Chapter 86 - Chapter 86: To the Kingdom of Arcart
Chapter 86: To the Kingdom of Arcart
“…About what Bruno said earlier?”
“Yes, that’s right. I absolutely have to go to Arcart.”
We had just become close, and summer vacation had just begun. I feel sorry for this happening as soon as we arrived in Marol. But I have no choice but to go to Arcart. However,
“Then I’ll go too.”
Lord Luca decisively declared without hesitation.
“But, Lord Luca—”
“If you’re going, then I’m going too. After all, I’m your master, Alexi.”
Isn’t it supposed to be the other way around? But I understand how Lord Luca feels. Constant attention, endless proposals and offers from all directions, not to mention the disdainful glances suddenly turning into lecherous smiles. The main family that should be a shield is like that, and even His Highness Richard, who offered protection, seems suspicious. Leaving Lord Luca behind in such circumstances is the only regret. However, he has already demonstrated sufficient ability to overturn the evaluations of those around him, and his future in this country seems assured. Yet, to go to Arcart together…
But Lord Luca’s determination was firm.
“It’s not dropping out, it’s graduating, right? Then I’ll skip all the way to the high school level in the next exam.”
“But, your classmates—”
“They’re not my friends or anything.”
“But, you know—”
As I was about to say something, the words wouldn’t come out. If it’s about his academic ability, skipping grades should be possible. And besides, I can’t think of anything that would keep him in this country. Hmm, this is troublesome.
“So, we’re going to study abroad in Arcart.”
We cut short our homecoming and immediately returned to the capital to meet with His Highness Richard.
“…That’s another sudden development. However, studying abroad in Arcart isn’t so simple.”
“If you meet the age requirement, have a certain level of academic proficiency, and pay the appropriate enrollment fee, anyone can enroll. I know because my sister studied abroad. We could even be auditors if that’s preferable.”
Lord Luca is unwavering in his decision. I knew he was single-minded when he set his mind to something, but what’s with this relentless determination?
“As for assisting the student council, everyone with earth attributes will continue to support you. They are all excellent individuals with practical skills, and each of them is steadily improving as adventurers. There is no need for us to be enrolled.”
His Highness Richard had a face that said, “That’s not what I meant.” I understand. But well, everyone, including His Highness, is steadily leveling up, and I don’t think it’s right for us to continue to be instructor’s aides.
“But you’re still a minor, and you need the earl’s permission to skip grades and graduate. What do you say? Would you like to become my adopted son?”
His Highness persisted with Luca. How much does he like adopting sons? Well, I guess he’s the weakest among the princes. I understand that he really wants to increase his allies.
“Thank you for your concern. If things become unbearable, I’ll run away from the earl’s house, so I respectfully decline.”
“No bites, huh.”
In the face of Lord Luca’s stubborn determination, His Highness gave in.
“Well, I’ll be waiting for your safe return. I’ll have a post ready for you.”
His Highness Richard is thorough. But now, the issue with the academy and His Highness seems to be settled for the time being.
However, as His Highness had foreseen, the Count of Laquell’s household faced difficulties. First, we were turned away from the Count’s mansion. There was no room for negotiation. But, there’s always a loophole.
“Luca to see the commoner. What do you want?”
Mr. Louisson, who didn’t hide his disgust like a snake, approached. Well, it’s understandable. You picked a fight with me. You got your ass handed to you, so let’s call it even and move on.
“Brother. I have something important to discuss. Please dismiss your attendants.”
Mr. Louisson left only his trusted attendant and dismissed the entourage that had been loitering in the dormitory.
“Brother. I will graduate at the end of term and study abroad in Arcart. However, as a minor, I need the earl’s permission. I ask for your assistance.”
“I didn’t think you’d bring up something like this. Whether you stay or leave the academy has nothing to do with me.”
“If my presence is bothersome, it will clear your mind as well.”
“I am also graduating from the academy at the end of term. It’s not a matter that benefits me at all.”
“If it benefits, Your Excellency.”
Yes, I was waiting for those words. I took out a small box from my pocket. When I opened it with a snap, there sat a large ruby, gleaming like an engagement ring.
“Your Excellency. Don’t you find your neck a bit chilly lately?”
“!”
It’s summer now. Everywhere is hot, not just the neck. However, it seems he understood what I meant.
“This item here is a masterpiece suitable for adorning Your Excellency’s chest. Unlike disposable inferior goods, it can be used repeatedly by infusing it with magic. It will never drain your magic power to the point of fainting.”
“You…”
Mr. Louisson’s eyes were fixed on the ruby. His trembling hand reached hesitantly for the box. But…
“Oops. This is a token of appreciation if you agree to my request. Please consider it carefully.”
“That’s enough of this conversation. Well then, brother, goodbye.”
We gracefully bowed to Mr. Louisson, who was dumbfounded with his hand still outstretched, and left the dormitory.
A few days later, the Ruby Operation, not the Golden Bun Operation, proved successful. With the steward Leonar accompanied by Mr. Louisson himself, they visited Lord Luca’s dormitory and handed him a letter. It contained a proposal for Lord Luca to become Professor Laquell’s adopted son. Later, I heard that Professor Laquell had been suggesting for some time to take Lord Luca to Marol.
“Is this satisfactory?”
Why does everyone in the Laquell family act so arrogantly? However, I handed over the brooch made with the Blaze Dragon Ruby without hesitation. Leonar peered through a magnifying glass, looking surprised. It seems he has an appraiser’s eye.
“Keep the source of acquisition confidential. It’s an honor to make a good deal.”
“Hmph.”
I put the box I received from Leonar into my pocket and he promptly turned on his heel. Just as he was about to slip through the door, Lord Luca calmly spoke.
“Then, Mr. Louisson, goodbye. Farewell.”
Mr. Louisson hesitated for a moment, but they left as they were.
Armed with the letter, we immediately flew to Marol. Professor Laquell had a broad smile on his face, patting Lord Luca’s back enthusiastically. There are a certain number of people who pat others on the back, but could you please stop? Even though Lord Luca, who is still small despite his leveling up, is stumbling.
Lord Luca announced that he would graduate from the noble academy with accelerated advancement and study abroad in Arcart. The teacher was surprised but encouraged him, saying, “Luca loves studying. It’s good for him to see the world.” All the necessary documents for the entrance exams had been obtained through the noble academy. Once the new guardian teacher signs them, all that’s left is the paperwork.
By the way, during this time, I was asked to submit a report, so I compiled a simple document titled “National Defense and Countermeasures Using Earth Attribute Skills.” It’s just a collection of stories I’ve read in light novels. Then, the teacher’s expression changed rapidly as he flipped through it, and we narrowly avoided being caught in the conference room. That was close. Professor Laquell becomes relentless when it comes to research that interests him. We dodged him with a casual “We’ll come back later” and hurriedly left.
By the way, this report later reached His Highness Richard, who once again urged us to reconsider our study abroad plans. It’s a good thing we submitted our application to Arcart first. After a tumultuous period, we managed to graduate with accelerated advancement, navigating through various attempts to detain us and marriage proposals. This is my second time, but Lord Luca, despite becoming a commoner, skipped all the way to the third year level by the end of junior high. My master is truly amazing.
The timing of our graduation was just right. The final exams of the second term coincided with the graduation of the senior high school third year. While everyone was busy in a celebratory mood, we quietly tidied up our dormitory, packed our bags, and set off for Arcart.