After obtaining the True Ancestor’s permission, Sang’s plans to study further at Knight Academy City were promptly added to the schedule.
The Central Hub had dedicated Blood Race members responsible for handling such affairs. They had urged him to pursue further studies right after his promotion to nobility, mainly out of fear that this upstart commoner would drag down the overall caliber of the nobles. Unfortunately for them, he had refused at the time. Now that Sang was taking the initiative, they were more than happy to oblige.
The letter from Central stated that he could bring two attendants.
In that case, there was no question—it had to be Aisha Hodhua and Shika.
In fact, this rule allowing two companions was specifically tailored for Blood Race nobles, who after all needed to bring their blood servants. For Sang, however, it simply meant attendants.
Regardless, both Aisha Hodhua and Shika were thrilled. Aisha yearned for a place bustling with people her own age, while Shika just wanted to gauge the level of his human and Blood Race peers—ready to throw the first punch, pure brute mentality.
Oh, by the way.
Knight Academy City was nominally dedicated to training knights, but it also offered courses in noble etiquette. Think of them as “electives that commoners weren’t eligible for.” They were electives because many nobles had already received such training at home.
Commoners didn’t need it, and most nobles already knew it.
Only certain special cases required learning it, so electives made sense.
Sang’s goal on this trip was to study noble and knightly etiquette. Swordsmanship? He’d leave that to fate.
After all, his aim wasn’t graduation. He might drop out after a year and a half of study.
Sang’s personal strength had already reached the level of a Golden Knight. Meanwhile, the students at Knight Academy City were still at the Apprentice Knight stage. Most graduates ended up as Bronze rank, a small portion reached Silver, and even fewer attained Gold or Platinum.
In short, Sang truly had no way to hone his swordsmanship there. And without 【Mana】, superpowers were out of the question.
“Mm… I’m starting to understand Snow Hill from back then.”
That woman had bolted after just a few days at Knight Academy City.
Huh. He hadn’t realized how cocky he’d become, comparing himself to Snow Hill. Hahaha.
At that thought, Sang recalled the aloof woman from the Northern Region after a long while. On a whim, he suddenly wanted to write her a letter, telling her he was heading to Knight Academy City soon. Well, he was her exclusive knight, after all; he ought to let her know.
Once the young man finished writing his letter to Snow Hill, Aisha Hodhua entered the room, dressed in her pink maid outfit, and handed him two more sheets of paper.
Seeing this, Sang asked in confusion, “What’s this for?”
“Mm… Aren’t you going to write to your family back home? You always do that.”
Now it was Sang’s turn to be taken aback. He had indeed been writing home frequently in recent months, but with no replies forthcoming, he had gradually stopped.
Unbeknownst to him, a year and a half had passed since leaving Kaen Town. He really missed everyone, especially Sister Lilian, Adolf, and Luna.
“I wonder how they’re all doing now.”
It was December now, roughly a month after the Rita incident. Winter had arrived, but the cold wasn’t particularly biting yet. The Central Hub didn’t see snow every winter; even when it did, it might amount to just a week’s worth over the entire season.
In that moment, Sang sat at his desk in the room and lifted his gaze to the winter vista of Dawnlight Mountain. The trees stood bare, tinged with a faint desolation.
“The new year is almost here,” Sang couldn’t help but sigh.
Blood Calendar 4079 was right around the corner.
Aisha Hodhua asked, “When do you plan to depart for Knight Academy City?”
“After Christmas passes.”
“You want to spend Christmas with the True Ancestor?”
Stunned by Aisha Hodhua’s puzzled question, Sang propped his chin on one hand, his brows knitting together. “No way. I hate winter. I’ll leave once the weather warms up!”
…
Knight Academy City.
In the girls’ dormitory—a simple yet elegantly appointed double room—a blonde, blue-eyed girl sat by the window, penning a letter. Her handwriting was graceful, but the words carried traces of bewilderment and vexation.
“Dear Watermelon, how are you?
I’ve lost count of how many letters this makes—knowing full well they can’t be sent, yet I keep writing.
What should I even say?
Unwittingly, a full year has passed since Adolf and I arrived at Knight Academy City. A few days ago, we returned together to the Kaen Town Orphanage. Everyone was doing well. I even asked Sister Lilian if there was any news about you, but she just shook her head.
A clever person like you could turn any peril into fortune. You must still be alive, right?
Anyway, enough of those strange thoughts.
Let me tell you a bit about what Adolf and I have experienced here. I never understood why Adolf hated the Blood Race so much before. But the longer I stay here, the more I’ve come to despise—even loathe—them. This ivory tower of an academy, famed for its fairness as a holy land, yet the racial divides are so vast. One can only imagine how wretched life is for humans in the wider world.
Looking back now, were our days in Kaen Town too sheltered?
The reality we fled won’t simply vanish. We have to face it bravely.
But… to be honest, I don’t want to fight or be brave. I often feel lost and dazed, longing to return to the Orphanage. Yet whenever I see how diligently Adolf strives or think of you, I grit my teeth and soldier on.
I just feel so tired sometimes.
Let me tell you about Adolf. He’s truly impressive. Recently, he seems to have awakened a superpower—one he hasn’t quite figured out yet, so it’s left him a bit frustrated. Even without mastering it, though, he’s still the Low-Year Chief.
Here’s a little secret: A few days ago, his instructor urged him to advance early to the Mid-Year Knight Class, but he refused, claiming his swordsmanship foundation wasn’t solid enough. Truth be told, I know the real reason—he’s afraid to leave me alone in the low years, where the Blood Race students might bully me.
Speaking of which, lately there’s a Blood Race classmate who’s been harassing me, hoping I’ll become his blood servant.
I haven’t even stepped into the vast world yet, but I’m starting to feel afraid. I won’t give up, though! Adolf and I have made up our minds: once we graduate from Knight Academy City, we’ll find a way to rescue you from 【Heavenly Key】!
I’ll keep pushing forward!”
