SMMA 77

Chapter 77

“In truth, it is purely academic curiosity.”

Ihan was skilled at deceiving professors.

Professor Lightningstep, one of the Empire’s most renowned explorers, never imagined that Ihan was searching for flying mounts as a means to escape the school.

“Well… they must exist somewhere.”

Lightningstep cautiously watched Ihan’s expression, checking if he had noticed anything. Fortunately, the Wadanaz boy seemed unaware that one of the horses cared for by freshmen in the stables was actually a griffon.

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

“But there is no warm meal or basic consideration for the students.”

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

“There are mountains, lakes, underground dungeons—there must be flying creatures somewhere among them.”

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

“That would be difficult. Taming wild monsters, especially flying ones, is something even trainers with years of experience struggle with.”

Lightningstep spoke with sincerity.

If taming were easy, people would not choose to fight monsters they encounter outside.

Moreover, flying creatures are often temperamental and hostile.

They are hard to handle for students with only beginner-level patience and knowledge.

“You must first fully understand the creature. Ordinary knowledge won’t suffice. As you learn about their habits, you can gradually become familiar and discern their traits, but expect to fail many, many times.”

“Professor, if it is possible, could you teach me during your free time? Of course, I have no intention of making any reckless attempts right now…”

That was a lie.

From the moment Ihan decided he could do it, he planned to act immediately.

“If I ever get the chance to tame a monster in the future, I definitely won’t miss it.”

Ihan’s eyes blazed with genuine passion, with no hint of pretense.

Seeing that gaze, Lightningstep suddenly felt invigorated.

A student showing such interest could not be ignored by his teacher.

“Good! I will teach you in my free time. Don’t regret this. It’s not an easy study.”

The study involved thick books about nearby monsters and dangerous practical training, but Lightningstep believed the Wadanaz boy could handle it.

His interest and enthusiasm were sufficient.

Looks like he has a strong interest in flying and exploration…

He will identify the most likely beast, tame it, and escape.

Both mentor and student nodded in agreement.

After their conversation ended, Lightningstep walked to inspect Ihan’s vegetable garden and was surprised.

What the…?

The garden was neither vast nor tiny, but of just the right size.

Lightningstep must have thought Ihan would just grow a few crops to take away.

But the garden ran so thoroughly that not a scrap of space was left unused.

Carrots, onions, potatoes, sweet potatoes, cabbage, and even medicinal herbs like chamomile, basil, and rosemary flourished.

Is he setting up a farm?

Noticing Lightningstep’s gaze, Ihan answered comfortably.

“I worried at first.”

“About what?”

“Whether this tight cultivation was possible. But thanks to the wood spirit in my staff, everything seems to be growing well. Isn’t that fortunate?”

Lightningstep glanced at the milk jug set on the table—one Ihan had prepared to take with him.

Seeing his efforts, Lightningstep felt that would not be enough.

“Wait a moment. You should eat something on your way back.”

“??”

Ihan munched roasted potatoes on a skewer as he headed back to the dormitory.

If one could forget that they were inside a magic school, it would be a romantic evening.

One arm held a basket with freshly harvested goods; the other held a freshly roasted, salted potato skewer.

He felt like a farmer returning home from the market.

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

The warm potatoes tasted delicious. Even though simply roasted with salt, the flesh melted warmly in his mouth.

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

Perhaps he wanted to boast about them.

He did not realize that the potatoes were from his own garden.

“Princess Adenart, I have organized materials from the library for you.”

“I also gathered information from other students to help with assignments!”

“I found a book recently…”

What is this?

It was the princess and her followers.

First-year students from all towers devotedly supported the princess’s lectures.

Ihan marveled silently.

Was there such a method?

He even wished to report to the professors that the princess was exploiting classmates through undue influence—so enviable was her support.

While he and his friends struggled searching the library all night, the princess passively collected information.

Is it because of royal blood? Then how does Gainando fit in? How does she acquire such followers?

While Ihan pondered, the princess thanked her followers, walking up alongside them.

Ihan met their eyes as he chewed his potatoes, nodding calmly.

“Good evening.”

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

If they mistreated Ihan, the princess’s life might be made difficult, so caution was natural.

“We greet Lord Wadanaz!”

One follower shouted the greeting; the others followed uncertainly.

“We greet Lord Wadanaz!”

“…”

He glanced around cautiously. Thankfully, no one was watching.

One misstep here, and I’ll be locked in the punishment chamber.

Though he never understood why the followers behaved so aggressively toward him, Ihan answered as calmly as possible.

“Glad to see you all. I see you’ve had a conversation with the princess.”

“Yes!”

“We give sincere thanks for Lord Wadanaz’s unwavering devotion to Her Highness.”

“Please continue your kindness.”

If I don’t care for them, they might attack me.

Zealous followers were always intimidating, especially outside the school.

Even after graduation, Ihan knew he must endure their undue pressure to survive society.

“Of course. Don’t worry.”

Ihan did not mention that caring for Her Highness brought him extra silver.

Better change the subject.

If the conversation lingered on his undue benefits, trouble would arise.

He shifted the topic.

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

“…?”

Only then did the princess’s followers notice the supplies Ihan carried, and one offered a roasted potato.

The sight of a cold-faced boy presenting freshly roasted potatoes skewered on sticks surprised them.

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

“Won’t you eat?”

“W-will do.”

One of the hungry students took a potato, and Ihan sprinkled salt on it. The student initially thought it was magic powder and tensed.

Oh, just salt.

“Is it good?”

“Tastes… good!”

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

The student bit cautiously but burned the roof of their mouth and coughed.

“Here, have some milk as well.”

“Th-thank you.”

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

Magic potato?

“Could we have some too?”

“Yes. Please.”

Hesitant at first, the followers slowly accepted the potatoes.

Under the warm evening sunshine, the new students at the Magic Academy bonded quietly over roasted potatoes.

“Offer some to Her Highness too!”

“How rude! The princess will be angry!”

One follower tried to present a potato to the princess but was stopped by others’ warnings.

Ihan felt the princess’s expression darken, vaguely like a hungry Gainando.

That was an unfair comparison.

He regretted the thought.

Remembering, the princess had missed breakfast that morning.

Secretly, Ihan slipped some roasted potatoes to her.

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

Though the students had their backs turned, Ihan clearly saw the princess attempt to bite a whole roasted potato without cutting it.

“Cut it! Please cut it!”

“…”

She lowered the potato as if nothing happened, cut it, and ate calmly.

The students were puzzled by Ihan’s loud command.

“When did you start cutting potatoes?”

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

“…”

Ihan looked once more between the princess and the students.

She won’t succeed if she keeps that up.

The next morning.

After finishing chores at the stables, Ihan and his friends walked in step to Professor Garcia’s <Basic Understanding of Magic> lecture.

Yawning, Ihan seemed especially tired. Yonellia asked worriedly,

“You look sleepy. Didn’t sleep well?”

“I did, but I had nightmares.”

“What kind of dreams?”

“Of the professor.”

Yonellia wisely chose not to press, for Ihan’s mental health.

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

“Good morning, everyone.”

Garcia entered the room, easing Ihan’s mind.

Who could have guessed meeting a troll would feel so comforting?

“Last week Professor Mortum visited to teach about black magic,” she said.

An intake of breath spread. The mention of black magic stirred fear again.

“This week, another professor comes to explain summoning magic.”

“Woooooo!”

Ihan felt sorry for the absent Mortum.