Chapter 248: Epilogue (1)
The man sat quietly on a tree stump, looking up at the blue sky.
He was wearing a neat shirt, a silk vest, linen trousers, a blue overcoat, and a magician's robe.
It was an overbearing outfit, but he had no choice but to appear neat. Still, with no one watching, he could relax a bit more.
He took out some tobacco to smoke. It was a bad habit he had picked up while spending time with senior professors, but there was nothing better for organizing his thoughts.
Looking up at the sky, he listened to the birds chirping. He thought of the past, the present, the future, and the Cliff Point. He had many thoughts, but one thing was certain: he knew what he had to do.
The man was still alive.
And there were inevitably questions that followed his survival.
Questions about how he should go on living.
***
It was the first time in two years that Trayciana Bloomriver had come to Silvenia Academy.
"I guess I ended up back here after graduating…"
After paying the driver, she grabbed her belongings and hopped off the carriage. She looked across the water toward Acken Island.
During the catastrophe that occurred a couple of years ago, Mexes Bridge had collapsed. Since then, the newly constructed Bloomriver Bridge had taken its place.
It was much larger and neater than the old Mexes Bridge. As it had been built with the support of House Bloomriver, it was named the Bloomriver Bridge.
After Trayciana got off the carriage, an elderly woman followed behind her.
The head of House Bloomriver, Sinir Bloomriver.
Along with several servants, she stepped down from the carriage. Looking toward the bridge that led to Silvenia, she spoke.
"The construction was well done. I know it's been a while since the bridge was completed, but I've been so busy that I've only just been able to see it in person."
"Mom… I-I mean, Sinir. You were busy managing the household back home. It's only natural that you were delayed in seeing the bridge yourself."
"Still, since it was something that cost our House a great deal of money, it's something I should come and see. Well… I'll be seeing it often from now on."
Sinir put on a leather cloak as she smoothed down her outfit.
She was a new Alchemy professor at Silvenia Academy.
Silvenia Academy had lost more than half of its staff during the calamity. In order to recruit as many new faculty members as possible, all sorts of individuals had been called upon.
Those interested in teaching quickly agreed to help, though most declined.
Even though it was Silvenia, the academy had suffered greatly from the disaster. Its future felt unstable, as no one knew how the school would develop going forward.
But over time, the school's reputation began to recover as new positions were rapidly filled by heads of research societies and Magic Towers, retired knights and famous mercenaries, and well-known figures in the field of Alchemy.
Sinir Bloomriver already had much on her plate as the head of House Bloomriver, but she trusted her daughter to manage the House's future. That was why she had decided to try becoming a professor.
Those who had survived when the Holy Blue Dragon ran wild seemed to have managed to preserve the school somehow.
Two years and several months after the calamity, much of the damage the academy had suffered had been restored.
Sinir was one of the professors who had been asked at the last minute to join. In a sense, she was among the first professors after the school's renovation.
More than seventy percent of the buildings had been destroyed. However, thanks to the support of the Imperial Household and the Telos Religious Group, many were rebuilt.
One could only hope that the shiny new buildings would mark the beginning of a new golden age.
However, the scars of that day remained.
A large stone monument had been erected near the end of the Bloomriver Bridge.
It bore the names of every victim of the catastrophe from a few years ago.
It was erected so that they would be remembered and never forgotten. It stood several meters tall.
Looking at the names carved into the monument, Trayciana let out a sigh.
"These names must weigh heavily on your shoulders, since you were here during the incident."
Trayciana had been a student during the disaster that occurred a few years earlier. She had been a senior about to graduate. At the time, she had turned back to protect her underclassmen as best she could.
She tried to save as many as possible, but many had still lost their lives.
Trayciana gazed at the monument for a moment longer, then shook her head, feeling refreshed.
***
"O-Oh my…! Oh my goodness! I didn't hear… that Senior Professor Sinir would be arriving today…! I apologize! Even though you've come such a long way! Right now, we're short on manpower, so we've been extremely busy…! Still, you didn't deserve to be treated like this… I… I apologize…!"
Despite someone as distinguished as Sinir agreeing to become a professor, no one had been able to give her a proper welcome.
Under normal circumstances, Sinir would have had every reason to scold them. However, after seeing the state of the newly rebuilt Trix Hall, she held her tongue.
Every person there looked utterly overwhelmed with work.
With a faculty reduced to barely half of its former size, they still had to operate the massive academy.
Cleoh, who had been promoted to full professor sooner than expected, crossed Trix Hall with exhausted eyes, holding a thick stack of documents.
As she was also in charge of personnel management, she was the one assigned to greet Professor Sinir.
"You seem quite busy. I should get to work as soon as possible, then."
Sinir responded politely.
Even though she maintained a dignified and composed demeanor, Professor Cleoh suddenly burst into tears.
"Senior Professor Sinir… is a person with basic human decency…"
"…Pardon? Did I do something wrong?"
"No. It's just… after I apologized, hearing you respond so respectfully, with such encouraging words… for some reason… I couldn't help but cry…"
Despite being a professor, just what kind of treatment had she been enduring?
Sinir chose to remain silent. Asking further would only reopen the wound.
"All right, then… Ah, that's right. Student Trayciana. I see you've become quite dependable. You've grown so much since you were a student here that I barely recognized you. Even though it's only been a couple of years… people really do change quickly."
"Assistant Professor Cleoh… Ah, I mean, Professor Cleoh. How have you been?"
"I've been… well, I can't lie. There's a lot of work, since things are still returning to normal. But it's manageable, at least. Thank you for asking, Trayciana. Haha, it's strange talking to you now that you're no longer a student."
Cleoh placed the large stack of papers onto the desk and cleared her throat.
"Assistant Professor Trayciana."
***
While Sinir went to inspect her private laboratory, Trayciana followed Professor Cleoh to receive her assignments.
Professor Cleoh headed toward her own lab while giving instructions along the way. As soon as they arrived, she opened a window to ventilate the room.
Trayciana immediately glanced at the mountain of paperwork on Cleoh's desk and clicked her tongue. There were even more documents than when Cleoh had still been an Assistant Professor.
