DAMIAN(1)
Philarch was a city-state with a population of less than 300,000 people. Rather than the country itself being famous, Ixium, the comprehensive Academy that operated within Philarch, was more famous.
The amount of people living in Ixium had grown to over 70,000, including the professors and staff affiliated with Ixium, and once the employed manpower was included, there were nearly 150,000 people living mainly in Ixium. The Academy, Ixium, was a national project of the city-state of Philarch.
People flocked to Ixium to build the best connections and get the best education. They paid the expensive tuition and spent a considerable amount on living expenses. A part of the money went into investing in the Academy’s faculty and facilities. As the quality of Ixium was constantly being improved in order to avoid losing their position as the best academy, a virtuous cycle repeated in which more students flocked to the school.
Chris, a 15-year-old this year, enrolled into Ixium to complete a six-year mandatory course. The mandatory course curriculum combined 3-4 school year courses of the preparatory grade and 1-4 school year courses of the regular grade.
Ixium’s curriculum was based on a 12-year course with 4 years each, of preliminary grade, preparatory grade, and regular grade, and students were able to split or combine them as they wished, according to their age and standards. Chris had been enrolled for a year now and was a 3rd year student of the preparatory grade.
The learning curve in Ixium was very difficult, but even if your grades were at the bottom, you were given your certificate of graduation. Receiving the costly tuition and dealing with the profits was the Academy’s riddle. In exchange, the certificate for course completion was only given to students with a certain grade(results) or higher. If someone wasn’t familiar with this system, you could publicly claim to them that with only the certificate of graduation, you had completed the academy’s courses magnificently.
Unfortunately for Chris, his father was very familiar with this cheating of the system. When he sent Chris to Ixium, he threatened that if Chris came back with only the graduation certificate, he would strip him and chase him out of the house.
Chris had just finished his 3rd school year and his grades were barely managing. Still, it wasn’t too bad. He was merely happy with the fact that he could go home without having to take additional semester courses.
As Chris was passing by the campus, he turned his gaze to the subject of the students’ stir. A hot topic of discussion in the school was passing by. It was a dark-haired boy, too young to be called a youth and too mature to be called a child.
‘The heavens are unfair.’
Chris thought every time he saw Damian. Damian has a remarkable appearance that stood out among the thousands of boys that infested the Academy. And that wasn’t the only thing. He was an outrageously brilliant guy that had never run for head position in the school.
‘And what’s with that out-of-place fox?’
Chris felt like a bigger and fiercer animal would be more suitable for Damian to carry around. However, the yellow-furred fox that was always following after Damian was tiny. Interestingly enough, the fox looked very haughty for a mere beast. At times, it seemed like it was showing off to people but Chris told himself he was just imagining things.
‘Same as usual, eh.’
Today as well, Damian completely ignored the students’ leering gazes. He didn’t look like he was putting on airs, he just had no interest, whatsoever.
‘…No matter how many times I see it, they look so alike.’
Whenever Chris saw Damian, there was someone that always came to mind. That person was someone famous in Chris’s home country, Xenon. There was almost no one that did not know him.
Chris had made his official social debut at this year’s New Year party. Many nobles made their official debut at the new year party held by the royal family. This was because the party was huge, and many nobles attended the party. Chris’ family was not poor, but Chris’ father did not want to spend money on holding a separate debut party.
It was at this party that Chris first saw the ducal couple; the Duke of Taran and his wife, who were attending. The Duke of Taran’s particular features were quite famous, so Chris was well aware of them, but the person he saw was quite different from what he had imagined.
The rumors surrounding the Duke of Taran painted him as a fearsome, crude, terrifying person, but the appearance of the Duke of Taran dressed in a tailcoat, was a very well-built, refined aristocrat. The impressive sight of the Duke of Taran had continued to float around his head. Which is why when Chris first saw Damian, he was overrun with shock.
Chris wasn’t the type to be privy to rumors but soon after he was enrolled, he heard rumors about Damian. A monstrous genius who was boarding in the dorms. It was said that he had never not gotten first place, and even for a skill like swordsmanship that had to be cultivated, he was proficient enough to compete with the professors for dozens of times. When he saw Damian, Chris realized that there were really geniuses in this world.
‘We are completely different species.’
