Academy.
Located on the Imperial Capital of the Manhett Empire, it’s a place of education.
…However, it was not so initially.
-Even upon reflection, it’s evident that humans are indeed a sly lot. According to Yegor, hasn’t this kind of atrocity been committed since the founding of the nation?
Yegor said he’d firmly fix her ways, and indeed.
She learned well.
It was a place of hostage, binding the offspring of the local nobility rooted in each region, and a tool for enhancing imperial authority.
That was the original true purpose of establishing the academy.
-Because of that, didn’t I endure the ridiculous maid training and even suffer insults from the descendant of warrior! It’s humiliating…
Bathory’s boiling frustration seems to echo from beyond the shadows.
…Well, it seemed that for Bathory, the most irksome thing was how the academy tarnished her reputation.
‘I might need to appease her, or she might explode.’
She, who endures all sorts of disgrace solely because of our contractual relationship.
Especially now that the chains from the north have been removed, there’s no way to stop her rampage, apart from our fragile relationship.
“For Lady Bathory, I’ll share two interesting facts.”
What bizarre things am I planning to say with that logic?
“First, the imperial family has only achieved half of its objectives.”
Certainly, the academy was initially a place of hostage where young nobles who had just become adults were forcibly taken.
But now, things have changed.
“The nobles aren’t just quietly taking it. Since all the nobles from every region were gathered together, resistance was a natural next step. It’s perfect for plotting and scheming.”
A gathering place for dissatisfied nobles.
Soon, the academy transformed into a social venue where nobles could freely meet.
Binding all the nobles who value blue blood meant that.
Future enemies. And friends.
Could all be met within the academy.
-Those who do not attend the academy do not qualify to succeed their family.
-Only those who have mixed with their fellow nobles, experiencing education in competition and harmony, can be called true nobles.
Just like the words of a certain duke, a graduate of the academy, who reclaimed the position of family head as a second son, through the power and connections honed in the academy.
The young nobles’ hostage situation gradually evolved into a cradle that breeds ‘true nobles,’ not to mention, over hundreds of years, the academy established itself as the center of social life.
Eventually, it even began to erode the royal family.
“Isn’t it funny? Now, even the crown prince cannot escape its regulations.”
-You seem to have been involved in this human country for quite a long time.
Her telepathic tone, clearly amused by the absurdity, made me smile.
-Well, I get it. It’s like being caught in one’s own trap.
“Right. Nowadays, it’s mostly perceived as a once-in-a-lifetime special education and social occasion.”
To a certain extent, teachers discretely smooth over any mistakes, and there are festivals and various clubs to create good memories.
Making friends or rivals in the academy that last a lifetime is common in social circles.
So.
‘I must do my best so that it ends well for Luciana too.’
With renewed resolve, a listless voice echoed in my mind.
-So? Let’s hear the second interesting fact.
Her tone suggested indifference to the history of human nobility and the academy, as if trying to suppress a faint dissatisfaction, I racked my brain.
“It’s about compensation.”
-Compensation?
“Who would have thought you’d complete Yegor’s training so perfectly. You really put in a lot of effort.”
It wasn’t a jest.
She is of noble rank, even among vampires, at the very pinnacle.
For her to bend her pride and engage in menial tasks was never going to be easy to accept.
-Hmph, that was nothing. Wasn’t it all to be with you?
Even if she wasn’t in my sight right now, the image formed on its own.
Bathory, turning her head to hide her slightly flushed cheeks.
“Therefore, it shouldn’t just end with praise. I would like to give you a small reward especially for Lady Bathory.”
-Oh?
Slowly, Bathory emerged from the shadows in her maid outfit, baring her fangs.
“Do you intend to continue what was disrupted last time by the interference of the descendant of warrior?”
“That’s not all.”
‘I knew she was still bothered by that bloodsucking incident.’
A courtesy signifying submission, irrespective of demons or humans.
I knelt on one knee and responded to her.
“Just wait a little. I will prepare a surprise gift for you.”
“…Hmm. A surprise gift. You haven’t prepared anything while I’ve been by your side.”
