Chapter 209: Youngest Retiree (4)
Even though I had a lot of little things to take care of, the school year was going by smoothly.
Like always, I needed to maintain the balance between my life in the camp and my life as a student in Silvenia. That was why I was always twice as busy as the others, and it felt as if time passed by twice as fast.
My daily routine was the same as always.
I woke up early in the morning to look around the camp, prepare some food, and chat with the early-bird Lortel.
I woke up quite early in the morning, but Lortel always seemed to be one step ahead of me, as she needed to go to the store early in the morning. She needed to go and review all of the documents for a final check so they could be delivered early in the morning.
After I sat by the campfire and had a cup of tea for a bit, Yennekar would come out wearing her pajamas and tired eyes. She would usually prepare breakfast for the two of us as I finished some of the physical work, such as chopping firewood or repairing tools.
After our short morning, Yennekar and I would head to the education district to take our third year courses. Since we shared many of the same classes, we spent most of our day together. Now that I even participated in Professor Kaleid's Class A courses, our schedules in the magic department were the same.
However, occasionally classes might change once or twice a week. When other schedules were set and interfered with our regular course schedule, we had to go and do our own thing.
Yennekar was a part of the Elementalism Research Society, and I had to attend meetings for the top students. However, when I went off on my own to the Elte Store to purchase some extra tools or materials to work with to raise my skill proficiencies, she puffed out her cheeks as if she was unhappy. At the sight, I didn't feel all that great, either.
After the school day ended, there was still a lot of work left for me to do back at the camp.
If the camp was left alone for even a day or two, there were several things that would need to be replaced. Since most of the maintenance required a delicate level of Handicraft, I tended to do it myself.
When it came to checking the fishing nets, the traps scattered around the forest, and organizing our food stock, I took care of it. Yennekar handled preparing dinner, laundry, cleaning the camp, and making sure the campfire didn't go out.
Lortel usually didn't return until late to do some paperwork in her villa, but the three of us often ate together. Whenever that happened, the atmosphere wasn't great.
At night, I took care of my homework, studied by myself, or trained. Lortel took care of her paperwork in her villa and Yennekar used her spiritual resonance on the Guardian Tree of Merilda, read a book, or did her homework as well.
Only when the moon was high in the sky did everyone go to sleep. I usually went to bed rather late.
Sitting alone in the middle of night gave me time to organize my thoughts while looking at the campfire.
Hearing the sound of insects or the rustling of leaves in the wind, I could organize my plans for the next day and the far future quietly before going back to sleep in my cabin.
Repeating that schedule… It went on for about a month. I looked at it as a month that had passed by smoothly, without any incidents. Perhaps those days, where there were no major incidents, were the most precious ones.
Of course, just because there were no major incidents didn't mean that there weren't any small ones or changes.
However, even after that long month… There were only three things that especially stood out.
"…The opinion is interesting, but the reasoning is lackluster. They're just presenting a lackluster claim without any proof or logic behind their reasoning… Anyone could make such a rudimentary argument…"
[Even just presenting an opinion itself can be meaningful. Look, look, this person is simply saying that the path and trend of the circulation of money should not be determined solely by the amount of money within the market. In truth, there is more invisible money than money we actually see. That's a pretty interesting point. If you look more into it, then something interesting might come about.]
The first was Lucy spending more time hanging out with Merilda.
Merilda was still the same spirit, always gathering books in a corner of the camp, reading them while humming.
However, as she couldn't flip the pages of the books in the form of a wolf, she usually turned herself into a small girl with white, tied-back hair, smiling in the corner of the camp while reading her books.
Lucy was often found next to Merilda, reading the book with her and acting as if she was trying to increase the amount of knowledge she had.
Merilda was happy that she had another reading companion. So, whenever she had time, she introduced various topics and exchanged stories with Lucy.
I occasionally listened to them from the side, but since the topics they talked about were so difficult, I didn't bother to intervene.
Well, Lucy still spent most of her day taking a nap. Whenever she could, she would come and find me, sit on my lap or a nearby tree stump, and wiggle her toes.
Human nature was not something that was easily changed.
However, it seemed that she had changed after the monastery… It seemed that rather than just physical force, she was now trying to gain more fundamental knowledge as well.
When I saw her sitting alone in a tall tree, watching the setting sun alone, I could tell that she must have had a change of heart.
The second was Tanya.
"Hello, brother. I'll be borrowing your closet."
Occasionally, Tanya would run away to my closet, hiding inside while holding her knees up to her chest. She would then explain that she had run away from her office because she was overwhelmed by the work in the student council.
She couldn't hide in her own closet because she would be found easily. Also, she couldn't hide in a closet belonging to someone she didn't know or trust. That was why it seemed like she was always coming to hide in mine. I couldn't help but pity her.
Still, I opened my closet several times a day. After constantly being caught inside, she started to change where she hid. I found her under my bed, a table in the workshop on the second floor, in a corner of the wooden storage, etc… I usually found her in a dark and isolated place.
I told her if she was going to keep running away, she should just sit by the campfire. However, her answer was rather special.
"If I do that, I'll be caught and dragged back… Anyway, I'm comfortable here. Like… I can organize my thoughts better here?"
"..."
"I told you. Being in a dark and calm space… Your heart… How should I say it…? It feels like a burden is lifted….!"
My one and only little sister was slowly falling into darkness. Was that okay?
Well, she was only briefly running away, so it wasn't anything to really worry about. Usually, before the sun even set, Ziggs would come by and take Tanya away. It pretty much looked like a kidnapping.
Seeing her calm expression when Ziggs dragged her back, it seemed that she really did just need to cool her head off for a bit.
Ziggs seemed to realize that too, as he continuously came by and dragged Tanya away without any complaints.
The student council… was rather rambunctious. It was a strange realization to have.
And the third one was a visit by an unexpected person.
"For the past few weeks, I've been locked into the library looking for information about the Holy Blue Dragon Velbrok and the Great Sage Silvenia."
She arrived late at night.
Yennekar had already gone to bed, and I was alone, sitting by the campfire.
The name of the girl who suddenly appeared was… Ayla Triss.
She was a character that constantly appeared in
Later in the story, thanks to their academic knowledge and background, she was able to be a major influence in Velbrok's subjugation. She ended up taking on the will of the Great Sage Silvenia better than anyone else, becoming a girl who would be remembered in history forever.
"Ed."
It was the first time we'd met since the incident at the Elte Store. As soon as things settled, I had gone off to Cledric Monastery for some time, so I didn't have the chance to see her.
Ayla sat across the campfire from me, her hair reflecting the reddish light of the fire.
After looking down at the campfire for a moment, she then asked, "Shall… We talk?"
The conversation I had with Ayla Triss that night was… perhaps the most shocking event that took place over that entire peaceful month.
In the ending cutscene, she was recognized by the school as a great sage who had succeeded in maintaining Silvenia's seal.
The Great Sage Ayla Triss. I already know that she would receive such a title in the world of academics and make a name for herself one day.
I knew that she wasn't someone you could look down on in terms of academics, but… What she told me was shocking, to the point that you would think she was joking.
As the campfire swayed in the night wind, our shadows continued to shake.
* * *
Bang!
The school had begun to earnestly prepare for the Grand Crestle Festival that would take place in a month.
Named after the most famous prime minister in the empire's history, this festival was one of the oldest traditions in the empire. In fact, it was a festival that had been going on since Kroel the First. It was a grand event that had its place in history.
Emperor Kroel would tour the various infrastructures of the empire to observe the various events prepared by each estate or facility and encourage them. As it was a joyous occasion, everywhere started to become noisy.
"This year's Grand Crestle Festival has a completely different meaning from the one four years ago. Because this time, it is taking place during a battle for the emperor's throne. Emperor Kroel himself will be personally coming to inspect each estate and various facilities."
It was a complete coincidence that I, a member of the Magic Department, even came to the training grounds of the Combat Department.
After a relatively normal day, I simply decided to take a different route back to the camp than normal.
My usual route was to walk across the education district, enter the northern road, and follow the path that led straight to the North Forest.
However, that day I had to stop by Trix Hall to renew my scholarship. That was why I took a different route back.
Looking around the road I was walking down, I saw the private outdoor training grounds for the Combat Department's Class A students.
