Knock knock.
“Professor, it’s Alicia.”
I lightly knocked and waited for a moment, then a reply came from inside.
“Come in.”
I opened the door and entered to find Professor Ferent rising from his desk to greet me.
“Alright, have a seat.”
Ferent gestured for me to sit on the sofa in the middle of the room and then returned to his desk to prepare tea while speaking.
“You know, it’s mandatory to have consultations with the students I’m in charge of every semester, which is why I’ve called you in.”
Ferent carefully prepared two cups of tea, bringing them over and placing one in front of me and the other in front of himself as he took his seat at the head.
“Of course, I’ll be calling other students as well, but I wanted to start with you.”
Number Three
Not having anything particular to say, I picked up the teacup in front of me and took a sip. The tea was smooth and clearly made with high-class leaves—something I never imagined enjoying during my days as an assassin.
“How are things going with your studies recently?”
“Yes, I’m still managing to keep up.”
In truth, both my theory and practical skills are progressing without significant issue so far. While it remains to be seen how I’ll fare as the curriculum advances into more specialized content, for now, a bit of self-study is enough.
“Hmm. Alicia, since you’re already doing well, I don’t need to worry much about you. However, have you decided on your specific major for after your second year?”
“Well… I’m still considering it.”
Ferent sipped his tea, then continued.
“Hmm, given your talent and dedication, I have no doubt you’ll excel in whichever field you choose. Still, if I must give some advice, I wouldn’t recommend joining the military. You seem better suited for action rather than tactics.”
The distinction between soldiers and knights is sometimes blurred. For those who pursue a career in the military and rise to become officers, their primary role will revolve around commanding troops. In contrast, knights have more individual roles. If anything, they could be likened more closely to special forces. The existence of a single knight is not something to be compared to ordinary soldiers.
However, once one reaches the position of captain or higher, the distinction between knights and officers practically disappears. To ascend to the position of captain, one must be impeccable in every aspect—skills, tactics, strategies, achievements, reputation, and even politics.
Of course, not all knights belong to knight orders. Some roam freely or operate as independent knights, though the majority, with few exceptions, are simply not skilled enough to join formal orders.
Ferent had advised against military service, but to be honest, I never intended to join anyway. Having finally gained my freedom, I’d rather not waste my prime years tied down in the army. If anything, I’d prefer to follow the path of a knight. Knights are freer, and besides, it just sounds cooler.
“I’m also considering becoming an adventurer.”
And if we’re talking about freedom, adventurers top the list. Adventurers, much like mercenaries, operate under the system of the Central Adventurer’s Guild, taking on missions freely as long as they have the ability. Though there are those who look down on them, chasing only money, but adventurer ranks don’t inherently exclude values like chivalry. The perception often comes down to personal integrity.
Since Griffin Academy is the best academy in the continent, its graduates are assured at least minimal guarantees regardless of the path they choose. Even before graduation, many organizations scout and approach students. Each year, graduation day is attended by influencers and representatives from various fields seeking the best talents.
The military guarantees at least the rank of centurion upon recruitment, or even the rank of chiliarch if the candidate’s background is impressive. Knight orders fiercely compete to recruit top students, engaging almost in a war of wits. Meanwhile, the Adventurer’s Guild grants all academy graduates a silver rank or higher adventurer license.
“Hmm. Is that so? I’m glad I prepared ahead of time.”
Ferent got up and retrieved a few documents from his desk, returning to his seat. He neatly arranged the stack on the table and placed it in front of me.
Confused, I glanced at him, and he gestured for me to go ahead and read. Picking up the papers, I began reviewing them one by one.
“I originally planned to suggest this a bit later, but I thought someone else might snatch you up if I waited too long. So, what do you think?”
The documents Ferent handed me had a simple message: a recruitment offer from the 3rd Imperial Royal Knights Order. Although it wasn’t as prestigious, elite, or influential as the 1st Royal Knights Order, it was still, after all, a royal knight unit. The 1st Order consists of the empire’s finest, making any comparison unrealistic.
