Almark – Northern Sword, Southern Wand

On his way to the school building, Jed stopped and looked back unexpectedly.

Cut into Almark with a hard expression.

"... I don't want to say this..."

What is it?

"It's your father's job... to be a mercenary... I don't think it sounds right in this country."

"A mercenary...?"

"There hasn't been a war in this country for a hundred years. Speaking of battles, they're like monsters that sometimes appear on the border. That's why I tend to despise people in the north like savages... ah, no."

After seeing Almark's eyes sharpen in response to the word "savage," Jed waved in a hurry.

"Of course, it's not just that kind of person, but that's the trend in general... especially the impression of 'mercenaries'..."

"But there are also mercenaries coming from Nakahara."

"In reality, it may be. But everybody thinks only the northerners fight on their own."

……

Indeed, Almark has traveled to the south of the country and talked too much about people's thoughts.

They have nothing to do with war. War is only fought by foolish barbarians with different dimensions of civilization… it is certainly a happy way of thinking.

If we can live without killing each other, we'll never get past that.

But to agree with that idea meant to deny his father, Raise, his way of life.

Almark couldn't do that.

"But I am... the son of a mercenary..." Shadow Fang “Raise."

Jed cut his head in trouble.

The dean also gives me a terrible assignment.

Indeed, it seemed a little impossible for an 11-year-old child to hide his father's profession and behave like a master.

However, if he is distracted, he will be exposed to strange, contemptuous gaze.

The Nork Magic Academy is also a royal facility.

Regardless of the lowliness of the students' origins, the current situation in the northern part of the continent did not justify calling them the son of a mercenary.

All the former natives of the North were children of the nobles of the royal family.

Even that has not been accepted in the last few years.

In fact, the admission paperwork says that Almark's father's profession is a blacksmith, as instructed by Yologue.

"Yeah... I understand that, but... if you say that, you won't be able to stay in this academy."

Almark bit his lips.

When pressed by such a decision, he always remembers the words of his father on the night of the farewell.

"... use your head, Almark. Don't rely on me to figure out what to do and what to do. Learn, be smart, be great, and move many people."

Almark chewed his lips again.

... Father, I'm proud to be your son.

I will not forgive whoever makes a fool of him because he is the son of a mercenary.

But....

Almark was learning during a difficult journey.

Just following your emotions honestly means you won't get anything you want.

I'm sorry, Dad.

"... I see. I won't tell you about my father."

"Yes... I'm sorry."

Jed looked relieved.

A young woman in a light green robe was waiting for them in front of the entrance to the school building.

"Ah, is your teacher Professor Fear? That's good, damn it."

That said, Jed twisted his body.

"Hah...."

When Almark slightly separated herself, the woman came forward with a gentle smile.

"Nice to meet you, Almark."

"Yes"

"I'm Fear. I'll be in charge of your class for three years of elementary school."

"It's Almark. Thank you very much."

"... well then, Professor Fier, thank you for the rest."

Jed lowered his head behind Almark.

"Ah, yes. Thank you very much, Mr. Zide."

"No... Almark, I'll always be at the front door. Come and see me whenever you need to talk to me."

"Yes, thank you for everything"

Almark shook hands with Jed.

"... come on, let's go. The classroom is this way."

Fear invites Almark into the school building.