When I was working as a civil servant, I was found out to be a muscle-brained knight by the princess knight and got sent to the front lines - Episode 172

Episode 172

Several months had passed since Seraphina left the Tashman Kingdom. The end of the year was approaching as the second semester was about to conclude. The season was already winter, and snowflakes were fluttering outside the classroom. Unlike the northern regions, it seemed that snow didn’t accumulate quickly in the capital city Nevorista.

While Jez gazed absentmindedly at the snow falling outside from the warmth of the classroom, he found himself reminiscing about the northern core city of Foresval and the Izmirnaia Autonomous Zone further north.

Life continued after Seraphina’s departure from the Royal Academy, and the students’ lives moved forward. Time does not stand still or go backward; it only moves forward. Reflecting on this obvious truth, Jez recalled the events of the past few months.

The second semester of the Royal Academy began with exams right after the summer break, followed by the cultural festival, sports festival, and the end-of-term exams—an eventful season.

Jez and Victor, who had caused quite a stir by launching grand fireworks during Seraphina’s farewell, inadvertently solidified their reputations as the Royal Academy’s troublemakers during the cultural and sports festivals.

Firstly, the cultural festival saw a big issue with the tapioca drink stand that Victor and Jez had set up. While brainstorming ideas for the cultural festival’s attractions, Jez casually recalled the trend among middle and high school students for tapioca drinks. Victor, inspired by Jez’s offhand remark about “tapioca,” seemed struck by a sudden inspiration, as if hit by lightning. According to him, the katakana sound “ta pi” felt oddly fitting. Jez was taken aback by this peculiar idea.

In the run-up to the festival, Victor was seen several times skipping and humming strange tunes like “Tapi-ru,” “Tapi-reba,” and “Tapi-ru-ki〜♫” on his way to the lab, clearly in high spirits. As a result, the magically enhanced tapioca drinks he produced caused quite a commotion at the festival.

(Note:

Boba pearls, also known as tapioca pearls, are primarily made from tapioca starch, which is derived from the cassava root. So, a boba drink stand)

Following this was the sports festival, which was dominated by students from the northern regions, including Jez. The sports festival at Tashman Royal Academy allowed unlimited self-reported participation in all events except for team competitions. Taking advantage of this, students from the north, regardless of their grade, flocked to show off in various events. They were aiming to impress the head of the Norman family. Known for its intense and competitive atmosphere, this year’s sports festival saw even greater enthusiasm than usual.

Jez continued to win every event, ruthlessly outshining all competitors. By this time, Jez seemed to have become more liberated, much like Victor, having let go of various inhibitions.

His behavior led to an increase in praise from northern students of all grades, which would later prove unexpectedly useful during the major upheaval on the northern front. The first time Jez was called a “devil” was also during this sports festival.

Additionally, the group events included real horse-mounted battles with 300 versus 300 participants and actual armored stick-fighting contests with 500 versus 500 participants, causing Jez’s northern team to stir up a storm. Naturally, Victor provided the equipment, which allowed the already formidable northern team to wreak havoc even more.

Despite their overwhelming presence at the cultural and sports festivals, Jez and Victor were completely dominated by others in their daily lives. Victor, in particular, was frequently chased, bound, and hung by Miriam. Ironically, this experience only served to strengthen Victor further.

While Victor was being chased around by Miriam, Jez was often found elegantly drinking coffee at a café, amusedly watching the chaos. Erin was frequently seen beside Jez, noticing his guilty expressions and making him sweat while he tried to explain himself.

When Seraphina was around, the group often did things together. But after her departure, Jez and Erin, or Jez and Victor, naturally spent more time alone together.

By the time the end-of-term exams came around in the second semester, Jez and Erin frequently visited off-campus cafés and often hung out together on weekends.

As Christmas Eve arrived and the second semester ended smoothly, Jez enjoyed the capital’s Christmas illuminations at Erin’s invitation. To Jez’s surprise, Christmas was a common holiday in this world. Considering the school year starts in spring, it seemed someone must have introduced this culture in the past.

Regardless of everything, on this snowy Christmas Eve, the two of them admired the large Christmas tree decorated at the Divina Cathedral and walked together along the brightly illuminated main street.

After having an early dinner at a restaurant Jez had reserved, they wandered through the city, and Erin suggested, “Shall we take a short break?” leading them to a park.

They sat on a bench after brushing off the snow. Although they had been chatting normally until then, the conversation suddenly stalled. Erin looked around restlessly and fidgeted with her hair, which was unusual for her.

Noticing Erin’s unease, Jez decided it was time to gather his courage. 

“You know…”

Just then, Erin turned to him with a flushed face and said, 

“The moon is beautiful today, too,” 

She said earnestly, gazing into Jez’s eyes. Jez was momentarily taken aback. He recalled that Erin had said something similar before summer break, not knowing its meaning, and had been teased about it.

Seeing Erin now, it seemed like that was what she meant. He thought it wasn’t very cool to be beaten to it, but still said, 

“It’s beautiful because I’m seeing it with you.”

Smiling, Jez took a small box from his coat pocket and continued, 

“Erin, I like you too. Will you go out with me?”

As he handed her the wrapped box, Erin’s face was still red. She nodded happily at his words. 

“May I open it?”

“Of course. That’s what it’s for.”

Inside the box was a small sapphire necklace, a color symbolizing the Saylor family and one that Erin liked. Erin looked delighted as she saw it.

“Will you put it on me?” 

“Gladly.” 

He gently put the necklace around her neck. After finishing, Erin lovingly touched the necklace on her chest and said, 

“Jez, thank you! I love you.”

She then hugged him and kissed him. Thus, Jez and Erin began their relationship, starting from their first Christmas as first-year students.

(Note:

Wat you smiling at, huh? You don’t even got no bitches.

If you feel offended, that’s great. 

But if you don’t, just go on.

Nothing more to see here.

)