#44
Noah’s academy life was smoother than expected. Although there were accidents like falling off a horse and injuring his arm at eight, and breaking his leg after slipping down a hillside during knight department training at ten, these were just normal childhood mishaps that could happen to anyone growing up.
“Now it begins.”
Who knew studying could be this boring? Noah missed his childhood when his favorite activity was reading books and he would frequently visit the library.
Noah, who had diligently wandered around the library gathering armfuls of books he needed, set them down on the table with a thud.
“This is tough.”
Collapsing into the chair and slumping over the desk, Noah scanned the titles of the books he’d just brought:
『Economic Knowledge Everyone Should Know』
『Roka Who Became Rich at Fifteen』
『Easy Economics Lesson 1』
『Learning Economics Through Comics』
『Children’s Economics + History Set』
『Economic Habits of Smart Kids』
After two accidents, Noah had transferred from the knight department to the business department. Unlike when he first entered the knight department and dreaded the endless running and physical training, at some point, Noah had started to enjoy it.
Loren was absolutely against it, but with Lucas firmly on his side during these situations, Noah had properly learned horseback riding and was steadily learning a sport similar to soccer when he ended up changing departments.
I’d rather be outside kicking a ball with the other kids than sitting in the library doing economics homework.
At first, the other children avoided him, but whether it was because of Derik and Ray who always hovered around him, or because they were forced to socialize during knight department classes, they were now on comfortable terms with each other.
“Don’t wanna do this.”
Though he whined and rolled his forehead against the desk, Noah let out a long sigh knowing he had no choice but to complete the work.
If I’d stayed in the knight department, I wouldn’t have to do this. Why am I learning economics, tax law, and management-related subjects? What kind of wealth and glory am I pursuing?
Now fifteen years old, Noah was literally buried in studies. James, who had tried to look after him like an older brother, had fulfilled his dream of joining the Imperial Guard, and Matthew, who used to pop in frequently, had also graduated.
‘Our Noah, tell me anytime if it gets too hard.’
‘Yeah. It’s hard.’
‘Right. Do well on your assignment.’
‘I said it’s hard.’
‘Graduate soon and marry me.’
‘…No one would marry someone after that kind of proposal, you know?’
Recalling the conversation he had with Matthew on graduation day, Noah slowly sat up. He remembered his dream when he’d regressed to being three years old.
To breathe life into the bleak and desolate Austen region. To stand proudly as a dignified lord on his own if there were no suitable men, rather than being rushed into marriage.
But now I have Matthew who wants to marry me, and if I married him, I’d have the whole world at my feet.
I’d basically be at the top.
Noah sighed deeply again and turned his head, catching sight of Ray walking through the garden. Though they had been similar in height when they were eight, Ray had grown impressively and was now beloved by many students at the academy.
As Noah watched him brush back his fine honey blonde hair in the breeze with his tall stature and neat appearance, a sudden peace came over his heart.
I guess seeing beautiful and handsome people really does improve my mood.
Though he had to do this tedious assignment, Noah was about to turn away with newfound energy after seeing Ray when he felt as if their eyes had briefly met—red eyes with his own—causing him to pause.
Being on the second floor by the window made it easy to look down at the garden, but it was rare for someone below to look up. Ray had been talking with a friend until just now, so he couldn’t have seen Noah.
But why did it feel like our eyes met?
Curious, Noah approached the window and looked down, his eyes widening. It wasn’t his imagination after all.
As his gaze met again with Ray, who was standing facing the library building with his head tilted back, Noah gave a small wave.
‘Working on an assignment?’
Though he couldn’t hear the words, Noah nodded quickly after reading Ray’s lips.
‘I’ll come by shortly.’
At that moment, the student walking with Ray also looked up at the window as Ray stopped to talk to someone, and when their eyes met, Noah jerked back, covering his mouth with his hand.
I shouldn’t have looked. Shouldn’t have made eye contact.
The problem wasn’t Ray, who playfully winked at him. The mistake was not properly checking who was with him.
“I’m doomed.”
Noah leaned forward to look down again and groaned.
Their eyes met again with a female student who was linking arms with Ray. She deliberately stuck out her tongue at him.
Princess, I’m not someone you need to be wary of!
