In the afternoon, I studied alongside my teacher, who taught me more advanced curse studies.
When I got home, I began to think about Sharl.
Sharl comes from a prestigious family, just like me, but she has troubles completely different from mine. Whether these differences arise because of our positions as future heads or being carefree, I’m unsure. Perhaps it’s simply our inherent personalities.
Still, I thought Sharl shone brightly. Even though she was suffering, I didn’t have the same passion as her. Of course, I do have my abilities in combat, but I don’t feel inclined to dedicate my life to magic or the family.
I imagine the others have probably decided on their futures and are already moving toward them. Even Toko has determined her path, and she’s already adopted the name La Folle.
“What should I do?”
I absentmindedly picked up my phone and called Grandfather Frank. After the phone rang many times with no answer, I was about to hang up.
“There’s no way he’d answer anyway.”
After all, I am a wanted person, I thought. Just as I was about to end the call, the ringing suddenly stopped.
“Tsukasa?”
It was my grandfather’s voice.
“Hey… I didn’t expect you to pick up.”
“I wasn’t planning to, but your persistence made me curious. What’s wrong?”
“There is! My arm feels like it’s going to fall off!”
“Don’t worry, don’t worry. You’ll be fine.”
“On what basis can you say that?”
“I don’t know. What are you up to now? Everyone’s looking for you.”
“That’s confidential. More importantly, how’s the academy?”
Apparently, he already knew I was attending the Magic Academy.
“It’s hard, and I feel like I don’t belong.”
“In the beginning, that’s normal. You’ll get used to it eventually.”
Is it that simple?
“Grandfather, what should I aspire to become?”
“What for?”
“I’m talking about my future. Everyone else seems to have goals and has decided their futures, and it’s making me anxious.”
“Foolish. You don’t need that kind of thing.”
“Huh?”
“Why? Isn’t it better this way?”
“Even those who declare they’ve decided their futures haven’t truly decided. The decision will come much later. Human life spans decades—it’s impossible for mere teenagers to decide their entire lives. Most are merely following what they’ve been told by their parents or family. One day, you will question those things, become troubled, and then will come a moment when you’ll truly make the decision.”
You’re right; we’re high school students. Minors.
“Am I doing the right thing studying curse magic?”
“That’s fine. Just study casually. Eventually, your own path will become clear.”
“Grandfather, you’re amazing.”
“Of course. How much life do you think you’ve lived compared to me?”
I don’t know. How old is Grandfather anyway?
“Given that you’ve lived so long, is it alright for you to steal this bracelet?”
“There’s a deep reason for that.”
“Alright then…”
“By the way, Grandfather, do you know about Iver?”
“Of course. They’re Giselle’s rival family, aren’t they?”
“The heir of that family is troubled because she feels she has no talent. How should I respond?”
“The heir of Iver… Is she female?”
“Yeah, she’s really beautiful.”
“Hmm… You don’t need to do anything. Just be yourself.”
“So you’re saying to treat her normally?”
“Exactly. After all, you know nothing of her family’s affairs, so it’s best to leave her be. She isn’t seeking anything more from you either.”
It’s a harsh way to put it, but it’s the truth—I know nothing of the Iver family.
“Understood. Hey, Grandfather, can I have some money? I want to buy a trident.”
“Are you an idiot? The money for your enrollment is enough. Spend it on something more worthwhile. That’s all.”
With that, Grandfather hung up.
“Hmm… I guess I don’t really understand much. I’ll just live my school life like normal.”
I threw my phone aside and started reading a manga.
The next day, I spent the day rolling around at home, reading manga. By the time I noticed, there was an envelope on my study desk. Inside was 30,000 yen, along with a note from Grandfather telling me to “study hard.” I slipped the money into my wallet without telling my parents.
Monday came around again, and a new week began. I attended a basic course, and by lunchtime, I was pondering whether to take the afternoon herbology class.
“Herbology?”
“It’s fun. I think it would be worthwhile to take it, as it expands the scope of your knowledge,” Noel suggested with a smile.
“Expands the scope?”
“Yeah?” Noel smirked knowingly.
She must be talking about Sharl. Noel knows Sharl’s hobby is alchemy and that she takes herbology.
“Will random knowledge lead to such an expansion? Besides, I’m not interested at all.”
“Looks like it won’t work out.”
Alright, I’ll skip herbology and go home to sleep.
“What are you guys talking about?”
“Hmm?”
Frank and Ilmera tilted their heads, seemingly unaware.
“Herbology is boring anyway. Let’s have a rematch in the training grounds this afternoon instead.”
“Can we use it? I mean, are there no other classes scheduled?”
“Uh… Oh no, it’s not available. The second-year combat magic class is using it,” Yuika said, looking at the schedule and becoming disheartened.
“Next time, then.”
“There’s no help for it. Shall we go play around in the town instead, Ilmera?”
“Yeah. We’re bored anyway. Want to invite Toko?”
The girls decided to go to town without Noel, who was taking the herbology class.
“Where’s Toko?”
Yuika looked toward the front row, but there was no one except for us left in the room.
“Toko goes home early. Let’s check the dormitory. She’s probably having lunch in the cafeteria anyway.”
She’s the same as me.
“Alright, let’s go home.”
We left the classroom and decided to head back to the dormitory.
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