I Picked Up a Saintess from the Ruins

5 – 2. I want to study

There was no information about the university in the medieval youth Raven’s database.

Well, all country bumpkin knights are like that.

The thought I had, based solely on modern knowledge, was roughly like this in this situation.

“Isn’t that the Academy?”

When you think of fantasy and the Middle Ages combined with a school, that’s the only thing that comes to mind.

But even so, thinking of it as a 21st-century university is… lacking in romance, isn’t it? It’s a fantasy world after all.

Later, I found out that my initial thoughts were only partially correct.

The correct part was that it was an institution for higher education.

The wrong part was that it was a place where swordsmanship and magic were taught, a gathering place for all the talented individuals on the continent.

Unfortunately, the university wasn’t a place with an ancient dragon as the headmaster or a blonde, braided villainess or the daughter of a powerful northern duke. It was truly disappointing.

The Empire didn’t have the administrative power to gather all the talented individuals on the continent, and even if they did, what would children who grew up watching my parents play secretive mafia games do together?

They would probably start their own small mafia game among themselves. I could already imagine what they would do.

“I… trusted you. Why on earth…”

“I believe you will understand. It’s because my father finds you very annoying.”

“That…!”

“But still, it was enjoyable, playing with a friend.”

This wasn’t a traditional academy. No, it couldn’t be.

Instead, it was a place where humans who were genuinely dedicated to studying thrived, even in a world where the concept of compulsory education didn’t exist.

Here, there were professors who struggled for their survival, entrusted with the task of teaching these individuals.

Time and knowledge were considered divine possessions.

No one could turn back or stop time, and there were no all-knowing humans.

“We understand that knowledge belongs solely to the divine. However, these impious individuals here claim ownership over it and exploit it for their selfish gains!”

“Selling knowledge for money? The world has gone mad.”

“They are despicable scoundrels, pretending to possess what belongs solely to the divine. They should perish.”

“Are you talking about me?!”

The professors who were aware of the one-star ratings left by previous applicants responded fervently, clapping their hands.

“Misunderstanding! I only sell my creative work at a fair price!”

“Is that what you call creative work? Are you saying you’re a god?!”

“No, no! It’s, um… research! Innovative research, that is!”

The professors had to periodically prove their loyalty and fervent faith as they vigorously defended their copyrights.

That was the cyclical process of universities, where professors fought for their copyrights and students, in awe of their knowledge, willingly opened their wallets.

Unfortunately, the blonde, twisted bun villainess was still absent.

But this wallet.

This wallet was the ultimate problem.

I reached into my previously slimmed-down purse.

I heard a weak clinking sound as a few coins collided. It was a feeble sound that symbolized poverty and reminded me of the value of labor.

I sighed inwardly. It seemed that money was always the stumbling block.

All I had was a sturdy body and a medieval sports car as a penniless noble.

Well then.

How should I tactfully explain this fact?

Personally, I hoped that studying, which is considered a privilege, would become a right. It’s just the perspective of a modern person living in the last remnants of the Middle Ages.

I want to change the dream of a child who wants to study, or tell them to look at reality. Isn’t that too… cruel?

But there was something even more cruel than that, and that was my financial situation.

She was a girl who, upon meeting my eyes, flinched and then slowly turned her gaze back to me.

Looking at the clear pupils in her cute face made it even harder to speak, so I briefly summoned the bitterness within me and tried to suppress the guilt of my conscience.

“You might not know, but… um, college costs a lot of money. You also need to find a place to live nearby, and if you think about everything you’ll need to eat, study, and live for several years, it’s even more.”

“……”

“And, I’m a little embarrassed to say this, but honestly, I don’t have enough money right now. That’s why I’m planning to leave for the north soon.”

The girl seemed slightly surprised. Then she opened her eyes a little wider and asked me.

“You said you’re going to the north. Why is that?”

“There’s work there. I heard that the barbarians are gathering there after a long time.”

“If you do that kind of work… can you earn a lot of money?”

“Well, it’s more like a matter of life and death. Surely you’re not thinking about something like that, right? Anyway, I’m good enough to survive.”

“It’s such a dangerous place, many people will die or get hurt.”

That’s true. Actually, I have some decent hardware, but of course, I still have to risk my life because luck has also been on my side.

Even if you have armor, blind arrows and the spread of disease after battles, infections starting from small wounds, are as much a threat as having a strong body and frequently bathing.

It’s true that one’s own ability and the unfavorable results are also one’s own fault, but who can rely on luck? I can only pray to God for protection.

It was also the reason why I was full of faith in the church’s nonsense. When it comes to matters of life and death, people tend to rely on the supernatural.

And am I not a witness to that supernatural phenomenon? If there is magic and a second chance in life, then there must be a god.

But even in a world where salvation exists and there is reason to believe in God, I have seen countless people fall

Was I disappointed? But I didn’t really have the energy for that.

Though I had expected such a reaction, the girl didn’t show any sign of it.

“It’s not because of financial problems that I brought this up. I know how difficult of a request it is. I want to earn money and study on my own. But I’m still young, and there aren’t many jobs that can bring in a decent income.”

“Well, you don’t have much of a choice.”

“So, it might be a bit off-topic, but can I ask you for one favor?”

As I nodded, Lycia hesitated for a moment before speaking.

“After I come back from the North, could you visit this church just once?”

“Hmm…”

“It’s related to my university plans, but it’s not like I’m asking for financial support. I just want you to visit once.”

If it’s something like that.

I briefly reviewed the plan I had made. There were no immediate tasks scheduled after the chaos in the North had settled.

That’s how I’ve lived so far. If there’s work, I wander in that direction, and if there isn’t, I take a break.

“There’s no reason why not.”

“Yes, thank you!”

Suddenly, a curious question came to mind, and I asked the girl, who now had a brighter expression than before.

“Have you ever asked Father Philip for a favor?”

“Father Philip? “

“Yeah. He seemed to think highly of you. It’s not common for him to even mention it himself.”

Even in his exhausted state, Father Philip, who praised Lycia for being smart, came to mind.

I remember him being kind, but somewhat stingy with his praise

The person herself had taken steps into the priesthood and had risen to a prominent position among the clergy. As anticipated by those around her, she appeared uninterested in worldly matters.

It has been over ten years since I became acquainted with the priest. In that sense, Lycia was highly esteemed by Father Phippin.

Perhaps, it was possible to provide the girl with a better education, much like what she truly desired.

“The priest has made a proposal. Not a university, but they say they can send you to a church where you can receive better education than here.”

“Then how about giving it a try there?”

Lycia nodded. However, it was distinctly different from the attitude of a petulant child throwing a tantrum for not getting what they wanted.

She did not press for it forcefully; instead, she seemed to understand well how challenging it could be.

“I still don’t quite understand why you insist on taking me.”

“If the knight who brought me here allows me, I suppose it’s okay to accompany you to the church. People who see us together for the first time might find it unbelievable, but since the knight brought me in the first place, it shouldn’t matter, right?”

Yet, that explanation alone did not seem sufficient.

There was the alternative of Father Phippin, who had been persistently coming up. Choosing him could be a trustworthy option.

“Especially since the priest is engaged in the priesthood.”

“…Huh?”

“You are not, Sir Knight.”

The girl provided an answer that only increased the confusion.

Even though I made a perplexed expression, Lycia just smiled softly.