Editor : Amethyst00



“No matter how much I think about it, it’s strange.”

“What doesn’t?”

Leo looked puzzled at Carl’s muttering.

“Think about it. Overnight, the whole undead incident gets wrapped up neatly, and then we just continue joint classes like nothing happened.”

“Well, it could happen.”

“And besides,” Carl leaned in, grinning slyly, “that same day, you and those Seiren girls just so happened to get a one-day probation. Don’t you smell something fishy?”

Watching Carl smile meaningfully, Leo laughed inwardly.

‘He's sharp as ever.’

“Carl, would you like to present your thoughts on this magic formula?”

“Gah!”

Startled by Herdium’s sudden call, Carl hastily stood up, flipping through his textbook.

By now, after several days, both sides’ students were used to the rhythm of joint lessons.

“So, I think using a pentagram when activating this magic formula wouldn’t be a bad idea.”

“Hmm. Not bad at all.”

Herdium nodded.

A few elf students also scribbled notes with serious expressions.

The joint lessons had certainly produced positive results.

‘Though the one who’s had the greatest impact on our students is that student…’

Herdium’s eyes moved from the Seiren students to Leo, his face showing satisfaction.

Leo’s presence was a shock to Seiren’s prideful students.

None would admit it outright because of their pride, but every one of them could feel it—

When it came to understanding star sorcery, none of them could match Leo.

‘Some of them are willing to acknowledge Leo and learn from him, while others can’t because of their pride. But even just realizing how vast the world really is—that alone is a valuable lesson.’

Herdium nodded, but his face clouded with a faint envy.

‘I envy Lumene’s first years.’

Not because Leo was simply talented.

‘There are plenty of talented students. But ones who can serve as catalysts, sparking growth in those around them… they’re rare. Extremely rare.’

After wrapping up the lesson with a few more points, Herdium closed the textbook.

“With this, I will end the class. I hope you gained something from the joint classes over the past few days.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the students stretched and rose from their seats.

Groups began forming here and there, discussing the lesson, when Herdium called out:

“Leo.”

“Yes.”

“Would you step outside with me for a moment?”

Leo, curious, followed Herdium out.

“Why do you think Professor Herdium wanted to see Leo at the very end of class?”

“Probably to talk more about star sorcery. He’s been especially fond of Leo-oppa, didn't he?.”

Though the first day had been tense, ever since Leo deciphered Luna’s magic, Herdium had shown him a marked favor.

“Well, whatever.”

Carl rose energetically from his seat.

“Huh? Where are you going?”

“I’m thinking we should invite the Seiren kids to tonight’s after-party.”

Carl grinned as he walked up to Lunia.

Lunia, who had been tidying her writing tools, looked up curiously.

“What is it?”

“We’re having a get-together at our dorm tonight. Thought I’d see if any of you Seiren folks were interested. Want to come?”

“Get-together?”

“Yeah. I mean, we’ve had classes together—it’d be nice to celebrate. On the last day, we should relax and hang out.”

“C-could I come too?”

“Oh! Eiran. Of course.”

“I’ll spread the word to the others.”

“Perfect!”

Carl flashed another grin.

As he returned to his seat, Chelsea commented dryly:

“Well, I’ve got to hand it to you. Bold as ever.”

“Heh. That’s what sets me apart from those uptight nobles.”

bl

“It’s been a short time, but teaching you has been enjoyable, Leo. Not as a teacher, but as a fellow scholar of star sorcery, I found it memorable.”

“That’s because you guided us well, Professor.”

In truth, the lessons hadn’t been of much help to Leo personally—but they had been invaluable to the others.

Smiling faintly at Leo’s reply, Herdium’s face suddenly grew serious.

After glancing around, he lowered his voice.

“So let me ask you, Leo.”

“Yes.”

“Don’t you have any elf blood in your ancestry?”

“…”

“Maybe several generations back? Or some family history involving elves?”

“No. Why do you ask?”

“…Would you consider transferring to Seiren?”

“…”

Leo blinked, caught off guard by the sudden scout proposal.

“Teacher Herdium, you’re overstepping.”

Sighing, Harrid walked over and pulled Herdium away.

