Chapter 10

"If you fail the national exam, please come to my place."

Upon arriving in the capital, I shook hands with the leader of the escort.

"Hahaha, how about it?"

After the troll attack, I was allowed to participate in monster hunts multiple times, and he began to give me guidance whenever he found the time.

I think it was probably just a polite gesture. I didn't stand on the front lines and perform outstandingly; I merely followed instructions and provided support...

As I tilted my head,

"Seriously. Most people can't even follow instructions... Do you really understand that?"

The leader of the escort scratched his cheek and smiled wryly.

"Brother, let's go."

It seemed the next carriage was about to arrive, and Seria, who had gone to check, returned.

"Well, thank you for your hospitality."

I thanked the leader of the escort again and headed to the carriage stop where Seria's school was located.

---

We were heading to the school Seria attends, located near the center of the capital. As we rode in the two-person carriage, we enjoyed the scenery outside.

It took about 30 minutes from the capital's carriage stop to reach the school.

At the guardhouse in front of the school gate, I announced Seria's name and my own as her guardian, and soon a teacher appeared to guide us through the school building.

This school, it seems, is one where only the most excellent individuals in the capital can attend, and the facilities were well-equipped.

It would be an excellent place for Seria to learn magic.

"---That concludes the tour of the school facilities. If there are no issues, please sign this document, both the student and the guardian."

After being shown around the school, we were shown the documents to be signed in the reception room. The rules, academic and event details, and potential dangers during the school term were clearly stated.

The document included provisions such as expulsion for violations, and no responsibility for injuries or loss of life if instructions are not followed. I considered it reasonable and saw no problems.

"Seria, are you okay with this?"

"Yes, Brother. There are no issues."

After confirming her resolve, I signed the document, and she did the same with her pen.

"Congratulations. As of now, Seria is a student at our school."

"Thank you."

The teacher said this, and I let out a sigh of relief. She must have been very anxious until the actual admission.

The teacher who guided us continued to have a calm conversation with Seria afterward.

---

I accompanied Seria to the front of the dormitory and chatted with her.

Only women are allowed to enter beyond this point, so we said our goodbyes here.

"Brother, are you going to the Adventurer's Guild next?"

"Yeah, it's a one-year term."

According to the receptionist at the Adventurer's Guild, the national adventurer qualification exam is held four times a year, every three months.

It's easy to think there are four chances, but to take the exam, you must complete several quests. Since I just arrived, I can't afford to relax; I need to focus on my own goals, though I'm also concerned about Seria.

"You also need to study hard."

Since we're both in the capital, we can encourage each other. I conveyed this to Seria, but...

"Of course, but since we're both in the capital, I'd like to meet once a week... no, once a month."

Seria reached out with a gesture that seemed to be a plea, looking a bit sad.

It seems she hasn't fully separated from her brother, even though she's left the village. Despite being a strong sister, she must be anxious about being alone in the capital. Perhaps our parents, seeing through her weakness, created an excuse for me to stay in the capital for a year.

"Well... I can't promise, but if you're having a hard time, call me. I'll come."

I'll be careful to ensure my sister doesn't get worn down by the rough waves of the city.

"Yes, I promise."

Seria answered and gave me a relieved smile.

---

After parting ways with Seria, I walked through the streets of the capital.

The capital, Veladona, is divided into numbered districts. The Adventurer's Guild is two districts away from the school Seria attends.

The teacher who guided me offered to take me to the carriage stop, saying it was quite a distance, but I decided to walk and enjoy the city, as I would be coming to the school many times in the future.

As befits the capital, the roads are well-maintained, and buildings are lined up without gaps.

There are various shops, and narrow alleys lead to other bustling main streets.

I was overwhelmed by the scale of the city, having come from a rural area.

"Huh? Which way?"

After a while, I realized I had lost my direction.

I had been so engrossed in peeking into interesting shops and exploring narrow alleys that I couldn't remember which way I had come from.

The buildings in the capital all looked the same, and similar shops were scattered throughout, making it difficult to use them as landmarks.

Feeling anxious, I tried to figure out the direction of the Adventurer's Guild...

"Hey."

I turned around to see a girl with animal ears standing there. She was slightly shorter than Seria and looked up at me.

"Are you lost?"

She looked at me with her bright eyes and spoke.

"Um... do you know where the Adventurer's Guild is?"

I steeled myself to ask her, despite feeling a bit embarrassed.