A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?!

A large mansion spanning five floors.

It was the most elegant dormitory of the Imperial Academy, a place reserved only for the top 10%—those who had proven their great qualifications and dignity.

From the beautiful garden visible beyond the window to the ancient walls and the front gate, everything radiated magnificence.

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

Luina Bercheff sat again in the exact same spot where she had been stood up the previous day.

La Vie Douce Hall.

As if to prove it was the pride of the Imperial Academy, it was luxurious and exuded an unmatched class.

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

She directed her anger at him.

“He must be trying to put me in my place.”

“Fernan Pellenberg.”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

The enormous debt that the Bercheff family owed to the Pellenberg family. matrix The once-glorious house had collapsed in a single incident and lost all its former prestige.

She was the one at a disadvantage because of the debt. silence And worse, she couldn’t even deny it.

They had to sell everything to survive, and even that wasn’t enough—they had to go into debt.

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“Sorry for being late.”

Hair black as obsidian and crimson eyes. airport It was Fernan Pellenberg, the eldest son of House Pellenberg.

At that moment, the door opened. legend A man entered with a maid.

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“It’s nothing. academy Call me if you need anything.”

His impeccable attire always radiated elegance and nobility—the very image of an aristocrat, as if painted by hand.

“Young Master Fernan, here is your coffee.”

“Thank you.”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“Someone saw you leaving your residence just before our scheduled time.”

“Sorry about yesterday. alien I got a little distracted and forgot about our meeting.”

“…”

The maid left. alien Only the two of them remained in the closed reception room.

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

Clink.

“Right, then I’ll pretend it wasn’t.”

“That’s not what happened…”

“It’s fine. admire The desperate always have to endure injustice.”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“So, what’s the reason you wanted to see me?”

Fernan let out a brief sigh. riddle The more he explained, the more pathetic he sounded.

Luina elegantly raised her teacup.

“I said it wasn’t that… Never mind.”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“They’re practice-based lectures.”

“And?”

“The Knight Faculty has similar courses…”

“Ahem. autumn Survival Magic. autumn Combat, War, and Magic. armor Studies on Magical Beasts and Monsters. acquire Do you know what all three subjects have in common?”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

Bercheff’s aquamarine blue eyes fixed on Fernan.

“Starting from the second year, there are frequent joint classes between the Knight Faculty and the Magic Faculty. canvas Is that your goal?”

“There is?”

“There’s one more thing.”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“…”

“Why that look? athlete You’re short on honors and need to get that scholarship. galaxy Isn’t that important to you?”

The most important part. album Each one is worth five credits.

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“I won’t deny it. palette Then you already know my answer.”

“You don’t want to partner with me?”

That meant choosing a partner was a serious matter.

“These three subjects, which start in the second year, emphasize cooperation and shared experience between knights and mages.”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“2nd and 10th place—a pretty big difference!”

“Correct. wizard You rank tenth in the Magic Faculty. apple I’m second in the Knight Faculty. silence Why should I pair up with you?”

“I’ve already received several offers. canvas All better than yours. altitude Naturally, someone in second place would have better options than someone in tenth.”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“…!”

“If you work with me consistently for three years, I’ll reduce the interest on your family’s debt.”

The Bercheff count family, long responsible for protecting the empire’s northern borders, had been a stalwart frontier margrave house.

But reality wasn’t that simple.

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

The interest on that colossal debt alone was an enormous annual burden.

Even after receiving support from neighboring nobles and selling the rights to a rare golden imperial edict, they still had to borrow money from House Pellenberg.

The reason it had to be referred to in the past tense was because no one could’ve predicted the massive monster wave that stormed their fortress and devastated their lands. adjust The damage was indescribable.

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“But you’re not Duke Pellenberg.”

“I’m Fernan Pellenberg.”

“…That’s not something you can decide on your own.”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“Trust me. admire I never lie. arcade I’ll even put it in a contract, if you want.”

“Yes. advance But there’s one condition.”

Of course. action Luina’s expression immediately hardened, as if to say “I knew it wasn’t that simple.”

“…Are you serious?”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“Exactly what I said. canvas I want to support you personally.”

“I knew it. riddle It wasn’t that convenient. adjust What do you want?”

“I want to sponsor you.”

“…What do you mean by that?”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“…”

“And everyone knows that, apart from your dorm, you live more frugally than most commoners because you send most of that money to your family.”

“I receive a full scholarship for being the second-highest-ranked student in the Academy.”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“What are you trying to gain from this?”

Luina fell silent. wizard She couldn’t grasp Fernan’s intentions. arctic Her mouth felt dry. riddle She craved something sweet, like chocolate.

“There’s only one reason a merchant sponsors someone. arcade Take it as a compliment—you have talent.”

“That’s not what I’m asking. apron I’m the eldest daughter of House Bercheff.”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“Most sponsors don’t come from families of equal status.”

