Chapter 72
Chapter 72
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 72
Chapter Title: Early Return to the Academy
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72
1
"Are you heading back already?"
Bellisa asked worriedly, seeing me off all the way to the main gate.
Even in the early morning, her face was pristine, as if she'd prepared in advance.
"Vacation still has ten days left..."
Vacation had flown by like an arrow.
I'd spent quite a while in the Hilfenberg territory, and returning to Agrit County had taken time too. Then, after lounging around a bit and training, vacation had simply evaporated.
"I'm going early to prepare for the second semester. I'll be back soon."
Winter break wasn't far off either.
There might be other reasons to return before then.
I wanted to laze around home until classes started, but I had too much to do.
"Take care of yourself. You understand, right?"
Bellisa urged me, her green eyes filled with concern.
As her shawl began to slip from her shoulders, Johan quietly added in a low voice.
"He's a grown man now, dear. Overprotecting him isn't good."
"You're the one who didn't sleep a wink because your son was leaving early in the morning?"
"Ahem, anyway, finish the second semester well and come back."
This guy was blatantly dodging.
But he couldn't hide the dark circles under his black eyes.
His eyes were oddly bloodshot too.
"I'll return safe and sound, so no need to worry."
"Alright. Now, Erica, say goodbye to your brother too?"
Only then did Erica, who had been hiding behind Bellisa's legs, poke her head out.
She looked even messier and smaller than usual, probably because she'd just woken up.
Even bending my knees, my gaze was still higher.
"I'll be back, so be good and listen to Mom and Dad."
"Uuuh..."
Erica toddled over and buried her head between my knees.
"Come back soon?"
"Of course. Next time, I'll bring a present for sure."
I stroked the head of the sniffling Erica.
Even messy, her jet-black hair wrapped smoothly around my fingers like silk.
After petting her head until she calmed down, Erica finally pulled away from me and nestled into Bellisa's arms.
"Bye-bye, brother..."
Receiving Erica's farewell, which was thick with reluctance, I boarded the carriage.
Choco, who had climbed in first, stuck her head out the window and waved.
The carriage slowly began to move.
I kept waving with Choco until the Agrit family was out of sight.
"You seem quite close with the family."
Mephis, sitting across from me in the carriage, smiled softly.
Only then did I lean back against the seat, but the answer didn't come easily.
I still felt a subtle distance.
Even though vacation wasn't that long, I'd traveled too much outside.
I'd spent days bedridden after visiting Hoiman territory, and adding the time in Hilfenberg territory, my stay in Agrit territory had been shorter than expected.
Even so, the awkward, vague distance I'd felt before vacation was long gone.
Could say we'd become a bit like family.
Of course, incomparable to my birth parents who raised me.
Still, it filled a void of family form I'd lacked.
In the end, what remains for humans are human relationships.
Even if the form was different, I'd regained what I'd lost.
If I said I wasn't happy or satisfied... that would be a lie.
"Well, something like that."
The answer finally came.
Meanwhile, the carriage steadily headed toward Esterro Academy.
2
The road back to Esterro Academy was truly peaceful.
Right after vacation started, I'd been busy worrying how to deal with Theo's family.
I'd even considered what incidents might happen during break...
But now, with classes approaching, there were no immediate issues.
Of course, plenty of problems loomed before me.
Theo's letter, dimensional magic, demons and demon swords, etc.
But none could be solved right away, so status quo for now.
For the same reason, I'd pushed aside thoughts of the various events in the second semester.
First, cool my brain.
Fretting over unsolvable problems is pointless.
Better to relax my mind and focus on what I can do.
Like recruiting powerful NPCs who aren't with Leon in the original story.
Esterro Academy is where the kingdom's top talents gather.
Many students are already strong or will shine later.
This is prime scouting ground.
"If needed, I might have to recruit some professors too."
Of course, that's the last resort.
Mess up, and I could end up on the grad school track.
An ace up the sleeve for when there's no other way.
Anyway, with less than two weeks of vacation left, I returned to the academy.
Mephis decided to stay at the Agrit family's capital villa.
They even have a villa—truly wealthy.
Anyway, recruiting is recruiting.
Separately, I need to steadily unwind my brain.
First, check the Easter egg only available during summer break.
I can't miss a limited-time Easter egg.
Too late today, so tomorrow right away.
First, unpack at the dorm and sprawl out.
Carrying my suitcase, I passed through the academy's main gate with Choco.
The scenery I first saw in this world filled my view.
But dyed in the sunset of late summer instead of early spring morning, the details felt different.
Of course, this was enjoyable too, so I indulged in a strange nostalgia.
