How to Survive at the Academy
chapter-212

Sure, restrain yourself, Ms. Yenika (3)

Orten Faelover was already an expert in the livestock industry that it would be no problem to call him a specialist.

In fact, in Toren village of Phulanshan, there is hardly anyone who doesn’t know about cows and sheep. In this village, where cattle far outnumber people, those who couldn’t handle them properly could not be considered competent.

He was a renowned, hard worker in the village, his sturdy real-world muscles and broad shoulders stood out, presenting a reliable figure. Along with his hearty nature, he had an equally solid temperament…

It was perhaps inevitable that Sella, a peddler who’d come to sell necessities while buying milk and firewood, fell for him.

From Orten Faelover, with his wild charm and masculine vigor, a sensible daughter, Yenika Faelover, was born… This was also possible because he had a wife named Sella, who was dignified and full of vitality.

Orten and Sella.

The Faelover family, which can be said to be the entirety of the Faelover Ranch… That said, it is definitely the most famous ranch in Toren village.

Although the ranch might seem too large for the couple to handle, they have a dutiful daughter who helps during vacations, and during peak seasons, they receive aid from villagers, somehow managing it all well.

“Honey, did you see the letter I left on the table? Guess what, Yenika received another student commendation!”

“At this level in Sylvania… Our daughter… is she not too capable…?”

“The mastery of her spirit magic has grown to an astounding level.. You remember when Yenika was young, she always used to mingle with the spirits in the highlands? It must have all been foreshadowing.”

Sella was smirking, with her sleeves rolled up and wearing a bustling village woman’s attire.

Truthfully, Yenika’s vitality came directly from Sella.

“We’re already halfway through the second semester of the third year, so we should prepare a real feast when she comes back this winter.”

“Still… she won’t suddenly leave without notice like last time… It’s tough to see our daughter’s face if not during vacations.”

“I’ve been thinking, we might have lacked a considerate heart toward Yenika back then. Honey.”

By now, the stories of Yenika Faelover’s romance had circulated enough around the village of Toren.

Being very shy, Yenika found it overwhelmingly tough to handle, planning to take refuge on Acken Island until the talk subsided.

Having realized this, Orten and Sella decided that when Yenika returned next, they would gently, subtly, and softly probe to unearth the heart’s contents without agitating her.

It seemed certain that Yenika would head back to the academy early next winter vacation too, there seemed to be no disagreement on that…

And so, time in Toren village continued to flow steadily.

True to life in a rural livestock village, barring seasonal changes, each day passed without much difference.

As time slips by while working on the ranch, it’s hard to notice the passing of time.

But when Orten receives word from the outside or gets messages from friends, it reminds him of life’s progression. Friends aging in other lands, his own beard growing scruffier, and the days of sunrise and sunset hastening…

It’s only through such external news that one can mark the passage of time around here.

A week after the news of Yenika Faelover’s student commendation, a letter of praise for Orten and Sella’s contributions arrived at Faelover Ranch.

Both were startled by the sender. It was a personal letter penned by Princess Phoenia Elias Clorel, the third princess of the Clorel royal family.

“…What is this…?”

“Pe.. Princess Phoenia herself wrote and sent us a personal letter…”

“What’s it say, Sella? I can’t read this old-fashioned handwriting…”

“It says… commendations for the many contributions of Yenika Faelover… and recognizing our efforts in raising her… Honey..”

The fact that Yenika was somewhat hotshot in Sylvania was known, but to receive a personal letter from a princess was utterly unexpected.

“Yenika is… certainly… doing well…”

“Seems like there was some big event at the Rothtaylor Ducal House. Though we haven’t received the details yet, it appears Yenika played a significant role in resolving a major issue.”

“Really…? I heard something similar when I went to the city last time. There was a disaster surrounding the Rothtaylor Ducal House, and rumors were that Yenika was involved…?”

Recalling Yenika’s dedicated figure milking the cows, the contents of the letter didn’t seem to match at all.

Orten and Sella were unaware of the dramatic growth Yenika had experienced in Sylvania. Being country folk, they also didn’t fully grasp just how special it is to handle high-level spirits.

One thing, however, was clear… their daughter was performing far beyond expectations.

“Yeah, yeah…! Yenika! She’s really doing great! Honestly, I never thought we’d get a personal letter from a princess… but she’s really making a name for herself!”

“Yes…! I didn’t expect her to do this well, but sending Yenika to Sylvania seems to have been a good decision! Ho ho ho!”

“I’m a bit shocked myself, I didn’t expect this much, but of course… This is Orten’s daughter! She should accomplish as much! Never been prouder, Yenika!”

The following month, news was received that Yenika Faelover had been granted a baronetcy under the protection of Princess Phoenia and had become a retainer of the Rothtaylor Ducal House.

“…”

“…”

“…”

On the table lay a longsword with a coat of arms symbolizing the baronetcy, provided by the elderly vassal of the Rothtaylor Ducal House.

Beside it was a seal adorned with intricate designs and an award document signifying noble lineage unfolded.

The vassal who had sought them out even in this rugged land slowly bowed and said.

