Chapter 78 -----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ace
Chapter: 78
Chapter Title: The Farewell Party
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"No matter how I think about it, it's strange."
"What is?"
Leo looked puzzled at Karl's muttering.
"You know what I mean. The undead incident was wrapped up overnight, and now we're continuing with the joint classes."
"I guess that could happen."
"And get this. On that very day, you and those Seirun young ladies were coincidentally given a day of confinement. Doesn't that smell fishy to you?"
Leo laughed inwardly at Karl, who was grinning and speaking with a knowing tone.
*He's sharp.*
"Student Karl. Would you care to share your thoughts on this magic formula?"
"Yikes!"
Startled by Herdium's call, he quickly looked down at his textbook and stood up.
The joint classes had been going on for several days now, so students from both academies had grown accustomed to the lessons.
"Therefore, I believe using a pentagram when activating this magic formula wouldn't be a bad idea."
"Hmm. Not bad."
Herdium nodded.
A few elf students also wrote in their notebooks with serious expressions.
The joint classes were certainly yielding positive results.
*But the one who has had the biggest impact on our students is that one right there.*
Herdium's gaze, which had been looking at the Seirun students with a proud expression, shifted to Leo.
Leo's existence had been a shock to the Seirun students, who were brimming with pride.
None of them would admit it due to their egos, but every Seirun student felt it.
The fact that none of them could match Leo's understanding of star magic.
*There are students who acknowledge Student Leo and try to learn from him, but there are also those who can't due to their pride. Still, just realizing how big the world is holds immense value in itself.*
Herdium nodded, then made a disappointed face.
*I envy Lumerne's first-years.*
It wasn't simply because he was a student with outstanding skills.
*There are plenty of outstanding students. But a student who stimulates the growth of those around them… is exceedingly rare.*
Continuing with the lecture, Herdium licked his lips and closed his textbook.
"This concludes today's class. I hope you have all gained something from these past few days of joint classes."
At Herdium's words, the students stretched and stood up.
As they gathered to discuss the lesson, Herdium spoke.
"Student Leo."
"Yes."
"Could I have a word with you outside?"
Leo followed Herdium out, a puzzled look on his face.
"Why would Professor Herdium want to see Leo on the last day of class?"
"He probably wants to talk about star magic. He's been particularly fond of Leo, hasn't he?"
The atmosphere had been tense on the first day, but ever since Leo had deciphered Luna's magic, Herdium had shown him great favor.
"Well, anyway."
Karl shot up from his seat with a bold air.
"Huh? Where are you going?"
"I was thinking of inviting the Seirun kids to a wrap party tonight."
Grinning, Karl approached Lunia.
Lunia, who was organizing her writing tools, looked at Karl with a curious expression.
"What is it?"
"We're having a wrap party at our dorm tonight. I was wondering if any interested Seirun students would like to come."
"A wrap party?"
"Yeah. It's to commemorate us meeting and studying together like this. Let's just relax and have fun on the last day."
"C-Can I come too?"
"Whoa! Eiran. Of course."
"I'll let the others know."
"Okay!"
Karl grinned broadly.
When Karl returned to his seat, Chelsea spoke.
"I've got to hand it to you, you're certainly outgoing."
"Hmph. That's what separates me from you snooty nobles."
***
"Though it was a short time, the classes with you were enjoyable, Student Leo. As a mage who studies star magic, even before being a teacher, I found the lessons deeply impressive."
"That's thanks to your excellent guidance, Professor."
In truth, the classes hadn't been of much help to Leo, but they had been greatly beneficial to the other students.
Herdium, who had been smiling at Leo's words, suddenly put on a serious expression.
He glanced around before lowering his voice.
"That's why I'm asking, Student Leo."
"Yes."
"Do you have any elves among your ancestors?"
"..."
"Perhaps an elf a few generations back. Or maybe some connection to elves in your family history."
"I don't. Why do you ask?"
"Have you ever considered transferring to Seirun?"
"..."
Leo stared blankly at the sudden recruitment offer.
"Professor Herdium, this is inappropriate."
Halind, having overheard their conversation, approached with a sigh and began to drag Herdium away.
As he was being pulled away by Halind, Herdium shouted.
"Student Leo! The gates of Seirun are always open! If you're interested, please contact me anytime…! Or even as an exchange student!"
