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Nameless God.

A term used to call forgotten gods that were said to exist in the past.

True to their title, they are nameless, lacking even the slightest devotion.

“You’re joining that club?”

At Lutess’s question, Lewin responded with a calm demeanor.

“Is it something a senior in the club should say?”

“I just joined, you know?”

Every student must join a club.

This rule was introduced by the Royal Academy to encourage students to be more active. Soon, this unwritten rule was followed by most academies across the continent.

“I had to join somewhere anyway.”

A club studying the Nameless God.

It seemed like quite a daunting task.

In reality, it was indeed a difficult task.

However,

“They don’t really do anything there.”

it would only be difficult if they were actually doing something.

The club for the study of the Nameless God was essentially a placeholder club to meet the membership requirement.

“So, you’re joining because they do nothing, right?”

“That’s not it.”

“What?”

Lewin’s words made Lutes frown.

If it’s not because Lewin just wanted to slack off by joining a club,

“Do you really want to search?”

“Yes, I really want to search.”

He actually wanted to study the Nameless God.

“Doesn’t the Dryerf family believe in the Creator God, Rachel?”

“No, most of our family does, but apart from the demon gods, it’s a place of religious freedom, isn’t it?”

Daisy nodded in agreement with Lewin’s implied question.

“That’s correct, Your Highness. None of us believe in the God, Rachel.”

The most popular god among humanity was Rachel, the Creator God, but Daisy had been ruined at a very young age by the assistance of that Creator’s faction.

Thus, for Daisy, and those close to her, like her sister Eyriel and her servant Hains, the Church of the Creator didn’t hold a good image.

“Oh, um?”

I’m not one of them.

About to say this, Laila was flustered and ended up keeping her mouth shut.

She was a noble young lady who knew how to read the room, unlike Lewin.

“Is that so?”

At this, Lutess nodded.

Of course, it was uncommon.

More than half of humanity believed in the Church of the Creator, and the rest believed in gods under the Creator, Rachel.

And those who sought the Nameless God were even rarer.

“Well, do as you please.”

Lutess said and closed his mouth.

Whether the other party believed in the Creator, its subordinate gods, or forgotten gods, it had nothing to do with him.

‘I just wish they’d all leave me alone.’

He was annoyed by the constant nagging of the nobles around him.

So, Lutess decided to quickly guide them to the club room and leave.

However,

“There’s no one here.”

He had forgotten the fact that he joined the club because there were no activities at all.

“They really don’t do anything.”

In the dimly lit room,

There was a long desk, a bookshelf with a few books scattered around in the corner, and a couple of chairs.

This was all there was inside the club for the study of the Nameless God.

“Looking at the amount of dust, it seems like it has been abandoned for a few months at least.”

“Even if they took a break during vacation, this is too much.”

“Look at the curtain. It seems like it hasn’t been washed for years.”

The three servants including Daisy frowned at the cleanliness of the club room.

As they started looking for cleaning supplies, Lewin sighed.

“My club is so shabby.”

“You haven’t even joined yet.”

At Laila’s jab, Lewin puffed his chest out and replied,

“If it’s run this poorly, I have no choice but to take over!”

The three servants, who were about to start cleaning, looked at the rare passionate Lewin with surprised faces.

“Is our young master really going to do something with passion?”

“Sis, isn’t this dangerous?”

“It must be. Absolutely.”

“Right?”

Laila also quickly joined the whisperings of the three and nodded in agreement.

“What’s this?”

Upon seeing this, Lutess was incredulous.

It’s like saying the servant reflects the master.

The behavior of the servants towards the youngest son of the ducal family was totally inappropriate.

No, even before that, the nobility of the duke’s family naturally started gossiping about Lewin with the servants.

But one thing was for sure.

“From now on, this club is not a place for researching an unnamed god. It’s about finding the name of the unnamed god! It’s for birthing a new god!”

The one spouting words that could be designated as heresy depending on the judgment of the Church of Creation was the strangest of all.

“Are you sure it’s okay?”

“It’s fine.”

***

“Perhaps we should…”

At the Unnamed God Research Club, after the cleaning was finished.

A melodramatic scene that was hard to watch without tears was unfolding.

“Your dream is to be a great knight. I want you to achieve that dream.”

“Sister…….”

Eyriel burst into tears and leaned into Daisy’s arms.

Seeing this, Hains silently wiped away his own tears with his sleeve.

“Hey, if anyone saw this, they’d think you were being sold to a nasty nobleman because of your naughty siblings.”

Upon seeing this, Lewin clicked his tongue and spoke.

“It does seem similar.”

“Quiet. And I bought these guys a long time ago.”

“You didn’t buy them, Lewin. The Dryerf family did.”

“It’s the same thing.”

Ignoring Laila’s words completely, Lewin waved his hand.

“Today’s schedule ends here. You can join the club within a month, but if you do, it’s all over.”

They say a month, but there’s still time left after a week of freshmen welcome party and dinner after admission.

A month?

By that time, people who are likely to get close to in the club would have already formed cliques.

“If you don’t want to be ostracized, get in quickly and secure your place.”

Of course, they didn’t really think they’d be ostracized.

They are of servant origins, but their backing is the Duchy of Dryerf.

Rather than provoking them and getting in trouble, they would try to get along and make a connection with Lewin.

“Don’t bring me annoying things by getting too close, or you’ll die?”

At his short remark, Eyriel and Hains, who were filming a melodrama, nodded and then disappeared.

“Will it be okay?”

“The Fencing Research Society is one of the biggest clubs along with the Magic Research Society.”

Unlike the Unnamed God Research Club, which was just collecting dust in a corner of the academy, they had a huge building to use as their clubroom.

That’s why Lewin assured Daisy there was no need to worry.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes.”

Unlike Eyriel and Hains, Daisy chose the Unnamed God Research Club.

The reason was clear.

“Someone must stay by the side to protect you, young master.”

Daisy volunteered to suppress any rebellion of Lewin Dee Dreyruff.

“It’s okay even if you just go to a magic….”

“I’m in too.”

Looking at Laila nodding, Lewin made a face as if she was talking nonsense.

“Why are you here?”

“Huh?”

Didn’t he bring her here to join together?

Lewin sighed in response to such a gaze,

“Listen well, Laila.”

“Yes.”

“You have to become the student council president.”

“Yes.”

“What?”

Lutess, who had missed his cue and was quietly sitting in his chair looking out the window, turned his head at Lewin’s words.

“And the student council has a club they have to join.”

“Really?”

Seeing Laila tilting her head and Lewin nodding seriously, Lutess was stunned.

‘That jerk?’

Weren’t those two supposed to be friends?

At least, Laila’s actions made it seem like she considered Lewin a friend.

That’s why she must have cried so sorrowfully when Lewin collapsed!

“It’s the Labor Club.”

“Labor Club?”

A club only known through legends.

Watching Lewin mention a club nobody would want to join, Lutess was certain.

‘That guy is definitely a devil.’

The students may not know it, but the faculty knew about this legendary club.

It was a club created for the sole purpose of work, as indicated by its name.

“Yes. Isn’t it mandatory for students to join a club?”

“That’s true.”

“But the student council is very busy with its activities.”

“Yes, I’ve heard that.”

“But at the end of the day, the student council members are students too. So, they also have to join a club.”

“Can’t they join a club like this one?”

“One might think so, but the authority of the student council is more powerful than you think.”

“Is that so?”

“That’s why a club that has a student council member can gain substantial power.”

“I see.”

That’s not fair.

Hence, a special club was created for the student council.

There was a club that only worked as laborers for the academy!

“That’s the Labor Club.”

“I see!”

As Laila nodded as if she understood, Lewin dispassionately explained the advantages of the Labor Club.

“Usually, only student council members can join, but anyone can apply.”

“So, it’s not guaranteed that anyone can join?”

“Exactly. It’s a club created specifically for the student council. But what do you think would happen if you submit an application to such a place?”

“People might think I want to be in the student council?”

“Exactly! Then, the people related to the student council will look upon you favorably.”

‘Right. Who would hate a lunatic who voluntarily applies to become a slave!’

Lutess uttered a silent scream while pretending to gaze out of the window.

“In order to become a student council president, you need to gain the trust of the student council.”

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“So it is with Beresha Academy.”

A solemn voice echoed.

It was filled with pride about the academy.

“It’s just too long.”

It had been much too long. Looking at the president who had been speaking for an hour already, Lewin yawned quietly.

“Master.”

“Honestly, it’s boring, isn’t it?”

For once, even Daisy couldn’t object.

Indeed, not only Lewin, but most of the students were practically asleep.

“Even Hains seems to be sleeping, don’t you think?”

“That’s hardly possible.”

At Lewin’s words, Daisy turned her head, frowning.

Upon looking, Hains was standing upright, eyes wide open.

“See, he’s perfectly awake.”

But it soon became clear that something was off.

“Hains?”

She shook him a bit, but there was no response.

He was sleeping.

It was just hard to tell because he was standing with his eyes open.

“I apologize.”

“It happens.”

In truth, the president’s speech was really sleep-inducing.

So much so, it seemed almost like a sleeping spell for assessing the freshmen.

There was a sudden urge to sneak out.

‘But I should endure.’

Thinking of the events that were to follow, Lewin gritted his teeth and held out.

“Let’s congratulate the new students who have enrolled in Beresha Academy, full of history and tradition.”

It was finally the moment when the president’s long, long speech was coming to an end.

The students cheered at the end of the tedious sermon.

Hains, who was sleeping, woke up and stood at the sound.

Daisy, who was watching this, asked him with a cold smile if he slept well.

And when Eyriel was watching this and laughing,

Lewin, who usually would have retorted, focused and stared at the hall.

‘It’s about time.’

Based on his several experiences in the academy, now was the moment.

‘Not this one, not that one either.’

A gathering of countless new students.

A few of them were looking at Lewin.

The stares of the new students were piercing.

Even the views of those who seemed to be upperclassmen, looking down from a distance.

And the gaze of those using stealth very professionally.

He noticed all of this, but could not achieve his desired objective.

‘Reminds me of the old days.’

It was Lewin who had a hard time because of the assassins sent by numerous enemies, including the Demon King.

What is an assassin?

They are perverts who observe their opponents while even giving up their own sleep, just to kill their enemies.

They watch, and watch, and when they decide the opponent is at their weakest, and they’re sure they can kill them, that’s when they strike. That’s what an assassin is.

‘Not yet?’

Lewin, who had been tormented by such perverts, was sensitive to gaze more than anyone else.

But even Lewin had to concentrate to barely feel the presence of someone.

“She’s over there.”

“Huh?”

Daisy, who was silently pressuring Hains, turned her head at Lewin’s words.

“Oh.”

After staring in the direction Lewin was looking for a while, she was able to spot Laila, who was watching them nervously from a corner of the hall.

“The further away she is, the harder it is to find.”

“If Laila hears that, she will cry.”

“I will strive to find the lady better.”

“Do so.”

Whether that could actually be done was uncertain.

‘But finding a way is what’s important.’

The first condition for that was enrolling in Beresha Academy.

“She’s moving.”

As soon as the president’s speech ended, Laila began to move nervously.

Her anxious eyes looked at Lewin, and Lewin responded to her gaze with a smile, waving his hand.

With a slightly improved complexion, she stepped onto the lecture hall stage and brought her mouth close to a tool enchanted with amplification magic.

Then.

“I am the representative of the new students, Laila Rienhart.”

Her clear voice echoed throughout the lecture hall, causing the freshmen to gasp in surprise with wide eyes.

“Huh? Where’s the president?”

“Wasn’t the president here just a moment ago?”

“Is it magic?”

No, it’s not magic.

Laila had merely been waiting in her predetermined spot and had walked to the center of the lecture hall as soon as the president had left his seat.

Yet, hardly anyone had noticed.

