“Elysia, Selian. The two of you come to my office after class.”
I wonder what this is about.
Our homeroom teacher, who usually doesn’t call us unless it’s something important, summoned both me and Selian this time.
“Any idea what this is about?”
“Hmm… This is a first for me too…”
After all… While I’ve been called in or visited the teacher a few times due to scholarships, how often would something like this happen to Selian, the top student who rarely has any need for such things?
“Or could it be because we came back to the dormitory past curfew last weekend?”
“But dormitory matters are entirely under the jurisdiction of the dorm supervisor. It’s not something Professor Ferent should be concerned about…”
While speculating on the reason for being called in together, Selian and I headed towards the faculty building.
“Well, it’s probably nothing major.”
It was indeed something major.
“So, Elysia, Selian. The two of you need to escort the Saint to the capital.”
“Wait… Senior Mariel?”
Why has the Saint suddenly come up here?
“Hmm? Were you already acquainted with the Saint? This works out even better then. She must have requested you two.”
While I may have casually called her “Senior Mariel” without thinking, it wasn’t as if we were really close.
If I had to say, we were barely acquainted.
“Anyway, since the Saint herself has directly requested the two of you, it would be best not to decline if you can. Both the Academy and the Shrine will cooperate to minimize the impact on your studies, so don’t worry about that.”
At least, unlike last time when I had to be hospitalized for a week, there wouldn’t be any negative consequences this time.
“But, as an escort, we’re just ordinary first-year students. There are far more capable individuals around, and if students must be chosen, there are plenty of seniors in the fourth year.”
“…”
Judging by the content alone, Selian’s point was very reasonable.
However, upon hearing Selian’s words, Ferent was silent for a moment, merely rubbing the bridge of his nose.
“Selian, for you to call yourself an average first-year student… as your teacher, it’s somewhat embarrassing. Most people already know that your skills surpass the Academy undergraduate level. Elysia is also far from being an average first-year.”
…I hadn’t even brought it up, but my face started to feel hot.
Ironically, Selian, who had mentioned it, seemed displeased, frowning as if she didn’t like being singled out.
“Anyway, the role of escort doesn’t require you to think grandly. We’re not foolish enough to send the Saint with just two Academy students alone.”
“Then…?”
“You just need to stay close to the Saint. To be honest…”
“Like attendants.”
“Hmm… Though it might sound unpleasant, that’s quite an accurate description.”
To me, it really didn’t bother me much.
Serving as an attendant isn’t particularly offensive, and I don’t think the Saint would be overly picky and make things difficult for us.
At least, my experience with the Saint, Mariel, has been that way.
Though I suspect she might bother us with other things.
“There will probably be a special scholarship too.”
“I accept! Please let me!”
With the scholarship added to the mix, there was really nothing else to discuss.
No harm to academics, it’s a chance to build a relationship with the Saint, we gain experience, and a scholarship is promised.
Refusing would be foolish. At least in my case.
It wasn’t a very appealing offer for Selian, who seemed to feel little financial need.
When I glanced at Selian, she looked somewhat troubled as if she found the term “attendant” insulting.
But ultimately, Selian also agreed to Ferent’s suggestion.
“Understood. When should we depart?”
“Tomorrow, immediately.”
*
Eventually, I packed my bag last night while being grilled by Yuli and Anne, asking what was up.
Since the Academy decided to prepare all necessary items, we only needed to pack a few personal belongings.
“Come in.”
I arrived early in the morning at the designated meeting place, where a few people were already present.
An elderly-looking mage I assumed to be one of the professors, Selen, the homeroom teacher for the second section of the Department of Swordsmanship, and the Saint Mariel already seated in the carriage.
Though there were “a few” people mentioned, it was merely these three.
Just as I was looking around, one of the members, the mage, approached me.
“You must be Miss Elysia Prentz.”
“Hello.”
Even though I didn’t recognize him, it was clear I should respect him.
Meanwhile, I wondered why he recognized me and not Selian, but there was a reason.
“One of my students was somewhat careless last time when handling the boundary, causing some complications for you, so I’ll convey my apologies on his behalf.”
“No, I’ve already received appropriate compensation, and it all worked out fine, so don’t worry about it.”
“Well, my student seems to be making amends by doing some volunteer work. The next time he meets you, I’ll have him apologize directly.”
“Alright, since everyone’s here, shall we depart?”
I was about to say there was no need to rush when Selen suddenly interjected.
“Are there only five of us?”
“Do you have so little of that rebellious spirit you displayed earlier? Worry not; the Saint will use sacred magic to conceal our presence, making us invisible to the demons.”
“But not all adversaries are demons…”
“Would you really think little punks could break through Professor Hilfin and me, let alone both of you as well? A Sword Master or an Archmage might have a chance, but they’re not likely to be so idle.”
“Well, if that’s the case…”
While I don’t approve of Selen’s character, his skills are trustworthy. Added to that are the acknowledged abilities of Professors Hilfin and Selian, so his claim that only a Sword Master-level threat could successfully ambush us seems credible.
“Well, get in then. Professors Hilfin and I will take the driver’s seat.”
“No matter what, Professor, I should…”
But there was a new professor, so I politely suggested this out of formality. However,
“…Why don’t you try to at least appear sincere when pretending?”
Since there was no real need to hide anything from Selen, I shrugged.
“Anyway, I’d rather handle the carriage myself than trust it to you rookies. Stop worrying and get in and keep the Saint company instead.”
Selian had already entered and begun conversing with Mariel, while Professor Hilfin occupied one side of the driver’s seat.
Once he saw me enter the carriage, Selen finally went to the remaining empty driver’s seat and took the reins.
“Why did you specifically select us?”
No sooner had I closed the carriage door than Selian’s voice asked.
Her tone directed a pointed question toward Saint Mariel herself.
“Hmm… Your aggressiveness makes it somewhat awkward for me too.”
Mariel seemed somewhat taken aback by Selian’s hostile tone.
“One part was my decision, but the other is what the Goddess herself said?”
“Serena… Lady?”
“Yes. Serena Lady herself told me to keep you two, Miss Prentz and Miss Deretia, close and ensure you were well looked after.”
Surely Selian, but why me?
“Hello, Miss Prentz! Nice to see you again!”
While Selian seemed lost in thought, Mariel turned her attention to me and greeted me.
“Hello.”
“Come, come, sit down.”
Mariel lightly tapped the seat beside her, inviting me to sit.
After hesitating for a moment, rather than blatantly declining her offer, I started to move to sit beside her, but then Selian, who had been silently lost in thought, suddenly grabbed my wrist.
Through her action, I naturally found myself sitting beside Selian instead.
Though I worried Mariel might feel upset at Selian’s excessive wariness, fortunately, she didn’t seem to mind.
“Miss Mariel… no, Saint. Even still, there was no real need to involve someone as ordinary as El, was there? Just calling me, the Hero candidate, would have been sufficient.”
“Err… Hmm… Sorry? But it truly was the Goddess lady who specifically mentioned both of you. If I upset you, I’m truly sorry.”
Mariel sincerely apologized with such genuine remorse that it made me feel guilty just looking at her.
In the end, it seemed even Selian gave in.
“Ah… Well, since it happened, there’s nothing we can do. But next time, please consider it more carefully. I do want to get along well with you, Mariel… Saint.”
“Yeah! Then let’s call it settled?”
“I, on the other hand, am perfectly fine since I’ll receive the scholarship.”
I quietly voiced my thoughts, but for some reason, it seemed neither of them heard me.
