After wrapping up business at the Royal Palace, I returned to Robert’s mansion and enjoyed a nice rest for a while.
Of course, my regular routine of eating with my students and training continued as usual.
But for some reason, even though I tried to relax, I couldn’t really unwind as planned.
Anyway, it was time for us to head back to Minerva, so we said our final goodbyes to Sebastian.
“Time sure flies. It’s already time to part ways.”
“Thank you for everything.”
“I won’t forget this.”
“Can we visit again sometime?”
“Of course! You’re always welcome.”
After exchanging farewells, the students boarded the carriage one by one.
“You’ve worked hard.”
“Ho ho, don’t mention it. It was nice having some lively company around the mansion for once.”
Sebastian smiled warmly.
Given the size of the mansion, it did tend to feel empty most of the time. I could somewhat understand why he might get lonely – the old man only has Aldebaran around, and being an only child who never married…
“How about I visit occasionally? Or maybe Sebastian can come see us? There’s probably going to be a festival soon, right?”
Or has it already ended? Considering we’re returning later than most students, the festival might be over.
“Well, thank you for the invitation, but there’s someone who would neglect their meals if I weren’t around.”
“That is problematic. Anyway, I’ll be back during the vacation period. Don’t wait too long for me.”
“Yes, I look forward to it.”
With a light farewell, I immediately boarded the carriage.
Since we’d see each other again in just a few days, there was no need to drag things out.
Thus, after a long absence, we headed back to Minerva Academy.
***
Arriving at the gate in the carriage, we went through the standard procedures to enter.
Passing through the great gateway with its blue light is something I’ve described enough times already, so I’ll skip the details.
“Still feels pretty amazing every time, huh?”
By now, riding through the gate has become quite familiar – no dizziness at all.
“Wow~ It feels like we’re back home!”
Our mascot, Golden Retriever… uh, Senna shouted happily.
“What home? This place is annoying enough as it is.”
Ariana made her usual sarcastic remark.
“Well, whatever. We don’t have much time left here anyway.”
Amy smiled cheerfully.
Lux and Black Wolf, as always, walked ahead silently with blank expressions.
“…”
“…”
Their consistent behavior brought a smile to my face.
Having already eaten, we headed straight for the academy.
Even in that short time, Senna kept chatting nonstop.
“Did Professor Earl get bored without us?”
“Hmm. He was probably busy teaching.”
No matter how indifferent Ariana responded, Senna didn’t back down.
“We were gone, especially me – the mood maker! He must have been bored!”
“…You’re full of yourself.”
“What story should we tell him first? The preliminaries? The finals?”
“Ugh~ Too noisy! Just figure it out yourself.”
“Maybe I should tell him about Professor Allen’s match? He’d definitely find that interesting.”
“…Sigh.”
Finally enduring Senna’s one-sided chatter, we arrived at Minerva Academy’s main building.
It was the weekend, so there weren’t many students around.
“Welcome back.”
“They won the competition and took off for a whole week… I’m jealous!”
“The princess won, so she seems to have overcome her slump.”
“This place is bustling! It’s thriving!”
Voices murmured from everywhere.
Most sounded envious, but a few contained petty criticisms.
I activated my divine power subtly to block out the surrounding noise – no need to ruin a good mood by hearing unnecessary comments.
“Allen is kind.”
“Don’t worry about it. It’s something I’m used to.”
Hmm, let me correct that last statement.
Apparently, even hiding such actions from fellow Masters like Black Wolf and mana-sensitive Lux proved difficult.
I grinned and patted both of their heads.
“Let’s pretend this didn’t happen. And Lux, you don’t need to get used to useless things. Even with your strong spirit, it’s unnecessary.”
“…Understood.”
“Should I scold you?”
The tail-wagging Black Wolf looked up at me and asked cheerfully.
“Don’t talk nonsense.”
I playfully flicked his head with the hand that had been patting him.
…Of course, I didn’t actually hit him.
Black Wolf wasn’t the type to take such treatment lightly.
The evasive brat glanced at me calmly and said,
“Violence is bad, Allen.”
“Do you really think what I was doing was violence?”
“I wasn’t trying to use violence, just disciplinary action.”
“If you can’t even say that…”
Should I prevent you from studying?
