The epitome of imperial education. In Jephryn, the use of servants is essentially prohibited.
This measure is primarily aimed at fostering students’ independent learning. This is the official rationale, and to some extent, it is followed.
Nevertheless, it is not entirely impossible to disregard Jephryn’s regulations and introduce one’s own subordinates into Jephryn.
One approach is to exploit Jephryn’s leniency towards the formation of factions and utilize them to oversee subordinates.
Another approach is to have companions also successfully pass the entrance examination and gain admission.
Certainly, Jephryn’s entrance examination is far from easy.
The fact that both the empire and all the kingdoms administer entrance exams to select exceptional talents implies that the admission criteria are exceedingly rigorous for untalented civilians.
Furthermore, even if one manages to secure admission, successfully navigating the grueling coursework is an entirely different challenge.
Nevertheless, there are entities that casually disregard these obstacles and consistently manage to infiltrate Jephryn with new individuals in every generation.
To be more precise, it’s not entire regions, but specific families.
One such example is the assassination family of the southern region- the confidant of the first emperor, so skilled that even the first emperor believed he would have perished had he not been prepared for even a single day – the Hatsan Shadow family.
“Rudika, Miss.”
“……”
Dawn.
Upon hearing the girl addressing her, Rudika slowly opened her eyes.
She shifted her gaze and saw another girl standing there.
They shared the same skin color and eyes, but the girl appeared slightly older.
“It’s time to change your clothes. I’ll assist you with your morning ablutions first.”
In response to those words, Rudika shook her head, got up, and promptly completed her ablutions and clothing change.
Throughout this process, the girl had remained silent, bowing her head low.
Cecil Shadow.
In her fourth year within the Knight Department.
Someone Rudika had once considered her sister.
But now, she served Rudika Hatsan Shadow as a mere attendant.
Externally, everyone recognized them as the Hatsan Shadow, but internally, only one person per generation could claim the title of Hatsan.
The method of determining this was straightforward.
When the children reached a certain age, they were pitted against each other in battles that could cost them their lives.
The survivor would then be declared the winner and bestowed with the name Hatsan.
However, this time, no one in the generation had been harmed or killed.
The reason was evident.
A prodigy had emerged.
Rudika Hatsan Shadow.
She had vanquished all competition from the branches and siblings of her generation right from the start.
Three years with a wooden dagger, and another year with an iron one.
At the tender age of seven, she had surpassed even her father, the previous Hatsan, a true monster.
“What about lunch today?”
“Cecil? If you’re available, how about sharing a meal with the Shadow family after a long time?”
It was a brief proposal, but Cecil Shadow shook her head.
“That’s too kind. Please go ahead.”
“Alright then. I’ll dine at Wolfram’s.”
“Are you headed to Prince Wolfram von Roengreen’s residence? I’ll inform the Shadow siblings. Hatsan.”
“……Yes.”
Rudika Hatsan Shadow simply nodded.
[Everything for the Hatsan of the generation.]
That was the motto of the Hatsan Shadow family.
Only one Shadow per generation.
They lived and died for the one acknowledged as Hatsan.
The memories of secretly indulging in sweets together, hiding under blankets for late-night conversations, and playing with sand scorpions had faded away due to the family motto.
“Then I’ll take my leave. Hatsan.”
The sister, now serving as a servant, departed, and Rudika let out a small sigh.
It felt stifling.
***
Lately, the atmosphere in the convenience store has been quite unusual.
What could have happened? Should we discover it together? Despite my desire to ask these questions, I can’t seem to summon the courage.
One of the reasons is undoubtedly Nephti.
“…Royal Guard. 200 million Rin. 200 million… 5 years of service and 1 billion… enough to purchase a mansion in the heart of the imperial capital… 5-day workweek with no overtime. Emergency standby twice a month on a rotational basis… balancing life and work…”
She appears to be wrestling with her own thoughts, her mind consumed by the Royal Guard.
