A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special - Chapter 61

Episode 61. Summer Break (2)

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Humid and sweltering—the last Friday of the term.
When the announcement went up that Summer Break would soon begin, the students of Hebrion Academy erupted in celebration.
In that festive atmosphere, the Spellcraft lecture was underway.
When Dezir Armang stepped into the classroom, Azest and Romantica were already seated.
Fram wasn’t there—there was no need for him to attend a Spellcraft class.
“Good morning, Dezir.”
“Good morning.”
“Morning to you.”
Dezir returned their greetings, set the book he’d brought on the desk, and pulled up a chair next to Romantica.
Romantica noticed the dark circles under his eyes and asked casually.
“You look especially tired today. Didn’t sleep well?”
Dezir stifled a yawn before answering.
“I had a nightmare and woke up early.”
“You, having nightmares? That’s rare. Though I’ve had plenty of dreams where you show up.”
“How do I appear in them?”
“Naturally, as a Demon Lord.”
“……I see.”
Romantica reached into her pocket and handed something to Dezir.
“If you’re tired, eat this. It’s Bridgette’s lecture—falling asleep would be a disaster.”
“You’re right. Thanks.”
What Romantica had given him was a Mint Candy.
Dezir took it and popped it into his mouth. The cool flavor spread across his tongue and slid down his throat.
There was about five minutes left before class began.
Dezir turned to Azest and Romantica with a question.
“Summer Break is coming up soon. Do you two have anything special planned?”
“Nothing in particular. I’m thinking of staying at the academy.”
Azest answered. In Dezir’s memory, she had always remained at the academy during breaks.
“I’m planning to go back home. It’s been ages since I’ve seen my parents, and letters only go so far. I should show my face at least once.”
“Oh, how convenient. Your home is the Prilecha Kingdom, isn’t it?”
“Yes. It’s a place with a truly beautiful coastline.”
Prilecha Kingdom.
Small in territory, weak in military power compared to other nations.
Yet Prilecha Kingdom, built on commerce and finance, possessed a solid economic foundation that earned it the title of economic powerhouse, securing its place as a pillar of the Western Kingdom Alliance.
“That’s good. Fortunate timing.”
“Why? What are you plotting this time?”
Romantica, recalling past events, felt an inexplicable sense of unease.
“There’s one schedule during this break. Fortunately, it doesn’t seem to conflict with your plans.”
“Did you actually listen to what I said? I clearly told you I was going home.”
“Exactly. That’s why our party is heading to Prilecha Kingdom to match your schedule during Summer Break.”
Dezir continued.
“I’ll discuss it again once Fram is present, but a martial tournament called the Yellow Ocean is being held in Prilecha Kingdom. Our party will be entering that tournament.”
“Ah, so that’s where you planned to compete.”
If one were to list what Prilecha Kingdom was famous for, the thriving markets, the beautiful sea, and the Yellow Ocean tournament were essential inclusions.
The Yellow Ocean tournament was a martial competition where young people under twenty tested their skills, with talented mages and swordsmen from various countries gathering to participate.
“The Yellow Ocean tournament draws skilled competitors from across the realm. I’m not sure our current strength would earn us impressive results.”
Romantica expressed her doubts.
“With your skills, you should have confidence. Achieving the 3rd Circle at your age isn’t common.”
“Well, that’s because it’s me, after all!”
“Confidence is fine, but don’t let it become arrogance. Azest here is also 3rd Circle, and Jord, the head of the Magic Tower, reached 3rd Circle three years younger than you.”
Romantica, who had been puffing herself up, deflated immediately at his words.
“If our party performs well in that tournament, the party’s reputation will rise, and that will certainly help us in the future.”
“Indeed…… if we achieve good results in a tournament that commands the attention of all nations, it would surely be beneficial.”
Azest nodded in agreement.
Romantica felt the same way.
“It’s a good idea. If we can win there, we’ll never have to hear ourselves dismissed as a commoner’s party again. And I’ve wanted to participate in something like this for a while anyway.”
“Right. Then all we need to do is ask Fram.”
The registration period wasn’t long, so we’d need to hurry.
The Yellow Ocean Tournament would begin in three weeks.
“So I can finally rest for a bit! I can’t remember the last time I had a break like this.”
Romantica spoke with evident delight, and Dezir asked what she meant.
“What are you talking about, Romantica? You’ll still be training after classes today.”
“What!?”
Training will continue at the same pace as before.
“Hey, does it really have to be that way? Did you forget how much I helped you clear the Shadow World?”
“That’s separate from this.”
“But still……!”
“You haven’t forgotten the contract terms, have you?”
The contract terms.
Absolute obedience to the party leader’s orders.
Especially when it comes to training!
“That’s despicable and underhanded!”
Romantica snorted and turned away with a pouty expression.
For an instant, Dezir saw something overlaid onto that image.
Suddenly his ears rang with a dull ache. A scream seemed to echo from somewhere.
In that moment, several images flashed across his vision.
A lower half severed and flying. Blood splattering and dripping.
Dezir felt his heart clench as if it were being wrung out.
“What’s wrong? Why are you staring at me like that?”
He snapped back to reality at the sound of Romantica’s voice.
‘This time, I absolutely won’t…….’
Dezir squeezed his eyes shut, then opened them.
“Romantica, let’s double your training today.”
“What in the woooorld!?”
At those words, Romantica’s face went pale as if the breath were being knocked out of her.
“Wait, are you seriously doing this because I said you were underhanded?”
Dezir said nothing and began gathering his open book without ceremony.
“Excuse me, Dezir. I’m sorry. I spoke out of turn. Please forgive me. Wait—hold on! Dezir, where are you going!”
Dezir gathered his book and moved to the front row. It was the seat next to Azest.
Romantica started to follow him in confusion.
“Good morning, everyone! What a perfect morning for studying magic theory!”
But the moment Bridgette entered, Romantica could only watch Dezir helplessly, like a dog that had lost its prey.

