Show Them a Fierce One - chapter 8

During Ludwig’s not-so-long adolescence, he always felt he was a strange member of the Demon Race, because he didn’t believe in gods at all. Not in the way some dark creatures refuse to believe in the God of Light, but rather, he didn’t believe in any deity.

He only believed in himself.

Because-he wasn’t sure why he was so certain-this world had long since been abandoned by the gods.

Such thoughts were out of step with the mainstream of this world, but he never felt he was wrong. Even when others firmly believed their suffering was punishment or a test from the gods, he would scoff, attributing all their misfortunes to the gods as if that could somehow hide their own incompetence.

Yet, when faced with the blessing of the Light Elf, Ludwig simply felt an unusually good mood. He gazed at the scenery passing by outside the carriage window and murmured softly. What truly delighted him was never any god-given luck, but rather…

Anuo didn’t catch what Ludwig said, only feeling his voice was as smooth as silk, leaving no trace behind: “Hmm?”

He looked over in confusion with his green eyes.

The black-haired youth quickly snapped out of his reverie and gave a proper reply: “I was just saying, I thought the first place you’d show me would be the school’s chapel, given your status as a God’s Favored.”

Anuo: “!!!” He had completely forgotten about that!

Help.

His sister had just told him yesterday that he must go to the chapel to pray every day from now on.

After a long, long silence, the Elf, whose expression seemed unchanged, finally said to his junior student: “To-morrow-we-go-for-worship.” As if this had always been his plan, and he hadn’t forgotten about his boss at all.

Then, they continued their tour of the Sky Fortress.

Despite its name, the Sky Fortress isn’t actually a castle-style building; it’s a sprawling complex built among the mountains in a harmonious arrangement.

When Anuo first arrived in his freshman year, he was a bit disappointed that it wasn’t Hogwarts, but he was quickly won over by the unique magic of the Falres Continent, which was just as magnificent and fantastical as he had imagined. Here, there are forests and lakes, valleys and waterfalls, and countless magical creatures beyond imagination. The highest peak, the Morning Star, always shines above the dome of the Academy Mountain Grand Hall, guiding lost travelers.

On the left slope of Academy Mountain, between it and Tiamat Bay, lies a small multi-racial town dominated by humans. Though not large, it’s a place of myth-making, home to Thetis Port-one of the three most famous ports in the Central Mista Region. The town itself takes its name from the port. The right slope of the mountain, with its hills and the entirety of Academy Mountain, belongs to the Sky Fortress.

The student dormitory area and main classrooms are located in the relatively gentle valley. Surrounded by natural mountain barriers, the valley’s weather remains spring-like year-round, even without magical intervention, and is protected from storms.

After touring the teaching area, which is mainly decorated in white and blue, by carriage, the highlight of the day was just beginning.

-The Mage Tower.

On Falres, only Archmages and those of higher rank can construct their own Mage Towers. These magical edifices, crystallizing a mage’s lifelong pursuit of truth, are usually found in remote or rarely visited places. Only the Sky Fortress has the confidence and capability to build several Mage Towers on neighboring mountains and even allow students to approach and tour them.

By the way, although Anuo’s graduation is still a long way off, he’s already decided where he’ll go after-his sister’s Mage Tower.

Taking full advantage of his connections.

Besides the dazzling Mage Towers of the mentors, the mountains also host various magical creatures, magical plants, and the main Training Grounds. The Sky Fortress has always maintained a fifty-fifty balance between theory and practice in its teaching methods, firmly believing that no mage can succeed by mere imagination alone.

As for how students get to the Training Grounds, they have to fly. Hiking up the mountains is possible, but far too slow.

Flying magical items come in all shapes and sizes. Before Anuo could show them to Ludwig one by one, it was already lunchtime. This, too, was part of Anuo’s tour plan.

Although every Dormitory provides three meals a day included in tuition, no matter how delicious and varied, people always want to change things up. Thus, the school’s paid restaurants came into being, catering to wealthy noble students who don’t mind spending gold coins. No matter how Anuo looked at their signature dishes, he could only see the words “cutting leeks” written all over them.

But Anuo was still a regular here, and happily so. Many of these restaurants have taken creativity to new heights, with magical culinary tricks appearing one after another.

Come on, magical drinks that sparkle with starlight are super cool, okay?

At least, for Elves like Anuo who love dazzling complexity, it’s irresistible. The first time he visited a Demon Race Restaurant here, he was conquered by a dessert called the Golden Rose Financier. How many people’s cakes can vividly perform the entire process of a rose budding, blooming, and withering right before their eyes? Not to mention, the rose glitters with gold.

This was the restaurant Anuo invited Ludwig to. Even before the lunch rush, there was already a line outside. Fortunately, Anuo had made a reservation that morning via Magic Communication.
As soon as Anuo’s sparkling carriage appeared at the corner of the Food Plaza, it drew widespread attention.

