A Wild Man Has Entered the Academy

What is the most important thing in building a civilization? Personally, I think it's ‘culture' that binds people together.

While most civilizations were formed with the start of agriculture and communal living, simply living well isn't the end.

Among these, ‘law' represents a line symbolizing morality and ethics and serves as a powerful deterrent. Without law, civilization would have been destroyed long ago.

Humans, animals that have grown by pursuing their desires, would have brought down civilization had they freely expressed those desires.

Moreover, laws vary from country to country, often making it difficult to understand each nation's unique laws.

The reason I'm discussing this is to convey that, no matter the country, the laws of this world cannot be ignored.

Especially when it comes to ‘violence' used in most civilizations.

"What's all this noise…!"

"Ah. There you are."

Despite being Friday and exam period, people are still around. And with the door wide open, noise is inevitable.

The expression of the professor who arrived then is unforgettable. He was struggling to grasp the situation.

Delphoi was unconscious, foaming at the mouth with all his teeth knocked out, while Grace was quietly breathing, lying on the sofa.

Lastly, I was pressing Grace's hand, providing acupressure. Imagine how baffling the situation must have seemed.

But one thing was clear: I had beaten Delphoi to a pulp. This indisputable fact meant I was bound to be arrested.

If a crime is committed within the academy, the perpetrator is punished according to the laws of their home country, but I'm a wildling with no affiliation.

Even though violence is evident, the variation in laws from country to country leaves uncertainties. For instance, the laws in Matra and Granada differ.

Granada has a broad interpretation of self-defense, being more lenient towards violence, while Matra is known for its strict legalism.

As a result, I was confined to my dorm over the weekend, facing issues due to the lack of a "background."

"Professor Delphoi's charges have been confirmed. Attempted rape and drug misuse will land him in prison for life."

However, there was no lack of a responsible party. Rize, with whom I live, stepped up as the responsible party.

Her willingness to take responsibility quieted the noise, but I was like the eye of the storm, unaffected by the surrounding turmoil.

"The Berche Ducal House has requested to take charge of Delphoi's punishment. Illyriel quickly handed him over too. There should be no further issues."

"Mm-hmm."

"Ah, and just so you know, Arias is famous as a land of magic. It might not be a bad idea to visit someday."

While listening to Rize's explanation, my hands were busy. Rize had prepared a range of dishes in front of me.

Since I couldn't do anything over the weekend, Rize took care of all the meals. Her excellent skills made most meals satisfying.

"Mm-hmm. What about me?"

Not that I'm entirely uninterested. It doesn't matter much to me what happens to Delphoi, but I'm curious about my own fate.

Best case scenario would be to chalk it up to self-defense. But given Delphoi's condition, there were occasional opinions that I went too far.

His teeth are all shattered, leaving him unable to speak or perform as a man for life.

While such measures are fitting for an attempted rapist, there are always those who disapprove and find discomfort.

Moreover, the spread of my wildling origins has highlighted my potential danger.

"You needn't worry, brother. Rize and Rod will personally advocate for you. Besides, the Berche Ducal House won't ignore this matter."

"Got it."

"You might not be aware, but it won't even reach trial. Now that Professor Delphoi's charges have been confirmed, the academy will likely overlook it for the sake of its reputation."

Reputation is one thing, but the fact that I, the one who acted in self-defense, am involved makes a big difference. Even with scrutiny, there was nothing they could do.

Undergo a trial and imprisonment? This would provoke remarks from the Berche Ducal House and others.

And doing nothing? Then no one knows what kind of bomb I might set off next.

Rize stepping in smoothed things over, making it impossible for anyone to object.

"You did well. Chaos himself would surely be pleased. Chaos is satisfied even with necessary evils committed against injustice."

I did receive a message about a rise in faith, though I ignored it while providing acupressure to Grace.

Mentioning Chaos, I briefly looked up, curious about my current faith level.

[Sivar]

– Strength: 145

– Agility: 140

– Stamina: 148

– Magic: 145

– Luck: 102

– Faith: 40

My faith was 34 after the midterms, but now it's 40. That's a rise of 6.

While it usually increases bit by bit, saving Grace this time seems to have greatly satisfied it.

‘But what do I do with faith?'

It's good that it increased, but there's nothing specific to do with it. Lightning merges well with my red magic, so there are no issues there.

What will this faith grant me? I'm curious about more than just an enrichment of language.

‘I'll find out eventually.'

What's important now is my situation and Grace's condition. I'd like to visit Grace, but she needs to rest.

Moreover, she's currently under strict guard from the Berche Ducal House.

It almost became a case of closing the barn door after the horse has bolted, but we managed to prevent it in advance.

"How's Grace?"

My curiosity is unavoidable. Soul World describes her suffering from trauma for a while after the incident.

Although it was only an attempt, she came close to having her purity violated. She'll likely react sensitively to even simple touches from now on.

"Grace is resting, as I mentioned earlier. It might take a while before you can visit her, Brother Sivar."