Though I might have been smitten with Ray at first sight, now we’re just friends, truly good friends!
The Imperial Princess Merry, just two years younger than him, adored Ray. From the moment she entered the academy, she started following Ray around.
Naturally, Merry’s most disliked person became Noah. Not just her, but Noah was also the public enemy to many students.
It was the peak of adolescence. In this period when it was natural to develop feelings for someone and learn about the world, Noah was hated for being close to the two hottest guys.
Ray, who treated everyone with a gentle smile and warm voice, and Derik, who was indifferent to everyone and rarely responded with his cold gaze, captivated the academy students with their distinct charms.
If Ray enjoyed this situation, Derik found it all unbearable, but that wasn’t the important issue right now.
Anyway, Princess Merry, whose early teenage years and crush on Ray coincided, making her world all pink and sweet, saw Noah as a thorn in her side, turning her world to darkness.
Derik and Ray are just close friends!
We just eat together, take classes together, and do assignments together, Noah had explained, but the princess wouldn’t listen.
‘Why does Ray only smile when he sees you?’
‘Maybe I look funny.’
‘Ray knows you like spaghetti!’
‘Ray also knows Derik absolutely hates walnut pie, so he torments Derik by giving him walnut pie whenever he’s bored.’
‘Why do you take classes with Ray?’
‘Because we’re in the same year, taking the same subjects. And there are at least fifteen other students in that class too.’
‘Why is your dormitory on the same floor as Ray’s?’
‘…Could you ask the dorm manager? If you don’t like it, I’m perfectly willing to change rooms.’
Noah had been actively avoiding Merry who would snap at him and throw tantrums every time they met, so he didn’t expect to run into her like this. Though he was curious about what creative question she might ask if they passed each other, Noah was too buried in assignments to worry about that now.
Anyway, Ray and the princess have passed by, so let’s focus on the assignment.
Instead of wasting time worrying, Noah opened the top book, “Economic Knowledge Everyone Should Know.”
For the not-too-distant future. Because I might rule the territory. So I should learn. I should know.
Suppressing the urge to flee the library, Noah opened the book. Ray said he’d come by shortly, so Noah’s hands and eyes moved quickly, wanting to finish everything and escape before Ray arrived.
Finding the necessary content and taking notes on reference materials, Noah was more serious than ever. Despite appearances, I’ve been to university. I’ve even hard-carried team members who made all sorts of excuses to escape and still got an A.
After concentrating for a while, Noah ignored the presence he felt in front of him and focused even more. Why choose the seat right in front of me in this huge library? This thought crossed his mind briefly as Noah pulled out the last book and opened it.
It seemed he had gathered enough material, and now all he needed to do was piece together various texts, add his thoughts, and submit the essay. Noah planned to do the rest back in his dormitory after completing the research here.
Knock-knock—
Noah ignored the first sound, but the same sound kept repeating. After ignoring it a few times, Noah clenched his fist and looked up at the persistent knocking pattern of exactly two taps on the desk at regular intervals.
Oh, it’s you, Benjamin?
You’re looking for Derik, right? Sorry, but Derik isn’t here. He said he’d be practicing at the training grounds today. As you know, Derik’s knight department classes increased significantly this semester. The professor made a fuss saying he couldn’t lose a talent like him.
If Merry was to Ray, then Benjamin was to Derik. Benjamin, the second son of the Duke of the South and an omega, liked Derik.
And predictably, Noah was also the object of Benjamin’s hatred. Though Noah held no feelings toward him, that’s what he was to Benjamin.
“Training grounds.”
Though Benjamin hadn’t said a word, Noah gave him the answer he wanted.
“He’s not there.”
“…”
Then I don’t know where he is either. It’s not like Derik reports his location to me all the time.
Noah shrugged and shifted his gaze back to the book.
“Derik~”
And instead of the short, grumpy, dissatisfied voice Noah had just heard, Benjamin’s voice was now like ice cream melting in coffee, warm as a spring breeze, causing Noah to close his book with a thud.
These kids— all experiencing spring.
How nice to be in spring. This old man can’t keep up with you all, so I’ll just step aside.
Author: Hyacinthus B
Hyacinthus
