Summer Vacation (Second Year)

A few days had passed since the visit to the Duke’s household, and it was now the final day of the first semester.

There was no such event as a closing ceremony at this school; once today’s classes ended, summer vacation would begin the following day. Since some students focused entirely on work during the break to support their household finances, no assignments were given. Wealthy families seemed to spend the period taking private lessons or enjoying their personal time. Because Kent’s previous test scores had been poor, he was scheduled to attend remedial classes. Incidentally, commoners generally made an effort to study just enough to avoid failing grades and bypass these remedial sessions, prioritizing work to contribute to their family budgets.

“Well then, that concludes the lessons for the first semester. Summer vacation starts tomorrow, but make sure you don’t cause any trouble. I hope to see everyone gathered here at school on the first day of September.”

The middle-aged male teacher, who was Kent’s homeroom instructor, said this to mark the end of the semester and the start of the summer break.

“Ah, that’s right. I forgot to mention. Unfortunately, someone from this class will be taking remedial lessons this time. Those attending will gather by grade starting tomorrow and receive guidance under a designated instructor. The classroom assignments will be posted at the entrance on the day, so check before you enter… understood? Kent.”

“Yes.”

Kent answered when called. Snickering could be heard from the surroundings. Kent scratched his head sheepishly to endure the moment. However, there were those who could not stand that atmosphere in the class. It was Josette and Patty. The two were desperately trying to suppress their emotions.

“Dismissed.”

With that, the homeroom teacher left the classroom. At that moment, the students rejoiced at being liberated from tedious lessons and entering vacation, splitting into their respective friend groups as they headed out.

“Somehow, I am feeling very irritated.”

“What a coincidence. I am of the same opinion.”

Patty and Josette spoke as they stood before Kent in the now-empty classroom.

“Now, now, calm down. It’s a fact that I ended up in remedial classes, so it can’t be helped if everyone in class acts that way.”

“But…”

Kent said this and began tidying up as if nothing had happened. Josette had things she wanted to say, but she remembered the conversation she had with Kent the other day—about how there might be something suspicious going on behind the scenes—and she firmly suppressed her words.

“Well then, shall we head back?”

Kent brought it up, and together with Josette and Patty—joined midway by Rachel and Caro—they headed toward the bakery where they worked part-time.

“Oh, welcome back, Kent. The first semester ends today, doesn’t it? Remedial classes starting tomorrow… I thought we would be able to work together, so it’s a pity. Well then, I shall be heading off. Good luck with work.”

“Good work to you too, Elnette. Are you heading to swordsmanship training now? Do your best.”

“Thanks. I’m off then.”

As Kent entered the shop, Elnette—who had already finished changing from her shop uniform back into her usual swordsman-style attire—passed him on her way out.

“Hmm, I’m grateful for the help, but we might have a few too many employees…”

Kent thought to himself as he looked over the shop. Currently in the shop were the full-time team of Marie, Catherine, Emily, and Al, along with the part-time team of Rachel, Patty, Josette, Kent, and then Caro. Since Baron Frederick had told Caro he wouldn’t interfere with her actions until summer vacation ended following their meeting, she ended up helping at the shop until she had to leave to work on the assignments given by the Baron starting Monday. Dressed in a uniform prepared for her, she looked like she was enjoying her work. The sight of everyone working in uniforms designed based on Emily’s maid outfit made Kent very happy.

However, anxiety remained due to the increased headcount. For now, the shop’s income was stable, so employing this many people wouldn’t cause the business to fail. However, depending on how they were deployed, it was possible to increase income further, so Kent wanted to shift in that direction. He decided to consult Marie.

“Marie-san, do you have a moment?”

“Oh, Kent-san. What is it?”

He called Marie into the kitchen to talk.

“I was thinking, what do you think about the current number of employees?”

“Let’s see… when everyone is gathered like today, it might be a bit many.”

Marie said, putting her index finger to her chin in a thinking gesture.

“So, here’s a suggestion. We received Etsigoya’s storefront before, right? I was thinking, why don’t we send some staff over there for cleaning work?”

“Kent-san, did you think of some good business idea?”

“It’s not quite like that, but I thought if we have extra hands, it’s better to make progress on the work even bit by bit.”

“You’re right. I’ll think about it.”

Marie replied that she would consider it positively. At this time, Kent intended to proceed with the work leisurely, but an incident would occur that would force them to rush the progress.

And so, today’s business ended safely, and everyone returned to their respective places.

The next morning, Kent was woken up by Al.

“Master, it is morning.”

Al’s skin, now that her magical power had recovered, was lustrous. Kent softly touched that glossy skin.

“Master, that tickles.”

“No, I just thought your skin looked very radiant.”

“My magical power recovered because I received Master’s… substances. Thank you, as always.”

On the mornings after Al replenished her magic, Kent always woke up feeling very good. Since it was performed while Kent was sleeping, he didn’t know exactly how or what was being supplied. However, because he had a strangely refreshed sensation, he speculated that she was probably absorbing that.

Since summer vacation had started today, Rachel and Patty were scheduled to work full-time. Normally Kent would be the same, but because of the remedial classes, his shift remained the same as when school was in session. A short while after the shop opened, Josette and Caro joined in, and they made it through the busy hours. Then, it was time for Kent to head to school.

It felt a bit lonely heading to school alone while being seen off by everyone. However, Kent shifted his mood and passed through the school gates. Postings at the entrance showed the classrooms for each grade’s remedial lessons. He headed toward the designated room and went inside.

“Huh? There’s no one here.”

When he entered the designated classroom, it was empty. At first, he thought he had the wrong room, but no matter how many times he checked, it was correct. After a while, the preparatory bell rang. Yet, Kent remained the only person in the classroom.

The final bell rang, and a person who appeared to be a teacher entered the room. Kent felt relieved, seeing that he apparently hadn’t mistaken the classroom.