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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Mod7
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Mirinae Academy’s second-year representative, Mirella Teresh. As her name suggested, she was a noble, ranked first in her year, and highly capable.
Originally, she was expected to be the most capable second-year student worldwide, but due to placing second in the inter-academy exchange competition, she held only the second highest rank among her peers.
Perhaps because of this, she harbored significant resentment towards the results of the exchange competition.
‘Not only am I in second place, but… well, let’s just say our upperclassmen didn’t perform as expected, either.’
The third-years had placed third, and the fourth-years, second. A string of disappointing results.
Unlike the previous year, where they had dominated across all years, this year only the first-years had secured a first-place victory. The rest had settled for either second or third. It was a humiliating defeat.
While the logical response would have been to celebrate the first-years’ sole victory, the problem was who had led that victory. A commoner.
‘Bellos should have been the representative. Who else is more qualified to lead than the fifth prince of the Skerian Empire?’
Inter-class relations at Mirinae Academy were notoriously strained, with limited communication between different year groups. This lack of interaction meant that upperclassmen often dismissed the first-years, regardless of their actual abilities. ‘They’re just first-years,’ was the common refrain.
Even Lee Seok-hyun’s incredible feat of defeating an Archdemon was met with skepticism. Such extraordinary accomplishments were often dismissed as exaggerations, too fantastical to be believed.
‘How can someone so lacking in decorum and honor be the class representative?’
Mirella frowned at Lee Seok-hyun, her disapproval evident.
The first thing she noticed was his messy, unkempt black hair. While his hair color was unremarkable, its untidy style was a blatant disregard for basic grooming standards, even during an evaluation period.
‘And his uniform…’
Mirinae Academy uniforms could be upgraded. While not officially sanctioned by the academy, private tailors offered custom modifications, enhancing the fabric and adding bespoke details. This had inadvertently become another marker of social status, a way for nobles to subtly distinguish themselves from commoners.
And Lee Seok-hyun’s uniform was the epitome of commoner attire.
‘His face is… ordinary… and his body…’
Mirella’s critical gaze finally settled on Lee Seok-hyun’s physique.
The scars that marred his neck and the awkward positioning of his wrists and hands hinted at a past filled with hardship, a life far removed from the sheltered world of the nobility. The scars seemed numerous, and his hands were concealed, as if hiding something.
His aura, however, was undeniably powerful, a predatory presence that made her instinctively tense. He exuded the raw, untamed energy of a wild beast.
And every single detail she observed only intensified Mirella’s disapproval.
“You seem unruly.”
“Excuse me?”
In what world was a polite greeting considered unruly? Lee Seok-hyun’s unspoken question was clear, and Mirella, a seasoned reader of social cues, easily deciphered his thoughts.
‘He’s not intimidated at all.’
He was in enemy territory, surrounded by hostile nobles, yet his demeanor was relaxed, his posture casual. He even had the audacity to sit comfortably on the sofa, sipping tea as if he were in his own living room.
“Ugh, this tea is terribly bitter. Someone clearly doesn’t know how to brew it properly.”
Senior, fine tea is meant to be savored for its bitterness, you know.
I’m considering opening a tea brand. Perhaps you’d be interested in investing?
He wasn’t simply drinking the tea; he was critiquing it, casually offering unsolicited business advice.
Mirella’s eye twitched. She desperately wanted to throw this impertinent commoner out, but his close relationship with Bellos stayed her hand. If word of this encounter reached the prince, and he perceived her as disrespectful… The consequences could be severe.
She had initially intended to engage in some polite conversation, some social niceties to put him at ease, but she abandoned that plan. Any further delay, and she was certain she’d explode from his sheer audacity.
“Let’s get straight to the point. Resign as class president. Hand over your position to Bellos. And from now on, act like a commoner.”
“…? What are you talking about…?”
Finally, a flicker of surprise. Mirella, believing she’d finally gained the upper hand, pressed on.
“I understand you’re struggling with the midterm exams. That’s why we’ve compiled the most effective study materials, analyzed recent exam trends, and created a comprehensive review guide. If you accept our terms, we’ll provide you with full support until the end of the exams.”
How does that sound?
Being class president is a significant burden. Wouldn’t it be better to focus on your own studies?
That was the unspoken message, carefully veiled beneath a veneer of concern.
“Sure… I’ll do it… but what if Bellos refuses?”
“Of course he’ll initially object… Wait, what did you say?”
“I said I’ll do it. Being class president is a hassle. I have to… cater to the professors… and I’m really busy, so… Yeah, I’ll resign. But what did you mean by ‘act like a commoner’?”
