“Wow, the crowd outside is just as massive as the seats in the packed stadium!”
With it being the first event since the war’s end, the capital was practically one big festival.
“Ah, Professor Allen! How was the opening ceremony?”
Cain, who had been waiting outside to avoid the chaos, waved his hand.
“It was pretty standard. The preliminaries will likely take quite a while, as expected.”
“I see. I heard rumors that the number of participants is almost reaching four digits…”
“Nah, that’s probably pushing it a bit.”
Even for a nationwide competition, would there really be a thousand participants?
The royal family isn’t that foolish; they must’ve done some basic screening already.
And since we only have graduating students, it makes sense they didn’t participate.
Cain seemed to think it was unreasonable too, as he gave an awkward smile.
“Well, let’s head over for dinner. The magic department professors have already left.”
“Sure, let’s go then.”
Angela, the head professor of the magic department, along with two others, and Cain, the head professor of the swordsmanship department, me, and Black Wolf—these six were responsible for overseeing the students during this tournament.
When I asked if it was okay for me to come despite not being a full professor, Cain said Heinz had already approved it and dragged me along.
As for why Black Wolf came—it was because he threw a tantrum insisting on coming no matter what.
“I didn’t throw a tantrum.”
“You totally did. Just saying you’d follow regardless of whether you were chosen or not… how could Professor Cain refuse?”
“…I didn’t throw one.”
“Alright, alright, let’s just leave it at that.”
“…”
His cheeks puffed up slightly.
You thought your robe would hide it? Not happening, buddy.
Cain looked at us with a peculiar expression, and I shrugged.
“There was probably someone you had in mind, sorry about that.”
“No, no. It’s actually fortunate that it’s you, Master. There’s no master-level expert in the swordsmanship department… You can tell just by looking at someone like me leading it, right? Haha.”
Despite his cheerful laugh, it was clear he was forcing himself to stay upbeat.
Apparently, it was due to the war’s aftermath.
Since it was run by the royal palace and held the title of the empire’s top academy, it seems they suffered significant damage.
Even the High Priest of Pride became a professor due to the chaotic situation.
All around, they were quite pathetic individuals.
“Once the Olympiad wraps up, would you care for a sparring match? Perhaps it might help you uncover the path to becoming a master.”
“Really? I’m deeply grateful.”
At my suggestion, Cain nodded enthusiastically.
Indeed, nothing helps improve skills like battling stronger opponents.
I myself grew through countless clashes with the Sage.
Whether Cain becomes a master depends entirely on his effort, though.
“Ahh, we’ve arrived. This is a restaurant I visit every time I come to the capital. You won’t be disappointed.”
Confidently, Cain entered.
While I couldn’t judge the taste yet, it was definitely large in scale.
It occupied an entire three-story building.
Passing through the ornate entrance, we were greeted by a server with a bright smile.
“You’re from Minerva Academy, correct? Your party is already waiting.”
The server led us to a window-side room on the third floor with a great view.
The food was already being served as we arrived.
“Thankfully, we’re not late?”
“That’s what happens when there are too many people. I almost got lost. Haha.”
“Just sit down already.”
In response to Cain’s lighthearted comment, Angela shook her head and pointed to our seats.
Next to her sat two other magic department professors named Seneca Clyo and Doris Caton, whom I’d only exchanged pleasantries with due to this event.
Professors weren’t exactly easy to socialize with normally, especially given all the responsibilities teaching entailed.
For a while, we focused solely on eating.
“Mmm, the taste is still unmatched. What do you think?”
Cutting into his steak, Cain let out a low sigh of appreciation.
“Yes, surprisingly delicious.”
Though her words sounded refined, Angela was shoveling risotto into her mouth without pause.
She must’ve been very hungry.
While it might seem rude, judging by her usual tone, Cain didn’t seem to mind much.
“How about the other professors?”
“It’s good.”
“Excellent. Thank you for the recommendation.”
Fortunately, the other two professors gave positive feedback, and Cain nodded contentedly.
“Oh, I also approve. Even though I’ve spent quite some time in the capital, I’ve never explored places like this. How about you?”
Poking Black Wolf, who ate silently, he glanced at me and blinked before nodding.
“It’s worse than what Allen cooks but edible.”
Why does that line come up here?
What kind of socially inept guy says something like that? Still far from being fully mature, huh?
I sighed softly.
“…Sorry about that on my behalf.”
Fortunately, Cain didn’t seem offended.
“No, not at all. Instead, I’m curious about Professor’s cooking skills. Do you often cook?”
“I occasionally do. Though I’m not particularly skilled. More like amateur… no, self-taught. Can’t compare to the dishes here.”
“I’d love to try sometime. How about setting up a food stall during the upcoming festival?”
“Hehe, I’ll think about it.”
Amidst the light-hearted conversation, dessert soon arrived.
Drinking tea and coffee, we began discussing the Olympiad earnestly.
“What do you think about the preliminaries? Of course, they’ll pass smoothly, but such tournaments always come with variables.”
Angela’s voice carried concern for the students, to which I smiled lightly in response.
“The ones who should pass will. Isn’t overcoming these kinds of variables what makes them Minerva students?”
Cold as it may sound, if they can’t even handle the preliminary rounds, they shouldn’t graduate.
After all, Minerva’s reputation as a prestigious institution comes from its strict selection process.
Setting down my teacup, I spoke.
“Don’t worry and let’s get going. Our students’ turn will be up soon.”
“It’s already this time?”
