Chapter 25

EP.25 First Class (1)

A talented person is like a lamp.

The darker the age, the brighter the light.

"So, I can only hope."

That my sword becomes a light to illuminate this age.

-Wandering Swordsman's Grand Tale, Volume 5.

-The Hero of a Turbulent Age (完)

"Hmmm..."

Aaron, the dean of Aphria, let out a sigh. Lost in the aftertaste of the last page of the book, Aaron closed his eyes.

'A talented person is like a lamp... What a beautiful sentence. It really is a beautiful sentence.'

With those words lingering in his mind, Aaron opened his eyes. Despite the many tasks still awaiting him, he felt he could now tackle the mountain of paperwork with a cheerful heart.

"It is a joy to serve the times."

Aaron propped his chin on his interlocked hands. It was time to make a decision he had been putting off.

Recently, there has been a rumor circulating within the academy. It was more of an incident than a rumor, but it was certainly not something to be taken lightly.

'A person who can handle the Balance has appeared.'

And not just among the students, but among the assistant professors. The moment Aaron heard the rumor, he recalled a certain person. As expected, his guess was spot on.

"Lania von Trias."

Roselle's adopted daughter.

He had expected her to stand out eventually, but he never thought she would do so so quickly and so brilliantly.

'She can handle the Balance.'

If it weren't her, Aaron would have dismissed it as a mere rumor. After all, the Balance is not something trivial.

However, Aaron knew of the girl's talent. The image of her solving a difficult problem of the Magic Association on the spot was deeply etched in his mind.

Perfect circuit interpretation.

Efficient mana manipulation.

She is truly a prodigy.

'If it's her, it can't just be a rumor.'

The likelihood that the rumor was true was high. Aaron, chin in hand, tapped the table.

Balance.

A transaction with the stars, the origin of all magic.

The highest-level spell that can arbitrarily facilitate such a transaction.

Very few mages can handle the Balance. It is a realm of profound talent. Aaron doesn't expect all students to be able to handle it.

Just being able to face it is enough.

That's what he thought.

"Lania von Trias."

Roselle's adopted daughter.

"You know, it's not right to deprive students of learning opportunities just because of external opinions."

At that, Roselle shrugged.

"Do as you please. I don't care."

"Your adopted daughter might face slander. Is that okay?"

"She's not the type to worry about such things."

With that, Aaron made up his mind.

"Then, would it be alright to give her a simple class? As an assistant to you, perhaps?"

"I said do as you please."

"Thank you for understanding."

Aaron suddenly recalled a sentence.

"I hope that girl can become a lamp to illuminate Aphria."

Indeed, a lingering sentence... Aaron nodded with satisfaction. Even though he said it himself, it wasn't a bad line, was it?

"Aaron."

Roselle, who was nodding contentedly, suddenly said.

"It stinks."

"Even you?"

Aaron made a wry face.

2.

I've developed a new hobby recently.

Since coming to Aphria, I've taken to sitting by the window in a café after lunch, sipping a warm cup of tea and gazing outside.

'Sitting by the window, enjoying a cup of coffee.'

Isn't that a rather quaint hobby?

For the past five years, I rarely had such personal, calm, and leisurely moments. To me, this time is incredibly precious.

'Personal time is so important.'

It makes you feel so relaxed.

If I had had such personal time, I could have tolerated those crazy women for another 1-2 years.

"Hmm."

'The coffee tastes really good.'

I would have liked to spend my leisure time sipping coffee as usual, but...

"Oh!"

Unfortunately, there was an uninvited guest today.

The sound of the bell rang as a figure entered the café.

The Fourth Princess, Ayla.

She waved at me with a bright smile.

"What a coincidence."

It doesn't look like a coincidence at all.

We made eye contact from a distance, and she walked straight over without any attempt to hide her intentions.

I slowly opened my mouth.

"What is it?"

"Do students need a reason to meet a professor?"

Saying that, she sat down next to me, a very natural action.

"..."

As I tried to pull away, she pulled the chair closer and pointed at my robe.

"You're wearing the robe?"

"You sent it to me."

"Hmm."

She smiled, looking quite satisfied.

"The solution you provided last time was very helpful in the battlefield."

"I'm glad to hear that."

"Isn't that a bit too dismissive? The knights have been asking about your... oh, a slip of the tongue. The professor's identity several times."

"The knights are always a bit over the top."

The knights have always been like that.

They would cheer at the slightest thing.

"Huh? No, that's not what I meant..."

"What?"

"No, it's just... But, do you know the knights well?"

"I have a few acquaintances among them."

"Hmm."

She chuckled.

Her laughter made me feel uneasy, so I subtly pulled back. I've always felt a bit uncomfortable around the Fourth Princess.

'Her intuition is too good.'

When she's close, it feels like my inner thoughts are being exposed. Moreover, my mana feels restless.

"Why are you keeping your distance?"

"Because you're too close."

"That's a bit much."

Ayla shrugged and propped her chin on her hand, looking out the window as I did. Then she spoke.

"I just wanted to come and thank you. It's hard to do so in front of others."

"Thank me?"

"For the academic problem-solving last time, and for not properly thanking you. Besides..."

She tilted her head slightly and looked at me.

"I thought it would be good to show it."

"Pardon?"

Then she smiled.

"As a princess and as a student. There's a lot I can learn from Professor Lania."

"I'm grateful for your high regard."

"Don't be so formal."

Ayla brushed off her collar and stood up. The café owner was just bringing her coffee.

"Since the coffee is here, I'll be on my way."

"You're not going to drink it here?"

"Oh, should I drink it then?"

"..."

"I was going to leave anyway, even without that look."

She took the coffee cup with a huff.

"Ah."

Holding the coffee cup in one hand, she turned to me as if something had just occurred to her.

"I'll see you soon, Professor Lania."

"Pardon?"

"In the lecture hall this time."

With that, she left.

I tilted my head as I watched her go.

'...Where is Master going again?'

I don't recall her saying anything about that.

I finished my coffee and headed to the professor's office where Master was. Just in case, to see if I had to cover for her again.

As I walked, I felt constant gazes.

"..."

Overt gazes were being cast at me. While I usually get some attention, this time it was a bit intense.

'...Why are they staring at me like that?'

Especially the assistant professors' gazes were fierce.

People who usually avert their eyes when I meet their gaze were now staring at me for a long time.

How long did I walk under those gazes?

Near the faculty office.

The bulletin board where academic notices are posted.

I stopped in front of it.

The crowd gathered there was blocking the way.

A large crowd, despite the wide corridor.

Professors and students were mixed in.

Thud.

As I took a step forward, someone looked at me. They gestured. They nudged the person next to them. Gradually, the gazes converged on me.

Amid the murmurs.

Their gazes all turned to me.

'...What on earth is posted there?'

I shifted my gaze to the bulletin board. Soon, a large notice caught my eye.

<New Course Announcement>

-Mana Transaction Studies (Basic)

-Instructor: Lania von Trias.

What the hell.

Why is my name there?