"Since I am participating in a duel under such important circumstances, I have no intention of going easy on you."
The fourth year's combat department's top student, Daike Elpelan.
His hair was cut so short it made him look nearly bald.
However, just looking at his well-built, muscular torso and large frame that reminded one of a beast, he was extremely intimidating. The copper-colored skin tone looked like steel compared to the weak flesh of a regular person.
Daike, who constantly trained at the private training grounds every day, had long since transcended the realm of a human being.
The bandages wrapped around his hand were already torn. Seeing torn pieces of bandages spread all across the training ground, I was sure that he had already changed them over and over again.
The scarecrows used as sandbags were also completely destroyed, rolling around on the floor. Their destroyed forms were scattered across the floor.
They were made extremely durable by adding several layers of protective magic on them to negate the student's attacks. It wasn't something that should have been so easy to rip apart, like a doll made from cloth.
The air vibrated with a single blow of his fist at full strength, and the ground shook with a single kick as he shouted.
Even the other students of the combat department, who had also trained quite a bit, trembled when facing the fourth year top student Daike Elpelan.
It felt like I was going to duel against a giant beast rather than a human. Only those who had seen him fight could fully understand.
"I've heard a lot about how incredible you are. I also saw it with my own two eyes during your final exam last time. You're someone who has risen to the top through blood, sweat, and tears, and a burning willpower. I sincerely salute your steadfast spirit and determined will."
The meeting was a complete coincidence.
I was simply walking from Trix Hall when I ran into Daike, who was clenching his fists while training in the private training grounds of the Combat Department.
However, Daike Elpelan greeted me as if we had promised to meet beforehand.
He was shirtless and his body was covered in sweat.
Standing still and with his arms crossed, Daike Elpelan lowered her head and spoke.
"I have my own circumstances, and I'm sure you do, too. So, when we come face-to-face in a duel, let's not insult each other and fight with everything we've got. A duel is a noble act."
"Of course, Daike."
The top student among the fourth years, who were soon to graduate. He was widely recognized for his ability.
Not only that, he was well respected among all of the fourth years.
Trayciana Bloomriver, the top student of the magic department who could use advanced magic, and Dorothy Whitefeld, the top student of the Alchemy Department who was the first to create a 'Cutting Reagent'… Even they faltered in the face of Daike Elpelan. That was just how famous he was.
As we stood still, facing each other in the corner of the training grounds, Daike Elpelan lowered his shoulder and burst into laughter.
"Haha! There's no need to be so serious. Since you're Student Council President Tanya's older brother, I thought it would be rude not to say hi. Sorry for suddenly talking to you, Ed Rothstaylor. Well, there's nothing wrong with being polite and greeting each other, right?"
"Of course. I am rather grateful to you. I've heard that my younger sister is quite indebted to you in the student council."
"I don't know about that. Since I'm just a regular member of the student council, I'm actually indebted to your sister much more. I am well aware of how much she contributes as the student council president. And even though she is always complaining, talking about how she's going to die of overworking, she still manages to finish all of her work. As a member of the student council working under her, I am grateful for everything she does."
Daike Elpelan, a senior executive member of the Student Council.
Someone who was said to break through stone walls with a single punch and crush human bones with a single kick… But at the end of the day, he was still a student council member under the control of Tanya Rothstaylor.
Even though she always ran away whenever she could, with an expression that looked as if her soul had been ripped out of her, Tanya was still a force to be reckoned with.
"However, it is true that I am somewhat worried about President Tanya."
"Is that so?"
"She was already under a lot of stress, but now with the preparations for the festival, the amount of work the student council has is doubled. To be honest, I don't think she will be able to handle the workload alone."
"Isn't there quite a lot of manpower in the student council?"
"Still, there are quite a lot of things that the student council president has to personally review and approve… That means there's no way for us to reduce the number of reports she will need to review. But in my opinion, the fundamental issue is a little different."
I tilted my head as I looked at Daike, asking what he meant by that.
Daike was a member of the student council who was able to see the state of things up close. Since he was slightly older than the other students, he had a rather calm disposition, despite his appearance… It seemed like he had the insight to intuitively recognize the cause of the problem.
"There is no proper administrative staff within the student council. Regardless of the position, none of the students have any real skill or experience. So, most of the time everyone only does the work they are told to do as directed."
Daike continued to talk as he cleaned up the scarecrows he had smashed.
"Even though the student council has a reporting system that follows a chain of command, there is a lack of administrative staff to help guide the students through their tasks. This has been a major problem for the student council since it was first created."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah. After all, due to the nature of the student council, unless you are a student you cannot join. That means that the student council is unable to gather real administrative staff with the right qualifications. I try to do my best, but it's difficult to maintain a unified reporting system when students who lack the basic qualifications are put into administrative seats."
Well, it couldn't be helped. You couldn't expect too much from a student, after all.
After saying that, Daike smiled bitterly.
"All of the work that has piled up on her desk is ultimately the result of a disorganized structure. If we had a stronger administrative committee that was properly structured, the burden would be greatly reduced. Ziggs is also trying his best, but there's a limit to how much he can do."
"Aren't there some sons and daughters of high-ranking government officials at Silvenia? Have you ever tried asking them?"
"Do you know how precious the students who are capable of such management work are? Ultimately, the professors take them all for themselves. They wouldn't ever let the student council recruit them."
Those who had learned to handle management from their families were under tight control. The professors would never give them up so they could join the student council.
That had always been a problem for the student council, as they recruited members rather late.
"Hmm…"
As I suddenly scratched my chin in thought, Daike looked at me as if I were amusing, asking, "Why? Are you willing to introduce us to a decent person?"
"There are a few that come to mind, but…"
"Forget about it. The student council has already tried approaching everyone we could."
"Hmm…"
I continued to think about it for a while longer.
It didn't take all that long before I took action.
* * *
"Hey, what is all this… Ed…?"
A renowned student assistant in Cleoh's laboratory.
Because of her light gray hair and pristine appearance, students often mistook her for a noble… But in truth, she was just a commoner.
Since she couldn't pay her tuition, she was working as a scholarship student. Living a miserable life eating the skin of vegetables, unable to afford any decent meals… In any case, she was someone who took good care of her appearance and acted with a level of class.
"It's as you see…"
"These are all… reports…?"
Tanya, who was sitting in the meeting room with a sullen expression on her face, and Ziggs, who was wiping his longsword in the corner of the office.
Anise Haylan stared at a mountain of reports in front of her… she was at a loss for words with her mouth wide open.
"Anise. When I was first forming the cabinet, I asked you countless times, but you kept on refusing. I never imagined you would come to Obel Hall like this."
"Th-That's not it… President Tanya… I… actually… I'm here to properly refuse your offer one more time…"
I had just brought Anise over to Dex Hall.
She was calculating her living expenses while chewing on grass in the student cafeteria… When I suddenly grabbed her arm and dragged her along, saying that I had a request. She only blushed, looking rather flustered.
The student council had already tried to recruit her several times, but she couldn't give up on being a scholarship student.
It seemed as if they only exchanged thoughts in writing, so I thought if I personally brought her over to talk, she might change her mind.
I knew it better than anyone, because I'd been working alongside her as a scholarship student for a long time.
Anise Haylan… was weak to peer pressure! So, maybe, if we tried to push her one last time…!
"By the way, why didn't you… categorize the reports…? President."
"What…?"
"What I'm trying to say is that… Rather than having a system where everything is delivered to you in a large pile, wouldn't it be more efficient to categorize each report and set them aside to be processed on certain days of the week? For example, customs can be on Monday, protocols can be on Tuesday, student welfare on Wednesday… Something like that…?"
"..."
"That way, it'll be easier for you to look through and process the reports. Knowing what you have to take care of each day will also speed up the process, so wouldn't that be more efficient…?"
"..."
Tanya looked down, trying to avoid her gaze. In fact, it wasn't Tanya's role to figure such things out. She was just the driver of a car, deciding which direction to go, not one of the engineers who put each piece of the car together.
"And… Why is the student council president the only one who has authority to approve these documents?"
