The Villain Bought the Heroine - The Villain Bought the Heroine chapter 84
Chapter 84
After the final exams of the first semester.
The Academia was shrouded in a gloomy fog.
A joint funeral was held to mourn those who had perished in this incident.
Clergymen dispatched from the church oversaw it, and it was quite a large-scale event. The news would have reached their households as well.
Initially, the souls were to be cleansed at the funeral, then their bodies were to be taken to their respective hometowns.
All members of the Academia attended the funeral, and it proceeded solemnly without the usual liveliness or commotion.
After the funeral, Liam, still in a semi-conscious state, was under the care of specialists stationed at the Academia.
He complained of anxiety and hallucinations.
In his dreams, deceased comrades blamed him and tried to kill him, and occasionally, their figures appeared in reality.
Fortunately, he did not resort to self-harm.
For a while, Emily, Nicola, and others visited Liam’s sickroom daily, providing him with companionship and support.
During this process, Liam knelt before Nicola, sincerely apologized, and shed tears.
Although forgiveness seemed unlikely, Nicola conveyed that she forgave him for Liam’s sake.
After that, it was heard that his condition somewhat improved. At least, the illusions of his comrades no longer appeared.
When the first semester ended, Nicola would go back to her hometown and not return.
She could no longer use magic. Without mana, she couldn’t continue her training as a squire at the Academia.
It seemed a bit of a dead-end, but it was for Nicola’s sake.
Amidst various matters being handled in a muddled manner, time steadily passed, and the vacation arrived.
From Noble mtl dot com
The vacation ceremony was skipped, and students went to their hometowns for a while. For those without a faraway home or place to go, they remained at the Academia.
Today was the first day of the vacation.
“The decision regarding the absorption of the Void Judgment has been made.”
I am currently facing Rinkarben, the eldest son of Shugenharz, in the dark student council room, even though it’s midday and the room is filled with gloom.
His sharp eyes do not lose their light even in the darkness.
“The endless judgment of the Archbishop Jagan, which is linked to the first-class relic Nias, has progressed through legitimate means, as attested by Academia. Therefore, the authority of judgment is vested in the current owner of Nias, allowing them to exercise it—such is the conclusion.”
Reading the words written on the parchment, Linekarben placed it on the desk. His silent lips continued to move.
“There is no intention to take Nias from you, the co-owner of the artifact, and your servant Alicia.”
The Judgment Void, being one of the primary research subjects, is not only extremely difficult to acquire but also very rare.
Typically, it is a natural procedure for all authority to be granted to the initial acquirer. However, the involvement of professors during the capture of Jagan and the incident that occurred during Academia’s examination could have sparked some controversy over ownership.
However, in the end, it was a natural conclusion without any objections.
Well, extracting a bound power means destroying the first-class relic Nias, which was also unreasonable, so I had no reason to be anxious.
I just wanted confirmation.
“That went well.”
“It’s not that simple.”
“The rumors will spread fast, and there will be those eyeing the sword. You seem concerned about this, but there’s no need to worry.”
If one were to end the life of someone surpassing the Archbishop, a portion of the Judgment Void’s power would be bound to the weapon or nearby weapons.
Due to the recent events, Nias has now received some of Jagan’s power, becoming even stronger.
While it was regrettable that they couldn’t overlap, defeating an enemy surpassing the Archbishop was an extremely rare occurrence, and the power bestowed was substantial.
It was only natural for those seeking to exploit or challenge this power to emerge.
“Neither I nor my servant are ones to sit idly by.”
If anyone were to try to take Nias from Alicia, she would resist ‘to the death,’ quite literally.
With Alicia growing exponentially stronger and Nias reaching a higher dimension, there were few who could match them, let alone dare to lay hands on Shugenhardt’s belongings.
What kind of fool would engage in such reckless actions without considering the consequences?
“Finally, the grade of Nias has been re-established.”
This, too, was expected.
The original grade of Nias imbued with the power of the Duke’s Assembly was first-class.
In reality, it was the highest grade an artifact could receive, but with the addition of the Judgment Void’s power, it now received a grade higher than that.
“Nias is now classified as an extraordinary item.”
Originally, the term “extraordinary item” referred to items not belonging to a designated grade, usually denoting inferior quality.
However, even if the performance of an artifact was lacking, once it was classified, being an extraordinary item meant it was a top-tier item that could not be graded.
Though I couldn’t fully harness its power yet, once Nias stabilized and grew alongside me, it would demonstrate abilities befitting an extraordinary item.
Linekarben remained silent after those words.
As someone who never indulged in idle talk or small talk, there was no further conversation.
From what I vaguely knew, during the break, he would not return to his hometown but stay at Academia to continue his work with the Student Council. It wasn’t particularly intriguing or significant.
Let’s leave it at that.
“Vargan, you have spread the fragrance of the bishops and archbishops.”
Linekarben’s voice echoed.
…Why does he always cling when I try to leave?
Linekarben’s voice was low and calm.
Slowly vibrating through the space.
“That scent will not fade and will entice many.”
