Chapter 530
Finally, the day had come.
The miraculous day that seemed like it would never arrive was here.
“Three years may seem like a mere moment compared to the rest of your life, but that moment will forever remain a memory for you all.”
Listening to the Principal’s speech, I quietly wiped my eyes. Usually, teachers tear up during graduation, and here I was—an honorary teacher—also getting teary-eyed. Is this what being a teacher feels like?
Of course, that’s nonsense. While typical teachers cry from the bittersweetness of sending off students they’ve taught, I was crying out of relief for dropping a heavy burden off my shoulders. You can’t even call our tears similar.
But who cares? If anyone knows the pain and struggles I’ve been through over these three years, they have no right to judge my tears. Everyone would applaud my dedication and sacrifice.
“Memories can serve as stepping stones and motivation on your journey into the unknown. The three years you spent at the Academy must have been incomparable experiences in your life.”
It seemed like the Principal was feeling something similar as he continued his speech with a calm and soft voice.
It’s understandable. With this graduation, foreign-time bombs like Rutis, Lather, and Tannian were going back to their homeland for good. If he didn’t feel uneasy about that, he’d be the odd one out. I wouldn’t be surprised if he downed a bottle of wine in celebration after the ceremony.
“That experience could revolutionary change your life, or it might just remain a memory. How you utilize the experiences you’ve all had is entirely up to you.”
The atmosphere among the graduates subtly shifted after the Principal’s ceremonial words. More specifically, the mood changed for the commoner students.
‘Will it really change?’
For noble students, the Academy is just a regular social prep school and a waystation that everyone goes through.
But for commoner students, the Academy was a place to form connections with nobles and prove their own abilities. With a diploma from the Academy, they could get by anywhere; it was like a golden ticket to upward mobility as a commoner.
Honestly, who would live better—the average commoner farming or trading or one with an Academy diploma aiming for a spot in the government or military? Unless someone has extraordinary talent and luck, the latter would undoubtedly come out on top.
“I sincerely hope the experiences in your hands will make you more beautiful.”
With that end note, the Principal bowed his head slightly.
To honor the graduates who were no longer students but members of society. Wishing for those young professionals to face less pain and more happiness.
Seeing the graduates, now thrown into the wilderness of society, sensing the Principal’s warm heart, they responded with thunderous applause.
…
‘Wilderness, my foot.’
Most of those kids will end up as nobles and live the easy life of a couch potato. It’s a utopia for which I yearn but will never reach.
Of course, nobles far removed from any claim to succession will have to find jobs, but they won’t be scrambling like I had to.
“Next up, a farewell speech from the Student Council Vice President.”
Anyway, right after the Principal concluded his brief address, the Vice Principal took over.
In essence, all the formalities of the graduation ceremony were practically over, and I secretly closed my eyes.
‘Well done, me.’
I survived these hellish three years.
I managed to scrape through without knowing what the original was even about.
‘May there never be another situation like this again.’
Three years at the Academy is plenty of time to conclude even a lengthy story.
If the situation turned out to be ‘the Academy is Part 1, and life after graduation is Part 2,’ I’d willingly forsake the mortal realm to become a priest in the eternal azure skies.
Seriously.
It was dirty sharing this journey, and I never want to see some of those club members ever again.
But during these three years, feelings of both dislike and fondness grew, and we gathered one last time in the club room to say our goodbyes.
“Thinking about this being the last time is sad.”
“Every beginning has an end, you know. Don’t let it weigh too heavily on your heart.”
I replied coolly to Rutis’s words. To be fair, our meeting probably shouldn’t have happened in the first place.
“That’s true, but thinking I won’t see you all again is disappointing. If at least we lived in the same country, we could meet up.”
Rutis’s face broke into a faint smile, but there was a strange hint of bitterness there.
Unexpected. He usually behaves so boisterously that you’d think he had no feelings, but I guess he has some sensitivity after all.
“Above all, it’s a shame to part ways with the Advisor.”
“What?”
But regardless of those feelings, I couldn’t wrap my head around that comment. What kind of grudge did he have against me that he dreaded a parting? The only reason we survived this limited timeframe of three years was that there were restrictions; if I had to endure an indefinite time with him, I would’ve gone mad long ago.
“If I could be with the greatest sword on the continent as a knight, it itself would be a huge realization.”
“…I see.”
I could finally relax with his following explanation. It was nothing personal, just simple admiration.
I had worried that maybe I’d evolved into a dark version of myself without realizing it. Considering the way mages go crazy over Trixie, it wouldn’t be too strange.
‘Thinking about that gives me the creeps.’
And somewhat annoying too. Even though I recently got the title of the greatest sword on the continent, having someone pay me respect after all that nonsense—
“The consideration and teachings I received over these three years I will never forget. Thank you so much, Advisor.”
After Lather’s words of gratitude, I shook my thoughts away.
“That’s a bit overblown. I didn’t teach you anything.”
“Teaching isn’t just in academics, you know.”
Unlike that redhead, this was a normal remark that made my lips curl up.
To be honest, if they knew about the tears I shed in the name of consideration, I should’ve just dropped out, but it’d be awkward for those who voluntarily enrolled in the Empire Academy to quit. I now understand that perfectly.
“In the original, there wouldn’t have been a bond between us, so this must be a connection bestowed upon us by Enen. I shall not forget you even after returning home.”
With that, Lather bowed to Trixie as well.
“It was an honor to receive teachings from a Mage Corps member.”
“I too am glad to teach the Prince of the renowned Yuben Magic Powerhouse.”
Trixie smiled softly at the formal greetings, nodding respectfully in return.
That being said, was it just my imagination? Facing the final goodbyes felt strangely wholesome despite the earlier spicy encounters.
‘Maybe they should act like this more often.’
…That thought passed through my mind briefly before I shook it off. These people stressed me out not just because of their actions, but their very existence. Even if they managed to remain composed and serious for those three years, they still annoyed me.
So, let’s just enjoy this moment. After all, if the last moments are pleasant, maybe the pain of the past three years will shine bright one day.
“Alright, it’s over. Unless you’re standing like a naked person in winter, you should be fine.”
In the meantime, Tannian was giving his last so-called blessings to the club members.
“Third place. Care for one last game of chess before you go?”
“Bringing on a final loss till the end, how diligent you are.”
Let’s ignore that Lather couldn’t break his streak of never losing at chess.
Seems like he got something far better than a win in chess.
*
After the graduation ceremony, I sat dazed on a bench, watching as graduates slowly headed back to their hometowns.
I should be returning to the Olid family I miss, but I just couldn’t seem to move.
‘Is this a dream?’
Then, I pinched my cheek.
‘Ouch.’
So it’s not a dream.
‘This isn’t a dream.’
Once I realized that this situation was real, my lips twitched with disbelief.
Incredible. I never imagined I would gain such fortune with my Academy graduation.
‘I’m the Royal Educator.’
This is a glory I’d never dare to dream about; can someone like me really be a Royal Educator, teaching the noble royalty?
As I pondered this right after the graduation ceremony, I glanced down at the letter of recommendation personally handed to me by the Information Department Head.
“Charles Olid. Your true capability lies not in the bravery you show on the battlefield but your keen insight to accurately gauge your opponent. And your ability to adapt to their level with great care.”
“T-that’s too much praise!”
“No. This is a conclusion I’ve reached after watching you for three years. If you think it’s too much, trust my eyes and accept it.”
His words, elevating me higher than I see myself, brought tears to my eyes once more. While I may have been regarded as a decent student, I never expected to receive such acknowledgement from the Information Department Head.
“Since you have experience dealing with royalty, you should be able to handle the nobles.”
I had no idea during the three years I spent enduring Rutis’s trials would return to me so gratifyingly.
“Though the Crown Princess is still young, you won’t have tasks for now, but a few years from now, you’ll be quite busy. Use this time to hone your skills.”
“Yes! I will keep that in mind!”
“I will be looking forward to it.”
Just as the words faded, the Information Department Head disappeared, and I felt teary-eyed again.
‘Father, Mother…’
I made it big.
And not just anywhere, but to heights I could never have reached without ordinary effort.
‘It’s a glory for the family.’
Rubbing my increasingly moist eyes roughly, I slipped the letter of recommendation into my pocket.
Becoming a Royal Educator isn’t just my personal glory; it elevates the name of the proud Olid family along with it.
And perhaps, if I work hard enough, I could add a new title to the Olid family as well.
‘Let’s do our best.’
With a determined mindset, I vowed that since I stood at a starting line that far outstrips others, progressing further would be a repayment for the opportunity I received.
‘…Thank you.’
Finally, I felt grateful towards Rutis, who was about to return to Ainter. Truth be told, if it weren’t for him, I probably wouldn’t have caught the gaze of the Head Minister.
Although the journey was horrid, the outcome turned out well.
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