Episode 137: Academy Festival – Day 1
The world’s only “Academy Festival” takes place in Telbel.
For the next three days, students will be full of energy as they welcome guests—nobles, merchants, royals, adventurers, travelers—who arrive in overwhelming numbers. Some come to enjoy the festivities, others to scout future talent.
To make an impression, students present the works, skills, and knowledge they have prepared for this day. They strive to secure a bright future, to embark on a fulfilling journey.
“Ahh… We made it in time.”
“Yeah… Barely, though.”
“Haha, I can see the sunrise even though it’s nighttime~~♪”
Arena, that’s because it’s morning… It’s fine, you can rest now. I’m done too. I tried using Fairy Magic to mass-produce things, but since we had to prepare such a variety, my brain couldn’t keep up.
If I tried to force it, my head would have exploded. No thanks.
“Let’s just sleep for now and enjoy the festival tomorrow?”
“Agreed.”
Ahh~ I’m going back to my room and sleeping on Arena’s lap pillow. Yes.
“It’s been a while, Lady Felnora.”
“You haven’t changed either, Magenta.”
Felnora and Magenta watched the Mock Tournament from a special guest seat set up in the training grounds. Beside them, Twirel was enthusiastically looking down on the students, declaring, “Hmph, weaklings!!” Magenta planned to scold her later.
“It’s rare to see you here. What about the knights?”
“It’s not ideal for me either, but this was a direct request from the King… By the way, Lady Felnora, have you met students named Dolly and Rina?”
At those words, Felnora shot a sharp glare at Magenta. As expected. Magenta returned it with a wry smile.
“So it was your doing after all. Honestly, we’ve already become friends, you know?”
“The King only wished to observe. Becoming friends was entirely their doing.”
“Who are those two!?”
Felnora was once again shocked—she had lost count of how many times they had surprised her. She, who was usually composed, had changed this much because of them. Magenta thought it was an achievement in itself.
“They aren’t originally from Garania, and this time, we are the ones assisting them. I can tell you this much: their names are actually aliases. If they used their real names, anyone from Garania would recognize them immediately.”
“…I suppose I should ask, just in case.”
And so, Felnora learned the true names of Idle and Arena. She felt foolish for not realizing it sooner, but their names were more like nicknames, so she couldn’t be too mad. However, when she heard their names, she froze.
“…The champion of the Martial Tournament.”
“Yes. She’s become a legend in the royal capital—the only adventurer in the world to have defeated a ‘Hero.’”
“And what is someone like that doing in this academy?”
“That, I cannot say… But I’m sure they’ll tell you if you ask.”
“…That’s true.”
Felnora decided not to take shortcuts. As a friend, she wanted to hear the truth from Idle and Arena themselves. Her duties as royalty would end in a few hours. Once the formal greetings with the guests were done, she would go ask them directly.
Not that it mattered—they wouldn’t be waking up today anyway.
“Ahh, a place where the youth, who will shape the future, gather. Such a splendid, lively atmosphere~♪”
A Fairy wandered through the streets of Telbel alone. His name was Quad Cerberica. His purpose? Nothing in particular—just sightseeing.
Idle had simply told him, “Go and have fun over there.” So that’s exactly what he planned to do.
He had already received an invitation under Garania’s name, so this was not illegal trespassing.
“Hmm, now then. Let’s start over there.”
His eyes landed on a massive plant maze attraction.
Quad approached the student in charge with a warm smile. His gentlemanly demeanor suited the title of “Uncle” well, and the student immediately straightened their back in nervousness.
“Hello, young lady. Could you tell me how this maze was created?”
“H-Hello. Umm, this maze was developed by our class with all our combined effort. It’s a magic tool that activates pre-engraved magic circles based on its placement, which then… look, see? It grows the plants like that.”
Following her pointing finger, Quad saw a boy carefully placing a magic tool into the ground as per the student’s instructions. The tool activated, emitting a pale blue and brown glow before being absorbed into the earth.
“Ohhh!”
A few seconds later, numerous vines sprouted from the ground, weaving together in a structured pattern, forming a large wall. The boy tried running into it, but the vines held firm.
“Just like that. It also serves as an emergency barrier, and it requires minimal effort to set up. Though, it’s extremely weak against fire and slashing attacks…”
“No, no, this is a marvelous invention!! My apologies, but may I take a closer look at that magic tool?”
“Ah, of course!!”
The girl beamed at Quad’s praise and happily handed over the device. Quad thanked her before using Fairy Magic to analyze its structure.
(I see… There are three magic circles—growth, transformation, and fixation. In that case…)
“Hmm, young lady. That weakness might be fixable.”
