PTSD Military Chaplain of the Academy

“Um… Before we proceed with the entrance ceremony of our proud Caldera Imperial Academy, I would like to express my gratitude to all the distinguished guests who have graced this occasion. Allow me to briefly introduce…”

The entrance ceremony is being held in the same large auditorium as last year, and just like last year, it begins with Chancellor Damian taking the stage to deliver his speech, his bald head reflecting the lights in an unprecedented sparkle.

Without any particularly changed parts, Chancellor Damian’s speech for the entrance ceremony continued much like last year’s.

However, the difference from last year’s ceremony could be that this time, it is not I sitting in that burdensome position on the stage, but rather professors with unfamiliar faces.

‘…No, that’s not right.’

Upon further reflection, a lot has changed.

Things that cannot be seen by others. For instance, my feelings for Helena a year ago, the regrets about past mistakes and memories, and… I’ve even given up on the drugs.

Back then, I was on the brink of giving up on life, feeling desperate to hold onto something. In the midst of that, the thought of being a professor at Caldera Imperial Academy came up, and perhaps I was living precariously, focusing solely on that.

Now, a lot has changed.

The meaningless guilt that had worn down my mindset, and… the various relationships I couldn’t form back then.

“So, Head Priest, where have you been?”

For instance, there is Sofia Sub-Priest, who is squinting at me from next to me.

Just before the entrance ceremony began, she had challenged me for slipping out of the auditorium and began to pry into the reason. I shrugged my shoulders and whispered lightly in her ear.

“I just mentioned it a moment ago. I went to find Chloe.”

The first floor of the auditorium, being the widest space, is taken up by new students and first-year professors, while the second floor, which is a spacious terrace-style area, is reserved for second and third-year students along with their professors.

Thanks to that, I quickly realized that Chloe, with her pink hair that is hard to miss even if she didn’t want to be noticed, was not seated in the spot designated for the second-year Class A students.

Still, not attending a big event like the entrance ceremony was problematic, especially since I am the top professor responsible for managing the second-year students.

So I set out to look for Chloe, but to my surprise, she was left alone in the classroom where she had attended lectures until last year, murmuring something at the podium.

‘At first, I was a little worried.’

I briefly thought that Chloe, engrossed in her studies over the vacation, might be losing her mind.

Seeing her standing at the podium in an empty classroom, looking as if she was a professor herself, saying “Nice to meet you,” really shocked me.

She was greeting nobody in an empty room, making me wonder if she had become possessed or something.

Of course, it didn’t take long for me to realize that Chloe was simply lost in memories and sentiments, but still, greeting the air can be a bit worrying.

As the second-year top professor, it seems I should hold a consultation session with her soon.

In any case, after hearing my neat explanation, Sofia Sub-Priest, for some reason, slowly nodded her head with a blush creeping onto her ears.

“…Ah, I see. You went to find Student Chloe.”

“If she doesn’t attend the entrance ceremony, it might become a bit noticeable. Chloe’s hair color is quite eye-catching.”

“That’s true.”

“Yes. So, I went to find Chloe…”

“But, Head Priest.”

Sofia Sub-Priest, who had been looking down at Chancellor Damian giving his speech below in the auditorium, finally turned her head and looked up at me.

“I have one thing I’m curious about.”

“What are you curious about…?”

“I’m pretty sure I remember… that students’ names were only followed by ‘Student.'”

“……”

“So when did you get so familiar to start saying ‘Chloe’ and ‘Laura’ with such friendly titles?”

The smile on Sofia Sub-Priest’s lips seemed unchanged from usual. Slightly raised corners of her mouth, shallow dimples.

However, her eyes seemed a bit dimmed. Or is it more accurate to say that they lacked vitality.

The terrace seats in the auditorium were lit without needing extra lighting due to the strong light, so the faintly visible dark green eyes in the shadow seemed lifeless along with the darkness.

…I’m not sure if this is simply due to the surrounding environment being dark. I couldn’t be sure.

“Well, you see…”

“Yes. Take your time answering.”

A silent pressure is strongly felt. I don’t know what this sensation is. Why am I feeling pressured? What is the reason? Various questions floated to the surface.

“By the way, you seem to be quite close with Student Chloe. I didn’t expect you to go out of your way to find her just because she wasn’t visible at the entrance ceremony.”

