"Hmm... no, that's not right, Allen."

I had been going through the empire's travel guide along with Justine-senpai, excitedly squealing at the images, when he suddenly muttered with a knitted brow. 

"What's gotten you so suddenly, senpai? Has something caught your eyes?"

I didn't quite get the situation so I asked back, and indeed, Senpai reverted with a firm gaze. 

"It's not 'what'... I mean, I have been travelling with you, so what's with this anti-climatic, run-of-the-mill journey? The bottle you brought wasn't laced with poison, and neither anyone tried to attack us in our cabin."

...T-this person... I had caught him being fidgety for quite a while, so I didn't know he was hoping for some accidents... 

What in the world had he taken me for? Sheesh. 

I mean, I wouldn't say no to thrilling trips, and maybe occasionally trip on things purposely, but when it's the only thing that keeps happening, it takes away all the fun. I wasn't some deranged person after all. I value my life very much. If anything, I would only want some minor happenings for flavour.

Like, you know, suddenly it's pouring down, and under the eave of a house, taking shelter, I meet her... kinda moments. And I hope you're hearing me, god!

"We're going to hit the empire's station at this pace before anything can happen? Wait, I have a brilliant side! Let's plaster a label on the door—'A meet up chance with the rising supernova of the Yuglia Kingdom, the one and only Allen Rovenne! Currently in the middle of a top-secret mission. Two autographs for every person—"

With a big evil smile, he had even begun making the poster. I hurriedly snatched it and tore it apart.

"Please do not joke, Senpai. Let's take a nap in the meantime. I have already sketched out our (tour) plan. So we should save our energy for now, and not tire ourselves out."

"Wait, what?! Am I hearing correctly? You have actually prepared for once?! You know, let's take a look around! We're currently in noble's coach, and it appears the commoner's coach is completely detached to connect with us. Isn't it fun trying to force our way in that coach, eh?"

Tch... he really knows me by my nerves. Indeed, if it's just looking around, it should be kinch. Probably... I mean, with how I was just basically landing from one disaster to another, I wouldn't put the unexpected past my misfortune. 

"...I guess, we can do that after a while. But please, let's avoid quarrels."

Ultimately, I caved in, though I silently swore to not leave the room and went to sleep.

◆◆◆

Running at its schedule, the train arrived at Olympus as the dawn breaks apart, completing the journey in precisely one hour. 

"Alas, we really didn't catch any incidents... And no one disturbed in our sleep... what kind of sorcery was this..."

Justin-senpai was lost in his own world, so the first thing I did was ignore his mumble and hopped down from the train. 

The railway station, located at the heart of the imperial capital, was a grandeur place. Even the benches placed around had been a work of beautiful craftsmanship. Albeit, the beauty remained only in fleeting glimpses, overtaken by the sparse crowd, giving the station a cold touch. 

The vibe was in complete contrast to the bustling central railway station of Runereliya. I guess, I was more of a crowd person, something I never knew, and that was why the desolateness of the station tugged on my mind. 

I checked the guidebook, and yup, it appeared this station was primarily used by empire;s nobles, or the important delegates of foreign nations. Everyone else disembarked at the capital's outskirt stop. 

Hmm... Well, there's no denying this is beautiful though. 

"...What's wrong? You suddenly look like an inflated balloon."

Just as I was caught up in the melancholy, Justin-senpai spoke with a concerned tone. 

"Ah, no... nothing."

I doubt I could have explained my inner feeling well, so I skipped explanation, and left the station. 

And much to my surprise, Mujikka-sensei lay waiting for our arrival outside. Apparently, she was the guide to the students this year. Behind her, I caught sight of Dol, Martin-senpai—the 2nd year representative, and Prima-senpai—the 3rd year representative. 

"You're late, coach. We got it that you may have this or that things to handle, but please make sure to leave a message! Oh, and for god's sake, can you just not go missing at every other occasion?! My words, the rumours were nothing short of crazy. You're going to give us a heart attack one day!"

With hands on her hip, Prima-senpai jumped out of the crowd and grumbled in seething anger. 

Well, though she may appear an overdramatic type, she was also a super genius of the Royal Academy, earning the title of chief student, one that signifies her role on spearheading 'Inception Ceremony.' 

Oh, it reminded me, Rising Dragon Tournament was typically held right after Inception Ceremony, however following the disaster with Hellrowcaust, it had been delayed until now. 

"It's been a while, Prima-senpai. Ahaha, well, to be honest, I was just letting the wind guide me to its will, like an autumn leaf caught in the gust of..... alright, I apologise. So spare me, M'lady!"

The moment Prima-senpai glared at me, her cheeks puffed out in that trademark scowl, I surrendered on the spot.

