Chapter 29

The duel ended anticlimactically, contrary to Ihan's expectations.

While he was filled with disappointment, the spectators had a different reaction.

Gulp.

The way they looked at him had changed the most. Originally, some held glances of disgust toward him, but now there was no disgust. Instead, there were hints of admiration, and even awe. Most of the students were of common origin, and those from noble families had evaluative gazes, probably concluding that forming connections with him might not be a bad idea.

That’s just how nobles are—always calculating.

However, despite Ihan's lack of fondness for such attitudes, he proceeded with a proper introduction.

"As I said before the duel, I am Ihan Turtle. Not ‘Ri Han’—make sure you remember that."

……

"At least respond, you clueless brats."

"Yes, sir!"

"Good response."

These fledgling chicks, when will they finally grow into decent humans?

"As you may know, I’m a knight from the Silver Lion Knights and, like most of you, a commoner. If anyone has an issue learning from a commoner, feel free not to attend—just like the upperclassmen. Whether you drop now or later, it makes no difference."

"What about penalties…?"

"There won’t be any penalties. Frankly, it’s easier for me to teach only those who want to learn. Just make sure you show up for the exam period if you want to pass. If you don’t care about grades, then feel free to switch classes. Although the period for changing courses is over, I can talk to other instructors to help with that."

Ihan was actually showing a bit of goodwill here. He would miss having some extra sparring dummies around, but he wasn’t irresponsible enough to neglect students who genuinely wanted to learn.

Having a training partner is always beneficial, after all.

"Oh, and if any of you ever feel like challenging me again, you’re welcome anytime. Sparring is always encouraged."

“Kunta shall step forward!”

“You should go heal your back first. What were you doing while everyone else was sparring?”

“…Hmm.”

Kunta looked dejected.

But this wasn’t only directed at Kunta.

“The rest of you too—anyone who didn’t bother getting treated after the duel, go to the infirmary now. It’s overflowing with patients as it is.”

"Wasn't it you who caused all the injuries?"

"So what?"

"...Just saying."

Garand’s comment was brushed aside, and those who had been rolling in the dirt quickly disappeared, heading for the recovery ward where the healers were stationed.

‘The support here is incredible,’ Ihan thought.

Considering that healer salaries were on par with senior managers in large corporations, the academy was paying a lot to keep them around. Moreover, employing a healer meant making regular donations to the temple. With that kind of money, they could probably build a new facility every week.

‘I’ll have to make good use of that,’ Ihan thought, feeling oddly satisfied at the thought of having healers on hand.

At that moment, someone asked a question from the group of students who had been relatively quiet.

"Instructor, what exactly will we be learning?"

“What’s your name?”

“Le-Levi Folt, sir.”

“Hmm. A noble?”

“From a very minor house, sir.”

"Do you want to learn swordsmanship?"

“Well…since I’ve enrolled, I’d like to learn if possible.”

"Is that so?"

She seemed surprisingly determined.

She was clearly a noble lady who had never even touched a sword before. She looked more like someone who should be preparing for her debutante ball rather than attending swordsmanship classes—frail and delicate. But it wasn’t too surprising, given that about half the students were like her.

In truth, many noble ladies who had never done a chore in their life attended his lectures. Most likely, they were here to…

‘Find potential marriage candidates or partners for the debutante ball,’ Ihan thought.

Just like how movies and shows in America feature prom queens and kings, a well-matched partner was crucial for the debutante ball. It was common in noble circles to use such events to find marriage prospects, especially with future knights.

It wasn’t surprising that many of the girls were here for that purpose. Ihan didn’t mind, though.

The academy was funded largely by these nobles, after all, which was why they could afford to hire healers.

However, he didn’t expect them to look at him with such eager eyes. Why?

“Instructor, it’s probably because the duel between you and Lord Roen was so impressive. People are naturally drawn to things they can’t do themselves.”

“…Is that so?”

"Especially noble ladies. They’ve probably lived their entire lives in comfort, so this kind of excitement must be very new to them. But don’t worry, most of them will lose interest after a few sweaty sessions. From what I hear, most women drop out of the swordsmanship program after the first semester.”

“You know a lot, don’t you?”

“Hehe, my brother graduated from the academy, so I’ve heard a lot.”

“You’re a useful informant.”

“Thank you!”

“…But, assistant.”

“Yes?”

"Could you stop sticking your face so close? It makes me want to hit you."

"…Yes, sir."

"Good. Keep that up when talking to me from now on."

“……Damn.”

"I can hear you, assistant."

Demian—no, Ihan’s assistant—felt his eyes grow wet once again.

Class was over for the day.

Just like how college professors often end the first day early, Ihan had shown some flexibility.

Before long, the students had all left, and the training grounds were quiet. Ihan was the only one left, and the twilight sky was quite beautiful.

"Hmm."

But instead of enjoying the sunset, Ihan was more focused on reviewing the duels from earlier.

‘Maybe I should’ve moved in faster then?’

Even though his opponents were much weaker than him, there was still something to learn. After all, there was a reason noble families were known for their skill. While their foundations were shaky, they had learned many high-level techniques.

For a pig, pearls would be wasted. But for someone like him, there were valuable lessons to be gleaned.

The four people who stood out in particular:

‘Kunta, the barbarian. I’ll spar with him again tomorrow, maybe a bit more slowly this time. He’s similar to my style—he could be fun.’

‘The guy with the dual swords and the one with the polearm weren’t bad either.’

‘…And the regressor was more cunning than I thought.’

