The Academy’s Guide to Useless Students – Chapter 7

“Hmm…”

Laura Freeze was deep in thought.

Exceptional swordsmanship skills.

A steadfast and noble pride.

She was like a paragon of nobility, Ellie Ingrid, who never faltered in her authoritative demeanor and solid mental fortitude.

‘But why?’

Where had that competitive swordswoman she once knew gone…?

“Um… could we adjust the settlement money just a bit…?”

That man, Yuto.

What trick had he pulled on Ellie?

It was absolutely unbelievable that that prideful woman would ask in such a desperate manner.

“There’s definitely something he’s got on her.”

It just wasn’t comprehensible otherwise.

Mulling over it would be of no use.

I’d find out if I looked into it.

Laura Freeze started to follow the two who left the academy.

At the same time— Ellie Ingrid was filled with conviction.

‘It’s definitely him…’

That man, Yuto.

He’s definitely a worshiper of the demon god.

Or perhaps a descendant of demons.

For someone to abandon her in such a place and then disappear just wasn’t something a human would do.

“Oh, are you a newcomer? You look young!”

“……”

“Feeling shy? What kind of play is that?”

The pub’s ace, Karen, pointed at Ellie’s blindfold. Ellie tried her best to maintain her calm amidst the stench of mixed alcohol and perfume.

“What do you mean, play?”

“Hmm? Isn’t that an earplay? I thought you were aiming for that.”

“I’m not sure, but it’s just an ordinary blindfold.”

“Wow, were you really blind? Sounds like you’ve got some sad backstory… but you’ll be fine! Our tavern is super popular. You may not earn as much as I do, but you’ll be able to get by!”

Getting by?

‘This is ridiculous.’

‘If you think of me as some courtesan, that would be a disaster. Once I settle that damned hypocrite’s settlement money, this humiliation will be over!’

Ellie gritted her teeth and calmed her mind. On another note, if this was a tavern, she was concerned about her future.

‘It must be an unsavory establishment…’

She found men repulsive.

Could it be due to oppression from her father and older brother since childhood? Just talking to them could make her stomach churn with discomfort.

One could say she had a form of manphobia.

At her age, she had never established any friendships or connections with men in any social setting.

Those around her busied themselves praising her—‘noble’, ‘elegant’, ‘unapproachable’… but the reality was nothing like that. Somehow, she had found a connection with that man, Yuto.

“Ellie, I know. That blindfold is a decoration, right? In truth, you can see just fine…?”

It was a toxic relationship.

She felt a threat to her safety.

He was someone who knew of a secret she had never revealed before.

Moreover, that man was the immoral perpetrator who had made her endure numerous humiliations.

What reason did he have to approach her?

How had he realized her secret?

It was such a maze of mysteries that her head felt heavy, and because it was a dilemma she couldn’t speak of to anyone, it hurt her inside. Just as if someone understood her hardships, someone spoke to her.

“Are you okay, my disciple?”

Ha…

Ellie knew that voice well.

It was ambiguous, not physical sound at all.

It was the question of a spiritual entity only she could see and hear.

‘Master, please don’t speak out of turn. I’ve told you many times.’

“I-I’m sorry. I was just worried about you…”

‘Unless you are going to help me, please just stay quiet. Things have already gotten complicated because of that man.’

“…Disciple, I told you before that only you, as the heir of the Reverse Flow lineage, can see and hear me.”

I know.

It was a line I had heard a tedious two years. Recently, I only asked because of that man, Yuto.

‘There’s no way that man Yuto could be the heir of the Reverse Flow lineage.’

“That’s a naive question. The forbidden texts of the Reverse Flow are the only ones you’ve found.”

Two years ago, Ellie had accidentally discovered a ‘forbidden text’ in a gap of the dimensional space. Through it, she had encountered ‘Mihu’, the creator of the Reverse Flow swordsmanship, and unexpectedly became an accomplice on the journey.

‘Sigh… I understand. Anyway, please don’t speak so carelessly outside. It’s already chaotic enough; it’s confusing me.’

“I’ll be mindful… But disciple, it seems you have been neglecting your training lately. You should find time to train…”

‘Where would I find the time for that when I’m busy making money? And according to your advice, I’m wearing this blindfold to perform spirit perception training! Do you have any idea how difficult it is to walk around blindfolded with perfectly good eyes?!’

“Well, I know that from experience… But disciple, let me clarify: I didn’t mean for you to wear the blindfold just for the purpose of spirit perception. It’s to see what you usually don’t see while also realizing new facets of what you have seen. To broaden your narrow perspective…”

‘Be quiet. I have to go in soon.’

