The Extra’s Academy Survival Guide - Chapter 212

Orte Palerover could be considered an expert when it came to farming.

In fact, there wasn’t a single native in the village of Torren in Pulan who didn’t know a great deal about cattle and sheep. That was because, in a village where there were far more cows than people, anyone who couldn’t take care of them was considered useless.

Orte was a famously hard worker in the village. He was physically fit, with broad shoulders and well-built muscles. He was open-minded yet firm in his beliefs.

It was only natural that one day, Saila—a peddler who occasionally came by to sell daily necessities like milk and firewood—fell in love with him.

That strong man, born in the wild and full of vitality, eventually had a young daughter named Yennekar Palerover… and it was all thanks to his dignified and healthy wife, Saila.

Orte and Saila.

The Palerover family, which consisted of that couple, ran the Palerover Ranch… which was also the most famous ranch in Torren Village.

While the two of them could still manage the ranch on their own, their faithful daughter always came back during every break to help out. They would also receive help from their fellow villagers during peak seasons, so they were able to get by somehow.

“Honey, did you see the letter I put on the table? How can our daughter Yennekar possibly receive another commendation from the school this time?!”

“To get something like this from Silvenia… isn’t our daughter… too talented…?”

“We already knew her elementalism was at an incredible level… don’t you remember when Yennekar was still a little kid who used to run into the mountains to play with the spirits? That’s our daughter.”

Saila, dressed in a casual village outfit, rolled up her sleeves with a wide smile on her face.

In truth, it was safe to say that all of Yennekar’s vitality came from Saila.

“Her second semester of her third year is already halfway done. When she comes back this winter, we need to prepare a proper feast for her.”

“But… she won’t suddenly decide to run away again this time, right…? It’s already hard enough to see our daughter except during breaks.”

Torren Village was already full of love rumors about Yennekar Palerover.

For Yennekar Palerover, who was deeply embarrassed by it all, it was something she couldn’t stand any longer. That was why she had run back to Acken Island early—to escape it all.

After seeing that, Orte and Saila decided not to provoke her so much next time. Rather, they would slowly and gently try to figure out who Yennekar loved so dearly.

It didn’t seem like she would be having a change of heart about that person before her next visit home during winter break.

And like that, time in Torren Village continued to pass.

Aside from seasonal changes, the rural farming village always remained the same, day by day.

It was difficult to recognize the passage of time while working on the ranch.

Still, whenever Orte received a call from an acquaintance or heard news from outside the village, he was brought back to his senses.

He continued to grow older as his ragged beard grew longer. The sun began to set earlier with each passing day…

Living each day in such a manner, waiting for winter to come… only when news from the outside arrived did he realize just how much time had passed.

A week after the news of Yennekar Palerover’s student commendation arrived, another letter was delivered to the Palerover Ranch—one congratulating and thanking Orte and Saila for their contributions.

The couple nearly passed out upon seeing the sender.

It was a handwritten letter from the third princess of the Kroel Royal Family, Penia Elias Kroel.

“…What… is this…?”

“P-Princess Penia personally wrote us… a letter…?”

“What did she write, Saila? I can’t read this fancy-looking cursive…”

“She’s… congratulating us on Yennekar’s many achievements… and thanking us for our efforts in raising our child well… honey…”

They knew that Yennekar was excelling tremendously at Silvenia—but not to the extent that warranted a personal letter from a princess.

“Yennekar… is definitely… doing well…”

“It seems there was a massive incident at Duke Rothstaylor’s estate. Although the news hasn’t reached this isolated village yet… it appears that Yennekar played a crucial role in dealing with that honorable and powerful house’s incident.”

“I-Is that so…? I think I heard a rumor like that when I went to the city last time. But why was our Yennekar involved in a disaster that took place at Duke Rothstaylor’s estate…?”

They remembered Yennekar as the girl who milked cows with her sleeves rolled up, sweat streaming down her forehead. That image didn’t match the contents of the letter at all.

Orte and Saila had no idea just how dramatic Yennekar’s growth at Silvenia had been. Being from a rural area, neither of them truly understood how extraordinary it was to deal with high-ranking spirits.

However, they were certain of one thing…

Their daughter was performing far beyond their expectations.

“A-Alright…! Yennekar! She’s doing great! Honestly, I never expected to receive a handwritten letter from a princess, but… I guess she’s really making a name for herself!”

