About a week after the uproar.
　In the end, the festival continued to some extent even after the commotion. However, it was a natural progression in a sense that it ended with the fireworks, the highlight of the festival.

　It's a good thing that we still got to see the fireworks. I watched the fireworks with Raffy and the others, and it was so beautiful that I think it was worth the effort.

　I really want to see the fireworks again next year, this time without any problems.

　Well, that's how the festival ended. So what happened to the Wraiths?

How long are you going to keep doing that, Wraith?
You too, Rotia.

　Wraith and Rotia both show an expression of emptiness where no emotion exists at the table. There was no sense of life, and even when Raffy and Rulimes called out to them, there was no response.

''Wraith-san, Rotia-san!

　Even if Sylvia shakes her body, their bodies move wobbly without resistance. It's just the state of the living dead.

　It's no wonder, then, that they received a word just now.

"Just accept it, Wraith.

　Seth, the person who delivered those words, sighs in dismay. It's a sigh for two people who will not accept reality at all.

The destruction of fountains and streets. And also the nuisance of using magic against the entire city. That's right, compensation will be demanded.

　Wraith's fears were spot on and he was being charged with compensation for the steps he had taken to stop Rotia. I can't blame him for doing this all on his own. And, of course, there is a claim against Rotia as well. The charges are obstruction of the progress of the festival and vicious nuisance to the entire royal capital.

　This one, too, well, it can be said to be self-inflicted.

''Money........no.''

　Rotia's face is eerily white as she mutters that.
　Critically, she doesn't have enough money to pay compensation. It's only natural since she had gone down in the first place. What happens in this case?

　Naturally, it's not enough to just say you can't pay.

''What should I do...''
I'll tell you what...

　There's nothing Seth can do about it, which is not much of a relationship.
　He had no choice but to turn his gaze towards Wraith. Wraith can pay his own compensation itself due to the recent sales of the store. However, when it comes to Rotia's portion, most of the sales will be wiped out.

''It can't be helped. I'll pay for everything.
Are you sure...?
Of course it's not for free. You'll have to work hard and earn your keep.
Thanks I'll try my best.

　It's a considerable expense, but it's unavoidable. It pains me to abandon the person who even promised to become my apprentice. In the meantime, you can pay me back by having me work in the shop, so that's why I came to the decision.

''Well, if that's fine with Wraith, I don't mind.
In all honesty, though, the fund is empty.

　It's still going to be a painful expense. I have to think well about what I'm going to do now.
　While Lace was pondering this and that, Seth suddenly handed a certain form to Lace.

'What's this?'
''A temporary faculty position at the Royal Academy of Magic. Though it's not something that's out in the open.
Magic Academy...?

　Lace looks at Rotia with a puff. It was because she had mentioned that she had attended the Academy of Magic.
　It was a place where many nobles gathered, and suspicions were raised that Rotia was also a young lady.

''So, why are you giving this to me?''
'No, I thought if you're in need of money, I wouldn't do it. The pay is pretty good, and there's an opening for an alchemy teacher just now.
Well no, I don't see how that's possible.

　I haven't had much experience teaching people. Being asked to become a teacher and teach a class out of the blue seemed like a reckless move. I can't even imagine myself teaching in front of a large number of students. It's not something you can become a teacher at the magic academy if you want to.

I've heard it's fine to be an assistant. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to do that. Then I thought maybe Wraith could do it.
Yes....

　Still, Wraith is reluctant.

　When it comes to the Royal Academy of Magic, it's the highest school in the kingdom.
　Most of the students are noblemen, and those with the highest ability who have passed the strict entrance examinations gather here. It is said that if you are a student of this school, you are guaranteed success in life.

　In fact, graduates of the Academy of Magic often hold senior positions in the country.
　Seth is also a graduate of the Academy of Magic and is currently the head of the family. A good example is right in front of Wraith.

''By the way, my sister is also from the Academy of Magic.
What information is that...?
No, because if I were to take this offer, I'd see my sister.
You've already met him once.

　The first impression wouldn't have turned out to be a good one by any stretch of the imagination, though, because of the weird theatrics.
　Wraith puts a hand to his chin and thinks about it. The reward on the form is certainly a moderate amount of money. Considering what's to come, it's no harm in taking it on, even in terms of working hours.

''That's good, let's do it!
"You don't know how people feel about me, but you're so light...
I'm fine.
Really?　I'm pretty sure my students and I are close in age, I'm sure they're going to rebel or something.

　The Wraith would be first and foremost fine in terms of alchemy ability, but not at all dignified. On the day that the students ragged on me, I'm confident that I'll go home and wet my pillow with tears. I'm vulnerable to mental damage.

Mr. Wraith being a teacher sounds a bit interesting, though.
Really?
'Yes, if I were a student, I'd like to take a class with Mr. Lace or something.
The theory is that it's just Sylvia being nice.

　Even if it wasn't the Wraith, I was confident that Sylvia would have said this.

''Well, I'm sure your ability won't be a problem, and you can do what you want with the Wraith.
Ummm....

　I stared at the paper and checked various information. Then I suddenly found a name that sounded familiar.

"Viral Redium...

　A young man with blond hair and blue eyes. He's the head of one of the same four major noble families as Seth. I remember asking him to sell me a potion a long time ago.

　On the form, his name was written as the chancellor of the academy.

''That guy was also the chancellor of the academy.......''
Jesus, Wraith. You don't know Mr. Wills, do you?
Well, I'm just saying.
What kind of connection do you have with....
I didn't want to be the one to make this happen.

　And it's like being forced to be called out for a nomination request. Besides, Wraith is not very good at viruses because of the mind-searching things they do. I don't want to see him if I can, because talking to him makes me thirsty.

'Well, but if you know him, it's easier to go to the institute.
If anything, it's rather hard to get there. What can you do about it?
''What do you think of Mr. Wills.......I mean, don't ever say that out there. That man himself would laugh at you and forgive you, but it's a hassle when other people hear about it.
I know it's going to be okay. I know it by heart.

　Wraith answers quite comfortably, as if he really knows what he's doing. He looks like he's going to do it someday.

'So what are you going to do about it?'
'Hmmm ... well, let's try it then. If we need help, we can turn to Seth's sister.
Well, okay, but you're younger than Wraith.
'I don't care. I don't care if they're younger than me, because they're definitely more solid than me.

　Not feeling vain in saying it, Wraith assured her, giving a thumbs up.

''Yeah well, good luck with that. For now, I'll go ahead with the preparations, I'll come back to tell you if anything else happens.
Yes, sir. Thanks for everything.
It's all right.

　The reason Seth came all the way out here today in his busy schedule was to tell Wraith this story. As they used to say, what you should have is a friend.

''Wraith-san, you're going to be a teacher, even if you're just helping out! What will they call you?
'Indeed. At Lace's age, I'm sure there are plenty of students his age.
Well, I don't really care about anything.

　Rotia, who was listening to the conversation, looked at Lace's face and said a few words.

''Lace-sensei........''
Well this is more embarrassing than I thought.

　Wraith put a hand to his face and looked away. It was an act of anticipation.