The day after parting with Azuki.
The academy was unusually bustling today.
Whether it was due to some special news or an incident, the atmosphere was far noisier than usual.
Since I rarely left the cemetery, it likely had nothing to do with me, so I decided to ignore it.
However, I soon realized that was a mistake.
***
“Is that him?”
“He looks so ordinary… Are we sure it’s the same person?”
“His appearance matches perfectly, so it must be him.”
Students who normally avoided the cemetery like it was cursed began gathering here.
At first, I thought a professor had assigned them to visit graves as some kind of task.
But when I noticed their attention fixated on me, I knew something was wrong.
It felt like I’d become a lion in a zoo.
‘What’s going on? Did word about yesterday spread?’
The only notable event was my duel with Ayla the day before.
But it was hard to imagine the prideful Ayla openly admitting her defeat.
If anything, she’d more likely spread malicious rumors to retaliate.
Yet, judging by the students’ reactions, my reputation didn’t seem too bad.
“I heard all of Wellton’s staff are elites—guess it’s true!”
“Nah, no way! That chubby cafeteria guy can’t be strong.”
“Then maybe the cemetery caretaker is the only exception?”
Most commoner students stared at me with curiosity.
When I looked back, they pretended to chat about unrelated things, only to whisper about me again the moment I turned away.
Though uneasy, it was clear yesterday’s duel had become public.
‘But how?’
***
“Here’s a lesser-known rumor: Some say one of the people buried here is related to the caretaker!”
“Now that you mention it, this cemetery only holds academy graduates who became heroes, right? If he’s their descendant, no wonder he’s strong.”
Me, related to those crazy mentors?
I wanted to sue whoever started this nonsense for defamation.
“Really? I heard he’s the secret child of the former hero, Fried Muthertz!”
“Huh? No way! He’s way too young!”
“A late-life child, then. Besides, legend says Fried’s own mentors are buried here. He became the caretaker to honor them in his father’s stead!”
This was even more absurd than the bloodline rumors.
First, we’re different races—how could I be a hero’s descendant?
The Muthertz family has blue hair and pale skin, while I have black hair and golden skin.
A foreigner with dark hair being the hero’s secret son?
Even a poorly written novel wouldn’t stretch logic this far.
***
“You’re all wrong! He’s no descendant of heroes or warriors!”
“Finally, someone who knew the truth.”
“Good—let’s enlighten these rumor-mongering idiots.”
“That I’m no such remarkable figure!”
“He’s Jechal, vice-captain of the Imperial Black Moon Knights!”
“The Jechal with a 100% mission completion rate? Why would he be at the academy?”
“Must be an undercover mission from the royal family. I’d stake my life on it!”
“You little—watch your back at night.”
“If I see you, I’ll crack your skull open myself.”
***
“Students then and now—always obsessed with baseless rumors.”
“Honestly, it’s just disruptive.”
“Means your fame’s growing. Isn’t that good?”
“You call this good?”
Other rumors included:
“Retired youngest knight commander of the kingdom”
“Platinum-ranked adventurer doing side jobs”
“Dragon serving the Dragon Lord”
Each more ridiculous than the last.
Bjorn patted my shoulder reassuringly.
“Heroes always attract wild tales. Ignore them and stay true to yourself.”
“I suppose you’re right.”
“But if you find the coward who called you a ‘fearful lizard,’ tear them apart and bring them to me!”
“Didn’t you just say to ignore rumors?”
The walking contradiction that is a barbarian.
For a moment, I hated myself for ever respecting him.
***
[Maya pointed elsewhere]
“Those nobles seem more problematic than the rumor-spreaders.”
A group of aristocratic students glared openly at me.
Their hostility was palpable.
“That guy beat Brittany? The academy paper’s lost all credibility!”
“Poor Brittany, caught in these lies. I hope she exposes the truth soon.”
“Hasn’t she come to school today?”
“Maybe that vile man threatened her not to.”
So Ayla hadn’t arrived—meaning she didn’t spread the news.
Azuki would never talk.
That left… the newspaper club.
***
[Later, with the Headmaster]
“The Headmaster requests your presence.”
So it begins.
With the academy in chaos, of course she’d summon me.
At worst, I’d be fired for causing trouble.
Nothing good awaited.
“Enter.”
“Yes.”
After going through the formalities like knocking, I was granted permission and stepped into the Chairman’s office.
Beyond the door were the Chairman, who was brewing coffee, and a female student sitting upright on the sofa.
The girl’s movements were stiff, like a statue—clearly tense.
“Would you like a cup of coffee as well?”
“I’d appreciate it.”
Even though four years had passed since our first meeting, the Chairman still exuded an air of elegance.
His dignified and noble demeanor made me aspire to age like him.
“It’ll be ready soon, so make yourself comfortable.”
“Yes.”
As I sat on the sofa across from the girl, she hurriedly picked up a publication from the desk.
She must have been trying to hide it, but in that brief moment, I saw it—the article’s headline and the author’s name: “Miriam.”
Surprisingly, the name matched the one on the student ID hanging around her neck.
“So it was you?”
“You’re part of the newspaper club, aren’t you?”
“…!”
“There’s no need to be so tense. I was just asking.”
I smiled faintly to reassure Miriam.
I had no intention of causing her trouble.
Just as I did my work in the cemetery, she was simply doing hers.
Though undercover reporting was audacious, I had no desire to punish her for it.
“I’m sorry! I apologize for publishing the article without prior consent!”
Miriam seemed to misinterpret my smile.
