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Chapter 187 – Brutal Beastman Marshal vs. White Lotus, Black Lotus, Pitiful Plant Prince (14)
However, Mu Jin didn’t care what they thought. If he really doubted his abilities, he wouldn’t have agreed to come here. Mu Jin came to the Imperial Academy because he had considerable talent. He was here to diligently study this world’s knowledge for the sake of his lover.
Even without trying, Mu Jin’s skills would eventually attract attention. He didn’t need to do anything specific to prove his worth to anyone.
In many ways, Mu Jin was very self-assured. Sometimes, 003 felt that the saying, “Unaffected by others’ ridicule, he steadfastly follows his own path,” perfectly described Mu Jin.
True strength doesn’t need validation from others. Truly strong individuals live for themselves, their hearts inherently robust.
Mu Jin had been studying at the Imperial Academy for less than ten days. Even though he was a genius and had divine powers, achieving extraordinary breakthroughs within such a short time wasn’t realistic. Some things still required patience and time.
Thus, his current status at the Imperial Academy was rather low-key. Although his amiable personality earned him friends and the respect of his peers, most saw him as a gentle, somewhat powerless young man.
Despite Mu Jin’s insistence that Cromwell not accompany him, Cromwell couldn’t completely trust leaving him alone. While he initially thought sending Mu Jin to the Imperial Academy was a great decision, the reality of not having Mu Jin by his side during his rare break from the battlefield made him feel quite aggrieved.
So, despite Mu Jin’s reassurances, Cromwell discreetly followed him, wanting to see for himself how his beloved was doing at school.
Seeing his classmates warmly greet Mu Jin, Cromwell realized Wilson was right—Mu Jin had indeed made several friends.
But that female beastman, aren’t you standing a bit too close to my partner? Just because he’s married to me doesn’t mean you can ignore the boundaries between males and females.
And you, the blond beastman on the right, why are you smiling so brightly? Are you trying to catch Mu Jin’s attention?
And that black-haired male beastman, why are you preening in front of my beloved? Did you think I wouldn’t notice you puffing out your chest like a peacock showing off its feathers?
Even though Cromwell hadn’t engaged in such behavior himself, he had seen it enough in the military. His hidden resentment nearly became palpable, targeting every beastman who interacted with Mu Jin.
Particularly, the silver wolf beastman who was just about to greet Mu Jin and pat him on the shoulder. Before he could touch Mu Jin, his arm froze. Instinctively sensing danger, he felt a shiver run down his spine as if a predator was watching him.
He didn’t know why, but he had a premonition that if he reached out, something bad might happen.
So, halfway through extending his hand, he awkwardly retracted it, nervously looking around but seeing nothing that could be considered dangerous. Finally, he scratched his head in confusion and continued chatting and laughing with the group.
Originally, the group’s atmosphere was pleasant, but unexpectedly, Mu Jin ran into Isaiah, who always mocked him. Mu Jin hadn’t planned to meet Isaiah today; it just happened as he was chatting with friends at the gate.
At this moment, Isaiah was feeling quite chaotic. She had just seen Mu Jin and the Beastman Empire’s Marshal Cromwell kissing, which was a heavy blow to her.
Isaiah had heard yesterday that the Marshal had returned after defeating the insect race. Although she knew they were partners, she had never been willing to accept it.
Isaiah always thought that Cromwell, as the Marshal of the Beastman Empire, should see the Plant Empire as enemies. Despite the temporary peace due to the insect threat, their historical rivalry couldn’t be ignored.
Isaiah believed their relationship was just a political marriage. Seeing Cromwell so close to Mu Jin was hard for her to accept. Her admiration for Cromwell also sparked a hidden jealousy.
She thought that Marshal Cromwell fought hard on the battlefield, and as his partner, Mu Jin should be at home, taking care of him. Instead, Mu Jin was at the Imperial Academy, using his gentle demeanor to win over the other beastman.
Isaiah looked down on Mu Jin for this. She walked over with the intention of bumping into him, but he deftly avoided her.
