Chapter 1.6 

‘What department is he from?’  

At the time, Evelyn had only fragmented clues. All she knew was that he was a handsome man with green eyes and dark hair.  

‘It’ll be hard to figure out.’  

From the start, there were few students who would even talk to her, a commoner. With such a narrow social circle, her investigation had its limits.  

‘He said he’d tell me the next time we meet?’  

There was no way to know when he would come. He’d probably show up when the time was right. Evelyn decided not to dwell on it.  

Every training session left her utterly exhausted. Just surviving each day was grueling enough. As new students in the Swordsmanship Department, they had to build basic stamina through sheer physical effort.  

After running thirty laps around the training grounds under the blazing sun, Evelyn felt bitterness rising in her throat. Finishing the long training, she collapsed, utterly drained.  

‘It feels like I’m coughing up blood….’  

Evelyn slumped down in the training grounds. A breeze swept through the outdoor area.  

‘Ah, what a peaceful moment.’  

The shade cast by the sprawling branches of the tree above her was cool. Just as she was about to savor the afternoon peace, a shadow loomed over her.  

“You seem to have it easy.”  

Evelyn snapped out of her drowsy state. An intruder had invaded her peaceful resting spot. It was a classmate she had thoroughly beaten during a swordsmanship sparring match a few days ago.  

“Callen, do you have something to say?”  

“I was just passing by and thought I’d say hi since I saw you.”  

Contrary to his words, Callen wore a dark expression. Most of the nobles at the academy didn’t like having to take the same classes as commoners.  

Well, considering their noble lineage, it was understandable. A wry smile crept onto Evelyn’s lips.  

“Why are you laughing?”  

“Sorry. I wasn’t laughing at you.”  

Callen’s lips tightened into a straight line, as if he didn’t believe her. Just as Evelyn was about to apologize again, Callen stepped closer to the tree.  

“When you first enrolled, we made a bet. You’ve lasted longer than expected, so we’re starting to be surprised.”  

“You placed bets on me?”  

She wasn’t angry, as she hadn’t expected much from them. There was a reason the way they looked at her grew more significant as time passed.  

“Which side did you bet on?”  

“Of course, I bet that you’d tuck your tail and run away from the academy within six months.”  

“There’s only fifteen days left until six months. Sorry for not meeting your expectations.”  

From the moment she entered this place, Evelyn had sworn to graduate. She spoke with a tone full of pity.  

“Oh dear. You’re going to lose money.”  

“It’s fine. You won’t last a year anyway.”  

Callen spoke with unwavering confidence. 

Did he have something to back it up? 

Evelyn suppressed the unease rising in her chest and forced a smile.  

“I’m determined to stick around, so you’d better bet on the other side next time.”  

“You won’t last. The scholarship you were supposed to receive has been canceled. It’s unfortunate.”  

“What do you mean by that?”  

The academy’s tuition was something a commoner could never afford. Evelyn almost lost her composure.  

“They’re making the scholarship requirements for commoners stricter.”  

“I was promised a scholarship when I enrolled.”  

“The proposal was passed by the Privy Council, and it’ll be announced soon. I doubt there’s any scholarship left for you.”  

Without a scholarship, she’d struggle to make it through the next semester. Callen’s voice carried a barely concealed satisfaction.  

“Even if you have talent, it can’t be helped. That’s the difference between you and me. A commoner dreaming of becoming a Royal Knight? Ridiculous. You should wake up from your delusions.”  

Evelyn froze, unable to blink. It felt like cold water had been poured over her heart.  

Why was life so difficult?  

She could endure being ostracized, but this kind of attack was particularly petty. Though despair threatened to overwhelm her, Evelyn forced herself to stay calm.  

‘I knew it wouldn’t be easy.’  

From a young age, she had wielded a sword. Her tender skin had often been torn, bleeding day after day. Each time, she had gritted her teeth and wrapped bandages around her wounds.  

When she announced her intention to enter the Swordsmanship Tournament, some laughed, and others tried to dissuade her. Everyone thought it was a hopeless endeavor.  

– A girl practicing swordsmanship? That’s absurd. No matter how good her teacher is, can she even succeed?  

The looks of disdain were still vivid in her memory. The chatter had died down when Evelyn won the Swordsmanship Tournament. She had earned her opportunity through hard work and proved her worth.  

‘People who kick dogs usually expect to see the dog in pain.’  

Evelyn steadied her breathing. She had no intention of giving the reaction they wanted. With a perfectly composed expression, Evelyn replied,  

“Thanks for letting me know in advance.”  

“What?”  

“Thanks to you, I can prepare. If I’d found out suddenly, I would’ve been caught off guard.”  

Callen’s expression faltered, as if he hadn’t expected this. His gaze swept over her face, as if searching for a weak spot.  

“You’re completely insane.”

Callen let out a short sigh and shook his head. His face displayed an expression of utter disbelief.  

“To put up a front even in a moment like this, I’m almost impressed by you.”

“You might’ve helped me without realizing it.”

Not getting the reaction he wanted, Callen’s face twisted as if he had bitten into something sour. He was completely unlike his sly father, who held a position in the Privy Council.

“Still putting up an act until the end, huh?”

Evelyn maintained a calm expression and smiled. Callen’s lips trembled slightly as he saw her serene smile.  

“Fine. Let’s see how long you can keep up that composure. It’ll probably be until the day you leave the academy, though.”  

Callen, speaking like a third-rate villain, retreated. Only after he was completely gone did Evelyn feel her strength leave her, and she let out a long sigh.  

Now, where was I supposed to find money?  

Not long after that encounter, a newly implemented policy drastically cut the academy’s scholarship funds. Evelyn was removed from the scholarship list.  

From then on, Evelyn tried her best to come up with solutions to earn money. Fortunately, she managed to find her own way.