Chapter: 295
Most of the nobles in the Empire have experienced club activities while studying at the academy, so it’s fair to say the club fair is more than just an academy event—it’s an event for the Empire itself. It’s a social gathering where the former nobles can mingle with the current students under the guise of being club seniors. That’s what the club fair is all about.
And now, this club fair has evolved from a domestic event into an international one.
“Yes, that’s right. I received the information yesterday too.”
“Oh, I see.”
After hearing from the minister that guests from other countries would be coming, I went straight to the principal the next day, only to receive a nonchalant reply. So, the principal heard about this yesterday as well.
If the news reached the principal, the highest authority at the academy, it’s not just a mere possibility—it’s a confirmed fact. What the minister told me could have ended up as just gossip, but relayed to the principal, it means the Ministry of Education officially said, “Guests are coming.”
It’s ridiculous. What could possibly draw them across borders for a fair hosted by students? Don’t they have better things to do? Some folks would love to have a vacation but can’t afford it.
‘They would’ve come regardless of the fair.’
Of course, we all know the real reason for the visit isn’t the fair itself—it’s the desire to visit the academy. The academy is opening its doors to outsiders during the fair? They could do a somersault to get in, and it wouldn’t look out of place.
Plus, while the minister mentioned that Ernensto Academy is interested, it’s not just them; magicians from all across the continent will be rushing over. High-ranking magicians can teleport with ease, crossing borders like it’s nothing.
“I’m worried about an influx of guests. I hope the principal isn’t taking on unnecessary burdens.”
Imagining self-proclaimed late starters who failed to get into the academy swarming, I couldn’t help but voice my concern. No matter how you slice it, this ruckus was caused by the Duke, with him coming to the academy clearly because of me.
If he has even a semblance of human emotion, I should apologize to the principal. Given what a grand spectacle we threw at him, it’s not really fair.
“It’s alright; the goal of the fair is to have fun, isn’t it? If there are more guests, that’s something to celebrate.”
The principal, however, replied with a calm smile. It felt odd. His expression and tone weren’t sarcastic, nor was it a display of enlightenment.
‘Is he genuinely okay with this?’
Why? For the principal, what should be a simple task has escalated into something needing extra attention. I’d feel like choking the person who disrupted my routine if I were him.
One might think positively about the principal’s wisdom and patience shining through, but the burdens of bureaucracy don’t vanish as one ages. In fact, the older you get, the more miserable it is if you’re already swamped with work. Wouldn’t he be caught between overworking himself and the pressure of retirement?
And as if sensing my doubts, the principal smiled even more broadly before speaking.
“I heard that Ernensto Academy wants to learn about our education system here in the Empire. They said they’d come not as guests, but as students and would like to receive instruction.”
“Oh, really?”
Hearing that made me realize why the principal’s demeanor was so peaceful—and it seemed subtly joyful.
‘I guess we won, then.’
In this long-standing rivalry between the two academies, the principal has achieved a victory.
The Empire Academy stands as the foremost educational institution of the continent, teaching all subjects, while Ernensto Academy specializes in magic. Coincidentally, it’s customary for both academies to have powerful magicians as their principals, which has led to an unspoken competition between them.
In terms of an overall system, the Empire Academy might have the upper hand, but since the principals are magicians before educators, their rivalry has always been within the magical field. And given that Yuben’s alliance cannot be scoffed at in terms of magical prowess, the competition has been heated like a tug of war.
However, when the Duke made the Empire Academy his base, the game was turned upside down. A high-ranking magician like Einstein extending a hand means the game’s all over.
“Congratulations! After all, it’s clear that even Yuben can’t outdo the Empire. I’m glad to see your efforts have borne fruit.”
“Haha, this isn’t just my doing. It’s thanks to the legacy built up by our academy over time.”
Anyway, the principal couldn’t wipe the smile off his face after this huge victory.
And you can’t blame him for being so delighted. If the principal ends the rivalry in favor of his own school, he’ll go down in history as a legendary figure.
“It’s only natural. The Empire has individuals who have reached the peak of magic; how could we compare ourselves with other nations?”
His boasting made me nod in agreement. It’s the first time I’ve seen the principal show such enthusiasm, but considering how unusual magicians are, this seems to be an acceptable expression of emotion.
“And this reminds me of a time when I visited Yuben in my youth—”
…Thank goodness it’s not the first time he’s waxed nostalgic.
*
I had no idea that a single sneeze would lead to such consequences.
“Erich, I should just go in now—”
“No way.”