Professor Cleoh always complained like a pitiful mess, but in reality, she was handling the workload of several people by herself.
She no longer resembled an assistant professor at all, having grown remarkably capable. Her former student assistant, Anise, had already graduated, yet Cleoh's efficiency had only increased.
"Assistant Professor Trayciana, you haven't been told who your advisor is yet, correct?"
"Yes… Isn't it you, Professor Cleoh?"
"At the moment, I can't take responsibility for anyone else…"
"Ah… I see…"
Trayciana's disappointed expression mirrored Cleoh's own.
Professor Cleoh quickly pulled a document from the stack and reviewed it one last time.
It appeared to be the advisor assignment list.
After scanning it, Cleoh let out a strange laugh.
"Hahaha, it seems you're in for a difficult time as well."
"Pardon? Is my advisor strict?"
"No. Rather than that…"
Professor Cleoh handed the document to Trayciana.
The name listed next to hers was familiar.
[Ed Rothstaylor.]
"…Huh?"
"You recognize it too, right?"
"Of course. But he was in his third year when I graduated… Why is he listed as my advisor?"
Professor Cleoh hesitated, then decided to start with the conclusion.
"He was specially appointed as a professor at the beginning of this year. He received letters of recommendation from Princess Penia, who has been appointed as the next emperor, as well as from Saint Clarice. As soon as he graduated, he was granted the title of professor. It seems that after only a few more years of experience, he'll be promoted to Senior Professor as well."
"A senior professor at his age…? That's unheard of…"
"Besides his outstanding achievements during the disaster, he's also a master of both Elementalism and Magic Engineering. Even the other professors can't deny his accomplishments. And when it comes to Celestial Magic, he's practically unmatched…"
He was a professor who could teach both Elementalism and Magic Engineering, and one of the very few capable of Celestial Magic.
On top of that, he came from a noble family and possessed the charisma to lead students.
From the academy's perspective, which was struggling with a severe lack of manpower, he was an irreplaceable asset.
That was why Silvenia Academy had hired Ed Rothstaylor with unprecedented benefits befitting an unprecedented talent. There were even rumors of additional conditions negotiated with House Rothstaylor to ensure he remained at the school.
Regardless of the truth, House Rothstaylor had undeniably become one of Silvenia Academy's primary backers.
"..."
A senior professor in his early twenties. Comparing that to her own position as an Assistant Professor, Trayciana keenly felt the difference in status.
Even Professor Glast, who had been considered a fast-rising prodigy, had already been in his late thirties when he became a senior professor.
"You must be shocked that your former underclassman is now your advisor."
"No, I don't mind. He's the son of a duke, after all—it would be more awkward not to treat him with respect. But… I can't imagine what kind of work he'll assign me."
"That's actually something I'm worried about as well. Professor Ed Rothstaylor is difficult to get in contact with."
"…What?"
His rise had been astonishingly fast. In no time at all, he had reached the same rank as Professor Cleoh.
It was obvious that he would surpass her soon.
His achievements had already made him famous throughout the empire, and many new students eagerly awaited the chance to see him in person. Trayciana, however, knew none of that.
"He completes all his duties properly, but he's extremely hard to meet because of how busy he is. Normally, he rarely leaves his private laboratory in the North Forest, but during breaks, it becomes even harder to track him down."
"I see…"
"He has many obligations outside the academy… so we seldom see him. You'd think he'd return to House Rothstaylor during break, but lately we're not even sure if that's the case…"
"W-Wait. He doesn't inform anyone where he's going? He just disappears?"
"…But since he completes his work, we can't really complain. And honestly, having someone of his caliber working here at all is a miracle…"
Trayciana rubbed her chin thoughtfully. Did I really end up with such a troublesome advisor?
"There are three documents we need to deliver to him. Assistant Professor Trayciana, please pass them along. If he's not in his North Forest lab… then… I honestly don't know where he might be."
"O-Okay… the documents…"
It was her very first assignment.
Finding Ed Rothstaylor and delivering the paperwork.
"And please prepare the graduation ceremony for the fourth-year students. Since the youngest professor is usually responsible for it, this task will fall to you."
She also had to organize the graduation ceremony.
"I can handle at least that much."
"That's good to hear, Assistant Professor Trayciana."
Professor Cleoh looked at her with a hint of nostalgia. She remembered when she herself had been the youngest professor, burdened with endless work.
Though now she was the one assigning it, her own workload had hardly decreased.
Trayciana glanced down at the documents.
"These are…?"
"Professor Ed will be handling them during the break. Technically, he only needs to complete one of the three."
"Only one?"
"Yes. They're all important, but it's unrealistic to expect him to complete everything before the break ends. If he can finish even one, that would be more than enough."
The break was nearly over. After the entrance exams for first-year students and the graduation ceremony for the fourth years, the next term would begin.
"I know he's busy with the entrance exams as well, but I hope he can manage one of these."
"I understand…"
Trayciana examined the first document.
"Pulan…?"
"Do you know it? It's known as the land of cattle, where dairy fields stretch as far as the eye can see."
"Yes…"
"Recently, the academy was contacted by a research team. There have been records of the ultimate wind spirit, 'Tyrcalaques,' appearing in that region."
"Tyrcalaques… the giant bear-like spirit the size of a mountain?"
"That's correct. External research like this isn't our highest priority, but neglecting it would displease the Imperial Household. So we must handle it properly."
Cleoh continued signing documents as she spoke.
"Ancient texts referencing Tyrcalaques have been discovered within Pulan's religious records. It's a significant find in Elementalism. Since Professor Ed is the only available Elementalism specialist, we're assigning him to investigate."
"I see…"
"It's not especially dangerous, but it's best to send someone capable of combat, just in case."
Trayciana nodded and moved on to the next document.
"This one… concerns the commercial city of Oldek?"
"Yes. It's a business trip request. Not academic—logistics and distribution. It's time to renew our contracts with the Elte Company, which manages Silvenia's inventory."
"Why is Professor Ed handling this?"
"He has strong connections in that field. And there are rumors that the situation in Oldek has become unstable. The academy wants to establish a reliable foothold there."