Even Lewin had to concentrate to perceive the attention that others failed to notice.

‘Nevertheless, it’s not too bad.’

Her presence may be faint, but it hadn’t been forgotten entirely.

The moment she began speaking through the amplification tool, the focus was immediately on her.

‘Is it a blessing or a curse?’

Her presence is merely faint.

Then the answer was simple.

“So, we have gathered here.”

If her presence is faint, then she just needs to increase it.

The conditions are more than sufficient.

As long as she does not change, her beauty will bloom like a full-blown flower.

Her lineage is more than enough. She is part of the Rinehart Duke family, competing for 2nd or 3rd place in the empire.

Any ordinary person under such circumstances would definitely draw attention by just walking around.

‘Besides, she’s also an excellent student, and she has a good personality, so she should be loved by everyone.’

Everyone else just fails to notice.

“From now on, the things we experience here will be our future……”

Her clear voice continued to resonate, and everyone quietly watched Laila.

If only everyone could notice, Laila has the ability to attract anyone’s gaze.

And this also aligned with Lewin Dee Dryerf’s goal.

A being who had lived nine lives as a hero and a protagonist of the story, now wanted to rest.

His goal was to live a long, ordinary life as an extra.

Laila Reinhart.

Since her birth, her presence had been so faint that even her parents and siblings would occasionally forget about her.

Hence, she had striven to make herself known to those around her.

She didn’t aim to be the protagonist of this world, but she had tried to make her name remembered as a supporting character.

Lewin, who tried his best to be forgotten, and Laila, who tried her best to be known.

Despite their opposite goals, the actions they had to take were the same.

‘At this rate, I’ll naturally become the student council president.’

The academy is a place of learning.

While it does not discuss status, it is impossible to maintain it.

‘The royalty is excluded because it’s an unspoken rule that they do not hold power in the academy due to their special status. There’s no other family that can compete.’

What’s left are only Lewin and Laila.

But if Laila’s presence remains as it is, there’s only one path left.

‘Student Council President, Lewin Dee Dryerf.’

The thought alone sent chills down his spine.

But what’s more terrifying is that being a student council president in the basics department is just the beginning.

Maybe he’ll join the General Student Council in middle school, and by the time he enters high school, he’ll probably become the president of the General Student Council.

‘I can’t live such a hellish life.’

The Student Council is hell.

The basics department could be thought of as having moderate power and play, but the workload and responsibilities multiply as soon as you enter middle school.

High school? That’s the end of it.

It wasn’t for no reason that joining the high school student council made the empire civil service exam seem like a walk in the park.

A life of prepared servitude.

That’s not what Lewin wanted from his academy life.

‘After all, I was determined to escape from being a servant of the goddess.’

There’s no way he could become a servant of the academy.

So, Lewin had to somehow build up Laila.

Laila Reinhart, the permanent president of the Beresha Academy student council!

“So…….”

Laila, who was delivering a speech as the representative of the new students, shivered slightly at a sudden chill, but soon continued her speech.

“That’s all.”

Her speech ended and immediately applause and cheers echoed.

Some cheered purely, some for the name Reinhardt, and a few for the end of the tiring entrance ceremony.

“Nice.”

In front of many people, there was a strange pleasure that Laila could get from feeling recognized.

So

“Laila.”

“What?”

“Don’t you think you should at least try to be the student council president since you came to the academy?”

To the bait thrown for future plans,

“Of course!”

Laila swallowed it so easily.

***

Academy Entrance Day 1.

Seeing the freshmen flooding out all at once after the tiring entrance ceremony,

“Are you ready?”

“Of course.”

“This moment is the moment that determines this year!”

Those who had been watching them with eagle eyes began to pounce on the freshmen.

“Hello?”

“Uh, uh, hello?”

The freshmen were first taken aback by the sudden appearance of the person, and secondly by the fact that they were their seniors.

“You’re a freshman, right? I have some good information to share.”

“Have you not joined a club yet?”

At that remark, all the freshmen could only nod their heads.

It was a given.

They had just had the entrance ceremony, how could they have already joined a club!

“We have a club that’s expected to be the most active in our academy.”

“If you just join this club, your future could be bright.”

~It’s possible. ~It will happen.

All sorts of good things were being said, but they were all possibilities.

But the freshmen found it difficult to understand that.

“Uh, that.”

Two or three seniors are cornering a single freshman.

Still at a young age, and having lived most of their lives under the care of parents and caretakers, this was a big step for them.

Dealing with this situation was a very difficult task for those just taking their first step into the world.

“How about it? Good?”

“Come on, just write your name here.”

“I’m doing all this for your good?”

“Just listen to your seniors and life at the academy will be easier.”

The seniors knew this fact all too well.

They had been through it too!

“That’s the infamous freshman hunting.”

Observing from a distance, Lewin shook his head.

“They’re dragging unknowing freshmen into their clubs to eat up the budget.”

“Is that allowed?”

It was like a flock of sheep being hunted by a pack of wolves.

Hains asked, closing his eyes to avoid the gruesome sight, but the answer he received was firm.

“If you don’t, you’ll be left behind.”

Club membership is not allowed to overlap.

If duplicate memberships were possible, one could create multiple ghost members to exploit the budget.

Of course, if managed properly, a large number of members could join.

“But then the student council would be overwhelmed.”

The managing body, the student council, is always understaffed and burdened with constant tasks.

If the student council collapses, the workload shifts to professors and the academic staff.

These people, who hardly have time for their classes and personal research, do not wish to take this on. Thus, blocking it through a simple method was the best solution.

Therefore, clubs had to target freshmen to secure more budget.

“Hence, applause to the senior who saved us from that predicament.”

Clap, clap, clap.

Seeing Lewin clapping, Laila and Daisy looked at the person next to them who had a sour expression.

Lutess Dee Baberian.

The fourth prince of the continent’s strongest nation, the Empire, was there.

“…Did you call me for this?”

The seniors, who had been like predators looking for food after starving for a month, regained their senses and turned away the moment they made eye contact with Lutess.

A wonder of Berisha Academy.

A spectacle that proved Beriel’s description was not wrong!

“No.”

However, Lewin didn’t call Lutess just as a repellent for bugs.

Well, there was a bit of that intention, but,

“I plan to join a club.”

“You just need to grab one of those crazy guys over there, then.”

Lewin smiled faintly at Lutess’s words, implying he was bothered to be summoned for such a trivial matter.

“It’s a club that’s not over there.”

“What, you want me to create one?”

“No. It’s not a bad choice, but you can’t create a club that already exists, can you?”

“What does that have to do with me…………”

What does it matter to me.

Lutess, who was about to ask this, grimaced as he realized something.

“You, by any chance…….”

“Yes.”

It was a voice telling him not to do it, but Lewin didn’t care about others.

The most important thing was his purpose.

And, very fortunately, Lutess was linked to that purpose.

“The nameless new research club. It’s the place I’ve been thinking of since before entering the academy.”

At Lewin’s smile, which seemed devoid of any lies, Lutess couldn’t help but let out a sigh that bubbled up from deep within his chest.

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Lutess dee Baberian.

If one were to encapsulate him in a single phrase, this would suffice.

The first one to be ousted.

He was the prince who had initially faltered in the battle for power.

But why? He had no clue.

Suddenly, everything changed one day.

The emperor, who had always provided equal opportunities to his children, began to discriminate.

Overnight, the power dynamics shifted, and his brothers absorbed his former standing.

Even the once harmonious relationships among siblings took an abrupt turn.

The shocking turn of events led to rumors of his descent into madness within the royal family, but he paid no mind.

No, it was rather liberating.

‘I thought I wouldn’t have to deal with troublesome affairs anymore.’

In truth, Lutess had no desire to become the emperor.

Since his earliest comprehension of self, he had been compelled to learn and strive to become the ruler.

Was that truly his path?

No matter how accomplished he became, he was perpetually compared to his elder brothers and had to fend off contenders from below.

Some argued that this was only natural.

That those of noble blood were destined to shape the world.

But Lutess was different.

Merely by virtue of his father being the emperor, the world felt burdensome to him.

If he were the sole offspring of royal blood, he might have comprehended it.

His father, who had multiple wives, also fathered numerous children.

And among those many offspring, only one could ascend the throne.

Hence, Lutess found relief when he forfeited his chance to become the emperor.

Failing to attain the throne didn’t negate the fact that he remained a prince.

While his brothers sacrificed sleep to study and engaged in fierce battles for the throne, he reveled in life’s pleasures and preserved himself until the next emperor was chosen!

Knock, knock.

“Damn it.”

Lutess clenched his teeth upon hearing the sound of a knock on his door.

Where did things go awry?

When did his freedom crumble overnight?

‘Of course, it was that day.’

The day he participated in the renowned Magic Hall Challenge and encountered a cursed individual while intending to tease the Student Council on behalf of the ill-fated Student President.

Lutess met the person who would shatter his tranquil daily existence.

“Your Highness.”

The voice was familiar.

It belonged to the head maid of the Royal Class, an assembly of the most noble individuals at Beresha Academy.

“Lord Lewin has arrived.”

“Beriel…”

The words he expected escaped her lips.

Those words he had been hearing daily since that fateful day!

“I told you to say I’m not here!”

His voice brimmed with irritation.

Even though he was still a young child, it carried the fury of a prince.

There were few at Beresha Academy capable of withstanding it.

Only the high-ranking officials of the academy, including the principal, seasoned professors, or perhaps the portly student president.

And, of course, the servants.

No one could endure the prince’s wrath, except for one individual.

Unfortunately for Lutess.

“Lying is not honorable.”

That individual was Beriel.

“And I am the servant of all. I must attend to both you, Your Highness Lutess, and Lord Lewin.”

“…”

To an outsider, this might be misconstrued.

It could appear as though she favored the youngest son, adored by the current Duke of Dryerf, over the prince who had lost his influence.

But Lutess was aware.

That cursed maid would say the same things even if it involved him and an ordinary student.

‘So, I can trust her.’

Yet, at the same time, he couldn’t fully trust her.

She wouldn’t lie to him, but she also wouldn’t lie to another student.

Though she would never deceive!

“Therefore, Your Highness.”

As evidence of this, Beriel tirelessly repeated the same words every morning, disregarding all of Lutess’ protests, as if she never tired of their daily quarrels.

“Therefore, tell him yourself.”

“Damn it.”

Today would be the same.

Lutess grumbled, stepping out of bed with heavy footsteps.

Without bothering to tidy up, he swung open the door and walked out, briefly casting a scowl at Beriel before continuing on.

“Hello, senior!”

How long had he been walking?

A boy waiting in the corridor waved his hand with a cheerful smile.

‘What’s with this kid?’

It’s not like he didn’t know who the boy was.

Lewin Dee Dryerf.

According to Beriel, he was the Duke Dryerf’s youngest son, a boy the Duke doted on.

“Huh.”

After their disastrous first encounter, Lutess couldn’t comprehend why Lewin kept seeking him out.

‘Why does he keep coming?’

The initial meeting had been terrible.

Neither Lewin, who struck first, nor Lutess, who fell for the trick, had any reason to feel fondness for each other.

And yet, why?

“Is the world outside the blanket still dangerous for you today?”

“Well, yes.”

Why did he vehemently agree with such a statement?

It was beyond his understanding.

With that thought, Lutess was about to retreat into his room as usual.

But then…

“Senior, school is about to start.”

Usually, seeing his face would satisfy him and make him turn away.

However, Lewin grabbed Lutess’s arm, disrupting the usual pattern.

“What?”

What did that have to do with him?

Yet, as he was still a student himself, he casually nodded at Lewin’s words. Lewin beamed and spoke.

“We’ll be busy soon, so why don’t we take a walk around the academy together before that?”

‘Why should I…’

He wanted to say it, but he couldn’t help but grind his teeth, knowing what the reaction would be.

‘Is this his way of revenge?’

If so, it was indeed a clever and successful revenge.

“That’s a splendid idea.”

A subtle smile played on Beriel’s face as he said that.

“You’ve been smiling a lot lately.”

“I’ve always been good at smiling.”

“Yeah, right.”

Then what about the year I’ve experienced?

Suppressing what he wanted to say, Lutess looked at Lewin.

“And if I refuse?”

“My left cheek, which you struck, might really hurt.”

It was an outright threat.

But it was a threat that worked effectively.

The image of a duke’s son crying and writhing on the floor in front of the prince’s room was enough to make even Lutess feel dizzy.

‘He truly is a dog.’

Even if he pretended not to know, Beriel had the evidence.

If things escalated, only Lutess would be at a disadvantage.

‘Damn.’

Recalling the nightmare from that time, Lutess made his decision.

“It was your right cheek that got hit, right?”

“Maybe the pain has shifted to the left over time.”

“Could be.”

Whether it was the guy spouting nonsense or the maid beside him suggesting it could be…

‘Damn.’

Why are there such people around him?

Recalling the peace of the previous year, Lutess responded with a somber expression.

“Fine. Whatever.”

He just had to endure until the start of school.

With such a careless thought, Lutess nodded listlessly.

***

It was a warm spring day.

Beresha Academy, on the brink of reopening, was filled with numerous students.

“There…”

“Right?”

New students were exploring the academy, while old students who had been separated during the holidays were reuniting and sharing their experiences.

Then, a group of students entered their field of vision.

“It’s Prince Lutess.”

“That’s the famous…”

“Wow!”

Of course, the most eye-catching figure was Lutess, a member of the royal family.

Not only was he leading the group, but his snow-white hair and fiery red eyes made him truly stand out.

But there was something even more striking.

“He looks like a model delinquent!”

His hands in his trouser pockets, his slouched walk, and his expression as if he would bite if someone touched him!

As he passed by, the crowd instinctively made way, making it quite a spectacle.

“Is that him?”

“The newly admitted from the Dryerf Ducal family?”

The attention that had been focused on Lutess naturally shifted to Lewin, who was following behind him.

The royal family and the Dryerf Ducal house.

It was a sight rarely seen even at the Royal Academy.

Some students were in awe, while others felt a tinge of disappointment.

“It would have been more impressive if Princess Reinhardt was also here.”

“Indeed.”

Upon hearing this, Laila, who was standing next to Lewin, let out a small sigh.

“Making friends seems difficult.”

“Seems so.”

Lewin nodded, causing Laila’s spirits to drop.

She had sought comfort, but he had readily agreed!

“Humph.”

Beriel, the first person she had met upon arriving at the academy, had recognized her, so Laila felt an even greater blow to her somewhat high expectations.

“Miss, it’s alright.”

“In fact, it reduces the number of annoying people who would be attracted to your appearance.”

As always, Lewin’s attendants played their role in comforting Laila in such situations.

“Really?”

“Well, your appearance is not bad. So it’s possible.”

“Really?”

Laila’s eyes sparkled at Lewin’s words, who never lied.

“Of course, it only matters if there’s someone to notice it.”

“Young master!”

“Ah!”

Upon hearing his next words, Laila kicked towards Lewin’s shins.

“Too slow.”

“Hit me. Hit me. Come on, hit me!”

Laila’s kicks were swift, but Lewin effortlessly dodged each one.

Thus,

‘Why doesn’t anyone notice?’

Except for Lutess, who was aware of Laila, no other student seemed to take notice of her.

‘What is this? It’s eerie.’

Could it be a secret weapon of the Reinhardt family?

Even as he tried to remain vigilant, Lutess couldn’t help but feel genuinely unsettled by Laila’s occasional disappearances.

“And here we have one of our academy’s landmarks, the Grand Library.”

Amidst the chaotic situation, Beriel’s unwavering introduction of the academy felt out of place to Lutess.

“Here too?”

“There are so many landmarks.”

Lewin and Laila, who had paused their skirmish, were now asking questions.

Observing them, Beriel whispered as if sharing a secret.

“This place is a bit different. Unlike the Magic Hall Challenge, the Carriage Prince, or the spot where one always gets rejected when confessing, which we saw earlier, this is a landmark known only to those in the know.”

“Ohh.”

“Seems like there was something peculiar in the middle, or is it just me?”

Although Lutess voiced his annoyance, everyone ignored him.

A landmark known only to those in the know.

It was only natural to be curious about it!

“This Grand Library has a tragic history.”

“This academy doesn’t have a long past.”

“That’s why the tragedy unfolded.”

In response to Lutess’s jab, Beriel pretended to be sorrowful.

“It was commendable that the director established Beresha Academy, but it was exceedingly challenging for a new academy without history or tradition to survive in the capital.”

Facing competition from numerous academies, including the Royal Academy, it was extremely difficult for a fledgling academy without clear advantages to prevail.

“And it didn’t end there. The director was constantly ignored and faced discrimination at the Capital Academy Conference.”

However, the director persevered, and Beresha Academy eventually rose to become a top academy in the capital.

“It sounds like something out of a novel.”

Reality is often harsh.

That’s why the director of Beresha Academy lost his way.

“And as a result, one of the places created was this Grand Library.”

In terms of size, it surpassed all other libraries in the capital region.

It even overshadowed the scale of the Royal Library.

“Ah.”

Upon hearing that, Lewin seemed to have a realization and nodded.

“But the content is lacking?”

“Exactly.”

But what good is size alone?

It lacked rare books like the library of the Royal Academy.

“We acquired books from all over the continent, but there are limitations to what’s available on the market.”

Some books were obtained through auctions, but their quality paled in comparison.

Furthermore,

“Due to its vastness, numerous students get lost and go missing in the library every year.”

As Beriel explained that the primary task of the library’s staff was to locate lost students, Lewin even sighed in admiration.

“There’s even a rumor of an underground dungeon.”

Lutess muttered with a click of his tongue.

That’s how immense and intricate the Grand Library was.

“Well, no worries. I went down and checked last time, and there weren’t any particularly dangerous monsters.”

“…!”

However, upon hearing Beriel’s following words, Lutess’s spirits sank.

“Are we going there now?”

Lewin asked, his eyes gleaming with anticipation, but Beriel shook her head.

“Unfortunately, you need a student ID to enter the Grand Library.”

Lewin’s mood visibly deflated upon learning that incoming students who hadn’t enrolled yet couldn’t enter.

“That’s a shame.”

Upon hearing Beriel’s advice to wait until the opening ceremony, Lewin nodded with disappointment.

And…

‘Everyone’s insane.’

Lutess silently prayed for the semester to begin swiftly, finding the madness of the royal family to be the most normal aspect compared to this reality.

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“Hmm…”

What a display of confidence.

Tera shifted her gaze towards the source of that confident voice, realizing immediately who it belonged to.

Considering it was that human, it was only natural for him to exude such assurance.

“Ah, ahahaha…”

Tera’s demonic expression vanished instantly, replaced by an awkward smile.

‘Save me, President.’ 

The outside world was undeniably treacherous.

She was better off dealing with paperwork in the student council room, as it suited her nature.

Just as Tera entertained these thoughts…

“The three of you have picked quite an interesting day to come here.”

“Why is that?”

Lewin asked bluntly, prompting Beriel to point at the new figure and respond,

“Because it’s almost a miracle to witness our academy’s spectacle, the blazing magic building, and that person all at once.”

A burning building as a spectacle?

Lewin’s attention shifted to the new character, anticipating that his time at the academy would be far from dull.

“And who might that person be?”

Before Beriel could answer, a boy approached swiftly and looked down at Lewin, stating,

“Lutess.”

Simultaneously, a loud smack echoed through the air.

“Lutess Dee Babelri…an?”

The boy’s palm collided with Lewin’s cheek, sending him flying a considerable distance away.

“Huh…?”

Lutess, the boy, stared at his palm, his eyes filled with confusion.

What just happened?

He had only intended to chastise the impudent fool who didn’t recognize his identity.

Lutess de Babelrian.

He was the fourth prince of the Babylonian Empire, renowned as the center of the continent.

Nevertheless, he had planned to forgive the freshman lightly with a slap.

“What the…?”

He muttered, bewildered by the disaster he had unwittingly caused.

It had been a mere slap, yet it propelled the recipient several meters away, leaving him motionless on the ground.

“Oh, no, this can’t be!”

Tera shattered the ensuing silence.

With teary eyes, she shifted her gaze between Lutess and Lewin, who lay on the ground like a lifeless body.

“Oh, no…!”

Overwhelmed by the scene, Tera’s legs gave way, and she collapsed on the spot.

“Lewin!”

At the same time, Laila, still unaware of the situation, rushed to where Lewin had fallen, shocked.

“What… What is happening?”

Lutess, the fool who had become a spectacle in Beresha Academy, found himself flustered once again by the sudden appearance of the girl.

“What’s going on?”

With a single gentle gesture, he had sent someone flying, and now, out of nowhere, another person emerged.

Unable to grasp the reality of the situation, Lutess turned his gaze towards Beriel.

“Beriel.”

“Oh my.”

Before Lutess could inquire about the bizarre turn of events, Beriel met his gaze with an exceedingly flustered expression.

What was going on?

The surprise in her eyes was genuine, but Lutess knew her well.

It was an act.

While it might have been difficult to picture her in a flustered state, she, too, was human.

Naturally, she would experience surprise and disarray.

But the more flustered Beriel became, the more composed she appeared.

Had she been genuinely flustered, her priority would have been to tend to the person sent flying.

“Your Highness, you’ve finally done it.”

The moment those words were spoken, Lutess’s suspicions turned into certainties.

Because, for an instant, he caught a glimpse of Beriel smiling as if she were relishing the situation.

“What the hell is going on here?”

Wasn’t it common for people to be repelled with a gentle gesture? Shouldn’t the student council executives be in disarray at this sight?

And now, out of nowhere, another person had appeared, while the head maid, who seemed to be everywhere, appeared suspiciously pleased by the unfolding events.

‘Something feels off.’

Lutess could feel cold sweat trickling down his back.

Something was amiss.

His instincts screamed it.

‘Even if I were to strike someone with genuine sincerity, few people in this academy would dare to challenge me.’

Despite his setback in the battle for the throne, the prince was still a prince.

The most prestigious bloodline on the entire continent.

Only a select few could even come close to comparing themselves to this lineage, and among his peers, the numbers dwindled even further.

For instance,

“Royalty from other nations.”

Children from a handful of ducal or marquis families in the empire.

Did they have any reason to attend Beresha Academy?

“A declaration of war against the Dryerf family. How audacious of you.”

“What?”

Beriel’s voice echoed in Lutess’s ears just as he pondered.

“Who?”

“Lewin Dee Dryerf, the beloved youngest son of Duke Dryerf himself.”

No way.

Someone who seemed invincible, someone who wouldn’t even bleed if stabbed, uttering those words.

Lutess couldn’t help but reveal his trembling eyes as he thought.

“Why here?”

“He enrolled as a freshman this year. It caused quite a stir among the circles I’m familiar with. Weren’t you aware?”

He hadn’t heard about it.

Lutess gazed blankly at the still-unconscious Lewin.

‘Could it have escalated to this extent?’

He knew he was being treated as a has-been.

But even if someone from a ducal family entered the academy, they didn’t bother informing him.

Even while being treated as a has-been, the fact that one of his brothers still held him in check made his skin crawl.

‘Damn this family. They still try to keep me in check even in a situation like this.’

‘No, before that…’

What needed to be prioritized now was to control the situation.

Because regardless of his intentions, he had offended the Dryerf family.

“But…”

“What has Lewin done wrong!”

Before Lutess could utter a word, Laila, standing next to the fallen Lewin, glared at him with a threatening expression and shouted.

‘A friend?’

Even after mentioning his name, she reacted this way.

Even if a friend was hurt and angry, it wasn’t an attitude to take towards royalty.

“While you might think so…”

As if understanding Lutess’s thoughts, Beriel calmly but firmly informed him of Laila’s identity.

“Her name is Laila Reinhardt.”

“What?”

“It would be quite challenging even for Your Highness to pick a fight with two ducal families.”

Even watching was difficult for him.

That softly murmured phrase was quite irksome, but Lutess couldn’t say anything in response.

“Why?”

Because that word slipped out first.

“Why? Why on earth are two ducal families from the empire gathering in a place like this academy?”

Lutess couldn’t make sense of the situation at all.

However…

“Your Highness.”

Beriel calmly spoke the truth to Lutess.

“Your Highness is not in a position to ask that, are you?”

He had nothing to say.

What he said and what he thought were the same as what many people had said about him last year.

Why is the prince here?

Shouldn’t he be in the Royal Academy?

There was no reason for the prince to come to Beresha Academy!

What did he say when he heard those words?

“Beresha Academy is peaceful and pleasant. And…”

“Because the breaks are longer and enjoyable.”

“What?”

These days, all academies had short breaks. Lutess frowned and sighed upon hearing his own words thrown back at him.

***

‘Lucky.’

That was Lewin’s fleeting thought towards Lutess.

Of course, it wasn’t a literal thought that flew away.

Even though Lutess had done all sorts of absurd things, he wasn’t a madman who would beat someone to death simply because they pretended not to know him.

“What the hell…”

A voice filled with sighs could be heard.

It was unfathomable for a Dryerf to suddenly appear here.

‘I didn’t expect this either.’

Lewin had merely intended to provoke him slightly before the confrontation.

But it turned out that his opponent was a Barbarian.

Lewin had to struggle to suppress a smile at the unexpected stroke of luck.

‘Master.’

At Daisy’s words from beside him, Lewin cautiously opened his eyes.

He met Daisy’s icy gaze, fully aware that she had already grasped the situation.

‘What the hell are you doing?’

‘Just watch.’

Their exchange ended with a single glance.

Daisy turned her gaze away, feigning ignorance with a sigh, and Lewin quickly closed his eyes again, pretending to be dead so as not to arouse suspicion from the howling Laila beside him.

‘Heroic skill: Play Dead.’

Feign death.

Relax every muscle in the body and cease all signs of breathing.

When this skill, designed to blend in among corpses, was employed within the academy, the situation grew even more chaotic.

“He’s not, he’s not breathing!”

Tears welled up in Laila’s clear eyes and began streaming down her cheeks.

He was dead.

At that single word, Lutess forgot that his opponent was Reinhardt and let out a loud scream.

“What the hell are you talking about!”

Dead from just a slap in the face.

Could that be possible?

With that thought in mind, he rushed towards the fallen Lewin.

“Huh? Huh?”

No breath escaped Lewin’s lips.

Was it just his imagination? Lutess could already feel the coldness in his fingertips.

“This can’t be…”

Lutess hastily pressed his ear against Lewin’s chest, but he couldn’t hear the heartbeat that should have been there.

He’s dead. Truly dead.

Upon realizing this, Lutess felt cold sweat trickling down his spine.

“Does this make any sense?”

To die from a slap in the face.

It would be more logical to assume that someone had poisoned him in a trap.

But what could he do?

Given the current situation, he himself was the culprit.

The prince of the Empire, killing the son of a ducal house at the academy!

It would be a scandal that would shake the empire.

And there was a high probability of facing the gallows, right?

He couldn’t die like this.

He was still in the prime of his life.

He had finally escaped from that tiresome family!

“Over here!”

He had to call for help.

The first thing that caught Lutess’ gaze was the sight of Tera, who had already fainted.

“Beriel!”

Turning his head to the other side, he saw Beriel quietly watching him.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“We must save him. Save him at all costs!”

“I’m not a god.”

But despite saying that, she didn’t appear flustered.

If it were the usual Lutess, he might have realized something from her demeanor.

“If you save him, I’ll grant you any wish.”

But in his panic, he didn’t notice.

Even though he was a prince, he was still an eleven-year-old boy.

Caught off guard by the sudden situation, he couldn’t maintain his usual cool demeanor.

“Can’t I have three wishes?”

“What the hell! Just save him. As long as you save him!”

“Yes, I understand.”

Those were the words of a royal.

Lutess himself knew the weight of those words best.

Satisfied with his response, Beriel brought her mouth close to Lewin’s face, wearing a calm smile.

Was she going to perform CPR?

That’s what Lutess thought, but instead of heading towards Lewin’s mouth, her mouth moved towards his ear.

“You can have one wish.”

“Well, it’s a pity, but it’s not bad.”

Upon hearing that, Lewin stood up straight away.

“What?”

A person who had stopped breathing and whose heart had stopped suddenly stood up.

Confronted with this unreal scene, Lutess was taken aback.

“Did you trick me?”

He soon realized that he had been fooled and blushed with anger.

“No, Your Highness. Look at this red cheek.”

While gazing at Lutess, Lewin held his left cheek with an expression of pain.

“I slapped you on the right cheek!”

“Oh, really?”

Lutess glared at Beriel as he observed Lewin holding his right cheek in response to his comment.

But…

“That was a good shot.”

“What do you mean?”

Beriel looked at the brooch attached to her chest with a satisfied smile.

“It’s a video magic tool issued to maids. It’s a device that can capture short moments.”

Sometimes, unexpected things happen.

On her brooch, there was a replay of Lutess swearing to grant three wishes.

Upon seeing that, Lutess fell silent.

‘These crazy bastards.’

Whether it was the youngest son of a duke deceiving the prince of the Empire or the head maid of the academy extracting three wishes from the prince.

None of them were ordinary individuals.

Thinking this, Lutess quickly made a decision.

‘I need to get out of here.’

When people panic, their first instinct is to flee.

“Well, he’s fine! I’m leaving!”

To escape the current situation, he ran away first, but unfortunately, he still had nine more years of his academy life ahead of him.

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Beriel proposed, “If you don’t mind, I can be your guide through the academy.”

Lewin simply nodded in response. When an intriguing person offers to accompany you, there’s no reason to decline.

“I’m in favor of that idea too!” Laila chimed in, relishing the attention from Beriel.

“Thank you,” Daisy added, aligning her opinion with the group.

With everyone’s agreement, Beriel exchanged a few words with the maids who had accompanied her and then joined Lewin’s party.

And so it began.

Beriel pointed to a building and explained, “That is the magic building. It serves as the center for basic and advanced education, as well as various magic-related club activities, unless there are exceptional circumstances.”

The three of them fell silent as they looked in the direction Beriel indicated. Even Lewin, who was used to wandering, and Daisy, who had grown accustomed to Lewin’s ways, were taken aback by the scene before them.

“Is it on fire?” Laila murmured, her eyes widening.

Her words were spot-on. One side of the building’s exterior was engulfed in flames, yet nobody seemed to care.

“It’s a common occurrence,” Beriel casually stated.

“Common?” Lewin questioned.

One might question what kind of academy frequently experiences fires, but judging by the reactions of those around them, it appeared to be true.

Although there weren’t many people around during the vacation period, no one reacted significantly to the fire.

“Yes. Magic is a challenging subject, so failures are bound to happen.”

That explanation seemed reasonable, considering the nature of magic. However…

“Isn’t this unusual in most cases?” Lewin asked.

He had attended the academy numerous times, albeit under the alias Lewin Dee Dryerf. In his previous lives as a hero, he had also attended graduate school. Therefore, he could confidently say that even in the distant past when his understanding of magic was limited, it was not common for the academy building to catch fire.

“True,” Beriel acknowledged his point nonchalantly. “Usually, such incidents are rare at the Royal Academy. However, this is the Beresha Academy.”

Although she mentioned that this academy was somewhat different from others, Lewin focused on a different aspect.

“Did you attend the Royal Academy?” he inquired, narrowing his eyes.

Beriel’s previous workplace was the prestigious Royal Academy? Lewin couldn’t comprehend her statement.

“Yes, that was my previous employment,” Beriel confirmed.

This revelation puzzled Lewin. Switching jobs from the Royal Academy to Beresha Academy seemed like an unusual decision. The Royal Academy was not only significant for students but also for professors, assistants, knights, soldiers, butlers, maids, and even laborers. Being associated with the Royal Academy brought recognition.

“And you left that position for the Beresha Academy?” he probed further.

While personal circumstances might have motivated her job change, Beriel must have possessed the skills and qualifications to secure a position even better than the Beresha Academy.

“Yes, indeed. At the Royal Academy, it’s common for students to reside on campus even during vacations.”

Lewin wondered if others shared his thoughts. Beriel let out a soft sigh, revealing her true reason for the job transition.

“I never had any time to rest. That’s why I transferred here, where there are fewer students during the vacation period.”

Indeed, the vacation period at the Beresha Academy was also quite extensive.

Lewin was taken aback by Beriel’s nonchalant attitude and attempted to say something, but…

“For such a reason…”

The sharp gazes from those around him silenced him midway through his sentence.

“Why would you say that?”

“Exactly. Who else chose this place because of the long vacation?”

Upon hearing this, Beriel naturally turned her gaze towards Lewin.

The news of the young master of the Dryerf estate enrolling in the Beresha Academy surprised many. They never expected this to be the reason behind his decision.

“Never thought that would be the reason.”

How peculiar.

Unaware of Lewin’s thoughts about her, Beriel summed up her initial impression of him.

“Then, Miss Laila…”

“Guess she decided to follow because she has no other friends.”

“Hey!”

Blushing at Lewin’s words, Laila yelled out, but realizing the truth in his statement, she closed her mouth and glared at him instead.

‘It seems we have quite a few interesting newcomers this year.’

While a quiet and relaxing lifestyle was nice, encountering these intriguing individuals wasn’t so bad either. As long as she was working, she might as well have fun doing it.

As Beriel pondered this with a gentle smile, her gaze fell upon a familiar face.

“Ah!”

“We’ve arrived.”

A woman let out a scream as she gazed at the site of the fire, her expression ghostly.

“Beriel!”

“Yes, Miss Tera.”

“Who did this?”

Groaning, Tera muttered under her breath, “Some idiots must have caused trouble again. This time, I’m really going to kill them.”

Laila trembled at Tera’s murderous tone, while Lewin tilted his head in confusion.

‘But they said it’s common, right?’

Considering Beriel’s reaction and the response of a few passing students, it seemed like fires were a frequent occurrence.

But this reaction was different. It was as if they were seeking an arch-nemesis.

“I don’t know either.”

“You’re not covering for the culprit just because it was an accident, are you?”

Beriel shook her head in response to the suspicious gaze.

“Of course not. I happened to be at the scene while showing the new students around the academy.”

At her words, Tera looked around.

‘My image is ruined.’

A boy observed her curiously, while the others seemed flustered.

“Apologies for not noticing. I’m Tera Tartara, the treasurer of the student council.”

The student council oversaw the student associations at different levels within the academy and held practically unlimited power.

‘Even though they say they can’t touch the student council…’

Lewin, who had experience with the student council, knew about the behind-the-scenes dealings.

‘It’s not that they can’t touch them, they simply don’t dare to.’

Having a lot of power meant having a lot of responsibilities. And with many responsibilities, they tended to pass on the troublesome tasks to others while ensuring student autonomy.

Tera Tartara’s condition was a perfect illustration of this.

Her deep blue hair was disheveled, and her face showed clear signs of fatigue. Dark circles were visible under her eyes, although they were somewhat hidden by her unique demeanor.

‘Even graduate students tremble depending on the situation at the academy.’

From the higher-ups, they pass down work, claiming it’s for the students, while from the lower ranks, students accuse them of abusing their power.

With resigning being nearly impossible unless expelled, the academy, brimming with dreams and hopes, felt like hell for the ambitious youth.

The only advantage was that dealing with the overwhelming tasks naturally improved one’s ability to process work. Knowing this, there was a substantial bonus to be gained in the imperial civil service exam.

So, with all the courtesy he could muster, Lewin introduced himself to the person who voluntarily took on the role of a servant in this academy.

“I’m a freshman, Lewin Dee Dryerf. It’s a pleasure to meet you, senior Tera.”

“Master…?”

“Lewin…?”

“Huh?”

The three of them couldn’t help but be surprised by his introduction.

‘Is the young master behaving normally?’

Daisy was surprised to see Lewin acting like an ordinary person.

‘Did Lewin know the word “etiquette”?’

Laila was amazed that Lewin was familiar with manners.

‘Dryerf?’

Tera was taken aback, realizing that she had unintentionally ruined her image in front of the freshman from the prestigious ducal house, who had been a subject of much gossip.

‘Life…’

Despite being the eldest daughter of a count’s family and considered a top predator at Beresha Academy, she was no match for the son of a duke’s family.

Moreover…

“Hello. My name is Laila Reinhardt. It’s nice to meet you, senior.”

“?”

“•?”

From Tera’s perspective, the daughter of the Duke appeared out of nowhere.

‘What? Where did she come from? No, did I ruin things even before that?’

Even as an executive of the student council, she had to pay attention to the children of the Duke’s family. And here they were, meeting right from the start.

‘On top of that, that damn guy enrolled last year and caused a mess!’

Naturally, the nightmare from last year resurfaced in Tera’s mind. How nightmarish was that year because of that jerk?

“Ah, ahahaha.”

The idea of catching and punishing the culprit who started the fire was momentarily put on hold. Right now, she needed to determine whether the winds that would blow this year would be a refreshing spring breeze or a storm that would plunge the academy into chaos.

‘This isn’t my expertise.’

She clicked her tongue briefly, but quickly regained her smile.

A third-year student in the student council. She had stood out since the elementary level and was chosen as an executive, or rather, a slave of the student council as soon as she reached the middle school level. Her name was Tera.

Upon entering high school, she was assigned the role of treasurer in the student council, showcasing her exceptional abilities.

“Ah, ahahahahaha!”

She was not the type to excel in social life.

‘President, save me!’

Naturally, the face of the student council was the president. However, the president of the Beresha Academy student council was slightly different.

This individual boasted excellent interpersonal relationships, not only with students and professors but also with high-ranking imperial officials.

Therefore, despite not possessing exceptional overall abilities and not hailing from an overwhelmingly dominant family, this person was able to become the student council president at Beresha Academy.

“Well, you see…”

Tera’s gaze wandered aimlessly, unable to focus on one spot.

Thanks to the outstanding interpersonal skills of the student council president, the student council members could concentrate solely on their respective tasks.

In other words, the members of the student council were chosen solely for their abilities in their assigned roles.

The executives compensated for any shortcomings in work abilities, while the president compensated for any deficiencies in interpersonal skills. It was a symbiotic relationship.

“Receiving a person is so simple! Yet here I am, meeting with such a VIP.”

The problem was that upon hearing about the fire in the magic building, Tera couldn’t help but feel a sense of dizziness.

What kind of building is this “magic building”?

Among the various buildings in the academy, it was the most prestigious one.

Given the frequent accidents and experiments that took place there, even the materials used in constructing the building were of a different caliber compared to the others.

But that’s not all. It was also a place where senior wizards from the Magic Tower would regularly visit to conduct various magical treatments.

Normally, the building was impervious to ordinary magic, and it was designated as an evacuation site in case of emergencies.

‘Those damn fools…’

However, some idiots in the academy interpreted it differently.

If the building is immune to normal attacks, wouldn’t burning it also be within their capabilities?

It was an incredibly foolish and idiotic line of thinking. Yet, wizards are individuals who dedicate their lives to uncovering the truths of the world.

From one perspective, they may appear cool and genius-like, but from another perspective, wizards can be endlessly foolish and foolish.

Tragically, all the wizards involved in this incident were complete fools.

These fools started spreading a trend called the “Magic Hall Challenge,” which involved attempting to leave their magical mark on the walls of the Magic Hall. Many students took part in this foolish endeavor.

Of course, most of them failed.

Leaving a lasting mark in the Magic Hall with incomplete or underdeveloped magic was an impossible task.

However, a few exceptional students managed to leave their marks behind, inspiring others to take up the challenge.

The maintenance costs for the Magic Hall, which was used for the entire curriculum, began to fall under the responsibility of the student council.

And as a result, those expenses consistently landed on Tera, the treasurer of the student council.

While some people enjoyed their vacation time, someone had to continue working, burdened with the consequences of others’ actions.

Fueled by anger at this fact, Tera erupted from the pile of documents.

And this was the outcome.

“WHO’S THE BASTARD RESPONSIBLE!”

Tera’s voice reverberated throughout the academy, filled with seething anger.

“….?”

“•?”

“..?”

As Lewin and Laila exchanged glances, observing Tera’s laughter and anger after just introducing herself, they were taken aback.

“It’s me.”

A voice dripping with arrogance rang out.

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Beresha Academy.

Situated on the outskirts of the imperial capital, Beresha Academy occupied a unique position. While considered a lower-tier academy within the empire, it ranked among the top-tier institutions on the entire continent.

For some, attending Beresha Academy was a dream come true, while for others, it was just one of many options on their list.

Lewin had a simple reason for choosing Beresha Academy: perfection. Unlike other academies steeped in historical traditions, Beresha had no such ties. As a result, its buildings and facilities remained pristine, free from the wear and tear of time.

‘Newer is always better than clinging to outdated buildings and traditions.’

In the realm of magic, ancient practices sometimes yielded better results than the latest technologies. However, mastering those ancient practices required exceptional grades and education beyond high school.

‘But I don’t need that,” Lewin mused.’

Despite being a mere ten-year-old child, Lewin’s soul had experienced ten lifetimes. Out of those ten, he had been a hero in nine. His mind held records of ancient battle magic systems and forgotten spells.

For Lewin, the value lay in learning common, modern magic rather than rare, ancient techniques.

“Master, don’t you have something else to do?” a cold voice broke Lewin’s thoughts as he surveyed his surroundings with satisfaction.

He turned his head to find Daisy looking at him with icy eyes, while Laila, sobbing, was held in Daisy’s arms.

“Are you still crying?” Lewin scratched his head, avoiding their gaze. He had enjoyed the prank, but he hadn’t expected Laila to cry for so long.

‘I hate it when kids cry.’ 

Normally, breaking a pot would solve the issue with crying children, but this time it was his fault. He needed a different approach.

So, what method could he use?

Lewin decided on the most reasonable and simplest option he could think of.

“Laila.”

“Sniffle…….”

Her eyes were as red as a rabbit’s.

With that in mind, Lewin pulled a piece of candy from his pocket and offered it to Laila.

“Do you want some?”

“Master…..”

Laila, who had been crying as if she was wronged, saw Lewin trying to appease her with a piece of candy. She was about to say that it wouldn’t work, but her hand reached out towards the candy in Lewin’s hand.

“Miss?”

“Do you have lemon flavor……?”

“Probably.”

She even demanded a specific flavor.

“Here.”

“Hmm……..”

She cautiously placed the candy in her mouth and pouted.

She still seemed to have complaints, but seeing Laila stop crying, Daisy looked at the two of them with a bewildered expression.

“Are we done?”

“Yes.”

Daisy had a lot to say, but she held her tongue. She knew all too well that arguing with him would only upset her further.

“Then let’s continue the tour.”

As they strolled through the nearly deserted academy during the vacation period, Lewin was even more impressed with the surroundings than he had anticipated.

“It’s really huge.”

He had been walking for a while, yet there were still many places he hadn’t explored.

Unlike other academies in the capital, Beresha Academy could afford to have such a large campus on the outskirts.

“It’s unnecessarily spacious, and the complex structure often confuses not only freshmen but even those who have been here for years, right?”

The more he saw, the more Lewin fell in love with the place.

Such a vast and intricate structure perfectly aligned with his vision for academy life!

“The distance between buildings is quite significant.”

“Indeed. And these buildings are for the same grade, right? I’ve heard from teachers who graduated from here that many students get lost every time a new semester starts.”

“It’s a perfect excuse for getting lost.”

“Excuse? But it’s true.”

It’s annoying to have someone so quick-witted around.

Thinking this, Lewin took out a candy from his pocket and placed it in Laila’s mouth, gesturing to a particular spot.

“But it seems like they allocate a fair amount of manpower in return.”

The people passing by were not students or staff of the academy.

They were women dressed similarly to Daisy.

Daisy nodded silently as she observed the maids who managed the academy.

“Since students are not allowed to bring servants to the academy, I expected as much.”

In the academy, a place of learning, all students are treated equally.

Therefore, it is impossible for nobles to bring along their own servants or escorts. However, they couldn’t completely exclude them either.

“After all, there can’t be anyone who can’t even dress themselves, right?”

“You never know.”

To the nobility, servants are their hands and feet.

The sudden absence of those who took care of even the smallest tasks since their early childhood was a bigger adjustment than expected.

Moreover, in an academy where learning is the main purpose, it didn’t make sense to have nobles cooking or doing laundry for the sake of equality.

Hence, it has become common for these individuals who provide the basic necessities to be stationed throughout the academy to assist the students.

“And all students receive assistance. It is said that commoner students appreciate their help more than the noble students.”

That is also true.

Initially, commoner students felt uncomfortable having servants involved in their daily lives. However, once they adapted to a certain extent, they relied on them even more than the nobles.

“It’s understandable. There’s no academy other than the royal academy that expels students for poor grades, right?”

Consequently, many noble students, like Lewin, come to the academy to enjoy themselves.

Parents are aware of this, but they allow it, knowing that connections can be more valuable than education.

However, commoner students do not have that luxury.

There is no difference in the treatment of expulsion between nobles and commoners.

However, commoner students often continue their academy life with support from the nobility or the upper class, or by receiving scholarships.

Unlike the nobility, if their grades decline, such support naturally decreases.

And if they can’t sustain their studies, they can’t continue.

Therefore, commoner students require more personal study time than nobles, and having one less chore becomes crucial.

That’s why they often rely more on the servants who assist them in their daily lives compared to the nobles.

“And while we discuss others, Daisy, you’re in the same situation, aren’t you?”

“Yes. But I was once a noble. It was when I was very young, but it doesn’t feel strange to me to be cared by someone.”

“Really?”

Laila, who was enjoying the fourth candy given by Lewin, asked Daisy with wide eyes.

She seemed quite surprised to learn that Daisy was once a noble.

“Yes. I was born a noble, not of the empire. I was born into the Sirden family, a noble family. But our family fell into ruin. If that hadn’t happened…”

That tragedy would never have occurred.

Laila wiped away the tears welling in her eyes after hearing Daisy’s soft murmur.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s all in the past. Thanks to that, I had the opportunity to meet Miss Laila like this, so perhaps it was a stroke of luck.”

“Daisy…”

Truly, it was a beautiful master-servant relationship.

The scene was heartwarming to the point that Lewin could almost mistake it for something more.

“People seeing you for the first time would think you’re the maid of the Reinhardt house.”

“I wish she was. Would you let her?”

“Absolutely not.”

Lewin clicked his tongue at his childhood friend’s audacity in trying to steal his servants.

“They have a lot of work to do.”

They would be living an academy life for the next ten years.

During that time, not only Daisy, but also Eyriel and Hains, who were not present at the moment, had many responsibilities.

‘Although it wouldn’t be their choice.’

Nevertheless, it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

No, rather, it could be considered a good thing.

Living as the protagonist of this world, the dream of everyone at least once.

It was like making that dream come true!

“Sigh.”