“……”

“It’s almost as if… since entering the auditorium, you’ve been looking for just Student Chloe, right?”

And, as if reflecting that such questions were a luxury for me at this moment, the eyes of Sofia Sub-Priest gazing at me became even heavier with pressure. It was a type that was hard for me to endure.

“It’s not particularly like that.”

“Hmm… I see.”

“Yes. That’s correct.”

Sofia Sub-Priest completely fell silent.

Instead of speaking, she replaced the conversation by gazing intently at me. Frankly, it was quite burdensome.

“…I have no particular feelings.”

“Really?”

“Yes. After all, she is a student. It’s a student-professor relationship. There is quite an age difference…”

“But there isn’t that much age difference between us, is there? Age shouldn’t be a problem, right?”

“…It’s a bit different from my relationship with Sofia Sub-Priest.”

It seems that Sofia Sub-Priest, who usually doesn’t show jealousy, had just let a bit of it show. It felt quite unjust. I had never looked at students with such eyes… Well, I don’t.

Sofia Sub-Priest, hearing my indifferent yet somewhat desperate reply, continued to look at me, and soon withdrew her gaze.

At the point where our gazes ended, Chancellor Damian’s head, which was illuminated, was still shining brightly.

“This year, many distinguished individuals from various parts of the Empire have applied to our Academy. It is truly an honor to have professors befitting the name of Caldera Imperial Academy, and there has been much deliberation in appointing those who have reached this point through fierce competition.”

Indeed, the speech was a bit different from last year. The main points were somewhat similar, but the details within were subtly different.

I suspect that the academy has a manual for the entrance ceremony that is slightly modified for use.

On the podium, behind Chancellor Damian, there were four chairs set up. All those seated there looked quite young and were a different aspect from Professor Esther who had previously served at the academy and moved here.

In other words, it felt like watching recent graduates who were either aspiring professors or associate professors taking their first steps into being full-fledged professors.

Two men and two women made a perfect symmetry, and their appearances seemed to be in their mid-twenties.

Being a professor at the academy doesn’t mean you have to be thirty or forty to become one. This is a place to learn magic and combat skills, and especially magic, as a field that often requires blood and talent, makes it possible for anyone competent to become a professor regardless of age as long as they aren’t students.

I’m no different. Even though I’m nearing thirty, I, who am still in my late twenties, became a professor at this place.

Moreover, I am now the top professor for the second year. My conscience has been pricked slightly.

“…So! These four professors have graced us with their presence! They will be responsible for the overall teaching of you all, especially the first-year newcomers, so please give them a warm welcome with a big round of applause!”

The clapping sounds filled the auditorium. I had already plugged my ears with my fingers.

Just a moment ago, I had said that it felt different from last year, that my mindset had completely changed, but…

‘Still, the sound of applause…’

Even though I had completely blocked my ears, it wasn’t easy to block out all the applause resonating in this vast auditorium. I was twisting my fingers like adjusting a radio antenna, trying hard to cut off the sound.

“Wow… It seems that many freshmen have indeed come in.”

As Sofia Sub-Priest said, the first floor of the auditorium was bustling with freshmen raising their hands high in applause. The sounds piercing through my fingers were something else.

I couldn’t help but think it was a good idea to cover my ears. Even if it was just the freshmen clapping, making a din in this auditorium would not be a big deal.

If I had heard this sound directly, I would have…

Well, unlike before, I no longer have the freedom to dictate my future at will.

Once I regained my senses for a moment, I removed my fingers just as the clapping began to slow down. The distinct sound of applause eventually turned into complete silence, and the tedious speech of Chancellor Damian continued.

Still, if he shares the same script as last year’s speech, it would probably be close to wrapping up soon.

In fact, there was no need to predict anything.

“Now then, to the 90th new students of Caldera Imperial Academy. I sincerely congratulate you on your admission.”

The entrance ceremony was already racing towards its conclusion.

Receiving the vigorous applause erupting from everywhere again, Chancellor Damian went down from the podium… somehow looking a bit weary.

– I hope you protect Caldera Imperial Academy, no matter what happens.

Is there a special reason why Chancellor Damian’s words come to mind in these circumstances?

Even as others joyfully applauded, I stared at Chancellor Damian without clapping.

I still did not know why he had said such words or why he felt the academy was in danger…

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