All-Master Player Of The Academy [EN]: Chapter 232

◈ Chapter 232

116. If We Give Up Even This – 2

We were already at odds with the Iron-Blood Conglomerate the moment I caught Calviatz.

So what was there to fear?

When Ian spoke nonchalantly, Crepen was delighted.

“That’s reassuring. But don’t underestimate the Iron-Blood Conglomerate.”

“I have nothing to fear from a power-hungry figure who can’t even recognize people.”

Wildy shook her head at his firm words.

Well, what was there for Ian to fear?

He was someone who could nonchalantly cut down even his own inner fears.

“Then we’ll keep them on our side.”

“Do that.”

Currently, they were being held by the Dragon Shield Knights.

This was because not only nobles but also the Imperial Prince Otal were involved in the matter.

Of course, after being caught, he desperately explained that he was only there because Essir had asked for his help, but who would believe that?

“That’s ridiculous.”

Crepen snorted.

Although there was no evidence that what they did there was related to demons, it was a fact that they had sacrificed people.

Moreover, they had even kidnapped Charles.

Considering the people who had disappeared from the capital so far, they could not simply let it go.

“Aren’t their families causing a fuss?”

“The Dragon Shield Knights can handle that much, so don’t worry about it.”

“Is that so? Then that’s fine. Anyway, let me know when the Iron-Blood Conglomerate comes.”

“Understood.”

As Crepen left, Wildy looked at Ian with a worried expression.

“Are you going to be okay?”

“I’m fine. More importantly, how are you guys?”

“Well… there aren’t any major problems.”

They were building connections with the Imperial Academy through the inter-academy exchange program.

Wildy suggested that she would introduce him to some of the people she had become close to in the process, and Ian nodded.

“There are quite a few nobles who are interested in the railroad project, especially.”

“If the railroad is properly built, the distribution of goods will become easier. But it won’t be easy, will it?”

If the railroad was installed, it would inevitably lead to relationships with other countries.

As it was something that could affect the safety of the Empire, permission was essential.

“Well, that’s true. Moreover, the Iron-Blood Conglomerate is in charge of all foreign affairs right now. In fact, my father has met with the Iron-Blood Conglomerate several times.”

“What did they say?”

“They’re against it. There are several reasons.”

“In many ways, he’s a guy who needs to be destroyed quickly. Should I just go and destroy everything?”

When Ian said with a smile, Wildy shook her head.

“If the Iron-Blood Conglomerate suddenly disappears, there will be tremendous chaos in the Empire, right?”

In any case, he was the second-in-command of the current Empire.

Also, he was in charge of the Empire’s internal affairs in place of the Emperor, who did not show his face.

If he disappeared, a civil war would break out in the Empire to seize the power that had been left hanging in the air.

“Well, it wouldn’t be bad if we were planning to invade the Empire.”

“But since we’ve decided to fight him, I think chaos is inevitable anyway.”

“Haa. I think it would be better to discuss that with Count Crepen.”

Even Wildy, who was wise about the politics and power relations within the Empire, had nothing to say.

She sighed and walked with Ian.

As they returned to the dormitory, Haryun and Philoa were talking about something in front of the dormitory.

“What are you doing?”

“We were talking about magic. You know, the one you taught me.”

“Ah, that?”

“Is it okay to teach that to other people?”

“I don’t care.”

There was no problem since he was already teaching it to some mages in the Magic Tower.

Philoa smiled when Ian answered nonchalantly.

“Thanks for that.”

“You’re saying strange things. By the way, Philoa, railroad installation. You guys are in favor, right?”

“Our Macassen County? Of course, we’re in favor. If the distribution of goods becomes easier, unnecessary expenses will be reduced. Distribution costs can’t be ignored.”

“I heard that the Iron-Blood Conglomerate is against it in the Empire.”

“Our family has never been on good terms with the Iron-Blood Conglomerate from the beginning.”

“Is that so? You’ve lined up well.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m going to fight the Iron-Blood Conglomerate.”

Philoa gave a bitter smile at Ian’s words.

There had been many who had tried to overthrow Duke Foadbe, the Iron-Blood Conglomerate, within the Empire until now.

But they had all failed.

Could Ian really do it?

“It’s going to be difficult with ordinary power. Well, anyway, if that’s what you’re going to do, I, as the heir to the Macassen County, support you.”

Since they were close to the Salt Marquisate, the Macassen County had no choice but to move in the same direction.

Ian smiled when he said that.

The dormitory door opened, and Grajin and May came out.

“What are you doing outside?”

“We were just talking about business and the future. Ian said he’s going to fight the Iron-Blood Conglomerate?”

“The Iron-Blood Conglomerate… not bad.”

“Really?”

“There are many undeveloped ruins in Duke Phillaike, the Iron-Blood Conglomerate’s territory. The Society of Ruins Studies wanted to explore those ruins, but the Iron-Blood Conglomerate wouldn’t give permission.”

So, the exploration of quite a few ruins was impossible.

But if Ian overthrew the Iron-Blood Conglomerate, wouldn’t that permission be lifted?

“I have high expectations.”

“You’re trying to get a free ride.”

“What about it?”

May smiled brightly and held out her hand to Ian.

“If you want, the Blandy Barony can also provide support. And the Society of Ruins Studies will also try to help you subtly, right?”

“Yeah. It won’t be of much help, but thanks for the thought.”

And Haryun and Wildy chuckled because they knew Ian would answer that way, and May frowned.

