Summer in Enmenia had passed.
Perhaps it was because it was exceptionally hot. It was a summer where far too many things had happened. A summer where many had to be sent away, and many tears had been shed. Even though autumn had finally arrived, those particularly scorching memories would never be forgotten.
Cool winds began to blow, but it would still take a long time for the emotional lacerations to fade into scars. Yet, it was autumn nonetheless. It meant the fierce summer had ended and the refreshing autumn had arrived.
The landscaping of the Magic Academy of Imenia was famous for its beauty. This was especially true during the spring and autumn, making the current view nothing short of a masterpiece. The brilliantly colored leaves were divided by each building and department, painted like a picture.
Autumn flowers bloomed in full glory on both sides of the streets, covered in fallen leaves, bringing smiles to the faces of those who walked by.
Claire left the dormitory, wearing a worn leather coat over the fluttering uniform unique to Enmenia. Under a clear, cloudless sky, the area was crowded with countless students out to breathe in and enjoy the cool autumn air.
Despite the many people, it was difficult to find anyone dressed similarly to Claire. Most were the children of nobles from various countries or from wealthy families. Although there were commoners like Claire who had entered through recommendations, the Imperial Academy itself provided support, and most had noble sponsors, meaning they received significant assistance even with their attire.
Because of this, Claire, wearing only a worn coat over a uniform that even students didn’t wear often, stood out in a different sense. However, no one pointed out or sneered at her attire. It was because Claire had become so famous that there was no one in Enmenia who didn’t know her.
Her striking red hair and a beauty that bloomed day by day. An overwhelming talent that caught the attention of every professor. There was more than one person who had been helped by her ability, which allowed her to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Graduating Class in just one year. Claire’s flames, which shone during the Heuka’s attack and the Abyss Monster’s attack, had inspired many students.
Thus, there were many kinds of gazes directed at Claire. Affection or a young crush. Admiration and envy. A bit of jealousy and spite. Being who she was, Claire was hounded by numerous scandals and people every single day, yet her attitude remained consistent. It was because she had no room in her heart for such things. And for that reason, the people who accompanied her were always the same.
“Ravena.”
Ravena, who had been staring blankly up at the memorial monument, turned her head as she sensed Claire’s presence.
“Claire!”
Ravena flashed a bright smile beneath her yellow hair that sparkled in the sunlight. Roland was with her, as if it were only natural.
“Hmph, you took your sweet time coming out. Lazy Claire.”
“I’m not late; you just came out early.”
“Now, now, let’s not fight and get going!”
Led by Ravena, who linked arms with both Roland and Claire, the three passed the memorial monument piled high with bouquets and began walking toward the faculty building. This was because they had been summoned by Professor Sirvert.
It was a call from Professor Sirvert, whose face had been hard to see after he canceled all his lectures following the incident two months ago, which had been named the Gate Break. Roland was more delighted than anyone by this news.
“I told you guys to pretend to be sick and stay behind so I could have a consultation alone.”
“…How can we do that? The Professor called all three of us.”
“Hmph, you’re no help at all.”
The crisis of the Continent that had recently begun to be known. The horrific monsters pouring out through the black Gates. While nothing was known in detail yet and countless speculations were circulating, the fact that Professor Sirvert had participated as a member of the expedition made Roland’s admiration and affection for him even deeper. Thus, he had not only woken up at the crack of dawn and spent hours grooming himself but had also come out early to wait.
Roland’s gaze swept Claire up and down.
“What is that outfit for meeting the Professor? I really can’t stand it. I have no choice but to send you a few outfits by tomorrow…”
“Forget it.”
“…It’s not like anyone’s going to appreciate you for that. Stubborn Claire.”
“I do it because I need to. Thanks for the concern.”
“Wh-wh-wh-who’s concerned? I just can’t hold my head up because your beggar-like appearance is so pathetic…”
Claire looked down at her clothes, leaving Roland behind as he flustered about with a red face. The uniform and worn clothes she always insisted on were to keep her mind focused. A vow to keep her resolve, not to become idle, and to move forward with restless devotion.
If her life’s goal hadn’t changed, perhaps she, like the many other students, would have dressed up beautifully and enjoyed a bit of leisure while smelling the scent of autumn flowers. Wasn’t her original goal to rise high enough so that she wouldn’t be victimized by the wicked, and conversely, to be able to influence them? Enrolling in Enmenia meant that such a status would be guaranteed as long as she graduated.
