Chapter 48. Farewell
The magic test was surprisingly easy.
All you had to do was to fire magic at the target in turn, and there were about 20 examinees gathered.
If you think about it, there are no heretics like me who can use "Multiple Chanting," or exceptional people like the elf girl. The Beginner Level is the best they can do.
I easily shot through the target with my declared magic, "Earth Bolt"
With this, the test was over.
Surprisingly, there was no test on the quality of magic. Even if the status is a privacy lump, there's no way to teach it if the aptitude is unknown. Does the academy not have the magical equipment for the test that Virgil mentioned?
Two days after the announcement of the acceptance announcement is posted in the early afternoon.
I'm on my way to the academy with Roland.
Even for noble, if your behavior is too bad, you may be rejected in rare cases. I'm always a good kid. There was nothing to worry about, but just in case.
At the entrance of the school building, I line up with other examinees and watch the announcement of the results.
"There it is."
"Yes, there it is."
Various lives unfolded around the master and servant exchanged silly exchanges.
Some are aristocrats, but most are commoners who are unsure whether they have passed or failed the exam. The examinations are the same in every world.
I am sorry to say that I feel like a cheat, but I am now a student at the Cartilard Academy for Advanced Studies. I'm not that happy because it's a matter of course, but I feel a little relieved inside. If I am not accepted, I wonder what I should look like when I go home. My mother would be happy, though.
After leaving the academy, I headed straight to the commercial guild.
The school also handles the enrollment procedures, but the guild will take care of all the paperwork for you. In addition, since the school fees and future living expenses are deposited in a large sum, we had to go to the guild to withdraw them anyway.
The commercial guild has a huge branch in the center of town, which caught my attention whether I wanted to see it or not.
The fact that they are in such a good location is a testament to their strong influence in Selene.
A few areas, such as economic activities, are thrown to the commercial guilds. Regardless of Alphas's actions and ideology, the essence of a wizard is individualism and secrecy. Territorial management would be unsuitable.
People are constantly coming and going from the commercial guild.
If you entered the guild with them, you would find a large hall with a vaulted ceiling.
The inside is divided into several parts. And I can hear various conversations leaking out from everywhere.
Most of the voices that I heard seemed to be coming from merchants and their associates, but there were also children of the nobility and their attendants. Like me, they must have come to ask about the admission procedure to the academy.
Well, we have to apply too.
Roland seemed to be new to the Selene Commerce Guild and is looking for the contact person in charge.
As I was doing so, a young man walked up to me in quiet steps.
"Welcome to the Commerce Guild. How may I help you?"
The young man who approached me was about 20 years old.
He's neatly dressed and slenderly built. His face looked like a man of business, but he gave the impression of being somewhat soft.
"I'd like to ask you to confirm my money deposit, take care of the enrollment procedures on my behalf, and pay my tuition and boarding fees."
When Roland responded, the man led him to one of the compartments, saying, "This way, please." and then sat down in front of him. He's in charge of the incoming students.
"My name is Samini."
"I am Alter Les Reedwald."
We greeted each other.
At times like this, aristocrats have their attendants answer. But we are the lowest baron, and it would only make us feel empty if we tried to act like a big shot. To put it bluntly, it's a bit of a roundabout way.
Roland also introduced himself and handed him a piece of parchment.
That parchment is a certificate of deposit for money, which can be withdrawn at another commercial guild once it has been deposited. It's convenient, but since the deposits and withdrawals of the money are transported by fast horses. Someone like me traveling at full speed can get a head start on updating the information. It's a promotion from academy student to criminal.
Samini opened my deposit slip and asked me a few questions as he looked it over.
While responding to them, I take a peek, too.
It has information about the city and date of issue, the names of the payer and payee, the amount of money, and the terms and conditions are listed in detail. The documents were similar to those in my previous life. Like the exam, it all settles down to the same form in the end.
After saying no, Samini left the room, and when he returned, he was carrying another piece of parchment.
"Confirmation has been completed. We are now in possession of 100 gold coins. The tuition for the year will cost 50 gold coins, and 14 gold coins for dormitory fees and other expenses. The remaining balance is 36 gold coins. May I proceed with the procedure?"
I asked them to proceed with the procedure and kept the rest of the money.
I now have about 30 gold coins on hand. This is more than enough for immediate living expenses.
The fee for depositing the money was 1 silver coin, and there was no charge for the enrollment procedure. The former is a flat fee for supporting traders and peddlers, but the latter seems to be a service for nobles. If the nobles get a good impression, they may use it on another occasion. You get what you lose, right? To put it bluntly, it's "Keep up the good work".