Even as he was being dragged off, Herdium shouted back:

“Leo! Seiren’s doors are always open to you! If you’re interested, contact us anytime! Even as an exchange student—!”

Leo chuckled at the professor’s voice fading down the hall.

bl

That evening.

While the Lumene students were busy preparing for their after-party, the Seiren students arrived at the dorms.

Not everyone came, but most did—the ones who had shown the greatest interest in Lumene’s style of teaching.

“There’s more of them than I expected.”

“The more the merrier! Chelsea, let’s bring out the rest of the snacks.”

“Mm.”

At Nella’s suggestion, Eliana cheerfully agreed.

While Chelsea and Eliana went to fetch snacks, the Seiren students settled into places.

“Um… I don’t see Leo-nim?”

“He’s in the kitchen, cooking.”

Nella laughed as she answered Eiran’s timid question.

“L-Leo-nim himself is cooking for us…!”

Eiran’s face flushed crimson, and she fumbled nervously.

“Should we help with anything, Nella-yang?” Lunia asked.

Nella gave a languid smile.

“I can’t possibly make guests do chores. Just enjoy yourselves.”

A few Seiren boys blushed at the sight of Nella, the most beautiful girl in Class 5, smiling.

“Heh. Men are the same everywhere.”

“Well, Nella’s a beauty even by elf standards.”

Carl smirked, and Tade shrugged.

Moments later, Eliana and Chelsea returned, arms full of snacks.

The elf students showed great curiosity toward the human sweets, which weren’t seen in their city.

“Eiran-unni, Eiran-unni. Come here a moment.”

Chelsea, who had quickly bonded with Eiran over shared hobbies, called her over with a grin.

“What is it, Chelsea-yang?”

“Check this out.”

Chelsea held out a bread wrapper.

“…And?”

“Open it like this, and inside—”

She pulled out a small card.

“Ta-da!”

“Wha—? Why is there a card in the bread?”

“It’s a trend back where we’re from. Cards of famous heroes come with the bread. Let’s see… oh! This one’s an elf hero!”

“It’s Reginia-nim, the Wind of Sliana! Incredible!”

“They’re random like this. Sometimes even Great Hero cards appear.”

Eiran’s eyes sparkled.

As a collector, this was exactly the kind of thing that grabbed her interest.

The other elves were intrigued too—everyone who dreamed of becoming a hero had a deep fascination with anything hero-related.

“Hm. Could be worth money if you collect the right ones.”

Carl stroked his chin thoughtfully.

Meanwhile, Leo emerged from the kitchen.

“What, everyone’s already here?”

He floated dishes out with magic, setting down the food.

“Alright, fill your cups, everyone!”

Eliana cheered, and the students poured drinks.

“Now, our proud class representatives—say a word each, on behalf of our schools!”

At that, Lunia stood.

“Ahem. It’s been a short time, but a valuable one. I hope we’ll keep challenging each other, learning from one another, and moving forward toward our goals.”

“Well said, model student! Now for our class rep!”

Eliana gave a thumbs-up toward Lunia, then pointed at Leo.

“Don’t spend all your time studying—make sure to have fun when you can, too.”

“See? Our rep’s a secret slacker.”

Eliana chuckled and raised her cup.

“Alright, then! To this meeting—cheers!”

“Cheers!”

The party began.

At first, the atmosphere was a bit stiff, but soon both Seiren and Lumene students were laughing and chatting together.

“Ha ha ha! Who wants some booze?”

Carl came downstairs lugging bottles.

“What if Professor Harrid catches us?”

“I already obtained the info that tonight Professor Harrid has an appointment with the Chairman of the Council and won’t come.”

“As expected from Carl! Always reliable in times like this!”

Watching the reckless Lumene kids, Lunia muttered:

“They’ve got such a terrifying homeroom teacher, yet they still dare to try stuff like this.”

“That’s because our classmates are idiots,” Chelsea replied dryly, striding over.

“You guys! Drinking? In front of Seiren students? Aren’t you embarrassed? Put that away, now!”

Her scolding was met with boos.

“Boo!”

“Teacher’s pet!”

Chelsea only smiled, drawing her wand.

“Eek!”

“Run!”

As panic spread, Carl stepped in.