Let’s set that aside for now.
The other individual is our assassin, Rudika Hatsan Shadow.
She doesn’t do anything out of the ordinary, but occasionally, she just gazes at me blankly.
“Rudika. Is there something on your mind?”
“Ah, Wolfram… No, it’s nothing.”
Could it be that I’ve finally become a target? For assassination?
What have I done wrong? Besides perhaps roaring like a lion at the recent aristocrats’ social gathering.
…
…
Is it because of that?
“Rudika. If something is troubling you, don’t hesitate to talk about it.”
“Huh? Oh, it’s nice to see Wolfram being considerate. Rudika is fine.”
She says this with a slightly softer smile than usual.
No, if you smile like that, I really feel like I’m in danger.
In times like these, I need to somehow mend Rudika’s feelings, my karma score.
“…Speaking out at the aristocrats’ social gathering was the right thing to do.”
“Hm? Oh, I heard about that. Well done. You portrayed a good image.”
“What?”
“It’s fitting for a prince to whom our Shadow family pledges loyalty.”
“……..”
So the report has already been submitted and a judgment has been made.
Then it’s not about my karma score.
“…It’s frustrating.”
“200 million Rin…”
I truly can’t grasp the reason.
Normally, I’d just let things be, but sitting in the store feeling gloomy isn’t like me.
In times like these, a change of scenery is necessary. Why not go out for a meal?
Young-jin used to head straight to the PC room after his part-time job in the hot and humid summer, enjoying games in front of the air conditioner.
He’d also take virtual trips to England and America using online road views.
Even though his body was in the PC room, ordering jjapaghetti cooked by the part-timer at three in the morning, he’d exclaim, “Wow, this part-timer makes really good jjapaghetti,” prompting all the customers to order jjapaghetti.
Hmm. Anyway, the point is, when things get tough, a change of mood is the solution.
And the three of us have worked well together before.
There are plenty of places to explore aside from getting fixated on the central academy district.
Ah.
“Rudika. Junior who’s suffering from decision paralysis.”
“200 million Rin… Huh? Why are you calling me, senior?”
“What’s up, Wolfram?”
Typically, Nephti would be the one initiating such conversations.
“I won’t say there’s hidden treasure, but how about going on a trip for a change of pace?”
“A change of pace?”
“Yes, a land of small adventures awaits. I promise it’ll be enjoyable.”
“…Alright, it’s a good opportunity to clear my mind!”
“Yes! Let’s go, Wolfram!”
Rudika, Nephti, and I.
The trio that had previously conquered the Sleeping Mountain up to Act 1-4 was once again embarking on an adventure.
***
Walking along a path with a handcart filled with luggage, courtesy of Patrasche.
However, each time we went, our faces grew oddly serious.
“…Is it that place again? Not that Rudika mind.”
“The Sleeping Mountain. Hmm… it’s not too bad.”
Since the three of us have already been to the Sleeping Mountain, it might not be as thrilling this time.
“Let’s just go and see. I’ll show you my secret spot. Did you bring all your gear?”
“Yes.”
“Right. I’ve brought everything just in case there are fights.”
The moment we entered the entrance of the Sleeping Mountain, our expressions turned somber, and I immediately veered to the right.
There, a humming portal awaited us.
“Huh… Was this place here before?”
“Rudika has never heard of such a place.”
“I promise an enjoyable landscape and experience.”
Nephti, Rudika, and I.
The adventurous trio entered the hidden map [The City of Natural Beauty].
***
[The City of Natural Beauty] is, as its name suggests, an island that fits the description of an ‘isolated island.’
The starting area is a forest on the outskirts of the island, where heading towards the sea leads to seafood farming, and venturing deeper into the forest leads to hunting for meat and berries.
In the center, there’s a small mountain, and at its peak resides a boss monster.
The starting point is usually near the beachside forest.
The dense jungle limits visibility, but the scent and sounds of the sea indicate that heading in that direction will certainly lead to the ocean.
