Chapter 80

Thank you for your visit today.

The Royal Kingsland Academy.

It is the highest-level institution of learning in Ishtalica, and students are further divided into classes based on their grades.

In particular, the graduates of the top two classes are almost guaranteed to enter important institutions in Ishtalica.

However, despite the promising future of the students at the Royal Kingsland Academy, the current situation is rather out of the ordinary. The people on the scene initially thought so.

"Then, that's all for the tour. Do you have any questions?"

It was just past five in the morning. Despite the early hour, they were already at work here.

"Oh, no... But I didn't expect Professor Kyle to be involved..."

His name is Roland, a 12-year-old boy who recently became a fifth-year student at the academy. Like Ein, he has successfully maintained his position in the top class. He ranks third in the class, surpassing Batts in the rankings this year and finally reaching third place.

Incidentally, the top two positions are consistently held by Ein and Leonard.

"There's no need to elaborate. After all, this work is full of secrets, and it's better to keep quiet."

As he said this, Kyle adjusted his glasses. He has been the homeroom teacher for Ein's generation since their first year, specializing in magical engineering.

However, Roland never expected to meet him in such a place. After all, he had just asked him several technical questions the other day.

"But I really didn't expect it. Well, if I say that, I didn't expect to be called here either..."

The area where Roland is now is a large facility located about 30 minutes by water train from the capital, along the coast. Construction of a certain building is underway here.

"You are highly regarded. Be proud of it. In fact, I, as a professor, am also proud."

"Um... Professor Kyle? I don't think you've ever praised me at the academy."

"I believe that strict education is what makes people grow. There's no need to give you candy yet, is there? But this isn't the academy, after all."

"H-Ha... I see..."

The two were having such a relaxed conversation, but the facility was bustling with many voices and lively work.

"From today, you will work here as a technician, even if it's just an intern. I respect your skills. So... let's dream big together, shall we?"

With that, Kyle began to walk and turned toward a large object.

"It's really big, isn't it?"

"This is a treasure that brings great dreams to us engineers and researchers..."

Around them, many parts and components that have already been assembled are lined up. Among them, this "material" is particularly impressive.

"The spine of the Sea Dragon... There is no material more suitable for ships than this. The power of the prince has given us, such as us, a great dream. Roland, you should also deeply appreciate it."

"...Yes. I think you're right."

Wherever you look in this facility, it is covered with materials from the Sea Dragon that Ein defeated. But the expectation is great when you think that all of this will become one ship.

For a boy who is still a student to be on such a stage is an unusual personnel decision. But it also shows the high expectations and evaluation of him.

—The plan for the Sea Dragon ship has been underway for almost a year. It is progressing smoothly and is expected to be unveiled in Ishtalica within a few years.

*

On the day Roland was involved in the country's secrets from early morning, it was just past nine in the morning, and the top class students were gathering in the classroom. Looking at their faces, you can see some familiar ones. However, probably until now, only four students—Ein, Leonard, Roland, and Batts—have successfully maintained their positions in the top class.

"Roland, you look sleepy."

"Ah, yeah... Actually, I had a bit of work this morning."

"Doing what so early in the morning? Isn't that workplace dangerous? Working at such an early hour..."

Batts' words were meant to support Roland. If he knew the content, he wouldn't have said such a thing...

"Ah, ahaha... I wonder..."

Roland feels a bit uneasy. In fact, his current workplace, if traced to the highest authority, should be close to Ein, as it is the construction of the "Sea Dragon ship," a national project.

—Ein knows that the Sea Dragon ship is currently under construction. But he never thought that Roland and their homeroom teacher would be involved in it.

"Take care of your health, Roland."

Leonard's kind words deeply touched Roland.

"Thanks, Leonard. I'll take care of my health."

"...By the way, why is everyone gathered here today?"

Ein doesn't know why the top class students are gathered today. But Leonard and the others seem to know and explain to Ein.

"Your Highness, it's probably a consultation for a 'social studies field trip.'"

"...Huh?"

Recently, Ein has been encountering one trouble after another. Among them, the Haim incident has deeply affected him. Reflecting on the incident with Viscount Sage, he realizes how much has happened.

And now, a social studies field trip?

The contrast is too great, and it doesn't feel right. In fact, he didn't even know such an event existed at the academy.

"Social studies field trip...? What kind of peaceful, academy-oriented event is that?"

"Your Highness, this is an academy, so you're not mistaken."

"...I was a bit confused. Yes, this is an academy."

Considering their age, they only have extraordinary friends, so he sometimes forgets that this is an academy. Ein is still a fifth-year student with a sixth year ahead of him, a proper student.

"There might be some announcements about this."

"I see. By the way, where are we going? Where is the top class going?"

"Ein, you haven't heard anything, have you? It's free, free. We can choose wherever we want."

Batts answered instead of Leonard. Hearing this, Ein sighed inwardly, 'Not only is it a free class system, but this is also free...'

"Isn't this class too free?"

"Mostly, it's big trading companies or government facilities... We can't go inside the castle, but buildings near the castle are common. Also, White Rose Station is quite popular."

