Dong, dong – The clock tower bell in front of the main building rang, announcing the start of the academic conference. Soon after, each building raised flags embroidered with eagles high into the sky, displaying the majesty of the Royal University.

Not wanting to get caught in the crowd already forming, I walked toward a shady spot beneath a tree in the corner. However, someone had already arrived at the bench. Their head resting against the backrest, they looked exactly like melted cheese.

Thinking it might be some drunkard, I cautiously checked their face, only to be startled upon recognizing the familiar purple hair.

“What? Iris?”

“Oh, you’re here.”

Iris waved her hand in the air lazily, treating everything as a bother. Her slowly blinking eyes revealed exhaustion like an office worker after several nights of overtime. Sitting next to her slumped form, I asked with concern:

“Did you stay up all night?”

“After submitting my report yesterday, I couldn’t fall asleep.”

Yawning languidly, Iris looked at the crowd with half-closed eyes.

“And seeing that spectacle, who wouldn’t be tired?”

“Do you know those people? They don’t look like professors… I’ve never seen them before.”

“They’re all important people. Some nobles looking for students to sponsor, scholars searching for talented individuals to assist with their research.”

“…Nobles?”

Iris nodded, treating it as obvious, but I found it hard to believe.

This was because, unlike the nobles I had seen until now, their attire was far too ordinary. Brown wool vests with shirts or dresses with only a single layer of lace were things you’d typically see on village streets.

As I continuously doubted their identities, Iris readily continued her explanation.

“It’s the entry condition for the academic conference that’s been maintained for ages.”

“There are entry conditions?”

Iris raised her fingers one by one, starting with her index finger, and said:

“Don’t wear clothes that reveal your status. Refrain from excessive accessories. Welcome only those who pursue knowledge and ability.”

It was truly a rule befitting Angelus University. I just never expected it would apply equally to nobles, especially outsiders who weren’t even students. I let out a hollow laugh, and Iris placed her arm on my shoulder and said:

“They’re really ridiculous. Acting like they’re enduring something tremendous.”

“Haha…”

“What is this, some commoner experience? How unsightly.”

“Still, since everyone’s dressed similarly, I really can’t tell who’s a noble and who’s a commoner.”

Muttering curses under her breath, Iris looked around at my comment. Then she burst out laughing with a “kik.”

“That’s true. Even I, saying these things, have constantly distinguished people by their clothes.”

The slightly upturned corner of her mouth revealed somewhat bitter emotions. Afterward, Iris silently observed the plaza where various social classes mingled for a while. Then, seemingly unable to bear the silence, she clicked her tongue softly and patted my shoulder.

“How’s your training going?”

“It’s much better thanks to you, Iris. Later, maybe we could have a meal—”

“Forget it. I’m not a pig, why do you keep trying to feed me?”

“I just don’t know how else to repay you.”

When I shrugged awkwardly, Iris stared at me intently. Setting aside how close her face was, her gaze was somewhat burdensome, making me glance away repeatedly. When I mouthed ‘What?’ she replied matter-of-factly:

“Every time I see you, I’m reminded of my grandmother.”

“Your grandmother?”

“Yeah. When I lived in the Baron’s mansion, there was a maid who was desperate to feed me three meals a day. She asked me to think of her as my real grandmother or something. So I called her ‘old hag’.”

Perhaps she had been a spiritual pillar for the orphaned Iris. Seeing how the usually prickly Iris spoke fondly of her, it was clear this person had been important. Eager to learn more, I quickly asked about the maid.

“I’m glad you had someone like family. Does she still work at the mansion?”

“No, she died last year.”

My bright smile froze stiffly on my face. Iris’s voice was remarkably calm as she casually dropped this bombshell. Her composed reaction only amplified my guilt.

“I’m sorry. I was too insensitive.”

“Why are you apologizing? I brought it up.”

“Still… Did she pass away from illness?”

“They said it was death by illness. But I didn’t believe it. That old hag was incredibly healthy.”

“What?”

It wasn’t common for a healthy person to die from illness without showing any symptoms. Iris, who had observed her closely, must have felt this strangeness firsthand. After biting her lips for a long while, Iris finally spoke:

“Then, half a year later, I accidentally overheard a conversation among the maids.”

“What…”

“They said the old hag saw something she shouldn’t have while cleaning the mansion. That’s why she died.”

Her gray eyes, which had lost their focus, showed no emotional fluctuation whatsoever. It was the gaze of someone who had resigned themselves to everything. Seeing the usually fiery Iris so deflated made me uncomfortable. When I patted her hand that rested on my shoulder, Iris let out a small, hollow laugh.

“Do you act this way with just anyone?”

“…Pardon?”

“Never mind. Anyway, I don’t know the details either. I never tried to find out in the first place.”

Withdrawing her arm, Iris immediately stood up from the bench and stretched. Just then, the bell in the clock tower rang loudly. Checking the time, Iris nodded toward the building and said:

“I should go now. I need to help prepare for the exam.”

“Then I’ll see you later at Sezan’s magic exam.”

“Sure.”

Waving her hand as she walked away, Iris suddenly stopped in her tracks. She let out an “Ah,” apparently remembering something, then walked back to the bench and whispered quietly:

“I didn’t tell you about the old hag just to make conversation. That person couldn’t use magic or swordsmanship, but… strangely, she couldn’t be ignored. So you be careful too.”

Iris left this final warning and vanished gracefully. Not only did a healthy maid suddenly die, but the reason was that she had witnessed something inside the mansion. My suspicions toward Baron Klaus grew increasingly heavy.

Lost in deep thought while sitting on the bench, I soon noticed that the crowd had reached the garden. With no choice, I got up and headed toward the Department of Magical Creatures exhibition hall. I happened to see Asrein in front of the building, but he was engaged in a serious conversation with the headmaster, so I couldn’t approach him.

I climbed the stairs alone and entered Exhibition Hall 1. Reading stands were arranged throughout the spacious hall, with theses and reports lined up, each bearing the author’s name. Passing people quietly reading the papers, I found my own report at the far end.

Seeing traces that someone had read it, I felt inexplicably pleased when a strange voice addressed me:

“Did you write this thesis yourself?”

“Pardon? Ah, yes. Though it’s closer to a report.”

“I saw it earlier. It was quite well-written.”

“Thank you.”

While politely greeting him, I quickly examined the unknown man. His neatly parted hair was a deep chocolate brown like walnut, and his small pupils were a lighter shade. Somehow, his unsettling albino-like eyes couldn’t be hidden even by his gentle smile.

And my bad premonitions always came true.

“So you’re that picky Professor Asrein’s disciple.”

“…You know about me?”

The man with the fishy smile extended his hand slightly and said:

“Recently, one of my children was quite rude to you.”

Suddenly, cold sweat ran down my spine. I never expected to meet him so soon. This man was Baron Klaus, whom I had been so eager to meet.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Baron Klaus.”

While bowing deeply, I discreetly glanced down at the first floor. Asrein was still engaged in a serious conversation with the headmaster. Damn it. Klaus had appeared at the worst possible timing.

It would be better to observe the situation for now. There were other visitors in the exhibition hall besides Klaus and me, so he couldn’t try anything reckless. Besides, I could subdue him if necessary.

After finishing my greeting and saying nothing more, Klaus spoke first:

“Quite some time has passed, but I apologize on their behalf. I merely ordered them to befriend you. But that child is so greedy… blinded by jealousy, they did things I never instructed.”

Klaus readily apologized, but even this was predictable.

“Not at all. It was nothing.”

“Nothing… you say?”

“Iris regretted her mistake and apologized to me. Moreover, she asked me to keep quiet so as not to tarnish your reputation. Understanding her heart that prioritizes the one she serves, I simply called it ‘nothing’.”

As I smoothly recounted what had happened with Iris, Klaus twitched one corner of his mouth. Did he think I would speak ill of Iris?

Of course, that would be the easiest way to gain favor quickly, but it would also be foolish to directly tarnish my own image. Gaining a reputation for being cautious by not disparaging others should be the priority.

“I was curious why Iris regards you as her benefactor, but now that you’ve personally come to apologize to a commoner like me… I think I already understand the reason.”

When I placed my hand on my chest and lowered my gaze obediently, a voice tinged with amusement returned:

“Just as I heard, your character is gentle without any rough edges.”

“I’m grateful for your kind assessment.”

“…Or perhaps, simply stupid.”

Klaus deliberately threw out his muttering, clearly wanting me to hear it. But even with Klaus’s aggressive approach, the smile on my face didn’t fade. Rather, I was grateful that he considered me stupid. The more Klaus underestimated me, the easier it would be to infiltrate.

“Have you thoroughly examined the theses?”

“Hmm. I came with expectations, but they’re all similar… nothing particularly stands out.”

“Perhaps their level of learning is similar, failing to meet your expectations.”

“I’m glad at least you understand. Everyone talks about coexistence with magical creatures, but they don’t mention the feasibility. Anyone can speak idealistic words.”

Feasibility… Having had similar thoughts recently, I had no difficulty responding.

“I feel the same way. While traveling for research recently, I’ve come to think that coexistence with magical creatures is realistically difficult. The world doesn’t operate so idealistically.”

“Oh? Then why did you write such an old-fashioned paper?”

“I feared being ostracized if I incorporated negative opinions into my writing.”

I pretended to lack confidence by shifting my gaze elsewhere. I also unnecessarily checked my surroundings, worried someone might overhear. While putting all my effort into appearing anxious, inside I had only one thought:

“With no one to acknowledge me, isn’t it better to blend in rather than stand out, given my position?”

Take the bait. Even knowing I’m just a loach, please eagerly snatch me up.

As I glanced around with an awkward smile, Klaus lightly patted my shoulder.

“Don’t be discouraged. New assertions are always rejected, but in the end, the right side prevails.”

“It’s a weak conjecture, but… Baron, you seem to have had similar experiences.”

“Yes. It was when I discovered a way for magical creatures and humans to coexist.”

“…You discovered a way?”

With a confident expression, Klaus whispered secretively:

“Have you ever thought how beneficial it would be if executing criminals also served as prevention?”

“Pardon?”

“Magical creatures are the same. If we eliminate risk factors in advance, conflicts will decrease.”

“…You mean leaving only magical creatures that are favorable to humans.”

Klaus nodded with a smirk. I was foolish to have even slightly hoped. Already I wanted to wash out my ears, but I had to endure since there was still much more to extract.

I made my eyes sparkle like someone who had encountered a remarkable theory.

“Is there a way to determine that?”

“I have methods discovered through research, but…”

He seems hesitant to speak. If I hesitate here, such an opportunity might never come again. I stared intently at Klaus with a gaze full of desperate plea and admiration.

“Baron. Would you not share the wisdom of a sage with someone as inadequate as me?”

Sigh. It’s been a long time since I’ve uttered such flattery without changing my expression. Sometimes flattery can backfire depending on the person, but I was certain about what kind of person Baron Klaus was.

He had many frighteningly similar traits to my former academic advisor. Both in how they believe they’re the smartest, and how they delude themselves that everyone else is wrong.

Sure enough, Baron Klaus let out a pleased laugh and said:

“Well, I suppose I must. A banquet is being held at my mansion for enlightened individuals to engage in beneficial discussions. If you’re curious, you should come. Ah, you may bring Professor Asrein as well.”

“I’m grateful for your generous consideration. I’ll speak with the professor about it.”

“I hope it helps broaden his perspective.”

How ridiculous. Indeed, someone with superficial knowledge is more dangerous than someone completely ignorant. A glint of madness flickered in Klaus’s eyes as he firmly believed in his misguided ideology. I wanted to probe further, but Klaus lightly raised one hand to stop me.

“I must go now. I’m quite busy.”

“I apologize for taking up your valuable time.”

“It’s fine. I’m pleased to have found a promising talent.”

“I’m honored.”

After escorting Klaus to the front of the exhibition hall, I stared intently at his back as he headed toward the main building. The smile on my face disappeared as quickly as spring snow melting, and my now cold mind raced faster than ever before.

System, who had suddenly appeared beside me, chuckled and said:

– You’ve developed quite a thick skin.

“Have I? I’m already well-versed in dealing with that type.”

– Will you attend the banquet?

“Of course I must go. I’m curious about what nonsense he’ll spout to his gathered audience.”

There were numerous suspicious points. Even if he had known me before, I hadn’t expected to be invited to a banquet so easily. He even boldly suggested bringing Asrein first. If it were a secretive gathering, it wouldn’t be this careless.

“He clearly has something he’s confident about.”

– Do you have any guesses?

“No, not yet.”

Recalling our brief conversation, I couldn’t help but laugh hollowly. Eliminating risk factors in advance… what nonsense. And to top it off, the outrageous claim that Asrein lacks perspective. With my hands growing cold, I clenched my fists and sneered at the arrogant Klaus.

“Freedom of delusion is fine, but one should know their place.”