Life of a Magic Academy Mage – 22



Chapter 22 

Uregor despite initially scoffing nods in agreement. He had no intention of criticizing what one nurtures and sells.

“There are no other students who have thought of this before. It’s a very creative idea extremely so” he comments.

“Oh thank you. This means the business will do well” comes the reply.

“It’s not a compliment!”

Uregor grumbles but in truth managing finances is an important virtue for an alchemist. After all who else would procure expensive reagents and ingredients? One must earn and gather these resources themselves.

Thinking to himself he notes ‘Seeing how frugally he saves money he won’t likely face financial troubles in the future.’

“Cabbage and green onions… Hmm they seem perfect for making jjigae.”

Startled Yi-Han looks up at Uregor’s words. In the Empire Western-style cuisine is not the only fare available. The vast Empire hosts a variety of foods depending on the region. While the western part where the Wardanaz family resides primarily consumes bread and cheese in a Western-style the eastern part of the Empire familiar to Yi-Han indulges in rice noodles red chili paste and soybean paste.

“Do you like jjigae professor?”

“I do but I tend to avoid eating it.”

“Why’s that?”

“It’s Eastern food. I dislike the Eastern dwarves.”

Uregor frowns a bitter memory surfacing.

“Did something unpleasant happen?”

“My distant relatives live in the East and every time I meet them they go on with needless nagging… Telling me to sell regeneration potions because they’re expensive saying that’s why I don’t make money asking why I don’t visit them often and criticizing me for using a long tobacco pipe as a young man…”

Yi-Han was taken aback by such specific complaints. He had heard that the Eastern part of the Empire values tradition and rules more than the West but this was beyond his expectations.

“I see.”

“Here I am blabbering unnecessarily. But there’s nothing wrong with the food itself. I don’t dislike it. Next time you make jjigae we should eat together.”

Yi-Han had not offered to cook but he knew better than to refuse in front of a disgruntled professor.

“It would be an honor to serve you Professor.”

Uregor nods at Yi-Han’s response.

‘Wait. If he’s from the Wardanaz family in the West can I trust his Eastern dish?’

Uregor becomes slightly anxious. While aware of Yi-Han’s talents in menial tasks it was rare for nobles to be good cooks. Eastern cuisine can be particularly challenging though Yi-Han had shown competence in cooking steak.

“…No on second thought it might not be right to accept such a meal. It’s your crop so I’m fine with it.”

“Eh? But the pork you cooked earlier was caught by me and my friends…”

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“That was technically the pig I prepared!”

Uregor finally loses his temper.

—

After finishing the meal and cleaning up Yi-Han prepares to leave.

“So what will you do this weekend?”

“Should I come here to work?”

“…Really you think I would call a student to work on the weekend?” Uregor asks incredulously.

But Yi-Han was more bewildered.

“Huh? Aren’t students usually called in on weekends?”

“Why is that?”

“Isn’t calling students on weekends a basic skill for professors?”

“Since you’ve done your work well there’s no need to come this weekend. Unless you want to tend your garden… And you’ll be quite busy this weekend too” Uregor spoke meaningfully.

Upon hearing this Yi-Han felt a slight unease.

‘Why does that make me feel anxious?’

“Is there something wrong?”

“What something? Think about it. What do you think starving students who suffered throughout the weekdays would do on weekends?”

“Set fire to the academy?”

“…That’s a bit too extreme. I meant they would find ways to feed themselves.”

Drive the students into a corner. Then they will find a way on their own.

…As intended by the Lich Principal… typically new students would start pondering over their predicaments as the weekend approached.

-“Why does this school make our lives miserable? Is it because the principal is an undead?”-

-“I can’t keep starving like this! I have to find something to eat at the very least!”-

-“Oh my friends! Let’s join hands and step forward!”-

“Indeed I’ve heard rumors about students from the Black Tortoise scouring the forest behind the main building for edible fruits and berries.”

“Typical of the Black Tortoise students.”

Uregor replied as if he had expected this.

The actions of the new students usually varied according to their tower. The students of the Black Tortoise which even accepted commoners merchants and slaves were quick to act without caring about appearances. It was only natural for them to scour the forests and hills behind the academy for food.

“Thanks to your hunting precedent there will be others who will actively try hunting. It’s rare to see anyone hunting from the first week.”

“It’s all thanks to your teachings Professor.”

At Yi-Han’s flattery Uregor smiled contentedly then felt a nagging unease.

‘Why does it feel like a backhanded compliment?’

“What about the students from Blue Dragon?”

“The Blue Dragon is the slowest. They’re the lazy ones.”

Yi-Han had to agree. Indeed it seemed unlikely that many of his fellow tower mates would venture into the forest for food as the weekend approached.

“But there are always a few capable ones who after starving for a few weeks come to their senses and find a good way” Uregor said this looking at Yi-Han.

It struck him that this year’s Blue Dragon might be quite different from usual. Starting with the unique mindset of this Wardanaz family member…

‘Such an odd character.’

