NOVEL NEXT Episode 2: Reunion
Episode 2: Reunion
“Oh~ This academy is huge too.”
In front of the imposing main gate adorned with the image of the multi-headed Hydra stood the grand gray-white school building. Hartelia Royal Academy was just as magnificent as the academy in Alteria. The nine towering spires scattered throughout the campus were likely a nod to the Hydra.
Still, it felt strange that the symbol of the country was a Hydra. In games and novels, it’s usually depicted as a boss character. Well, it makes sense since Hartelia was an enemy nation in the original story.
The renovation and expansion of the school buildings seemed to be progressing steadily, with “No Entry” signs posted in various places.
“Do you need something?”
“Ah, sorry. I need to give you this.”
“Wha-!? P-please excuse me! One moment, please!”
While I was absentmindedly gazing at the school building, a security guard called out to me. Yep, I must have looked very suspicious. I handed over the letter of introduction from the Count, and the guard hurriedly went off to call someone. No need to be in such a rush, really.
“Thank you for waiting. I’m Liza Dras… huh!?”
“……?”
“Are you, by any chance, Mine Arlight!?”
“Wha-!?”
Huh? How did she know? I mean, I wasn’t using a fake name, so it could be looked up if someone tried. Besides, the Count and others probably know and are keeping quiet about it. After all, they wouldn’t let someone whose identity they didn’t know stay near Alt-kun and Liela-san. Wait, but I’m supposed to be on a wanted list, right…?
Now’s not the time to think about that. How did this lady recognize me?
“How do you know that?”
“Don’t you remember? We met during the entrance exam for Alteria Royal Academy.”
“Entrance exam?”
“Yes.”
“Ah! During the written exam. But why are you in Hartelia?”
“I originally taught at this academy, but I went on a three-year training program. The quality of education there far exceeds ours.”
“Ah, I see.”
So she’s that woman with a lot of magic power who stared at me during the exam. How did she recognize me so quickly after all this time? Is it magic detection? I hope it’s not because I haven’t visibly grown much. I have gotten taller, you know. Seriously.
Anyway, this lady, Liza Drastin, is apparently the wife of Marquis Drastin and went to Alteria Royal Academy under the pseudonym Fermer. A high-ranking noble’s wife spending three years in a tense foreign country is pretty intense, but she went through a lengthy process of working at a foreign academy for a few years first. If she managed all that, I guess it was fine? She’s back safe and sound, after all. She must not have been exposed, right?
Well, it seems the difference in educational quality between Alteria Royal Academy and this academy is significant enough to take such risks.
“I didn’t expect to see you in Hartelia. I thought you went to Melnier.”
“Ah… I heard there were wanted posters, so I came here instead.”
“Wanted posters? I haven’t heard anything about that.”
“Eh? But people with wanted posters were looking for someone of my build. Didn’t the Marquis’ house issue them?”
“Ah.”
Of course, I can’t really say I have any recollection of it.
According to her, it seems the academy was looking for me, not the Marquis’ house. The goal was to enroll me in the academy since I ranked first in the practical exam. First in the practical exam? Did they mistake me for someone else? Turns out the person I mimicked during the exam was quite remarkable. Seriously?
Apparently, after I was banished, they discovered flaws in the Marquis’ withdrawal process and urgently searched for me. A sloppy process from the Marquis’ house.
“So I wasn’t wanted…?”
“Yes.”
“Wow… really?”
“But the ‘Sword Saint’ received a lot of criticism over it, so you might have been caught up in trouble if you’d stayed in Alteria.”
“Serves him right.”
After imprisoning the innocent boy Mine for years and throwing him out with nothing, the stingy Marquis got what he deserved.
If that’s the case, maybe it would’ve been fine to go to Melnier. But then, I wouldn’t have met the Count and Seira. Breaking the original story worked out well.
“Oh, I almost forgot.”
“……?”
“Lady Aria Sairen wanted to thank you.”
