Chapter 26

Released:

The academy grounds were divided into three main areas: the academic district for learning, the practice district for practical training, and the commercial district where students could buy goods or food.

The place we were about to visit to buy weapons was a shop located within the commercial district.

“To think I’ve finally come to the Academy’s commercial district; it feels like a dream! I have to see how different these weapons are from the ones in my family’s shop!”

Next to me, Marty continued his endless chatter, eager to fill the silence on his own, while I simply marveled at the sights as we walked through the various parts of the commercial district.

Seeing things I had only encountered in games now before my very eyes….it was hard to put into words. Was this what people meant by a sense of nostalgia?

That was the feeling that swept over me.

“Theo, you’ve been wanting to visit the academy’s commercial district, haven’t you? You’ve got that completely awestruck look on your face!”

“Oh, well… yeah, I guess.”

I responded half-heartedly as I glanced at students picking out armor in a shop selling gear for adventurers. Watching them try on equipment that fit their sizes stirred a strange, unfamiliar feeling in me… It made me wonder if one day I’d be able to buy and wear such gear myself.

Anyone would feel the same way.

Stepping into a world I had played countless times and seeing in real life the things I had only encountered in the game was an overwhelming, indescribable feeling that could only be fully appreciated by someone who was as immersed in the game as I was.

Even though I had to do things like protect the world immediately and make the two protagonists fall in love, to put all that aside and keep that excitement and thrill is something only a veteran can do.

“Buying armor like that must cost a fortune, right?”

“Of course. That’s probably a senior wearing it. Looks like it’s made of silver too. I bet they’re not buying it, though. Probably just renting it for practice.”

Ermunt Academy was famous for allowing students to rent gear like armor, which had to be tailored to individual sizes, for practice sessions.

In reality, it was nearly impossible for commoners to afford to buy all the armor and protective gear needed for adventures, even for practice. But once you were admitted to the academy, all of it could be rented for free.

On top of that, the gear provided for practice could be kept as a graduation gift, as long as you successfully completed your studies.

Armor and weapons were provided entirely free of charge.

No wonder commoners were desperate to get into the academy. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“Man, if they’re a senior, they’re probably close to graduating, which means they’ll get to keep all their gear. So lucky! I can’t wait for practice sessions to start so I can get free armor and weapons too!”

As I listened to Marty’s endless chatter, I finally arrived at the weapon shop. A rather stern-looking old man stood up to greet us as we entered.

“Welcome. Are you new students?”

“Yes! We’re new students! We came to check out some basic weapons! I wanted to get recommendations for what I’ll use and what he’ll use. Oh, and since my family runs a weapon shop too, I was curious to see what the academy’s weapon shop is like!”

“You’re a noisy one. Fine, now keep your mouth shut.”

Well, I figured he’d say something like that.

When the old man furrowed his brows and glared at Marty, his endlessly chattering mouth finally snapped shut.

“You’re that kid who won a special award among the commoners this time, right?”

It seemed the news had already spread to the entire commercial district, as the old man recognized me. I couldn’t help but give him an awkward smile.

“Has word really spread that far already?”

“Of course. Rumors spread quickly inside the academy, you know.”

So that meant the fact that I was close with Iris and Estelle must have already made its way through the academy as well.

“By the way, do you two even have money to buy anything? Even at the cheapest price, a single weapon costs a million silver coins. Besides, once the practical classes start, the academy will provide you with customized equipment anyway. Makes me wonder why you’re so keen on buying something now.”

A million silver coins.

It might sound expensive, but this price was only possible because it was a shop within the academy.

If we were to visit Marty’s family’s weapon shop, even a well-made iron sword would undoubtedly fetch at least a million silver.

“How much can we get for a million silver coins? An iron sword? That sounds about the same as our shop!”

“Iron swords? Not at all. We craft them using the best materials suited to each individual. For some, it might be silver, and for others, adamantium. Whatever the case, we use the material that matches each person best.”

“What?! And that only costs a million silver coins? That’s an absolutely ridiculous price!”

“It’s because this is the academy. This place caters to students. It’s not run with the intention of turning a profit.”

This is what people mean when they say the academy is friendly to commoners.

To be able to get the things that work best for you that you can’t get anywhere else, even if you’re just in a grade where you’re eligible for practical training.

This was an enormous privilege, no doubt about it.

“So, what’s your answer?”

The old man furrowed his brow slightly and pressed for a reply to the question he’d asked earlier.