Suspicion bloomed in her rosy eyes.
A heavy atmosphere brushed against the skin and fluttered.
‘Ah, she’s sharp at times like these.’
I inwardly clicked my tongue.
A gift?
Of course, I planned to find something appropriate nearby.
But her gaze was not just filled with doubt.
Anticipation.
Just by her sparkling eyes and the way she leaned forward, it was easy to guess she was expecting a reward comparable to her humiliation.
At that thought, a sense of urgency suddenly surged.
‘If it’s just some cheap thing I can find nearby……….’
-Is this all? Don’t you think it lacks sincerity?
The only contract that connected us could become useless.
I coughed, trying to muster an excuse.
‘Think, Hans Byron. Find a solution to this crisis!’
“Well, I’ve been preparing little by little when Lady Bathory wasn’t around.”
But then again, should I really be honest?
Pretending to be nonchalant, I shrugged my shoulders and smiled at Bathory.
[The skill Pretension (Rank: S) is activated!]
[Whisper a sweeter lie to your opponent more boldly.]
As the skill activated, Bathory’s gaze softened slightly.
What’s needed now is to inflate that faint anticipation to cover the doubts.
“You can look forward to it. It will be finished today. Of course, it will be something befitting Lady Bathory’s dignity, considering both elegance and practicality!”
“Hmph. Do you think you can deceive me? I’ve been swayed by your talk several times before.”
Even if her words said one thing, actions spoke the truth.
She coyly turned her head, her lacy, fluttering hemline in motion.
“Fine! I will wait a little longer with patience. It somehow feels less charming to witness that conclusion.”
“An excellent choice. As expected of Lady Bathory! You truly know how to enjoy romance, befitting a noble vampire.”
Bathory’s shoulders quivered.
Once dazzling but now fallen and without power, even vampires were weak to small compliments.
…That’s what was said.
After Bathory hummed a tune and left through the door, I let out a deep sigh and rubbed my head.
Gifts don’t just fall from the sky.
How am I supposed to arrange it?
“Phew. Let’s start with what needs to be done.”
With nobles from all over the country gathering, there were plenty still who hadn’t arrived.
The entrance ceremony was still a while off, so in the meantime, it was my time.
I hurriedly left the room and quickened my pace.
“There’s no reason not to use the information broker I’ve finally managed to open up.”
For Bathory… if all else fails, maybe a coupon for three blood-sucking sessions would do.
It seemed like she was still holding onto the fact that she was interrupted last time.
***
Though the academy was established as a place of hostage, not all its members were nobles.
Its essence was a place of education.
Opportunities to learn were distributed to commoners as well, though in a manner of showing favor.
-Regardless of status, everyone has the right to receive education.
This began with the declaration of the first Emperor, a practice with a long history of admitting commoners.
‘Even that was probably intended to weaken the nobles’ power.’
Along with educating commoners, the somewhat insulting action of allowing commoners to enter politics after graduating from the academy.
Of course, as the Emperor himself anticipated, it was mostly nominal admission, with the majority overshadowed by nobles, barely noticed until they graduated.
Of course, it wasn’t feasible for noble-born aristocrats and low-born commoners to mix and live together.
Thus, there were separate dormitories.
-A servant of the nobility? No, seeing that badge, you must be an attendant. What business does a noble have here?
‘So, it’s an entrance cut, huh.’
Jearne dormitory.
A place where commoners, including mercenaries, adventurers, and other special admissions students, reside.
The dormitory’s warden with distinct ash-gray hair eyed me sharply.
“If you plan to pick a fight with the students before even the entrance ceremony, I recommend you stop. I won’t stand by as the warden.”
The sharp vigilance from the start,
was clearly visible to my eyes.
Despite his attempts to hide it, the short wand in the hand of the warden, a man of age, was noticeable.
In front of a noble ready to attack if necessary, I smiled benignly and spoke.
“Rest assured, I’m not here to threaten like some lawless rogue.”
“…Then, please state your purpose here.”
“I’ve come to meet a friend. I’ve heard they’ve enrolled here.”
At that, the warden snorted.
