Chapter 341: It’s dangerous outside the blanket (1)

    The demon worshiper who nearly ambushed me was immediately apprehended and taken to the temple.

    There is a law stating that demon worshipers are to be transferred to the temple as soon as their identity is revealed.

    Thus, the ones handling the escort were the Holy Knights.

    Since Kate had completely subdued the worshiper, they wouldn’t resort to extreme measures like self-destruction, but caution was still necessary.

    Originally, summary execution was the rule, but an exception was made this time.

    It was because the individual had used magic within the Academy and had concealed their murderous intent until the last moment, which suggested they were no ordinary person.

    Above all, they were sent to assassinate me.

    This meant they likely held a considerable position of trust among the demon worshipers.

    Of course, it could have been a probing attempt, sent despite knowing it wouldn’t work.

    Word of Kate guarding me must have reached the demon worshipers.

    However, considering they paralyzed a passerby’s heart, it was certain they were skilled. If not for the arrow that flew in mid-attack, I might have been in great danger.

    And so, while the demon worshiper was dragged to the temple, I was promptly escorted back to the dormitory by Academy guards and my personal protectors.

    The fact that a demon worshiper used magic within the Academy, aiming for my life, would undoubtedly become a major topic of discussion.

    “So that’s why you’ve stayed indoors this whole time?”

    “Yeah.”

    “You even stopped asking Adele to fetch things and started asking others instead?”

    “Yeah.”

    Three days passed, and I didn’t take a single step outside the dormitory.

    Originally, I would have needed to leave to fulfill my duties as a teaching assistant and assist with Elena’s research, but my perspective changed after being directly threatened by a demon worshiper.

    The world outside the dormitory—or even outside my room—suddenly felt dangerous.

    The attack reminded me that demon worshipers were not a distant threat but something that could happen anytime, anywhere.

    The thought that the Academy would be a safe haven?

    I threw that notion into the trash the moment the incident occurred.

    My very existence could endanger innocent people.

    “You made the right decision. So, are you giving up on graduating from the Academy?”

    Marie, who had come to the dormitory because I refused to leave my room, asked me this.

    Although she was supposed to attend classes, her attendance was excused since she was my fiance?e.

    Moreover, after the recent incident, she had all the justification she needed to stay away.

    “No. I’ll graduate from the Academy. This situation happened because I wasn’t cautious enough. I just need to be more careful.”

    “Then why aren’t you leaving the dormitory?”

    “For peace of mind.”

    “... ...”

    Marie gave me a strange look.

    It was a face that wanted to say something but couldn’t find the right words.

    But I was serious.

    Only three days had passed since the incident, and even stepping outside felt risky.

    After all, an arrow could fly at me the moment I stepped out. Although the chances were low, there was always the “what if.”

    For now, I planned to stay inside the dormitory.

    As Marie mentioned earlier, I could ask the guards patrolling the halls to bring me meals and necessities.

    Of course, I didn’t plan to stay confined to the dormitory forever. Once the Academy strengthened its security measures, I’d venture outside again.

    Until then, I would only meet people who came to see me.

    By now, word of the incident must have spread, so I expected many visitors soon.

    “At least that’s a relief. Honestly, I was worried. I thought you hadn’t realized what kind of person you are.”

    “I was aware. I just thought demon worshipers were a far-off issue.”

    I offered a weak excuse. It could be seen as foolishness or complacency on my part.

    The deeply ingrained notions from my previous life were partly to blame.

    After all, the Minerva Empire’s capital, especially the Academy, was considered highly secure.

    So I couldn’t help but think, “As long as I’m a bit cautious, I’ll be fine.” The uneventful week after my return to the Academy only reinforced that belief.

    You could call it stupidity, and I wouldn’t argue. I deserved the criticism.

    I had always known demon worshipers were scum, but since they had never targeted me directly, I had let my guard down.

    Demon worshipers are vile creatures who will do anything to achieve their goals.

