Chapter 345: Spring Day — Complete
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 345: Spring Day — Complete
Snowflakes fluttered gently through the air.
In a quiet corner of the Butterfly Garden, the pearlescent sky reflected off the pristine white drifts piled upon the ground.
As I lay back, my body sank into the snow with a soft thump. It felt as cozy as a feather bed, so I simply closed my eyes and let myself relax.
This was the place where I had first begun my training.
I had returned after a long time away. It was the perfect place to organize my thoughts.
Recently, I had discovered something new.
My ability, [Clairvoyance], had expanded its reach across dimensions.
As time passed, my body continued to adapt to its divinity, naturally ascending toward an unimaginable level of existence. Having reached my current state, I had come to realize many things.
For instance, I discovered that before the Evil God Nephid had ever gained the Authority of Godslaying, many more preparations had been laid into this world than Stella had ever mentioned.
Humans named after fairy tale characters. Magic Beasts bearing the names of myths from other dimensions. Their very origins.
Fate had unfolded according to the design of ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱, leaving behind these traces for the sole purpose of defeating the Evil God. These were elements specifically chosen to be familiar and intriguing to the people of Earth.
Not long ago, I had spoken directly into the mind of Lucifer the Morning Star, the demon of the Icy Lake. Even though he was far away, it was a simple task for me now that I possessed divinity.
Lucifer told me that one day, he had gained a sudden enlightenment. He expelled his dark mana and was reborn as a new being, no longer classified as a demon. Thanks to that transformation, he had survived the annihilation of the Evil God and maintained his position as the overseer of the Icy Lake.
I later learned that when the end began, Lucifer had protected the people before returning to his frozen domain.
It was truly something to be grateful for.
*
The First Campus of Märchen Academy had finally been restored to its former glory.
Starting next academic year, students would be able to apply to either the first or second campus as they pleased, with no difference in the quality of their education. Accordingly, the number of new admissions was expected to double.
The graduation ceremony was held at the First Campus, honoring the wishes of the prospective graduates who had made so many memories here.
I liked this place, too.
I took a deep breath of the frigid air and exhaled, watching a cloud of white steam drift away.
After achieving a goal that once seemed daunting, idle concerns inevitably followed, clinging to me like a lingering shadow. Lately, two questions had been weighing on my mind.
How should I live from now on?
What do I want to do?
Spending my days wandering aimlessly was fine once in a while, but I wasn't used to a life of leisure. I had no intention of getting used to it, either.
“Then…”
I finished my train of thought. Coming here had definitely helped clear my head.
I stood up and brushed the snow from my clothes.
*
The warm breath of spring brushed against my skin.
Bright flowers bloomed to greet the season, and colorful petals fluttered in the breeze like confetti. The restored First Campus of Märchen Academy didn't just look like its old self—it looked brand new. Everything was pristine.
I received my graduation robe at Orphin Hall. The academy maids personally assisted me, dressing me in the heavy fabric and placing the mortarboard firmly on my head.
I unpinned the brooch symbolizing my grade from my tie and tucked it into my pocket. Removing the brooch during the ceremony was a symbolic tradition, after all.
“Oh.”
Is this premium fabric?
The graduation robe was incredibly smooth to the touch. I checked my reflection in the full-length mirror. The navy blue robe, accented with golden borders, swayed with a soft rustle as I moved.
As I headed toward the academy square for the ceremony, I saw rows of students dressed in identical robes. The square was alive with noise and laughter. Whether they were anticipating the future or worrying about what came next, finishing such a long journey naturally brought smiles to their faces.
“Sir Isaac!”
Kaya ran toward me with a bright smile, Luce following close behind. Both of them were dressed in their graduation robes.
I couldn't help but chuckle. Seeing Kaya and Luce in their formal attire was simply adorable.
As the ceremony began, the faculty guided the students to stand in an orderly fashion across the square. A massive crowd of family members, acquaintances, and friends watched from the sidelines, clutching bouquets of flowers.
“We will now commence the Märchen Academy graduation ceremony,” the host announced into the microphone from the podium.
After several formalities, the host called my name. “Next, we will proceed with the valedictorian’s speech. Valedictorian Isaac, please come forward.”
I climbed onto the stage and walked toward the podium. The host stepped aside, and I took the microphone.
Silence fell over the square.
I gazed out at the graduates. Every eye was on me, waiting.
The faculty selected the valedictorian from among the most outstanding students, and this year, the honor had fallen to me. Although I had prepared a formal speech, standing there and looking at my peers brought a flood of memories to the surface.
I decided to set the script aside and speak from the heart.
“Hello, fellow graduates. I am Isaac, valedictorian of the Magic Department.”
I bowed my head in greeting.
“On this meaningful day, I want to sincerely thank Märchen Academy for giving me the honor of standing here.”
I spoke politely, offering a gentle smile.
“To be honest… as you all know, I had my own reasons for attending Märchen Academy. Perhaps I am the person least suited for this position.”
Many graduates shook their heads, silently disagreeing.
“…Oh. Well, that’s a relief.”
The crowd chuckled, and the tension in the air lightened.
I took a quiet breath. Given my current status, I doubted I could truly represent the "average" student experience. So, I decided to share the words I needed to hear myself.
