Chapter 72

“It seems the training went well,” President Kelkel said with a smile as I returned to the office.

Beside him, Farphistanya-senpai tossed colorful paper streamers in celebration.

“You really didn’t have to go to all this trouble…”

“When you’re gone for so many days I worry whether my junior will come back. In the old days some trainees lost heart and quit during training.”

That’s a grim thought… the Black Magic industry must’ve been much harsher then.

“That was a piece of cake!” Mary declared, puffing out her chest in a triumphant “ta-da!” She looked like a child, but there was a childish immaturity to her—like a high-level adventurer bragging about one-shotting a kobold.

For some reason, Mary was currently cradled in Cerulia’s arms.

She’d slept so soundly she nearly missed work, so Cerulia had scooped her up and carried her to the office. Mary liked it and refused to get down. At this rate I can’t even tell whose familiar Cerulia is…

President Kelkel pulled out a small calendar. “Now then, Franz-san, regarding your summer vacation—when would you like to take it?” Come to think of it, it is that time of year.

“In that case, mid-August, please. I was thinking of heading back to my hometown—a seaside place with lovely scenery called Lightstone.”

“Wait, there’s an ocean?” Farphistanya-senpai chimed in, suddenly interested.

“Yes. Lightstone sits on the coast. They say its name comes from a fisherman who found a glowing stone in the sea. My family aren’t fishermen—my father is the town accountant.”

“I… have never seen the sea.” That surprised me; I grew up by the ocean. But the Royal Capital is inland and most people live away from the coast, so it’s not impossible—especially since this senior doesn’t seem like the active type.

“Well then, Farphistanya-san, why don’t you take your summer break at the same time and visit Lightstone?” President Kelkel suggested. “Besides, the water temperature is high right now, so you can go swimming.”

“The sea. My heart may actually throb with excitement,” Farphistanya-senpai said, her expression almost unchanged—but if her words are to be believed, she truly was excited.

“President, is that okay?”

“It’s fine. In fact, it makes me want to go for a doggy-paddle myself for the first time in ages.”

Wait, is this conversation heading where I think it is…?

Cerulia proposed, “In that case, why don’t we all visit Master’s hometown by the sea?” Ah—yep. They’re definitely all coming.

“Um… everyone, I’m glad you’d want to visit my hometown. However, there’s one thing I must ask.” I cleared my throat; I needed firm boundaries or things would get ugly. “Please don’t come to my house. Book proper lodgings!”

Mary, still in Cerulia’s arms, sniffed, “Hmph, so Franz’s house is that small, huh?” Compared to your mansion it’s just a normal family home—yes, small. And if four other people show up, any house will feel cramped.

“It’s not about space. Honestly, I’m hesitant to have Mary visit—my father is extremely strict. If I come home with a crowd of girls he might kick us out in three seconds flat.”

My father never laughs; he has zero tolerance for anything frivolous. On the other hand, when I said I wanted to study he funded it, which is how I could attend the magic academy in the Capital.

Cerulia frowned. “Then it will be difficult for me to accompany you…” That was exactly my biggest concern.

“But it would be strange not to introduce Cerulia. Hiding a familiar from your parents is like being ashamed of your profession, so I’ll bring Cerulia along somehow.” In other words, that’s as far as I can push it. I can at least tell them Cerulia is my familiar and work partner; that should be easier to accept.

If I tell them the rest of my coworkers are all women, my father’s reaction—claiming he didn’t raise his son to be that sort of man—becomes much more likely. I want to test the waters with Cerulia first.

It’s not indecent work and I’ll keep doing it, but parental disapproval stings. I’d honestly just prefer my parents to support me.

“I see. Many parents dislike their children working in the Black Magic industry. In that case, shall we book lodgings in Lightstone?” President Kelkel said.

President—that means you’re coming, right? Whatever; just make sure you spend money in my hometown.

With plans set, I ended up heading home with four others, taking a string of carriages.

Everyone besides me, of course, was a girl. I definitely can’t let my father see this…

As a child my father was strict but often praised me: “You’re a man among men.” He’d say, “Many boys at that age chase girls, but you don’t. That’s admirable.”

You could say he was biased because I’m his son.

The truth is I simply never put effort into being popular—at best it was a half-hearted wish. I prioritized studying and missed the window to become ‘the popular guy.’ The same went for the magic academy.

Studying hard generally doesn’t make you popular; popularity isn’t decided by class rank. If you want popularity you have better odds doing sports or investing time and money in your looks.

That’s a different path from becoming a great mage—it’s hard to do both.

There was a male student who dated two girls at once, but his grades suffered; if you don’t make time to study you fall behind.

I used to think he had it coming and felt no sympathy. But now my life—with Cerulia and Mary in my house—could look even more ‘sullied’ to others. I suddenly understand the importance of mutual understanding…

And so, here I am, surrounded by girls in a carriage.

Mary and Cerulia sit to my left and right; Farphistanya-senpai and President Kelkel sit opposite. Due to space, the senior’s and President’s familiars ride on the roof.

When the carriage jolts Cerulia’s chest occasionally brushes against me. I absolutely can’t let my father—or my mother—see this…

“Are you enjoying yourself, Master?” She probably meant the journey, but I took it differently.

“Yeah, I’m enjoying it, Cerulia… I’m so happy I’m almost afraid something terrible will happen.”