“By the way, the competition is starting soon…”

Just like they did at Fredon Academy.

A similar competition will begin at the Imperial Academy as well.

The first of these is a tournament that combines individual battles.

Of course, the Imperial Academy is almost giving up on winning right now.

This was because even if Ian didn’t intervene, the combat power of the Class B students was extraordinary.

“How many Masters are there?”

“Well, Valla, Bakbare, Blanche… and Widia will probably become a Master soon…”

There were a few others who showed potential.

Was that all?

Haryun, Wildy, Oerina, and Grajin.

All four mages were high-ranking mages who could immediately take a seat even if they went to the Magic Tower.

How could they be confident of victory in such a situation?

“But we have to do it anyway. We’re preparing in our own way.”

Philoa said, but Ian didn’t seem to care.

May smiled at him.

“Ian, shall we go on a date? I’d like you to come to our territory during the competition.”

“Don’t try to take away our power.”

If they could take Ian out, they might have a chance.

Wildy spoke coldly as she watched her flirt with a smile.

“Tch. I’m just trying to have a chance.”

“Weren’t you giving up?”

“No way.”

Ian shook his head as May smiled slyly.

“I decline the date. And I won’t be participating in the competition.”

“Huh? Really?”

“It was already discussed when I applied for the exchange program. I was told not to participate in the competition if possible.”

If Ian participated, they would definitely win the competition.

But would that help the students develop?

Ian had accepted the request because he didn’t place much importance on inter-academy exchanges.

“I didn’t know there was such a situation.”

“They said that if I participated, you guys would relax and do things half-heartedly.”

Philoa and May were delighted when Ian told them the story he had shared with Aranse.

“Good. Then, how about we deal with the three Masters and the four magic swordsmen!”

“That won’t be easy either.”

“It’s better than impossible. I have to go tell them this good news.”

Haryun clenched his fist slightly as he watched them go inside.

“Who’s going to let you win?”

“You never know. Train hard.”

As Ian turned to leave, Wildy asked, puzzled.

“Where are you going?”

“I have to train Charles. And Charles will be participating in this competition, so be prepared.”

The three of them stiffened at his words.

Although it hadn’t been long, she was receiving intensive training from Ian.

“Uh. Um. Ian. Can’t you teach her a little gently?”

“Haha. You guys.”

Ian smiled at them, who were feeling awkward, and left without answering.

As he walked away, Haryun, Wildy, and Grajin looked at each other and said.

“I have to tell the kids not to play around and train.”

* * *

The Imperial Academy students were feeling awkward towards Ian, who was beating Charles up and teaching her again this time.

Ian turned his gaze to them, who were glancing at him, and smiled.

“Why? Do you guys want to learn too?”

If they didn’t know anything, they would have rushed in with joy.

But look at Charles, who was lying there.

Not even the academy, let alone any famous knight order or mercenaries, would train like that.

Not even the Forest of Warriors was that intense.

“No… is it okay to do that?”

“I don’t see why not? As long as you can recover from injuries, it’s good to have a strong intensity of training.”

The Imperial Academy students sweated coldly as he spoke nonchalantly.

“If you want to be taught, you’re always welcome.”

Some students hesitated as he spoke in a soft tone.

But whether it was because of shyness or because of the burden of treatment, the Imperial Academy students did not come forward.

Ian shrugged his shoulders.

If you don’t want to, don’t.

‘People are always like that.’

Being able to learn a trick from a strong person like Ian was worth a fortune.

If they were strong enough to be Masters, they would have rushed in, but the students who were watching were not.

“Ugh…”

As they hesitated, Charles, who had been lying down, groaned and then became quiet.

It seemed that she had finally fainted.

It didn’t seem like they could continue the training any further, so Ian said to the Imperial Academy students who were watching.

“Take her to the temple. No. It would be better for me to go.”

“Ah. I will escort you.”

A large male student among the students mustered up the courage to come forward.

“I am Isi Olkein, the heir to the Olkein Barony.”

“Is that so? Nice to meet you.”

“Yes. I have often heard about Count Ian Brandon.”

He wiped his hands with a handkerchief and politely shook hands with Ian.

His hands were full of calluses.

Isi couldn’t help but smile, as if he was happy just with that.

“Should I give you an autograph?”

“It would be a great honor!”

He liked that he was coming forward like this when others couldn’t even approach him.

Ian shook his head as he quickly tried to take out a piece of paper from his pocket.

“Give me your sword.”

“Huh? Yes.”

He quickly handed over the greatsword he was holding.

Ian scratched the wide blade with his finger.

[Wishing Isi Olkein victory – Ian Brandon]

“Oooo!!”

Just scratching it with his finger left such clear and elegant writing.

Even the content was perfect.

Ian had wished him victory.

Isi hugged the sword tightly and trembled.

“It’s an honor! I will make this sword a family heirloom! Um, but why did you write my name like this?”

“Resale restriction. Don’t sell it.”

“Would I ever sell it?!”

“Is that so? Well, let’s go then.”

Isi quickly picked up the princess [referring to Charles, who was being carried].

And looked around.

Everyone was envious.

Receiving an autograph from a strong person like Ian on a sword.

He smiled at those who were sending envious and jealous glances and carefully asked Ian.

“But Count, there are two temples in the Imperial Academy. Which one are we going to?”

The Temple of the Sun Order.

And the Temple of the Moon Order.

Ian thought for a moment before answering the question of which one to go to.

“Let’s go to the Temple of the Sun Order.”