Also, he told me that the Adventurers' Guild's money deposit service is free, but only for adventurers. That is only natural. If they charge a fee, adventurers won't use the guild, and if they do, they have to walk around with their money and goods. It's a walking safe. If I were a thief, I would rob the place even if I had to.
I fill out the necessary information, including my name and exam number, on the form they give me.
After confirming this, Samini writes something on another form.
"Then, please hand this proof of payment to the reception desk of the academy. With that, payment is done. There is a deadline, so we recommend submitting it early."
We thanked Samin who politely said, "I look forward to seeing you again."
◇◇◇◇
As the evening was approaching, we decided to submit the proof of payment at a later date and headed for a certain bar.
They're going to hold a feast to celebrate our success.
The inn they are staying in is too upscale for those people to make any noise, so Markant took the trouble to find a small tavern and rented it out.
When I arrived, the party had already started.
They're all excited to see me, saying that I'm the star of the show, but I think they just want to drink.
We greeted them lightly, and Roland and I joined the party.
The food looked okay but tasted good. No one complained about the food, so I guess the drinks were good.
As we enjoyed the food and fruit water, everyone went beyond the party and got into a lively conversation.
Valerie talks with Selma and Mirana, Danil with Efurd, and Ose with Dailas. Valerie and the others seemed to have some of the hardships and resentments typical of female adventurers and were difficult to approach. Danil and Efurd are having small talk and asking questions to the more experienced Roland, while Ose and Dailas exchange information about bow and arrow handling and scouting techniques in the bar corner.
Then the two leaders clink their cups, "KANPAI!" and clink their cups, eating and drink. This is how these guys usually are.
Everyone seemed to be in contact with each other along the way. With ten guards, it was never my turn to watch. I guess they got to know each other while I'm sleeping peacefully.
I'm a little lonely, so I joined in the conversation with a glass of fruit water in my hand. Of course, I avoided the women and the drunks.
The party went on until late, and it was after midnight when we returned to the inn.
The party was indeed lively for some reason. But it might have ended a little earlier if not for a comment made by Pidosios on the way to the hotel.
"The next morning, as we waited at the entrance to the inn, the 'Sword of Deep Silence' came downstairs, dressed in his traveling clothes.
"A hectic departure, huh? Did you finish your preparations?"
"Sort of."
Pidosios responded in his usual tone.
Marchant looked down at him regretfully.
"Go on, take your time. Let's take the commission together."
"I've seen to it that Alter passed, and it's about time. But, well, even if I accept at least one request--"
"No. You're stalling by saying that. And if it's a request, you've already accepted it. Your carriage is waiting."
Without a pause, Efurd retreated.
Amid the revelry, Pidosios announced, "We leave tomorrow."
Surprised by the sudden declaration, the revelry turns into a celebration of my acceptance and a farewell party.
He was on a flight to go to the Principality of Semghat. Perhaps it was only a matter of time before we parted ways.
But then I wonder what they are going to do.
Pidosios is immediately unconcerned, and a half-smiling Efrud reveals the purpose of our visit.
The exact destination was the Mez Riez region, west of the Principality of Shemgat.
It is a region where elves and dwarves form small states and coexist without fighting, and Pidosios seems to be from one of them.
The reason why he is wandering around far to the east is because of a fight.
One morning, he and his brothers got into a dispute over whether or not they had closed the fence on their livestock pen when it was open. A big fight ensued, and Pidosios ran away from home. After some twists and turns, he has been living in the house up to the present.
It was so silly that I was taken aback by the sheer stupidity of it.
Efurd and his friends are caught up in the same thought, and I tried to persuade them that they should go back and settle the matter, even if they wanted to continue as adventurers. They were very reluctant, but he somehow managed to return to his homeland.
However, he still seems to be unwilling to go back, and he is trying to stall the trip.
When he arrived in Selene, he had planned to leave immediately, but he shifted the blame to me, saying he was invited to a high-class inn. If I had been in the wrong, he would have stalled the whole trip - or at least, he would have stalled it even if he hadn't.
We parted ways with the troubled halfling, Salma, Efurd, and Dailas.
Regardless of the various circumstances, I wanted a word in advance if we were going to leave. I can't prepare myself for this yesterday.
Pidosios repacked his pack and looked at us again.
"Well, let's get going."
And with his companions in tow, they left the inn.
