“All right, go inside,” the grandmaster said to Yui. “Today’s the day—I’ll make you say yes.”
Feeling sick of the grandmaster’s smile and his overflowing enthusiasm, Yui entered the room he had led her to. As soon as she did, she saw who was already there, and she instantly wanted to turn around on the spot and run away. The first two people she caught sight of were General Kieran and a kind-looking man with a clean appearance wearing a pure white robe—he was a cardinal of the church, and he looked the part. Judging by the grandmaster’s presence at the camp, Yui had predicted that those two would be there, however, she was surprised to see that the king and the crown prince were in attendance as well. Gaius was there too, standing behind Bernard and Alexis.
Yui started to feel a headache coming on. No matter how much she tried to refuse, a single order from the king would make all of that pointless. If Bernard said anything, Yui’s only choice was to obey. It’d be bad if, because of her refusal, Layce was removed from his position as prime minister. Of course, it wouldn’t be nearly that easy for Bernard to fire Layce, and Layce would use every means at his disposal to prevent Bernard from forcing Yui into something she didn’t want to do, so her worry was unnecessary. Still, with her thoughts racing, she frantically tried to come up with an excuse just in case. As she did, she and Ivo bowed deeply to the king. Then, seeking help, Yui looked to Filiel, who was also there for some reason, but all she got in response was a forced smile.
“I was able to watch your matches today,” Bernard said to Ivo and Yui. “You both fought wonderfully.”
At this direct compliment from the king, joy appeared in Ivo’s tense expression. Yui, beside him, was behaving deferentially, and both of them simultaneously said, “Thank you very much.”
Next, the general spoke. “It must’ve been a surprise to get such a sudden summons. You’ve been called here for no other reason than this: we want to hear what you both intend to do after graduating. First, Ivo Arman. You’re only a first-year, so this is still several years in the future, but I, as well as the grandmaster and the cardinal, all hope that you will join our organizations. We’d like to hear what you’re considering.”
“I am greatly honored to have received such high praise, despite my age and inexperience,” Ivo replied, bowing. “However,” he continued, “there are still so many things I want to experience and challenge myself with, and I am unable to make a decision at this time. Starting in our second year, students are able to take classes to study more specialized topics, so I want to decide everything once I’ve had the opportunity to learn more.” Surrounded by so many important people, including multiple members of the royal family, Ivo was completely stiff, and his voice shook slightly, but he was still able to firmly convey his intentions. His answer seemed to satisfy them, and they all looked content.
“I see. But you do wish to get a job in something related to magic, yes?”
“Yes.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Then let’s have this conversation again another time. Is that all right with both of you?” Kieran asked the cardinal and the grandmaster. They nodded in agreement. “Then, our talk with you is done. We don’t mind if you head back first.”
“Ah...” Ivo glanced at Yui. He was worried about leaving her there alone, but there was no way for him to argue against it. He just said, “Yes sir,” and headed to the exit. Yui stealthily tagged along behind him, trying to leave in secret.
“Hey, where do you think you’re going?” said the grandmaster in a rather threatening tone. “We haven’t even started, missy.”
Of course, there was no way that they would fail to notice her. Disappointed, Yui gave up and watched Ivo as he anxiously left the room. Then she turned around once more. She tensed herself to keep from being overwhelmed by the pressure of all the powerful people in the room.
“I’ll ask this right away—”
“No thank you,” Yui said, rejecting whatever Kieran had to say before he could say it.
Silence reigned for a moment. Kieran reflexively grimaced, then spoke up once more. “I haven’t said anything yet.”
“I don’t need to hear it in order to know what it’s about. I’ve said this countless times already, but I’m not going to join the army, the church, or the guild. I’m going to take over my grandfather’s bakery, marry an ordinary husband, and live an ordinary life.”
Filiel was shaken by the words “ordinary husband,” but luckily, the only people who noticed this were those who were right next to him: Bernard, Alexis, and Gaius.
“I’ve said this already, but you can stay at the bakery and just join on paper,” the grandmaster said.
The cardinal nodded. “Yes, it is as the grandmaster says. As long as you make an appearance at the church just once a week, I don’t mind if you work at the bakery as usual.”
Neither he, Yui, nor the grandmaster were willing to give an inch. They’d had this exchange an endless number of times in the past, and Yui was quickly getting fed up with it.
“We’ll give you a salary just for that. You’d normally never get a deal this good,” the grandmaster said. Just about anyone would’ve given up and accepted one of their offers, but Yui stubbornly refused to nod in agreement. “What else could you want? The guild is willing to grant whatever you wish, if at all possible.”
“The same goes for the church,” the cardinal said. He and the grandmaster both held a great deal of authority within their respective organizations. Kieran, on the other hand, worked for the government and had to comply with various laws and regulations—he was unable to make any statements that hadn’t been prepared in advance. For the time being, he just stood there, silently spectating.
“Then please go away and never speak to me again,” Yui said.
“Rejected,” the grandmaster said forcefully.
“Didn’t you just say that you’d listen to whatever I asked? Take responsibility for your own words.”
“There has to be something else! You could have money, status, or precious magic items!”
“I’m not interested,” Yui replied briskly. “Besides, my father arranges everything, so I have no inconveniences in my daily life. A high position means a lot of annoying responsibilities, and I’m confident that if I take classes on magic items, I’ll be able to make all the ones I want myself.”