Chapter 67: Escort Mission: A Call to Duty

“Elysia, Celian. Both of you should come to my office after class.”

What could this be about?

The homeroom teacher, who usually never calls for a meeting unless it’s necessary, had summoned both Celian and me at the same time.

“Do you know what this is about?”

“Well, no. This is the first time something like this has happened to me…”

I suppose… For me, it was mostly because of my scholarship that I was called a few times, but for Celian, who didn’t need to worry about such things, how often could she have been called?

“Could it be that the incident last weekend, when we came back after curfew and entered the dorm, has reached the professor?”

“But when it comes to the dorms, it’s entirely up to the dorm supervisor. There’s no way Professor Ferrent would be concerned about it…”

We made our way to the professor’s building, speculating about the reason we were both called.

“Well, it’s probably nothing serious.”

It turned out to be nothing serious.

“So, Elysia, Celian. You two will be escorting the Saint to the capital.”

“Huh? Mariel-senpai?”

Why is the Saint being mentioned all of a sudden?

“Hmm? You already know her? Well, that works out better. I guess that’s why she made the request.”

I had casually referred to Mariel-senpai, but it was hard to say that we had a close relationship.

If I had to define it, we had barely even exchanged greetings.

“Anyway, since the Saint specifically requested you two, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t refuse. Don’t worry, the academy and the temple will cooperate so that your grades won’t be affected.”

At least it wasn’t like last time, where I lost a week because of hospitalization.

“But escorting her? We’re just first-year students. There are much stronger people, and if they had to choose from students, there are plenty of seniors in the fourth year.”

Celian’s point was very reasonable considering just the details of the situation.

However, Ferrent silently scratched the bridge of his nose in response to Celian’s comment.

“Celian, for you to call yourself a ‘normal first-year’… as your homeroom teacher, I find that rather surprising. Your abilities are far beyond what any normal academy student could achieve.”

And of course, Elysia is far too outstanding to be considered a “normal first-year.”

…I hadn’t even brought it up, but now my face was burning.

However, Celian, who had said it, frowned as if she didn’t like it.

“Anyway, escorting her is nothing too complicated. It’s not like we’re sending two academy students to guard the Saint alone.”

“Then…?”

“You two will just stay close to the Saint. If you had to describe it…”

“You mean like attendants?”

“Hmm… It may not sound great, but that’s probably the best way to put it.”

Of course, I wasn’t bothered by the term.

Being called an attendant wasn’t necessarily offensive, and I didn’t think the Saint would be troublesome to us.

At least, from my experience with Mariel, the Saint, she wasn’t like that.

Though, I did get the feeling she might cause some annoyance in other ways.

“There will probably be a special scholarship offered as well.”

“I’ll do it! Please let me do it!”

With a scholarship added to the offer, there was no reason to hesitate.

There would be no negative impact on my studies, I’d get to become closer with the Saint, gain some experience, and even receive a scholarship.

It would be foolish to refuse this offer. At least, for someone like me.

For Celian, who didn’t feel a lack of money, this wasn’t as attractive.

When I turned my head and looked at Celian, she didn’t seem pleased. I wondered if she took offense at being referred to as an “attendant.”

But in the end, Celian accepted Professor Ferrent’s proposal.

“Alright. When do we leave?”

“Tomorrow. Right away.”

So, I spent the night, bombarding Yuri and Anne with questions about what was going on, while packing my things.

Since the academy had already arranged for many of the necessary supplies, I only needed to pack a few personal items.

“Come on, hurry up.”

When I arrived early at the agreed meeting spot, a few people had already arrived.

An older-looking wizard who seemed to be one of the professors, Selene, the homeroom teacher for the 1st-year Swordsmanship Department’s second class, and Saint Mariel, who was already seated in the carriage.

Although it was only three people, it felt like a lot.

As I looked around, the wizard among the group called out to me.

“You must be Elysia Frentz.”