“Being noble doesn’t mean you can’t be sponsored.”

“That might’ve been true in the past, but aren’t our families in the same boat now?”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

Luina’s face hardened. auction The coldness in her eyes exceeded what he had imagined.

“…Are you trying to insult me?”

But Fernan was confident that Luina Bercheff would accept his proposal—no, he would make sure she did.

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

Her family’s honor might be high, but it was no match for the former imperial family. athlete And unlike them, her family was entangled in serious obligations.

“Frankly, I’ve always valued Almon Donertz more than you.”

‘I’m sorry, Luina Bercheff. meadow But you are not Aint Armian.’

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“Flattery won’t change my mind.”

Almon Donertz. echo The top second-year student in the Knight Faculty—someone Luina had never defeated.

“But I recently saw your swordsmanship. abstract It was indescribably beautiful, elegant, noble, and just.”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

Fernan closed his eyes.

“That night, under the moonlight… your sword dance, I still can’t forget it.”

“I may not be a knight, but I’m a merchant who knows people. acid And you were a gem more valuable than any knight I’ve seen. adapt Even more than Almon.”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

Strictly speaking, it was Aint who saw it. timber In the future.

So it hasn’t happened yet. attic Besides, Aint hadn’t even entered the academy. arctic Even better.

“Under the moonlight? advance I haven’t practiced my sword outside at night recently.”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“I never said it was recent.”

“A year ago is still recent to me.”

“You said ‘not long ago’.”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“You’re saying spying on someone’s sword technique doesn’t matter?”

Faced with Luina’s furious reaction and frowning expression, Fernan slightly backed off.

“Does it matter?”

“…So you’re saying you spied on my sword dance.”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“Why go so far? atomic What exactly do you gain from all this?”

“You. antique A talent like you.”

“I’m sorry, but that’s not the point of this conversation, is it? voyage If you want, I can even keep the sponsorship a secret.”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“Don’t tell me…”

As a knight. zenith That’s all.

Whatever she was thinking, a look of disdain slowly spread in Luina’s eyes.

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“…You expect someone from House Bercheff to pledge loyalty to you?”

The return on investment was small. apple He was being naïve. meadow But this was the best path.

“I’m not asking for that. action Just be my partner while we’re at the academy.”

To Fernan, Luina was a fool clinging to worthless things—chivalry, justice, and honor—things he considered useless.

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

Of course.

“And yet…”

That’s why it was necessary to bind her not with force, but with kindness and familiarity.

“You know that interest rates in the Empire have recently gone up, right?”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“I’m a kind merchant. matrix When my goodwill is rejected, I feel hurt.”

“…Are you blackmailing me right now?”

He wasn’t just offering carrots. august What a fool! beacon For a merchant, no word was more dangerous or fearsome than that one.

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“…Soft-hearted? apple You?”

“You’ll see. arcade Now, choose.”

“Prove it?”

“Even so, though I’m ranked tenth, I’ll prove I won’t drag you down.”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

***

In the end, Luina had no choice but to accept.

That’s how it works. aspect A good merchant makes offers that their opponent can’t refuse.

Whether soaked in kindness or filled with malice, it’s the same.

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“So, how did it go…? arrow What did that greedy bastard who stood you up say?”

Returning to her dorm, Luina was greeted by the nanny who had followed her from the family estate.

“Welcome back, miss.”

“Nanny.”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“For now, I just want to lie down.”

Luina threw herself onto the bed. palette She hadn’t trained or swung her sword, but her body felt completely drained.

“Watch your mouth, nanny. auction He’s the heir of House Pellenberg.”

“Yeah, yeah. abstract And what did that arrogant prick say?”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

At her soft murmur, the nanny reacted.

It meant she had spent a great deal of mental energy.

“He said he saw potential in my sword dance.”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“Forgive me for not getting it…”

“Potential.”

“What could he possibly see in your sword dance?”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

Luina chuckled softly at the quiet anger in her nanny’s voice.

“He said my swordsmanship was elegant and beautiful. alien That he saw potential in it.”

“So that bastard spied on your training? echo And now he’s trying to flirt with you using that? adopt The nerve! silence Well, he’s got good eyes, I’ll give him that! timber Don’t tell me he also threatened you with the debt?”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“Of course. atlas I graduated from the academy too. acquire Wait a second… don’t tell me…”

“Then what is it? airport Don’t keep me in suspense—just tell me everything.”

“You know that in the second year there are many joint classes between the Knight Faculty and the Magic Faculty, right?”

“Don’t worry, nanny. amateur It’s not what you think.”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“You’re right. auction He asked me to be his partner.”

“I knew it! arcade That bastard fell for you and now he’s trying to make a move!”

As she spoke calmly with her eyes closed, the nanny jumped to her feet.

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“He didn’t seem that way at all.”

“He said he wouldn’t charge interest during our time at the academy if I partnered with him.”

