Damn Academy - Chapter 198

[Episode 198] Backstage Maneuvers (14)

[The Magic Sword Hunter is targeting the ball.]

By the next morning, the warning was complete.

This issue was not one to take lightly. Should I inform the administrators of Eternia? What would happen to the ball if I did?

Would I end up disappointing the two girls who had agreed to accompany me?

Several questions lingered in my mind. Why was this message only conveyed to me?

Sion, too, was burdened with a Magic Sword. So why was I singled out for the warning?

Regardless, it was clear that Sion needed to know this crucial information.

I hurried to get ready to leave.
T h i s w a s c op i ed f r o m k i ng m t l.o r g

After preparing breakfast for Trisha, I went upstairs and knocked on her door.

There was no answer, and the door was locked.

“Trisha? Are you ill?”

Still no response from her.

“I’m heading out. There’s food ready, so eat before you go.”

***
T h i s w a s co pi ed f ro m k i n g m t l . or g

Before the sun was fully up, I stopped by Rigved to pick up the dress I had custom-ordered for Sion. Then, I headed back to the Witthrush Hall dormitory. I sat in front of the lounge fireplace, at Sion’s usual spot, and killed some time.

I had summoned Sion through a maid while wearing a mask, but she did not show up for a while.

Instead, it was Luna who came to greet me.

She wore the same clumsy mask from before and sat down opposite me, silent as stone.

“…”

“…”

I spoke in a hushed voice so others couldn’t hear.
Th i s w as c o pi ed f r o m ki n g m t l . o r g

“Luna.”

“……Yes.”

“Do you remember what happened yesterday?”

“After you carried me… I can’t remember.”

“Nothing else happened after that.”

“…The children told me everything.”

My well-meaning lie was easily seen through.

In fact, while being carried, Luna had muttered ‘Damian mustn’t see’ about thirty times.

Luna fiddled with her mask as if checking it was on right.

I guessed her reason for wearing it was likely due to embarrassment.

A sudden act like hers did not tarnish my impression of Luna. I wanted to convey that to her, but doubted she’d take it at face value.

Right then, Sion, having received my call, sauntered into the lobby.

She gave us a distant look.

“Luna, see you later. I’ll fix up your mask then.”

“…Okay.”

She seemed to sense I had other matters and graciously made her exit.

Sion sat down where Luna had been, watching her leave with a sour expression.
T h i s w a s c opi e d fr o m k in g m t l . o r g

“You two seem close, judging by the matching masks.”

I replied reflexively, coldly.

“Don’t mess with Luna.”

Sion’s eyes widened slightly.

A moment later, her expression fell in apparent disappointment.

“…I don’t just pounce on anyone.”

Words are one thing, but they need to be believable.

Then, I handed her the prepared item.

Sion examined the content of the letter and furrowed her brow.

“This ridiculous dance won’t even start before it ends.”

“You too possess a Magic Sword. Do you know why your master didn’t inform you of this?”

Sion pondered for a moment.

“Because it’s not a real threat to me.”

“What do you mean?”

“They all know forcefully taking it wouldn’t unlock its full potential. Besides, no one wants to stir trouble with a Swordmaster’s disciple. But your sword…”

“…”

“Even our master hasn’t heard of your sword. I’m not sure where you’ve been stirring up trouble, but you’ve definitely riled up the Magic Sword Hunters.”

The implication was that my information had somehow leaked. But from where? The principality? An insider from Eternia? Or someone close to me?

“How strong are these Magic Sword Hunters?”

“They’re not a specific group. Anyone seeking to become a Magic Sword’s master is called a hunter. And the Magic Swords don’t settle for one master; most keep switching humans until a proper master appears. The hunters prey on that.”

She spoke as if Magic Swords had their own will. I hadn’t felt a self in my Magic Sword. Reflecting on my wooden sword, however, I couldn’t dismiss the existence as too far-fetched…

Sion looked at me directly and said,

“Has your sword settled?”

“What do you mean?”

“A Magic Sword without a true master will keep attracting hunters. This won’t be the end of it.”

“Are you saying my Magic Sword could try to kill me?”

Sion nodded.

“How do I know if a Magic Sword has settled?”

“You’ll feel it. A settled Magic Sword will save your life, while the opposite will drive you to your death. If it’s the latter, it’ll emit a corrupt energy to kill its user.”

It was a vague explanation, but I understood the meaning.

A sensation only those who’ve wielded a Magic Sword would know, something felt in the body.

And I was certain of my Magic Sword.

From the moment I left Haman to the journey in Barvisia, my Magic Sword has shared every brush with death and saved me.

If it wanted me dead, it wouldn’t have responded to my call. My Magic Sword was completely fused with my will, like an organ within my body.

The real uncertainty lay with my wooden sword. Whether it was a Magic Sword or not, it had caused unforeseen disturbances.

“My sword is beyond doubt.”

I placed the custom dress box on Sion’s lap and stood up. I was off to report the Swordmaster’s warning to the academy.

Sion looked at the box curiously.

“What’s this?”