Though he’d expected more from the regressor, Ihan found himself more intrigued by the others. They had more potential—prodigies, even.

Watching and sparring with these talented individuals would help him accumulate valuable experience each time.

Baltar had always told him that what he needed was practical experience, not theoretical learning.

And with such promising opponents, Ihan welcomed the opportunity to learn.

“This job… isn’t bad at all.”

It had been Isis who forced him into this role, but now that he’d tried it, he found that he didn’t mind it.

No, he actually enjoyed it.

“It’s quite rewarding, really.”

The position of an academy instructor—turns out it was more fulfilling than his time in the knight order.

Ihan couldn’t help but laugh at the irony of finding a job that suited him so well.

Compared to the mind-numbing monotony of the knight order, where the only people avoiding battles were his fellow knights, this was far more exciting.

…And there was something else.

"Hey, rat over there."

There were more interesting individuals here, too.

"Come out already. I’ve seen you sneaking around these past few days. What are you trying to spy on?"

Whoosh.

A breeze blew across the empty clearing, ruffling the grass.

There was no one there, so what exactly was he talking about?

As if sensing the strange atmosphere, Ihan reached for the small axe he kept on him…

“...My apologies, Instructor. I didn’t mean to cause any trouble.”

Suddenly, a man appeared.

Ihan recognized him. He’d seen this face among the other students—someone who was always sticking close to Roen. His name was…

“Hans, right?”

“…It’s Jack, sir.”

“Ah, right.”

“…Could you please put the axe away?”

“Depends on what you have to say.”

Tap tap.

Ihan tapped the ground lightly with the axe, signaling that he was waiting for an answer.

Given the suspicious nature of his spying, it wouldn’t have been surprising if Ihan had thrown the axe already. Jack maintained a smile, but sweat was pouring down his face.

‘Did he notice me watching yesterday too?’

Technically, Jack hadn’t been watching Ihan, but rather Irene Windler. But still, the fact that he’d been caught…

‘He’s definitely no ordinary man, just like my lord said.’

Ihan wasn’t just strong—there was something more to him.

That’s why his lord had…

‘He’s trying to gauge him, for sure.’

Jack finally spoke, his lips dry.

“…I have a message from my lord.”

“You could’ve just said that earlier. Did you really have to sneak around like this? Nobles and their dramatic flair…”

“Do you know about ‘angels,’ sir?”

“…?”

“I see you don’t. That’s all I needed to know.”

“Angels?”

“All I can tell you is this: don’t trust the angels or the temples.”

It was a cryptic message.

Angels?

…Was this guy mentally unhinged?

Ihan considered the possibility, but decided he’d hit him later to check. Who knows, maybe that would fix him.

Amused by his own thoughts, Ihan replied.

“I’m an atheist anyway.”

“Haha, how irreverent of you. But I’m the same, so I suppose I’m also irreverent.”

“Hmm. You seem to have a rather questionable agenda at the academy.”

“…I won’t deny that.”

Jack knew there was a chance he might die here and now. If the instructor wanted to kill him, he’d be dead. But then…

“How old are you?”

“…Excuse me?”

“I asked, how old are you?”

“I’m twenty, sir.”

“…You’ve got quite an old face. I thought you’d lied about your age to get in.”

“You’re too harsh, Instructor…”

Ihan’s blunt remark left Jack looking defeated.

Ihan chuckled and shook his head.

He had a good idea of what was going on. Angels or not, in most fantasy stories, the typical villains were either…

‘The royalty or the temple, right?’

It was always the same old trope.

With a grin, Ihan asked again, just in case.

“So, are there any other people I should be wary of?”

“…Do you believe what I’m saying?”

“It’s just a hunch. It doesn’t seem like something I need to worry too much about, though.”

“…You really are an unusual person, Instructor.”

“No need for flattery. Are there any more interesting tidbits?”

“…Interesting?”

Jack wasn’t sure if he was crossing the line by sharing more, but he felt that if he could win over the instructor’s favor, it might benefit him in the future.

“…Are you familiar with the second prince, the so-called ‘mad prince?’”

“The second prince? They’re still raising princes in this kingdom?”

After the crown princess was named heir, Ihan thought all the other princes had either been banished or disappeared. He never kept track of them. But now, a prince had resurfaced?

“Hey, Instructor, the prince isn’t a dog.”

Blunt and casual insults. This man really needed to learn some decorum.

“Whatever. So, what about this ‘mad prince?’ What a cliché name.”

“Well… I’m surprised you haven’t heard. He’s notorious for his violent temper and supposed insanity.”

“And what about him?”

Ihan finally started paying attention, curious why the prince’s name had come up. Jack continued.

“…Apparently, the mad prince has secretly enrolled at the academy. I don’t know why, though.”

“Enrolled?”

“Yes. I’m not sure if he’s a real threat, but it’s worth keeping an eye on him, since he’s royalty.”

It was a reasonable suggestion, and Ihan nodded. He asked if there were any distinguishing features to look out for.

“Well, I heard that the prince has some sort of mental illness.”

“Mental illness?”

“Yes, apparently he’s known for randomly pointing at the air and behaving strangely.”

“…”

“What is it?”

“…No, nothing. Just sounds like he’s pretty far gone.”

Ihan once again let out a blunt comment, and Jack nervously advised him to be careful with his words. But Ihan ignored him, more focused on…

‘So there’s another one, huh?’

A reincarnation into a novel.

A regressor.

And now…

‘Is it a system user this time?’

He thought once more about how eventful his life at the academy had become.

“Hah.”

There certainly wouldn’t be any dull moments ahead.