Doggone Academy - Chapter 60

Chapter 60. Gathering (2)

Weekly Chapter (1/6)

This gathering was not a simple banquet.

It was like a ceremony to wish Joyce, Felix, and other knights, success in their entrance exams to Eternia.

The Order of Knights had many young men.

The aristocracy wanted their children to be Eternia students because they could establish better connections. And there was someone the nobles were waiting for.

The most important person in this place.

The reason why so many nobles gathered in this corner of town.

It was precisely the teacher Sylverine from Eternia. She would come with her student.

The crowd, in the loud training camp, parted for three people.

No explanations were needed to recognize them, because the rumors that circulated in the streets did not exaggerate their appearance.

Nancy, Count Sinatra’s only daughter and niece of the Knight Commander Popper, was unsympathetic when she heard that Damien had arrived.

Popper proposed to introduce her to Damien, but she turned him down immediately. She thought she had met him before, so she preferred to meet other people.

The swordsman, who cut ghouls with a mysterious sword engraved with runic characters, looked different from the rumors.

She was so disappointed that she preferred someone else.

Joyce was engaged to someone, so she chose Felix.

Damien had the same status as an Eternia aspirant, even though he was under the guidance of an Academy teacher.

She believed he had greater potential due to his membership in this Order of Knights and his self-confident personality.

Felix also badmouthed Damien while persuading Nancy.

She was with Felix when people crowded in.

In the middle three people walked. The handsome young man with brown hair caught her attention.

Nancy, who led Felix into the crowd, asked him.

“Who are they?”

“The most important people in this gathering.”

“Who?”

“Obviously, the mage Sylverine and her student Damien.”

Damien looked completely different from the one she met the other day.

Then Nancy realized that there was some misunderstanding.

“W…Wait a minute!”

Nancy, who dropped the glass she was holding in her hand, ran into the exclusive room where Popper was. Felix did not understand her behavior.

***

When they entered the exclusive room, Popper welcomed them with open arms.

“I appreciate your coming.”

Sylverine nonchalantly said.

“It’s not necessary.”

Popper led them to the couch. He took a seat opposite Damien.

Then Popper gestured to the attendant.

When the attendant opened the door, two young women entered.

“I want to introduce some people.”

They stood next to Popper.

“This is my youngest daughter, Bologna, and my niece Nancy.”

They bowed slightly.

“It’s a great honor to meet two well-known people from Wiesel.”

Then Popper said to him,

“I’ve heard that balls are also held in Eternia. I wonder if you are as skilled at dancing as you are with the sword.”

Damien, who looked worried, said,

“Dancing is like sword dancing.”

Popper laughed.

“Hahaha, you’re no different from other swordsmen. In my youth I was the same way. I fought bravely against Wraith, but my legs were shaking in a ball.”

He continued,

“Nancy, Bologna, could you teach Damien how to dance? I have something to talk to the Great Mage about, and I don’t want a guest to be left alone.”

They nodded.

Damien blanched.

As they pulled Damien out, Sylverine opened her mouth.

“This is too brazen.”

Popper quietly replied.

“In a few years they’ll have to get married.”

“But I think it’s a little early for him to be thinking about it.”

“Do you want to arrange your student’s marriage?”

“In Eternia, he can establish many connections. Besides, Damien is still a kid to worry about getting married.”

“We also know that Damien doesn’t have a good lineage. If he could have the backing of a prestigious family, he could hold his head up high in Eternia.”

“You’re worried about Damien’s support when he relies on me?”

Popper realized his slip.

“You will always be unable to back him up because of your position as a teacher in Eternia.”

Popper did not speak too firmly.

In Eternia, they would have a teacher-student relationship, so she could not openly help him with everything as she does now.

He was at high risk in case he ended up involved in political matters. Of course, it would only be in Sylverine’s absence.

And his biggest weakness was his status.

But if a nobleman backed him, he could protect himself from political problems.

Damien had to have as many allies as possible.

Sylverine was direct,

“What do you want?”

Popper stroked his beard.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to sponsor your student.”