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“Today’s class will take place here. The city and streets are decent, and there aren’t any demonic monsters that would pose a real threat to you, but everyone please remain cautious.”

The teacher in charge of our ecology survey class began sharing precautions in front of several classes, including ours.

“If a problem arises, signal immediately. You can scream, use fireworks, or magic. Just remember that sending a rescue request as a prank could lead to point deductions and possibly a disciplinary committee being convened.”

She paused, looking around at the students to solidify her warning.

But after a brief silence, she relaxed her expression and spoke in a cheerful voice.

“Well… I did try to scare you a bit, but you don’t need to stress too much. Essentially, as long as you can handle your own responsibilities, you’re free to act as you wish. If you want to walk alone, feel free, and if you want to stick with friends, that’s fine too. As long as the topics relate to the ecology survey class, I won’t mind whatever you do.”

In a way, it seemed like she was too lazy to come up with class content herself and was passing it off to the students, but instead, they were enjoying the current situation.

“Alright! Enjoy your last free class to the fullest during your academy life! Once you become second years, you’ll have to sit through way more boring classes until graduation.”

…Did she really have to say that last part? If she hadn’t, I could have spent this time with a little more joy.

Nevertheless, freedom is freedom, so I immediately grouped up with Selian, Yuli, and Anne, starting to move together.

Given the sheer number of students out at once, it felt as if I had stepped into a bustling market.

If I waited a bit, everyone would quickly scatter and things would become quieter, but we decided to make our move first.

After all, it wasn’t like we were in a forest where demonic monsters popped up like in Anne’s territory, and even if it was, we were potent enough to go for a light stroll.

So, we walked deeper in, trying to get as far away from the noise of the other students as possible.

The ruckus of the students’ conversations gradually faded away, replaced by the cheerful chirping of birds.

After passing through the trees, we finally found a spot that we really liked.

The trees were spaced just right, allowing a pleasant breeze to flow through, and the flat area without any rocks was perfect for laying out a mat.

Also, despite the weather starting to cool down, flowers that only bloom at this time of year filled the area, tickling our noses with their fragrance, and nearby, the pleasant sound of a stream flowing added to the delight.

Without needing to fetch water for each other, we immediately spread out our mats widely, securing enough space for ourselves.

It was such a nice spot that we couldn’t help but feel a bit greedy, but since we were quite far from the starting point, the chances of other students stumbling upon us were low, so it didn’t really matter.

“I never knew there was a place like this. I’ve never imagined a spot like this since I hardly come into the forest intentionally.”

Selian said, lightly sweeping her hair behind her ear as a refreshing breeze blew gently across her face.

As beautiful as the space was, even compared to the Griffin Academy’s park designed by the continent’s top architects and designers, it was still breathtakingly stunning in its natural state.

“Wow! Look at the sky! It’s as blue as Selian’s eyes! Heehee. And those clouds are as white as El’s hair!”

Anne, who had flopped down as soon as the mat was laid out, looked up at the sky and exclaimed.

But to correct her momentarily, my hair is silver, not white.

When people say “white hair,” it invokes an unwelcome notion of aging.

I want to make that clear. I am a vibrant 18-year-old!

Probably…?

Anyway, setting aside whether it’s important or pointless, I too sprawled next to Anne, following her lead.

The moment I laid down, a view of the same blue sky and white clouds that Anne saw welcomed me.

“Hey, hey, everyone! Don’t just stand around, lie down.”

Still lying on the mat, I encouraged Selian and Yuli to join me.

“Well, if that’s the case, I’ll lie here…”

“I guess… I can give Selian at least this weekend.”

With that, the two slowly shuffled to fill the empty spot beside me.

This sight was something I wouldn’t have seen if the weather was overcast, and had it not been for this ecology survey, I likely wouldn’t have found myself lounging in the heart of the forest staring at the sky.

Of course, I hadn’t missed seeing the blue sky even during my assassin days.

The sky is an area granted equally to everyone, regardless of how much dwarves love the underground.

But during that time, I both loved and despised the blue sky to the point of near hatred.