Gathering our things, as I stepped out of the room, I unexpectedly encountered someone.
A rarely seen fiery red hair.
Impressive bulk despite being partially covered by clothing, clearly showcasing bulging muscles.
A rugged appearance with a thick beard, resembling a mountain bandit.
Most notably, the vast magical power emanating from him revealed his identity.
“Hmm? Oh! Isn’t that my son-in-law!”
The gruff voice greeting me belonged to Balkan Helios Duke, the patriarch of the Helios family.
His shout made surrounding professors whisper in surprise.
“…Son-in-law?”
“Professor Allen, surely you don’t…”
“With his student?!?”
“…I’ll explain later.”
Sigh, this uncle causes trouble as soon as we meet…
My head started throbbing.
Unaware of my distress, Balkan approached with a joyful smile.
“So, you’re here for the Olympiad too? Oh, right, you’re a professor now. I forgot for a moment. Anyway, it’s been a while.”
“Yes. Has His Lordship been well?”
“As always, perfectly fine. But how could there not be a single letter? My wife feels neglected.”
“Yes… I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Good. Aren’t you heading to the arena? Let’s go together. I’ve secured a prime spot with a great view.”
Though the encounter was somewhat awkward, Balkan’s offer was tempting.
Even as a professor, no special seating was guaranteed.
We managed to secure seats earlier, but upon checking with Black Wolf, they weren’t exactly ideal.
“Would the other professors be alright?”
“Of course! They’re taking good care of our Amy, after all. Come on!”
Leading the way downstairs, Balkan left Cain looking bewildered.
“Geez, you’re incredibly close to the Duke, aren’t you?”
“Yes, it happened somehow.”
“When did you and Miss Amy become…?”
“No, no. Don’t misunderstand. It’s entirely on their side.”
“If the Duke calls you son-in-law…”
“Do you doubt my word?”
“I believe you. Of course, I do.”
Clearly disbelieving expressions.
Sigh, looks like clearing up this misunderstanding won’t be easy.
But we can’t keep Balkan waiting, so let’s deal with it later.
“For now, let’s go down… Why is Professor Angela frozen like that?”
Seeing Angela stiff as a board, I tilted my head.
From afar, she looked like a mannequin.
Could it be some kind of curse?
Worried, I turned to Cain, who casually replied.
“Oh, Professor Angela is a huge fan of the Duke.”
“…Excuse me?”
“She’s just nervous. No need to worry.”
“Is that so…”
Well, the world has all sorts of people, doesn’t it?
That could happen.
***
Somehow, we boarded Balkan’s carriage and arrived at the arena under his guidance.
“This is it. The best spot for watching the matches.”
Opening the door, a spacious bay window immediately caught our eyes.
Through the clean glass, we had a panoramic view of the arena, reminiscent of soccer or baseball stadiums from my past life.
A screen was installed on one wall, and snacks were prepared in another corner of the room.
“Wow, I didn’t know such a place existed here. A whole wall of glass… truly impressive.”
As Cain marveled at the surroundings, Balkan laughed heartily and took a seat.
“Haha, make yourself comfortable. I’ve arranged it beforehand, so you can use it even without me.”
“Thank you for your consideration.”
“What’s the point of talking about this? Isn’t there nothing I wouldn’t do for my son-in-law!”
“…”
I felt an uncomfortable gaze stabbing the back of my head.
Is he deliberately doing this in front of everyone else because it’s inconvenient now?
Attempting gaslighting on those around me when it doesn’t affect me…
Truly a terrifying individual.
“Right now, you’re deliberately…”
“Oh! Amy’s match is about to start!”
“…”
Balkan’s smooth change of subject made my blood boil, but…
Let’s focus on the match first.
Calmly observing the arena filled with numerous students, a striking red-haired figure stood out.
Fortunately, none of the graduating students I taught were grouped together, so the only familiar face was Amy.
Her calm expression hinted at unknown thoughts until suddenly, she looked up.
“Our daughter, fight hard! Crush them all!”
Seeing Balkan’s enthusiastic cheer, Amy scowled.
Hey, she’s still your dad…
Luckily, Balkan didn’t notice her expression.
“…!”
Shaking her head, Amy met my gaze, widened her eyes, and slightly opened her mouth.
Judging from her lip movement, she seemed to mutter, “Why is the professor here?”
Whether she noticed or not, I silently mouthed “fighting” back.
Amy faintly smiled and raised her thumb—a cute victory gesture.
“Then let’s begin the match~!”
With the host’s lively announcement, several students charged toward Amy.
“Sure enough, Amy is targeted first.”
Nodding, Cain observed the scene.
Given that the Helios family was famous for producing Archmages, it was unsurprising.
Targeting the top contender early is a common strategy.
“Haha, no matter how many young ones gang up, they can’t defeat a lion, can they? Right, son-in-law?”
Ignoring the still-uncomfortable term, I quietly agreed with Balkan’s beastly metaphor.
“Yes. She’ll probably overpower them anyway.”
Upon hearing this, Amy’s eyes began glowing crimson.
Like the sun itself.
“Ho, starting with the finishing move, huh?”
“That’s… the Helios family’s…”
“Never seen it before.”
The divine technique and symbol of the Archmage, Fire Eye, made Balkan grin widely.
The magic department professors watched the arena with interest.
Silently mourning the fate of the opposing students, I smiled faintly.
“Destroy them, Amy.”
Simultaneously, a small sun exploded across the arena.
