Volume 20.5 Chapter 2 - Cliff and Zanoba's Graduation

Part 1

During the next two months, Zanoba and I were engaged in setting up our first store front.

In order to accomplish this, we got the support of a knowledgeable professional.

He's a member of our mercenary group.

As a former merchant, he seems to have owned a store for a short period of time.

However, he failed and lost everything…

I don't expect a lot from the advice of someone who has failed.

If you don't understand why you failed, then it's easy to repeat the same mistakes.

This is coming from me, a person who has repeated his mistakes often; it's reliable.

However, failing is an essential part of any process.

The experience of those who have repeatedly failed still has value.

In addition, a person won't grow if they simply stop when they fail.

No one needs to achieve 100% success.

The achievement rate may be around 60%, but their world will still change with a passing mark.

Successful experience will change a person.

He will surely become a splendid talent in the future if I seed him with a successful experience.

Thus, persuading myself, I set up our first store while listening to the advice from that guy.

On the outskirts of the workshop district, it's a small warehouse.

After modifying it, it has become a warehouse with a store front capable of holding our stock.

We'll be fine even if our inventory doubles and we need to expand the store.

However, at first just having a small shop is good. It would be nice to just meet our current sales target.

As long as we are making some money, it shouldn't be a problem if our stock piles up.

Well, we will decide what to do after measuring our progress in the future.

Part 2

Then it was time for the Ranoa Magic University graduation.

The graduation ceremony is held in the grand auditorium.

Lined up with the rest of the graduates is Cliff.

In fact, Zanoba is lined up in the back as well.

Even though he dropped out he has been allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony with special permission.

He is a special student, and most of their classwork is self study anyway.

It wouldn't be wrong to say that it was also because Vice Principal Jinas was very sympathetic.

Zanoba did not seem to be interested in the graduation ceremony himself.

However these kinds of ceremonies can be a meaningful transition.

It feels like a carnival.

It's the usual participants.

There are about 500 graduates, and with 200 to 300 school staffs lined up together.

Roxy appeared a little unsteady last time, but now she fits in properly.

Is it the result of becoming accustomed to it?

Even if she's the only small silhouette up there, it doesn't seem awkward.

Rather, it feels very natural.

The only students who have to attend today are the student council.

Led by Norn with that muscular faced Kiritsu, a diverse group containing Demon and Beast race members is lined up.

When Ariel was the student council president it was a group composed primarily of the Human race.

When the head of an organization changes, the people serving underneath will also vary.

I had thought that even during the entrance ceremony last year, that Norn seems to have attracted Beast and Demon race students.

I don't hear any bad rumors about her from the student body either.

She hasn't achieved the kind of infatuation Ariel inspired, but she seems to have been recognized as a dependable student council president.

As her brother, I can hold my head high.

By the way, this time I got permission from Jinas to sit down in the lowest seat under the student council.

Oh, no matter how many times I see it, the graduation ceremony is an impressive thing.

"Graduate Representative, Brooklyn von Eruzais!

I hereby grant a certificate proof of Magic Guild rank D to you!"

The Graduation Representative this time is not Cliff.

I'm sure I haven't heard the name of this representative, but it sounds familiar.

It's a name from the royalty or aristocracy of Neris Dukedom, one of the Magic Triumvirate.

It's named for the Ranoa Kingdom, but the University is financed jointly by the Magical Triumvirate.

With this kind of ceremony, prioritizing the nobility of the Magical Triumvirate may be an unspoken rule.

"We respectfully recognize Brooklyn von Eruzais!"

"May you venture on the path of magic."

Cliff, watching on, has a listless face.

In the past Cliff would have raged, "Why am I not the representative!?"

Actually, if you only look at the results, there is no one above Cliff among all of the graduates.

As for his final grades, he reached advanced rank in all four attack magics, advance rank in healing magic, advanced rank in detoxification magic, intermediate rank in barrier magic, and advanced rank in exorcism magic.

On top of all that, there is his thesis on suppressing curses.

He did not reach Saint rank in anything, but no one comes close to his achievements.

Even if you look at the history of the university, there should hardly be anyone.

As far as I know, such a great person could only be Roxy's level.

Because I only learned healing and detoxification at the university, I don't count.