Maybe because the gap between them was so wide, Chris didn’t even envy him. Rather than envy, he was more curious about the connection between Damian and the Duke of Taran.
‘There’s no way they can look so alike if they didn’t have a blood connection.’
In Ixium, there were many comments going around about Damian’s obscure identity, but no one mentioned the Duke of Taran. At first, Chris wondered why, but now, he knew. They were all being careful with their words.
‘For the Duke of Taran to have such a big son…it’s too young, isn’t it?’
Chris didn’t know Damian’s exact age. Physically, Damian looked like he was the same age as Chris or perhaps even older.
‘I mean, I’ve heard that the Duke of Taran has a daughter, but I’ve never heard of a son.’
If Damian wasn’t the Duke’s son, then a relative maybe? Chris wanted to grab Damian who was walking farther away and ask.
“Can’t you look where you’re going?”
As Chris was turning around, he heard an abrasive voice and turned back again. When he saw the scene occurring a little distance away from him, a frown formed on his brow.
‘With the way these bastards are picking a fight, you have to wonder if he is really related to the Duke of Taran…’
The books Damian were holding had fallen to the floor and two boys stood in front of Damian, blocking him.
‘Those guys again, huh.’
This was a frequent occurrence. Once those two boys saw Damian, they were itching to pick a fight.
‘Ai, the fact that guys like these are from my country is a disgrace.’
Damian’s country of origin, let alone his status, was obscure. His family obviously had enough money to cover for Ixium’s tuition fee, but seeing as he was boarding in the dorms, people guessed that he was probably not from a noble family. When the boys coming after Damian were not penalized or put at a disadvantage, the idea that Damian’s status wasn’t anything much, became more concrete.
Chris didn’t see why Damian’s nobility or lack thereof, was a reason to pick a fight. He also couldn’t understand why there were a lot of people who were secretly unfriendly towards Damian. He accidentally overheard his classmates talking and learnt that there were a lot of people bitter at Damian.
Regardless of the circumstances, Damian had never shrunk or looked intimidated in front of anyone. Apparently to them, such an attitude was arrogant. They didn’t bluntly say ‘arrogant’, but Chris felt that his classmate, who were dancing around their meaning, were really pathetic.
‘It’ll end the same way, today too.’
This frequently occurring scene had never led into a fight. The saying was ‘it takes two to tango.’ Damian didn’t go against them at all. So the bastards picking a fight had no choice but to fume and step back. Chris admired Damian’s choice to ignore them. They weren’t even opponents worth facing.
- Notice – 12/24/2024 - December 24, 2024
- Emilone’s Temptation Labyrinth – Chapter 67 - December 21, 2024
- Forget My Husband, I’ll Go Make Money – Side Story 21 - December 14, 2024
Thank You for chapter!!! Yeaaaaaaah!!!!!
I’m kinda confused about thesr side stories. By what order am I supposed to read them? Do these occur in between the main story?
These side stories are extras, the main story ended in the seventh book. So much so that it even had an epilogue.
It’s good to read in the order they were posted.
Thank you for the chapter!! ❤️
Is Chris count Matin’s son ?
The people picking on him are going to regret this in the future 😂
I think Matin’s son is called Bruno? Also, it was said that his family wasn’t going to send him there, because his newphews will go. Chris is from a different family, I think.
Or maybe he’s Matin’s grandson. Hm.
Not really. He’s just a random new character imo
Bruno’s family won’t send him to the academy, but Hugh will(as a payback for helping Lucia in the “dream”). So, Bruno and Damien will definitely meet.
I hope we’ll see some chapters in Damian’s POV, as well. I wonder if Chris will approach him? If they’ll become friends?
Anyway, Hugo clearly knows what’s been happening, because of the daily reports. And I was suddenly reminded of his saying “do whatever you want, but let me know first if there’s a body” or something along those lines. I wonder if the mild bullying will come to something where Damian is forced to step up. Also, I wonder how old is he right now? Because he said in an earlier chapter he wanted a high position at the student council (?) and Chris now says that Damian never went and done that. Maybe he’s just starting to put his plans into motion? Hmmm…
Thanks for the chapter!^^
I think during this time he was already 11 since Chris said that Hugo already have a daughter
I have always wanted to have a daughter and i have been biased against having a son. But you know, if it was damian, i wish he would be my son. Not because he is spectacular and full of talent but simply because he is a good child with a gallant heart. Thank you for your hard work, as always, Miss Ruby.
