Chapter 7: If You’re Eyeing My Position (2)
“Why are you here?”
Yols’ question was quite a vicious one.
It was an ambiguous question, difficult to answer correctly.
But right now was a special moment — the very first lecture since entering the academy.
What message would Yols want to convey to the students in such a meaningful setting?
Thinking about that, the answer became clear.
“A thousand years ago.”
“Hmm…?”
I began speaking calmly.
Unlike the other students, I didn’t intend to give a short answer and stop.
“A thousand years ago, His Majesty the Iron-Blooded Sword Emperor established this Richtenauer Swordsmanship Academy.”
The Iron-Blooded Sword Emperor was the first emperor who founded the empire.
The empire’s reverence for swordsmanship, and the fact that only those who excel in the academy could rise to high ranks… all started during his reign.
“In the war just before that, humanity suffered great losses. This academy was established by His Majesty to prepare for any future wars.”
“…”
“The empire invests a vast budget generation after generation to train young people into talented individuals who can respond to such crises.”
I continued speaking calmly.
“As future leaders of the empire’s society, we must live up to those expectations.”
“…”
“We don’t need nobles who just enjoy power. Only those with the strength to respond to future wars and ongoing threats from monsters or cultists are qualified to lead this country.”
That was the ideology ruling the empire… the very reason the academy exists.
The message Yols wanted to convey in the first lecture was exactly this.
“We have come to this academy to become the sword that protects the empire, professor.”
After hearing my answer, Yols remained silent for a while.
The students held their breath, waiting for Yols’ reaction.
Finally, Yols spoke.
“That’s disappointing.”
Hearing that, some students sighed in disappointment.
But that was a premature reaction.
“If you say everything outright like that, what am I supposed to say? All the preparation I did was for nothing.”
“…!”
“That was a perfect answer.”
In front of the gulping students, Yols said in a serious voice:
“What is your name?”
“Ernas Lanzstein.”
“I’ll remember that, Ernas,”
Yols nodded while repeating my name, causing gasps throughout the classroom.
“Listen up. This empire is a country of swords.”
Quieting the students, Yols spoke solemnly.
“As Ernas just said, the empire runs this academy to train you into useful swords. If you’re nothing but a rusty kitchen knife, this country doesn’t need you.”
“…!”
“Become a sword that can protect the empire and its people. Train tirelessly and forge yourself into a brilliant, shining blade…”
Yols looked around at all of us and said:
“Then naturally, the path of glory will open before you.”
“…!”
If you become an outstanding swordsman who contributes to the country, you will naturally rise in status and elevate your family’s prestige.
So don’t have foolish thoughts; train your sword with a sense of mission… That was Yols’ true intention.
“Now then, let’s start the real lecture. In the morning, I will teach the theoretical knowledge you must acquire to reach the graduate level…”
Yols picked up the chalk to write on the board.
“In the afternoon, we will have sparring time with everyone participating to check your current skills.”
“…!”
Sparring time with everyone participating.
Hearing that, many students looked nervous.
‘Ernas gave such an excellent answer…’
While listening to the lecture, Cerinne kept sneaking glances at the back of Ernas’ head in front.
Actually, Cerinne had similar thoughts, but she didn’t have the confidence to respond so logically when called on.
She was intimidated by Yols’ imposing presence.
‘He answered so naturally, like water flowing. Did he prepare the answer in advance? Or is it just his usual thoughts?’
Cerinne knew Ernas as a thorough egoist.
He couldn’t possibly think of becoming a sword fighting to protect the country.
‘Yeah, he just gave the answer the professor wanted to hear. But…’
Cerinne sighed softly.
‘Why was I so impressed by Ernas’ words?’
“To become leaders of the empire’s society, we must live up to expectations.
We don’t need nobles who just enjoy power.
Only those strong enough to respond to threats deserve to lead the country.”
These were things Cerinne had vaguely thought for some time.
Ernas just organized them clearly and concretely.
‘Ernas, which side are you really on?’
Is he just a selfish egoist spouting the truth calmly?
Or is he boldly revealing his hidden ideals?
Cerinne was confused because she couldn’t tell.
‘I… don’t know you.’
Cerinne had misunderstood Ernas’ ability.
Perhaps she had even misunderstood his personality.
After finishing the morning theory lecture, the students headed to the dormitory’s dining hall.
Thanks to generous government support, the quality of food in the dining hall was very high.
‘This is really a well-made setting.’
I wanted to praise myself.
If I had described the food like the medieval students ate in reality, every meal time would have been torture.
“Ernas, from now on, please give me the attendance sheet like this.”
“Understood.”
Since I was the class representative, I couldn’t just start eating right when lunch time came.
