Chapter 17: The Imperial Holy Academy
“Who goes there? How dare you linger here? Do you know what this place is?” Today was not a day for students to leave or return, so seeing Yedi standing outside the gate, an Imperial soldier from within approached, shouting through the iron bars.
The Imperial soldier wore dark steel plate armor and a half-helm, with dark blue cloth armor on his arms and legs. He held a refined steel halberd and wore a broadsword at his waist, his equipment top-notch.
“It’s me,” Yedi said calmly.
“What? Who the hell are you? Who knows? Get out of here! No loitering, scram! Do you hear me?” The soldier was tall and muscular, his voice stern. The soldiers guarding the Imperial Holy Academy were no ordinary men; they were at least from noble branch families or loyalists trusted by the nobility, all seasoned in war or monster subjugation.
“You don’t recognize me?” Yedi had already confirmed his appearance in the carriage after transforming; it was no different from before. “Then go get an officer who does. I don’t want to waste my breath on you.”
The elite Imperial soldiers, with their extraordinary backgrounds and strength, were naturally proud. Even after his ordeal, even though he was now just a shell, a boy in appearance but essentially still Diye, Yedi couldn’t be bothered to argue with an ordinary soldier.
Of course, “essence” referred to a deeper meaning of life. In terms of physical appearance, Yedi could be considered male, which was fine.
“Do you think just anyone can see our officer? Who are you? Show me your identification!” The soldier grew slightly wary. As a battle-hardened man, he sensed that the person before him was not intimidated, which put him on guard.
At that moment, another Imperial soldier, hearing the commotion, approached from a distance. Seeing Yedi from several dozen paces away, he quickened his pace, running with a slight bow.
“Master Swordsman?” he exclaimed in alarm.
“Idiot, move!” He shoved the first soldier aside, then hurriedly bowed to Yedi. “Sir, I-I’m terribly sorry! This guy is new, he doesn’t recognize you.”
“Who is he…”
“Shut up and open the gate! He’s the most skilled swordsmanship master here!”
“What?”
The Empire revered martial prowess. The Holy Academy was the top institution for the elite geniuses of the Holy Church and warfare. To be called the most skilled swordsmanship master here was an existence that could shake the entire Empire.
The two soldiers hastily pushed open the heavy iron gates.
“Master Swordsman, I’m so sorry… You’ve been away for a while, this newcomer really doesn’t know you. By the way, I’m Thomson. You gave me some pointers on swordsmanship last year. With that one move, I defeated my cousin and became the family heir. It’s all thanks to you!” The soldier, Thomson, bowed repeatedly to Yedi. “It’s so good to have you back…”
The other soldier was terrified, not daring to speak, only bowing his head, hoping Yedi would ignore him.
Being addressed as “sir” was quite pleasant for Yedi, but amidst the pleasure, there was a tinge of sadness.
Because, in essence, Diye was no longer a “sir,” but a “miss.”
“Do you still need to see my identification?” Yedi asked.
“Ah… sorry! Sorry! Of course not! Please, sir, my apologies!” Thomson pressed down on the other soldier’s helmet, bowing repeatedly to Yedi in apology.
He only knew Yedi was the most skilled swordsmanship instructor here. He didn’t know he was a legendary hero of the Holy-Demon War. Otherwise, having received his guidance, Thomson could have boasted about it for a lifetime.
The Imperial Holy Academy, built on a mountainside, consisted of several interconnected castles. A defensive wall ran along the halfway point, with a cliff on the other side. Besides the castle complex, there were various training grounds, arenas, and chapels.
Yedi entered the academy, walking along the somewhat deserted, ancient mountain path. The worn stone steps, the fallen leaves covering the mountain, the large rocks entwined with vines in the surrounding forest… all brought back memories of the past.
To be able to walk along this mountain path, where the soul found peace and the wind seemed to cleanse the mortal world, as a man again, brought a long-lost sense of contentment to Yedi’s heart.
“I should see the Headmaster first,” Yedi thought.
Among the various powerful figures at the Holy Academy, the Headmaster was the only one Diye truly admired and found somewhat difficult to deal with.
In the past, Yedi was just an ordinary swordsmanship teacher at the academy, but his status was transcendent, directly under the Headmaster’s management.
“Management” wasn’t entirely accurate. In fact, they were more like friends, partners.
Yedi arrived at the highest castle, near the cliff.