“Who?”
“The girl you spoke to at the exam venue. Don’t you remember?”
“Ah! Her.”
“Thanks to you, she was able to take the afternoon exam. She’s a very excellent student.”
“That’s good to hear.”
That girl looked so pale that even I, with my social anxiety, couldn’t help but speak to her. Apparently, she’s one of the top five students in her grade when it comes to academics. She’s incredibly talented. I’m glad she passed.
“But it’s fortunate for Hartelia that you came to this country.”
“…No, it’s nothing.”
…Sorry. I blew up the royal castle and the temple. That caused all sorts of trouble.
“You’re staying with Count Obraine now, correct?”
“Yes, the Count has been very kind to me. Oh, and please keep my family matters confidential…”
“Understood. I’ll keep it that way.”
“Thank you.”
It’s best not to spread unnecessary information and avoid extra trouble.
“By the way, according to the letter of introduction, you’re here to help with some tasks?”
“Yes, that’s why I came.”
“That’s a great help.”
Right, I’d almost forgotten due to the unexpected encounter, but I came to the academy today to help with some tasks. I haven’t decided if I’ll work as a janitor yet, but I came to help because they’re behind schedule. It also serves as a workplace visit. I’ll be coming here every other day. On my days off, I plan to tour the capital with Seira and Lady Liela or visit Sasha.
Sasha has officially left the church and now runs an orphanage, teaching the children academics and magic. If things go as planned and commoners start being admitted, there will likely be children from Sasha’s orphanage joining the academy.
“That over there is the training ground.”
“It’s spacious, but… it’s in rough shape.”
“Yes, during last year’s chaos, a large amount of debris and rubble was temporarily placed here. The larger pieces have been disposed of, but the sand and dirt remain.”
“I see.”
I was shown to a large, walled training ground. About ten workers were leveling the ground by hand. It’s slightly smaller than the training ground at the Marquis’ place. There are piles of dirt everywhere, making it look rather sad.
…Yeah, that debris and dirt are probably my fault. Sorry about that.
“That over there is Sean Febris, who is in charge here.”
(Note: (._.) ( l: ) ( .-. ) ( :l ) (._.) Might as well name him “Debris”)
The lady pointed to a man in his mid-twenties with blue hair. Oh, he noticed us.
“Ah, Vice Principal. What’s the matter?”
“We have additional help today. This is Mine.”
“My name is Mine.”
“I’m Sean Febris. I’m in charge of the work here.”
“Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise. I’ll explain the work.”
The task is to break up or bury any large stones or debris while leveling the ground. The work itself is simple but challenging due to the size of the area.
“Could you start over here?”
“Got it.”
Before starting, I used [Subterranean Survey] to check the underground conditions. …So I just need to do it like this. Using [Landscaping], I spent about a minute leveling a ten-meter square area. If I overdo it, they might give me more work, but if I slack off, they’ll think I’m not capable. It’s a delicate balance.
Still, seeing the uneven ground turn smooth is satisfying. I definitely prefer this kind of construction work over fighting.
“Well, that’s impressive…”
“Your magic skills have become more refined since then.”
“Thank you.”
It seems my balance was just right. Though I’m sure the lady noticed everything. She probably has [Magic Sense].
“That’s enough for today. Thanks to you, Mine, we caught up quite a bit. Thank you.”
“No, thank you for your hard work.”
“Um, you’ll be back the day after tomorrow?”
“Yes, that’s the plan.”
“Got it. We look forward to your help then.”
We worked until evening, and today’s tasks were done. The lady watched for a while before returning to her work. She must be busy since this isn’t the only place where work is happening. This is the knight training ground, and there’s another of the same size for magic training on the other side of the wall. There are also many smaller training grounds for individual or group use.
Even so, I really enjoy construction work. And getting a taste of the academy’s atmosphere is exciting. I might seriously consider the janitor job.
“Well, time to head back.”
I need to discuss where to go tomorrow for fun.