Chapter 79

In the midst of a distant pain and a dizzy mind—

Rodella fell into a dream, reliving a memory from long ago.

It was too vivid to be just a dream.

It was the day Rodella graduated from the academy.

“It’s finally over! I’m never even going to think about the academy again, let alone look back!”

Rodella shouted as she climbed into the carriage, shaking off the memories.

At last, this dreadful academy life was behind her!

No sentimentality here—farewell to the tiresome, exhausting school days!

Stretching wide, she glanced outside the carriage at the familiar academy scenery.

Snow was gently falling, as if to bid farewell to the departing graduates.

Honestly, it hadn’t been that bad.

It was just… too much studying.

In terms of education quality, it was unmatched—far beyond what other academies could offer.

And… it was where she had met her dearest friends.

—DONG… DONG…

Beyond the sound of the clocktower announcing the hour, the dormitory stood carved into the mountainside.

The very dorm that Aivert had once nearly demolished.

Down the long steps ahead, the snow-covered main building would soon come into view.

That one, too, Aivert had almost wrecked during a swordsmanship test, hadn’t he?

Other buildings that Aivert had either wrecked or narrowly not wrecked followed in succession.

Thanks to him, there were quite a few newly built structures—old and new buildings now stood side by side.

“Honestly, if he didn’t come from such a powerful family, he would’ve bankrupted himself by now.”

She remembered the murmured gossip of students.

Perhaps because his family preferred to avoid public scandal, most of his mishaps were quietly smoothed over with enormous sums of money.

Sure, the academy facilities weren’t palace-grade, but he had still managed to destroy quite a few things. And Royden had covered it all without a word.

His poor mother must be worn out.

Rodella clicked her tongue inwardly without realizing it.

“Oh my, so you’re Rodella Syveric?”

One day, the Lady of House Royden had even come all the way to the academy—and looked like she might faint from hearing such stories.

And yet, for some reason, that woman had smiled more kindly at Rodella than at her own son. That left an impression.

“Honestly, compared to how much worse it could’ve been, he didn’t break that much.”

…Or maybe what left an impression was her sheer composure.

Given how much destruction Aivert had caused when he lost control of his strength… it was no wonder House Royden reacted the way it did.

—Clack!

While Rodella was lost in thought, someone opened the carriage door.

While everyone else had dressed up for graduation, this one showed up in his usual clothes, like he was heading to class.

His tie was loosened, a few shirt buttons undone, coat draped casually over his shoulders.

The same old Aivert—so consistent.

He brushed back his bangs and looked at Rodella.

“What are you thinking about?”

“Oh, nothing. Just… the academy years are flashing back, all of a sudden.”

He nimbly climbed into the carriage, like mounting a horse, then glanced back at the academy buildings.

“Why, want to go back?”

“Are you insane?”

Rodella recoiled at his nonsense.

The academy? She was so done with it.

There had been good moments, yes—but also plenty of bad ones.

Everywhere she went, ridiculous rumors followed.

She once stayed up all night studying in the library—only for rumors to spread that she’d been up to something scandalous.

And even if she ignored it, some students went out of their way to say things loud enough for her to hear.

Not to mention that one incident she never wanted to remember again…

Her face clouded over, and she shook her head.

“Ugh, I swear, I’m never even looking in the direction of the academy again. I knew the noble faction didn’t like me, but…”

The mere thought made her fume. She waved a hand, trying to dispel the anger.

“Let’s not even talk about it. It’s a happy day.”

They called it ‘political maneuvering.’

To those from old noble houses, her exceptional abilities—despite being from a rising noble family they barely considered different from commoners—must have been an eyesore.

Of course, it hadn’t started that way.

“We’d love to build a good relationship with House Syveric.”

At first, they had tried to cozy up—talking marriage, alliances, all of it.

But when she rejected every proposal and engagement, they shifted their tactics.

From alliance to slander.

Pathetic, really.

If Aivert hadn’t pretended to propose to her and created a smokescreen, something worse would’ve happened long ago.

Of course… standing beside her had drawn fire onto Aivert as well.

“Aivert Royden as the next Duke Royden? Don’t make me laugh. He’ll be lucky if he doesn’t die in some accident first.”

She remembered all the rumors—the ones saying Royden was already looking for a different heir.

Just thinking about it made her chest tighten all over again.

…Come to think of it, the academy was probably even worse for him.

Sure enough, Aivert looked thoroughly relieved.

“Guess this means fewer annoying pests trying to cozy up.”

More like a lot fewer. Rodella nodded in agreement.

“Exactly. All those schemers.”

She made a face.

They have had this conversation many times even before graduation.

She was sick and tired of the noble faction pretending they weren’t the ones spreading rumors and orchestrating schemes—when it was clearly them.

“If they don’t like me, they should say it to my face. Whispering behind our backs like cowards…”

Rodella scowled.

“It’s not like trashing me is going to improve their grades. I don’t get it.”

“They’re idiots. Idiots who think that if someone else loses something, it’ll somehow end up in their pocket.”

Aivert’s words were biting.

Rodella nodded.

Just imagining those kinds of people strutting around with their noble titles made her stomach turn.

Nobles were supposed to be noble and dignified—yet they did all the pettiest things.

If Aivert hadn’t been around, she probably wouldn’t have made it to graduation.

“Can you believe they actually stole my speech draft? Just before the ceremony?”

Rodella held out her hand in disbelief.

When all their sabotage failed, the noble faction resorted to trying to tarnish her honor.

Their last-ditch effort was stealing the graduation speech she was supposed to deliver as the student representative.

A novel tactic, sure—but unfortunately for them, Rodella had memorized the whole thing.

Reading off a script during the speech felt awkward anyway.

So, her delivery went off without a hitch.

She still remembered how their faces twisted in frustration.

And the only reason they didn’t go further with their sabotage was probably because Aivert had been right there next to her.

Rodella looked at him.

“Thanks, Aivert.”

It was a belated but heartfelt thanks.

“And… congratulations on graduating.”

Students from noble houses usually had their families show up for the ceremony, but no one came for Aivert.

So Rodella was likely the first to congratulate him.

Only then did Aivert smile.

“You too.”

Rodella nodded.

It still felt like she should be prepping for class tomorrow—but now, she didn’t have to.

It was a strange feeling.

Of course, new responsibilities awaited soon enough.

“What are you going to do now?”

She turned to ask, and Aivert looked back at her.