"Grey, Yuna, what do you say about becoming instructors for the Royal Academy's alpha classes?" ［Ernes］
An unexpected question came out of the King's mouth as he looked at Grey and Yuna with an ear to ear extending smile plastered on his face. It was a question that never in their wildest imagination could they have predicted.
"That is a wonderful idea, Father!" ［Galleus］
"I know right?! If it's Grey and Yuna, they should be able to handle the job more than perfectly!" ［Vanessa］
"It is exactly as Elder Sister said, if Grey and Yuna were to teach the alpha classes' students, there should be no problem in disciplining them. Their parents wouldn't be able to complain about it either." ［Kurt］
While Yuna and Grey were still in shock, Kurt and Vanessa along with the Crown Prince once again discussed the advantages of them becoming the instructors. It was phrased in a way it seemed like the suggestion had already been decided.
The Prime Minister who usually doesn't go along with the King and Crown Prince's ideas was nodding his head in silence as he agreed to their thoughts. It greatly helped that Kurt was amongst the ones who proposed the idea.
"Wait, wait, wait! Your Majesty, what do you mean by that?!" ［Grey］
"It's just like what I said. I want the two of you to become the alpha classes' instructors. With your strength, a bunch of kids should be easy to handle, no?" ［Ernes］
"Even if that's true, aren't there already enough instructors in the academy?" ［Grey］
"And Your Majesty, you can't possibly expect that the students will follow someone the same age as them." ［Yuna］
"Ah, right..." ［Ernes］
The king answered with a face and tone of voice as if he just remembered, leaving everyone in the room dumbfounded. He thought of an answer long and hard, but his answer was so simple, it's stupid.
"Well, if they don't want to follow you, you could just subdue them by force. Being B-rank adventurers yourselves, that should be a fairly easy task. Hahahaha!" ［Ernes］
The King laughed like a maniac as he praised himself for the ingenuity of his idea. At the same time, the Prime Minister beside him was shaking his head as if he was having a headache. Two contrasting characters.
Grey and Yuna were left in shock by the King's boisterous answer. No matter how much they try to be considerate, they just couldn't think that the person who was laughing like there was no tomorrow was a King.
"Father, you're laughing too much..." ［Galleus］
"Well, I thought it was an amazing solution, didn't I? It's only natural to celebrate with a little laughter, isn't it?" ［Ernes］
"I suppose you're right..." ［Galleus］
Like a gullible child, the Crown Prince just went along with the King's words. At this point, Grey and Yuna were already totally lost as to what was happening. The conversation had derailed too far already.
"Ahem! Anyway, the reason why I'm asking the two of you to become instructors, it's because of what happened three weeks ago." ［Ernes］
"Three weeks ago... You mean that malfunction accident?!" ［Grey］
"Yes, that one. Seems like you already heard what happened." ［Ernes］
"Yeah, we heard about it from Galderia. Only from rumors, though," ［Grey］
"Is it true that it wasn't just a simple accident?" ［Yuna］
When Yuna said those words, silence swallowed the room and a slightly gloomy atmosphere fell upon it. The King thought for a few moments before opening his mouth and revealing what actually happened.
According to the King, what actually happened was a terrorist attack where the remnants of "Iblis" tried to launch an attack in the Royal Academy, but since all instructors were at least E-rank, they were able to suppress it easily.
The problem arose when one of the captured terrorist committed suicide with an explosive magic tool. His suicide bombing was the one which caused the large explosion which many people witnessed.
Luckily, the attack happened on the weekends and so they were able to have the worst outcome possible. But even though none of the students were hurt, the same couldn't be said for the instructors. Quite a lot of them were injured during the accident.
The King and the other higher-ups had ceased the spread of information to stop the populace from panicking and causing chaos in the city. Though some rumors still ended up spreading around.
"So it was Iblis' doing once again, huh..." ［Grey］
"Well, that wasn't the only time they tried to do something. They may be getting desperate since we've been hunting them down." ［Ernes］
Ending his sentence with a lengthy sigh, it was evident in the King's face how frustrated he was with Iblis. They were just like cockroaches who are hard to kill no matter how much effort they pour into doing it.
He was even more worried now that the founding festival is along the way. It would be the perfect time for Iblis to strike, and all he could do was fortify the city's defenses as he has no way of knowing what they will do.
