Translator: CinderTL
Seeing Freddy's actions, Roland raised an eyebrow slightly.
Is he trying to get revenge for last time?
This wasn't due to any prejudice on Roland's part.
At least on this continent, the reputation of orcs was far from flattering.
They were known for their immense strength, bloodlust, and insatiable thirst for war.
Beyond their formidable physical prowess, orcs possessed another widely recognized "trait."
The polite term was "undeveloped intellect," but in reality, it meant they acted impulsively, without considering the consequences.
Therefore, it was hardly surprising for such a race to resort to extreme measures.
As these thoughts raced through his mind, Roland's body instinctively tensed, though he felt little genuine concern.
Orc Freddy's strength was indeed astonishing—in terms of raw physical power alone, he rivaled many demonic beasts Roland had encountered.
Yet even in their previous clash, Freddy had failed to defeat him. Now that Roland had successfully advanced to become an Apprentice Knight, the outcome was even more certain.
Roland was confident that with his current strength, even without using his breathing technique, his sheer physical power and honed combat skills would be enough to suppress, if not utterly crush, the approaching orc.
Thinking this, Roland's gaze remained fixed on Freddy's shoulder, anticipating the direction of his potential attack.
Yet, when the Red-skinned Orc was only two steps away, he abruptly halted, and then...
Performed an utterly unexpected action.
He suddenly bent over, bowing deeply.
"I am deeply sorry, Mr. Roland..."
His deep, rumbling voice sounded like muffled thunder, but the hesitation and sincerity in it conveyed genuine remorse.
"That day... I couldn't control my emotions... so..."
Freddy struggled to deliver this simple apology, his words stumbling and halting. He repeatedly tried to organize his thoughts, as if unable to find the right words.
In the end, he could only grunt and bow repeatedly, clumsily conveying his regret through his actions.
Satisfied that the orc harbored no ill intent, Roland finally released his grip on the sword hilt at his waist.
Watching Freddy's pendulum-like bowing motions and the clumsy sincerity etched on his ferocious face, Roland couldn't help but chuckle softly.
He stepped forward, firmly grasping Freddy's shoulder, and with a gentle tug, straightened the orc's hunched posture.
"It's alright, Freddy. I know you didn't mean it that day..."
Though his understanding of orcish culture was limited, Roland recalled Freddy's eyes gradually turning bloodshot that day, and a suspicion formed in his mind.
The intense battle likely triggered the Red-skinned Orc's bloodline, causing him to lose control and act rashly.
"You... you truly forgive me?" Freddy asked, his voice still muffled but filled with relief.
Seeing the cautious apprehension in the orc's eyes, Roland couldn't help but smile.
A hulking, ferocious orc wearing the expression of a child who's done wrong, awaiting punishment—it's truly both comical and endearing.
"Of course, Freddy!" Roland laughed heartily, giving the orc's solid chest a friendly, moderate thump.
"Do I look like someone who holds grudges? Besides..."
He winked mischievously.
"You were the one carried into the infirmary that day, not me."
This teasing remark, combined with the slightly rough chest-thumping gesture, didn't anger Freddy at all. Instead, it made him feel an inexplicable sense of closeness.
The Red-skinned Orc grinned, scratching the back of his head with his broad palm and chuckling heartily.
"That's good, Mr. Roland! You're a real good person!"
"Thank you for the compliment."
Hearing this straightforward praise, Roland's lips twitched almost imperceptibly.
To break the slightly awkward silence, he casually asked, "Why are you practicing here alone? If I remember correctly, it should be class time right now, shouldn't it?"
"I..."
Freddy awkwardly rubbed his large hands together, stammering, "I got into a fight with another student in class... Instructor Reggie kicked me out..."
Well, well, a troublemaker after all.
"Mr. Roland..."
Just as Roland was pondering this, the red-skinned orc before him suddenly slumped his shoulders, his usually straight back curving slightly. A dark cloud of worry settled over his ferocious face.
"Do you think... I can really finish my studies and graduate from the Knight Academy?" Freddy asked, his voice heavy with doubt.
Frustrated, Freddy tugged roughly at his coarse, tangled hair. "I can't control my temper... I've already received four warnings this month alone."
"Instructor Reggie said that if I get more than ten warnings in a semester, I'll be kicked out."
Since Hoby hadn't arrived yet and there was nothing urgent to attend to, Roland decided to engage. Freddy's earlier display of simple honesty had convinced Roland that the orc's nature wasn't inherently malicious.
After a moment's thought, Roland spoke slowly, "Freddy, if I'm not mistaken, the root of your inability to control your emotions lies in... the restlessness of your bloodline, isn't that right?"
"Yes," Freddy nodded heavily.
"Mr. Roland, you might not believe this, but sometimes... I hate my own bloodline."
"It grants me strength far beyond that of ordinary people, but it also... makes it impossible for me to live a normal life."
Seeing the pain and struggle etched across the red-skinned orc's face, Roland said softly, "As far as I know, the orcish bloodline carries within it an innate warlike nature and a thirst for slaughter—instincts that cannot be eradicated."
"I recall the Knight Academy's curriculum isn't particularly demanding. Perhaps..."
Roland gently patted Freddy's shoulder.
"You could take on some demonic beast hunting commissions from the Adventurer's Guild during your free time."
"With your strength, dealing with ordinary demonic beasts should be no problem."
"This way, you'll not only apply what you learn in class to real combat, improving your academic performance, but also channel the restlessness of your bloodline. Once that impulse subsides, you'll naturally gain better control over your emotions."
"This... uh..."
The somewhat lengthy advice seemed to momentarily freeze Freddy's already slow-witted mind.
He lowered his head in deep thought for a moment before finally grasping Roland's meaning. Then, he abruptly looked up, his eyes gleaming with an unusual light.
"Mr. Roland, you're truly brilliant! I'll head to the Adventurer's Guild to take on a commission right away!"
With heavy steps, Freddy turned to leave the Knight Academy.
Yet, in an instant, the Red-skinned Orc whirled around and bowed deeply to Roland once more.
"Mr. Roland, thank you for your guidance! If you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to ask! And..."
He opened his mouth, struggling to find something appropriate to say, but in the end, he could only offer another clumsy bow before hurrying away.
"What a simple-minded fellow..."
Watching the orc's retreating figure, Roland chuckled and shook his head.
Just then, light footsteps approached from nearby.
Turning toward the sound, he saw Halfling Hoby skipping toward him.
"Mr. Roland?"
Spotting Roland, Hoby quickened his pace, his face lighting up with a joyful smile.
"What are you doing here?"
Roland reached out and gently ruffled the little fellow's hair before explaining his purpose.
Hoby nodded in agreement almost without hesitation.
The two strolled out of the Knight Academy side by side, chatting casually.
Weaving through the bustling crowds, they soon arrived near the port.
Watching the crew members busily unloading cargo on the docks, Roland glanced around, his gaze sweeping over the smaller vessels moored near the edge of the harbor.
"Hoby, which ship did your brother promise to lend me?"
"Right over there, Mr. Roland!" Hoby pointed excitedly.
Roland followed his gaze.
After studying the ship for a moment, he turned back, his voice tinged with doubt.
"Are you sure... that's the 'small boat' your brother mentioned?"
(End of the Chapter)
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