Finally, What Was Bound To Come Has Arrived

International Educational Institution Maris Academy.

Haide’s visit there was received as news that couldn’t be overlooked by those who originally resided there.

They are the largest order on this continent, and the benefits gained from them would be beyond imagination.

Naturally, as the person responsible for leading Maris, it was more than welcome for them to establish a base here.

“Yes, with this, the contract is concluded.”

After completing the paperwork in the reception room, Mariel Aries, the director of Maris Academy, handed the document she had just filled out to the person sitting across from her.

To the woman in a black veil wearing the traditional ceremonial dress of Haide.

“I hereby declare that as of today, with my, Mariel Aries’s, official approval, Haide has been granted permission to build a temple in Maris’s scholastic city and to conduct missionary activities from that base. If you have any questions about events, please feel free to contact the relevant department at any time.”

“Thank you for your consideration. May Haide’s blessings be upon you…”

The Saint of Haide bowed her head politely after reviewing the contents of the document.

Although her modest and quiet voice exuded the dignity of one responsible for the order, Mariel couldn’t easily hide her sense of guilt towards the person in front of her.

Because if something had gone wrong, this meeting might not have taken place at all.

“I say this after completing all the procedures, but… we are truly sorry. To have allowed criminals to roam freely in this area, evading the eyes of the gates.”

“No, it’s alright. If anything, we should apologize for not handling it properly and bringing about such an unfortunate incident.”

“I appreciate your consideration, but this is also a matter of the Academy’s pride. We feel we must take responsibility for not dealing with it properly on our side.”

This wasn’t just a matter of courtesy.

Maris is a place that combines the role of diplomacy beyond being an educational institution.

As countless people from various countries, including the Empire, gather here, even minor problems that occur here can lead to international issues.

In such a situation, for criminals to cross borders and attempt to cause problems… Wouldn’t it be strange not to be concerned?

“For now, we plan to squeeze out as much information as possible from the captured wanted criminals. Although we don’t know who instigated them, we’ll make sure to set a clear example, so we’ll do our best to ensure that such incidents never happen to Haide again.”

“…Thank you for your concern.”

Although there are still many unclear points, this must mean that their determination is that strong.

Surely with people like her, Haide’s ideals can be realized.

This trust was not only for the director in front of her but also for the other teacher who had safely brought her here.

“Oh, by the way, there was one thing I wanted to ask, how was our Seine?”

And she wasn’t the only one thinking this way.

Hearing the following question, the Saint instinctively realized this.

“You mean that person?”

“Well, I heard that after the attack, even the Knight Order entrusted the Saint to Seine… That must mean our Seine made quite an impression on you all, right?”

Mariel smiled with her interlocked hands under her chin.

For some reason, her face exuded a sense of certainty.

Certainly, the certainty that the desired answer would come from her mouth.

“I think he was a very reliable person.”

“Fufu, isn’t he?”

Mariel nodded, seemingly satisfied even with this brief evaluation.

The smile on her face was not one you’d expect from the director, the highest authority in the school, towards a mere teacher.

As if to show that her feelings towards him were not just a passing concern.

---

“Thank you for your hard work, Saint.”

After politely finishing her greetings and stepping out into the corridor, she encountered a familiar figure.

It was Vincent, who had been chosen as her guardian knight when she was revered as the Black Saint of Haide.

“The believers are waiting.”

“Yes, let’s go right away.”

Protector and protected.

That was the entirety of the relationship that existed between her and him.

For her, who had the mission of supporting the entire order, it would be excessive greed to wish for anything more.

“…Vincent, what kind of work will I be doing from now on?”

“From now on, you’ll continue your activities centered around this city. However, given your position as the Saint, you’ll need to minimize public appearances except for events.”

“So it’s the same as before coming here.”

“Yes, apart from the change in location, what you’ll be doing won’t be different from before. As always, while learning many things.”

Learning was something very familiar to her.

Although she doesn’t delve deeply into just one thing, if she grasps just the concepts, she can accept even those who navigate worlds she doesn’t understand.

Yes, the work here remains unchanged.

Learning many things just like before coming here.

And sometimes being tested in faith.

‘Is that really enough?’

But why?

Unlike before setting foot here, there was a lump in her heart.

A feeling of unresolved frustration, as if something hadn’t been settled.

She realized what it was when she saw the scene outside the window of the corridor she was walking through.

‘Students.’

The sight of students in uniforms lining up to enter the academy.