“…”

Master Mihu wanted to say something.

Above all, he thought that unless she fixed her ‘character’, inheriting the Reverse Flow would be a distant dream.

But he held back.

This headstrong chick might only realize after experiencing a harsh lesson. One wouldn’t know that fire is hot unless one felt the burn.

Ding-dong. Ding-dong.

When the tavern doorbell rang, the attendant began guiding the guests.

“Oh, a customer has arrived. Newbie, time to spring into action!”

“Um… what should I do?”

“What do you mean? You drink alongside the customers. Don’t worry; we’re not a tavern.”

“What’s the difference…?”

“I guess we’re closer to ‘entertainment’? Singing and dancing!”

‘What’s different about that?’

Ellie swallowed her words.

Since academy students are adults, drinking isn’t an issue, but she absolutely hated contact with men.

“Madam, you better have some great stuff today!”

A group of strong-looking male adventurers approached the counter. By their appearance, they were adventurers adorned with expensive gears. They bore grade marks on their chests or shoulders indicating their clan affiliations.

‘Gold grade.’

For an imperial student, they were in the realm of professionals. Thinking of the future, she would need to surpass them lightly. However, as a trainee, she couldn’t help but feel suppressed by their presence.

“Oh, are you a newcomer, miss? Looks like earplay is really your thing? Madam, I’ll choose her for today.”

“Wow! Leader, your taste is impeccable! This will be fun, of course referring to the blindfold. Hahaha.”

‘These scummy men are unbearable.’

Ellie’s thoughts were ruthless and straightforward.

Yet, regardless of her feelings, she was in a position where she couldn’t refuse as the one at the lower end.

“Your name was Ellie, right? Congratulations on your first selection. The changing room is back there. Go change quickly!”

“Ch-changing room?!”

“Hmm? You thought you’d work in that plain getup? Don’t be ridiculous! Hurry and change. There should be a blindfold, too. And switch to a more eye-catching color. Now, now, hurry up!”

“W-wait a minute…!”

Ellie was pushed toward the changing room by Karen. With every step, her pace grew heavier.

“Wow, that outfit suits you! Come sit next to me.”

The moment had finally arrived.

Once she entered the room, the adventurers were waiting with filthy stares. The tavern girls were already nestled beside the members. The only remaining spot was next to the most lecherous-looking macho man with a bushy chest.

‘Ugh, this is so nauseating…’

Ellie shut her eyes.

She also shut off her spirit perception.

It was hard enough to endure with her senses intact; she gave up her primal instincts.

“Wow, miss, seeing you up close, you’re even more exceptional. Why are you working in a place like this? You’re way better than most nobles!”

Was she supposed to hold her breath?

With every word from the man, his unpleasant, hot breath pressed down on her.

She couldn’t possibly remain sane.

Would taking a drink help ease things?

Thud.

As she reached for the drink, a hand caught her wrist.

“Whoa, looks like you’re thirsty, huh? Since you’re a newbie, we must observe a welcoming ritual.”

Welcoming ritual?

As Ellie tilted her head in confusion—

Riiip!

Her outfit was torn open.

She was left barely able to cover her chest with her underwear.

“Wh-who do you think you are?!”

“Hmm? Why are you being so shy? Acting all high and mighty while working in a place like this is just sad, isn’t it?”

She could barely cover herself with one arm.

Her arm was firmly caught and couldn’t move.

‘What kind of strength is this…’

An imperial student is elite.

But that only applies to the future dreams; the harsh reality was far from it. Despite Ellie’s struggles, her captured arm showed no signs of escaping.

“Ugh…”

“Haha, miss, are you crying now? What a pitiful sight! Look everyone, this lady’s crying!”

“Puhahaha! Hey, take off that blindfold too!”

She became the laughing stock of the room.

Tears cascaded down Ellie’s cheeks.

“Let me go… please…”

“Hmm? Sure, I’ll let you go. But don’t even think about running away. You won’t be able to escape from here anyway.”

The binding was released.

But there was no way to escape her predicament now. It was certain she would face even worse humiliation soon. As her emotions heightened, she bit her lip hard enough to taste blood.

There was no one to help her.

Having never hoped for help from anyone, nor having helped anyone, she didn’t even entertain expectations.

Clatter.

That was when the room’s door opened.

“Excuse me.”

“Huh, what? They don’t look like waiters… who are you to barge in?”

Ellie slowly turned her head.

A familiar masculine voice.

“I’m here to enforce the law.”

It was Yuto.