Chapter 9 – The three disciples of the heroes

       Before the morning cla.s.ses began… .

“Nice to meet you, everyone . My name is Aina Vermillion . I will be acting as the princ.i.p.al for a while from today . Please treat me well!” (Aina)

” ” ” ” “!?” ” ” ” “

       The cla.s.sroom was in turmoil when the woman who came in with Erinsensei introduced herself . Aina Vermillion was this kingdom’s princess, and the same time, she was also the supreme commander of the Erstadt Magic Knight Order .

From her voice and her dress, there’s no doubt that she is ‘Ai-chan’ I met a while ago . In addition, her hand is holding a familiar paper bag from the clothing store . If my prediction is correct, there should be ‘those’ inside it . I have a bad feeling about it… .

“Whoa!? It’s Ainsama in the fles.h.!.+ It’s Ainsama in the fles.h.!.+” (Felmina)

       Felminsan was also making a big fuss about the appearance of a celebrity inside the cla.s.s . For Felminsan who wanted to join the Magic Knight Order, it was equal to seeing the G.o.ddess .

“H-Hey, she is coming this way!? Wh-What should I do!?” (Felmina)

       Felminsan asked so while continuously shaking my shoulder .

Yeah, good question . I wonder what should I do now… .

“Ainsama is standing in front of me now!!” (Felmina)

       Immediately, Felminsan stood up and bowed to Ai-chan who stopped in front of us .

“Pl-Pleased to meet you . My name is Felmina Hermisch . My father is indebted to you . ” (Felmina)

“Hermisch… . Oh, do you mean the vice-captain of the Northern Subjugation Unit? I’ve heard a lot about your father from Melnia . She always says that Hermisch-dono is a very dependable person . ” (Aina)

Melnia? Northern Subjugation Unit? Maybe Felminsan’s father was among the people I pulled out of the ground .

“It’s honor to be evaluated highly by Melnisama! I will also work hard to become a strong and a brave female wizard like her!” (Felmina)

       Felminsan couldn’t hide her happiness because her father was being praised .

Melnisan tried to help me even though she was in front of a demon lord . The wizard who confronts the overwhelmingly strong enemies — that’s exactly what Felminsan longs to be .

       Then, Ai-chan turned her eyes at me and smiled .

“So you are Ash-san . Do you know who am I?” (Aina)

“Ai-chan?” (Ash)

       The cla.s.sroom stirred by that remark .

“Ai-chan…!? H-Hey, what’s your relations.h.i.+p with Ainsama!?” (Felmina)

“That’s a secret!” (Aina)

       Ai-chan placed her index finger on her lips and winked, adding oil to the fire . The cla.s.sroom was getting more and more noisy due to Ai-chan’s meaningful remark .

“There’s something I’d talk in private with you . Could you please come to the princ.i.p.al’s office with me?” (Aina)

       Ai-chan said so with a serious face .

Maybe it’s about Earth Emperor… .

“Understood . ” (Ash)

       When I was about to leave my seat, Felminsan grabbed my hand tightly .

“What’s the matter?” (Ash)

“Umm, well… . I will be very indebted to you, so… . If possible, could you get Ainsama’s autograph for me…?” (Felmina)

“I will try to get it . ” (Ash)

       I answered Felminsan and left the cla.s.sroom .

“First of all, please accept this as a token of our acquaintance . ” (Aina)

       When we arrived at the princ.i.p.al’s office, the first thing Ai-chan did was presenting the paper bag to me .

“It’s just something trivial… . No, calling it trivial would be rude . This is something you’ve chosen yourself after all . Even so, I’ve never thought that I would meet you in such places . Maybe this is some kind of fate . ” (Aina)

Ai-chan put all her feelings to choose this present for me . There’s no reason for me to not feeling happy . However, these are girl’s clothes and panties… .

It’s embarra.s.sing to dress up as a girl, but this also can be a good chance to grow up mentally . Overcoming the sense of shame may result in spiritual growth and the appearance of Magic Spot . Considering that, this actually the best present I could hope for .

“Thank you very much . I wear it every day!” (Ash)

“Oh my, I’m glad . ” (Aina)

       Ai-chan’s smiling face gradually turned serious .

“Now then, I would like to thank you on behalf of the world . Thank you for defeating Earth Emperor . ” (Aina)

“Pl-Please raise your head! It was not something great . I just punched him once . ” (Ash)

“However, to be able to defeat Earth Emperor with a single punch, you must have spent a tremendous amount of efforts to train yourself . I should not disregard your efforts, and as the princess of a country, I must reward you with something suitable . ” (Aina)

“I have already received the reward . ” (Ash)

       I held up the paper bag .

“That’s just a souvenir . Is there else something you want? I will prepare anything using my authority as a princess . ” (Aina)

What I want the most is “magic” . But even if she’s a princess, I’m sure she won’t be able to prepare it .

“In that case, please give me your signature . ” (Ash)

“Is that all?” (Aina)

“Yes . It’s something that only you can prepare after all . ” (Ash)

“You really have no desire, huh… . Okay, I understand . ” (Aina)

“Thank you very much . I will be saved if you write ‘To Felmina”, too . ” (Ash)

“I understand . I’ll write with all my heart . ” (Aina)

       Ai-chan wrote her signature on handkerchief and then presented it to me . After that, I returned to the cla.s.sroom and handed the signed handkerchief to Felminsan .

“Thank you, Ash-kun! I will treasure it forever!” (Felmina)

       Felminsan was crying in joy while embracing me .

From the 3rd  person’s POV

“It’s been a long time, Maurice . ” (Phillip)

       When Maurice was having dinner inside his house at the Demon Forest, Phillip suddenly appeared in front of him .

“You surprised me! Contact me in advance if you want to use teleportation!” (Maurice)

“Hahahaha . My bad!” (Phillip)

       Having said that, Phillip took a nearby seat . Then, while still grumbling, Maurice began to prepare meal for Phillip too . Maurice returned to his seat and looked at Phillip on the opposite direction with a serious expression .

“So, what are you coming for? I’m sure you didn’t come to have a small talk with your old friend… . ” (Maurice)

“You caught up fast . Well, I will tell the concrete stories after Colon arrives . ” (Phillip)

       Even though she was the world’s number one pharmacist and a wizard who excel in dark magic, Colon couldn’t use teleportation like Phillip . With the exception of Ash, it will take at least a week to reach the Demon Forest from Lamnyar .

“Are you going to stay here until Colon arrives?” (Maurice)

“That’s the plan!” (Maurice)

“It’s not going to be easy… . ” (Maurice)

“That’s my line!” (Phillip)

       After beating each other in small talk, Maurice got down to the main subject .

“To call up the founding members of hero party, does it mean the Day of End

is getting closer?” (Maurice)

“You are still sharp as ever . Yeah it is, unfortunately . Well, anyway, I will tell you the details after Colon arrives . However, there’s only one thing I can say right now… . ” (Phillip)

       Phillip stared at Maurice with a stern expression .

“You, me, and Colon… . The time to gather the disciple we have raised has finally come . ” (Phillip)