SMMA 75

Chapter 75

“It’s just pure academic curiosity.”

Ihan was skilled at deceiving professors.

Professor Lightningstep was one of the Empire’s most famous explorers, yet he never imagined Ihan was searching for flying mounts to escape the school.

“Well… they must exist somewhere.”

Lightningstep cautiously searched Ihan’s expression for any sign he had guessed. Fortunately, the Wadanaz boy remained oblivious to the fact that the griffon was one of the horses cared for by first-years in the stables.

“This school is so vast there is hardly anything it lacks.”

“But a warm meal or any concern for the students is nowhere to be found.”

Lightningstep ignored Ihan’s words as if he hadn’t heard.

“There are mountains, lakes, underground dungeons—flying creatures are sure to be there.”

“If I find one, do you think I could tame it?”

“That’ll be tough. Wild monsters, especially flying ones, are notoriously difficult even for expert trainers after years of study.”

Lightningstep spoke earnestly.

If taming was so easy, there’d be no need to fight monsters encountered in the field.

Besides, most flying monsters were temperamental and fierce, far beyond the patience or knowledge of a first-year.

“First, you must fully understand your target. Normal knowledge won’t suffice. Learning its habits lets you slowly warm up to it, but expect dozens of failures along the way.”

“Professor, if possible, could you teach me in your free time? Of course, I don’t intend to make any foolish attempts now…”

That was a lie.

Once he decided he could, Ihan planned to act immediately.

“When the time comes, I won’t miss any chance to tame a monster.”

His eyes blazed with true passion. Seeing that sincere gaze, Lightningstep suddenly felt energized.

A student so invested couldn’t be ignored by his teacher.

“Good! I shall teach you whenever I have free time. Don’t regret it. This is no easy study.”

Studying monsters common in this area, memorizing thick tomes, then learning through exposure—all hard work, but Lightningstep believed the Wadanaz boy could manage it.

His zeal was enough.

He’s got a keen interest in flight and exploration…

He’ll track the likeliest beast, tame it, and make his getaway.

The two nodded in mutual understanding, parting ways after their talk.

Lightningstep ambled over to inspect Ihan’s vegetable garden—and was surprised.

What is this…?

The patch was neither vast nor tiny, the perfect size.

Lightningstep surely expected some meager plot with a few veggies.

But Ihan’s garden was operating with precise care—no scrap wasted.

Carrots, onions, potatoes, sweet potatoes, cabbage, and medicinal herbs like chamomile, basil, rosemary—anything imaginable was cultivated.

…Is he starting a farm?

Sensing Lightningstep’s gaze, Ihan reassured him.

“I worried at first.”

“About?”

“Whether such tight cultivation would work. But thanks to the tree spirit in my staff, everything thrives. Isn’t that a relief?”

Lightningstep looked toward the milk jug on the table—a jar Ihan had packed for his return.

Something told him that wouldn’t last.

“Wait a moment—better eat something before you leave.”

“??”

Ihan nibbled roasted potatoes on a wooden skewer as he walked to the dorm.

If only he could forget he was in the Magic Academy—it felt like a pastoral evening.

A basket hung on one arm held the harvest, while a new skewer of freshly salted roasted potatoes swayed in the other.

Like a farmer returning from market, he mused:

If I retire someday, this is how I’d live.

The warmth made the potatoes taste especially good. Roasted with salt, one bite and the flesh melted warmly.

Now he understood why Lightningstep had insisted on roasting and handing him the potatoes himself.

Did he want to brag about them?

He didn’t realize that the potatoes were grown in his own garden.

“Princess Adenart. I’ve organized materials from the library for you.”

“I’ve also asked other students and compiled needed assignment resources!”

“I found a book as well…”

What’s this?

They were Adenart and her followers.

First-years gathered from across towers devotedly aiding lectures she attended.

Ihan marveled silently.

Was there ever such a method?

He wanted to report to professors how the princess exploited classmates through undue influence—so enviable was their power.

While he and friends struggled searching the library all night, the princess passively gathered wealth.

Is it purely noble blood? But then what about Gainando? How do they recruit such followers?