"What…? Uhm… Because I have the authority for the final approval regarding all student council affairs…"
"The student council's president's signature is essential for important matters such as budgeting and policy, but… wouldn't it be better to have someone else look through the smaller reports first instead? Everyday matters like the minor purchasing of equipment or the costs of activities…? Otherwise, you won't be able to handle the workload…"
"Huh…"
"It is much better to have someone in the middle categorize all of the documents and process them in groups. It's much more efficient to process similar items on the same day rather than throughout the week. That way, you will be able to take care of any other urgent matters that appear."
Even after just looking at a few papers in that large pile, Anise was able to quickly figure things out.
Since everything she said was the harsh truth, Tanya could only swallow her breath and sit quietly.
Leading an organization and managing its system were two completely different things.
"Oh my… Why did I…? Suddenly say all of that… This stupid habit of mine…"
"Anise. Where have you been all this time?! Why are you only coming here now?!"
Tanya clasped Anise's hands as tears welled up in her eyes.
Seeing the dignified and well respected student council president act like that, Anise broke into a cold sweat, completely bewildered.
"N-No. President Tanya. I am a scholarship student…"
"I will send a letter of recommendation to the Glockt Scholarship Foundation under my name as the student council president!"
"Still, considering my daily expenses, I think it'll be better if I stay as a scholarship student…"
"I will personally use money from House Rothstaylor to support your living expenses!"
"You can't use your own private funds for something like this…!"
Anise was correct. However, Tanya didn't care. She quickly picked up a quill and scribbled on a piece of paper.
"How about… this much?"
"..."
"..."
Anise suddenly looked at me as she whispered, "This… This isn't an amount I can refuse…! What is going on, Ed?!"
"Are you unhappy that you were offered a job?"
"N-No… But…"
The number Tanya wrote down was extraordinary. Anise was looking at that large, large number with mixed feelings.
* * *
The next morning, Tanya's face was shining as she stood on the podium of the student council.
She looked much happier than before. She whistled brightly, as if everything was perfect. The sun was out, the flowers were in bloom, and the world was perfect.
What happened to Student Council President Tanya? She no longer looked like a corpse.
Did she start dating?
The female students started to spread such rumors, but…
The truth was… A bit more realistic.
* * *
Handing his overcoat to a maid of Ophelis Hall, Daike Elpelan entered his private room before sitting down.
As Ophelis Hall was a grand and luxurious dormitory, his room was large and well decorated.
Antique furniture was spread around, and landscape paintings hung on the walls. He walked past them as he sat down at the table, letting out a long, deep sigh.
In his dark, private room, he let out a heavy sigh. The day's training was intense, but he couldn't lazily stay like that.
He suddenly raised his head.
On the wall was a portrait of Princess Selah. It was sent from his home, House Elpelan, and he was forced to hang it in his room.
The student council, the imperial household, and his house.
In the midst of a tangled conflict of beliefs, there was only one thing that Daike Elpelan was interested in. Endless training.
However, he couldn't live like a fool who knew nothing but training forever.
Daike leaned back in his chair as he looked up at the ceiling.
The current fourth year class at the Silvenia Academy had a reputation for being the worst generation ever.
As the other years were full of geniuses and talents, the majority evaluation of Daike's generation was 'hard-working duds.'
A bunch of hard-working duds.
Remembering how people thought of them, which was partially a bit of praise and partially an insult, he couldn't stop laughing.
Because it wasn't wrong.
He was only somehow able to make it as far as he had by grinding his teeth and training harder than anyone else.
All of the fourth years knew just how hard and painful his efforts were. That was why everyone had great respect for Daike Elpelan.
At some point, people started to call Daike 'the King of Duds' as he rose to the top out of pure training and dedication, rather than innate talent.
Even though they said 'King', it wasn't all that great. Yet, Daike didn't act upset in the slightest.
As if sitting on a throne, he leaned back on a wooden chair in the corner of his room, staring blankly at the ceiling.
Princess Selah was coming.
The noble princess that House Elpelan served…
Selah Einer Kroel was coming to Silvenia.
-x-X-x-
"If you want to return to Ophelis Hall, you can come back," Bell Maya told Yennekar as she headed back to the camp after her Elemental Studies class.
She briefly stopped at the commercial district to shop for a bit, humming while holding bundles of paper bags in her arms. Heading back to the camp, she ran into Bell, who was cleaning the pathway that led to the entrance of Ophelis Hall.
When Yennekar Palerover first entered Silvenia and couldn't get rid of her countryside mannerisms, running into trouble over the most trivial of matters, senior maid Bell Maya was the one who helped her the most.
Not only that, Bell often visited the camp to take care of Lortel's Villa. Naturally, the two of them were close, and it was only natural to greet each other warmly whenever they met.
"What?! That's alright, I'm fine… But in the first place, I thought I wasn't allowed to enter Ophelis Hall because of the disciplinary action?!"
"Disciplinary procedures from the School's Disciplinary Committee usually expire within one year. In your case, it happened last year in the spring, but it's already the middle of autumn this year."
From the start, the pathway that led to Ophelis Hall was already clean. Yennekar honestly couldn't tell what else needed to be cleaned, but nevertheless, Bell continued to give instructions to the other maids.
It clearly showed Bell's personality as someone who thoroughly managed even the smallest of details.
"With a new disciplinary committee being introduced, the school tends to look past renewing any of the previous disciplinary actions. Usually after one year, everything tends to be forgotten."
"Is that so…?"
"And honestly, the fact that Lady Tanya is the current student council president also has a large influence. However, you're not someone who deserves to be punished to such an extent anyway, Lady Yennekar… Though, I don't think what happened last year bothers you too much anymore."
Any decision the disciplinary committee came to ultimately fell on the school and the student council.
The two of them had slightly different levels of authority in that regard, but they were both capable of renewing her discipline or looking past it.
It was quite a relief that Tanya Rothstaylor wasn't aggressively pushing disciplinary action against Yennekar.
"Not only that, but all of the students see you in a much more favorable light than before… So, if you were to return to Ophelis Hall, there wouldn't be any major problems."
Among the students, Yennekar Palerover was still incredibly popular.
After all, during the Glasskan incident, Yennekar was consumed by the power of a high-ranking dark spirit. It was safe to say that she was not properly harboring malicious intent… And considering the amount of petitions and sympathy the students had for her since then, there would surely be no issues if her disciplinary action was cut short.
"From the second semester of last year, you were kicked out of the dormitory. So, after the second semester finishes this year, you will be eligible to re-enter Ophelis Hall after break."
"I see…
"Actually, even though I'm saying this, you don't have any plans to come back, right?"
Bell Maya really was sharp.
Rumors of Yennekar Palerover living in the wild were already circulated within the school.
Even though Yennekar had only told a few people that were close to her, the fact that all of the other students were interested was rather strange.
Since she was living in the wild with Ed Rothstaylor… Some of the students thought that the two of them would be together forever.
And… It was embarrassing, but…
That misunderstanding… Yennekar didn't hate it…!
"You seem to be rather satisfied living in the camp, so I figured bringing this up would be a waste of time… Still, I thought it would be a good idea to at least mention it to you."
"I see…"
"As you know, Ophelis Hall is always full of applications. So, if there was an opportunity for you to return, it was only right that you were aware of it."
"Y-Yeah… Thank you. There are definitely a lot of students who want to go to Ophelis Hall… And I know it's not right for me to say I don't want to go…"
Yennekar Palerover really had no desire to return to Ophelis Hall.
"You prefer living with Young Master Ed, right? Then, should I remove your name from the list of Ophelis Hall applicants? I know those rumors about you and Ed being together forever are nonsense, but you don't seem to really hate them, either…"
"Wh-What?! What are you saying?! Those rumors would make Ed uncomfortable! And I'm completely exhausted after going around telling everyone I meet that it isn't true!"
"Is that so? It was my misunderstanding, I apologize."
"Okay. Wait. No. You don't need to apologize, Bell…!"
Even though Bell apologized respectfully, it didn't feel like she was sincere about it at all.
Bell Maya could clearly see Yennekar Palerover's feelings. Even though she was acting embarrassed about it herself… from Bell's point of view, it was obvious what she was thinking.
To be able to act shy and embarrassed about something like that, it was a privilege that was given to girls her age.
She needed to enjoy it as much as she could for now… Once you realized the world was burning and people's hearts turned cold, you could never taste that thrill again.
