Magic Academy Bans Harem

Chapter 395 Sloth Research Institute

Apart from a few cities where fierce fighting was taking place, the western border maintained an eerie peace.

On a carriage departing from the fortress city, Ritas pondered the various situations he was currently facing with a solemn expression.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the carriage, Miriam, who had rested and was now in excellent condition, observed Ritas with clear eyes.

"Professor, have you really had a proper rest?"

Faced with Miriam's question, Ritas, snapping out of his thoughts, calmly replied,

"Yes, I did take a few hours of rest. Actually, I'm in excellent physical condition right now. So, even if I don't rest, there won't be too many problems."

As Ritas said, because he "lent" his body to a goddess with a very healthy lifestyle, over the course of several months, much of the fatigue that had accumulated in his body had dissipated.

Of course, the kind of weariness that is invisible and intangible but real at the spiritual level still exists.

However, Ritas didn't have any efficient way to remove it.

Speaking only of the past year, the best way for Ritas to eliminate this fatigue would be to "go to the hospital." But with a public duel imminent, it is clearly not the right time to go to the hospital.

"The Goddess of Bath once said that when the professor is nearing his limit, his judgment will be significantly affected, and his way of handling things will become much more chaotic. However, the professor doesn't seem to realize this. Therefore, even when faced with the most important choices, the professor should get plenty of rest."

Miriam, who almost called the goddess of bathing "bath sister" as in a fairy tale, quickly corrected herself.

Because the fairy tale world was constantly in crisis, and upon returning to reality, they were quickly ambushed by rebels, Miriam hadn't had a chance to properly process her feelings.

After arriving at Elson's entourage's base, Miriam finally had time to think about these things, and could only roll around on his soft bed for several hours.

In the end, Miriam came to a realization.

Since Ritas probably already knew about his secret, and rather than ignoring it, he simply didn't care about such a "small change."

So let's just pretend nothing happened!

Although Miriam herself felt that this was somewhat forced, she would always try to postpone it as long as possible until she really had to face it.

So she tried to adjust herself back to the state of three months ago, thinking that the previous three months had been a dream.

However, Miriam himself thought he had a strong ability to adjust. But just like when he was in the academy, male students would reflexively slap him if they accidentally bumped into him, he actually didn't have that strong ability to adjust and adapt.

Even now, he only reluctantly reverted to referring to the goddess of bathing. He was completely unaware that if it were him three months ago, he certainly wouldn't have said those admonishing words to Professor Ritas.

"Uh-huh."

Ritas responded somewhat awkwardly.

He had already said he had "rested," so why was he given this extra comment? Was he being "nagged"?

"Professor, where are we headed?"

"It's the 'Sloth Research Institute'."

Ritas answered seriously that Miriam wasn't actually forgotten, but rather a name he found difficult to say.

"To put it simply, this research institute was established with funding from the Elson family and is an organization that brings together many scholars from the Western Regions. It is located near an ancient ruin. The ancient owner of that ruin is generally believed to be 'Saint Marenu'."

Because the Elson family has always wanted to be related to the legendary saint, these ancient ruins can be considered, in a sense, the Elson family's "ancestral land."

"I'm sorry, Professor, I've caused you trouble again. Mingming, with such a serious matter happening in your family, you're still worried about these things."

After hearing Ritas's explanation, Miriam said apologetically.

The reason he accompanied Ritas to the Western Regions during winter break was because Ritas, based on his knowledge, preliminarily judged that his power might be related to the legendary saintess of the Western Regions.

Although Miriam himself felt it was strange to bring a student along when he went back to his hometown to visit relatives, he really wanted to know about his own life and about the various aspects of "Miriam," so he gritted his teeth and made a request to Ritas.

Miriam never expected that a trip that was just a family visit and a side archaeological expedition would encounter so many twists and turns.

“No need to apologize, Miriam. I went to the Sloth Research Institute for personal reasons. Rather, if it can be proven that your powers are related to that 'Saintess,' I might need to rely on your strength in the future.”

"Eh?"

Miriam waved his hands repeatedly.

The professor would need his power, and so on. All the experiences and setbacks of the past year, besides making Miriam exceptionally humble, also made him realize that his own power was utterly insignificant in front of a true strongman.

Unbeknownst to her, Miriam's comparisons had long since moved beyond the realm of "students," pointing directly to those near the pinnacle of existence. This forced, premature growth ultimately resulted in the seedling growing abnormally.

"Since it's related to family affairs, is it alright not to bring Senior Xia Luoluo along?"

"Bringing her along might actually complicate things."

Ritas shook his head and said. Considering the person he was about to meet, not bringing Charlotte along would be a good thing for both sides.

"Speaking of matters related to the Elson family."

Ritas paused slightly,
“Although these things are essentially unrelated to you, it is a fact that you have been severely affected. So, if you want to know about the current situation in the Western Region and the Elson family, I can tell you everything except for some confidential parts. Of course, I will not interfere with what decision you make after hearing it.”

Listening to Ritas's earnest and sincere words, Miriam pondered them intently for a while.

"Although I also feel that I will probably have a very close connection with this land of the West and the Elson family to which the professor belongs, it seems that it is still too early. The professor also knows that I am not very good at thinking about those complicated things. However, I am very interested in the 'Elson Style' swordsmanship, and I have received help from everyone in that world. So, I will ask the professor for help after I officially become a disciple there."

"it is good."

Ritas nodded, making Miriam's answer a mindful note.

