A Disaster-Level Assassin Has Been Freed

Chapter 128: Nadan Royal Academy (4)

The night before asking Professor Gabone Emans to translate the Aura Cultivation Method.

Lying in bed, I thought.

‘I want to go to the ball.’

It wasn’t that I had a deep interest in the “ball” itself.

But a “new” environment, a new place, a new atmosphere piqued my curiosity.

Above all, I was most interested in the “people” attending the ball.

‘Mostly nobles or the heirs of very wealthy merchants, right?’

What kind of people had I associated with so far?

Beggars, mercenaries, bandits, fighters.

Most were of relatively low social status.

Of course, there were exceptions like Sheratiya Viyan, Guild Leader Jeten, and the Mercenary King Austin…

‘It feels different somehow.’

If I had to put it, it was the difference between those born into privilege and those who rose through their own efforts.

It felt like there’d be something distinctly different, so I was driven to learn about their mindsets, personalities, and traits.

But Sheratiya was set on refusing the invitation from the knight student, Andy Shepler.

‘No way. I’m not going.’

‘Not going? Why? It looked like the food and drinks were free…’

‘I’m not so desperate that I care about that! More importantly, didn’t you feel it?’

‘Feel what?’

‘They were openly picking a fight. Ignoring us, looking down on us… That atmosphere will just continue at the ball. Do you really want to go?’

‘Oh, they were picking a fight?’

‘You didn’t notice? It was obvious in their tone… No, wait, didn’t you sense they were up to something with you?’

‘…Hm!’

That’s what it was.

Recalling the conversation with Sheratiya, I nodded while lying down.

Honestly, it was so trivial that I didn’t feel threatened at all.

If he’d been at least a Graduate.

Or if he’d come at me with serious intent to kill, I might have reacted differently.

But with that level of skill, exuding a presence barely better than a thug’s bravado… it was like mistaking a kitten swiping its paw.

‘Of course, I should still be cautious.’

I understood now.

Physical strength wasn’t everything. Evaluating people required considering various aspects.

The same went for Andy Shepler.

Even if the Nadan Kingdom wasn’t a major power, he was the son of a count.

Getting into a feud with someone like that would surely be troublesome.

‘Thinking about it that way, Sheratiya’s right. There’s no need to attend such an event.’

It was a shame, though.

But I didn’t want to upset Sheratiya just to go to the ball.

So, I decided not to accept Andy Shepler’s invitation and went to sleep.

At that point, I had no idea I’d end up attending the ball.

***

After washing up neatly.

Changing into tidy clothes.

Picking out a gift for the professor and having a simple breakfast.

We met Professor Gabone Emans.

He was a frail, short old man, but his eyes shone brightly.

After listening carefully to Sheratiya’s explanation, the old man, staring at us with those intense eyes, said.

“Fine. But there’s a condition.”

“What is it?”

“Both of you attend Andy Shepler’s ball.”

“…What?”

“Are you deaf already at your age? Attend the ball, both of you.”

“…Why?”

“Because… it sounds fun.”

Professor Emans cackled, and Sheratiya, though dumbfounded, seemed to grasp his intent.

‘That old man’s trying to tease me again…!’

It had always been like this.

When she was studying tirelessly to revive her family’s fortunes, he’d pester her with questions about whether she was seeing anyone, if she was interested in romance, or how she should meet all sorts of people at her age.

To him, how tantalizing must this situation look—a young man and woman visiting him together?

‘Damn it, I didn’t think of that. Should I have come alone?’

Of course, that wasn’t possible. It wasn’t just any book, but one containing the Aura Cultivation Method of the Delkaro Kingdom. Bringing it alone made no sense.

‘It’s a small price to pay for this request, though…’

Glaring at the professor, Sheratiya glanced at Harang.

He looked completely clueless about why this was happening.

But separately, he seemed excited, and that, surprisingly, felt kind of cute.

‘Ugh, what am I thinking?’