All monsters spawn randomly, but strictly speaking, encounter rates vary. The deeper you go into the island’s forest, the higher the chance of encountering stronger monsters. However, that’s not to say you won’t come across them if you head towards the beach.
“…Nephti! Hold it off for 3 seconds!”
“Alright! [Guardian Formation: Shock Dispersion: Forced Taunt]”
Nephti stands in the way of the Silver Horn Wolf, a relatively formidable monster, with a sturdy steel shield.
Then, Rudika’s dagger swiftly strikes at the wolf’s throat.
The wolf, distracted by Nephti, recognizes Rudika at the last moment.
Yet even so, Rudika’s speed was overwhelmingly quick.
The swishing sound turned into a chilling scrape, repeated precisely once more.
After slashing the wolf’s throat twice, Rudika gracefully retreated, ensuring not a single drop of blood escaped as she turned away.
An incredibly impressive combo play.
Our teamwork is truly impeccable!
And what did I do?
“Senior! This shield is amazing!”
“It’s just a shield made from a robust alloy.”
“Still! It deflects attacks so effectively! It’s incredibly sturdy! Totally different from standard gear!”
I had provided such an item.
“If you like it that much, take it.”
“This loyalty! It’s yours!”
Nephti salutes with a chuckling “Ehehe.”
It appears Nephti wanted to engage in some physical activity to release her stress.
On the contrary, Rudika’s expression remained inexplicably somber.
“This is something.”
“Rudika Hatsan Shadow.”
“Huh? What’s up, Wolfram?”
“You mentioned earlier that you were feeling suffocated.”
“Did you catch that? Ahaha. …Yeah, I suppose I did.”
“I hope this provides some relief for you.”
With that, we exited the forest.
The sound of crashing waves.
Before us stretched a sandy shoreline and an endless expanse of blue.
“…Wow… Wow!”
“This… This is…”
“Normally, to witness such a spectacle in Jephryn, one would have to venture beyond the central district, the academy district, and reach the far reaches of the eastern, northern, southern, or western expedition areas. But it’s different here.”
Exactly.
That’s why this is [The City of Natural Beauty].
A name that aptly encapsulates all the beauty of this world.
“How does it feel to behold the sea, reputed to be the most beautiful in Jephryn?”
“This is the sea. It’s my first time seeing it. Gluco was just a village, after all. So, this is what the world is like.”
“Nephti.”
“Yes?”
“Patrasch can use fire magic.”
“So?”
“It means that no matter how much you swim in the sea, we can dry your clothes.”
“….Ah! Then, senior, can I go now…?”
“Yes. Go, Nephti. Go and commune with nature.”
“I’ll be back!!”
And with that, Nephti became a blur of motion.
Full of youth and vitality, indeed. An old man like me can’t quite match that.
Meanwhile, Rudika simply gazed silently at the sea, saying nothing.
“Rudika, have you ever seen the sea before?”
“No, it’s my first time too. It’s vast, truly vast.”
“The sea is wider than all the lands of the world. Even if the Roengreen Empire conquers all the land, they can’t match the depth and breadth of the sea.”
“Is that so?”
Finally, Rudika turned her attention to me.
“How does Wolfram know so much? Do you know everything?”
“Um.”
That’s a sudden question.
I don’t know everything. I’m only knowledgeable about D/Z SAGA. But I can’t reveal that.
However, I’m well-prepared for such questions.
“I started at the imperial library, delving into countless documents. To step into the world, one must first understand the world, right?”
“…Aren’t you a prince, Wolfram? Can you speak so casually about venturing into the world? Shouldn’t a prince fulfill his duties?”
Rudika, you’re making it difficult to choose my words.
“Even so, isn’t it permissible to dream? I studied this much so I could witness the sea like this.”
“…Then, once you leave Jephryn, won’t you have to resume your duties as royalty?”
That does seem likely. But that’s a tale for two years from now.