"Hmm…"

"Don't worry too much. If it weren't for Brother Sivar, Grace would have been in grave danger…"

*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*

Before Rize could finish, someone knocked on the dorm door, interrupting our conversation.

Rize and I both looked towards the door. Academy guards should be stationed outside my dorm.

Under suspicion, I'm essentially under partial confinement. Only Rize's protection allows me some freedom outside.

"One moment."

Sensing something odd, Rize stood and walked towards the door.

I continued to eat without pausing, too enticed by the delicious meal to stop.

"Who is it?"

[We're from the Berche Ducal House. We've come to see Student Sivar, may we enter?]

Surprisingly, the person behind the door was an envoy from the Berche Ducal House, possibly here to offer thanks.

Rize slowly opened the door, meeting the visitor from the Berche Ducal House.

"Please, come in. Saintess. May I enter for a moment?"

"Yes, please come in."

Rize, deeming it acceptable, allowed entry. The visitor then stepped inside.

As could be deduced from the voice, indeed it was a man. Moreover, a man with a face strikingly similar to Grace's.

He was reasonably tall and robust. Being a noble, his good looks were a given.

"Pleased to meet you. I'm Arthur Arias Del Berche, eldest son of the Berche Ducal House."

His name sounded fancy. I gave him a blank stare despite his polite greeting.

It seems he's Grace's older brother. His sharp gaze and purple hair made it apparent.

"Sivar… Sir, correct? Your origins are quite unique."

"Yeah."

I nodded in response to Arthur's question, continuing to focus on my meal without standing up.

Arthur examined my face intently, as if scanning me.

"May I sit?"

He then asked for permission to sit. I nodded, indicating it was fine.

Arthur took a seat, and Rize sat beside me, prompting a curious look from Arthur.

It must seem strange for a revered holy figure to sit so naturally. I'm used to it, but I let it slide.

"Firstly, I want to express my gratitude for saving my sister from danger. This is on behalf of the Berche Ducal House, and personally, from me as well."

"Yeah."

"You might be aware, but Delphoi, whom you stopped, will be transferred to the Berche Ducal House. There will likely be a trial there, but it seems you've already delivered divine punishment."

Delphoi's fate is of no concern to me. What irritates me is the pronoun used to address me.

Arthur referred to me as ‘Your Highness,' a term of respect even from someone of ducal rank.

Normally, it wouldn't be strange to be treated with less respect, so it's either out of consideration for Rize or for some other reason.

"Your Highness?"

So, I asked what he meant by ‘Your Highness.' But I overlooked something.

"Ah. Is the term ‘Your Highness' unfamiliar? It's used to show respect by elevating someone's status."

Being treated as a wildling was something Arthur kindly clarified.

I almost chuckled but let it slide. It seemed too tedious to inquire further.

"This matter is deeply connected to the honor of the Berche Ducal House. Hence, I came here to assure you that you will not face any disadvantage."

"Yeah."

"Furthermore…"

Arthur went on with his lengthy, tiresome speech. Essentially, there won't be a trial for me, and they'll provide compensation, among other things.

I let his words go in one ear and out the other. If they're offering compensation, I'd rather it be in cash.

Still, it's not entirely displeasing. Normally, this situation would demand scrutiny and possibly a trial.

They could question why I went to Delphoi's lab in the first place. It wouldn't look right to others.

If they cover all that, I could regain some freedom relatively quickly.

"Lastly, there's something I'd like to propose. Not just a proposal, but more of a request."

"A request?"

"Yes. The Berche Ducal House originally intended to assign a guard to Grace. However, she adamantly refused."

I vaguely remember this. After the incident, Grace's confidence plummeted, altering her character.

The once confident demeanor vanished, leading to social anxiety and rendering her pitiable in many ways.

Over time, her confidence would return, along with her unique character, but the pity remained unchanged.

"At our wits' end, Grace made a request. She wishes for you to become her knight."

"Me?"

What is this about? I don't recall such an event in Soul World.

Unsure, I couldn't confirm its accuracy. It's questionable that he's even visiting.

As I showed confusion, Arthur added clarification.

"I know you're busy. But for Grace's psychological well-being…"

"Alright."

"Yes?"

"I'll do it. The guard."

Might as well agree to be her guard. But, there's something I want to ask.

Being a guard implies constant presence, but is that feasible?

Above all, I'm a student. Can a student take on such a role?

There are times when we must be apart, even if we're in the same class. Doesn't this compromise the guard's duty?

"How?"

I consolidated all my questions and asked Arthur. Maybe I can get some cake from Grace if I'm her guard.

But I overlooked one thing: I'm still treated as an unknowing wildling.

"Shall I explain what a guard does?"

"…"

"Guarding, as the name implies, means protecting someone. So, you would need to stay close to Grace…"

I regretted asking.

‘But why me specifically for the guard role?'

What made her change her mind? I'm a bit curious.

[Your faith increases!]

What's with that, really?