Chapter 266

266

“There’s also a request from Seirun.”

At Ain’s words, Berga snorted derisively.

“He’s in the Department of Knights, right? If that’s the case, it’s better to send him to Azonia rather than Seirun.”

“That’s true.” “Excuse me, isn’t Leo Flove in the Department of Summoning?”

Yura hastily interjected into their conversation.

If Ren had been there, chaos would have erupted, but fortunately, Mel had come this time instead of Ren.

‘Did the Principal predict this and exclude Ren from this semester’s schedule?’

As Yura thought this, the welcoming party grew even livelier.

The awkward atmosphere between the schools had long since dissipated.

Just then, Digness came to the center of the hall and cleared his throat.

“Hmph!”

The festive mood subsided, and everyone turned their gaze toward Digness.

“I would have liked to proceed with the discussion with Seirun also present, but there’s no word from them.”

Digness smiled faintly.

“This time, during the exclusive contract period of the Smiths, we wanted our second-year students from Demian to meet students from three schools: Lumeran, Azonia, and Seirun, in one place.”

Digness looked at the students from Lumeran and Azonia as he spoke.

“To cut to the chase, we want to form a contract with the best Hero Candidates. Of course, from your perspective, it might feel like we’re evaluating you, which could be unpleasant.”

At these words, annoyed voices were heard from the Lumeran and Azonia side.

“But I hope you can understand our position too. Our second-year students are said to be the greatest blacksmiths of the past few decades.”

Digness’s expression turned serious.

“We are smiths before we are Hero Candidates. There’s nothing more honorable than our creations being wielded by the most skilled individuals.”

Digness clenched his fists tightly.

“So, we believe that we want to create the finest weapons for the best hero candidates. Both Lumeran, Azonia, and Seirun are hailed as the best generations, and we wanted to meet all of you and have conversations as blacksmiths.”

At these words, the students from Lumeran and Azonia glanced at each other.

“Over the next week, you’ll be together, and eventually, partnerships will be established. However, there’s something I can guarantee right now! Since we’ve chosen you, we’ll create weapons you can fully rely on in battle! Since we’ve selected the best, we must repay them with the best work!”

When Digness finished his speech, applause erupted among the students from Lumeran and Azonia.

Watching this scene, Chen Sia narrowed her eyes.

“You’re sly, aren’t you?”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

Iliana tilted her head in confusion and asked.

“With that speech just now, the representative of Demian’s second year not only quelled any resentment from Lumeran and Azonia but subtly stirred up competition between them.”

This was also the reason why he emphasized that they were Smiths before being Hero Candidates.

“Hmm, clever thinking, but sharp as a blade.”

Iliana exclaimed in admiration.

Meanwhile, Digness continued.

“Alright then! For the next two weeks, as a sign of goodwill, let’s toast among the representatives of the classes?”

At this, Leo and Ar stood up and approached where Digness was standing with raised goblets.

As Ar moved toward Digness, she kept a steady gaze on Leo.

‘How did the Black Rabbit use howling? Howling is a Beastman ability. No matter how versatile the Black Rabbit might be, is it possible to surpass racial barriers?’

Her mind was in turmoil.

‘Could I have been mistaken?’

As Ar was lost in such thoughts, their eyes suddenly met.

Leo smiled faintly at Ar, giving her a look as if he understood.

At that smile, Ar was certain.

‘The Black Rabbit definitely used howling.’

Ar’s eyes brimmed with curiosity.

‘Exactly how?’

Meanwhile, Digness raised his goblet.

“All ri——”

Bang!

At that moment, the door of the hall opened.

The students of Seirun made their appearance.

The teacher leading the group of Seirun scanned the hall thoroughly, then muttered under his breath.

“Unbecoming.”

Such a slight whisper.

Yet, not a single person in this place missed hearing it.

Several of the students from Seirun noticeably flinched and looked at him.

In particular, Lunia, who stood to his right, looked up at the man in surprise.

Eiran, standing behind Lunia, had gone pale.

Also, Herdium, the teacher standing to his left, sighed quietly as he stared at the ceiling.

The man’s name was Reber. He was the head teacher overseeing Seirun’s second-year students.

“Don’t make such a face, Lunia El Rundah.”

Reber glanced at Lunia as he spoke.

“As the representative of Seirun, don’t lose your graceful composure.”

“What exactly is graceful composure? Does labeling the welcoming party Demian prepared for us as ‘unbecoming’ count as graceful?”

“Teacher Herdium.”

“Yes, Head Teacher Reber.”

“Isn’t it my understanding that Lunia has been under your charge for the past year?”

“Yes.”

“Seems like the education has been lacking. How dare she show such insolence toward a head teacher.”

“I apologize.”

“Tch. They praised you as an excellent teacher, but this is truly disappointing.”

As Reber chuckled derisively, Lunia clenched her fists.

The veins in her knuckles stood out.

‘d*mn appointed lackey of the Council!’

Originally, Herdium was supposed to be the second-year head teacher.

But after the former principal, Bennett, stepped down and LeHagen took over as interim principal, that plan was scrapped.

‘Should I beat him up?’

Since the start of the semester, Reber had been glorifying the superiority of the Elves.

Lunia was proud to be a high-minded elf herself.

She respected the ancestors of the great Star Clouds too.

But she despised extremists.

They detest even members of their own race who don’t agree with their beliefs.

Their disdain toward other races was even more severe.

‘Without even knowing anything about Leo.’

Since the beginning of the semester, Reber had openly belittled Leo.

Because of his attitude, Lunia’s reasoning had been gradually wearing down.

