[TS] I’m the Only One Without a Status Window 15

Episode 15

One year ago, when Yuri was distraught over being grounded, her parents were actually even more troubled.

“Yuri said she wants to inherit the Elliot family herself.”

“Herself…? Does that mean she won’t be taking a husband?”

“Yes, she says she won’t marry.”

“You must have scolded her severely.”

Count Elliot smiled faintly, assuming Jane would have reacted that way, as she always hoped Yuri would follow a conventional path.

“I did. But strangely, looking at her serious expression, I suddenly felt like she might actually achieve what she desires.”

The idea of a woman becoming the head of the family was unimaginable. In the Marcia Empire, women held a significantly low social standing.

Not only were they restricted from becoming the head of the family, but they also faced numerous limitations in economic and external activities.

“Haha, is that so? Well, our daughter is quite bright.”

“She’s not just bright, she has a strange power that seems to sway people’s hearts.”

Count Elliot fell into deep contemplation upon hearing Jane’s words.

In truth, he wanted to grant his daughter’s every wish, as long as it didn’t raise any ethical concerns.

However, this matter was entirely different from her previous requests, like wanting to learn swordsmanship or wear trousers.

Even though his daughter had single-handedly defeated a bandit and a goblin chieftain, to the Count, she was still his innocent and kind daughter.

“What are your thoughts, my dear? About the secluded training Yuri mentioned.”

“Of course, I think it’s preposterous. How could I possibly send her to such a dangerous place?”

The Count, having scolded Yuri with the same sentiment, remained silent.

“What about the academy?”

“The Imperial Academy?”

“Wouldn’t it be a safer option compared to secluded training?”

“Well, that’s true, but…”

Moreover, the Imperial Academy was the only institution in the Empire with the least prejudice against women.

Rumors circulated about a few women who graduated from there and joined the Imperial Knights or became government officials.

Therefore, if Yuri graduated from the academy with outstanding achievements, she would face less opposition when becoming the head of the family.

Of course, there would still be friction, as it was an unprecedented event.

“It would be much easier if she married and brought in a husband, but I wonder if it’s truly necessary.”

“I understand your concern for Yuri, my dear. You simply wish for her to lead a peaceful life.”

However, Yuri was not a child who could be easily controlled.

“We cannot confine our daughter to a life she finds uninteresting.”

Jane fell silent after hearing her husband’s words.

Deep down, she knew it too.

That her daughter would not live the life she envisioned for her.

“Raising a child is truly no easy task.”

“Then I shall contact the academy. You should rest for a while, my dear.”

Count Elliot firmly believed that Yuri would graduate from the academy with excellent grades.

‘She’s a child with extraordinary talent, even though we’ve sheltered her. The fact that she defeated a goblin chieftain at the age of ten already proves that, doesn’t it?’

That’s why he confidently applied for her admission to the infamous academy, despite its reputation for relentless failures and the potential for disgrace if one’s grades were not up to par.

***

“There are so many people.”

The capital, the largest city in the Empire.

Naturally, it was bustling with people.

I had wanted to explore the capital during my debutante ball, but it ended up being a rushed affair.

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would be sightseeing like this.

Unlike then, the carriage arrived during the day, parting the crowds as it headed towards the academy.

“By the way, Celia, why are you going to the academy?”

“Because my life’s purpose lies there.”

Her life’s purpose is at the academy?

I don’t know what it is, but it seems like there’s something there for her.

“I see.”

“Yes.”

Everyone seems to have a clear understanding of their purpose in life and is striving towards it.

Celia came to the academy for her life’s purpose, and Dustin, although I’m not sure of the details, is likely progressing well on his own path.

While those with status windows are taking confident strides towards their distinct goals…

I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing.

There’s no guarantee that I’ll gain a status window by attending the academy.

The absence of a status window can drastically alter a person’s life.

“I hope my research materials arrived safely.”

When Celia sent a letter expressing her intention to attend the academy, they sent a lavish carriage.

Although it was intended to transport Celia, she filled it with her research materials and sent a letter stating she would travel with me in a separate carriage.

