Chapter 82

As a special New Year's update, this is the second chapter.

The year is about to come to an end.

It is said that it has already snowed in the northern regions.

It is now the busy month of December in Japan, and New Year's Eve is approaching.

In this world's calendar, a month has 30 days, so there is no December 31st.

The Holy Bandam Kingdom does not have a New Year's holiday.

From December 30th to January 1st, there is a New Year's Eve festival, but there is no break, and everything operates as usual.

However, it is customary to allow tardiness, early departure, and leave on January 1st, and the city is said to be more relaxed on that day.

The Holy Bandam Kingdom has two long holidays: the summer vacation, which we went on a trip during last time, and the New Year's holiday, which runs from February to March.

The Royal Magic Academy is on break from February 11th to March 30th.

Incidentally, there are unit completion exams in January, and for third-year students, failing these exams results in remedial classes until February 5th, which determines whether they can graduate.

Failing the remedial classes means either dropping out or repeating the year, and in the latter case, the tuition fee doubles, making it financially difficult for commoners.

Moreover, for nobles, repeating a year is not allowed, so this is a time when they strive desperately to graduate.

The graduation ceremony for third-year students is held on February 10th, after which they start their new lives at their workplaces.

This is how the events at the Royal Magic Academy, which I attend, are structured.

Why am I talking about this... A few days ago, I was called by Mr. Bloom and informed that I had already earned all the units required for graduation and would be graduating on February 10th, skipping a grade.

I was surprised that things had progressed without my knowledge.

It seems that Carla, Peron, Clara, and Pritz were also called for the same reason.

However, Clara still needs to earn the monster studies unit, but she was told she could get it in January.

Furthermore, she was told that she would be given the units for practical skills because she had met all the skill requirements.

Well, since I am teaching them, they are not at the student level anymore.

However, a very serious problem has arisen here.

It is the issue of employment.

Job hunting usually starts from the summer vacation and is typically settled by November, so at this time of year, just before the New Year, there are not many good job opportunities left.

Everyone is complaining that they should have been told earlier.

"What do we do? I'm at a loss being told this suddenly. I haven't made any preparations at all."

Carla, what you're thinking is what everyone is thinking.

"Carla, it's the same for everyone. Ah, Christoph, you have the Brute Guild and the territory, right?"

"Peron, it's not a territory, just permission to own land."

"Same difference. Hey, how about Christoph hires us?"

What?

"I was thinking the same thing, but it would be a burden on Christoph."

As always, Pritz is so reserved.

You should take some of Clara's boldness.

But as Clara said, it's not a bad idea for me to hire the four of you.

I am short of staff, and the four of you don't have jobs, so the supply and demand match!

"Christoph, you don't have to take it so seriously. Clara and the others are just joking."

"Oh, I'm serious. Peron, you want Christoph to hire you too, right?"

"That would be nice, but Christoph has his own plans."

"Peron, let's make Christoph shed his skin for us! Then everything will work out!"

If you say so, I'll shed a layer, Carla.

I'm not a snake, so I won't shed my skin.

But I'll roll up my sleeve and accept you all, like Mr. Kinshiro!

There won't be a cherry blossom storm, though.

"Alright, I'll hire the four of you. I'll need a lot of help from now on, so if you're willing, I'd like you to come to my place."

Since my father is probably pulling strings behind the scenes, I have to take responsibility for that.

The four of you feel like you've been dragged into this.

Of course, I'll make sure my father takes full responsibility too.

"Alright! No more worries about employment! Then, let's conquer the final boss in the dungeon starting tomorrow and become the first to clear the advanced dungeon at the Royal Magic Academy!"

"Aww, that's not fair. I wanted to clear the advanced dungeon too!"

"Clara, you haven't even cleared the intermediate dungeon yet."

"Ugh, Pritz is always so hesitant!"

"Peron, let's get ready for tomorrow!"

"Ah, yeah. See you all later."

Peron was dragged away by Carla.

Burst the bubble, you lovebirds!

After that, Pritz was also dragged away by Clara, so the library finally became quiet.

Being with those four is always noisy and fun, but we should choose the time and place.

I can feel the disapproving glares from those left behind.

Sigh, my time in this library was short.

I should read as many books as I can from the restricted area while I still can.

"Is it true that you're graduating in February?!"

Ah, it's going to get noisy again.

"Miss Dorothy, please calm down. This is a library, after all."

"How can I calm down! Why are Carla and the others graduating with you?!"

I don't know why, but if Miss Dorothy doesn't want us five to graduate early, she could push for it and graduate too.

"That's not something I can answer. But, Miss Dorothy, we'll be parting soon. I thought we would be together for three years..."

"Is that okay with you?"

What does she mean?

...Is it about me involving the four of them in my graduation?

Miss Dorothy is a kind person and probably feels sorry for the four of them who were dragged into this.

Miss Dorothy is looking at me with her usual tsundere expression.

Her expression is the same as before, but the atmosphere feels different.

"It's not my decision. My father is probably behind it. I feel bad for those four..."

"I'm not saying that! Christoph... and... ugh, never mind!"

Miss Dorothy ran out of the library and down the corridor.

I'm a little happy to see her tsundere side again, but what was she trying to say?

Did I say something wrong?

...I don't understand.