Daisy, hearing his words, let out a sigh, but Lewin paid no attention.

“What’s the matter?”

A passing maid approached Lewin’s group after noticing Daisy’s continuous sighing.

“Oh, it’s nothing.”

“I’m Beriel, the head maid of the Royal Class dormitory. If there’s anything uncomfortable, please feel free to tell me, Miss Daisy.”

Daisy was taken aback by her words.

At first, she was surprised that the woman claiming to be the head maid of the top dormitory at Beresha Academy looked so young. But then, she was even more shocked when she realized that the woman already knew her name.

“You… know me?”

“The dormitory staff knows everyone in their dormitory, at the very least.”

With those words, Beriel shifted her gaze slightly behind them.

“It’s an honor to serve the offspring of Dryerf and Reinhardt, known as the two pillars of the empire.”

Her elegant demeanor would make anyone believe she was a noble lady receiving etiquette education for a long time.

Laila, who had been watching with her mouth slightly open, widened her eyes after a moment.

“Is she looking at me?”

“Congratulations.”

As he pulled Laila’s hand away from tugging at his sleeve, Lewin’s gaze remained fixed on Beriel.

‘What is this?’

It surpassed his expectations.

Not only was her appearance remarkable, but she also managed the highest-class dormitory at the academy at an age that appeared to be in her early twenties at the latest.

She possessed the skills of a maid and an administrator.

Was that all?

‘She has few weaknesses.’

Lewin couldn’t say she had none at all.

But this assessment came from a retired hero who had saved humanity nine times in his ten lifetimes.

At the very least, she was on par with a regular knight.

And it didn’t end there—the mana flowing within her resembled that of a wizard rather than a knight.

‘Is this the level of the head maid at Beresha Academy?’

Unbelievable.

Even though the empire was considered the best country on the continent, such talent wouldn’t be common.

Even though Lewin hasn’t been there personally, it’s a surprising level even for the Royal Academy, known as the highest educational institution.

“Hello?”

His suspicion grew.

She was an alien presence among ordinary people.

For Lewin, it felt all too familiar.

It was the feeling he had since his first life when he was chosen as a hero.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Lewin. I look forward to working with you.”

That’s why Lewin extended his hand.

Keep friends close, and keep enemies closer.

He knew it was better to keep people he doubted closer rather than pushing them away.

“Oh, hello.”

As the two shook hands, Laila cautiously extended hers as well.

Half-fearful and half-expectant due to the incident at the main gate a little while ago.

“Nice to meet you, Miss Laila.”

And while observing that scene,

‘Hmm, as suspicious as expected.’

The fact that she sensed Laila’s presence compelled Lewin to raise his level of caution towards Beriel.

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The voyage to the Beresha Academy was remarkably serene. The sight of the Duke of Dryerf’s flag, the Empire’s most formidable ruler, commanded respect and deterred anyone from causing trouble.

Yet, despite the peacefulness, boredom crept in.

“Young Master?” Daisy, diligently preparing a simple meal by the campfire, sensed the restlessness.

She gently placed the ladle down. 

“I’m bored. I didn’t anticipate such a tranquil journey.”

In Lewin’s recollection, travel had always been perilous—a constant state of tension, uncertain when or where enemies might emerge. In enemy territory, lighting a campfire was akin to inviting death, and sustenance often came in the form of tough jerky to chew on.

But those times were during the fateful war between humans and demons.

Daisy replied, “I don’t know what kind of journey you expected, but it’s preferable when nothing eventful happens. You were the one who suggested taking the carriage, after all.”

Initially, with the wealth and influence of the Dryerf family, they could have teleported Lewin and the others to the capital effortlessly. Most of Lewin’s siblings chose this convenient method, particularly Luna, who frequently enjoyed the privileges of the magic tower’s portals.

However, Lewin insisted on traveling by carriage, using it as an excuse for a journey.

“So, please refrain from causing unnecessary commotion and remain quiet,” Daisy requested, resuming her stirring to prevent the soup from sticking.

Nonetheless, Daisy couldn’t help but keep her gaze fixed on Lewin.

He’s bored.

Such a statement could be uttered by anyone, but when it came from him, it was never an easy situation.

Daisy’s thoughts became entangled, and she continued stirring the soup, her actions growing swifter in silence.

How much time had passed?

After a brief interlude of silence, Daisy spoke up.

“Young Master, if you’re bored, why not engage Eyriel and Hains in some training, just like old times?”

And thus, she betrayed her beloved siblings.

“Should I?”

“Yes, they’ve been bored too, so they’ve asked the knights for training.”

At the suggestion that the two would also like it, Lewin pondered for a moment before nodding his head.

“Well, then. Shall we get some exercise before dinner?”

“Not a bad choice,” Daisy nodded, attempting to steady her trembling hand.

‘I’m sorry.’

Yet, it was an unavoidable decision.

Lewin Dee Dryerf was an incredibly indolent person, yet a peculiar boy who couldn’t tolerate boredom.

He was the type who would stay in bed all day to avoid the perils outside, only to rise before the servants and witness the sunrise in the chilling cold.

His actions were dictated by his ever-changing mood.

When he uttered, “I’m bored,” it signified a crisis.

Daisy, Eyriel, and Hains had the responsibility to avert that crisis.

‘We cannot afford problems even before our arrival.’

Before long, Lewin vanished from sight.

As the soup reached its readiness, Lewin returned with the two siblings in tow.

Daisy, who had momentarily averted her gaze, refocused on the soup. It wasn’t because she noticed a bruise on Eyriel’s eye or sensed Hains’ discomfort in his leg.

‘No, absolutely not.’

Reassuring herself, Daisy mustered a forced smile.

“You returned swiftly.”

“It feels good to stretch my muscles after a while. I might have gone a bit overboard,” Lewin remarked, referring to his excessive exertion.

Upon hearing his words, Daisy’s smile became stiffer.

“It wasn’t too bad.”

In response, Daisy sensed a hint of coldness in her siblings’ gazes.

“But Alex has been keeping his distance lately.”

“He mentioned having matters to discuss with the group we’re traveling with.”

“Is that so?”

The companions on Lewin’s journey included not only members of the Dryerf family but also the Red Bull Group, one of the continent’s five major groups.

Sipping the soup, Lewin pondered.

‘What is he plotting?’

While Lewin spearheaded the decision to travel by carriage, it was Alex who led the expedition alongside the Red Bull Group.

The reasons were multifaceted.

Whether it was for increased protection against monster attacks due to a larger group, their familiarity with the route from regular supply deliveries to the Beresha Academy, or the desire for a more lively journey with a bustling crowd—Lewin recalled the various excuses he used to convince himself and chuckled softly.

“No matter what happens, it should be entertaining.”

And so…

***

Surprisingly, nothing eventful occurred.

Listening to the rhythmic sound of carriage wheels, Lewin pondered.

‘Isn’t something supposed to happen in a situation like this?’

What kind of trick was Alex planning to pull off to amuse him?

He felt a sense of embarrassment as he reminisced about how his heart had raced with anticipation.

Lost in thought, Lewin leaned out of the window.

“Sigh.”

In the distance, he spotted a person still bowing their head—an individual slightly plump but with a sturdy build.

Undoubtedly, this was the person who had introduced himself as the leader of the Red Bull Group on the first day of their journey.

“Alex.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

Lewin had to admit it.

He had been duped.

“What was your plan all along?”

The other person knew him all too well, which led him to feign anxiety and attempt to dissuade Lewin.

“A plan?”

How could he deceive his own lord?

Alex maintained a shamelessly innocent expression as he responded.

“I was merely fulfilling my duty.”

Just doing his duty.

Indeed.

Throughout the journey, he had solely focused on discussing trade goods with the Red Bull Group as a servant of the Dryerf family.

Yet, Lewin didn’t miss it.

For a brief moment, while uttering those words, Alex seemed to smile triumphantly at him!

“Very well.”

Lewin conceded his defeat.

He acknowledged Alex’s cunning.

Despite having lived through ten lifetimes, he had never encountered someone as shrewd as Alex.

In fact, he had underestimated him all this time.

“Young Master.”

Alex tensed at how easily Lewin accepted his defeat. However, to Lewin, defeat was a more familiar concept than one might expect.

Certainly, he had faced formidable opponents like the demons, the combat races, as well as socialites and warlocks. Overcoming them was no easy feat. Yet, the reason a hero becomes legendary in this world is simple: they survive countless defeats and ultimately save the world.

‘The problem lies in the fact that I die in the end.’

One could interpret it as constantly losing to fate in the end.

That’s why Lewin could readily admit his defeat.

“I’ve lost this time.”

He cheerfully acknowledged his defeat, allowing himself to move forward.

But…

“Even if you say that, it’s not satisfying at all!”

From the very beginning, this confrontation was a battle filled with wounds for the servants, including Alex. The idea of fighting against their master, whom they were meant to serve, was absurd.

“No, you don’t have to say that.”

“Young Master, I don’t know what delusion you’re under…”

“There’s no need to pretend you don’t know. I admit my defeat, don’t I?”

“Young Master…”

“But next time, I won’t lose.”

“…”

Alex felt like crying.

In truth, he had never smiled as a victor. It was merely Lewin’s delusion. From the start, this was an imbalanced defensive game—a game where the servants, including Alex, did their best to block their troublesome master, who stirred up trouble left and right.

The battleground had shifted from the familiar and secure territory of the Dryerf family to the Beresha Academy, and the number of people available to block him had dwindled down to just three.

Why was this damned master even more fired up here?

“Sir Butler…”

Observing Lewin’s fervor, Daisy looked at Alex with teary eyes. Despite her mature demeanor compared to her peers, she was still young. The same went for Eyriel and Hains. Though they were recognized for their talent in the knight’s division, they were mere children in their early teens.

“I’m sorry. Hang in there.”

It was the only thing an adult could say to the children—a somber reality. Ironically, the one responsible for creating this reality, the damned master, was the youngest among them.

“It’s stomach medicine from Red Bull. I’ve arranged for a continuous supply to the Beresha Academy store. Just mention the Dryerf family name and they’ll provide it.”

“Thank you.”

It was regrettable that they needed stomach medicine at such a young age, but they had no other choice.

“We’ve arrived.”

The carriage came to a halt, signaling the time for farewells.

“Young Master, we have arrived.”

“Hmm.”

Alex regarded Lewin with a complex expression on his face.

As the butler serving Latel Dee Dryerf, the eldest son of the Dryerf family, he believed that when Latel entered the academy, he would bring glory to the Dryerf name.

As the butler serving Lagil Dee Dryerf, the second son of the Dryerf family, he believed that when Lagil joined the academy, he would assist his older brother, who had already been admitted, in further elevating the Dryerf name.

However, the words that resonated most with Alex were the ones spoken by the butler who served Luna In Dryerf, the eldest daughter of the family.

He worried that Luna, with her tender-hearted nature, would get hurt in the world than anticipated.

Those words struck a chord with Alex’s current emotions.

As the butler serving the youngest member of the Dryerf family, Lewin Dee Dryerf, Alex would say the following to other servants upon returning to the Dryerf family: I’m worried that the young master might hurt the world more than anticipated . 

And it was astonishing how quickly his worry turned into reality.

“Ah…!”

At the entrance of Beresha Academy, a fair-haired child, skipping and running with ease, beamed with joy upon spotting Lewin’s group approaching.

Her radiant smile seemed to illuminate her surroundings, yet remarkably, hardly anyone noticed her.

Even the knights who accompanied Lewin failed to realize her presence.

The only ones who acknowledged her were the three servants, and Alex, who had played catch with the troublesome young master, and of course, Lewin himself.

“Are you here?”

Laila Reinhardt, a familiar figure, approached Lewin with an unconcerned smile.

However…

“…?”

She was taken aback when Lewin simply passed by without acknowledging her.

“Huh?”

Various negative thoughts flooded her mind and quickly dissipated.