“Yeah…! I didn’t realize she was achieving so much, but sending her to Silvenia really was the right decision! Hahaha!”

“Of course, I didn’t expect any of this either, so I’m shocked, but still… that girl is my daughter! Of course she would accomplish this much! My pretty and lovely daughter, Yennekar!”

The following month, an old vassal of Duke Rothstaylor arrived to deliver astonishing news.

Yennekar Palerover had been granted the title of Baroness under Duke Rothstaylor by Princess Penia’s discretion.

“……”

“……”

“……”

The old vassal laid down a longsword engraved with the symbol of a baron.

Next to it was a shield etched with a splendid pattern, along with a certificate officially recognizing their elevation to an aristocratic house.

The vassal, who had traveled all the way to this rural land to deliver the news, slowly lowered his head.

“It is an honor to meet the esteemed parents of the new baroness—Orte Palerover and Saila Palerover.”

The gifts were unmistakably expensive.

Orte couldn’t hide his bewilderment as he asked, “Wh-What is all of this…?”

“According to the law, you may speak to me informally. My name is Neldrek, a former vassal of Duke Rothstaylor. I am now a servant of Baroness Palerover, who has been granted the Kelkion Grasslands and the Darren Mountain territory northwest of the duchy.”

“D-Did I hear that right…? Are my ears… broken…?”

Neldrek had once been a direct assistant to Duke Rothstaylor within the Imperial Household. However, after being pushed out of central power, he now served a baroness.

“I am assisting Baroness Yennekar Palerover with her duties.”

“Y-Yennekar… is a baroness…?”

“Yes. That is correct. As she is currently focusing on her studies, she is unable to personally manage her estate. Thus, I am handling her duties until she completes her education. Still, it was only proper that I introduce myself to her parents first… which is why I came.”

“……”

“Pulan’s air is wonderful. The scenery is beautiful—it makes one feel revitalized. I can see how Baroness Yennekar cultivated such virtues, having been raised in a place like this.”

Orte swallowed hard as Neldrek spoke so casually.

Soon, rumors spread throughout the village that the Palerovers had become an aristocratic house.

People whispered that they were close to the famed Duke Rothstaylor, and that was how they had been granted land.

Even though it was his own daughter who had accomplished it, Orte couldn’t help but wonder—

What… in the world was she doing…?

***

“Yennekar has become a baroness!”

“I heard Princess Penia declared it herself.”

“R-Really…? She used to look scared whenever Princess Penia was mentioned…”

“Well, I heard Duke Rothstaylor himself took the initiative to proclaim her title…”

“Then Yennekar… is an aristocrat now…?”

“Not only that—she’s close to the empire’s central power.”

“I knew it would happen. Yennekar has a kind and naive image, so she doesn’t show it much, but… she really is talented!”

“Wow! Yennekar is really an aristocrat now?! A baroness?!”

“I’m definitely bragging about this later. I was her roommate at Dex Hall!”

“I used to go with her to the commercial district to buy snacks!”

Since Yennekar had originally been a commoner, most of her friends were commoners as well.

The fact that one of them had suddenly become an aristocrat was fascinating, and excitement quickly spread throughout the school.

When someone achieved greatness, there were always those who congratulated them—and those who grew jealous.

In particular, people with strong ambitions often harbored resentment toward someone like Yennekar, who came from an ordinary background.

However, Yennekar’s reputation transcended such sentiments.

Within Silvenia, no one bore her ill will. Rather, they believed that she was someone who genuinely possessed such ability.

Silvenia was already filled with aristocrats, so a newly appointed baroness wasn’t all that shocking. Only Yennekar’s close acquaintances paid it much attention.

But for Yennekar herself, it was the most life-changing event she had ever experienced.

***

“Ed… I can’t be an aristocrat…”

Inside the elemental science classroom tucked away in a corner of the education district, Yennekar hugged her wand tightly, her expression gloomy.

“…Why do you look like you’re about to cry, Yennekar?”

“At first, I was happy. But then… what am I supposed to do about the estate…? How do I manage vassals…? Learning how to act like a noble and managing other people is starting to overwhelm me…”

Baroness Palerover’s house was under Duke Rothstaylor’s command.

On the surface, it was a relationship between lord and vassal. In reality, they were close allies.

Elementalist Yennekar Palerover had made a name for herself through her own abilities.

She had saved numerous nobles during the incident at Duke Rothstaylor’s estate and had summoned an ultimate spirit at a young age.

