kscans

Chapter 27 - Grossa Magic Academy Special Lecturer

"Dareth-dono, Militar-san, and Iz-shuseki-kyoukan. Thank you for saving the academy from the clutches of evil. You are truly our saviors."

The sound of applause filled the air. After capturing Byre and the blacksmith, we were being honored in the auditorium of the magic academy. Thanks to Iz and the others' dedicated care, all the students who had been affected by the Dark Magic had recovered. The faces around us were bright with smiles.

(It seems Academy Principal Elena received a taste of Her Majesty the Queen's whip for failing to see what was happening under her nose.)

"To discover the creator from the black marks left by magic's aftereffect, you are truly a brilliant blacksmith. It is worthy of praise."

"I am grateful for your kind words. However, I believe it's something any blacksmith could do..."

What I did was nothing special. But I was happy to be recognized for it. I genuinely felt that my hard work had paid off.

"Dareth-dono. I hereby appoint you as a Grossa Magic Academy Special Lecturer. From now on, please lend us your efforts in the handling and maintenance of staves from a blacksmith's perspective."

"Thank you, Elena-sensei. I am honored as a blacksmith."

I had tried to refuse the Special Lecturer position, but in the end, I couldn't. Elena-sensei presented me with what looked like an incredibly valuable trophy. It was shaped like a large crystal, and I had never seen such a beautiful decorative object before. I held it with the utmost care, focusing all my being on not dropping it.

"I truly wanted to hold a more lavish banquet, but the cleanup has been quite a task."

"No, no, we're just happy you held one at all. Thank you so much."

The day before, after the last student had recovered, a grand banquet was held in our honor. The food and drink were incredible, and we had the best time. I was truly grateful. With the presentation of the commemorative gift, the award ceremony concluded. Elena-sensei walked us to the academy gates.

"Well then, Dareth-dono. It is sad to part, but I look forward to seeing you again. A blacksmith such as yourself is a precious asset to Grossa Kingdom. Please take care of yourself."

"I'm sorry for the rush. I need to check on how things are with my work for the national army..."

"Yes, of course. Forgive me for keeping you."

I shook hands with Elena-sensei and Iz. It looked like my life from now on would involve going back and forth between my smithy and the academy. Thankfully, they had given me several teleportation potions, telling me to use them for travel. With these, I could come to the academy anytime.

Militar also seemed reluctant to part as she shook hands with Iz.

"Take care, Iz. I was so happy to see you again too."

"Thank you, Militar-san... I was very happy as well."

"It's sad to leave Iz, but now I'll have Sensei all to myself again... Kukukukukuku."

Militar was happily muttering something under her breath. Seeing this, Iz spoke, looking just as pleased.

"If you'll excuse me, Militar-san, I will be heading to the Royal Capital as well."

""What!""

We were both shocked. The atmosphere had felt so much like a poignant farewell just a moment ago.

"B, but, don't you have work at the magic academy..."

"Do not worry. I have been granted a vacation for a while. The Academy Principal kindly sent me off, telling me to take a short rest. In other words, I will be able to stay with Dareth-sama a little longer."

"Oh... How nice for you."

Why did the air suddenly turn so tense?

"Dareth-sama, I look forward to being in your care."

"Eh? Ah, ah, yeah, right."

Iz wrapped her arms around me with a soft press. Let's not dwell on what exactly felt so soft. Militar's smile was scary enough as it was. And so, the three of us ended up heading back to the Royal Capital together.