A Wild Man Has Entered the Academy - Chapter 153:

Freshman Banquet (3)

***

The United Academy is renowned worldwide as an educational institution and is famous for its complex international relations.

Originally esinal purpose.

Fortunately, it still serves as a last bastion, preventing the complete erosion of its founding intent.

If signs of war appear, the academy promptly intervenes.

If a nation starts a war without a just cause, they face restrictions from admitting new students for decades.

Since this could mean sacrificing the future for immediate gains, countries tend to restrain themselves.

As a result, meeting the criteria for justification has become quite difficult, and peace has persisted.

“As long as no blood is shed, it can be called peace.”

“Yes, that’s right!”

“But this can’t last forever. The day when blood is shed will surely come.”

“You speak the truth!”

“…”

Matra Empire, one of the dominant powers in the west.

Emperor Richard III of the empire looked at the young man who had answered him with a complicated expression.

Both had angular faces and thick gray hair, indicating their blood relation.

The difference was that Richard III was a middle-aged man with a splendid beard, while the young man had a clean-cut look.

Above all, the young man’s eyes were extraordinary. They were filled with excitement, bordering on fervor.

His bright blue eyes sparkled intensely, akin to the so-called “madman with clear eyes.”

“…Did you listen to what I said?”

“Of course!”

“Sigh…”

Richard III sighed deeply at the young man’s spirited reply.

Why did his neatly groomed beard feel rougher today?

Even though he was his son, that made it more problematic. The amusing part was that there weren’t many rumors about him.

The evaluation attached to him was so impactful that it overshadowed any rumors.

“…My son.”

“Yes! Father!”

“Have you ever thought about ruling normally? I’d like to pass the throne to you if I could.”

Richard III had five children. Including the young man before him, there were three sons and two daughters.

The young man was the second son. Typically, the throne succession rights go to the eldest son.

So, what happened to the eldest? It’s simple.

The second son, Karas, dealt with him directly.

“I’m not sure what you mean by that!”

“Do you truly not understand?”

“No!”

“Sigh…”

Richard III sighed again. It was a headache-inducing situation.

The eldest son, whom Karas dealt with, had remarkable control over power.

The problem was his excessive ambition for the throne, constantly checking his siblings.

As a result, his siblings’ resources were cut, and their vision was obscured, making it seem like the next emperor was predetermined.

“…Karas.”

“Yes! Father!”

“Can you stop with the freedom talk? Your ideology is dangerous to us.”

But when Karas had an ‘awakening,’ the situation changed.

He couldn’t do it alone, so he teamed up with his siblings to oust the eldest.

As a result, the eldest was naturally stripped of power and confined to a villa.

With such skill, it was only natural for Karas to become the crown prince. Richard III was pleased up to that point.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t do that!”

“What if I decide to depose you?”

“I’ll overthrow you, Father!”

“Ha-ha. Look at this crazy son.”

Richard III laughed in disbelief. The term “stubborn as a bull” suited him perfectly.

The frightening part was that Karas had the ability to do so. Whatever else, his capability was acknowledged.

He’s a competent yet crazy kid. Even if they decided to depose Karas, no other candidate seemed suitable.

‘Even if I say it openly, I can’t just dismiss him…’

It would be great if he could somehow change. Unlike his eldest, there wasn’t a justifiable reason to depose him.

Historically, even if a ruler shows tyrannical tendencies, as long as they do their job well, people overlook it.

Moreover, personality and politics are separate matters. To the nobility and commoners, a ruler’s personality doesn’t matter as long as they govern well.

“…I see. It seems I can’t persuade you yet. When will you give up such thoughts?”

“Until the people realize true freedom and dethrone me!”

“…”

Richard III placed his hand on his face with a loud clap. Just imagining it was dizzying.

If the people united to overthrow their ruler, the long history of the imperial family would end.

It was such a dangerous ideology that even the nobility were wary of it, though delving deeply into it revealed many contradictions.

