Chapter 10. Cornelia and Her Translator

By October, the temperature in the capital had already begun to drop. The morning breeze at Heavenlit Academy carried a chill that made me shiver.

I got up earlier than usual and put on my uniform.

The uniform had a simple, neat design, similar to the one I had seen Teresia wear before.

The difference was that the Knight Faculty’s uniform was bright red, making it stand out a bit more.

I stood in front of the mirror, examining myself.

“Not bad.”

Heh, I looked sharp.

Dekan, today is the start of your path to fortune and success.

......

This year, one hundred and seven students passed the Knight Faculty entrance exam. They were divided into four classes, A through D.

The system was simple—ranked by exam results. Naturally, I was assigned to Class A.

The first-year classrooms were on the second floor of the Knight Faculty building, and following the map, I quickly found mine.

When I entered the classroom, a few students were already inside. Because the lecture hall was wide and spacious, it felt rather empty.

When they saw me, every one of them revealed an expression like they had spotted some rare specimen.

No one came up to talk to me right away.

If I turned out to be a bad-tempered person, and they got my attention, the next three years would be hell for them.

“Cult Priest.” That was the nickname the students had already given me.

I chose a seat toward the back, opened the school materials, and quietly began reading.

Students trickled in, and minutes passed.

“G-good… morning.” A soft but stiff girl’s voice came from beside me.

Turning my head, I saw that vivid red hair.

“Morning.” I nodded, then went back to reading.

So Cornelia sat down next to me.

Having such a pretty girl sit beside me on the first day was a blessing. But I couldn’t help worrying that she might accidentally bump into me.

Even a casual nudge of her little elbow could snap one of my bones.

I decided to warn her.

“My body is fragile. If you accidentally hit me, I might die.”

“Understand. I understand.”

“Thank you.”

“Y-you’re welcome.”

......

When the other students noticed that the “Cult Priest” and the “Valkyrie” were sitting together, their eyes kept darting toward the back row.

“Did those two already know each other?”

“What are they talking about?”

“Are they plotting to overthrow the teachers?”

The classroom filled with whispers.

By now, everyone had arrived, and the room was a little noisy.

All the students sat clustered in the front and middle rows—except Cornelia and me, who sat in the back, forming a clear division.

The bell rang, and the teacher entered right on time.

It was Professor Arno. His gaze fell on us in the back row, and his eyelid twitched.

Why were these two getting along so well?

Were they planning a rebellion?

He had worried the two of us might self-destruct on the very first day. But reality was the complete opposite.

After two coughs, he returned his attention to the rest of the class.

“I’m Arno Slerait. I’ll be your homeroom teacher for the year. Pleased to meet you.”

“First, we’ll have the entrance ceremony. It’s a celebration for your admission, so relax and enjoy it. When it’s over, we’ll return here, and I’ll explain the academy’s course structure…”

After his short explanation, he led us out of the classroom toward the great hall near the academy’s main entrance. Soon, we arrived at the assembly venue.

“Welcome, new students!”

As the great doors opened, laughter and cheers spilled out.

Upperclassmen enthusiastically welcomed us.

Not just from the Knight Faculty—new students from the other three faculties also entered one after another.

The great hall glowed with ornate decorations on the high ceiling and walls, with flowers and balloons everywhere.

Even Cornelia, walking quietly beside me, rubbed her eyes at the dazzling sight.

It was more extravagant than I had expected.

I looked around, and a wave of ease and joy rose in my chest.

Wait a second.

Why was she still walking right beside me?

“Why are you only following me?”

“Easy.” Only with you, communication is easy.

“You’re treating me like your translator?”

“...”

Cornelia stayed quiet for a while, then finally forced out, “You’re f-f-f-friend.”

“Uh…”

I felt her genuine, simple goodwill.

In that case, it was fine to get along.

I openly extended my hand to her.

Cornelia saw this, and though her expression barely changed, her body language clearly grew lighter.

She hurried to grab my hand.

But I quickly realized the danger, broke into a cold sweat, and pulled my hand back!

Me: “Strength.”

Cornelia: “Sorry.”

She had been so eager just now, she almost crushed my hand.

If not for my reflexes, at best it would’ve been a shattered fracture.

A broken hand would’ve meant the end of my career as a card-maker!

Cornelia seemed afraid to use any strength now. She only held her hand out loosely, letting me take it.

Breathing out in relief, still shaken, I stretched out my hand again and lightly held her small one.

Our friendship, after a small stumble, was finally sealed.

I had to admit—her little hand was soft.

I couldn’t imagine how such terrifying strength, the kind that made my spine tingle even through the air, could come from it.

......

“Welcome to Heavenlit Magic Academy!”

The grand hall resounded with cheerful music. The deep crimson curtains parted.

An elderly man walked onto the stage.

“I am Principal Ladeson Arsu. From the bottom of my heart, congratulations on your admission.”

“I hope none of you grow lazy or complacent on the path of hope and light. Spend these three years learning diligently—the kingdom’s future rests on you.”

“Well then, I won’t talk too long. Today, just enjoy yourselves!” The principal ended his address with a few short words.

“Yeahhh!” The first-years shouted with excitement.

From the left side of the stage, a young man who looked like the host ran past the principal, loudly announcing: “The entrance ceremony begins!”

Cheers filled the hall as the event reached its climax.

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