Chapter 74

"Shall we go, then?"

"Understood."

One morning.

After the awakening that no longer felt solitary, we exchanged a few words of greeting upon waking, quickly got ready, had a light breakfast, and then set out from our new home with Mui.

The sudden cohabitation had started, but to be honest, things were going better than expected.

Mui, while still unsure about the boundaries, isn't the type to close the distance. There are some questions about how it works living under the same roof, but the result is that we don't interfere with each other more than necessary, and it has settled into a fairly comfortable living situation.

"Ah, what a nice day today."

"...Better than bad weather, I guess."

Well, I'm about to go out with Mui. More precisely, my mission for today is to take her to the Magic Academy.

Lucy gave me some additional explanations afterward, but the Magic Academy is always looking for those with magical potential, so while there is a general enrollment period like in regular schools, they also accept transfers on a rolling basis.

So, Mui's transfer is a perfect fit for the Magic Academy. The process went smoothly until the date was set, as the academy is used to handling such situations.

Lucy herself played a big role. It turns out she is both the head of the Magic Guild and the principal of the Magic Academy. She has quite a few titles.

However, she doesn't seem to show up at the academy very often. Indeed, Lucy is more of a researcher than a teacher, so she probably doesn't spend much time in the classroom.

"Um, the academy is... in the North District, right?"

I said this while looking at the map Lucy gave me. It seems the Magic Academy is in the North District, unlike the Knight Hall.

The Knights and the Mages.

It doesn't really matter which is older or which has more power, but a school in the same district as the palace feels a bit special. And Mui will be attending there. As her guardian, I'm quite proud.

"...You don't have to come with me."

Mui said this hesitantly. I know. Usually, when she says this, she feels a bit embarrassed or uncomfortable. This time, it's the latter. I know Mui well.

"As a guardian, I have to make a formal visit. Besides, I'm also interested in the Magic Academy."

"...Hmph."

When I gave my reasons for accompanying her, she responded with a snort.

Mui is still young. She's about to become a student, but as a guardian, I have to make a formal visit. It wouldn't be right to just drop her off and leave.

And, to be honest, I'm also curious.

The place where magicians, who are crucial to the nation, are trained is intriguing, even for a swordsman.

And, of course, I want to know what kind of place Mui will be attending.

I don't intend to interfere, but if, by any chance, she gets bullied, I'm confident I'll rush to the academy. I won't forgive anyone who bullies my kid.

Even Mui is like this. I think I'd become a doting parent if I had a child of my own. But to make that happen, I'd first need to find a wife.

To be honest, I've given up on that. But my father hasn't, which is why I'm in this situation.

Things happened so suddenly that I ended up living together, but what kind of life will I have from here? Will I end up living in the capital, Baltrain, permanently?

At least, I plan to stay in this house until Mui can stand on her own. Beyond that, my life plan is a blank slate. Even if I wanted to retire peacefully, I doubt my father and Alyssia would allow it.

"...What's wrong?"

"Ah, nothing. Let's go."

No, no, there's no point in thinking about this. Things will happen as they will.

Well, walking to the North District is a bit far. It's not impossible, but it wouldn't be good to drag Mui along for a long walk. Let's take a shared carriage to the North District.

At this time, the carriage stop is quite busy with people commuting to work or school. Many people were boarding carriages for their destinations.

"Excuse me."

As we boarded the carriage to the North District with Mui, the crowd made it a bit difficult to find a place to stand.

I've used carriages a few times since coming to Baltrain, but this is the first time I've been on one this crowded. I wonder if Mui is okay.

"Wow, it's crowded."

"...It's cramped."

When I commented, I got a slightly exasperated response from the side.

Hmm, carriages are quite crowded at this time. I heard the academy has dormitories, so I think it's okay, but I don't want to expose Mui to this noise.

I know I'm being overprotective, but I can't help it. Mui has lived in a dim world until now, and she's quite ignorant of the bright world. She can't even write her name properly, and she lacks education.

