Chapter 25: Graduation Ceremony (2)

Chapter 25: Graduation Ceremony (2)

The day after the mission was a day of rest.

However, we didnt just relax. We sleep only enough to relieve fatigue and engage in light training from the afternoon onwards.

As usual, I wrote reports and loosen up my body with Denif in the training grounds. It was at that moment Orhen returned.

She waved at us from a distance, and her face looked somewhat better, despite everything.

Im relieved.

A few days ago, she was quite shocked, but it seemed like she had somewhat calmed down.

Of course, she was not completely fine.

Being a spy, she didnt remain unaffected by the deaths of friends or comrades.

It was just that she became accustomed to it or didnt show it.

Moreover, we hadnt experienced such deaths ourselves.

Orhens eyes werent red, but the slight puffiness around her eyes indicates that she was still mentally troubled.

Uh hey. Are you okay?

Yeah.

Denif awkwardly greeted her. That wouldnt do. In moments like this, we should treat her as usual.

There was no right answer, but it was based on personal experience. When I was in college, a friends father passed away.

Even if she was a nanny, she would have been like a parent to Orhen, so I thought it would be similar.

I give a light smile and wave my hand.

Did you have a good trip?

Yeah. I heard Carlyn and Denif were fine. Still, Im sorry I couldnt join you.

Dont worry about it. Its not a particularly difficult mission.

I lightly pat Orhens shoulder.

It was better to offer such comforting words as usual. It seemed to have worked well as Orhen smiled faintly in response.

Yeah Thanks.

Youve been through a lot. Go rest inside.

No. Ive rested enough. I also met Marhan. I need to train.

I glance at Orhen for a moment at her firm words. Suddenly, a thought crossed my mind.

Was Orhen joining our training session because she was lonely and longing for human connection?

I dont want to meet people, but Im longing to interact with people.

Those were the words uttered by my friend, who lost his father, while he was drunk.

Like Denif, apart from the Duke and Marhan, we were the only ones Orhen relied on.

Alright. Um, then since the weather is nice, shall we take a short 30-minute break?

All of a sudden? Whats the matter with you?

Denif hesitated at my words. He was the type who enjoyed fooling around.

But of course, he still worked hard. Because of his competitive spirit, he always followed my lead.

We dont have many days like this together.

Youre right.

Denif nodded, but Orhens expression darkened slightly. Oh, I realized my mistake.

I quickly changed the subject.

Lets rest under that tree. Ill fetch some water.

I was trying to give Orhen some time to herself, but Id said the wrong thing.

I didnt consider that another form of parting, which Orhen, who had lost someone, could find difficult, might approach.

Regretting my words, I returned with the water, and Denif was babbling nonsense while Orhen was smiling brightly.The initial instance of this chapter being available happened at N0v3l.Bin.

I was relieved. It seemed Denif took care of my mistake on my behalf.

Because hell do something when its necessary.

Denif was known for making a lot of jokes, even when pouring cold water, but when it mattered, he always came through, creating a lively atmosphere.

Sometimes, his jokes were so absurd that they made you burst into laughter and think, This crazy guy.

Carlyn, you were planning to go to the Empire, right?

Yes, definitely.

As I handed them the water and sat on the bench, Denif asked me. Going to the Empire was a must. It was where the catalyst for Haisens downfall and the princess was. Denif tilted his head.

I really dont understand. Why the Empire?

Theres a lot to learn in that dangerous place.

I know, but its risky. Its far away and the culture is different.

You never know, right? Im just drawn to the Empire.

You really have a strange side to you. Dont you?

Denif asked with curiosity, and Orhen nodded her head.

Everyone knew that I wanted to join the Intelligence Corps in the Empire.

Denif kept pestering me about it as the graduation ceremony approached.

Since I didnt have any reason to hide it, I told him, but Denif said he hadnt decided yet.

I had a feeling that it wasnt because of me or Orhen. Perhaps it was because we had grown up together and he might want to go to the same place.