“We wouldn’t have come to buy anything if we didn’t have the money. Besides, it’ll be another two years before we reach the grade for practical training. I can’t just sit around doing nothing and let my skills grow rusty until then.”

I gave the answer I had already thought out.

Even back when I didn’t think of myself as strong, I felt the same way. But now that I know I’m strong, I definitely can’t afford to let my abilities stagnate.

I don’t know how far my talent can take me, but if it turns out to be exceptional, there’s always the chance I might need to subdue Iris or Estelle by force someday if things really take a wrong turn down the line.

Of course the goal was to prevent such a situation from ever happening, but still.

“Hmm, well. Fine. Getting your hands on a sword that fits you perfectly in advance is part of training too. You’re approved. Follow me.”

“What?! What about me?!”

“You didn’t answer.”

“I just wanted to buy one because it looked cool!”

“Rejected.”

“What?! No way!”

I had been worried about having to endure the noise of Marty picking out a sword alongside me again.

Phew, what a relief. He got rejected.

Still, I couldn’t tell if this man was particularly strict or if everyone in the academy’s commercial district was like this. Either way, it was surprisingly difficult to make a purchase even when I was willing to spend my own money.

***

“What? Sir Theo went to the commercial district with his roommate?”

Although she hadn’t brought her personal maid with her, as the Crown Princess, Iris naturally had several familiar faces stationed throughout the academy.

These individuals who were eager to win her favor willingly kept her informed about Theo, one of the people she was most interested in.

“Haah, I didn’t want to resort to gathering information like this, but it can’t be helped. Where did Sir Theo go?”

“Oh, I heard he stopped by a weapon shop. There hasn’t been any further movement since.”

“I understand. I’ll make sure to thank you personally later. But I’d appreciate it if you didn’t bring me reports like this in the future. Sir Theo might find it uncomfortable.”

While this time couldn’t be helped since the information had already been shared, she resolved to make sure that such incidents wouldn’t happen again. She also instructed the informant not to pass on such details in the future.

“Yes, understood.”

“Make sure to tell the others too. If anyone causes Sir Theo discomfort, I won’t let it slide.”

“Y-Yes …!”

At this rate, it felt like she was just keeping Theo under surveillance.

That wasn’t something she wanted to do to him.

Come on, who would enjoy being monitored like that?

Even the thought of being secretly watched by people planted within the Academy sent shivers down her spine. It would be unbearably unsettling.

While she did want to know everything about Theo, this wasn’t the way she wanted to learn about him.

“Haah… I should hurry over before the news reaches Estelle.”

Feeling relieved that she hadn’t changed into something more comfortable, Iris who was still in her uniform made her way to the commercial district where the weapon shop was located.

“Oh my, what a surprise to meet you here!”

In the end, however, she inevitably ran into someone she had no wish to meet near the commercial district.

“Ha, Estelle. What brings you here?”

“What else? I came to buy something from the commercial district. Do you think I came here for a class?”

Although her reaction was quite annoying, it seemed that Estelle had not yet heard the news that Theo was in the commercial district.

“Alright then, why don’t you continue on your way.”

“I was going to, but now that you’re here, I’m thinking of tagging along.”

“I’d rather you didn’t.”

“But I’d rather do it.”

Iris openly displayed her displeasure, but Estelle, whether aware of it or not, simply smiled cheerfully.

“Why are you insisting on following me? Surely, you had a destination in mind.”

“I didn’t, actually. I just came out to see if there was anything good to eat.”

“Then go look around.”

“It seems more fun to stay with you.”

Estelle who seemed absolutely unwilling to back down prompted Iris to let out a deep sigh.

“Hmm, why are you so determined to shake me off? Oh, could it be? Are you on your way to meet Sir Theo?”

Flinch!

Iris wasn’t the type to hide things well.

Of course, Estelle knew that perfectly.

Watching Iris visibly flinch, Estelle couldn’t help but smile.

“How cute, Iris. I didn’t think you’d make it so obvious with your whole body. In any case, if you’re heading to where Sir Theo is, that gives me all the more reason to come along.”

As Estelle spoke with an annoying smile, Iris could do nothing but glare at her.

This annoying saintess.

2 responses to “Chapter 26”

  1. JimmyJohns05 Avatar
    JimmyJohns05

    surprisingly, she wasn’t bothered. Guess we’re too early on for that level lol

  2. RiamuP Avatar
    RiamuP

    Thanks for the chapter! ahaha neither of them are aware of their love, so cute

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