Hate Me, Miss Witch!

The Capital of Nations, Camelot.

Known more commonly among the citizens of the Freesta Empire as the Imperial Capital, Camelot serves as the political and economic heart of not only the Freesta Empire but also the entire Western Continent.

Even across the entire continent, only a few metropolises—like the Knowledge City of the Golden Plains or the Sacred Land of the Church—can compare to its grandeur.

A steam locomotive let out a prolonged whistle, and amidst the billowing white mist, the station's gates gradually opened.

Xaya blended into the crowd, moving along with the bustling throng.

Over the past six months, he had swept through nearly all the assignments under the jurisdiction of the Reza Command Bureau. Most of the high-value and time-efficient bounty missions had already been completed by him, and the resource storerooms of the Bureau had been thoroughly scavenged.

With the historical remnants of the Cangting Duchy ruins also fully mapped and marked for future exploration, Xaya had no reason to linger in Reza any longer.

"Have I finally shaken her off?" Xaya muttered, stepping out of the station and glancing around.

To be fair, Dyris, as the president of the Saint Roland Academy Student Council, truly deserved recognition for her dedication. Her requests and suggestions to Xaya were genuinely well-intentioned. For a civilian student blessed with beast-taming talent but without family support, participating in Saint Roland Academy's social events and establishing connections with the nobility, the military, and the church in the Imperial Capital could pave the way for a brighter future—even a potential leap in social class.

But Xaya knew better.

From the very beginning, he understood that his path was different.

Instead of painstakingly networking at banquets and social gatherings, He found completing another phase of his beginner missions far more practical.

Since enrolling in Saint Roland Academy, apart from systematically learning the basics of beast-taming in the first two semesters, he had spent most of his time skipping classes or planning his next absence. Even when on campus, he would either be in the grand library or training grounds.

This time, his expedition to Reza and the Cangting Duchy ruins had cost him a six-month absence from school.

"She's truly diligent."

Xaya couldn't help but admire Dyris's unwavering commitment. "I've been away for nearly a year, my hairstyle and height have changed, yet she still recognized me at first glance."

While marveling at her dedication, Xaya ordered Shiny to intermittently use its teleportation ability to speed up their journey.

Before long, a majestic complex of buildings emerged before him.

Saint Roland Academy was not located in the main district of the Imperial Capital but rather on its outskirts.

Similarly, key facilities of the Freesta Empire—like the Royal Breeding Institute, the Command Bureau headquarters, the Military Department, and the Arcane Tower—were also positioned outside the city center.

The reason was simple. No noble wanted to risk encountering a runaway Dominator-level beast, like a Hellfire Overlord, mid-stroll in the city, only to be obliterated by a stray Meteor Rain attack.

Though it had been over half a year since Xaya had last returned to the Academy, his Beastmaster-level memory ensured he didn't lose his way.

His steps halted in front of a standalone house.

According to the Academy's rules, students who reached the second circle—mid-tier Beastmasters—were eligible for independent dormitories. While noble offspring didn't need these facilities, as their family estates were far superior, it was a small benefit for civilian students—albeit one Xaya rarely used.

The wooden door had gathered a thin layer of dust from months of disuse. Squatting down, Xaya noticed the iron maple leaf he had wedged in the doorframe was now on the ground, marred with a silver slash.

"…Elaine, perhaps?" Xaya mused as he pushed the door open.

The room was bathed in the glow of the setting sun. By the window sat a young girl, her knees drawn to her chest, waiting silently. The fading sunlight kissed her pale cheeks, and her long golden hair shimmered faintly.

Noticing Xaya's arrival, the girl jumped from the windowsill, raising a rice ball in her hand.

"Hungry?"

"I am. Thanks."

 Xaya accepted the warm rice ball without hesitation. After all, the overpriced, tasteless meals on the train were no different from his previous life's subpar options.

"It's been a while, Elaine. How long have you been waiting?"

"Not long. I came over after finishing a task for the Military Department and receiving your message."

"Good to hear."

Unwrapping the rice ball, Xaya glanced at the girl beside him. Elaine Aurora, the golden-haired youth, shared a deeply intertwined history with him. They were not only classmates but also childhood friends. Since they had lived together from the age of nine, their connection was profound, even after moving into separate residences at the Academy.

With Xaya occupied by his archaeological pursuits at the Cangting Duchy ruins, Elaine had also taken charge of managing his ventures in the capital.

"This is your favorite orange juice," Elaine said, handing him a bottle.

"Thanks."

After devouring his meal, Xaya sprawled on the bed, exhaling contentedly.

Elaine looked at his relaxed posture and sighed softly. "You just got off the train. At least change out of your travel clothes."

"There's a saying back in my hometown—'Great accomplishments come from ignoring the trivial.'"

"Oh, please. We're both from northern Ceylan, and I've never heard of all these wise sayings you spout," Elaine remarked, shaking her head with a resigned smile.

She took off her woolen boots and perched on the nightstand, her white-stockinged feet swinging idly.

"By the way, the Royal Publishing House sent last month's royalties. The seventh editions of The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers earned us 1,700 Rhein gold coins."

"Pet grooming, cosmetics, and jewelry shops netted us 2,500 Rhein gold coins."

"Additionally, a countess expressed interest in our luxury fashion designs. We sold that line for 6,300 Rhein gold coins, as per your valuation."

"So over 10,000 in total?"

Xaya rubbed his temples, sinking deeper into the plush bed. "But your main pet is nearing an evolution. We can't touch the Military Department merits you've saved."

"After deducting our daily expenses, we're left with 8,000 Rhein gold coins," Elaine calculated.

"8,000… That's barely enough for a Shattered Ember Fragment of Vengeance—the lowest-tier fourth-circle fire material. Not ideal for Amaterasu."

"If money's tight, I can delay my pet's evolution," Elaine suggested, leaning closer to Xaya .

"My Military merits could convert to 30,000 or 40,000 Rhein gold coins—"

She paused mid-sentence, sniffing near Xaya's collar. Her casual tone grew sharp.

"…President Dyris?"

"..."