Bell Maya, who had such an opinion, could never find a romantic partner or experience her youth due to the hardships of her life. Missing the timing, she would never be able to get those experiences.
Seeing Bell having mixed feelings… Yennekar fiddled with one of her braids.
"Anyway, a more festive atmosphere is starting to take place within the school. Ophelis Hall will also be holding a small banquet, tea parties in the garden, and a large bonfire at night with singing and dancing. Even though you are not a resident of Ophelis Hall, you can still participate. Please come and visit during the festival with Young Master Ed if you have time."
"Yeah. Okay! Thank you!"
Saying that, Yennekar held the paper bags in her arms tightly.
Bell then said, in a bright tone, "These days, it seems as if you've been able to rid yourself of all your worries. And your expression looks much better. I'm happy for you, Yennekar."
Bell spoke to Yennekar right before she ran off… And Yennekar could only shyly nod her head in return.
* * *
Walking down the education district at sunset relaxed one's heart.
After the students finished another hectic day of schedules, they all walked down the education district to the commercial district, chatting amongst themselves. It was a warm sight to see from afar.
With the reddish glow of the sunset, a sense of peace filled the school. It was as if the school had become an entirely separate world that had nothing to do with the turbulent battle for power happening outside.
Regardless of the era, Silvenia Academy had always been like that.
A land of learning, where students always came first.
Of course, being a student did not mean that there were no worries. Students worried about grades, career paths, and all the homework they had to take care of.
Yennekar Palerover used to be the same, but recently she had been able to overcome all of the worries that had been bothering her for a while.
She no longer had to worry about grades, as she was no longer the top student. Though, she was still a student with high grades.
And she had never seriously thought about her career path. To be honest, she could do whatever she wanted. There were no issues going back home and taking over the farm, either. Though, the professors would definitely cry, thinking it was a shameful waste of her talent.
The expectations and pressures that fell on Yennekar's shoulders had also eased considerably after the position as top student moved over to Ed Rothstaylor.
Because of that, it felt as if she had a bit more freedom.
So, what was her daily routine like?
Since she lived with Ed Rothstaylor anyway, both the start and end of her day was with him.
She couldn't help but mention Ed Rothstaylor, and if she had to pick one reason why she was happy with her life, she couldn't help but say the name of that boy.
Having ridiculous thoughts that no one was listening to, Yennekar walked down the sunset as she gently fiddled with her fingertips.
A life without worries was what everyone dreamed of.
Since Yennekar felt as if she was doing that every day, she couldn't help but be overwhelmed with happiness.
"Oh my, more than half of this semester has already passed…
"No way… I have to start preparing for my graduation next year… But I've been so lazy…"
"I'm also worried about failing my classes. Now that I'm a third year, the difficulty of the classes really did jump up."
"Well, I guess I did study a lot in my second year as well. At this rate, will I even be able to become a fourth year…?"
Her classmates passed by as they shared their concerns with each other.
They happily greeted Yennekar, who only nodded back with a shy smile.
Do I… Really have nothing to worry about….?!
She really wanted things to stay like they were. Just thinking about her daily routine recently, her entire days were filled with happiness and joy from beginning to end.
It might sound ridiculous, but that was what she genuinely thought.
Still, it was inevitable for humans to live a life with one or two genuine concerns.
However, Yennekar Palerover was a person with no greed or ambition. She was satisfied with good grades, good relationships, eating well, and sleeping well.
There was no issue with that. However, she did have something she was worried about.
Ed Rothstaylor.
Yennekar was satisfied with her daily life, praying alone at night to let it be the same the next day.
But lying in bed like that, one day she opened her cabin door slightly to look at the campfire outside.
Ed Rothstaylor always went to bed late.
Throughout the day, he read books on his own, trained in magic power resonance, or did basic maintenance chores around the camp… But at the very end of the day, he sat there by the campfire with a blank expression on his face, lost in thought.
The late night with stars that fill the sky…
Yennekar watched Ed Rothstaylor's serious expression through the crack in her door.
Unlike Yennekar, who was always happy and satisfied with her day, Ed Rothstaylor still seemed to be carrying a large burden and various concerns.
Fixing the firewood with the poker, Ed always ended his day lost in his thoughts.
She had experienced many incidents with Ed, but he somehow always managed to resolve them.
She had even gone with Ed back to his home to deal with an Evil God.
It was too many hardships for one person to go through, yet Ed managed to overcome them all.
Now that his family affairs had been taken care of, Tanya was now the student council president, and his reputation within the school had been recovered to some extent…
It still seemed as if Ed was full of concerns and a heavy burden was settled on his shoulder… Whenever night came, he was always lost in thought.
The contrast between Ed's concerns and her own happiness was like heaven and earth.
Yennekar started to think that maybe she shouldn't feel so happy. Even after going through so much, it still looked as if Ed had a mountain to climb.
Realizing that truth… she didn't want to stay as a girl who was ignorant of the world, smiling happily like a kid.
It was unreasonable for her to have such thoughts about her happiness. However, she was still too young and immature to realize that herself.
* * *
"I received a letter from Princess Penia. Not just me, but you as well, Yennekar."
"What…?"
Yennekar was completely surprised as she suddenly stood up.
I was sharpening my bow when I looked at Yennekar. She had a completely bewildered expression on her face.
I had been practicing Bow Crafting for four days already. As long as I continued trimming the wood Lortel sent me as practice, I was sure something useful would come out of it in about a week's time.
"What?! A letter? To whom?!"
"It's not a big deal, Yennekar. It looks like you were thinking quite hard about something?"
"Y-Yeah… I had something to think about."
"Something to think about? What is it?"
"About you, Ed."
She responded naturally to my question as we sat by the campfire.
However, her answer didn't make much sense. Yennekar held her breath, as if she realized she misspoke.
"…About me?"
"Th-That's not it! It wasn't anything weird! I can't believe I said something like that! Haha! Well, I guess it is true that I was thinking about you! But it wasn't anything important!"
Seeing her act so surprised like that, it was obvious that it was something important.
Yennekar really couldn't lie. Since she usually spoke truthfully, you could easily tell when she was lying.
"I can't believe I said that! I usually think things through before I speak, but when I'm with you, I just say whatever comes to mind!"
"Well, I don't know what you were thinking, but… For now, I'll talk about the letter."
I put down the bow I was working on as I took out the letter from the royal residence I received that morning.
"It seems that… Emperor Kroel is going to end the exhausting race for the throne by the end of the year."
"Really…?"
"Yeah. It's already been a while since Prince Lindon suddenly gave up his right to the throne without any reason. I'm guessing he's trying to clean up the mess as soon as he can. Only after choosing a successor will he be able to educate them and reorganize all of the power within the imperial household to fall under her rule."
From Princess Penia's point of view, it wasn't a time she could sit still.
After going that far, she had to try and get the emperor's throne for herself.
"With Princess Selah coming to Silvenia during the Grand Crestle Festival, it seems that it's time for her to take action."
"But what does that have to do with us?"
"I'm certain… That she will want to use us."
The royal residence, which served as the residence of Princess Penia, sat firmly on the western cliff of Acken Island.
Since I'd even gone inside of it a few times already, it was not difficult for me to find.
"We'll have to go and see what she wants in person. Since she asked for you, too, let's go together tomorrow morning. Do you have time between your classes?"
"Y-Yeah… Alright."
I nodded as I put the letter back into my pocket.
Starting the next day, the school would begin preparing for the festival in earnest.
I also had to start preparing.
However, Yennekar was acting stranger than usual… And it was bothering me.
…In fact, I could guess what was bothering her.
Pretty soon… It was going to be time to tell Yennekar everything.
-x-X-x-
The next morning, Yennekar's cabin was noisy with the sounds of spirits scuffling.
We had to go to the royal residence, where Princess Penia resided, as soon as we woke up. So, we both had to wear something nice and head out right away.
I definitely told her that, but I had no idea she would take so much time to get dressed.
I just wore a reddish-brown robe on top of my usual shirt. It was a rather expensive product, so it was definitely a step up from the type of outfits I usually wore.
The commoner Yennekar seemed to be arguing with the spirits in front of a mirror all morning long. It seemed she was having a hard time trying to find an appropriate outfit to wear to the royal residence.
Though, there wasn't any need to think that hard about what to wear.
