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Chapter 78




【78】77.
“It’s just strange, no matter how I think about it.”
“What’s strange?”
At Karl’s muttering, Leo wore a puzzled expression.
“Well, for one, the undead-related incident was resolved overnight, and we’re continuing with the joint classes.”
“It could happen.”
“Moreover, that day, you and the girls from Seirun were put on detention for the whole day. It just doesn’t smell right.”
Karl grinned meaningfully, and Leo chuckled inwardly.
‘You’re sharp.’
“Student Karl. Would you like to share your thoughts on this magic incantation?”
“Huh!”
Caught off guard by Herdium’s question, Karl hastily looked at the textbook and stood up.
Since the joint classes had been ongoing for a few days, both groups of students had become accustomed to the lessons.
“So, I think using a pentagram when activating this magic incantation wouldn’t be a bad idea.”
“Hmm. Not a bad idea.”
Herdium nodded.
A few elf students also took notes with serious expressions.
The joint classes had indeed led to positive outcomes.
‘But the student who had the greatest impact on our students is him.’
Herdium’s gaze, which had been on the Seirun student, turned to Leo.
Leo’s presence was a shock to the proud Seirun students.
Though they didn’t admit it due to their pride, all the Seirun students felt it.
They couldn’t match Leo’s understanding of star magic.
‘Some students recognize and try to learn from Leo, but others can’t due to their pride. However, just realizing how vast the world is is a valuable lesson in itself.’
Herdium nodded and wore a regretful expression.
‘I envy the first-year students of Lumeren.’
It wasn’t just because they had an outstanding student.
‘There are plenty of outstanding students. But a student who can provide a stimulating environment for growth is... very rare.’
Continuing the lesson, Herdium closed the textbook.
“I’ll end the class here. I hope you all gained something from the joint classes over the past few days.”
With that, the students stretched and stood up.
As they gathered to discuss the class, Herdium called out.
“Student Leo.”
“Yes.”
“Could I have a word with you?”
Leo followed Herdium outside with a puzzled look.
“Why did Herdium-sensei want to see Leo on the last day of class?”
“Probably to talk about star magic. He always had a soft spot for Leo, didn’t he?”
The atmosphere was tense on the first day, but after Leo interpreted Luna’s magic, Herdium showed great favor towards him.
“Well, anyway.”
Karl stood up boldly.
“Huh? Where are you going?”
“I’m thinking of inviting the Seirun students to our after-party tonight.”
Karl approached Lunia with a grin.
Lunia, who was tidying up her writing tools, looked at Karl with a puzzled expression.
“What is it?”
“We’re having an after-party at our dorm tonight. Do you want to come and play?”
“An after-party?”
“Yeah. It’s to commemorate our time together. Let’s have fun on the last day.”
“Can I come too?”
“Of course, Eiran.”
“I’ll let the others know.”
“Okay!”
Karl grinned.
As Karl returned to his seat, Chelsea said,
“You’re really bold, you know.”
“Haha. I’m different from those stiff noble kids.”
***
“It was a short time, but I enjoyed the classes with Student Leo. As a magician studying star magic, I found it very impressive.”
“Thanks to your guidance, Professor.”
While the classes didn’t help Leo much, they were very beneficial to the other students.
Herdium smiled at Leo’s words and then wore a serious expression.
Herdium looked around and lowered his voice.
“So, Student Leo.”
“Yes.”
“Do you have any elven ancestors?”
“...”
“A few generations back, maybe an elf, or some connection to elves in your family history.”
“No, why do you ask?”
“Have you ever considered transferring to Seirun?”
“...”
Leo looked bewildered at the sudden recruitment offer.
“Herdium-sensei, this is problematic.”
Hearing their conversation, Halind sighed and approached, pulling Herdium away.
As Halind dragged him away, Herdium called out,
“Student Leo! The doors of Seirun are always open! If you’re interested, feel free to contact us... or consider an exchange program!”
Leo burst out laughing at the echoing voice.
***
That evening.
As the Lumeren students were preparing for the after-party, the Seirun students arrived at the dorm.
Not all of them came, but most did.
These were the students who had shown great interest in Lumeren’s classes.
“There are more than I thought.”
