I Killed an Academy Player - Chapter 57

[ Suspicious… (2) ]

Entrance to the southern plains.

It is no exaggeration to say that Duf Village, which gradually developed into a small village from serving as a platform for horse-drawn carriages, makes a living from this related business.

Mac, who manages the Wyvern landing site, is also in this case. He was in charge of controlling the Wyvern landing site and ensuring that ‘passengers’ landed safely.

“This is Lev One. This is Lev One. “Preparing to land for VIP performance.”

“Controller Mac! This is Lev One!”

“I heard it too!”

Lev one. This refers to the passenger fleet and wyvern escort squadron of the Dunaref family, which oversees the hyper mega plantation that owns the entire vast southern plains.

“What have you been doing in Dunaref this month?”

“Uh, isn’t it the academy vacation?”

“Then it’s the princess’s return.”

In the southern part of the continent, Dunaref boasts an overwhelming popularity even greater than that of the kingdom’s royal family.

Even more so, if it were a genius wizard who returned regularly during the academy vacation season, they couldn’t have known about it.

If the guardians representing the eastern region were the sword emperor Garland and the swordsman Runia, a subtle regional war of nerves was taking place in the southern region, with people pushing Marie as the next regional representative.

“Ah, this is Dupe. We will begin clearing the landing site. Cat 1. Cat 1. Please check visual reference from 200 feet in the air.”

“i get it. It is scheduled to arrive within 10 minutes. “I will slowly lower the altitude.”

-check.

Matt began reciting an announcement toward the Wyvern landing site through the magic communication port.

“Lev One. Lev One is scheduled to land. I hope that the Wyverns at the landing site will enter the hangar sequentially. Clean up neatly as well.”

When VIPs appear, organizing the surroundings is essential. The takeoffs and landings of other Wyverns were stopped and the landing site was prepared to welcome them.

“This is Lev One. “We’ll be descending soon.”

“I understand, Lev One.”

Mac saw the body gradually descending in altitude.

“Now, Lev One will arrive soon. That means Lady Marie will also arrive! Everyone prepare a warm welcome!”

On this day, the Wyvern Landing Ground stopped working and prepared to welcome the Wyvern squadron that was coming to pick up Marie.

* * * *

Wyverns are expensive.

No, I’m not just vaguely saying it’s expensive, it’s actually really expensive.

Why do you look at the news and talk about the price of fighter jets and helicopters?

Wyvern is exactly like that.

550 gold coins. 5.5 platinum coins. If converted to earth money, it is roughly 550 million. This is the beginning, and the wyvern with good pedigree has exceeded ten platinum coins.

But the problem starts here. The maintenance cost of the Wyvern is not normal.

When comprehensively considering management costs, rider hiring costs, training costs, and food costs, it is said that one wyvern costs 60 gold coins per year to maintain.

In the game, you just have to purchase it, but in reality, you have to pay attention to maintenance costs, so realistically, purchasing a Wyvern is not a common thing.

“Wow… they’re moving around in droves.”

So, in other words, 12 wyverns coming from the sky cost at least 6,600 gold coins and incur maintenance costs of 720 coins every year.

I’m so afraid that this is the minimum.

“Huh? Can’t you see Poppy? You switched with Jun on the 8th shift. Are you feeling unwell?”

okay. At this moment, the number of wyverns owned by senior Marie’s family has soared to 96. If there are 96, there are at least 635,600 pieces……

“Wow… I feel like I’m going to throw up.”

I was speechless at the unimaginable amount. But the bigger problem is that it doesn’t end here.

“Is there a number of female passengers?”

Wyverns aren’t the only ones slowly descending. There were also passengers who flew in carrying a ‘house’.

number of passengers.

This refers to a giant flying beast that is raised through long hours of training and breeding.

Although they were originally treated as monsters, through numerous genetic improvements, only mild individuals were left behind, allowing passengers to fly stably even while carrying a weight of over 50 tons.

What was coming down now was a distinctive white eagle. Its size is larger than six wyverns combined.

“……Hresvelg species.”

“You know Corrin well?”

I know. Because that was one of the ultimate mounts in [The Legend of Arhan Heroes].