Leo burst out laughing as he listened to the hollow echo.
***
That evening.
While the Lumerne students were busy preparing for the party, the Seirun students arrived at their dormitory.
Not every student came, but most of them did.
All of them were students who had shown great interest in Lumerne's classes.
"There are more than I expected."
"The more the merrier! Chelsea! Let's go up and get all the leftover snacks!"
"Okay."
Iliana replied cheerfully to Nella's words.
While Chelsea and Iliana went to get the snacks, the Seirun students found their seats.
"Um… I don't see Leo?"
"Leo is in the kitchen, cooking."
Nella said with a smile, seeing Eiran ask cautiously.
"A-A meal cooked by Leo himself…!"
Eiran's face flushed red as she fidgeted, not knowing what to do.
"Is there anything I can do to help, Miss Nella?"
At Lunia's question, Nella gave a languid smile.
"We can't have our guests helping out. Please, just have a good time."
At the smile from Nella, the prettiest girl in Class 5, a few of the Seirun male students blushed.
"Heh heh. Boys are the same everywhere you go."
"Nella is a great beauty even by elf standards."
Karl smirked slyly, and Dade shrugged his shoulders.
A moment later, Iliana and Chelsea came back from the room with all the remaining snacks.
The elves showed great interest in the human snacks, which were unseen in the elven city.
"Eiran. Eiran. Come over here."
Chelsea, who had quickly become friends with Eiran due to their shared hobby, called her over with a smile.
"What is it, Miss Chelsea?"
"Look at this."
Chelsea showed Eiran a bag of bread.
"What about it?"
"If you open it like this and look inside."
Chelsea opened the bag and took out a small card from inside.
"Ta-da!"
"Gasp! Why is there a card inside the bread?"
"It's a trend on our side these days. Cards of famous heroes come with the bread like this. Let's see… Oh! It's an elf hero!"
"Sleana's Wind, Reginia! Amazing!"
"They're included randomly like this. There are even cards of the Great Heroes."
Eiran's eyes sparkled.
It was an item that was sure to pique the interest of a collector like her.
The other elves also showed interest.
As they all dreamed of becoming heroes, they were deeply interested in stories related to them.
"This could make some good money."
Karl stroked his chin, his eyes gleaming.
Meanwhile, Leo came out of the kitchen.
"What, you guys were all here already?"
Leo used magic to levitate the plates from the kitchen.
And just like that, the food was served.
"Alright everyone, let's pour some drinks in our cups!"
Iliana shouted cheerfully, and the students filled their cups.
"Alright, then, our proud year representatives. How about a word on behalf of your schools?"
At those words, Lunia stood up.
"Ahem. Though it was a short time, it was a fruitful one. I hope we can continue to compete and interact like this as we strive toward our respective goals."
"A very fine speech, just like a model student! Next, our class president!"
Iliana gave Lunia a thumbs-up and then pointed to Leo.
"Everyone, don't just study all the time. When it's time to have fun, have fun."
"Our class president is such a moderate."
Iliana grinned and raised her glass.
"Alright! Then! To commemorate this meeting! Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
They raised their glasses, and the party began.
It was a little awkward at first, but soon both the Lumerne and Seirun students were laughing and chatting happily.
"Hahaha! Who wants a drink?"
Just then, Karl came downstairs with bottles of alcohol.
"What are you going to do if Professor Halind finds out?"
"I've already acquired intelligence that Professor Halind has an appointment with the Grand Council Chairman tonight and won't be coming."
"That's our Karl! The most reliable guy in times like these!"
Lunia muttered as she watched the Lumerne students engaging in their little act of rebellion.
"They have such a scary professor for a homeroom teacher, yet they dare to try something like that."
"The kids at our school are idiots."
Chelsea shook her head as she replied, then strode forward.
"You guys! What's with the alcohol! You're students! Aren't you embarrassed in front of the Seirun students? Put it away right now!"
A chorus of boos erupted at Chelsea's words.
"Booo!"
"The homeroom teacher's stooge!"
Chelsea smiled sweetly and took out her wand.
"Aah!"
"Hey! Get back!"
As they scrambled to disperse in terror, Karl stepped forward.
"Chelsea. A little deviation on a day like this is fine, isn't it?"
"Absolutely not."
"It's fine. I won't force a kid like you to drink. Hahahaha."
