Chapter 69 : A New Wave (5)

Chapter 69: A New Wave (5)

“Before I end today’s class, I have a few announcements to make.”

Yul Runberg cleared his throat with a small cough.

He had just finished giving a brief yet clear explanation of the continent’s current state, covering not only the Empire but also every nation across the land, the various races, powers, factions, and even the demons.

“First, regarding the dungeon field class from a few days ago.”

He spoke in a calm yet serious voice.

“Most of you here are aware of the unfortunate incident that occurred at that time. In that regard, as one of the academy’s professors, I would like to once again extend my deepest apologies.”

After finishing his words, Yul Runberg bowed his head deeply to the students.

He remained that way for a while, and because of that, the auditorium instantly grew quiet.

It was a silence so heavy that one would not have thought it was a place filled with so many people.

“…It is truly fortunate that no one was gravely injured. I am grateful, and relieved. Thank you all for returning safely without harm.”

He ended his short words and slowly lifted his head.

“Now, to the main point. The groups that completed the dungeon breakthrough class that day, the groups that had to stop midway, and finally the groups that couldn’t even attempt it. They will be divided into these three categories. After repeated discussions on how to evaluate them fairly, the decision was made that each group will undergo additional classes tailored to the situation they faced.”

Yul Runberg cleared his throat again.

“In the upcoming classes—Professor Deiare’s Hilts, Professor Shagas’s Dots, and finally my own Crowns class—these three shared courses will temporarily replace their original curriculum with additional training for each group. Details will be posted today, so please take note.”

So, that had changed too.

Well, compared to the collapse incident that happened in my previous life, this time was merely a simple accident. Holding replacement classes like this was the correct response.

‘Although, calling it a simple accident might be an understatement….’

Yul Runberg continued his explanation.

“Second, some of you may already suspect what I’m about to say. It concerns the elective courses.”

Now that he mentioned it, it was about the time for that.

No—strictly speaking, it was already running a little late.

“To avoid unnecessary uproar, let me clarify this first. The elective courses will proceed as usual. However, originally we would have selected and finalized the electives around yesterday or today… but due to a matter I will mention shortly, it will be postponed for several days.”

As soon as his words ended, murmurs rippled through the auditorium.

Of course—if it was only a matter of a minor delay, a posted notice would have sufficed.

The fact that he had brought up the dungeon field class incident beforehand made it obvious that what he was about to say next would be anything but ordinary.

“Originally, Arpentia Academy had each dormitory separated, taking different courses as part of their own education path. Because of that, each dormitory could build its own expertise and foster a sense of belonging. However, concerns have been raised that this may, in fact, create greater side effects than benefits.”

A pause.

The students sitting in the hall also waited silently for his next words.

“…Therefore, a proposal has been made to divide students from each dormitory and regroup them into a single class, what we call an integrated class. The courses themselves will not change, but for shared classes and mandatory liberal arts courses in the future, they are considering conducting them by these integrated classes instead of the current system.”

Before the students could react, he quickly added:

“Let me be clear so there are no misunderstandings. This is not a decision made solely by the academy. It was decided with the input of the Imperial family, the Holy Sun Church, and other groups.”

Yul Runberg let out a small sigh, as if announcing these notices had been more tiring than teaching his lesson.

“That is all. I will see you all in the next class. Once again, make sure to read the posted announcement carefully so that there is no confusion when attending your courses.”

With those words, he gave his usual formal bow and walked down from the podium.

At the same time, bewildered voices began to erupt all around.

I was no different—I too felt unsettled.

‘How did things turn out this way?’

In my past life, the dungeon field incident was a disaster…

The so-called Dungeon Collapse Incident led to the replacement of the headmaster, and while the Imperial family and the Holy Sun Church increased their interference, nothing else changed on the surface.

But now, they were suddenly altering the education system and even introducing integrated classes…

That too without any prior notice, in such an abrupt, almost forceful manner.

This clearly meant there was more to it.

‘The demons’ merchant group and envoy must have still met with the academy and the Imperial family, just like in my past life….’

If so, then since the collapse incident never occurred, the outcome of those talks must have turned out differently this time.

I had no way of knowing more than that.

And to be honest, there was no need for me to know.

‘…It’s not like I planned to join any faction or dabble in political games anyway.’

Of course, some students looked visibly displeased.

That was natural. The cliques and factions formed at this time often continued long into the future, almost like a tradition.

But now, with the plan disrupted from the very start, of course they would be unhappy.

As for me, I didn’t care about such things.

My original plan…

Helping the students who would one day become Heroes grow stronger, preparing for the coming war, and befriending them so I could survive the Great Purge—so long as that wasn’t disrupted, it made no difference to me.

‘…Hm?’

Suddenly, I felt an indescribable sense of déjà vu.

The very same déjà vu I had felt once before.

‘Wait a second, something about this feels strange….’

A sense of déjà vu.

And the feeling that something was out of place.

‘…Ah.’

No. This wasn’t good.

In that moment, I had to desperately resist the urge to acknowledge the déjà vu I felt.

Because I remembered Talia Poas’s warning all too clearly.

—Even if something feels strange right now, do not force yourself to recall it.

If I did, the spell would strengthen, and I would no longer be able to recall even what I could have remembered naturally.

I wasn’t foolish enough to ignore the heartfelt advice of a woman who was both a Hero and an Archmage.