Did Lewin not recognize her?

Did she truly become alone in this world?

Suppressing her welling tears, Laila swiftly turned her head and glanced at Daisy and the others.

“Ah, hello?”

Witnessing her distressing state, Daisy and the others couldn’t conceal their sympathy and hastily greeted her.

“Hello, Miss.”

“Sniff…”

Laila hurriedly rushed towards Daisy, burying her face in her chest. Though she couldn’t see, Daisy could feel her sorrow.

She also saw Lewin, wearing a mischievous smile as he observed them.

“Well, well, Laila, have you become even more inconspicuous?”

“Ah!”

Witnessing Laila’s increased anguish at Lewin’s comment, Alex discreetly swallowed a gulp of stomach medicine.

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“No…”

Luna, Lewin’s sister, cried out with a mournful tone.

“It’s not too late! Even now, come to the Royal Academy!”

“No.”

Although Lewin uttered the same words, his tone was entirely different.

“Lewin has lost his way…”

Luna sobbed, seeking solace in her mother’s embrace.

“What a child.”

Observing her daughter, Erzen gently stroked her hair, wearing a sly smile.

“Today is the day your brother departs.”

“Can I also transfer to Beresha Academy?”

“No.”

“Hmph…”

Luna, continuously faced with rejection, displayed a sulky expression.

However, Erzen remained resolute.

“How long will you hold onto Lewin?”

“Forever?”

Momentarily caught off guard by her earnest eyes, Erzen found herself at a loss for words.

‘Why does this happen every time a younger sibling is born?’

Similar reactions were witnessed when Luna was born, with the eldest son, Latel, and the second son, Lagil. However, their attention swiftly shifted to Lewin after his birth.

‘I wonder if Lewin will undergo a similar transformation upon the arrival of a younger sibling.’

Lewin possessed a distinct character compared to his brothers, but people are capable of change.

Erzen wondered if Lewin would undergo such a change like his siblings.

Simultaneously, a peculiar incident unfolded.

“There’s no need to excessively exalt the Dryerf family’s honor.”

As the three servants entered the Academy, they were surrounded by a multitude of people, offering encouragement.

“The Dryerf family’s honor shines brightly even without our conspicuous presence.”

“Indeed. Your role is a singular one.”

“Just prevent Young Master Lewin from tarnishing that radiant honor with his actions.”

These were the words of dedicated butlers of Latil and Lagil, who had already enrolled in the Royal Academy.

While their words could be perceived as sibling rivalry, Alex, Lewin’s personal butler, looked at Daisy with an expression filled with concern.

“Daisy.”

Alex gently rested his hands on Daisy’s shoulders, trembling as he called her name.

“Yes, Sir Butler.”

“It will be challenging.”

“Yes.”

“But I believe in you.”

“……”

“I believe in you, too.”

Tap. Tap.

With the hand he had raised, Alex lightly tapped Eyriel and Hains on the shoulders.

“You must protect the young master diligently.”

“Hu…”

The eldest son, Latil’s personal butler, wiped away his tears with a handkerchief.

Having occasionally cared for Lewin at Alex’s request after Latil entered the Royal Academy, he understood the weighty burden they were shouldering.

“If you ever need assistance, the family is always here for you.”

Lagil’s personal butler echoed the same sentiment.

Thus, they pledged to provide unwavering support.

“Preventing accidents is the best approach, but it’s widely known that the young master is not easily restrained.”

“If an incident occurs, it must be reported immediately.”

“Attendance is also crucial. Regardless of grades, insufficient attendance may result in grade repetition.”

“Grade repetition…”

“Why do you say that, Sir Alex?”

“When it comes to the young master… ‘Wouldn’t it be fun to repeat a grade once?’ He might intentionally aim for lower grades.”

“There’s a possibility!”

“During the exam period, promptly report grades! Every day during the exam period! In case the scores hit rock bottom!”

The servants, their faces pale upon hearing Alex’s words, began envisioning various scenarios.

“Would he truly do such a thing?”

Lewin, who had been listening to the entire conversation, couldn’t help but chuckle.

It appeared that his reputation among the Dryerf family’s servants had hit rock bottom.

“Lewin.”

Summoned by the somber voice, Lewin raised his gaze.

Luna, who had been hugging Lewin like a doll while crying, also heard the voice and quietly stepped aside.

“Yes, Father.”

The current head of the Dryerf family, Lewin Dee Dryerf’s father, and the most influential figure in the empire.

He was Laihar Dee Dryerf, holding the empire’s military power.

People referred to him as the Iron Duke for his strict differentiation between public and private matters, ruling soldiers with unwavering adherence to military law.

“You must exercise caution.”

The words didn’t quite match the teardrops falling from his eyes.

‘Who came up with that nickname?’

It was absurd to label someone who easily shed tears as the ‘Iron Duke.’

Lewin was certain that whoever gave him this nickname had never truly encountered the Iron Duke.

“You can learn at any time. Don’t blame yourself even if others surpass you. People possess different talents, and the moments when those talents blossom vary, so there’s no need to rush.”

He was right.

Not everyone gifted with a sword became a Swordmaster.

Lewin had often witnessed those lacking talent in swordsmanship but excelling in infusing the sword with mana becoming Swordmasters.

However, the moment one gave up due to a lack of talent in swordsmanship, despite having the potential to become a Swordmaster, it was all over.

‘It’s challenging.’

But if asked whether it was right to allow those without talent in swordsmanship to wield a sword, Lewin could respond without hesitation.

Absolutely not.

For those individuals, it could be a wiser choice to utilize their talent in other forms of magic or pursue alternative paths through hard work.

“So, do what you desire.”

“Yes.”

Lewin nodded, deep in thought.

‘I’m fortunate.’

Even if he was advised against living that way, he had already made his decision.

Following the predetermined fate had been more than enough nine times over.

“I will live as I wish!”

Upon Lewin’s declaration, Laihar gently stroked his head with teary eyes, and the three servants who had been listening from a distance couldn’t help but shiver.

***

“Young Master, there is a word called responsibility in this world.”

Inside the carriage en route to Beresha Academy.

After a prolonged silence, these were the words that Alex uttered to Lewin.

“Yeah, I understand.”

He understood it better than anyone else.

Lewin thought to himself and nodded.

After all, he had experienced nine deaths due to that sense of responsibility.

“Is that so?”

Upon hearing Lewin’s response, Alex let out a small sigh of relief.

At least it seemed like he grasped that, but…

“Yeah. It’s frustrating, useless, and nobody acknowledges it even if you fulfill it, right?”

As Lewin continued expressing his interpretation of responsibility, Alex’s eyes trembled with intensity.

“Young Master, that’s not what responsibility means.”

“Am I mistaken? Responsibility is the duty one must assume. But who appreciates it when you fulfill that duty? They simply think, ‘Oh, he did what he was supposed to do.'”

The instances of being taken advantage of were even more numerous.

After dying as a hero alongside the enemy, he would find in his next life that people he didn’t even know were regarded as his comrades. Among the countless statues erected to honor the hero who defeated the demon king, he could count on one hand those that truly resembled him.

Furthermore, various fictional stories were sung in temples, glorifying the hero and the goddess who had sent him. Numerous royals claimed to be descendants of the hero.

‘Damn scoundrels.’

It was an inherently unjust situation.

In the nine lives he had lived, he rarely had the opportunity to experience love. How bewildering it was to be reborn and discover that his previous self was a failure.

‘The moment you perceive it as something expected, that’s the end.’

Saving the world as a hero was regarded as a natural occurrence.

Lewin had also viewed it that way until his previous life.

“Young Master…”

Yet, for Alex, who remained unaware of his story, all he could do was weep.

Alex, who was oblivious to Lewin’s tenth life, simply couldn’t comprehend his actions.

“Young Master, when the Duke mentioned doing what you desire, he surely meant within reasonable limits.”

“Do you believe I would do something illegal? Absolutely not.”

“It sounds as if you intend to indulge yourself as long as it abides by the law, but perhaps I am misunderstanding.”

“Well, yeah, probably.”

Why add “probably” when things were going well?

Despite the exasperating situation, Alex managed to maintain his composure.

Of course, he had to.

“Sigh…”

“Please, I beg of you…”

“Ha, haha…”

Listening to the conversation between Lewin and Alex, Daisy sighed and flipped her hair, Eyriel fervently prayed to someone, and Hains resigned himself to everything and burst into laughter. That was the extent of it.

Dealing with Lewin for an extended period of time was not Alex’s sole responsibility.

His role was simply to ensure Lewin safely arrived at the academy.

Once they entered the academy, the only time they would see Lewin would be during Beresha Academy’s vacation periods, unless something extraordinary occurred.

Now, everything revolved around these children.

They were well-prepared, and everyone associated with Lewin Dee Dryerf generously supported the three of them, even beyond Lewin’s requests.

It may have been an excessive benefit for ordinary servants, but Alex didn’t perceive it that way.

Not only Alex, but all the servants of the Dryerf family held the same perspective.

“Stay strong.”

All Alex could do was offer a small word of encouragement.

“Yes.”

Daisy understood this as well, and she nodded with a resolute expression.

“You need not worry excessively. Although it is the academy in the capital, it is not as strict as the Royal Academy.”

“That’s why I am even more concerned,” Daisy replied. “If it were a place without any breaks in education, Young Master would not have had the opportunity to enjoy himself.”

“No, even if it were the Royal Academy, it would not have made a difference for the Young Master.”

“It is quite likely. We might even become overwhelmed by our studies and not be able to fulfill our duties properly.”

Eyriel’s words prompted Alex to silently agree.

A high level of education necessitated students of an equally high caliber.

Merely possessing an admission certificate from the Royal Academy did not guarantee a smooth career path.

Gaining admission may be challenging, but graduation posed several times more difficulties.

No matter how exceptional Daisy and the others were, the Royal Academy was a place where only the so-called geniuses of the empire congregated.

“Consider this. We may struggle to complete the same assignments, while the Young Master finishes them swiftly and escapes.”

“He might dump the assignments on us and run away.”

“That is indeed possible. If he were to coerce us by saying, ‘I will be expelled if I do not complete this, will you do it for me?’…”

Hains shook his head with a pale face, as if even the thought of it was dreadful.

“These individuals are truly…”

Lewin, who had been listening quietly, was taken aback.

They were envisioning life at the Royal Academy in such intricate detail, despite never having attended it!

“Wow!! How did you know what I was planning to do?”

“……. “

Slightly annoyed, Lewin attempted to play it off as a joke, but the response he received was unexpectedly cold.

“It’s a joke, a joke. Why are you taking it so seriously?”

Lewin expressed his genuine feelings, but no one paid attention to him.

“Sir Butler, should we complete the Young Master’s assignments if he were to delegate them to us?”

“Pardon?”

Daisy, who softly muttered “as expected,” regarded Alex with a serious gaze.

“We need to graduate…”

Alex held his head and contemplated the situation.

“Ah…”

“Oh! I beg of you…”

Eyriel began praying once more.

“Ha, haha.”

Hains simply peered out the window, wearing an expression of sage-like liberation.

“…Should I really do it?”

And so, while leading their usual daily lives, Lewin’s group slowly made their way toward Beresha Academy.

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Embracing spring.

The winter air was frigid, and outside the window, snow had accumulated in thick layers. Inside, a heater hummed, releasing warm air to combat the cold.

“Hmm…”

Amidst the typical wintry scene, someone was preparing for the arrival of spring.

“Huh…”

Derpf, the magic professor at Beresha Academy, braved the winter chill as he reviewed the documents of new students scheduled to join the academy in the upcoming spring semester.

“Why do you keep sighing?”

Belly, who had been diligently organizing documents in a corner, raised her head at Derpf’s repeated sighs.

“Belly.”

Her name was Belly, and she served as Derpf’s slave… no, Derpf’s assistant.

