Chapter 75 Education Duty
Title: 75: Education Duty
After returning to the royal capital, I was able to spend relatively peaceful days. On weekdays, it was the usual work. The unsettling movements of monsters were increasingly seen in various places, and although there were no major attack incidents, we had to prepare for a potential crisis, keeping us quite busy. On weekends, I would go shopping in the royal capital with Chelsea, exchange letters with Lukas and the others from Emme Village, and visit the mentor who was still staying in the royal capital with Arnold. The mentor was always concerned about Elvira's condition, which I shared, but he was always like that.
"For now, the symptoms are under control."
While relieved by those words, there were nights when I couldn't help but feel an indescribable sense of anxiety that the current state of having the symptoms under control might come to an end. Still, I managed to get enough rest, and the days passed peacefully. However, those peaceful days were also coming to an end. This was because I was informed about the preparations for the upcoming Royal Alchemist trainee exam.
On that morning, before the start of work hours, I, Chelsea, Lina-senpai, Arnold, and several other senior Royal Alchemist trainees were summoned to Kasper-san's synthesis room. It seemed that the next exam would be organized by the people gathered this time, focusing on preparation and operation on the day of the exam.
"You might have heard rumors already, but the next Royal Alchemist trainee exam will be more elaborate than usual. However, it's just about increasing the number of recruits."
Kasper-san laughed, lacking his usual vigor.
"The exam method will be the same as usual, with a written test and a practical test. What I would like you all to do is to prepare the synthesis tools and medicinal herbs for the exam and guide the examinees on the day."
While explaining this, Kasper-san handed us a piece of paper. Upon looking at it, I found the roles assigned for the preparation and operation of this exam. I searched for my name under the category of guiding the examinees. I remembered seeing people who seemed to be Royal Alchemists standing along the way to the exam venue when I took the exam, so perhaps I was assigned that role.
"I apologize for adding to your usual workload. Please, I'm counting on you."
As Kasper-san bowed deeply, we exchanged glances and smiled wryly. We couldn't treat our boss, especially someone like Kasper-san who always took care of us, rudely. Since everyone had passed the previous exams and stood where they were now, we already knew the general flow and atmosphere. Therefore, Kasper-san's explanation ended quickly, and we were about to return to our respective synthesis rooms, but...
"Lina-san, Laura-chan, and Chelsea-chan, can you stay back for a moment?"
The three of us were called to stay. For a moment, I wondered why, but then I quickly realized. It must be about the "education duty" that Arnold mentioned. While the other seniors left, Arnold stayed behind with a natural expression, confirming my suspicion.
"I would like to ask all of you to take on the role of educating the next trainees."
"Eh," Chelsea exclaimed. Looking at her, she stared wide-eyed at Kasper-san for a few seconds, then shifted her gaze towards me without saying a word. Just from her expression and gaze, I could tell she was silently asking, "Laura, did you know?" I couldn't help but smile.
"I am well aware that this is a difficult request. However, we are really short-staffed right now..."
Kasper-san trailed off, lowering his gaze to the ground. It was a common occurrence in the world of traditional RPGs for mid-level managers to be caught between a rock and a hard place, just as it was in the previous world.
"How many people are you planning to recruit? How many newcomers should each of us take care of?"
In response to the calm and precise question from Lina-senpai, Kasper-san quickly looked up. Then, he glanced down at the documents in front of him before answering.
"As planned, we're looking at around five people. Of course, we won't lower the passing score, but it seems like we're considering hiring everyone who surpasses a certain passing line."
Chelsea and I, along with a senior we haven't met yet who is currently training at the regional branch, and ahead of them are Arnold and Lina-senpai. Looking back at the last three rounds, having a hiring quota of five does seem quite high.
"Until now, we've usually only hired up to two people at most, so if we're going for five this time, we're short on young staff members who can take on educational roles. It might put a strain on Laura-chan and Chelsea-chan..."
"I don't mind, but can't we exclude Laura and Chelsea? It seems like too much of a burden for second-year students. Can't we bring back Inaha-senpai who was here until a while ago?"
Lina-senpai stepped forward a few paces and asked Kasper-san. Although the name Inaha-senpai that came from her mouth didn't ring a bell, judging from the conversation, they must have been one of the individuals here earlier helping with the upcoming exam.
It wasn't Kasper-san who answered Lina-senpai's question, but Arnold who stood beside her.
"The 'trainees' above us, including Inaha-senpai, have been instructed to take the promotion exam to become regular Royal Alchemists. Moreover, they can take the exam as many times as needed until they pass."
The synthesis room fell silent for a moment. Trainees for Royal Alchemist are not allowed to perform synthesis alone, a constraint that isn't usually a concern in regular tasks. However, I once broke that rule when the royal capital was under monster attack. Although nothing came of it amidst the chaos that followed, there's always a risk of stumbling unexpectedly. Hence, they probably want to increase the number of alchemists who can act swiftly. While I understand the intention, openly stating that failing multiple times is acceptable seems quite blunt.
"...It's a rather blatant measure for the shortage of manpower, but that's why many seniors are preoccupied with their own affairs."
Arnold subtly hinted that the responsibility for educating us rookies had fallen on us.
"As for the division of responsibilities, Lina-san and Laura-chan will each handle two, while Chelsea-chan will take care of one. If there are changes in the hiring numbers, we'll revisit it..."
