The Academy’s Barbarian
Chapter 62.1 - It Is Not Your Decision (3)

The Imperial Palace of the Ruben Empire stood proudly, as if boasting of its status as the mightiest power on the continent, renowned for its grandeur and magnificence.

Its vastness was such that simply considering its sheer size, it surpassed the capitals of most kingdoms. This fact alone spoke volumes.

But that wasn't all.

The inside of the Imperial Palace was even more opulent than the outside. It was as if all the palaces and mansions were built with gold and jewels.

However, there was an exception.

At the northern edge of the palace, at the center of the city, there existed a modest-sized forest. This forest was the exception, a tiny replica of the tropical rainforests in the East, seemingly transplanted to this spot.

And now, there was an individual who had come to visit this place.

He appeared to be in his mid-thirties, a man with platinum hair and reddish-brown eyes, exuding a somewhat wistful aura. Following closely behind him was a middle-aged knight, guarding him with unwavering devotion.

Clop! Clop!

Their destination was the heart of the forest. Despite his luxurious cloak being occasionally snagged by thorns, the man paid no mind.

How much time had passed?

After passing through the densely overgrown bushes, finally arriving at the destination, a faint singing voice suddenly reached the man's ears.

".........."

A song with no words.

Listening to it for a while, he felt his mind was at peace. Perhaps that was why? The man halted his steps, silently listening to the song.

Time passed, not in haste.

Eventually, when the song came to an end, he gently clapped his hands, wearing a faint smile on his lips.

“It's still a wonderful skill.”

Before the man's words could fully dissipate, a girl sitting on a rock beyond a small pond at the heart of the forest whipped her head around; a girl with snow-white hair and crimson eyes, resembling snow and fire.

Somehow, as he gazed at this mysteriously enchanting girl, the man chuckled softly.

"Perticia."

The seventh princess of the Ruben Empire.

Perticia Ib Al Ruben. As far as he was concerned, she was his lovely younger sister, despite the significant age gap between them.

"Ah, brother!"

With the man's arrival, the girl leaped off the rock, her face surprised. Then, she quickly ran over, but she soon stopped.

There was only one reason. She had spotted the middle-aged knight standing behind the man like a statue. The girl promptly changed her address, "What business does the crown prince have here......."

Of course, it had to be.

The man's name was Shartrand Monic Al-Ruben.

He was the crown prince of the Ruben Empire, destined to become the ruler of the Ruben Empire who would soon be above all people.

When they were alone, formalities might be unnecessary, but in the presence of a third party, like now, observing proper decorum was the right course of action.

On the other hand, Shartrand remained indifferent to the formality. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ NƟvelFɪre.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

"Haha, there's no need to be so formal. I've only brought Lord Orden with me today."

“Yes, then I'll do that!”

If permission was granted, it's okay.

And Lord Orden was one of the Five Swords that have been protecting the Imperial family since before Perticia was born.

In other words, he was almost like family; at least to her.

The two siblings, who look like a father and daughter at first glance, sat on a rock and chatted amicably.

They discussed trivial, everyday matters one could encounter. In the midst of their casual banter, Shartrand suddenly introduced a new topic, "By the way, I've heard some interesting news."

"Really? What news?"

"Do you remember the 'Level-0 Management Target' that Captain Erkazan reported the other day?"

"The barbarian who was said to have enrolled in Arsene?"

"Yes, that barbarian caused a big accident this time."

With a laughing remark, Perticia quickly interrupted the answer, "If you're talking about the story that he seriously injured the eldest son of the Count Deorg, I've already heard it."

"Of course you have, for that is the story I told you, but what I have brought you today is a different, new story."

It hasn't even been a month since the accident he caused last time, but he had another accident?

Perticia arched an eyebrow in disbelief.

At the same time, Shartrand's answer followed, "Two swords were broken."

"Swords?"

"The Sword of the Desert and the Sword of the Military. Two swords representing the Empire, side by side, defeated in a duel with that barbarian."

"......?!"

Her crimson eyes narrowed; Astonished, it was entirely warranted. The two Swords Shartrand had just mentioned undoubtedly referred to two Masters representing the empire.

But that was also for a moment.

She tilted her head. Because she found something strange in the answer she had just heard.

"Huh? But that's strange."

"What do you mean?"

"Count Deorg, yes, but why would Lord Gorfant want to duel......?"

Count Deorg had his reasons; he wanted to restore the honor of his wounded son.

Lord Gorfant, on the other hand, had none of these, and this fact puzzled her.

