How to Survive at the Academy
Chapter 253

TL: TangSanFan

ED/PR: Tanthus

『Side Story』 Blossoms of the Wind (3)

In his youth, he must have lived a life full of intense experiences. That was my first impression of Glems, the village chief of Toren. His long, light brown hair, along with his greying beard and eyebrows, signified a man whose prime had passed and who was now facing the twilight years of his life. However, the sharpness and vitality in his eyes suggested that, though his exact age was unknown, he had no intentions of dying within the next several years.

There are individuals whose inherent dignity naturally flows from them, requiring no show or self-promotion. Glems, the representative of the village, was such a person. His presence was appropriately grave and jovially hearty, earning him respect and bringing him to be seen as the great elder of the village.

“You’ve had a long journey to get here. We have prepared a modest lodging for you at the village hall… I apologize, as our small village on the outskirts of the grazing lands might not provide a resting place befitting a nobleman’s dignity.”

The arrival of someone from a ducal family was a major event for a place like Toren Village. Even before our carriage had entered the village proper, the locals had flocked together, curious and eager spectators. Most were of advanced age, and though there were occasional youngsters and children, everyone seemed busy with ranch work.

Yet, the news of a noble’s arrival piqued their curiosity enough that they gathered haphazardly around the square, leaving their tasks to catch a glimpse.

“Thank you,” I replied briefly, scanning the village from a distance.

The village center had a small square surrounded by shops. However, referring to it as a shopping district was almost embarrassing due to its diminutive size. In rural villages like this, people often juggled multiple tasks. There was a general store selling a variety of items under the guise of a “miscellaneous goods shop,” one location that combined grocery sales with a restaurant, and the village hall seemed to accommodate all outside visitors needing a place to stay. The rest of the village was densely packed with ranches and farms.

The scenery was beautiful, each part seemed like a masterpiece. The grazing lands spread along the ridges of mountain ranges like the Alps or Andes filled the mind. The clear sky contrasted with the greenery, so that just sitting carelessly anywhere and gazing out was enough to sweep away any mental cobwebs.

“Will you be staying here too, Ed? I probably will go to the family home first to unpack.”

“I guess so. There’s no hurry, so you can take your time.”

Yenika, carrying her luggage, disembarked from the carriage. She glanced sideways at the villagers who had gathered and hesitated, as if suddenly bashful.

“Grandfather Glems, how have you been? Is your back feeling better?”

When Yenika warmly greeted the village chief, he hesitated for a moment, as if caught in contemplation, not returning her friendly greeting as usual and leaving her slightly flustered. It seemed I needed to intervene in the situation.

“It’s fine to be informal as usual.”

Chief Glems, who appeared to care quite a bit about etiquette, looked to me for approval. Yenika might be a baronet, but she didn’t seem to demand formal respect from her fellow villagers, probably because they knew she’d be more uncomfortable with it. However, my presence with my lofty ducal title introduced a different problem. It was not proper to address a baronet informally in front of someone of a significantly higher standing.

In fact, the situation became even more awkward considering Yenika treated me casually while Glems showed her deference. Therefore, it was up to me, the highest-ranking person present, to set a tone of ease.

“We’re not in an official setting, and I won’t insist on strict adherence to protocol this far on the frontier.”

“Lord Ed is merciful indeed. I’ve never had the experience of being addressed respectfully by a nobleman before,” Glems replied, bowing slightly and turning to Yenika.

“Thank you for your concern, Yenika.”

Then he spoke as if nothing were out of the ordinary.

“But would you mind not sharing a room? This is a rare occasion, after all.”

Upon entering the room, it was clear everything had been prepared for two occupants. The room itself was a double, with two beds and two sets of basic necessities provided.

『 I think I understand why Yenika is so shy… 』

Merilda, who had been swinging her legs casually while sitting on the other bed, chuckled gleefully.

After unpacking my luggage and organizing everything neatly, I removed my cloak and other outerwear which was getting in the way.

『 I was eavesdropping near the carriage earlier, and the gossip I heard… well, it’s better left unsaid. 』

Yenika, blushing furiously at Glems’ remark, hastily scampered to her family home. The villagers evidently assumed Yenika and I would be sharing a room for the night.