At the word "kid," which she hated most, Chelsea's face turned icy.
Snatching a bottle, Chelsea opened it and shoved the mouth of the bottle into Karl's.
"Gack? Gack?"
"Then you, the adult, can drink it all."
As Karl struggled, Leo stepped in.
"Chelsea. It's fine just for tonight, right? This is a memory, too."
At Leo's words, Chelsea let out a deep sigh.
"If you say so, Leo."
"If there's any trouble, I'll take care of it."
At Leo's smile, the students who had welcomed the alcohol flinched and thought they should probably drink in moderation.
And so, a few bottles of alcohol appeared at the party.
A few of the Seirun students also glanced furtively at Lunia before taking a few sips of alcohol.
Leo, too, sat alone, sipping his drink with a faint smile.
"Um… L-Leo. Here. Have this with some snacks."
Eiran brought something for Leo, who was only drinking, to eat as a snack.
"Thanks."
Leo's gentle smile made Eiran blush.
Looking at Leo, Eiran hesitated for a moment before mustering her courage to speak.
"I wanted to express my gratitude to you, Leo."
"Huh? For what?"
"I feel like I was able to change, even just a little, after meeting you."
Eiran said, her cheeks coloring.
"In the Fairy Forest, you said I was like my ancestor… Those words gave me courage. I… I'm going to go back to Seirun."
"Really? I'm glad to hear that."
Leo smiled warmly.
Looking at him, Eiran bowed her head.
Her ears had turned red as well.
In truth, the reason she had found the courage to return to school was that she now had a new goal.
*I want to watch Leo's heroic tale from his side.*
Leo's willingness to challenge the impossible without hesitation reminded her of the Great Heroes she had only seen in fairy tales.
Captivated by that image, Eiran thought.
*I want to follow in Leo's footsteps.*
Admiration turned to aspiration, and aspiration turned to a goal.
"I'll definitely come to Lumerne during the school exchange or exchange student season! Let's study together again then!"
"Alright, until then, do well in school."
Leo chuckled at Eiran's enthusiasm and patted her on the head.
Eiran covered her face, not knowing what to do.
Just then, Lunia approached.
"Hmph. You're getting along well."
"How about you?"
"A party like this isn't so bad."
For the Seirun students, whose events were always extravagant, a party planned and enjoyed by the students themselves was a refreshing experience.
"These past few days have been beneficial. I learned how Lumerne students study and how skilled they are."
A competitive fire lit up in her reddish-orange eyes, a shade brighter than Leo's.
"And I learned that Lumerne has someone like you."
She had realized it from what happened in the Fairy Forest.
That even though they were peers, Leo was more skilled than her.
Honestly, for Lunia, who had never thought she would fall behind in skill to someone in the same year, even from another school, Leo's existence was a shock.
But she wasn't one to be discouraged by it.
"I will never lose. I'll build up my skills and surpass you!"
"I'll be looking forward to it."
"Good, so stay on your toes."
Lunia, who had been smiling beautifully, suddenly adopted a serious expression.
"By the way."
"Yeah?"
"The founder's magic you deciphered on the first day of the joint classes… what kind of magic is it, exactly?"
"Didn't Professor Herdium tell you?"
"He only said he would announce it during a joint lecture for all years when we get back."
As it was the precious magic of their founder, Herdium intended to announce it where everyone could see.
But Lunia couldn't help but be intensely curious.
That's why she intended to ask the one who had deciphered the magic himself.
Leo smiled and held out his hand.
*Vwoom-!*
With a warm light, a single flower bloomed.
"Huh?"
Lunia was taken aback by the sight of the vibrant, living flower.
"Ah? Oh, I mean. This is…"
Flustered by the sudden situation, Lunia smiled a little shyly and accepted the flower.
"Why are you suddenly giving me a flower?"
"It's a magic that makes flowers bloom."
"Huh?"
"The magic I deciphered is a magic that makes flowers bloom."
"..."
"Did you think I was giving you the flower? That's cute."
Lunia's face turned beet red with fury.
"You bastard! Are you making fun of me right now?!"
Sparks flew from Lunia's eyes as she glared daggers at him.
The Lumerne and Seirun students were horrified as they watched Lunia grab Leo by the collar and start yelling.
"A-A fight broke out!"
"Stop them! Stop them!"
The final night in Verchia was drawing to a close.
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