Tenkomori: The Homecoming Club Conquers Another World
Chapter 135

Chapter 135.1. The Third Year at the Academy - Farewell Party (1)

The other day, with the end-of-year exams concluded, the only remaining event at the academy is the graduation ceremony scheduled for the day after tomorrow.

In a typical year, a large number of families and escorts of the graduates would gather in Selene, but due to the cold wave that has swept across the entire empire, the turnout is quite poor. Many students in Cartilard lamented that their escorts wouldn't be coming.

Pausing from tidying up, I slightly opened the window of the alchemy room and looked up at the sky.

Even such a cold wave is gradually subsiding day by day.

It hasn't snowed in Selene for a while.

Although the temperature hasn't risen much, leaving a somewhat dirty snowy landscape, the sunlight peeking through the clouds hints at the arrival of spring.

But that's only because Selene is relatively warm.

The roads are barely recognizable, and I hear the northern part of the empire is in terrible condition.

At the end of last year, I sent a letter to my father saying, "I'll arrange for a carriage here," and declined his offer to pick me up.

Although I received a reluctant reply, I think it was the right decision.

In this situation, not only would it be difficult for him to come, but carriages wouldn't move properly either. My father probably gave up, and I can proudly return on foot.

Also, when I chased the Siggs mercenary group, I realized that if I run at full speed, I can reach the neighboring town quickly.

Probably, I could return to Reedwald in two or three days. If I wanted to, I could have gone home anytime.

Well, even if I had realized it earlier, I wouldn't have gone back.

Until I reveal my abilities, I can only meet those I've confided in, and my mother would surely insist on frequent visits home.

In any case, knowing that I can return to Selene with a quick run is a gain.

Not only to Lambert's hometown, Ketten, but also to Elphimia's imperial capital shouldn't take much time. Until now, the sadness of parting overshadowed everything, but realizing this fact has made me feel much better.

Also, the trade I had been considering as a future possibility has become more realistic.

I am truly grateful to Rackendale.

Normally, a merchant convoy would incur significant expenses, and even if it were profitable, getting approval wouldn't be straightforward.

But with the magical bag, Telpas Bag, a carriage is unnecessary, and neither is escorting the cargo. Since the baggage is just the bag, a minimal number of people is sufficient, and I can even manage the trade route alone.

Suddenly, I felt a strange exhilaration.

A route.

It's been years since I thought about such things.

I picked up the magical bag, Telpas Bag.

For the first time in a long while, I felt the stirrings of my old club spirit.

From Reedwald to Selene, the established route must include Verene Village and Crenzley Village.

Going from Reedwald to Crenzley Village, then through Verene Village to Selene.

Returning from Selene southeast, via Ketten to Reedwald seems appropriate.

Thinking this, I feel the need for a stopwatch.

I would probably stay overnight at each relay point and want to record each segment in detail.

If I seriously start trading, maybe I'll ask Cutes Ipdit to help.

He developed that strange magic, [Reference Point], so he might be able to create a counting magic too.

As I was vaguely thinking about these things, I heard the sound of the front door opening.

It seems Nails and the shopping team have returned.

I listened carefully downstairs, but no ominous signs were heard.

They must have completed their shopping safely.

For the farewell party, Ted and the others had been preparing for several days.

There was a suggestion to rent a tavern, but in the end, my home became the venue.

Ted seemed apologetic, but I was all for it.

Renting a tavern would be costly, and it would be harder to have detailed conversations.

The smell of bread and sweets wafted up through the stairs to the second-floor alchemy room.

I stopped my thoughts and resumed tidying up.

I started putting empty containers, magic stones, and handmade accessories into the Telpas Bag.

Some of the magic stones and materials have already been infused, but I can't work on them until just before returning, and even if interrupted, it's just a matter of starting over.

Still, the Telpas Bag is really convenient.

The Iron Golem that sat in the living room was too big to melt and handle, but thanks to the Telpas Bag, I can take it with me.

I plan to revive it as the guardian deity of Reedwald once I master "Create Golem" or obtain a scroll.

With the shelves tidied, I turned my gaze to the two swords on the table.

The Celestial Sword and Nosvar.

The sword from Klaus, given by Heimeth.

The Celestial Sword is for knights only, and someone as unscrupulous as me can't wield it.

But Nosvar...

"Still no good."

Even when I held it, no information flowed into my mind.

It's been two years since I met Klaus, and I've grown a lot since then.

I felt like I could handle it better than before, but it seems I'm still not up to par.

[Sword Flash] is the condition—or at least the minimum requirement.

I managed to reach [Two-Handed Sword 3], but even with magic tools to suppress my abilities, this seems to be the limit around Selene. If I keep fighting, it might improve, but it's not efficient.

"Anyway, even if I can't wield it properly, its sturdiness should still function..."

The Rhinoceros Sword was quite worn out from the battle with Jalid.

I wasn't sure if maintenance would be done in time for my return, so I planned to use another weapon, but Nosvar is also an option.

After some hesitation, I stored both in the Telpas Bag.

Nosvar probably wouldn't want to be used by someone it hasn't acknowledged.

If it had intelligence like the roof spirits, it might reject me even if I met the conditions.

Later, as I continued tidying up, the front door opened again.

Elphimia, Lola, Lambert, and Felix came in—and Lola ran away.

As usual, she was caught and brought back.

Sadly, it was Quince and Kyle who chased her.

Lola being caught by those two...

"Master Alter, everyone has arrived!"

Ginny called from downstairs, so I responded and went down to the first floor.

The guests were already seated, and guided by Elliot, I also took my seat.

Once everyone was seated, Ted stepped forward, clearing his throat.

Amidst the attention, Ted, with a tense expression, began to speak.

"We will now begin the farewell party. First, I would like to thank Master Alter for providing the venue."

"It's the first time I've been called Master. I understand Lola's feelings a little now."

"Ah, I forgot! Don't tease me! Uh..."

Blushing, Ted furrowed his brows, trying to remember.

Perhaps feeling sorry for him, Elliot whispered from behind.

"Ah, right—yes, thank you for joining the farewell party amidst your busy preparations for your return. I... no, I met Master Alter three years ago at the Cartilard High Academy mock battle. Half a year later, we met again, and I challenged him and was thoroughly defeated."

"That happened?"

"It did. The second time, Gemma was with me."

Responding to Elphimia's question, those who didn't know about the encounter smiled wryly.

"Since then, I was invited to his home and met all of you. And I learned magic from Lady Elphimia, combat from Lord Lambert and Lord Felix, and academic and adventurer support from Lady Lola. I have learned much from Master Alter. Our present is thanks to all of you. We will continue to strive, keeping your teachings in mind."

Having said that, Ted paused.

Not because he was moved, but because he simply forgot.

Elliot whispered, "Wrap it up, just a bit more!" and Nails and Lily also cheered softly.

Ted, looking more agonized than one would expect for a speech, managed to squeeze out the words.

"Yes... in the future... we will each go our separate ways, but the three years in Selene will be a great asset. Now, to celebrate everyone's future—cheers!"

Following the cue, everyone cheered.

Having completed his big task, Ted, barely managing the toast, leaned back in his chair, exhausted.

"Never again. I'm not doing this again."

"You did well. You've already surpassed Markant in speeches."

"Not happy..."

And so, the farewell party hosted by Ted and the others began.

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