novelraw Chapter 116 : How to Handle Colleague Relations
Chapter 116 : How to Handle Colleague Relations
“In the Rhine Royal Magic Academy, there exist many renowned factions.
“Most of these factions are supported by powerful nobles. In a sense, the academy’s factions are an extension of politics. Though somewhat unseemly, they cannot be ignored.
“Yet among these factions, a rare few are famous solely for gathering together exceptionally talented students.
“Golden Dawn.
“This faction is composed entirely of lower nobles and commoners. While lacking in political background, its members are all highly gifted. They are well-regarded by many instructors of the academy and are considered the most outstanding faction of the new generation in the Rhine Kingdom. Some even praise them as【The Gold of Rhine】.”
“Aristine is one of them.”
Though his introduction was brief, Wells spared no praise for the girl named Aristine. Anyone could hear the admiration in his voice.
Russell glanced at her.
【Name: Aristine Caroline】
【Race: Human】
【Level: 28】
【Status: None】
【HP: 330/330】
【MP: 580/580】
【Skills: Fire Magic lv7, Wind Magic lv7, Earth Magic lv7, Water Magic lv7, Light Magic lv7, Summoning Magic lv7, Projection Magic lv7, Ritual Magic lv6, Barrier Magic lv6, Enchantment Magic lv6, Mana Perception lv6, Quick Casting lv6】
“Whoa… Exaggerated, huh.”
This was the largest gap between stats and skills Russell had ever seen. The skill panel was dazzling—containing many things he had never even encountered before, and all-round at that. Up until now, Russell had faced many opponents, but in terms of magic, this one was by far the most extreme.
On the other hand, her actual stats were unremarkable.
Not low, just average for her level.
Well, such people do exist.
By the time he finished musing, Aristine had already stepped before them.
Everyone turned their eyes to her.
Aristine tilted her head slightly.
“What is it?”
“Ahem.”
Wells cleared his throat twice, breaking the awkward silence.
“Teacher Ewass sent you, didn’t he?”
“Yes.”
Aristine nodded.
“Teacher told me to help.”
“Good.”
Wells stepped aside, gesturing toward Rozelite.
“Your task is to assist Rozelite. Whatever she asks of you, you do. Understand?”
“...I can. But Teacher said, only for one day.”
“One day?”
Wells frowned.
“Yes.”
Aristine nodded again, offering no further explanation.
“I see.”
Wells finally recalled that he hadn’t asked Teacher Ewass for a specific time frame earlier, making him seem careless now.
Still, it also implied that Teacher Ewass believed Aristine’s assistance alone was enough to uncover the demon spies within a day.
“Then, Rozelite.”
Wells’ gaze finally settled on his sister.
“I leave the rest to you.”
...
So in the end...
What was supposed to be a little reminder turned into an actual burden.
Russell felt Rozelite was simply lacking in workplace experience.
She didn’t know how to handle a leader’s “hints” and “nudges,” and before she realized it, she had stepped into the trap—getting saddled with a pile of tasks outside her job. Could she do them? Of course. But the question was: Why should she? What does this have to do with me?
Sigh, young people.
“She may look more mature now, but her mindset is still too green.”
“If it were me, I wouldn’t even let him talk that much. I’d just ignore it—plenty of others to handle it. Find someone else.”
But then again...
No matter how much Russell complained, Rozelite had already accepted the task.
And since she accepted it, she had to finish it swiftly and decisively.
...
Rozelite turned her head back.
Behind her stood Fingus, yawning, eyes drifting about in a lazy manner.
And Aristine, expressionless, silently following along with no indication of her thoughts.
Theoretically, both of them were certainly not ordinary NPCs. Yet to Russell, they looked like burdens. Fingus was far too unpleasant, and Aristine... what was she even here for?
“So, what exactly are we doing now?”
Fingus clasped his hands behind his head, his face full of disdain.
“Don’t tell me you plan on leading us around the city shopping, Princess?”
Rozelite was troubled.
She had gained some experience fighting alone. But as for working in a team...
She wasn’t sure where to start.
“Mr. Slime...”
“Leave it to me.”
Switching out—!
Don’t be fooled by appearances—Russell was actually very skilled at handling workplace colleague relations!
With a thought, Russell took control of Rozelite’s body.
Rozelite retreated to the background, as if her first-person view had shifted into third-person.
“Hm?”
Fingus frowned.
“An illusion? Why does it feel like... she suddenly became a different person?”
No, it wasn’t an illusion.
Her expression had changed.
Fingus grew a little cautious.
Russell stopped walking, looking at the two behind him, before finally fixing his gaze on Fingus.
“Your name’s Fingus, right?”
“What, got a problem with it?”
Fingus replied flippantly.
Russell had no intention of indulging him.
He stepped up to Fingus, pointing straight at his nose.
“I don’t know how you were chosen as Sword Saint, but you’d better understand one thing: Wells sent you to assist me, not to boss me around. If you have an issue, take it up with Wells. If not, then behave and follow orders. Otherwise, I’ll make sure you learn your lesson.”
“Oh? Interesting.”
Fingus lowered his hands.
“And how do you plan on teaching me that lesson?”
“By beating you until you can’t stand,” Russell said.
The air between them immediately grew tense.
Aristine furrowed her brow and quietly stepped back.
“Well then?”
A mocking grin tugged at Fingus’ lips.
He stretched out a finger, poking at Russell’s chest.
“Don’t tell me you think I’d fear your identity as the Seventh Princess? Don’t make me laugh. You’re nothing but a political tool for marriage alliances. Just a brat who hasn’t even grown proper—”
“...Huh?”
Fingus’ pupils narrowed.
Just before his fingertip touched Rozelite’s body, Russell caught his wrist—expressionless.
With Rozelite’s slender, pale hand.
But contrary to its delicate appearance, her grip was like an iron vise. He hadn’t even tried breaking free yet, but instinct told him this was not a strength that could be shrugged off.
“What is this girl...?”
Fingus’ face darkened.
“I’ll give you three seco—”
Boom!
Electric arcs crackled in the air with a sharp snap.
Russell’s fist shot out, fast as lightning.
It struck Fingus’ unguarded abdomen.
His words cut off instantly.
An unimaginable force burst out from his stomach—not like a punch, but like a warhammer smashing into him. His feet even left the ground, body folding uncontrollably. The next moment, like a puppet with its strings severed, his eyes rolled back as he collapsed onto the floor.
Completely unconscious.
“Good. That’s the first problem solved.”
Russell rubbed his wrist, then turned to Aristine, who stood silently nearby.
“Well? Do you have anything to say?”