Academy’s Genius Swordmaster

Chapter 225

[Translator – Peptobismol]

Chapter 225: Late Summer, Early Autumn (1)

Late summer at the Philleon Academy was adorned with lush greenery. Perhaps it was the last performance of the cicadas’ song echoing through the skies.

Some faculty members on duty and a few early-returning students were milling around the school gate. Iril, who was gazing out the window, murmured to herself.

“School will start soon.”

Humming a tune, she was changing the flowers in the vase. The daffodil, with its bright yellow hue, never failed to captivate her.

Suddenly, she recalled an event from three years ago and smiled softly. It was the first time she received a gift from her always-gruff younger brother.

‘It was a daffodil back then too.’

The daffodil Ronan held out shyly was more beautiful than any flower Iril had ever seen. Looking back, it was that day when her brother had decided to attend the Philleon Academy. She had cried tears of joy at his determination.

“…I hope he arrives soon.”

“He should be here soon. I got a message yesterday saying he’d arrive sometime today or tomorrow.”

“Oh, really?”

At that moment, a low, calm voice came from behind. Iril turned her head, her eyes widening.

Despite already having spent two hours cleaning, Shullifen was still tirelessly mopping the floor.

“Sir Shullifen, you don’t have to work so hard. I can do it!”

“I can’t do that. Giving everything your best effort is the Garcia Family’s motto. Besides, inhaling too much dust can lead to respiratory diseases, so we must be thorough.”

“Oh my.”

Even though Iril protested, Shullifen remained stubborn. It had become a routine to see him cleaning while wearing a hooded cloak.

‘He’s grown so much.’

Shullifen, who had initially appeared young and immature, now seemed like a respectable young man. He had grown taller, and his arms, visible as he rolled up his sleeves, showed prominent veins. Watching him intently, Iril applauded.

“That’s right. Sir Shullifen, weren’t you the same age as Ronan? Wasn’t it next year that you were supposed to graduate from the academy?”

“Yes, that’s correct. Why do you ask?”

“Ehehe, just curious. I’ll be preparing lunch soon, so let’s eat together!”

With those words, Iril headed downstairs. With lively steps, she suddenly changed direction at the kitchen entrance and entered her room.

Her room, decorated to match her kind and fresh image, had never hosted any guests, including Ronan, until now. Slowly approaching her bed, she knelt down and reached under it. She slowly approached the bed and lay down on the floor, reaching her arm under the bed.

“Ughhh…”

It wasn’t easy. Pushing her arm as far as it would go, something finally came into her hand—a small box just big enough to fit in her palm.

“Phew, should’ve put this somewhere else.”

Iril brushed off the dust on the surface and opened the box. Inside lay a contraption resembling a compass—a Blood Needle, a device that points to the direction of a person whose blood it’s been imbued with.

A red needle was fixed towards a specific direction. Gazing at the Blood Needle silently, Iril murmured.

“…There’s not much time left.”

She closed the box again and pushed it deep under the bed, where her hand couldn’t reach.

As if gathering her resolve, she patted her own face and got up. Suddenly, a familiar voice was heard from the hallway.

“Sis, I’m here. And Sunbe too.”

“Oh, Ronan!”

Iril’s face lit up. Rushing out of the room, she pulled Ronan, who was standing in the doorway, into a tight embrace. It had been almost two months since they last met. Adeshan, standing behind him, greeted shyly.

“Oh, hello, Miss Iril.”

“Adeshan, it’s been a while too! Why are you hiding your face?”

“Well, um, I just got back, so I’m a bit messy. I haven’t had a proper wash yet…”

Her words were true. After a long journey, both of them looked rather disheveled and sheepish. However, Iril didn’t mind at all.

“Oh, that doesn’t matter! I’ve missed you all so much!”

“Me too.”

Ronan replied briefly. She raised her gaze and smiled brightly.

Her brother. Her one and only younger brother.

****

[Translator – Peptobismol]

“This is it. Your cooking is still the best, after all, Sis.”

