Chapter 198: The New Guard

Chapter 198

The New Guard

While Nara secluded herself in her room, preparing to face the nonsense she anticipated from others, she was also stewing in her resentment. Little did she know that once Professor Lily and the other direct disciples learned that Nara’s power was only at the mid-level 1, those whom Nara had pinned her hopes on would clearly show their disdain.

“Professor, do you really think that student will become a priestess? I’m just afraid that the gold coin you invested will be wasted,” one of the students commented, and Professor Lily could only sigh.

“Well, then I guess I gambled wrong.”

“But Professor, won’t the reputation of our branch suffer if we allow a student whose power has declined to join us?”

“Mmm, that might be true, but you all don’t need to worry.”

“Professor?”

“I said, you don’t need to worry about that student. If she is powerless and cannot become a priestess, I have ways to utilize her.”

“You have a plan, Professor?”

“Yes...both I and “that person” have plans to use her. Given that her power is a rare light element, if she becomes a priestess, we can benefit from that for a longer time. But if not...then we will use her as a tool.”

“Eh? That person? And a tool...uh, what do you mean by that, Professor?”

“You don’t need to know. Just know that she will be useful to us. I never invest without ensuring a return,” Professor Lily laughed. Even though she looked down on the girl with light elemental powers, it didn’t mean she couldn’t recoup her investment.

Nara was completely unaware of her professor’s and fellow disciples’ attitudes and plans in the Beast Training Branch. While those who genuinely cared for her and wanted to show her a way out were perceived by Nara as looking down on her and wanting to destroy her, those who planned to use her were seen by Nara as trustworthy allies...

One didn’t know whether to pity or feel sorry for her.

Ellie sighed and decided to stop concerning herself with the Beast Training Branch’s affairs. Since Nara chose that path, she should face the consequences herself. Ellie felt sorry for the honorable Professor Regan, who had genuinely cared and tried to protect Nara’s secret because she was under his advice, even though he knew it would damage his own reputation.

Who would have thought that the author of this novel would surround the heroine with only good people? Starting with the great Professor Lucien, and then there was also Professor Regan, who would have been a great support after missing out on Professor Lucien. If Nara had Professor Regan guiding her, she would surely have found a good cultivation method. What a pity.

Knock, knock, knock.

“Are you inside, Senior?”

“Mmm, what’s the matter?” Ellie responded. She knew Zoey had been hesitating outside her door for a while, but she waited to see what the other girl wanted. Lately, Ellie had been spending her time concocting potions and training to stabilize her power. She could have formed a new bond with another plant already, but since Blue Apple hadn’t progressed much, she thought it better to strengthen what she already had rather than forming multiple bonds.

After all, the bonded plants weren’t going anywhere. As long as her power remained stable and not decreased, she could seek them out whenever she wanted.

“W-Well...have you finished eating the potatoes I gave you? If you have...would you like some more? I have 2 more. If you’d like them...”

“No, thank you. I’ll get something to eat at the dining hall.”

“Ah, but...at the dining hall. I mean...I wanted to repay you for the precious gift you gave me. I don’t have enough money to buy something equivalent, but...after learning how valuable it was, I really want to repay you.” The young girl refused to leave. Earlier, she had no idea that the stone was a magic-enhancing crystal, so she accepted it without thinking. At first, she even thought Ellie was mocking her by giving her a worthless stone. But when she carried it around and others saw it, they asked her how she had money to buy such a magical crystal.

Of course, a low-level magical crystal wasn’t impressive to the high-born students, but when she learned what it was, it became a heavy burden on her conscience.

She even considered returning it, but then thought it would be rude to give back a gift from a senior. So, she used it as Ellie intended, but still felt guilty. She had only given a simple potato, while Ellie gave her such a precious gift...how could that be fair?

Ellie realized this girl wouldn’t leave until she talked to her. She didn’t mind dealing with someone who had such a kind-hearted attitude, even if it was a bit annoying. The girl was cute in her own way.

Ellie walked to the door and opened it, seeing Zoey standing there with clenched fists and behind her was the food her mother had prepared for her. Zoey had planned to save it for when she was hungry. After seeing the cafeteria offered so many good food, she kept her mother’s food.

Even though the high-born students called it trash, to someone like Zoey, who often went hungry, food with bits of meat was like heaven. However, it wasn’t filling, and Zoey herself felt it didn’t satisfy her hunger. Her senior must feel the same, right?

“Please, senior, take this.” Zoey nervously handed Ellie the potatoes. This time, Ellie didn’t take them as she did before. In fact, the potatoes Zoey brought were of lower quality than what Ellie had in her dimension, so she wasn’t interested in them at all.

"How was your first day of class?" Ellie ignored the potato in the girl’s hand and shifted the conversation to something more important.

"Today, we just went over a general overview of the curriculum. Professor Raz is our advisor, and he’s really nice. I used to just read random books at the library, not knowing where to start. But Professor Raz recommended 10 books that are essential for first-year students, in case those who are interested can study them first, so now I have a clear direction for my studies," Zoey said excitedly.

"Is that so? Have you borrowed those books yet?"

"Yes, I plan to borrow them this afternoon."

"Oh, alright then, make sure to focus on your studies. By the way...have you had lunch yet?" Ellie asked. She already knew that Zoey had eaten the leftover food, but she couldn’t suddenly reveal that she was aware of Zoey’s meager meal.