“More people means more fun! Chelsea, go upstairs and bring out the rest of the snacks!”
“Okay.”
Nella’s words were met with a cheerful response from Ilana.
While Chelsea and Ilana went to get the snacks, the Seirun students found their seats.
“Um... I don’t see Leo.”
“Leo is in the kitchen, cooking.”
Nella smiled at Eiran’s cautious question.
“Leo... cooking...!”
Eiran blushed and fumbled, unsure of what to do.
“Can I help with anything, Nella?”
Lunia’s question was met with a lazy smile from Nella.
“I can’t have guests do the work. Just enjoy yourselves.”
Nella’s smile made a few Seirun male students blush.
“Haha, men are the same everywhere.”
“Nella is beautiful even by elf standards.”
Karl chuckled, and Taid shrugged.
A moment later, Ilana and Chelsea brought out all the snacks from the room.
The elves showed great interest in the human snacks, which they couldn’t find in the elf city.
“Eiran, Eiran, come here.”
Chelsea, who had quickly become friends with Eiran due to their shared interests, called out with a smile.
“What is it, Chelsea?”
“Look at this.”
Chelsea showed Eiran a bread bag.
“What’s this for?”
“Open it like this and look inside.”
Chelsea opened the bread bag and pulled out a small card.
“Ta-da!”
“Huh! Why is there a card in the bread?”
“It’s a trend on our side. Cards of famous heroes come with the bread. Let’s see... Oh! An elf hero?”
“The Wind of Sylia, Reginia! Amazing!”
“They’re randomly included. There are also cards of great heroes.”
Eiran’s eyes sparkled.
It was an item that would pique the interest of a collector like Eiran.
The other elves also showed interest.
Since everyone dreamed of becoming heroes, they were deeply interested in hero-related stories.
“This could be worth some money if we do it right.”
Karl rubbed his chin and his eyes sparkled.
Meanwhile, Leo came out of the kitchen.
“What, everyone’s here already.”
Leo used magic to levitate the plates from the kitchen.
The food was served.
“Everyone, let’s fill our cups with drinks!”
Ilana called out cheerfully, and the students filled their cups.
“Alright, our proud class representatives, could you say a few words?”
Lunia stood up.
“Ahem. It was a short time, but a very beneficial one. I hope we can continue to compete and exchange ideas, striving towards our goals.”
“Very well said, a model student! Next, the class president!”
Ilana gave a thumbs up to Lunia and pointed at Leo.
“Don’t just study all the time. Have fun when it’s time to play.”
“Our class president is secretly a moderate.”
Ilana grinned and raised her glass.
“Alright! To this meeting! Cheers!”
“Cheers!”
The after-party began as they raised their glasses.
At first, it was a bit awkward, but the Lumeren and Seirun students soon laughed and chatted happily.
“Hahaha! Who wants to drink?”
Karl came down from upstairs with bottles of alcohol.
“What if you get caught by Professor Halind?”
“I already have the information that Professor Halind can’t come today because of a meeting with the Chancellor.”
“Karl! You’re always reliable in situations like this!”
Lunia muttered as she watched the Lumeren students misbehaving.
“With such a strict teacher as the homeroom, they still try this.”
“Our school students are just foolish.”
Shaking her head, Chelsea approached.
“You! What is a student doing with alcohol? Don’t you feel embarrassed in front of the Seirun students? Put it away immediately!”
Chelsea’s words were met with jeers.
“Boo!”
“Teacher’s pet!”
Chelsea grinned and pulled out her staff.
“Ahh!”
“Hey! Get away!”
As they tried to scatter in fear, Karl stepped in.
“Chelsea, a little misbehavior on a day like this is okay, right?”
“No way.”
“I won’t force you to drink, little girl. Hahaha.”
Chelsea’s face turned cold at the mention of being a little girl.
Snatching a bottle, Chelsea opened it and shoved the mouth of the bottle into Karl’s mouth.
“Choke? Choke?”
“Then you, the adult, should drink it all.”
As Karl struggled, Leo stepped in.
“Chelsea, it’s okay today. This is also a memory.”
Sighing deeply, Chelsea said,
“If you say so, Leo.”
“If anything happens, I’ll handle it.”
Leo’s smile