After dealing with the unnecessary items and finishing the greetings, I gathered Noel, Arnella, and Mastema.
Since we were inside the house, everyone gathered quickly.
“I have an important announcement today.”
“Why the special meeting?”
Mastema, who had been disturbed from a nap, rubbed her eyes and yawned as she got up.
Is this girl really a demon of corruption?
The two slaves waited silently for my words. Their expressions were a bit tense, as if unsure of what to expect from me.
I do tend to make unreasonable demands sometimes. Maybe this is one of those times.
“We’re going to the land of exploration and wisdom, Knowraise.”
“…? We can go. There’s no one opposing us, right?”
Mastema said this while accepting cookies from Noel. Her freedom is quite something.
“Alright, it seems there’s no problem.”
“Yes, Master. We will just follow along.”
“Then I will go buy what we need.”
I held back the two slaves who were about to move immediately. Being too diligent can be a problem. They’ll work themselves to death.
“Well, listen up. After I take a break from being an adventurer, I will be enrolling in the Magic Academy in Knowraise. By the way, you two will also be enrolling.”
“Huh?”
“…We too?”
“Master? Um, well…”
They were clearly taken aback.
Yes, I could go alone to become an apprentice mage there, but it seems more interesting if I involve them as well.
I’ve heard that both slaves have potential for magic, and Mastema, being a higher-level version of a mage, is fundamentally made of magical power.
Moreover, even though I’m in my twenties and Knowraise accepts students based on money rather than age, most of the students are likely teenagers.
If I, as a seasoned adventurer, were to go alone, I would stand out dramatically.
If they come along, it will still be noticeable, but in a different way… or so I hope.
Standing out seems inevitable. I’m not one to shy away.
“I hear that Knowraise Magic Academy requires a hefty entrance fee. I think a recommendation from you would be no problem, but using money on us…”
“Yes. We are, after all, slaves.”
The two of them are feeling awkward.
They don’t seem to be uncomfortable about receiving clothes and other items, as that ultimately benefits me. But in this case, it’s hard to judge.
“Don’t compare ordinary slaves to my slaves. Rather, you should have more value. You both have various circumstances that brought you here, but few people get to enter a magic academy. Enjoy it.”
With unnecessary items disposed of, there’s enough money, so I’ll use it generously.
The slaves, seemingly convinced by my words, no longer argued. Well, if I insist, they have no choice but to comply, but it’s tough to enter a magic academy for a few years without being convinced.
Mastema, however, had a grimace on her face, as if chewing on a bitter bug.
An obvious sign of displeasure.
“You should enjoy it. Demons don’t need such events.”
“No, no. It will be good learning for you too.”
“The principles of magic for humans and demons are not the same. I’m a bit interested, but…”
“For you, it’s just a few years out of a long life. Endure it. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens when you enroll.”
“You… damn, so you’re this kind of person.”
“Don’t use such language just because you’re a girl.”
Mastema grabbed a cookie and threw it into her mouth before sulking off.
She’ll probably enjoy it once it starts. She’s more greedy for knowledge than anyone.
“Master, what will happen with this place?”
“I spoke with the princess, and we decided to maintain it. I’m still considering the management.”
“Understood. Have you decided what to take with you?”
“Most of it will be left behind. Just the clothes and essentials for getting ready. We can get the rest there.”
Noel and Arnella nodded to my words and started working.
I’ll leave various tasks to the slaves. Just confirming is enough.
As for this house… oh, there was a good guy here.
I invited him over immediately, and he followed willingly.
It’s Nia. She should still be living in the inn.
“Sky Knight, what’s this about? Have you finally decided to join our party?”
Nia seems unaware that I’m retiring as an adventurer.
“I’m quitting adventuring to go to the Magic Academy. After that, you can use this place.”
“Wow, we can use it? Yay! No, wait!”
Nia stamped her feet. What is she doing?
She snarled at me as if to intimidate me.
I ignored that and continued speaking.
“I’m bored. From now on, it’s the age of mages.”
“No… are you serious?”
Nia’s ears, which had been perked up, drooped. Beastmen’s emotions are quite obvious. Apparently, it can be trained, though.
Our relationship is quite long, aside from Kasugal.
Nia has been closely following me with single-minded dedication.
It’s time for her to chase something beyond just my back for her own growth.
“Hmph. When the Sky Knight returns, I’ll be the best. Don’t regret it later. I’ll make good use of the house. Thank you!”
With that, she disappeared.
Now there’s just one thing left to do.
I headed to Kasugal’s store.
I thought while walking.
A lot has changed since that day.
The path of the strongest party, which was divided when we disbanded, has diverged.
But that’s life, isn’t it? There’s no set path.
Who would have thought that I would be going to the Magic Academy before that day?