She’s on the shorter side, so even when she glares, she ends up looking up at you with big eyes—not exactly intimidating. Still, she’s sharp and never lets me weasel my way out of anything, so there’s no point dragging it out. Best to apologize quickly and move on.

Next up was Martin-senpai, a second-year.

Most magic-users were built like marathon runners—lean and wiry—but even among them, Martin stands out for how thin he was.

He had joined the Magic Research Club right when it was founded, though he never joined the Hill Road Club. Said he wanted to devote everything to one and only skill, aka a specialisation route. 

At first, he struck me as a bit aloof, but once we got to know each other, he turned out to be surprisingly chatty. He’s got a strong sense of purpose and a clear personal philosophy.

“Hey Allen, glad you made it. We had the pre-tournament banquet last night with all the participants, and everyone kept asking where our coach was. Just as things were heating up, word came through the Empire that you were en route from Mins. You should’ve seen everyone’s faces. Something tells me you’re going to have a long line of people wanting to meet you while you're here in the capital. Looks like your schedule’s about to get packed.”

“Oh—Martin-senpai, thank you for your backup. …Eh, meet-ups though.”

I would've certainly liked meeting with young mages of different nations, and engaging in debate... only if I hadn't planned to sightsee. And I know if I tried to keep it short with just one person, the rest would follow along.

While I was still turning that over in my head, Martin-senpai added with an amused smile:

“Heh, maybe this is all going just as you planned? Everyone’s dying to know more about spirits, you know. Ever since that transport mission, there’s been serious speculation about their involvement. Word’s spreading like wildfire—stuff about types of mid-tier spirits, supposedly subordinates of the Four Great Spirits… All based on things you said offhand, probably just messing around. But now those offhand remarks have grown legs and wings. One kid even came up to me proudly, showing off a notebook full of half-baked rumors they’ve been calling *‘cutting-edge research.’* I have no idea how much they spent collecting that nonsense. I told them, ‘Only Allen really knows the details,’ and left it at that. So, I’ll leave the rest to you.”

Th–That’s not funny…

Of course, all that stuff I said was just me winging it at the moment. And I had never made a draft to the lore! 

There's nothing I could explain. Heck, I would pay to learn from them. Welp, I would've to go 'no visitors' route once again it seems. 

Just as I was reaching that conclusion, our unit’s ever-cheerful, and brutish vice-captain, Dol, strolled over with his usual easygoing grin, raising a hand in greeting.

“Yo, Allen! Long time no see. I heard all about it—it seems you pulled another stunt. Still, good to see you alive and kicking.”

I smacked my palm against his raised hand, and we locked into one of those bone-crushing handshakes.

“Hah, you say you heard about it, but there’s been so many incidents I’ve got no idea which one you mean. And also… go explode, Dol!”

“………”

“…………”

◆◆◆

“Ahem. That aside—welcome back, Allen Rovenne-kun. Today, the participants will be taken on a tour of Olympus City, hosted by the Empire. The invitation also extends to you, since you're their coach. Will you be joining them?”

That question came from Mujikka-sensei. I gave a firm shake of my head.

“No, I’m here under official capacity as a Knight Order member, so I’ll be staying with Justin-senpai. I’ll still be there to cheer them on during the tournament, though.”

Ain't no way I would be jumping in shark's mouth willingly. I could predict most of my trip would be spent answering about spirits, certainly under orders from higher-ups to dig for intel—it’s practically a punishment disguised as hospitality.

Besides, they’re the stars of the show this time, not me. It wouldn’t do for me to draw too much attention. Not that I would ever want to stand in the spotlight. 

“I understand… But please remember—you’re under heavy scrutiny from every nation involved. Do try to behave yourself. I’m counting on you to look after him.”

She looked genuinely worried as she turned to Justin-senpai, repeating herself for good measure.

“Leave it to me, Vice Director. This is the Empire, and we’re here as representatives of the Kingdom’s Knight Order. Even Allen seems determined to keep a low profile for once.”

Justin-senpai gave a solemn nod, his face the very image of a model student. At that, Mujikka-sensei's tense expression softened ever so slightly. 

Hey, sure I had in mind to live an outlaw life, but what's with that treatment as if I was already a problem child...... 

“By the way, we’re supposed to report to His Majesty at the state guesthouse. Are those folks over there going to be our escort?”

Justin-senpai pointed to an open-top carriage parked just behind Mujikka-sensei. She turned to glance back and gave a confirming nod.

“Yes. That would be Her Highness Princess Ariche, fourth imperial princess of the Empire. And please—please behave yourself.”

Mujikka-sensei emphasised one last time and turned around, her gaze locked on newcomers.  One was a stunningly beautiful princess with flowing silver hair and an air of regal grace. The other, standing beside her, had quirky orange hair, and charming little fangs peeking out when she grinned. She, too, was a charming lady in making.