Chapter 73: Sudden Change

“Then, I will conclude the lecture here.”

Clap clap clap—

After a long two-hour lecture, applause erupted from the seated students.

The young ladies, their eyes shining as if they had just listened to the lecture of the century, gazed at me with admiration.

Basking in their sparkling attention, I smiled contentedly.

‘Huhu.’

Easy, so easy.

As expected, being handsome really does make a difference.

I hadn’t expected much success when I first came to the academy to build connections with influential families, but—

Luckily, I’ve already gained an unexpected advantage right from the start.

After ushering the students out of the lecture hall, I summoned a translucent window before my eyes.

[Vivian Waltier – ★★★☆☆ 

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“As I thought, it’s there.”

At the edge of the translucent window filling my vision was the name of the young lady whose nose bleed I had wiped earlier.

Vivian Waltier.

The youngest daughter doted on by the Frontier Count.

To think I’d obtain the key to winning over the Frontier Count so effortlessly.

A satisfied smile naturally spread across my lips.

‘I wonder what expression the Frontier Count will make when he finds out his beloved daughter has fallen head over heels for me?’

I recalled Vivian, who had kept glancing back at me even as she stepped out of the lecture hall.

As I pondered how to make use of her moving forward, I stepped out of the lecture hall—

Only to run into Justia, who had been waiting for me by the door.

“Ah, you’re finally out.”

“Justia. Were you waiting for me?”

“Of course. By the way, that was truly an excellent lecture. I’d even call it moving.”

“Hmm. Is that so?”

“Yes. Everyone was so focused— nodding along and scribbling down notes the entire time.”

“I suppose they were. Thinking back, it wasn’t too bad.”

I gave an awkward smile in response.

Meanwhile, Justia was trying her best to press herself closer to me.

She’s become much more proactive since we became intimate.

Though it’s all part of the plan, I did wipe another woman’s blood and touch her just earlier—

What’s the matter that you’re not paying attention?

Feeling a bit puzzled, I asked.

“But is it really okay?”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“That I’m being kind to other women.”

“Ah… that.”

Justia crossed her arms and stroked her chin, pretending to think.

Her exaggerated pondering in response to my question.

‘She’s adorable.’

I wanted to hug her right then, but I waited for her answer.

After a brief moment,

Justia spoke.

“It’s fine. Honestly, I do feel a little jealous of the other ladies.”

“…Is that so?”

“Yes. But I’m your special woman, aren’t I?”

“Of course.”

“Hehe. So it’s okay. And most of all, you’ve already given me proof that you love me.”

Justia gently stroked her lower belly, where her womb was, as she spoke.

Her eyes gleamed with honeyed sweetness, her expression brimming with happiness.

As I watched her for a moment,

Justia clung to my arm, pressing her soft breasts against me, and continued.

“But you know, I’m greedy. So you’ll have to spoil me even more. Understood?”

“Understood. I promise.”

“Then… can I come to your lodgings tonight…?”

“…”

“Is that… not okay?”

“No. I’ll be waiting for you tonight.”

“Ehehe. I really love you, Duke.”

Justia nuzzled her face against my chest as she spoke.

Honestly, she’s impossible to resist.

Well, whatever.

My sexual desires have been growing stronger lately, so if I can regularly be with Justia, it’s more than welcome.

I gently embraced her,

then, after making sure no one was around,

leaned in and lightly pressed my lips to hers.

* * *

Time passed.

About two weeks had gone by since the first lecture.

During that time, I stayed at the academy and tried to pull in various families, but…

Even with my reputation, there were limits. 

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to achieve as clear of a result as I had on the first day.

‘Well, there aren’t any neutral factions left in the academy anymore.’

At this point, most had already decided which side to pledge their loyalty to.

Still, I succeeded in absorbing the remaining neutral factions to some extent, achieving part of my goal.

I hadn’t expected anything huge from the start, so this much was already a satisfying enough outcome.

And today, with just one day left before the academy’s break.

Under the scorching midsummer sun pouring down overhead, I clashed aura with Eileen in the outdoor training grounds.

Kwaang!

“Ugh.”

“Straighten your posture. Surely you’re not already tired at this level?”

“Of course not…!”

“Good. Then let’s go again.”

Whooosh—!

Sizzle—

As I let my sword tip drop and flared my aura, mana grated against the air with a sharp friction sound.

It had already been three hours since we started sparring.

Under normal circumstances, Eileen would’ve run out of stamina long ago, ending the match.

But perhaps it was her instinctive combat sense—

The longer she crossed swords with me, the more she minimized her movements to conserve energy.

Thanks to that, she was still holding on.

‘Honestly.’

Her talent was terrifying, but it was about time to wrap up the spar.

I pointed my sword at Eileen and then surged forward like lightning.

Swaaah—!

The air tore apart as I lunged, a sonic boom erupting in my wake.

