C131: Iona Ovalley

Leo didnt intervene because he was worried about the girl in front of him, it was rather the opposite.

How did you know?

How can you not know when you are showing it openly? Of course, the idiots just now didnt even know the blade was near their necks.

I didnt mean to kill them. I was just going to set an example.

Oh, really? So you meant to kill at least half?

So, what are you going to do now?

Leo frowned at Ionas wary question. She did not seem to realize it, but before she knew it, her golden pupils were vertically divided, like a beast.

Hey, dont stare at me like that. Do you think I was trying to blackmail you?

Werent you?

No, I wasnt.

Then why did you stop me?

I shouldnt say anything but if you are going to do it, at least dont do it in public in broad daylight.

.

Ionas eyes returned back to normal. She looked at the little boy, who spoke with annoyance before her, with a questioning stare.

Leo was furious at the gaze.

What?

Arent you scared of me?

Leo suddenly wondered what it was, but immediately understood why she asked this question.

Did you think Id discriminate against you because youre a Suin?

Most people here hate me or are scared of me.

Thats because they dont know anything.

Leo answered grumblingly. He wasnt like that originally, but after hanging out with Aidan, his personality changed.

Fear comes from ignorance. On the contrary, if you know something, you dont have to be afraid of it. You said your name was Iona Ovalley, right?

Yes.

Youre a Suin but have a surname so you must be from a very powerful family. Considering that the average Suin is hostile to humans, your coming here is probably not the will of the whole tribe.

Right.

Nevertheless, coming to Theon.

Iona listened to Leo in silence. There was even a feeble expectation to what the little boy was saying.

Youre here to learn about humans and about the wider world, arent you?

.

Iona was silent at Leos words because everything he said was correct.

Right, how the hell did you know?

Well, thats easy to understand. Ive heard how the Suins live.

Its amazing. Ordinary people think of us as barbarians.

Thats because theres still less information about ethnic groups. Now a racial discrimination law is about to be implemented, but the dirty aristocrats are desperately trying to prevent it.

Leos tongue twitched as if his teeth were grinding just by thinking of the nobles. For him, who loathed the nobles, it was natural to stand against racial discrimination, which the nobles hated the most.

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So, dont get me wrong because I only helped you because I dont like them.

Pequina Solda, you are a good person.

What?

You are a good man.

No, not that. What one said before, Pequina, what does that mean?

Pequina Solda. Its our tribal language. In your words, it means little brave warrior.

What?

A vein popped on Leos forehead at Ionas honest words. She only complimented purely, but what she said touched Leos heart.

Hey, Im warning you, dont say that Im small or something.

Why?

Because.

Are you asking because you really dont know that? Leo tried to say, Look at me. There is nothing more miserable than to explain it with your own mouth.

Leo was always shorter than children his age due to the lack of proper nutrients from an early age. Born to be small and unable to eat much, he had no choice but to have a small body, which was nothing short of Leos complex.

Are you saying that even after seeing my condition?

Ah.

Iona also noticed the meaning of Leos words.

I do not understand. Why are you so obsessed with such trivial things?

Its trivial?

Leo laughed at the remark.

Thats because youre a Suin. Suin people are naturally tall and have superior physical abilities. Do you even know how small people feel?

It doesnt matter if youre short or tall. Its the strength of the heart that counts

The strength of the heart. What kind of fairy tale are you talking about? Leo stared at Iona with suspicious eyes, but her expression was more serious than before. Those unshakable eyes were telling him that Iona was serious now.

Pequina Solda, you just helped me even though it was a dangerous situation where I couldve fought other students.

If I wouldve left it alone, something worse would have happened. Besides, it was just because I hated them.

If you were a really bad person, you would have left me alone. Rather, you could have encouraged me to harm the nobles.

.

Each word of Iona penetrated Leos heart. Leo felt something ticklish on his skin. It seemed unpleasant but somehow pleasant, which was quite a familiar sensation. Yes, it was similar to the sense he had often felt since he was close to Aidan, that idiot whos uselessly nice and nosy.

So you dont have to worry too much about being small.

OK.

Leo sighed while getting angry at Iona, who immediately closed her mouth when he said it was okay.

Just call me Leo.

What?

I mean my name. Im not Pequina Solda. If you are going to call me in the future, please call me by my name.

From now on?

All right, all right. Anyway, Im done with my business, so Ill go.

Leo tried to leave, waving his hands moderately. He thought hed feel weird if he was with her for no reason.

Doesnt it matter if youre short? Whats important is the strength of your heart? He laughed at the words, but ironically, they were the words that most penetrated Leos essence and comforted him.

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The fact that she was comforted by the manly girl who came alone to a faraway country touched Leos long-hurt pride.

She doesnt seem to care about that.

He didnt intend to pretend to know much after anyway, so he just pretended he didnt.

Leos footsteps, which were moving with that intention, recognized who was approaching from a distance and stopped at the welcome cry.

Oh! Leo! Youre here!