The epitome of imperial education. In Jephryn, the use of servants is essentially prohibited.
This measure is primarily aimed at fostering students’ independent learning. This is the official rationale, and to some extent, it is followed.
Nevertheless, it is not entirely impossible to disregard Jephryn’s regulations and introduce one’s own subordinates into Jephryn.
One approach is to exploit Jephryn’s leniency towards the formation of factions and utilize them to oversee subordinates.
Another approach is to have companions also successfully pass the entrance examination and gain admission.
Certainly, Jephryn’s entrance examination is far from easy.
The fact that both the empire and all the kingdoms administer entrance exams to select exceptional talents implies that the admission criteria are exceedingly rigorous for untalented civilians.
Furthermore, even if one manages to secure admission, successfully navigating the grueling coursework is an entirely different challenge.
Nevertheless, there are entities that casually disregard these obstacles and consistently manage to infiltrate Jephryn with new individuals in every generation.
To be more precise, it’s not entire regions, but specific families.
One such example is the assassination family of the southern region- the confidant of the first emperor, so skilled that even the first emperor believed he would have perished had he not been prepared for even a single day – the Hatsan Shadow family.
“Rudika, Miss.”
“……”
Dawn.
Upon hearing the girl addressing her, Rudika slowly opened her eyes.
She shifted her gaze and saw another girl standing there.
They shared the same skin color and eyes, but the girl appeared slightly older.
“It’s time to change your clothes. I’ll assist you with your morning ablutions first.”
In response to those words, Rudika shook her head, got up, and promptly completed her ablutions and clothing change.
Throughout this process, the girl had remained silent, bowing her head low.
Cecil Shadow.
In her fourth year within the Knight Department.
Someone Rudika had once considered her sister.
But now, she served Rudika Hatsan Shadow as a mere attendant.
Externally, everyone recognized them as the Hatsan Shadow, but internally, only one person per generation could claim the title of Hatsan.
The method of determining this was straightforward.
When the children reached a certain age, they were pitted against each other in battles that could cost them their lives.
The survivor would then be declared the winner and bestowed with the name Hatsan.
However, this time, no one in the generation had been harmed or killed.
The reason was evident.
A prodigy had emerged.
Rudika Hatsan Shadow.
She had vanquished all competition from the branches and siblings of her generation right from the start.
Three years with a wooden dagger, and another year with an iron one.
At the tender age of seven, she had surpassed even her father, the previous Hatsan, a true monster.
“What about lunch today?”
“Cecil? If you’re available, how about sharing a meal with the Shadow family after a long time?”
It was a brief proposal, but Cecil Shadow shook her head.
“That’s too kind. Please go ahead.”
“Alright then. I’ll dine at Wolfram’s.”
“Are you headed to Prince Wolfram von Roengreen’s residence? I’ll inform the Shadow siblings. Hatsan.”
“……Yes.”
Rudika Hatsan Shadow simply nodded.
[Everything for the Hatsan of the generation.]
That was the motto of the Hatsan Shadow family.
Only one Shadow per generation.
They lived and died for the one acknowledged as Hatsan.
The memories of secretly indulging in sweets together, hiding under blankets for late-night conversations, and playing with sand scorpions had faded away due to the family motto.
“Then I’ll take my leave. Hatsan.”
The sister, now serving as a servant, departed, and Rudika let out a small sigh.
It felt stifling.
***
Lately, the atmosphere in the convenience store has been quite unusual.
What could have happened? Should we discover it together? Despite my desire to ask these questions, I can’t seem to summon the courage.
One of the reasons is undoubtedly Nephti.
“…Royal Guard. 200 million Rin. 200 million… 5 years of service and 1 billion… enough to purchase a mansion in the heart of the imperial capital… 5-day workweek with no overtime. Emergency standby twice a month on a rotational basis… balancing life and work…”
She appears to be wrestling with her own thoughts, her mind consumed by the Royal Guard.
