugh, a sound of disbelief.
They knew full well what had just transpired, yet their petty pride kept them puffed up.
Even knowing I was the one to receive the award, their behavior was likely driven by some childish jealousy.
“How foolish.”
Just as I was about to say something more, Rockefeller levitated them with telekinesis.
“Discipline is the professor’s responsibility, Hessel van Tenest.”
With that, he took the golden-haired ones away.
After some time had passed, a summons came.
Leaving behind the encouraging Professor Gomon, I made my way toward the principal’s office.
* * *
I had just finished my business and stepped into the dormitory.
Atla approached me suddenly, her face a mask of worry.
“D-did my name come up at all?”
“Why would your name come up?”
“Please, just answer me. Whether it was an elder or a professor, I mean. Okay?”
“No? Nothing like that happened.”
Atra, with the face of one who has died and returned, beamed with a strange light and asked again.
“Is it true? My name really didn’t come up, right?”
“It is, I tell you. Stop being a nuisance and just go away.”
I couldn’t fathom what was driving this behavior.
The fact that the elders were mentioned from those lips…
Could it be that the little ones’ mischief is somehow connected?
Surely, it was a matter well resolved, something already in the past.
As I turned my back on Atra and walked away, Rix, Limberton, and Asley approached.
Limberton spoke to me in a voice tinged with tension.
“Hursel, is it real?”
“What is?”
“No, it’s just… there’s this strange rumor that you might leave this place.”
Has the rumor already spread?
I wondered if someone had eavesdropped, but that seemed unlikely.
It was a conversation with an elder, and pressing one’s ear to the door would be an act of folly.
After all, a person of such immense stature had come to bestow a medal upon a mere student; it was only natural to assume it was a scouting offer.
“Well, an offer did come. They said they’d graduate me, and I should start working right away.”
“So, you’re really graduating?”
Limberton, Rix, and Asley grinned widely.
Yet, in stark contrast, their eyes trembled slightly.
I replied in a nonchalant tone.
“Yeah.”
“Really? Wow, that’s great, right?”
Limberton made an effort to lift the mood.
As Rix and Asley nodded, about to say something, I revealed the time I could remain here.
“In two and a half years.”
“…”
“What?”
“Hursel, that means…”
The expressions on their faces fell, and they sighed deeply, their lips quivering.
It seemed as if he was desperately holding onto the corners of his mouth that threatened to rise.
Limberton could no longer contain his laughter and spoke up.
“Hey, what’s this? You’re surprised, aren’t you?”
Rix babbled nonsense that made no sense at all.
“Hey, Hursel, you didn’t want to be separated from us, did you?”
Don’t be ridiculous. If it were up to my heart, I would escape at once. The reason I couldn’t was that I had to keep an eye on the Frost Heart, which had lost the ‘Grimoire of the Crimson Apple.’
I swallowed the words I wanted to say and let out a deep sigh.
“I’m a bit tired. I think I’ll rest for now.”
With a slightly weary gait, I headed toward my room.
What were they so curious about? They kept trailing behind me, asking questions.
“So, what position were you offered?”
“…Just the commander of a newly established unit.”
“Commander? That sounds impressive!”
“Not really. More than that, I’m just a bit tired. I’ll be heading in now.”
I had a lot on my mind and needed some time alone.
“Did you hear about the special admission students coming this time?”
“Oh, that… But surely not, right? That woman coming here is just a rumor, isn’t it?”
It was because of the chatter from the female students passing by.
Soon, someone would step foot here through special admission, and she was a figure of great importance and danger in Asares’ scenario.
If I wanted to keep my head down, I needed to prepare a way to deal with it.
* * *
Inside the carriage heading to the headquarters, Officer Noras cautiously asked.
“Forgive my presumption, but I believe it’s fortunate that he declined the offer.”
Arental replied while watching the distant fortress fade away.
“Is it because of the other elders?”
“Yes, indeed. No matter how new the unit is, a commander’s position? Hursel Ben Tenest is still just a student who hasn’t even graduated yet.”
The commander’s position is a high rank that only those recognized among veterans can attain.
Yet, to have him graduated early and thrown straight into the field?
It was clear that all sorts of rumors would swirl around the headquarters.
Nevertheless, Arental calmly maintained his composure.
“Report on the Practice of Dark Sorcery, you’ve seen it, haven’t you? I believe my suggestion was not wrong.”
Noras fell silent for a moment.
The report penned by the professors detailed not only the hunting of the instructor but also how they had ensnared the Adel House into cooperation, and how they had captured young vagabonds with outlandish tactics.
It was undeniable that his capacity as a leader diverged from the ordinary.
“It is certainly impressive, but…”
“In any case, he has declined. It seems he wishes to ponder it slowly.”
Noras decided not to speak further on the matter.
If he had refused, then it was all over.
After a spell of silence, Arental broke the quiet.
“Ah, speaking of which, I hear he will soon enroll in Frost Heart.”
“Enroll? You don’t mean…”
“Indeed. It seems Duke Dortian has finally made his decision.”
Noras recoiled, pressing his back against the chair.
‘Is it truly as the rumors say? That infamous monster of a villainess, Dorothian?’
—