Akatsuki Translations

At Lautaro Magic Academy, in Professor Krolow’s classroom

“That concludes today’s lesson.”

Lynne’s last lesson had come to an end.

For her, there wasn’t much change from what had been continuing until today. The only difference might have been the absence of Medal and his followers. Apparently, they had received a severe warning based on their previous behavior. In addition to losing this term’s credits, they were facing additional classes. Considering their usual conduct, such as hurling magic at other students and other rough behaviors, this might even be considered a lenient punishment.

Lynne, who was a victim of their tyranny, didn’t really mind much about it. She was absorbed in thinking about what she would do next. She was engrossed in how she would make the name of Leyline, the great deeds of the White Witch, resound far and wide. She didn’t even notice that several students were looking at her with interest.

“Lynne.”

Because of this, she naturally didn’t notice her mentor in front of her.

“Professor Krolow.” -Lynne

“Come to my room now.” -Krolow

“I don’t want to.” -Lynne

Lynne answered immediately. Conversations with this man were always long. She needed to prepare to leave soon. She was set to depart the next day.

At her response, Krolow sighed deeply and then raised a slim, long finger. Instantly, Lynne’s body stiffened. She couldn’t move even a fingertip. It was Krolow’s binding magic, performed without an incantation, which Lynne had often been subjected to and was accustomed to. She knew once it was cast, there was nothing she could do.

“Let’s go.” -Krolow

With that, he transported Lynne as if she were an object, floating her along. This was a fairly usual occurrence, yet it might be the last time it would happen.

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In Professor Krolow’s research room

The room, fragrant with a unique, calming scent of wood, was cluttered with books, documents, and magical tools, a sight that contrasted with the professor’s astute personality. There was something unfamiliar in this otherwise well-known scene.

“Lynne.”

Lynne’s parents were there. As soon as they saw her, their faces softened with relief, and they approached her.

“We were worried about you. We hadn’t heard anything since that day. And to hear that you even defeated a bounty head… Lynne?” -Durnan

“Excuse me.” -Krowlow

With a flick of his finger, Krolow released Lynne from her invisible restraint. Now free, Lynne declared to her parents in front of her.

“I’m going to become an adventurer. I’m leaving this city.” -Lynne

She braced herself for tears, but contrary to her expectations, her parents looked at her calmly, albeit a bit sadly.

“We’re happy that you can express what you want to do so clearly.” -Lylaura

“You’ve always been a child who silently does what she wants. It was worrying.” -Durnan

They both stroked Lynne’s head, indicating they had been greatly worried about her. It was an obvious concern, but she had been too preoccupied with her own matters to notice.

“Your impulsive nature is a kind of talent and a strength, but remember to pick up the pieces of those left behind in your haste.” -Krolow

“I will.” -Lynne

“I wish you’d be this compliant more often…” -Krolow

Professor Krolow grumbled, pressing his knuckles onto Lynne’s head. It hurt.

“Lynne. You’re leaving the city, but are you really prepared? Do you have enough clothes and money? Is everything alright?” -Lylaura

“I’ve been advised by the leader of the group I joined, and I’ve made preparations.” -Lynne

“Is this person reliable? Not some villain, right?” -Durnan

“From what I’ve seen, he’s a Nameless but smart young man.” -Krolow

Krolow said nonchalantly, and Lynne tilted her head.

“You’ve met him? Ur?” -Lynne

“A bit during the inquisition. He’s not the type to flatter power, nor does he boast about his accomplishments. He answered the genuine priest’s questions without issue. He’s not likely to cause trouble soon.” -Krolow

Hearing this, her mother slightly relaxed, though her worried expression remained.

“I wish I could stop you. Born into a priest’s family, albeit at the fringe, to go off and mimic the Nameless…” -Lylaura

“Don’t stop me.” -Lynne

“I know you’re the kind that doesn’t listen to opposition…” -Lylaura

Her mother said this with a frail smile. Her father supported her shoulder and handed something to Lynne. She took it and gazed intently at it.

“A 【White Magic Talisman】?” -Lynne

“It’s from Uncle Boron. He apologized for disrespecting the Leyline name in front of you. Also from Mimin and the others.” -Durnan

Various magical tools and amulets that would assist with the White Formation, as well as cloaks for the journey, were passed to her, so many that she couldn’t carry them all in her small arms.

“That’s a lot.” -Lynne

“Then you’ll need to sort out what you’ll take with you.” -Lylaura

Her mother said this with a laugh. Lynne remembered when she was preparing for a long trip and her mother would add or remove items from her luggage without asking. Although it was a bit annoying, she felt the deep care and love her mother was giving, causing her heart to tighten a bit.

“Father.” -Lynne

“What is it?” -Durnan

“I was loved.” -Lynne

“Yes, you were.” -Durnan

Her father hugged Lynne. She vowed to never forget this feeling, realizing that a part of the emotions passed down through the Leyline family was embedded in “that White King Formation.”

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The Next Day

“…It’s heavy.” -Lynne

A slightly oversized bag was strapped onto Lynne’s small back. Even after her mother had sorted through it, it had become quite heavy. Most of its contents were useful magical tools, which shouldn’t be a nuisance, but perhaps she should consult with Ur.

Leaving the dormitory and turning her back on the academy, she began to walk. She didn’t look back. To her, the academy was merely a means to an end, not a place for enjoying youth or fostering friendships.

Of course, that doesn’t mean she didn’t form any connections there.

Even if they were unfortunate ones.

“……Hey.”

That unwanted connection had appeared in her path.

Medal, the boy who had persistently harassed Lynne at the academy. He seemed to have been confined to his room since being suspended, but now his complexion looked much better. He appeared healthier than before the suspension, almost as if he had dropped a heavy burden.

He stood there without his usual entourage of girls, not emitting an aura of wanting to cause trouble or harass. Lynne didn’t stop walking and simply asked.

“What?” -Lynne

“………Even if you’re going to become an adventurer, you’ll probably die soon anyway.” -Medal

“Maybe I will.” -Lynne

Lynne kept walking, her small stride unrelenting.

“Or you’ll be abandoned as useless by your companions.” -Medal

“Maybe I will.” -Lynne

Lynne continued, passing by the gate, walking past Medal.

“Just give up.” -Medal

“I won’t.” -Lynne

Finally, she turned to face Medal. But her pace never broke, and her resolve in her eyes didn’t waver, as determined as when she was still attending the academy, staring directly at Medal.

“It seems you’re keen on throwing excuses at others to stop your own feet.” -Lynne

“What do you…” -Medal

“I’m going. At least I won’t lose to your excuses.” -Lynne

So

“You should also do as you please.” -Lynne

With that, she left the academy behind. She didn’t look back. Left behind, Medal opened his mouth as if to say something, then closed it, and finally, he knelt down, hitting the ground in frustration.

Afterward, Lynne never visited the academy again.

Thus, she never knew that later on, the son of a priest belonging to that academy would leave to become an adventurer.

Author’s Notes

This concludes the Lust Arc. Thank you for joining me!

It’s a good place to stop for today. From tomorrow onwards, we will move to the next arc.

I believe the situation will become increasingly dire at an accelerated pace in the upcoming chapters, but I hope you enjoy it!

I’ll do my best to earn your support, so please look forward to it!

(btw here’s the author’s Twitter if y’all wanna follow him: https://twitter.com/Ob9ahe6cC7sk8no)