“Commander, this carriage is pretty sweet, huh? I wonder if we’ll ever get these in the west?”
Glief smirked as Gamifer, marveling at the cushion of the carriage, muttered to himself. It seemed he was quite pleased with the coziness of the commander-exclusive carriage, accessible only to those of battalion commander rank or above.
But Glief wasn’t having it. He let out a snort.
“Hey, you’re such a hick. Stop it already.”
“Nee-san is amazed too, right? How can it not shake even a bit?”
“Obviously magic, isn’t it?”
“Who do you think doesn’t know that? I just… have my own take on things.”
For some reason, whether they’d been friends from the start or became closer through this opportunity, the two appeared very familiar with each other.
Thanks to their energetic vibe, I managed to snap out of any lingering negative emotions and smiled faintly.
“The west is developing rapidly too, so I’m sure it won’t be long before they’re introduced. Civilian companies catching up to the Royal Palace’s technology will happen sooner than you think.”
At my casually gathered information, Gamifer slowly nodded.
“That’s true. But which country isn’t like that… The Empire is too focused on the capital. Maybe it’s time I settle down here? What about you, Nee-san?”
“No way I’m living with you.”
“Aah, who said anything about living together? You’re overconfident much.”
“Shut up. We’ve arrived, so let’s get out.”
“Ah man, I didn’t even notice we arrived because it was so comfy.”
Gamifer grumbled as he stepped out of the carriage. Watching him, Glief and I couldn’t help but chuckle.
Exiting the carriage, a luxurious hotel came into view. It was the lodging arranged by the Royal Palace for Minerva Academy.
“Wow, you live well here.”
Glief lightly patted my shoulder, clearly impressed.
The hotel that left the Zodiacs awestruck—if the manager found out, he might cry tears of joy.
Putting aside such pointless thoughts, I smiled faintly.
“If you’re envious, maybe Thousand Gale Palace should consider becoming an academy professor.”
“Nah, nah. I still prefer my freedom.”
“Maybe worth considering when you retire.”
Unlike Glief who brushed it off with a laugh, Gamifer looked somewhat intrigued. After all, while little is known about Glief, Gamifer has been guarding his hometown in the western region. Apparently, due to its remote location, proper support has been difficult to come by. Things improved significantly after Gamifer joined the Zodiacs, but…
Everyone truly has their own story.
“It’s tiring work, but parting feels kind of sad. How about dinner together?”
“You buying? If you are, then sure.”
“Man, you’re such a cheapskate… I’ll buy! Let’s go!”
“Should’ve said that earlier. Oh? Are you coming too?”
“Of course! Frankly speaking, you did most of the hard work, right? As your senior, let me treat you to a meal!”
He really was someone you couldn’t stay mad at. His refusal to help with the Wyvern extermination must have been due to the Sage’s advice. If I were in danger, he probably wouldn’t have hesitated to lend a hand.
“Before that, can I confirm if the sword was sent properly?”
“Yeah, sure, go ahead.”
“Man, you worry too much. Of course it was sent. Do you really need to check?”
“It’s always better to be certain.”
The Sage had a habit of forgetting—or pretending to forget—what he said. Either way, it was necessary to confirm that the correct sword was sent.
As I shrugged, Glief glanced behind me and spoke.
“You don’t need to go. That kid over there is one of your students.”
“Huh?”
Turning around in surprise, I saw my students running toward us.
“Professor!”
“Oh, what brings you here? Are you joining us for dinner?”
“No! We came to see you!”
“…?”
I tilted my head at Senna’s shout. Was there something wrong during training?
Perhaps sensing my concern, she shook her head.
“Those two over there—are they members of the Golden Way Zodiacs?”
“How did you…?”
Could they have spotted them from above and rushed here so hastily? Come to think of it, opportunities to see the Zodiacs in person are rare. Lately, I’ve been seeing them so often that I forgot.
“Yeah, what do you want?”
At Glief’s words, Senna’s eyes widened.
It’s really them! Her expression seemed to say.
“Eh, eh…”
Unable to respond, Senna fell silent. Then Amy stepped forward to take over the conversation.
“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Amy Helios, a student at Minerva Academy.”
“Ah, the youngest Helios. I’ve heard a lot about you. Nice to meet you, I’m Gamifer of Opposite Palace.”
“I’m Thousand Gale Palace, Glief. Nice to meet ya, runts.”
After introductions, Amy asked:
“May I ask a question?”
“Hm? Sure, go ahead.”
“What’s your relationship with our professor?”
Huh? Why such a question?
Confused, Gamifer blinked.
“What kind of relationship? We just met today… What kind of question is that?”