I sat near the campfire, cutting my bow some more. I could hear her having a detailed discussion with the spirits inside her cabin about what color skirt would be better and which hairpin was nicer.
Things would only get worse if I were to join in, so I waited outside as long as I could.
About fifteen minutes later, Yennekar came out wearing a bluish skirt and an amber blouse. The shawl she wore over her slender shoulders had a cosmos pattern on it, which was like her trademark.
Her hair was beautifully braided, with a persimmon hairpin placed on top. Even without the help of maids, Yennekar was capable of tying her hair up properly and braiding it neatly.
In fact, she was never a girl who couldn't take care of herself. The same was true for the outfit she picked out.
"Wh-What do you think, Ed?! Judge it!"
"…Judge?"
"If I wear this outfit to the royal residence, will I get rejected at the entrance?! Wh-What is the dress code there?! Is this too much? M-Maybe I should get rid of my hairpiece?!"
'Whatever you wear will be fine, so let's just go.'
That was what I was going to say, but I knew that was the wrong answer.
"Asking me to judge your outfit is a bit strange, but… well, it looks good on you. You look very ladylike, Yennekar."
"Ladylike!"
As if my brief words meant a lot to her, Yennekar suddenly gulped. She then quickly held her hands together in front of her skirt as she adjusted the tone of her voice.
"R-Really? Okay. I probably shouldn't be making such a ruckus at the royal residence, though…"
"Yennekar… you acting unusually like that is the biggest issue. Don't worry about how you speak."
"No. I'll be careful. I will make sure to speak in a calm, collected tone."
Hearing her speak like that, it was as if Yennekar had completely matured and become a different person.
"I should just leave my wand here, right?!"
Though she quickly went back to her usual self right after…
***
The royal residence was quite far away from the commercial district and the education district, where everyone else resided. Located on the west coast of Acken Island, it was a structure built with magnificent grandeur, as if it were part of another world. It was also a place filled with suspicion, as barely anyone was ever allowed to go near it.
From the magic products section of the commercial district, if you looked all the way to the west, you could see the shape of the royal residence in the far distance. However, that was all an ordinary student could ever see of it.
If a student ran around the island to exercise or take a walk and happened to take a wrong turn that led them near the royal residence, they would be blocked and forced to turn back. Because of that, many rumors surrounded the royal residence.
Though, I had already visited it a few times, as Princess Penia had called on me before.
For Yennekar, visiting the royal residence must have been quite a nerve-wracking experience. As we made our way there, she kept trembling and making a fuss.
"Since I'm going to a place I wouldn't normally be able to visit… this is a new kind of feeling."
She looked anxious as we walked down the path.
Leaving her like that would have been fun, but people would start saying bad things after seeing her so troubled.
However, I couldn't think of any way to make her less nervous… so I decided to use the time to bring up the story I had decided to tell her yesterday.
"Yennekar. After thinking about it, there's something I need to tell you."
"Hm? Tell me?"
"Yeah. The reason I'm attending this school."
As we trudged along the road, I spoke as if it wasn't anything important.
Though, in truth, it was extremely important. However, if I spoke in an obvious tone, I was sure Yennekar would give me her full attention from the bottom of her heart—and make a big deal out of it in the process.
So, I decided it would be better to act as if it wasn't all that important. Thus, on the way to the royal residence, I quietly told her.
In a tone that suggested it wasn't a big deal…
"If I don't do anything, everyone will die."
"..."
"..."
…Though, it was useless to even try.
It wasn't something I could tell someone casually. No matter how I said it, it was always going to be a heavy topic.
And it wasn't something I could explain while taking the other person's feelings into account.
The days had begun to pass by without me even realizing it, but I knew that at the end of it all, a disaster awaited us.
When I sat by my campfire at the isolated camp, intoxicated by the peaceful scent of the North Forest, I sometimes forgot about it.
However, that wasn't something I could forget. I needed to always be keenly aware that a future where we all died—if I stayed still and did nothing—was rapidly approaching.
I still remembered the shape of the dragon that dominated the sky.
In fact, Yennekar was the one who helped me carry Velbrok's tooth necklace out of Acken Island. We fought together against the Apostles of Telos, ending up exhausted and injured for days afterward.
That was why… it wasn't difficult to explain the reason we fought so hard on that day to Yennekar.
We were on a quiet road leading to the royal residence.
However, the conversation Yennekar and I shared along the way was rather gruesome compared to the peaceful pathway.
Talking about everyone's death in the near future… no matter how hard I tried to lighten the topic, it wasn't possible.
It was an unavoidable discussion.
***
"I've been waiting for your arrival. Pardon me, but… is there an issue?"
Claire, the leader of the escort team, was waiting for us at the entrance of the royal residence.
The royal residence, where members of the royal family resided, was not as large as Ophelis Hall. However, Ophelis Hall was a communal dormitory shared by dozens of influential nobles, while the royal residence was a building constructed for only one person.
No matter how powerful a noble was, if they weren't part of the royal family, the best place they were allowed to live was a private room in Ophelis Hall.
Even Saint Clarice was only allowed a room in Ophelis Hall, though she was given the grandest one.
Being able to live alone in a grand, newly built building… in that regard, you could clearly see just how much special treatment Princess Penia received.
"N-Not at all…"
Claire tilted her head as she looked at Yennekar.
She was completely bewildered by Yennekar's strange expression—she looked as if she were about to burst into tears.
"I was just telling her a rather sad story on the way here. Everything's fine."
I brushed aside Claire's concerns and asked her to guide us. Claire nodded and led us to the princess's room.
The royal residence consisted of two buildings with a garden between them. Her servants lived in the building on the left, while Princess Penia used the one on the right.
A large marble building built into the cliffside.
I thought we would pass through the lobby on the first floor and wait in the reception room like last time. Instead, Claire led us further inside—through a door, up the stairs, and finally in front of a large wooden door.
Princess Penia's private room. Even the entrance alone looked intimidating and high-class.
In
Since the residence was completely isolated from everything else on Acken Island, entering it was a rather difficult process.
"But… I know Ed has a lot of business with her, but… why was I also called?"
Yennekar asked Claire right before we entered to meet the princess.
"That… you can go inside and see for yourself."
After saying that, Claire opened the door to Princess Penia's room. She was waiting for us near the terrace.
She looked completely different from how she did when she took classes in the education district.
In the education district, as it was part of the land of learning, she was not given any special treatment… but when she wasn't there, her class and royal status returned.
Princess Penia sat quietly in the middle of the gorgeous room, and when she saw Yennekar and me enter, she gently greeted us.
"Welcome, Ed and Yennekar."
Princess Penia was sitting at a wooden table near the terrace, reading a book under the sunlight.
As soon as our eyes met, she slowly closed the book and spoke.
"Please sit. There is something I want to tell you. I believe it's something both of you will be interested in."
"..."
"It's about the race for the throne, which I need to slowly begin taking seriously."
***
"If Selah takes power, House Rothstaylor will not be safe. If you're lucky, you may be reduced to a noble house stationed on the frontier before being slowly pushed out of existence. If you're unlucky, your entire house may be killed off as punishment for your crimes."
Princess Penia, with her beautiful white-blond hair flowing down her back, wore a comfortable lace dress as she spoke in a quiet tone.
"I've already discussed this with the student council president, Tanya. Thus, I have decided to protect House Rothstaylor."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. I've known President Tanya for quite some time. Even before she became the student council president, she stayed here at the royal residence. From the start, I knew she was a completely different person from Krepin Rothstaylor."
A few servants entered with tea. Yennekar awkwardly stood up to take it before I stopped her.
In this situation, the proper etiquette was to let them do their job.
Yennekar, who rarely received such hospitality, sat back down awkwardly. I patted her shoulder to help her relax.
"And you, Ed Rothstaylor."
"..."
"I can't say I don't have my own political agenda. After all, House Rothstaylor has been a major source of strength within the empire for a long time, so I can't afford to overlook it… and the powerful image your house still carries is an issue."
Princess Penia wasn't shortsighted.
She wasn't so softhearted that she would make a decision affecting the entire empire simply because she couldn't stand to see injustice.
"With House Rothstaylor still carrying a powerful name, if you recover the remaining strength it has left, you will be able to reclaim various bureaucrats with knowledge of the imperial household's internal affairs. For these political reasons… I am choosing to protect House Rothstaylor."