His attitude remained unchanged despite subtly mocking the nobility.
“A friend? A noble speaks with a commoner?”
The disbelief in his tone made his thoughts clear.
‘Well, that’s understandable.’
Considering how many situations he must have seen while serving at the academy for his age.
It was hard for me to imagine.
-The so-called educational equality at the academy is nothing but a jest! Rise up, commoners! Your rights must be seized by yourselves!
So, he would have led a revolt centered around this dormitory.
[Boss]
[Jearne Dormitory Warden, Marks]
Moreover.
How could I not know his name and face that would brilliantly decorate one side of the story?
But now, he is merely a professor who particularly cares for commoner students.
“Sorry, but please leave. This is an order from the warden. Just a few hours ago, several nobles came here claiming they would discipline the commoners, and you don’t seem any different.”
Nobles have already been coming and going.
Their character is well-known.
Regardless of my curiosity about who had visited, I scratched my cheek against his firm determination to send me outside the dormitory.
“Um, this is troublesome. I had made a prior appointment.”
“Who can tell if you’re lying?”
He was unpersuaded.
Filled with hostility towards nobles, I couldn’t press him with my status.
‘No choice then.’
“Well, I understand.”
“Thank you for considering my position. It seems we can communicate after all.”
Thanks for nothing.
His words, surely empty, were returned with my own smile.
“Yes, I’ll come back later.”
***
As usual, Marks was organizing the dormitory’s goods and ledgers when he suddenly furrowed his brows and muttered softly.
“Am I supposed to believe that?”
He was more unpleasant than any noble who had come to stir trouble today.
‘Daring to talk about a friendship with commoners with that mouth. Nobles are all hypocrites.’
From students to teachers in this academy.
Decades of service had taught him that the gap between commoners and nobles was all there was.
He was no different.
For now, he approaches commoners because he sees a use for them, but later, he’ll discard them like used rags.
How could those who don’t even see commoners as people genuinely respect them?
Indeed, those who cause one-time troubles are less vile than his kind.
Marks knew this through years of experience.
“Tch, ruined my mood this morning.”
“Is there a problem, brother?”
Looking towards the entrance, there stood a muscular, blond young man.
“Your name?”
“Roderick.”
“We don’t have that name in our dormitory.”
“Ah, I apologize for my late introduction. I’m blessed to carry the belongings of the saintess, even though I am unworthy. Please forgive my lack of manners.”
Only upon hearing his hearty voice did he notice the baggage on his shoulder.
A dressing table made of expensive southern wood, at first glance.
‘So now servants are being brought into this dormitory.’
Marks’s fists clenched momentarily.
It would be a lie to say he wasn’t displeased.
To see someone serving others, not in the noble’s Kernia dormitory but here.
Still, he couldn’t turn away the saintess.
The only one of commoner origin who has the power to speak her mind even in front of nobles.
“Go in. The saintess’s room is set up on the top floor.”
“Yes. Oh, and may I ask which room is Fern’s?”
An unexpected question about a student’s personal details.
His eyebrows furrowed for a moment, but he quickly composed himself.
‘I guess I have an idea why he wants to contact her…’
A rising power in the Thieves Guild.
Not many know her true identity, but it seemed unlikely the dormitory warden wouldn’t know something the saintess was aware of.
“If you’re referring to Miss Fern among this year’s new students, she’s in room 204 on the second floor.”
“Ah, thank you! May God be with you. The saintess will surely reward you.”
He didn’t spare a glance as the man strode towards the stairs.
He didn’t want to get involved with a saintess who was already ordering people around like a noble, bringing in dressing tables, and seeking out the Thieves Guild.
He wouldn’t normally have a reason to be a warden.
But he had taken up the position deliberately at this time, with a simple goal:
To protect the dormitory from nobles during the busiest admission period and prevent any potential trouble in advance.
Sending off the well-built laborer, Marks continued to guard the entrance listlessly.
Thus, he couldn’t see it.
The unnatural clump of white fluff peeking through the gap of room 204’s door.
Cliche Novel 
Haha, MC killing two birds with one stone.
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