As he pondered, the princess thanked and walked alongside her followers.

Ihan met their eyes while chewing potatoes, nodding calmly.

“Good evening.”

He showed no surprise. Her followers quickly averted their gaze—after all, this was the scion of House Wadanaz practically ruling Blue Dragon Tower.

If they misbehaved, the princess’s school life could worsen, so caution was natural.

“Greetings, Lord Wadanaz!”

One shouted the greeting, then the rest followed uncertainly.

“Greetings, Lord Wadanaz!”

“….”

He glanced around for watchful eyes. Thankfully invisible.

One misstep here, and I’m heading to the punishment chamber.

The zealots sought to trap him somehow, but Ihan remained composed.

“Glad to see you all. Looks like you’ve spoken with the princess.”

“Yes!”

“We’re forever grateful for Lord Wadanaz’s unwavering loyalty to Her Highness.”

“Please continue your kind favor.”

If I don’t heed them, they’ll strike first.

Zealous followers were always intimidating, especially outside the Academy.

Even after graduation, social life demanded patient tolerance for their undue pressures.

“Of course. Don’t worry.”

Ihan neglected to mention that caring for the princess earned him extra coin.

Better to change the subject.

If talk of his ill-gotten gains arose, trouble would follow. He shifted focus.

“You’ve likely missed meals. Would you like some food?”

“…?”

The princess’s followers finally spotted the packed goods—one even held out a roasted potato skewer.

A cold-faced boy offering freshly baked potatoes skewered on sticks startled them.

So aristocratic… a joke?
Is it safe to eat?
Is this some kind of test?

“Won’t you eat?”

“W-will do.”

One hungry student reached out for a potato, which Ihan salted by hand. Instantly they mistook it for magical powder and tensed.

Oh, just salt.

“Is it good?”

“Tastes… good!”

Not out of fear of the Wadanaz boy, but honest delight—the fresh potato was objectively delicious.

The student grasped the steaming potato, biting carefully but burning their tongue and coughing.

“Also have milk.”

“Th-thank you.”

The student, warmed by food, sensed Ihan’s cold expression soften.

Magic potato?

“Could we have some too?”

“Yes. Please.”

Hesitant at first, the followers accepted the potatoes.

Eating freshly baked potatoes under warm evening sun, new bonds formed quietly among Academy new students.

“Offer some to the princess!”

“How rude! The princess will be angry!”

One follower nearly presented a potato but was stopped by warning friends.

Ihan felt the princess’s expression dim—like an embarrassed Gainando.

That was too harsh a comparison, he thought, regretting it.

Then remembered the princess had missed breakfast again.

Secretly, he slipped a few potatoes to her.

“You should try some if there’s any left…”

Hidden from sight, he watched as she attempted to bite whole into a roasted potato.

“Cut it! Please cut it!”

“……”

She set it down gently, cutting the potato before chewing calmly.

The students looked confused at Ihan’s outburst.

“When did you start cutting potatoes?”

“Ha! Lord Wadanaz, even if hungry, we don’t swallow whole. Of course we cut them.”

“……”

Ihan glanced once more between princess and students.

She’ll never succeed if she stays like that.

Next morning.

After chores in the stables, Ihan and his friends walked promptly to Professor Garcia’s “Basic Understanding of Magic” class.

Yawning, Ihan looked especially fatigued. Yonellia asked with concern,

“You look drowsy. Didn’t sleep well?”

“I slept, but had nightmares.”

“What kind?”

“Dreams of the professor.”

Yonellia graciously let it drop, sparing Ihan’s mental health.

His nightmare featured Volady, madly riding a raging griffon, commanding it through blazing rings while controlling his water orbs. A terrifying vision.

“Good morning, everyone.”

Garcia entered smartly; Ihan felt comforted.

Who knew meeting a troll could feel so peaceful?

“Last week, Professor Mortum came, teaching about dark magic.”

Gasps echoed—fearful at mention of dark magic again.

“This week, another professor arrives to teach about summoning magic.”

“Woooooo!”

Ihan felt sorry for absent Mortum.