Return of the Calamity-Class Death Knight
Chapter 365: SS 13

[Translator - Pot ]

[Proofreader - Kawaii ]

Side Story Chapter 13: Enrollment Briefing (2)

Two days had passed since the decision was made to enroll me in school.

Suddenly, Grandpa called the whole family together.

The cause was three letters that arrived in the morning.

"Everyone, read them."

At Grandpa's words, the family decided to pass the letters around one by one.

Oh, not everyone was gathered.

Uncle Damien was out, so he wasn't there.

When we all finished reading the letters, everyone couldn't help but be flustered.

And for good reason, because the letters were from the Empire, the Church, and the Fafnir Mercenary Group respectively.

I don't need to explain what these three places are.

They were forces so powerful that people say they divide the continent into three parts.

"So, the Empire, the Church, and the Fafnir Mercenary Group are planning to visit to enroll Theo in their educational institutions?"

Mom said it like she could hardly believe it. The other family members felt the same.

"And even the Emperor, the Holy Empress's proxy, and the former Mercenary King are coming personally?"

The family all groaned.

Actually, this wasn't the first time these three had visited the Haksen Ducal House. They'd come several times before.

But that doesn't mean we're used to them. How could we be? They're big shots with enormous influence on the continent.

Even one visiting makes us tense and requires a lot of preparation, but this time all three are coming.

It's natural that the family is getting headaches.

"But is this for real?"

Grandma tilted her head as she spoke.

"All three are incredibly busy people. And they're coming to the family in person to persuade Theo?"

"I agree with Mother. There must be some mistake in the letters."

Little Uncle also agreed with Grandma's opinion.

Not just Little Uncle. The other family members all nodded too.

It makes sense, right?

Even though I'm Uncle Damien's nephew, it doesn't make sense for those three to come just for me.

"Still, just in case, let's prepare in advance."

"Yes."

Grandpa ended the meeting.

Thinking about it now, it was a really excellent decision.

"Sir Haksen, sorry if the sudden visit surprised you."

"May God's grace be with you. It's truly a fine day."

"Whoa, it's been a while since I've been here. How have you been?"

A week later, the three really did visit in person.

* * *

Grandpa was shocked out of his wits, but fortunately, he quickly regained his composure.

"I'll escort all three of you this way."

Grandpa calmly guided the three to the reception room.

Luckily, we'd cleaned the reception room spotless in preparation for their possible arrival.

With the three sitting in the same space, a strange atmosphere flowed.

All three were looking at each other with wary eyes.

"I didn't expect someone who serves God to personally step into such worldly matters."

The one who started the attack first was His Majesty the Emperor.

His Majesty smirked crookedly and mocked Grandpa Cheongyeum.

"Even if you're not active anymore, I wonder if it's okay for a Elder of the church to do this. But since you always act arbitrarily claiming it's God's will whenever you get a chance, it's nothing new."

"I didn't know Your Majesty was so well-versed in the church's affairs."

Grandpa Cheongyeum spoke with a smile.

But I could see it.

The bulging vein on his temple.

"But Your Majesty, managing the Empire's big and small affairs must be tough, so is it okay to be away for so long? If the Empire's people knew, they'd scoff."

This time, a vein popped on His Majesty's forehead.

The two glared at each other while smiling. Whoa, it's really scary.

Huh, but why is Grandpa Mercenary King so quiet?

"You're still as beautiful as ever."

"Oh my, thank you even if it's just flattery."

"Flattery? When I compliment a woman, I only mean it sincerely."

"How can you say this old lady is pretty?"

"I've never seen a grandma with such smooth skin in my life."

Grandpa Mercenary King was fondling Grandma's hand and flirting.

I looked at Grandpa Mercenary King with a dumbfounded expression.

Grandpa Mercenary King looks about my age on the outside.

So, visually, it looks like a kid my age hitting on Grandma.

I knew he was a ladies' man... but even after getting scolded by Uncle last time, he's at it again.

"...Mercenary King, this is very troublesome."

As expected, Grandpa intervened between the two with a face barely suppressing his anger.

"Are you jealous or something?"

"Does it look like I'm not?"

"Calm down. Relax."

Grandma said as she hugged Grandpa tightly.

Grandpa Mercenary King smacked his lips regretfully.

"There's no room to cut in here."

...Was he serious?

This won't do. I need to tell Uncle. If Uncle scolds him, he'll snap out of it.

"Ahem."