After traveling day and night for almost an entire day, Ritas and his party arrived at the "Sloth Research Institute" near an old domed building the following morning. "Please wait a moment, Master Ritas. I'll go inform the people at the institute."

On the way, Dino, the butler who had been acting as the coachman, bowed slightly and headed toward the research institute.

He has not yet changed how he addresses Ritas.

However, since Ritas came to the Sloth Research Institute, his attitude was already quite clear.

Previously, Dino revealed all the secrets he knew about the Elson family and clearly described the current situation in the West. His purpose was to make Ritas the new head of the Elson family and Roland's successor.

As the person in charge of Elson's entourage, Dino's actions were undoubtedly overstepping his bounds and breaking the principle that the entourage must remain neutral.

Dino may have had his own selfish motives as well. But Ritas could also sense that what truly drove Dino was his feelings for Roland.

This public duel was undoubtedly extremely disadvantageous for Roland.

Leaving aside the fact that Freud has already restrained him and won't give Rowland a chance to win, even if Rowland were to win by sheer luck or a miracle, Freud would not obediently leave the West.

Freud was willing to follow the rules set by Roland because he wanted to more easily seize control of the Elson family. Otherwise, as a rebel, he had no real reason to abide by the rules set by the person he wanted to overthrow.

In the end, it would simply be Freud cheating by having his men kill the victor, Roland. Then, the chaotic Westerlands would descend into utter chaos, with infighting and fighting among the various factions. What was initially a somewhat abstract rebellion would become a civil war in the conventional sense.

Therefore, after that public duel, regardless of the outcome, only death awaited Roland. The only reason Roland seemed to have some room for resistance was because the Elson family was so twisted.

In order to find a glimmer of hope for the surely dying Roland, Dino thought of Ritas.

Since, at least for now, there are still "rules" in the Elson family's power struggle for the family headship, then Ritas, who meets all the requirements for a successor, is also qualified to participate.

However, Ritas's forces are currently too weak. Even if Dino could fully utilize his entourage, their combined strength at the public duel venue would only be enough to make them Roland's downfall. They might not even have the chance to get close to the venue.

Therefore, in order to gain more support, Ritas and Dino discussed the matter and set their sights on the "Sloth Research Institute".

As a force under the Elson family, a force that should remain neutral, and a force whose leader is relatively close to Roland, the Sloth Research Institute is an excellent target.

Moreover, while someone like Ritas, a swordsmanship failure, might be ridiculed by other Elsons, his reputation at the Sloth Research Institute is unparalleled.

"No need to come any further, I've been waiting for you here for a long time!"

Before Dino could even enter the Sloth Research Institute's grounds, a middle-aged woman with slightly disheveled hair walked directly from the institute's building to the center of the courtyard.

"It's been a long time since I sent my greetings, Aunt Mint."

Ritas greeted Mint Elson, who was wearing a white coat and had his right hand in his pocket, from a distance.

Unlike Ritas, whose voice was carried clearly and far by magic, Mint was able to converse with him simply because her voice was loud enough.

"professor."

Upon seeing Mint's appearance, as the three were about to enter the courtyard of the research institute, Miriam, whose expression suddenly turned solemn, whispered a reminder.

Ritas simply shook his head slightly, indicating that it was alright, and then walked straight in.

“Miss Mint, the reason we've come here is…”

"Go over there and stand over there. This is none of your business, old servant."

When Dino tried to explain his purpose, Mint Elson simply pointed to the lawn beside the road and said impatiently.

To Miriam's surprise, Dino actually walked silently into the lawn, bowed his head, and stood there without saying a word in the face of such humiliating behavior.

"And who are you? If it's a face I've never seen before, that's fine. So, just say it directly, Ritas. I believe you understand that our time is precious to each other."

"."

Looking at Mint, who stood in the center of the courtyard with an unfriendly expression, resembling a street thug despite his advanced age, Ritas, feeling a headache coming on, closed his eyes briefly, then...
“You should know very well that the Elson family is too outdated! They are still clinging to things like swords and swordsmanship that are constantly disappearing, instead of embracing the ever-changing world.”

"And I, only I can change all of this! Only I can lead the entire Western Region from barbarism to civilization!"

"Now is the best time, and your only chance!"

“Therefore, on behalf of everyone at the Sloth Research Institute, submit to me, Mint Elson!”

Ritas's sudden, powerful declaration left Miriam, who was standing nearby, speechless.

So what Sister Yu said was true! This person really does say one thing to one person and another to another.
Upon hearing Ritas's fiery words, Mint Elson, who had been looking displeased, surprisingly broke into a bright smile.

"No problem! Since you want our power, then show us whether you're qualified! In the 'Elson' way!"

With Mint's shout, countless figures appeared all around the Sloth Research Institute. Furthermore, magic circles of various shapes and colors rose and shone from all directions, firmly surrounding Ritas and his group.

"Don't blame us for having more people. Those who wanted to become the head of the family before you didn't face such gentle difficulties!"

Taking his right hand out of his pocket, Mint Elson held a miniature magic cannon and pointed it at Ritas.

At the Sloth Research Institute, a fiercely contested battle between "scholars" is about to unfold.

Suddenly, a snowy white owl flew in from the sky, pouring cold water on the conflict.

"Urgent Message from 'Tower of Origin' - Urgent Message from 'Tower of Origin' -"

"High Mage, His Excellency Ritas Berengrom Elson respectfully addresses you—High Mage, His Excellency Ritas Berengrom Elson respectfully addresses you—"

(End of this chapter)