‘Does she not understand the value of networking with professors?’ Lee Seok-hyun looked at her incredulously. Did she genuinely believe that a commoner wouldn’t appreciate the opportunity to build connections with influential figures?
This was a critical miscalculation on Mirella’s part.
Lee Seok-hyun was constantly being sought out by professors. Ki Ju-seon eagerly awaited his input on the Manaplate Armor, Baktor hounded him about mithril refinement techniques, Lee Hwa-ryeong constantly tried to lure him into mana circuit research, Kerrar bombarded him with adventure recommendations, and even the notoriously stoic Gainard offered guidance on martial arts techniques.
Mirella was completely oblivious to this. In fact, her biggest mistake was failing to realize that everything was unfolding according to Lee Seok-hyun’s plan.
“What do you mean, ‘act like a commoner’? Isn’t that obvious?”
“No, it’s not obvious. Give me some examples. Since you’re offering to help me, I’m willing to learn.”
“Well… you should… observe proper etiquette… and… not overstep your bounds! Yes, that’s it. Don’t overstep your bounds!”
“Excuse me?”
“I mean, don’t… speak out of turn, especially in formal settings. Leave that to the nobles.”
“But what if they ask for my opinion? What if they need my input?”
“Huh?”
“Ah… Senior, you’re a classic example of the ‘dense young lady’ trope. It’s a common character in light novels.”
“What? Dense? Light novels? What are you talking about?”
“It’s a term used to describe… well, beautiful and intelligent young ladies who are… clueless about social cues.”
“Hmm, you have a keen eye, I’ll give you that.”
Lee Seok-hyun, realizing there was nothing more to gain from this conversation, quickly wrapped things up and stood.
And as expected, Bellos never became the class president.
“Commoner, why are you offering me this position now, after listing all its drawbacks? And this is the fifteenth time you’ve done this.”
“Uh… because I think you’d be good at it?”
“That’s utter nonsense. You’re the only person in the world who would try to pawn off their unwanted responsibilities on an Imperial Prince.”
“…”
“There is no other candidate for first-year representative, not in our generation. Stop trying to pass the buck and focus on fulfilling your duties.”
“…”
He knew the real reason, of course.
Lee Seok-hyun nodded silently, clutching the study materials and cheat sheets Mirella had given him.
‘Why is it so easy to take advantage of these clueless nobles?’
They practically begged to be exploited, their eagerness to be manipulated almost endearing. He couldn’t resist.
The Legend of Dongdaemun remained undefeated.
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The long-awaited weekend.
Finally free from his hectic schedule, he relaxed, his first order of business to tidy up his room.
‘I gave the mithril to Professor Baktor and Professor Ki Ju-seon, so they should be reinforcing the Manaplate Armor…’
The subdued spirit was behaving itself, obediently clinging to his uniform.
That left only one thing.
‘The Royal Knight Combat Manual.’
He wanted to study it now because it was a time-consuming process.
Unlike the Necromancy Grimoire, which instantly granted him a basic understanding of the subject, the Combat Manual required active study and practice to master.
It contained the accumulated knowledge and techniques of the forgotten kingdom of Repenta, a vast collection of fundamental martial arts principles. Its accessibility and versatility meant even street thugs could learn and utilize its basic techniques, but that also meant it lacked depth.
Then why bother requesting it from Arak, when similar manuals were readily available? The answer was simple.
“Because the Royal Knight Combat Manual from Tanteroi Academy is the real deal.”
It wasn’t a common replica, but the original, authentic manual.
A rare artifact, only obtainable from Tanteroi Academy, an institution renowned for its focus on martial arts and knightly training.
And this information was a hidden piece, only discoverable by dedicated players.
“I’ll be out of commission for two days.”
He left a note as a precaution, then placed his hand on the cover of the Royal Knight Combat Manual, took a deep breath, and spoke.
“I am a student, a novice, lacking in even the most basic of skills. I humbly request your guidance.”
–Understood.
The response was immediate, sharp, and decisive.
A brilliant light enveloped him.
–Whoosh.
The pages of the manual turned, a whirlwind of techniques and principles flashing before his eyes. They flowed into his mind, knowledge absorbed and internalized, gently guiding him into a world of martial mastery.
‘I have the Spirit Armor, and the mithril is being forged into the Manaplate Armor. That leaves only one thing: physical training.’
He had to prepare himself, to become an unbreakable wall, capable of withstanding any onslaught.
This was the beginning of his true training.
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I believe I had translated the second year representative as being male in prior chapters, however this chapter says otherwise, as such she will now be referred to as a female.
