142: You know, sensible people are kind of weird sometimes, right?

The academy's main hall.

It’s just as solemn and heavy in design, making it feel off for commoners to be walking through it.

I looked up at the high ceiling inside, and Saika let out a quiet chuckle.

"Yeah. I’ll tell you what you’re not supposed to do here."

Saika gave me a quick rundown of the academy’s rules. I’d already gotten the written version, but since she was explaining it, I should pay attention.

I don’t discriminate against non-humans.

As she spoke, I kept glancing at the beautiful girl walking with the alchemist. But she’d disappeared into the back somewhere—gone. Too bad.

"—Anyway, just stick to this area and you’ll be fine. You listening?"

"Yeah, uh-huh! Of course!"

"Then let’s head to the classroom!"

As we started down the hallway, a rhythmic clinking sound came from ahead.

Some craftsman was fixing something.

Hard to see from behind, but the figure was small, wearing overalls, tools of all kinds dangling from their belt.

The alchemist who’d been walking ahead noticed them and called out. Someone they knew, maybe?

The hallway opened up, and the alchemist and the craftsman came into clear view.

Two pigtails swayed.

The craftsman was a girl.

(She looks about my age, but working already—so she’s of age. Probably sixteen.)

As they passed each other, their conversation drifted over.

“Leifan, what’re you doing?”

“Oh, Craft. Remember that windy day last time? I’m fixing the broken bit where a branch flew in.”

"Right. But why’s Leifan here in person, when you’re so busy?"

"The Guild Master’s here, so I’ve got a little breathing room. Plus, the academy’s Kyle-sama’s baby, so I wanted to see it myself."

"True enough. Good luck with that."

"Yup! You too, Craft!"

The apprentice girl flashed the alchemist a dazzling smile.

...Something about it’s pissing me off.

"What’s wrong? The classroom’s this way~?"

"Oh, uh. Sorry."

Wamika-chan lazily gestured me forward, so I hurried to follow.

I kept glancing back at the older girl swinging her hammer behind me, over and over.

The classroom was loud.

A female knight stood at the back wall, perfectly upright.

Taller than the kids, she stood out the second I walked in.

A short mantle like the royal guard’s, hair cut short so it wouldn’t get in the way of the sword, sharp profile.

Oh right—noble children attend here too. That’s why guards are allowed to come along.

When I’m just standing there, dazed, Ed gives a light wave to the lady.

“Hey! Persia’s sister! Morning!”

“Ah. Morning. Still full of energy, I see.”

So she’s Persia, apparently.

Voice like a bell. Heart jumps.

“New kid, huh? So you’re the Seal Officer’s grandson?”

She looks straight at me, sharp eyes, then reaches out to shake hands.

Doo-doo-doo. Heart’s hammering.

“Y-yes. Faydral Ing. I-I mean… nice to meet you.”

“I’m Persia Formalhaut. I’m guarding Maina. Just treat me like air—keep it casual.”

We shook hands, and Persia gave a faint smile.

I wanted to scream, “I’m not air!” but swallowed it down, even if it was a bit much.

Staring at my palm, remembering the feel of Persia’s hand, I suddenly felt my hand clamped down hard.

Overwritten!?

“Faydral, right? Over here, over here!”

“H-hey!? Wait! Don’t grab my hand!”

I glared at Ed with murder in my eyes—but he was already facing forward. Pointless.

“Maina! New one just came in!”

In the middle of the classroom, students had gathered. Ed pushed through them, and there, sitting right in the center, was a girl.

She turned around.

Her long golden hair swayed gently.

My heart stopped.

Probably for thirty seconds.

“…Maina.”

A whisper, like raindrops, reached my ears.

I realized it came from the girl right in front of me. I panicked and slapped my chest, trying to get my heart back in rhythm.

"O-oh, I'm Faydral Ing... right!?"

Why the hell am I trying to sound cool?

I’ve never called myself "I" before—never!

Stammering like an idiot, puffing out my chest to introduce myself to Maina, when a huge bell rang.

The students all scrambled to their seats.

No assigned seats, apparently, so I just dropped into a seat beside Ed and Kai, following their lead.

Sitting diagonally behind Maina, her profile kept popping into my vision.

Coincidence! Just coincidence, okay?

A moment later, a flustered man burst into the classroom. Probably a teacher.

Mid-thirties, maybe. But something felt off about his head. His hair was all... shifted?

As I tilted my head, puzzled, the guy grabbed his head and looked right at me.

"Ah, there you are, Faydral. Wasn’t you told to come to the staff room on the first day?"

"Eh?"

Wait... was that it?