The final hard work end content of the Legend of Arhan Heroes that can be obtained through all kinds of hard work, such as collecting resources, special egg recruitment quests, training quests, and building a dedicated nest.

I needed at least one Hresvelg so I could go somewhere and shout that I was a stagnant person.

price? Let’s just say it’s more expensive than that entire wyvern squadron. This is the maximum value standard. They say it’s not end content for nothing?

-Gooung

Just watching Hresvelg gently put down the large square-shaped ‘building’ he had put down without making a loud noise showed off his incredible level of skill.

Soon, the wyverns landed one after another, and a dignified middle-aged man came down from what appeared to be the leader wyvern.

“Miss Marie!”

“Uncle Berg!”

When Marie tried to approach the man named Berg, he politely stopped her and instructed her subordinates with a glance.

-Bangbang!

With the loud sound of musical instruments, an elderly man and woman dressed as waiters approached from the ‘building’, unrolling the rolled up red carpet.

“Thank you for your hard work in your academic activities, Miss Marie.”

“Grandpa Paul~ Oh my. You don’t have to do this every time.”

“That can’t be possible. You are the eldest daughter of her southern Duna Lev family.”

Paul, the warm-looking waiter, said hello to Marie and then looked at me as well.

“Who is this person here?”

“Oh, it’s Corin! Corin Locke! I’m a first-year junior!”

“Ah, this person…”

As Paul approached me, he suddenly grabbed my hand.

“Thank you. Thank you very much for saving our young lady… my lady.”

“Uh… yes.”

Did you know about Marie after hearing the news? Not only Paul, but also the Wyvern riders and employees all bowed their heads to me.

“Thank you?”

To be honest… I couldn’t even reply because I was so overwhelmed by the Wyverns and Hresvelgs in front of me.

“Come on! Come on, let’s go to your room. We’ll provide you with the best service.”

“Thank you all for your hard work!”

After Marie greeted her servants and Wyvern riders once, she naturally stepped on her red carpet and entered the building called the guest room.

“What are you doing, Corinne? Come in quickly!”

“…….”

Above the ‘guest room’. Hresvelg is looking down and clapping his hands. Wow… I want a seed.

For reference, I got Hresvelg after the game scenario was over. I only got to ride that handsome eagle once at the end…

* * * *

Dunareff family.

He is said to be the de facto ruler of the southern part of the continent, operating Super Megalo Farm, which owns a huge land area of 2 million hectares.

It supports the kingdom’s primary industry against the backdrop of a huge tract of land that has been around since ancient ancestors, and its scale accounts for one-third of the total output of the El Ras Kingdom.

Farming is where hundreds of thousands of livestock run around in beautiful pastures and fields that produce crops such as potatoes and cotton and textiles.

There is even a plant factory that specializes in producing magical crops such as mandragora.

No, there’s no need to say this. Let’s just listen to Marie’s commentary.

“We grow flour from Jjeogi to Jjeogi, and from Bjeogi, you can’t see it because it’s beyond the horizon. Um, we grow potatoes up to about 30 minutes away on the Wyvern! The mountain over there is grazing land this year! Next year, I hope it’s right to go to the mountain over there again. That’s right! That’s right. Was there a gold mine there too?”

“Your gold mine is further north. There is a diamond mine there.”

“That’s right!”

Indeed, when the number of units increases to 10,000 hectares, even the explanation changes in scale.

“…Is that a corn field?”

“Yes! Ah, you saw Aumdura!”

Outside the window in the room. How big are cow-like things that are noticeable even from a distance when you see them right in front of you?

“That’s a species called Aumdura, and it’s as big as Dipta! Hmm, it’s about twice as big as the carriage we rode on!”

So… roughly, it’s bigger than the King of Iron Mountain.

Something beyond imagination was sweeping up corn with a harvester attached to its neck.

The sight of twenty such monsters moving around was… difficult to express in words.

Is this really the scale of a rich person… No, it’s not at the level of a rich person?

While I was amazed at the enormous scale unfolding before my eyes, the waiter, Mr. Paul, brought a large roast turkey from the guest room’s kitchen.

“This is a special meal prepared for you two.”

Potato puree garnishing the bottom of the golden roasted turkey. Tiger shrimp are stuck on top of the cocktail. I’ve seen this in a movie!

