I Got a Fake Job at the Academy
Chapter 453: Oak Bark (2)

Vierano asked with a trembling voice.

"Why on earth did you wait until now, no...more importantly, how did you? Could it be, Miss Bellaruna, that you were from the Birk family?"

From Vierano's perspective, that was the only way to think about it.

The Birk family only cares about forest defense and doesn't show their face in internal affairs.

They're the ones who simply guard the entrance silently, cutting off all contact with other families to the point where no one knows what they're doing.

No wonder other families are still monitoring them from outside their territory, suspecting they might be plotting treason.

The Birk family's isolation is so extreme that even the Dentis family, who isn't hostile to them, can't approach them.

So when Bellaruna, not even from a family but just an individual, said it was possible, such suspicion was natural.

"Ah, no. That's not it..."

Bellaruna's voice trailed off, intimidated by the excessive reaction around her.

She had spoken up thinking it might help, but the response was hotter than expected, to the point where it was overwhelming.

Even Rudger was staring at Bellaruna in disbelief.

Under his gaze urging her to explain quickly, Bellaruna hastily opened her mouth.

"I, I received help from them before."

"Help?"

"The Birk family helped me escape outside the forest."

"What?"

Bellaruna casually told an absurd story.

What made it worse was that she really thought nothing of it.

"Well, I was being tracked for secretly hacking the World Tree. So I tried to escape outside the forest somehow to survive."

Bellaruna recalled her past experiences.

"I didn't explain in detail before, but I really almost died back then. Before I could completely escape the forest, palace soldiers came chasing after me to capture me. I was almost caught and thought, ah, I'm dead now, but then the Birk family appeared like saviors and rescued me."

"The Birk family?"

"Yes. While I was running away, I somehow ended up near Birk family territory."

"I suppose even the reclusive Birk family would come to check what was happening in their territory."

"The trackers who came to catch me couldn't match the Birk family, so they eventually retreated. Thanks to that, I survived."

"But how did you come to know a way to contact the Birk family? Even if you received help, that should have been difficult."

"Ah. The one who saved me then was the Birk family head. They said I was an interesting one and helped me."

"..."

Vierano was momentarily speechless.

He tried to gather his thoughts and say something, but his mind was too confused to speak.

After repeatedly opening and closing his mouth trying to say something, Vierano said with a voice full of resignation.

"...Well. I see."

Rudger, Hans, and Alex thought simultaneously.

'He's not even questioning it anymore.'

'He's given up.'

'He's resigned himself.'

The three nodded in understanding at Vierano's deflated response.

Who would have known Bellaruna had such a background hidden away since even those who worked with her didn't know.

If they asked why she didn't tell them, they'd get the frustrating answer that she didn't say because no one asked.

Rudger thought again that forcibly bringing Bellaruna along this time was really the right decision.

"Then, Miss Bellaruna, can you contact the Birk family head?"

"Oh. Probably? It's been several years already, so the line might have changed..."

"Usually, direct lines to family heads don't change even after a hundred years. Moreover, if they left contact information while guiding you out of the forest, they might have hoped you'd contact them someday. So it should still be maintained."

"Ah. I suppose you could think of it that way."

"My goodness. A direct line to the family head..."

Vierano muttered to himself in disbelief, still unable to believe it.

His niece Viela fidgeted uncomfortably, not used to seeing her uncle looking so dazed.

"Whew. Well, this worked out well. Rather, we should be grateful for this heaven-sent opportunity now. Miss Bellaruna. Please. Send a message to the Birk family head."

"What should I say?"

"First priority would be asking if we can meet."

The details would have to be exchanged face to face later.

* * *

Sedina remained trapped in the room.

Even though she wanted to go out, she had no way to do so as they had locked the door from outside and were watching her like hawks.

She considered using paper-folding magic but gave up.

They left her alone despite knowing she could use magic so there was no way they wouldn't have defenses against it.

Then someone opened the door and came in.

