Chapter 175

There are two major events at the Academy, at the beginning of each year.

The graduation ceremony and the entrance ceremony.

Farewell, and then a new beginning.

In a way, it resembled human life.

Graduation day.

I prepared a bouquet.

Yellow freesias.

The flower language of freesias is “I support your new beginning”.

A perfect flower for Regina, about to embark on a new journey after graduating.

The auditorium, where the graduation ceremony was being held, was packed with people.

Family members and friends of the graduating students, and juniors who came to celebrate.

Regina’s family wouldn’t be here.

Her mother had already passed away, and her father was in no condition to travel long distances due to a chronic illness.

Her brother, who was acting as the head of the family, was too busy to attend.

The only consolation was that she must have already received congratulations from her family, back at their estate.

And…

‘ There are plenty of other people who’ll congratulate her.’

You could tell what kind of student she was, just by looking at the people surrounding her.

There was a constant stream of people around Regina.

Not just because she was the student council president.

She was a capable student council president, with leadership skills, diligence, and near-perfect work ethic.

And she was always at the top of her class.

It’s only natural for people to gather around her.

Today would be no different.

People would be lining up, waiting to congratulate her and say their goodbyes.

So I decided to just wait patiently.

* * *

“ Congratulations on your graduation, President.”

Another bouquet was added to the collection.

There were enough to open a flower shop…

…This is what a graduation ceremony for a popular person looks like.

“ Thank you.”

Regina responded with a faint smile, which was unusual for her.

She was being considerate.

It seemed like the recipients felt special, because the Ice President, who rarely showed any emotion, was responding with a smile.

“ Sob, sob… I wish you happiness.”

Some even cried, unable to hide their sorrow at the parting.

Mostly girls.

Her juniors in the student council.

“ Yes, thank you.”

Regina hugged her juniors, patting their backs until they calmed down.

She even offered them handkerchiefs to wipe their tears.

…But isn’t she carrying too many handkerchiefs?

Prepared thoroughly, I see.

“ I-I’ll wash this and return it.”

“ No need. I’m giving it to you.”

“ Th-Then I’ll treasure it! ”

The junior ran away, her face flushed.

Cute.

This youthful innocence, a unique charm you can only experience at school.

A warm smile appeared on my face as I watched.

How much time has passed?

The long line was finally getting shorter.

And…

“ Waaaaaaaah! ”

Someone started wailing loudly.

Amy, of course, Regina’s closest junior.

Even while crying, she was holding a baguette in one hand.

… As expected of the “real deal”, someone I can’t compete with when it comes to commitment to a character.

“ Calm down.”

Regina patted her back, but Amy’s emotions didn’t subside easily.

Her sorrow was probably proportional to the amount of time they’d spent together.

“ Waaaaaaaah! ”

Amy continued to wail.

“… ”

Regina, having given up trying to calm her down, was just waiting patiently.

Just then …

“ Hey, Baguette Junior. Crying is fine, but you’re holding up the line.”

The guy standing behind them spoke up.

Tall, with a sturdy physique.

Well-defined muscles covering his body.

Thick eyebrows, tanned skin, a strong jawline… he exuded masculinity.

A remarkable looking man, at a glance.

It was only natural.

Because he was Justino Henatus, “The Blazing Lion.”

The heir to the Henatus family of the south, one of the three great martial families of the Empire, along with the Ernberts of the north and the Caverns of the east.

A truly capable man … but unfortunately, he was always considered the second-best at the Academy.

Because he had always been second to Regina, ever since their first year.

You’d think he wouldn’t be on good terms with Regina, but that wasn’t the case.

They acknowledged each other.

Although Justino was the only one actively trying to compete, of course.

“ Wh-Who are you calling Baguette Junior?! ”

Amy snapped back.

Her tears had completely dried up.

It was very effective.

It seems like she really hates that nickname.

I felt slightly bad for being the one who first called her by that name, back at the ball.

But… Senior,

…You were destined to be called by that name anyway, even if it wasn’t me.

Just accept it.

“ Oh? You’ve finally stopped crying.”

Justino said, looking relieved.

He crossed his arms.

“ Then I’ll say what I came here to say.”

“ Ugh, you’re ignoring me?”

“… ”

“ Ugh, seriously! ”

Regina calmly pulled Amy back, who was getting worked up again.

“ Yes, what is it? ”

“ First, congratulations on your graduation.”

“ You too.”

They exchanged greetings.

My gaze turned serious.

It’s my first time seeing these two interact at a graduation ceremony.

I wasn’t interested, so I didn’t know.

But now that I’m seeing this, I’m curious about what they’ll be talking about.

“ Regina.”

“ Yes.”

“ I admit it. I clearly lost to you at the Academy.”

Justino, admitting defeat before his rival.

He wouldn’t have admitted it easily… It meant even he had a certain level of character.

“ Why are you saying that now? Everyone knows that.”

Whoa, that’s harsh.

The eyes of those listening, including Amy, widened.

The Ice President’s personality, which had been subdued while receiving congratulations, was making a reappearance.

But…

“ Hahaha! Right, that’s right. That’s Regina Ernbert for you.”

Justino laughed, seemingly liking her reply.

Then he continued, his voice confident,

“ But… I don’t like losing. Things will be different, out in the world. I now have the key to make a big leap.”

Justino pulled something out of his pocket.