We arrived at Wyvern Landing Ground in Lev City, a large city, in just an hour after receiving top-class service that cannot be experienced even on land.

I realized that there were still more surprises ahead.

“Miss Marie! Congratulations on your vacation!!!”

“Congratulations on your promotion to semi-special class!!!”

Around the landing pad. A crowd of probably thousands of people enthusiastically welcomed Marie on the red carpet.

“Uh uh….”

At this point, it’s scary. Was it around the time when he and Park Ga-nom saved the world and emerged as heroes?

I don’t think I received such a warm welcome when I returned after defeating the special Great Demon Beast that invaded the city.

“Umm, Grandpa Paul. Why is everyone gathered like this?”

“Because what happened to the young lady has become known.”

“Hmm… I guess everyone was very worried.”

Marie also looks embarrassed, wondering if she receives this kind of welcome every time she returns.

“Uncle Berg. How many of you are there… And it was only yesterday that I was promoted.”

“Well, when I heard the news, I immediately sent my starter to let them know. There were so many of them that I sent most of them away.”

That’s how much you sent back?

“Everyone must be busy, so I’m a bit sorry.”

“That’s not true at all, Miss. Marie Marie is the face of our South.”

It’s not that I don’t understand the reaction.

The most popular and famous job in this era is none other than Guardian.

This is because they, who are basically a minority, have created an image as guardians of humanity against monsters.

If the representative guardian of the previous era was the sword emperor Garand Aden, the representative guardian of the era was the swordsman Runia Aden from the eastern Aden family.

There are famous Guardians in the West and North, but there are no special celebrities in the South.

Marie, famous as a genius wizard, must have been talented enough to become an icon of her time.

The local sentiment of not wanting to be pushed out by other regions may have also played a role.

“Now then, let’s go straight to the mansion. Your family is waiting for you.”

Waiting for us at the landing was a carriage.

This is not a carriage driven by crystal, but a carriage pulled by horses. It’s surprising that this is the first ordinary livestock I’ve seen on my way here.

That’s how we entered downtown Lev City. No, now that I think about it, the city’s name is Lev. no way?

“Senior Marie. By any chance, is the name of the city…?”

“That’s the name of my house! If you go a little further east, there’s Duna City!”

“…….”

Come to think of it, the name of the platform was also ‘Dupe’ Village, right?

I’m surprised I didn’t know about this until now. I don’t come to the South often, but I can’t believe I never noticed this until now.

Dunareff’s influence was clearly visible in the appearance of the city.

「Dunaref Barbershop」

「Dunaref Food Store」

「Dunaref Post Office」

「Dunaref Agricultural Cooperative」

「Dunaref Pro Wrestling Association」

Wow… the whole city is full of dunaref. What is professional wrestling again?

“We have arrived at the entrance.”

The mansion that stands tall in the city we arrived at… Well, I tried not to be surprised by the scale, but I couldn’t be surprised.

I was once invited to the El Ras royal family. I realized that the royal family in the fantasy world is so splendid and enormous…

“Compared to the kingdom… it’s just as good.”

“Wow, have you been to the Royal Palace of Corin? I’ve been there a few times too!”

At the entrance to the mansion, there are emblems and decorations with potato flowers… Are those decorative stamens carved out of gold?

A vast garden and fountain spread out from the entrance. The streets are colorfully decorated with statues and works of art created by famous sculptors.

What is spectacular is the flowers in full bloom in the garden. I think this is the overwhelming flower garden I heard about when I saw Dutch tulip farms on TV.

The difference is that back then it was FHD quality and now it is about real 16K.

Moreover, there are many visitors lining up at the entrance. What are those people doing?

I asked Paul if he was also curious about Marie.

“What party is there today?”

“Ah~ Guests from all over the South, including Mayor Lev, are coming after hearing the news of the young lady’s promotion.”

I say it again.

The school vacation ceremony was yesterday, and the only news about Marie’s promotion was that she announced it roughly two hours ago on the DUPE platform.

Considering the time it took for the wyvern to fly in first and deliver the news, does that mean she came in less than 30 minutes after hearing the news?

“For now, only those who have their own Wyverns or those close to us have visited, but other guests will soon arrive.”