“Chelsea, it’s just a little harmless fun.”

“Absolutely not.”

“It’s fine, no one’s going to force a little kid like you to drink—wahahaha!”

At the hated words “little kid,” Chelsea’s expression went ice-cold.

She snatched a bottle, yanked it open, and shoved the neck straight into Carl’s mouth.

“C-koff! Koff!?”

“Then be a grown-up and drink it all yourself.”

As Carl gagged, Leo intervened.

“Chelsea, just for tonight—it’s fine. It’ll be a memory.”

“…If you say so, Leo-oppa.”

“If anyone causes trouble, I’ll deal with it.”

At Leo’s smile, the students who had cheered for the alcohol quickly sobered, resolving to pace themselves.

Thus, a few bottles made their way into the party.

Some Seiren students, sneaking glances at Lunia, timidly tried a few sips themselves.

Leo also sat quietly with his own cup, chuckling softly.

“Um… L-Leo-nim. Here. Have some food with your drink.”

Eiran shyly brought him a plate.

“Thanks.”

Leo smiled gently, and Eiran flushed again.

Hesitating, she finally gathered her courage.

“I just… wanted to thank you.”

“Hm? For what?”

“For meeting you. I think… it helped me change, even just a little.”

Her cheeks burned as she spoke.

“When you said, back in the Fairy Forest, that I was like our ancestor… those words gave me courage. I… I want to return to Seiren.”

“That so? I’m glad.”

Leo smiled warmly.

Blushing furiously, Eiran lowered her head, her ears reddening all the way to the tips.

In truth, the reason she had found the courage to return to school was that she had found a new goal.

‘I want to witness Leo-nim’s heroic tale by his side.’

The way Leo had challenged the impossible reminded her of the Great Heroes she had only read about in fairy tales.

Entranced, she thought:

‘I want to follow after him.’

Admiration became longing, and longing became resolve.

“I’ll definitely come to Lumene during the school exchange program or as an exchange student! Let’s study together then!”

“Alright. Until then, take care of yourself at Seiren.”

Leo chuckled, patting her head.

Eiran covered her face, flustered beyond measure.

Just then, Lunia approached.

“Well, well. You two are getting along well.”

“What about you?”

“This kind of after-party isn’t bad.”

For Seiren students, who were used to only extravagant events, a self-made, student-run gathering was refreshing.

“These last few days were meaningful. I saw how Lumene students learn—and how strong they are.”

Her orange-red eyes glinted with competitiveness.

“And I learned that Lumene has someone like you.”

Thanks to the Fairy Forest, she’d realized the truth—

That Leo, though the same age, was her superior.

Until now, she had never thought she lagged behind her peers anywhere. For her, Leo’s existence was a shock.

But she wasn’t the type to be crushed by it.

“I’ll never lose. I’ll train, grow stronger, and surpass you.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

“Good. Keep on your toes.”

Lunia smiled brightly, then suddenly turned serious.

“By the way.”

“Hm?”

“That spell you interpreted on the first day—the Poet’s spell. What kind of magic was it?”

“Didn’t Herdium tell you?”

“He only said he’d announce it during an all-school lecture once we’re back.”

Because of how precious the Poet’s magic was, Herdium had chosen to reveal it in a formal setting, in front of everyone.

But Lunia’s curiosity burned too strongly. That’s why she was asking Leo directly.

Leo smiled, and extended his hand.

Hum—!

With a warm glow, a single flower bloomed.

“…Huh?”

Lunia stared, bewildered at the fresh blossom.

“Uh… so… this is…”

In the sudden situation, Lunia, at a loss, slightly shyly smiled and accepted the flower.

“Why are you suddenly giving me a flower?”

“It’s a spell to make flowers bloom.”

“…What?”

“The magic I interpreted. It’s a spell to bloom flowers.”

“….”

“Wait—did you think I was giving you the flower? How cute.”

Lunia’s face turned bright red with fury.

“You bastard—! Are you making fun of me right now!”

Her eyes sparked as she grabbed Leo by the collar.

The Lumene and Seiren students watching froze.

“T-they’re fighting!”

“Stop them! Stop them!”

Thus, the last night in Velkia came to a close.