As Lunia’s red eyes dangerously flickered,

Clap!

A small hand grabbed Lunia’s from behind.

Meeting Eiran’s gaze as she turned her head, Eiran shook hers slightly with a frightened look.

Understanding Eiran’s concern, Lunia gave a bitter smile and nodded.

“Hmph! It’s regrettable that corporal punishment has been abolished in Seirun. Otherwise, even if you were the class representative, I would have severely disciplined you to restore discipline.”

‘You crazy b*stard. Why are you bringing up punishment that disappeared 500 years ago!’

While thinking this inwardly, Lunia took a deep breath.

“Teacher Reber, this is a welcoming party prepared by our school’s students to greet Seirun’s students. We’d be grateful if you could participate.”

Depeto guided them with a smile while saying this, but his eyes were as cold as ice.

“Disrespecting the intent would not be appropriate for those from Seirun.”

With a smirk, Reber and the Seirun teachers headed toward the front seats reserved for faculty members.

As he walked past, his gaze met Leo’s.

“Tch, a charlatan who disgraces the name of the progenitor.”

Reber almost whispered it loud enough for Leo to hear as he passed by.

“What? What did he say? That guy over there?”

Ar growled.

“Leave it.”

Leo responded calmly.

‘These people are more stubborn than I thought.’

They reminded him of the High Elves he met during the conquest of Luna’s world.

Digness approached Lunia with his usual cheerfulness.

“Lunia El Rundah, right?”

“Yeah, that’s me.”

“We were about to raise a toast together since all four schools are here. Could you join us as the class representative?”

“Sure, that sounds–”

“The wine of such low quality cannot be consumed by the representative of Seirun.”

Once again, the entire hall turned cold.

Everyone’s eyes turned toward Rebet.

“Sorry, but I want to ignore the guy… but it feels like it would spoil the mood even further.”

With a troubled expression, Lunia spoke, and Digness shook his head.

“Don’t mind him. You’ve done a lot of hard work.”

“I’m sorry for ruining the mood.”

Lunia wore a truly apologetic look.

When the awkward atmosphere spread,

“Hmph!”

Without hesitation, Ar downed the beer from her glass in one gulp.

“It’s only good if it tastes good.”

Then, she derisively chuckled, loud enough for others to hear.

“Hey, you! How can you drink it all alone?”

“Oops!”

Ar grabbed her head in embarrassment.

At this sight, laughter spread from the sides of Lumeran, Azonia, and Demian.

Leo briefly glanced at Rebet, toasted, and returned to his seat.

But the frozen atmosphere showed no signs of thawing.

A while later, the teachers and students of Seirun left the banquet hall.

Among them, there were students who showed apologetic looks, but others acted as if it were beneath their dignity.

“This is serious. I’m worried about the next week.”

Kyle clicked his tongue.

Despite the awkward atmosphere, the banquet continued.

Yet, the boisterous atmosphere from before didn’t return.

That’s when,

“Leo student.”

Someone called out to Leo.

It was Mel.

“Teacher Mel.”

“Here.”

Mel took out a letter from her embrace and handed it to Leo.

Then, she chuckled and left.

“What? What is it?”

Kyle showed interest.

“It’s nothing. I had asked for something earlier. This is probably it.”

Leo lied smoothly as he tucked the letter into his embrace.

“Hehe- Maybe you’re pretending it’s not a love letter?”

“Puff!”

“Cough! Cough-!”

As Kyle poked Leo’s side, Chelsea and Chloe, who were eating, started coughing as if they’d been hit.

“Ah- A love affair with an older teacher!”

“It’s nothing like that.”

As Leo responded calmly, Kyle mumbled.

“It’s no fun. You’re a popular guy, so why haven’t you done any love stories yet?”

“Leo-sunbae doesn’t have time for romance with all his studies.”

“That’s right. Don’t put stupid ideas in your head.”

As Chelsea and Chloe scolded Kyle, his face twisted slyly.

‘These guys are having a good time.’

Seeing this, Leo quietly muttered.

“What’s going on at this hour?”

Upon arriving at the meeting place, Leo looked puzzled.

Sitting on the bench, Mel dangled her legs and smiled.

“I thought I’d spend a romantic night with Leo-sama.”

“Didn’t you say I’m like a grandfather sometimes?”

“Did I say that?”

Even as Leo spoke, Mel maintained her calm smile as she stood up.

“Anyway, I actually want to show something to Leo-sama.”

Mel approached Leo.

“In fact, the place we’re going to now is somewhere outsiders can’t enter.”

“And how are we going?”

“Hmm… let’s say it’s a privilege of being a Lord. I borrowed the key from the principal of Demian.”

‘… Seems like she forcibly took it?’

Leo sighed.

Mel pointed at the top of Demian Castle with a cute smile.

“It’s something that, in a sense, could be considered Leo-sama’s.”

Upon saying this, Mel pulled out a key from her embrace and inserted it into the air.

A door appeared.

‘Is this a warp gate that can transport anywhere in Demian?’

While Leo was surprised, Mel opened the door and gestured with her hand.

“Come on, Leo-sama.”

As Leo walked inside,

Beyond the door, there was a weapons depot filled with all sorts of weapons.

All the preserved weapons were old and rusted.

Among them, Leo’s gaze fell on one particular area.

A weapon hanging on the wall.

Its blade had corroded beyond half, to the point where it was almost embarrassing to even call it a sword.

But it was a sword Leo could never forget.

“My sword…”

The last sword Driven left for Kyle.

Moreover, everything here was crafted by Driven.

“All the weapons here are relics of Lord Dwenno collected by dwarves over the past 5000 years.”