It was also one of the reasons why the awarding ceremony was arranged to be held before the founding festival. With four other high-ranker's presence, they could ensure the citizens' safety better.
"Actually, we have been recruiting temporary instructors to replace the spot that the injured instructors have left, but even up until now, we weren't able to find instructors for the alpha classes of years 2 and 3." ［Ernes］
"And you want me and Yuna to fill up those spots?" ［Grey］
"Temporarily, yes." ［Ernes］
With the King's explanation, all the pieces of the puzzle had fallen into the right places. Now, both Grey and Yuna understood the meaning behind Vanessa and Kurt's sudden proposal.
The education system in the Merusia is divided into three levels, namely, elementary, intermediate, and advanced, all consisting of 4 years each if one were to speak of normal professions. For becoming a knight, it would take 5 years of advanced education instead of 4.
The Royal Academy is an advanced school which offers the best environment for nurturing cadets who are to become knights in the future. It is the most prestigious school in the academy where status does not matter.
While most of the cadets are from noble and gentle households, even commoners can get in as long as they pass the exams. It is a completely merit-based academy where people get recognized because of their talents and not social standing.
"Well, it's still up to you if you'll take the job or not. I don't want to force something on the two of you just because I'm the King." ［Ernes］
While Grey and Yuna were grateful that the King was being considerate to them, even when he said it like that, they still can't simply refuse an order from the king. They were stuck in a troublesome predicament.
『Yuna, what do you think?』 ［Grey］
『Well, it's not like we'll lose anything if we accept it... Rather, it's a once in a lifetime experience so I'm actually a little tempted.』 ［Yuna］
『Hmm... Alright, let's just take it for now. It'll only be after the instructors get better anyways.』 ［Grey］
『Un!』 ［Yuna］
It only took the two a short while to decide to take the offer. They haven't really thought of becoming instructors, but now that the opportunity presented itself before them, they became a little curious and wanted to try it out.
"Alright, we'll take it, but are you sure about this, Your Majesty? You don't even know if we have the capability for the job." ［Grey］
"You don't have to worry about that. From what I heard, you were able to teach a child to be able to defeat trentlings in just a couple of weeks. If that doesn't make you qualified, I don't know what would." ［Ernes］
Grey wanted to retort at the King's words, but couldn't as all he said was true. Somehow, their pure desire for Eliza to be able to protect herself came biting back at them.
There was also one more thing which bothered him, and it was how the King got a hold of such information. It was only when he remembered that Gustav was Vanessa's subordinate that everything made sense.
"Well, now that it's decided, why don't we sign a contract right now." ［Ernes］
Shortly after the King said that, he ordered the Prime Minister to get a special type of paper and then wrote the contract on it.
The contents of the contract include Grey and Yuna becoming instructors in the Royal Academy's alpha classes years 2 and 3. The contract lasts until the day before the awarding ceremony and the payment would be 5 gold coins for each of them.
Although it wasn't initially part of the contract with their request, after a little discussion, it was agreed that it would be made into an official quest in the guild. The rewards were quite generous, each of them would be awarded 10,000 points each.
"And to finalize the contract, please hand me your identification cards, Sir Grey, Lady Yuna." ［Anderson］
Just as the Prime Minister had requested, Yuna and Grey handed him their guild cards, but when they did, he gave the two of them a peculiar look with one of his eyebrows arched.
"Is there something wrong, Your Honor?" ［Grey］
"No, it's nothing. I was just wondering... Does Sir Grey and Lady Yuna not have their privilege cards yet?" ［Anderson］
Grey and Yuna tilted their heads in confusion after hearing the Prime Minister's words. It was yet another term which was not present in Grey's knowledge, meaning that it was a quite recent thing.
"Judging from your reactions, looks like you haven't." ［Anderson］
"Umm... Are our guild cards not enough." ［Grey］
"Listen here, Grey, while your guild cards would suffice, there are many things you could take advantage of with a privilege card, for example..." ［Ernes］
Seeing the two's confused faces, the King took it upon himself to explain what privilege cards were and what they could gain from acquiring it.
Privilege cards, like the name suggests, is a card which grants the full authority and privileges of a noble to a high-ranker. It is one which proves the card holder's identity and would equal to a crest for noble households.