A commoner who rose through sheer talent—she was the perfect embodiment of Princess Penia’s ideals.

“And… how are aristocrats even supposed to talk?!”

Since we were both in Class A, we shared all of the same core classes in the magic department.

Thanks to that, I was even able to attend Professor Kaleid’s advanced elemental science class—a dream course for anyone interested in elemental magic.

Before class started, I glanced at Yennekar, who looked completely drained, and thought carefully.

“Is that… really that important…?”

“Of course it is! After becoming an aristocrat, I searched the library for records of notable female nobles—Duchess Restina of House Klein, Countess Deltergis, Sinir of House Bloomriver, and even Tanya of House Rothstaylor! Every single one of them is respected and acts exactly like an aristocrat!”

Yennekar clasped her hands together as she squinted at me.

“But I don’t know anything! When I went to the commercial district recently, I accidentally spilled juice in a shop run by a commoner. When I grabbed a mop to clean it, the owner almost passed out!”

“You don’t have to clean it yourself. Just leave it to the owner.”

“I spilled it, so I should clean it! And the other day, a first-year girl from a commoner family tripped and got dirt on my skirt—then she suddenly slammed her face into the ground while apologizing! Why does she have to act like that when I can just wash it later?!”

At Silvenia, learning was supposed to be the highest virtue. Still, the divide between aristocrats and commoners remained.

Naturally, nobles gravitated toward nobles, and commoners toward commoners.

Yennekar’s friendships with Clara and Anise, despite their vast difference in status, were rare exceptions.

“Is this what you’ve always dealt with…? I don’t know how I’m going to survive as an aristocrat…”

“Not quite. I was excommunicated at one point and hit rock bottom. My reputation was at its worst. But since you’re loved by almost everyone here, adapting might actually be harder for you.”

“Y-Yeah…”

“Since you can’t avoid it, you might as well accept it. Being respected isn’t a bad thing. Not every aristocrat at Silvenia receives that treatment.”

“Still… I don’t think this is right…”

Yennekar continued speaking, her eyes unfocused.

“Do you know what I hear the most since becoming an aristocrat?”

“What?”

“‘Please refrain.’”

That made perfect sense.

Yennekar was the type who couldn’t ignore even the smallest issue.

Just like spilling juice, she felt compelled to personally handle everything.

Much like how Bell Maya struggled when confined to administrative duties, Yennekar was now restricted by expectations placed upon her as an aristocrat.

“What should I do to act more like an aristocrat…? Maybe I should start by laughing like one.”

“How do aristocrats even laugh…?”

“Uhm… l-like this… with the back of your hand near your mouth… Ohohoh… ohohohohohoh…!”

“……”

Seeing my incredulous stare, Yennekar suddenly lowered her head in embarrassment.

“I don’t know if I’ll ever be a proper aristocrat, but… it hasn’t been all bad. It’s only been a week since my status changed, and I received an estate…”

“Did something good happen?”

“Well… I guess so. I feel like I understand your position better now, Ed.”

I tilted my head.

Enjoying my reaction, Yennekar smiled softly, her cheeks slightly flushed.

“You’ve lived your whole life as an aristocrat.”

“There was a time when I didn’t. What I remember most is when I was at rock bottom.”

“Yeah. That’s why… being by your side made me realize something.”

Before class began, amidst the murmuring students, Yennekar rested her arms on the desk.

“You’ve been carrying a lot of weight on your shoulders this whole time.”

“……”

“Of course, a duke and a baron carry very different burdens. But still… I think you feel something similar.”

“You don’t need to think that deeply. I just lived the best I could with what I was given.”

Yennekar shook her head.

“I always thought this when I saw you alone at the campfire—that there was a lot on your mind I could never fully understand. Everyone experiences life differently. It can’t be helped.”

“…You were thinking that?”

“I still am. But now, that emptiness doesn’t feel as heavy.”

She tapped her forearm playfully and smiled.

“It feels like I’m getting closer to you. Even if you’re still far above me.”

Seeing her giggle afterward, it seemed she had given up on fully acting like an aristocrat.

I couldn’t picture Yennekar Palerover leading a noble house with composure.

Even so…

I was certain she would find her own way through it.

