On My First Day Undercover, the Organization Collapsed - Chapter 310
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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First Day of Infiltration, The Organization Was Destroyed Episode 310
An Inefficient Method
“We haven’t spotted Teacher Ziel and his party on our end?”
“Y-yes, that’s correct. We stationed people on all the likely routes they would take, but….”
“This is quite troublesome….”
Rangl had sent a letter desperately requesting that the home visit be cancelled, and just in case, he had stationed people to intercept them if they came this way.
The problem was that Ziel’s party moved far too quickly.
And they had taken a different route entirely.
Thus, Ziel was able to arrive at the Harmatan Mansion, where an ominous atmosphere hung heavy.
“Perhaps it’s because we’re in the Northern Region, but the architectural style of the mansion feels quite austere and cold.”
The mansion’s design prioritized practicality—insulation, wind resistance, and defense.
In preparation for the coming struggle with Ligron, the private soldiers had assembled in full force, and the Knights stood with stern expressions, their eyes fixed on the front.
By any measure, this was hardly the ideal atmosphere for a home visit.
“Will it be alright, Boss?”
“A home visit won’t take long.”
I only needed to accomplish my objective and leave.
I had upheld the purpose of home visits before, regardless of circumstances.
The Harmatan Family had sent a letter, but I knew nothing of it.
Had I received that letter first, I might have revised my plans.
However, had I known my student was in danger, the outcome would have been the same regardless.
Even during vacation, a teacher remains a teacher.
Similarly, a student remains a student.
“Teacher Ziel.”
At that moment, the Family Head of Harmatan finally appeared—Rangl Harmatan.
“Family Head Rangl Harmatan.”
Following Ziel’s lead, Gilbert and Kelvin also showed their respect.
But Rangl could not simply exchange pleasantries and courtesies as he normally would.
“Teacher, seeing that you’ve come here means you didn’t receive my letter….”
“That’s correct. I did not receive it.”
“I must apologize, but now is not a convenient time to proceed with the home visit, Teacher Ziel.”
Yurio came rushing over late to greet Ziel.
“Teacher!”
“Student Yurio Harmatan.”
“A home visit… you really came.”
“Didn’t I tell you? I said I’d go to the Northern Region during this vacation.”
“Y-yes, you did say that, but….”
The timing was far too coincidental.
Ziel asked.
“I’ve heard that with the voting approaching, there’s a high possibility of ‘conflict’ breaking out.”
“So you already knew.”
“Yes. Someone told me about it on the way here.”
It was that man from the village who had joined us for a meal.
“Yet you came anyway….”
“Since the conflict hasn’t broken out yet, I thought home visits would be possible.”
“….”
According to custom, the Northern Region required that guests always be entertained. The tradition of hospitality existed in every land and region, but it held particular importance in the North.
By offering hospitality despite scarce resources and harsh conditions, they could demonstrate their strength and prosperity, and forge bonds for future relations.
This situation was somewhat different, but Rangl nonetheless followed that custom and instructed the Head Butler.
“Show him inside. Prepare refreshments and tea. Once our consultation concludes, arrange with the kitchen so he can take a meal before departing.”
“Very good, Family Head.”
In any case, since he had come, hospitality was necessary.
Especially not for Teacher Ziel.
Regardless of the Family’s circumstances, he was someone never to be forgotten.
He was the benefactor who had saved my son’s life.
Thus, Ziel and his companions were guided into the Harmatan Mansion, where an ominous atmosphere hung heavy.
‘If those Ligron dogs don’t move faster than expected, perhaps today will be manageable.’
Was this what a final banquet felt like?
Rather, my heart had grown peaceful.
How joyful it was to be able to entertain my benefactor on this final journey.
“I apologize for receiving you in such a humble place, Teacher.”
“Yes, it does appear humble.”
“…?”
The response to my conventional courtesy was somewhat unusual, followed by these words:
“However, it is well-suited for defense. The security level is far superior to typical mansions seen in the Capital, and the structure is far more defensible. Though aged, it is sturdy. Particularly impressive is the dual-layered stone construction that channels the cold flowing down the walls to block external heat in reverse—advantageous for wind and sound insulation, and equally suited for defense.”
The praise poured forth in one breath moved Rangl deeply.
If one were to explain the advantages of a Northern-style mansion, this was precisely how one would describe it.
Above all, the Harmatan Mansion, though not large, possessed the sturdiness that had allowed it to survive countless conflicts.
“You have a discerning eye, Teacher.”
“Yes, I see it clearly. I favor houses like this. Rather than the ornaments and gems people call splendid, I believe true elegance lies in such simplicity.”
“Teacher… you speak like a Northern person!”
“I have come to like this Northern Region.”
Gilbert and Kelvin silently disagreed vehemently.
‘Will he stand out?’
‘Participating in the conflict might actually be a good idea….’
No matter how they looked at it, they would be dragged around the North for the entire vacation period and then return.
“Oh! Do you perhaps have plans to reside in the Northern Region in the future?”
“I do not. However, should such plans arise later, I would live in the Northern Region.”
Ziel genuinely favored the Northern Region.
There were hardly any people.
The cold posed no problem whatsoever.
There was plenty of delicious food as well.
Especially the Beer.
I was quite pleased to learn there were various types of Alcohol beyond just Beer.
“If I could assist Teacher Ziel’s Settlement at that time, it would be the greatest honor.”
Though it might be a future that would never come to pass, Rangl smiled brightly.