In addition to that, Cliff also qualified as a Milis father.

His habit of combining with Elinalize every night had no effect on his grades.

Everything he reached for at school, he acquired it, and became an adult both physically and mentally.

He married a beautiful wife and had a child.

He became a flawless Riajuu.

However, taking that into consideration, perhaps, he is lamenting not being the representative.

That listless face, it's troubled.

The matter from two months ago that he said he would decide on, he still hasn't told me his decision.

However, that kind of thing should be sufficient to trouble him.

Two months may not be enough time to make that kind of decision.

Part 3

After the graduation ceremony ended, I immediately joined up with Zanoba.

Ginger and Julie are dressed up with a bouquet pinned behind them.

No one else is dressed like that.

I wonder if it's a tradition of Shirone.

"Zanoba, congratulations on graduating."

"Ah! Shishou! Thank you very much!"

Zanoba is wearing the Ranoa Magic University's uniform.

Although it is designed for young people, rather than Shirone's formal wear, it suits him.

"I had turned my back on anything related to My own graduation… So I was taken aback when a few days ago I suddenly received a letter from the University."

"It's nice isn't it, to have this kind of event to mark transitions in your life?"

As expected, having a ceremony at life's important transitions is best.

That Sylphy could not also participate in her graduation ceremony is something I regret a bit.

However, Zanoba may not recognize it as anything but a hassle.

He is royalty.

"Or perhaps you dislike this kind of thing?"

"No, I thought it would be troublesome at first, but after I've come here, it turned out to be unexpectedly not so."

While we were talking Zanoba was overlooking his surroundings.

The graduates and alumni were circling around to greet the teachers.

A heartwarming scene unfolds.

No, the person at the center of that crowd is Norn.

Holding her hand is a Demon Race boy looking guy with a blushing bright red face.

Norn's face appears troubled, and the student council officers surrounding them are grinning. I wonder if this is a confession event.

Or possibly it's something more pleasant, and that student is just there to shake the hand of the president.

Norn's handshake event.

I wonder if alot of the Norn Guards(fan club) will buy Ruijerd dolls, if I included Norn handshake tickets.

No, making money isn't my purpose for selling those dolls. Still…

A little ways off, surrounded by girls, is Roxy.

About five schoolgirls are lowering their heads to Roxy with tearful faces.

Roxy is smiling slightly, but it looks like she's holding something in. An emotional young girl, crying, throws her arms around Roxy.

With a troubled expression, Roxy pats the girl's back, pon-pon.

The crying began in earnest as it spread to the neighboring schoolgirls.

In addition, graduation events are taking place in various surrounding locations.

The graduation ceremony's particular, slightly damp, atmosphere is refreshing.

However no one came close to Zanoba and me.

I do not attend school much anymore and have few acquaintances left here; somehow it's a little lonely.

Well, that's fine.

After this, I have reservations at a tavern.

Pursena, Rinia, and my family as well.

Nanahoshi was also invited, it should be a fun banquet gathering with everyone together.

Orsted can't really attend, but received the congratulatory address.

Just because this event is lonely doesn't mean I don't have buddies.

Well, I'll just go home nice and quick.

"Rudeus-sama."

As I was thinking that a man approached me.

With blonde fluffy hair, it's a guy about 20 years old.

He kind of reminds me of something.

Where did I see this kind of person before?

"Nice to meet you, my name is Brooklyn von Eruzais."

Oh yeah, this man was the graduation representative!

I just saw him a little while ago.

"Ah, Graduation Representative, congratulations."

"Thank you very much."

When I lowered my head he also gave me a return bow gracefully.

"However I was only able to graduate at the head because of my family's influence.

In test results, I was second place to Cliff-sama the same as always."

"Again with the modesty…"

I almost break out in a cold sweat.

I wasn't thinking when I just opened my mouth.

I don't know how long these two people have been competing with their scores.

"However, thanks to my family's standing, I was able to get a victory against Cliff-sama at the very last moment. I ended up winning…"

Indeed, because he was the graduation representative, if you look at the results, it is a win.

It's enough to be called a victory, even if it's not really one.

"… so, Rudeus-sama."

Brooklyn looked directly at me.

His eyes were filled with sincerity.

I wonder what this is about. Do you mean he's here to confess, maybe?

