Wise Summer Vacation (1)

The food that came from the cafeteria in the lecture building was sure as delicious as always. However, this place was the source of all accidents that were going to occur in the future. And, usually, Kleio would enjoy it to his heart content. However, as an introverted person, the meal would have been more enjoyable if nobody were around him. But with Cel sitting across him and the twins, Lippi and Leticia, on both his sides, he couldn’t enjoy his food at all.

“Let’s have a meal together and talk.”

“Eat.”

“Eat a lot.”

“Then leave me a little space.”

“Then answer me first.”

“No matter how many times you ask, I only have one answer. I was just lucky enough to memorize the test question.”

“It was a magic formula that only appeared at the end of the first book of magic. How did you memorize it all? In other words, Kleio, you’re a genius!”

The twins on either side were talking so loudly that they couldn’t even eat. It seemed the theory that the Angellium twins had received an early admission seemed likely, as looking at them up close, they still had some childish features. Being kids, they had no qualms about asking Kleio about his magic. They were clever girls who treated him like a close friend, but no doubt they had spent harsh days practicing their swordsmanship in a harsh environment. They had felt freedom and friendship for the first time only after coming to this school – he had read about it in the last manuscript.

“Cel, can’t you stop them?”

“Why? They’re so cute. Besides, I’m curious about the secret of your magic. The size of the circle was about level 2, but the power was easily 4.”

“Woah, why are you all so interested in magic even though you’re not aspiring wizards?”

“It’s always interesting to see the difference between us, who use the same ether but aggregate it into our bodies, and wizards who spread it outside of their body.”

“Hey, don’t say such pointless things…”

Cel, who had a glass of white wine in front of her as she supported her chin with both her hands, was a girl with a graceful appearance despite such a slovenly posture. Her full name was Celeste Tanpet de Neju. She had silvery pupils and long dark blue hair that curled gently down. No jacket or tie, just an unbuttoned shirt with folded cuffs and slim, long legs under the school uniform pants. She had a neutral but elegant charm about her.

‘I think she’s taller than me…’

As he gave up on eating due to the twins’ interference, he felt a hand gently pressed on his shoulder. He thought he knew who it was without looking back.

“…Isiel.”

At the girl’s sudden appearance, the twins on either side moved away and over to Cel across the table. Taking a sip of wine, Cel seemed unwilling to move as her eyes shined.

“You lied to me.”

“What lie?’

“You affirmed over and over that you didn’t know how to use magic.”

“I said I didn’t know; I didn’t say I couldn’t.”

Wrong then and right now, it was a simple strategy, but one he relied on.

“Okay. You… For now, I will believe that you don’t belong to any organization. Arthur said so too.”

Whether the students in the cafeteria were consciously listening to them or not, Isiel expressed her thoughts bleakly. To interpret it, what she meant was, ‘You’re not the other prince’s spies, and Arthur argued that I should believe it, but honestly, it’s difficult given your hidden intentions.’ Kleio wanted to disappear in front of the gazes of those four curious and lively girls.

“Then, what was your purpose in hiding your power?”

‘Why do you think everyone in the world lives with a purpose and sense of mission like you? Maybe because you’re still young…’

“Nothing.”

“What?’

“My goal is to avoid the military by being expelled.”

Isiel’s expressionless face quickly turned to embarrassment before shifting once more to be more solemn.

“..Is there anything you want to achieve by avoiding compulsory service?”

At this moment, Kleio felt nervous because her words just now were implying that he was either an anti-war activist or a straight escapist.

“I want to play and eat forever in a resort hotel, drinking champagne in the morning, whiskey in the evening, and sleeping for twelve hours every night.”

“What the hell, that isn’t a serious answer! Why did you come to this school?!”

He was seriously answering, but thinking that he was joking, Isiel grew angry again. Of course, his answer had been sincere and 100% not even kidding.

“Is it because you wanted to come? Uh?”

She wanted to smack Kleio, but Isiel’s fist trembled as she couldn’t hit the weak boy before her. As if trying to alleviate her anger, Isiel began to breathe in deeply as she continued.

“Each time I talk to you, it feels pointless. I was impressed with your talent, but I’m sorry that you are the one with it. I don’t know why Arthur is so interested in you.”

After saying all she could, Isiel swiftly left the cafeteria. Cel, who had been watching up to that point, started to laugh.

“Oh my, our Isiel is serious about everything.”

“Because that’s Isiel.”

“What are you hiding?”

“It is what it is.”

“Ahaha. Such a pretty girl is obsessed with you… Anyway, I heard your aspirations well. I like resorts myself. I want to send you an invitation in return for the fun. My mother has a hotel on the beach in Novantes.”

“I don’t know where that is.”

“Did you live in a closet? You don’t know the best beach in Albion? Come over during vacation; the hotel has a good reputation. It’s a white hotel built on a cliff.”

Parts of the story came to his mind. Cel’s mother, Catarina Tanpet de Neju, was the number one hotel manager in the country. Later, when war broke out, Katarina raised her name by offering her hotel up as a field hospital.

‘Until then, they had a reputation for cutting-edge serves and interiors…De Neju Hotel.’

Perceiving Kleio’s interest in her proposal, Celeste further enticed him using the momentum of their conversation.

“Originally, it was my grandmother’s villa, but it changed to a hotel when I was born. My grandmother’s cellar is full of wines of great vintages. If you come, I will serve you champagne every day.”

“Cel, I want to go too!”

“Me too! But I like lime sherbet, not champagne.”

“Lemonade for me!”

“Our two cute Angellium ladies are always welcome. I’ll send you an invitation soon; see you in Novantes!”

Cel disappeared with the twins. Feeling the remnants of the storm that had swept through, Kleio decided on one thing.

‘When I leave my father, Novantes is a place I should avoid.’

***

The first semester classes were over, and the final exam results arrived. Kleio did the swordsman class basics, running 1000 meters with all his might during the exam, and finished it within 4 minutes and 59 seconds, getting a perfect score. Thus, he gained a total of 50 points from this course. With Behemoth’s help in memorizing all the auxiliary textbooks for the history’s kingdom, he received 92 points in total.

For Classics, he received 85 points and a swift smack from the cat’s paws; finally, for magic basics, a full 100 points. It was fortunate that attendance wasn’t counted in that score. His overall total was 327 points, putting him surprisingly at rank nine. Rosa had been a bit generous, but Kleio had studied hard as well. Taking a brief look at the bulletin board as he passed, it seemed Isiel Kision was at the top again, with a total score of 397 points.

‘Every day, she either studies or trains with her swords. It’s okay for you to relax a bit and enjoy your life, kid.’

At the same time, he felt sorry for himself; he had to admit setting a mission for his life and running towards his goal did feel great.

‘Yeah, maybe Isiel was right, but that path would only lead to me having to give my loyalty to Arthur, the main character of this novel. I just can’t do that. He is the protagonist of this novella, so he should accomplish his role while I set the pace of my own life.’

He was a bit worried about leaving so suddenly, given these people he had met, but what should he do? If he left school, he’d never see them again. As he wondered about that, a telegram was sent from the school’s post office to Asel’s secretary in Kolpos. Kleio hummed all the while.

[Claimed 9th place. Request to cancel the withdrawal suspension to fulfill our promise.]

‘Did you see that, father? Now give me my money back.’

Since he had placed above the tenth place, his father should withdraw the enlistment. Now, he just needed to wait for the bank suspension to be lifted, then he would withdraw the full amount and run. A satisfied smile spread over his lips as he made plans.

***

Father’s reaction was swift. On the day after vacation started, a person visited Kleio.