At that moment, His Majesty cleared his throat loudly, drawing everyone's attention.

"Shall we get to the main point?"

When His Majesty gestured, one of the officials pulled out a large scroll from his bosom.

"These are the benefits the Empire will provide if Theo enrolls in the Academy."

The family focused on the scroll with surprised faces.

"First, we'll fully waive the admission fee and tuition. We won't charge for any additional costs afterward either. Not only that, we'll open special lectures just for Theo..."

As His Majesty's explanation continued, the family looked at the scroll with pleased expressions.

Especially Mother seemed satisfied. It must have really appealed to her.

"That's all."

When His Majesty's words ended, the official neatly folded the scroll and handed it to Mother.

"I can confidently say there's no place more suitable for Theo than the Empire's Academy."

His Majesty spoke with a voice full of pride.

At that moment, Grandpa Cheongyeum spoke in a solemn tone.

"Madam, you must not be swayed by such materialistic benefits."

"Materialistic? Don't speak carelessly. Then what can the Church provide for Theo?"

His Majesty spoke with a slightly angry face.

But Grandpa Cheongyeum isn't one to be intimidated by that. He spoke with a relaxed expression.

"First, we'll add all the benefits the Empire mentioned."

"What? You just called them materialistic and now you're shamelessly saying that!"

"Tsk tsk, you should listen to people until the end. What I meant is that being materialistic isn't the problem, but being 'only' materialistic is."

His Majesty sent a look of disbelief.

Actually, I feel similar to His Majesty. Isn't that a bit too cheap?

"Madam, material benefits can be offered anywhere. That's why we plan to provide something only the church can offer."

"Something only the church can provide?"

Mom asked with a curious face. Then Grandpa Cheongyeum nodded and said.

"That is... having a one-hour meeting with Her Holiness every day."

Mom and I both tilted our heads.

Because we couldn't understand why that was good.

"As you must feel, Madam, children grow very quickly. Both physically and mentally. Especially at this age, it's a crucial time when their worldview expands."

Then Grandpa Cheongyeum quickly started explaining.

"At this time, the biggest influence is who they meet and what stories they hear. These two things determine the child's character and level of refinement."

Before I knew it, Mom had started fully focusing on Grandpa Cheongyeum's story.

"Her Holiness has strived, agonized, and trained for a long time to become the spiritual pillar of the believers. I guarantee that facing Her Holiness will greatly mature Theo's inner self."

Will that really convince her?

No matter how you package it, it's just a meeting...

"That's really wonderful!"

It worked?

Mom looked very satisfied.

"I've been worried about Theo growing up twisted."

"Heh heh, that's an unnecessary worry."

"Since his uncle is Damien..."

"What's the problem with that?"

"I'm afraid he'll go berserk without holding back if something displeases him..."

"Hmm, that's worth worrying about."

They're having a really rude conversation so casually.

What's wrong with Uncle!

My life goal is to live like Uncle!

"Then, I have no doubt that Madam will choose our Theological Seminary..."

"That's ridiculous."

At that moment, Grandpa Mercenary King snorted and shouted.

"You're both wrong. Tuition waiver, character building... Hanging such trivial conditions."

The two got fired up at Grandpa Mercenary King's words.

"Trivial? Then what condition did you bring?"

"I'm curious how great a thing you can give Theo."

Grandpa Mercenary King shook his index finger left and right as if it was laughable.

With that childlike face doing that, it's really infuriating.

If it's this bad for me, how much worse for His Majesty and Grandpa Cheongyeum?

"Listen, Louise. There's only one thing I can give Theo."

For a moment, Grandpa Mercenary King's expression turned serious.

"Real combat."

The reception room fell silent for a bit.

Everyone looked at Grandpa Mercenary King with faces like, what is he talking about?

"Our Fafnir Mercenary Group's motto is just one: Real combat is the best training! Training without experience is utterly useless!"

Mom made a conflicted expression.

Is he joking right now? She seems to be seriously pondering it.

"I'm not talking about fake combat under adults' protection! I mean real combat accompanied by death! Entrust Theo to me! I'll raise him into a warrior among warriors!"

"Yes, Mercenary King, I think you can leave early."

"W-what? What do you mean all of a sudden."

Grandpa Mercenary King shouted in surprise, but Mother was firm.

"Real combat? Death? I can't entrust Theo to such a horrific place."

"What? Think again. If he survives, Theo will become a powerhouse no one can ignore!"

