“It’s been a while since I’ve seen Yeomyeong-gwan, and it feels good!”
“2nd semester will start soon.”
“That’s right.”
After the summer vacation ended, we returned to Yeomyeong-gwan, putting down the bags we had been carrying and taking a moment to relax.
Most of the time was spent in meetings regarding the Dragon with the royal family and receiving various things from them…
But thanks to the Emperor actively considering my opinions, preparations were progressing smoothly. Although the commander of the Knights showed some resistance, after some intimidation disguised as a duel, he became somewhat obedient, which was a nice gain.
With two blessings overlapping, the Aura Blade only left scratches. The face of the commander, who was taken aback when I grabbed the Aura Blade with my hand, was so funny that I could hardly contain my laughter.
After pressuring him with force, the commander stopped opposing my opinions, and the plans flowed smoothly.
We deployed elite troops near the volcano to prepare for any unforeseen events, and a large number of wizards and Kalon Church priests were stationed to maintain the seals installed at the volcano.
And just in case, we prepared to unleash maximum firepower the moment the Dragon awakens with various artifacts.
With this level of preparation, even if the final boss suddenly awoke, we could sufficiently minimize the damage.
Of course, unexpected variables had been popping up continuously, so I couldn’t completely relax, but at least we were better prepared than in the original story, so capturing it should go more smoothly.
…If the outsiders don’t get any funny ideas.
“Is it just me, or does Yeomyeong-gwan look smaller after spending so long in the capital?”
“The capital was just too extravagant.”
After all, it’s natural for a mansion in the continent’s most glamorous city to pale in comparison with Yeomyeong-gwan, built on a tight budget. This mansion must have once been a state-of-the-art residence, but…
That was hundreds of years ago, so it feels rather old now.
“Ugh, I want to go in and take a nap…”
Viola, wearing a backpack full of various items she bought in the capital, was the first to step inside Yeomyeong-gwan. Following her, we entered and were greeted by familiar faces.
“Welcome back, Saint.”
“It’s been a while. Is everything well?”
“Nothing special happened.”
“Thank goodness.”
After asking the servants if anything unusual had occurred, Karina looked at me and asked.
“Johann, what will you do first?”
“First, I’ll organize my things and clean up the workshop since it’s been a while.”
“Shall I help?”
“No, it’s fine.”
I appreciate the offer, but the workshop has many dangerous items, so it’s better not to touch them recklessly. Of course, Karina isn’t the type to get hurt that easily, but I still worry.
I’d feel guilty if she got injured helping me.
“How about resting in the lounge today? You’ve been busy treating patients all summer vacation.”
“You don’t have to worry too much. I’m a little tired, but… it was worthwhile work.”
Yeah, it must be rewarding. It’s just a bit heartbreaking that she seems to be overworking herself to the point where I feel uneasy. But given her nature, she can’t just leave the sick behind, so it’s inevitable.
Karina also has the duty to help people as a ‘Saint.’
In the end, I handle the grand affairs while Karina handles the smaller details. It sounds significant, but it can be summarized as just fulfilling our respective duties during summer vacation.
The rest were various activities like enjoying summer break or self-development.
“Johann, I’ll help too!”
“Contractor! I want to join!”
“I-I’ll help too…”
“Can I help?”
“Let’s finish as quickly as possible.”
“I want to join too.”
“You treated patients late into the night yesterday, so resting is…”
“I’ll go too.”
Uncharacteristically, Karina clung to my arm, giving a firm signal that she absolutely wouldn’t budge. I sighed and said,
“If you want it that much, we should hurry and get it done. Now, everyone go.”
“Okay!”
————————
“Ugh, it’s already done. I came to help since I heard you were cleaning.”
“Six of us finished it quickly.”
Viola looked a bit apologetic.
“I feel bad since I also use it…”
“Don’t worry about it. Isn’t your own research keeping you busy?”
“That’s true, but…”
Viola looked at me with an awkward smile before cheerfully exclaiming,
“Then let’s hurry and go have dinner! Ashley prepared a feast for us since it’s been a while since we had dinner at Yeomyeong-gwan!”
“Really?”
“It seems everyone was moving around so much that they got really hungry.”
“Now that the cleanup is roughly done, I’ll take care of the rest.”
“Uncle, I’ll help too.”
“You really don’t need to. It’s almost done.”
“I feel guilty not helping when I also use the place.”
“Just clear up what you use.”
There probably won’t be much left to clean anyway.