Let’s set that aside for now.
The other individual is our assassin, Rudika Hatsan Shadow.
She doesn’t do anything out of the ordinary, but occasionally, she just gazes at me blankly.
“Rudika. Is there something on your mind?”
“Ah, Wolfram… No, it’s nothing.”
Could it be that I’ve finally become a target? For assassination?
What have I done wrong? Besides perhaps roaring like a lion at the recent aristocrats’ social gathering.
…
…
Is it because of that?
“Rudika. If something is troubling you, don’t hesitate to talk about it.”
“Huh? Oh, it’s nice to see Wolfram being considerate. Rudika is fine.”
She says this with a slightly softer smile than usual.
No, if you smile like that, I really feel like I’m in danger.
In times like these, I need to somehow mend Rudika’s feelings, my karma score.
“…Speaking out at the aristocrats’ social gathering was the right thing to do.”
“Hm? Oh, I heard about that. Well done. You portrayed a good image.”
“What?”
“It’s fitting for a prince to whom our Shadow family pledges loyalty.”
“……..”
So the report has already been submitted and a judgment has been made.
Then it’s not about my karma score.
“…It’s frustrating.”
“200 million Rin…”
I truly can’t grasp the reason.
Normally, I’d just let things be, but sitting in the store feeling gloomy isn’t like me.
In times like these, a change of scenery is necessary. Why not go out for a meal?
Young-jin used to head straight to the PC room after his part-time job in the hot and humid summer, enjoying games in front of the air conditioner.
He’d also take virtual trips to England and America using online road views.
Even though his body was in the PC room, ordering jjapaghetti cooked by the part-timer at three in the morning, he’d exclaim, “Wow, this part-timer makes really good jjapaghetti,” prompting all the customers to order jjapaghetti.
Hmm. Anyway, the point is, when things get tough, a change of mood is the solution.
And the three of us have worked well together before.
There are plenty of places to explore aside from getting fixated on the central academy district.
Ah.
“Rudika. Junior who’s suffering from decision paralysis.”
“200 million Rin… Huh? Why are you calling me, senior?”
“What’s up, Wolfram?”
Typically, Nephti would be the one initiating such conversations.
“I won’t say there’s hidden treasure, but how about going on a trip for a change of pace?”
“A change of pace?”
“Yes, a land of small adventures awaits. I promise it’ll be enjoyable.”
“…Alright, it’s a good opportunity to clear my mind!”
“Yes! Let’s go, Wolfram!”
Rudika, Nephti, and I.
The trio that had previously conquered the Sleeping Mountain up to Act 1-4 was once again embarking on an adventure.
***
Walking along a path with a handcart filled with luggage, courtesy of Patrasche.
However, each time we went, our faces grew oddly serious.
“…Is it that place again? Not that Rudika mind.”
“The Sleeping Mountain. Hmm… it’s not too bad.”
Since the three of us have already been to the Sleeping Mountain, it might not be as thrilling this time.
“Let’s just go and see. I’ll show you my secret spot. Did you bring all your gear?”
“Yes.”
“Right. I’ve brought everything just in case there are fights.”
The moment we entered the entrance of the Sleeping Mountain, our expressions turned somber, and I immediately veered to the right.
There, a humming portal awaited us.
“Huh… Was this place here before?”
“Rudika has never heard of such a place.”
“I promise an enjoyable landscape and experience.”
Nephti, Rudika, and I.
The adventurous trio entered the hidden map [The City of Natural Beauty].
***
[The City of Natural Beauty] is, as its name suggests, an island that fits the description of an ‘isolated island.’
The starting area is a forest on the outskirts of the island, where heading towards the sea leads to seafood farming, and venturing deeper into the forest leads to hunting for meat and berries.
In the center, there’s a small mountain, and at its peak resides a boss monster.
The starting point is usually near the beachside forest.
The dense jungle limits visibility, but the scent and sounds of the sea indicate that heading in that direction will certainly lead to the ocean.
