Chapter 106


    How very admirable. I feel like Im going to cry.


    Zion. Shut up, will you.


    Gotcha.


    But Zion kept his mouth shut for only a moment. He spoke again.


    By the way, Senior[1].


    Zion, lets have a duel. Tomorrow at lunchtime.


    While twirling a pen in one hand, Raymond red at Zion. And at the end of that gaze, Zion panicked.


    Wait a minute. Ah, seriously, hold your horses. Theres a reason I brought it up. Marquis Penceir is hosting another gathering, but are you really not going? People are talking about it a lot.


    Marquis Penceir was one of the academys directors. And he also supported many students with schrships. Raymond was the top student, so it wouldnt look good if he wouldnt go.


    Still though, Raymond shook his head.


    Mister Verdic called me back this time, too.


    Youre being led by the nose, seriously. Led by the nose. Your life is messed up.


    Zion clicked his tongue twice. Raymond frowned, but Zion waved one finger.


    You know how I grew up with very little, right? Thats why Im perceptive, cause Id usually need to find a corner and fit in there. But you youre so inflexible about the most useless things, Senior. Just ignore him, cmon.


    Youre not the one wholl face the repercussions.


    As though thinking that Raymond was being uptight, Zion snorted.


    Is your debt gonna go up just because youre a day or twote? Just give him a hint to end it. If you catch yourself an 80-year-old nobledy straight-up, what can that guy do?


    Is that your future wish?


    Despite Raymonds scathing gaze, Zion puffed up his chest and proudly replied.


    Dont trample on another mans serious dream. Id rather nab myself a wrinkled olddy rather than live like you.


    After proiming his ambition of bing a gold digger, Zion went back to the original topic at hand, casually ignoring Raymonds re.


    Why do you think Verdic is calling you on the same day as the schrship gathering? He does it every time. Its obvious that hes trying to stop you from building new connections, Senior. He doesnt want what he caught to slip out of his grasp. With him being a loan shark through and through, he wouldnt let you. Hes just trying to get more money out of the deal.


    Zion.


    The likes of us need to find a way to live, too.


    Zion gave Raymond a serious look.


    Then, Raymond patted Zion on the head.


    What are you getting in return for bringing me to the gathering?


    Next semesters dorm fees. I stand firm by what I said, though. Honestly, you need to open up more paths so you find more ways to live. Thats what everyone does, but why are you still so loyal to that loan shark?


    Raymond knew that he couldnt possibly just study forever. He was aware of how much he was in the spotlight, but he didnt expect that others would try to connect with him to this extent.


    He shoved his book into his bag.


    So are you going?


    Yeah. Ill go just to shut you up.


    He wasnt very pleased to be influenced by Zions insistence. And Zion wasnt as perceptive as he thought he was. Everything he said here were facts that even Raymond already knew.


    Even so.


    Was it just because its annoying to me?


    It was difficult for him to act in defiance against Verdic due to his position. He was the familys second son, he was just a student, and he was young and inexperienced.


    There was a difference between having an inkling of it by yourself, and realizing that others could see it, too. Experiencing thetter jabbed at his pride a bit more.


    That night, Raymond tore up the train ticket to Verdic Evans mansion. It was a capricious and reckless act.


    * * *


    Congrattions. You got your dormitory fees.


    Thank you, Senior. As expected, the full dress uniform suits you a heck ton.


    Raymond entered the hall where students, who were simrly in full dress, stood. He could feel familiar gazes on him. Rather than the gazes of fellow soldiers, it felt like he was receiving the gazes of women from high society. Actually, the feeling was not very different.


    Did Verdic Evans say anything?


    I took care of it.


    When he tried to write to Verdic, he was going to say that he was feeling under the weather. But instead, he just wrote nothing. Any excuse would just be a lie, and Verdic seemed to catch on quick with those.


    Zion, you seeded, huh.


    Yes, sir. I, the darling of the upperssmen, has seeded.


