58: The academy isn’t just a place for studying, you know.

The academy facility was finally complete.

Built with abundant alchemical hardstone, it had a strange, almost church-like feel, yet also reminded one of a noble’s manor—oddly striking in its design.

Thanks to the craftsmen’s hard work, it was richly decorated, hardly resembling a place commoners would attend.

Built to last, the academy was truly impressive.

Kyle’s wishes had been followed to the letter, and Leifan had poured everything into the design and overseen construction with full authority.

“This… is amazing.”

I looked up at the academy for the first time, awestruck.

Leifan puffed out his chest, proud as can be.

“Hmph. Amazing, right? I picked up on the latest trends from the capital and worked a few into the design. The foundation’s alchemical hardstone—so sturdy it practically defies destruction!”

"Damn impressive. Feels too fancy to actually step inside, huh?"

"Only at first, probably?"

"Guess that’s true."

People, you get used to anything.

Today, students and teachers are all gathered in the schoolyard.

It’s the grand opening of the new schoolhouse—the founding ceremony of the academy.

Kyle steps up onto the podium and begins his speech.

"Today, we’ve established a new educational institution in Goldendown. Name it… Kyle Academy."

He’d protested the name, but Persia and I, along with the whole core team, pushed it through.

"Kyle Academy will bring the education previously reserved for nobles to every single person in Goldendown. Once ready, we’ll expand beyond the morning sessions and open afternoon classes too—spread the education far and wide."

The road here was rough, but finally, Kyle’s vision for a school-based education system is officially starting up.

"For the time being, the class structure will be unconventional, but please all put in your best effort in your studies. It will definitely pay off for all of your futures. Now, let me introduce our principal. Obrio Lernen, the principal of this academy!"

Kyle steps down from the podium, and Obrio steps up.

He flinches slightly when he notices Ryuuko behind me, but quickly composes himself and begins speaking.

"I am Obrio Lernen... the principal. I'm... happy to be learning alongside all of you. Here at this academy, status doesn't matter. We'll be equals..."

His gaze keeps flicking over toward me, twitching like he's afraid I'll bite.

From behind me, a quiet voice murmurs, "Seems like some education's still missing. Extra lessons later." Probably just my imagination, though.

"Starting now, we'll be dividing the students by grade. Normally, it'd be ten grades, but after discussion, we've settled on three: first, fourth, and seventh. First grade is six to eight. Fourth is nine to eleven. Seventh is twelve to fifteen. After turning sixteen and becoming an adult, we'd still like you to stay until you complete the full ten grades."

If we'd stuck to the usual ten-grade system, the fifteen-year-olds would've graduated right after their Coming-of-Age Ceremony. So now, by grouping everyone into seventh grade, we're cramming ten years of education into just three.

They've already built in basic education up to about three grades' worth during the temporary school period, so we should be fine.

"Also, starting tomorrow, breakfast will be handed out to those who wish it."

Oblio wasn't looking down on the students. He was trying to find a tone befitting a headmaster.

Not bad, actually.

"Thanks to Lord Kyle, the overseer of this Golden Dune, stamina potions of 'legendary' quality are being distributed to those who wish it."

The students stirred with sudden noise.

Fair enough.

Right now, the stamina potions being handed out to residents are toned down in effect. Sure, anyone can buy them, but not everyone does. Whether kids are actually drinking them is highly questionable.

Thanks to Kyle’s decision, the frontier settlement still holds many dangers. So we’ve stopped holding back.

Even the stamina potions given to residents have been arranged for those who want them to receive the legendary grade.

Oblio silences the chattering students with a hand.

"Right. Starting today, you’ll have new companions. Treat them well."

At Oblio’s signal, another teacher leads the new students, who had been listening quietly in the back, forward.

The new students step forward in line, walking to the front of the group.

Goldendown had so many settlers it hardly felt like a frontier outpost anymore—kids were naturally piling up too.

Of course, this batch was just like always: some poor family’s child, or a merchant chasing opportunity. Kids of adventurers seeking a safe place to settle lined up, but when I saw the last one, I nearly choked.

There was one girl—simple dress, spotless, no dirt on it.

"Maina!?!"

I turned sharply toward Kyle, who was standing in line with the teachers, and then at Persia behind him. Kyle gave me a smile. Persia just shook her head, laughing.

Guess I was the only one who didn’t know.

(You sure about this, Kyle?)

(Yes. Goldendown stresses equal access to the academy regardless of status—but more than that, I want Maina to make friends.)

Is that about fixing her extreme shyness? I guess group living would be good training, but isn’t it a bit much?

And if education’s mandatory, what about Kyle?

Like she heard my thoughts, Persia gave a little cough.

(Kyle-sama passed the graduation exam scheduled for the advanced class under Lord Oblio.)

(That’s impressive.)

(Yes. Kyle-sama is impressive.)

(Maina and Kyle—aren’t they two years apart?)

(That’s right.)

(Then they’re in the same grade as Ed and the Kendall siblings.)

With those two around…

No worries about getting along, but honestly, Maina’s gonna get dragged around by them. Scary.

While I was thinking that, the school’s opening ceremony ended. Teachers led the students into their classrooms.

I’m not a homeroom teacher—just a substitute who shows up once a week. That’s it for me.

The students are probably buzzing about their school badges by now. Just as I thought, a wave of voices came from the classroom.

I glanced into the room from the hallway.

Maina was already tangled up with the Kendal siblings. She’ll be fine.

Relieved, I headed toward the headmaster’s office.

There was Kyle and Persia. And Obrio, looking utterly drained.

“Hey… you two. Good work… sir.”

“Kyle-sama. Craft. Good work, both of you.”

Shit. Gotta get my head in the game.

Then Obrio looked up.

“Kyle-sama. Craft. You don’t need to act formal in front of me. Just be yourselves.”

“Huh?”

“I heard something from someone else. You two act like brothers. I won’t say a word to anyone else.”

I feel like Oblio’s staring right at the maid standing behind me, but if I start overthinking it, I lose.

“Um… Oblio-sama. Are you sure this is alright?”

“Yes. Craft too… Just be yourself in private.”

“That’s… really helpful, but…”

He’s a noble, right?

I think he mentioned being the third son of Lord Rennen.

“It’s fine. Really, it’s fine!”

“Understood. Thank you for your consideration.”

Kyle bowed deeply. Oblio, in turn, looked flustered.

“Kyle-sama, no need to bow to someone of lower rank. Please raise your head.”

“Understood. But my gratitude is real.”

“Very clear.”

Guess I really can just be myself.

“Good. Headmaster.”

“Keep it polite in front of others.”

“Got it.”

I glanced at Ryuko. He gave a satisfied nod.

What’s up, Ryuuko.

The academy officially kicked into gear now.