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Translator: uly
Chapter: 3
Chapter Title: Catching the Bread Thief (2)
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The political affairs of Penheim Kingdom's royal castle took place in the late afternoon.
The leisurely meeting held after teatime was proof that the kingdom was not currently in a wartime situation.
The maids scurrying through the corridors were busily loading countless pieces of luggage onto carriages.
Gazing briefly at their movements beyond the window, the Prime Minister began pouring out reports on various current issues.
— This year's wheat production in the southern Osenchuri region has increased dramatically compared to last year. It's an unprecedented bountiful harvest. — The demon realm purification efforts are also picking up speed as the snow melts. Regarding the demon god statue discovered near the front lines last time, Margrave Whitelett has personally led his knights to investigate. — Monarch shows no particular movements since the armistice agreement. However, they inquired about our willingness to cover the costs of holy water and salt of wisdom needed for purification in another way.
Despite the drowsy afternoon sunlight, not a single minister was dozing off.
All eyes were fixed on King Baor III.
The great sovereign who had achieved the subjugation of the Demon King—a millennium-long aspiration of humanity—and brought peace to this world.
Though aged, his prestige in Penheim was unmatched by anyone. Even his daughter, Princess Erzebet, who was entering the academy this year, truly admired her father.
When she was young, the world had been utter chaos.
The blood shed by humanity across the continent had formed seas, and the grains grown from that blood were offered even to the royal family.
An era where everything was sacrificed for the sake of peace alone.
And upon that foundation, the kingdom's premier academy had been established.
"Has the enrollment process been handled properly?"
As the king opened his heavy mouth, the ministers immediately bowed their heads.
"Yes, Your Majesty. We have conveyed that she cannot attend the entrance ceremony due to education in state affairs. The magic tower has lent us a teleportation carriage. If we depart now, we will arrive in Pharenchia tonight."
"Understood. Dismiss the meeting. Each of you, faithfully carry out your duties for the kingdom's future."
"Yes, Your Highness."
As the king rose from his seat, the ministers departed one by one.
Erzebet approached her father for a final farewell before departure.
"I'll return in good health."
"Yes, you must."
However, her always gentle father seemed a bit off.
His expression was weary, mingled with reluctance and fear.
In the now-empty meeting room after all the retainers had left...
The king's low voice broke the silence.
"Erzebet."
"Yes?"
"Last night, a letter arrived from Horus Lighthouse."
"Really!? What did it say?"
Horus Lighthouse. A dreamlike place that any pursuer of magical extremes would know.
A surveillance organization created by Archmage Terra Ernisten, one of the war heroes who defeated the Demon King alongside Margrave Whitelett, the White Knight.
Its astonishing features—invisible magic barriers, complex mobile structures—meant that even the seven magic towers couldn't pinpoint its location despite desperate efforts.
It had been five years since last contact. What could the letter say?
Perhaps a congratulatory message on her academy enrollment?
But contrary to Erzebet's eager curiosity, the content was baffling.
"It said to frequent the canteen."
"Pardon...?"
The canteen? That shop in the marketplace selling sundries?
While Erzebet's mind reeled in confusion, the king sighed deeply.
"Erzebet, abusing royal status within the academy is forbidden. You know that, right?"
"Yes, yes. I know. That's why I plan to join the student council."
"Good. You'll probably be elected without issue. Though no first-year has ever become president, the academy's history isn't that long."
The main point came next. Baor lowered his voice.
In the past "Great War" between humans and demons, there was a party that defeated the Demon King.
Prideful White Knight Whitelett Barencopf.
Saint of the Poor Eris Frashuhra.
Archmage of the Present Terra Ernisten.
Shaman of the New Moon Nova Rate.
And finally, a warrior whose name remained unknown—
Even now, ten years after the Demon King's death, only a select few knew that the most suspicious of the three whose whereabouts were unknown was in Pharenchia.
And even those who knew never spoke of their identity.
"Once you're in the student council, letters will pour in from magic towers, merchant guilds, and noble houses. Some will demand personnel changes or renovations in the name of sponsorship to secure their interests."
The cadets entering the academy were all prodigies from noble families gifted in magic or swordsmanship.
Providing even the minimal luxuries suited to them—such as repairing wagons or clothes, teas, perfumes, and other amenities—cost a fortune.
Sponsorships covered those vast sums. Naturally, greater contributions demanded greater returns.
"I know. It's part of politics. Don't worry, I won't let them take our interests with eyes wide open."
"No, that's not what this father wants to say."
The king swallowed hard, fear glinting in his eyes.
"Listen well. Absolutely, no matter what, do not touch the canteen. Even if you yield everything else, no one—not the student council, not any house—may meddle in the canteen's interests."
"Wh-why?"
It was unlike her father, who always emphasized pragmatism.
"It's solely for the kingdom's sake. Please, take care of yourself."
But no further explanation came from the king's somber lips.
Even that plea to stay safe felt somehow off.
Harboring doubts in her heart, Erzebet boarded the carriage bound for Pharenchia.