“Then let’s go! I’m hungry!”
“I-I’m looking forward to the feast…”
Naturally, Millia and Elisa took positions on either side of me. Sif looked around cautiously, while Karina shot me a pouty look. Amid that strange tension, I headed towards Yeomyeong-gwan without saying a word.
The path to Yeomyeong-gwan was quiet. The only sounds around were the rustling of insects. Since there were hardly thirty people in this vast mansion, it was only to be expected.
“I’m glad to be back after a long time. Hehe…”
“I like it here more… The capital is too noisy…”
“I think so too. I feel more comfortable buried in the research facility than in the capital. It’s too extravagant and crowded.”
“I never would have thought there would be many poor people in such a glamorous city.”
“Rich people are a handful while the poor are as many as blades of grass on a plain.”
As we chatted, we arrived at the cafeteria and sat in our usual spots. Thinking back, we had sat in the same seats at the mansion in the capital, but sitting here at Yeomyeong-gwan felt oddly different.
It felt like returning home.
Counting the years, the deserted island where I’ve lived for ten years should feel like home, but… it didn’t feel that way. To put it frankly, that place was hell. Only demons would think of hell as home.
“As a celebration for your return, we’ve prepared a feast.”
“Thank you, Ashley.”
“It’s what we should do.”
“Johann?”
“Karina. Do I look like the kind of person who charms anyone?”
“If it’s you, Johann…”
“Ashley?”
“Just kidding.”
Ashley stuck her tongue out playfully.
Please don’t joke around and make my heart race.
“Then, enjoy your meal.”
“Thank you for the meal!”
With Millia’s shout, the cafeteria was filled with the sounds of utensils.
Mealtime was noisy. After all, we were among friends, and it was a good time to share stories about our summer vacation.
Once we wrapped up our conversations about summer break, discussions about things to do in the 2nd semester began to emerge.
“Johann! I’m going to run for student council president this semester!”
“What?”
“Student council president?”
“R-Really?”
That was an unexpected plan. I noticed she seemed troubled lately, but I never thought it was about running for president.
…But Millia as student council president?
I can’t imagine that at all.
“Johann! You thought it was unimaginable, didn’t you?”
“How did you know?”
“It’s written all over your face! Just watch! I’ll really get elected! I’ve made so many friends to become student council president!”
Millia puffed out her cheeks and said excitedly.
“I’ll cheer you on. But I won’t help.”
“Why not?”
“If I help, it’ll be cheating.”
It wouldn’t look good for me to meddle in academy affairs, and even if she became president with my backing, she’d just be tagged as ‘the student who became president thanks to Sir Quartz’s influence.’
So, I planned to stay out of Millia’s way as much as possible.
“Hmph, I can do this without Johann’s help!”
“I’ll cheer you on.”
“I’ll be cheering for you too.”
“Me too!”
With everyone’s support, Millia shyly scratched her head and smiled cutely. Millia as student council president. I wonder what kind of president she will become?
…Wait a second. If she’s the 2nd-year student council president… um… there will definitely be power struggles.
Is it really okay if I don’t get involved…?
While I was lost in thought for a moment, Millia asked Viola, who was savoring the cake that had been brought out for dessert.
“What will you be doing in the 2nd semester, Viola?”
“Me? Well, I plan to finish my current research and take an advanced alchemy course. I need to prepare if I want to become independent.”
“Independent…?”
“I can’t keep living off everyone forever.”
Independent, huh.
“What about you, Elisa?”
“Me? I want to practice 1st-grade magic.”
“1st-grade magic?”
“Yeah…”
“You can do it! Good luck!”
“Absolutely!”
“You can definitely do it, Elisa.”
“Yeah! Elisa is a genius magician!”
“Thank you…”
“Then, Lewis, what do you plan to do?”
“I want to progress to a higher realm.”
Training, huh.
Considering Lewis’s personality, it’s a fitting desire. It’s only natural to think about the tougher road ahead.
“Me too! I want to practice 1st-grade magic, just like Elisa!”
“Good attitude.”
Now, it seemed like Karina was the only one left without saying anything… but even so, she had her own duties assigned and nothing to share.
“Karina, what about you?”
“I…”
Karina hesitated, opening her lips and then closing them again. Her expression showed she was at a loss for words, and I looked at her with worried eyes.
“I plan to train in the Sanctuary.”
…Going to the Sanctuary?
At this timing?
Caught off guard by Karina’s unexpected statement, my mind went blank.
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