She spoke with firm determination, without the slightest hesitation. It was just like her.
"And aside from that, you two Rothstaylor siblings… I know you are not mad like Krepin Rothstaylor was. Coming to Silvenia, this was one of the most valuable things I learned. I am certain that when you two become heads of the house, you will lead it differently from Krepin."
The greatest characteristic of Princess Penia was that she didn't act solely on calculation.
After all, there was a reason she was called the 'Princess of Benevolence.'
"One can find political profit simply by sitting at a desk and carefully reading documents. However, it is difficult to truly judge a person without seeing them with your own eyes. That is why, if you want to win someone over, you must take action first."
That was what made Princess Penia fundamentally different from her sister, Princess Selah.
Princess Selah saw authority and status.
Princess Persica saw ability and benefit.
Princess Penia… saw people.
Finally, Princess Penia revealed the reason she had called us.
"Please defeat Daike Elpelan in the Grand Crestle Festival duel."
She placed her teacup down calmly as she spoke.
However, the name she mentioned was completely unexpected.
"Are you talking about our upperclassman Daike? I was told I would be dueling him, and I've met him a few times already."
"House Elpelan, which Daike comes from, is one of Selah's strongest and most loyal supporters. In fact, even if she didn't actively try to win them over, they would still stand by her side."
Daike himself didn't seem overly attached to his house. Still, since it was the place where he grew up, he felt obligated to do the bare minimum for them.
In any case, Daike Elpelan could never be completely free from his house's will, all because of his personality—a personality that ensured he never forgot what he had been given.
"After winning his duel during the grand festival, he plans to give the honor to Selah to strengthen their relationship. During the festival, my father will also be attending. I'm not sure about Persica, but… Selah would never miss such an event."
"I never realized it was so important."
"It is a national event held only once every four years. My father travels across various estates to inspect the empire's condition, but he would never miss Silvenia. After all, it is where all future talents of the empire are gathered."
Princess Penia gently brushed her hair back. Her knuckles were pale.
"I am not asking you to win the duel and share the honor with me. All I ask is that you stop Selah and House Elpelan from growing any stronger."
"Will that really have such a large influence on the race for the throne?"
"I have a plan. House Elpelan… will become Selah's downfall."
Princess Penia wore a slightly anxious expression. From childhood, she had been harassed by her sister and forced to fight behind the scenes.
Now, she would have to take action herself.
"We need to create a rift between House Elpelan and my older sister Selah. The first step… is this duel."
She had come to accept that conflict was unavoidable. She could no longer keep her hands clean.
Aside from helping Tanya take down Princess Selah, Princess Penia was also forming her own plans.
"It seems you know something."
"Please help me. Nothing good will come to House Rothstaylor if Selah wins the throne."
"But… that upperclassman, Daike… isn't he the fourth year combat department's top student?"
Yennekar spoke up worriedly.
Perhaps because she felt uncomfortable, she didn't touch any of the snacks prepared by the servants and instead raised her voice anxiously.
"There are rumors about him. They say all fourth year students acknowledge his skills and treat him with the utmost respect."
"That's correct, Yennekar Palerover. When you were the top student in your grade, others treated you with respect as well. However, Daike Elpelan has a completely different presence. It's as if… he possesses unshakable mental support."
There were countless rumors about him.
Daike Elpelan, the King of Power, was a prodigy among duds.
When he entered the combat department, he was nearly dead last. Yet, without talent, he rose to the top through sheer grit and effort.
It was easy to see why those born without talent admired him.
He was like a savior who had faced the same wall they had. His very existence pulled people from despair and gave them hope.
Some even claimed that rising to the top without talent was a talent in itself.
However, anyone who said that had never seen Daike Elpelan train.
"One thing I can assure you is…"
Nevertheless, I answered her.
"…that I will win."
I was absolutely certain.
For a moment, Penia's eyes widened at my confident declaration.
"If you want, I can even win by an overwhelming margin."
Daike was still the top student of the highest grade in the academy. Could I really say something like that so easily?
As I looked at Princess Penia, who was staring at me intently, I made a request.
"Please tell me what kind of plan you have in mind."
***
There were far too many geniuses on the small island of Acken.
Sitting quietly in an arena within Obel Hall, Daike Elpelan muttered to himself with a grin.
He had attended the academy for nearly four years.
Even though graduation was close, he still didn't feel as though he had reached the level he sought.
Walking the path of a warrior slowly, like a turtle, while countless geniuses overtook him from behind.
Struggling forward, drenched in viscous sweat, he sometimes felt bitterness toward those who surpassed him effortlessly.
All of them leaving him behind…
Yet, Daike Elpelan continued to stare at their backs as he trudged onward.
As long as he continued moving slowly like a tortoise, he believed he would eventually see those geniuses collapsed by the roadside.
There were many who hit a wall, fell, lamented their limits, and chose another path.
Daike Elpelan stepped over the backs of such geniuses as he climbed the ranks.
Though later than the others, he broke through every wall and eventually sat upon the throne.
His magic power resonance was poor. He had no innate strength or skeletal advantage. Despite coming from a powerful house, he received little support due to his lack of talent until he became the top student.
He learned to write only at the age of ten. By reading vassals' books one by one, he taught himself each character overnight.
After entering Silvenia, he trained his magic power resonance throughout the night. Even in his fourth year, he still couldn't reach even one-tenth of the average magic department student's level.
At the very least, he could use enough magic power to fight physically. That was sufficient.
However, he wasn't born with physical talent either.
His large, burly body was the result of relentless training.
Each session left his knuckles torn and bleeding.
Over four years, he broke more than two hundred gauntlets and knuckle guards. Aside from sleeping and eating, his life revolved entirely around training.
His body wasn't born with talent—it was built.
Even then, he lacked natural combat instincts.
Ziggs Eiffelstein, who had trained properly for only one year, already possessed sharper combat senses than Daike.
Slow. Dull. Heavy.
That was Daike Elpelan's path.
"I've learned a few things thanks to you, Daike."
His efforts were recognized by the academy and its students.
Even Wade Callamore, the arrogant first-year top student, bowed his head to him.
It was a small duel exchange event where combat department elites gathered before spectators.
Daike stood as he faced them.
First-year top student, Wade Callamore.
Second-year top student, Clevius Nortondale.
Third-year top student, Drake Laygus.
Any of them could have defeated him had they been fourth years.
Yet, they treated him with respect simply because of his grade.
"Did you really learn something? I'm dueling to learn as well."
Daike stretched his body, his voice deep and steady.
"…I should start warming up."
"…By the way, I heard you're dueling Ed Rothstaylor."
"Yeah. That third-year noble from the magic department."
Daike recalled the blond-haired noble at the training grounds.
"I'll probably lose."
Clevius hesitated.
"Daike… you're going to lose…?"
"Yeah. He's reached a point I can't even see."
Daike smirked.
The reason he couldn't smile at his house's request wasn't contempt.
It was doubt.
"If you lose… your house—"
"Why are you thinking about that, Clevius Nortondale?"
"Did you fight Lucy Mayreel because you thought you'd win?"
Clevius fell silent.
"You understand."
On that rainy day at Ophelis Hall…
Daike understood why Clevius fought.
"If you're born a man, there are times when you must charge forward even knowing you'll lose."
Daike stood tall.
Within Silvenia, he was known as the King of the Duds.
The King of Power—Daike Elpelan.
***
"B-But… Princess Penia… I mean no disrespect, but…"
Yennekar suddenly spoke up.
"…Why did you call me here too…?"
Princess Penia met her gaze.
"…You are going to have to rise a little more in this world."
"…Wh-What?"
-x-X-x-
Orte Palerover could be considered an expert when it came to farming.
In fact, there wasn't a single native in the village of Torren in Pulan who didn't know a great deal about cattle and sheep. That was because, in a village where there were far more cows than people, anyone who couldn't take care of them was considered useless.
Orte was a famously hard worker in the village. He was physically fit, with broad shoulders and well-built muscles. He was open-minded yet firm in his beliefs.
It was only natural that one day, Saila—a peddler who occasionally came by to sell daily necessities like milk and firewood—fell in love with him.
