“In short, I want each and every one of you to fully understand the danger present in this field trip and inform your parents of such before... Hmm? What’s the matter, George and William Stewart?” The Monster Studies professor gave his explanation of the extracurricular field trip, and two of his students raised their hands with eyes aglitter.
“We want to go!”
“That fast?! Did you not hear what I said?”
“We sure did! And we really, really want to go!”
Even though the boys were from a border region, the monsters that appeared were specific to their home. As such, the two brothers were filled with excitement at the opportunity to hunt monsters they’d never seen in Pallas. What was more, if they participated in this activity, it likely meant they’d get extra credit in Monster Studies and Hunting Techniques. It was a deal that George, who was struggling with Monster Studies, and William, who was struggling with Hunting Techniques, simply couldn’t pass up.
“Are you certain you were listening? Because I said that you couldn’t participate until after you spoke with your parents.” The professor had never once seen students be so enthusiastic about participating in these activities. Even a gruff man like him was shocked.
“Then does that mean we can join if our parents say we can, Professor Wolfgang?!”
“If we go on this field trip, would it count as extra credit toward Ancient Imperial Language, Professor?!”
It wasn’t just the teacher who was shocked. The other students couldn’t understand why in the world George and William were so gung ho about it either.
“Er... Right, so, William Stewart, yes, you can join as long as you have your parents’ permission. But you’re still young, so you should really think long and hard about it. Make sure you have a full and honest discussion with your parents before making your decision. And George Stewart, no, it won’t count as extra credit toward Ancient Imperial Language.”
“Got it! I’ll ask my parents tonight!”
“No way... Can’t you like...make an exception, Professor?”
William readily agreed to his professor’s terms, while George slumped his shoulders in disappointment.
“Are you two quite all right?” Francesca, who had been sitting next to William, asked with worry. The professor had warned them several times how dangerous the field trip would be.
William gave a very reasonable response. “Don’t you think it’s difficult to fully understand something until you’ve actually experienced it for yourself, Lady Francesca?”
“You’re right. It may actually behoove us as people who live here in the capital to participate. None of us have ever seen a real monster before, after all.”
“Lady Marion! I’ve heard that there haven’t been enough hunters to go around lately, so knights have been dispatched to the borders to fill in. As someone who hopes to be a knight in the future, it really could be a good idea for you to join,” George replied to Marion, beginning to sway her.
“I think a field trip sounds pretty fun, don’t you, Caitlyn?”
“I think a field trip sounds pretty fun too, Catherine!”
The twins didn’t even need to be convinced. They’d already had their interest piqued because monsters were involved.
“Besides, I know if my sister were here right now, she’d say she wants to join too!” Just as the girls started wondering if they should ask their parents, William (who was getting pretty into this) dealt the final blow. The moment he mentioned Emma, the boys around him all started to change their attitudes.
“I’ve heard the hunters in Skyte have been having a lot of trouble with so few of them to go around...”
“And if Lady Emma heard there were people in trouble, she couldn’t possibly let it stand...”
“Lady Emma would be volunteering if she were well enough to... So why in the world should we be too afraid?!”
All the students in Beginner’s Monster Studies swore that they would ask their parents later that night about attending the field trip. It was no exaggeration to say that this completely unnecessary addition from William had increased the number of participants severalfold in previous years. What was more, those who would be able to attend the activity were about to be witnesses to a miracle.
The girl who was on the verge of death...would be attending the same field trip bearing nothing but smiles.