Why am I here? Should I lead a life of a butcher until I die? Am I destined to be toyed with by the Guild Master? And so on.

The more I stared at the blue sky, the more my circumstances hit close to home, yet for that brief moment, I could imagine freedom—a despair bearing the name of hope whispered to me.

At that moment, I even felt a tinge of jealousy towards the birds freely flying in the sky.

Of course, I knew it was purely fantasy beyond my reach… a form of consolation that would only lead me to frustration and despair over time.

But isn’t that better than being a junkie?

Those people experience absolute joy while on drugs, feeling like the whole world is a flower garden. But once the euphoria fades, they crave the very world they once enjoyed even more.

I might be similar to them in many ways, but at least I’m not ruining my body like them; I train my body every single day, making me feel a tad better.

Though, that being said, it’s a problem that I lack willpower, even when I want to rest.

If the sky were cloudy or it was raining, that would at least be somewhat better.

In such cases, I wouldn’t have to indulge in pointless sentiments, ultimately suffering through despair and disgust.

I’d just think about how the rain would leak into my room overnight and curse silently while continuing to train.

But now it’s different.

The Assassin Guild that had restrained me, or more precisely, the Guild Master, is already dead.

Very few in this continent would know I was once an assassin.

The more they investigate, the more doubts or certainty they might have about my identity, but how many would be willing to dig into a complete stranger’s past?

Especially without exceptional skills, no one could uncover the true depth behind “Elysia Frentz” becoming “Third.”

So now, can I entertain the thought of having real hope, instead of despair wearing the mask of hope?

To sleep whenever I want, eat to my heart’s content, and hang out with the friends I truly cherish—that’s a simple yet happy life I can live, right?

Just then,

As if reading my thoughts, the Master-Servant Mark on my lower abdomen poked at me. It wasn’t intensely painful, just annoying enough to feel its presence.

Ha, so my conscience is sitting down there.

Making useless jokes by myself seems to lighten my mood, at least a little.

Right. At least unless I get rid of this Master-Servant Mark, I never know when I might go back to that other life.

After all, one day, an odd, chubby nobleman could show up demanding I obey him while waving a Master-Servant Mark scroll.

That scroll likely dwindled to the House Deretia’s side with a 90% probability, too.

After all, it was House Deretia that dismantled the Assassin Guild and killed the Guild Master.

Considering that they used real-time communication magic during the attack, the chance of someone intervening was small.

But given I didn’t witness the event firsthand, I can’t be sure who actually killed the Guild Master.

Moreover, the person who retrieved the scroll may have been someone completely different from the one who killed him.

But at the very least, for verification, I need to find the one who killed the Guild Master.

Whether he took it or not can come later.

If he has it, I can just recover it from him, and even if it was someone else, at least I can eliminate a suspect.

So, who killed the Guild Master?

Probably at least someone from House Deretia’s knight ranks.

The Guild Master’s personality may have been garbage that wasn’t worth recycling, but his skills were undeniably real.

Alright. I’ve roughly mapped out a plan.

It would be best if Frecia could find a solution like I asked, but I can’t just wait and hope blindly.

This winter break, I’ll head to House Deretia.

I’m sure Selian would welcome me just like during the summer break if I tell her I’m visiting the main house of Deretia. After all, isn’t she the head of the House Deretia now?

Of course, if my true identity as an assassin who threatened Selian’s life is revealed, it won’t end well for me.

She might feel betrayed and be ready to slash at me with her sword in an instant.

If that situation arises, I’d have to accept my fate without being able to defend myself against Selian’s sword.

But… losing my life doesn’t weigh heavily on me anymore.

Living as “Elysia Frentz” has changed many things for me.

Now, it’s more fearful for me to be hated by my friends—Selian, Anne, Yuli, Frecia, Mariel, Linne, and so on—who shine far brighter than the life of an assassin.

To be hated by friends like those now feels more frightening than losing my life.

So, no matter how important finding the Master-Servant Mark scroll is, I mustn’t let Selian catch wind of the endeavor.

This winter break…

Let’s just return as “Third” one last time for a complete goodbye.

 

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