“Although I’ve stepped down as the captain, the successor has been pestering me. Apparently, they’re short on manpower and asked me to recommend any talented individuals in the academy.”
I suddenly remembered that Professor Ferent had once been the 3rd Royal Knights captain.
“Wow, this is quite surprising. I wouldn’t have expected them to reach out this early, and the conditions are far beyond what I imagined.”
The terms outlined in the documents were highly attractive. During my studies, I’d receive a stipend for maintaining dignity, and all dormitory, tuition, and meal fees would be covered. Post-graduation starting salaries were far beyond what I thought possible. Curiously, there were no provisions in the documents for students who don’t graduate, implying that this offer is extended only to top-tier candidates.
“Moreover, as a member of the Prentz House, if you join the Royal Knights, your family’s restoration will be greatly facilitated.”
As a Royal Knight, you’re officially part of the Royal House. While the Emperor might not directly intervene, there would be ample support nonetheless. Restoring a family’s honor in such a situation could be relatively straightforward, making Ferent’s offer very enticing.
I had already resolved to restore the Prentz House. Ferent’s invitation was therefore hard to pass up.
“Thank you for the suggestion, but I’d like to think about it more.”
Rejecting Ferent’s offer, I pushed the documents gently back toward him.
I’m still in my first year, with over three years until graduation. I’m confident I can at least double my current value before then. Ideally, by graduation, I’ll receive an offer from the 1st Royal Knights Order or something even better than what’s currently on the table.
“Tsk. Wise decision. As a former Royal Knights captain, I must admit I would have recruited you this instant, but as your professor, I support your choice. Perhaps, when the time comes, you’ll remember that the 3rd Royal Knights Order was the first to recognize your worth.”
“Yes, thank you. Does this mean… you’re also planning to offer something similar or even better to Selian?”
As difficult as it is to say without bragging, I’m undoubtedly one of the top students in the first year. But I’m not the best—the title belongs to Selian.
“No, I won’t be offering anything to her. Even if I did, she wouldn’t accept. Moreover, the Deretia House is banking on producing a hero this generation, so it wouldn’t make sense for us to risk alienating them over this.”
It’s true that no matter if you’re a knight, officer, or adventurer, becoming the hero renders everything else irrelevant. A hero is the world’s sole opponent to the Demon King, chosen by the Goddess. Such an individual wouldn’t waste time joining a knight order—unless of course, it’s post-Demon King defeat, at which point they’d be sought after instead.
“Selian will surely become an excellent hero and overthrow the Demon King.”
“Does that mean you’d also join her party as a companion in the Demon King hunt?”
Even if the hero is the Demon King’s sole adversary, no one can travel that perilous journey alone. Past heroes have traditionally been accompanied by the finest talents in their respective fields.
In that case, if Selian were to become the hero, who would she consider as her top candidate? Modesty aside, wouldn’t it be me? I’m no slouch in terms of ability, and, more importantly, Selian and I are now “best friends,” meaning it’s very likely she’d invite me. Although subduing the Demon King is no easy task, the rewards would certainly be worth the risks.
“That part is off the record…”
But I didn’t give a clear answer. Honestly, I’d rather avoid the Demon King business altogether. The risks are immense. Even if the world were in peril, there’s no chance of failure with so many capable individuals in the continent. Yet, lately, my priorities have begun to waver.
Initially, I only sought to get close to Selian out of necessity, but now I truly consider her a friend. Therefore, if Selian were to ask for my help, as her friend, I’d find it hard to refuse.
“It’s not something to consider this early anyway. It’s good for you to ponder on your own, but if you ever need consultation, don’t hesitate to ask. You’re my student, after all.”
With that, Ferent gathered the documents again.
“Alternatively, how about becoming an assistant under me? With your abilities, you could quickly earn your degree…”
“Thanks, the tea was excellent. Goodbye.”
I placed the empty cup down, bowed respectfully to Ferent, and stepped out.
