Chapter 136: Elen’s predicament
When the sun started to set, casting long shadows across the estate grounds, I decided it was time to return to the academy. I had classes scheduled for the next day and needed to maintain my academic attendance despite the family circumstances.
I found my mother in the sitting room and Kael practicing forms in the training yard to bid them both farewell.
"Travel safely, dear," my mother said, embracing me warmly. "And don’t worry too much about your father. He’s survived worse situations than this."
"I know. But stay vigilant while he’s away. I’ve ordered Lex and Lux to remain at the estate for your protection."
"That’s not necessary," she protested gently. "You need guards at the academy—"
"You need them more than I do," I interrupted firmly. "My combat capabilities are sufficient for academy security, and I have Kojiro available if truly serious threats emerge. The estate is a more likely target while Father is away."
My mother nodded, recognizing the logic even if she worried about my safety.
Kael approached as I prepared to depart. "Thank you again for the training and guidance. I’ll work on the ice manipulation applications you demonstrated."
"Keep practicing. I’ll make the arrangements for your academy admission when I return."
The carriage journey back was uneventful, giving me time to review the day’s events and plan for the coming week. The mysterious egg remained secure in my system space, a powerful secret that would require careful management once it eventually hatched.
Arriving at the academy grounds, I noticed it was quite late - well past the normal curfew hours. The gates were still accessible for students with proper authorization, but the campus was notably quiet compared to daytime activity levels.
As we approached within about two hundred meters of the main entrance, I spotted two figures standing near the gate. The magical lighting revealed Elen’s distinctive blue hair, and she appeared to be in conversation with a middle-aged man I didn’t recognize.
Something about her body language troubled me. Her posture looked defensive and vulnerable in ways I’d never seen before, even during dangerous examination situations.
"Stop the carriage here," I commanded the driver. "I’ll proceed on foot from this point."
"Young master, are you certain—"
"I’ll handle it. You can leave now."
I exited the carriage and walked slowly toward the gate, staying just outside their senses range but close enough for me to hear their discussion.
As I drew nearer, Elen’s frustrated voice carried across the distance.
"Father, until when are they going to embezzle you?!"
The middle-aged man, apparently her father, which made him Baron Brightwater sighed heavily. His clothing was well-made but showed signs of age and repeated mending, suggesting financial constraints unusual for nobility.
"Elen, please understand the position I’m in," he said wearily. "The merchant consortium has been undermining our trade routes for years. Every appeal to higher authorities gets blocked by their political connections."
"Then fight back! Report them to the Duke or even petition the Crown directly!"
"You think I haven’t tried?" His voice carried the exhaustion of someone who had fought and lost repeatedly. "The Brightwater barony doesn’t have the influence to challenge families with Royal Court connections. Our complaints disappear into bureaucratic delays while they continue bleeding our resources."
Elen’s hands clenched into fists. "So what am I supposed to do? You’re asking for my academy points again, aren’t you?"
The Baron’s expression showed guilt and desperation in equal measure. "The points can be converted to gold through. Just fifty thousand points would cover our most urgent debts and buy us time to restructure—"
"Fifty thousand?!" Elen’s voice cracked slightly. "Father, I need those points for training facilities, equipment, materials for my alchemy studies. Without proper resources, I can’t develop my abilities fast enough to actually help our family long-term."
"I know what I’m asking," he said quietly. "But if we don’t address the immediate crisis, there won’t be a long term. The creditors are threatening to petition for administrative receivership of our barony. We could lose everything."
The pieces suddenly clicked into place for me. This explained Elen’s careful consideration when purchasing blacksmithing materials with gold coins at that shop. It explained her hesitation about spending points on the alchemy room despite clearly wanting the practice time. She wasn’t naturally frugal - she was supporting a family on the verge of financial collapse.
"I’ll give you the points," Elen said after a long silence, her voice resigned. "But Father, this can’t continue forever. I’m willing to help - that was my goal in coming to the academy in the first place, to gain abilities that could improve our family’s position. But you need to start doing something too. Find new trade partners, develop alternative revenue sources, anything besides just relying on me to bail out the barony."
"You’re right," the Baron admitted. "I’ve been passive for too long, hoping the situation would somehow resolve itself. That changes now. I promise I’ll be more proactive about finding solutions rather than just managing decline."
Elen then left for a while before coming back with a few large pouches of gold that she pulled out her storage ring.
She had probably converted points to gold. The Baron accepted it with obvious relief mixed with shame.
"Thank you, daughter. I know this is difficult."
"Just... make it count this time," she said softly.
They embraced briefly before the Baron departed, leaving Elen standing alone at the gate with slumped shoulders that spoke of emotional exhaustion.
I remained in the shadows, processing what I’d witnessed and considering whether to reveal my presence or allow her privacy to compose herself.
After a moment I decided to hide my presence, appearing now wasn’t a good idea for my plans.
After her father left, Elen stood there for a while simply staring at the sky adorned with the glittering stars and moon.
Then, out of nowhere she slapped both her cheeks and put on a smile on her face before turning back to head inside the academy with joyfuly energy.