Today was a good day.
The day my son’s Benefactor had arrived.
“Student Yurio Harmatan’s achievements are approximately 40% or more above the average compared to other Students.”
The Consultation had begun.
Even amidst the chaos of constant struggle with Ligron, I could break into a genuine smile at moments like this.
“Is that so? I had heard that my son achieved Valedictorian this time.”
“Yes. His achievements and performance were the most outstanding.”
“Does that mean he performed better than Students like Delev or Celia?”
“Not in every aspect. However, he surpassed those two Students in a total of five categories.”
“Oh!”
On the other hand, areas requiring improvement were also pointed out.
“Student Yurio Harmatan has now reached the time to establish the form of his Swordsmanship. Currently, he learns by observing other Students’ Swordsmanship and incorporates their strengths, but he must determine the central path of the Sword that will define him.”
“Hmm, are you referring to things like quick Swords or Heavy Swords?”
“No. Rather, it is the directional philosophy of the Swordsmanship he pursues. There is no single answer. What matters is that Student Yurio Harmatan discovers the Swordsmanship he wishes to pursue on his own.”
Rangl had also learned the Sword, but remained at the beginner level of Expert rank.
Below average for a Family Head of the Northern Region.
Yet I seemed to understand what Ziel meant.
‘Then perhaps now is the time to pass down the Book recording the Swordsmanship of my Ancestors.’
A Book that only the Family Head could view according to the Rules.
Rangl, unfortunately lacking sufficient Talent, had not been able to fully comprehend that Book.
But my son would be different.
‘I’ve already passed down the Crest—surely there’s nothing preventing me from passing down that Book.’
In my heart, I had already begun thinking of my son as the Family Head.
“I understand perfectly what you mean, Teacher Ziel. You need not worry about that aspect.”
After the Consultation ended, Ziel was invited to the Dining Table.
It was my first time having a Northern Style Meal.
Though I had stopped briefly at the Village, I had been too occupied gathering news of the Harmatan Family to have a proper Meal.
So Ziel was very much looking forward to it.
“By the way, Teacher Ziel. I’m not sure if Northern Style Cuisine will suit your palate.”
“All Food is delicious. Food I have never tasted before is something I anticipate even more.”
The world is vast, and there is no shortage of delicious Food.
The greatest truth I realized after being freed from Brainwashing!
“Northern Style typically involves salting Meat for long-term preservation. The technique to remove that saltiness is the key. The Skill of appropriately removing it and incorporating it into Cuisine determines the Head Chef’s Level. Additionally, since Food cools quickly, Cooking methods that preserve heat for extended periods have developed. Have you ever tried Stew that has been simmered for a week? We continuously add Food Ingredients, and their flavors dissolve perfectly and richly into the broth….”
Gulp.
Not just Ziel, but Gilbert and Kelvin also swallowed hard.
“The Northern Style cuisine doesn’t use as diverse a range of Spices as the Capital or the Southern Region, but it excels at bringing out the inherent flavors of the ingredients themselves. We also have fruits with exceptionally high sweetness that grow only here. They’re truly exquisite.”
“I’m eager to taste them.”
“Yes, if you’ll wait just a moment, they should be ready soon.”
My heart raced with anticipation.
‘The inherent flavors of the ingredients…’
It seemed similar to the Cuisine that Theo, the Head Chef of the Unlimited Dining Table, pursued.
‘It would have been nice to bring kitchen staff along.’
If Zephyros, who was delighted to be liberated during the Break Period, heard this, he would be startled.
In any case, during this time of waiting and exchanging idle conversation, both Rangl and Yurio could momentarily forget their worries.
But the matter had to be addressed.
“Teacher Ziel, forgive my shamelessness, but I have an urgent request to make of you.”
Rangl spoke the words he had been holding back.
“This Mansion will be seized before long. We face an imminent struggle between Noble Families.”
“You mean to say you will be defeated.”
“…Yes, that is essentially the situation.”
“I see. I already heard as much on the way here.”
According to the man seated with us, Harmatan has virtually no possibility of victory.
Unless Lombardt or Bernstein suddenly sent reinforcements, defeating Ligron, who has Renfield backing him, is nearly impossible.
“Yes. Therefore, I wish to entrust my son to you.”
“Father, but even so, I too should see this through to the end…”
“Yurio, be silent.”
Rangl silenced Yurio and continued.
“A Noble Family does not die. As long as Yurio lives, the Family can be revived at any time. But without Yurio, this Family ends. Teacher, though it is an utterly shameless request… would it be possible for me to entrust my son to your care while you remain at the Academy? I swear I will survive by any means necessary and return to reclaim my son.”
It was a final request offered as a man of the Northern Region, as a parent, and as a Family Head.
‘Yurio, you must survive no matter what.’
And Ziel rejected that request.
“I refuse.”
“…P-Professor.”
Everyone seated at the Dining Table was taken aback.
Not only was it a rejection, but such a blunt, decisive refusal.
“P-perhaps if you would reconsider…”
Rangl was desperate.
If he was honest, he had harbored some hope.
“I don’t understand why that should be necessary.”
“…”
Ziel was resolute.
Even Gilbert and Kelvin wondered if their Boss had this side to him.
But it was a misunderstanding.
“The method you’ve proposed is highly inefficient.”
“Inefficient…?”
“Yes. When I consider the costs, time, and all other factors involved in monitoring and looking after Student Yurio Harmatan, it pales in comparison.”
So there’s another, better way?
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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