A strike aimed precisely at the side of her heart.

But just before my sword could land—

Eileen summoned superhuman focus and parried my aura.

Kaaang!

“Ouch.”

“An opening!”

Swish!

Eileen then swung her aura blade toward my left shoulder.

While blocking my attack, she had created an opening for herself.

Look at how fast she’s improving.

Her growth rate is absurd.

No wonder she was the protagonist in the original story.

‘But.’

She’s still lacking, I’m afraid.

What’s the point of shouting “opening” like that?

It’s so naive that it almost feels like a feint.

‘Can’t just let you have it that easily.’

I pretended to counter her attack by swinging my aura blade in place, but—

Just as Eileen’s strike suddenly changed direction—

I slammed her blade down hard, smashing it into the ground.

Crash!

“Ugh!”

“Your final attack was too obviously a feint.”

“…I see. I’ve lost.”

Eileen bowed her head slightly as she spoke.

Her light brown hair shimmered under the sunlight, and—

The tight swell of her chest peeked through the valley of her sports bra-like top.

Now that she had revealed herself as a woman, she wore more revealing outfits freely. I gave her a mental thumbs-up as I approached.

“Your skills have improved a lot, Eileen.”

“Huu… Thank you.”

“Judging by how long you maintained your aura, your mana capacity has also increased significantly. If you just gain enlightenment, you could reach the Sword Master realm anytime now.”

“Eh? Really?”

“Yes. But gaining enlightenment won’t be easy. Honing the sword of the mind is just as difficult as wielding a real one.”

I sheathed my sword as I spoke.

The Sword Master realm—beyond Sword Expert and Graduate.

To earn that title of a perfected warrior, one needed a special kind of enlightenment.

In my case, since I had already possessed a Master’s body when I transmigrated, I didn’t have much advice to give Eileen.

But I wasn’t too worried.

Eileen would manage just fine on her own.

‘Well then. It seems Eileen’s attainment of Sword Master is just around the corner.’

It’s about time to prepare to visit the capital, as the Northern Episode is about to begin.

Eileen approached, wiping sweat from her brow.

“Um, by the way… I heard that Professor Leslie from the Knight Department suddenly took a leave and left the academy… Did you know?”

“Yeah. I heard he returned to the capital. Apparently, the First Prince has just come back to the capital as well. It seems he went to meet his master.”

“Hmm. Is that so? He looked kind of terrified, though…”

“Only he knows the exact reason. More importantly, Eileen. I have a gift for you.”

“A gift?”

“Yeah. Wait here a moment.”

Leaving Eileen standing there blankly, I headed to the training ground’s storage locker.

Opening the iron lid revealed a pure white sword.

I took it out and handed it to Eileen.

“This is…?”

“The Meteor Blade. A gift I prepared for you. I hope you’ll accept it.”

“Uh… A gift?”

“No need for a long explanation. Try drawing it.”

I forcibly placed the sword in her hand, and Eileen looked bewildered.

Still, she hesitantly followed my words and unsheathed the sword.

A blade as beautiful as flowing starlight revealed itself.

Pure energy trickled steadily from the sword.

“How could I possibly wield such a magnificent sword…”

“It’s no exaggeration to say it was made for you. So, I hope you’ll use it well. Refusals are refused.”

“Th-that’s…”

Eileen’s face visibly flustered.

At the same time, her eyes began to glisten as if deeply moved.

I added a few more words as she stared intently at the Meteor Blade.

“It resembles you in many ways. Not just in beauty, but in strength as well. I hope you’ll continue to stand by my side with that sword.”

“…Thank you so much.”

“So, you accept it?”

“How could I possibly refuse after hearing that…?”

“Pfft. It’s not just because you wanted it, right?”

“N-no, that’s not it…!”

“Not being honest, are we?”

I poked Eileen’s reddened cheek with a grin.

She flailed her arms in even greater panic.

Teasing her is surprisingly fun.

Alright. Now that I’ve delivered the gift for Eileen.

It’s about time to head back to the lodging since I’m getting hungry.

Just as Eileen and I were about to leave the training grounds, someone came running from the entrance.

“Your Highness!”

“Justia? What brings you here?”

“Haa… haa… It’s… There’s something urgent I need to tell you!”

Justia shouted with a frantic expression.

Her face was flushed, sweat dripping from the summer heat, and her hair was disheveled.

Seeing her clearly abnormal state, Eileen, standing beside me, wore a grave expression.

What’s going on?

Could it be… that?

A certain event from the original story flashed through my mind.

If my guess is correct, the situation is about to take a drastic turn, marking the beginning of an uncontrollable period of upheaval.

A tense silence fell over the training grounds.

Justia bent over, catching her breath, then straightened up and looked me straight in the eye.

“Father… His Majesty the Emperor  is critically ill.”