Her frightened, knee-jerk apology left me feeling awkward instead.
‘Now it looks like I’m pressuring her.’
“Hahaha! Miriam, you may have made a mistake, but don’t be too hard on her. At least the article about you was flattering.”
“Too hard on her? I’m not that kind of person.”
“Is that so? The footage in the crystal showed you pushing Ayla quite aggressively.”
“…Haha.”
The recording in the crystal couldn’t be easily manipulated, even by an archmage.
It was irrefutable evidence, so playing dumb would’ve been foolish.
I nodded slightly to acknowledge the truth.
“So, what’s my punishment going to be?”
“Before deciding that, there’s one thing I’d like to ask.”
“And that is?”
“Were you hiding your strength when we first met?”
“No. I can confidently say that wasn’t the case.”
“I see.”
The Chairman responded indifferently as he placed cups of coffee in front of Miriam and me.
‘He’s not going to ask how I got stronger?’
I kept staring at him, but he quietly sipped his coffee.
“Don’t you have anything else you’d like to ask me?”
“No. Whatever your answer, I had no intention of exercising any authority over you.”
“Does that mean I can continue working as the academy’s cemetery caretaker?”
“Of course. Where else would I find someone as perfect for the job as you? Why would I kick you out?”
“Th-thank you!”
I’d been worried about getting fired, but thankfully, that didn’t happen.
Grateful to remain in the best workplace, I pledged my loyalty to the Chairman.
“I’ll stay here for life.”
“However, there may come a time when I assign you tasks outside cemetery duties. Of course, whether you accept them is up to you. If the results are satisfactory, I promise generous rewards.”
“Just say the word, and I’ll be there!”
Though I had no major complaints about my job, I occasionally longed to step outside the cemetery.
The Chairman’s offer scratched that itch perfectly, so I welcomed it.
“Chairman, may I ask why I was summoned today?”
“Miriam, I’m afraid this will be unpleasant news, but I called you here to recommend recalling all copies of today’s newspaper.”
“Even if you’re the Chairman, suppressing the press like this is…”
“It’s not suppression. I’ve tolerated your neutral stance, even when covering provocative topics. But this article was biased, so I can’t approve it. This is also for your protection.”
“For my protection?”
“The Brittney family aren’t nobles who’ll sit idle when their child’s reputation is tarnished.”
“Oh…”
Wellton Academy protects its students from external pressure.
But while it shields students, it can’t be responsible for their families.
Moreover, if a student leaves—whether by withdrawal, expulsion, or graduation—the academy’s obligation to protect them ends.
He was implying that if she didn’t draw the line, the Brittney family might retaliate.
“…I understand. I’ll recall all copies of the newspaper posted in the academy effective immediately.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
It was a bit late, but the situation could still be salvaged.
For me, it was a satisfactory outcome—no more exaggerated rumors would spread.
“That concludes our business. Originally, I planned to summon Ayla as well, but she refused to attend class for personal reasons. So, I called only the two of you. If there’s any lingering resentment, I encourage you to resolve it here.”
“So that’s what this was about.”
“But since I sense no ill will between you, there should be no issue. You may leave now.”
“Yes. Thank you for your consideration—we’re truly sorry and grateful.”
“Enough. As Wellton’s leader, it’s my duty.”
“Then we’ll take our leave.”
Miriam and I bowed and exited the Chairman’s office.
***
Once outside, we both let out a huge sigh of relief in unison.
‘One more trip to the Chairman’s office might’ve finished me off.’
“I’m really sorry. My selfishness dragged you into trouble.”
Just when I thought it was over, Miriam suddenly bowed and apologized.
She seemed genuinely remorseful for secretly reporting and publishing the article.
I waved it off casually.
“It’s fine. If I were a reporter, I wouldn’t have held back either.”
“Then, would you mind if I wrote one more article about you?”
“Sure, as long as you promise not to exaggerate or fabricate anything.”
“I swear on my life! I won’t inflate the content or write anything untrue!”
A fierce determination burned in Miriam’s eyes.
Though we weren’t close enough for blind trust, I figured I could give her one chance.
I extended my hand for a handshake.
She grinned widely, gripping my hand and shaking it vigorously.
“Looking forward to working with you!”
“Likewise.”
We parted ways amicably, promising to meet again—
If only there hadn’t been a girl sprinting toward us from behind.
Even near the Chairman’s office, she ran openly down the hallway.
Her blue hair fluttering, the girl skidded to a stop in front of me.
“Please wait a moment!”
Despite running at full speed, her breathing remained steady.
It was Erin Muthertz.
She looked at me with purpose, as if she had something important to say.
‘Lots of people are seeking me out today.’
But unlike other students, Erin undoubtedly had a serious reason for coming.
“Do you need something from me?”
“Huff…! I’m sorry for saying this out of the blue, but please take me as your disciple!”
“…What?”
After a short breath, Erin abruptly knelt and begged to become my disciple.
Her voice was earnest, her gaze unwavering—no joke here.
Suspicious, I watched as Erin bowed deeply, pressing her forehead to the ground.
‘She’s serious. She genuinely wants me as her master!’
Erin was a heroine who wanted to surpass her father, the current hero.
To achieve her goal, she was willing to swallow her pride and submit to someone stronger.
Given the current rumors, it made sense she’d seek me out.
But the timing—!
“Jackpot!”
I turned to see Miriam, ecstatic, holding up a crystal ball.
She was meticulously recording Erin kneeling, bowing, and begging to be my disciple.
‘Are you trying to get another ticket to the Chairman’s office?’