Chapter 15 (2/2)
“I’ll take a break then get myself a place in the Capital’s Department of Supplies.”
“Will they accept you right away? Don’t you usually require experience from rural departments before you’re allowed in?”
“Huhuhu, that’s why I’ve sweat blood and tears to get these 8 stars here. They won’t let you in unless you graduated at most in 8 years.”
“I guess there is fierce compet.i.tion for it.”
The Department of Supplies controls the flow of all goods within the Empire, from its production to distribution and restrictions. They could make a village starve to death while its neighbours were drowning with overabundance of food if they wanted to.
The Department of Supplies held great power within the political scene. It was a giant establishment with more than 100,000 employees hired under their name, and each employee held great pride in their position, not to mention that the number of talented individuals in their department was like counting how much sand there was at a beach.
“Well, I’ll be in your care once I graduate.”
“Hahaha, do you finally see the true value in me?”
“Not really.”
Mazelan could only watch as Isaac coldly responded. He was well aware of Isaac’s personality after knowing him for so long. He could ignore things completely if it wasn’t related to him. Even if it does affect him in some way, he would draw a line preventing him from becoming closer than he needed to be.
“Che! I am quite wanted in the world you know. Just one word from me would set you up for… s.h.i.+t, you don’t care about that at all. d.a.m.n it! I feel cheated.”
As Isaac teased Mazelan who was muttering to himself, the s.h.i.+p which Mazelan was waiting for finally arrived.
“Oh! There it is.”
“I guess the College students do get special treatment.”
“It’s one of the few factors that actually make attending the College worthwhile.”
“But that’s odd. I only saw a few College students last year. Why would you need an entire s.h.i.+p to transport them? How many of you are there?”
“Hm? Didn’t you see last year?”
“See what?”
“Ah, of course. The College students moved during the night for both last year and this year’s holidays.”
“What are you on about?”
“There was a new student that enrolled in the College last year. And all the males in the College immediately fell in love the moment she stepped foot in this place.”
“Heh? There was another student that entered the College directly last year as well? And it was a girl too? What was she?”
“Human.”
“Must be a genius.”
“Genius doesn’t even begin to describe it. She is the greatest of all geniuses. And she’s got one h.e.l.l of a family name behind her.”
“Just how amazing is it for all the College students to follow her around like this?”
“Rivelia El Pendleton. She’s the eldest daughter of the Duke Pendleton and a genius swordswoman. The professors within the College expect her to graduate from swordsmans.h.i.+p in no more than 5 years. She is the best of the best.”
“Graduate the College in 5 years?”
“Don’t forget, that’s the most skeptical prediction. One of the professors of swordsmans.h.i.+p is one of the 7 Sword Masters in the Em… c.r.a.p! Details about the professors in the College are cla.s.sified, so let’s just skip over that part. Anyway, the task he set for her graduation is for her to ascend to a Sword Master. That’s how talented she is. And even Reisha will have to fold against her when it comes to beauty.”
“So she’s a genius swordswoman with the beauty of a G.o.ddess and is the daughter of one of the three Dukes in the Empire?”
“That’s right.”
“Hm, so she’s a protagonist. I can see why so many men chase her around.”
“She’s a what?”
“Ah, didn’t you know? Have you ever heard the phrase ‘you are the protagonist of your life’?”
“What about it?”
“I mean, everyone would consider themselves to be the main character but that fact suddenly changes when you’re put in the stage called the world. There’s the protagonists: side characters, extras, villager 1 and 2, tree 1, and rock 1.”
“What theory is this?”
“This world is so unfair that lives are determined on how much talent each individual holds. And that talent could be measured up to the size of an ant for some while others may have that of the ocean. Talentless fools could never catch up to those br.i.m.m.i.n.g with talent, no matter how much they try.”
“And through their talent their roles are decided in the stage called the world?”
“Why? You don’t think so?”
“I feel like it’s an insult to those who put in the effort to climb their way through.”
