Chapter 30 (1/2)

Chapter 30

‘When speaking of those who suddenly rise in status, the phrase “the savvy rise from slavery” comes to mind. Serek, you son of a bitch. I really don’t know how you could do that to someone out of anger. What a terrible person.’

“I don’t care.”

The emperor nodded. Honestly, it wouldn’t have mattered what I said. Nothing would have changed―the emperor just wanted me to say what he wanted to hear.

He waved his hand as a dismissal. “Well, now that we’re done, we’ll just have to deal with the requirements for early graduation. I hope you cheer up.”

“I’m glad you’re looking forward to it.” Smiling as politely as I could with my teeth clenched, I withdrew from the room, suffering a great sense of defeat.

As I trudged to my room, there was no more fear left from what happened on my way home. I felt only sympathy for myself for getting played by the emperor’s tricks, which worsened at the thought of the difficulty of early graduation requirements.

I calmed down and looked at the school uniform I would wear the next day, and I sighed. The sleeves were a mess.

But unlike the high-ranking men who can live well by relying on the work of others, I had lived a life where I could survive only by doing everything with my own hands. It had been up to me to fix the clothes when they wore and tore. My clothes, Samidion’s clothes, Serek’s clothes.

Just the thought of his name made me grit my teeth. Come to think of it, Serek should have done that himself, no matter how dirty he was. His fingers weren’t broken, so what right did he have to make me do it?

I worked diligently, regretting my foolish childhood.

I cut off the sleeves from the burnt school uniform to make short sleeves. With a bit of meticulous work, it looked presentable. It would look even better if it was worn with a winter cape on top.

Considering that the academy tolerated some of the students changing their school uniforms to look more fashionable, I didn’t think they would say much.

I lay down on the bed, exhausted but quite satisfied, my school uniform hanging neatly in the corner. There were still many concerns on my mind, and nothing had been resolved yet, but I felt much better.

***

The morning after, I woke up refreshed. However, to my surprise, when I came out to go to the academy, there was a huge carriage decorated top to bottom with gold and silver waiting outside. Even the imperial seal was emblazoned on the front, and the two sturdy iron shaft wheels were shiny and decorated with gold cloth.

I looked around for my plain carriage, thinking it had nothing to do with me. I checked the vacant lot where my carriage had once been, but there were no other carriages other than the fancy one in front of me.

As I snooped around, I heard the driver’s voice from the splendid vehicle.

Looking back, I saw the knight dressed as neatly as always. No, he was wearing an even more colorful cape than the usual. Like what someone would wear to a formal event.

“Get on here.”

“What? What happened to my carriage?”

“This is Celestia’s carriage.”

“This? But my carriage…”

I liked taking the shabby carriage even when I was going out. I was already getting more attention than necessary, so I tended to avoid doing things that would make me the center of attention.

However, the driver’s answer was firm. “I’ve heard that you’ve decided to reveal your identity. From now on, I will guard the main gate. I don’t think there’s a need for disguises.”

“That’s not wrong, but…”

It was as he said. There was no longer any need for camouflage. But it was burdensome. Alas, it was really burdensome.

I had no choice but to get on the wagon with gold decorations everywhere, even on its colorful footrest, as I lost my reasons for refusing.

The carriage started moving, and the driver silently sat the way he always did.

I wondered if he had been scolded by the emperor yesterday, but I couldn’t read his face because he was as expressionless as ever.

“I think you may have had to hear bad things yesterday because of me… I’m sorry.”

“No, I wasn’t good enough.”

“Oh no, you really must have heard something.”

The driver wordlessly turned to the window. He arrived at the entrance of the academy without speaking to me any further. Unlike the usual, the wagon did not turn towards the alley where the wagons were parked, but towards the entrance of the academy.

The other students from noble families seemed to notice the markings on the carriage.

“The Imperial Mark.”

“Oh my God, you can’t…”

In the space where the carriages were usually parked, the students were busy whispering amongst each other because of the emergence of a new wagon.

“Is today the day of His Majesty’s visit?”

“Oh, I don’t know. If it is, I should have dressed up more.”

“Or is the Empress? If not… Did a secretary or an advisor come?”

There was also Vicky’s voice among the voices I heard from close by. At this point, I didn’t even want to get off the carriage.

As slowly as possible, I opened the door and stepped out.

“Celestia…” Vincenzo, approached with a surprised expression, alternating an admiring gaze between my carriage and me.

The driver confirmed that it was safe for me to go, then reassured me that he would come back later in time for school.

I think that was the main reason why I caught everyone’s eye. No matter how low the level of an imperial knight is, he is still the superior of common soldiers, and the driver who brought me was wearing a much more dazzling cape than usual.

I scratched my head and hurriedly stepped inside. Meanwhile, I saw Vicky’s face crumple, as if I’d taken away something that was hers.