NOVEL NEXT Chapter 17 Resolution of the New Life
The Golden Youth: Assembly of Prodigies
Chapter 17
Resolution of the New Life
A year had passed since the annihilation of the bandit gang Crimson Cats.
One spring day, a messenger from the royal capital visited the Earl of Lieber’s estate in Dimeculd.
◆◆◆―――――――◆◆◆―――――――◆◆◆
“…You want Jack to attend the academy?”
“Yes, indeed.”
Facing the head of the house, Callum Lieber, in the reception room was a messenger from the Royal Spirit Arts Academy, commonly known as a scout.
“I’ve heard many rumors on my journey here. Your son, under the tutelage of a wandering elf, managed to attain the skill to annihilate the Crimson Cats within merely four months of training in spirit arts.”
“No, the overestimation is not good for my son, so let me correct that. My son only defeated the leader, the ‘Blood-stained She leopard.’ The annihilation of the Crimson Cats was due to other factors. Moreover, he only achieved this with the cooperation of the Posford family’s young lady. Alone, he wouldn’t have survived.”
“Yes, I’ve heard that too. It’s said the ‘Blood-stained She leopard’ exaggerated her prowess. Another representative is speaking with the Posford family as well.”
Callum nodded. He had heard all about the events at the abandoned fortress from his son.
“Nevertheless, his achievements are noteworthy. We would be honored to have such talent at our academy. He will undoubtedly become a great spirit artist.”
Callum closed his eyes briefly.
“He wishes to join the academy and would be delighted to hear this. But first, there are some points I need to confirm.”
“What are they?”
“He is applying to the combat department, correct?”
“Yes, indeed.”
“Then, what grade will he be allowed to test for?”
The combat department of the Spirit Arts Academy had its own ranking system. All students were assigned a rank from Grade 2 to Grade 6 based on the entrance exam. Although it was standard to advance after admission, a high initial rank provided a significant advantage over other new students.
Moreover, the academy entrance exam served as a social event for nobles. A successor’s high score could make a strong impression in noble society.
The scout nodded confidently.
“He is already permitted to test for Grade 3.”
“Impressive…”
Most students were only allowed to test up to Grade 4. Permission for Grade 3 was exceptional.
However, Callum did not immediately agree. He smiled with a childlike innocence and said,
“Before giving an answer, I’d like you to see my son’s abilities. He is currently training with the Posford family’s young lady.”
◆◆◆―――――――◆◆◆―――――――◆◆◆
Guided to the training ground behind the mansion, the scout was astonished.
“Jack! Too many unnecessary movements! Distinguish between feints and real attacks! Phil, on the other hand, you’re too efficient! Add some flair, or you’ll be easy to read!”
The sharp instructions came from a girl with long, bluish hair. She must be the rumored elf.
And in the sky, there was an incredible sight.
A flock of birds, hundreds or perhaps a thousand strong, was clearly controlled by spirit arts, not natural migration.
In the center of the flock was a boy, evading the birds’ attacks with ease, moving through the air as if stepping on invisible platforms.
“…Incredible…”
The girl controlled the massive flock with absolute precision, and the boy evaded all their attacks.
Philene Posford and Jack Lieber.
Their skills were far beyond what the rumors suggested.
At nine years old, their abilities were undoubtedly thanks to their teacher’s instruction. The scout trembled with excitement.
“Lord Lieber, I must revise my proposal.”
“Oh? How so?”
“I will secure permission for Jack to test for Grade 2. I’ll stake my reputation to convince the headmaster. And—”
The scout looked at the elf girl.
“We wish to invite her to our academy as a teacher. Even for a short period. Would you please recommend her?”
“Understood.”
Callum readily agreed, and they shook hands firmly with smiles.
◆◆◆―――――――◆◆◆―――――――◆◆◆
“A scout from the academy?!”
After training, hearing the news from my father, I leaned forward in excitement. My father smiled.
