Chapter 32: The National Academy and a Trembling Captain

Though Leaf Su appeared to be scrutinizing the knight’s sword in his grasp, he had, in fact, already ascertained its attributes using his GM profession.

As Ivan possessed no aptitude for magic, he had channeled his entire focus into enhancing its offensive capabilities. Crucially, to avoid arousing any suspicion, the sword’s weight remained unaltered.

In this manner, his knight’s sword had been subtly re-engineered for a purely physical offensive direction.

Returning the knight’s sword to Ivan, Leaf Su feigned an envious expression, growing increasingly adept at portraying a child.

“How incredible!” Leaf Su exclaimed, a hint of childish longing in his voice.
“I wish I had a sword like that. It’s far more striking than my magic staff.”

He then gestured towards the simple, withered wood staff resting on his carriage seat.

“Haha, don’t be so modest,” Ivan chuckled, sheathing his sword. He remained utterly oblivious to the profound changes his weapon had undergone, its attack power now possibly rivaling even his Branch Captain’s blade.

“Little Leaf Su attends the National Academy, a place of countless disciplines; becoming a knight isn’t necessarily the optimal path.”

“Oh?” Leaf Su mused, truly intrigued.
“I hadn’t realized. What exactly is this National Academy like?”

Despite Fiona having arranged his enrollment, he possessed little actual understanding of the institution, merely assuming it was a place to acquire new skills.

“Fiona didn’t tell you?” Ivan asked, then, adopting a remarkably earnest demeanor, began to enlighten Leaf Su.
“Well, allow me to tell you now.”

“The National Academy of the Holy Kingdom,” Ivan began, a note of pride in his voice,
“is an institution that embraces all professional knowledge in the world. It is primarily divided into five grand departments: Magic, Alchemy, Knight, Divine, and Beast Taming. Naturally, within each of these five major departments are numerous smaller branches, ensuring that as long as one possesses the capability, they can acquire any knowledge they seek.”

“Moreover, not a single instructor within the academy holds a rank lower than C-rank adventurer, each one a celebrated figure from across the continent. This, in itself, ensures an unparalleled faculty. Indeed, it is widely acknowledged that any graduate from the National Academy emerges as a highly sought-after talent, with countless factions vying for their expertise.”

As Ivan continued his detailed explanations to Leaf Su, the carriage, escorted by the knight order, gradually advanced into an open expanse.

The streets themselves widened considerably, and the roadside adornments grew noticeably more opulent.

The Green Prairie Captain dismounted, offering a respectful bow to the Housekeeper Miss who had arrived to welcome them.

“I humbly entrust him to your care,” the Green Prairie Captain stated.
“Fiona’s younger brother, Leaf Su, is now under your watchful eye.”

“Of course, no trouble at all,” the Housekeeper Miss replied, scanning her surroundings for Fiona’s presence.
“Didn’t that little brat Fiona return this time?”

“She sustained some injuries after vanquishing an A-rank demon and is currently recuperating, which is why she hasn’t returned,” the Green Prairie Captain explained, his tone exceedingly respectful towards the Housekeeper Miss.

No… perhaps it would be more accurate to say he was trembling.

After all, this very Housekeeper Miss standing before him had subjected him to a rigorous Spartan education (TL Note: A strict and demanding upbringing, similar to the ancient Spartan training regimen.) during his childhood, leaving his very soul with a deep-seated resistance.

‘Green Prairie Captain, what on earth is wrong with you?’ Leaf Su thought, a look of utter disdain crossing his face.
‘Why do you tremble every single time you encounter a female character?’

“Ah, I see. I heard your mission this time was…” The Housekeeper Miss waved a dismissive hand.
“Well, just do your best. If things get truly dire, simply run away. I taught you all from childhood: if you can’t win, flee. Ignore all that talk from the academy about the Holy Kingdom’s interests being paramount, or sacrificing for the nation—that’s far too much of a loss, wouldn’t you agree?”

Her words, spoken so casually in the middle of the street, caused numerous passersby to cast sidelong glances, their expressions silently questioning:
‘Is she truly affiliated with the National Academy?’

After exchanging a few pleasantries with the Housekeeper Miss, the Green Prairie Captain issued an order for his knight members to assist Leaf Su from the carriage.

Leaf Su descended from the carriage with a timid air, though in truth, he felt a slight flutter of trepidation.

The instant his feet touched the ground, he sensed a sharp, piercing gaze fix upon him—a gaze that, without a doubt, belonged to the very Housekeeper Miss who had just finished conversing with the Green Prairie Captain.

📚 Also on NHV Novels

A Tangy New Life After Breaking Up with My Girlfriend

HaremRomanceSlice of Life

Read Now →
Not interested