“Hehe, I’m glad. Eat a lot.”

“Phew, then one more bowl.”

Ronan scooped more potato stew into his bowl. This was already his fourth serving.

It was fascinating how addictive the stew was, despite its simple ingredients. Pointing at Shullifen sitting opposite him, he said.

“That’s right. That weasel didn’t do anything weird, did he?”

“Weird? What do you mean?”

“You know, like suddenly asking if he can use the bathroom while you were inside or asking for help with exercises while half-naked…”

“Kugh.”

Schlieffen gasped, sounding like a sigh. Fortunately, since he wasn’t eating, it ended with just a bit of spitting. He wiped his mouth with a handkerchief and clicked his tongue.

“So vulgar. Such absurd speculations.”

“Well, that’s good. I’m just saying you should stick to the proper procedures rather than resorting to underhanded tactics.”

As soon as Ronan and Adeshan returned to the Empire, they headed straight home. Luckily, it was lunchtime, so they could eat together.

The long table accommodated the four of them facing each other. With her upper body stretched out, Iril gently stroked Adeshan’s head.

“Eat plenty, Adeshan. You’re not messy at all, so don’t worry about it!”

“Th-Thank you. I’ll enjoy it.”

Adeshan nodded quickly. Despite knowing that she and Ronan were brother and sister, she couldn’t help but feel intimidated standing in front of Iril.

Even if one were to search the Empire, rather even the entire continent, it would be impossible to find someone as beautiful as her. Iril, who was staring intently at Adeshan’s face, spoke up.

“Isn’t that actually more charming than messy? Hehe, did you get a boyfriend or something?”

“W-well… um…”

Adeshan stuttered, unsure if she should tell the truth. What if she reacted angrily, accusing her of daring to touch her little brother? Or worse, what if she suddenly started crying? She was his sister, who raised him with so much affection like her own child…

Of course, considering Iril’s personality, it didn’t seem likely, but the fear was unavoidable. It was amidst her evident confusion that Ronan, who had been quietly eating stew, spoke up.

“That could be the case. Since we’re dating.”

“Eh?”

“Ro-Ronan…!”

There was no hint of hesitation in his calm tone. Adeshan tried to protest urgently, but it was too late—the cat was already out of the bag.

A moment of silence fell over the dining table. Thud! Suddenly, a spoon fell from Shullifen’s hand as if on cue. Iril, extending herself further, grabbed her face with both hands.

“Wh-What! Seriously?!”

“Y-Yes… That’s how it is.”

Adeshan nodded like a woodpecker. She looked even more beautiful up close. Alternating between Ronan and her, Iril let out an exclamation.

“Waah! Oh my goodness, that’s really great. You two look perfect together!”

“I think so too.”

“Since when did you decide to date? Who confessed first? Did you hold hands? Or, did you already kiss…?!”

A barrage of questions poured out like a waterfall. Adeshan stuttered as she tried to answer each question, while Iril’s legs fluttered as if swimming.

‘How delightful.’

Watching the two, Ronan chuckled softly. He had missed this atmosphere so much. The past two months spent tangled with snow, polar lights, and sweet-smelling furries, were enjoyable in their own way. But they couldn’t compare to the serene atmosphere he was experiencing now.

As the pot emptied, Ronan suddenly spoke up.

“Sis, there’s something I want to ask.”

“Huh? What is it?”

“You said you have no memories of father, right?”

“…Uh?”

Iril’s face momentarily stiffened before relaxing. She nodded her head as if wading through muddy waters.

“That’s right. He left when I was very young. Why do you ask?”

“Just curious, I guess.”

Ronan shook his head. He had hoped to gather information about the Savior or Abel, but it seemed like wishful thinking. He had witnessed firsthand that she, too, was affected by the curse in the Mental Realm.

“Just be careful. Especially if someone who resembles you insists that they’re father or our relatives. Never open the door for them, okay?”