Aidan was approaching him with a smile like a big dog and Next to Aidan was Tessie with a coy expression.

Aidan.

Im on my way back from receiving the framework with Tessie. Oh, of course not me, Tessie. But when I heard that you received it first, I thought you might be nearby, so I followed you right away.

While speaking, Aidan found Iona standing behind Leo.

Oh, come to think of it, your name isIona?

Its Iona Ovalley.

Oh, I see. Nice to meet you, Iona.

Hey, Aidan, what are you doing?

Huh? Shes a friend who listens to the same lecture.

Leos face twisted at the word friend.

What do you mean friends? Were just classmates.

Isnt that a friend?

What do you mean.?

Ah! Do you want to come with us if you dont mind? Were supposed to have lunch together. Since were eating together, its better, right?

He already knew that Aidan was nosy but Leo didnt expect he would say something like that.

Leo looked back at Iona with a slightly uneasy look.

Well, wait a minute, Aidan. You want her to go with us? Thats not right, is it?

Tracy also tried to dissuade Aidan.

Huh? Why?

Its just that its kind of weird to eat all of a sudden with someone youre not close to.

At Aidans innocent face, Tracy shoved the words into her throat. It wasnt because she was scared or hated the Suin people. It was just that she didnt want Aidan to naturally encourage another girl to eat with him.

Wait. Why dont you like me?

When Tracy, who didnt understand why he was annoyed, was torn, Aidan waited for Ionas answer.

Iona nodded to Aidans suggestion.

Good.

Really? Thats a relief! Lets go together! It will definitely be more fun if there are many people.

Oh!

This.

Tracy and Leo, who couldnt find the right time to stop Aidan, exclaimed with regret. But it was already spilled water.

This was the moment when a new member was added to the usual three musketeers.

* * *

Elisa Willow was constantly busy processing the paperwork that filled the presidents office. The documents floating around with mana circled around Elisa and her golden eyes moved quickly and scanned the passing documents at once.

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Several pens emerged and signed the documents. Normally, she would have done it with ease, but the amount of documents that she has received has more than tripled recently, so if she doesnt do this, the work will not be finished.

The morning work ended only when the floating documents piled up one by one and approached the high ceiling of the presidents office.

Whew!

Elisa stretched out her arms vigorously and Wilford, who had been waiting calmly, approached.

Are you done with your work?

Not yet. Ive only done half of it but Im going to rest a little now.

Youre going through a lot.

Ive prepared myself to be in the position of president. But I cant deny that its been particularly difficult because of recent events.

Elisha grumbled but grabbed some of the papers she had set aside and waved them.

Im telling you, I dont know why theyre asking for help with a case they have to deal with.

It was a direct request from the city of Leathervelk to Theon.

Is the situation that serious?

Its certainly a big deal that the Beast of Gvaudan has appeared, but that doesnt mean they should just ask for help. Not just students, but graduates and teachers with whom they have connections.

Elisa let out an irritating sigh and wrinkled her forehead.

Thats a little too much. It seems theyre in a hurry.

How can they be lazy when such an incident occurred. Even so they have crossed the line.

The atmosphere in Leathervelk was quite chaotic after the Beast of Gvaudan appeared. Citizens were afraid that the Blood Nightmare would suddenly come back, and as a result, the vitality of the city itself was bound to decrease.

But isnt it better now?

Hopefully, I didnt know that they would have the support of the Bretus Kingdom.

After calling for help from the capital, a group appeared in Leathervelk. The people who wore white uniforms were not from the Exilion Empire, but from an island country far away.

The Holy Knights of Bretus.

With white and warm energy, they immediately roamed the city, reassuring and invigorating the citizens.

Isnt that a relief?

It will be fine for now. But the problem is The Bretus Kingdom has started moving.

Thats true.

The image of Bretus would usually be reverent and beautiful, but in reality, it was not. Bretus was an outdated nation and their true self emphasizes a doctrine and makes people reluctant because of excessive fanaticism.

Therefore, the first emotion she felt when she heard that the Bretus Holy Land supported Leathervelk was anxiety, not relief.

If the atmosphere in the city is bad, we will be affected, too. No matter how much Theon is recognized as a separate administrative district, it cant be completely separated from Leathervelk.

The students and the employees were quite upset, too. Thats why the paperwork has increased a lot.

Yeah, weve got a lot of work to do at once.

Well, then, since youre taking a break, would you like to see this?

Whats that?

Elisa looked at the paper Wilford handed her, and her eyes stood out.

Oh, this is Rudgers class material

Yes.

Thank you for taking care of me, Wilford.

Elisa smiled and checked Rudgers class materials handed over by Wilford.

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Recently, Elisa has a hobby to relieve work stress and relax and that hobby was to directly check Rudger Chelici class materials. It was her favorite thing possible under the authority of the president.

Wow. Such a magic circle.

Just a moment ago, Elisa, who was frowning and organizing the documents, began to check the materials joyfully like a child who received candy