They are taking on a troop escort to the Marquisate Firsacci in the west, and then, they'll go to the Duchy of Semghat.
"I'll walk you to the gate."
"No thanks, I'm not a kid. You guys take care. I'm sure we'll meet again if we have the chance."
With Pidosios's usual easy-going manner, the "Sword of the Deep Silence" departed.
We watched him from the main street.
We met at the battle with Hunter Fitch and followed him as his companion.
The relationship itself lasted less than a month.
But the time we spent together was intense.
They had outstanding skills, and they could have taught me more.
If only there had been a chance.
Now that we have met, we will meet again.
Still, if their destination is Mez Riez, it will be a few years before they return.
I pray that fate will bring us together again. As I stare at their distinctive backs.
"I guess it's my turn next."
I turned at the unexpected words.
Faster than I can comprehend the meaning, Roland continues.
"I have something for you. Could you wait in your room, please?"
◇◇◇◇
"First of all, here."
Roland offered me a letter from my father.
When I read it, I found it contained encouragement and caution for my future life, as well as information about transferring money for school fees and other expenses. At the end of the letter, he reminded me not to do anything dangerous. My father is a worrier, I never did anything dangerous. I just almost died a few times.
"I'll give you this one too."
Roland offers me something more.
The weight in his palm made my eyes widen.
"......Why do you have this?"
"Anyone can understand. The penniless boy suddenly had a lot of money to spend. You'll go to sell it off again soon, so I kept it until now."
"It was an emergency at the time. I am not a spendthrift."
I look at Eras Rhino's magic stone.
It has been two years. I miss this feeling.
"Well, then, this is the end of my part."
"Are you leaving already?"
"I've safely delivered you boy, to Selene, and all that remains is to submit the proof of payment. You won't need me."
"Wait a minute."
I took three cloth-wrapped vials from my backpack and handed them to Roland.
"Take these. They're the best ones."
"You're offering me another expensive item."
Roland accepted the vials with a smile.
"They are all healing potions and of good quality. Two of them have an accompanying effect on recovery from fatigue, and this one has a stronger effect on waking up from sleep. It's a bit of an awakening effect."
"I will take good care of them until the day you return, boy."
"No, use it. A potion is a consumable, you know?"
After the conversation, Roland begins to prepare to leave.
He's planning to return home alone.
Traveling alone on horseback is a faster way to return than on the outward journey, but it is also more dangerous. I wondered if he would be okay.
Roland refused to see me off, but I forced him to accompany me outside the east gate.
When I left Selen for the first time, winter wheat with heavy ears is swaying in the gentle spring light.
On the amber-colored street, I, Roland, and "Battle Axe of Destruction" stopped.
"Are you going home alone? Why don't you go and blend in with the troopers?"
"That would slow down my return. Don't worry, I traveled the country alone when I was an adventurer. But more importantly, my boy. Please take it easy. Sometimes you neglect your own life."
"I don't mean to - well, I'll do it in moderation."
Roland shook his head anxiously, "I'm counting on you."
He then turned his attention to "Battle Axe of Destruction".
"I hope you are all in good health."
"You too. Let's go diving in the woods again."
Roland shook hands with Markant and the others, then turned to me and straightened his posture.
"Roland Dillat, I am now returning to Reedwald."
"You, you have such a last name?"
"I still almost forget it. For a long time, I was just Roland."
I smiled at Roland's smile and he smiled at me.
"I've been a mere Roland for a long time."
"It's a great honor to be your escort. Take care of my father and the others, Sir Dillat."
"Yes, I'm at your service!"
Roland bowed and jumped on his horse.
The familiar back of his horse was moving away from him.
I was five years old when I started training with the sword. Roland and I have known each other since then.
He was my escort at the Midsummer's Eve celebration, and after that, whenever I did something, he was there to protect my back and support me.
His knowledge and flexibility as a former adventurer helped me a lot.
Even after he disappeared, I kept my eyes on the road.
"So - what about you guys?"
A gaunt palm answers my question.
Markant patted me on the head.
"We're staying. We'll take requests in Selene for a while."
"Okay, okay, stop."
I shook him off and glared at him, and the four gave me a warm look.
I'm the same age as you guys on the inside. Don't treat me like a child.
"Let's go home."
I turned on my heel to end the conversation.
And then, taking "Battle Axe of Destruction" with me, I started walking toward Selene.
Well, Roland guy is pretty old, but he's still growing up.
By the time he returns, he's going to be even stronger.
That's something to look forward to - but I have to train so I don't lose.
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