Scholarship students were provided with 3 meals a day, but the quantity varied depending on how much leftover food was to be thrown away each day. For example...if many students ordered roasted meat, there would be more meat scraps available. Since it was the beginning of the term, many students had brought food from home, so there was less leftover food for the scholarship students.

Although Zoey was accustomed to eating small portions, her appetite had increased since her magic powers were awakened. Today’s leftover food wasn’t enough to fill her up.

"Y-yes, I have eaten." Zoey looked at the potato in her hand regretfully. If she didn’t intend to give it to Ellie, she might have eaten 1 of it. Well...she felt particularly hungry today.

"Is that so? But the food you ate doesn’t seem sufficient. I never found it filling either."

"That’s true. Which is why...senior, this potato..."

"Let’s go." Ellie stepped out of the room and closing the door behind her. She acted as if she hadn’t heard Zoey’s words or seen the potato in her hand.

"G-go?"

"Yes, let’s go get something to eat."

"Ah, but...I already ate. I don’t think I can ask for more."

"I know, but I’m treating you as your senior."

"E-Eh, no, that’s really not necessary. The food..." Zoey waved her hands frantically, but Ellie didn’t let her refuse. She walked past little Zoey and headed downstairs immediately. Zoey hesitated for a moment before following her, still holding the potato.

"Wait for me, Senior!" Zoey hurried down the stairs. She was surprised to see Senior Ellie stop, and in front of her was a very handsome young man with fiery red hair waiting for Ellie.

Zoey knew that seniors who were scholarship students wouldn’t hang around here. When she first arrived, the senior had warned her to be careful and not to draw too much attention if she wanted to have a good life at the institute. Seeing the luxurious clothing of the person, Zoey concluded that he must be from a wealthy family.

"I thought I might find you here. I went to the Botanical Building first, but I only saw Professor Medik and Professor Lucien. So, I figured you might be at the dorm. Honestly, I thought I’d have to wait until dinner to see you," the deep voice said. Zoey looked up in surprise, not expecting such a wealthy-looking person to speak first. She lowered her gaze once again before glancing at Ellie.

Why...her senior knew someone like that?

"What do you need from me?"

"Hmm? Why so cold? Oh...is it because you’re a “duchess” now? Should I start calling you “Duchess Ellie”?" The red-haired man teased. He knew Ellie didn’t want this title, but it couldn’t be helped since the Setter family wanted to elevate her status. This way, no one could say anything about her from now on. If anyone questioned her worthiness, they’d just make her worthy.

Even he, Wint, knew he couldn’t be as generous with his lover as the Setter family was. In this regard...he couldn’t compare to them.

Since Ellie had become Duchess Ellie, his efforts to get close to her weren’t in vain. In fact, it was his good fortune. When his father knew that he was Duchess Ellie’s friend, he started paying more attention to him, giving him more opportunities. He even promised a great reward if Wint could hunt and bring back valuable resources from Duchess Ellie’s territories.

Wint wasn’t sure if Ellie would let him visit her lands, but speaking of resources, he believed that following Ellie would benefit his family greatly.

So, instead of training today, the first thing he did was to come finding Ellie. He no longer needed to seek out other professors to accept him as their direct disciple. Professor Regan’s teaching methods were outstanding, and Wint felt his skills had improved significantly. While he couldn’t compare to Ellie, who had surpassed legendary status, he was now at early stage of level 2!

"Stop bothering me. What do you want?"

"Nothing much. Just wanted to get closer to Duchess Ellie. You might not know, but during the break, I avoided punishment because I was known as a friend of Duchess Ellie. So, to keep up that connection, let’s stay close."

"Hmph, you’re being straightforward now, not even pretending anymore." Ellie crossed her arms and looked at Wint with annoyance. Wint laughed in response.

He had nothing to hide from Ellie anymore. Now that she knew his true nature, it was much easier for him to speak candidly.

"And if I kept pretending, would Duchess Ellie believe that I could be her guard in the future?" Wint knelt down, mimicking the posture of an honorable knight. Ellie exhaled in displeasure, finding it annoying to even look at this man.

"You want to be a guard, yet you’re weaker than me?" Ellie scoffed at him disdainfully. Wint, however, let out a chuckle.

"Only if you want to reveal all your abilities..." His sly gaze seemed to say, "Ha! I know you don’t want to show all your cards. So what if you’re skilled? In the end, you should collaborate with me and let me take the credit as your knight guardian. That way, we both benefit!" They stared at each other for a moment before Wint noticed someone else behind Ellie.

"By the way...that girl, is she the new scholarship student?"

"Mmm," Ellie nodded, pushing Zoey forward.

"Her name is “Zoey.” She uses earth elemental power, and judging by her abilities, she should make a good defender. Next time, if you see her around, look after her. Your abilities are somewhat similar."

"Hmm? That’s not a bad idea. As a duchess, you should have a female guard. Alright then...Zoey, was it? From now on, follow me. I’ll train you to become Duchess Ellie’s personal knight."

Wint stood up, placing his hands on his hips with an air of grandeur, as if the embarrassing scene just moments ago had never happened. Zoey was confused by what was happening, and Ellie didn’t expect her to understand. Let the annoying Wint spout his nonsense, but even though she thought like that...Ellie couldn’t help but consider his offer to become her knight. If he could truly do that, and take all the attention and credit for her actions, her own abilities would remain hidden, right?

Perhaps...it might actually be beneficial.