With it, high-rankers could access areas which only nobles could normally access and in terms of business and requests, it made negotiations a lot easier. It basically functions like a VIP card.
Before, there was no need for a privilege card as guild cards would be enough. But after considering the high-rankers unaffiliated to the guild and those whose actual ranks did not match with their guild cards, countries from all around the world decided to add a new type of identity card, which is the privilege card.
But it doesn't only give privileges, it also restrains the high-rankers where they would be forbidden to fight against one another without good reason. Doing so would strip them of their privileges and turn them into wanted criminals all over the world.
There isn't any contract magic involved as no high-ranker would risk doing that for mere privileges. Just the fact that you'll become an enemy of the entire world was enough to become a warning against them.
If one isn't planning to make the whole world their enemy, it was actually a very helpful card. There weren't any disadvantages to it other than restricting one's freedom a little. A restriction which isn't even much.
"I see... It really would really be useful to have one." ［Grey］
"That's right. Almost all high-rankers already have theirs. If you want, we can have yours made right here, right now. What do you think?" ［Ernes］
"Hmm... Then, I'd like to sign the contract now." ［Grey］
"Un. Me too." ［Yuna］
After Grey and Yuna agreed to sign the contract, the Prime Minister once again left the throne room to get the necessary things for the contract. When he returned, he carried an odd looking device with him.
⟨⟨Appraisal⟩⟩ ［Grey］
-----------------------------------
[Magic Tool]
[Name] Power Gauge
[Description]
Measures the combat power of ones who let their mana flow through it. The stronger the user is, the longer it will take for the device to measure it.
-----------------------------------
Plain and simple. The device the Prime Minister brought was one which measures the combat power of a person. It was necessary so that they could ascertain the kind of card to give.
"Sir Grey, Lady Yuna, please place your hands on top of these magic tools and let your mana flow through it. With these, we'll be able to measure your combat power." ［Anderson］
"After that, we'll issue your card depending on the results of the measurement. Of course, you'll need to sign the contract before we give the card to you." ［Ernes］
"Alright." ［Grey］
"Un." ［Yuna］
There wasn't much to think about. All they had to do was touch the magic tool and have their combat power taken. It was a simple task.
"Then, who will go first?" ［Ernes］
"Umm... I'll go." ［Yuna］
Yuna said whilst racing her hand, and with a nod from the King, she went forward and placed one of her hands on top of it. When she did, the crystal on top of the device started glowing and numbers appeared on it.
30... 107... 322... 481...
The numbers on the crystal didn't stay constant and rose continuously, and as the numbers rose, the intensity of the light also brightened, illuminating the throne room with warm and gentle bluish light
"Amazing. She's already past the threshold of B-rank and there is still no sign of the gauge slowing down..." ［Galleus］
"Fufufu, it's too early to be surprised, Your Highness. From what I heard from Kris, Yuna should be A-rank, you know?" ［Vanessa］
"Huh?! A-rank?!" ［Galleus］
Not only the Crown Prince, the King and the Prime Minister were also shocked upon hearing Vanessa's revelations. After all, who would have thought that such a delicate looking girl was actually someone who can easily erase villages on a whim.
The numbers continued for about two more minutes and by the time the device stopped gauging Yuna's combat power, even Vanessa who was so proud earlier was shocked.
"6,816... That's S-rank..." ［Galleus］
"Hahaha! What a spectacular result!" ［Ernes］
"With her strength, she could easily beat General Sallerta..." ［Anderson］
"To think Yuna is an S-ranker... I'm really proud of you, Yuna!" ［Vanessa］
Everyone was in awe with how powerful Yuna was, especially Vanessa. The moment she saw Yuna's combat power, she immediately gave her a hug like a happy and proud older sister.
"Alright, Grey, your turn." ［Ernes］
"Ah, yes." ［Grey］
Just like what Yuna did, Grey placed his hands on top of the magic tool's crystal and as soon as he did, the numbers appeared once again and the crystal started emitting radiant light.
The process took about 5 minutes, and his combat power was displayed in numerical form. It was measured as 9,999, exactly the same as how appraisal said it would be. The device was insanely accurate.
