I Got Fired As an Adventurer, So I’m Starting Anew As an Alchemist! Frontier Exploration? Alright, Leave It to Me!

146.2. If You’re a Man, You Don’t Show Tears, Isn’t It?

Since the Crest Official gave his seal of approval after checking, Bepp thanked him and concluded the matter.

“Next is Azur.”

“U-Um, are you sure it’s okay? As you can see, I’m a beastfolk…”

Azur steps forward timidly, but there’s no issue here. In Kyle’s domain, such prejudice doesn’t exist.

“It’s fine, Azur. We don’t discriminate against beastfolk or anyone else in this territory, not even among the students.”

“Kyle-sama…”

As expected of Kyle. Reassured, Azur stood before the Crest Official.

“Now, let’s begin the examination.”

As the Crest Official cast his spell, a small smile crept onto his face.

“It appears you have the aptitude for Priest.”

“No way… I can’t believe it…”

Being a priest by profession and possessing the Priest crest are two separate things. There are many priests without a crest, and some even have crests entirely unrelated to their calling. It’s incredibly rare for someone in religious service to have the Priest crest.

“A beastfolk like me… has crest aptitude?”

In response to Azur’s whispered disbelief, Jabil-sensei nodded firmly.

“Indeed. It’s perfectly understandable for Azur to be surprised.”

Jabil-sensei cleared her throat with a single cough.

“It’s generally said that very few beastfolk have crests, but there’s a reason for that. Beastfolk often have peculiar aptitudes, and the number of crests they can bear is limited—that’s the primary reason.”

I nodded with an “Oh” of understanding. As expected of Jabil-sensei! She’s so impressive!

“The second reason is, unfortunately, that many regions don’t call beastfolk to participate in the Rite of Adulthood. As a result, there are very few beastfolk with crests.”

“I see.”

I nodded again, deeply impressed. What a wealth of knowledge!

“In Azur’s case, her experience likely played a major role as well. You’ve done well, Azur.”

“Yes… yes!”

Seeing Azur tear up was enough to make me want to cry too!

“So, do you wish to have the crest?”

“O-Of course! Please, I’m begging you!”

Azur bowed her head repeatedly, like a little hammering bird, and her antics made me swallow my tears. Well done, Azur.

“Then, [Crest Engraving: Priest]!”

Azur’s left hand gleamed as the dark yet beautiful Priest crest appeared on it.

“Oh… God, I give you my deepest thanks!”

After offering her prayers to God, she expressed her gratitude to both the Crest Official and Kyle over and over. Unable to contain themselves, the four Kendal siblings leaped onto Azur.

“Az-nee! This is amazing! Congrats!”

“You’re incredible, Az-nee! See, God really is watching!”

“Congrats, Az-nee~”

“Con… con… congratu…lations…”

Seeing everyone hugging and crying with their faces all scrunched up, I couldn’t hold back my tears either.

Damn it! That’s just unfair!

And so, the Golden Dawn welcomed its first precious priest bearing the Priest crest.