Chapter1-Only a Lunatic Would Study Diligently

"Whoa—"

Ilan Principality, the capital city of Pugisburg, outside Ilan Royal Academy.

Harvey dismounted from his horse wearily, tossing the reins carelessly to the attendant behind him.

The warhorse let out an uneasy snort, its heavy armor rubbing against itself with a dull, metallic sound.

Harvey, however, paid no attention to this. His gaze was fixed ahead on an elderly man dressed in a dignified scholar's robe, his face adorned with a warm smile.

"Bachelor Geoffrey, long time no see."

Harvey's voice was slightly hoarse, evidently exhausted from his long journey.

Bachelor Geoffrey's smile deepened as he slightly bowed in greeting.

"Sir Harvey, indeed, it has been a long time!"

"Congratulations, young Shield of the Principality, on once again repelling the invasion of Gravel Principality."

"Now, let me welcome you back to the Royal Academy!"

"..."

After some polite exchanges, Harvey got straight to the point, a hint of concern in his tone.

"Bachelor Geoffrey, how has my younger brother Joad been recently? Has he been diligently studying magic at the Royal Academy?"

The smile on Bachelor Geoffrey's face stiffened slightly, revealing a hint of awkwardness.

"Joad… he is a highly talented magic student, it's just that…"

"…sometimes, his behavior is a bit… unusual."

He truly couldn't think of a proper way to describe the "eccentric" youngest son of House Whide, so he instead extended an invitation.

"Sir Harvey, why don't you see for yourself at the Royal Academy? Perhaps… you will gain a more direct understanding."

Harvey grew even more puzzled.

His brother, the one who had aspired since childhood to become a great magician—just what exactly had Joad been doing at the academy?

"Bachelor Geoffrey, I appreciate your invitation."

"..."

Harvey walked alongside Geoffrey, passing through the expansive plaza of the Royal Academy, heading toward its main grounds.

Upon entering the Royal Academy, the first sight to greet them was a towering statue of the Goddess of Magic.

The statue stood solemn and dignified, holding a wand, symbolizing the majesty and sanctity of magic.

However, in stark contrast to this solemn atmosphere was the small mountain of mana stones piled beside the statue.

The mana stones shimmered with subtle hues, casting a dazzling glow across the surroundings.

And right at the feet of the Goddess of Magic's statue, Joad was lounging against it. He was draped in an expensive magic robe, gleaming resplendently under the sunlight.

"Why are there 200 fewer mana stones this month?"

Hearing Joad's languid voice, the two magic students standing before him immediately looked nervous. One of them hurriedly explained.

"Joad, recently in Pugisburg, two magic equipment shops seem to have gotten involved with the Mage Guild…"

"So… they refused to submit this month's mana stones and even barred our people from entering. They're a bunch of bastards!"

The other magic student echoed indignantly.

"Yeah, Joad! Should we teach them a lesson?"

"We could just smash their magic shops and show them who's really in charge!"

"They have no idea who they're messing with!"

Joad, however, waved a hand, stopping their dangerous train of thought.

"In the name of the Goddess of Magic, we mustn't do that! That would make us no different from common bandits."

He didn't seem angry at all. Instead, he continued speaking in a slow, measured tone.

"Perhaps they simply forgot to submit their mana stones."

"In the name of the Goddess of Magic, I am willing to grant them a three-day grace period."

The two magic students exchanged glances, clearly unsatisfied.

"Then… what if they still don't pay after three days?"

Joad smiled faintly, an expression full of hidden meaning.

"Magic equipment is quite valuable, isn't it? You can pay them a visit and collect a few pieces in exchange."

"I'm sure the merciful and benevolent Goddess of Magic will understand our actions. After all, we are merely upholding her will and helping them."

The two magic students were momentarily stunned before realization dawned upon them, their faces lighting up with excitement.

"Understood, Joad!"

With that, they turned and hurried away, brimming with enthusiasm.

Standing not far away, Harvey had watched the entire exchange unfold, utterly dumbfounded.

He could hardly believe his own eyes!

Was this really his younger brother, the youngest son of House Whide?

Had House Whide's honor and dignity been so casually discarded, trampled upon like a mere doormat by Joad?

Harvey felt his blood boiling with rage.

Beside him, Bachelor Geoffrey sighed lightly, as if he had long since grown accustomed to such scenes. He turned to Harvey and said.

"Sir Harvey, you need not take this too seriously."

"After all, House Whide has contributed greatly to the Royal Academy. The Royal Academy will not hold him accountable."

Harvey's expression darkened. He couldn't accept this reality.

"No, I refuse to believe that a child of House Whide could be so indifferent to honor!"

He turned sharply to face Bachelor Geoffrey, his tone serious.

"Bachelor Geoffrey, has Joad done anything even more outrageous than this?"

Bachelor Geoffrey shook his head slightly, looking somewhat helpless.

"Honestly… not much else."

"Apart from skipping his magic lessons, indulging in laziness, refusing to meditate…"

"Extorting mana stones on behalf of elite student Leit, demanding potions from the College of Potion, and bullying the nuns…"

"…other than that, he hasn't done anything too excessive."

Harvey's blood pressure spiked. He couldn't hold back any longer. With large strides, he stormed toward Joad, roaring.

"Joad! What do you think you're doing?!"

Hearing Harvey's voice, Joad was briefly startled before his face lit up with delight. He quickly got up and strode over.

"My dear brother, you're finally back!"

"I just knew those Gravel Principality fools would be no match for you!"

He affectionately took Harvey's arm, as if the ruthless schemer from moments ago had never existed.

Harvey looked at his younger brother, beaming brightly before him, and found himself at a loss for words.

The fury in his heart, under Joad's enthusiastic welcome, seemed as though a bucket of cold water had been poured over it, extinguishing most of the flames.

For a moment, he didn't know what to say.

Just then, Bachelor Geoffrey spoke up from the side.

He looked at Joad with a face full of exasperation and advised him earnestly.

"Student Joad, you must remember that the blood of House Whide flows through your veins. Keep the honor of House Whide in mind and listen well to your brother's guidance."

Joad immediately nodded vigorously, his expression one of utmost obedience.

"Bachelor Geoffrey, rest assured, I will definitely follow my brother's guidance and uphold the honor of House Whide."

Hearing Joad's words, Harvey felt that perhaps his brother wasn't beyond saving after all. Maybe he had simply made a mistake…

After all, young people make mistakes, and besides…

Just then, the magic clock of Ilan Royal Academy tolled with a deep, resonant chime…