CHAPTER 79…………………………………..
I extended a single finger and pointed it straight toward the main hall.
“Why don’t you just ask Harzen’s dad? Right? You’d believe him if he said something, wouldn’t you?”
There are a few ways to solve a problem quickly.
“One of those ways is to go straight to the top authority.”
But, of course, this method has a downside.
“However, if it turns out there was no cheating, you’ll be the one punished instead.”
Exactly.
In other words, this approach is like saying, “I’m putting my life on the line to drag you in.”
If there really had been a problem, the higher-ups would have flipped out. But if not…
The top authority would scold the higher-ups for letting it happen, the innocent higher-ups would scold the juniors, and so on, all the way down to the youngest. A chaotic domino effect!
“Harzen’s dad said you shouldn’t make promises you can’t keep.”
I continued in an even firmer voice than before:
“And you must never falsely accuse a colleague.”
“……”
“That just leads everyone to ruin in the end. Anyone like that should be dealt with beforehand.”
For reference, Harzen’s dad really did say that.
After a boy in the village once told me, “When I grow up, I’m going to marry you! And don’t get close to Alex because he wets his pants!”
My dad grabbed my shoulder and said just that:
<So it’s probably best to keep some distance from that boy.>
…Let’s just skip over that minor context.
Anyway, my dad wasn’t wrong.
After shaking off the memories, I asked in a firm voice once again:
“Can you take responsibility for what you said?”
“Th-That is…”
The man hesitated and stammered in response. His face was red as a ripe tomato.
He’s going to explode any second now.
“See, you already know, don’t you?”
This time, another person who had been silently listening to our conversation spoke up quietly:
“The exam was fair, there was no chance for cheating, and that child earned the top spot purely through their own ability.”
“Ugh…”
“What if you stir up trouble and get expelled for no reason? Don’t throw away the position you worked so hard to earn.”
With that, the other wizards gathered around began adding their own comments:
“Not just in magic, but in any field, age isn’t all that important. It’s common sense. You shouldn’t judge someone just for being young.”
“And you shouldn’t torment someone just because they’re not humble.”
I rolled my eyes as I listened to them.
I see. So Per was acting arrogantly…
‘But judging by everyone’s comments, public opinion seems to have already swung in my favor.’
I glanced at Per while observing the others. As soon as our eyes met, Per’s eyes curved into a sly smile.
Oh, don’t smile like that! Derek’s dad is right behind me!
“If you really can’t believe it, then… well, following the Crown Princess’s suggestion wouldn’t be a bad idea.”
While slightly shaking my head at Per, someone else spoke up:
“Of course, if it turns out there was no problem with the exam, you’ll bear full responsibility.”
Per, as if nothing had happened, scowled again and muttered:
“Why make such a fuss? Just go ahead if you want.”
I glared at him with triangular eyes. Why ruin something that’s already settled, you fool!
“…Fine.”
Fortunately, the man muttered, subdued:
“I guess I got blinded by jealousy. My apologies.”
I quietly exhaled in relief. It seemed like things had worked out after all.
‘Did I come across as threatening?’
I don’t really like putting people down like this. But looking down on a child out of insecurity is cowardly.
Still, crushing someone with authority isn’t really my style either.
“Um…”
After hesitating several times, I awkwardly spoke:
“I didn’t mean to say anything like that.”
Even though I had used Harzen’s dad’s name mid-threat.
“Hmm… now that it’s come to this, how about we just forget it and try to get along?”
I continued, smiling awkwardly:
“Our dads didn’t get along at first either. But now they’re all friends.”
“Not really.”
“They’re not that close…”
Sorry. Derek’s dad isn’t very good at lying.
I added awkwardly, pouting my lips. Between the failed threat and awkward lecture…
‘If I stay here any longer, everyone’s going to think I’m completely strange.’
Most of all, I’d be embarrassed!
“C-Cough.”
I cleared my throat awkwardly and tugged at Derek’s dad’s sleeve:
“Let’s go, Dad.”
Since the situation had settled for the moment, it seemed okay to leave.
“…?”
At my earnest request, Derek’s dad slowly nodded and began walking.
Per, meanwhile, raised an eyebrow at me as our eyes met.
He seemed to be silently asking, “You’re just leaving me here?”
‘There’s nothing I can do!’
If he tries to act familiar or calls me back, his future social life will become a thorny path.
‘He’ll get labeled as a “parachute student.”’
He’s already subject to enough jealousy and rivalry—I can’t add to it.
‘Hang in there, Per!’
I nodded subtly toward him and waved my hand as if to say goodbye to everyone.
Thankfully, Derek’s dad picked up his pace, and soon I was free from Per’s gaze.
“Ugh, now I’m fully awake…”
I rested my chin on Derek’s dad’s shoulder and muttered quietly.
I was just about to fall asleep earlier.
Of course, I was happy to meet Per here.
Still, I didn’t expect him to show up like this, even after saying he’d find a bold way to come.
‘And he’s even the top student.’
Honestly, without Harzen’s dad as a precedent, no one would have believed him.
This time, pressing my cheek against my dad’s shoulder, I kept thinking:
What exactly is Per’s identity?
No, more importantly:
‘How does he plan to visit me like this?’
As a trainee wizard, it’ll be even harder for him to approach me.
What on earth is he trying to do?
A few hours later:
“This is Per. He’s the one who’ll be studying your divine beast.”
I was speechless as I faced Per again in my grandfather’s study.
So that was his plan!
“Studying my divine beast?”
I was still too shocked to hide it, my mouth gaping.