She thought it might be Ventmin Lifrey whom she saw on the first day, but it was a different elf.

It was a male with sharp features and a sturdy build.

With neatly swept-back gray hair and tightly closed lips, his measured steps as he opened the door and entered revealed that he was a highly trained elf.

"Who are you?"

"The family head has summoned you."

She asked for his name, but he only delivered his message, showing no intention of engaging in conversation.

"It's almost mealtime, and they said they're inviting you. Follow me."

After saying just that, he immediately turned around and left the room, leaving the door open.

Sedina was taken aback by his unhesitating action of simply expecting her to follow.

She hadn't expected him to just leave like that after stating his business.

Since she couldn't just stay cooped up in the room, Sedina quickly followed the gray-haired elf.

The two walked through a long corridor that looked like intertwined tree roots.

Soldiers with spears were lined up at regular intervals along the corridor, they were guards making sure she couldn't escape somehow and their glances as she passed by were frighteningly intense.

'Could I secretly use my magic here?'

Sedina considered it but temporarily put aside the thought, judging the risk too high.

For now, the important thing was why Ventmin had invited her to dinner.

'It's clear she kidnapped me because she wants something from me. She dislikes me, but she’s keeping me alive because she needs something more than that.'

She needed to know that reason, and if possible, use it as leverage for negotiation.

Just as Sedina was finishing that resolve, the long corridor ended and opened onto a long bridge leading outdoors.

Beyond the marble-carved railings stretched a spectacular view.

The elven kingdom of Renar-Tirone could be seen below.

There's a common misconception people have, they think elven dwellings only have trees and wooden buildings but that's just prejudice about elves.

Elves also use metal and stone when constructing buildings, especially with stone buildings, their design and artistry far surpassed humans.

The royal palace Serendel, visible now, was the ultimate expression of that beauty.

Serendel, situated right below the massive tree, was majesty itself.

From the white marble-like fortress to the silver roofs on some of the tall spires, trees with yellow, red, and purple leaves planted between them added vibrant colors to the otherwise austere castle.

The castle itself was a work of art.

However, even the castle paled in comparison to another presence.

Sedina looked up at the massive tree that touched the royal palace of Serendel.

No matter how much she craned her neck, she couldn't properly see the top of the enormous tree that soared into the sky.

Its size was beyond estimation.

Even just the height would have to be measured in kilometers rather than meters.

'That is the World Tree.'

The divine tree worshipped by elves was the longest-living tree in the world and the one that will live the longest in the future.

Its massive leaves and branches extended beyond the royal palace below to the city outside the palace but that didn't mean it was dark at all.

Rather, the World Tree emitted a soft light, bestowing warm grace upon the elves dwelling beneath it.

Every time the wind blew, the leaves swayed, and the warm light moved with them as if alive.

It was like seeing the aurora borealis of the polar regions that she had only heard about.

No, she thought perhaps even a real aurora might be inferior to this light.

Sedina thought she understood why elves cherished the World Tree so deeply.

How could anyone not feel reverence when faced with something so majestic, enormous, beautiful, and full of vital energy?

'Why? It feels so familiar.'

Could it be because half her blood was mixed with elf?

Sedina was overwhelmed by an inexplicable strange feeling the moment she saw the World Tree.

"..."

Sedina could only stare at the sight, forgetting even to walk but then a voice broke through her reverie.

"Aren't you following?"

"Ah..."

Returning to reality, Sedina faced the male elf who was watching her with cold eyes.

Sedina swallowed hard and started walking again.

‘Right. This wasn't the time to be distracted by the World Tree.’

She was right in the middle of enemy territory, heading to dine with their leader.

'If I don't keep my wits about me, I might end up being the one eaten instead.'

After crossing the bridge connecting the separately built spire to the royal palace and continuing inward for some time, Sedina finally stopped in front of a large door.

"Here. Go in."

"What about the others?"

"You're going in alone."

The male elf said this and stepped aside, indicating he would wait at the door entrance.