Thinking a weirdo with incredible swordsmanship but childlike social intelligence was cute?

Her head must be malfunctioning.

She shook her head vigorously to banish the thought and looked back at Professor Gabone Emans.

Then she said.

“Just so there’s no misunderstanding, there’s nothing between me and him.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yes, he’s my escort. Right?”

“Hello. I’m Harang, a Gold Plate Mercenary from the Eddy Mercenary Corps, tasked with escorting Lady Sheratiya Viyan.”

“Ho! You look not just young, but practically a kid, yet you’re already a Gold Plate… Does that mean you’re a Graduate?”

“Yes.”

“Well, well, another prodigy has emerged in the south.”

“You believe me just like that?”

I wore a puzzled expression.

Maybe because I was only 21, most people so far hadn’t believed I was a Gold Plate.

But Professor Gabone Emans was different.

Grinning, he took a sip of tea and said.

“Do you know what my field is?”

“You specialize in history…”

“Yes, specifically the southern continent, particularly ancient kingdoms like Delkaro.”

“I see.”

“You don’t know why I’m bringing this up, do you?”

“Honestly, I don’t…”

“Ancient dungeons.”

“Hm.”

“The recent exploration of an ancient dungeon between the Nadan and Kain Kingdoms… I was involved. I arrived late, so I missed the ‘big prize,’ but examining the tablet and other artifacts in the deepest part was quite enjoyable. Actually, there’s still a lot to study. If it weren’t for you two, I’d be heading back there next week. But…”

“…”

“Curiously, at this very moment, someone’s asking me to translate an Aura Cultivation Method from Delkaro?”

“…”

“Do you still not get what I’m saying?”

“…I think I do now.”

I nodded as I answered.

That’s right.

This professor… knew the “big prize” had been taken from the ancient dungeon.

And he immediately realized I was the one who took it.

That’s why he wasn’t surprised I was a Graduate.

‘If you survived the dungeon and walked away with the treasure, you’d need at least that level of skill.’

It was a perfectly reasonable deduction.

“Hm…”

Sheratiya let out a low groan.

She had no choice.

What would happen if the Nadan Kingdom learned I had monopolized the dungeon’s treasure?

It would cause a massive uproar.

This wasn’t just a matter for historians.

Obtaining Delkaro’s Aura Cultivation Method!

It was an event that could multiply the kingdom’s knight forces, so they might pursue me relentlessly.

‘They’d probably kill to take it.’

Fortunately, the professor didn’t seem to have any such intentions.

Chuckling, he said.

“Hey, don’t worry too much. I’ve got no plans to spread the word.”

“…Why not?”

“Have you forgotten? I’m not here because I love the Nadan Kingdom.”

“Oh.”

Sheratiya nodded.

That’s right. Though he currently worked at the Nadan Royal Academy, the professor was closer to hating the kingdom.

There was no way someone like him would reveal the cultivation method’s whereabouts or offer it to the kingdom. It was a stroke of luck for me.

“In fact, it’s a boon for me. I can satisfy my academic curiosity without handing the treasure over to those kingdom bastards.”

“I see.”

“And on top of that, I can help with the love life of our aging Miss Sheratiya…”

“Ugh, I said there’s nothing like that!”

“Geez, what a temper…”

Professor Gabone Emans burst into hearty laughter.

But his eyes weren’t laughing.

He was staring at Sheratiya with a deeply serious expression, the meaning clear.

“So, you’re not going to the ball?”

“…I’ll go.”

“Oh.”

Sheratiya answered, and I rejoiced.

Thus, half willingly, half reluctantly, we ended up attending the unplanned ball.

Of course, just because it wasn’t our choice didn’t mean we’d attend carelessly.

“We need to prepare properly.”

“Prepare?”

“Yes. Remember when we pretended to be lovers in front of my parents? It’s a bit trickier than that, but mostly similar. Dress well, follow basic etiquette, and don’t say anything unnecessary…”

“Looks like I’ve got some learning to do.”

