Magic Academy's Bastard Instructor

Chapter 60: Visiting Instructor [4]

Chapter 60: Visiting Instructor [4]

Margaret Illenia was the very definition of a lady to a knight.

Why?

It was simple.

She was a princess.

Or rather, used to be one.

The Kingdom of Illenia, while neither acknowledged nor officially recognized by the Four Empires, still held its own place in the world. But calling it a "kingdom" was a bit of a stretch. It was more like a walled village with its own culture and customs.

That's why, even now, Margaret's accent would sometimes slip through in her speech.

However, her life as a princess didn't last long.

By the time she was nine, demons had overrun her home, reduced to ashes.

Despite Illenia's independence, the Empire of Aetherion eventually dispatched high-ranking mages and knights to clean up the situation. 

The battle was harsh, and though the demons were wiped out, the casualties were severe.

Many of Illenia's people were lost that day. Even Margaret's mother, the Queen, was among the dead.

Though her father survived. So did she.

With the help of the Empire of Aetherion, the survivors were relocated, given food, clothes, and a place to stay.

But there was no such thing as free lunch.

As a kingdom unrecognized by the Four Empires, the Illenia family wasn't considered royalty or nobility. They were treated as refugees, not aristocrats.

And so, the debt began.

Her father, once a king, now spent his days working tirelessly to pay it off. 

Day after day, night after night. He did it all to secure their living expenses and to ensure his daughter, Margaret could have a future.

That was the extent of Vanitas's knowledge, regarding Margaret's background from the original game.

Anything beyond that wasn't relevant to the player, or the narrative.

And anything that happened from now, early in the game's narrative, would depend on the circumstances ahead.

"So, uhm…." Margaret hesitated, glancing away. "Wouldn't it be better if someone from the Crusade Department showed me around…?"

"I thought the same," Vanitas replied as the two walked side–by–side. "But the Headmaster insisted on assigning me, considering we knew each other."

"Is that so…?" 

"Or would you prefer someone else do it?"

Margaret shook her head quickly. "N–No, it's fine. I'm just…. a little surprised, that's all."

"Surprised?" 

"Yes, well, I thought you'd be busy…."

"I have time to spare for today."

"I see…."

They walked in silence for a moment. Students passed by, some sneaking glances at Margaret, clearly recognizing her status. A few even whispered to each other.

——Is that really her?

——She's even more beautiful than the rumors say.