Chapter 235: The Vacation Ceremony Returns
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 235: The Vacation Ceremony Returns
“It feels strange.”
It was the day before the vacation ceremony.
In a quiet corner of the Hydrangea Garden, I finished the final lesson of the semester with White. After going over her assignments for the break, we sat on a stone bench, looking out over the lake as we talked.
“Thanks to you, Senior Isaac, I’ve grown noticeably stronger. It felt like being tutored by an archwizard. It’s an opportunity one couldn’t buy for a thousand gold coins…!”
“I was hoping to get you to at least master 4-star magic.”
“Ah, is that so…? I was such a nuisance, wasn’t I…?” White’s expression suddenly darkened. “No, I’m worse than a bug… I’m sorry for being such a pathetic student…”
“That’s not what I meant.”
I meant that I’m sorry I couldn’t teach you better.
I patted White’s head and offered a small smile.
“Thank you for following along so well. You did a great job.”
As I stroked her hair, White’s melancholy gradually melted away, her expression softening as she took comfort in the gesture.
“Senior Isaac, you’re staying at the academy, right?”
“That’s the plan, though I might head out for a bit to get some fresh air.”
I had to travel to Düpfendorf for the coronation ceremony and visit the Whiteclark Duchy for the Council of Kings. While at the academy, I planned to undergo special training under the guidance of the Stone Turtle, Gormos.
Furthermore, if Calgart the Necromancer had already been resurrected, I intended to hunt him down during the break—though Cheshire, the Phantom Cat, hadn’t returned with intel yet.
Our destination, Baron Ropenheim’s territory, was too far for my [Clairvoyance] to reach. Even if it weren't, locating a Phantom Cat would still be a challenge. I was worried about him, but Alice reassured me that she could sense he was perfectly fine.
“Then, Senior Isaac, please visit Viyans whenever you have the time.”
Viyans was the capital of the Zelver Empire.
“It’s fine even if it’s after you graduate. We’ll make sure you’re treated well.”
“Thanks. I’ll keep it in mind. Also, about the watch… I’m sorry it turned out that way.”
“It’s alright. It’s nothing new, really…”
I had already explained the true nature of the pocket watch to White. It had been seized by the Imperial Court and was currently being thoroughly investigated by the Imperial Tower.
White had been devastated when she first heard the truth. She had thought it was the only decent gift ever given to her by her mother—the same woman who had tried to assassinate her until the day she died. Instead, it turned out to be her mother's most dangerous hidden trump card.
She had been despondent for a few days, but she eventually accepted the reality. It wasn't the first time her family had betrayed her, after all.
“I was foolish to almost fall for a dead person’s trick… From now on, I’ll just focus on living my life to the fullest.”
Putting the past behind her, White smiled and held out a small fist toward me.
“I’ve received so much kindness since coming to the academy. Thank you, Senior Isaac. I’ll miss you during the vacation.”
“You too. You worked hard this semester. I’ll miss you as well.”
I bumped my fist against hers.
*
“We will now begin the Märchen Academy Vacation Ceremony.”
The sky was a brilliant, clear blue on the final day of my sophomore year's first semester. The students gathered in the Academy Square as the ceremony commenced.
The Student Council President’s retirement ceremony was held as well. Once elected as the Märchen Academy Student Council President, one was required to serve for three semesters before stepping down.
Alice Carroll took the stage to deliver her retirement speech. It was straightforward and professional, nothing out of the ordinary. When she finished and bowed, the students erupted into applause.
While the retirement ceremony followed tradition by taking place during the vacation ceremony, Alice would technically remain the Student Council President until the end of the break. However, she told me it wouldn't be a burden, as she only had minor administrative tasks left to wrap up.
Once the next semester began, an election for the new Student Council President would be held. The Four Constellations—the student faction involved in the academy's administration—were already starting to make their moves.
Before long, the ceremony concluded, and the academy gates were thrown wide. A stream of carriages began carrying students out across the continent, but I remained behind.
An imposing Imperial carriage arrived at the gate, flanked by a full escort of guards. I went to see off Snow White and Merlin. When I asked Merlin if she was okay with not seeing her sister, she simply replied that she was there to fulfill her duty as an escort knight.
“I’m heading out, Senior Isaac! See you later!”
As I said my goodbyes to White, the Imperial guards bowed to me with surprising politeness. It seemed like a gesture of goodwill from the Imperial Court, so I didn't dwell on it.
I also spotted Tristan Humphrey passing through the gate. He pretended not to see me as he boarded his family’s carriage.
Afterward, I spent some time with Kaya. Without the influence of Dark Kaya’s personality, she had become quite timid. Her internal struggle over whether or not to kiss my cheek was honestly adorable. I patted her shoulder, told her to stay safe, and saw her off.
Then, as I was walking through the now-quiet training grounds, thinking about taking it easy for the day—
“Hey.”
“…?”
A female student called out to me, and I stopped. She had short blue hair that flowed like waves and a petite frame. It was Ciel Carnedas, the 3rd ranked student in the Magic Department.