On one hand, it was simply too eye-catching; on the other, no one could fail to recognize the royal shield of the Elven Empire.

These few days before the start of the semester were the traditional open days at the Sky Fortress, when students’ parents and friends could be invited in. During this period, everyone more or less came here to eat. Faced with the legendary Elf Prince Brother, God’s Favored Anuolaide, it was only natural that all eyes would be drawn to him.

Because he was just too beautiful.

Exquisite features, a tall figure, and impeccable manners… Many people, stunned by the sight, couldn’t help but think to themselves: If I were the God of Light, I’d also be willing to bestow my favor upon such a silver-haired, green-eyed being-who wouldn’t love him?

Anuo seemed long accustomed to this, as if he was completely unaffected, stubbornly following his own rhythm to do his own thing. He slowly stepped down from the carriage, slowly played the Elven Senior Sister’s introduction to the Self-Pay Restaurant for Ludwig, and then slowly led his Junior Student into the roadside restaurant under everyone’s gaze. The whole world couldn’t hope to interfere with his plans in the slightest.

It wasn’t until they were seated in the Private Room of the restaurant that Anuo finally revealed his inability to cope with crowds.

But by then, no one could see him anymore.

Anuo let out a long sigh of relief, as if he had just survived another great ordeal in life.

Ludwig had been watching his “Elven Senior Brother” with great interest, and naturally didn’t miss Anuo’s little secret of poor signal reception. He wasn’t as composed and at ease as he appeared; in fact, he seemed even more lively and interesting.

The amusing Senior Student, upon seeing today’s soup-fresh shrimp that would tap-dance while lining up to leap into the thick broth-opened his round eyes wide in astonishment. He was so genuinely delighted, even though he himself could easily produce the same effect with his Staff at any time.

Ludwig had already noticed that even the most ordinary things could easily make this Prince Brother happy.

Was it really wise for the Elven Queen to raise her Prince Brother to be so naïve? Ludwig couldn’t suppress his petty thoughts, thinking that he certainly wouldn’t recommend it-after all, he didn’t have a Prince Brother himself, and it was easy to get jealous.

***

After the long lunch, Anuo became a bit sleepy. He somewhat impolitely yawned in front of Ludwig, his thin lips slightly parted, making his whole Elven face look a bit round and puffy with the motion. His eyes glistened with involuntary physiological tears, adding a touch of fragility to the already beautiful Elf.

It had to be said, the Elf Race truly deserved to be called “children of the gods”-each one was like a finely crafted work of art, and without a doubt, Anuolaide was the crown jewel of this exhibition.

All the admirers could do was hold their breath, not daring to disturb him in the slightest.

“If you’re tired, let’s go back and rest,” Ludwig said to the jewel, not realizing that even his voice had softened a little.

But Anuo stubbornly shook his head, trying hard to muster a strange sort of momentum, seemingly hoping to wake up his sluggish mind. The effect was poor, his eyes glazed, his whole body limp, and even his speech seemed slower: “Still-have-plans.”

They hadn’t even completed half the tasks on today’s OKR.

“But plans can’t keep up with changes,” Ludwig decisively made the decision for both of them, leaving no room for doubt. “Besides, I have some things to take care of myself this afternoon.”

The latter reason convinced Anuo.

And so, Bobobawa, who had been prepared to work today, then was suddenly notified of a holiday, and halfway through was called back again, stood once more in the reception hall of the Oak Tree Dormitory, without complaint or regret.

The tall and burly Demon Race member, huddled beside the small lampshade, looked inexplicably a little pitiful.

But his boss was even colder than a capitalist, utterly devoid of emotion. After delivering the Prince Brother-who seemed to be floating on cotton-back to his Dormitory, Ludwig enthusiastically began deploying a brand-new work method with his subordinate.

One morning was enough for the far-sighted Demon Race Deputy Corps Commander to understand what OKR was all about, and to clearly see who was responsible for each step of progress. This was truly convenient and greatly improved team collaboration efficiency. However, it didn’t help much with procrastination; if you didn’t want to do something, you just wouldn’t do it-sometimes, obsessive-compulsiveness couldn’t overcome procrastination.

At this moment, Bobobawa’s mind was a complete mess, not because of the new work method.

But because…

He noticed that both his lord and the Elf Prince Brother each had a Magic Notebook. He’d seen this magical item before from his only sister, but as for how to use it, he hadn’t really figured it out.

He only remembered it was called a “love letter,” something only couples used.

Author’s Note:

Nonsense Mini-Theater:

Bobobawa: Are you two already writing couple diaries for each other???

The Deputy Corps Commander couldn’t understand, but was deeply shocked.