“Ugh… everyone must be busy.”

Even though Marie said that, she didn’t think this situation was strange. As if it was natural for her to come to congratulate herself.

What kind of life have you been living, Marie?…

“Senior Marie, why didn’t you tell me how rich she is?

“Well, my parents are rich, but I’m not rich.”

“All rich people say that!”

Even if I just inherit this mansion, 100 generations will be able to make a living!

“Haha, isn’t this the property you will inherit anyway? You are the eldest daughter of the Dunarev family.”

“Grandpa Paul too.”

Marie doesn’t deny it. Somehow… I feel betrayed.

“For generations, the family has been bringing in sons-in-law. Of course, each family that brought in a son-in-law was given tremendous support and a place in the Dunareff family’s business.”

okay? But why are you saying that while looking at me?

“Our young lady, Marie, has been called the flower of the South for her intelligence and beauty since she was young. She said she wanted to be your son-in-law, and the letters of marriage proposal were enough to fill a potato warehouse.”

“Ah… yes.”

“In the case of Lergen, who was Daryl’s son-in-law before, Leticia, who was the head of the family at the time, gifted him a villa made of jewels. Hahaha, even that was only worth 8 hectares of potato farm.”

This grandfather is also from the Dunarev family. The metaphor is a potato…….

“Grandpa Paul! Why are you talking like that?!”

“Hahahaha, that’s right. Hahaha…….”

The look on Paul’s face when he looks at me is unusual. Feeling burdened, I changed the topic.

“Sir. That’s the last name I was talking about.”

“Ah, you mean Duke’s castle?”

Sevancia Duke, who was considered a southern hero hundreds of years ago. He asked me to find out the person’s last name.

“Someone bought that castle recently!”

Certainly… in the previous episode, Duke’s castle was owned by someone. Perhaps… he was a trader from the archipelago at the southern end of the country?

“The Duke’s castle was purchased by a man named Count Cassius, who runs a trading business in the Archipelago.”

“Wow, you’re a noble?”

For reference, in this worldview, nobility is close to an honorary position.

Why is it that in modern times, famous actors are knighted and old nobles appear on TV?

“Miss, our Dunaref is also inheriting the title.”

“Oh, right. What was it?”

“The head of the family is the Duke of Lev, the Marquis of Langol, the Count of Kadriol, and the Viscount of Crancia. He holds a total of twenty-five titles.”

“The only person who knows all of that by heart is probably Mr. Paul.”

“It’s only natural since you are Dunareff’s butler.”

Yes… Titles are different for each region, so they can be held concurrently… William I, King of England, was the King of England and also the Duke of Normandy, France.

Anyway, isn’t twenty-five too many?

“It looks like Corrin would like to go to the Count’s castle?”

“You’re lucky. Count Cassius is visiting Lev City on business. He’ll be happy to invite you to the mansion and he’ll come running.”

“I see! Corinne, that’s great! We can meet today and talk!”

Count Cassius.

He was the owner of the Duke Castle in the previous episode as well. But was this quest… this easy?

Anyway, 30 minutes by carriage. I was finally able to arrive at the main mansion.

“What about Grandpa Paul, Dad, and Mom?”

“The head of the house and his wife are not scheduled to arrive until tonight. They asked me to tell them that they are sorry. The school vacation ceremony for the masters and ladies will be held in three days.”

“Then you can rest until then! Corin, follow me! I’ll show you a room to rest!”

I got off the carriage and followed Marie up the stairs.

“The first floor here is where the employees work! The rooms are on the second floor, but my family lives on the third floor!”

“Then can I sleep on the second floor?”

“No! Corrin is this way!”

Marie brought me to a room on the third floor. Mr. Paul also follows along.

“This is my room! Corrin’s room is here!”

“It’s the verdant room.”

“The Verdant Room?”

“Yes~ The fiancé of the next head of the family who will continue the family for generations──”

“Mr. Pol, you don’t have to say that! I’m just giving it to you because it’s the best room!”

Marie said that, and after explaining various things about the place called the Verdant Room, she went into her own room, which was connected to the Verdant Room.

The queen size bed is too big to lie down on by yourself. I saw it for the first time. Such a luxurious and large bed.