But at some point, her goal had changed. She didn’t know when it started or what the turning point was, but her heart had become so filled with one person that she couldn’t think of any other goal. Because it was such a high and distant goal, she had to do this. If she moved like everyone else, she would never be able to stand by his side.
“Anyway, why did the Professor call us? I heard he’s been extremely busy lately.”
“Right. Didn’t they say they were forming some kind of alliance with the Empire because of those black Gates?”
Rumors traveled fast. In particular, major issues related to the Empire often started in the Kingdom’s Capital, and the Academy was also influenced by such rumors spreading quickly.
“There are rumors that the continuous appearance of black Gates is an unprecedented crisis for the Continent… anyway, it’s scary.”
“Cowardly Ravena. Professor Sirvert will protect us like he did this time, so what are you worried about?”
And in those rumors, the person who occupied the most space was one man.
“The Professor is great, of course, but he’s no match for the Saint of Black Wings, right? Isn’t that right, Claire?”
The Saint of Black Wings. Or the Apostle of the Goddess. Knowing exactly who that person referred to, Ravena poked Claire playfully as she asked.
“…I don’t know.”
Claire turned her head slightly, her face flushing a faint red, pretending not to know.
“I heard he’s touring the damaged areas directly and performing the Goddess’s miracles. To think such a person exists in this world! And he’s an acquaintance of mine and close to Claire! I still can’t believe it!”
“…It’s not like that.”
The Saint of Black Wings, the Apostle of the Goddess. It sounded like an absurd rumor, but having seen his miracles and that power several times, one couldn’t help but believe it. A being so famous that now there was no one who didn’t know him.
The Guardian Knight of the Emperor, Hio Pavlenko.
Every single rumor heard about him was something that shocked the world. It was said that in the Holy Kingdom of Hibernia, he had defeated an Evil Dragon that appeared like a catastrophe. That legendary dragon that only appears in fairy tales. It couldn’t be dismissed as a mere rumor because there were too many witnesses who saw a dragon as massive as a castle flying away.
As if that wasn’t enough, it was said the Goddess herself manifested and appointed him as an Apostle. Also, there were subtle rumors that the black Gate that disappeared this time was also his doing alone. That he spread his black wings and swept away all the wicked monsters.
Of course, not all of it would be true. Since they were rumors, there would be much exaggeration mixed in, but just what on earth was he doing? Exactly how much more did she need to know and how much harder did she need to work to see the same things he did and be with him?
Because it was such a distant goal, Claire fueled the fire in her heart even more. Using that as her driving force, she would surely rise higher until she could reach him. She moved forward with that vow.
The three arrived at the main building where the faculty offices were located and headed straight for Sirvert’s office. They announced their arrival with a short knock, and permission was granted. Upon entering, they saw Sirvert as he always was. Hair neatly combed back and dressed in tidy clothes. Whether the rumors of him being busy were true, a sense of fatigue leaked from his movement as he folded and set down his glasses.
“Sit there.”
Sirvert pointed to the sofa across from him as he moved seats. Seeing him, Roland spoke up cautiously.
“Professor, if you are very tired, wouldn’t it be better to send Ravena and Claire back and speak with me separately?”
“I’m not that tired. It’s fine, Roland.”
“Yes, Professor.”
Once even Roland, who acted shyly despite his bold nonsense, sat on the sofa, Sirvert got straight to the point.
“I called you three because a good opportunity has arisen.”
“A good opportunity, you say…”
“Essentially, it’s a type of practical training concept, and the fact that the location is the Huang Palace is what makes it a good opportunity.”
“…The Huang Palace? Are you saying we can really go to the Huang Palace?”
Ravena was so surprised her bottom practically bounced off the seat. Of course, Claire was just as surprised. The Huang Palace of the Empire was where the hegemon of the Continent reigned. Was it not the center of all power and the place where the great stars resided? The Huang Palace was the place all students of the Academy envied and desired to go to most.
“Yes. It’s an opportunity given to the outstanding talents of the Academy. It’s a benefit that has existed since long ago.”
“It existed originally? This is my first time hearing about it.”