He's going to confess now that he's finally won over Cliff?

It's that kind of setup?

No stop, I have two wives and a husband and children…

"From you, I would like to request a duel."

That's different.

A duel… ?

Recently, probably because it's become known that I am under Orsted, such fellows occasionally show up, but…

But I wonder why it is you want a duel because you won over Cliff?

"Why?"

"Yes, I was interested in how strong I was from before.

And then, over the last several years, I've understood that your strength is beyond the average level."

Well I do stand out…

But come on, that isn't even okay as a joke.

Maybe I should just give him one or two knocks on the head and then leave.

"Yes, Rudeus-sama, would it be alright to proceed?"

"…I guess so?"

"I have wanted to challenge you so much.

Ever since the time you defeated the Demon Lord Badigadi in one-hit."

Brooklyn said this while strongly clenching his fist.

"I come from a warrior family.

When I return to my home country I will inherit a position where I am responsible for my subordinates.

Then, at that time, the opportunity to test my own ability will disappear."

"When you gain that great position, you won't be able to indulge in your own convenience."

"Exactly. So now, this is my last chance; please accept my challenge!"

Brooklyn swiftly bowed.

I understand the situation.

All young men want to know the measure of their own strength.

This young man knew that he was above average.

He finds people who are stronger than him.

He can see he will probably lose, but he still wants to challenge himself.

There is just one thing I don't understand.

"How does this kind of thing spring from defeating Cliff?"

"Eh?"

When I asked him that, Mr. Brook's face went blank.

"I had heard that in order to challenge Rudeus-sama, that a person had to defeat his Six Demon Group.

Rinia-sama, Pursena-sama, and Fitts-sama graduated, and there is no longer any sign of Badigadi-sama…

Only Zanoba-sama was left to defeat…"

" … "

Six Demon Group…

Come to think of it, there was something like that.

I have no idea who began saying that kind of thing.

If you do not defeat everyone, or something, you can't challenge me.

This guy, he has been dutifully obeying that…

"Then against Zanoba, you won?"

"I was able to win more than once in a mock battle, during class, yes."

"I see."

When I glanced over at Zanoba, he diverted his eyes.

… Well, in a battle of only magic, Zanoba can't be expected to win.

However Cliff held out this whole time, so this guy has come sliding up here.

I don't think that he was able to finally beat Cliff, but since graduation would rob him of his chance to try, he is asking in this way now.

I see.

It's to commemorate graduation.

"As expected, I have to defeat even those who have graduated…"

His intention is to completely honor that rule.

Even to the last distinction.

It is similar to confessing because you have nothing to lose.

"No. It's fine. Let's do it."

No matter what world it takes place in, you'll want to do something for your graduation ceremony.

" … ! Thank you very much!"

When answering me, Brooklyn bowed swiftly.

"Zanoba, sorry, but I'll have you be the referee."

"I understand, Shishou."

I entrusted my jacket to Zanoba.

Things like the Magic Armor flashed into my mind for an instant, but even without it… I'll be fine.

Part 4

To start the duel off we moved to the schoolyard, for the whole thing, I thought I better allocate three hours.

The result: I won.

I have been training with a Dragon God (Orsted) and a Sword King (Eris) on a daily basis.

There was no struggle, it was like taking candy from a baby.

I've stopped going easy on others.

Brooklyn seems to have known how it was going to go as well.

He thanked me with a bright face.

Just that, should have been good enough.

Afterwards, having seen us, other graduates came to test their skills against me.

They had all kinds of reasons I didn't understand. Perhaps they won a footrace against Cliff, or an eating contest against Zanoba, whether that's the truth doesn't really matter.

Onlookers also gathered in large quantities; I'm a popular person somehow.

Then I, having no real reason to reject anyone, received everyone's challenge.

It's a graduation ceremony, and, in the first place, it wasn't me who said people had to defeat the Six Demon Group.

There was no nagging from Norn today, and she used the student council to help reduce the onlookers.

I don't really want to cause a commotion, but I can't say no to the feeling I see in these guy's faces during their graduation ceremony.

I'm sorry Ms. President.

"Phew"

After that, I dueled with about 20 people.

Because I train on a regular basis, it didn't really tire me out.

Everyone was happy.

