The Academy’s Guide to Useless Students – Chapter 31

### [The Necklace with a Tale]

This item is aptly named, as it holds a story within it. It’s a conglomeration of the original owner’s tale and the stories of the spirits she consumed. In short, it perfectly targets Theodore’s unique personality, making it an ideal tactic. Thanks to this, I was able to easily pique Theodore’s interest. After all, he isn’t the type to act on sheer whim or reciprocal relationships.

“What kind of story does it have?”

He dropped his hammer in astonishment, swallowing dryly. I had successfully tricked him quite spectacularly. Now, all that remained was to have Theodore wrapped around my finger.

“I’m sorry. It’s something that can’t be easily revealed.”

“No, I’m the one being rude. Everyone has things they can’t share.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

He complied gracefully, but I could tell it was driving him crazy with curiosity. Theodore cleared his throat, as if to shake off his desires.

“Ahem. By the way, I heard you wanted to request an order made?”

“Yes. To be precise, I’d like to commission a custom piece.”

“Ooh, what’s this?!”

Theodore trembled all over while eyeing the [Dogetsu Kimono]. His eyes were wide and sparkling as he savored the sight.

“I’m flabbergasted. You’re trusting such a rare item to a nobody like me?”

“That’s overly modest. I’ve heard of your reputation. It’s why I came all the way from the Evgenies Kingdom.”

“Reputation? What are you talking about? Look at me! I’m in no position to eat a single crumb of the fame you’ve heard about.”

“Reputation is merely a shadow. Meeting you has solidified my conviction.”

“…What about me convinced you?”

“I possess a rather unusual ability.”

Just like in a noir film, I narrowed my eyes for effect.

“If you think it’s flattery, you’re free to do so. I can prove my sincerity.”

I pulled out a briefcase, reminiscent of something you’d see in a 007 movie, and opened it.

Click.

Unlike the movies, it was filled not with cash, but with gold bars! Perhaps even more dazzling.

A bright, brilliant gold light flashed before Theodore’s eyes, rendering him mesmerized.

“I’m offering this all as an advance payment.”

“Advance? Are you a noble? Do you have any idea how much this is worth?!”

“Think of it as an investment.”

“It’s not the size that makes it impressive…”

Even a master blacksmith in the empire wouldn’t easily see such sums. Theodore was indeed an admirable craftsman, but being stuck in a backwater, he was like a diamond yet to shine.

In other words, this was a golden opportunity for him.

Missing it would lead to a lifetime of regret.

“What do you think? Once the commissioned item is complete, I’ll pay you double.”

“Are you perhaps a scion of a ducal house?”

“Just an ordinary student.”

“A student? A Pandemonium Academy student is throwing around this kind of money?”

“I happened to get lucky with a money-making opportunity. Saving is good, but investing for the future is just as necessary.”

“Wise words. If there are students like you, the future of the empire is bright!”

While compliments were nice, time was of the essence. I didn’t come just to commission Theodore; I pulled out a piece of paper and presented it to him.

“What’s this?”

“The reason I became a student is to defeat the Demon Lord Dantalion.”

“I know. That’s the wish of everyone who protects the empire.”

“To combat countless impending calamities and the followers of the demon, I need reliable allies. That’s why I want to prepare diligently.”

“So, you showed me this?”

“Yes.”

What I handed to Theodore was a contract for exclusive services. It expressed my intent to assign all crafting duties to him, starting from minor repairs.

“To be honest, I have no interest in world peace. If a war breaks out, the forge will be bustling, and the demand will surge. Sometimes, I find it rather advantageous.”

Theodore scratched his rugged beard as he signed the contract.

“So, it’s not fueled by some fleeting sense of justice. I’m merely entering into this contract for my own desires. I too want to experience the tale of a hero defeating a demon lord firsthand.”

A classic Theodore conclusion.

I signed the contract he provided, securing myself a personal blacksmith. Not just any blacksmith, but a legendary one in the making.

“Now that the contract is finalized, shall we move right away?”

“Move where?”

“To a place where we can easily communicate with the contractor.”