"Unstable how?"
Cleoh paused, then tilted her head.
"Do you know the current director of the Elte Company? It's the old merchant, Slogg Keldricks."
"Wasn't it Lortel?"
"Officially, Lortel was only the Deputy Director. At Silvenia, that title carried weight, but at headquarters, it didn't grant real authority."
When Lortel overthrew the Golden King Elte, she had promised Slogg the director's position.
"However, rumors suggest that after graduating, she has no intention of relinquishing control. She may be trying to restructure Oldek's entire power balance."
"Greedy merchants… I'm not accustomed to dealing with them…"
"Neither am I. That's why Oldek is concerning. Professor Ed's connections make him the best choice."
It was a sound decision.
"Then the last document…"
"That's a business trip to the Lamelin Mountain Range."
"Why are there so many trips?"
"Those with ability are always given more responsibilities."
Trayciana swallowed as she read.
"You know Amputator Zellan, right? The magician who fought alongside Professor Glast and Kaleid during the non-human war. Recently, she's been sighted in the Lamelin Mountains searching for traces of Archmage Glockt… supposedly investigating his past."
"Are we trying to recruit her?"
"She's talented. And she's shown interest in Celestial Magic. That's why we want Ed—our best Celestial Magic specialist—to approach her."
"Inquirer Glast. Outlaw Kaleid. Amputator Zellan."
Zellan had been one of the three magicians who lived with Obel during the war.
"It's too much for him to handle all three during break…"
"Exactly. So tell him to complete just one."
"Yes… but how do I even find him?"
Professor Cleoh grinned.
"Start with his North Forest lab. If he's not there, search the academy. And if he's still missing…"
She unfolded a map of the empire.
Trayciana finally understood her unease.
"Wh-What…?"
"From here."
Cleoh pointed to the northern edge of House Rothstaylor's territory.
"To here."
She pointed to Baroness Palerover's lands in the south.
"If you search between those places, you'll find him eventually."
Trayciana's face turned pale. Cleoh herself couldn't locate him on Acken Island—how was Trayciana supposed to find him across the empire?
On her very first day, she was already being sent on a journey that would take several days.
She wanted to complain.
But she couldn't.
That was the fate of the youngest professor.
-x-X-x-
"Haaah…"
Trayciana's face had already turned pale blue by the time she got off the carriage.
After riding in the carriage for a long time, she had finally arrived at Silvenia Academy. However, as soon as she began work, she was immediately given the task of heading to the Rothstaylor Estate to find Professor Ed. She wanted to complain that it was completely unreasonable, but she couldn't.
Trayciana simply grabbed her bag full of papers and hopped off the carriage in front of the Rothstaylor mansion.
She felt nauseous after riding in the carriage for several days. Still, she was glad to have finally arrived.
"…I heard it was damaged quite badly because of Mebula, but you can hardly tell anymore…"
The Rothstaylor mansion had actually become much larger than it was back when Krepin was the head. That made sense.
Although the House had gone through a precarious period, thanks to the new head, Tanya Rothstaylor, and her older brother, Ed Rothstaylor, the two of them ultimately succeeded in restoring the House to an even greater height.
Not only did they receive immense support after protecting the Empire, but they also managed to maintain their authority while retaining extremely powerful individuals within the House.
Considering all of that, it seemed only natural that House Rothstaylor would continue to prosper.
"I was notified in advance, but may I ask why the young lady of House Bloomriver has suddenly come all the way here?"
After being led inside by the vassals, she was eventually greeted by a familiar face.
Normally, the butler or head maid would come out with several servants to politely greet a guest.
"…Why are you here, Miss Bell?"
"It's been a while, Lady Trayciana. You've grown so much that it's hard to compare you to how you were back in Ophelis Hall. I nearly didn't recognize you."
"Were you scouted by House Rothstaylor, Bell?"
"Pardon? Ah, no. It wasn't anything that grand, but…"
Trayciana was happy to see someone she knew as soon as she arrived at the Rothstaylor mansion, but she never expected it to be Bell.
Bell Maya was the head maid of Ophelis Hall, the highest-ranking dormitory at Silvenia Academy. She was not someone who could easily be scouted due to her pride in her work and her lack of interest in money.
There were even rumors that the Elte Company had tried several times to recruit her, only to fail. She was the type of person who chose her own path in life.
"Actually… I did receive offers similar to that before, but I refused them every time."
"Then why are you working here as a servant?"
"Well… it might sound strange coming from me, but I'm quite a responsible person. If there's something I feel responsible for, I see it through to the end. And… there's something I currently feel responsible for. So for now, I left Ophelis Hall to my successor and came here."
Head Maid Bell Maya was technically just an employee, yet she was talented enough to be considered one of the leading figures at Silvenia Academy.
From her position at the top, she oversaw personnel management, finances, dormitory administration, cleaning, VIP reception, and even minor administrative work. On top of that, she was fairly capable in combat as well.
There was no one else as capable as her among the staff. She was someone who deserved to be hired by the most noble families and influential individuals. However, the more capable a person was, the more carefully they needed to choose whom they served.
"At present, I am working for Tanya and Ed Rothstaylor. As for the Academy, I am only acting as an advisor of sorts."
"…I see. I won't ask what you feel responsible for. But I feel quite unwell after riding in the carriage for so long. May I rest inside for a bit before discussing the reason for my visit?"
"Of course. I will guide you."
Trayciana handed her bag of papers to one of the servants and wiped away her sweat. For the past several days, all she had done was travel. She was completely exhausted.
She followed Bell Maya deeper into the mansion without saying much.
***
Upon arriving at a mansion, it was only proper to first greet the head of the household.
The estate consisted of one expansive main building, two moderately sized annexes, and a large spire at the center. It was far larger than the Rothstaylor mansion had been in the past—large enough to easily get lost in if one wasn't paying attention.
In addition to being the largest ducal house on the continent, House Rothstaylor had recently gained tremendous power and authority. In fact, it had risen to an undisputed second place, surpassed only by the Kroel Royal Family. It was only natural that the size of the mansion rivaled that of the royal palace.
