[Vol. 7] Chapter 144: Instructor Violet!
"The [Priest]... That must be the woman named Violet."
A sharp glint flashed through the man's eyes as he rested his chin on his hand, lost in thought.
"If that’s the case, then she was also behind the premature termination of that experiment in the Empire's southeast region. I remember she has close ties with the Human United Kingdom and the Holy Empire’s high-ranking officials… And now she’s aligning herself with Sainz Academy and the Dragonkin?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. Based on the intelligence we have, it seems unlikely that she can be swayed to work for the empire. In fact, she may even oppose us at a critical moment. If I may suggest… perhaps we should strike first and find a chance to eliminate her?"
Suddenly, the red-haired man ended his thoughts and cast an expressionless gaze at the one who had spoken.
"Are you suggesting... that you teach me how to do my job?"
His voice carried no emotion, yet an unmistakable chill and overwhelming imperial presence seeped into the air. The pressure was enough to make the gray-robed figure tremble slightly before hurriedly falling to his knees. He pressed his forehead to the floor, terrified beyond words.
"I wouldn’t dare! I wouldn’t dare... I spoke out of turn!"
"If I ever hear such words from you again, you won’t be sitting in that position any longer."
"Y-Yes! I will remember this, Your Majesty…!"
The gray-robed figure nodded frantically, his back already drenched in cold sweat. After all, high-ranking officers in the Austre Empire’s Intelligence Bureau only left their positions when they died. If he was dismissed, he knew exactly what that meant.
"Hmph..."
Satisfied that his subordinate had learned his place, the man waved his hand dismissively, losing interest.
"In this world, there are no eternal enemies, nor are there eternal friends. Only interests and power are everlasting. Have the intelligence agency gather all information about this Violet, including her abilities, interpersonal relationships, and resume. Then, have them create a portrait and present it. Every honorary professor of the Sainz is not to be underestimated. I will personally consider how to deal with her. In this era, there are not many women who can pique my interest."
"...Understood! I will carry out your orders immediately!"
As if not noticing the fleeting strange gaze from his subordinate, the cold, hard-faced man in the grand red robe pondered for a moment and continued to give instructions.
"Since dealing with the Dragonkin is too difficult for now, put that matter aside and continue to monitor them. Don't provoke those beasts any further. For now, focus our efforts on Sainz. This upcoming conference is crucial to the Empire’s future plans. There can be no mistakes. Understood?"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
"You may go."
The gray-robed figure, finally relieved after the nerve-wracking audience, carefully stood up and backed away along the red carpet that lined the hall, making sure not to turn his back as he exited.
Facing this emperor was utterly terrifying. It felt as if he had willingly placed his head inside a lion’s gaping jaws, uncertain whether he would leave in one piece. Despite being one of the best and most carefully chosen elites in the Intelligence Bureau, each meeting with the emperor left him so exhausted that all he wanted to do was collapse into bed and sleep.
Watching his subordinate tremble as he departed, the imposing figure known as the emperor remained seated motionless upon the throne, as still as a statue.
Only after a long silence did a voice echo from the far end of the hall.
"Your Majesty, Princess Carinvega has arrived and awaits your summons."
The emperor raised his head, and for the first time, a faint smile curved across his otherwise expressionless and rigid face.
This was a smile different from before, when he had heard Violet’s name and his subordinates had sensed his fleeting interest. Now, the expression was more pronounced, almost like the gleeful anticipation of a swordsman discovering a legendary blade, filled with the thrill of the hunt and the desire to observe and test.
It was not the kind of emotion associated with love, friendship, or family bonds.
"As expected of my finest daughter… Good girl, you’ve come at just the right time. Let her in."
………………………………………..
Meanwhile, life at the Sainz Academy remained as peaceful as ever.
No matter how turbulent the outside world became, Miss Priestess enjoyed a rare period of leisure, undisturbed by external affairs.
She spent her time reading, fishing, experimenting with potions in the workshop, and occasionally guest lecturing at the academy. Though her unorthodox approach to Holy Magic often led to her students being more confused than enlightened.
As an honorary professor and legendary adventurer, Violet commanded immense respect within the academy. Wherever she went, students and faculty alike treated her with the utmost deference. With such prestige, she had complete freedom. She could do whatever she pleased.
The Academy City Sainz, a revered center of learning with over a thousand years of history, was filled with countless famous landmarks and scenic spots.
During her free time, Violet often took her two little companions on walks through the academy’s seven districts, each one unique in its own way. Guided by Mia or Selna, she explored the wonders of this city, discovering rare and fascinating sights that could be found nowhere else.
As the event drew nearer, the number of visitors arriving in Sainz City from around the world was increasing rapidly. Key academy figures like Yulia and Ismael were completely swamped with work, and even Headmaster Lucine, the one who had invited them here, seemed so busy that she hadn't even had the time to personally meet with Violet and the others.
As for Prince Xiluo Frederick of the Austre Empire, who had crossed paths with them once upon their arrival, has disappeared as if he had vanished, and has not appeared to cause trouble as expected.
Maybe he was preparing something bigger behind the scenes. Or perhaps, after learning Violet’s true identity, he had no choice but to swallow his pride and back down.
But none of this really mattered to Miss Priestess.
She understood that Sainz was waiting for something big, not just the academy city itself, but the entire world had its eyes set on this place. When the grand exchange conference finally began, it would surely bring tremendous upheaval, both on the surface and in the shadows, changing the course of world events in unimaginable ways.
……………………………………………..
One Week After the Dragonkin Incident.
Sainz Academy - Seventh District, Underground Arena
Early in the morning, a group of more than a dozen students, each dressed in academy uniforms, had already gathered inside the underground sports arena. Despite the early hour, none of them showed any trace of sleepiness. On the contrary, they looked incredibly energized and excited.
These students were from the Seventh District's "Experimental Class", and naturally, they were here for their lesson.
"Hey, hey! I just heard some crazy news. Our instructor for today’s practical lesson is that person! Can you believe it?! This is huge!"
The one shouting excitedly was a towering young giant, despite still having a somewhat boyish face. He stood nearly two meters tall, his muscular frame pushing against the fabric of his custom-made oversized uniform.
His skin had a light grayish hue, and while his face had all the usual features, he had only one massive eye in the center of his forehead, making it obvious that he had nothing in common with humans.
He belongs to the [Magic Rock] race, a rare rock-based monster species.
Magic Rock races were somewhere between two other creatures.
Rock Golems, which were considered magical beasts. And Trolls, which were classified as monsters.
Unlike most golems, Magic Rock people had decent intelligence. Their specialty was [Petrified Skin] Magic, a powerful defensive ability, and they were known for their superhuman strength. However, their population was extremely small.
Fully grown Magic Rock individual could reach 3-4 meters in height, so this one was clearly still a child. Even so, just going by size alone, he already far surpassed what was considered human limits.