* * *

Noon.
The stone Great Hall was suffocating with heat and humidity.
Many people had gathered in the Great Hall. Most were students, though several teachers were scattered among them.
Justin, the headmaster of Hebrion Academy, climbed onto the podium and switched on the sound amplification device.
As Justin took a deep breath, the noisy Great Hall fell silent in an instant. He cleared his throat and began to speak.
“There have been many scientists, and there have been many mages. The Circle Magic System pioneered by Rokhilt became the foundation of modern magic, and the Enchantment Technology developed by Jord opened new horizons for humanity. Countless scientists and mages have contributed to mankind, and as a result, humanity has endured and overcome the catastrophe of the Shadow World.”
He paused to catch his breath before continuing his address.
“I believe you, too, will follow in their footsteps. I have no doubt that you will become the second Rokhilt, the second Jord. Hebrion Academy, the greatest and largest magic academy on the continent, will spare no effort in supporting you.”
Justin looked at the faces of the students before him. Their reactions were mixed. Some bored, some delighted, some thrilled, some indifferent.
He chuckled to himself, thinking that children were children after all, and delivered the oldest, most ceremonial words in the world.
“I’ll end my remarks here. Let me now declare the beginning of summer break for Hebrion Academy.”
A roar of cheers erupted throughout the Great Hall. It was the true beginning of summer vacation.
The students filed out like a receding tide.
After the address ended, Dezir’s party gathered separately.
Romantica, Azest, Fram, and Dezir—all looking somewhat weary.
Unlike the other party members, Romantica had a large trunk with her. Since Dezir, Fram, and Azest had decided to stay at the academy, Romantica was the only one leaving.
“You worked hard this past week.”
…….
“It’s all for you, Romantica. The stronger you become, the more efficiently we can clear the Shadow World going forward.”
“Hmph!”
Romantica was thoroughly sulking. It was true that training right up until the day before Summer Break had been excessive.
“You’ll miss your train, Romantica. We should get you going.”
“I know, Fram.”
It was time to leave.
“Rest well, then. We’ll meet in Prilecha Kingdom in a week.”
Romantica turned away without answering Dezir Armang and strode out of the Great Hall.
The door swung shut behind her.
Romantica walked briskly along the corridor, and after some distance, she glanced back over her shoulder with a sidelong look.
Dezir Armang had stepped outside the Great Hall and was still waving toward her.
With her irritation softening a touch, Romantica spoke.
“Don’t think you can get away with being late!”

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