They all left with satisfied faces.

I think that once they return home this will become a fond memory for them.

Finally, no one was left.

Because she had to stay and clean up the venue, Norn and I stayed back, everyone else was gone.

Only Zanoba and his two guests remained.

"As expected, Shishou is popular."

Zanoba seems tired after continuing to referee the matches.

Somehow, this guy has no stamina.

"I'm tired… What about Shishou? Aren't you tired as well?"

"No, I'm fine. However, before the party, it would be nice to change out of these dirty clothes."

"Hmmm… I see."

After saying that, Zanoba looked down at his own clothing.

Mud had splashed up onto him as a result of the magic, it had dried and caked.

Of course, he was in the midst of battle as well.

"Then, let's quickly go home. What about your sister?"

"Norn said she needed to participate in the cleanup. She knows the meeting place, so it should be fine if she comes back on her own."

"Is that so…"

Then, Zanoba looks away from me suddenly.

His line of sight is focused behind me and slightly upward.

Looking back, I try to follow his view with my eyes.

There.

I found it immediately.

Short dark brown hair peered out from the roof.

Beside it golden blond curls blew in the wind.

"Julie, Ginger."

"Yes."

"Can you go home ahead of me and prepare a change of clothes?"

"Of course."

Those two nodded and left.

They had decided to no longer be in a master servant relationship, but no matter how you look at it, it's still the same.

I suppose it's not something you can change immediately.

"Well then Shishou, let's go visit."

"Yeah."

I nodded at Zanoba's words and then entered the school.

Part 5

"I was watching the whole thing. Rudeus is strong."

As we entered the roof, Cliff said that looking tired.

At his side was Elinalize.

I knew she came to the graduation ceremony, because my house was asked in advance to look after Clive.

Oh, she is dressed in her uniform even though she has quit from school.

I don't know what the rules are for those uniforms at the school.

Anyway, it's the graduation ceremony today.

It shouldn't matter where she wears it.

"Is that what's expected from the 'Dragon God's Right Hand?"

"Please don't tease me. It was like that even before the fight with Orsted."

"Yeah, that's right."

Saying that, Cliff leaned his weight against the rooftop railing.

"Cliff-senpai, why are you up here anyway?"

"I don't really have a reason, sometimes I just want to climb up to high places."

Cliff said so while looking up at the sky.

Seeking high places.

Sometimes people do that.

Because I am not very good with heights, the place I go is Paul's grave.

"Anyway, congratulations on graduation Cliff-senpai."

"Thank you."

I went up next to Cliff and pushed my weight against the railing in the same way.

I do not think that Cliff will jump off, but it comes to mind.

Zanoba also moved to the opposite side of Cliff.

Elinalize stands off to the side, just watching the three of us.

Ah, looking at us now, it's a youthful setting.

If I think about it, Cliff is in the full swing of youth.

Twenty two years old.

A parent graduating.

He seems to have a lot of troubles.

No, no.

That's a stupid thing, couldn't I have him tell me about it at the banquet today?

He doesn't know about it, it would be trouble if one of the leading men canceled at the last minute.

"Cliff-senpai, after this, what are you doing?"

Is my timing okay?

It doesn't matter if you come back with us, or if you slip home for some war time with Elinalize.

That's my intention when I asked him.

" … "

Cliff answered my question with silence.

Is it hard to reply?

Perhaps, you haven't got to enjoy your uniform play with Elinalize yet?

"… I've talked it over with Lize, and considered it."

Cliff paused for a few seconds and then spoke.

"I want you to wait one year."

For a moment, I did not understand what I had been told.

The reservation at the tavern is for today.

There is no way we can wait an entire year.

"Well, until your child has grown a little more, is what you mean?"

Zanoba's words help me straighten my thoughts.

Back in January Cliff had said that he would 'give me an answer before the graduation ceremony.'

He was trying to give me that answer just now.

No, I had not forgotten.

I had thought it would be fine to hear it after today because of the graduation and banquet.

"Yeah, Clive is still pretty small. At least until he is weaned, I want to watch over him."

With a serious face, Cliff looked down over the Magic City Sharia.

When you look from up here, the entire cityscape can be easily seen.

My house stands out a bit because of the green roof…

"To go to the Holy Land of Milis from here takes two years.

