Volume 5: Imperial Academy

Chapter 106: The Second Mansion and…

“Nuaaaaaah!!!!! I’ve returned at laaaaaast!!!!!”

Having completed their duties as imperial envoys, Ryu and Esther had finally made their way back to the capital.

At present, they stood before Esther’s ramshackle mansion—a structure that had long since surrendered any claim to elegance and now clung stubbornly to existence through sheer sentiment alone.

Though she would soon be lodging at the second Arden estate, she first needed to pack her belongings. The transition could not happen without a proper farewell to this creaking old place.

“So we’re keeping this mansion after all?” Ryu asked, glancing up at the sagging roofline.

“Indeed. In times of emergency, it shall serve as a refuge—a hidden sanctuary, if you will.”

“If nobody lives here, the decay’s only going to get worse. It’ll turn into even more of a haunted house than it already is. Wouldn’t it be easier to sell it off and just buy a new hideout somewhere else?”

“No! It must be this one!” Esther protested, puffing up indignantly before her tone softened. “It’s just… well… I’ve grown rather attached to it.”

“I see.” Ryu gave a small, amused nod. “Alright then. I’ll come pick you up later. In the meantime, do your best with the packing and everything. That goes for you too, Homura.”

“Understood!”

“Gyau.”

(We understand!)

Ryu’s expression turned serious.

“Both of you… thank you for everything this time. Especially you, Esther…”

“None of that now!” she snapped, though her eyes shone with warmth. “No need for such distant words! Go on, hurry and show your face to your servants. Your return must be announced properly.”

Had Esther not been there for him, Ryu knew—without exaggeration—that he might by now have been swallowed by the Voice of the World, transformed into one of the dragonkind and flown off toward the floating isles.

The fact that he still stood here as himself was owed entirely to this extraordinary apothecary—and his closest friend. Gratitude alone could not express it; he owed her more than his life.

“…I’m in your debt. Let’s go, Axel.”

“Brrr.”

Turning his back on the worn mansion, Ryu headed toward the noble district.

“Well then, let us begin as well,” Esther declared.

“Gyau.”

With a deep breath, she pushed open the door of the haunted house for the first time in several months.

And what greeted her was—

“Gwah! The insects are holding a festival in here!”

“Gyau…”

(Whoa… gross…)

Packing might prove far more arduous than anticipated.

The commoners’ district and the noble district were separated by a towering wall.

This was not born of some extreme ideology of superiority, but rather a necessary measure to protect nobles from assassination attempts and crime. Imperial nobles were among the most frequently targeted on the continent. Given the recent surge in incidents tied to shadowy organizations, such precautions were unavoidable.

The citizens understood this well—and accepted it.

To enter or leave the noble district, one had to pass through the gates each time.

As Ryu approached, one of the gatekeepers addressed him.

“You are Lord Ryu Arden, are you not?”

“That’s right. Impressive that you recognized me—we’ve never met before. Did someone ‘above’ give instructions?”

“Ah—well—if you would kindly refrain from mentioning that…”

“Fair enough. My apologies.”

“Not at all.”

Thanks to his recent mission, Ryu’s standing within the Empire had risen even further. At just fifteen years old, he was now regarded as the most promising young noble—a key figure linking the Empire and Hinomaru.

Naturally, orders had been issued to treat him with particular care—for the sake of the Empire’s future.

The Empress herself had likely been beaming ever since, having gained a splendid pretext to favor him openly.

Passing through the gates, Ryu walked the tranquil estate-lined streets. Patrol knights crossed his path frequently as he proceeded for about twenty minutes.

“No matter how many times I see it, it’s overwhelming,” he murmured.

“Brrr.”

Before them stood the residence befitting a leading marquis.

Unlike before, a single glance now revealed that it was fully maintained and clearly inhabited. Two knights stood guard at the entrance.

“Lord Ryu! It has been far too long!”

“Oh, it’s you two. Thanks for keeping watch.”

They were members of the Arden Knight Order.

“All servants and knights alike have awaited your return with bated breath, my lord!”

“That’s a bit suffocating.”

“Eh…!”

As they exchanged words—

“Oh my, I thought I heard voices from outside…”

“…Sebas. It’s been a while.”

“Lord Ryu… You’ve grown taller yet again. This Sebas is so moved I can scarcely speak.”

“You’re speaking plenty.”

“Fufufu. Come inside, please.”

The meddlesome old man’s fondness for his young master was as obvious as ever.

“Axel has grown as well… no, has his color changed slightly? Might this be what one calls evolution?”

“Sharp eye. He evolved from a Senrima into an Obsidian Steed the other day. Right, Axel?”

“Brrr.”

“Astonishing… Then we must update his registration at the Guild.”

“It’s a hassle, but I’ll visit the Guild headquarters in the capital soon.”

Axel, being far too large to enter the mansion, was left outside.

“This absurdly massive garden? It’s all yours. Rest well today.”

“Brrrurrr.”

The entire estate grounds served as his stable.