Because of these contradictions, he was treated like the boy who cried wolf. That treatment was akin to calling him a lunatic.

“Enough. Let’s ignore that asinine ideology. Tell me what you plan to do at the academy. Is there anyone you’re interested in?”

“Yes! There is someone!”

“Who? Is it the princess of the Tatars?”

Richard III mentioned Kara, the Tatar princess. From the empire’s perspective, she was an unavoidable figure.

Before the Tatars became a nation, the Matra Empire often suffered due to the Tatar tribes.

They frequently raided the borders and retreating meant entering the desert.

Though it was an inevitable act of plundering due to limited resources, damage was damage. It wasn’t something viewed positively.

“I am interested in the Tatar princess, but there’s someone I’m more interested in!”

“Who is that?”

“A man rumored to be a wildling!”

“…A wildling?”

At the mention of a wildling, Richard III frowned. He didn’t immediately recall who it was.

But soon, he realized who the wildling was. The academy rumors had reached the emperor’s ears.

“Why the wildling? Apart from his strength, there’s no reason to be interested.”

That was it. To Richard III, Sivar was merely a talented individual.

Few at his age were as strong as Sivar, but there were others equally strong.

Unless he caused an extraordinary event, there was no reason to pay attention.

“I’m not concerned with his strength! I’m curious if he also knows true freedom!”

“…”

Of course. Richard III chuckled in disbelief.

Meanwhile, Karas clenched his fist and expressed his desire with eyes sharper than before.

“I’m curious to see his reaction! A man who lived in boundless freedom and entered civilization devoid of it! Isn’t he fascinating?”

“…God, please.”

Richard III closed his eyes, seeking divine intervention. He couldn’t think of a way to correct this lunatic.

He wished Karas had strong power cravings like his eldest or was a troublemaker like his third son. Those could be mitigated with imperial authority.

However, correcting someone like Karas, who was both a lunatic and had deep convictions, was challenging. And dismissing him was impossible because he was too competent.

‘Is God truly abandoning us…’

To be honest, God hadn’t abandoned them.

“Oh! It’s time to depart! I’ll be going, Father!”

“…Are you going with Leo and Diana?”

“Yes! I’ll make sure he doesn’t flirt with other ladies!”

“Watch yourself, son.”

He merely watched with interest while munching popcorn.

*****

The long-awaited freshman banquet day arrived. The freshman banquet, a microcosm of politics.

While waiting for the banquet, I trained with Rize and checked the report card sent to the dorm.

Unsurprisingly, the grades were top-notch. However, due to the eccentricities during the midterms, the points were limited.

Nevertheless, the points accumulated were significant and would be useful in the future. I planned to invest all of it.

‘The higher the points, the cheaper it is to buy quality herbs or easily acquire workshop materials.’

The investment targets were, of course, Ellie and Jane. They were talents that provided numerous returns as they were nurtured.

Although rare herbs could be procured from the Forest of Chaos, there were clear limits, and workshop materials were even more so.

After roughly noting the items I needed to purchase, I began changing into my clothes. It was about time to leave.

“You look great. The banquet’s at the auditorium, right?”

“Yeah.”

Rize, who helped me change, remarked. She wouldn’t attend the banquet.

There was no particular reason for her to attend, and it could become noisy unnecessarily. Instead, Rod was likely to attend.

If any disputes arose, Rod would step in to quell them. It was a testament to his towering stature.

“Are you uncomfortable?”

“The pants are tight.”

“That can’t be helped.”

Despite finding larger pants, they were still uncomfortable. I wasn’t sure what material they were made from.

Fortunately, they didn’t look odd or flare out like bell-bottoms. The fit was decent.

“If you feel awkward, sticking close to someone you know is a good strategy. Got it?”

“Yeah.”

I already planned to stick close to Luna or Ellie. Grace and Kara, given their positions, would likely pull me along.

On the other hand, Luna and I were relatively free. We might draw attention, but that’s it.

‘Will men flock to Luna and Ellie?’