“Yes. And don’t think you can half-ass it. If you look weak, you’ll get caught up in even bigger trouble.”

Sheratiya said with a serious expression.

In a way, it was like the world of swordsmen.

Just as small fry don’t挑 a fight with someone radiating strength, at a ball, you needed to dress sharply to avoid being looked down on by riffraff. In crude terms, you needed to “look the part.”

“So, don’t look like an easy target.”

“Right. Since we’re going, it’s better to avoid trouble. Don’t dress sloppily like at the tavern—prepare properly, and even the Shepler family won’t dare treat us lightly.”

“Understood. I’ll go prepare my clothes.”

“…You’re going alone?”

“Oh, should I pick out your clothes too?”

“No, that’s not it… Are you confident you can choose your own clothes properly?”

A perfectly valid concern.

It was unavoidable. Sending Harang, who had caused countless incidents, alone was like leaving a child by the water.

But I was confident.

I said.

“I can handle picking out clothes now. I’ve been properly taught.”

“By whom?”

“The beggar old man.”

“…”

“I’ve always felt this, but you shouldn’t underestimate beggars.”

“Fine, let’s go together.”

Two hours later, Sheratiya Viyan had to admit it.

The beggar old man, whoever he was…

‘He taught him well.’

He had an impeccable sense of style.

***

The day of the ball hosted by the second son of the Shepler family finally arrived. Many, not just at the academy but among the capital’s noble families, had eagerly awaited this day.

It was only natural.

A place where young, vibrant men and women could meet and share romance away from the prying eyes of elders was rare, even in the capital.

“Since it’s hosted by Andy Shepler, a knight student, there’ll be a few professors, but that’s about it…”

“Most will be students, right? I’m excited!”

Noble ladies, thrilled at the thought of dancing with dashing students in splendid uniforms.

Male students, hearts racing at the prospect of meeting beautiful ladies or female students.

Everyone eagerly awaited the ball’s opening, and the moment arrived.

“Greetings. I’m Andy Shepler.”

“Woooo!”

The ball began with a short speech from Andy Shepler, the second son of the Shepler family.

Knight students strode in confidently.

Their faces were full of confidence and pride, and rightfully so. It was undeniable that the Knight Faculty was the pride of Nadan Royal Academy.

‘Plus, the host is a knight student, Andy.’

‘Today’s our stage.’

But contrary to their expectations, the ladies’ reactions were icy.

“Uh…”

“Something’s off.”

“What’s this?”

“Hm…”

The ladies, quickly scanning the knight students, saw Andy Shepler’s friends—far from their expectations—and hurriedly left to mingle with students from other faculties.

It was inevitable.

At other balls, status or rank might compensate for appearance, but this was a playground for the young, free of political undertones.

Of course, the knight students couldn’t accept this.

Or rather, they couldn’t handle the cold reactions to their lackluster looks.

“What’s this?”

“What’s the problem? Why are they acting like this?”

“Is it a coincidence? Why does it feel like there’s no lady wherever I go…”

“It’s just your imagination, just imagination…”

Baffled and unable to comprehend, the knight students roamed the ball.

The atmosphere soured.

The ball’s mood was, quite frankly, deteriorating rapidly.

‘…Should I have told them not to come?’

Andy Shepler thought with a serious expression.

But it couldn’t be helped.

Even if they were closer to subordinates, friends were friends. He couldn’t just ignore them.

He hadn’t imagined they’d ditch their student uniforms for garish, near-zero-fashion-sense outfits…

“…What do I do?”

Andy Shepler pondered.

He had to salvage this.

Before the ball crashed and burned, he needed to revive the mood.

But there was no way.

Unless someone appeared like a comet to draw attention away from these fools, he could only stand there bitterly, watching a sinking ship…

“Hm?”

That’s when it happened.

At the moment everyone was exhausted, fed up, and suffering from the knight students’ antics.

A gentleman and a lady suddenly appeared in the ballroom.