“They’ll be fine.”

The research materials, which departed before us, are probably safely stored in the laboratory prepared for Celia.

The academy wouldn’t ordinarily provide a personal laboratory to a mere student.

Well, considering the paper Celia published, it’s not entirely incomprehensible.

In any case, it confirmed the rumor that they initially intended to recruit Celia as a faculty member.

So, the laboratory meant for a professor suddenly became a student’s laboratory.

“Are you going to attend classes?”

“The academy is a place for discovering and developing one’s talents. I don’t think I need to attend other classes.”

“…You’re quite eloquent today.”

“Well, if it’s the same class as my Master, I might consider attending.”

Although not a direct answer to my question, she occasionally offers such heartwarming remarks.

Just as I’m about to respond…

“We’ve arrived at the academy, Miss.”

Huh?

Arrived?

I shift my gaze from Celia to the outside, but the scenery hasn’t changed much.

While there are more children in uniform-like attire, the rows of grand buildings and the presence of people not in uniform remain the same. Why the sudden announcement about the academy?

“What are you waiting for? Let’s get off.”

The coachman opens the door, and Celia steps out, looking back at me.

“Is this the academy?”

“The grounds are quite extensive.”

Come to think of it, Celia must have visited the academy several times for her paper presentations and such.

Apart from the gate-like structure behind us after exiting the carriage, it doesn’t look much different.

It’s an extravagant school, seemingly larger than an entire territory.

“The entrance ceremony is that way.”

I look towards the direction she nonchalantly points to and see a truly magnificent building.

Its size could accommodate thousands, and it boasts a massive dome-shaped glass ceiling.

The interior is even more impressive.

Bright light streams through the entirely glass ceiling, and the vast space within the single, enormous building, capable of holding tens of thousands of people, is undoubtedly a rare sight.

“I’m planning to head to the laboratory first. Want to come along?”

Considering Celia’s dislike for crowds, it’s understandable that she wouldn’t attend the entrance ceremony.

Besides, with her significant contributions, they wouldn’t judge her negatively for skipping it.

However, I’m different.

I’m just the daughter of a mere Count.

Here, I’m just Student #1.

Skipping the entrance ceremony with Celia…

That’s simply unacceptable.

“No, I’m fine. I should attend the entrance ceremony.”

I don’t want to attract attention from the start.

My goal at the academy is to remain inconspicuous and live quietly until I awaken my status window.

“Then I’ll stay with you.”

“Huh? Are you sure?”

She doesn’t reply, but judging by the way she sticks close to me, she’s made up her mind.

There’s no way to change her stubbornness now.

Well, it might be better than standing awkwardly alone amongst strangers.

“So, Master, where should we go?”

Oh, for crying out loud.

The title “Master” is incredibly conspicuous, no matter where you are.

For instance, even now, the students nearby are starting to glance at us and whisper.

“Oh, please. Don’t call me that.”

“But you are my Master. What should I call you then?”

“Just call me Yuri! You used to call me that just fine!”

“A Master is a Master. A disciple who addresses their Master disrespectfully is ill-mannered.”

…Where did you pick up this strange concept?

“Is that girl with purple hair Celia?”

“What? Celia de Marina?”

To make matters worse, people are starting to recognize Celia.

“Did you hear that just now?”

“Uh-huh… Celia just called that girl her Master…”

“Whoa, you mean Celia had a Master all this time?”

“Then she must be incredibly powerful, right?”

“This year’s freshmen lineup is insane…”

“But if she’s the Student Council President’s Master, she must be incredibly strong. Why would she come to the academy?”

Wow, whoever that is, they’re going to get a lot of attention.

This should overshadow the “Celia’s Master” incident, right?

Indeed, the crowd’s reaction is becoming increasingly fervent.

Man, whoever that Student Council President is, he must be incredibly famous.

“Master!”

And the platinum-haired Student Council President, with a bright smile, runs towards…

“It’s been a while…! How have you been..?!”

…me.

…Don’t tell me, this guy…

“…Dustin?”