"As you have arrived as a distinguished guest, please greet Tanya, the head of the household, as soon as possible."
The head of the house, Tanya Rothstaylor, was still a student and the student council president of Silvenia Academy.
During the semester, she entrusted household management and etiquette to her closest aides. However, during breaks, she stayed at the Rothstaylor Estate and personally handled these matters herself.
The workload was immense—so much so that it seemed impossible for one person to manage. Yet seeing her handle it all, Trayciana couldn't help but acknowledge how exceptionally talented Tanya was.
"There are also several other distinguished guests currently staying in the mansion. You may be familiar with them, so please don't be too surprised if you encounter them."
"Other guests? Is something going on?"
"No. This mansion is always hosting important visitors. People from across the Empire come here frequently. I recommend being mindful of your appearance at all times while walking through the estate."
Even the royal palace wasn't treated with such constant formality.
For the maids, it must have been a hellish work environment. Everything needed to be flawless, and even the smallest mistake was unacceptable.
Bell Maya must have felt the same while living there, though she never let it show. Trayciana already knew just how extraordinary she was.
"Of course, Lady Trayciana of House Bloomriver is also an exceptionally honored guest."
Bell didn't forget to include her, ensuring there was no hint of condescension. Bell Maya was a master at attending to even the smallest details.
"Thank you, but… actually, I didn't come here today as a daughter of House Bloomriver."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. I came as an assistant professor of Silvenia Academy to find Professor Ed. There is something I must inform him about regarding his work."
Despite Trayciana's new position, Bell Maya showed no sign of surprise.
Reacting excessively could be considered rude, so she simply accepted the statement with a calm nod.
"I apologize, but our staff is currently unable to determine Ed's exact whereabouts."
"Really?"
"Yes. He's constantly on the move. One moment he'll appear at the mansion, and before anyone realizes it, he's already returned to Acken Island."
"I searched all of Acken Island and couldn't find him. That's why I came here."
"I see… He usually takes care of his affairs in advance before visiting the estate. On behalf of my master, I apologize for making you come all this way."
Bell Maya bowed politely. Trayciana waved her hand in embarrassment, assuring her it was fine.
Bell truly was a first-class maid, ensuring there was never even the slightest resentment toward her employer.
However, Trayciana only knew Bell from her days at Ophelis Hall. Seeing her now, serving someone as her master, felt strangely novel.
She never imagined Bell Maya would work under anyone. In truth, there were very few people talented enough to have Bell serve beneath them.
When a servant was too capable, they could even dominate their master. That was why someone lacking talent could never employ someone greater than themselves.
"Still… since he wasn't on Acken Island, coming to the Rothstaylor Estate first was probably the right choice. Though this place is far larger than I expected, so it won't be easy…"
"I will notify the other servants. For now, please proceed to the main hall, where Tanya Rothstaylor is waiting…"
Then—
Suddenly, all nearby servants turned their heads toward the main entrance and quickly lined up.
A distinguished guest had just exited the mansion, escorted by several attendants.
A girl in a red dress adjusted her pink braided hair as she walked alongside her vassals. Trayciana recognized her instantly.
Bell Maya bowed, and the surrounding servants followed suit in unison.
Among the many vassals who protected House Rothstaylor was an elementalist of extraordinary strength.
Baroness Yennekar Palerover.
She oversaw territory at the southern edge of the Rothstaylor lands and was revered by the locals as an angel.
Not only that, but she was also one of the strongest forces within the Rothstaylor Estate.
Compared to her days at Silvenia, she no longer looked quite as young, though her lively presence remained unchanged. Originally a commoner, she was deeply loved by the people. Yet despite her background, no nobles spread malicious rumors about her.
She was like a girl descended from the heavens, smiling brightly at every little thing in the world. That was Trayciana's first impression of Yennekar Palerover—and even now, years later, it hadn't changed.
Seeing that reassured her.
"Oh my, Trayciana!"
Whether or not Yennekar was aware of her reputation as a beloved baroness, she hurried down the stairs after lifting the hem of her dress. The servants beside her followed in confusion.
"It's been so long! What brings you to the Rothstaylor mansion?!"
Trayciana was surprised that Yennekar still remembered her.
Though Yennekar had been her senior in the magic department, the two rarely shared classes or crossed paths.
Back then, Yennekar had been her upperclassman. Even now, despite her noble title, addressing her too formally felt awkward.
"Yennekar… it's been a while. I heard you were granted a baroness title, but I didn't expect you to be treated with such respect…"
"W-What? Haha, well… I do hold a rather special position within the Rothstaylor Estate…"
In truth, Yennekar stood at the forefront of defending Rothstaylor territory. As a result, she was heavily favored and protected by both Tanya and Ed Rothstaylor.
Though her official title was baroness, under their protection she was treated much like a duchess.
Loved by the people, she often felt shy and embarrassed, constantly lowering her head. When people called her name, she would sometimes draw the carriage curtains and hide, unsure how to respond to such affection.
At times, she even rolled up her sleeves to do laundry and dishes herself, much to her servants' horror.
Though she had grown accustomed to her new life over the past two years, there were parts of Yennekar that would never change.
Seeing her act the same as always, Trayciana felt relieved—though saying that out loud might embarrass her.
"Were you heading to meet Lady Tanya?" Bell asked.
Yennekar shook her head.
Tanya wasn't present.
Hearing that, Bell Maya let out a quiet sigh.
Since she was accompanying Trayciana, she would need to apologize yet again for her master's absence.
But Trayciana had already noticed. Even back at the Academy, she had vaguely heard rumors that Tanya wasn't a flawless superhuman.
***
A table of refreshments was set up in a corner of the Rothstaylor mansion.
Yennekar sat on one side, gently tapping the beak of a sparrow-shaped wind spirit perched on her shoulder. She placed it on her finger, raised it above her head, and sent it off.
She had been strangely loved by spirits since long ago.
"Ever since I became a vassal of House Rothstaylor, I keep meeting people I knew before. It's really nice to see fellow alumni again after so long."
Yennekar smiled as she spoke to Trayciana.