If asked whether I can leave such a young girl on her own, the answer is no.

Will she be able to make friends at the academy? Will she be able to get along well? These parental concerns passed through my mind as the carriage rattled along.

"...It's big, isn't it?"

"...Yeah."

And here we are at the Magic Academy.

It's been a while since I came to the North District to capture the Bishop Leveos, but coming during the day makes it feel quite different. The clear sky makes the palace spires in the distance stand out beautifully.

From the North District carriage stop, it's about a ten-minute walk. It's not too close or too far. For Mui, it's a manageable distance for daily commuting.

The Magic Academy, which we reached with the help of the map and signposts, is enormous. It might even be as large as the palace.

At the entrance, there's a large gate, and beyond it, a vast courtyard stretches out. The main building is likely the one in the center, with a large open space on the right, probably for sports, and a building in the back left, likely the dormitory.

Wow, it's huge. I wonder how many students study here. Compared to the dojo or school in my hometown, this is a whole different level.

"...Let's go and make the formal visit, shall we?"

"...Yeah."

I can't act like a country bumpkin now. I have a child to guide. I can't just stand here dazed.

I should probably go to the staff room or something. I have the map to the Magic Academy, but I'm not sure what to do from here.

Well, there's no point in standing here. There should be a teacher inside. If I explain the situation to someone, they should be able to guide us.

"---Are you a transfer student and your parent?"

Just as I was thinking that, I heard a voice from behind.

"Um, who are you?"

I looked around, but there was no one else nearby. This voice must be directed at me and Mui.

The person who spoke was a woman wearing a robe similar to Fissel's. She was about the same height and age as Alyssia, or perhaps a bit older. Her gentle face and wavy, burnt brown hair gave the impression of a friendly person.

But, "parent"? Do I look like that? At least it's better than being mistaken for a kidnapper, but it's a bit strange to hear it from a third party.

I glanced at Mui, and she seemed a bit flustered. At least she doesn't seem to take it negatively, which is good.

"Excuse me, I'm Kynella Fine, a teacher at this Magic Academy."

"Thank you. I'm Beryl. This is Mui."

"...Hello."

It seems Kynella is a teacher at the academy. This is helpful. I'll let her guide us.

Mui is a bit shy when spoken to by a stranger, even if she's a teacher. She's so cute.

"As you might have guessed, Mui will be attending here. I'm here to accompany her today, but I was a bit overwhelmed by the grandeur of the academy."

"Oh, I understand. The Magic Academy is indeed one of the most impressive buildings in Baltrain."

Kynella chuckled in response to my words.

The Leveos Knights were full of fierce fighters like Alyssia and Hembritz, but the Magic Academy has a more refined and dignified atmosphere.

I'm not saying the knights lack refinement, but handling swords as lethal weapons inevitably makes them less gentle.

Kynella, on the other hand, exudes a very gentle aura. I think Mui will have a better student life with someone like her as a teacher.

"Would you like me to show you around?"

"That would be very helpful. I wasn't sure what to do."

Kynella offered to guide us without us having to ask.

"...P-Pleasure to meet you..."

Mui's stiff greeting. Hmm, she's so cute.

"Hehe, you don't have to be so nervous. Everyone here is very nice."

"...Oh... Ah, no, yes..."

Mui is trying to improve her speech. Her earnest effort is heartwarming.

According to Lucy, the academy accepts anyone with magical talent, regardless of their background.

So, there are likely a number of students like Mui, who might not be exactly "rough," but have had some tough experiences. Kynella seems experienced in handling such students.

I can trust her with Mui.

Of course, if anything happens, I'll be there in a flash.

Thus, the three of us, with Kynella, set off into the grand campus of the Magic Academy.

Thank you for waiting, the third chapter begins.

I hope you will continue to follow this story.

Also, as I mentioned in the activity report, the first chapter of the manga adaptation of this work is now available on Nico Nico Seiga.

You can find it on the official manga channels Champion Cross and Tap. If you haven't read it yet, please give it a try.