Orhen had a place she wanted to go, but no matter how many times Denif asked, she kept it a secret.

Well, wherever they go, Im sure theyll do well.

Mohen and Rekun. I still remembered the kids who had their graduation ceremony three years ago.

We were stronger than they were back then.

Under the assumption that we had the same standards, we could choose where we wanted to go without any problem.

I heard about that.

Maybe my words were somewhat comforting, as Orhen nodded. But I still sensed her disappointment.

Only Denif was beaming with joy.

Alright then. When we meet again, even if Carlyn is in his weird days, Ill show that Im the strongest.

What a clueless guy.

As I silently criticized him, Orhen burst into laughter and puffed out her chest.

Youre such a fool, Denif. Why are you only concerned about Carlyn? I wont just stay quiet.

Oh really? Then give it a try.

Denif chuckled as if finding it cute.

Ironically, Denif seemed to have a talent for soothing moods more than me.

Hmm, it seemed like it was hurting my pride in some way.

* * *

Time passed quickly.

There were no external missions, just days of training. The duke was also absent.

Marhan and Lena finally reviewed everything we had learned so far.

We made potions and concoctions we were already familiar with, just like Mohen and Rekun did in the past.

It was quite satisfying.

I was able to revive some faint memories.

And last night, Marhan informed us that tomorrow was the graduation ceremony.

I wasnt sure what kind of test would be involved in this graduation ceremony, but I wasnt expecting to have a good day.

I didnt really have high expectations about it.

Since I had already experienced it once recently, I knew I had at least another half a year to go.

We gathered in the training area as usual. The duke and the leaders and vice-leaders of the four intelligence agencies were waiting for us.

Huh?

Standing in front of Marhan, I noticed the intense gazes directed at me. The eyes of the leaders and vice-leaders were burning with fervor.

I sensed a flow of Phiris presence and exchanged glances with her. A man smiled at me.

Phiri, is that him? The one who sensed your presence.

Huh? He sensed my presence? What are you talking about?

We already know everything. It seems like its true based on your reaction.

What are you talking about?

Arent you really struggling, Phiri? Since youre having a tough time dealing with the kids.

It was a conversation spoken out loud as if to be heard. Although they referred to me as a kid, the atmosphere wasnt like that.

While giving Phiri a hard time, they also stared at me as if trying to catch my gaze no matter what.

Are they trying to recruit me through eye contact or something?

Regardless of the outcome, I would go to the Empire, but it seemed like I unintentionally gained popularity.

Orhen asked Denif if that person was the one we were talking about.

It was because she had already heard about it from us.

Denif glanced at me mischievously. He seemed to be a mix of jealousy and competitiveness.

I made a gesture with my mouth that said, What?

Why were there so many people looking at me like this today?

At that moment, Phiri, who had been denying it all along, suddenly shouted.

Marhan! Did you tell them, Marhan?

I didnt tell them anything like that.

Then how do these people know?

The duke interjected, raising his hand.

I did. They read the reports.

Ah, you cant tell them that, It would ruin your daughters reputation.

Huh? Daughter?

As far as I know, the duke didnt have any children. If that was the case, Phiri must be a godchild like us.

The duke laughed.

We should all know the good information together. Besides, Carlyn already has a place he wants to go.

Really? Hey. No. Carlyn? Carlyn, where do you want to go?

Phiri asked me with a soft voice, looking at me.

At the same time, the other leaders and vice-leaders were also looking at me. Their eyes were full of anticipation.

What should I do about this? While contemplating, Phiri laughed.

Come to the Empire. Hmm? Ill really take good care of you.

The other leaders and vice-leaders smirked.

Cant anyone take care of him just as well in other places?

Thats true.

It was half a joke and half a sincere statement.

Oh my, Ill really take care of you. More than these people.

There was annoyance mixed in Phiris gaze and tone. It seemed like things were about to escalate, so I felt like I had to say something before it got worse.

After all, we would be spending time together soon anyway. I slowly opened my mouth.

Well, I