"Is that so?"
"Yes, though people treat me far too well…"
The refreshments laid out before them were all expensive, high-quality items. Trayciana hadn't expected such hospitality when she merely came to look for Ed.
It seemed as though only the finest bakers worked in the kitchen. The variety and quality left her wide-eyed.
"It certainly seems like you're treated exceptionally well. Though it also feels like the servants are unusually cautious around you."
"Right…? I worry about that too. There's no need for them to be so polite… Even when they make small mistakes, they apologize like their lives depend on it. I've been a baroness for quite some time now, but I'm still not used to it…"
What kind of treatment did she receive back at the Palerover mansion, where she was the actual owner? Trayciana couldn't help but worry.
"Sometimes I wonder whether I even deserve this title. I feel like I'm praised far more than I deserve…"
"Don't worry about that, Yennekar. You belong here. Honestly, you look more like an aristocrat than I do."
"R-Really?"
"Yes. When you came out earlier, I genuinely thought you were a duchess."
Yennekar immediately began to blush.
"D-Duchess?! H-How am I supposed to react to that?!"
"...?"
"..."
"..."
Yennekar glanced around before lowering her head and speaking softly.
"R-Really…?"
"W-What's with that reaction…? Weren't you and Ed already dating back when you were students?"
"I-It wasn't like that… B-But it was something similar, I guess… Ed was always so busy that he never had time to clearly define relationships… He was just too busy… Maybe… we don't need to talk about it…"
Watching Yennekar blush, Trayciana understood immediately.
Yennekar was far too kind and innocent for her own good. She was clearly the type to fall deeply in love.
Ed, however, wasn't like that. If he were the type to toy with women, Yennekar would be the perfect tragic heroine.
Trayciana sipped her tea and spoke carefully.
"At this point, you should really be dating. If he still hasn't made things clear, doesn't that make him no better than garbage…?"
"P-Please don't speak badly of him…"
"…Sorry."
In truth, Ed was far too remarkable a man to be insulted lightly. As a Rothstaylor baron and one of the estate's pillars, he was already extraordinary.
Trayciana knew there was no power struggle between Ed and Yennekar. Still, marriage would require many complications to be resolved.
"I'm saying this for your sake. Now that he's graduated and become a professor, more women will start paying attention to him. You don't want to regret not being more proactive later, do you?"
"W-When you say it like that… how am I supposed to answer…?"
Yennekar hid her face.
"It's true that many women have been visiting the Rothstaylor mansion lately… I've felt a bit of urgency myself…"
"Really? Then that's progress."
"There are just so many women… Just last week, Saint Clarice came just to see him. And the Elte Company's Deputy Director, Lortel, suddenly dropped by too…"
Each name she mentioned carried immense weight. Even hearing them made Trayciana nervous.
She silently prayed for the mansion's servants, who must feel like they were walking on thin ice daily.
"Honestly… I'm starting to get scared. Now that Ed has become so incredible, I wonder if someone like me even deserves to be by his side…"
"…What?"
"And, um… how should I put this…?"
Yennekar glanced around again before whispering.
"I heard that dukes often have more than one lover… that it's common for them to have multiple women…?"
"…Yennekar…"
"P-Please don't look at me like that. I know Ed isn't that kind of person, but if he were… maybe… I could be part of it too…? Sometimes I think that… other times I don't… I don't know how to feel… It's like my morals can't keep up anymore… But if I don't think about it now, then…"
"..."
Trayciana was speechless.
Why was she suddenly talking about becoming a concubine? Yennekar's lack of self-esteem, despite her outstanding abilities, had gone too far.
"There's no need to think about that yet. But at the very least, you are special to Professor Ed. Have more confidence in yourself."
"Th-Thank you… hehe…"
Watching Yennekar smile, Trayciana continued.
"That's why you should see yourself as a proper rival. If you asked him to look your way, I'm sure Professor Ed would respond."
"But wouldn't that trouble Ed…?"
"..."
"I don't want to be a burden. If possible, I want to help him instead…"
Trayciana nearly lost her mind.
As someone quite materialistic, dealing with someone as angelic as Yennekar was unbearable.
"Alright… do what you think is best. But what if you regret it after losing Professor Ed to another woman?"
"W-Well…"
Yennekar hesitated, clearly realizing it herself.
Many women visited Ed's mansion—some seriously intent on claiming him. Even Trayciana could see that.
Yennekar knew it too, though she remained closer to him than most. Still, she couldn't feel reassured.
And the person who made her the most cautious was—
"Hello."
At the tired voice, they turned.
A petite girl stood there, supported by two maids. Anyone from Silvenia Academy would recognize her.
The genius magician, Lucy Mayreel.
Rumors said she had left Silvenia and was staying at the Rothstaylor mansion. Apparently, they were true.
"L-Lucy?"
"Hello."
"This young lady is from House Bloomriver, so perhaps you should try to get closer to her."
"It's a wonderful opportunity! Why not deepen your relationship…!"
One maid whispered eagerly into Lucy's ear.
Lucy sat at the table with clear annoyance, then promptly laid her head flat on it.
She wore a beautiful dress, her hair neatly combed and shining.
Trayciana hadn't realized Lucy was so pretty when dressed properly. Back at Silvenia, she was always in an oversized, grass-stained uniform and an old witch's hat.
"Please behave more politely. You mustn't be disrespectful before a guest."
The maid continued whispering.
"Sit up straight and maintain dignity."
Lucy straightened her back with a visibly irritated expression.
"..."
Watching the scene, Trayciana was left speechless.
Lucy was exactly the same as always.
-x-X-x-
Lucy Mayreel was the hero of the empire.
She received various commendations, plentiful rewards such as gold and silver, and great honor from the Kroel Royal Family.
Still, Emperor Kroel never granted her any position of status or any lordship, even though Yennekar—who was far weaker than Lucy—was given the title of baroness.
Being the wise emperor that he was, he realized that such titles would only serve as shackles to someone as talented as Lucy Mayreel. In the first place, she was not the type of person who could live up to a noble title. Rather, she would most likely discard any estate she was awarded.