“Uhh? Okay, got it. But I’m not sure what you mean…”

Iril blinked as if she didn’t understand the language. Ronan emphasized the need for vigilance in a tone reminiscent of scolding a child. Now, with Nebula Clazier looming closer than ever, it was the most dangerous time.

‘A wounded tiger is the most fearsome.’

They had put a lot of effort into security, but it was still a possibility. If they found out about his home or his sister’s existence and attempted a kidnapping, it would be trouble.

“I’m just saying to be careful. Oh, I brought you a gift from the North.”

“Oh, a gift?!”

Having finished their serious conversation, Ronan shifted the topic to the gift. Ultimately, he had to focus more. Soon after finishing their meal, Ronan and Adeshan left the house.

“I ate well. I’ll drop off Sunbae’s luggage at the dorm and be back.”

“Yeah, take your time! Adeshan, come back again!”

Iril waved happily as she bid them farewell. As soon as the front door opened, several figures scattered swiftly from the corner of their vision. Ronan, gazing ahead, spoke up.

“How many are there?”

“Twenty-three. There are seven more a bit further away.”

Adeshan replied. Her amazing detection ability never ceased to amaze. Ronan smirked, raising one corner of his mouth.

“Good. He’s keeping his promise well.”

They were the home guards whom he had asked the Emperor for as a reward for his previous service. He had expected maybe six at most, but thirty? And judging by their movements, they seemed to be quite skilled.

“How many days until school starts?”

“Two. This vacation was spent mostly in the North.”

“Yea, I know. Hmm… What should we do?”

Ronan sighed as he pondered something. Although the long journey had just ended, there was no time to rest. Adeshan cocked her head curiously.

“What’s the matter?”

“Oh, it’s nothing. I’m just thinking about who to go with. Since Subae is the Student Council President and in the graduating class, she needs to focus on the academy.”

“Hmm?”

The next destination was practically decided. However, it was a tough place to go, so Ronan struggled with the timing and the companion he would go with.

Ronan’s worries persisted until he dropped Adeshan off at the dormitory. After confirming there was no one around, he leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. Even after returning home, his mind was consumed with these thoughts, keeping him from sleeping until the wee hours of the morning.

Upon waking up, he dedicated his time to organizing the information collected from the northern regions. While sending the data in its entirety would have been much easier, he felt more at ease organizing it himself and reporting directly, considering the potential interference from both the Royal Palace and the sect. Handing the seventh report to Cita, Ronan spoke.

“Here it is. Please.”

“Bweeh!”

Cita flew out the window. With this method, he usually received a response within three hours. Come to think of it, he had to stop by the Royal Palace at least once.

Anyway, with his busy life, two days passed in the blink of an eye. At the opening ceremony held at the main square, many familiar faces gathered. Spotting Marya, who was with Aselle, Ronan waved as she waved back.

“Ronan! When did you get back?”

“Ma-Marya. Haha, I’m out of breath…”

Fortunately, the two had also returned safely. For some reason, they seemed much closer than before. Ophelia, Braum, and Elizabeth also seemed more mature as they kept their positions. And of course, there was Shullifen.

“Where the hell did this kid go?”

But Ronan was looking for someone else. After wandering around the school campus for a while, he finally found the blond boy in the club training ground.

As he opened the door, a gust of hot wind mixed with ashes rushed in. Seeing all the training dummies engulfed in flames, it seemed like he was fully committed to training from the first day of school. Ronan called out to him.

“Hey, Iru.”

“Who dares to disturb me like this… Ronan?”

Intargand turned his head. His handsome face, befitting of the bloodline of Navardose, was sweaty and flushed. When his eyes met Ronan’s, he grinned triumphantly.

“It’s been a while. Did you come here to train too? If you want, we can spar…”

“Spar sounds good. If you want, I could beat you so badly that you’d soil your pants. But before that, let me ask you something.”

“What is it?”

Intargand raised an eyebrow. Brushing off the ash from his clothes, Ronan spoke up.

“Tell me how to get to the City of Dragons, Adren. Preferably in a way that ensures we arrive alive.”

[Translator – Peptobismol]