『 You got rejected by Yenika. 』

Merilda teased me with a giggling laugh, then, losing interest, turned away and burrowed into her bed.

While it might sound as if she was speaking seriously, Merilda, being a playful high-ranking wind spirit, was seldom straightforward. I began to change, slipping off my shirt and carelessly tossing it onto my bag, revealing the scars that marred my body. Merilda, lying on the bed, avoided looking directly at me, then nonchalantly turned over.

『 Yenika knows. She knows that your position as a sibling without a partner is being used politically by the Rothtaylor duchy. 』

I sat on my own bed, facing the opposite side from Merilda who had sighed deeply before swiftly sitting up.

『 She is not a fool. Based on the intel coming from the baronet’s house alone, she’s aware of the significant influence your position currently has in the political landscape of the Clorel Empire. 』

“…”

『 And she wants to be by your side. 』

Merilda’s words weren’t lost on me.

I hesitated to clarify the rumors circulating around Toren Village or to outright refute them. Being earnestly apologetic, perhaps it had crossed her mind that she was causing trouble to the Rothtaylor duchy by leaving my potential partner’s position vacant and thus open to political manipulation.

But her lack of detailed explanation was telling. I understood her reasons.

『 It’s fear of confirmation that keeps her from taking the final step. She thinks that eventually, due to the differences in our standings, you will reject her. So she doesn’t dare to take that last step. 』

Her playful foot movements stopped, and there was seriousness on her face every once in a while.

『 Knowing her personality, she believes she’s lucky for her current status. She’s glad just to be by your side, and she’ll be satisfied with this, as she has been until now. However, I hope it’s not the case for you. 』

“Why this sudden talk… Is this about the death of Tir Kalak? Is that why you told me not to delve too deep? You said not to investigate Tir Kalak’s death too thoroughly.”

Her reaction, a stifled noise as if hit right on the mark, confirmed my guess.

The remains of Tir Kalak, a supreme wind spirit.

At one point, Merilda had offered to reveal its location, awaiting the right moment. She had seemed cooperative, but recently, she had been less than thrilled.

『 Retrieving the remains is not an issue. It’s just that I didn’t want you to delve into the details of how Tir Kalak, the spirit, ended his life and returned to nature. Truthfully, with just the remains of the spirit, practicing spirit magic would be straightforward. 』

“The situation has changed. I’m here on research duty for the Academy. Now is different.”

『 And that’s why I hesitated. 』

The playful supreme-ranking wind spirit finally let go of the levity in her voice and spoke solemnly.

『 Tir Kalak loved humans. 』

The journey had been very long, and by the time I glanced outside, the sun had begun to set.

As the night deepened, the red sky stretched out shadows across the land while Merilda lay sprawled, continuing her tale.

『Indeed, even in Phulanshan, he had loved a simple farm girl from a land of nothingness.』

“From the looks on your face, I gather the ending was not a happy one “

『Yes. It’s a predictable story, but when two beings of different lifespans overly sympathize with each other… it’s pretty dangerous.』

I remembered seeing Merilda walking above the northern forest lake, gazing vacantly up at the night sky. The stars reflected in her eyes seemed to explain why this wind spirit always looked so enchantingly skyward. The only constants were the stars and the moon high above; everything on the earth would wither with time and rise again in an eternal cycle.

『He delved into a forbidden love. And after the girl left this world, he couldn’t bear the solitude and chose to end his own life.』

“…”

『That was the death of Tir Kalrax.』

A love that shouldn’t have been. To those near eternal, solitude is the sickness that can lead to their demise.

The highspirits had to find a way to cope with this lethal disease, and so did Tir Kalrax, a supreme-ranking spirit.

What circumstances could have broken the will of such a powerful being?

『Taking on a human form doesn’t make us akin to humanity.』

“I know as much. It’s nothing more than embodying a form, often resembling someone dearly cherished.”

『Yes. There are more fated connections that cannot be fulfilled than one might think. Fairy tales often tell of love overcoming forbidden barriers… but Yenika knows better now.』

In this world, there are no real-life Romeos or Juliets.

『Reality is harsher than one imagines, and Yenika herself knows she is no fairy tale heroine.』

Merilda looked unusually pensive.