“Yes. Starting this spring. They’ve agreed to let you test for Grade 2.”
“Wow…”
“Oh my.”
Mother and Raquel, who were listening, were surprised. Phil tilted her head.
“What’s Grade 2? Is it impressive?”
“I’ve heard only a handful of new students get to test for Grade 2.”
“Yes, to my knowledge, there haven’t been any Grade 2 test-takers in recent years. Right, dear?”
“Yes. Just the opportunity to test for Grade 2 will draw significant attention.”
Raquel looked puzzled.
“Did you two attend the academy?”
“No, I grew up in the countryside. But Callum graduated from the academy.”
“I was a poor student, barely graduated. My father often scolded me.”
Father shrugged self-deprecatingly. So that’s how it was… My parents rarely talked about their pasts, not even about their spirit arts.
“Anyway, Jack, you’re fine with this?”
“Yes!”
I had endured Raquel’s strict training for this academy admission. Of course, I had no objections. But one person seemed unhappy.
“…Phil?”
“Boo.”
“Why the obvious sulking?”
“Because… I’ll be separated from you, won’t I?”
Ah, right. From spring, I’d live in the capital for the academy. I wouldn’t be with Phil all the time anymore.
“Don’t worry about that.”
My father said, smiling wryly.
“Philene, you’re also being scouted by the academy.”
“Huh?”
“Not for the combat department, but the intelligence department. You won’t be separated.”
Phil seemed confused, so I lightly patted her shoulder.
“We’ll go to the capital together.”
“Really?!”
“Really, really.”
“Yay!!”
Phil suddenly jumped at me, but I caught her easily. Given her skills, it’s not surprising she was scouted too.
However, there was one person we’d have to part with.
“…I guess I’m no longer needed…”
Raquel said in a flat voice. With Phil and I attending the academy, Raquel had no reason to stay.
“That’s the thing…”
My father’s voice brought me back from the sad thoughts.
“The scout… Rachel, they want you as a teacher at the academy.”
“W-what?”
Raquel rarely showed surprise.
“They want me as a teacher…?”
“Yes. They watched your training.”
“But I’m just registered with the Spirit Artists Guild, an outsider…”
“They’ll work it out. They were very enthusiastic. They said even for a short period is fine. What do you think?”
Rachel seemed bewildered. Academy teachers were elites. Most students were noble children, so naturally, only the best were hired. She probably thought she wasn’t fit for such a position.
“Why not, Master?”
I said. Raquel looked at me in surprise.
“You travel to collect spirit arts, right? The academy is a great place for that.”
“That’s true, but…”
“Aren’t you coming with us!?”
Phil’s disappointment was clear as she tugged Raquel’s robe. Raquel patted Phil’s head and turned to my father with a firm expression.
“…Alright. If it’s only while Jack and Phil are at the academy, I’ll accept the teaching position.”
“Understood. I’ll inform them.”
Phil cheered, and Raquel smiled softly. It seemed the new life from spring would include all three of us. I couldn’t wait for spring to come.
―-
However, one thing concerned me.
The words of the Crimson Cats leader, Vicky, from a year ago.
“By dawn, I have to hand you over to ‘her’.”
‘Her.’ Vicky had planned to sell us to a noble in the capital. ‘Her’ might be the intermediary. But if it was just that, why mention ‘her’ so specifically, with such weight? It seemed like there was more to it.
Moreover, Vicky knew I was a noble. I suspect she targeted us on ‘her’ orders.
And the peculiar mass suicide of the Crimson Cats. If it wasn’t natural but orchestrated to eliminate evidence…
Someone might be after me or those around me. Even if it’s just paranoia, I must confirm. I won’t let anyone take away my life or happiness.
In the capital, I might find information about ‘her.’ If anyone means harm to me or my loved ones, I’ll crush them all. As I prepared for my long-awaited academy admission, I quietly steeled my resolve.