Damn Academy - Chapter 168

[Episode 168] Homecoming (3)

“I’d like to know why you want land that’s been abandoned. Did you discover some potential while drifting through its expanse?”

The most important thing for me was that the land didn’t require active management. I had no desire to be embroiled in political disputes over territory. Receiving a fief along with a knighthood typically only provided enough to maintain a basic livelihood. Owning an orchard or vineyard wouldn’t significantly change my way of living.
T h is w a s c o p i e d f r om k in g m tl. o r g

But these thoughts couldn’t be expressed outright.

“Numerous herbs thrive in the primitive environment, and the prospect of untapped ore veins captured my interest.”

Archduke Gainax’s lips curled in satisfaction.

“Choosing challenge over security? A manly spirit is evident in that choice.”

It wasn’t a challenge I was seeking but a place that could be left alone without concern—odd how he seemed pleased by it.

“…”

“The formation of a cycle requires the land’s magic, and invariably, that magic emanates from mana stones deep in the earth.”

“…”

“Discover just one vein of these mana stones, and you could grasp vast riches. Indeed.”

Wait, this is different from what I had in mind. I hope he’s not overvaluing the land just to make a good impression.

“Very well. We’ll consider your request after reviewing it with the treasurer.”

“Th-thank you.”

“Your business here is concluded; you may leave. My daughter seems quite listless recently; I would appreciate it if you could keep her company in the remaining time.”

“…I will bear that in mind and act accordingly.”

“It’s not a command, merely a suggestion. The girl doesn’t have much time left, so I hope she spends it well.”

“…May I ask a question?”

“Proceed.”

“It might be an impertinent question.”

“You have my permission.”

“Is Lady Vivi’s illness truly incurable? Is there really no way to help her?”

“Your question sounds like an accusation, as if questioning our effort to find a cure.”

“I apologize.”

“No, such ambition isn’t bad. We’ve exhausted every possibility and still found no solution. Your teacher was among those who spent years trying to purify ‘the blood of the goddess.’ Even she ultimately failed to find a remedy.”

Silveryn had spent years trying to cure that illness? Then why were she and Vivi not on good terms?

“Did Teacher also spend years on Lady Vivi’s problem?”

“Ah, the Archmage pursued that issue for personal reasons.”

Personal reasons related to Silveryn…?

Archduke Gainax continued.

“Perhaps the Elves’ Archive holds a solution. They say every record in the world is there. However, that place is beyond the reach of the Duchy, perhaps even beyond humanity.”

What exactly is the Elves’ Archive? If Erzebet, an elf and the principal of Eternia, couldn’t intervene, what hope did anyone have?

No, if it had been possible, Silveryn would have already sought it.

“Is the Archive off-limits to humans?”

“It’s been over four hundred years since the elves severed ties with humans. It’s not just that entry is forbidden – we don’t even know where it is or can guarantee that a cure lies there.”

A true last resort, it seems.

“…Though it may be a meager contribution, I will lend my strength to find a cure for that illness.”

Archduke Gainax nodded, but without much expectation. I didn’t think I could find a solution either, considering those far greater than I had failed.

***

Dozens of knights lined the carriage path, standing at attention. Vivi and her entourage awaited us in front of their carriage.

As Silveryn caught Vivi’s eye, she said,

“Finish up and come aboard.”

She then ascended the carriage first.

As Silveryn disappeared from view, Vivi approached me with a small box tied with a ribbon.

“Lady Vivi…”

“…”

“I’ll visit you again during the break.”

At last, the shadow over her face lifted.

“I’ll have you executed if you don’t keep your promise.”

Thi s w as c o p i e d f r o m k i ng mt l .o rg
She must be joking, though her expression was so serious. Vivi seemed to lack a talent for humor.

She then extended the small box to me.

“What is this?”

“A humble gift from me. Open it.”

I untied the ribbon and opened the box. Inside lay a platinum stitch and a bracelet of the same material, evidently not ordinary items, as the bracelet bore an engraved magic formula.

Noticing Vivi was wearing an identical bracelet on her wrist, she explained.

“It’s an artifact that connects our lives. If something happens to you, my artifact will react in black, and vice versa.”