However Rudeus, if I use the teleportation magic at your place, it becomes possible to shorten the travel time.

I don't know if I can do with less, but a grace period of a year should be fine at least."

It seems Cliff believes that it is absolutely necessary for him to return home two years after graduation.

It's a matter of duty.

"That magic, I can use it?"

"Of course, no matter what, you can use it."

"Thanks."

Teleportation magic is taboo.

It's not something people would use even in an emergency, Cliff may have some hesitation about employing it for a private matter.

"And then, Rudeus. About the matter of joining your company, or becoming your associate…"

Cliff seemed to be having trouble saying it.

Is this the kind of flow where I'm refused?

At least if he will listen to reason, I'm sure I can persuade him…

"About that, I'd also like you to wait."

"To wait?"

"Ah, I'm sure, with the Dragon God Orsted's backing, I can achieve a high position in the Milis religious order."

We could raise him to the top.

Orsted should be familiar with the internal workings of the Milis order.

There is a possibility that, because of his long series of loops, he knows the weaknesses of the order's leaders in this period.

"However, I feel that would be useless."

" … "

"For me, my own strength has been my best asset so far. How far that strength can take me in the Milis order, it's something I would like to know as well… A chair made for me by someone else's hands, I don't want to sit in it."

Cliff clenched his fist as he said that.

I can understand.

It's the same as the people who challenged me to a duel earlier.

It's the desire to test one's own ability.

It's the part of Cliff which is still a boy.

"As a result, once I stand at the top of the Milis order, I will become your associate."

Hmmmm.

Cliff wants to stand at the top, but in this situation it seems I won't be able to help.

Just falling from power is fine.

I should just find another inroad to the Milis Order, and Cliff, he could even just become the exclusive helmet craftsman.

I'm reluctant to put him in a position where he will be murdered.

I really don't want a dead friend.

Or, since Cliff wants to be challenged, should I just let it slide.

"And so, Cliff, you intend to go alone in a year? What about your family?"

Zanoba spoke instead of me.

If that's so, Elinalize and Clive, I wonder what they will do.

Cliff has a hard face.

Rather, it's a troubled face, it doesn't seem apologetic, but it's a face full of decision.

"I'll leave them."

"… For how long?"

"At least until I'm full-fledged."

Full-fledged.

You mean, in short, you don't know how long.

Looking over at Elinalize, she is still with her arms folded at her stomach, and her eyes are closed.

Is that acknowledgement?

But what good does that do?

Also, wouldn't it be better if Elinalize is near Cliff and can watch over and support him?

A version of Cliff's magic tool that will do more than ease her curse is still years away.

No, there is nothing for me to say here.

Cliff discussed this with Elinalize and came to this decision.

This might be a big turning point for Cliff.

"I understand."

If I respect Cliff's wishes, there is a risk.

If Cliff dies because I let him slip out of my reach, I will lose my connection to the Holy Milis Kingdom.

I will also lose the person who is best at studying curses.

But, there is also the possibility for a return.

By struggling alone, Cliff may also slightly grow.

After he joins up with us, Cliff who has grown should be someone who can be relied upon more than now.

I don't know how it weighs against the risk, but there should be a benefit.

If I think about it like that, there shouldn't be a problem.

Cliff has decided his path, Elinalize has acknowledged it.

Then, I think I should respect their opinion.

"Then, in one year, thank you."

"Ah, you're welcome."

Saying so, Cliff holds out his hand.

Grasping his hand, I nodded significantly.

However, considering nothing will happen until Cliff becomes full-fledged, it might be more then three years from now before he joins us.

Then at that time, I'll employ Cliff. I need to draw the distinction.

Yeah… First, we can go ahead and get in touch with Ariel's side.

Doll sales with Zanoba have just begun, and I must work to increase our mercenary force as well.

Speaking of which, I also want to foray into the Asura kingdom.

For one year, I think, we can work towards the capture of the Asura area and then decide on our future plans.

It'll be busy.

… But before that.

Why don't we just celebrate the graduation today?

"Alright, Cliff-senpai, let's put an end to this difficult talk. Today, let's go someplace and make merry."

"… That's right!"

In this way, the graduation ceremony of Zanoba and Cliff came to an end.