Chapter 1.16
Ayla felt endless gratitude and stuck close to Levi’s side.
The defective product of Heron, who was so sickly she almost never showed her face in social circles.
And the abandoned Young Lady of the House of Ryner, who had a pure appearance.
The combination of the two was heterogeneous yet subtly caught others’ attention, so they were often on the tip of people’s tongues.
“The heir of a family like Heron looks after a Baron’s daughter who uses the campus dormitory quite a bit.”
“Maybe they have something in common? Since she was born with a weak body in a family of knights, her self-loathing must be no joke.”
Those who were whispering from afar while looking at Levi and Ayla passing side-by-side were startled a moment later upon sensing someone’s presence.
“What stories are you discussing so much?”
“Hieek!”
A cold and low voice. An eyepatch to cover the left eye, which was blinded due to a carriage accident during childhood.
There was no one in the Academy, nor in the politics of the Yvelun Empire, who didn’t know the middle-aged man before them.
Gillian Roas.
The Duke of Roas, whose magical prowess matched his stern personality, was regarded as a role model among the Empire’s mages.
“It is not good to discuss the flaws of others.”
“……We are sorry.”
The reason why those who were chewing out the heir of the House of Heron—the highest-ranking among the knights of the Empire—until just now shut their mouths and admitted their fault was simple.
‘Duke Roas is the only younger brother of Imperial Consort Iselda, so I must never get on his bad side.’
‘Where else but in the Academy would I be able to make an impression on someone of his stature?’
With the Emperor currently in a sickbed, the one who could be called the number one in the Empire was Imperial Consort Iselda, from the House of Duke Roas.
Since Gillian was her younger brother, if they left a good impression on him, they might end up sitting in a good position in the future.
“The <Demonology> class will begin soon, so prepare yourselves.”
“Yes, Duke.”
Those who had been badmouthing Levi and Ayla showed their respect as if they had never done so and moved their steps toward the lecture hall.
Gillian watched the students gathering to listen to his class and thought to himself.
‘The defective product of Heron managed to show up at the Academy.’
Levi Heron’s father, Elbert Heron, was an excellent knight.
Since he had inherited the Blessing of the First, the Lion Divine Beast, his ability to deal with demons was beyond mention, and his character was also outstanding, so he had many followers.
That was why Gillian had once had a secret dinner meeting with him.
It was to bring Heron, which professed neutrality, to the side of Roas, and furthermore, the 2nd Prince Frid.
However, Elbert Heron refused politely and concisely.
“I am sorry, Duke. Heron is the Sword of the Imperial Family. Our duty is to protect the Imperial family and the people from demons without bias, no matter who ascends to the throne.”
“…….”
After that, he had arranged several more meetings to recruit Heron, but the answer that came back was always the same. The Count of Heron seemed to only be interested in performing his assigned duties and had no interest in politics.
After some time had passed, he even thought about using that daughter who reportedly had a crush on Frid to recruit Heron… but that defective product was so sickly, unlike her father, that she had no utility.
However, on the day of the entrance ceremony, the pet bat he had released in the Academy saw Levi Heron and Demian Yvelun talking for some time in a place where people were scarce.
Seeing as the connection with the bat was suddenly cut off, it was clear that the quick-witted Demian had killed his bat, which was monitoring the two.
At that point, Gillian changed his opinion.
‘I cannot let those who do not clearly stand on our side run wild.’
And now, the defective product of Heron was entering his lecture hall.
Gillian looked at Levi with cold eyes.
Levi, receiving that gaze, wore a meaningful smile.
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