Kasper-san hunched his back more than usual and gazed at Lina-senpai, me, and Chelsea in turn. It was a heavy atmosphere, but everyone understood, even without him explicitly stating it. After exchanging glances, the three of us nodded simultaneously.
"Ugh, I can't believe it... It's one thing if it's me, but to bring up the topic of mentoring for Laura and Chelsea..."
On the next holiday after being informed about the mentoring role, Lina-senpai, Chelsea, and I were enjoying tea at a café in the royal capital. After a round of shopping, the conversation naturally shifted to mentoring.
"Well, it can't be helped. The seniors must be busy with the promotion exams, and it's not ideal for there to be too much of an age gap between mentors and newcomers..."
"Yeah, the promotion exams! Why am I being excluded without my consent! I have the qualifications to take the exam too! I wasn't planning on taking it yet anyway!"
Lina-senpai expressed her anger while sipping on a trendy juice, and Chelsea tried to calm her down.
"Why is Arnold looking all serious on Kasper-san's side? You should help out too. That way, we can reduce Laura's workload."
"Even if Lina-senpai understands that decisions won't change no matter what is said, she seemed more frustrated than angry. It's really nice to have a senior who gets so worked up about us. Just as I deeply felt that, Lina-senpai's eyes suddenly locked onto me.
"But, maybe he's not cut out to be a mentor... How about Arnold-senpai as a mentor? Laura."
"Um, well, he's not the type to patiently guide step by step—"
"That's true. He's not friendly, and it would be pitiful for a new kid to be placed under him all of a sudden!"
Lina-senpai nodded in agreement while understanding. She seemed to be about to say, "But, I think he also has a caring side," but swallowed the words. I could mostly agree with Lina-senpai's words. If a newbie were suddenly assigned to the aloof Arnold, they might feel intimidated.
Trying to lighten the mood in the awkward silence, I said, "Oh, by the way, Arnold-san asked if there's anything he wants. Should we try to get him some delicious snacks?"
In an attempt to brighten the atmosphere between us, my somewhat theatrical words made Lina-senpai's eyes sparkle.
"Then why not check out the new shop that just opened? I've been curious about it for a while."
Nodding at the senior's suggestion, we left the café. Led by Lina-senpai, who knew the place, we walked down the main street. Just then, Chelsea suddenly asked a question.
"Why did Arnold-san ask if there's anything he wants?"
"Just helping out with Arnold-san's work..."
I laughed it off with a smile. Though it was a vague answer, neither Lina-senpai nor Chelsea seemed to mind, accepting it without further questions.
It seemed we were nearing our destination. As Lina-senpai pointed to a familiar sign, she and I both noticed a familiar figure nearby. She let out a surprised sound, "Arnold, what are you doing here?"
Lina-senpai uttered Arnold's name with a growl. Arnold, in turn, acknowledged us with a nod that was more of a greeting. It was unusual to meet in the royal capital on a holiday. Wondering where he was headed, I realized there was an inn where the Mentor was staying. He was probably heading there.
Passing by, I couldn't help but ask, "Arnold-san, are you going to see the Mentor?"
"Yeah. To hear about something."
Although we often visited the Mentor together, Arnold seemed to go alone at times. Despite worrying about his busy schedule even on holidays, my main concern was Elvira's condition.
"Um, how is Elvira-chan...?"
"She's not showing any symptoms at the moment. She's resting in the village for now."
I breathed a sigh of relief at Arnold's response. While there was no certainty of a full recovery yet, it was safe to say that The Drinking Water of the Spirits had some effect on the Self-destruction disease. Looking up at Arnold's face, he wasn't smiling, but his complexion looked much better. It was clear he had taken a good rest.
"Are you going somewhere with Lina and the others?"
"Huh? Oh, yes. Lina was going to show us around a new shop that recently opened."
Having an unexpected chat with Arnold was a first for me. It was even more surprising that he initiated the conversation.
"By the way, have you decided yet?"
"What do you mean?"
"It's about the gift. I told you to decide since I'll buy something for you."
Just as I was about to decide on something, I was asked, and I couldn't help but laugh awkwardly. Arnold, looking puzzled, raised his eyebrows slightly and looked at me. When I replied, "I'm still thinking," he nodded slightly and said, "I see."
It wouldn't be good to keep Arnold, who was about to head to our Mentor, waiting too long. Lina-senpai and Chelsea are also waiting—glancing sideways, I confirmed they were watching us from in front of the intended store—so I opened my mouth to say goodbye.
"Well then, Arnold-san. See you later."
"Yeah. Make sure to rest well."
I watched Arnold as he turned around and left, leaving those words behind. Compared to before, although it may be a bit of a cliché, the atmosphere and expression he carried seemed much calmer. The situation still requires caution, but it seems the burden on his mind and body has lightened considerably.
"Arnold, you seem to be in a good mood lately. You've become more rounded, haven't you?"
Lina-senpai, who had somehow come to stand beside me, murmured as she watched Arnold walk away. Nodding at her words, I secretly thought that perhaps the current Arnold is who he truly is, rather than having become more rounded. As for the treatment for the Self-destruction disease, research and synthesis are still ongoing. However, progress has been slow, and to be honest, we haven't found the next step after The Drinking Water of the Spirits. So, while moments of weakness may show through, I sincerely hope that these busy yet peaceful days continue.
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