Off to the Academy
The morning had finally come—the day I would depart for the Academy.
The carriage sent to pick me up had already arrived in Curtis Village, and I was just about to grab my things and head over when—
“Are you sure I shouldn’t come with you after all?”
Elina stopped me at the last moment.
“What are you talking about? While I’m gone, you are the village’s key line of defense.”
“Mr. Justin! I’m still here too, you know!”
“Ah, right, of course. We’ve got our trusty mage on the job.”
I answered Amira’s protest with a chuckle, then turned back to convincing Elina.
Still, I had a feeling she understood deep down that she couldn’t just abandon her post. She had a strong sense of duty. It was just that, lately, I’d been away from the village more than usual, and she was likely frustrated by it.
That said, this three-day trip to the Academy was an important step toward securing the future of the children of Curtis Village.
If a gifted child like Parker is going to have a shot at aiming even higher, then the Academy’s plan to expand its recommendation program—just as Heather had explained—needs to succeed.
I’m willing to do whatever I can to help make that happen.
“Well then, I’m off.”
“Please be careful.”
“Don’t forget to bring back a souvenir!”
Amira, ever the opportunist.
Not that I’d be able to find much to bring back from the Academy, but I appreciated the thought.
When I arrived at the carriage, Heather was already waiting for me.
“I look forward to working with you today.”
“As do I. Please, come inside.”
She led me to the guest compartment, and with that, we were off.
The Academy itself wasn’t too far from here, but it was still going to be a long trip.
“I felt it the last time I visited as well, but… Curtis Village has such a wonderful atmosphere.”
“Yeah. I really love it there.”
“How long do you plan on staying?”
“I intend to live out the rest of my life there.”
“Oh my. So you don’t plan to return to the capital?”
“As of now, no.”
“... I see.”
Hm?
There was a slight pause there...
Well, I guess I can’t blame her. After all, serving in the capital is considered the most prestigious post in the entire knight corps.
For me to deliberately give that up and choose to stay in a rural posting probably seemed unusual.
After that, we chatted about the Academy, current events, and other casual topics as the journey continued.
The Royal Academy...
I wonder what kind of place it truly is.
What do you think about this chapter?
