"Speaking of William... do you mean the William Comprehensive Academy?"
"Yeah, ya know it well, don't ya?"
How could I not?
The William Comprehensive Academy was known as the world’s premier seat of learning. Founded by William Bordeaux, the progenitor of magic, it was an institution where researchers delved into every academic field imaginable, day and night.
Martial arts, astrology, navigation, pharmacology, engineering... experts from across the globe gathered there to sharpen their skills against one another. Magic, naturally, was no exception. It was the ultimate convergence of wisdom—the very pinnacle of academia.
I had always hoped to visit someday, but I never expected an opportunity like this to just fall into my lap. An excellent older sister was truly a blessing.
"Truth is, I’ve invested a fair bit of capital into that academy. Thanks to that connection, they asked me to give a lecture. While I was at it, I had a chat with the staff about whether they had any promisin’ students. That’s when I recommended ya’ll."
"You recommended... us?"
It was no wonder Ren was surprised. Enrollment at William Academy was open to anyone regardless of nationality, race, or age—provided they were exceptionally gifted. It was a prestigious institution where even royalty and high nobility were barred if they lacked sufficient ability.
"Mhm. Word of your deeds has reached my ears, too. Ren, I hear you were once feared as a Magic Abnormal Secretor—a Cursed One—yet you devoted yourself to pharmacology. Now, you’re hailed as a young hope of the medical world, havin’ developed all sorts of new drugs through your unique insights."
"N-no. Someone like me is..."
Ren looked down bashfully, but I truly felt she was doing a magnificent job. Despite a past where she was despised as the 'Poison Moth' for her uncontrollable toxins, she had never missed a single day of mana control training. Now, she could not only suppress the poison but actually refine it into medicine.
By secretly providing her with venues to present her findings, I had watched Ren’s research grow increasingly sophisticated. And all the while, she never neglected her daily duties as a maid.
"You're amazing, Ren. You won't be outclassed at the academy, I guarantee it."
"Lloyd..."
Ren’s cheeks flushed at my words. If she went to the academy, she would undoubtedly grow even further. That, in turn, would become my strength. If they were willing to let her attend, I had no reason to object.
"And Sylpha, there’s no need to even talk about your swordsmanship. But in the eyes of the public, your name isn’t well-known enough. Probably ‘cause you spend all your time workin’ as a maid. It’s a real shame."
"I don't mind in the least."
"Well, I mind. You’ve got such a strong character—a peerless, beautiful maid swordsman. If we market you better, you’d make a perfect figurehead for our interests... It’s such a waste."
"I... see..."
Sylpha pulled back slightly, looking a bit overwhelmed as Birgitte nodded to herself with professional intensity.
"Character... what does she mean by that, Albert-niisan?"
"Big Sister Birgitte likes to pair new products with people who suit the brand’s aesthetic when she markets them. They're called 'image characters.' People tend to want things when they see someone they admire using them, don't they? That effect is even stronger if the person is highly likable."
"Ah, I understand perfectly, Master Albert. Even I find myself wanting things I see Master Lloyd using."
"Right? Actually, just the other day, I had a tea cup custom-made with the exact same design as the one Lloyd uses."
"If you had only said something, I would have brought one for you. I keep ten sets of Master Lloyd's belongings on hand at all times—for display, for preservation, and for donation."
"Hmph. A collection only has value if you procure it through your own efforts. Still, to be so well-versed in how to maximize a customer's impulse to buy... as expected of Big Sister Birgitte."
The two of them were muttering to each other with unsettling, knowing smiles. I wasn't entirely sure what was happening, but this seemed like a golden opportunity.
"Why not give it a try, Sylpha?"
If Sylpha’s workload increased, she would have less time to fuss over me. That would mean fewer daily martial arts training sessions, which would give me more time for my magic research.
"If that is what you wish, Master Lloyd."
"Great! Go out there and show ‘em what you’re made of!"