Inside, the mansion’s interior was not a grand hall adorned with glittering chandeliers and sweeping carpets, as one might expect. Instead, it was designed with practicality and security in mind—its layout deliberately complex and defensible.

It seemed to be cleaning hour. Several servant apprentices bustled about the wide entrance hall.

“I don’t recognize these faces. So the former duchy slaves have arrived and started working?”

“Yes. They came about a week ago and are finally settling into their duties.”

“We were supposed to take in around a hundred. Was that accurate?”

“Precisely one hundred, as planned. They are all good children. Their futures look bright.”

Sebas addressed the children diligently polishing the walls.

“Everyone. The master has returned. Offer your greetings properly.”

“““Y-Yes! Welcome home, Master!”””

“Good work.”

Ryu leaned toward Sebas and whispered,

“Hey. Why’d you teach them a greeting like they’re working at some upscale café for adults?”

“I thought a bit of stiffness would suit them at first.”

“…Let’s call it a temporary indulgence, then.”

Neither seemed entirely displeased.

Ascending to the third floor, Ryu asked,

“Which room is mine now?”

“The one at the far end, my lord.”

“Oh? And the room opposite?”

“That would be Lady Rena’s.”

“Excellent. Well done, Sebas.”

“Your praise honors me. Incidentally, Lady Rena moved from the academy dormitory to this estate just yesterday. You should be reunited by evening.”

“Understood.”

Ryu entered his room, set down his belongings, and surveyed the space.

“…This is a bit too big for me.”

“It is, after all, intended for a leading marquis.”

A colossal bed. A workspace rivaling a study. Fine furnishings. A private shower and lavatory.

It was like an evolved version of a hotel suite. For someone who had lived in a dilapidated old room just a year ago, it felt almost blinding.

Sebas’s tone grew slightly heavier.

“Lord Ryu. And the trade agreements?”

“A complete success. Not just Edo—we can now trade with all of Hinomaru.”

“As expected of you… Now we can cover their wages.”

“Sorry to make you worry.”

“It is my duty. Please, do not concern yourself.”

Ryu exhaled softly.

“It wouldn’t sit right to bind those kids here for life. Maybe we should create a system—hear each of their dreams, and if they have aspirations, help them find positions elsewhere. With the Arden name behind them, they could work anywhere.”

“To think you would consider even the servants’ futures… This Sebas is overwhelmed with emotion.”

“You’re exaggerating. Besides, they’ll work harder if they believe it’s building toward something.”

After all, while serving a noble house was considered a fortunate occupation, some might dream of becoming knights, adventurers, officials, or teachers. If they believed their wages were paving the way toward that future, they would give their all.

“And if one of them rises to prominence someday, that benefits Arden too.”

“Indeed. Though I may no longer be in this world by then…”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Live until I die. I won’t permit you to go before me.”

“If you command it so, my lord, then I shall not die. Hahaha!”

Sebas laughed from the bottom of his heart.

Whether Ryu spoke in jest or absolute sincerity, however, no one could say.

“Oh, by the way—have you heard about Esther?”

“Yes. I understand you traveled to Hinomaru with a certain apothecary named Esther—the one who once saved Lady Iris.”

“That’s her. She’ll be staying with us from now on.”

“Understood. We shall extend her the utmost hospitality. She is a great benefactor to House Arden.”

“There’s also a baby dragon. Take care of that too.”

“Of course.”

(A baby dragon…?)

With future plans discussed, Ryu finally allowed himself to rest from the long journey.

───Evening.

At last, the long-awaited moment arrived.

“I’m home~”

“Brrr.”

“Ah! Axel! It’s been so long! Good boy, good boy!”

Rena stroked Axel affectionately.

“Ah! If Axel’s here, then that means—!”

“Brrrurrr.”

Heart swelling with anticipation, she flung open the door.

“Ryu-niisama!!!!!!”

“Welcome home, Rena. I’ve been waiting.”

Her beloved Oni-sama stood there.

Sebas and the servants, reading the atmosphere perfectly, had tactfully vanished.

Rena threw herself into Ryu’s arms.

“Whoa—”

“Suu… haa… suu… haa…”

(It’s been so long since I smelled my Oni-sama… it’s so comforting…)

They embraced for what felt like an eternity.

But eventually, they had to part.

“Rena, how’s the academy?”

Still burying her face against him, she replied brightly.

“It’s wonderful! I’ve made lots of friends, and the classes are so fun…”

“That’s good to hear. Anything troubling you?”

“Nothing in particular. Though… I always think it would be even more fun if you were there too, Oni-sama.”

“I see… For now, let’s have dinner. You must be hungry.”

“Yes! I’m starving! But we had practical sword training today, so I need to change first!”

“Alright. I’ll walk you to your room.”

“Yay!”

Clinging to him like a little koala, Rena ascended the stairs at his side.

Ryu gently patted his adorable sister’s head, lost in thought.

(If I were at the academy, it would be more fun… huh…)

That night, the two of them celebrated their reunion to their hearts’ content.