"Look, that's Lord Scroll," Pippie nudged Gillie with his elbow. "They say she's the Minister of Education." "Education... Minister?" Gillie asked in surprise. "What's that?" "The one who manages teachers. You're the one who loves Miss Filling the most and hates Miss Haben's loud voice the most," Pippie explained. "Both Filling and Haben fall under Lord Scroll's jurisdiction." "Where did you hear that?" Gillie blinked. "That same big shot you keep mentioning?" "Hmph, of course," he chuckled smugly. "And I know more than that. Today's graduation ceremony won't just have town hall officials—it'll even feature Lord Scroll himself, Your Royal Highness!" "Really?" The girl's eyes lit up. "Will Your Highness speak with us?" "Uh... I'm not sure," Pippie rubbed his temple. "But probably." After all, he'd heard it from Big Brother Vanna—a remarkable figure who started as an ordinary gravel worker in Old Street. After joining the militia, he quickly rose to become a squad leader commanding several men. Now, he was an officer in the First Army Artillery, earning a monthly salary of twenty-five Silver Wolves, and had even shaken hands with Your Royal Highness!
Though he spent most of his time in the camp, he would occasionally return with fascinating stories and observations. Whenever this happened, Pip would come knocking, pestering him with questions. As Brother Fanna's former neighbor and admirer, Pip often got first-hand information from him.
For instance, Lord Fan Na personally informed me that Lord Lord would attend the graduation ceremony. A week prior, the First Army had received orders for protection and vigilance, and had conducted a drill near the academy building.
As expected, soon after, a squad of impeccably dressed soldiers marched forward with heads held high. The two central figures were Your Royal Highness and his Chief Knight.
A commotion broke out in the crowd.
After the soldiers secured the academy entrance, Roland entered the hall and waved to the students lining up in rows. "My subjects, greetings. I am Roland Wimbledon, Lord of Border Town and Governor of the Western Frontier. Congratulations on completing the entire curriculum of elementary education—your town's first graduates!" The crowd fell silent, not out of indifference, but most were so moved they were speechless.
Jilly clung to Pip's arm and shouted, "Your Highness is speaking to us!" Pip was equally thrilled, now he could get up close to Your Highness just like Big Brother Fanna had.
"Your swift passing of the examination and graduation is due to your early advantage as students of Professor Carl Van Beurt. Do not let pride get the better of you—there remains vast knowledge awaiting discovery," Roland continued. "This day is indeed a cause for celebration. From this moment, you have embarked on a path distinct from others. Whatever career you pursue, it promises substantial rewards. My congratulations are heartfelt!" "Your Highness... Long live Your Highness!" Someone called out first, followed by an enthusiastic chorus: "Long live Your Highness! I pledge my allegiance to Your Highness!" As the cheers subsided, Roland smiled and said, "Next, I will present your diplomas as proof of your academic achievement." He opened a booklet. "Pipp." Pipp felt a shiver run down his spine. He stared at Prince, his mouth agape, speechless. Then Professor Filling Silter gestured. "Fear not. Approach Your Highness." With stiff limbs, he stepped out of the procession, his heart pounding. Suddenly, the military salute—easier than Noble's Knight salute yet equally powerful in expressing loyalty—came to mind. It was a ritual invented by Your Highness himself. Though unsure of the exact posture, he summoned his courage and raised his hand forcefully in front of his forehead, as he remembered.
The gesture made Prince chuckle. He nodded and handed the booklet to Pipp, saying, "If you move your hand a bit further back, right up to the earlobe, it'll be more standard... Congratulations on your graduation." "Thank you..." Pipp took the booklet and walked back to the group like a wooden statue. Only when His Highness began handing out diplomas to others did he turn around.
"Show me what's written on it," Gillie asked curiously, tilting her head.
"You've got it too, what's the rush?" he murmured, his hands trembling as he unrolled the certificate cover. Inside was a finely stitched parchment, its upper left corner bearing his portrait, the royal crest of the Graycastle Lance in the center, and rows of inscribed text. Six months ago, he would have had to consult Teacher Karl to decipher these symbols. Now, Pip had mastered the basics of reading and writing. He silently recited them: "First Class Graduate of Border Town Academy: Pip." "Dean: Book." "Awarded by: Lord of Border Town, Roland Wimbledon."...
When all graduation certificates were distributed, Roland clapped his hands to draw attention. "From now on, you'll be eligible for certain jobs that ordinary people can't handle. These positions offer generous compensation, starting at ten Silver Wolves per month. Now, let's hear from Ms.Shujian about the job openings at Border Town City Hall." He raised his hand to halt the discussion. "You don't need to make a decision right away. Go home and discuss it with your families. Once you've made up your mind, bring your ID and diploma to apply at City Hall." As Ms.Shujian explained, Jill leaned in and asked, "Got any ideas? I want to work at the bicycle factory. The pay is higher than my dad's, and there's even a chance to get a new bike for free!" "That's awesome," Pippu replied nonchalantly. Recently, four giant wooden plaques had been erected in the town square, featuring portraits of Your Highness and several Ministers. The oddly shaped iron mounts beneath the figures sparked lively discussions among townspeople. Moreover, the factory pays fifteen Silver Wolves monthly. If it weren't for the requirement of completing basic education, it would've been packed long ago.
But he has a place he wants to go.
After attending the award ceremony, Pip couldn't help but think: like his former classmate Nana Wa, he too aspired to one day stand on the square's high platform and receive the honor personally conferred by Your Highness before thousands of people.
According to Your Royal Highness, only those who have made exceptional contributions to the town qualify for the award. If he were to work at the bicycle factory, he might never get the chance. Leading battles and charging into the fray like Iron Axe? He doubted he could do that. Nor did he possess Witch's extraordinary abilities. The only figure he could emulate was Chief Alchemist Kaimos Thuir.
He had heard many times before that creating a practical alchemical product could bring immense wealth and prestige to the realm, earning the title of Sage. It required neither bravery nor lineage, only a touch of luck... There was no path more fitting for him.
With this in mind, Pipp made up his mind.
"I want to sign up for the chemistry lab," he said, word by word.