“…”

“I created it out of concern for your safety. If anything happens, I need to know whether to help or not. I would have preferred iron shackles, but circumstances don’t allow…”

T h i s w a s co p i e d f r o m k i ng mt l .o rg
“What’s the stitch for?”
T h i s w a s c o p i e d f r om k ing mt l . o r g

“It signifies that you’re recognized by me. If you need assistance in the Duchy, present that stitch. It will be of great help.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

After a brief cough, she added,

“And that stitch connects directly to me.”

“…”

I’m accumulating quite a number of stitches; soon, I might not even remember their purpose.

Th i s w a s c o p i e d f r om k i ngmtl . o r g
“I’ll send you news from time to time.”

“…I will do the same.”

Our farewell had ended, but Vivi lingered, watching my departing figure. Sometimes it’s better to part with a sense of longing, for it hastens the next meeting.

As I climbed into the carriage, Vivi stood motionless, her hands neatly folded, watching us leave. On my left wrist, I placed the platinum bracelet she had given me, joining Erzebet’s artifact.

Silveryn, observing me, commented,

“It seems you’ve grown quite close with the lady.”
T hi s wa s c o pi e d f r o m k i ng m tl . o r g

“In fact, I’ve promised to visit her again during this break.”

She quietly nodded.
T h i s w a s c opie d f r om kin g m t l. o rg

“Just be careful, forming close ties with good people is beneficial, but don’t get too deeply involved.”

“…Why?”

“Lady Vivi’s remaining life may be shorter than a decade. Any attachment now will only bring pain later.”

“Even so, can’t we spend what time she has left in a good way?”

“The goddess’ blood doesn’t just strain the body; it affects the mind and character as well. When Vivi’s time draws near, she will not be the person you know. The pain isn’t just in watching someone die. It’s also in watching someone you love fall apart.”

“How will she change?”

“If you plan to see more of Vivi, perhaps it’s better not to know.”

“…”

It was a horrific thought. Could that illness destroy a person’s very character? I glanced back at the carriage. Though we were far apart, Vivi was still there, watching us.

And then I remembered the stories about Silveryn’s past.

“Teacher, I heard… you once researched Lady Vivi’s illness.”

“Yes, I dedicated more effort than anyone.”

“Is there truly no way? Perhaps in the Elves’ Archive or some secret magic?”

“The Elves’ Archive is a realm forbidden to humans. Even Erzebet, an elf, has been banished from elven lands for associating with humans and can never return.”

“Did humans wage war with the elves?”

“No, their hatred for humans is far more intense than that. Elves we seldom encounter on this continent are descendants of exiles.”

“…”

“And there’s no certainty the answer lies there. It’s just the largest repository of records, so there’s a sliver of hope.”

Vivi’s future doesn’t seem very hopeful. I knew it, but facing the reality made it feel more oppressive.

T his w as co pi ed f ro m kin g mt l .o r g
“How did you come to research that illness, Teacher?”

Silveryn gazed out the window quietly before revealing,

“…My younger sibling suffered from the same disease.”

Thi s wa s c o p i e d f r o m k i n g m t l. o r g
***

I didn’t ask any more questions after that. The advice Silveryn had offered in the carriage was born from her own experience.

I had once stumbled upon a portrait of Silveryn’s presumed sibling while searching the library at the Weisel estate. Although I knew she had died young, I had no idea she suffered from the same ailment as Vivi. Many questions followed, but I couldn’t voice them.
Th i s w a s c o p i e d f r o m k i n g mt l .o rg

Had I touched on a sensitive subject? Silveryn’s mood seemed subdued. A light drizzle fell outside, as if it could be swept away with a broom, and an odd distance grew between us.

I wanted to ask Silveryn how far she would accompany me and where we would part ways, but I didn’t dare speak.

I felt that if I opened my mouth, Silveryn would immediately tell me to get off the carriage, wanting to be alone. The atmosphere had shifted that much.

As we left the capital and passed through a quiet town, Silveryn stopped the carriage.

Turning to me, she asked,

“My student, aren’t you hungry?”

“Yes?”