    Albert hit Zion on the shoulder and chuckled. Then, he shook Raymonds hand.


    So it was you?


    I just love you so much that I had to make an effort. I mean, rather than staying alone, its better that youre here.


    I regrly go to student gatherings.


    Those are nothing though Ah, Marquis, this is my ssmate, Raymond Saytes. Its the third consecutive year that hes taken the top spot in ss, so you could say that hes the darling of the professors.


    It was a sudden introduction, but Raymond turned around reflexively and reached out for a handshake with the man standing there.


    I am Raymond Saytes.


    I finally get to see your face. I didnt expect you toe. I finally get to see you this year, star underssman[2].


    Next to him, Albert quipped.


    I made sure to persuade this friend of mine very well.


    With Albert so keen on showing off Raymonds skills here, Raymond decided to deal with himter. He faced the marquis.


    Its an honor to meet you, Marquis. I didnt know that you were an alumnus.


    I am, yes. I spent my days here, back when I was still young and childish. I hope youre having a good time here as well. Young Lord Albert, youre a lot more sociable than I thought.


    Thank you.


    Albert quickly bowed in response.


    I knew that Verdic didnt want you toe here.


    Marquis Penceir looked to be on the young side despite holding the title of academy director. Moreover, he directly mentioned the reason Raymond hadnt attended the regr gatherings thus far.


    Marquis Penceir became the director one year after Verdic started sponsoring the academy.


    He doesnt know Im here.


    Hell find out eventually.


    If I cant decide this one thing for myself, why should I still keep living?


    Hearing these words, Marquis Penceirughed.


    Right, youve got guts.


    Verdic was incredibly displeased when he found out that Marquis Penceir became the director. Raymond couldnt hide that.


    Verdic sponsored quite a sum to the academy upon Raymonds admission. And after that, he started to grow his weapon business more and more.


    However, Marquis Penceirs territory was located at the borders. He was the lord of thend that was most in need of soldiersthend where conflicts and skirmishes frequently urred.


    But the marquis territory was far away from this military school, which was close to the capital.


    Then, why did he take up the position of academy director?


    Of course, to situate himself at the center. To expand his power and make money.


    Many students thought so. Thats what Verdic thought, too, so he once vented his anger.


    Sure, merchants can work like dogs and earn as much as we want, but when a high noble starts toe forward, we get pushed aside just like that.


    Marquis Penceir then began to involve himself in the arms industry as well, notably the ce where Verdic began to earn significant profits. To Verdic, this was an unbearable intrusion.


    It was only natural that Raymond would be absent from any gathering thats hosted by nobles with ties to the military, like Marquis Penceir.


    I do apologize, but Im afraid Im too young to be a good conversation partner for you, Marquis.


    Its true that youre young, but why is that a cause for concern?


    The marquis grinned. Then, he raised one hand to beckon a servant, and asked for a ss. Raymond took the crystal ss, and the marquis poured wine in it.


    Do I look like Im having such a difficult time that Id ask for help from you when, as you said, youre still young?


    Of course not, Marquis.


    A baron households second son wouldnt be able to offer anything to a marquis. Raymond smiled bitterly. Thats the reason its harder to guess why he was called to this ce. The only other reason that came to his mind right away was Verdic Evans.


    Its because of Verdic Evans, yes, the marquis said.


    I see.


    Youre very calm, too, arent you.


    Im young and I dont know much about the world, so I just keep my ears open and listen to the advice Im given.


    Yes. And I hate that guy.


    At the abrupt deration of disapproval, Raymond looked away and answered.


    I see.


    At the end of the day, Raymond still stood at Verdics side. Regardless of what he thought of the man.


    <i><a> sunbae (or senpai, if you will) = upperssman or senior. </i>


    <i><a> hoobae (or kouhai) = underssman or junior When Marquis Penceir called Raymond a star underssman = [star] because Raymond is the top student, and [underssman] because the marquis is also a graduate of the same academy; hes not currently a student but an alumnus </i>