"I don't need it. Please leave."

Mother's face and voice lowered.

It was so chilly that even Grandpa Mercenary King backed away.

"...W-wait! Ultimately, what's important is Theo's opinion, right?"

But Grandpa Mercenary King was no pushover.

Seeing it was hard to persuade Mom, he immediately latched onto me.

"Theo! Don't you want to become strong like your uncle? Come to our Fafnir Training Camp!"

"This guy's talking crazy! Theo, it's the Empire! Come to the Academy!"

"Theo, trust me. The Theological Seminary is the place for you."

When Grandpa Mercenary King clung to me, the other two approached me too.

Under the three's auras, I couldn't say anything.

Ugh, aaah. What do I do? Which one should I choose?

It was when I was hesitating, unable to answer.

With a clunk, the reception room door opened.

Uncle came in and made a surprised expression.

"Your Majesty? Elder Cheongyeum? Why are you here? What, the Mercenary King is here too."

At Uncle's appearance, the three quickly detached from me and clung to Uncle.

"Damien! It's been a while. How have you been? I told you to stop by the palace whenever you're in the Empire. Why no contact? This makes me sad. I even prepared a grand banquet for you!"

"Ah, yes... I've been a bit busy."

"Damien! I was sad not seeing your face. Good thing we meet like this. Today, I request a spar! It's okay if a limb gets torn off, so go all out!"

"Uh... I'll think about it."

"Hey, why don't you use honorifics only for me? Why ignore only me!"

"Do you have no conscience? If you want to be treated like an elder, act like one."

Uncle roughly dealt with the three and came to me.

"Uncle! Did your errand go well?"

"Yeah, it wrapped up fine. But what's all this?"

I explained the whole story to Uncle. After hearing me, Uncle said casually.

"I think the Academy would be good."

"Why?"

"I go on business trips to the Empire a lot. The dark mages, those sons of bitches, are mainly active in the Empire."

"Really? Then I'll go to the Academy!"

I said it without a moment's hesitation.

Tuition waiver? Meetings with the Holy Empress?

What's the use of all that. If I go to the Empire, I can see Uncle often!

"Mom! I want to go to the Academy!"

"If that's what you want, sure. With Damien there, I can rest easy too."

Mom readily agreed.

Then the three made sour expressions.

Even His Majesty.

"I prepared all this for nothing. I didn't expect the decision to be made so easily."

"Your Majesty, what can we do. For Theo, Damien is the best."

"Damn, at this point, I have to persuade Damien. That guy would understand the importance of real combat."

The three trembled with frustration.

* * *

Even though Theo's destination was decided, the three didn't leave right away.

Using travel fatigue as an excuse, they decided to stay at the ducal house.

Because of that, a grand banquet was held that evening.

It was an event prepared by Duke Haksen solely for these three.

And after the banquet ended, at the training ground where the sunset was setting.

"Urgh, cough, cough."

Cheongyeum was sprawled on the ground, vomiting up everything he'd eaten for dinner.

"Are you alright?"

Damien asked worriedly.

Cheongyeum waved his hand as if to say he was fine.

"I'm totally fine. Rather, I'm grateful. You sparred with full sincerity as I requested, didn't you?"

The spar with former Five Great Elder Cheongyeum ended in Damien's one-sided victory.

Even though they fought with Cheongyeum's specialty, bare-handed combat.

An insurmountable gap already existed between the two.

"I feel it every time, but you get explosively stronger. If you're the moon floating in the sky, I'm no different from a grain of sand on the ground."

"You're being overly complimentary today."

"As you age, you tend to become more sentimental."

Cheongyeum grinned and stood up.

"By the way, you still haven't returned to being human?"

At Cheongyeum's question, Damien hesitated for a moment.

Soon, he slowly nodded.

"You know better than anyone, but you already have more than enough ability to return to human. You've reached the realm called transcendent."

Ten years ago, Damien reached a divine realm.

And now, Damien was much stronger than then. To the point where he himself couldn't gauge how strong he was.

"Yet the reason you keep failing is... only one. You're blocking yourself."

There's a term called heart demon.

Just as the body can fall ill, so can the mind.

A person afflicted with a heart demon becomes greatly weakened, unable to grow and stagnating.

That's exactly Damien's current situation.

"Damien, what is binding you so much?"

Cheongyeum asked with a worried face.

Damien just smiled gloomily.

[Translator - Pot ]

[Proofreader - Kawaii ]