Despite being blown away along with my father-in-law, I somehow managed to secure Bel’s promise to accompany me. My father-in-law himself seemed completely defeated by the allure of the “Uniform Bel,” and grudgingly granted permission for admission to Lumiest. However, this came with the condition that I protect Bel from the clutches of those wolves at any cost. Honestly, if Bel, who physically pierced my heart, is with me, there’s no need to worry too much.
Ah, but Rion and Kuromel are a different story, aren’t they? Aren’t these two, with their limited social experience and pure innocence, too young to be exposed to the dark side of the world? Perhaps admission was too soon—hmm, it might be safer to just stop them—
“—Nii, Kel-nii~? Hey, are you listening properly?”
“Huh? Ah, right, what were we talking about?”
Whoops, whoops. I promised myself not to worry excessively when I got permission for admission. I was thinking too much and completely missed what Rion was saying. As an older brother, this is an absolute failure. Now’s my chance to redeem myself!
“I was saying that I’m really looking forward to going to Lumiest. Were you thinking about something?”
“No, I was just reassuring myself that Rion and Kuromel will be able to manage well at Lumiest. Plus, Bel is there as a bodyguard just in case, so there’s not a shred of worry! Hahaha!”
I retracted my previous statement in my heart. It was a lie. I’m incredibly worried. It’s impossible. No matter how much I worry about my beloved daughters and my sister, it will never be excessive. After all, this worry is my love! What’s wrong with expressing love! But if I say that aloud, I’ll be just like my father-in-law! With an iron will, I am enduring this immensely…!
“You seem to be thinking foolish things again. It’s showing on your face?”
“What, really!?”
“Yes, really. But you were thinking about something, weren’t you? Honestly, what’s with being a doting parent and a brother complex?”
“…”
Exposed by Bel’s probing, my iron will was immediately revealed. I wanted to retort that she’s a brother complex too, but I managed to hold back. Iron will, it’s iron will.
Several more days have passed since we received my father-in-law’s permission, and we are now on our way to Lumiest. The group consists of the three aspiring students, myself, and my father-in-law as their guardians. The stated reason is to handle application procedures, but frankly, this could have been done without going all the way to Lumiest. The true purpose is to see Academy City Lumiest with our own eyes and check if it’s truly a reliable place of learning. It will also serve as a reference for Rion and Kuromel, and I myself have never been there before. If it can broaden my horizons, such detours are never a waste.
We arranged to use the nearest Transfer Gate through the connections of Colette and Shutra, and from there, we’re to head to Lumiest by carriage. In fact, we’re already on the carriage right now. Two carriages were prepared, and my father-in-law, whose body size is unusually large, is in the other carriage.
“With Papa? No way, it’ll be too cramped.”
As expected, Bel threw a tantrum, insisting she wanted to be with me, but such a remark from my daughter sent my father-in-law into a slump. The carriages are running in a line, and my father-in-law is in the rear carriage. And during this journey, it’s eerily quiet. Bel’s heartless words must have really hit him. My condolences, father-in-law.
“Still… wouldn’t it have been better to just run there yourself instead of moving so slowly in a carriage like this?”
“Well, don’t say that. Enjoying the journey leisurely while gazing at the scenery like this is quite elegant, isn’t it?”
“Elegant, you say? How can you say words you’ve never even thought of?”
“Hey, stop looking at me with that pitying gaze. Even my robust iron will will shatter.”
“You’re saying more nonsensical things… Rion and Kuromel, if you live with such an idiot, you’ll catch idiocy someday, you know? Ah, in that sense, this admission was a brilliant decision. I understand now.”
Who is the one saying all these heartless words? …Well, I know that even this prickly Bel is actually a kind girl, so it’s fine. She couldn’t even refuse the bodyguard request, so she’s awkward, the opposite of Sera.
“W-What is that warm gaze? To be able to look at me like that while being criticized so much, you’re seriously strange!? …Ah. Perhaps, when I pierced your heart the other day, I caused some kind of strange shock to your brain?”
Yes, that was a statement where kindness and sharp blades were impeccably fused. My heart is actually hurt by the concern for my head.
“That’s not true. Papa is very thoughtful and very kind. I believe it’s an action of concern for Bel-san.”
“I agree with Kuromel’s opinion. So, there’s no need for Bel-chan to worry at all~.”
“Oh, as expected of my beloved daughters and sister! You understand me so well!”
“Hehehe~”
In gratitude for reading my thoughts, I give them both a light hug. No, I am permitted to hug them. Hug, hug.
“Sigh, how can you do that in front of others…”
“Don’t stare at me with such a gloomy look, it’s embarrassing.”
“I’m several times more embarrassed than you… Let me tell you beforehand, don’t do such things casually at Lumiest. After all, I, Rion, and Kuromel are entering as royalty of the Grellverelka Empire and nobles who have risen from Adventurers, respectively.”
“Haha, I know better than to be told. I don’t intend to do anything that would inconvenience you.”
“Really?”
“Really. The carriage journey Bel pointed out earlier also has such intentions behind it, you know?”
“Oh, what kind of intentions?”
“Then I shall explain. The Grellverelka Empire is a great nation that can be called the ruler of the Northern Continent. However, the existence of the Northern Continent itself has only recently been announced. While the Four Great Nations of the Eastern Continent that participated in the Central Sea Region conflict may know, many parts are likely unknown to the Western Continent nations. Bel’s admission to Academy City Lumiest this time also plays a role as a bridge between nations. It’s no exaggeration to say that the image Bel projects will directly link to the image of Grellverelka.”
“…Well, that’s true. And then?”
“Imagine a princess of a nation crossing continents at an insane speed in an unfamiliar land during this crucial period before the interview, where impressions are important. Grellverelka, seriously…!? It will create that kind of atmosphere, absolutely.”
“That’s…”
“And Rion and Kuromel will also be accompanying Bel in her position.”
“I see~. I think that’s fine too!”
Of course, with Bel’s agility, it’s unlikely anyone could even catch a shadow of her. However, if there are unknown powerhouses out there and Bel’s movements were to be scooped by the media, it would be a big problem.
“In other words, it’s a bit different from when I, as an S-Rank Adventurer, moved freely and Bel moved swiftly as an Apostle. Everything must be within the bounds of common sense. Ah, but it’s perfectly fine to display your strength during the exams. Let’s show them when there’s an opportunity!”
“Yeah!”
“Okay~.”
That way, bad intentions will stay away from fearfully. I’ll boost my grades significantly, and even skip grades multiple times. Furthermore, as a result, my return home will be quicker. Hmm, a perfect plan if I do say so myself.
“According to that logic, isn’t it problematic for royalty to travel without significant escort? Normally, even ordinary merchants hire several adventurers. A royal family traveling with only two carriages for movement, let alone escort knights, seems quite odd, doesn’t it?”
“Eh? Escorts just for show and numbers would only get in the way of a fight, wouldn’t they?”
“…Ah, that’s right. Before being crazy, you were a battle junkie.”
W-What’s with that disappointed look? My father-in-law had the same opinion!
Now that I have time, I must write this down while I can, write it down!