Back in the library studying days, you weren’t this argumentative.
Just as I resolved to bother him during study sessions,
a massive fireball came flying from somewhere.
To mistake it for anything else would be impossible – it was painfully familiar mana.
“? Is this guy crazy?”
I tilted my head in confusion.
He wouldn’t dare attack his superior unless insane.
“…”
“Hold on a moment. Amy, want to try blocking it?”
Trying to restrain Black Wolf, whose muscles were tensing as if ready to move instantly, I called out to Amy.
“Yes…? Okay, I’ll do it.”
Startled by the sudden call, Amy blinked before quickly circulating her mana.
[Fire Magic: Flame Wall]
A wall of flames erupted before us.
Confirming that the fireball was blocked by Amy’s magic, I slowly turned around and grabbed the culprit’s arm.
Thud!
“Still doesn’t hurt, huh…”
“Expecting it to hurt after using exactly what I taught you is unreasonable, isn’t it?”
I was astonished by his disappointed expression.
Firing flashy magic directly at the front while turning around to launch a surprise attack –
a simple application of the “Sound East Attack West” strategy that I had taught on the battlefield.
“Long time no see, have you lost your edge? Or are you planning some kind of mutiny? Hmm? Lieutenant Earl, is that it?”
The person who dared to cast magic at me none other than Earl.
He chuckled awkwardly in response.
“Eh~ How could I possibly do that?”
“Then explain yourself. Release your mana first. Unless you want to end up regretting it.”
“…Commander, please lower that aura of yours. If I get hit by that, my head will shatter.”
“Relax. We’ve got Senna, so even if it breaks, you won’t die.”
“Ah, but… healing a shattered head is quite difficult…”
“…”
Thanks to Senna’s cautious words, I relaxed my grip and released Earl.
He rubbed his arm, which I had caught, and muttered.
“At least go easy on me. You knew it was me…”
“It’s because it’s you that I’m letting you off with just this. If it were someone random, I would’ve cut off your arm.”
“…That’s true.”
As expected from someone who’s worked with me for a long time, he understood quickly.
I crossed my arms and asked.
“So why start trouble as soon as we arrive?”
“That’s right! That’s unfair!”
Sena shouted angrily.
The others also glared coldly at Earl from beside me.
“No… I was just… joking around…”
Realizing he had no allies, Earl mumbled sheepishly.
Then suddenly raised his voice in defiance.
“Commander is the bad one! Just when I thought we’d finally work together, you went off on a long-term assignment! Do you know how hard it is teaching only the graduating class? I came here to work with the previous commander… not to teach students…”
His loud complaint that nearly shook the academy gradually quieted down at the end.
He must realize himself that those words shouldn’t be spoken in front of students.
Still understanding his feelings, I created a barrier to shield his lengthy grumbles from the students for his sake.
“What did you say?”
“Professor…?”
While others could be deceived, Lux couldn’t.
I quietly placed a finger to my lips.
Understanding my intention, Lux nodded silently.
Exchanging looks with Lux, I approached Earl, patted his shoulder, and said.
“There, there. You’ve worked hard, haven’t you? How could I not understand your feelings? Good job.”
“Commander…”
Touched, Earl’s eyes welled up with tears.
I smirked and patted his back.
Then whispered quietly.
“But that aside, you still need to pay for your insolence. When the students return to the dormitory, come to the training ground.”
“But, but you were letting me off the hook…?”
What nonsense.
Instead of answering, I gave him a knowing smile.
After meeting my gaze, Earl helplessly lowered his head after a while.
“Yes…”
***
After returning to Minerva Academy, the first thing I did was restore discipline among my subordinates.
Earl was as skilled with his hands as ever, despite our persistent connection.
“Be more careful next time, you idiot.”
“…”
Strange.
I didn’t hit him that hard…
Looking closely, I realized Earl had fainted with his eyes rolled back.
“Hmm, did I lose control of my strength because it’s been too long?”
No, that’s not it.
The problem lies with Earl’s weakness.
Clearly, he neglected his own training while focusing on teaching the students.
“I should give this guy special training when I have time.”
For some reason, it feels like the number of people needing training is increasing.
“…”
I thought I saw Earl twitch just now…
Eh, must be my imagination.
