***

Three days later.

That day, Edmund watched the discount market stalls in front of the gates being dismantled. Workers cleaned up the wooden frames and rooftops, bringing the event to a successful close.

They had held the event for three days, and the city residents’ enthusiasm kept increasing over time. The first day was not overly crowded, but the second and third days became the peak.

There was no significant profit. Edmund did it solely to calm the public, giving them instant dopamine-driven satisfaction so they would forget the internal conflict within the Aschwin Family.

The result? It proved effective. It had already been four days since Oleander left, and many people had stopped talking about it altogether. That alone was a relief for him.

This is only temporary. The only way to completely silence them is to bring Oleander and Clara back.

The door to Edmund’s office opened. Sera and Leonor stepped inside, followed by the others.

Edmund even saw Aya and Helena had already returned from their special training meant to improve the potential level of their affinities.

"I saw a lot of people gathering in front of Livden Academy in Ulrich," Sera commented.

"Today... is indeed the registration day for new students," Edmund answered while looking at them.

Leonor and the others smiled happily. The expression Leonor showed brought a simple sense of relief to Edmund. It meant Leonor was not affected by the situation in the city.

"At first, I planned to ask Sebastian to deliver these documents," Edmund explained while pointing at the five files on top of the desk, each belonging to the five girls.

"But he’s still busy with the event. So I’ll probably deliver them myself," Edmund said.

"I’ll come with you," Sera added. Edmund nodded and allowed it.

He opened his desk drawer and took out a black pouch. Each pouch contained one hundred gold coins, intended for the instructors.

"You no longer need to teach them. This is a bonus from me," Edmund said.

Natalie and the others stepped forward, accepted the money pouches, and looked inside. They seemed shocked.

"This—"

"You’ve helped me a great deal. If you think the amount is lacking, I can increase it," Edmund explained.

"No, Sir Edmund. This amount is more than enough."

Natalie and the others felt relieved. Edmund appreciated their hard work without giving judgmental remarks or unnecessary comments. That alone reassured them.

"You’ll receive instructors from the Academy. So your teaching period with them is over."

Denise and the others looked shocked before turning to stare at their teachers.

Edmund and the others clearly witnessed the moment they hugged one another, the girls crying while expressing their gratitude.

They said their learning experiences together with their teachers had been the best. They would never forget it.

Leonor and Sera were touched by the farewell moment, while Denise and the others shed tears, their sobs trembling softly.

"It’s alright. You’ll learn even more once you arrive at the Academy, Denise."

"Don’t forget to control your power when summoning spirit beasts, Aya."

"Try to talk and interact more, Nicole."

"Maintain your elegance so you can become the best priest, Helena."

The four girls listened to their teachers’ advice. With complete seriousness and determination, they promised they would not disappoint their teachers’ hopes and expectations.

"Aren’t you going to do the same, Sera?" Edmund asked in a half-whisper.

"Me? Why would I? I’m going to register as a new instructor."

"WHAT?!" Edmund shouted in shock.

His voice rose sharply, interrupting their farewell moment and instantly drawing everyone’s attention toward him. Sera and Leonor also turned to look in the same direction.

"Why? Am I not qualified enough to become an academy instructor?"

"You are, but what about your life as an adventurer?" Edmund asked.

"I’ll only serve there for three years. Once Leonor graduates, I’ll resign."

"That’s unfair," Edmund joked.

"Whatever. I just don’t want Leonor learning from foolish instructors there," Sera said with her arms crossed while Leonor smiled happily at Sera’s decision.

That attracted Denise and the others’ attention. They grabbed their teachers’ hands and begged them to do the same thing as Sera.

Sera burst out laughing when she saw the confused expressions on Natalie and the others’ faces. She was sure they still wanted to continue teaching Denise and the others as well.

"What do you think, Edmund?" Natalie asked.

Edmund fell silent for a moment, sitting back down in his chair while rubbing his temples.

"Your qualifications are suitable. I can write recommendation letters for all of you."

"However, I’ll leave the decision entirely up to you. My question is the same as the one I asked Sera."

"What about your lives as adventurers?" Edmund asked.

Natalie stayed silent for a moment. Rosie stepped forward while holding Helena’s hand. Edmund’s attention shifted toward her.

"There’s still a lot I need to teach Helena. I feel... I have a responsibility to make her into a priest greater than me," Rosie answered. "I’ll join."

Luna stepped closer to Edmund, standing right beside Rosie while Nicole stood together with her.

"Being an adventurer is just a side job. I don’t mind leaving my party for three years. I’m joining too."

Denise watched Helena’s teacher and Nicole’s teacher make their decisions. She kept tugging Natalie’s hand, asking her to do the same.

Natalie glanced sideways toward Lyla. Edmund saw them and threw out a short but effective question that immediately irritated Natalie.

"So you’re backing down? That’s unfortunate. I thought you were the best teacher for Denise," Edmund complained.

"WHAT?!" Natalie shouted angrily.

She stormed toward Edmund’s desk and slammed her hand onto it, "Listen, Edmund! No one can teach Denise except me. I’m the only one who understands her potential."

"I’ll prove Denise can become a knight greater than you!" Natalie shouted.

"Alright. I understand. Could you remove your hand from your sword now?"

Without realizing it, Natalie’s right hand had instinctively grabbed the hilt of her sword. Hearing Edmund’s request, she finally calmed herself down.

Now only Lyla remained. She still refused to speak or share her opinion. Edmund realized what was happening.

"You’re... worried about your mother’s condition?" Edmund asked softly.

"If I go to Ulrich, my mother will be alone in Nather."

"I... can’t leave her," Lyla answered with her head lowered as tears soaked her cheeks, trapped in a dilemma.

Edmund understood Lyla’s condition. He turned toward Sera, trying to confirm something.

Sera came from Ulrich and knew exactly what the city was like. Sera looked at Edmund and immediately understood his intention.

"I’ll help you find a house near the Academy. You won’t need to stay in the instructors’ dormitory," Sera answered.

"No need. I don’t want to trouble you, Sera."

"I’m helping you. You don’t want to be separated from Aya, right?" Sera asked.

Lyla looked to the side and saw Aya crying even harder while watching her teacher feel sad. Aya tightly hugged Lyla from the side, making it difficult for Lyla to part from her.

"I—"

"How about this," Edmund interrupted.

"I’ll find you a house there. I’ll also help take care of your mother’s needs."

"I’m worried... Aya won’t be able to focus on studying without you," Edmund explained.

"What do you think?"

Lyla fell silent for a moment, her mind constantly searching for the best solution.

Yet her thoughts reached a dead end. She felt the choice Edmund offered was not bad at all.

The woman looked forward before lowering her head. "Forgive me for troubling you, Sir Edmund."

"Alright. It’s decided then," Edmund declared. "All five of you will become academy instructors!"