That strong man, born in the wild and full of vitality, eventually had a young daughter named Yennekar Palerover… and it was all thanks to his dignified and healthy wife, Saila.
Orte and Saila.
The Palerover family, which consisted of that couple, ran the Palerover Ranch… which was also the most famous ranch in Torren Village.
While the two of them could still manage the ranch on their own, their faithful daughter always came back during every break to help out. They would also receive help from their fellow villagers during peak seasons, so they were able to get by somehow.
"Honey, did you see the letter I put on the table? How can our daughter Yennekar possibly receive another commendation from the school this time?!"
"To get something like this from Silvenia… isn't our daughter… too talented…?"
"We already knew her elementalism was at an incredible level… don't you remember when Yennekar was still a little kid who used to run into the mountains to play with the spirits? That's our daughter."
Saila, dressed in a casual village outfit, rolled up her sleeves with a wide smile on her face.
In truth, it was safe to say that all of Yennekar's vitality came from Saila.
"Her second semester of her third year is already halfway done. When she comes back this winter, we need to prepare a proper feast for her."
"But… she won't suddenly decide to run away again this time, right…? It's already hard enough to see our daughter except during breaks."
Torren Village was already full of love rumors about Yennekar Palerover.
For Yennekar Palerover, who was deeply embarrassed by it all, it was something she couldn't stand any longer. That was why she had run back to Acken Island early—to escape it all.
After seeing that, Orte and Saila decided not to provoke her so much next time. Rather, they would slowly and gently try to figure out who Yennekar loved so dearly.
It didn't seem like she would be having a change of heart about that person before her next visit home during winter break.
And like that, time in Torren Village continued to pass.
Aside from seasonal changes, the rural farming village always remained the same, day by day.
It was difficult to recognize the passage of time while working on the ranch.
Still, whenever Orte received a call from an acquaintance or heard news from outside the village, he was brought back to his senses.
He continued to grow older as his ragged beard grew longer. The sun began to set earlier with each passing day…
Living each day in such a manner, waiting for winter to come… only when news from the outside arrived did he realize just how much time had passed.
A week after the news of Yennekar Palerover's student commendation arrived, another letter was delivered to the Palerover Ranch—one congratulating and thanking Orte and Saila for their contributions.
The couple nearly passed out upon seeing the sender.
It was a handwritten letter from the third princess of the Kroel Royal Family, Penia Elias Kroel.
"…What… is this…?"
"P-Princess Penia personally wrote us… a letter…?"
"What did she write, Saila? I can't read this fancy-looking cursive…"
"She's… congratulating us on Yennekar's many achievements… and thanking us for our efforts in raising our child well… honey…"
They knew that Yennekar was excelling tremendously at Silvenia—but not to the extent that warranted a personal letter from a princess.
"Yennekar… is definitely… doing well…"
"It seems there was a massive incident at Duke Rothstaylor's estate. Although the news hasn't reached this isolated village yet… it appears that Yennekar played a crucial role in dealing with that honorable and powerful house's incident."
"I-Is that so…? I think I heard a rumor like that when I went to the city last time. But why was our Yennekar involved in a disaster that took place at Duke Rothstaylor's estate…?"
They remembered Yennekar as the girl who milked cows with her sleeves rolled up, sweat streaming down her forehead. That image didn't match the contents of the letter at all.
Orte and Saila had no idea just how dramatic Yennekar's growth at Silvenia had been. Being from a rural area, neither of them truly understood how extraordinary it was to deal with high-ranking spirits.
However, they were certain of one thing…
Their daughter was performing far beyond their expectations.
"A-Alright…! Yennekar! She's doing great! Honestly, I never expected to receive a handwritten letter from a princess, but… I guess she's really making a name for herself!"
"Yeah…! I didn't realize she was achieving so much, but sending her to Silvenia really was the right decision! Hahaha!"
"Of course, I didn't expect any of this either, so I'm shocked, but still… that girl is my daughter! Of course she would accomplish this much! My pretty and lovely daughter, Yennekar!"
The following month, an old vassal of Duke Rothstaylor arrived to deliver astonishing news.
Yennekar Palerover had been granted the title of Baroness under Duke Rothstaylor by Princess Penia's discretion.
"..."
"..."
"..."
The old vassal laid down a longsword engraved with the symbol of a baron.
Next to it was a shield etched with a splendid pattern, along with a certificate officially recognizing their elevation to an aristocratic house.
The vassal, who had traveled all the way to this rural land to deliver the news, slowly lowered his head.
"It is an honor to meet the esteemed parents of the new baroness—Orte Palerover and Saila Palerover."
The gifts were unmistakably expensive.
Orte couldn't hide his bewilderment as he asked, "Wh-What is all of this…?"
"According to the law, you may speak to me informally. My name is Neldrek, a former vassal of Duke Rothstaylor. I am now a servant of Baroness Palerover, who has been granted the Kelkion Grasslands and the Darren Mountain territory northwest of the duchy."
"D-Did I hear that right…? Are my ears… broken…?"
Neldrek had once been a direct assistant to Duke Rothstaylor within the Imperial Household. However, after being pushed out of central power, he now served a baroness.
"I am assisting Baroness Yennekar Palerover with her duties."
"Y-Yennekar… is a baroness…?"
"Yes. That is correct. As she is currently focusing on her studies, she is unable to personally manage her estate. Thus, I am handling her duties until she completes her education. Still, it was only proper that I introduce myself to her parents first… which is why I came."
"..."
"Pulan's air is wonderful. The scenery is beautiful—it makes one feel revitalized. I can see how Baroness Yennekar cultivated such virtues, having been raised in a place like this."
Orte swallowed hard as Neldrek spoke so casually.
Soon, rumors spread throughout the village that the Palerovers had become an aristocratic house.
People whispered that they were close to the famed Duke Rothstaylor, and that was how they had been granted land.
Even though it was his own daughter who had accomplished it, Orte couldn't help but wonder—
What… in the world was she doing…?
***
"Yennekar has become a baroness!"
"I heard Princess Penia declared it herself."
"R-Really…? She used to look scared whenever Princess Penia was mentioned…"
"Well, I heard Duke Rothstaylor himself took the initiative to proclaim her title…"
"Then Yennekar… is an aristocrat now…?"
"Not only that—she's close to the empire's central power."
"I knew it would happen. Yennekar has a kind and naive image, so she doesn't show it much, but… she really is talented!"
"Wow! Yennekar is really an aristocrat now?! A baroness?!"
"I'm definitely bragging about this later. I was her roommate at Dex Hall!"
"I used to go with her to the commercial district to buy snacks!"
Since Yennekar had originally been a commoner, most of her friends were commoners as well.
The fact that one of them had suddenly become an aristocrat was fascinating, and excitement quickly spread throughout the school.
When someone achieved greatness, there were always those who congratulated them—and those who grew jealous.
In particular, people with strong ambitions often harbored resentment toward someone like Yennekar, who came from an ordinary background.
However, Yennekar's reputation transcended such sentiments.
Within Silvenia, no one bore her ill will. Rather, they believed that she was someone who genuinely possessed such ability.
Silvenia was already filled with aristocrats, so a newly appointed baroness wasn't all that shocking. Only Yennekar's close acquaintances paid it much attention.
But for Yennekar herself, it was the most life-changing event she had ever experienced.
***
"Ed… I can't be an aristocrat…"
Inside the elemental science classroom tucked away in a corner of the education district, Yennekar hugged her wand tightly, her expression gloomy.
"…Why do you look like you're about to cry, Yennekar?"
"At first, I was happy. But then… what am I supposed to do about the estate…? How do I manage vassals…? Learning how to act like a noble and managing other people is starting to overwhelm me…"
Baroness Palerover's house was under Duke Rothstaylor's command.
On the surface, it was a relationship between lord and vassal. In reality, they were close allies.
Elementalist Yennekar Palerover had made a name for herself through her own abilities.
She had saved numerous nobles during the incident at Duke Rothstaylor's estate and had summoned an ultimate spirit at a young age.
A commoner who rose through sheer talent—she was the perfect embodiment of Princess Penia's ideals.
"And… how are aristocrats even supposed to talk?!"
Since we were both in Class A, we shared all of the same core classes in the magic department.
Thanks to that, I was even able to attend Professor Kaleid's advanced elemental science class—a dream course for anyone interested in elemental magic.