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'What on earth is all this?'
Late at night, inside the carriage, Erzebet couldn't hide her bewilderment as she read the academy's code of conduct.
[171. Do not touch items in the canteen carelessly.]
[172. Do not treat the canteen owner rudely.]
[173. Do not react sensitively to the canteen owner's rudeness.]
.
.
.
This was supposed to be the guideline for Penheim's top magic university, Pharenchia Academy, yet it was filled with bizarre rules instead of anything on handling magic.
Did the chairman even have a brain?
It seemed worthless, but with patience, she turned to the final page.
[258. In the event Pharenchia Academy faces annihilation from an unknown external attack, all faculty and students shall evacuate to the canteen and seek help from the owner.]
Her fine brows furrowed, her grip tightening.
'There must still be forces lurking in the shadows of the kingdom.'
With her sharp mind, she quickly grasped the situation.
Building the academy in a remote small city far from the capital had sparked massive backlash at the time.
Yet a few ministers, including the king, had pushed it through almost forcibly, and construction proceeded.
With massive funds of unknown origin and tight security to boot.
Clearly, there was a secret here that all ministers hushed up.
'I need to investigate this.'
A small building smack in the middle of this vast grounds.
All those signs pointing to its owner. Definitely suspicious.
"Piy—."
"Don't worry, Piy. You'll get used to it soon."
Erzebet soothed the brilliantly colored bird crying in its cage.
A familiar gifted to her in childhood, it was sensitive to mana flows and could detect dangerous presences approaching.
As they neared the academy, Piy kept crying out.
Feeling an ominous vibe from that, the carriage suddenly halted.
Screeech!
"What's going on?"
"Sorry, Princess. Seems there's been a mix-up."
Opening the door to the commotion outside, she saw the gate guards blocking the carriage.
Her attendant was arguing with who seemed to be the captain.
"I told you—the procedures are already done. Do you know whose path you're blocking?"
"It's standard procedure that even other noble heirs have followed. Luggage inspection before dormitory check-in is mandatory."
"It's already late. Can't it wait?"
"The code has no exceptions..."
"Proceed. We'll open the luggage compartment."
As Erzebet stepped out, a knight with a rugged face saluted by hand to chest.
"Princess, forgive us for detaining you amid your busy journey."
"It's fine. May I have your name?"
"Ahem, I am Mark Vauterval, recipient of the Chevalier 5th Class Knight Serhun. I am in charge of Pharenchia Academy's security."
"You've had a hard time, Sir Vauterval. Inspect as much as needed. But the royal items and my clothes would be burdensome to unpack here."
"N-no need! Thank you for your understanding."
Had it been a low noble lady without family prestige, Mark might have dared, but he couldn't suggest rummaging through royalty's undergarments.
In the dim gaslit wall, only the quiet sound of untying luggage straps echoed in the silence.
Occasional cries from Piy aside, all was quiet.
Soon, Mark nodded after his report and opened the gate.
"All done. Welcome to Pharenchia Academy."
"Piy—."
Erzebet reboarded. Exhausted from the journey, she just wanted rest.
But the carriage wouldn't budge despite waiting.
Wondering what was wrong, she peered through the partition at the coachman, who looked troubled, tugging the reins repeatedly.
"Wh-what's with these beasts!? Sorry, Princess. Whoa! What in the world..."
"Piy—! Piy—! Piy—!"
Startled by the familiar's sudden outburst, she jumped.
Then, beyond the white-curtained window, a shadow loomed in the light.
— Mind if I head in, Mark? — What brings you so late? — New semester. Lots to buy from the commercial district. — Come earlier next time. If I weren't on duty today, it'd be a hassle... Huh, what's wrong?
Seeming to notice voices from the carriage, he stopped and turned.
— What's up, Louis? — Nah... Just curious. Ultra-vivid colors like that are rare outside the Ravier Mountains. — What's that? — You know, this insanely tender bird with breast meat as juicy as thighs. Used to roast them often back in the day. Miss it.
"Pipipipipipipi—!!!"
"P-Piy! Quiet down...!"
As Erzebet opened the cage, the carriage jolted, startling the horses into motion.
Moments later, as the mysterious man who emerged from the darkness vanished into the academy, she cautiously opened the window and asked.
"Um... Sir Vauterval?"
"Yes? What is it?"
"Who was that who just entered?"
"Oh, that guy?"
Mark scratched his head nonchalantly.
"Just the canteen owner who sells odds and ends at the academy."
"What kind of person is he?"
"Hmm? As far as I recall, one of the refugees who settled here after the armistice... Nothing special."
Really? She'd never seen Piy react like this.
On this pitch-black night without even moonlight, passing small dawns illuminating the red brick path, Erzebet mulled over the word she'd overheard.
Louis.
Louis.
Louis Brunhart.
— Contact lost again? — Sorry. Communications aren't restored... — Dismissed. If they can send familiars, they still have food surplus.
It felt familiar, like something she'd heard before, yet it wouldn't come to mind—an oddly familiar name.
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