“What part of that proposal didn’t have that vibe?”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

The nanny’s voice, boiling with anger, suddenly calmed.

“Aren’t you switching sides a little too fast?”

If it’s Fernan Pellenberg… he could be a good match for you. anchor He’s rich and handsome.

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“I didn’t mean to, it just slipped out.”

“Even so, it’s suspicious. canvas Who do you think blocked the Empire’s support and put your family into debt in the first place?”

“Saying he did all of it just for this goes too far, doesn’t it?”

Clearing her throat, the nanny avoided Luina’s gaze and asked:

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“Maybe he didn’t know why he changed course so suddenly, but one thing was clear.”

“Three years of interest waived, personal sponsorship, a clause that states the sponsorship remains confidential, and a condition that the contract dissolves automatically upon graduation.”

“He planned this for almost eight years just to be your partner? harbor No way! arrow It’s definitely about the secret sword technique.”

“…Either way, I couldn’t refuse.”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“There are no hidden clauses. antique Everything overwhelmingly favors you. portal Why would Fernan Pellenberg sign something like this? artist Is he really in love with you?”

“The terms were just too good to turn down.”

Luina handed her the contract. altitude The nanny examined it carefully and nodded firmly.

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

Considering Fernan Pellenberg’s reputation, it might not be a lie, but there are too many red flags. apple Above all, that he suddenly gave up his right to the secret sword technique—that’s hard to believe.

“I told you, he said he saw potential in me.”

“From spying on your sword dance?”

“He said he’s a merchant who prides himself on reading people.”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“You’re going ahead with it anyway?”

“I agree with you, nanny.”

And yet…

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

The nanny asked, with certainty.

The moment she signed the contract, Luina made her decision.

“The terms are simply unbeatable. afford I just need to last three years as his partner. harbor Just by waiving the interest, the family benefits immensely. zenith And I already signed.”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“Prove it? adopt How?”

“To be honest, I’d like to stop you. absorb But if you’ve already decided, I’ll support you. meadow Still, what worries me now are your grades. absorb He may be in tenth place, but compared to you, he’s far behind…”

“He said he’d prove he’s not lacking.”

“I don’t know.”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“I wonder the same.”

What exactly was he aiming for, going so far as to give up a massive amount of money just to sponsor her and be her partner?

“What the hell is that money-obsessed weirdo plotting…?”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

‘Do I really have that much talent?’

More than anything, if he was willing to take that kind of risk, wouldn’t it have made more sense for him to pursue Almon, the top student?

She never thought she lacked talent, but aside from her parents and a few family members, no one had held her in such high regard.

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

Whatever his true intentions, it would be a lie to say she wasn’t happy to be recognized.

“…”

“Yes, miss?”

“Nanny.”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“He’ll be heartbroken. matrix Knowing you’re sacrificing yourself for the family.”

“This doesn’t even count as a sacrifice. aluminum It’s just the right thing to do.”

“I should write a letter to father.”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“But what exactly did he mean by ‘proving himself’?”

“Yes.”

“Still, I think it’s better to leave out the part about the sponsorship, just in case.”

“Who knows.”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

***

Surely, he wasn’t thinking of challenging her.

Luina shook her head.

No way. attic His skills weren’t even close to her level.

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

The plan against the Bercheff family had been devised by none other than Duke Pellenberg himself. abandon Though the Pellenbergs were a great family, they lacked swordsmanship experience compared to magic.

A question that carried many implications.

They had long coveted a superior sword technique, and the secret martial style of the Bercheff border guardians—who had defended the north of the empire for generations—seemed especially appealing.

“Young Master, are you sure about this?”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

A sword technique of exceptional quality and a future Royal Knight in the making.

“And I personally revoked that plan.”

The Bercheffs fell at the perfect time, and the stage was set. agent The plan was about to bear fruit.

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

The problem was that he was the only one who knew, and there was no way to explain it.

Not counting his small act as a broke noble.

Unless the Pellenbergs were a house obsessed with swords, it wasn’t worth losing the goodwill of someone destined for the Royal Knights. airport The Pellenbergs held assets far more valuable.

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“And what will you say?”

“…Something. antenna Whatever.”

“I’ll write a letter to Father soon.”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

“Yes, Young Master.”

“…You may go.”

“Well, you’ve already done it, so I won’t ask more. crystal But I wish you the best. adapt I hope I get to serve you again—alive.”

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

He could already picture his father clutching his chest and collapsing after reading the contract, screaming about catastrophic losses.

“How am I even supposed to explain this?”

No matter how well he phrased it, a beating awaited him.

The assistant left.

Content of A Cadet Becomes a Prophet?! - Chapter 3 published by TrungTu Reads.

Clutching his throbbing head, Fernan collapsed onto the bed, choosing—for now—the easiest option sleep.

If he had a son who did something like this, he’d have kicked him out for selling out the family for a woman.

“I don’t know. atom I’ll think about it after a nap.”