…More importantly, I couldn’t let myself lose focus with this woman sitting beside me.

“What do you think, Lian?”

“…What do you mean?”

“I mean the integrated classes Professor mentioned.”

“I lack the insight to say anything.”

“You said the same during the dungeon field class, didn’t you? But when I actually heard your thoughts, they were refreshing and helpful.”

She gazed at me intently as she asked.

I gave a suitably Crooks-like answer, the sort one would expect from someone guided by the Holy Sun Church.

“What do you think?”

“…At the academy’s main gate, there is an inscription. ‘So long as you have ability and will, the door is open to all.’”

“I interpret those words as meaning that anyone walking the path of learning must put aside differences such as rank or race, and move forward with an equal and open perspective.”

“Mm, in that case, you’re saying you’re in favor?”

“At the very least, I’m not viewing it negatively.”

“I see.”

After hearing my answer, Velita gave the slightest nod.

“You think the same way I do.”

“…It’s an honor.”

“Hehe.”

Velita let out a small laugh.

“By the way, you know about the Departure Festival in a few days, don’t you, Lian?”

“Yes, I do.”

The Departure Festival was one of the most important national holidays celebrated grandly in the Empire.

It commemorated the day when the Great Emperor had departed on an expedition with the Wolpen Knights.

Thus, it was honored not only by the Imperial family but also by many others, and especially at the Academy, which had deep ties with the Great Emperor and the Wolpen Knights, it was celebrated in a special way.

“Now that I think about it, you will be marching as well, won’t you, Your Highness?”

“Hehe, yes. That is what has been decided.”

That event was the march.

The tradition was that any royal attending the Academy—or, if none, the royal closest in age—would don the Great Emperor’s garb and march through the Academy, imitating his departure.

In the past, only one person, usually the one with the strongest claim or eldest in rank, would play that role.

Which, of course, meant the ritual carried political undertones.

But from about a hundred years ago, the tradition had changed—every royal attending the Academy would dress up and march.

‘The problem is….’

Currently, there were no fewer than four royals in the Academy.

And among them, the Second Imperial Prince, who made no effort to hide his ambition for the throne, greatly disliked sharing the spotlight with the others.

So much so that even in my previous life, I had known about it.

‘But why is she bringing this up to me right now….’

What exactly was she trying to say?

As I quietly tensed, she suddenly waved her hand toward someone.

Turning my head, I saw Allen standing awkwardly, looking very tense, as though surprised to find us here.

Normally, Allen and I would sit together during class, but strangely today, circumstances had left us apart.

At the time, I hadn’t thought much of it, but now I wondered if that too was her doing.

“Greetings, Allen.”

“Ah, yes… greetings, Your Highness. It’s been a while.”

Allen bowed his head nervously, and she smiled softly in response.

“Mm, it seems this is neither the time nor the place for me to say what I had in mind.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Oh, it’s nothing.”

She let out a small giggle, and objectively speaking, she was beautiful beyond words.

Subjectively, however, it took everything in me not to grimace.

“In any case, we’ll be attending class together in a few days. I’ll say it then. Consider it a little joy to look forward to that day…?”

“…As you wish.”

“Hehe, very well. Then we’ll call it a little joy for that day.”

With that, Velita turned to leave.

A little distance away, Tesrad, Anette, and a few people I hadn’t seen before followed after her like attendants.

Not one of them spared us a glance.

Only Tesrad gave us a passing smile, a hint of amusement in his eyes, as he walked past.

“…Did I intrude without realizing it?”

“No, you intruded at just the right time.”

Allen finally let out a sigh, as if the tension had left him.

He clearly found it uncomfortable to be in the same space as royalty.

Come to think of it, he hadn’t hidden his unease even when we’d been with the Third Prince, Behad.

‘If he knew he’d one day become the lover of the Third Princess, he’d probably faint.’

But that wasn’t important right now.

Looking at Allen, I said the words I should have spoken first.

“I’m really sorry about yesterday.”

“What do you mean?”

“You know, we’d promised to train together. It’s an excuse, but I completely forgot.”

“Ah….”

Only then did Allen wave his hand dismissively, as if to say it didn’t matter.

“It’s fine. It’s not like you did it on purpose. Besides, I heard from Lady Everglenn that you had some pressing matters yesterday.”

“Still, that doesn’t change the fact that I was in the wrong. You and Miss Cecilia waited until late, didn’t you….”

“If you insist, then how about this?”

Allen shrugged his shoulders lightly.

“Since it’s almost lunchtime, why don’t you treat me? Then we’ll call it even.”

Then, tapping my shoulder playfully, he added:

“And of course, you’ll have to make up for the training too.”

Instead of replying, I tapped his shoulder in return.

At that, Allen grinned and began walking toward the auditorium exit.

Before stepping outside, I glanced around, but as always, Cecilia had vanished without a trace.

“Ah, right. Lian. I forgot to tell you something….”

As we chatted idly on the way to the cafeteria, Allen suddenly stopped mid-sentence, staring at something.

I stopped as well and followed his gaze.

At the wide plaza’s center stood one of the Academy’s symbols: the fountain.

A crowd of students had gathered there.

But if they were only gathered, neither Allen nor I would have stopped to look.

“That’s….”

It was a protest.

They were staging a demonstration.