Chapter 385

The grand auditorium, located next to the main academy building.

It wasn’t my first time here, but today felt different. More complex.

It was inevitable.

Today was my graduation day.

‘This day has finally come.’

When I first stepped foot in this academy as a hated, delinquent second-year, I never imagined this day would arrive.

Back then, my mind was consumed with the single thought of survival.

But as I lived each day fiercely, graduation day had snuck up on me.

Today, I couldn’t help but feel sentimental.

“Next, we will have a farewell speech from our graduating student representative, Elaine.”

The announcer’s voice echoed through the hall.

A round of applause erupted from the audience, filled with students and guests.

I joined in the applause.

It was a sincere gesture of respect for my friend, who had maintained a perfect academic record for four years and had been a role model for everyone.

“Y-Yes! That’s my daughter!”

An excited shout came from somewhere in the crowd.

I didn’t need to see his face to know who it was.

Turk, my first mentor and Elaine’s father.

Anyone could understand his excitement today.

His only daughter was graduating as the student representative and was even giving a farewell speech. His heart must have been overflowing with pride.

“Hello, everyone.”

Elaine was dressed simply, as always.

But it suited her.

She was the embodiment of the fact that true worth lay not in outward appearances, but in inner character and ability.

“I am Elaine, the graduating student council president. First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who has taken the time to attend this ceremony and celebrate our graduation…”

Elaine delivered her farewell speech fluently, without a hint of nervousness, despite the large audience.

As I listened to her speech, my mind drifted back to the past.

To the time when I first met her.

And to all the things we had been through together.

And before I knew it,

Her speech was over, and only the principal’s closing remarks remained.

“…I believe that the knowledge you have gained here will be of great help in your lives. Once again, I congratulate all the graduates and wish you a future filled with glory and success.”

Sister Marianna translated the principal’s sign language.

And so, my graduation ceremony ended with the closing remarks of the legendary Saint, which might be her last.

* * *

“Brother!”

Liss, who had been running towards me with open arms, suddenly stopped and gave me a quick hug.

She still seemed awkward about expressing affection openly.

It was understandable.

It was hard to do something you had never done before.

Anyway, I was grateful.

I also felt awkward about being overly affectionate with my newfound sister in this world.

“Congratulations on your graduation.”

“Thanks. How’s the territory doing?”

“Of course it’s doing well.”

“Haha, that’s good to hear.”

“Hey, why are you asking about the territory the moment you see your sister?”

She pouted.

“Because you look like you’re doing well. You’ve gained weight.”

“I-I have? R-Really?”

She was horrified.

I chuckled.

“Just kidding.”

“Ugh, how could you say that to a lady?!”

She was about to punch me in indignation, but Marquis Celtrine intervened at the perfect moment.

“Hey, what are you doing in public? You’re a lady of the marquisate now. Act with decorum.”

“B-But he started it!”

“My son would never do such a thing.”

He dismissed her easily.

This was the power of a proud firstborn son who had saved his family from ruin and made them the most powerful family in the empire.

“You’re right, Father.”

“Ugh, this guy!”

She clenched her fists in frustration, but Countess Celtrine intervened this time.

“Hehe, calm down, dear. Your brother is just happy to see you.”

“Yes, Mother is right.”

“W-What?”

“Hahaha, that’s enough bickering. Let’s take a family photo.”

Marquis Celtrine pushed Liss towards me.

We were forced to stand close to each other.

I put my arm around her shoulder.

“U-Ugh? W-What are you doing?”

She blushed, even though she was still pouting. She was so cute.

Marquis and Countess Celtrine also stood close together.

A picture of a happy family.

“Alright, take the picture.”

“Y-Yes, Marquis!”

Dolph, our loyal attendant, held the magic camera carefully.

He seemed nervous, since it was an expensive piece of equipment.

“T-Then I’ll take the picture.”

“W-Wait! Mirror!”

Liss hurriedly took out a hand mirror and checked her appearance.

She was at an age where she was very conscious of her looks.

“H-How do I look?”

She asked me, her pout forgotten.

It seemed like my opinion, as someone who was always surrounded by beautiful women, was the most trustworthy.

I chuckled.

“You look great. I can barely recognize you.”

She had successfully transformed herself.

She seemed to understand what I meant and let out a sigh of relief.

“Phew, that’s good.”

She put away the mirror and gestured to Dolph, who said, “A-Alright, I’m taking the picture now.”

“Everyone, smile.”

I added.

But there was no need to say it.

Marquis and Countess Celtrine, as well as Liss, were all smiling brightly.

I joined them.

A warm and fuzzy feeling of family…

It had been a while.

“One, two, three, cheese!”

*Click*

“Let’s take a few more in different poses.”

I took the lead, being the most experienced with photos.