The Headmaster’s office was at the top of the main castle.
Carrying his large suitcase, he walked through the ancient, spacious castle corridor and arrived at a large door in the center.
Yedi took a deep breath. After all, he had found this person difficult to deal with in the past, let alone now, with so many worries and secrets.
Yedi knocked on the door.
“Come in.”
The heavy door was opened from within by a maid in a black and white uniform. The maid, with short, auburn hair, stood aside, her posture graceful and proper, but it couldn’t hide her ample bosom.
The office was spacious and somber, adorned with seemingly inconspicuous but actually very rare items.
A tall, mature woman with long, smooth, light ash-blonde hair, dressed in a dark red noble hunting suit, stood with her back to Yedi, looking out the castle window. Outside, the green mountains were shrouded in mist.
“Headmaster,” Yedi said, standing a few paces behind her.
Kousaki Hornheit, Baroness, Headmaster and Principal of the Imperial Holy Academy, was a prominent and legendary figure in the vast Empire.
“You’re finally… back. As the Headmaster of the academy, do I have the right to ask why my most important swordsmanship teacher disappeared without a word for several months?” The ends of Headmaster Kousaki’s long hair extended below her waist. Her tight waistline curved dramatically downwards, her hips full yet firm, exuding the unique charm of a capable, mature woman.
“I… went to deal with some past matters…” Yedi glanced back.
The maid, Galil, immediately closed the heavy door. This maid was no ordinary person either.
Only then did Yedi continue, “Related to the Succubus Queen, Cerise.”
If you wanted a lie to sound believable, it was best to mix in some truth.
Kousaki turned around, walking around the large desk towards Yedi. She was very tall, much taller than Yedi. From the side, her hips were also a good deal wider than the slender, boyish Yedi.
Of course, if she were facing Diye, it would be a different story.
Kousaki’s light, warm blonde hair fell over her shoulders. Her face was elegant and dignified, her demeanor composed. A pair of narrow, gold-rimmed glasses rested on her nose, her slightly full lips adorned with a subtle yet alluring lipstick.
Kousaki looked at Yedi for a long time. She was close, but not too close. Being watched by her gave the feeling that everything was under her control.
“I understand,” her soft, moist lips parted.
“Headmaster, aren’t you going to ask for details?” Yedi asked.
“I can sense this is no ordinary matter. If there’s anything you feel is necessary to tell me, you will, won’t you?”
Yedi seemed to nod.
“So, what are your plans now?” The Headmaster stepped back, her ample hips resting on the desk, her long legs extended diagonally.
Her body exuded a special, champagne-rose scent, very charming. Although many students and teachers at the academy had crushes on her, the Headmaster seemed to have little interest in men.
Yedi was considered one of the best among the men.
But their relationship was one of mutual respect, and even if it crossed a line, it wouldn’t be by much.
“No special plans,” Yedi said, shrugging in a way that was slightly out of character for him. “Come back, teach, do what I’m supposed to do.”
“Hmm…” The Headmaster’s “hmm” seemed to hold a hint of insight. She rested her slender fingers on her pointed chin. “Alright, but I’ll have to deduct your salary for these past few months.”
“Heh…” Yedi didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He was the greatest hero of the Holy-Demon War. Even though he had no interest in power or wealth, he had still been granted a fiefdom. Since he never visited or managed it, the tax revenue was low, but it was enough to cover his expenses. He didn’t care about the salary.
“So when do you plan to resume teaching?” Kousaki asked.
“I’ll start today,” Yedi said.
“Oh? So decisive? That’s not like the old you.”
This made Yedi’s heart skip a beat, but in his male form, though slender, he seemed a bit tougher, his willpower, as if by self-suggestion, stronger. “For me, isn’t teaching just a form of rest?”
“Hehe, true. By the way, your room has been kept as it was. I’ll just inform the Vice Principal and the Dean.” The Headmaster said, “I know you hate these things.”
“Thank you. I just remembered, I seem to have lost the key to my room.”
“Oh? To make you lose your key, what kind of intense conflict did you experience?” A glint flashed across the Headmaster’s glasses.
“Can you help me arrange for it?” Yedi asked helplessly.
“Galil, accompany Yedi to get the spare key, then go see if he needs anything,” Kousaki ordered.
“Yes, Headmaster,” Galil replied expressionlessly, as if she were a creature called “maid.”
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