Doggone Academy

Chapter 157 Recompense

Chapter 157 Recompense

The beast was dead.

But it wasnt as if anything particularly good had come of it.

There were no hidden treasure troves or artifacts with curious powers. The god of Barvisia was a parasite, feeding off the souls of magicians, leaving nothing behind once it was slain.

It hadnt cured Vivi of her congenital affliction.

We had merely crawled out of the mire by the skin of our teeth.

This whole ordeal wasnt about gaining something; it was a struggle to right a wrong.

My aim was to distract myself from memories I wished to erase, and in that, I succeeded.

All I had hoped for was to return in one piece before meeting Silveryn.

Yet it seemed Vivi had no intention of sending me back empty-handed.

On the second night after defeating the beast, as we sat by the campfire, Vivi, hugging her knees, asked me,

Is there anything you desire?

No.

Speak your mind. You have saved the Duchys only bloodline. Even if you are from another country, of different race, even a criminal, its customary to bestow a reward fitting the deed.

I have not solved all your troubles, my Lady. Forming a bond with you is reward enough for me.

I had no plans to take up residence in the Duchy. Once we safely returned, we would go back to our respective lives, each bearing our own burdens.

Vivi tugged at the rope tied to her wrist and said with a mischievous look,

Do you think nothing I offer will be of help?

We havent yet escaped this place. It might be best to discuss such matters after we reach the Duchy.

You seem to be lacking nothing.

No matter how great your teacher is, he cannot possess more wealth than the Duchys treasury.

Vivi seemed to be left with an inexplicable reluctance, but I had my reasons for suggesting we wait until after reaching the Duchy.

Both of us were not in the best of conditions. Since it wasnt over until we returned to the Duchy, I didnt want to count my chickens before they hatched.

However, it seemed Vivi had an inkling that we would soon be returning.

The next day, we were discovered earlier than expected by the Duchys search party and were hastily transported.

The dozens-strong unit of magicians and knights were ready to kill me on sight until Vivi screamed herself hoarse, and only then was the chaos resolved.

The dumbfounded expressions of the search party when Vivi berated them are still etched in my memory.

Regrettably, thats where my recollection ends. I had been force-fed a potion for treatment and plunged into a deep, enforced sleep.

It was a profound slumber I hadnt felt in a long time. I didnt dream, couldnt sense time passing, and my consciousness was completely inactive.

***

Trisha was sprawled across her desk, eyes wide, idly twiddling her thumbs. She picked up random books to read, then scribbled aimlessly on the desk.

Im bored

Suddenly, she jumped up and threw herself onto the bed. She sniffed the bedding like an animal and then wrapped herself in the blankets.

Im bored

The difference now was that she was moping around in Damians room.

In a meaningless act, she punched the pillow with her fist.

When will he come

***

The art clubs greenhouse was bathed in its usual refreshing sunlight. Most members stayed to continue their work even after club hours had ended.

The quiet greenhouse was filled only with the sound of brushes scratching against canvas.

Suddenly, a girl burst through the door, a parchment flapping in her hand.

Hey, hey! HEY!! This isnt the time for this.

All the students painting turned to look at once.

It was Rosalyn, a third-year from the art club, who had kicked in the door.

Its just a broken glass pot. Looks like someone dropped it

What? No ones there?

Haley immediately got up and went to check. Glass fragments were scattered all over the floor.

?

As the junior had said, there was no exit nearby, yet no one was there.

To Haley, it looked more like someone had thrown the pot deliberately rather than dropped it. Perhaps a malicious prank? It seemed like someone was venting their intense anger.

***

When I awoke, it was not in a rain-drenched swamp nor the jolting interior of a carriage.

The first thing I saw as consciousness returned was the golden shimmer of bed curtains.

The chandelier overhead was adorned with dangling jewels, tinkling softly as the breeze from the window caused them to collide.

Even the window frames were gilded. Ive worked with metals and jewels, but Ive never seen such golden windows before.

I sat up in bed.

Then I was momentarily lost in the majesty of the sprawling cityscape outside the window. Is this the capital of the Duchy of Ulyssia?

Then something tugged at my left wrist.

Where Vivis rope had been was now a thick shackle, anchored to the floor. Whats this about?

My belongings. All artifacts, including my wooden sword, were neatly arranged beside the bed.

And on the side table lay a golden call bell. I immediately grabbed it and shook it.

Someone came rushing in response to the bell.

A man in a crisp servants uniform entered. He bowed politely to me.

Youve awoken, I see. Its a true honor to meet you, Sir Damian.

Where am I?

You are staying at the Riteskillis Palace, located in the heart of Grandcardia, the capital of the Duchy of Ulyssia.

I lifted my left arm and shook the shackle slightly.

Is that so? It seems theres been some misunderstanding; could you please release me from this?

I apologize, but I do not have the authority to do so. You are detained here as a prisoner.

A prisoner, you say?

Yes, sir.

Under whose order?

We simply follow the laws and regulations of the great Duchy of Ulyssia.

.

I think I know whos behind this.

He looked at my face, smiled wryly, and added,

To be precise, Hes an unpredictable man of uncertain action, so find some pretext to hold him. Thus, weve closely reviewed your actions and found them in breach of our laws, which is why you are now detained as a criminal.

Theres only one person who would say such things. It was Vivis command.

Even children would see that I am not a real prisoner. What kind of prisoner lives in such a luxurious palace?

I have a place I need to be.

Weve sent the Duchys statement to Eternia, and they have acquiesced.

I need to get to Silveryn, not Eternia. The longer I delay, the more classes I miss.

You will soon face trial.

A trial?

I thought this was all just a pretext. Why go through the motions of a trial?

He smiled contentedly and said,

Yes. And the Grand Duke Gainax himself will attend the trial.