"As expected of someone who defeated a lesser dragon... His strength could already rival the generals of nations stronger than Alfrione." ［Ernes］
"I agree with you, Your Majesty. And with Lady Yuna being in the same party, it wouldn't be an understatement that they could defeat Alfrione's army with just the two of them." ［Anderson］
"Grey, you're just as amazing as Yuna!" ［Vanessa］
Everyone present had already expected Grey to be an S-ranker since they knew he was able to defeat a lesser dragon on his own, but never have they considered that he was already at the pinnacle of S-rank.
Especially with how young Grey was. It was only a matter of time until he reached Calamity Class. To the King's eyes, he could even see Grey achieving Catastrophe Class which no people have reached for more than a thousand years.
After Grey received a lot of praise like Yuna, the situation finally moved forwards and the two were able to receive my own privilege card. It was one which was made with Alfamir, a very valuable material.
"Don't worry too much about the price. Consider it as a gift from us." ［Ernes］
Or so the King said, but it wasn't just a mere gift. It was one which would easily cost several gold coins. It was enough money to buy a decent house and live comfortably for a whole year.
Though Grey couldn't really criticize them as the sword he had gifted to Eliza was one which could easily fetch a million kiels. It was much more expensive than the cards he and Yuna just received now.
"Since you have your cards already, just let it touch the contract form and let your mana flow through it. It will act as your signature." ［Ernes］
Like what the King suggested, both Yuna and Grey let their cards touch the contract form and let their mana flow through it. The card then glowed and when the glow vanished, a printed copy of the card appeared in the contract form.
Although the signature looked printed, it was actually made out of the mana the two of them poured onto the cards. It was something that was impossible to replicate because each person's mana is unique. It was similar to DNA.
"With that, the contract is finished. I look forward to your future achievements, Archduke Grey, Archduchess Yuna." ［Ernes］
The King said as he extended his right hand to Grey and Yuna. In a polite response, the two shook it one after the other. Now, the two of them have the standing only below kings and emperors.
Though neither Grey and Yuna could really say that they're happy about it. It was already hard when they just held the ranks of "Count" and "Countess". They couldn't even begin to imagine how troublesome it would be from now on.
After that exchange, talks about Grey and Yuna's jobs of being instructors at the Royal Academy were fone, and shortly after, they were dismissed by the King and went back to the training grounds.
Upon their return, the knights were still training but General Sallerta and Lt, General Elbourne were already gone, leaving only Vanessa's husband, Ranzel, to facilitate the training along with the other officers.
"Welcome back, dear. How did it go?" ［Ranzel］
"It went very well! His Majesty agreed that Yuna and Grey will become instructors at the Royal Academy!" ［Vanessa］
"I'm happy to hear that." ［Ranzel］
"And guess what. Yuna and Grey really are S-rankers! I knew Grey was an S-ranker, but Yuna being one gave me a surprise!" ［Vanessa］
"I see, I see, you must have been quite surprised." ［Ranzel］
"I really was!" ［Vanessa］
Like a spoiled child, Vanessa cheerfully told her husband about the events which happened in the throne room. Seeing her act like that made Grey want to spend more time with Yuna and also spoil her.
"Yuna, let's go. It seems like we're done here." ［Grey］
"Ah, eh?" ［Yuna］
Holding Yuna's hands tightly but gently, they tried to leave the training grounds but before they could, suddenly, out of nowhere, Vanessa appeared behind them and grabbed their shoulders.
"Grey, Yuna, where are you two going?" ［Vanessa］
"Umm... Going home...?" ［Grey］
"Aren't our jobs done here, Big Sis Vanessa?" ［Yuna］
"It is. But... you haven't forgotten your promise to cook pizza for me, did you, Grey?" ［Vanessa］
Vanessa asked with a frightening smile which was enough to send shivers down Grey's spine. Even when he was already at the pinnacle of S-rank, it felt like he was the prey when it came to Vanessa.
"You'll cook for me, right...?" ［Vanessa］
"Y-Yes, ma'am!" ［Grey］
In the end, Grey could not go against Vanessa's "request" and had to cook a variety of pizza. Though he was somewhat forced to do so, he was a little happy since Yuna helped him out while doing so.
It wasn't what he quite imagined when he thought of spending time with her together, but it was still a wonderful experience nonetheless. It was another memory which will be forever engraved into his mind and heart.
CHAPTER 74 END