Chapter 367: Graduation Ceremony

Even more time has passed since.

We were vigilant of Kufar, but ever since that attack, he has not shown his face.

We kept being vigilant for some time, but eventually, it started to fade away.

It was largely due to Maxwell deploying Enemy Search that detected monsters around. Using it continuously was almost impossible, but with Maxwell’s magic power pool, even that became possible.

However, the effect was still not able to cover the area outside the city.

“Indeed, in these six years, you have devoted yourself to studying in this academy, and now, you have gained skill as magicians that would not put you to shame no matter where you go…”

That same Maxwell was on the auditorium stage, giving a rare long speech.

In front of him were the graduating students lined up in rows. In other words, we.

“Everyone will henceforth walk on their respective paths. Many will perhaps choose difficult paths to follow. However, for as long as you keep what you learned and experienced in this academy into your hearts, you will be able to overcome those difficulties without fail.”

I sat at one of the chairs arranged inside the auditorium and watched Maxwell give a rare fervent congratulatory address.

Letina and Matisse next to me had their hands joined at their chests, enduring their tears. Or rather, they were trying to endure, but their eyes were already like waterfalls.

“Here, Letina, wipe your tears and snot.”

“But.. But…”

“A lady should not look so snotty.”

“I ronh wanhha heer zhat from you, Nicole.”

“Speak properly!”

Receiving a handkerchief from me, Letina wiped her tears. And then also blew her nose and tried to give it back.

“Haff ish bakh.”

“No, I’m good.”

“Ohay?”

Handkerchief full of a drill-haired young girl’s snot wasn’t something that, at the very least, I wanted.

She can just give it to Cortina after washing it later.

“Still, are you leaving immediately after the graduation ceremony ends, Nicole?”

“Yeah, though by immediately, I mean in a week or so. And I’ll come back every now and then.”

“It would be lonely…”

Matisse couldn’t endure anymore and burst into tears too.

I was about to hand over my handkerchief to her, but remembered that I had already given it to Letina.

“Mahisshu, here.”

“No, I’m good.”

Letina tried to give her snotty handkerchief to her but she rejected it too.

“Letina, let’s calm down now, okay?’

“Okay.”

Normally they would have scolded us for being so noisy, but they were overlooking it today. There were no teachers to be uptight even on a day like this.

Meanwhile, Maxwell’s speech ended and the representative of each class stepped forth to accept the graduation certificate. From Cortina’s class I… Was supposed to go apparently, but considering the peerages, Letina was the one to go.

Honestly, I was afraid she’d make some blunder given her current state, but she managed to come back with the certificate without any issues.

Then, the ceremony safely met its end, and we left the auditorium.

With this, we had officially become graduates and were no longer students. That made various emotions bubble up in me. Looking up at the clear blue sky above, I pressed a hand on my chest and suppressed the excited feelings.

The students around looked at me from a distance.

It was spring and the seasonal petals were scattered throughout the air. Seeing me stand among those petals probably attracted their attention.

I had grown that much feminine. Unfortunately, I had already grown old enough to be self-aware of that fact.

As everyone, regardless of their gender, was captivated by me, there was one man that was running towards me like a fierce animal.

The men who would dare running towards me with no hesitation were few in number, but in this case, it was unmistakably—

“NICOOOOLE!”

“Go away!”

Lyell.

His tears and snow were running down as if he had a hay fever, rushing towards me to take me into a tight embrace.

I yelled and stepped back to dodge his hug. But Lyell was faster and his embrace landed accurately.

“Geeeeh!?”

“Ahh, you finally graduated. Trying to endure your tears was so cute too!”

“There was no such thing, and you only saw me from a distance. Also, it hurts!”

Ridiculous, I could have dodged him in the previous life at that speed. This b̲a̲s̲t̲a̲r̲d̲ has become even faster than he was after getting rejuvenated.

“Still, with this, you have become a proper person. A proper lady.”

“Ugh.”

“Even I was enchanted by your appearance earlier. You looked like Maria. Though a bit younger.”

“Oh dear. I am quite young even now, you know?”

Maria approached with light steps from the direction Lyell rushed at me. She had a hand on her cheek and appeared troubled, but the scenery behind her appeared dark for some reason.

Lyell also stiffened and let go of me.

“Good morning, Lady Maria, Lord Lyell.”

Matisse made a clever interjection with her greeting. As expected of a merchant’s daughter. The way she bowed elegantly while raising the hem of her dress would make one believe she was a noble.

Lyell also returned her greeting, wanting to quickly change the topic.

“Hey. Nicole’s been in your care.”

“Rude. I have not.”

“Oh? But you collapsed during the warming-up marathon just last week.”

“Letina, shut it.”

Letina, who had recovered from her bawling, also approached us to greet my parents. She was a true noble, so her bow was nothing short of perfect.

“Good day, you appeared to be in good humor, Lady Maria. Lord Lyell appears full of health as well.”

“Ah, so you’re greeting Maria first too, huh… Well, it’s fine.”

People who had some relation to them clearly knew who stood at the top between the two. Both Matisse and Letina were among those ‘familiar people’ too. It was clear as a day who they would prioritize.

“You look in good health too, Matisse. Congratulations on graduating.”

“Thank you very much. I was able to have a happy academy life thanks to Nicole.”

“Hearing you say that means it was worth it to transfer her here.”

Lyell offered his solid hand to Matisse, which she returned. Matisse apparently planned to not advance into higher grades and study the trade at home.

The influence of the nobles grew stronger in senior high school, so it would be easier on her this way.

“Okay, is everyone gathered?”

“Ah, Cortina.”

“At the academy, Call me teacher… Rather, that’s no longer needed, huh. Oh well, the ceremony’s over, so it’s time for a party! There are sweets waiting for us at the classroom so let’s return for the time being.”

“Oh, that sounds great. May I come too?”

“You should just go away already. The students are nervous.”

“But they aren’t your students anymore, right?”

“Ugh… That was cocky considering you’re Lyell.”

Cortina was unexpectedly losing in a dispute against Lyell. Matisse, who endured a laugh at that situation, politely made a proposal.

“Teacher, I think having Lord Lyell participate would be more fun.”

“R-Really? Well, fine. In consideration of Ms. Horton here, I’ll let you participate!”

“That’s great. I have to thank her for this.”

Thus, we made merry in the classroom until the sun was just about to set. A crowd had formed around Lyell and Maria, and they were barraged with questions. I’m sure this was an unforgettable graduation ceremony for everyone else too.