"He was there at the academy at the request of Professor Berge. And since it's rare for Masters to fight, I think he fought casually," After concluding a conjecture that was close to the truth, Shartrand suddenly smiled. A mischievous laugh. He looked at Lord Orden, ten paces behind him, and asked, "In that sense, Lord Orden also wanted to fight, didn't he? It's not often that masters fight."

"I never harbored such thoughts, Your Highness."

An immediate and unequivocal denial.

Orden bowed his head and said, "I am the sword of the Imperial family. Mundane duels of the secular world hold no interest for me."

"Tsk, it's a joke. You're so old-fashioned," Shartrand clicked his tongue.

Of course, he knew it too.

The Imperial Sword, the loyal knight named ‘Sachsen Jules Orden’, would never leave the side of the royal family no matter the circumstances.

The conversation returned to its original topic.

The duel between Ulan, a Level-1 Management Target, and the masters of the empire. Perticia was amazed and exclaimed in surprise, "Wow, that's really amazing. I heard he's only a year older than me, but how did he have that kind of strength……."

"The world is vast and there are many talents. You alone have a talent that is incomparable to mine, right?"

"No way. That's an exaggeration," Perticia smiled shyly. A very lovely smile. Shartrand's own smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

"So I'll give him to you."

"Huh?"

"The military and Professor Berge are working together to bring that barbarian into the empire soon, so if they succeed, I'll make him your knight."

Each imperial family has a personal knight assigned to them.

The Emperor and Crown Prince had Lord Orden, the sword of the imperial family, and other imperial families have knights with the highest skills among experts.

'On the other hand, for Perticia.......'

…she had no knight assigned to her.

To be precise, it was more accurate to say that there was no knight who had sworn allegiance to her. Due to various complicated circumstances, the knights from noble families were reluctant to become her knights.

‘The barbarian, on the other hand, is different.’

He was someone with no connection to any nobility.

And from what he'd heard, he was quite rational for a barbarian, with a cool head.

And strong enough to defeat Masters of the empire. If tamed properly, they had more than enough qualifications to become a knight of Perticia.

"But, brother, I'm not......."

"I know. You wanted to see and judge for yourself the person you would make a knight."

"Hehe, you remembered."

"I have to remember. It's my little sister's request."

With a hearty response, Shartrand spoke up, "Don't worry. It's a little early, but I have a birthday present for you."

"Huh? A birthday present?" Perticia asked, confused.

Just then, Sachsen, who had been waiting in the back, approached briskly. He opened a small box he had prepared separately and handed it to Perticia.

At the sight of it,

"…!"

She widened her eyes.

At this, Shartrand smiled broadly and continued, "I've made arrangements for you to transfer to the Arsene Academy starting in the upcoming second semester. So, you can see and judge for yourself."

"Thank you, brother, I'm so happy!"

Perticia hugged him tightly; her voice choked with emotion.

She had every reason to be. It had been one of her long-standing wishes to be accepted into the Arsene Academy.

Shartrand, meanwhile, stroked his little sister's hair in silence. After a while, he added the conditions he hadn't mentioned yet.

"Of course, you won't be able to lead an ordinary life. You'll have to stay in the dormitory, and there will be security forces accompanying you. Is that okay with you?"

"Yes! It's okay. I want to go!"

"Haha, good. Then I'll be looking forward to it."

They continued their lively conversation thereafter.

How much time passed?

As the evening glow approached, Shartrand finally left the forest. With Perticia seeing him off at the entrance of the forest.

On the way back to the palace, in the midst of silent footsteps, suddenly, Sachsen cautiously spoke, "Are you sure you don't mind?"

"What do you mean?"

"Even though Arsene is considered a neutral zone, there are still dangers there. It would be much safer to keep her by the Crown Prince's side..."

"No, Arsene is safer," Shartrand replied sharply. With a look of unspoken determination in his eyes, "This place will soon become a battlefield."

"…! Are you saying..."

"Lord Orden," Shartrand abruptly stopped in his tracks and continued with a calm tone, "Spread the word to everyone. On the day Perticia leaves the palace, it will be your sole opportunity to prove your loyalty."

A resolute answer, marked by unwavering determination.

The time had finally come.

Sachsen trembled, his body shivering. Moments later, he bowed his head with steadfast determination, "...I will follow your command, Your Majesty."

The title had changed slightly from before.

With an answer that seemed to carry a hint of blood, Shartrand resumed his steps, leaving the crimson sunset behind him, an unusually vivid backdrop for this day.

End of Chapter. . . . . . . .Thanks for Reading. . . . . . . . . )

Translator's Notes:-

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