Chapter 64.2 - The First Year at the Academy - Those Who Struggle (2)
Chapter 64.2. The First Year at the Academy – Those Who Struggle (2)
A week had passed since Lily started working in the gardens.
I visited the academy to see how things were going while I was out shopping.
Three days after meeting with the dean, Lily's employment was decided.
I was surprised when I find it out because it was almost unprecedented to hire someone from the outside. They said it would be a probationary period for a while.
Incidentally, it was Rackendale that told me.
I was doing some research at the library in preparation for my first-semester exam when he suddenly appeared out of nowhere and said
"I heard you introduced her to him. Se's good with materials, that girl. But she doesn't have "Mixing Skills" ……."
He was disappointed.
Watch out. An old man stalking a girl is a perfect case.
The dean seemed to like Lily so much that he decided to hire her officially and provide her with a work uniform.
Lily desperately refused, but I recommended that she accept the offer.
The students at the academy were all from wealthy families, and they were all neat. It would have been conspicuous if a girl walking around there with a refugee's round head had walked in. It's not hard to imagine that some stupid aristocrat would try to mess with her. Also, with apologies to Lily, there was the dignity of the Cartilard Academy of Advanced Studies, which represents Selene. I think the provision of work clothes is a necessary step.
However, for some reason, the dean went out to select the work clothes and took Lily around to enjoy meals and other activities, so maybe he just wanted to shop with her.
And the meeting with Ted and the others, which I had been worried went without a hitch. And he was smiling even though he was called the dean, "The old man in the garden." The fact that the meeting didn't get complicated was probably due to Lily's intercession.
I rounded the library and walked along the cobblestone path.
Near the garden, I heard the dean and Lily's laughter.
They are getting along well, aren't they?
Compared to when we first met, I felt more vitality from the dean.
He had been tired and obliged for many years. It has changed in just a week or so.
Lily has neither strength nor knowledge. I introduced him as an assistant, but it doesn't make a difference.
Even so, she listens attentively and tries to be as helpful as possible.
The sight of her by his side is an invaluable source of encouragement.
I peeked around for a while and turned on my heel.
This is fine.
If there is anything to worry about, it is Ted's pride.
Lily's income now covers most of their living expenses. He seems to be adding Nails to help him, but the harvest is not as good as before, and Aunt Lime has warned him to handle it carefully.
They relied on Lily's talents, but they were separated and clarified.
Perhaps it was time to give him some real-world experience.
With these thoughts in mind, I turned the corner of the library and saw a figure ahead of me.
It was not a place I would pass by by chance.
Was he waiting for me, Lambert?
I approached him silently, and he came to me.
We kept our distance and stopped at each other.
"I need to talk to you."
I nodded, urging him on.
But Lambert wrinkles his brow and goes silent.
I wait for him to open his mouth, and a few moments pass.
Then, as if deciding, he looks straight at me and opens his mouth.
"I – I don't understand your way of thinking. I am a nobleman. No matter what happens in the future, I can't change that. So I don't understand why you're helping a refugee."
I say nothing. There are no words to say.
It's obvious, and he doesn't want to understand.
So – what do you want to do, Lambert?
Lambert's face turns bitter for a moment at my expression.
"But …… I understand what they are trying to do. They are struggling to get out of their miserable situation. It's–it's the same for me."
Instantly, Lambert's figure looked weaker than usual.
"I'm not …… expected by my father. That's why I asked him to let me into the academy. If I don't become the person my father wants me to be here, I'll be kicked out of Keten. If that happens, I will be on the street. The tuition and living expenses are just a way to pay for that."
A ten-year-old boy. The obvious was right in front of him.
So it was. Lambert is a gifted warrior. I thought he was in a similar position to me.
However, it is not an uncommon story. I was prepared for that to happen when I was a child. It is common for aristocrats forced to make ruthless decisions.
"So, let me ask you. What do you want from me, Lambert?"
A strong light flashed in his eyes.
"I can't reach it at this rate. I have to try harder. So lend me your power, Alter!"
"Power, huh? I know there's not much I can do…"
I hold out my hand.
"It's not much, but I can help you. Lambert."
"Thank you, Alter!"
Lambert squeezes my hand tightly.
His nature hasn't changed. He had just come to terms with it. As he shifted barriers in his relationship with Lola and the academy. He also found his compromise. I think that's all right. If this level of change is enough, perhaps the person is empty.
But – even if I'm asked to lend my strength.
What should I do? The situation is different from Ted's group. I guess I'll just have to do what they ask.
"What are you guys doing?"
Suddenly, the library window opened, and I heard a cold voice.
It was Elphimia.
"We're just confirming our friendship, right?"
"Yeah. That's disgusting."
Yeah, women don't understand male friendship. Too bad.
"So, what are you doing?"
"Researching. More importantly, do you have time to do something stupid?"
"I'm trying hard not to be told what to do! Felix is fighting sleepless nights right now!"
"That's what you mean when you think he's not here…"
Elphimia pointed her finger at me in disgust.
"Not you. You over here, are you okay? The Dancing exam."
(TN: Raw said 舞踏 aka Butou. Butou is a form of Japanese theatrical dance. Here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butoh)
"What is that ……?"
"Dancing is part of the liberal arts. Of course, it is."
You're kidding, right? I haven't heard of it.
No, wait, it's okay. It's part of it, it's part of it.
"Dancing is part of the liberal arts. Even if I drop dancing, I can get by elsewhere–"
"I'm assuming you're going to drop it."
Elphimia sighed dismissively.
Damn, this girl can do it. Dirty, daughter of a court magician. She's probably dancing from morning till night anyway. That's easy to dance, isn't it?
"Let me help you with that."
"Hee–?"
The sudden suggestion makes me raise a strange voice.
"Dancing practice. You can't do it alone, can you? Or do you want to practice with your friend who is holding your hand?"
"If you ask, …… Kuh, please help me."
"Not Kuh!, I'm helping you here!"
I shake it off with all my might and bow to the window.
"Please, Elphimia-sensei!"
"If you insist, I'll do you a favor. You owe me one."
Elphimia responds with arrogance.
For some reason, it was Lambert who panicked at that.
"No, wait a minute! After this, I'm planning to borrow Alter's help as soon as possible!"
"Then why don't you help me with the dancing practice?"
"Kuh, if that's the case—"
"That's not why I'm here!"
I refused with all my might and patted him on the shoulder with a smile.
"Let's both try, Lambert."
"Oh, that's not gonna happen! Hey, wait! You promised to help me, didn't you?"
Lambert's voice trails off.
Our resurrected friendship was already cracking, and I was on my way to dance practice with Elphimia.
Good luck, Lambert.
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