Scenes of them bonding through shared experiences, sharing their studies, and sometimes determining superiority through competition.

All of these were things she, burdened with the mission of being a Saint, had never experienced.

Is that why?

‘You’ll be able to learn much more in the future. This is a place for learning, after all.’

The words she heard at that time particularly came to mind.

“…Vincent.”

Her footsteps suddenly stopped.

Along with that, the Saint called out to her guardian knight who was leading the way, and reached for the veil hiding her face.

“Yes, what is…”

Thud. The guardian knight stopped in his tracks as he turned to look at her.

What was reflected in the retina under his helmet was the figure of a girl with black hair and black eyes.

A face devoid of vitality and empty eyes.

It was proof that her skepticism had not yet disappeared.

“No, Father.”

Nevertheless, her voice towards him clearly conveyed emotion.

Not that of the protected towards the protector.

“May I make one selfish request?”

The emotion towards the ‘only family’ she could truly rely on.

“…”

The knight, reading her sincerity, eventually took off his helmet, revealing his bare face in front of her as well.

Oh Haide, please. Just for a moment, allow me to set aside my mission as a knight.

Reciting such a prayer inwardly.

“Speak your mind.”

And so the man who had sworn to live eternally as a knight, for this moment alone, became a father and quietly raised his head.

Despite bearing such a heavy responsibility.

To face his daughter, who still retained some girlishness in a corner of her heart.

“I…”

Finally, the girl spoke.

“I want to attend school.”

In an era where those called gods are gradually losing their meaning.

Hoping to adapt to the new era that will eventually come, and to navigate a wider world.

---

And, about two weeks after that day.

“Aaaaah~~~~”

Having returned to my original duties, I was still sprawled in the chair in the infirmary, taking time to express my skepticism.

“…I really crave a cigarette.”

Yes, the world isn’t a convenient story that ends just because one ending has been reached.

Even if one incident has ended, there’s always what comes after.

Even though I safely brought the Saint to the scholastic city, nothing had changed in my activities afterward.

Of course, I was paid sufficiently, but that was just accumulating in my balance for retirement purposes, and since it was all savings, there was no improvement whatsoever in my lifestyle.

At best, maybe the menu for late-night snacks became a bit more lavish?

But it’s sad that I don’t have friends to share those late-night snacks with. They’re all from super rich families, so I, coming from a commoner background, am treated almost like an outcast.

“Ah, Teacher Seine. I’m glad you’re here.”

No, I did have someone I could call a colleague.

The moment I heard the welcome voice, I straightened my sprawled body and immediately raised my hand.

“It’s been a while, Teacher Squinty Déjà vu. Have you been well?”

“…It’s Lloyd Saintsrow. I can understand the squinty part, but what’s with the déjà vu?”

That’s what I’m saying.

It feels like there was a situation like this before.

Sneaking up from behind and showing a smiling face also feels strangely like a hidden boss.

“So, what kind of covert operation are you dreaming of as you come to find me today? Or did some troublesome issue arise and you’re here to propose something like ‘Tch, can’t be helped. This time it’s a temporary alliance!’?”

“It’s nothing like that. The head of the student affairs department just asked me to get signatures from the faculty members who will be participating in this faculty meeting.”

Oh, is that all. Just the usual boring task.

Clicking my tongue in disappointment, I grabbed a pen from the desk and started writing on the document, while Teacher Lloyd, who was waiting for the document, suddenly exclaimed as if something had occurred to him.

“Oh right, by the way, Teacher Seine, have you heard about that?”

“What news?”

“I heard that the top student and the second-best student of this year’s class are going to have a duel after school.”

Thud.

My hand stopped abruptly as I was filling out the document.

What did he just say?

Top student and second-best?

“Ah, come to think of it, in the case of the top student, Teacher Seine…”

“Teacher Lloyd, would you like to have a drink today?”

“Eh?”

“I’m asking you out on a date. I think the training ground after school would be a good place for our date.”

“Ye, yes? What do you…”

“I’ll prepare the drinks, so could you please take care of the snacks!”

“W-wait a moment, Teacher Seine! What do you mean by a date? Huh!?”

I immediately threw the completed document at him and left the infirmary.

When there’s something interesting to see in a situation where I have nothing to do anyway, how could I just stay put?

Moreover, if it’s related to ‘that child’, I couldn’t possibly remain still.

“Finally, what was bound to come has arrived.”

Dale Enberton.

It’s my first disciple’s debut match.