The dean finally concluded his long speech after a full 120 minutes, and the faculty members gave a heartfelt round of applause, grateful to finally be free from the lecture hall that had served as the setting for a meeting in name only.

Though they dispersed with the dean’s satisfied expression behind them, some groups of people clustered together, engaging in conversation.

Since they belonged to different faculties and rarely had a chance to meet, they were taking this opportunity to familiarize themselves with each other.

And while Ihan had resigned himself to a life of isolation, he was lucky enough to have encountered Hans, who turned out to be a good-natured person.

So much so that he even introduced Ihan to his acquaintances.

“This is Dorothy. She’s an instructor in the Art Department and specializes in religious paintings.”

“Call me Kam. I’m just a fallen noble and an instructor in the Statistics Department.”

“Den from the Architecture Department. I’ve been undeservedly appointed as a professor, hoho.”

“I’m Alen de Wagner, a stodgy History Department professor. But feel free to call me Alen.”

All of them were Hans’ acquaintances, and though they humbly referred to themselves as insignificant, Ihan knew that they were big shots.

Even though Ihan didn’t keep up with the news, his only friend from the knightly order sometimes filled him in on the world’s happenings, and these names had been mentioned regularly.

“It’s an honor to meet such a rising star in the world of painting. One day, even if it’s just a failure, I’d love to buy one of your works, Dorothy.”

“Oh my!”

Dorothy was a young artist, considered one of the most promising talents for the future.

“I don’t think we can simply dismiss someone who even refused a royal summons as a mere fallen noble, Kam.”

“Hoo.”

Kam was a young and capable scholar, highly sought after even by the royal family.

“I’ve heard many stories about the master who led the reconstruction of the capital, Den. And as for the legendary archaeologist who risked his life to unearth the relics of Britain, anyone who dismisses him as a stodgy old man must be crazy, Professor Alen.”

“Hoho, this is rather embarrassing.”

“You’re surprisingly knowledgeable despite your appearance.”

These were giants who had made their names long before Ihan was even born.

They were people whom even the average noble would find it difficult to befriend. Being well-known in their respective fields meant they had high reputations and carried themselves with great dignity. The guild likely protected them at all times as VIPs.

“I’m glad it seems worthwhile introducing you.”

And Hans himself, who had introduced them all, was another giant in his own right.

“Birds of a feather flock together, as they say...”

Ihan found himself reflecting on the old saying, realizing its truth once again.

This was, without a doubt, a dream team that could leave anyone speechless.

“All I know how to do is swing a sword, so these folks are way too important for me to deal with.”

“Haha! Who are you calling humble? Anyone who calls a knight from the Order of the White Lion just a mere civil servant must be out of their mind, wouldn’t you agree?”

“You’re absolutely right.”

“As you said, I’ll give you a painting. Consider it a token of goodwill.”

Of course, even among such giants, a knight was no less impressive.

In fact, the fact that Ihan was affiliated with the White Lion Order made him seem even more important in their eyes.

Though he had been demoted to the role of instructor, no one dared to look down on him.

They had already witnessed it.

His skills, which had overwhelmed the vice-captain of the famous Paulette Knight Order.

But beyond all that, these people were kind-hearted and generous.

They didn’t covet fame or power. They had simply worked hard in their respective fields and, at some point, had become famous.

That’s why they showed Ihan such goodwill, simply because he was introduced to them by their mutual friend, Hans.

As long as Ihan didn’t betray their trust, they would never see him in a negative light.

‘…I owe them a big debt.’

It wasn’t so much the fact that they were influential, but rather their genuine kindness that made Ihan feel even more appreciative. He realized how much he owed Hans for introducing him to such remarkable people.

After all, you could buy goods with money, but you couldn’t purchase someone’s goodwill or friendship.

‘I’ll have to repay this debt one day.’

Even though he might act like a heartless villain towards those who were beneath him, he knew he had to approach good-hearted people with respect and kindness.

With that in mind, Ihan and the faculty members decided to have a simple tea break at a nearby café, along with brief introductions.

Incidentally, no café in the kingdom sold iced coffee.

Only espresso, herbal tea, or black tea.

While it was possible to ask for ice in your coffee, doing so would invite looks of scorn from all around, so Ihan refrained.

As he was feeling a little disappointed about that—

“Pardon me, may I have a word?”

“Oh, Duke Odwal.”

“I’ll take that as permission.”

“Oh…”

With the sudden appearance of the brusque and domineering Duke Odwal, the relaxed atmosphere suddenly grew tense.

He had a peculiar appearance and gave off the impression that he didn’t care at all for other people’s opinions.

The faculty members didn’t bother to hide their expressions of regret, realizing that they must have made a misstep somewhere, but the duke didn’t so much as glance at their reactions.

He seemed like a man utterly devoid of any consideration for others.

Then, he addressed Ihan.

“Ihan, don’t go messing around with Irene Windler, that pure genius. This is not a request or advice—it’s a warning. If you taint her talents in any way… I don’t know what I’ll do.”

It was a polite yet menacing threat, and he made no effort to conceal his hostility.

It was clear that even speaking to a knight disgusted him.

And to him, Ihan responded—

“Hey, old man, what are you babbling about?”

“!!?”

“I couldn’t understand a word of that nonsense. Care to repeat it? If you’re going to cut out all the context, how am I supposed to understand? You came to a conclusion all on your own.”

Ihan didn’t bother to hide his disdain, matching the magician’s hostility.

“And could you stand a bit farther back? Do you ever brush your teeth? It’s disgusting.”

“!!!”

