How to Survive at the Academy - Chapter 199

분위기였다.

Indeed, it can be called a stunning view. The coast, known for its breathtaking beauty even within the territory of Count Jafar, revealed itself after clearing a long forest path, eliciting gasps of admiration even from the laborers who had visited it multiple times.

Under the noon sun, the shoreline sparkled romantically, as if jewels were embedded all along it. However, such scenery is not much different from what can be seen on the coast of Acken Island. What truly captivated the eye was the sight of a monastery, towering in the middle of the vast sea.

The Cledric Monastery.

Although built with simple bricks, the monastery’s size and grandeur compelled an overwhelming awe in onlookers. Its spires soared ambitiously into the sky, and a rough count suggested there were at least six or seven of them. Below, the tall rock walls naturally served the function of a fortress.

It was incomparable even to the largest structures in Sylvania, the buildings of Ophelius and Triss. The castle seemed like something straight out of a fairy tale, floating above the sea.

“We likely can’t enter right now,” said Kylie Ecknair, or rather, saint Clarice in disguise, looking out the window at the sight.

“It appears that the tide is high… We’ll only be able to enter around sunset, once the tide recedes.”

“Is that so…?”

“We’ll probably have to walk. We might need to carry some of our simpler baggage.”

Kylie, sitting demurely and straightening her school uniform, gave a bright smile.

Surprisingly, the journey wasn’t long. Perhaps half a day by carriage. While it seemed the carriage had sped up a bit, it was still much closer than anticipated.

Given that Acken Island was right next to Count Jafar’s domain and that the Cledric Monastery was within his territory, it wasn’t far off.

“The fact that everyone must dismount from the carriage and walk on their own carries significant symbolism,” said Kylie.

“To enter the Cledric Monastery, everyone must walk equally—be it a sovereign royal or a Telos denominational saintess. There is simply no path for the carriage when the tide is high.”

“It sounds rather inconvenient.”

“Under the blessing of the great Telos, we are all but humans, the teachings imply.”

“…”

“Well, it seems like a reason added afterward.”

There was no rebutting Saint Clarice herself. Meanwhile, the laborers sitting nearby cackled with laughter.

“Uhaha, this girl here seems to understand the true essence of the monastery well. Are you new here? Part of an academic delegation?”

No matter the disguise, the girl declaring herself a marginal noble wouldn’t normally be riding with laborers, but they seemed not to think that deeply, joining our conversation without any pretense.

“I’m a first-year Magics Department student.”

Surprisingly, this girl, moving incognito as Clarice, was thoroughly committed to her act. Her true identity as a saintess seemed more subdued.

“One of the academic students who came to assist Saint Clarice.”

“Ah, here we have a noble scholar with a connection to Saint Clarice. You must be quite special to have been chosen to help her. It’s not everyday we get to ride with someone who’s not just a common laborer.”

The workers, already chuckling and taking gulps of beer, seemed not to care for the time of day. After all, their work was nearly done once the cargo was delivered to the coastline.

The strict gender-segregated area of the Cledric Monastery was no place for these laborers; it would be the nuns who would transport the cargo the rest of the way in.

“It’s an honor just to carry Saint Clarice’s luggage for commoners like us. To be assisting her directly seems a privilege from another world, especially for a student still wearing a uniform.”

“Saint Clarice is always grateful to the hard-working laborers, I’m sure of it,”

I responded.

“You speak very prettily, miss. You have such a textbook-like virtuous character.”

If only they knew that the very Saint Clarice they lauded was right in front of them, hidden beneath Kylie’s beaming smile.

As for me, with so many ears in the carriage, I found it difficult to have a proper conversation with Clarice.

Given her status as a saintess, it was challenging to have a long, profound talk alone, as she was usually accompanied by guards or followers.

Perhaps she took the guise of Kylie to have some private discussions, but it was troublesome on my end. With the workers around, speaking openly as if Clarice was just another person would raise suspicions.

It was amusing when Claire talked openly about her dealings with the Sacred Dragon of the Fortress.

“Well now, the young master here will have quite a rare experience going inside the monastery.”

“Yes, we only know its magnificent exterior. To be able to witness its interior…”

It’s a spirit that cannot be hidden by age.

Although she’s in the austere garb of a nun, the completely silvered hair and deeply etched wrinkles betray the passage of time.

Her eyes, as white and lifeless as her hair; one does not seem to react at all, indicating possible blindness. Her fingers occasionally tremble, seemingly struggling to find strength at the ends of her arms.