“Hello.”

He was a face I didn’t recognize, but it was clear he was someone of higher status than me.

However, I couldn’t help but wonder why he was acknowledging only me, leaving Celian out. But there was a reason.

“Last time, one of my students neglected the barrier maintenance and caused some trouble, so I’ll have to apologize on his behalf.”

“No, it’s alright. He was properly compensated for that, and everything turned out fine in the end. Please don’t worry about it.”

“Well, my student is also reflecting on his actions, so he’s doing some volunteer work. I’ll make sure he apologizes to you personally next time you meet.”

“Now, since everyone is here, shall we head out?”

I was about to say there was no need, but Selene suddenly interjected.

“…With five of us?”

“What happened to that bold attitude you showed last time? Why are you suddenly acting so timid now? Anyway, don’t worry. The Saint will use her holy magic to conceal us, so the demons won’t be able to see us.”

“But it’s not just demons we’re dealing with…”

“I don’t think any of those small fry would be able to break through me, Professor Hilfin, or even get past you to harm the Saint. Unless a Sword Master or a Grand Mage shows up, but they have their own business to tend to.”

“Well, if that’s the case…”

Even though I didn’t like his personality, I could trust Professor Selene’s skills. With him and Professor Hilfin, along with Celian, it would take a Sword Master to make a serious attempt at an ambush.

“Then go ahead and get in. Professor Hilfin and I will sit in the coachman’s seat.”

“Even so, I should sit there instead of you, Professor…”

Although it was my first time meeting this professor, I politely tried to offer.

“…If you’re going to say something fake, at least try to make your expression look convincing.”

Since I had no intention of hiding anything from Selene, I shrugged my shoulders.

“Anyway, it’s better that I drive the carriage than leave it to you little ones. Don’t worry about it, just go inside and make sure to cater to the Saint.”

Celian had already entered the carriage and was chatting with Mariel. Professor Hilfin occupied one side of the coachman’s seat.

After seeing me enter the carriage, Selene finally made his way to the empty coachman’s seat and took the reins.

“What made you choose us?”

As soon as I entered the carriage, I heard Celian’s voice.

Her voice was directed sharply at Saint Mariel.

“Ugh… when you act like that, it makes me uncomfortable too.”

Mariel seemed taken aback by Celian’s hostile attitude.

“Half of it is my own decision, but the other half was what the Goddess told me, right?”

“The Goddess Serena…?”

“Yes. Goddess Serena specifically told me to keep an eye on Frentz and Deretia, and to keep you two close.”

I understood why Celian was involved, but why me?

“Hello, Frentz! It’s great to see you again!”

While Celian fell silent and seemed lost in thought, Mariel greeted me warmly.

“Hello.”

“Alright, alright. Come sit down.”

Mariel patted the seat beside her, encouraging me to sit.

I hesitated for a moment, but since she had kindly offered, I felt it would be awkward to refuse. As I moved toward the seat beside Mariel, Celian, who had been lost in thought, suddenly grabbed my wrist.

Being pulled by Celian, I naturally ended up sitting beside her.

I was concerned that Celian’s excessive wariness might upset Mariel, so I glanced over at her, but fortunately, she seemed unaffected.

“Mariel… no, Saint. Even so, there was no need to drag in an ordinary person like El. If you really needed someone, you could have just called the Hero… or me, the one who is an ‘advisor.'”

“Uh… sorry? But really, the Goddess did mention both of you. If I upset you, I’m really sorry.”

Mariel’s face was filled with sincere apology, her expression making me feel guilty just by looking at her.

Eventually, it seemed like Celian gave in.

“Sigh… it’s in the past, so it can’t be helped. But next time, please consider it carefully. I want to get along with you, Mariel… Saint.”

“Yes! Then are we all good now?”

“I’m actually fine with it since I can receive a scholarship…”

I quietly tried to voice my opinion, but for some reason, it seemed like neither of the two could hear me.