A golden letter, with a black dragon, the symbol of the Imperial family, emblazoned on it.

I knew that design was only used for special documents.

Its contents must be something important.

Regina, looking at the golden letter, spoke,

“ Imperial Knight?”

Ah, that was it.

“ Haha, right. It’s my acceptance letter. ”

Justino shrugged.

It was a remarkable achievement.

The Imperial Knights, the Emperor’s personal guard, were undoubtedly the best knights in the Empire, their numbers not even reaching double digits.

Each and every one of them was a monster, the strongest fighting force in the Empire.

They weren’t called the “Emperor’s Swords” for nothing.

“ I-Imperial… Knight?”

“ Justino… he passed the Imperial Knights’ selection?”

“ Amazing… As expected of the Blazing Lion…”

Gasps of admiration.

Being an Imperial Knight was a mark of recognition, proof that you were one of the best knights in the Empire.

The highest honor.

It would also be a great asset for his future political career.

“ I see. Congratulations.”

Regina said calmly.

Justino didn’t seem satisfied with her reaction, but he smirked.

“ Thanks.”

His eyes gleamed strangely.

“ You’re probably planning to return home, right?”

“ Perhaps.”

She didn’t give a clear answer, but Justino seemed confident in his guess.

“ As your destined rival, may I offer some advice?”

“ We’re not destined rivals, but go ahead.”

“ Hahaha, I knew I liked you for a reason.”

After laughing once more, Justino said with a serious expression,

“ The Ernbert territory is too small for you.”

“…”

“ You’ll stagnate. It’s bound to happen. It’s a shame, you know? As your destined rival… I can’t stand to see the best rival in my life become like that.”

The atmosphere felt strange.

But Regina didn’t show any particular emotion.

“ Go on.”

Justino extended his hand.

“ Come to a bigger stage. I truly wish for that. Competing against a rival who isn’t stagnating… it’s the blazing fire that burns in my heart.”

… He’s a cheesy guy.

I didn’t know he was like this… Maybe he’s like this because he’s trying to compete with Regina?

“ That’s not possible.”

Regina said bluntly, as if there was no need to even consider it.

Justino clicked his tongue.

“ So… you’re choosing the Ernberts…”

“ No.”

“ Hmm?”

Justino looked puzzled.

Regina, instead of looking at him, gave me a meaningful glance.

Understanding its meaning, I couldn’t help but smile.

She was going to tell him… the answer he’d been waiting for …

And that answer must be…

“ I applied for a professorship.”

Notices for professor recruitment are posted on the bulletin board almost every year, at the beginning of the year.

I remember that they were looking for two professors this time.

It must be incredibly competitive, but for her…

“ A-A professorship?”

Justino was shocked.

He must have been completely taken aback by her unexpected career path.

“ Wh-What?”

“ A-A professor? You applied for a professorship, President?”

“ Oh my, my… I never thought… ”

“ Th-Then you’ll be… a professor from the new semester?”

Expressions of surprise.

Regina, unfazed, continued,

“ Yes. And I passed, of course.”

“ Ugh… N-No! This can’t be happening! ”

Justino shook his head, in denial.

The image he had envisioned, competing against his destined rival after graduating and entering society, was shattered.

I decided to help him out a bit.

“ Okay, okay. You’re done, right? Just go.”

I shooed him away, as if he was an annoying peddler.

“ Hold on.”

“ No time to hold on. It’s my turn now.”

“ Bu-But we’re not done talking…”

“ Just go!”

Amy helped out, for once.

She mercilessly jabbed her baguette towards Justino, like a spear, forcing him back.

As expected of Baguette Senior.

But…

“ Waaaaaaaaah! President! Is this a dream? I’m so happy, so happy! ”

Amy clung to Regina, sobbing.

Regina swayed like a doll, overwhelmed by Amy’s outburst.

… It was a touching scene, so I just let them be.

Anyway…

‘ I’m glad you decided to stay.’

I smiled.

* * *

“ Regina… No, I should call you Professor Regina now, right? ”

I corrected myself.

I used to casually call her Regina when we were both students, but it felt awkward now that she was a professor.

Especially in public.

It wouldn’t be polite to address her informally in front of other students and professors.

“ Call me whatever you want.”

But Regina didn’t seem to care about those things.

I guess I’ll have to be careful.

“ Okay.”

I took a sip of warm coffee.

“ Anyway, thank you.”

“ For what?”

“ For accepting my opinion.”

“ Heh, it’s true.”

Regina sipped her tea.

Then she continued,

“ I considered your opinion, but I also thought it was a good choice, so I made the decision myself.”

“ That’s how it should be.”

I chuckled.

Even if she said she’d consider my opinion, she would have immediately refused if she didn’t like it.

“ You look… more relaxed.”

“ Hmm?”

“ You had a serious look in the carriage.”

“ Ah.”

Her gaze is sharp, as always.

She noticed, even though it was just for a moment.

“ Worrying wouldn’t solve anything.”

I said with a wry smile.

“ Hmm.”

Regina looked at me, as if she could see right through me, and finished her tea.

Then she said,

“ Tell me.”

“ Tell you what?”

“ When you need my help.”

“ Uh…”

I was taken aback by her words, and couldn’t answer.

Regina got up.

“ I need to prepare for the new semester, so I’ll be going.”