Isaac laughed at Mazelan’s irritated look.
“Wow, such an innocent answer from someone who just graduated from the College.”
Mazelan couldn’t say anything back. The Campus and the College were establishments which clearly demonstrated the difference talent made.
“I didn’t mean to insult the hard workers. They’ve put that much determination and the pain that comes with it. But did you know? Hard work is talent too.”
“Ugh, stop. I’m done. Why’s a child like you talking like an old pessimist who had lived out his life?”
“Let’s just say I’ve experienced the cold realities of the world a little earlier than others.”
Mazelan shook his head, his mouth closed firm. His conversations with Isaac always ended up this way. That pessimistic att.i.tude of his was enough to make one wonder why he’s even trying to live at this point. The most annoying part is that his fallacy sounds somewhat believable. There have been many times where Mazelan would cut a conversation short in fear of ending up like Isaac if he listened to him a little longer.
*Whistle! “As expected of a protagonist, I feel like there’s an aura about her.”
Isaac spoke out his impression as he watched a girl exit the s.h.i.+p with a group of men trailing behind her. She was indeed a beautiful woman. Her stiff expression seemed cold, but it seemed to suit her well. With the sunlight reflecting her long silver hair that flowed all the way to down to her waist, one could easily feel the aura of intimidation that naturally tailed her.
Considering that they lived in two different worlds, Isaac decided to enjoy the eye candy while he could and leaned back on the chair with both his legs on the table.
Their eyes met for a brief moment when Rivelia pa.s.sed Isaac, but she moved on without saying anything. Amongst the many men who followed Rivelia like baby ducklings, there was a familiar face.
Isaac contemplated on what to do and decided to at least notice him. He was his brother after all. When their eyes met, Isaac waved at him, but Kainen’s face crumbled and he violently turned away as if he’d seen something he shouldn’t have. Isaac simply shrugged at his reaction.
“Don’t you feel anything after seeing Rivelia?”
“She’s pretty for sure. I may have ogled at her if I wasn’t so used to beautiful girls thanks to Reisha.”
“You don’t sound very serious.”
“I follow the motto ‘just admire which you can’t have.’”
“You really are a weird one.”
“I could say the same thing to you. You didn’t seem that interested in her either.”
Mazelan seemed surprised at what Isaac had said, then laughed.
“I guess I’ve only told you my name but not the family I’m from.”
“Huh? Hm, don’t tell me you’re that Lady Rivelia’s brother or something.”
“No, not her brother but her cousin. I guess I can tell you now that I’m graduating. My official name is Marvelia Zelion Lankast Hugh Gabelin. My father is the youngest brother of the previous Emperor, and my mother is the sister of the current Duke Pendleton.”
“…”
Isaac could only stare at Mazelan. It meant he was of royal blood. Satisfied at Isaac’s reaction, a beaming smile came on Mazelan’s face, when Isaac suddenly s.n.a.t.c.hed his hands and began to speak.
“I’ll be in your care, Hyoungnim.”
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TL Note: “Hyungnim” is the formal way of saying older brother in a respectful manner. The equivalent to Aniki in j.a.panese. For reference, the other two forms of respective reference mentioned have been Sunbaenim (uppercla.s.smen, senior, respected individual) and Hubaenim/Hubae (undercla.s.smen, junior, respected youth).
</blockquote>
“I thought you weren’t interested in a successful career?”
“It’s always nice to have a strong help in these tough times.”
“That’s different from what you said before.”
“It’s better to have it and not need it than vice versa. Once again, I’m in your care.”
Mazelan felt like he’d made a mistake when he revealed his ident.i.ty to Isaac. Already a crude and sinister smile was starting to show.
“Shameless b.a.s.t.a.r.d. By the way, what do you think I’ll become on the world’s stage?”
“Ah! Shouldn’t you take Reisha and Kunette with you now?”
“So what am I on the stage?!”
Isaac refused to answer him till the end, which only irritated Mazelan even more.
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