“What? You want to start something?”

Ihan goaded him further, secretly hoping the man would draw his staff.

If he did…

‘I’ll finally get to have some fun.’

It would give him a precious opportunity to beat a magician senseless.

Just thinking about it brought a bright smile to Ihan’s face.

…Though his opponent certainly wouldn’t find it so bright.

 

...Unfortunately, the magician simply left.

It seemed like if Ihan had pushed him just a little more, he might have taken the bait, but since he had just made some new acquaintances, Ihan had to swallow his tears and hold back.

And now:

“You really shouldn’t have dismissed Duke Odwal like that…”

Hans and the others expressed their concern.

Ever since arriving at the café, they had continued to direct worried glances at Ihan. But it was clear that they weren’t concerned for their own safety—they were worried about Ihan.

To be surrounded by people he had only just met and yet receive such genuine concern from them…

‘Impressive, truly impressive.’

He didn’t regret buying the tea and desserts.

He had bought them to apologize for souring the mood earlier, and as he drank his hot chocolate to replenish his daily sugar intake, Ihan spoke with firm conviction.

“I’ll take full responsibility for whatever happens. Whether I get into a fight with him or the conflict escalates, there’s no need to worry. You won’t suffer any consequences.”

“That’s not really what we meant…”

“I know you’re worried about me. But honestly, there’s no need to be. I may not look it, but I’m pretty sturdy.”

“…That man is not someone you can handle by just being ‘sturdy.’ He’s far more dangerous.”

There seemed to be a vast difference between what Hans considered “sturdy” and what Ihan meant, but unaware of this, Hans could only sigh heavily.

“I wonder what Duke Odwal is planning this time…”

Odwal Bernard.

The name of the magician who had just confronted Ihan. He was also a colleague that all the faculty members found difficult to deal with.

And why was he so troublesome?

Because he was a magician.

Magicians.

Those born with innate magical power, often referred to as a blessing, and capable of forming their own "spell worlds" to manipulate even the laws of nature itself. They were beings for whom common sense did not apply.

And because they defied common sense, magicians were often feared just for existing. One never knew what kind of trouble might befall them when entangled with a magician.

“Well, regardless, Instructor, I have to admit your words were quite refreshing earlier.”

Fear aside, very few people held positive feelings towards magicians. The race of magicians was known for their arrogance and disdain for others.

“A grouchy old man, that’s what he is.”

“I’m not one to speak ill of others behind their backs, but I can’t argue with that.”

“He’s more than just grouchy; he’s a downright fiery character.”

Magicians typically looked down on those who couldn’t use magic, openly expressing their superiority and expecting to be treated accordingly. They even dismissed nobles and royalty, and to top it off, they didn’t shy away from blasphemous remarks about the gods.

Of course, most magicians with such an attitude didn’t last long and often disappeared under mysterious circumstances, without a trace.

Even if Odwal wasn’t as reckless as other magicians, he certainly embodied that typical magician arrogance.

One notable example?

“Six years ago, during the entrance ceremony, he caused a scene, shooting flames just because a common student dared to cough during his introduction.”

“…So it was one of the seniors.”

“Turtel’s case is different. What he did was just violence.”

The incident caused by Odwal was incomparable. It had no justification, and it was a display of ruthless violence simply because something didn’t please him.

Several students were injured in that incident, and half of the auditorium had been burned down.

He could have been considered a criminal.

“I hate to ask, but why is someone like him still here at the academy? Shouldn’t he be locked away somewhere instead?”

“…Hmm.”

The faculty members hesitated for a moment.

Ihan had hit on a question they’d all been secretly wondering themselves.

“Sigh, well, magicians are valuable resources. They’re considered irreplaceable talents. Even if their personality is rough around the edges, as long as they don’t actually kill someone, the academy tends to protect them.”

Though the explanation made some sense, Ihan shook his head.

“That’s just the surface reason. What’s the real story?”

“…Do people often tell you that you’re more perceptive than you look?”

“All the time.”

“Haha.”

Hans found the straightforward honesty of the knight to be refreshing.

Maybe it was because Ihan wasn’t a knight from a noble background. His words were devoid of ulterior motives and were blunt and to the point.

It was almost like talking to the master artisans of the guild.

‘I’m glad I decided to connect with him.’

Though Ihan could be violent at times, Hans could tell that he was someone who knew how to set boundaries and stick to them.

“…Many nobles support Duke Odwal. Among his supporters are numerous patrons who donate substantial sums to the academy every year. That’s why the academy can’t just expel him.”

“What a ridiculous old man.”

He looked down on people who couldn’t use magic, yet still needed patrons?

Even more absurd were the nobles who chose to support such a person.

What could they possibly be thinking?

“In any case, Sir Turtel, you should be cautious. I know you’re strong, but that man is dangerous. He could threaten you in some way.”

It was a heartfelt warning aimed at Ihan. Though he wanted to assure them there was nothing to worry about, he wasn’t the type to brush off sincere advice with a flippant response.

“Thank you for the advice. I’ll be sure to keep it in mind. However…”

“Hmm?”

“Well, this is kind of my secret talent, so I’m only telling you guys. Very few people know about this.”

“What…?”

“My hidden talent is this.”

Ihan spoke with genuine sincerity.

He was absolutely confident in this skill of his.

“I can make even the craziest people act nice.”

“??”

“Haha, just keep that in mind.”

Do you know how?

No matter how crazy someone is, there’s a way to make them ‘behave.’

And that is—

‘If they stop breathing, they tend to calm down.’

Oh, and if their heart stops beating, that’s even better.