All monsters spawn randomly, but strictly speaking, encounter rates vary. The deeper you go into the island’s forest, the higher the chance of encountering stronger monsters. However, that’s not to say you won’t come across them if you head towards the beach.
“…Nephti! Hold it off for 3 seconds!”
“Alright! [Guardian Formation: Shock Dispersion: Forced Taunt]”
Nephti stands in the way of the Silver Horn Wolf, a relatively formidable monster, with a sturdy steel shield.
Then, Rudika’s dagger swiftly strikes at the wolf’s throat.
The wolf, distracted by Nephti, recognizes Rudika at the last moment.
Yet even so, Rudika’s speed was overwhelmingly quick.
The swishing sound turned into a chilling scrape, repeated precisely once more.
After slashing the wolf’s throat twice, Rudika gracefully retreated, ensuring not a single drop of blood escaped as she turned away.
An incredibly impressive combo play.
Our teamwork is truly impeccable!
And what did I do?
“Senior! This shield is amazing!”
“It’s just a shield made from a robust alloy.”
“Still! It deflects attacks so effectively! It’s incredibly sturdy! Totally different from standard gear!”
I had provided such an item.
“If you like it that much, take it.”
“This loyalty! It’s yours!”
Nephti salutes with a chuckling “Ehehe.”
It appears Nephti wanted to engage in some physical activity to release her stress.
On the contrary, Rudika’s expression remained inexplicably somber.
“This is something.”
“Rudika Hatsan Shadow.”
“Huh? What’s up, Wolfram?”
“You mentioned earlier that you were feeling suffocated.”
“Did you catch that? Ahaha. …Yeah, I suppose I did.”
“I hope this provides some relief for you.”
With that, we exited the forest.
The sound of crashing waves.
Before us stretched a sandy shoreline and an endless expanse of blue.
“…Wow… Wow!”
“This… This is…”
“Normally, to witness such a spectacle in Jephryn, one would have to venture beyond the central district, the academy district, and reach the far reaches of the eastern, northern, southern, or western expedition areas. But it’s different here.”
Exactly.
That’s why this is [The City of Natural Beauty].
A name that aptly encapsulates all the beauty of this world.
“How does it feel to behold the sea, reputed to be the most beautiful in Jephryn?”
“This is the sea. It’s my first time seeing it. Gluco was just a village, after all. So, this is what the world is like.”
“Nephti.”
“Yes?”
“Patrasch can use fire magic.”
“So?”
“It means that no matter how much you swim in the sea, we can dry your clothes.”
“….Ah! Then, senior, can I go now…?”
“Yes. Go, Nephti. Go and commune with nature.”
“I’ll be back!!”
And with that, Nephti became a blur of motion.
Full of youth and vitality, indeed. An old man like me can’t quite match that.
Meanwhile, Rudika simply gazed silently at the sea, saying nothing.
“Rudika, have you ever seen the sea before?”
“No, it’s my first time too. It’s vast, truly vast.”
“The sea is wider than all the lands of the world. Even if the Roengreen Empire conquers all the land, they can’t match the depth and breadth of the sea.”
“Is that so?”
Finally, Rudika turned her attention to me.
“How does Wolfram know so much? Do you know everything?”
“Um.”
That’s a sudden question.
I don’t know everything. I’m only knowledgeable about D/Z SAGA. But I can’t reveal that.
However, I’m well-prepared for such questions.
“I started at the imperial library, delving into countless documents. To step into the world, one must first understand the world, right?”
“…Aren’t you a prince, Wolfram? Can you speak so casually about venturing into the world? Shouldn’t a prince fulfill his duties?”
Rudika, you’re making it difficult to choose my words.
“Even so, isn’t it permissible to dream? I studied this much so I could witness the sea like this.”
“…Then, once you leave Jephryn, won’t you have to resume your duties as royalty?”
That does seem likely. But that’s a tale for two years from now.
