Chapter 47
The final semester of my first year, juggling practical classes and student council duties, came to an end.
Time seemed to fly by, perhaps because of the heavy workload.
And somehow, I received an A+ on the final evaluation.
Even though I hadn’t done anything noteworthy.
“Well, good grades are good, I guess.”
But the most absurd thing was that I somehow ended up as the Student Council President.
According to academy rules, the student council was a temporary position, like a short-term part-time job, only available to second-years.
So this year’s council members, having successfully advanced to their third year, had all graduated from the student council.
The new council members were chosen from among the first-year applicants, with the previous council conducting interviews.
“Wahaha! I’ll work hard and support Yuri!”
Lia was among the applicants.
The Student Council President was chosen through a student vote, and somehow, I was elected.
I had no recollection of even running for the position.
“I didn’t run for the position either, but I became President through the vote.”
I sighed, looking at Dustin, who seemed lost in thought as he reminisced about last year’s events.
Why would they give such a position to someone who doesn’t even want it?
Dustin wasn’t even interested in the student council at first.
“I really don’t want this.”
“You have to do it.”
Celia poked my cheek, her tone firm.
She had spent the entire Harvest Festival break immersed in her research and had just announced another groundbreaking discovery.
Celia was probably the only one who had truly made the most of her first year at the academy.
“Didn’t you receive an award from the Imperial Palace recently?”
“I don’t care about that.”
She still looked sleepy.
She had reacted the same way on the day she received the award.
She crumpled up the certificate and threw it away, ignoring the looks of admiration from the others.
“The Alchemy Association contacted me. They want me to work with them.”
Third-year students typically start their careers during their second semester.
Until then, they focus on practical training and learn how to overcome various challenges and hardships.
But there are exceptions, like Dustin, who start working before their final year.
They’re geniuses.
“What did you decide?”
“I rejected them, of course.”
? I never would have guessed.
I thought she would accept, like Dustin did.
“Just like that?”
“It wasn’t that simple. They were quite persistent.”
I would be begging her to join if I were them.
To achieve such remarkable results in research and publish such groundbreaking papers at such a young age… her potential for growth was immense.
“I told them I’ll consider it after my third year and managed to send them away.”
I chuckled, seeing her exasperated expression.
She was truly a free spirit.
She had always been like that, even as a child.
“Ah, Master, speaking of the Imperial Palace, would you like to visit?”
Visit the Imperial Palace?
It’s not like it’s my backyard.
I know it’s not a place you can just visit whenever you want.
Even submitting a request for a tour could take over a year for an individual.
“It’s not like it’s my backyard. How can we just go there…?”
I don’t understand how Dustin can arrange a visit to the Imperial Palace so easily, even if he is a rising star in the Imperial Knights.
“Haha, I’ve already secured permission. If you’re interested, I’ll make the arrangements.”
The Imperial Palace…
Hmm, the Imperial Palace.
It’s not like I have to pay for the tour.
And it would be interesting to experience the grandeur and opulence of a fantasy world’s Imperial Palace.
“Hmm, okay. But it’s just the two of us?”
As expected, she asked that question. He said he would check, but he had no intention of inviting anyone else.
He apologized to Master in his heart, but he wouldn’t even bother checking.
Winter break, the first one he was actually looking forward to since entering the academy, arrived sooner than expected.
***
Just like at the end of the first semester, we had brief interviews with our homeroom teacher and a short winter break ceremony, marking the official end of our first year.
The weather had turned cold, and they were forecasting snow for tomorrow.
I shivered and tightened my coat.
“Celia, you go home first.”
“…Okay.”
She looked a bit disappointed, but what could she do?
The invitation was only for one person.
I didn’t have the power or the connections to increase the number of guests.
“Yuri, I don’t want to be away from you for two months… Can I visit you during break?”
“Sure, but won’t it be difficult to travel in winter?”
Even traveling by carriage was usually quite arduous, and in winter, the roads often froze, causing delays.
That’s why the academy’s winter break was so long, over two months.
If the students who went home got snowed in, it would disrupt classes.
“It’s fine. I can endure anything to see you, Yuri!”
“Don’t push yourself. We can see each other after break. I’ll send you letters.”
“…Yuri’s letters…! I’ll treasure them forever!”
No, don’t put so much pressure on me!
I was just planning to send casual updates!
And knowing her, she would actually do it.
The thought of my embarrassing daily life being preserved and passed down through generations…
Ugh, how creepy.
“Maybe I should cancel the letters.”
“What?! No!”
I finally managed to appease Roa, who was clinging to me and whining, by promising to send her letters.
“Then I’ll see you later. I’ll miss you.”
She wiped away her imaginary tears and departed, her dramatic farewell leaving me feeling strange.
It’s not like we’re parting forever.
“Master Yuri!”
“Oh, Lia. You’re not staying at the academy during break, are you?”
“I’m going home this time. Don’t worry.”
…? Going home?
“Home? Which home? My house?”
“No, my old home.”
“Why would you go there?”
Telling me not to worry when she’s going to the most worrisome place imaginable…
How contradictory.
“The break is long, and they’ve been contacting me.”
I’m surprised they even contacted her after she ran away.
I thought they would just disown her and pretend she didn’t exist after witnessing her shame.
But more importantly, why is she telling me this now?!
“If you had told me sooner, I would have stopped you.”
“Wahaha! You worry too much, Master, so I didn’t tell you! Don’t worry, I can handle anything!”
Well, with her strength, she probably could.
But she’s too kind.
“No, it’s not okay. Stay at my house with Celia.”
“I already told them I’m going.”
“That doesn’t matter. Tell them to go to hell.”
“Wahaha! You’re so funny, Master!”
I finally convince Lia and send her off in the same carriage as Celia.
How can she even think about going back to that abusive home?
She’s definitely someone I need to keep an eye on.
I scan the surroundings, a new sense of protectiveness filling my heart.
The academy looks deserted, with most students gone.
“Master, let’s go. You’ll catch a cold.”
Dustin approaches me and wraps another cape around my shoulders.
“Ugh, you’re right. It’s cold. Let’s go.”
I board the carriage he prepared.
It’s a luxurious, gold-plated carriage, probably sent from the Imperial Palace.
“We’ll head to the lodging first so you can rest. There’s no rush for the tour.”
I nod at Dustin, who seems to have made thorough preparations.
This carriage is so warm and cozy.
Is it magically enhanced?
I feel drowsy and my eyelids grow heavy.
Ugh, if I sleep now, I won’t be able to sleep tonight…
That was my last thought before I drifted off to sleep.