Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 5: “Ratman” Sigma
“I never said that! It was just that Merlin looked a little off yesterday—you’re the one who read too much into it!” Fitt shouted hastily. He had no desire to be pummeled by Kris. Among their trio, Kris was the strongest by far, already at the level of a novice magic swordsman.
In this world, there was no such thing as battle qi; everything was founded on mana. Magic swordsmen were considered a branch of mages. Unlike mages, who specialized in ranged spellcasting, magic swordsmen used mana to strengthen their bodies and excelled in close combat.
“Merlin, isn’t this just about your Leo family’s debt? Don’t worry, I’ll tell my grandfather right away and have him send me money to help!” Kris thumped her chest with confidence as she spoke.
Merlin’s mouth twitched slightly. He waved a hand and said, “I’m fine. As for the family debt, let’s just wait and see how things go. Besides, half a million gold coins isn’t exactly a small amount.”
“Half a million gold coins is nothing. Our Plantagenet family isn’t as poor as your Leos.”
Though he could feel her good intentions, why did it still rub him the wrong way?
“As expected of the Grand Duke’s most beloved daughter. Unlike me—an overlooked prince. Forget half a million, even fifty gold coins is a fortune to me,” Fitt said slyly, grinning as he stood behind Kris.
At his words, Kris’s brow arched. In an instant, she spun around, executing a dazzling spinning kick.
Of course, it was only for show. Her boot stopped just short of his face.
Fitt, clearly used to this routine, calmly pushed her boot aside and said, “Kris, honestly, I doubt even your grandfather would fork out half a million gold coins for Merlin, even at your request.
You have to remember, Merlin is of the Leo family, nobles of the Dawn Empire. And the Turing Empire has never gotten along with the Dawn Empire. What’s more, your Plantagenet family and the Leos are bitter rivals.”
Fitt wasn’t wrong. Kris and Merlin might get along, but that didn’t change the enmity between their families. The Plantagenets were one of the few houses that had defeated the Leos. It was precisely because of their victory over the Leo family, centuries ago, that the Plantagenets had risen to the rank of Grand Dukes of the Turing Empire.
But the Plantagenets had also tasted defeat at the hands of Leo-led armies. For centuries, the two families had been mortal enemies. Even a hundred years later, their relations were far from cordial.
And while the Leos had dwindled, the Plantagenets remained prosperous and numerous.
“So what now? Are we just going to sit back and watch Merlin get kicked out of the Arcane Academy for not being able to pay next semester’s tuition?” Kris asked anxiously.
Merlin only rolled his eyes. People always said Kris was straightforward, but to him it looked more like she had no sense of tact. Still, he knew her concern was genuine, so he didn’t take offense. Instead, he rubbed his temples and said,
“Enough. Let’s not talk about this. Class is about to start. As for tuition, we’ll deal with it later.”
He had no desire to worry about the future just yet. For now, the alchemy lesson ahead was what mattered most—especially since their alchemy teacher was not a man to be trifled with.
Kris and Fitt suddenly realized they were on the verge of being late. The mere thought of Professor Harrington’s temper made them shudder, and they quickly followed Merlin out of the dorm, hurrying toward the lecture hall.
The Arcane Academy’s buildings were largely Gothic or Baroque in style. Towering spires and intricate stone carvings lent them an imposing magnificence.
The academy did have a dining hall, but there was no time for breakfast now. Merlin and his friends had to run straight to the classroom.
The three of them—Merlin, Fitt, and Kris—were first-year students in the Alchemy Department. Having studied for a few months already, they were no longer fresh newcomers.
Upon entering the classroom, they were reminded of how open and flexible the Arcane Academy was. There were no assigned seats; students could sit wherever they pleased.
Merlin and the others casually picked a spot. Around them, students sat in groups of twos and threes. Some were bent over their notes, scribbling furiously, while others whispered about the day’s lesson.
As soon as the trio appeared, however, the mood shifted. Many students cast glances at Merlin, their expressions ranging from mocking smirks to sly amusement.
Some pretty girls looked at him with concern, though none dared to approach. Others seemed to revel in his misfortune.
Most of the boys, however, clearly disliked him. Their resentment was fueled by nothing more than his striking looks—handsome enough to make jealousy sting—and his aloof, distant demeanor.
As a result, Merlin’s popularity in the class was dismal.
Looks like word of the Leo family’s bankruptcy has already spread, he thought grimly. Was gossip moving that fast? Or had their enemies been keeping such close watch on his family’s downfall?
Just then, a lanky youth with shifty eyes swaggered up to him, flanked by a few cronies.
“Well, well, Merlin of the Leo family,” the boy sneered. “Didn’t expect you to show up to class as if nothing happened. Shouldn’t you be dropping out already? Save your family a little money, eh?”
The grating voice was instantly recognizable. Merlin glanced at him—it was “Ratman” Sigma. With his beady eyes, rodent-like face, and shrill voice, the nickname suited him all too well.
Students often compared Sigma to Merlin—one famed for his ugliness, the other for his looks.
And Sigma, insecure about his appearance, had always resented Merlin’s handsomeness. Constantly being measured against him only fanned the flames of his jealousy, until bitterness curdled into hatred.
This was Pluke Sigma, the third son of Count Pluke of the Turing Empire.
Kris frowned at Sigma’s words. She shot to her feet and pointed straight at his nose.
“Ratman, quit looking for trouble! Back when the Leo family was fine, you didn’t dare squeak. But now that they’re in trouble, you come crawling out?”
Her words sparked an instant flurry of whispers through the classroom.
“My god, I thought it was just a rumor. So the Leo family really is in trouble!”