It seemed like a mix of concern and warning.
…No, it’s Linekarben’s way. It’s more for the reputation of Shugenhardt than worrying about me.
I stood still and listened to the continuing words.
There was nothing urgent to deal with right now.
“To move forward means to deepen that scent. And, this signifies getting closer to death,” he says.
Looking at the reality I am facing now from a new perspective.
“Remember. You are one step closer to death than your peers.”
As my activities increase, as I become stronger, stronger entities, more enemies, aim for my life.
What Laincarven says is not wrong.
Yes, it’s not entirely wrong.
“Accept it as a brother’s affectionate advice for a younger sibling.”
With a slight smile, I left the student council room.
***
“Young master, I have packed all the items you mentioned.”
“Good. Well done. There’s no need to double-check, right?”
“I have double-checked five times.”
“Then it’s fine.”
After finishing the conversation with the eldest son, Laincarven, I received a handkerchief-shaped artifact from Alicia.
Despite containing quite a few items, the handkerchief’s neat shape maintained its roundness without any distortion.
It’s so light that it makes me doubt if all the items I requested are inside. With such a high-grade artifact, it’s convenient.
“….”
“If you have something to say, say it quickly. We must depart now.”
“…Master Vargan.”
Alicia was fidgeting with her fingers, so I asked first.
Then she called my name. The light from the lamp reflected in her blue eyes slightly trembling, conveying her emotions.
Her voice, tinged with a slight moisture, calmly settled down. Although she seemed unaware, she clasped her hands together as if in prayer.
She’s quite weak when it comes to farewells.
Is it sad not to see someone you’ve become accustomed to, no matter how risky your actions have been? Or is it because Emily is worried about Liam’s condition and feeling depressed after being with her for so long?
“Not only me, but you will also leave with the Charlotete group in a few days.”
Charlotete, Liam, and Emily, of course. I know where they are heading.
Although hardships are expected due to Liam’s condition, Alicia and Emily should be able to overcome adversity smoothly.
“Yes… that’s correct. Regrettably, I have not fulfilled my duties and sought permission to be away from you for a while for mentoring with active duty warriors.”
“You still speak so elegantly. Is it not simply due to mentoring with active duty warriors, rather than any other reason, that you speak so grandly?”
“Master.”
Alicia calls me again.
Her gaze is almost desperate.
“Please be well… and others⎯Ah!”
Cutting off the unnecessary words abruptly, she kept her hands raised and covered her forehead.
I say to Alicia, who is on the verge of tears.
“Do not worry about me and focus on your own well-being.”
“Young master….”
Leaving her in pain, I turned my body to walk away, but stopped as a sudden thought came to mind.
Alicia was about to continue her gossip, almost forgetting, when I intervened.
“Oh, and Alicia. After the mentoring session ends, stay at your family’s estate for a few days.”
“…Excuse me? The family estate… you mean?”
Whether shocked by the mention of the family estate more than the pain, Alicia’s already large eyes widened even further, showing a bewildered expression.
Coincidentally, on the way back from the place where Charlotte’s group was heading, there was a village where Alicia lived. It would be more efficient to go that way.
Not just for that reason… for now, this should be enough.
“I will allow you to spend one day per year there. You agreed to this, did you not?”
“…Yes, that’s correct. Just as you mentioned… one day per year…”
“Consider it as my gesture. Stay there for a few days when the time comes. Also, do not neglect your training. Always assume I am watching and hone your skills.”
“Thank you, young master. But… are you truly okay with this?”
“If you are unwilling, you can come back immediately.”
“…”
Alicia, who seemed completely puzzled, soon straightened her posture and attitude, politely showing her gratitude.
“I will gratefully accept the grace you have bestowed upon me. I will use it wisely to not waste any time.”
“No need to say that. Anyway, I should be going now.”
Reducing my words, I moved away.
Alicia kept her head bowed at a 90-degree angle.
“Until we meet again, young master.”
“Yes, let’s meet again in two months.”
Tap-tap⎯.
I walked outside.
With this, I completed all the tasks of the first semester of the first year at Academia.
Now, the incident of Haelion that will occur during the upcoming summer vacation. I will become a figure diving into this great storm.
But that doesn’t matter.
Since the moment I decided to reverse the development, I resolved to accept everything humbly.
Let me make it clear.
This time, I am aiming for another Archbishop after Jagan.
The soul eater, “Ami.”
Depending on the circumstances, Ami holds a higher position in terms of pure combat power compared to Jagan.
Although he has become a divine hero, he is the one who stole one arm of Haelion in his youth. I do not let my guard down just because I know his behavior patterns and abilities.
Knowing this, I thoroughly analyze and seek ways to counteract.
At present, the scent of his twin brother, Jagan, lingers around me. Is there anything more suitable to draw attention than this?
During this vacation, I will kill Ami, grow, and reap the rewards.
I do not care if the scent of Altef intensifies.
I actually desire it.
No matter how intense that scent may be, I will cover my entire body with their scent until I uproot their roots.
That’s my pledge.