His firm response closed my mouth once again. I thought I’d been outside for a while, but according to Erich’s sense of time, I still have a ways to go.
‘This is unnecessary.’
It’s embarrassing. Here I am, dragged away to the health room for sneezing, while Erich prances around outside like I’m about to drop dead the moment I step back in.
Precisely at the moment when it’s time to start baking in the club room, he leaves my side. He won’t let me return in case I sneeze again, which is a bit overboard.
“It’s just the flour affecting me. I’ll adjust; it’ll be fine,” I insisted, trying to ease his worries.
Despite wanting to be with Erich in the club, I have some pride in being a member of the pastry club. Yet here I am, unable to partake in baking, remaining outside like I’m some unwanted guest. No matter how little social experience I have, I know this situation is bizarre.
“What if I’m allergic? What if it’s not just a sneeze, but my body rejecting it?”
But Erich was having none of it, shaking his head stubbornly. That’s ridiculous. If I had any allergic reaction, I would’ve known by now. I’ve eaten enough cookies and bread to know what’s good and what isn’t.
“Flour before baking and flour after baking might not be the same. Until we see results, let’s stay outside.”
Hearing his deeply concerned voice, I found it hard to refuse any longer.
Right, it’s not like he’s being overdramatic for no reason. He’s genuinely worried about me. I’m doing him a favor by complying, and besides, he could easily be right that I could be sensitive to flour. I’ve had thorough examinations in the health room, so a few days waiting won’t hurt.
‘Just the two of us…’
To be honest, it’s embarrassing, yet it makes me happy. I enjoy just being with Erich, let alone taking a walk together. This is our private time without any interruptions.
Fortunately, Karl, Louise, and the other members were all understanding. Whether that’s because they saw me as fragile enough to faint at the sight of flour, or if Erich was just being overly dramatic and they felt sorry for me, who knows?
“Should we sit for a bit?”
“Ah, sure.”
In the meantime, it seemed as though Erich interpreted my reluctance to go back as fatigue, as he led me to a nearby bench.
I wasn’t exactly tired, though. I was just taking a stroll near the building; if that wore me out, I never would’ve made it into the academy in the first place. But if Erich wants to think I’m tired, I’d gladly pretend.
‘…An arm should be okay, right?’
Surely leaning on him would be alright? Erich wouldn’t shove me away if I rested against him; I do want to lean on him, but given we’re outside, it might be a bit too much.
Alright, I’ll settle for an arm. Enjoying the spring breeze together is romantic enough.
“Hmm? Were you nearby?”
While I was lost in that happy thought, I suddenly heard a trespassing voice ruining the moment.
Turning his direction, I saw Rutis bouncing a ball as he approached. And behind him were Prince Ainter, Lather, and Tannian.
Strange. They were all so engrossed in debating cookie or candy shapes that I figured they wouldn’t show their faces for days.
“What’s up? Why are you out here?”
Erich seemed just as puzzled by the sudden appearance of his fellow club members, tilting his head in confusion. He had been one of the participants in that earlier discussion, after all, so he must have been wondering just as much as I am.
“I got bored thinking too hard. Physical activity is just as important for your health, you know?”
That logic seems a bit off, but hey, if it’s a royal making that claim, it’s gospel truth.
*
The members who had been having unproductive discussions soon stumbled outside, tired of it all.
‘So that’s why they didn’t head out earlier.’
It’s not surprising, considering it’s the same bunch that wanted to switch the pastry club to beach volleyball. Spring in this world isn’t plagued by fine dust or yellow dust, making it perfect to be outside.
The only worry is that Sera happened to be near the area where they love to play. I’m not sure what kind of lesson they’re giving her, displaying all the wrong lessons…
After staring out the window for a while, I turned back. Good thing I had Erich beside me; I trust he’ll correct her if she misinterprets anything.
“Is this how you do it?”
“Yep! Wow, you’re catching on quickly!”
“Heh heh, it’s because the instructor is so good.”
Left alone in the club room were just Louise and the Duke, making awkward small talk. Their conversation stirred up all sorts of mixed feelings in me, just like always.
With all the other members fleeing, it’s ironic that the Duke, who isn’t even an official member, seems to be the one lingering in the club room… and he’s putting in more effort this year than many of the actual members… He’s the hero who ended the rivalry yet doesn’t seem that invested…
‘…Maybe I should hand over the advisory position to him?’
Honestly, the amount of pastries made by the Duke likely surpasses what I’ve done this year. At this rate, he’s practically more qualified for the role of club advisor than I am.
They say late-bloomers can be scary, but if he’s not the Duke of Pastries, then who is?
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