Almark – Northern Sword, Southern Wand

When he returned to his mother's garrison, Raise had already completely forgotten about the old man.

There was no shadow or form of the regular Gilba army that I expected.

Apparently, I should have turned around and moved the target east.

The Black Wolf Cavalry, which lost its immediate enemies, has now moved on to the task of attacking and securing the supply lines for the regular Filan army.

Feeling so tired, Raise left the captain's tent, and one of the rice cookers stopped by and said he picked up a strange grandfather you knew on the way.

So he finally remembered the old man.

"Hey, Grandpa."

The old man sat small in the corner of the carriage.

Raise stood up in a hurry, lowered his head deeply, and named himself Yologue.

"I'm Raise. I'm the deputy commander here."

Yologue asked him for something to thank him for.

Raise laughed back and asked what you could do.

Well, I was hoping you could help me with my girlfriend's work.

Yolog said he was the dean of the Nork Magic Academy in the Kingdom of Galai, a southern power, and was on a journey to find talented children.

Raise laughed and didn't believe it, but all he could do was pick up the stone at his feet and throw it over his head because Yologue lost his wand in the middle of the journey. He saw it become a bird and flew away, and he whispered, "Is it real?"

"I've heard of Nork Magic Academy."

Raise said.

"If you have magical talent, you can get education equally regardless of origin or status. I also heard that when I graduate, I will be able to come back from various countries. You're the dean there?

Yologue nodded and supplemented Raise's vague knowledge.

Schools are located on the island of Nork, the age at which children can enroll is limited to 9 years, and they study at boarding colleges for a total of 9 years in each of the three years of primary, secondary and higher education.

Hmm.

After roaring once, Raise thought silently for a while.

Yologue watches him quietly.

Eventually Raise started scratching her left flank. It was his habit when trying to say difficult things.

"... you only let talented kids in your college."

"... yeah"

As Yologue nodded, Raise began scratching her flank again, groaning.

I have a favor to ask.

Raise finally cut out.

It's about my son.

Your son and Yologue reacted.

"Oh, it's Al Mark. I'll be five years old."

Raise said while still scratching her flank.

"My mother died as soon as she was born. I grew up as a man, but I'm too weak to say I don't have the decency. Mercenaries are a cruel business. Of course I can't trust my enemies. I can only rely on myself and a handful of my friends. I assure you, if he turns out to be just a mercenary, he will surely die before he turns 20."

I listened silently to the yologue.

"So, what do you think? Can you put him in your academy?"

Raise continued before the yolog opened his mouth.

"No, I know. Of course he has no magical talent. But anyway, if we find our own footprints to the south, there's no war there, we can live anyway. Please, let him in."

Raise lowered his head when he said so.

Yologue was silent for a while, but eventually laughed and said something strange happened. I owe you a favor, but you're lowering your head.

They stood up in response to Yolog's request to show him anyway.

When I noticed it, it was already dark around.

Dinner seems to be getting ready.

Raise pointed out that one of the smoke from the fire that was rising everywhere was there.