“When and where were you until now? Especially at such a late hour…”
“Hey.”
I cut her off. It felt disrespectful to ask such a question to elders, especially ones of Zodiac status. Still, it wasn’t appropriate to lecture her extensively here, so I gave a short warning.
“Don’t overstep.”
“… Sorry.”
Realizing her mistake, Amy took a step back and bowed her head. Sensing the chilly atmosphere, Gamifer put his arm around my shoulder.
“C’mon, why get worked up over such a thing? Don’t mind it. Kids learn from mistakes, right? Right, Nee-san?”
“Whatever, calling that overstepping seems kinda harsh. She didn’t pull a weapon on us.”
Fortunately, neither seemed offended.
Still, mindful of potential future incidents, I decided to incorporate etiquette education. While being friendly with me is fine, behaving the same way with other adults doesn’t make a good impression.
“In any case, it’s not a difficult question. To answer briefly… We helped Gold Eagle Palace with a Wyvern extermination.”
“Thank you for your explanation.”
With Gamifer’s response, Amy bowed.
“So, can we ask something now? Did you come rushing over for this?”
It was Ariana who spoke up next, holding out a sword she’d never seen before.
“The Capital Defense Force sent me this sword. Since Professor Allen would likely know why, I came looking for him—but he wasn’t there.”
“Aha. So you found us while searching and decided to join us? Haha, cute students.”
“The sword just arrived, as I said. No need to worry.”
As the two chuckled warmly, I couldn’t help but smile awkwardly.
What, did they look for me just to ask this?
Should I find this endearing…?
“To answer your question—it’s a sword I requested from Gold Eagle Palace. Alright? Now go prepare for the main event.”
“… Yes sir.”
Seeing their slightly dejected responses, my brief irritation faded.
Though I wanted to take them out for food, since I wasn’t alone, sending them back was probably best.
However, Gamifer apparently didn’t think so.
“Why send them away? Since we’re all here, let’s grab dinner together. Hey kids, haven’t you eaten yet?”
“Yeah, the cheapo’s treating. Let’s go!”
The fastest reaction unsurprisingly came from Senna.
“Really? Can we go?”
“Let’s go! I’m paying!”
“Woo-hoo!”
Excitedly shouting, Senna turned to whisper something to Ariana.
But Senna wasn’t one to lose spirit so easily.
“This kind of opportunity doesn’t come often, right? Stop stalling and let’s go!”
“Wha-hey! Don’t drag me!”
Caught on either side, Amy and Ariana had no choice but to move along with Senna’s enthusiastic pace.
Gamifer and Glief naturally headed toward the restaurant area with the group.
Only Lux followed slowly behind, maintaining her dignified gait befitting an imperial princess.
“Thank you for your hard work.”
“Huh? Oh, the Wyvern extermination? No problem, it wasn’t much.”
Caught off guard by her sudden comment, I stumbled.
Still, it warmed my heart that she acknowledged my efforts.
Matching my pace with hers, we walked together.
“Did you see my match?”
“Of course. Your mana control has greatly improved. You were so dominant there wasn’t much feedback to give.”
“I trained hard. I didn’t want to lose to Amy.”
Indeed, given their rivalry as Minerva’s top students, Lux clearly viewed Amy as a competitor.
Such healthy competition could only benefit both, so I smiled and praised her.
“Good job. Ideally, I’d like to see you two face off in the finals. With the right draw, all of you could reach the semifinals.”
“… Yes.”
After her final reply, Lux remained silent for a while. Just as we reached the dining district, she quietly spoke up.
“If Amy and I meet in the finals… who will you cheer for?”
“Hmm… Well, you’re both my students, how can I root for just one?”
“Then…!”
Startled by Lux’s stutter, I was taken aback.
“… What I mean is…”
Hesitantly, Lux carefully addressed me.
“If I win… would you accompany me somewhere? There’s a place I want to go.”
For some reason, her pleading gaze made me swallow dryly.
“… Just the two of us?”
“Yes. You and me. Just the two of us.”
Looking at Lux’s determined expression, I knew this wasn’t something to brush off lightly.
Perhaps deep down, I suspected this moment would eventually arrive.
All doubts that this might be a mere fanciful thought vanished completely…
Right now, Lux was pouring her whole heart into expressing herself.
“… Alright.”
Thus, I could only quietly nod in agreement.
Even though my brief reply might seem lackluster, Lux’s faint smile told me everything.
It was the most beautiful smile I’d ever seen from her.
“I will definitely… win.”
Lux’s cheeks flushed pink like the setting sun, her eyes tinged with the hues of twilight.