“…Huh?”
Quad pulled out a sheet of paper and quickly jotted down an idea, handing it to the student while explaining.
“If you’re only using ‘growth’ for plants, then the mana cost is certainly reasonable. However, adventurers have more mana than the average person. Increasing the consumption slightly could be beneficial. So, why not mix the plants with soil itself? This would require an additional ‘composition’ magic circle, making the process more complex, but it would also improve durability and heat resistance. Adventurers who don’t know magic would find it invaluable.”
The girl’s eyes widened as she read the paper.
“W-Wait… What!? This has the entire magic formation written out!?”
“Feel free to use it. Please share it with your class.”
“B-But… why would you go this far?”
“Oh, it’s just an old man’s meddling. Seeing young people working hard makes me want to support them.”
With that, Quad bowed and stepped into the maze. The girl clutched the paper tightly, bowing deeply until his figure disappeared.
“Ahh, what an intricate and well-crafted maze. That was a fulfilling experience.”
After mingling with people inside, Quad navigated the maze and emerged in about twenty minutes. However, as soon as he stepped out, the entire class lined up and thanked him in unison.
Without saying a word, Quad simply returned their bows before leaving.
Though he always stood out because he enjoyed both observing and guiding, he wasn’t particularly concerned about attention. Being a fairy, he never minded people’s gazes.
If someone approached him with genuine curiosity, he responded with a friendly smile. If they had ulterior motives and tried to extract knowledge from him, he would launch into such a complex and cryptic explanation that they would eventually give up and flee.
His next stop was “Tea Time Plaza,” a flower garden-themed café.
The garden had been meticulously arranged to form symmetrical patterns, and in an open space, an elegant café offered colorful sweets and aromatic tea. Female students wore maid outfits, while male students dressed as butlers to serve guests.
As soon as Quad entered, however, a nobleman sitting at a table suddenly called out to him.
“Hey, bring me a refill of tea.”
“…? Very well, sir. Please wait a moment.”
“…Hm? Ah, wait—damn it, hold on…!”
The nobleman realized his mistake too late. Quad’s attire was clearly different from the students’, so if he had paid attention, he would have immediately noticed that Quad wasn’t a staff member.
Yet, Quad nonchalantly accepted the request.
Of course, he didn’t use Fairy Magic to conjure tea. That would have been too eye-catching. Instead, he politely asked the students to lend him the equipment they were using.
Since the nobleman was the one paying, there was no issue. Moreover, the students were eager to observe Quad’s precise, practiced movements, mistaking him for a professional.
Soon, Quad returned with a delicate teacup and a glass teapot, setting them gracefully before the nobleman.
“Thank you for waiting. I shall pour it now.”
“A-Ah…”
The nobleman who had unknowingly requested service from the mysterious elderly gentleman was clearly flustered. However, as the tea was poured, its indescribably pleasant aroma softened his expression.
The teacup, silently placed before him, held a crystal-clear amber-colored brew. He took a sip, and a long breath of satisfaction escaped his lips.
“…An impeccable performance, good sir.”
“It is the highest honor to receive your praise…”
“Hmm. I am a noble of the kingdom of Linstania. Do you serve anyone?”
“No, I am merely an adventurer. I have come to this academy purely for sightseeing.”
“I see… Quite fascinating. If you ever find yourself in need of work, come to me. I would be delighted to employ you.”
“That is a most generous offer. Should such a situation arise, I shall take it under consideration…”
With a deep bow, Quad left the nobleman with those words and took a seat at an empty table. Without hesitation, he called over one of the observing staff members.
“Excuse me. I would like some tea and sweets as well.”
As if nothing had happened, he casually placed his order.
The nobleman burst into uproarious laughter.
A student dressed as a butler soon arrived with tea and sweets. He was the most skilled student in the class, yet his nervousness was evident—the tray in his hands rattled softly.
Still, he maintained a composed expression, carefully pouring the tea and presenting it alongside the sweets before Quad.
“Thank you… Now then, I shall partake.”
He never forgot to express his gratitude.
The entire café staff watched, holding their breath, as Quad lifted the teacup, inhaled the fragrance, and took a sip.
“Gulp.”
For a moment, time froze.
All eyes focused on him with heightened anticipation.
And then…
Quad smiled and looked directly at the student who had brewed the tea.
“You must have practiced diligently. A truly splendid preparation.”
“T-Thank you so much!!”
From that moment onward, his tea became the café’s most popular item of the day.
“Dolly! Rina! I have something important to discuss!! Please wake up at once!!”
“…Fyeuaah? …Zzz…♪”
“…Curse you both…”
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