"I'd rather not go to the castle facilities. Seriously."

Roland mentioned past examples, but Ein would rather avoid the area around the castle. After all, it's his home, and it doesn't make much sense.

"In that case, a big trading company? How about the August Trading Company recently?"

"I'd rather not go to the August Trading Company. It's difficult for various reasons."

The daughter of the trading company is his aide, so he would rather avoid it.

"Hey, Ein! ...You're so picky!"

"...Understand me, Batts."

"Then... White Rose?"

If you eliminate the options, White Rose seems to be the most likely candidate. For Ein, there are no complaints about White Rose.

"That's a good station, isn't it, everyone?"

"...Yes, that's right, Your Highness."

"I know... really."

"Haha... Well, it's one of the best stations, so I think it will be educational."

This group of four will probably head to White Rose. That's what everyone thought until noon.

A few minutes later, their homeroom teacher, Kyle, appeared in the classroom and started explaining the social studies field trip. They were instructed to decide on a destination within a week and report back.

Let's go to a terrace and think about it together. That's what Ein was thinking when it happened.

*

"Hey, Ein. Cheer up... You don't have to be so down, you know?"

"...I never expected this to happen."

The four of them were having lunch at their usual terrace. Only one of them seemed unusually down.

"So, Your Highness... But we are honored, right? We are happy to be chosen... So, that's it."

"That's right, Ein! Cheer up. Just because the Prime Minister said so, you don't have to be so down..."

The reason Ein was down was due to the social studies field trip. After the homeroom, the four of them were called by Professor Kyle and given a certain explanation.

"It's like a home visit for me!"

Thanks to the Prime Minister's kind words, the destination for their social studies field trip was decided. The location is the capital, and the White King Castle. They will enter the castle gates and tour the facilities inside.

As a thank you for accompanying Ein during the monster training, they will be shown the facilities inside the castle gates... An invitation from Warren arrived.

Of course, the three were delighted. Inside the castle gates, there are many important facilities and people. Considering this, there is no better place for a field trip.

It's a bit of special treatment, but only for this time... Warren decided.

"If this happens, the August Trading Company would have been better..."

The castle is where everyone is. Not just his family, but also people like Crowne and Chris... It's a place where everyone is.

"(I'll give something to Katima and make sure she doesn't leave the lab. House arrest is best.)"

On the day of the trip, that stray cat must not be let loose. That's the most important matter.

"Come on, Ein. Make up your mind by next month."

"Having to make up my mind to go to my own home..."

The social studies field trip is in a month. By then, Ein needs to prepare his resolve, compromise, and resignation.

"Hey, Leonard! By the way, I don't have any clothes suitable for going to the castle!"

"...Don't worry, I'll lend you something, Roland."

"Thanks, Leonard! If it were winter, I could hide it with a coat, but it's early summer now. I don't really have such clothes..."

"Roland, you should start preparing such clothes."

"Ah... Yeah. I'll go shopping when I get my paycheck. Will you come with me?"

"I thought so. ...Well, I don't mind accompanying you shopping."

Ein looked at the two of them. Roland and Leonard, who seemed to be enjoying themselves, made him feel a bit envious that he couldn't enjoy it purely.

He thought about calling in sick, but that would be difficult.

"Listen, Ein. If you decide to mysteriously not participate, I'll tell Professor Kyle."

"Mysteriously not participate... I wouldn't do such a cheap thing, would I?"

"You're panicking. Seriously, this is a graded event, so participate properly."

I see. There was no way out. For the sake of a proper graduation, he needed to endure and participate.

"(If I had thought about going to Balt earlier, it might have been better...)"

Currently, due to schedule adjustments, Ein cannot go on new investigations. The town of adventurers, Balt, is a dangerous area that includes the former demon lord's territory.

Therefore, many more discussions are being held compared to when he went to Isto.

Once the plans are finalized, Ein will head to the next investigation. It's not a distant matter, and he has received a report from Crowne that it will be finalized soon.

"Hey, hey! Batts and Ein, come with us!"

"Wow, you're so energetic. So, where are we going?"

The unusually energetic Roland. The social studies field trip must be very exciting for him. Batts, surprised by his energy, asked for more details.

"When I borrow clothes from Leonard, I thought we could go somewhere for fun!"

"Ah? Then Leonard's house is fine, isn't it?"

"Wait, Batts. I can't invite the prince to my house! It's not that grand!"

Unbeknownst to them, the plan to go somewhere for fun was progressing, but it wasn't a bad idea. Ein agreed.

"No, you're a duke... Which mouth can say it's not grand?"

"Ordinary nobles can't invite such guests!"

"Well, you don't have to worry about it..."

For Leonard, who was raised under a strict father, inviting royalty to a noble's house is out of the question. He doesn't know what kind of scolding he would receive from his father if he did.

Ein wishes he wouldn't worry so much, but it's not that simple.

"Your Highness, you should be more aware of your position..."

Ignoring Leonard, Ein clapped his hands as if he had an idea.

"It sounds fun. Let's go to Leonard's house."

"Your Highness, aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh