Chapter: 29
It’s a strange thing when you think about it.
Royal guards for the princess, hunting down traitors, saving the Holy Nation, and now this Academy invasion incident.
All of them are massive achievements, and while it’s true that I am the focal point of the party, Maria, the A-class adventurer, probably did most of the heavy lifting. I would have likely ended up overshadowed.
In reality, it was Maria and Astrea who played significant roles in the battles.
But the Imperial Family made a different judgment. They elevated both Astrea and me to the same A-class as Maria.
It seems saving Ryona had a substantial impact. But can one instance truly justify adjusting the adventurer rankings, which are supposed to be backed by military might?
‘Just so happens the S-class adventurer promotion exam is coming up soon.’
This is all about pushing forward potential talents.
It’s the first time in the empire’s history that there are four emperors, truly a golden generation of monumental proportions. Yet, it seems only natural they are keen on scouting for talent.
Because of personal traits revealed along the way, it was tough to take lightly.
‘Is the Demon King really coming back to life? Perhaps the royal family has predicted this too…’
In any case, since we’ve already been granted this, let’s make good use of it.
Initially, we were planning to make a Princess Maker with just Maria as our S-class adventurer, but now the whole party can take the challenge together. Looks like this is going to work out.
“What about Maria?”
“She mentioned she had something else to do and would join us later.”
For now, we decided to focus on the event.
It wasn’t merely a surprise or something prepared for fun, but rather a political drama orchestrated by the royal family to secure my standing.
Still, if I’m able to enjoy it comfortably, it might be okay to take a little break, right?
“Sir, are you a scarecrow?” giggle
I was told to step up and be the star of the show, but I wasn’t actually assigned to do anything specific. I was just strolling around with Astrea.
A little boy came up with his parents and asked with wide-eyed innocence.
“That’s right.”
“But you’re an A-class adventurer? Scarecrows are super weak!”
The words might sting a bit, but they stemmed from innocent curiosity, completely devoid of malice.
When I replied with a smile, I spotted the parents trying not to cringe as their child found it amusing.
“If you hit the scarecrow ten thousand times, won’t you become strong like the old man?”
“Wow!” gasp
This must be the royal family’s cunning scheme. Instead of approaching adults, who have already had their fair share of losses against monsters and demon beings, they’re aiming for the kids.
For the children, I’m not an enemy to be feared but merely a creature of curiosity.
After barely stopping the kid from hitting my iron frame, I waved my hand as I walked by.
“It was you! You knocked down the Academy professor!”
“Haha, yes. Not on purpose, though.” chuckle
Like the children, adventurers also showed considerable interest. Most were those who had moved beyond amateur status.
I was unsure when I heard from Lilith, but it seemed the professor truly enjoyed teaching.
I couldn’t help but pay more attention to him than the busty girl right next to me.
“You there, I sense an enormous amount of ‘magic’. Would you happen to be part of the Heavenly Demon Sect?”
No, I see now there was a reason to keep my distance.
When I substituted his phrase with “has a really nice reputation in Korea,” it all clicked. Now he doesn’t even buy me coffee!
“You’ve become surprisingly successful.”
Meanwhile, I reunited with Alexander, the unsung hero of the princess guard mission, after quite some time.
“Thanks to you trusting us and leaving it to us.”
There was no envy or bitterness in our handshake. Nor was there any hostility toward the monsters.
Lilith had assured me it would certainly be a success. In fact, it was even better than that.
“So why did you call the adventurers one by one and have them toss the soybean shells?”
“Uh, um… that’s a long explanation…”
It almost led to an awkward misunderstanding, but at least it turned out alright.
“You.”
“Huh? Why call me?”
“Over there.”
As I started to browse the event booths, contemplating joining in, Astrea suddenly pointed to one. It was a lecture inviting young adventurers.
“Isn’t that you?”
Then Astrea’s finger was extended toward something familiar.
I spotted a purple-haired figure amidst the crowd.
“…Maria?”
*
He claimed he was going to join us late due to other tasks. I never imagined he would end up participating directly instead of managing the booth, mingling among the kids.
And right in the center, in the front row, closest to the speaker.
‘I doubt he received any specific invitation. He must have applied voluntarily.’
It’s the same Maria who insists on bringing me to the door when I get up to go to the bathroom.
That kind of child gave up being with us just to attend some lecture. My gaze instinctively drifted to the banner.