So Lucy never experienced a change in status. She simply left Silvenia Academy and placed herself under the protection of the Rothstaylor mansion. She had decided that there was no longer anything for her to do on Acken Island.
After drawing out years' worth of her magic power in the final battle, she was no different from an ordinary girl. At least for the next few years, she needed someone to protect her.
Was she paying the price, or was she simply uninterested in wealth? Whatever the case, she handed over everything she had received from the Royal Family to House Rothstaylor. Lucy then remained in the mansion, spending her days recovering her magic power.
Once she fully recovered, the Rothstaylor Estate would certainly become impenetrable, with both Yennekar and Lucy protecting it.
Many people spoke about her, and Lucy's magic power actually recovered much sooner than expected.
However, what Lucy Mayreel had not anticipated was Ed scouting Bell Maya after searching for someone to keep her in line.
"Lady Lucy, when you lift the teacup, you must move your arms gracefully."
"Lady Lucy, please don't leave crumbs behind."
"Lady Lucy, the hem of your dress is touching the garden floor."
"Lady Lucy…"
"Lady Lucy."
Lady Lucy, Lady Lucy, Lady Lucy, Lady Lucy, Lady Lucy.
The two maids who stayed by Lucy's side came from Ophelis Hall. As direct subordinates of Bell Maya, they were not only competent, but they also never backed down from Lucy.
In the first place, with Lucy having lost her magic power, she could no longer run away.
Lucy could only sit at the table with a pale complexion, whispering, "Save me…"
Trayciana scratched her forehead awkwardly. She finally understood what Bell Maya had meant when she said she felt responsible for something.
Before Lucy regained her powers, Bell Maya had a strong desire to turn Lucy into a proper human being. That intention was conveyed clearly. She truly was a responsible person.
"…"
Regardless, since Lucy stayed at the Rothstaylor mansion, she clearly enjoyed her life there.
In a few years, when her powers returned, she would once again be the strongest and most gifted magician in existence. If she wished, she could stand at the top of every magic tower in the empire.
Yet Lucy Mayreel chose to remain at the Rothstaylor mansion with Ed Rothstaylor. The reason was obvious. Everyone in the mansion knew it as well.
She had a blatant crush on Ed Rothstaylor.
"L-Lucy…"
Yennekar set down her teacup as she looked at Lucy.
Yennekar's greatest concern was none other than Lucy Mayreel.
Ed Rothstaylor treated Yennekar as special, but the same was true for Lucy.
Whenever he returned to the mansion, he always checked on Lucy's condition to see if she was experiencing any discomfort. He made sure she was doing well.
Lucy did not dislike the affection Ed showed her, either. She often leaned into him or sat on his lap. Despite her blatant flirting, no one stopped her.
In fact, she was one of the most distinguished guests at the mansion. Even the owner of the house, Tanya Rothstaylor, never treated Lucy rudely.
Watching this, Trayciana could not help but think:
Just how many women are there in my advisor's mansion…?
He was likely only trying to take responsibility for everyone who had helped him, but it could not be denied that it looked as though he was building a harem of sorts.
Of course, since Trayciana knew the circumstances, she did not truly believe that. However, to an outsider, it might appear as though he were a greedy noble with an eye for women. That could not really be helped.
Trayciana could already see the future.
She looked at Yennekar, who was frowning as she brought the teacup to her lips, and at Lucy, whose dark expression betrayed her awareness of Yennekar's gaze.
It seemed that neither of them—nor any of the other women who visited the mansion—would be willing to give up on Ed Rothstaylor easily.
Saint Clarice, Deputy Director Lortel, and the Imperial Princess Selah… None of them appeared to have any intention of letting him go.
Each of them could be considered among the most influential figures in the empire, so it would not be an easy battle. There were many who wanted him, but only one Ed Rothstaylor.
Because of that, the outcome was not difficult to foresee.
This would be a long, thorny road…
One had to be capable before taking in another.
Trayciana prayed that her advisor was a man of limitless capability.
Because there would be far too many things he would need to shoulder.
***
"Sorry I'm late."
Bell Maya, who had gone out to find Tanya, returned about twenty minutes later.
However, she did not come back with Tanya. In the end, she was unable to find her.
It was something Trayciana would learn later, but Tanya Rothstaylor had a habit of disappearing from time to time when she had too much on her plate.
Trayciana stared blankly at Bell, completely dumbfounded. Bell Maya, however, waved her hand casually as if it were nothing, then approached the table and glanced around.
She scratched her chin thoughtfully. After bending down, she suddenly lifted the tablecloth.
Tanya popped out from underneath.
Ever since arriving at the mansion, Trayciana had been perpetually dumbfounded.
Tanya emerged wearing a neat shirt and skirt, along with an expensive cape. She cleared her throat lightly.
"Th-thank you for coming all this way, Miss Trayciana."
"…"
"At Silvenia, I met you as the student council president. But I believe this is our first proper meeting here, as the head of the Rothstaylor mansion."
"Wait… how long… were you under there…?"
"…How long was it…?"
Needless to say, she had been there from the beginning.
Trayciana began to wonder whether there was anyone sane in the Rothstaylor mansion.
She quickly dismissed the thought, as it was rude. This was the most powerful ducal family in the empire.
Standing before Duchess Tanya Rothstaylor—the true head of the mansion—Trayciana hurriedly stood up to bow, but Tanya waved her hand to stop her and took the empty seat at the table.
"I quite enjoy hiding in dark places. You must have been surprised. That strange sense of stability and safety can be rather comforting. When you have a headache or feel exhausted, you should try it. I highly recommend it."
"…"
"A closet is nice, or perhaps under your desk. It's even better if you wrap yourself in a blanket."
"Master."
Bell Maya called out softly. Tanya's eyes widened as she turned toward her.
Bell's tone carried a clear message: maintain dignity and straighten up.
Perhaps because she was meeting an alumnus after a long time, Tanya had relaxed too much.
She quickly adjusted her cloak, straightened her posture, and spoke again.
"It seems you're quite interested in my older brother's relationships."
At those words, Trayciana realized her mistake.
