270: Chapter 150, The Magical Library_3 270: Chapter 150, The Magical Library_3 Hudson, looking at the familiar small words on the parchment and confirming that it wasn’t a prank, immediately changed his clothes and rushed to the Magic Academy.
…
Lush white poplars, vibrant lawns, and the intoxicating scent of violets came into view, and even the nearby apple trees still hung with red-tinted fruits.
If it wasn’t for the biting cold wind, Hudson could hardly believe that it was winter now.
The vitality of spring, the prosperity of summer, the harvest of autumn, and the bleakness of winter.
All concentrated together, such an abnormal sight, yet it did not cause any surprise.
This was simply because this place was – the Magic Academy.
As the oldest and most prosperous institution in the Alpha Kingdom, any supernatural phenomena would only be considered normal here.
Meeting again, the nature of their relationship has changed.
Once a noble marriage is announced, there is hardly any room for regret.
The difference between a fiancee and a spouse is only a wedding ceremony.
After exchanging glances, the two became awkward with each other, not knowing what to say.
“Why did you return from practice so quickly?
I thought you were supposed to stay for half a year?”
Hudson asked tentatively.
“Something happened in the Magical Beast Mountain Range.
A dragon appeared from nowhere and fought against two Earth Bears, causing the magical beasts in the area to panic.
Several mid and high-level magical beasts frequently appeared in the periphery where we practiced.
After three students got into accidents without enough time to send a distress signal, the senior academy put off this practice session.”
Melissa explained slowly.
From her fearful and nervous expression, Hudson could sense a trace of lingering terror.
Obviously, this practice wasn’t as easy as she claimed.
Likely, she had witnessed some dangerous scenes, hence the unease.
A giant dragon taking on two Earth Bears didn’t surprise Hudson.
As the strongest creatures in this world, dragons have always been the epitome of combat power.
Though Earth Bears could supposedly take on a dragon, they had a fatal flaw; they couldn’t fly.
When terrestrial creatures fight aerial ones, disadvantages are clear.
But in a two-on-one fight, it’s hard to say.
Essentially, both are top-tier extraordinary creatures, at the top of the food chain.
The strength depends on individual development.
Even magical beasts of the same kind and realm differ in strength.
Those who train hard are generally stronger than those who lazily rely on their natural talents.
The ultimate growth limit of a magical beast depends not only on its talent but also its determination to work hard.
This is fundamentally the same for humans.
However, magical beasts have a high starting point, being born with extraordinary power.
“Postponing is good.
The Magical Beast Mountain is still far too dangerous for you, Junior Magicians.
It’s better to build up your strength before going for practice.
With the tense situation now, war could break out at any time, so there’s no shortage of opportunities.
…”
In the middle of his speech, Hudson realized he was off the track.
He was supposed to be on a date, so why was he talking about such unrelated topics?
Luckily, on the Continent of Aslante, arranged marriages are common.
Practicality is more valued over sweet words, and maintaining a spotless private life is significant.
Rumors about inappropriate behavior between an unmarried noble man and woman can result in a tarnished reputation, making it difficult to secure a good marriage.
One would either have to lower their standards or marry someone else with tarnished reputation.
There are no good outcomes.
“Could you tell me what’s going on with Isabel?”
Melissa’s question pulled Hudson out of his reverie.
The news spread incredibly fast.
Such nobles indeed couldn’t keep secret.
Fortunately, he resisted his desires and didn’t mess up.
“She’s just a pretty singer trying to make a name for herself!” Hudson answered casually.
Reason told him that this was the best time to clear his name.
Although he had done nothing, it didn’t mean that no one would spin stories behind his back.
Jealousy is a deadly sin.
Even though Hudson had given up the opportunity to get close to Isabel, he had still attracted envious hatred.
Of course, it was more likely that Melissa’s other suitors were stirring up trouble.
Those desiring to form a marriage alliance with the Hollis family were not just Hudson; there were many more.
Hudson was able to stand out not only due to the mutual interests of the two families but also because of his own exceptional experiences.
With the recurring wars against the orcs, a significant number of nobles were getting killed.
Nowadays, marriage was equivalent to gambling, with one wrong decision ending up in widowhood.
Though the Continent of Aslante doesn’t refuse remarriage of widows and even families with a scarce lineage prefer marrying widows who can bear children, they are just the minority.
Loss of spouse usually led to a downgrade in the next marriage for most noble men and women.
Such marriages were inevitable.
After enduring great wars, the male to female ratio becomes severely disproportionate, leaving a lot of noble ladies without partners.
They had no choice but to become nuns.
For a family, giving up marital alliances meant wasting resources.
Since everything was a gamble, a wise naturally preferred one with a higher winning chance.
Without a doubt, Hudson, with his good luck and strong abilities, was the top choice for all families.
“Oh, I hope so.”
“By the way, Hudson, last time you mentioned visiting the library.
As we rarely visit the Magic Academy, why don’t we have a look?”
Her unconvincing acting hid her embarrassment, but Hudson wasn’t fooled.
However, it is better to stay ignorant about these things.
As a man who has been single since birth, he didn’t want a slip of the tongue to mess up the marriage negotiations.
“Alright!”
As soon as he said this, Hudson realized something was wrong.
It seemed that they were already at the entrance of the library.
The Magic Academy library had a magical air.
As a visitor, Hudson was stopped right at the entrance.
“Please pay the entrance fee of 50 Gold Coins!”
A mechanical voice sounded, and Hudson noticed the cashier – a mechanical doll.
He glanced at Melissa, and, upon getting confirmation, pulled out the money.
“Welcome to the Alpha Kingdom Magic Academy Library.
Please follow all the rules inside!
Violators bear their own consequences!”
A warning sounded as a large signboard with dozens of rules to be followed appeared in front of them.