    Not only did they target my life, but they nearly killed an innocent bystander.No?v(el)B\\jnn

    This incident alone was enough for me to clearly understand what kind of people they were.

    No matter what their reasons for joining the demon worshipers, they were unforgivable.

    Still, one thing lingered in my mind—the words the demon worshiper muttered before taking their own life.

    Father’s coming in person? I blinked in surprise, completely unprepared for such an answer.

    Adelia, seemingly just as taken aback, handed me the letter and responded in a daze.

    “He said, if you’re going to learn, it’s better to learn properly.”

    “What about you? Does he not trust you?”

    “I’m not sure. The letter only says he’s coming himself...”

    “...”

    Could he just be making an excuse to get out of work?

    ★★★★★

    The news that Isaac was ambushed by demon worshippers spread worldwide in an instant.

    Considering it was none other than Isaac who was nearly attacked, it was only natural for an uproar to follow.

    As expected, the Minerva Empire found itself in deep trouble.

    The Halo Academy, constructed by enticing master craftsmen from the Kingdom of Ters with money, had now exposed its vulnerabilities to the world.

    In such circumstances, the person in the most difficult position was...

    “Ugh. These damned bastards...”

    It was Arwen, who had missed the perfect timing to make her announcement because of the demon worshippers.

    Originally, the announcement was scheduled for today, but due to the attack on Isaac, the plan had to be scrapped.

    When she first heard the news, she worried that something had happened to Isaac.

    However, upon hearing he was safe, she felt both relief and irritation.

    Frustration.

    “Ah, I really want to show it already...”

    With a slightly dejected look, she gazed at the ‘gift’ carefully nestled inside the box.

    The thought of wearing it and showing it to him made her feel unbearably embarrassed but also filled her with anticipation.

    What kind of reaction would Isaac have? The mere thought made her heart race and her lips twitch.

    “...I can’t keep delaying this.”

    If she kept hesitating, she would miss the timing again. Even if she had to endure criticism, she needed to make the announcement within a week.

    Resolving herself, she closed the box containing the gift with a determined expression.

    Tap, tap—

    Next, she checked to ensure no one was around before lightly tapping the crystal orb on her desk with her fingers.

    The crystal orb was none other than a communication crystal, an item used for long-distance communication.

    As an elf, and someone of Arwen’s stature, she could have used telepathy, but even she would struggle with the vast distances involved.

    Hence, she used the power of the communication crystal to contact someone far away.

    “Testing, testing. Can you hear me?”

    [Yes, I hear you, Your Majesty. What’s the matter?]

    At Arwen’s words, a sultry woman’s voice flowed from the other side of the crystal.

    If Isaac had heard it, he would’ve found the voice not just familiar but intimate.

    After confirming again that no one was around, Arwen cleared her throat with a light cough and composed herself.

    Her face noticeably reddened, and her ears twitched up and down uncontrollably, revealing her emotions at a glance.

    “I’ve... made my decision and contacted you about it.”

    [Oh my, finally? But... the timing right now...]

    “I know that as well. But I feel it’s no good to keep delaying it...”

    [Hmm... Understood. So, what do you need my help with today?]

    The woman beyond the crystal asked in an intrigued tone.

    Hearing the question, Arwen hesitated for a moment.

    Although this woman often got on her nerves, Arwen had no choice but to set her pride aside and ask for help this time.

    When it came to matters of romance, she was clueless, whereas the woman on the other side of the crystal was leagues ahead.

    Not to mention, that woman had plenty of experience with the man she liked.

    “Can you tell me... what Isaac likes... and what he enjoys?”

    [Oh, that’s easy. I’ll share everything with you later, along with a few others. Just wait a little.]

    “I-I’ll be waiting.”

    Click—

    The crystal went dark as the connection ended.

    Arwen stared blankly at the dimmed crystal before letting out a long sigh.

    “...A gift should make the receiver happy.”

    For that, she could set aside her pride without hesitation.