“Greetings, Orten Faelover and Sella Faelover, esteemed owners of the Baron Faelover lands.”

The gifts looked luxurious and expensive at a glance.

Orten could not hide his astonishment as he asked the old vassal.

“What’s all this now…?”

“You may speak informally to me as per the custom of knightly honor. My name is Neldrek, originally of the Rothtaylor Ducal House, and now I’m a liege to your newly granted lands of Kelklon Plains and Daren Mountains, regions to the northwest of the ducal territory.”

“Did I mishear…? Are my ears… failing me?”

Vassal Neldrek was originally positioned to assist persons from the royal house, but for now, he was overseeing the affairs of the ducal residence.

“I am here to assist in the duties of Lady Baronet Yenika Faelover.”

“Yenika… as a Baronet…?”

“Yes, that’s correct. Lady Baronet Yenika is focusing on her studies and cannot attend to the barony, so I have been appointed as regent in her absence. However, as propriety dictates, I had to personally greet you, the owners of the vast barony… That’s why I’ve come so far.”

“…”

“Certainly, Phulanshan has splendid air quality. The sight is beautiful, and it feels full of vitality; having grown up here, it’s no wonder the baroness has amassed such merit.”

As Neldrek carried the conversation lightly, Orten swallowed his breath.

Already in the village, rumors were flying about the Faelover family rising to nobility associated with the renowned Rothtaylor Ducal House, even being granted lands.

It was their daughter, but inside, they couldn’t help but ask.

What… has she been up to…?

“Stop! Ever since I became a noble, I’ve looked up the records of noble ladies in the library… Like Duchess Lestina of the Klein family, countess of Deltergis, head Sinclaire of Bloomriver family, and even the Countess Bat of Tanya Hellston of Rothtaylor family… they are all dignified and splendid nobles, aren’t they?”

Yenika clenched her hands together and asked stealthily.

“But I don’t know anything! The last time I was in the cafeteria, I spilled juice in a commoner-owned store, and when I picked up a mop to clean it, the owner nearly flipped out.”

“You don’t have to clean it up yourself. Just leave it to the store owner.”

“But if I spilled it, I should clean it up! And just the other day, a first-year commoner junior fell on the street, and dirt got on the hem of my skirt, and suddenly he was prostrating in apology! It’s just a skirt, you can just wash it!”

Indeed, even though the value of learning is paramount, the gap between noble and commoner students is not entirely absent.

Commoners naturally mingle amongst themselves, and so do nobles – it’s somewhat inevitable.

Yenika was exceptional, having been close to kids with massive social gaps like Claire or Anis.

“Eh, Ed, do you usually feel like this…? I really don’t understand what it’s like to live as a noble…”

“Not to that extent. After all, I have been expelled and hit rock bottom before, and I had a long period where my reputation wasn’t great at school. But you, Yenika, you have made quite a name for yourself in the academy, so it may seem more amplified to you.”

“That so…?”

“If you can’t avoid it, enjoy it… It’s not bad to be treated considerately. Not all nobles in Sylvania receive special treatment after all.”

“Still… something about this doesn’t seem right…”

Yenika continued her story with a disheartened tone.

“Do you know the phrase I’ve heard the most since becoming a noble?”

“What’s that?”

“‘Please restrain yourself…’”

Ah, that indeed seems fitting.

Yenika is the kind who isn’t satisfied until she rolls up her sleeves and gets involved in every little matter herself.

Granted, the juice spilling incident may have been minor, but fundamentally, she’s the type to take matters into her own hands, even the most menial tasks.

Ever since Belle Mayar become the head maid, she has moved to an administrative position and seems unsatisfied, much like Yenika feels restrained by the mere label of nobility.

“How can I act more like a noble… Maybe I should try smiling like a noble.”

“What does a noble’s smile look like…?”

“Eh, uhm… like this… you put the back of your hand near your mouth and… ohoho… ohohoho!”

“…”

As I looked at her with an incredulous expression, Yenika’s face turned red with embarrassment and she quickly hung her head.

“I can’t say this makes me more noble-like… but still, not everything has been bad since becoming a noble. I’ve had my fief for less than a week, but…”

“Were there any good things?”

“It’s not so much about what happened as… um… I feel like I understand your position a bit better, Ed.”

At that comment, I puzzled for a moment.

Yenika, seeing my reaction, smiled with her eyes earnestly shut, as if delighted by it.

“Ed has lived his whole life as a noble.”

“There were times that wasn’t true. Honestly, the times when I hit rock bottom are most memorable.”

“Yes, but still, I’ve thought about this while at your side.”

Before the start of class, amidst the bustling students, Yenika spoke while propping her arms on the desk.

“Ed has lived under such weight.”

“…”

“Of course, there’s a world of difference in the weights carried by a duke and a baron. But I felt something similar.”

“It’s not something to attribute so much meaning to… I just lived through the circumstances as they came.”

But Yenika shook her head and continued.

“I used to think every time I saw Ed staring into the bonfire by himself. He must have so many burdens I could never understand. Well, we live in different worlds, after all.”

“Did you think that?”

“It’s actually true, isn’t it? But now, that empty feeling in my heart is a little less.”