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“Respected Professor. May I ask about the other towers?”

“I can tell you that much. The students of the Immortal Phoenix… Well they’re a category of their own aren’t they? Those guys won’t be shaken by hunger and hardship.”

The Tower of the Immortal Phoenix was composed of apprentice priests and priestesses sent from the various religious orders in the empire. Always practicing frugality and modesty in the temples it was only natural for them to adapt the quickest in this magic academy.

While students from other towers were out looking for food those from the Immortal Phoenix often just prayed and endured. It was the power of their faith.

‘Amazing. How can they survive on just that kind of food?’

Yi-Han paused in thought. He remembered how he had also endured for years during his graduate studies.

‘Hmm. Thinking about it people can endure more than expected.’

“By the way Wardanaz. Do you plan to hunt this weekend?”

“Yes.”

Seeing no need to hide Yi-Han answered confidently.

“Then watch out for the guys from the White Tiger. They often go hunting too. Usually they’re cautious during the first week but they must have heard about someone’s successful hunt so they won’t stay quiet with their nature.”

“It’s all thanks to your teachings Professor.”

“Well now that you know be careful with those from the White Tiger. They’re traditionally troublesome especially since they come from knightly families with a fiery temperament.”

“Yes. If it comes to a fight I’ll strategize to outnumber the few.”

“…”

“That’s not what I meant…!”

Uregor started to say something but then stopped. Frankly he thought that Wardanaz from the Wardanaz family would handle things well on his own.

“You might not encounter them. The forest and mountains are vast and the White Tiger guys might choose something other than hunting… No wait. The first week what am I saying.”

“What would they choose instead of hunting?”

“…”

Uregor regretted bringing it up. For some reason he thought that telling Yi-Han would make him want to try it himself.

“Escape.”

“…?!”

Escape.

The vast grounds of the magic academy were surrounded by high walls which were also magically protected with spells. However there were always those who tried to break out. Considering the villages and towns outside the magic academy and the items that could be procured from them escape attempts were inevitable.

‘New coats shirts belts pants boots bread and butter cheese and jam various dry foods needles and thread for emergencies paper and quill soap and perfume… Damn. There’s too much to even keep track of!’

The moment he heard the word ‘escape’ Yi-Han’s eyes sparkled and his mind raced. If he could get those items he could live like a king in the dormitory.

“See! This is why I didn’t want to tell you!”

Uregor read Yi-Han’s expression and knew what he was thinking.

“What do you mean Professor?”

“You think I don’t know you’re calculating what you could fetch if you went outside?”

“Did you put a spell on me?”

“Talking nonsense! Don’t do anything stupid. The White Tiger guys are the first to try escaping every year because they’re the dumbest.”

“Has no one succeeded?”

“…”

“Hasn’t there?”

“…Not exactly!”

“Oh…”

“You’ll regret it!” Uregor shouted then suddenly stopped. He realized there was no reason for him to dissuade Yi-Han like this. Youth was meant for making foolish mistakes.

“Fine. If you want to try go ahead.”

“No Professor. I have absolutely no intention of doing that.”

“Better not be just lip service!”

—

In a dark room with only a single candle flickering three menacing figures were threatening an orc.

“Listen Choi. Do you understand your situation? Huh? Your only way out is to cooperate!”

“…Yi-Han. Even if the prince here doesn’t do this I would have answered if you just asked.”

Dolgyu looked incredulously at Gainando. The sight of this puny fellow furrowing his brow and threatening was more absurd than intimidating. Suddenly showing up with ‘Follow us!’ and this was the nonsensical play he ended up in?

“Hmm. Didn’t work did it?”

Yi-Han drew back the curtain. Sunlight flooded into the empty classroom. Yonaire quickly blew out the candle.

Gainando still not grasping the situation looked bewilderedly at Yi-Han and Dolgyu.

“Didn’t you say we had to threaten Choi?! You knew each other?!”

“Yes.”

“Then why all this setup!?”

“To avoid being seen by other students from the White Tiger so that they won’t suspect our relationships.”

Startled by the comment Dolgyu couldn’t hide his surprise. Yi-Han was right. It would have been unwise to cause misunderstandings.

“Thanks Yi-Han. If we had come in looking friendly it could have definitely led to misunderstandings.”

“Why mention such a trifle? I’m willing to do this much for you especially since you’ll be acting as a spy for us.”

“…Wait. Me a spy?” Dolgyu protested the dishonorable title.

Yi-Han asked puzzled “Didn’t you say you’d inform us if that Moradi family guy was up to something suspicious?”

“I did.”

“Then you’re a spy aren’t you?”

“…Isn’t there a more noble and honorable term for it?” Dolgyu true to his knightly lineage objected. Informing them for honor and justice how could that be equated to being a spy?

“I think ‘spy’ fits quite well” Gainando who had been listening chimed in.

Dolgyu glared at Gainando. Feeling scared Gainando averted his gaze and mumbled “On second thought maybe it’s not really being a spy.”

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