Episode 912

Joulin will join too!

“Your Highness.”

At Lee Han’s reaction, Joulin watched him carefully.

Now that he thought about it, the lockdown order hadn’t actually been lifted yet.

But to his surprise, Lee Han didn’t get angry or look at him sternly. Instead, Lee Han gave Joulin a look that said it couldn’t be helped.

“How could I keep you under lockdown after all the help you gave me? Let’s do this together.”

Wow!

Joulin jumped up in joy.

At that moment, a noise below signaled the approach of a group of people. The Death Knights with them commented in curiosity.

-Who could be visiting?

-They look like people of high status.

The Death Knights’ suspicions were reasonable.

Anyone could tell from the visitors’ appearance that they were no ordinary group.

“They look like the Imperial Guard.”

Professor Garcia recognized the uniforms and spoke in a surprised voice.

The Imperial Knights, stationed in the very heart of the imperial palace in the capital.

In truth, considering the Emperor’s true identity, such knights weren’t really needed for protection—but regardless, the Guard’s skills were genuine.

It was only natural, given the weight and symbolism they carried.

But why were the Imperial Guard at Einrogard?

“…Wait, none of our graduates have caused trouble lately, right?”

-I… I don’t think so, not recently.

Relieved at the Death Knight’s answer, Professor Garcia let out a sigh.

Every so often a bedraggled knight would show up asking, “One of your graduates caused a commotion. Any idea where they might have gone?”

If the Imperial Guard had to come, the commotion was probably several times bigger than normal…

“Wait. So if there aren’t any troublemakers, why are they here?”

-It’s probably because of the master’s clone, isn’t it? Since the master went up to the capital, they must have requested reinforcements.

“I see.”

It was a compelling guess.

The Skull Headmaster was in the capital right now, after all.

Knowing the clone was in the Einrogard territory, it wouldn’t be odd to request support.

“Given the situation, having guards around can’t hurt. Though having more gold coins would be even better.”

“……”

Lee Han quietly listened to Professor Garcia’s honesty.

As a student, he could hardly criticize his teacher’s heavenly words.

Rumble rumble rumble—

“?”

A vibration next to him made Lee Han look over in confusion.

Was there a landslide somewhere?

Uuuuuuuuu…

“…???”

The source of the trembling was Joulin.

After leaping up in excitement, Joulin had now curled up and was trembling.

“Your Highness. What’s wrong?”

N-n-nothing at all.

“…It really doesn’t seem that way.”

Lee Han sensed something off.

Anyone could see that Joulin looked like he’d done something wrong and was scared of being found out.

‘Did he do something?’

As far as Lee Han knew, Joulin had already been caught for all previous mischief…

“Wait. Did you maybe send a letter about the dragonstone or something?”

That’s not it…

“Your Highness. We promised, right? That we’d trust each other.”

At that, Joulin flinched.

Torn, Joulin glanced at Lee Han and asked,

Then… will you take my side?

“That depends a bit on what you did…”

……

“So what did you do?”

“Your Highness!”

Before Joulin could confess, the Imperial Knights arrived.

Radiating an atmosphere so severe it seemed nothing could pierce it, the knights bowed with extreme courtesy.

“We pay our respects to the magicians who have inherited the true line of imperial magic.”

“Ah. Yes. Hello.”

Professor Garcia was a bit flustered by the unexpectedly over-the-top greeting.

Normally, knights just sighed and started with “Hello, Professor.”

“So what brings you here?”

“We have come to escort the prince home.”

“Ah. But isn’t there still time left before the exams are over?”

Joulin had visited mainly to help the Einrogard students with their exams.

Of course, he was supposed to return at the end of the exam, but since the test wasn’t over yet, there was no reason to arrive this early.

“Is it for security?”

“No, it’s not that…”

The knight hesitated, and Joulin, unable to watch any longer, shouted.

Joulin is ready! Ready to return!

“Your Highness, the magicians here deserve to know the truth.”

“???”

With an embarrassed sigh, the knights began to explain.

• * *

Joulin had always been curious about Einrogard, and that curiosity reached its peak after the boy from the Wardanaz family visited.

But the Emperor had not allowed Joulin to go. The reason was simple.

-Dragon, I think you’d just distract the students at Einrogard…

-W-why would you think that?!

For Joulin it might be fun, but for the Einrogard students or Headmaster, it probably wouldn’t be so enjoyable.

Also, if the students started acting crazy, Joulin might not have much fun either.

-Joulin wouldn’t be a bother at all! The students would love it!

-Fine. Then first get Osu’s permission.

Tired of arguing, the Emperor passed the problem to the Skull Headmaster.

If the Headmaster said, “Hmm, I think it’s about time Prince Joulin visits Einrogard,” then he would allow it.

And if the Headmaster refused, nothing could be done…

-I want to go! I want to go! I want to go!!!