-smart!

As I was coming out of the bathtub in my room, someone came knocking on the door.

“who are you?”

“My name is Wilson, and I am also a masseuse at this mansion.”

“Uh… are you coming in?”

The man who came was a professional masseuse you would see at a luxury spa. He suggested whether I should get the massage in my room or in a private room, and I decided to get it in my room.

-Boo! Cluck!

“Oh, Siwontaa…….”

“Haha, you’re very tight. I’ll loosen your shoulders now.”

“Please, I need you…….”

I feel like my energy is getting faster….

Is this heaven?

I really want to live here for the rest of my life.

* * * *

At the same time, Marie was warming up after a long time, being attended to by her maids.

“Oh my, miss. Your skin is like a baby’s skin!”

“It’s really pretty. I think you’re even prettier than in the winter!”

The maids chatter while taking care of Marie’s skin, which is as fluffy as glutinous rice cake.

It is the custom of servants to always say nice things to her master to make him feel good, but for Marie, it is sincere.

In fact, before Marie arrived, there was an agreement reached between the residents of this mansion.

‘Everyone knows, right? Never talk about vampires in front of Lady Marie!’

How surprised was she when she heard that Marie had awakened into her vampire form?

Awakening as a demon is common in this world, but the treatment and gaze are never kind.

But that’s it, Marie is Marie.

Anyone who knows Marie knows the loveliness and kindness of this girl.

Her maids, who had seen her for a long time, sent Marie off to her academy with the feeling of leaving her daughter, but she returned as her demon!

They had an unspoken agreement to be careful about what this girl said and did so she wouldn’t be intimidated.

In fact, the newspaper company in which Dunareff has a stake also intentionally overlooked this part.

This world. If you have capital and power, you can turn even a serial killer into a saint. How much more would anyone tackle the princess of the Potato Empire?

“Do you have any inconveniences living at Miss Marie Academy?”

“Ugh… I think we need to readjust her clothes. Her chest feels really tight.”

“Oh, this is proof that you are still growing up. I will have the best designers and dress makers on standby.”

“Hmm… while I’m at it, would it be okay for men to wear it?”

“What if you say it’s for men?”

“Ah, you mean the classmate who came with you, right?”

This is it! The maids made eye contact and immediately agreed on a topic.

“He’s a really handsome guy, right? He seems friendly and has a good personality.”

“Yes. He’s a good person.”

Marie’s ears turned red and she gently buried her face. The maid who was loosening her back stopped at the noticeable change.

‘It’s spring.’

‘It’s spring.’

‘Does anyone know information about that master?’

‘It’s a level 5 knight. ‘Isn’t that a bit much for a young lady’s pet?’

‘No, no, Mr. Berg told me he was a first-class engineer. ‘I heard you have skills comparable to that of Runia Aden, the swordsman of the East?’

‘oh…….’

Maids who silently exchange information in front of their masters in 3.7 seconds. The direction has been decided.

“Oh, you seem like a very dependable person. What kind of person is he?”

“Hmm… first of all, he’s handsome…”

‘Are you handsome?’

‘Objectively, yes?’

‘But not as good as our lady.’

“He’s very responsible and kind…!”

‘It looks like your personality is at an acceptable level.’

‘What about inside the house?’

‘What good is money? The lady is Dunareff.’

‘but.’

“He said he wanted me to be happy. He said I was a good person, kind and pretty…! Hehe…”

“”…………””

The three maids felt something off about the last words.

‘The comment… is a bit harsh, isn’t it?’

‘What kind of player is this?’

‘Ah… no way.’

The maids shared ominous thoughts. This young lady of Dunarev lived a life far from that of men, thanks to her absolute position in the south and the protection of those around her.

What would you do if you filled your potato warehouse with marriage proposals? He said he didn’t need those bastards attacking my daughter’s property, so he burned it all down.

In other words, Marie Dunareff has no tolerance for men at all!

“Um… Miss. It’s a bit awkward to say this, but…”

“Huh? What is it?”

“Has there ever been a story about providing financial support with that master… or asking for a loan?… Has there ever been a story similar to that?”

‘You idiot! ‘What if I ask directly like that?’

‘No, Miss, if you don’t ask like this, you won’t be able to answer.’