Sedina had no choice but to enter alone.

The door was large, but Sedina didn't need to push hard to open it.

The tree's fine roots covering the door's surface moved on their own, automatically opening it.

"Come in."

A sweet voice echoed from inside and Sedina followed the voice into the dining room.

A long table was placed in the wide, luxurious dining room and at its end sat that elf, waiting for Sedina.

The head of the Lifrey family, Ventmin Lifrey, also known as...First Order Ventmin.

She sat alone at her seat without guards.

Was she underestimating Sedina, thinking she couldn't harm her?

Or was it confidence from not needing anyone's help?

Sedina thought it was both.

"Sit down."

Sedina sat in the prepared empty seat.

There was only one seat opposite Ventmin, so there wasn't really anywhere else to sit anyway.

The table covered with a pure white tablecloth was full of all sorts of elaborate dishes.

For Sedina, they were traditional elven foods whose origins she couldn't even guess.

Perhaps because they were elven foods, most were mainly fruits and vegetables.

"Let's eat first."

"...Did you call me just to eat?"

"Why? Surprised? Don't think too positively about it. It's just because I felt like it."

Ventmin smirked at Sedina's tense face.

"Or is it because John Doe doesn't even eat with you like this?"

"..."

Sedina didn't respond but Ventmin continued speaking.

"I was curious. Being a subordinate of that willful John Doe, I thought you might have some other special quality. Or maybe John Doe might know some secret about you that others don't."

"My secret?"

"Don't tell me you don't know? Did John Doe sense your special quality without knowing it? Looking at how that brutal man keeps you by his side."

‘A secret.’

That must be why Ventmin kidnapped her.

Ventmin looked Sedina up and down as if appraising her.

"Hmm. You don't look like someone who could captivate John Doe's heart no matter how I look at you. Or could it be that John Doe, perhaps he has a taste for such immature figures?"

"...Don't insult my teacher."

Sedina protested impulsively before realizing her mistake and shutting her mouth.

Ventmin found Sedina's reaction quite unexpected and smiled broadly.

"John Doe. I didn't expect it, but he seems to be quite admired by his subordinate. Even defending him from gossip like this."

"If you know that, why don't you release me now?"

Sedina thought this was her chance.

Her thinking was that kidnapping a subordinate cherished by First Order John Doe like this would strain their relationship.

Of course, Ventmin easily dismissed such thoughts from Sedina.

"Why should I? Do you think John Doe might confront me about it? How amusing. We First Orders have no sense of camaraderie between us. We don't get along anyway."

"Then are you considering conflict?"

At those words, Ventmin burst out laughing.

"Conflict? That's the funniest thing I've heard today. Are you saying John Doe would come fight me for your sake? That John Doe?"

"That's..."

"You're just a chess piece that's convenient for him to use. Did you think you were something special just because he showed you a little favor?"

"..."

Sedina didn't answer.

Ventmin didn't know that Rudger wasn't the real John Doe so she must be judging based on his usual conduct.

"Let's say John Doe gets angry as you say. And he finds out I kidnapped you and brought you here to the elven kingdom. Would he really come to rescue you? Would he fight me just for your sake?"

"That..."

Sedina thought about it.

The opponent was a high-ranking elf who ruled over a kingdom.

How many elves did she command, and how large were her forces?

Moreover, this was the forest, which could be called the elves' sacred domain.

No matter how strong Rudger might be, it would be difficult to fully exercise his power in this forest.

It was the worst situation with nothing but risks no matter how you looked at it.

Would it be worth taking all those risks to rescue someone like her, a half-wit abandoned even by her family?

Still.

'Teacher will come.'

He will come.

At least the Rudger that Sedina knew would definitely move to rescue her in this situation.

'Because teacher is that kind of person.'

Seeing such a subtle response from Sedina, the smile disappeared from Ventmin's face and her eyes flashed sharply.

"You. You're certain he'll come."

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