Rodrigo Melvine, a professor in the Swordsmanship Department, was a veteran who had fought alongside the Seffield Emblem during its prime, when it dominated the continent decades ago.
He was a hero of the Pavan Kingdom and a figure respected by all its citizens.
After retiring, he accepted the role of a professor in the academy’s swordsmanship department, and his reputation caused the number of applicants for the department’s exam to nearly double compared to the previous year.
Professor Melvine, who always wore a solemn expression, exuded charisma and strength that rivaled his prime years.
However, today, his face was brighter than ever, as if the wrinkles had never been there, leaving the students blinking in disbelief.
“Those of you taking this year’s graduation exam, consider yourselves lucky!”
Professor Melvine’s booming voice filled the grand training hall, the largest facility in the academy. His good mood was evident, accompanied by a faint metallic timbre in his voice.
The students, seeing this unfamiliar side of their professor for the first time, exchanged puzzled looks or began whispering among themselves.
“Did Professor Melvine ever smile this brightly before?”
“Maybe he’s excited because the Emblem Knights are visiting the academy? He always claimed that his true rival wasn’t Jade Gray but Seffield Emblem himself.”
“Who believes that? Wasn’t he just in the same unit when the Seffield Emblem came to assist in the Pavan Kingdom’s campaign?”
“I heard they had a deep conversation back then. He always boasts about that day as if it were unforgettable.”
Rodrigo Melvine was known throughout the Pavan Kingdom as a Seffield Emblem enthusiast.
When the news of Seffield Emblem’s granddaughter, Cherrya Emblem, failing to gain admission to the academy broke, his lamentations echoed throughout the professors’ quarters. It was said that there wasn’t a single person who didn’t hear his cries.
“Professor Melvine’s delusions have been passed down from seniors to seniors to seniors. Who actually buys into that?”
“Exactly. Even Seffield Emblem’s daughter, Duke Melsia Emblem, said during her time at the academy that she never had such conversations with her father.”
As if he had overheard the students’ murmurs, Professor Melvine cleared his throat before continuing.
“Ahem! As you all know, the Emblem Knights will be evaluating this year’s graduation exam!”
“Yes!”
“You must also be aware of my deep connection with Seffield Emblem!”
“…Ah, yes, sir.”
“Speak up!”
“YES, SIR! WE KNOW!”
“Good!”
The hesitant and wavering voices of the students grew strong again under Professor Melvine’s stern command.
Surveying the students with a satisfied expression, Professor Melvine continued in a proud tone, his voice brimming with confidence.
“Thanks to that connection, the Emblem Knights will be in charge of training guidance during the joint training before the graduation exam!”
“…What?! Professor!”
The swordsmanship students’ faces turned a mix of astonishment and joy. Watching their reactions, Professor Melvine proudly puffed out his chest and exclaimed.
“Hahaha! Rejoice, all of you!”
“We love you, Professor!!!”
At that moment, Professor Melvine’s delusion became a reality. The students cheered, and Professor Melvine shared in their excitement.
“Now, let me introduce you! The Emblem Knights!!!”
With a booming voice, he turned around and pointed with both hands to the entrance of the grand training hall.
“Behold the grandeur of the Emblem Knights… What?”
Professor Melvine blinked and squinted as he mumbled to himself.
“Why aren’t they here?”
Following the bewildered professor’s gaze, the students also turned their heads. From the far end of the enormous hall, a group could be seen slowly approaching.
“How was I supposed to know which was the entrance and which was the exit? It’s my first time here!”
“Can’t you read? The sign clearly says ‘Exit’ over there! Is this your first time reading the common language?”
You haven’t even seen the commander!
“Hey! Show some respect and call her ‘Commander’ properly!”
“Alright, old-timer!”
“What did you say?!”
The first thing that echoed through the hall was the sound of their loud argument. Following that was hearty laughter, as if someone had swallowed a bell.
“Hahaha! Jack, you fool! You were staring at the student next to Olivia earlier. Now look at him!”
“And you, Senior Henry! Have you recovered from the heartbreak of being rejected by Jessia?”
“Why bring up Jessia now?!”
“Because I heard you still cry her name every night before falling asleep!”
“What?! Who told you that? Osric Balmore!!! Did you say something?!”
Henry charged at Osric, who was calmly walking next to Cherrya.
“I didn’t say anything!”
“Then how does Jack know about this?!”
The argument escalated into a physical fight. Pulling at each other’s hair, they rolled on the dirt floor of the grand training hall, raising clouds of dust.
“Hey, you idiots! If you’re going to fight, do it with swords! Don’t waste this chance!”
Instead of breaking up the fight, Cherrya, their commander, tossed them two wooden swords handed to her by Lucas, as if she was used to this kind of chaos.
“Alright, let’s settle this once and for all!”
“If I win, you’ll admit I’m right, Senior. And by the way, can we switch rooms? I’m tired of hearing you sob every night!”
Henry and Osric moved to the sidelines. The grand training hall was spacious enough to accommodate their duel. Meanwhile, Jack, the root of the commotion, covered his mouth with both hands and muttered to himself.
“Damn, I was just guessing, but it looks like it’s true.”
“Pretend you didn’t notice and keep walking. God, how embarrassing.”
Ignoring the two, Cherrya smiled warmly at the lined-up swordsmanship students and Professor Melvine.
“Professor! We’re here!!”
“………”
Seeing Cherrya wave both arms cheerfully above her head, Professor Melvine’s expression grew complicated.
“Ah, so you’ve arrived.”
One thing was certain—the boisterous laughter that had been uncharacteristic of Professor Melvine was now gone.
True to his reputation, the professor had regained his solemn demeanor. As Cherrya Emblem approached closer, he introduced her in front of the students.
“This is Cherrya Emblem, the commander of the Emblem Knights and one of the evaluators for your exams. As you are all aware, the academy’s graduation exam is notoriously difficult, to the point that there have been fatalities in its history. So remember how precious this opportunity today is.”
After scanning the group, Professor Melvine asked,
“Does anyone have any questions?”
“I do!”
A student eagerly raised their hand. Nodding, Professor Melvine replied him.
“Go ahead.”
“Are they really the Emblem Knights?”
“Hmm? What do you mean?”
“I mean, are those people really the Emblem Knights?”
The student’s question caused both Professor Melvine and Cherrya to turn their gazes toward the group of knights.
“Hahaha! Senior Henry lost to Senior Osric!”
“Are they finally switching rooms? Then who’s going to room with Henry now?”
“This is all Jack’s fault, honestly. Jack, you deal with Henry.”
“Why me? No way. Jack doesn’t like Senior Henry.”
Watching Henry and Osric sparring from a distance, the other knights rolled on the ground laughing and bickering. Their behavior made it difficult to distinguish them from a group of mercenaries off the streets.
The chaos caused by the Emblem Knights’ mere presence had turned the grand training hall into a scene noisier than a bustling market.
“…Yes, of course, they’re the Emblem Knights. This is the group led by Cherrya Emblem herself, known as the Sun of Lutinas…”
Professor Melvine stammered, glancing at Cherrya. His gaze pleaded for help. Cherrya shrugged and replied,
“This is the biggest problem when bringing those guys along, Professor.”
Cherrya smiled faintly, her expression showing she had resigned herself to the situation.
“Nobody ever believes that we’re actually the Emblem Knights.”
