I’m Just an Ordinary Clown at the Academy

9 – Emperor 2

Since then, no student expelled from the academy voiced any complaints.

Or more precisely, they couldn’t voice any complaints. Afro Ganish, who tried to express discontent, is still unconscious and hasn’t regained consciousness yet.

“Successful students can come to the academy in a week! By the way, dormitories will also be available for move-in a week from now.”

This was something I had mentioned even during the entrance exam, so there shouldn’t be any students who are unaware. Personally, I had no issues since I knew of an affordable and decent inn.

Most commoners would seek out inexpensive inns like me, while the nobles established in the capital would stay in their own homes. For lower-ranking nobles with homes outside the capital, staying in a pricey and comfortable inn wouldn’t be a problem. As for higher-ranking nobles residing outside the capital, having at least one estate in the capital made it a non-issue.

“Well then, let’s meet again in a week!”

As Professor Gerda’s words concluded, all the students rushed out of the auditorium.

The students exiting the academy hall displayed a mix of joy and sorrow on their faces. The ones with bright expressions were undoubtedly those who had passed the exam, while the ones with gloomy faces were likely those expelled this time.

“Is it reasonable to expel students on the day of the entrance ceremony?”

“How do I tell my parents that I got expelled?”

“The townsfolk threw a party for me because I passed, and now…”

“There’s a great restaurant nearby. Wanna go together?”

“Sure! Let’s go quickly.”

Whether these words would be comforting to those expelled is uncertain, but it might be better for them to be expelled now. From now on, numerous incidents would occur at the academy, and in the process, students could die.

Of course, I’ll do my best to prevent such things from happening.

Even among the students rushing out, there was a particularly noticeable strand of hair. In the original world, it was common, but in Croaca, it was an uncommon black hair.

“Clara!”

At the voice calling her, Clara turned around. Initially, her expression was full of irritation, but upon confirming that the caller was a friend, it changed to annoyance.

“What’s the matter?”

Earlier, I couldn’t see her closely during the battle, but seeing her up close now, I could appreciate how beautiful she was.

Unlike her jet-black hair, her skin was extremely fair, with no blemishes visible even at this close distance. Her red eyes resembled rubies.

Is this the feeling of being captivated just by looking at someone?

“You called me, so why aren’t you saying anything?”

“No, I momentarily forgot what I was going to say, captivated by how beautiful Clara is!”

“Ha… Are you trying to flatter me too?”

Clara sighed as if this wasn’t the first or second time experiencing such a situation. Given her noble status as a daughter of the duke and her position as a disciple of the Magic Tower, people had been flattering her since she was young.

Hence, she despised those who flattered her. But am I really flattering her?

“Flattering? Why would I say something insincere just to please Clara? Is that what you think I’m doing?”

“If not that, then what?”

“I don’t know how to lie! I’m just conveying what my heart says through words.”

Clara stared at me incredulously. Well, who else but me could speak so eloquently?

“Where is she so pretty?”

She probably didn’t ask because she didn’t know. Perhaps she thought I would hesitate to answer, giving her a reason to leave.

Most people would be embarrassed and unable to respond immediately to her compliment, but I was not one of them.

‘Come on, clown, do your thing.’

“Clara’s black hair is as dark as the night sky, but just like the night sky shines because of the stars, Clara’s hair also shines beautifully. And Clara’s red eyes can be compared to rubies as jewels or roses as flowers. And her skin—”

“Stop it!”

Although there was much more to say, Clara shouted and cut me off. Her face, reddened perhaps due to her fair skin, seemed even more apparent. Why is she reacting like this?

“Clara, if you shout like that, people will stare at us.”

“And who cares if people stare!”

Uncharacteristically, Clara shouted back and left. I followed her, step by step.

“Blushing Clara, where are you off to now?”

“Why do you care?”

She turned back and said, her flushed face had calmed down a bit, but her ears were still red.

“Ah~ why such a regretful word between us.”

“What kind of relationship do we have?”

“Of course, we’re friends!”

“When have I ever – ugh, forget it. I’m going to the inn. That’s it.”

“Then see you at the entrance ceremony. Goodbye!”

“… “

Clara left, ignoring my farewell. Where to? I used shadow steps to catch up to her.

