Doggone Academy - Chapter 61

Chapter 61. Gathering (3)

Weekly Chapter (2/6)

He threw the liquid in the cup outside the balcony, where no one was around.

In his mind he had created countless excuses.

For example, that he liked to be alone.

He walked away from the ladies with the lie that the alcohol caused him stomach pain.

He had to admit that he had escaped.

He looked down at the tailcoat that covered his body. It was made to fit him, but it didn’t seem to fit him, he just felt suffocated.

These people had lived in a different environment to him.

He ate the oats fed to the cattle while they ate mutton.

He was curious about whether they had anything in common, or if they saw things the same way as he did.

“Why are you here? This is a special occasion.”

Sylverine walked toward the balcony where he stood.

“Teacher.”

“Apparently, you won’t be humiliated for not finding a dance partner.”

She wryly spoke.

“Are you saying this because I’m alone?”

“No, I saw the girls’ faces. They looked like you’d stuck them with a dagger.”

“……”

Sylverine seemed in a good mood, though he didn’t know why.

“You don’t like them because you’re too picky? Or is it that you like another woman?”

“Those women think I’m a prince.”

He extended his right hand.

“They think these calluses are because I trained in a prestigious family. Actually, they were caused by working with a hammer in a workshop.”

Sylverine approached him. She threw the liquid in the glass over the balcony as well.

“They get their hopes up because they look at my shell, but it’s not who I really am.”

“Relationships are a mask. Especially the nobility. If I see you as a prince, then you can play the role of prince.”

“I don’t see the point.”

Sylverine advised.

“You don’t have to think so hard.”

“……”

He remained silent.

“How do you suppose those girls will feel, who are wooed by men every day, if they lower their dignity to chase a man who pays them no attention?”

“…Will they hate me?”

“Yes, because you don’t return the attention they show you.”

“……”

“A woman’s interest is a double-edged sword. You have to treat them properly so they don’t lean towards revenge. But I’ll always be on your side.”

He really didn’t care what these women thought about him. He would have to go to the Academy anyway, so he probably wouldn’t talk to them again.

He only cared about Sylverine.

Suddenly, a question popped into his mind.

Was Sylverine included in that group of women?

“Also, the Order of Knights says it wants to back you up.”

“Suddenly?”

“Yes. I believe they support students every semester. They could give you money, or the medicinal herbs you need.”

Everything had a price and nothing was free.

“So what’s the price?”

“He wants you to attend this gathering every year.”

The compensation seemed quite generous in comparison to his effort.

“How about it?”

“Accept if you’re sure you can keep your word. It won’t be too difficult, you can come on your vacation. And you can establish connections with nobles…”

He had nothing to lose.

If Sylverine agreed, he had no reason to refuse.

***

Sylverine, who was fed up with the crowd, entered the exclusive room.

No one could reproach her.

But he was in a position where he had to relate to the nobility.

He returned alone to the banquet.

Nancy and Bologna were pleased when he returned.

He decided to follow Sylverine’s advice.

They did not force him to dance because they realized he did not like it.

They walked slowly across the training camp lawn.

“How did you meet Sylverine?”

“Tell me a story about how you killed a ghoul.”

He mixed a few lies into his answers.

They listened to his stories attentively.

The conversation turned more and more toward swordsmanship, so he broke out in a cold sweat. He didn’t know much about it.