The three who had started eating earlier still seemed to be just getting started, eagerly gnawing on the meat. As we gradually transitioned from small talk, the conversation delved deeper.
“So, I heard from Yazzak-san that you’re also considering joining the Federation Army.”
Paldomihov said, gazing intently at Kimishima beside me.
“Yes. But, I thought if I could be with Sensei…If I have to go to another state or something…”
“Mm-hmm, I’ve heard about that too. You seem to possess exceptional proficiency in plant magic. I’ve heard your abilities were crucial in the escape from Galal Blue. In terms of ability, I don’t think the Federation Army would reject you.”
“Thank you.”
Paldomihov shifted his gaze to me and continued.
“As I mentioned this morning, for the Federation Army, having a Celestial among their ranks alone is beneficial. And Celestials sometimes find themselves in positions where their lives are targeted.”
“Y-yes.”
“I’m the same way. That’s why Sid is always by my side… Well, there are some issues with his behavior for doing behind-the-scenes work, but…”
“P-Pal-san. I’m doing my best!
Sid interjected anxiously, but Paldomihov continued without even glancing at him.
“Because we’re always together, someone in a somewhat close position, like my disciple, ends up being assigned as my guard. Shigeto… Sensei, would that be acceptable if you join the Federation Army? It’s our rule to provide guards for those who are affiliated with us.”
“I need security?”
“Especially, your abilities are quite sharp. You need to move up the ranks as soon as possible and increase the number of times you can draw your sword, but before that, we need to provide security.”
“Yes…”
“So… if possible, I think we can satisfy Yuzuki-san’s wishes by asking her to take on that position.”
“Kimishima???”
“Yes. Joining the Federation Army and always being with Sensei…”
Suddenly faced with this unexpected proposal, I didn’t know how to respond. Having students protect me? No, no. That’s too dangerous—
“I understand. I’ll do it.”
“Ki-Kimishima?”
“Mm… You seem like you’d take responsibility for it.”
“N-No. That’s not… I can’t let my students become my shields like that.”
“But she intends to do it, right?”
“Yes! Even if I don’t join the Federation Army, I intend to stay with Sensei.”
“Wait! I mean, Kimishima has only just arrived here.”
“Of course, it might be tough with her current abilities. So, for a while, we’ll provide personnel from headquarters to assist you in training Yuzuki-san as a top-class warrior.”
“A top-class warrior… That’s dangerous.”
“Please!”
“Wow, ‘please’…”
The conversation took an unexpected turn. I looked to Nishina for help, feeling flustered.
…No good… Nishina seemed just as enthusiastic.
“Paldomihov-san! I’ll also guard Sensei too!”
“Wait! Even you, Nishina?”
“I’ll do it too.”
“Sakuragi~”
I couldn’t help but bury my head in my hands. Why did my students have to be involved in my danger…?
Ignoring my flustered state, Paldomihov calmly continued.
“Well, you two are technically members of the State Army, after all.”
“No, is it?”
“…Miki-san has the protection of the Tendai Guardian. Probably… but if you advance up the Ladder normally, you should naturally reach the Celestial rank.”
“Huh?”
“Miki-san would be in the same position as Sensei then.”
“Me????”
“Yes. If that happens, just like Sensei now, you’ll be beyond the State Army’s control. At that time, it would be ideal for you to join the Federation Army.”
“Oooh.”
“And at that time, wouldn’t it be possible for Takato-san to stay next to you as Miki-san’s bodyguard?”
“Takato-kun for me?”
“Am I for Sakuragi?”
The two looked surprised at Paldomihov’s words
…
“Hahaha. But there aren’t many replacements for mages… I don’t think you need to worry that much.”
According to him, while melee professions can have straightforward battles, it’s quite challenging when it comes to magic battles. Even though there might be some substitution among magic professions, Paldomihov hadn’t heard of mages being challenged by melee professions.
But still, these two…
Nishina seemed to avert his gaze somewhat embarrassedly. Sakuragi also looked away in a similar manner. Perhaps I had witnessed a moment where they became conscious of something.
“Oh, I’m… a healer, you know? If you tell me to fight… I will.”
“Now that you mention it, that’s true… But Takato-san’s guardian spirit is also a high-ranking spirit, so you should be able to gain enough power.”
“Yes…”
As Nishina seemed lost in thought, I grinned back at him as if returning the favor. Kimishima, who sensed our interaction, gazed at me meaningfully.
“Ah, no… well. It’s youth, right?”
“We’re also intending it to be our youth.”
“Hahaha…”
“Once again, Sensei is…”
In any case, it seemed they would introduce us to experts in fighting without magic for us who came from a world without it. And because the land here seemed quite conducive to advancing up the Ladder, they encouraged us to continue.
Little by little, we were being drawn into the affairs of this world.
It turned out that… if Yazzak-san might…
“Um, excuse me, Yazzak-san. May I have a moment?”
“Yes, what is it?”
“Well… are there any members of the state army here who are good at things like carpentry or construction?”
“Construction, you say?”
“Yes. This cafeteria and our dorm have been fairly well maintained, and I was wondering if there might be specialists like that around here.”
“Ah, I see. Well, since everyone here has some sort of trade skill, there might be someone. What’s the matter?”
“Um… Oh? They’re not here today, huh? There was a kid who used to do the dishwashing there before. They’re from the town, seeking shelter in this place after their grandfather’s house became uninhabitable due to leaks and such…”
I desperately scanned the area beyond the open kitchen, but today an older woman was doing the dishes.
“Ah, well, since there isn’t much work to go around in this town, we’ve been having different people work each day… ”
“I see…”
“The child’s house seems to have severe leaks and is quite rundown inside. I was thinking if someone could help with repairs…”
“I see… Hmm. It might be difficult to request the state army for personal tasks like this.”
“Guess that’s how it is…”
Well, that’s understandable. Even though things are quite relaxed here, crossing lines between personal and professional matters too much would be tough. Yazzak-san apologized with a face resembling that of a salesperson dealing with complaints.
“While there were some renovations directed by the state government to encourage returnees, I’m sorry that I can’t be of more help.”
“No, no, I’m the one who’s sorry for bringing it up…”
“No, really… sigh…”
Yazzak-san seemed troubled, as if unsure whether he could instruct his subordinates to assist in such matters. Feeling even more apologetic, I decided to end the conversation there.
After finishing our meal and chatting briefly, we disbanded. It was quite difficult to find the right moment to leave with both the Celestial of the Federal Army and the Dudur Valley’s supervisor present. Paldomihov and Sid were going to leave the town early the next morning, so we exchanged farewells there. Sid seemed to have become quite subdued.
Maybe it’s because he’s been next to Paldomihov, or perhaps he’s started to acknowledge my abilities to some extent.
As I returned the dishes and headed towards the lodging…
“Sensei, did you visit that child’s house the other day?”
“Yeah. I was just taking a walk. I was trying to climb up to the roof to fix the leaks, but I realized that since they’re still a child, they’d need an adult’s help.”
“You helped out, Sensei?”
“Well… no, actually, I’m quite afraid of heights… It was impossible for me.”
“I see… Well, I’m not afraid of heights, so if you need a hand, I can help.”
“Is that so? Sorry about that.”
“No problem. I understand how you feel, Sensei.”
Yeah, that’s right. I want to do what I can to help. But even if we were to help, I didn’t think it would necessarily lead to a change in their situation, considering we’re amateurs.