Even now, I was cleaning up with Anneliese in the empty classroom after the students had all left.
“Well then, I’ll be going, instructor.”
“Yes, enjoy your meal.”
After finishing the cleanup, I headed to the dining hall.
But right after leaving the school building, a student blocked my way.
“May I have a moment, Ernas?”
“…”
She was a girl with long, bluish hair close to sky blue.
Though her delicate appearance seemed fragile, she smiled gently and approached me without hesitation.
“What is it, Chloe Yusburg?”
“Oh, I’m glad.”
She laughed, covering her mouth with her hand.
“I didn’t think you’d know my name, Ernas.”
“You’re the class representative; I have to remember my classmates’ names.”
Of course, I knew her name because she was a major character in the novel.
Like Cerinne, she was a companion of the protagonist Arkandel — a heroine with poor swordsmanship skills but a ‘staff’ type who solves problems with knowledge and wisdom.
“But still, I’m happy you called me by name. I thought you might coldly respond like, ‘Who are you to speak to me?’”
“Do I look like such an arrogant person?”
“Since you’re the heir of the famous swordsmanship family Lanzstein, I thought you wouldn’t even talk properly with a girl from a minor count’s family like me.”
Chloe smiled again while looking up at my face.
It was her unique smile, described in the novel — playful yet pure.
Anyone unaware of her true nature would melt in front of it regardless of gender.
“So, what’s the matter?”
“I wanted to give you a tip so you can perform well as the representative.”
Chloe came closer and whispered softly.
“Schmitz, heir of the southern Hartmann family, is eyeing your position as representative.”
“…”
Though her appearance was calm and fragile, Chloe had unparalleled intelligence-gathering skills.
She probably already knew that Schmitz was moving to seize control of the Black 6th class with his faction.
“Students from the South assigned to the Black 6th class have already united around Schmitz. Soon, they will rise against you.”
“…”
“You’ll need a countermeasure. If it’s okay with you, may I help?”
Chloe placed her hand on her chest as she spoke.
“You don’t seem to want any students as close aides, but to counter Schmitz’s faction, it’s better to build a power base. I know some students who want to follow you. I want to introduce them.”
“…”
“What do you say?”
Chloe probably witnessed me pushing away followers yesterday.
But now she was urging me to form a faction.
Because if a faction forms, she could take the second-in-command spot.
‘Chloe Yusburg is that kind of person.’
In some ways, she’s similar to the novel’s Ernas.
She relies more on scheming than on her own strength.
The fortunate thing is she’s not a vicious person like Ernas.
‘But I don’t have to move as she wants.’
Chloe wants to control me her way.
But I intend to control Chloe my way.
“Sorry, but I’ll refuse.”
“Huh?”
Hearing my cold tone, Chloe’s eyes widened a bit.
“At this point, I have no plans to form a faction.”
“…”
“For now, I want to focus on adapting to the academy and building basic skills.”
Later in the story, I’ll have to form a faction.
There will be cases that are difficult to solve alone.
But right now… I’m fine by myself.
“If Schmitz challenges me, I’ll handle it.”
“Are you really sure?”
“Yes.”
A slight look of disappointment flashed in Chloe’s eyes.
If I act like this, Chloe won’t have room to intervene as a staff member.
“But still…”
“…?”
“Thank you for the advice.”
Surprised by my gratitude, Chloe’s expression softened.
“I’ll solve the Schmitz problem, but I might ask for help with something else later. When that happens, I hope you’ll assist me.”
“Oh, yes…”
“Well then, I look forward to working with you.”
Saying this, I reached out my hand for a handshake.
But Chloe hesitated and did not grasp it.
“Are you alright?”
“What?”
“Cerinne has been sneaking glances at us from over there behind the pillar.”
“…”
I glanced over slightly and saw Cerinne hiding behind a pillar, watching us.
‘What on earth is she doing?’
It was incomprehensible.
She’s probably not waiting for an opportunity to challenge me again.
“Is it okay to hold hands with another girl in front of your fiancé?”
“You already know. The engagement is canceled.”
“Is it really canceled?”
“Why do you doubt it?”
“I just wanted to confirm.”
Saying that, Chloe smiled.
“If it’s just a simple handshake, there’s no need to read too much into it.”
“Exactly.”
“Looking forward to working with you, Ernas.”
Chloe took my hand.
It was delicate and soft — not like someone who trains with a sword.
“Yes, likewise.”
Feeling Cerinne’s increasingly sharp gaze, I focused on the sensation in Chloe’s hand.
[Attempting to reproduce ability of character ‘Chloe Yusburg’.]
To absorb Chloe’s ability and gain the strength to oppose Schmitz Hartmann.