***

[Magic Skills Details

Grade: Proficient Magician

Specialized Field: Elements/Spirits/Celestial

Common Magic:

܀ Fast Casting Lvl 14

܀ Mana Sense Lvl 15

Fire Element Magic:

܀ Ignite Lvl 18

܀ Point Explosion Lvl 6

Wind Element Magic:

܀ Wind Blade Lvl 16

Spirit-type Magic:

Spiritual Resonance Lvl 18

Spiritual Understanding Lvl 18

Spirit Manifestation Lvl 13

Sense Sharing Lvl 13

Resonance Level: 8

Spiritual Efficiency: Perfect

Innate Skills:

܀ Blessing of Fire Fortune (Temporary Immunity to Fire)

܀ Explosion (Low-level Explosion)

܀ Increased Ability of Fire-Type Magic

Resonance Level: 5

Spiritual Efficiency: Really Good

Innate Skills:

܀ Water Lioness’ Blessing (Temporary Immunity to Flames)

܀ Manifestation of a Water Source (Intermediate Water Magic)

܀ Increased Ability of Water-Type Magic

Resonance Level: 6

Spiritual Efficiency: Normal

Innate Skills:

܀ Storm’s Blessing (Periodically Neutralizes Damage)

܀ Updraft (Intermediate Wind Magic)

܀ Increased Ability of Wind-Type Magic

Celestial Magic:

܀ Expression of Celestial-Type Magic Power Lvl 6

܀ Property Transformation Lvl 4

܀ Death Immunity Lvl 0

܀ Time Prison Lvl 1

܀ Short-Distance Spatial Movement Lvl 0

܀ Forced Collection Lvl 2

܀ Expression of Visual Hallucinations Lvl 0

܀ Dazzle Lvl 1]

“The fastest way to learn advanced elemental magic is to get hit by it a lot.”

Professor Kaleid’s elemental studies classes always ended quickly. That was because he didn’t put much effort into teaching in the conventional sense.

Still, it was a class taught by the famous magician and war hero known asOutlaw Kaleid.

Though he tossed out knowledge as if it were a nuisance, what he taught was far more practical than the theoretical lectures of other professors.

The knowledge he accumulated while wandering the lawless region of Kohelton for years was something scholars could never replicate.

After class ended, Professor Kaleid stopped me inside the classroom.

“Among all the third-year students, you’re the only one capable of properly learning advanced elemental magic right now, Ed Rothstaylor. That’s why I’ll teach you personally—and quickly.”

“But you just said the fastest way to learn is to get hit by it…”

“Yeah. I’m throwing everything at you. Advanced elemental magic. Don’t worry—you won’t die or get seriously injured.”

I stared at him as if he were insane. He grinned and lit a cigarette.

“Not just anyone gets the honor of being struck by advanced magic. Even famous magicians collapse after taking it a few times. If you manage to learn even one spell before graduating, you’ll be considered one of the best students this department has ever seen.”

“I understand how powerful it is, but… isn’t learning by getting attacked a bit extreme?”

“Don’t overthink magic theory like those bookworms. I can tell at a glance how far you can go. Trust me.”

He tugged at his beard absentmindedly.

“I can only cast advanced magic a few times a day myself, but I’ll throw everything I have at you. Dodge it. Observe the flow. Learn.”

“If I mess up and get hit… won’t I die?”

“I know your limits. That’s why we’re doing this. I’ll attack you five or six times a day.”

His loose white coat fluttered.

“You’re busy. No time to waste. Let’s start.”

“……”

“I’m going all out. Don’t get hit.”

A massive surge of magic filled the classroom.

A teacher firing advanced magic at a student.

He was completely insane.

***

“Ed! A-Are you okay?! Are you hurt?!”

“No. This is nothing. If anything, it feels good—my elemental growth had stagnated lately.”

“What…?”

Back at camp, the first thing I did was bandage my injuries.

My magic resonance surged like a dam breaking.

Facing advanced magic had forcibly stimulated my stagnant growth.

I wanted to face it again—but a single mistake could mean death.

Only someone as insane as Kaleid would use advanced magic on a student.

Still, I smiled.

Was this how muscle addicts felt after tearing themselves apart?

My body ached, my wounds burned—yet my heart felt exhilarated.

Seeing my resonance increase so dramatically made me laugh.

But it wasn’t enough.

“Lucy.”

I walked behind the cabin.

Atop the zelkova tree attached to it, a white-haired girl sat reading beneath the moon, illuminated by faint magic.

It felt like greeting an old friend.

“I have a favor to ask.”

“……?”

Advanced magic exhausted even archmages.

And getting hit by it was something most people would never experience.

“Can you come down for a bit…?”