
“A field trip is it…” A sigh left me as I stepped out of the classroom. As always, the campus of the Black Rose was impeccably clean today too—As expected of the place that housed the scions of this side of the world.
It was not just the students that were abuzz with thoughts after the announcement of a field trip, even teachers had a similar reaction. Most of the time, though, that thought was about what a hassle it would be.
Taking care of the students even on a trip was always a pain. But, well, at least I was free of such thoughts.
If anything happened to anyone else’s students, they would be in a lot of trouble. But if anything happened to my students, everyone would be in trouble.
I was very surprised when the word reached me through the principal and Gladwin. If the students were to move to a field trip somewhere, it couldn’t end with just the academy’s and empire’s security.
A controlled environment like Glorenstein was very different from a place that was free and open.
What could we do?
I absolutely had to go to that place, after all.
I was about to leave toward the premises of Black Rose when a familiar figure with blonde hair caught my eyes. Standing next to that person was another familiar student, both of whom I had gotten fairly close to.
The two seemed to have noticed me as well and hopped over.
“Professor!”
“Student Jeremy, Student Enna.”
It was the de-facto leader among the graduate students of Black Rose kids, Prince Jeremy. A severe party-head who was being hailed as a hero among the citizens of the Empire since he actively played a part in the rescue of the citizens when the fake Mrs. Frock went wild.
“Professor, good morning.” Enna greeted me with a light bow. She was another party-head, someone who had no problem mingling with people well above her station and who could handle not just her drinks, but also spread timely rumors through it.
Indirectly, she had helped me a lot to make sure seven children could get to a place where they should be.
And eventually, I planned to send more there.
“Professor, professor,” said Jeremy. “You’ll be there tonight right?”
I nodded at his words.
“You?”
“Of course, I’ve been invited as the chief guest. How can I miss it?”
“If I invite you as the chief guest for the exams will you hit the books?”
Jeremy reeled back at my sharp words. Sorry kid, but education was important. Even though I did not teach graduates or even the second and third year students, their ranking definitely affected my KPI.
If it's for my bonus, I could be a strict teacher. At least to him who was always partying.
“T-that… it’s not like the score matters.”
Enna pinched Jeremy’s arm at those words.
Woah. Was that ok to do with a prince?
“At least try, it won’t look good if you fail right?”
Jeremy chuckled at her words. He definitely needed to hit the books. I slowly leaned over and whispered in his ears.
“If you score well I’ll help you sneak out during the field trip.”
“Even after being scolded like that by the vice principal?!” Jeremy asked with tears in his eyes. “You are truly an angel, professor.”
The very reason Jeremy was outside of the academy during the Chimera incident was because he was sneaking out while using my name. Helping him again was a loss.
But who am I kidding. If I was going to a new place for the field trip I needed someone who could throw killer parties.
“Say something to Enna too,” said Jeremy. “It’s not fair for only me to get scolded.”
I narrowed my eyes on Enna. With a smirk, I pointed at both of them. A deep blush took over Enna’s cheeks as she shook her head.
“T-there’s nothing like that!” she said.
“Like what?” Jeremy asked, but both of us ignored him.
My smile only grew wider. How amusing, I should have noticed the signs earlier.
“You keep doing well, Enna. I am sure you’ll handle the exams with all your effort.”
“R-right,” she nodded, still blushing.
“Scores don’t matter as much as effort.”
“Hey, that’s unfair! My scores shouldn’t matter either—”
“You better hit the books!”
With those words, I left the two of them behind and walked away.
“See you tonight, professor!” Jeremy said from the back and I waved at him.
That’s right. Tonight.
***
The day passed by. I donned my usual black suit and overcoat alongside my hat. With my attache in hand, I found myself standing in front of a large building.
Just a week ago, this plot housed a boutique; but now it was bustling with people dressed in modest coats and holding simple gifts.
The wartime celebrations had led me to see parties on quite the grand scale, but this one was different.
After all, this was a party where nobles had no place. Of course, many were coming here regardless—including a prince. Aside from Jeremy, who seemed to already be inside and drinking, there were also some other professors and even Gladwin.
I looked at the signboard that had replaced the Boutique’s name.
[Glorenstein Carriage Union]
“Professor!” A voice called me from the entrance. A young man in a suit rushed over. “Or should I call you our advisor?”
I chuckled at his words. “Which do you prefer, Jackie or the Union President?”
With some sizeable investments, I ended up becoming an advisor in a business.
“Please, come in.”
It was the opening gala of the new business. A carriage union that was being headed by Jackie and his father, and had brought every single carriage in Glorenstein under its wing.
It was the first of its kind for commoners of Glorenstein.
As soon as I stepped inside, I noticed all the new employees that were going to make this business a success. All of them were the members of Shirley’s Resistance Group.
Or should I say my resistance group now?