It’s not surprising for her body to have its strains after living nearly two lifetimes. Yet, Austin projects an aura of indomitable spirit, hands on hips, chest out, as she mutters superfluous soliloquies like “It’s gotten much colder!”

In the presence of the formidable matriarch, even nobles of the earl’s household seldom insist on formality.

One could glean the reason behind the workers’ comments en route: nestled within the crude words thrown wildly by the old woman is a peculiar acumen that doesn’t upset others, wily cultural refinement and manners notwithstanding.

The esteemed elder of the Cledric Monastery. The elder among elders, devoted to the Telos congregation for over 80 years.

And the lioness who commands a bunch of rowdy, younger nuns notorious for their shenanigans.

Eighty years tethered to one domain, and expertise seems to come just by breathing.

She’s read and deciphered more scriptures than even the great archbishop of Holy City. It’s said that high-ranking bishops seek her counsel on interpreting the holy texts, making her an esteemed elder to whom even high clergy bow their heads.

I handed her the gift that Belle had prepared from the leather pouch.

“Sylvania Academy’s Chief Maid, bell Mayar, asked to deliver this gift personally.”

“Belle?! That little one has become the Chief Maid of Ophelius Hall?! Time is indeed cruelly fast. It feels like yesterday when Ellis brought her in with empty, lifeless eyes.”

“Is that so?”

“Ah, well. Her past is not mine to share. Regardless, it’s heartwarming to see her find her place after a not-so-smooth life. She was meant for great things.”

“I’ve also heard about the Flanchel’s tale from the person directly involved.”

At those words, Mother Superior Austin seemed momentarily at a loss for words, her previously stalwart posture diminished in its bold assertion.

“Noble lord, you’re well-informed indeed! That little maid, once quick to judge and resentful of her history, seems to have become a well-rounded individual to speak so openly of her past. It’s hard to gain such recognition without true merit.”

“… Well, as far as I know, bell isn’t one to speak ill of others.”

“One must look beyond the surface! Though she might dislike hearing it from me, bell had a rodent-like tendency to be wary of others. Her equal kindness to all stemmed from an equal distance kept from every heart.”

That was an unexpected revelation.

After all, bell Mayar was known to be kind to everyone, earnest and highly competent—the best at handling affairs in Ophelius Hall.

“Well, it seems she has shed that temperament. Youngsters grow so quickly when an old eye strays… appearing before you, transformed.”

Mother Superior Austin chuckled heartily a few times then instructed the nuns who followed to take and tidy the luggage.

The holy carriage is nearby. Although there’s an unspoken solemnity, Mother Superior Austin alone seems unfettered by tension, focused solely on the task at hand.

For her, even a grand prayer gathering with saints and nobility in attendance is but a routine annual event.

She’s served four saints throughout her lengthy life; one such ceremony wouldn’t faze her.

“Still, we’re in for a headache. Your lordship is already from a distinguished family, and worse, you’re handsome and seemingly complete in character… This convent visit won’t be simple.”

“… Pardon?”

“If I were only ninety years younger, I’d throw my hat in the ring too. It’s rare to find a good man these days! Hahaha!”

Though her laughter was boisterous, my response was a silent gaze, failing to share in her mirth.

“Well, I thought it a rather witty jest… seems my humor fails to translate with the youth.”

“This is quite an awkward situation.”

“No matter, one mature as you should expect to read into people quickly after living so long. It’s clear you’ve got every trait the younger ladies would want in a husband, so please exercise caution within the monastery.”

She then glanced around, using her eyes to communicate. Telling me to take a look.

As I glanced sidelong, the nuns following Mother Superior Austin looked back with nervous anticipation, all busy with tasks but stealing glances nonetheless.

The young redhead, barely peeking from behind the carriage before swiftly recoiling, the solemn nun with neat black hair appeared just too embarrassed to listen.

“The rumor has circulated that a gentlemanly, noble man with noble breeding endorsed by the saint herself would be staying at the convent. A man of such distinguished charm that even the skies would envy, his gentlemanly demeanor as attuned to each chirp of the birds as it is to his art of magic—a prince from a fairy tale as the noble ladies say.”

“…”

“Frightening, how rumors inflate. To watch the girlish fantasies of adolescent girls unfold can be overwhelming even for me. But what can one do? It’s best they behave their age. However, I’m sure it’s dreadful for those at the center of such attention.”

As I rubbed my temples, showing the headache it brought, Mother Superior Austin burst into another hearty laugh.