“Yes, Professor?”

“I think I need a break.”

Belly bit her lip hard, trying to conceal her overwhelming joy.

‘It’s too early to celebrate. This might be a trap set by the professor!’

Her tightly clenched fist beneath the desk trembled.

How many days had it been since she last had a break? While others were enjoying the holiday season, she had been tirelessly working to return to her dorm room.

She should have listened to her friends’ warnings and quit graduate school.

Despite the tears welling up over her past mistakes, she didn’t let them show. Instead, she directed a question to Derpf.

” What happened, Professor?”

“Here.”

Derpf silently handed her the documents he had been reviewing.

“Why on earth?”

That was the fundamental question that crossed Belly’s mind as she accepted the admission form to Beresha Academy from Derpf.

Beresha Academy, located on the outskirts of the capital, was still considered part of the empire’s central territory. The current capital of the Babylonian Empire was renowned as the heart of the world, and the status of an academy varied based on its proximity to the capital.

Therefore, Beresha Academy, being situated within the capital, was one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the empire, if not the entire continent.

‘That’s why it’s only natural for me to live this wretched and miserable life as a slave!’

Despite acknowledging this, she couldn’t help but pose an unexpected question to Derpf.

“Why did they choose this academy?”

The names written on the documents were far from ordinary.

Lewin Dee Dryerf.

Laila Reinhardt.

These names represented two influential families, known as the pillars of the empire.

“Perhaps they’re reserving a spot?”

Undoubtedly, Beresha Academy offered an exceptional education. However, it was clear that these two names didn’t need to apply for admission. The distinction between Beresha Academy and the Royal Academy was too apparent.

“Could it be a reservation, then?”

“…”

Desperately, she asked Derpf with an imploring voice. But as always, Derpf didn’t provide the answer she sought.

Why?

The Babylonian Royal Academy, as the name implied, was directly overseen by the royal family. It was customary for members of the royal family to attend the academy for generations. Thus, noble families seeking connections with the royal lineage eagerly sought to send their children to the Royal Academy.

But was that all?

Numerous stories abounded of commoners who excelled at the Royal Academy and turned their lives around. While no instances matched the plot of a romantic novel where someone caught the eye of the prince, many had displayed their abilities and become the prince’s favorites.

Admission to the Royal Academy offered an opportunity that could change one’s life completely.

Numerous individuals with remarkable talent sought entry into the Royal Academy during that period.

She gazed at the professor with trembling eyes, but he had no response.

He simply rubbed his weary eyes, a testament to the accumulated fatigue.

“Haa…….”

Unconsciously, she let out a sigh.

The professor’s stoic expression, maintained even when his meticulously crafted thesis was torn to shreds after a month of sleepless nights, had crumbled.

He had no other option.

Apart from the Royal Academy, there were numerous institutions in the capital with richer history and tradition than Beresha Academy.

As a result, those admitted to Beresha Academy were mostly individuals who had fallen from such esteemed positions or commoners seeking to test their abilities.

Even if one hailed from a noble family, they would be a formidable presence within the Academy’s hierarchy. The occasional children of dukes were treated with utmost reverence.

“Professor.”

However, two individuals from a ducal family?

She recalled the not-so-distant past, her stomach churning in response.

“Can it be?”

Shaking her head, she recollected the nightmare of that time.

Dryerf and Reinhardt.

Their names resounded even within the Royal Academy, where members of the royal family attended.

Lewin Dee Dryerf’s and Laila Reinhardt’s siblings flaunted their reputations within the Royal Academy.

“And so…”

She checked their grades just in case.

Laila Reinhardt.

She achieved a perfect score on the initial examination.

If she was admitted, she would undoubtedly secure the first position.

And then…

“Hmm?”

Lewin Dee Dryerf.

He barely made the cutoff.

“Hmm?”

By a hair’s breadth, he managed to scrape through.

“Uh?”

The examinations at Beresha Academy were quite challenging.

However, for those aiming for the Royal Academy, they would not have posed too great a difficulty.

“Uh……..”

Were these exams a bit tougher?

Despite Laila Reinhardt’s perfect score.

“Professor…,” she looked at her professor with teary eyes.

But the professor had already bowed his head on the desk, uttering words like a warlock summoning a demon.

“Ah…….”

Thus, she had to accept the reality.

The reality that another harbinger of upheaval was entering Beresha Academy this year, following the events of the previous year.

‘Perhaps I should quit for real.’

She earnestly considered giving up.

Such thoughts crossed her mind, yet she failed to remember that she would have escaped the life of servitude long ago if it were possible.

***

“Young Master, Miss Laila says she can’t come as she’s grounded.”

Upon hearing Daisy’s words, Lewin peered out from beneath his blanket.

“Why?”

At that single word, Daisy’s lips twitched.

‘He becomes even lazier during winter.’

As the year drew to a close, while everyone busied themselves with preparations for the New Year, the young master remained idle.

The blanket became his identity, and he melded with it for over half the day, as if staking his claim.

“Why is she grounded?”

“Sadly, Miss Laila didn’t pass the Royal Academy exam.”

“Oh no.”

Lewin’s response lacked any emotion.

Daisy anticipated his reaction.

“Very, very sadly, she made a mistake while writing her answers,” Daisy explained.

“If not for that, she could have been the top scorer.”

“To be more precise, she fell for a trick by someone bad.”

At the sharp tone, Lewin buried his head deeper into the blanket.

“Laila, fooled by someone bad. She’s so smart.”

“Is she?”

“Exactly. It’s such a pity that she wrote down the wrong answer.”

“Therefore, it seems the Reinhardt family is considering having her retake the exam next year.”

Since it was merely a matter of miswriting the answers, aiming for another opportunity makes sense.

“However, Miss Laila strongly opposed that idea, causing quite a commotion in the Reinhardt family.”

Laila, usually unassuming, obedient, and kind, had rebelled for the first time in her life, shocking her parents, the Duke and Duchess of Reinhardt. Daisy relayed the details to Lewin.

“What do you think?”

“Is it about time for puberty?”

Daisy sighed at Lewin’s attitude, implying that it was not his concern.

“Well, that’s all about Miss Laila.”

“Huh?”

Was there something else to say?

Lewin poked his head out from under the blanket, and Daisy stared at him expressionlessly.

“Young Master, the results of the first exam have arrived.”

“Did I pass?”

“Yes, you passed by a narrow margin.”

Daisy’s gaze silently questioned if there was anything else to say, but Lewin tilted his head.

“I passed, right?”

“…”

“So there’s no problem.”

“Hmm.”

For a moment, Daisy felt the urge to sharply nod her head, as if unconsciously agreeing.

“Oh, that test was quite challenging.”

“…”

“I wasn’t feeling well that day.”

“…”

“Laila also made mistakes in her answers, didn’t she? It happens.”

“…”

“Um, and…”

“Do you have any more excuses?”

“No.”

Seeing Lewin innocently smiling, Daisy grasped her throbbing head.

“Young Master, we must consider the honor of the family, no matter what.”

“I won’t do anything foolish.”

Daisy had known Lewin Dee Dryerf for three years.

Having spent time with him every day, she had a vague understanding of his thoughts and actions.

“Young Master, even if you want to avoid attention, being close to the failing mark is more noticeable for someone from the Duchy of Dryerf.”

“Is it?”

Now that he thought about it, it made sense.

The youngest son of the Duke’s family as a struggling student in the academy!

“Wow.”

That piece of information would surely be eagerly discussed and savored in social circles.

“I suppose I’ll have to improve my scores.”

“Are you admitting it?”

“I mean, I’ll make an effort to improve.”

“I hope so.”

Daisy’s expression showed little expectation as Lewin paused before retreating back under the blanket.

“But what about Alex? He’s been disappearing a lot lately.”

Despite being busy at the end of the year, he had been absent.

Moreover, he seemed to be frequently accompanied by Eyriel and Hains.

“Daisy.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

“Is this…”

“Yes, I’m keeping an eye on you to prevent any trouble.”

Lewin narrowed his eyes.

“No wonder you haven’t been stealing my blanket recently.”

“It’s more comfortable for you to stay quietly in the room than unnecessarily causing trouble.”

“So you’re saying you’ll turn a blind eye until I go to the academy?”

“We need to make preparations until then.”

Daisy’s words held no intention of concealing anything, causing Lewin to nod.

“Well, let’s give it a try.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

Ignoring her resolute words, Lewin returned under the blanket.

***

A bit more time passed.

During that time, proving the adage that there are no parents who can surpass their children, Laila was allowed to attend Beresha Academy, everyone passed the second exam of the academy, and Lewin celebrated his birthday.

Another year had gone by.

“It’s almost time, isn’t it?”

Lewin Dee Dryerf, now ten years old.

As the snow began to melt and spring approached.

“The day I become a freshman!”

He was an individual who had been reincarnated ten times and was about to enter the basic education course at Beresha Academy.

“Hoo.”

Hains nodded with a determined expression at Lewin’s words.

“It’s the beginning of the battle.”

Daisy and Eyriel also nodded in agreement.

“Why make a fuss about a battle? I told you I’ll handle it, didn’t I? You should worry more about yourselves.”

“You always say that, young master.”

“The problem was simply that your standards didn’t align with the world’s.”

“Indeed, indeed.”

As Lewin spoke, the three murmured absentmindedly.

“Seriously.”

Lewin felt a tinge of injustice.

Academy admission was a crucial part of his life plan.

‘First of all, I need to build up my physical strength to withstand the challenges of this harsh world, and I must find the items I’ve hidden.’

Lewin, who had gathered various treasures across the continent as a hero.

Of course, it wasn’t for his personal indulgence, but rather for the betterment of the world and to prepare for the future.

‘I need to secure my retirement fund.’

Now that he had retired as a hero, it merely served as a means to fulfill his desires.

‘Regardless, there are limits to rapid growth.’

Even in the tenth life, it was impossible to skip all stages.

Rather, Lewin’s growth, accumulated over nine lifetimes, was more systematic than anyone else’s.

‘I must become stronger without others noticing.’

The Dryerf Duchy held authority over the empire’s military, attracting frequent visits from prominent figures across the continent. Lewin had to exercise caution in his growth, as it would be troublesome if strange rumors started circulating.

‘The medicines and alchemical ingredients might have been damaged.’

He had made provisions for such a situation by storing a fresh mandrake. Even if all other medicines were ruined, the mandrake was a living entity. As long as no one took it, he could undoubtedly strengthen himself. He had set up various magical devices around it, utilizing magic stones to ensure its optimal growth.

‘I’m going to be really busy.’

The holiday period during basic education was crucial. The sooner he became stronger, the better he could conceal his true power.

“Hmm.”

Following that, he would execute his plan by showcasing Laila during middle school. By the time high school arrived, he would lead his academy life while barely making an appearance. Once he completed his education, he would enjoy life to the fullest.

“Perfect.”

However, there were two variables. One was the potential resurgence of demonic entities, and the other was the possibility of the conscienceless goddess selecting Lewin as a hero once again.

‘I’ve prepared for that too.’

Lewin’s seemingly lazy demeanor was a means of gaining momentum for the future. As he lay safely in bed, he contemplated the future hundreds and thousands of times.

“So, we could do this, or maybe that.”

However, his constant formulation of plans in his mind made it difficult for others to comprehend.

“That young master is at it again.”

“Let him be.”

“The young master is right. We should prioritize our own concerns.”

“Could there be any bullying?”

“No, even as servants, no one would dare to provoke a member of the Dryerf family unless they’re insane. Our main concern should be…”

“Indeed…”

“That settles it.”

The gaze of the three individuals converged, their thoughts focused on what the future might hold.

“Is it just me, or do I envision only a bleak outcome?”

They made a concerted effort to dispel the gloomy visions that came to mind, embracing a resolute determination as they prepared for what lay ahead.

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