“You’ve spent several years here at Märchen Academy. There must have been many joyful moments, as well as many difficult ones.”
I saw Kaya Astrea, her eyes sparkling, and Luce Eltania, watching me with a soft, tender expression.
“There must have been times when things didn’t go as planned, and you found yourselves caught up in various incidents and accidents.”
I saw Ian Fairytale and Amy Holloway, both wearing subtle smiles.
“But none of you gave up. You’ve reached the end of this eventful journey safely. Truly, well done.”
I saw Tristan Humphrey with fiery determination in his eyes and Mateo Jordana looking uncharacteristically serious.
“As for my story… I simply didn't want to leave any regrets behind. I had a goal, so I kept running without rest, day after day.”
I saw Lisetta Lionheart looking down, Keridna Whiteclark with wide, curious eyes, and Ciel Carnedas, who was actually awake for once.
“There were definitely moments when I wanted to give up. There were many times I lamented my own abilities, which seemed so lacking compared to my goals. Even so, I told myself to keep going. I didn't stop studying or training, because I knew I’d regret it if I didn't give it my all.”
Outside the square, I saw Princess Snow White with tears welling in her eyes, Saintess Bianca Anturaze smiling kindly, and Priestess Miya listening intently.
Abel Carnedas nodded to me, standing beside Roanna Shelton. Mitchell, wearing his signature red cape, was there too. Aria Lilias watched with an expressionless face, while Elena Woodline stood with her arms crossed, a smirk on her lips.
“In the end, I achieved my goal. And thanks to that, I am able to stand here today.”
I saw Eve Ropenheim, Dorothy Heartnova, and Alice Carroll, all holding bouquets and looking at me with pride.
“In the process of running without rest, so many people helped me and pushed me forward. Now, people call me a hero who saved humanity—but to me, all of you who supported me were my heroes. I can only offer my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you.”
Beyond the square, I spotted several disguised figures—the Elemental Kings and various global dignitaries.
“Graduates. An end is merely a new beginning. Today, you step out of the academy and into society. Your Märchen Academy diploma will be a great asset, a testament to your relentless effort and dedication.”
I lowered my gaze slightly.
“That said, life won’t always go as planned. You will face unexpected challenges. However, as long as you don’t give up, you will realize that every moment you strived for had meaning. The experiences you had while earning this diploma, the successes and the failures you will face ahead—every single one of them has value.”
I looked back at the graduates and smiled brightly.
“To the graduates who ran alongside me, to my seniors and juniors, to the professors who taught us, to the knights who fought to protect this school, and to all the faculty—I offer my deepest gratitude. Congratulations to everyone on your graduation. This concludes my speech. Thank you.”
As I bowed, a thunderous round of applause erupted.
The rest of the ceremony proceeded smoothly. Like Dorothy had done the year before, I recited the oath and returned to my seat.
Once the ceremony officially ended, the square turned into a sea of people taking photos, laughing, and chatting.
“President! Your big sis is here!”
“Baby, congratulations on graduating.”
“Senior Isaac, congratulations…!”
Dorothy, Alice, and a teary-eyed White approached me, thrusting bouquets into my arms. Dorothy and Alice were both wearing their school uniforms.
“Thank you, everyone. But Senior Dorothy, Alice… why are you in your uniforms?”
“Because it’s your graduation day, Baby! We thought we’d wear them one last time for old times’ sake. Think of it as matching outfits.”
Alice smiled warmly.
“What’s with that look, President? Don’t you like seeing your big sis in her uniform?”
“How absurd,” Luce interjected.
“I wasn’t asking you, dummy!” Dorothy snapped.
Luce just stuck out her tongue with a playful “meh.”
Those two have certainly grown close…
Regardless, when I told Dorothy and Alice they looked great, both of them beamed with delight.
“Isaac… here.”
“Oh, Sister. Thanks for coming.”
Eve approached timidly. When I accepted her bouquet, she gave me a radiant smile. She was living in Düpfendorf now; it was a long journey, and I was truly grateful she had made the trip.
“Lord Ice Sovereign, my heartfelt congratulations on your graduation.”
“Senior Isaac! Congratulations!”
The Saintess, the Priestess, and many others flocked to me with flowers. I smiled and thanked them all. Eventually, I had so many bouquets that I had to ask Alice to float them in the air with her telekinesis.
“Senior Isaac…”
“White, why have you been crying this whole time?”
“Just thinking that I won’t see you at the academy anymore… it makes me so sad! Whaaaa!”
“It’s only for a year. We can see each other during breaks.”
“Still…”
White sobbed uncontrollably, but when I promised to visit often, she let out a final hiccup and managed to stop.
We spent the afternoon laughing and taking photos, capturing every moment. As we walked toward a scenic spot for more pictures, a gust of wind swept through, carrying petals that grazed our skin.
I looked up. The bright blue sky and the silvery sun filled my vision like a shimmering stream. I let the warm sunlight bathe my face. It felt incredibly peaceful.
Beside me, White suddenly remembered something and began chattering about a funny story. I couldn't help but burst into a genuine laugh.
It was a beautiful spring day.
And for the first time, I was truly happy.