Both were stunning with great figures. Especially Ellie, who needed no further explanation.

Dancing was fine, but if any lecherous hands approached, I would immediately intervene. There were already individuals I considered.

‘Since the Crown Prince is attending, those two will probably follow.’

The notorious twin siblings of the royal family, known for their rotten personalities.

While the Crown Prince was considered a lunatic, rumors about the twins being rowdy were rampant. And they were true.

It’s best to avoid getting involved with them. If it’s unavoidable, well, I’ll punch them in the face.

‘Additionally, a princess from the Hwan Empire will visit…’

This would be related to Lee Yeonju, so it’s best to be cautious. Incidentally, Lee Yeonju wouldn’t attend officially but in disguise.

She would likely attempt an assassination in secret. If I thwart that, I could gain a significant ally.

“Go on now. Cause just enough chaos to please Lord Chaos.”

“…”

She didn’t tell me not to cause trouble. What do they think of me?

I chuckled inwardly and started walking. As Rize mentioned, the banquet was held in the auditorium.

It didn’t take long to reach the auditorium, so I leisurely walked while observing my surroundings.

‘There are quite a lot of people.’

Not only freshmen, but people from various countries attended, making it crowded.

And with rumors about the Crown Prince attending, even more people would gather.

The interest seemed more focused on the Crown Prince and other dignitaries than on me.

“…Huh?”

Then I noticed someone particularly striking. They stood out even from a distance.

the previous ritual, it was in the style of pants.

Yet, the top left the abdomen exposed, making it quite revealing. Only one person could fit such a description.

“Kara?”

“Hmm? Ah! Sivar!”

I encountered Kara at the auditorium entrance. Upon seeing me, Kara flashed her characteristic bright smile.

I found my gaze drawn to her prominently displayed abs and barely managed to raise my eyes.

“I didn’t expect to meet you here. Come to think of it, we often meet like this.”

“Indeed.”

“Let’s go. Everyone else is already inside.”

I was late. Led by Kara, I entered the auditorium.

When we held hands, I felt gazes on us but ignored them. This was nothing.

“Wow.”

“Amazing.”

Upon entering the auditorium, Kara and I simultaneously exclaimed.

The auditorium, previously just a regular hall, was now transformed into a full-fledged banquet hall.

The chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and the red curtains on the windows set a unique atmosphere.

“You’re here. I wondered when you’d arrive.”

“Hmm?”

While observing the auditorium, a familiar voice reached our ears.

Turning around, we found Grace welcoming us with a wine glass in one hand. Her attire was quite striking.

“Wow. You’re quite bold.”

“And you, Kara, are bold too. Is that the traditional attire of the Tatars?”

A black dress with a purple sash tied around the waist.

However, the center of the dress was cut out, revealing her cleavage.

Wi.

‘Is that what they call a runway?’

A vulgar thought involuntarily crossed my mind. I don’t usually think this way, but her outfit prompted it.

Fortunately, Grace didn’t seem embarrassed by my gaze. Instead, she subtly linked her arm with me, emphasizing herself.

Grace’s chest, no less impressive than Kara’s, slightly swayed, enticing any man’s desire. She seemed to have come fully prepared.

“Sivar, have you ever had a drink? If not, I can recommend something.”

“I’m curious. Should I try a drink?”

“Hmm…”

I pondered while trying to keep my wandering eyes steady. I had never drunk alcohol, but I wasn’t particularly fond of it.

While ge a child’s palate, but it was true.

“Is it tasty?”

“There’s something you’d like, Sivar. It’s a sweet drink.”

“I’ll have some.”

“Good. Just don’t overdrink, okay?”

“Got it.”

I should have taken Grace’s advice seriously. At that time, I didn’t realize it.

One of the things to be most cautious of in civilization is ‘alcohol.’

“It’s delicious!”

“Isn’t it? Want more?”

“Yeah!”

Things were getting dangerously exciting.

[Faith increases!]

End of Chapter