Birgitte slapped Sylpha on the back repeatedly, though the maid still looked somewhat unconvinced. After a moment, Birgitte murmured, "Now then," and turned toward me.
"And finally, Lloyd. The rumors about you are the loudest of all."
"My... rumors?"
My heart skipped a beat. I had been doing my best to cultivate a reputation as a simple magic enthusiast so I wouldn't lose my freedom by standing out, but I waited for her next words with bated breath.
"Mhm. It starts with the mass production of magic swords, then saving the Albert Squad durin’ a magical beast subjugation, followed by retakin’ the Lodesto Territory from the Demon that seized it, savin’ the Church from the rampagin’ Pope, and even playin’ a hand in the crisis that nearly collapsed Bertram. I heard you were the star of the show durin’ the Stampede, too. Honestly, those aren’t the kind of deeds I’d expect from a ten-year-old."
Well, she wasn't wrong. Even if each incident seemed manageable at the time, they did look a bit excessive when listed all at once.
"Actually, I think every one of those was a massive deal..."
"Honestly, he’s done even more than that. Much more..."
Grimo and Jiriel looked at me with flat, exasperated expressions. No, I didn't think it was that impressive compared to what Albert or Sylpha were capable of.
"Yes, it truly is amazing. Lloyd's achievements are practically on par with my own at this point."
"Indeed. Master Lloyd's deeds are nothing short of magnificent. Furthermore, though I have been providing him with swordsmanship instruction, his skill already rivals my own. He is destined to be a figure who leaves his name in the annals of history."
Albert and Sylpha nodded proudly in response to Birgitte's summary.
...Crap. Because the people closest to me were so far beyond the norm, my sense of perspective had been completely skewed. It seemed I was deviating quite sharply from being a 'perfectly ordinary magic enthusiast.' I really needed to be more careful about my conduct from now on so I didn't stand out any further.
"Plus, we’ve got the brain of Saloom, the man hailed as the First Candidate for the Next Right of Succession—Albert. Well, he’s competent enough that nobody’s gonna complain. I doubt anyone will have a problem with the four of you goin’ to William Academy."
"Wait... hold on, Big Sister Birgitte. Are you saying I am to study at the academy as well?" Albert asked, catching the implication as Birgitte laughed heartily.
"That’s exactly what I’m sayin’."
"B-but I have administrative duties to attend to. If I were to leave the castle for such a long period..."
"Don't you worry about that, Albert-nii."
The door swung open, and in walked the tanned Fourth Prince, Dian.
"Indeed. While you are away, we shall handle your work for you."
Standing behind him was the stout Third Prince, Zerof. The two of them had helped me before when I was building a giant golem, but even so, I wondered if they could truly handle Albert’s workload.
As if sensing my doubt, Dian reached over and ruffled my hair.
"Don't look so worried, Little Roddy. We hold the Right of Succession, too. We’ve had a proper education."
"Precisely. That is how it is, Albert. Leave the administrative affairs to us and focus on your studies."
"Dian, Zerof... I'm sorry. Thank you."
Seeing Albert's eyes well up with tears, the two laughed bashfully.
"Heh, don't mention it! You're always lookin’ out for us, Albert-nii."
"Umu. It would be a crime if we didn't step up once in a while."
They were both capable in their own right, so they would likely manage Albert’s absence well enough. Albert seemed to reach the same conclusion, nodding back at them.
"I understand. I'll leave the administration to you two. Very well, Big Sister Birgitte."
"Mhm! Now that it’s settled, the early bird catches the worm! Get to packin’! We’re headin’ out at two this afternoon."
"Two o'clock? But... that's barely an hour from now."
"Which means ya gotta move! Hurry it up!"
Birgitte clapped her hands, shooing us toward the door. Honestly, even for my sister, she was a remarkably impulsive person who always set her own pace.
"..."
Grimo and Jiriel were staring at me in silence. Their eyes seemed to say that I was exactly like her... but surely that was just my imagination.
I pushed the thought aside and began my preparations for the journey.