Chapter 25- The Main Duty of the Student (3)
By using an eye measurement, the circumference of the training ground was 250 meters long. With four laps, there would be a total of 1,000 meters long. Therefore, if Clayo could run a thousand meters in his swordsmanship class, it will undoubtedly improve his physical ability.
After swordsmanship class, he was sitting on the bench, resting and drinking the water that the assistant brought him. However, his crumpled expression, which he had from the start, didn’t soften even he had been leniently treated by his professor.
To sum it up, the score for the practical basic swordsmanship test was 80 points and 20 points for the written test. It would mean that even if Clayo could run 1,000 meters and might get 20 points in writing, he would only get an average of 50 points in the Basics of Swordsmanship.
There are four basic subjects—the basics of swordsmanship, magic foundations, history, and classics. A total of 400 points. Heck, how could I miraculously get a better grade? Jeongjin thought, as he slightly unraveled his knotted curiosity.
During the weekend, he read the textbooks on swordsmanship subject once. And as he summarized it, he was relieved that nothing was unfamiliar with the help of Memory, and if there were, it was entirely comprehensible. However, due to his conviction that he might get the lowest score in practical swordsmanship test, he must cause an effective strategy. At this point, he could have shouted and blamed everything to Baron Asser. But fortunately, the other three subjects were effortless. He could do them well.
I need an effective way to study. He thought as he finally awakened his determination.
***
Far along, he has been looking for the cat for almost an hour.
“Behemoth, my noble cat. Are you here in Mausoleum Art? You are worthy of praise because you are a well-acquainted being compared to our teachers! I think I need your help!” cried the boy who was trying to charm and plead with the gargantuan cat.
Thus, the cat has blurted, “What?! Yes, I’m here, but your words are not enough to sway me, boy! And you’re right, I know better because I have been in the school’s curriculum for a century now. I won’t provide for a free service!”
It was true that the cat has been living for more than a hundred years in the school campus and has known things more than the dean. Behemoth has just pretended to be a snob, but he’s quite helpful. Although the cat has been sulking about his wine since he was chagrined, it didn’t last very long because Clayo clandestinely called a carriage and went to the town quickly.
Down at the biggest liquor market, Clayo met Aser, who was famous for being a wine connoisseur. Aser has asserted Clayo that the 1875 Bishop’s Tower was already vintage and could not be easily found. Instead, he recommended the 1879 Bishop’s Tower at the liquor store, and anon, the boy went for it. But before Clayo could drop by at the liquor store, he inquired first to the bank and verified his account. Unfortunately, his account withdrawal has already been suspended. Fortunately, he had a 1,000 dinars allowance left to be withdrawn. Thus, when he finally bought the wine, about two-thirds of his cash on his hand was gone out for a bottle of alcohol alone. He was murmuring and carrying a bag that contained a bottle of liquor in a gloomy mood.
This life is crazy! A bottle of liquor cost 600 dinars? It can’t be. The more money I saved, the more money I lose.”
***
Behemoth, who was taking a nap, ran around the room as if he had wings when Clayo took out the bottle of liquor.
“Meoheeew!!!”
Clayo quickly opened the cap and poured a third of the content of the bottle into a water bowl. Then immediately, the cat plunged for a drink.
“Oh, it’s fine even that 1875 is not available. 1879 is still good. It feels hot, like a summer. This scent, oooh!” Behemoth was pleased.
Over time, the red wine was beginning to settle in. It was a good drink, albeit expensive. It has a compelling aroma as if the room were filled with blackberries and roses. Clayo was asking for a drink, but he was flatly rejected. Soon, each time Behemoth drank his wine, Clayo filled the bowl and waited. As more wine was consumed, the golden tint around Behemoth’s eyes has deepened. And his fur was sparkling even more.
It is not a drunk cat. Jeongjin thought.
The bottle has finally emptied. And the cat was grabbing the empty bottle with its front paw licking the lid then looking back at Clayo.
“Yes, now I feel like teaching a little, but tell me first, why should you finish your studies?”
Clayo explained what happened between him and his father. He was also stressing out the fact that he could no longer buy alcohol if his account would remain to be frozen. Thus, the cat, which has just savored the taste of alcohol, poped its tail and raised its fur.
“No way!!! That can’t be.” The cat protested.
Clayo continued, “But if I could make it to top 20, I’ll make sure to buy and offer you the Bishop’s Tower of 1875, which you like the most. If only I could get my account back.”
“Ok, let’s do it now. What subject is tomorrow’s class?” Behemoth asked the boy quickly.
“Magic Foundation,” Clayo answered.
Behemoth, who was more motivated than Clayo, sat on the desk.
“A noble cat would surely raise your grades. I am looking forward to it.” Behemoth promised.