Judging by her casual clothes, she was also preparing to leave the academy. Her half-lidded, sleepy eyes looked as though they were only open because they had to be.
A grin spread across my face. Since Ciel was an official heroine in ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱, I felt a certain level of affection for her.
“It’s been a while, Ciel. How does it feel? Must be bitter losing third place to me, huh?”
“You make me want to start a bloodbath the moment I see you.”
“I heard you’re taking Ian with you?”
“Seems you’ve been eavesdropping.”
It was finally time for Ian to obtain the Luminous Sword, the legendary ultimate weapon of light, with Ciel’s help. Ciel must have offered Ian a specialized training environment in exchange for the chance to study his Divine Power. They likely had already discussed the specifics of her research.
Ian would have readily accepted Ciel’s proposal to strengthen his ties with the Carnedas family and to grow more powerful. While training at the Carnedas Mansion, Ciel would pass down her family’s ancient promise to him. She would show him the token of their pact, persuade him, and then lead him to the divine realm where the Luminous Sword rested.
Fortunately, the trial to obtain the Luminous Sword wasn't a standard battle but a test of mental fortitude. There was no need to worry.
The Ian I know has a mind of steel.
Ciel continued in her usual calm, monotone voice.
“Well, whatever I do with Ian Fairytale is none of your business. More importantly, I have something to tell you.”
“What is it?”
“It’s a trade secret. You understand, right?”
She was referring to the end-of-semester evaluation last year, during our freshman year. I remembered her mentioning "trade secrets" back when we were struggling to find Fell Cards using mana perception. The memory resurfaced like a sudden flashback, bringing a smile to my lips.
“And?”
“The Carnedas Family welcomes you. Other families will do the same, trying to curry favor in every way possible. They’ll try to marry off their daughters to you, and all sorts of diplomatic gifts will pour into Düpfendorf. The world is going to revolve around you.”
Ciel shrugged as she spoke, her voice devoid of emotion. It was a warning.
I was only powerful during combat, not during my daily life. I couldn't always detect or prepare for every hidden danger in advance.
“Get to the point. You want to make a deal, right? And your family will act as my shield.”
“Correct.” Ciel pointed at me with her index finger and nodded. “Our family is infamous for that kind of work. Because of it, we hold the weaknesses of many other houses. You won’t regret it.”
“Then what do you want from me?”
“Back the Carnedas Family.”
It was a simple request. Ciel wanted to graduate safely under my protection while securing benefits for her house. For either of us, it wasn't a losing deal.
“I’ll think about it.”
“I hope for a favorable response.”
I started to walk past Ciel but stopped as a thought occurred to me.
“Ah, Ciel.”
“What?”
“I’ll leave Ian and Amy to you. Make sure they don’t get hurt.”
I could feel Ciel’s gaze burning into the back of my head. Her voice turned wary as she realized something was off.
“You… you knew, didn’t you?”
“Who knows.”
“…”
With that, I headed toward the training grounds.
The Carnedas Family carriage picked up Ciel, Ian, and Amy. Ian was brimming with enthusiasm, imagining how much stronger he would become with the Carnedas family’s help over the break.
Amy, finding Ian’s excitement adorable, smiled, though she couldn't help but be mindful of Ciel.
Ciel covered a yawn with her hand and lowered her head, seemingly lost in thought. Amy debated whether to speak to her but decided against it, not wanting to interrupt her contemplation.
Where did he get that information?
Ciel recalled her conversation with Isaac.
– I’ll leave Ian and Amy to you. Make sure they don’t get hurt.
– You… you knew, didn’t you?
– Who knows.
Isaac seemed to be aware of the secret promise passed down through the Carnedas family—the promise to guide the Child of Light to the divine realm.
He was an archwizard with incomprehensible abilities. Had Isaac already deciphered that promise from a level I can't even reach?
Or maybe…
Taking Ian to the divine realm might have been Isaac’s intention all along.
While Ciel believed no danger would befall them, she resolved to protect Ian if anything did arise. After all, it was her decision to follow the family promise and take Ian to the divine realm. If she didn't take responsibility for Ian’s safety from start to finish, she wouldn't be able to rest easy.
Especially if protecting Ian aligned with Isaac’s goal of protecting the world. Ciel planned to graduate from Märchen Academy under Isaac’s protection and live a life she could be proud of.
With those thoughts, Ciel ended her contemplation.
“…It’s time for a nap.”
She muttered to herself, checking her watch. Drowsiness was creeping in. Napping at the same time every day was a non-negotiable part of her routine.
Ciel pulled a specialized pillow from her magic pouch—one designed to make anyone fall asleep instantly—and lay down. The custom design of the Carnedas carriage, with seats as spacious as beds, proved its worth.
“You two. I’m taking a nap, so no talking.”
“You’re going to sleep here…?”
Ciel drifted off almost immediately. Ian and Amy, watching her sleep soundly despite the bumpy ride, could only stare in disbelief.