A few hours after Almoa said goodbye to her parents and Rod.
“Ist-kun, everything is progressing just as the prophecy said, isn’t it?”
Suddenly, Mitera spoke up.
Wondering what she meant, I saw her pointing at Almoa.
“It’s what Branch Head Sigurd mentioned—that in the near future, you’ll rise in rank, accompanied by a really cute girl.”
“…Is it just me, or did that sound a bit prickly?”
“Did it?”
Mitera feigned innocence.
We were currently on our way back to Wigarlus after departing from Minigel.
Our new companion, Almoa, a spirit mage and staff wielder, was with us, along with the great spirit Avril she had summoned.
As for how she was getting along with everyone… well, I’d say it’s going so-so.
Though she’s improved since we first met, she still seems to struggle a bit with socializing.
Evidence of this can be seen in her reaction to the kids at the Elpida Orphanage, who are full of energy and always rushing over to her, leaving her completely flustered.
Additionally, Almoa is petite and looks younger than her age, so pranksters like Regin and Narg tend to interact with her as if she’s younger, which seems to make her feel uncomfortable.
That said…
It’s not ideal for a young, up-and-coming adventurer like her to keep avoiding communication with others forever.
I should remind those little troublemakers to ease up, but at the very least, I’d like to see her build good relationships with the kids at Elpida. It’s a valuable experience.
With that in mind, I focused on the task in front of me—poring over paperwork at my desk.
Across from me, Mitera was also busy with administrative tasks.
We were working on “creating teaching materials.”
Even though the orphanage has a lot of freedom, we can’t just send the kids out into the world without any education.
Mitera and I decided to take on the role of teachers and create a basic learning environment.
“Hmmm…”
Mitera was tapping her pen against her lips, deep in thought. We had finished organizing the materials, so she was likely thinking about one thing: finding a suitable space to teach in.
The Elpida Orphanage is spacious enough for us to live in, but it’s a bit cramped when we all gather for lessons.
Constantly rearranging the interior is a hassle and quite a burden.
Especially with the restless troublemakers around. Whether they’ll focus on their studies indoors is doubtful, to say the least.
Mitera chimed in.
“What should we do? Should we rent a room somewhere in Wigarlus?”
“Hmm, but if we did that, we’d only be able to hold classes when we’re back in town.”
“You’re right.”
“Um…”
Just then, Redelia’s crystal floated over to us.
“What is it, Redelia?”
“Are you in need of help?”
“Well, the problem is space, and… ah.”
Oops.
It sounds like I’m implying Redelia’s space is limited.
Knowing her, she might start yelling, “I’m just a trash can!”
“If that’s the case, I actually have a suggestion.”
Expecting her usual reaction, I was surprised when Redelia offered a suggestion.
“Huh? That’s rare.”
“How about using Spatial Expansion?”
“Spatial Expansion?”
“Yes.”
She explained that she had gathered enough energy to use the skill Spatial Expansion and had come to consult with me about where it could be useful.
The incident we resolved in Minigel temporarily allowed her to draw from many people’s life energy, which helped her gather the necessary strength.
“Talk about perfect timing, Ist-kun!”
“Yeah. Alright, Redelia, let’s go ahead and use the skill.”
“Understood, right this way.”
Guided by her, we left the orphanage building, crossed the stream, and stood at the far edge of the property.
Before us was an ordinary wall.
“Oh, it’s Sensei!”
“What are you doing, Sensei?”
“You’re staring at a wall… is there something there?”
Almoa and the kids had spotted me and gathered around.
Some were giving me a disappointed look, which stung a little.
“Well then, excuse me, Master!”
Redelia snuggled against my chest.
“Huh? That’s unfair, Redelia-chan!”
“Oh no, I didn’t mean anything bold!”
…What are they even talking about?
“So, what do I do now?”
“Yes, please imagine it—a new room appearing here.”
That’s pretty vague, but okay.
I closed my eyes and focused hard, visualizing it the same way I did when I created the Elpida Orphanage.
As I pictured each detail, I felt Redelia’s energy flow through me from my chest.
“It’s… happening! It’s happening…!”
Redelia’s voice sounded oddly excited. Was that just my imagination?
After a while, I heard the kids’ voices behind me.
“Woah!”
They sounded amazed.
I opened my eyes to see a large hole in the wall, revealing a rectangular room stretching out ahead.
As if watching a craftsman at work in fast motion, desks, benches, and a lectern assembled themselves from the ground up.
It was no wonder the kids were so impressed.
Even with my experience creating the orphanage, I couldn’t help but marvel at the scene.
In just about ten minutes, the interior took shape exactly as I’d imagined.
From the big window at the end showing the outside scenery, every detail was perfectly recreated.
Wow… Redelia’s power is incredible.
The kids must have thought so, too.
“You’re amazing, Sensei Ist!”
“Huh? No, this was Redelia’s doing…”
“As expected from Sensei Ist!”
“Well, um…”
“It’s flawless down to the tiniest detail. I’m in awe, Sensei!”
“But—”
“You truly are powerful, Ist. You shouldn’t be so humble.”
“Well, um…”
“It’s a classroom! But I don’t want to study…”
“You will study.”
Some kids were smiling brightly—though a few were puffing their cheeks in dissatisfaction—as they looked up at me.
Hmm… Did I just accidentally raise people’s expectations again?
At least to Redelia, I can say—
“You’re amazing, Redelia.”
“I-I am unworthy of such praise! After all, I’m just a trash can!”
Uh…