She had spoken far too freely about another household's personal affairs. Such a conversation might have been acceptable with Yennekar alone, but it was entirely different with Tanya listening.
Duchess Tanya Rothstaylor was one of the most powerful individuals in the empire, second only to the Emperor himself.
She did not act authoritarian and spoke candidly—but that did not mean Trayciana could afford to be casual in front of her.
Trayciana understood then.
Though Tanya looked youthful and approachable, her discernment and mindset were anything but immature.
She could assess another's worth at a glance, feigning indifference while calculating everything instantly.
She had served as Silvenia Academy's student council president for three years and as the head of House Rothstaylor for two.
With that much experience, even the most naïve girl would become a veteran. Her friendliness and ease were themselves calculated.
Realizing this, Trayciana bowed deeply.
"Oh my."
At that reaction, Trayciana understood something else.
Tanya had seen through the fact that Trayciana had figured her out. For some reason, it felt as though Trayciana was now in the palm of her hand. She swallowed dryly.
"There's no need to be so uncomfortable around me. Everyone else at this table treats me with excessive respect because of my status. Please, just relax while you're here."
Yennekar smiled and responded.
"That's because we've known you for a long time, Tanya. We've grown close over the years."
"…Then please get these maids away from me… please…"
Despite Lucy's desperate plea, Tanya pretended not to hear. Ed himself had instructed her to ensure the maids never left Lucy's side.
"But it seems you came to see my older brother. Unfortunately, he left for Acken Island a few days ago. The first-year entrance exam he's in charge of is just around the corner."
"W-What…? Professor Ed left? Then…"
"Yes, you just missed him. If it's urgent, perhaps you should hurry back."
Trayciana slumped into her seat.
After everything she had gone through to get here, she had missed him by mere days. It felt as though fate itself was mocking her.
She took a deep breath and spoke.
"…I understand. Then I suppose I should leave soon. Thank you for your hospitality, even though you must be busy."
"It was nothing. I'll be returning to Silvenia for the next semester as well, so I'll see you then. Since we'll be professor and student, there's no need to speak so formally."
"I see. Alright."
Though she doubted she could truly drop formalities on campus, Trayciana agreed for now.
"And… I believe you overheard me discussing personal matters regarding your household. I apologize."
"Oh, don't worry about that. There are many rumors surrounding my older brother, so people naturally become curious. And since he'll be your advisor, it's only natural you'd feel the same."
"Ah, yes… Thank you for your understanding."
As Tanya continued to reassure her, Trayciana suddenly felt something was off.
"But… how did you know Professor Ed would be my advisor…?"
She had not even told Bell yet. Internal matters like that were not meant to be shared so freely.
"Oh my, did you forget? I am the student council president of Silvenia Academy."
Hearing that, Trayciana realized it again.
There was no escaping the duchess's grasp.
Though young, Tanya Rothstaylor had risen to her position with astonishing speed. Trayciana could clearly feel the difference between them.
She could see the full picture now.
Tanya Rothstaylor was the final authority behind everything involving House Rothstaylor.
There was no way she would be unaware of Ed Rothstaylor's actions or relationships. Slowly, Trayciana began to envision Ed's future.
To a girl who would do anything for the prosperity of House Rothstaylor, the relationships surrounding her brother must have appeared as a treasure trove of gold.
An exceptional elementalist. A genius magician. An imperial princess. The Saint of the Holy Father Building. The Deputy Director of the Elte Company.
She had no intention of giving up on any of them. She was prepared to ensure that Ed Rothstaylor had all of them firmly within reach.
With someone like that backing him, the future Ed would eventually reach…
I need to get as close to him as possible while he's still my advisor.
Unfortunately, Trayciana herself was just as materialistic as the rest.
***
I had developed a habit of smoking.
It started after I became a professor and spent too much time with Senior Professor Kaleid.
He was the type who did not shave or take care of himself, who would fall asleep with a book over his face and mutter nonsense. Nevertheless, he was undeniably skilled.
"Haah…"
I extinguished the flame with magic and looked up at the sky.
Sunlight filtered through the leaves, stinging my eyes. Still, the cool breeze felt refreshing, as though it were clearing my head.
I was standing in front of my private lab at the edge of the North Forest.
The first thing I did upon returning to Acken Island was check on the lab I had established there.
The campfire at the center had grown much larger, its flames dancing steadily.
Yennekar's cabin had been converted into a warehouse, while my own cabin had expanded into a large building that served as part of my private lab.
Normally, the academy would never allow a private research facility like this. But when I told them I preferred the North Forest, they quietly arranged it. Their consideration was evident.
Whenever I came here and sat quietly, watching the camp, I was overwhelmed with emotion.
I closed my eyes.
When I opened them, I saw a pathetic fallen noble who had been expelled from Ophelis Hall, sitting alone on a bench.
The boy had been cast aside with nothing to his name. Still, he refused to give up on living.
He entered the North Forest, set down his wooden bag, and sat there for a long time.
Eventually, he chose to act. He gathered leaves and branches to build a crude wooden shelter.
That was where the story began.
A small campfire was built in front of it. The boy sat on a tree stump beside it.
He made a workbench, a drying rack, a fishing rod, wooden shears, and more, placing them nearby.
The temporary shelter slowly improved. A girl occasionally visited to bring him food and chat. Another girl came to nap there. An underclassman passed by while training. A merchant girl appeared from time to time, proposing interesting deals.
One day, a small wooden warehouse was built, followed by a proper cabin.
The tools he crafted while sitting on that stump steadily improved.
The campfire grew large enough for a dozen people to gather around.
The sun rose and set. Rain fell. Snow accumulated. With each changing season, the camp expanded.
Now, when I looked around, I was surrounded by tall, neatly constructed buildings.
I watched the wood burn as I tossed the cigarette butt into the fire.
I had survived.
Yet a question inevitably followed all who survived.
How would they continue to live?
The past became the present, and eventually, it would become the future.
I no longer knew anything about
After running forward relentlessly, I had reached the end of that story.
But the world itself had no ending. The only certainty was my eventual death. As long as I lived, I had to keep moving forward.