“Indeed, being born a man you should enjoy these situations! When else will you be the focus of so many ladies’ attention? Flaunt it a bit! But remember…”

Her open-mindedness was surprising for someone in her position, so contrary to the image of the convent matron, preaching refuge and asceticism.

“… Be vigilant come nightfall.”

“Are intrusions common?”

“Frankly, I would wager these young women are harder to control than the rough brutes from the lawless stronghold of Keheln. I’m supposed to be taking it easy in my old age, but trouble arises now and then. Love affairs with men from the outside have become a yearly ritual, so we barely allow workers in anymore. And you, a noble young man? It’s a predictable result.”

Mother Superior Austin crossed her arms and cleared her throat before continuing her speech.

“It’s up to you to navigate this, but I urge you to consider carefully. I don’t wish to describe in detail, but among the nuns of Cledric Monastery are some with troubling backgrounds. Illegitimate children of unnamed noble households, heirs to cursed bloodlines. They think dumping them in a monastery will make them disappear.”

“…”

“Many are born under less than blessed circumstances. While I’ve pledged to shelter them until my end, your future is bright, lord. I understand the thrill of forbidden love, but wisdom comes with long-term vision, trite as it sounds.”

Followed by a deep sigh, she unfurled her arms.

Not the most pleasant conversation, but necessary. She seemed less than pleased to have the talk.

“Ah… Anyway, young lord, I hope you understand. Even with the best intentions, old folks like me end up sounding preachy. In the end, all we can say is to look far ahead in life. It’s the only boast of someone who’s lived long.”

“Not at all. Your concern must stem from the vast experiences you’ve had.”

“… Regardless, it’s reassuring that you seem more mentally mature than most nobles. The saint has a keen eye for people, which is quite gratifying. So, I wonder if I might impose a small request on you?”

“An additional request?”

Her hearty spirit seems to be a testament to her struggle for survival throughout the years.

Yet, there are times when Mother Superior Austin’s genuine concern for her nuns is palpable.

With a lowered tone, she seemed to prefer a discreet conversation. Perhaps avoiding the ears of surrounding listeners.

“Even as these nuns arrive seeking refuge from the world, leading an ascetic life… they are still people.”

“…”

“It’s a noble and important calling to serve the divine will, but the dreams they hold onto are evidence of life. I, therefore, don’t wish to shatter those dreams, even if they’re fleeting like passing spring. In a nutshell, please continue to play the role of prince.”

Assuming that role might be too much to ask.

I’m only human myself, struggling for survival.

“Have you ever seen a nun during dawn prayers looking up at the stars with a content smile? Probably not.”

“…”

“When I feel these are not just servants of the divine, but individuals, I realize the responsibility I bear for taking them in. I don’t want to meddle with their faith at the expense of their humanity.”

She then resumed her earlier stance, arms at her waist, flashing a smile.

“They’re like my own daughters, after all.”

A comment followed that perhaps seemed awkward, given her age.

“I’ve done well for my age. I’ve about 270 daughters, give or take.”

Seeing this, sensing the wealth of her past in caring for the nuns like her daughters… I agreed to do what I could.

“I’ll do my best.”

Her smile, broader at the promise, seemed the most generous in all the world.

For 80 years devoted to the Telos Order, commanding the monastery for nearly half a century—she’s rightly called the King’s Grandmother.

She deserves respect. Understanding why everyone says so, I played along with her conversation.

“Would you like to hear something that would please you even more, noble lord?”

I had to wait until sunset by the coast, anyhow.

Almost as if knowing there is no one else to converse with, the abbess told her secret in a hushed tone.

“In confidence, I support the compassionate Princess Phoenia.”

Princess Persica is visiting, and it seems she has suspected my goal is a meeting with her.

Even secluded in the monastery, she’s not oblivious to the capital’s news.

Mother Superior Austin smiled subtly, reaffirming our alliance.

*

– Bang!

The lid of the chest soared into the air.

A sorceress’ head popped out from the chest within the luggage cart, shaking off the dust. Packed alongside her were various pouches, undoubtedly filled with her staves, magical implements, and an abundance of jerky.

A bit of an escapade, yet she did little more than nap—a routine barely differing from the norm.

In fact, the gently rocking luggage compartment proved to be a surprisingly cozy spot for a midday slumber.

“…”

Lucy Mayrill stretched her neck languidly in the dim cabin, a clear drool mark at the corner of her mouth.