Alan watched Edna, noting the solemn expression she wore, the professional smile that was usually welded to her face now gone.
He was a bit stunned.
Her words connected his thoughts to a plot point he particularly disliked from the Mushoku Tensei novel of his past life.
In the next moment, realization dawned on him.
He lowered his head, trying to focus his gaze on the source of her words.
At the table, the others had turned away—Eris and the group were all looking at Edna, their attention completely captured by her speech.
On the table, the candlelight licked at the slightly yellowed paper.
The book, An Encyclopedia of Noble Family Crests, lay open to a stunning two-page spread. The hand-drawn, black-and-white family crest seemed ready to leap off the page.
It was… 'beating its wings.'
The black-and-white lines sketched the texture of each feather with lifelike detail.
A pair of wings.
They weren't static or folded, but depicted in the very act of taking flight. A single glance seemed to conjure a cool breeze, a powerful wind that made the feathers rustle and dance within the illustration.
Alan recognized them.
These were the wings of an eagle.
But why had Edna just said that the Boreas family was different from other nobles who used magical beasts or animals in their crests?
Because…
The part of the crest where the eagle's body should have been was replaced by something else.
It was a heart.
A human heart.
The 'Heart's Wing' of Boreas.
Flying toward the future.
It was already late.
Today's etiquette lesson concluded after the introduction of the family crest, leaving a bit of suspense. The specific lesson on family etiquette was saved for tomorrow.
This was a common teaching method for Edna.
She smiled as she watched Eris and Sylphie animatedly discussing whether the wings were pretty and why the heart was a plain gray instead of being dyed red.
She was very satisfied with her lesson today.
Without disturbing the children's conversation, she simply nodded to Alan, the group's 'leader,' gave the farewell curtsey of a noblewoman, and left the classroom.
Beside Sylphie, Rudeus suddenly looked up, subtly exchanging a glance with her. He then shot a look at Alan, who was staring silently at the 'Iron Heart.' Notebook in hand, Rudeus hurried after Edna.
This was typical for Rudeus; he often chased after Edna to ask for more knowledge on topics related to the etiquette lessons.
Everyone was used to it.
Sylphie glanced at Alan, then smiled and rejoined Eris's conversation.
But Alan remained silent, his head bowed as he looked at the 'Iron Heart.'
His mind was filled with the words Edna had spoken just as Sauros passed by.
"The simple fact that the Fitoa region exists upon this land is not the goal of Boreas."
"For the Fitoa region to exist eternally upon this land."
"That is the pursuit of Boreas."
Eternal existence, is that the goal of Boreas?
After the Great Displacement, they spent their entire fortune to rebuild the domain…
Is that… the reason?
"Alan? Alan, are you okay?"
A soft voice pulled Alan from his thoughts. He turned toward the source of the sound.
"Oh? What is it?"
In his vision, Sylphie blinked at him.
Outside the window, the scene had changed.
Yesterday was gone.
The evening sun cast its glow across the window, illuminating Sylphie's face. Her reddish-brown eyes were magnificent in the sunset.
It felt as if a single daze had stolen an entire day.
At this moment, today's etiquette lesson was about to begin.
The same encyclopedia of family crests from yesterday was already placed on the table.
"Ever since Ms. Edna taught us about the 'Iron Heart' last night, you've had such a serious expression whenever we talk about the Boreas crest. Is everything alright?"
Alan blinked, then smiled, pulling his gaze away from Sylphie's beautiful eyes.
He looked back down at the book on the table.
"It's nothing. I was just thinking about some things."
The sound of footsteps echoed from the hallway outside the classroom.
Clack, clack, on the wooden floor.
From the sound alone, you could feel the steady and composed gait of Edna.
Very elegant, very noble…
Noble?
A discordant piece of information pulled Alan from his thoughts.
Before he could even look up, his 'Sense' instantly fed him information about the people beside him.
Sylphie's body was a little stiff, her heartbeat quickening, as if she had seen someone who made her nervous.
Eris's mouth hung open in a shocked, "Huh?"
Rudeus, for some reason, was unconsciously flipping the pages of his notebook, creating a rustling sound.
Ghislaine suddenly sat up straight, the scabbard at her waist scraping against her pants.
And further away, outside the classroom door, the source of the 'discordant' feeling that had first caught his attention left Alan utterly astonished.
His eyes widened. He shot his head up and looked at the door.
A brilliant, stately red, like fresh paint, stepped through the doorway and into the etiquette classroom.
Fiery red hair, deep gray eyes.
She walked with elegant steps in high-heeled shoes.
She came to stand before them all.
The newcomer held a book in her arms.
She smiled as she surveyed the students in the classroom.
"Everyone, Ms. Edna had a family matter to attend to today, so she asked me to substitute for one lesson."
"Today is the lesson on Boreas family etiquette, is it not?"
Before Alan's eyes, a smile blossomed on Hilda's lips.
She was looking right at him.
Her eyes were speaking.
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