The content itself isn’t exceptional. From what I know, none of the invited adventurers are even acquaintances of Maria.
It’s almost humorous how the guild that approved his application took it. What could the youngest A-class possibly learn from a lecture given by a B-class adventurer?
‘Could it really be Maria?’
As that possibility crossed my mind, the invited adventurer stepped up onto the podium.
“Hello, kids! Nice to meet you…?”
As he spotted Maria right in front, he momentarily froze with a blink, blink.
The inner voice that questioned, ‘What are you doing here?’ somehow slipped out.
I could only see the back of Maria’s head, but I could easily picture her innocent expression, oblivious to everything.
“…Astrea, let’s move to the side and observe for a bit.”
“Understood.”
At that point, joining the ranks of guardians was the only logical step.
As I moved closer, I noticed Paul’s embarrassment getting more palpable, just like Maria’s.
“I’m Paul Nest, a B-rank adventurer, and I’m here today to teach the little ones how to become veteran adventurers. Nice to meet you.”
I could see him grappling internally, hesitating to deliver the greeting he had prepared, debating whether to go off script or just go with the flow.
Ultimately, he opted for the typical route.
Everyone here knows all too well that there are invasive species lurking in the children’s experimental area. But that doesn’t matter for the wide-eyed kids.
“Huh.” scoff
I felt certain about the girl’s sound as she reached peak snicker.
Maria’s here to tweak him.
‘Thank goodness I didn’t wander into the mock duel experience area…’
I nearly sent those poor guys, who were just being playful with the kids, into actual combat training.
…Have they already crushed that place, or what?
“Let’s get started with the lecture, shall we?”
This reminded me of a cartoon.
A debt collector, forced into underground labor, uses his day pass to dress up in a suit, pretending to be a corporate bigwig while drinking beer in a bar and enjoying the reactions of office workers who can’t afford that luxury.
Of course, this context is completely different, and the target is just one person. However, the emotions felt will be pretty much the same.
“Now, like this, the stone enchanted by the goblin shaman requires the assistance of a priest. Companions must work together to fulfill their respective roles. Understood, friends?”
““Yesss!!””
“? You could just press it down with mana.”
‘Wow.’
Who would have thought I’d hear a kid in this world say, “Oh, that’s not how it’s done” in a mocking tone?
Let alone from a current A-class adventurer; this testimony was hard to brush off as mere wisdom.
“…Adventurers with a high amount of mana, such as A-class and above, can tackle it just with their mana. However, there aren’t that many of those top-tier adventurers.”
smirk Maria wore a satisfied grin.
Maybe it was because they recognized her words. Especially the part where they emphasized how truly “great” she was.
From there, Maria’s relentless probing continued unabated.
“It usually takes around five years to reach B-class.”
(Stare of disbelief)
“…”
“Orcs are truly ferocious and dangerous monsters, but—”
“Orcs…?”
“They’re slow-moving and have poor eyesight, so you can take advantage of that…”
“Anyone have a question for me?”
“Maria.”
“…Yes, please ask away.”
“How can I become an amazing adventurer like you, sir?”
“Maria… please, just stop.”
After holding back initially in front of the kids, Paul ultimately threw in the towel.
Still, that was quite a long time to endure. I concede he has a Bodhisattva-like mentality.
By then, Maria seemed to realize she had been a bit too much and ceased her conspicuous antics.
Five minutes before the lecture was coming to an end.
“I’ll be concluding the lecture here. Thank you all for listening.”
Perhaps he was more pleased about finally escaping rather than the ordeal he went through.
Paul’s closing comments felt incredibly lighthearted. As applause surged, I clapped my hands even harder.
I apologize for my kid. Later, I’ll tease her about how she almost failed to catch a sparrow and shed tears.
“Brother.”
“This rascal.”
“Wow. Why are you acting like that?”
I playfully pinched Maria’s cheeks as she pretended to be the diligent student returning from class.
This was the mouth—a mouth that absolutely shouldn’t be juggling a gacha game and a community at the same time!
“…Did you have fun?”
“Yeah! It was fun.”
I’m glad to hear that she had some enjoyment.
If she had said it was dull after all that, I would have had to tickle her right here!
“Maria, now let’s go to the mock duel…”
“Absolutely not.”
“Boo.”
With Maria clinging to my waist, we left the booth, gathering the attention of passersby.
The event isn’t over just yet.
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