Taking on an Apprentice

Reality.

Frieren lay languidly on the bed by the window, her long silver hair spread out on the pillow. She wore a comfortable white nightgown, and her two smooth feet dangled leisurely over the edge of the bed, swinging gently back and forth.

She held a magic book in her hands, her emerald green eyes intently scanning the ancient characters on the pages.

Lowell leaned back in the armchair beside him, his gaze, hidden beneath his dark hair, lingering on Frieren's swaying legs. After watching for a moment, he slowly spoke:

"I say, Frieren, you should consider taking on an apprentice."

Frieren's gaze didn't leave the pages of the book, and she mumbled a reply through her nose, "Hmm? I don't want to accept it. Too much trouble..."

"What's the trouble?" Lowell shifted to a more comfortable position, coaxing her gently, "Think about it, Lupa and Linié have been going on trips together for the past few years, disappearing all the time. In another two years, they might even have a baby, and I'm just as lazy as you..."

"Find a well-behaved and sensible apprentice who can serve you tea and water, do chores, and even help you change clothes and feed you... Wouldn't that be great? You wouldn't have to lift a finger; you could just lie there and have someone wait on you. Isn't that better than doing everything yourself?"

Frieren paused as she turned the page, her emerald eyes finally lifting from the pages to look at Lowell, a thoughtful expression on her face.

"Hmm..." She blinked, seemingly imagining a life where everything was done for her, then lowered her head and replied in a flat tone, "... That's fine too. But, can two girls Lupa and Linié have children?"

"... I was just saying that."

"Speaking of which, that 'Endfield' shop the other day wanted to take a picture with me..."

"Oh, I sent them away. They Endfield don't have their own mascot. I sent them to find Feibi. I don't want anyone else to see my Frieren."

"Oh."

The carriage heading to the Royal Capital moved slowly along the bumpy cobblestone road. Inside the carriage, a well-dressed and clearly well-bred noble couple were quietly giving instructions to their daughter, who sat in the middle.

The little girl was about five or six years old, with a cute round face and almond-shaped eyes. Her short, dark purple hair was neatly combed and tied into a bow at the back of her head with a striking red ribbon. She wore a light-colored dress, and her hands were placed properly on her knees, her posture upright.

"I heard that we might even see Himmel herself at the entrance ceremony, Fern." The mother gently stroked her daughter's hair.

"You must be mindful of etiquette, Fern," his father interjected, his tone gentle yet solemn. "Himmel is a great hero who saved the world; it is a great honor to meet him."

The little girl Fern nodded obediently, her voice soft yet surprisingly composed for her age. "Yes, Father, Mother, I understand."

Some time ago, they unexpectedly received an admission notice from the Continental United Academy. For a noble family like theirs, there was no reason to refuse, after all, the Continental United Academy was currently the most prestigious academy on the continent, and they naturally wanted their child to receive the best education.

Beneath the magnificent archway of the Continental United Academy, a large crowd had gathered. Newly enrolled students, accompanied by their families, gazed curiously and nervously at this legendary academic mecca.

Fern held her mother's hand tightly, her eyes cautiously scanning their surroundings. Just then, she noticed a pair of sisters standing not far away.

The older sister, dressed in a brand-new dress, had delicate features and was partially shielding a little girl behind her. The little girl's eyes were bright as she curiously looked around. Noticing Fern's gaze, she gave her a gentle smile.

Fern paused for a moment, then subconsciously returned a faint, polite smile.

"Hello, are you two also freshmen?" Fern's mother greeted her warmly.

"Yes, Madam," the older sister replied politely, gently nudging her younger sister beside her. "This is my sister, Ubel, a freshman, and I am the academy's tailor... We were both recommended by Lord Lowell."

The two families quickly became acquainted during a brief conversation.

"Himmel must be very imposing, right?" Ubel's sister asked softly, with a hint of awe.

"Definitely, after all, he saved the world, a legendary hero," Fern's father echoed softly.

Just then, a peculiar commotion arose from inside the academy gates. The crowd automatically parted to make way for them.

Himmel and Ruby walked out side by side. Himmel was dressed in a neat blue outfit, his short blue hair was neat and energetic, and his handsome face had a gentle smile. Ruby's fiery red curly hair was like a leaping flame, she wore a mage's robe that allowed her to move freely, and her emerald eyes shone brightly.

However, unlike the majestic image of a hero that everyone imagines—

"Hehe~ Sorry to keep you all waiting!" Ruby skipped over to the children, hands on her hips, striking an exaggerated pose with an excessively bright smile. "Welcome to the Continental United Academy! I am the genius Great Mage, Ruby!"

Himmel chuckled and continued, "And I! I'm the honorary principal of this school! I'm Hero Who Defeated the Demon King Himmel thanks to everyone's support..."

Ruby immediately interrupted, dissatisfied. "I was the main force in defeating the Demon King! My Explosion Magic 'bang'..."

"Yes, yes, Ruby is the best." Himmel readily agreed, his tone clearly indulgent. He looked at the stunned new students and their parents, and winked. "Don't be nervous. Here, learning magic and knowledge is important, but having fun is also important!"

This opening, which was completely contrary to the expectations of a "great, glorious, and righteous" hero, left everyone stunned. Fern blinked her almond-shaped eyes, Ubel opened her mouth wide, and the parents around them also looked astonished.

A soft chuckle came from the side.

Suddenly, Heiter arrived. He was dressed in a simple priest's robe, with a full head of black hair, a ruddy complexion, a tall stature, and a very energetic appearance, completely unlike the image of the Royal Capital's bishop that most people would have.

He laughed heartily, "Hahaha, don't be scared by these two clowns. You'll get used to them, you'll get used to them!"

The simple school opening ceremony began in this slightly comical yet heartwarming atmosphere. Himmel and Ruby were completely unpretentious, patiently answering the children's innocent questions and holding their hands.

Fern looked up at these legendary figures. They seemed quite different from the characters in the stories, but... it didn't feel bad. She quietly tightened her grip on her mother's hand and glanced at Ubel beside her, whose eyes were also filled with curiosity.

Sunlight streamed onto the white stone steps of the college and onto the faces of every new student, filling them with hope.