The Fake Hero Goes to Academy - Chapter 3- Warnings

My father, Pascal Helio, slaughtered over eight thousand soldiers and many high-ranking officers along with the younger brother of the Emperor, that night.

The whole Empire regarded that incident, as the Hollow Period, where the Holy Saint betrayed the human side and annihilated so many people.

Naturally, those who died that day have their family and relatives as well. And the chances to meet those family members in this royal academy were high.

Even the daughter of the Emperor’s younger brother was here, who surely would create trouble for me.

That was why, I already knew what Collen was talking about when he raised the topic of prejudice.

“I am accustomed to it.” There were not many days when I lived my life without hearing any taunts or curses. I have been attacked on several occasions as well.

However, I never felt anger toward them. From their perspective, I must be some evil entity as well, who would swallow another chunk of humanity once I grow up.

One could fight against a person, to retain their reputation. However, fighting against a whole race, defines that I was in the wrong, and I better shut up and find a way to change their perception toward me.

“And don’t you hate people for that? Like, it wasn’t you who committed such a heinous crime, yet, you have to face the repercussions.”

The Headmaster seemed a little too excited to know my perception, which betrayed his image a bit.

Regardless, I knew this conversation wouldn’t proceed if I didn’t answer him, so,

“I will do my best as a student in the hopes of improving my image.” As I stated, I indeed want to join the government and live a peaceful life ahead. With my strength, I wouldn’t be allowed to become an adventurer nor would I be assigned as a soldier.

Well, even if I say, ‘my future’ not like it was something in my hand, where I would be in the near future.

“That doesn’t answer my question, Eden.” The man shifted in his seat and leaned forward to rest his arms on the table, before asking again, “Do you resent this society for killing your family and treating you, the way they do?”

I looked the man in the eyes, and almost instantly provided him with the answer, “I no longer am capable of holding resentment toward anyone, Headmaster. So my answer would be, no.”

The man stared at me pretty instantly for a good length of period, before he heaved a sigh and straightened his back.

“I see. Well, that’s good. At least, you are giving yourself another shot in life and not dwelling in the flames of revenge.”

I remained silent and allowed the man to continue.

“Your books will be delivered to your dorm room by evening. You can have your three meals a day in the cafeteria, of course, without any charges. Your school and dorm fees have already been paid so yeah, you just need to attend five days of classes and one day of expedition to graduate from the Academy and pursue your dreams. ”

The Headmaster went through the basic rules which generally a student gets to know from their homeroom teacher. Like, I have to return before seven to my dorm, and venturing into the mythical forest without permission is prohibited.

Once done, he asked me whether I had some questions, to which I shook my head. I swear, I had something to ask very important, but again, my memory sucks. Even the rules he dictated, I would forget most of them by evening.

‘I hope I make a friend or two…’

Soon, someone came to deliver my school uniform, and just to get familiarized with the class, the Headmaster suggested I join the homeroom.

I had no issues with it, so after changing clothes, I took my bag and walked behind the teacher, who came to deliver my uniform.

“Wait here.” As he said, he walked inside the classroom which allowed me to glance around a bit.

There were eight classrooms on each floor and three floors were devoted to the classes. The fourth floor was where the headmaster’s office and other teacher’s cabins were located.

“Oh, it’s you. Come in.” Suddenly, a lively woman wearing glasses walked out of the classroom and the one who escorted me walked away wordlessly.

The woman was in her late twenties, with green hair, and green eyes, and by her stance, it seemed she was a mage warrior. She was tall and slim, and her standing pose seemed like she could defend herself if I suddenly pulled out a dagger and tried targeting her vitals. Yet…at the same time, her smell suggested something else.

“Alright.” As I followed the lady inside, I found the whole classroom’s eyes were drawn in my direction, and some girls seemed a little more reactive than normal. Some of them began whispering about my looks and build.

Do people really talk about such things so openly these days? Maybe, I was a little too detached from the world.

“We have a new student with us, who will be joining the class, starting today. Now, please introduce yourself.”

Here comes the difficult part. I could see the looks of suspicion from many already and many of those who seemed interested, soon would lose their enthusiasm

Regardless, I didn’t fabricate my identity and spoke out,

“Pascal Eden. I hope we can get along.” With a nod, I claimed silence.

The whole class remained silent after that. Those who were sizing me up, admiring me until now, were either looking at me with hatred or fear. Some were outrightly avoiding my presence and some began emitting animosity.

My eyes caught some familiar figures in the crowd as well, whom I might need to keep an eye on.

“No one has anything to ask? Come on. Don’t be shy.” Surprisingly, the teacher’s attitude remained the same, even after hearing my name. I guess the headmaster and that girl named Ellie weren’t the only ones, who don’t judge people based on their origin.

However, I couldn’t expect the same from the younger ones,

“If I dare ask, Professor Melissa, why is that person even allowed to roam freely and receive permission to attend this prestigious Academy? We all know what his filth of a father committed those years ago, and carrying the same blood, I could not expect any better from this one, as well.”

The one who announced his wariness with a proud visage was none other than the third prince of the Empire—William Ken Zealith. I have come across this person more than once, but not as Eden, but as his elder brother.

This person has a solid brother complex as such I know how this side of his was not everything about this boy.

“Student William, please refrain from blaming a person who is entirely unrelated to that incident. Just like you, Eden was also a child at that time and had no power in his hands to either stop or support the crime. And the fact that Eden has no criminal record up to this date, proves that he isn’t like his late father.”

Melissa adjusted her glasses and rebuked William in a calm voice like she already expected such a query. From a perspective, I guess she wanted someone to say such things so she could clear out all the possible accusations toward me, once and for all.

William just narrowed his eyes and shot me a glare before sitting down. Truth be told, I felt he was throwing a tantrum like a child, so even though I wanted I couldn’t feel bitter about this welcome.

“Alright then, Eden. Since you weren’t here during orientation and couldn’t get assigned with any partner, you can take a seat in the rear for the time being.”

I nodded to her words walked all the way to the back and sat beside a timid-looking girl, who just whimpered when I settled on my seat.

No words traveled between us, and the homeroom finally began and so did the new phase of my life.

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