We took several family photos in a cheerful atmosphere.

These were precious memories.

Not just for me, but for my other family as well.

“Haha, well, we should step aside now.”

Marquis Celtrine said with a smile.

“Huh?”

“There are a lot of people waiting to congratulate you.”

“Gasp?”

Liss’s eyes widened in surprise when she finally noticed the crowd that had gathered to congratulate me.

She seemed surprised by the sheer number of people.

My shoulders straightened with pride.

This was the ultimate proof that I had lived a successful school life.

But honestly, I was surprised too.

I hadn’t been able to make many friends because I had been too busy with my own affairs.

It seemed like my actions during the times of crisis had left a strong impression on my juniors.

And my guess seemed to be right.

“Congratulations on your graduation, Senior! You saved my life. I’ll never forget your kindness.”

“I respect you, Senior! I want to be an amazing person like you…”

“I’m currently at the bottom of the class, but I’m trying to turn my life around, inspired by you. Congratulations…”

“U-Um, I have a question… What’s your secret to being popular with girls…?”

…Why were the weirdos coming to me?

Just when my shoulders were about to slump again,

“Heh, congratulations on your promotion, Senior.”

Finally, a big shot came to congratulate me.

Alfred Nabor, the eldest son of Duke Nabor, the most powerful man in the kingdom of Parene.

The Masked Prince.

“What do you mean ‘promotion’? It’s my graduation day.”

“W-Well, is there a law against congratulating you on your promotion?”

“No, there isn’t.”

“Heh, I thought so.”

He smirked triumphantly.

He was so conscious of me.

He had completely ignored me at first.

I chuckled.

“Anyway, thanks.”

“Y-You’re welcome. I-I just stopped by to say hello.”

“Sure.”

“I-I mean it!”

His face turned red.

He was so easy to tease.

“Alright, alright. Next.”

“What do you mean ‘next’?”

“Get lost, you masked freak.”

He was pushed aside.

And the next person to appear was,

A red-haired man with crazed eyes.

Slain, the Fangs of Slaughter.

Another one of my rivals.

“I hate beating around the bush. Congratulations on your graduation and all that, but let’s fight. I’ll kill you.”

He was crazy, as always.

And he was always with…

*Thwack*

“Are you insane?! Don’t be rude on such a happy day! Come here!”

Lucia, the half-elf, his only friend, dragged him away.

“Hey, what are you doing? Let go of me!”

His face contorted in anger.

“Let go of you? You crazy bastard! I’m so sorry, Senior. Congratulations on your graduation.”

“Haha, thanks. You have your work cut out for you.”

I winked at Lucia, who had dealt with the crazy guy for me.

“Ugh, tell me about it. I should just cut ties with him.”

“W-What? What are you…”

“Just come here!”

She dragged him away before he could say anything else.

The people who had been watching with dumbfounded expressions finally relaxed.

And the congratulations continued.

“Congratulations, Duke of Odinel.”

This formal tone…

It was Leon Benesse, the Lightning Spear.

The younger brother of my best friend, Allen Benesse.

“What are you doing here? Where’s your brother?”

“I stopped by to see him before coming here.”

“I see.”

Huh?

I saw Liss’s eyes sparkling.

Her eyes were asking, *Who’s this handsome young man?*

Well, Leon was indeed handsome.

Tall and well-built.

I chuckled and asked, “Do you have a girlfriend?”

“Huh? No, not at the moment.”

“I see. So there’s a chance for anyone?”

“What do you mean…?”

“Nothing, just forget about it.”

I had done my duty as an older brother.

Liss looked at me with gratitude in her eyes.

Did she think it was free?

I would make her pay for it later.

“Ahem.”

Leon coughed awkwardly and returned to the main topic.

“I’ll never forget your teachings, Your Grace. Thanks to you, I was able to grow so much.”

“No, I didn’t teach you anything. It’s all thanks to your natural talent and hard work.”

My actions during the times of crisis might have given him some insights, but that was it.

It would be embarrassing for me to claim that I had taught Leon Benesse, of all people.

“No, Your Grace. I’ll always cherish your teachings.”

“…Well, take care of the academy while I’m gone. And Camian and Annette too.”

I could ask Leon, who was a normal person, for such a favor.

It would be pointless to ask the Masked Prince or Slain.

With Leon’s help, Camian and Annette’s burden would be lessened.

“I will, Your Grace.”

His immediate response was reassuring.

“Thank you.”

I extended my hand.

He understood and shook my hand.

A meaningful handshake between a senior and a junior.

After seeing Leon off, the congratulations from the third-year Golden Generation continued.

And then,

“Sob, sob.”

…Why was she crying?

I froze, dumbfounded, as Annette burst into tears, as if she were saying goodbye to her parents.