"Probably didn’t hear it."

"Oh? Miscommunication? Glad you’re already settling in. Just wait here. I’ll call Craft and Javir—they’re looking for you."

"Ah, yes."

He gave me a quick order, then pressed both sides of his head and walked out of the classroom.

"...A wig? Still young, aren’t you?"

I muttered under my breath, and Ed grinned sideways.

"Mr. Oblio’s got a fake. We’ve seen his hair thin out day by day. One day it just went full bushy—anyone’d notice."

"Ah, that’s how it is."

Still, how could it thin out so fast? What on earth happened?

Could it really be that commoners’ education is this much of a stress? Possible.

Just as we were talking, that alchemist walked in and gave a little wave.

“Sorry, Faydral. Looks like it was our side that didn’t get the word out.”

“No problem. I had them guide the students here myself.”

“Ah. Alright, come on up front—want to introduce you all.”

“Yes.”

“Then write your name on the board.”

“Huh?”

I was told to write like it was nothing?

“Wait—didn’t I hear you could read and write? Don’t remember?”

“I can write! Don’t insult me!”

I’m the grandson of a Seal Officer, you know!

I scowled, slammed my name onto the board.

Go ahead, try reading it!

Then Ed muttered, “Huh. Messy handwriting,” and Saiya snapped, “You’re not much better!”

Wait… seriously? Everyone can read this?

Isn’t that weird?

Normal people only learn to read and write if their family needs it for their job, or if they’re rich enough to hire a tutor. Right?

But looking around the class… nobody seems to be struggling at all.

Sure, some orphanages teach reading and writing, but commoners don’t take it seriously. And even if they do, most never actually learn it properly.

Everyone here reading? That’s… kind of insane, isn’t it?

I stared at my messy handwriting and suddenly felt embarrassed.

“Ah… um… I’ll rewrite this…”

I carefully rewrote it, and the class let out a low “ooooh” of surprise.

“Nice script. Everyone take notes.”

“““Yes, sir!”””

Never been in a group class before. Feels weird. Like my back’s itching.

“Alright, all get along now. New kid, you’re used to this, right?”

"Hey!"

The students answered in unison.

Seems like new students popping up here is just part of the daily grind, what with all the settlers around.

Nice to meet you.

I bowed my head and sat down, and Ed slapped my back, saying, “Good luck!”

He’s strong!

"Hehe! Sorry, sorry!"

You don’t even think about it, do you!

...Still, a school, huh.

Didn’t care at first, but… maybe I’ll give it a try.

Sikka, Wamika, Persia, Maina, Leifan... are they merchants passing through?

Being able to see you every day isn’t so bad, huh?

Maybe I’ll get along with someone… uh, heh, heh….

My thoughts froze for a moment.

(What? Where’s the mage in the purple-haired robe I was most curious about?)

I ask quietly, to Ed.

(hey, at our age, are there even different classes or something?)

A kid that stands out that much? You don’t miss them in class.

So I figured there might be multiple classes.

“Faydral. Talking during homeroom is forbidden.”

I get caught by the sharp-eared alchemist and get a quick tap on the head with a crumpled textbook.

“Anyway, while we’re at it—let me explain. We’d ideally separate by age, but the academy just opened, so we’ve grouped twelve to fifteen-year-olds together.”

The alchemist writes down age ranges for each grade on the blackboard.

“But fifteen-year-olds graduate when they turn adult, right? So we split the fifteen-year-old class off midway and give them special lessons. A bit packed, kind of rough on them, really.”

Six to fifteen gets added to the board.

You can't just learn in a year what normally takes ten. But we can't ignore adulthood either. So anyone who wants to, can keep attending the academy past sixteen. Think about whether you’ll stay here until you’re grown, everyone.

Then Ed shot up like a spring.

“We’re staying at the academy until Wamika graduates!”

“The Kendalls are already set. Everyone else—think hard about it. No matter what answer you give, we promise the academy will support you as much as we can.”

“““Yes, sir!”””

So another class is still around, huh.

Oh. That girl’s on that side.

I slumped my shoulders, but just then, the classroom door creaked open.

“Sorry I’m late.”

Wait—there she is, the girl from before!

What? Just went to the toilet or something?

She marched right up to the teacher’s desk. Naturally, the alchemist stepped aside.

Huh?

Hmm. Then let's begin the lesson.

The girl opens her textbook.

A strange thought cuts through my mind: *The girl from my first love was my teacher.* At the same instant, I understand—my first love is over.

D-don’t worry.

I’m not finished yet!

My fight’s just beginning!

Strike it out toward the night sky!! (kiraan★)