This was also a clause written in the contract. I had signed so coolly that I hadn’t checked it properly.

“I can bear it, but we’re moving immediately?”

“If it’s been decided, there’s no need to dawdle.”

It was a necessary procedure to avoid the hassle of back-and-forth trips for each commission. I had already prepared a place, so all we had to do was go. At first, Theodore seemed taken aback, but upon starting our journey, he set off with a relieved expression.

“Hmm. But do we really have to leave those behind?”

He left behind his cumbersome tools and workbench, old friends that must’ve held a special bond to him. I tried to persuade him as politely as possible.

“They might be lacking compared to skilled tools, but the new place has the latest equipment set up.”

“Get going! We have a long road ahead.”

Theodore’s attitude switched remarkably fast.

“Master, shouldn’t I reconsider this hasty decision…?”

“What? Weren’t you the one welcoming the customers just now?”

“That was about the commission! I didn’t think we’d move our dwelling!”

Unexpectedly twisted circumstances.

I didn’t want to waste any time, so I asked Charlotte for a handshake.

“It’s a shame. This is where we part ways.”

“Oh, no! I want to come too! Should I call it fleeting sentiment…?”

Be that as it may,

I really didn’t need outsiders.

Regardless, my party and I set off for our journey back to the royal road.

###

Thump, thump, thump!

In the underground confinement room of the Ingrid Duchy.

Originally intended for punishing intruding assassins and rebellious traitors, an unexpected guest had taken up residence there.

The daughter hammered on the iron door insistently, eager to announce her presence.

“Father! Please listen to me! James! Brother! Is nobody there!?—Cough, cough.”

Ellie coughed relentlessly, collapsing to the floor. She shouted continuously, but no one came down to respond. Her father must have locked her away purposefully. How long would she be confined like this? The rust-eaten environment, devoid of even a sliver of light, gnawed at her spirit.

“They must give me food at least.”

Even if she was starved to the brink of death, they’d bring a meal once. That moment was her only hope. Ellie, having concocted a plan to escape, sat cross-legged on the floor.

“Yungijojik”

A training method taught by her reverse flow master Mihu. With this, she aimed to calm her mind and simultaneously rest and train, focusing her consciousness.

Swoosh.

A tingling energy gathered below her navel, spreading throughout her body. Just as she repeated this mana operation, she sensed someone approaching the confinement room.

“James! Is that you?!”

“It is indeed, Your Highness. I’m glad to see you safe.”

“Glad? I’m at my limit here! Why did it take you so long to come check on me? You are my dedicated servant!”

“Forgive me, but I’m more like a double agent. In truth, I serve Lord Raymond.”

“…I hesitate to say this, but is it okay to be so indiscreet?”

“Well, it has come to this. Now that I have no justification to keep hiding it from you, Your Highness.”

“Justification to hide it?”

James hesitated for a moment, reluctantly starting to speak.

“It seems the house head made a decision based on this incident.”

“Decision?”

“Lord Raymond has declared his intention to marry you, Your Highness. The groom is none other than the young master Owen Conrad of the Duchy on the same continent.”

“Owen Conrad… You can’t possibly be talking about that arrogant little brat…?”

“That expression doesn’t suit the occasion. Young Master Owen has turned ten this year. He is a legitimate heir now.”

Ellie couldn’t hear the rest of his explanation. Her mind was consumed by her father’s forced marriage proposal.

Raymond Ingrid was someone who would do as he pleased. If her father made the decision, it was nothing more than an unavoidable command.

‘Absolutely not! There’s no way I’m being sold off to that kid…’

Was there any way out?

Just then, a brilliant idea flashed through Ellie’s mind. Nothing ventured, nothing gained…

“I can’t marry him!”

“Your Highness, please give up. The house head has made a decision. You understand what that means better than anyone.”

“No, sadly, even a ‘father’ cannot decide my marriage for me.”

“What do you mean…?”

“Have you forgotten I belong to someone else?”

“Hmm?”

“I belong to Yuto!”

Ellie Ingrid.

She had just poked a lion’s whisker she shouldn’t have touched.