Chapter 176
Chapter 176
"Insolent fools," Jijel muttered under her breath.
Her words prompted Yi-Han to look at her with a puzzled expression, as if asking what she meant.
"Insolent? What do you mean by that?"
"You can see it in their eyes. Don't you feel it?"
The astute students of the White Tiger, not being dull-witted, were somewhat aware. They sensed the unfriendly gaze of the newly arrived squires.
There was no need for excessive cordiality towards an opponent they were soon to face in duel. Being overly friendly could only lead to hesitation in battle.
However, the gaze of these squires crossed the line, even considering that.
It was an arrogant pride.
Jijel, who had never missed the chance to lead in any group, keenly recognized the emotions behind that gaze.
"They are... disregarding us," declared Dolgyu, his voice low and resonant. Jijel nodded in agreement.
"Yes, they are indeed disregarding us."
"Why would they disregard us?" Yi-Han asked, unable to comprehend.Follow the latest novels at .com
"Yi-Han, think about it. We're from knightly families, yet we chose to study magic at this academy. What do you think that implies?"
They would think, "Those guys use both sword and magic, so they must be twice as strong?"
...
Jijel looked at Yi-Han with disbelief.
"Thanks, but the reality is, those short-thinking young knights often dismiss or provoke those who pursue magic. I didn't expect to witness it firsthand."
"Hmm. I see," Yi-Han nodded, understanding dawning on him.
It was natural for heirs of knightly families, who knew each other to some extent, to engage in such prideful contests.
Given their youth, even trivial matters could wound their pride...
'Really pointless antics. After all, we'll all have to work together eventually.'
"Wardanaz, aren't you angry?"
When Yi-Han remained impassive, another student of the White Tiger, his voice filled with indignation, addressed him.
The audacity of these outsiders to provoke them!
"Me?"
"Yes! They are disregarding you too!"
"I'm not from a knightly family, so why should I care?"
The students of the White Tiger then realized that Yi-Han was not from a knightly family. They had simply assumed, given how naturally he fitted in...
"Choi."
One of the squires recognized Dolgyu and approached him to greet.
Dolgyu responded with a nod.
"I didn't expect to meet you here."
"Neither did I."
"I've heard about the harsh magic training at Einroguard. Did you even have time to train in swordsmanship?"
There was a mocking tone in the squires's words, but Dolgyu paid no mind.
Dolgyu looked at Yi-Han.
'Ah.'
Seeing Yi-Han, Dolgyu realized how childish the squires's behavior was. If it were Yi-Han, he would have already cursed his opponent instead of engaging in such pettiness.
"It was tough, but it allowed me to focus more on swordsmanship. I realized that having everything tailored for you isn't always beneficial."
His words were half serious.
His skills had improved faster here in the magic academy, under harsh conditions, than in his family's estate, with ample time, lavish meals, and a comfortable bed.
Harsh environments.
Competition among exceptional peers.
These were the things that honed a swordsman's skills.
His words seemed to have struck a nerve in the squires, who frowned deeply.
"Adversity perfects swordsmanship. But the hardships you've faced can hardly compare to ours, Choi."
"Maybe. But the sword doesn't care for such comparisons. It would be better to speak through our swords now."
"Hmph! I intended to show you without saying."
The squires turned away with an even more furrowed brow.
Listening to the conversation, Yi-Han asked Jijel with a puzzled look, "Where do these squires stay?"
"They must be staying at the knight's order building in the city," Jijel replied curtly.
"Do they not get fed?"
"Why wouldn't they?"
"Is going out forbidden for them?"
"They are at the knight's order building in the city. There's no reason to forbid it."
"...Then on what grounds do they claim to have it harder?"
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