-Your Highness. I’m sorry, but you must also get the Emperor’s permission.

Naturally, the Skull Headmaster was as cunning as the Emperor.

The moment he realized the Emperor was passing the buck, he passed it right back.

A true display of imperial pillars deploying supreme stratagems.

Both parties declined out of inconvenience, leaving Joulin crestfallen.

But dragons grew quickly, and Joulin’s recent growth was extraordinary.

Thanks to that, Joulin came up with a ruse that would go down in imperial history.

-I got Gonadaltes’ permission!

-Really? That’s amazing. If Osu is fine with it, I am too.

He told the Emperor first, “I got Osu’s permission.”

The next step…

-I got the Emperor’s permission!

-No wonder the Skull’s been so restless inside!

-……

-Just joking, Your Highness. The Emperor is so generous. Alright, you can visit.

-Really!?

-But don’t stay too long, and be sure to follow proper procedures. It won’t be easy.

-All the Einrogard professors will welcome Joulin!

-Shouldn’t have rescued Bendozol…

-What was that?

-Nothing, Your Highness.

• * *

“…That’s how it happened.”

All the Einrogard mages stared at Joulin in shock after the story.

Even Professor Voladi seemed a bit surprised. Lee Han didn’t know whether to be angry or impressed.

‘Amazing!’

No matter how careless they were, to trick both the Emperor and the Skull Headmaster at once—

That really was impressive.

“But how did you get caught?”

“Lee Han, does that matter right now?”

Professor Garcia was dumbfounded.

He’s really curious about that now?

But the knights answered politely.

“His Majesty happened to mention it while speaking with the Demon Commander.”

‘So close!’

Lee Han lamented inwardly.

Joulin’s scheme had really been sharp, but luck was against him.

Who would have thought it would be discovered that way?

If luck had been just a bit better, he might have pulled off the perfect crime.

…Joulin didn’t do anything wrong! It’s all because you both kept saying no! Demanding I get approval from others! It felt like you were tricking me on purpose!

Lee Han was once again surprised by Joulin’s outburst.

‘He noticed that?’

To realize the trickery of Emperor and Skull Headmaster—

He really had grown at Einrogard. Lee Han felt an odd sense of pride.

“Please calm down, Your Highness.”

I can’t! And you’re not even angry, Lee Han? Joulin will be banned from Einrogard now! Maybe forever!

That didn’t seem like the harshest punishment, but Lee Han sympathized with the young dragon and spoke kindly.

“Not necessarily, Your Highness. The two only tried to stop you because they couldn’t predict what would happen. But you’ve proven yourself now. Next time, it’ll probably be easier.”

…Really? When?

“I couldn’t say for sure…”

Next week?

“…I doubt it.”

The week after?

“And if you can’t come, I can always visit you during vacation.”

Lee Han deftly changed the subject.

Any longer, and things would spiral out of control.

Luckily, Joulin didn’t notice.

Wow! Really? You must come visit!

“Yes.”

Will you stay the whole vacation?

“…That might be a bit much… I probably need to study magic too.”

Finally, even the knights stepped in.

“Your Highness. The mages of Einrogard are so busy upholding imperial magic that they barely have time to sleep. Even during vacations they are not free.”

‘Not quite to that extent.’

Einrogard is too mean!

Professor Garcia lowered his head, feeling slightly guilty. As a professor, it was hard to argue.

Joulin grumbled but finally agreed to a visit from Lee Han during vacation (duration TBD).

Then, he slowly crawled toward the school gate with the Imperial Guard. His pace was as slow as a snail’s.

“…Your Highness. There’s no need to walk so slowly on purpose…”

Hmph.

The knights looked at Lee Han for help.

Lee Han sighed and ran over to soothe Joulin.

• * *

After seeing Joulin off, the group gathered again to discuss the Fall magic.

“Will the prince be alright?”

“Don’t worry, Lee Han. The prince will be fine.”

Professor Garcia comforted Lee Han, who was feeling empty after Joulin’s sudden departure.

You never know what you have until it’s gone, after all.

“He won’t pull off another miracle and show up again next week, right?”

“That’s what worries you!?”

Professor Garcia exclaimed in disbelief. Lee Han answered, looking confused.

“With the clone issue unresolved, it wouldn’t be good for him to stay at Einrogard.”

“…Lee Han!”

Professor Garcia reflected deeply.

He realized he was the wicked one!

To have doubted a disciple who thought so responsibly.

“Don’t worry, Lee Han. We’ll definitely solve this problem.”

“By the way, professor.”

Lee Han spoke with unusual seriousness.

Without realizing it, Professor Garcia straightened up.

Just what kind of profound question would this outstanding disciple raise about -Gonadaltes’ Fall- magic?

“May I go submit my -Blood and Flesh-Building Languages of the Empire- midterm?”

“…Go ahead…”