FVN Chapter 29
Chapter 29
The duel ended anticlimactically, contrary to Ihan's expectations.
While he was filled with disappointment, the spectators had a different reaction.
Gulp.
The way they looked at him had changed the most. Originally, some held glances of disgust toward him, but now there was no disgust. Instead, there were hints of admiration, and even awe. Most of the students were of common origin, and those from noble families had evaluative gazes, probably concluding that forming connections with him might not be a bad idea.
That’s just how nobles are—always calculating.
However, despite Ihan's lack of fondness for such attitudes, he proceeded with a proper introduction.
"As I said before the duel, I am Ihan Turtle. Not ‘Ri Han’—make sure you remember that."
......
"At least respond, you clueless brats."
"Yes, sir!"
"Good response."
These fledgling chicks, when will they finally grow into decent humans?
"As you may know, I’m a knight from the Silver Lion Knights and, like most of you, a commoner. If anyone has an issue learning from a commoner, feel free not to attend—just like the upperclassmen. Whether you drop now or later, it makes no difference."
"What about penalties...?"
"There won’t be any penalties. Frankly, it’s easier for me to teach only those who want to learn. Just make sure you show up for the exam period if you want to pass. If you don’t care about grades, then feel free to switch classes. Although the period for changing courses is over, I can talk to other instructors to help with that."
Ihan was actually showing a bit of goodwill here. He would miss having some extra sparring dummies around, but he wasn’t irresponsible enough to neglect students who genuinely wanted to learn.
Having a training partner is always beneficial, after all.
"Oh, and if any of you ever feel like challenging me again, you’re welcome anytime. Sparring is always encouraged."
“Kunta shall step forward!”
“You should go heal your back first. What were you doing while everyone else was sparring?”
“...Hmm.”
Kunta looked dejected.
But this wasn’t only directed at Kunta.
“The rest of you too—anyone who didn’t bother getting treated after the duel, go to the infirmary now. It’s overflowing with patients as it is.”
"Wasn't it you who caused all the injuries?"
"So what?"
"...Just saying."
Garand’s comment was brushed aside, and those who had been rolling in the dirt quickly disappeared, heading for the recovery ward where the healers were stationed.
‘The support here is incredible,’ Ihan thought.
Considering that healer salaries were on par with senior managers in large corporations, the academy was paying a lot to keep them around. Moreover, employing a healer meant making regular donations to the temple. With that kind of money, they could probably build a new facility every week.
‘I’ll have to make good use of that,’ Ihan thought, feeling oddly satisfied at the thought of having healers on hand.
At that moment, someone asked a question from the group of students who had been relatively quiet.
"Instructor, what exactly will we be learning?"
“What’s your name?”
“Le-Levi Folt, sir.”
“Hmm. A noble?”
“From a very minor house, sir.”
"Do you want to learn swordsmanship?"
“Well...since I’ve enrolled, I’d like to learn if possible.”
"Is that so?"
She seemed surprisingly determined.
She was clearly a noble lady who had never even touched a sword before. She looked more like someone who should be preparing for her debutante ball rather than attending swordsmanship classes—frail and delicate. But it wasn’t too surprising, given that about half the students were like her.
In truth, many noble ladies who had never done a chore in their life attended his lectures. Most likely, they were here to...
‘Find potential marriage candidates or partners for the debutante ball,’ Ihan thought.
Just like how movies and shows in America feature prom queens and kings, a well-matched partner was crucial for the debutante ball. It was common in noble circles to use such events to find marriage prospects, especially with future knights.
It wasn’t surprising that many of the girls were here for that purpose. Ihan didn’t mind, though.
The academy was funded largely by these nobles, after all, which was why they could afford to hire healers.
However, he didn’t expect them to look at him with such eager eyes. Why?
“Instructor, it’s probably because the duel between you and Lord Roen was so impressive. People are naturally drawn to things they can’t do themselves.”
“...Is that so?”
"Especially noble ladies. They’ve probably lived their entire lives in comfort, so this kind of excitement must be very new to them. But don’t worry, most of them will lose interest after a few sweaty sessions. From what I hear, most women drop out of the swordsmanship program after the first semester.”
“You know a lot, don’t you?”
“Hehe, my brother graduated from the academy, so I’ve heard a lot.”
“You’re a useful informant.”
“Thank you!”
“...But, assistant.”
“Yes?”
"Could you stop sticking your face so close? It makes me want to hit you."
"...Yes, sir."
"Good. Keep that up when talking to me from now on."
“All I can tell you is this: don’t trust the angels or the temples.”
It was a cryptic message.
Angels?
...Was this guy mentally unhinged?
Ihan considered the possibility, but decided he’d hit him later to check. Who knows, maybe that would fix him.
Amused by his own thoughts, Ihan replied.
“I’m an atheist anyway.”
“Haha, how irreverent of you. But I’m the same, so I suppose I’m also irreverent.”
“Hmm. You seem to have a rather questionable agenda at the academy.”
“...I won’t deny that.”
Jack knew there was a chance he might die here and now. If the instructor wanted to kill him, he’d be dead. But then...
“How old are you?”
“...Excuse me?”
“I asked, how old are you?”
“I’m twenty, sir.”
“...You’ve got quite an old face. I thought you’d lied about your age to get in.”
“You’re too harsh, Instructor...”
Ihan’s blunt remark left Jack looking defeated.
Ihan chuckled and shook his head.
He had a good idea of what was going on. Angels or not, in most fantasy stories, the typical villains were either...
‘The royalty or the temple, right?’
It was always the same old trope.
With a grin, Ihan asked again, just in case.
“So, are there any other people I should be wary of?”
“...Do you believe what I’m saying?”
“It’s just a hunch. It doesn’t seem like something I need to worry too much about, though.”
“...You really are an unusual person, Instructor.”
“No need for flattery. Are there any more interesting tidbits?”
“...Interesting?”
Jack wasn’t sure if he was crossing the line by sharing more, but he felt that if he could win over the instructor’s favor, it might benefit him in the future.
“...Are you familiar with the second prince, the so-called ‘mad prince?’”
“The second prince? They’re still raising princes in this kingdom?”
After the crown princess was named heir, Ihan thought all the other princes had either been banished or disappeared. He never kept track of them. But now, a prince had resurfaced?
“Hey, Instructor, the prince isn’t a dog.”
Blunt and casual insults. This man really needed to learn some decorum.
“Whatever. So, what about this ‘mad prince?’ What a cliché name.”
“Well... I’m surprised you haven’t heard. He’s notorious for his violent temper and supposed insanity.”
“And what about him?”
Ihan finally started paying attention, curious why the prince’s name had come up. Jack continued.
“...Apparently, the mad prince has secretly enrolled at the academy. I don’t know why, though.”
“Enrolled?”
“Yes. I’m not sure if he’s a real threat, but it’s worth keeping an eye on him, since he’s royalty.”
It was a reasonable suggestion, and Ihan nodded. He asked if there were any distinguishing features to look out for.
“Well, I heard that the prince has some sort of mental illness.”
“Mental illness?”
“Yes, apparently he’s known for randomly pointing at the air and behaving strangely.”
“...”
“What is it?”
“...No, nothing. Just sounds like he’s pretty far gone.”
Ihan once again let out a blunt comment, and Jack nervously advised him to be careful with his words. But Ihan ignored him, more focused on...
‘So there’s another one, huh?’
A reincarnation into a novel.
A regressor.
And now...
‘Is it a system user this time?’
He thought once more about how eventful his life at the academy had become.
“Hah.”
There certainly wouldn’t be any dull moments ahead.