Chapter 58

Finally, the academy facility was completed.

Built with an abundant use of alchemically hardened rock, it gave off an impression of a church and a nobleman's mansion, becoming a mysterious building.

Thanks to the hard work of the craftsmen, it was adorned with intricate decorations, making it hard to believe that it was a facility for commoners.

The academy, built with the intention of long-term use, was a magnificent structure.

It was no wonder, given that Reifan, following Kyle's wishes, had put all his effort into the design and construction.

"This is... amazing."

I looked up at the academy I was seeing for the first time and marveled.

Reifan puffed out his chest and boasted proudly.

"Hehe. Amazing, right! I learned about the popular architecture in the capital and incorporated a lot of it. The foundation is made of alchemically reinforced rock, so it's incredibly sturdy!"

"That's amazing. But it's so grand that I hesitate to enter."

"Only at first, I think."

"That's true."

Humans get used to anything.

Today, students and teachers had gathered on the school grounds.

It was the unveiling of the new school building and the opening ceremony of the academy.

Kyle stood on the podium and began his speech.

"This time, we have established a new educational institution in Golden Dawn. It is called... Kyle Academy."

Kyle had been reluctant about the name, but the main members, including Persia and me, had insisted.

"This Kyle Academy will provide education to all of Golden Dawn, not just the nobility. As soon as preparations are complete, we plan to open afternoon classes in addition to the current morning classes to spread education."

The journey to this point had been quite challenging, but finally, the academy education system that Kyle had advocated was about to start in earnest.

"For a while, we will have an unconventional grade system. Ideally, we would divide into ten grades, but after discussion, we decided to divide into three grades: Grade 1, Grade 4, and Grade 7. Ages 6-8 will be Grade 1, ages 9-11 will be Grade 4, and ages 12-15 will be Grade 7. We hope that even after turning 16 and becoming adults, you will continue to attend until you complete Grade 10."

If we had divided into ten grades as planned, the current 15-year-old students would have graduated at the next coming-of-age ceremony. By consolidating them into Grade 7, we managed to compress ten years of education into three. We had already provided basic education up to about Grade 3 during the temporary school, so it should work out.

"Also, starting tomorrow, breakfast will be provided to those who wish to have it."

Oblion, who seemed to be trying to find a tone that was neither condescending nor inappropriate for a principal, looked at the students.

"Thanks to the consideration of Mr. Kyle, the person in charge of Golden Dawn, 'legendary' quality stamina potions will be provided to those who wish to have them."

The students began to murmur.

That was understandable.

Currently, the stamina potions distributed to residents have their effects suppressed. While residents can purchase them, not everyone does, especially for their children.

Kyle decided to stop holding back due to the many dangers still present in the settlement. The stamina potions distributed to residents will also be of legendary quality for those who wish to have them.

Oblion silenced the murmuring students with a hand gesture.

"Now, from today, your group will grow. Please be kind to each other."

Following Oblion's instructions, other teachers brought in the new students who had been listening in the back. The new students walked up in a line.

Golden Dawn has an unexpectedly high number of settlers, so it's natural that the number of children is increasing. As expected, the line included children from families who had come due to poverty, children of merchants who saw business opportunities, and children of adventurers seeking a safe haven. However, when I saw the last person in the line, I was taken aback.

There was a girl in a simple but spotless dress.

"Mayna!?"

I hurriedly turned to Kyle, who was standing in the teacher's row, and Persia, who was behind him. Kyle was smiling, and Persia was chuckling.

It seemed I was the only one who didn't know.

(Hey, Kyle. Is this really okay?)

(Yes. In Golden Dawn, we emphasize that everyone, regardless of status, can attend the academy. But more importantly, I want Mayna to make friends.)

So, he wants to help her overcome her extreme shyness. I agree that group life is good training, but isn't it a bit too much?

And if education is mandatory, what about Kyle?

As if hearing my thoughts, Persia cleared her throat.

(Mr. Kyle has passed the graduation exam in the advanced classes that Mr. Oblion will teach.)

(That's impressive.)

(Yes, Mr. Kyle is amazing.)

(Aren't Mayna and Kyle 12 years old?)

(Yes.)

(That means they will be in the same grade as the Kendal siblings.)

With those guys... I'm not worried about them getting along, but I'm afraid they might overwhelm Mayna.

While I was pondering, the opening ceremony ended, and the teachers led the students to their classrooms.

Since I'm not a homeroom teacher and only come in once a week, my part was over.

The students must be getting their academy badges and making a fuss. As if to confirm this, a loud cheer came from the classroom.

I peeked into the classroom from the hallway.

Mayna was already being approached by the Kendal siblings, so she should be fine.

Feeling relieved, I headed to the principal's office.

Kyle, Persia, and the exhausted Oblion were there.

"Hey, good job... sir."

"Craft... Craft, you did a good job too."

I have to be careful and switch back to formal speech.

Oblion looked up.

"Mr. Kyle, Craft. You can act normally in front of me."

"Huh?"

"I heard from someone that you two act like brothers. Of course, I won't say anything."

It seems Oblion's gaze is directed at the maid standing behind me, but I shouldn't think too deeply about it.

"Um... Mr. Oblion, is that really okay?"

"Yes. Craft... you can act normally in front of me as long as we're not in public."

"That's a relief, but..."

Oblion is a noble, right? I think he mentioned being the third son of Baron Rellene.

"It's fine. Really, it's fine!"

"Understood. Thank you for your consideration."

When Kyle bowed, Oblion seemed even more flustered.

"Mr. Kyle, you don't need to bow to someone of a lower rank. Please raise your head."

"Understood. But I truly am grateful."

"I can feel that."

It seems we really can act normally.

"Thanks. Principal."

"Please be formal in public."

"Understood."

I glanced at Ryuuko, who nodded in satisfaction.

What did you do, Ryuuko?

And so, the academy began its full operation.