I’m happy we’re getting Damian content!
How long is the side story?
12 chapters
OH MY GOD THANK YOU SO MUCH. Hell, I want to see their reactions when Damian finally say he is the next Duke Taran …
Yay more Damian content! I missed this boy. Great to know we get a glimpse of his school life beyond the bare mentions on Hugh’s reports.
Thank you for chapter 😍😍😍
damian my poor bbyyyyyyyyyyyyy 🙁
thanks for the chapter ruby ssi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i rly wanna smack these kids :(( damian my poor bbbyyyyyyy :((((((
also i hope chris and damian will eventually become friends
thanks for the chapter ruby ssi!!
I wonder how much time has passed since last chapter of book 7.. Hope side chapter of Damian will give us more about his perspective, specially about his family and Bruno
Thanks so much for the chapter, much love!
Uhm. Why do I get the feeling of BL in this story? Or am I reading too much into it? I mean, I don’t have anything against BL but. . . It would be such a waste of genes 😂😂 not to mention the complications of having children for being a Taran man. I would love it if Damian will also find a woman like Lucia to be his wife and have children. Aww
Anyway, thanks for the continued update rubymae sama 😍😍😍
Thanks for the new chapter!
Yes! A Damian chapter! I’m so excited to see more about him! I can’t remember if we’ve already heard of Chris, but I’m excited to learn more about his, Damian’s and possibly Bruno’s school life. It sounds like the time line is possibly right before Damian goes to meet Eve, but it could also be right after.
Anyway I’m excited for the next chapter release and thank you Miss Ruby for your hard work and dedication!
What exactly hugh’s words foe damian if he caught in a fight with hia fellow academia…..”if you kill them tell me right away” or sthing…i forgot but i know it’s savage af 😅😅
EU AMEIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh. Thank u for ur beautiful works. I love it since the beginning I read ur translation. Its very lovely and enjoyable..
And very funny with ur comments especially the fake edition. Can’t help myself to laugh haha.
I started liking this story from the manhwa. But couldnt wait any longer and I got laid my eyes into ur pages.
I hope I can read the rest of book 8. I wonder everybody else does it too.
Many gratitude, thanks for sharing this with us ᕕ( ՞ ᗜ ՞ )ᕗ
thank you so much !!!
Hmm it looks like both damian and chris will be getting along? Someday in the future? We still don’t know hahaha. I kinda want to know how damian will grow up and take over the Taran family in this side story.
Anyway, thank you for the chapter!!💞
I know this comment isn’t related to the current chapter. I’m sorry but can anyone please remind me what chapter did hugh cry? It’s really bothering me, I want to read it again because I forgot why he cried. I tried looking for it but I can’t seem to find it. I’m starting to think I dreamt about it. Please help! Thank you so much!!!
Oh nevermind. I finally found it. Sorry for the trouble. For those curious just like me, it’s in Chapter 118 part 1.
Btw thanks for the chapter Ruby!! Your translations are awesome! Sorry its late, I’ve just started reading a few days ago and I haven’t caught up yet.
aww my baby boy damian. i was always curious of his life at the academy. i am so glad we could have a glimpse of it
thanks for the translation!
Ok, Chris is the friend of Damián and yes, we read about him In others chapthers, he is the friend that is travel a round the world, and his brother is the little guy that propose to evi (damion is sister).
Bruno is a little younger (i think) that them.
Bueno Chris es el amigo de Damián y si se hemos leído sobre el en otros capítulos, es el amigo que está viajando por el mundo, su hermano es el pequeño que se le declara ala hermana de Damián, me parece que bruno es más pequeño que ellos dos, por qué en la fiesta donde Damián es presentado a sociedad el no estaba, era Chris y Damián los que reciben un título incluso lucia y su esposo conocen a sus padres
Damian~😍😍😍
Gods… These side stories just saved my broken heart T.T
I loved the story so much that I can’t put it into words.
Thank you for the great work you’ve done till now, the translations are very enjoyable to read, very well done.
He swore that Damian would give just one look and the troublemakers would back off, but Damian doesn’t think they’re worthy of attention, let alone one look. XD
I want to see Eve, you miss her already.
Thanks for the hard work! 💖🦋💖