Yenika grinned mischievously as she subtly touched her forearm.

“It feels like the gap has narrowed. Ed is still out of reach high above, but still.”

Her unfocused laughter was unchanged, whether she was a noble or a commoner.

I couldn’t quite envision Yenika Faelover leading a noble house. Not that it worried me…

Well, whatever the case, she’ll manage.

*[ Magic Ability Details ]

Grade: Competent Mage

Specialty Fields: Element/Spirit/Stellar

Common Magic:

Quick Cast Lv 14

Mana Detection Lv 15

Fire Element Magic: Ignition Lv 18 Point Explosion Lv 6

Wind Element Magic: Wind Blade Lv 16

Spirit Magic:

Spirit Sensitivity Lv 18 Spirit Understanding Lv 18

Spirit Manifestation Lv 13 Shared Sensation Lv 13

[ Spirit Slot: Mid-Fire Spirit Muk ] Sensitivity Stage: 8

Spirit Ritual Efficiency: Perfection

Unique Endowed Skills: Fire Retribution (Temporary increase in fire immunity) Explosive Power (lower-class explode magic)

Increase in Fire Magic Ability

“Suffering through high element magic is the fastest way to learn it.”

Professor Krayd’s elementology class always ended swiftly. His own interest in teaching was clearly minimal.

Yet, as classes went by the legendary war hero and famous mage ‘Outlaw Krayd’, even the brief contents he casually dropped were packed with practicality, something that the typical theoretical instructors couldn’t provide.

The real-world knowledge he accumulated wandering through the lawless lands of Keheln for years was something scholars could never teach.

After the class, Professor Krayd took me aside in the lecture hall and said,

“Looking at the third-years, there’s nobody but you who’s fit to truly master high element magic, Ed Rothtaylor. So I’ll teach you specifically.”

“Getting beaten up to learn quickly… are you suggesting—”

“Yes, I plan to beat the hell out of you. With high element magic. You won’t die or get injured from it.”

I looked at Professor Krayd incredulously as he casually lit his tobacco.

He had been restraining himself from lighting up during class with students around.

“Enduring high element magic isn’t something just anyone can do. Even the most famous mages can get exhausted after a few casts—that’s the rarity of high magic. They don’t call you one of Sylvania’s greatest prodigies for mastering just one high magic spell without a reason.”

“I’m aware of that, but still… learning by taking hits seems a bit… harsh, doesn’t it?”

“Don’t believe that ink-slinger’s talk. I’ve been through it all myself. To integrate the theory of mana efficiency, and to progressively develop the sensation of using intermediate magic… I know students like you. At a glance, I can tell just how much you can digest and handle.”

Professor Krayd continued to pluck his stubble while talking.

“I also get tired after a few high magic casts. But I’ll cast full-strength at you, and as you dodge and counter, the flow of mana and usage patterns will become clear to you.”

“Could careless mistakes lead to me saying farewell to this world?”

“I know your capability. It wouldn’t be a problem. You’d need to face it at least five or six times a day for quick growth.”

As he spoke, his white robes began to billow.

“You’re busy too, so no point wasting time. Let’s get started.”

“……”

“Don’t take a direct hit…”

Krayd’s immense mana began to fill the lecture hall.

A teacher launching high magic spells at a student.

Honestly, he was out of his mind.

*

“Ed! Are you, are you okay?! Does it, does it hurt a lot?”

“No, I’m fine. This kind of thing doesn’t bother me. In fact, it feels refreshing like never before, giving a kickstart to my stalled growth in elemental magic…”

“What…?”

Returning to camp, the first thing I did was to wrap my wounds with bandages, covering every scratch on my body.

The sheer ascent of mana sensitivity felt like a dam had been broken open.

Indeed, ‘high magic’ was like pouring oil on the stagnant magical abilities of mine.

As someone invested in elementology, I wanted to face it more. But high magic, if mishandled, can send a person straight to meet their maker. The act of flinging it at a student was certainly the work of madmen.

Honestly, Krayd’s reckless teaching methods were possible only because it was a one-on-one lesson… If word got out that he’d been hurling high magic at a student, it would undoubtedly cause an uproar of controversies.

Despite all this, a smile inadvertently crept upon my face.

Perhaps this was how fitness addicts felt when tearing their muscles to build them back stronger.

Despite the agony stirring in my body and wounds throbbing, a wave of exhilaration was budding within.

Looking at the increased mana sensitivity, I couldn’t help but chuckle.

I had to admit, outlaw Krayd was a madman… but he knew precisely how to incite the growth of one’s abilities.

I tossed a poker into the campfire and stood up from my seat.

This pace wasn’t enough to satisfy me just yet.

“Lucy.”

I called out that name, heading towards the back of the cabin.

Atop the tall Zelkova tree, clinging close to the cabin, sat a girl perched on a stout branch.

The white-haired girl read a thick book under the moonlight, using a minor glowing spell for light, her familiar face now reminding me of a long-time friend.

“I’ve got a favor to ask.”

“?”

High magic is so rare that even renowned archmages become spent after a few uses.

Most people don’t even get the chance to be on the receiving end of it.

“Could you come down first…?”