This wind spirit wished for Yenika’s happiness more than anyone. Yet, I couldn’t deny understanding my own position… she was surely troubled by it.

『Tir Kalrax met a tragic end after pursuing that forbidden love.』

“…”

『I worry about what Yenika might think if she learns the truth.』

Finally, she laid bare her concerns.

Merilda was reluctant to cooperate, primarily out of worry for Yenika’s heart.

『I won’t force any undue requests upon you, Ed. The power of the Rothtaylor house has risen much, but noble power struggles are fickle. I get that. But… it’s just too pitiful for Yenika.』

The inevitable confrontation loomed. What did I feel for Yenika Faelover?

Was I viewing her logically? Planning to welcome her as my companion and build a life together?

“Why do I hesitate so ambiguously? You understand, right?”

『…』

Saying what you wish doesn’t make it so. I tried to speak boldly.

If Yenika wanted, I’d forgo the political benefits of having an open partner’s position.

She’s a wonderful person, more than suitable as a partner, and would dedicate her life to my well-being. That I find her intellectually appealing is indubitable.

But Yenika understands the enormity of what the Rothtaylor ducal family must forsake politically to welcome her, the weight of that political advantage.

Yenika Faelover was once a girl who collapsed under the burden of another’s kindness and love. If I push forward, ignoring the background, she will live burdened by that debt.

Yenika is such a person; she never takes for granted what others have done or sacrificed for her.

Would a relationship founded on such a guilt be meaningful? To live forever under that pressure, and as a Rothtaylor lady, to engage in the bloody political battles? And all for Yenika Faelover, a naive country girl.

Would it bring her happiness or rather misery?

『I knew you’d say that.』

Merilda’s sudden playful smirk broke through her contemplative face.

『Kahahat. You’re just worried about Yenika, aren’t you? At least that’s some comfort.』

“Aren’t I supposed to be even more concerned? With someone like me in her life, it won’t be easy for Yenika.”

『It could be good. Look, Ed, from my view, you need to firm up your resolve. If it comes to it, make a sacrifice.』

“Sacrifice? What kind of resolve? What are you talking about?”

Merilda chuckled mischievously, then added with a playful tone:

『The resolve to become trash.』

“…”

Before I could ask what she meant, I held back, for by the smirk on Merilda’s uplifted lips, I had already grasped the intent of her words.

Though I stared, frowning, Merilda only laughed heartily.

“Hi… Hello, Ed.”

Yenika appeared with her belongings after an hour, having been turned away from her home.

“I’ve been kicked out of my house…”

“What?”

A timid Yenika’s face peered through the door, bewildering me.

At this late hour, who would cast out a young woman?

“Why did they prepare a double room if I planned to stay home? Mom… threw me out…”

“…”

I had to marvel at the decisiveness of Silla Faelover.

“You… How could you… even the bedsheets were stripped, and the door was shut, telling me not to think about sleeping here tonight…”

“…”

Yenika hesitated, then blurted out, “With the rumors around… it’d be odd to impose on someone’s home…”

Despite her noble status, her dejected demeanor prompted me to sigh and rub my eyes.

“Come in, let’s sleep together tonight…”

Unable to turn her away, I invited Yenika in.

Once inside, she dropped her heavy bags in a corner.

Taking advantage, I tidied up the spirit study books, sat on the bed, and watched Yenika timidly settle opposite me, red-faced and looking down.

“Well…”

“…”

“The situation… has turned out like this…”

Only the sounds of night insects and a lone lamplight filled the dark, shadow-dancing room.

“You, I feel like I’m imposing too much… Ed… With everything happening lately, it’s been rough because of me…”

“No need to worry. I’ve depended on you plenty, so don’t feel pressured. And… you must’ve sweated while traveling all day, so…”

I clumsily veiled my genuine concern with casual words.

“Go wash up.”

“…”

“…”

“…”

“Did I say something odd?”

“No! Not at all! Of course not!”

Yenika hurriedly grabbed her things and rushed to the bathroom.

Left alone, I sighed deeply on the bed and let my thoughts wander.

Merilda’s words haunted me.

The resolve to become trash.

The resolve… to become… trash…