I have heard everything. Papa, I’m interested in the academy too!”
This happened after Rion’s earnest request was reluctantly, and with no other choice, approved. Specifically, everyone was gathered in the dining hall for dinner when my beloved daughter, Kuromel, suddenly said such a thing.
*Clang.*
The second shock of the day, compounding my distress, caused me to drop my spoon. I thought it rang unusually loudly for just one object, only to find that Gerard had also dropped his cutlery. It seemed Grandpa’s brain had also exceeded its processing capacity. Yes, I think it will take me a little longer to fully understand, so please wait a moment.
“…Wh, what do you mean, exactly?”
“Kuromel, dear, please explain it in a way even Grandpa can understand.”
Gerard’s and my words, finally managing to escape our mouths, were barely coherent. I didn’t want to make such an ugly display, but with my agitation so evident, there was no room for excuses.
“I heard about Academy City Lumiest from Rion. Apparently, children around my age start their studies at the academy as early as my age. I’m already 8 years old, and I’ve been thinking I’d like to leave home and grow in a new environment!”
“Th, that’s a wonderful aspiration. However, Grandpa is still worried, or rather, I don’t know how to put it…”
Gerard had a clear point he wanted to make, but having already given Rion permission, he found it difficult to voice his opposition. He kept glancing at me, as if to say, “The King should stop her.” No, I want to stop her too, but how! When she looks at me with those sparkling, pure eyes!
“…I feel the same way about Kuromel’s concerns. But let’s put that aside for now. As a parent, I want to respect Kuromel’s strong desire to grow by leaving her comfortable surroundings.”
“Papa!”
“However! It’s practically impossible for Rion and Kuromel to both enroll in Lumiest. It’s not just about the money, but we’ll also need sponsors. Even coming from an S-Rank Adventurer’s family, for two people from the Celsius family, who aren’t royalty, to enroll at once—”
“—I see. I understand the situation. They can enroll, Rion and Kuromel.”
“Wha!?”
Amidst my desperate attempt at persuasion, a clear voice echoed through the dining hall. The sheer beauty of it, and the ruthlessness of her words, made me involuntarily interrupt my persuasion.
“Shutra…?”
It was Shutra who spoke. Yes, it was the adult Shutra, who for some reason had been appearing in her adult form within the mansion lately. Since she couldn’t be in a dress all day around the house, she was currently in casual attire unbecoming of a princess, but the way she held her teacup was truly elegant. She looked at Kuromel with a gentle expression, as if implying she had a clever idea—no, she probably did. That gentle expression felt terrifying right now.
“The entrance exam for Lumiest consists of practical skills, written tests, and interviews, along with a special recommendation and special enrollment fee that act as an additional factor for grades. Kuromel has very outstanding abilities, and Rion, well, she’s exceptional. They both diligently study and are well-versed in manners and etiquette. Therefore, there’s no need to worry about the exam itself. I’m more worried about whether they won’t overdo it in the practical exam.”
“Heh heh.”
Praised by Shutra, the two naturally broke into smiles. Rion blushed with embarrassment from the direct praise, while Kuromel seemed genuinely delighted. As their elder brother and father, my chest swelled with pride. And my anxiety grew just as steadily.
“Officially, the admission decision is based on a comprehensive evaluation of these factors. However, Lumiest tends to place importance on family background. The only pitfall for the two of you is here. Although our Celsius family has obtained a noble-family name by becoming S-Rank Adventurers, how much value will adventurers’ relatives actually be given is unknown. There are hardly any precedents, so even I can’t predict. I know there was a case where the twin daughters of S-Rank Adventurer ‘Female Panther’ Bak were admitted, but they were originally princesses of the Fire Country Furnis… Will they be in awe of S-Rank power and give them high marks, or will they prioritize noble families with traditional bloodlines? Honestly, it depends on the instructor who makes the decision.”
“I see~. In that regard, Belle has no problem at all! She’s a princess too!”
“Belle’s interview, though, is a bit of a worry.”
“Ah!”
Indeed! Sera exclaimed, her face showing surprise. If you’re going to emphasize Belle’s princess status so much, I wonder if it’s appropriate to assign her a protective role.
“Then, how will you eliminate those sources of concern? From Shutra’s earlier statement, I sensed there was a trump card. This is important for Kuromel’s future. We must secure her admission!”
Suddenly donning glasses, Mel, for some reason, began to act like an overbearing mother. Those decorative glasses, weren’t they the same ones Sera used when she was in her lab coat? Did she go to the trouble of borrowing them just for this occasion?
“There are two methods. As I briefly mentioned earlier, a special recommender and a special enrollment fee. Since the latter can give a bad impression after enrollment and potentially strain the Celsius family’s finances, we will take the former approach this time. Some of you may have already guessed. As Lumiest’s valedictorians, Colette and I can recommend the two of them!”
With this, it’s settled! Shutra declared with a flourish, as if presenting a grand solution. The last part felt slightly influenced by the younger Shutra. But this statement was a major issue, a major issue for a brother and father.
“C, can it really be that simple? I know that you and Colette were Lumiest graduates and valedictorians, but I don’t think that alone would carry that much decision-making power?”
“No, it will.”
I was clearly and directly refuted. It’s no use, I don’t think I can win a verbal battle against Shutra…
“Graduating as valedictorian signifies that you have earned Lumiest’s full trust. When a former Lumiest valedictorian stamps their approval on an applicant, saying they are promising, it carries more influence than mere noble titles. We might even be able to consider a waiver of entrance fees and tuition.”
“R, really?”
“I’m so excited!”
“Yes, really. Colette adores, no, worships…? Ahem. In any case, she definitely has a favorable view of Rion and Kuromel. I will contact Delamis on my end, so please focus on the exams with peace of mind.”
“Wahoo—!”
“……”
My sister and daughter rejoiced with raised hands, while my father and grandfather slumped their shoulders in resignation. A recommender would be arranged, and there would be no cost. Furthermore, with a former Apostle of God as a guard, and a female escort at that, there would be no grounds for objection. Regrettable, truly regrettable.
‘Kelvin. I don’t think it’s all disheartening just because Rion and Kuromel will be leaving, do you?’
Suddenly, a telepathic message arrived from Shutra. Puzzled, I naturally turned towards her. Shutra was just lifting her teacup to her lips.
‘Enrolling in Lumiest will have a positive impact on both of their life experiences. But even more than that, it’s an unparalleled opportunity for you, Kelvin. As their father and older brother, let’s support Kuromel and Rion’s dreams.’
After listening to Shutra’s words, I switched gears to supporting Rion and the others. Well, it’s not like I’m going to accompany them to the academy, but it was indeed a fruitful discussion for me. Shutra truly understands a rational battle junkie.