“Your dress. It’s almost time for the ball, so don’t hold back on the requests that come in.”

Sion responded with a disgusted expression.

“I never asked for this.”

It wasn’t a demand, and it cost me nothing if she chose not to wear it.

“If you don’t like it, you don’t have to wear it.”

“…”

***

Professor Candinella returned the Swordmaster’s letter to me, saying,

“There won’t be a cancellation of the ball.”

“Does that mean I have to leave the ball?”

She shook her head.

“You won’t have to leave the ball either.”

“How do you interpret this warning?”

It couldn’t be she intended to ignore the Swordmaster’s warning outright.

“The Swordmaster must have wanted to test you.”

“So, you’re saying this warning written here is false?”

“No, what’s written is true. But there’s no need for you to intervene.”
T h i s w as c op i e d f r om ki n g m tl. o r g

“…”

It was confusing. What was her scheme? She seemed to be trying to reassure me.

“Don’t worry. We’ve also received intelligence about the Magic Sword Hunters.”

“…”
T hi s w a s c op ie d fr o m ki n g m t l . o r g

She smiled at me. Professor Candinella’s demeanor lacked any sense of crisis, worryingly so.

“A guest has come to offer you protection, agreeing to become your mercenary in Eternia.”

“A guest?”

Thi s w a s c opi e d f r o m k i n g mt l . or g
“Yes. Someone who has a certain connection with your master. But can you check on Trisha’s condition instead?”

“Is something wrong with Trisha?”

She had vanished suddenly since yesterday, and it had been troubling me.

“There was an official request to prevent Trisha from attending the ball. Apparently, with many outsiders attending the ball, they’re being overly cautious about safety. She seemed quite disappointed.”

So it wasn’t an internal decision of Eternia.

“…”

That explained why she had confined herself to her room. I had felt that something was off. I’d try to comfort her, but it would be hard to mend a broken heart.

***

I don’t know if Lilith is a good teacher or if dancing is easier than I thought, but now moving to the rhythm and stepping in time had become quite natural.

And it seemed Lilith felt similarly.

“…You learn fast.”

“Isn’t it time we progress to a higher level with music?”

Lilith, who had danced with me in the dark forest, leaned her head against my chest. She relaxed her body, entrusting herself entirely to me.

Yet, our dance did not crumble. I held the lead confidently.

“…There’s no need to advance further. If we dance any better, women might actually dislike it.”

“Why?”

“…It might seem like you’ve been through too many women. You’ve improved too quickly.”

“…”

“Just remember the rhythm, and you’ll be able to adapt it to any music. With this kind of learning speed, adapting to music won’t be a problem.”

If being too skilled was a concern, I could feign clumsiness when necessary. I always wanted to give my best when learning.

“There are still a few days until the ball. I’d like to learn as much as I can.”

“…Then I’ll teach you one last dance.”

Lilith stood on her tiptoes, pressing her cheek to mine.

Our faces were so close that I could hear her breath in my ear.

I don’t easily lose composure, but such closeness was stimulating, even to me.

She matched my rhythm again and whispered softly,

T h is w a s c op i e d f r o m ki ngm t l. o r g
“…Have you found a partner?”

“Yes.”

“This dance… it’s not meant to be danced by mere partners.”

“…Then?”

“It’s reserved for lovers.”

Indeed, it was fitting. Anyone seeing this would likely find it quite an intimate sight.

“…”

“Maybe someday you’ll find use for it.”

Lilith’s breath was unsteady. Pressed against me, she couldn’t hide it. She, too, was clearly affected by the strong stimulus.

After the lesson, Lilith stepped back, straightened her clothes, and gathered her things.

“Is this where we end?”
Thi s w a s c op i e d f ro m k i n g mtl. o r g

Lilith paused, lost in thought, then belatedly replied,

“…Yes.”

She then pulled a fist-sized silver box from her pocket and handed it to me.

“What’s this?”

“An music box. If you need music, just dance to this.”

“…Do you need anything in return?”

“No. Just come find me at the ball once. That’s enough for now.”

***

After finishing the day, I awaited someone in the quiet of the night greenhouse.

Depending on a single oil lamp, I waited until someone cautiously opened the door and entered.

A clumsy mask on her face, golden hair. It was Luna.

“You came?”

“Yes.”

Luna joined me, sitting on the chair I had prepared.

“Will you wear that mask at the ball too?”

She nodded.

I had expected as much. A shoddy piece would not do, perhaps it was my occupational hazard.

I did not want Luna to get hurt because of a mask.

“Can you give me the mask?”

“Yes…”

She removed the mask and handed it to me.

I assessed its condition. While earnestly crafted, the eyeholes were asymmetrical, and it was too large and thick for Luna’s small face.

I immediately took out a carving knife and began shaping it. My reason for calling Luna to the greenhouse was to fit her with a proper mask for the ball.

Luna simply watched me work.

“If you get bored, feel free to look at the paintings.”

“…I like this.”

T hi s w as c o p i e d fr o m k in gm tl.or g
The night deepened.

And so, we prepared for the coming ball.