Isaiah stumbled awkwardly, looking especially embarrassed. After regaining her balance, she angrily taunted Mu Jin, “Typical plant person, no sense of responsibility as a partner. The Marshal just returned from the front lines, and here you are, not even taking care of him.”
Cromwell, who had witnessed the scene, was displeased. He hadn’t missed Isaiah’s attempt to bump into Mu Jin and was glad his partner had avoided it gracefully.
Moreover, what right did she have to question Mu Jin? Even though he wished Mu Jin could stay with him at the Marshal’s residence, it was a private matter between them and had nothing to do with her.
As Cromwell considered whether to reveal himself to defend Mu Jin, Mu Jin smiled gently.
Without a hint of anger, he responded to Isaiah, “Do you think the Marshal is a child? Cromwell is a hero who can kill countless insect races and lead the army to absolute victory. How can you imply he’s an incompetent beastman needing his partner’s care? You’re underestimating Cromwell.”
Isaiah was naturally annoyed to hear Mu Jin call Cromwell by his name. She immediately retorted, “What nonsense are you talking about? When did I say the Marshal is incompetent? He’s the hero of the entire Beastman Empire!”
“I just think that as his partner, you’re far too lax. He’s been laboring on the front lines against zerg, and when he returns home, shouldn’t you be by his side?”
Mu Jin, hearing Isaiah’s words, understood her mindset. Isaiah was Cromwell’s biggest fan, and in her eyes, Mu Jin, as her idol’s partner—especially being a weak and useless Plant people—had no place other than at home, fulfilling domestic duties and serving Cromwell.
However, Mu Jin didn’t mind what others thought. He kept a gentle expression and continued, “There are many servants in the Marshal’s residence, and Grandpa Wilson too. They can take excellent care of Cromwell.
“Cromwell wanted me to study at the Imperial Academy to better adapt to the environment, so naturally, I would follow his wishes. After all, Cromwell is very kind and gentle to me, so I want to succeed in my studies to repay him.”
Isaiah frowned at Mu Jin’s words. No matter how much she admired Cromwell, she had never heard anyone describe him as gentle.
Seeing Mu Jin’s happy face only made her more resentful. She couldn’t understand why such an outstanding Marshal would be gentle to a prince from an enemy empire—a Plant people she considered worthless.
Infuriated, Isaiah shouted, “I challenge you!”
Her declaration caused an uproar among the onlookers. A silver wolf beastman, who had a good relationship with Mu Jin, frowned at Isaiah and said, “Isaiah, Mu Jin just arrived at the Imperial Academy. Even though he’s in the same department as you, he’s been here less than ten days. Challenging him now, even if you win, wouldn’t be honorable.”
Isaiah was aware of this. Students in the same department could challenge each other on their specialized subjects, betting on anything as long as both parties agreed.
Challenging a newcomer, even if she won, would ruin her reputation. But Isaiah’s anger blinded her. She glared at Mu Jin, showing no sign of retreat.
Mu Jin remained calm. Though he hadn’t been here long, he knew beastmen valued fairness and had dedicated battle arenas. He had heard about such challenges.
Looking at Isaiah with interest, Mu Jin asked, “What will our bet be?”
Isaiah was momentarily stunned, not having thought about the wager in her rage. Remembering the tender kiss she had witnessed between Cromwell and Mu Jin at the gate made her fume.
Thankfully, she retained some rationality. Although she impulsively wanted to demand Mu Jin and Cromwell separate, she knew Mu Jin was a prince of the Plant Empire.
Their marriage involved diplomatic relations between two nations, not something a commoner like her could disrupt with a couple of words. That would be an affront to the Plant Empire and could lead to serious consequences.
Shifting her focus, Isaiah was still furious that Cromwell favored Mu Jin. She thought it wasteful for the Imperial Academy to allocate resources to someone from an enemy nation.
After a moment’s thought, she coldly said, “If you lose, you must leave the Imperial Academy and stop wasting its resources!”
Mu Jin nodded and smiled at Isaiah, “Agreed. But if I win, I want the red fruit you discovered.”