In the end, the 'Cliff Point' Silvenia had observed—the future where everything ended—never came to pass.
Even after the game's scenario ended, the world continued onward, two years after Velbrok's death.
Every scenario had an ending.
Did the 'Cliff Point'—the endless darkness where all scenarios ceased—no longer exist?
Because I had entered this world as a variable, had that future vanished? Or was it merely postponed, with the world still drifting toward that eternal darkness?
There was no way to know.
The future was unknown.
Until now, I had confronted every crisis using knowledge of the future I had taken for granted. That alone was abnormal.
The future was meant to be uncertain.
That was why we lived.
Because we did not know what awaited us, we continued to live.
"You were here."
A voice spoke from behind me.
I turned to see a familiar face—Taylee McLaure.
I was surprised to see him.
A lot had happened between us, and despite the time that had passed, we had never truly reconciled.
Taylee sat across from the campfire and set down the sword he carried. He bowed his head quietly.
"Thank you for everything."
It was unexpected. Even at my graduation, he had never addressed me with such sincerity.
"…You'll be graduating soon as well."
"…Yes. Since you became a professor right after graduating, I kept seeing you on campus. But after I graduate, I don't think we'll have many chances to meet."
He spoke without raising his head.
"Why are you acting like this all of a sudden? Like you said, we probably won't see each other again."
"I know, but… when I look back, you were always there during the most important moments of my life."
I wished he wouldn't think that way. Taylee McLaure was meant to walk the path of a hero. Still, from his perspective, it was an understandable misunderstanding.
I had helped him grow stronger so that he could stand on the final stage and defeat Velbrok. That was all I had ever intended.
Now that his role was fulfilled, I felt no particular attachment.
"I'm sorry I couldn't thank you sooner. I misunderstood you many times and held resentment toward you… but in the end… Ed—no, Professor Ed—you were always right."
"There's no need to thank me. You had your own struggles."
I had never harbored ill will toward Taylee. In truth, I was often the one who forced him into hardship.
But he endured. He completed his role and stood until the very end.
There was nothing more to say.
"I just wanted to see you one last time before graduation."
I looked at him quietly, then nodded.
"…Alright."
Taylee picked up his sword.
He had become a swordsman whose name would be etched into history. After graduating from Silvenia Academy, he would walk his own path, traveling with Ayla.
He would accomplish many feats and live a radiant life as a hero.
He passed by me, continuing down the forest path.
As I watched him go, I remembered sitting injured in my room, staring blankly at a computer screen.
Through every hardship on that screen, Taylee never failed. He lived as a hero, basking in the spotlight.
Though it was a story beyond my screen, it had felt like salvation during the days I was trapped in my room, unable to adapt to peace.
Even if it was fictional, even if it ignored the extras beneath the stage, watching it unfold had saved me.
The story of those who overcame hardship was enough to save another.
"Hey, Taylee."
I called out one last time. He turned back, puzzled.
After a brief pause, I poked the fire with a poker, tossed it aside, and said, "Good luck."
That was all.
Taylee looked back once more, offered his thanks, and continued on his way.
The road sometimes split and merged, but it always went on.
As long as life allowed, it would continue onward.
***
The number of children aspiring to become first-year students at Silvenia Academy had not decreased.
Despite the calamity that scarred it, the academy continued to produce heroes. Its reputation only grew.
Taylee McLaure, the swordsman who slew the dragon.
Ayla Triss, inheritor of the title of Great Sage.
Ziggs Eiffelstein, hero of the Northern Grasslands.
Clevius Nortondale, the Demonblade who mastered Blood Swordsmanship.
Elvira Aniston, the innovative alchemist.
Penia Elias Kroel, the next empress of the Kroel Empire.
And Lortel Kehelland, the next director of the Elte Company.
The generation of protagonists graduated under radiant acclaim, praised at their ceremony, destined to live on as heroes etched into imperial history.
And Silvenia Academy, where they had grown, still stood proudly on Acken Island.
It existed to foster new heroes and nurture talents who would shape the next era.
Without hesitation, new students continued to flock there.
***
"Wow…"
A young boy clutching a magic wand stared at the crowd of prospective freshmen gathered at the entrance to the North Forest.
Children from prestigious houses filled the area. The boy, hailing from a distant village, looked around in awe.
His childhood friend patted him on the back.
"Don't get discouraged, Felim!"
"H-Hey, Elia! Who's discouraged?!"
"Anyone can tell you're scared—you're shaking! In times like this, you have to act confident! Don't let it show you're from a village! When it comes to effort, you won't lose to anyone!"
The girl cheered him on as he tightened his grip on the wand. Slowly, he regained his composure.
"T-That's right… When I work hard, I won't lose to anyone!"
As he focused, a tall man walked through the crowd.
The area erupted.
"Th-That's Ed Rothstaylor…!"
"I-It's really him…!"
"Shh! He'll hear you! He's the professor overseeing admissions—of course he's here!"
Though not much older, the title of professor and the cloak he wore intimidated the students.
Assistant Professor Trayciana followed behind him, taking notes. The pressure was suffocating.
Eventually, the man stepped forward. At Trayciana's signal, the crowd fell silent.
With the North Forest at his back, he spoke.
"It must have been difficult to come this far. I'm sure each of you has your own reason for seeking admission to Silvenia. Unfortunately, only half of you will be accepted."
Ed Rothstaylor delivered the harsh truth without expression.
Hearing his voice, which they had known only through rumor, filled the students with vigor. Only then did they truly feel they had stepped into Silvenia Academy.
At his signal, Trayciana stepped forward and released her magic.
Apparition Disks throughout the forest activated. Low-ranking monsters and spirit illusions appeared. Though harmless physically, being struck would inflict mental damage.
Roars echoed through the trees, reaching the entrance.
The prospective freshmen, inexperienced despite their backgrounds, swallowed nervously.
"You must reach the other side of the forest, at the Northern Cliffside. I won't tell you how."
Ed Rothstaylor closed his eyes.
"You only need to survive."
That was the requirement.
Because survival was the most important thing.
Surviving at the academy.
-x-X-x-