“Goodbye!”

“… “

“Goodbye!”

“Ah… fine. You take care too.”

“Yes!”

I smiled and replied to her, just as I was about to head to the inn.

There was a man blocking my way. It was the impressive man with tan skin, Kurano Isaru. He reached out his hand to greet me.

“I’m Kurano Isaru.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Kurano. I’m Rocky.”

I shook Kurano’s hand. His rough and scarred hand spoke volumes about the life he had lived.

“Rocky, the honorable warrior! I look forward to working with you!”

“I’m the one who looks forward to working with you.”

I continued on my way but decided to speak to Kuran just in case.

“Kuran, do you happen to have any good thoughts anywhere?”

“To an honorable Issar, the land is home, and the sky is the ceiling.”

That’s saying he’s homeless. I had a feeling, and it seems I was right.

“There’s an inn where frogs eat snakes. It’s cheap and nice there, so why not stay there?”

“Hmm, the words of the honorable warrior Loki. Thanks for the tip.”

Kuran left after those words. I finally left the auditorium and was about to head to the inn when someone blocked my path again. This time, it was someone I didn’t recognize either, wearing a school uniform.

“Student council president is calling for you.”

Upon hearing that it was the student council president calling, I followed the student who came to fetch me. I knew why the student council president was looking for me.

Walking alongside the student who came to fetch me, we soon arrived at the student council room. The student cautiously knocked on the door upon reaching it.

Knock, knock.

“May I come in?”

“Come in.”

The voice that came through was as cold as ice. The student casually opened the door, seemingly accustomed to the chilly voice, and walked in.

“I’ve brought the one you mentioned, Loki.”

“Good work. You may leave now.”

“Understood.”

The student who brought me left, and I gazed at the student council president.

Uncommon black hair in this world. A demeanor as cold as ice, a senior in Academy Year 3, the top student, and the brother of Clara.

As the famous Adelian family known for their magical prowess, he reigned over the students with his magical abilities alone.

He greeted me with a bow.

“Long time no see, my friend.”

“hahahaha, please feel free to speak.”

Even after not seeing him for a long time, this person made me feel uncomfortable.

“How can I speak comfortably to you, my friend? Please have a seat here.”

He spoke so politely with such a cold face and voice, it made me feel really uncomfortable. I followed his words and sat down on the chair. I was the first to speak.

“Is the Duchess doing well?”

“Thanks to you, my friend, she’s in good health. No matter how much I express my gratitude, it seems insufficient.”

He bowed his head once again to express his thanks. It’s so uncomfortable!

“Ahahahaha, it’s not like I did anything great, the one who truly endured was the Duchess.”

That was genuine. I can’t say my help was insignificant, but the most incredible thing was the Duchess enduring it all.

“Mother also wants to see you, my friend.”

When he mentioned the Duchess, his icy expression seemed to soften a bit.

“The Duke is still in good health, I assume?”

“Of course. He’s too healthy, it’s become a problem.”

The current head of the Adelian family, known as the magic stronghold, fought using his body to the point where it’s unimaginable. The image of the Duke enveloped in flames, charging forward, is still unforgettable.

“My friend, where do you plan to stay for a week?”

“I’ve found a suitable inn. I plan to stay there for a week.”

“Please don’t do that, I have a villa in the capital. Stay there.”

It would be comfortable to stay at his villa, but in a different sense, it would be too uncomfortable.

“Thank you, but I’ll pass. Oh, by the way! I met Clara today. She was incredibly strong and cool.”

“········.”

He seemed very uncomfortable talking about his younger sister, Clara. Judging by his reaction, it seemed like Clara’s story hadn’t changed yet.

“From your reaction, I assume you still haven’t told Clara the truth?”

“That child only knows that her mother has recovered.”

“Shouldn’t Clara be allowed to know the truth by now?”

“That child shouldn’t have known the truth. Ever.”

I couldn’t say anything.

This wasn’t an issue I could meddle in.

◈ ◈ ◈

The grandest place in the empire, the imperial palace.

The emperor, who had just finished a call with Lucas and Sujeong, spoke into the empty air.

“Bring the child named Loki to me unharmed.”

A voice echoed in the empty air.

“””Glory to the empire.”””