"You're back early."
The uninvited guest appeared around then.
I turned at the voice, chilling even in midsummer.
Edmund approached me in a suit, despite the blazing sun.
Not a drop of sweat on his neatly combed forehead.
Of all people to run into right upon arrival.
I consciously smiled.
"Came early to prepare some things."
"Abundant knowledge plus a diligent, earnest attitude. You'll become a scholar who finds answers in any research."
"...Pardon?"
What is this guy saying.
Why is the conversation going there.
"No one can beat a hardworking genius. High chance of becoming a once-in-a-century mage who marks history, right?"
A bright voice came from the other side.
Turning, Bailey approached with a grin, pushing up her round glasses.
Edmund on the left, Bailey on the right.
Upon arriving at the academy, surrounded by the last people I wanted to see.
Ah, should have stayed home a week longer.
Regret flooded me, darkening my vision.
"There's an academic conference before classes start. Coming? It's in Winizden."
"Butting into others' conversation is rude, Professor Bailey."
"Oh? Then isn't Professor Edmund the rude one for inserting into my invitation? No rule says conversations must be just between two people."
"Discussing rudeness is laughable."
Like cat and dog, Edmund and Bailey started growling at each other.
Why fight over me—no one wanted this.
Whichever wins, they'll drag me to grad school boldly.
Ignoring my own opinion entirely.
Can't let that happen.
The best tactic is the Thirty-Six Stratagems.
Namely, beat a retreat—so I quietly fled to the dorm with Choco.
3
Professor recruitment is truly a last resort.
Avoid tangling with them until then.
Grumbling, I arrived at Minenbar Library.
No business with the library itself.
Unpacked all my luggage at the dorm.
Came because someone I planned to meet was here.
Still plenty of time before classes.
Few students hadn't gone home, and even fewer stayed in the library late evening.
Easy to spot Louis in the lounge.
"Thought it was a joke from your letter, but you're serious, senior."
"Do I look like I joke about this?"
No one else around.
Louis set down his scribbling quill and glared at me.
"And I'm filling out applications because of who?"
"No idea."
Shrugging, I peeked—Louis was filling a Royal Magic Tower apprentice wizard application.
Esterro Academy fourth-years focus on practicals.
Scholars learn in labs, wizards enter towers as apprentices.
Job hunting, basically.
Submit to desired workplaces, get selected for internship.
Some start in third-year second semester, so Louis was job hunting too.
"Because of you...!"
"Me? That's too much blame-shifting, senior."
"Not shifting—it's fact!"
Louis glared furiously, eyes bulging.
But seeing I really didn't know, he casually ran a hand through his green hair.
"Planting spies takes time, money, effort. Fake identities are easy, but fabricating pasts to fool everyone takes ages. But because of you, a bunch got caught. Kingdom's on high alert—no room for new spies."
"What does that have to do with your job hunt."
"Planned to return home after graduation, but no new spies means I'm stuck. To keep acting post-grad, need a job! Damn, right in this tough market...!"
Ah, got it.
Karmut Federation decided to leave Louis as a spy in Tekat Kingdom.
So Louis must act as a normal Esterro grad.
Naturally, get employed and live normally.
"Any prospects?"
"Disciplinary record kills them. Tough to pass first try."
"And Royal Magic Tower amid that... After demanding unsealing of royal forbidden books, even less chance?"
"Gonna try every tower. Somehow it'll work."
Even if doubtful, he'll apply.
Just like my job hunt days.
"Want help?"
I'd be lying if no pity.
But not 100% pure pity.
Reason Louis stays likely includes our contract.
As double agent, needs to be in my reach.
If double agent Louis succeeds, info quality improves for me too.
"Got a plan?"
Louis's green eyes sparkled as he whispered.
I lowered my voice too.
"Me, once-in-a-millennium dimensional magic aptitude holder."
"So?"
"After I graduate, become my assistant—stable, right?"
"Are you insane?"
"Kidding."
Pretty scary.
Half-serious though.
Of course, no intent to become professor.
"More importantly, how's the Federation lately?"
"Sigh... Kingdom's vigilant, so we're extra careful. No moves for a while."
Post-festival, Federation cautious.
Matches original.
"Got it. Contact if they move... Job issue, real solution exists. Wanna hear?"
"Tell me. If teasing again, won't let it slide."
"Not teasing."
Checked surroundings just in case.
Confirmed alone, leaned toward Louis.
He naturally leaned in, offering his ear.
Whispered.
"Become a grad student—work in a lab."
"......"
Louis set down his quill, pulled out a magic tome from his pocket.
And I fled before lightning struck.