“That’s because its meaning became quite distorted. Until last year, it was taken for granted that children from prestigious families would go, and it became a fixed custom. However, since the new Emperor took power, it seems everyone has come to their senses and is handling things properly… anyway, for those reasons, I recommended you three, and you will be deployed starting next week.”
“Heh! I can understand Claire and Roland… but am I really going too?”
Claire’s abilities were already on par with the Graduating Class. Roland also had sufficient talent, though he lagged slightly behind Claire. However, Ravena was only slightly better than average. While that was considered top-tier talent when looking at the entire Continent, she wasn’t particularly exceptional within the Academy.
To that, Sirvert replied nonchalantly.
“Yes. All three of you.”
In truth, Ravena and Roland’s names were not on the list of talents requested by the Huang Palace. However, Sirvert had included the two of them through his own discretion. It was an action taken for Claire’s sake.
“Don’t worry and go. Don’t cause trouble there, and come back after engraving in your hearts what kind of work you will be doing in the future, how your seniors are doing, and how difficult the work is.”
“Yes! Thank you so much, Professor!”
“Thank you, Professor.”
“I love you!”
“…”
“……Right. You may leave now.”
Sirvert waved them off with a face full of fatigue, and the three, including Claire, stood up and bowed. This was truly a massive opportunity. Even in Enmenia, where talents were as numerous as stars, those who entered the Huang Palace were extremely few.
“We’ll be going now! We’ll work hard, Professor!”
Just as the three were about to turn and leave following Ravena’s energetic farewell.
“Ah, Claire. You should decide on your career path before this winter is over.”
At Sirvert’s words, Claire’s footsteps came to a halt. To decide on a career path before the end of the year. Because what that implied was clear, she turned back to look at Sirvert.
“Does that mean…?”
Sirvert nodded slightly.
“I can’t tell you the details, but the situation is not good. The Empire wants more talent. You will be assigned to the Huang Palace’s preparatory corps as soon as winter passes.”
“The preparatory corps…”
“They say they are creating a new institution for young talents like you who have outstanding talent but lack experience.”
It was the Empire’s intention to grow talented individuals more quickly and deploy them as valuable manpower in preparation for emergencies.
“Claire, you will undoubtedly be overwhelming even there. Since you will rise faster than anyone, think clearly about your future.”
Claire’s abilities grew extremely steeply through actual combat. She had reached a level equal to the Graduating Class in just one year, but it was certain she would easily surpass them in a few months. Sirvert, who had personally brought Claire here at Hio’s request and watched her most closely for a year, was certain of it. Claire’s talent was the best of her generation. No, she was born with a talent that was among the best in history.
Despite hearing such things, Claire’s expression actually hardened.
“How long do I have to stay in the preparatory corps?”
“Well… you’d have to be there for at least three years as a baseline. After having your abilities recognized there, you could be transferred to another institution or unit and become a knight.”
“……Three years.”
It was long. Even that was a reduced time considering Claire’s talent, but it was still long. How many incidents had broken out in just a few months? How many rumors had she heard? She had often lost sleep imagining herself at the scene of those rumors with Hio. Just the thought of being with him made her heart race so much she couldn’t sleep.
That was why she knew. She knew how high and how far away her humble goal of standing by his side actually was. As she had vowed before, she could never reach her goal if she thought and moved like everyone else. She would have to spend her whole life looking up at him.
That didn’t suit Claire.
“I don’t want to go to the preparatory corps.”
So, Claire spoke while looking directly into Sirvert’s eyes. Even though she knew it was unreasonable, she sensed that she would never reach him otherwise. Rather than starting at the highest level from the lowest point, she would start at the lowest level from the highest point.
If there was one highest point, and if it was the only place Claire desired… the highest place in this world. The place where the most dazzling stars among stars gathered. The strongest military group on the Continent.
“I want to join the Royal Knights.”
The strongest knight order on the Continent, led by the great hero, Bitalianus Mahel. Becoming a member of the most honorable group one could achieve as a soldier. To say she would enter that place was to say she would enter the innermost heart of the Empire and seize such honor and glory with her own hands.
Claire stood tall and looked at Sirvert firmly without a single tremor. Joining the strongest knight order on the Continent. But even that was just the beginning. Even that was merely a start. Only then would her goal finally come into view.
And Sirvert, deeply impressed by Claire’s attitude, simply let out a deep sigh.
“…Do you think that’s even possible?”