Before class started, I glanced at Yennekar, who looked completely drained, and thought carefully.
"Is that… really that important…?"
"Of course it is! After becoming an aristocrat, I searched the library for records of notable female nobles—Duchess Restina of House Klein, Countess Deltergis, Sinir of House Bloomriver, and even Tanya of House Rothstaylor! Every single one of them is respected and acts exactly like an aristocrat!"
Yennekar clasped her hands together as she squinted at me.
"But I don't know anything! When I went to the commercial district recently, I accidentally spilled juice in a shop run by a commoner. When I grabbed a mop to clean it, the owner almost passed out!"
"You don't have to clean it yourself. Just leave it to the owner."
"I spilled it, so I should clean it! And the other day, a first-year girl from a commoner family tripped and got dirt on my skirt—then she suddenly slammed her face into the ground while apologizing! Why does she have to act like that when I can just wash it later?!"
At Silvenia, learning was supposed to be the highest virtue. Still, the divide between aristocrats and commoners remained.
Naturally, nobles gravitated toward nobles, and commoners toward commoners.
Yennekar's friendships with Clara and Anise, despite their vast difference in status, were rare exceptions.
"Is this what you've always dealt with…? I don't know how I'm going to survive as an aristocrat…"
"Not quite. I was excommunicated at one point and hit rock bottom. My reputation was at its worst. But since you're loved by almost everyone here, adapting might actually be harder for you."
"Y-Yeah…"
"Since you can't avoid it, you might as well accept it. Being respected isn't a bad thing. Not every aristocrat at Silvenia receives that treatment."
"Still… I don't think this is right…"
Yennekar continued speaking, her eyes unfocused.
"Do you know what I hear the most since becoming an aristocrat?"
"What?"
"'Please refrain.'"
That made perfect sense.
Yennekar was the type who couldn't ignore even the smallest issue.
Just like spilling juice, she felt compelled to personally handle everything.
Much like how Bell Maya struggled when confined to administrative duties, Yennekar was now restricted by expectations placed upon her as an aristocrat.
"What should I do to act more like an aristocrat…? Maybe I should start by laughing like one."
"How do aristocrats even laugh…?"
"Uhm… l-like this… with the back of your hand near your mouth… Ohohoh… ohohohohohoh…!"
"..."
Seeing my incredulous stare, Yennekar suddenly lowered her head in embarrassment.
"I don't know if I'll ever be a proper aristocrat, but… it hasn't been all bad. It's only been a week since my status changed, and I received an estate…"
"Did something good happen?"
"Well… I guess so. I feel like I understand your position better now, Ed."
I tilted my head.
Enjoying my reaction, Yennekar smiled softly, her cheeks slightly flushed.
"You've lived your whole life as an aristocrat."
"There was a time when I didn't. What I remember most is when I was at rock bottom."
"Yeah. That's why… being by your side made me realize something."
Before class began, amidst the murmuring students, Yennekar rested her arms on the desk.
"You've been carrying a lot of weight on your shoulders this whole time."
"..."
"Of course, a duke and a baron carry very different burdens. But still… I think you feel something similar."
"You don't need to think that deeply. I just lived the best I could with what I was given."
Yennekar shook her head.
"I always thought this when I saw you alone at the campfire—that there was a lot on your mind I could never fully understand. Everyone experiences life differently. It can't be helped."
"…You were thinking that?"
"I still am. But now, that emptiness doesn't feel as heavy."
She tapped her forearm playfully and smiled.
"It feels like I'm getting closer to you. Even if you're still far above me."
Seeing her giggle afterward, it seemed she had given up on fully acting like an aristocrat.
I couldn't picture Yennekar Palerover leading a noble house with composure.
Even so…
I was certain she would find her own way through it.
***
[Magic Skills Details
Grade: Proficient Magician
Specialized Field: Elements/Spirits/Celestial
Common Magic:
܀ Fast Casting Lvl 14
܀ Mana Sense Lvl 15
Fire Element Magic:
܀ Ignite Lvl 18
܀ Point Explosion Lvl 6
Wind Element Magic:
܀ Wind Blade Lvl 16
Spirit-type Magic:
Spiritual Resonance Lvl 18
Spiritual Understanding Lvl 18
Spirit Manifestation Lvl 13
Sense Sharing Lvl 13
Resonance Level: 8
Spiritual Efficiency: Perfect
Innate Skills:
܀ Blessing of Fire Fortune (Temporary Immunity to Fire)
܀ Explosion (Low-level Explosion)
܀ Increased Ability of Fire-Type Magic
Resonance Level: 5
Spiritual Efficiency: Really Good
Innate Skills:
܀ Water Lioness' Blessing (Temporary Immunity to Flames)
܀ Manifestation of a Water Source (Intermediate Water Magic)
܀ Increased Ability of Water-Type Magic
Resonance Level: 6
Spiritual Efficiency: Normal
Innate Skills:
܀ Storm's Blessing (Periodically Neutralizes Damage)
܀ Updraft (Intermediate Wind Magic)
܀ Increased Ability of Wind-Type Magic
Celestial Magic:
܀ Expression of Celestial-Type Magic Power Lvl 6
܀ Property Transformation Lvl 4
܀ Death Immunity Lvl 0
܀ Time Prison Lvl 1
܀ Short-Distance Spatial Movement Lvl 0
܀ Forced Collection Lvl 2
܀ Expression of Visual Hallucinations Lvl 0
܀ Dazzle Lvl 1]
"The fastest way to learn advanced elemental magic is to get hit by it a lot."
Professor Kaleid's elemental studies classes always ended quickly. That was because he didn't put much effort into teaching in the conventional sense.
Still, it was a class taught by the famous magician and war hero known as Outlaw Kaleid.
Though he tossed out knowledge as if it were a nuisance, what he taught was far more practical than the theoretical lectures of other professors.
The knowledge he accumulated while wandering the lawless region of Kohelton for years was something scholars could never replicate.
After class ended, Professor Kaleid stopped me inside the classroom.
"Among all the third-year students, you're the only one capable of properly learning advanced elemental magic right now, Ed Rothstaylor. That's why I'll teach you personally—and quickly."
"But you just said the fastest way to learn is to get hit by it…"
"Yeah. I'm throwing everything at you. Advanced elemental magic. Don't worry—you won't die or get seriously injured."
I stared at him as if he were insane. He grinned and lit a cigarette.
"Not just anyone gets the honor of being struck by advanced magic. Even famous magicians collapse after taking it a few times. If you manage to learn even one spell before graduating, you'll be considered one of the best students this department has ever seen."
"I understand how powerful it is, but… isn't learning by getting attacked a bit extreme?"
"Don't overthink magic theory like those bookworms. I can tell at a glance how far you can go. Trust me."
He tugged at his beard absentmindedly.
"I can only cast advanced magic a few times a day myself, but I'll throw everything I have at you. Dodge it. Observe the flow. Learn."
"If I mess up and get hit… won't I die?"
"I know your limits. That's why we're doing this. I'll attack you five or six times a day."
His loose white coat fluttered.
"You're busy. No time to waste. Let's start."
"..."
"I'm going all out. Don't get hit."
A massive surge of magic filled the classroom.
A teacher firing advanced magic at a student.
He was completely insane.
***
"Ed! A-Are you okay?! Are you hurt?!"
"No. This is nothing. If anything, it feels good—my elemental growth had stagnated lately."
"What…?"
Back at camp, the first thing I did was bandage my injuries.
My magic resonance surged like a dam breaking.
Facing advanced magic had forcibly stimulated my stagnant growth.
I wanted to face it again—but a single mistake could mean death.
Only someone as insane as Kaleid would use advanced magic on a student.
Still, I smiled.
Was this how muscle addicts felt after tearing themselves apart?
My body ached, my wounds burned—yet my heart felt exhilarated.
Seeing my resonance increase so dramatically made me laugh.
But it wasn't enough.
"Lucy."
I walked behind the cabin.
Atop the zelkova tree attached to it, a white-haired girl sat reading beneath the moon, illuminated by faint magic.
It felt like greeting an old friend.
"I have a favor to ask."
"...?"
Advanced magic exhausted even archmages.
And getting hit by it was something most people would never experience.
"Can you come down for a bit…?"