Coincidentally, her judgment was correct.

“Hmm, I made some business investments!”

“Oh…….”

The outburst from one of the maids could not be criticized by anyone. They asked cautiously with trembling voices. Before she knew it, the arm that had been pounding her calf had stopped.

“Well… what if it’s business?”

“They said they would run an inn business! They guaranteed triple the profits! Corin is so capable and smart!”

‘…Shh.’

The maids shared the same sentiment.

* * * *

Although the mayor and local officials were invited, the party itself was an ordinary garden party.

Of course, that’s because the scale is Dunareff scale.

“Corin…! There are a lot of delicious things here! Do you want some potato pancakes?”

“Oh.”

Marie, wearing a light dress, led my hand. Since you go with the main character of the party, it’s no joke to get attention from people around you.

“When you say party, I thought it was something like a nobles’ ball, but I was surprised.”

“Ugh? Well, everyone just came to say hello~”

Marie speaks as if it is natural for local officials to come to say hello.

Looking at the number of people trying to talk to Marie… she may be a natural part of her daily life.

“That’s right, that’s right! We have to solve Corin’s problem first!”

“Count Cassius?”

“Yes, yes! You’re over there right now!”

Marie seems to be trying to solve my problem first.

“It’s your party, so enjoy yourself.”

“Hmm, Guji?”

“…….”

What is this dignity? What about this attitude that seems so routine to me that I don’t even need to enjoy it? Is this the majesty of an agricultural conglomerate that dominates the continent?

Meanwhile, in the garden I headed to with Marie. On that side, a man with Dadohae’s characteristic dark skin was talking with the invited guests.

Count Cassius.

A named character that you will inevitably encounter when completing the quest for Sebancia Duke, the special demon spirit sealed in the Great Library.

When looking for the story of Sevancia’s wife and daughters, Duke Louisa and Cecilia Duke, it is necessary to enter Duke Castle, and the player has two options.

One is infiltration. The goal is to sneak into Count Cassius’ castle and find clues.

Of course, if you are caught, guards will attack you, and if you kill someone, your notoriety will increase, so unless you specialize in hiding, the risk is high.

The standard plan is to complete Count Cassius’ quest and receive formal permission from him.

The problem is that this quest is to catch the Serpent, a monster that is causing trouble in Dadohae.

Anyway, Count Cassius is an NPC who is as skilled and picky as a seasoned merchant.

No matter if the other person is a war hero or something, if they don’t listen to my request, I won’t help them! That was the attitude.

“Hello Count!”

“Lady Marie?”

what? Why is that old man’s face so bright? When we visited, they said, ‘Guardian? His attitude was, ‘If you solve the problem that’s bothering me, there’s no need to give me permission!’

“It’s Marie Dunareff!”

“This is Cassius Blandria.”

Marie naturally shakes hands first. Cassius also smiled happily and shook hands.

“I am an honorary director of Dunaref Construction.”

“It is a top stock in the Blandria transportation industry.”

“Wow, those suit buttons are nice. Are they carved from obsidian?”

“Each of the four ports also has stores that sell jewelry.”

“Somehow! I have a passenger water. It’s a species called Hresvelg.”

“I see. I saw it on the way. It was a very nice beast.”

“Actually, the bed in the guest room shakes, causing a lot of discomfort.”

“Oh my. My wife runs a furniture business. We have a bed that doesn’t rock.”

“That’s cool. I’d like to meet you sometime too.”

“Please come to my castle soon. I would like to introduce you to my wife.”

“Wow, you mean Duke’s castle? The war hero Sevancia Duke’s! Can I take a look at his office?”

“Why not? How are you doing this week?”

“I think Friday would be good! If you’re busy…”

“No, not at all. I will make sure to save some time for you. I hope to see you on Friday!”

“See you on Friday then!”

In an instant, Marie, who had made an appointment with Count Cassius, approached me with a grin on her face.

“I made an appointment! It’s Friday!”

“…….”

I wanted to go into that castle, so I took a boat, dived, and fought a 60m long sea serpent…

“Corinne, do you want to go shopping with me tomorrow? The Count is having a party, so you’ll have to dress up! Are you bored?”

“Yes, of course. That should be it.”