The Fake Hero Goes to Academy - Chapter 6- Anywhere close

Bellarine El Dagonine was the first daughter of Duke Kirsek. Beyond her beauty, her talent was renowned across the land.

She inherited silver hair from her mother and violet eyes from her father. Her figure was not overtly suggestive, but rather slim and petite. Her chest was modest, and her overall appearance carried a quiet, refined charm.

Her mana capacity was astonishing, matched only by the reach of her magic. At the age of sixteen, she could already cast three magic diagrams with ease, without exhausting herself.

She was the pride of House Dagonine and held the potential to inherit her father’s throne in the future.

Other than these facts, the most significant relationships she had within the class were with the Prince of the Empire and her childhood friend, William.

There had been talks of an engagement between her and the prince, something William supported wholeheartedly, though for now, they remained only friends.

Even so, it was clear from William’s behavior that he was drawn to his childhood friend, despite receiving little in return.

So naturally, seeing her suddenly paired with some filthy bastard was enough to make him lose his composure.

….

[Eden’s POV:]

I watched the lady of the Ducal house walk toward me, her face devoid of any clear expression. It was a little surprising, or perhaps that was simply her natural demeanor.

Still, something else demanded attention.

“Professor?! How can my partner be switched like this when that guy was never assessed for compatibility?”

His reasoning was sound, yet the Professor showed no sign of wavering.

“Not my decision. The Headmaster himself instructed that those two be paired.”

I knew nothing about the kind of man the Headmaster was, so for now, I could only assume Bellarine had been placed beside me as a means of surveillance, perhaps for him or even the Emperor.

The class buzzed with murmurs as Bellarine took the seat beside me without a word.

“But Professor, how is such a thing even possible? I have never seen partners switched so casually, without any formal duel or the students’ consent.”

“As I said, student William, it is not my place to question the Headmaster. His perception surpasses anyone else in this school. I suggest you compose yourself and refrain from causing any further disturbance.” Her tone sharpened near the end, making several students flinch.

William seemed to understand that pushing further would do him no favors. He gritted his teeth, shot me a hateful glare, and dropped back into his seat.

‘This is going to turn troublesome very soon.’

….

[Third Person POV:]

As the final bell rang, William wasted no time. He rushed out of the classroom and took the stairs, the Headmaster’s office already set as his destination.

It had not been a good day for him. Not only had someone like Eden been allowed into the same academy where her brother once studied, but he had also been paired with Bellarine.

William had no idea what kind of life Eden had lived after his family’s death, but his behavior suggested ties to the underworld.

‘Do not even think, not for a second, that I will let Bellarine remain by your side…’

His knuckles turned white with restrained anger as he forced himself to stay composed, making his way toward the final door at the end of the lobby.

Three knocks followed, then permission to enter.

Moments later, William stood face to face with the Empire’s renowned wizard.

“Headmaster Collen, I need to—”

William had a long list of complaints to raise, starting with Eden’s strange and disrespectful behavior, but he was cut off before he could continue.

“I know why you are here. However, the decision is final and will not be revoked.”

William’s lips remained slightly parted as he stared at the Headmaster in disbelief. He had not expected to be dismissed without even being heard.

Even so, aware of the man’s authority and power, he did not dare act as he had with his homeroom teacher.

“May I ask the reason? Why, of all people, was Bellarine chosen to be partnered with him?”

Collen lifted his gaze from the document in his hands and replied in a calm, measured tone.

“Because she is the only one who comes anywhere close to his level.”

…..

[Eden’s POV:]

The classes were not as boring as I had expected. Since I had never received a proper education before, aside from military camps and the like, I found myself absorbed in the many new words and details I would have otherwise overlooked.

Experience may teach more than any textbook, but understanding what one is doing undoubtedly improves efficiency. The spell classes, in particular, would help me refine and expand my basic level of wizardry.

“There is a library here as well.” I decided I would visit it tomorrow after class. For today, I felt mentally drained from all the movement and lectures, so I chose to head back to my dorm.

The dormitory building was the same for every year, divided into respective floors. I collected my room key from the warden and was instructed to find my room on the third floor.

As I climbed the stairs, I noticed groups of students gathered around, chatting among themselves.

I did not dwell on it for long and made my way toward my room at the far end of the lobby. To the left, the open side revealed the campus bathed in the fading glow of the setting sun, while the right side was lined with doors.

After locating my room, I unlocked the door and stepped inside.

‘Damp?’

The scent of moisture clung to the walls as I began inspecting the space. I searched for any trace of a magical signature, but found none. In that regard, the room was clean. Otherwise, it was covered in a fine layer of dust.

Just beyond the entrance was a living area, with a bedroom to the left. Past the living space, a short hallway led to a separate kitchen and a second bedroom. The room was well furnished, with more than enough amenities, including a small bookshelf stocked with books on various subjects. There were wardrobes and nearly everything needed for a comfortable stay.

I set my bag down and got to cleaning.

‘This is definitely going to exhaust me today…’

…..

[At the same time]

[Headmaster’s Office:]

Knock

After receiving permission, the green-haired woman stepped inside, her measured strides concealing her anxiety well.

She stopped near the desk, her gaze fixed on the Headmaster, who was carefully arranging documents with sharp focus.

Melissa knew she did not need to wait for acknowledgment, so she spoke,

“Headmaster… are you aware of what occurred during homeroom and after classes? Not just student William, but the other students as well.”

Her frown reflected her unease, and she had every reason to be concerned.

The Headmaster set his pen down before lifting his eyes to meet hers.

“I am aware.”

“Then may I ask why you placed that boy in the same class as those who clearly hold hostility toward him?”

There were three particular students who had ample reason to turn against Eden at any moment. The teachers might intervene, but not all faculty were reliable, and no guardian figure could remain present at all times.

Eden already had enough adversaries, and by pairing him with Bellarine, even the Prince had become his enemy.

In response, the Headmaster spoke calmly,

“Everything has been arranged with purpose, Melissa. Your duty is simply to maintain order in the class as best as you can. I will not ask more of you.”

His vague answers always irritated her. She gave nothing more than a curt nod before turning to leave, only to halt mid-step as a sharp sense of alarm ran through her.

It was not just her. Anyone with a high affinity for mana could feel it, which explained why the Headmaster was already on his feet.

They exchanged a brief glance before both moved swiftly toward the student dormitories.

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