| Author: Eltria | Original Source: Syosetu |
| Translator: Mui | English Source: Re:Library |
| Editor(s): Robinxen | |
“Hey, Alfe. How about we replace your contact lens with a new one?”
“No, it’s fine. Things are going to get busy soon, and I’m not having any trouble with it.”
Alfe, who usually agreed without hesitation, shook her head this time, which was unusual.
“More importantly, Leafa, look!” Alfe, smiling again, pointed to the Academy City Canalford, which was now close.
The Canalford Academy was the premier academy city of the Arcadia Empire, built in the Gracefield Territory.
The term “Canalford Academy” referred to all the educational institutions within the city, including the kindergarten, elementary school, high school, university, and even higher research institutes.
“The Colosseum is huge. Do you think your Arkecius1 will be able to perform well, Leafa?”
“Well, who knows?”
Near the city center by the waterfront stood a sturdy Colosseum, clearly visible even from the lake. At the Canalford High Education School, which we were about to attend, a mock battle competition called the “Zel Stella (Martial Banquet)” involving mecha soldiers, was held every August in this Colosseum. It was widely known as a traditional civilian entertainment in the militaristic Arcadia Empire.
Well, considering I lived through the real wars when I was Glass, I suppose this era was peaceful enough that such things were enjoyed as mere entertainment.
“…For better or worse, we’ll come to understand what it means to live in a militaristic state.”
“I’m in the Military Science Department, and I will use my knowledge and skills to serve Master.”
“Yeah. I’m counting on you, Hom.”
Military strength would indeed be useful if something happened. After all, it wasn’t entirely impossible for a goddess’ whim to lead to the destruction of a country.
There were even unsettling rumors that a small village in the distant Canado region had disappeared overnight due to a historic storm, so I couldn’t dismiss the possibility that the goddesses might interfere with me personally.
That’s why I had Hom specialize in military science. Even if her capabilities were limited, it wouldn’t hurt to have those skills at her disposal.
“…But since we’re in the city, I want to do something more stylish and cute too.”
At Canalford Academy, Alfe would continue studying magic, while I would be in the Engineering Department, focusing on alchemy. Even though military subjects were mandatory, our main focus was still academic.
“That suits you better, Alfe.”
Shifting my gaze from the Colosseum, I looked toward the university area in the northeast. The large domed building was the university’s observatory, a landmark of the campus.
“It would be romantic to watch the stars with you there, Leafa.”
“You could major in astrology when we get to university.”
I wasn’t sure what path Alfe would choose, but I didn’t need her to follow mine. I decided to keep my plan to aim for the Niflheim Medical University a secret for now. Alfe’s parents would probably feel lonely if she went any further away.
“It would be great if I could monopolize the observatory with you and Hom.” Alfe, unaware of my thoughts, spoke cheerfully. Hom, suddenly brought into the conversation, blinked with a serious expression and tilted her head slightly.
“Would it still be called monopolizing it with three people?”
That was a good point, but the sentiment was clear enough.
“We’re always together, like we’re one and the same, so it’s fine to call it that.” Alfe smiled happily and hugged both me and Hom tightly.
“Such kind words.” Hom, who seemed completely accustomed to Alfe’s embraces, smiled as well.
I couldn’t help but think about the worst-case scenarios, but I wanted Hom to keep smiling like this. Even though she bore the fate of fighting to protect us, I, as her creator, needed to become stronger too.
As the three of us chatted while watching the shoreline, the ship began to slow down, preparing to dock at the port.
“It seems like we should start getting ready to disembark, Master,” Hom suggested, her keen ears catching the announcement from a crew member on deck about retrieving stored luggage.
“Shall I go check on Arkecius, Master?”
“Yeah. I’m counting on you, Hom.”
One of the mandatory subjects was mecha soldier training, which included real combat exercises. Since I was unable to grow out of my youthful appearance, I had been granted special permission to bring an Arkecius suited to my physique, thanks to a prior request.
Once we disembark, the first thing to do will be to retrieve Arkecius from the ship’s hold and arrange for its transportation as a large cargo2.
