14 – Avansiel
The high rise hotel, Avansiel.
It was one of the best hotels in the empire, and just happened to be the place where the Viskenel students were staying.
Normally, this was not the kind of place you would stay during a school trip. The entire school had hundreds of students, and even if they shared a room, it would be incredibly expensive.
However, the school was not paying for it. The parents and other related parties covered the cost.
After all, the students had dominated in every category during the preliminaries.
This had never happened since the start of the school. And in recent years, the results had not been great. So it was little wonder that their families were extra pleased now.
This wasn’t just about the students who participated. The entire school’s reputation was improved. And that was incredibly valuable for nobles.
Regardless, Count Orlando was a board member, and paid more than anyone. He was one of the most wealthy men in the country, and it would not have pained him to foot the entire bill if he had to.
And so the students of the Viskinel academy enjoyed themselves as if they were at a resort hotel.
“Ahhh. I never saw a spa that was so big. Long live the empire!”
“Hey, keep it down.”
The two sat down at a table in the lobby. Steam was still rising off of them.
The short male student, who held fruit milk in one hand, was Leo Lampertz. He had dominated in the spear category.
His father was a baron, though he himself did not really behave like a noble.
“As students of the academy, we must always act with pride and…”
“Hey, Rev. Don’t talk like the guys from the Imperial University.”
He was talking about their military training department, to be precise. Rev understood what he meant, and scowled.
As if to say, ‘don’t compare me with them.’
“Now, don’t get so angry.”
Said Bailey, while slapping him on the shoulder. He was the leader.
He wiped the sweat with a towel and passed some fruit milk to Rev.
“…Thanks.”
“It’s nothing.”
He said with a smile.
Though he was only one year older, he had a mature air about him.
Not only the female students, but even other women in the hotel seemed to glance at him more than once.
Though, he did not seem to notice this.
“Yes, yes. Rev is angry because he heard that Ms. Iria and Teacher Yukito went to a party together.”
“What? Hey!”
Sherry said as she suddenly appeared from behind Bailey. Rev nearly dropped his drink, and his face turned bright red.
‘Is that right?’ Bailey said as he turned to Rev with an interested expression.
Rev cleared his throat.
“It’s not true at all. Teacher was recommended by Count Orlando, after all. So it’s only natural for him to attend the party…”
“Well, that is true.”
Though, it was clearly not just that. Bailey’s father was a viscount, but as they lived in the capital, he knew a lot about the world of high society.
Yukito was strong. Bailey had witnessed it in person. And the Count knew even more about him.
And he would not easily let go of someone who was that strong.
Even if it meant losing a daughter.
Of course, that meant the boy in front of him now would be heartbroken.
Well, it was up to Iria Orlando in the end…
(Regardless, I don’t know much about them.)
He did not want to get involved in any of that.
Suddenly, Bailey turned his eyes towards Leo, who sat behind Rev. He was looking intently at the empty bottle in his hand.
Bailey knew him well. He was one year younger, but was a genius in terms of combat, and was a trusted friend.
So there must be a reason that he was looking like that.
“They are…”
He followed Leo’s gaze.
In a corner of the hotel lobby, there was a group of people wearing uniforms. And one of them was familiar to him.
“If it isn’t the Viskinel weakling.”