Merchant Noble is out (4/4 chapters for today)
Minerva Warden’s Daily Life
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“Good morning, everyone.” (Minerva)
“Good morning, Principal.” (Staff)
When Minerva arrived at the university’s office, the diligent staff had already begun their work. As she made her way to the principal’s office at the back of the administrative room, one of the staff members approached her.
“Principal, the selection exams for the Adventurer Class, Military Class, and Scholar (Civil Servant) Class have been finalized. Please review them.” (Staff)
“Thank you.” (Minerva)
Minerva received the papers summarizing the selection exams for each class and entered her office. She intended to review the exams to ensure their appropriateness. As these were the first selection exams, she had to examine them carefully.
Due to the kingdom’s ongoing instability and the effective promotional activities that had been carried out, applications to the university had been steadily increasing. Although recruitment for the second cohort had only just begun, there were already three times as many applicants as the available spots, even with half a year remaining.
Unlike the first cohort, where all applicants were admitted, a selection exam had been introduced for the second cohort.
As an educational institution that the Warden Household prided itself on, it was essential to create a rigorous selection process to admit students who could contribute significantly in the future. With a focused gaze, Minerva scrutinized the papers while listening to the staff member’s explanation.
“The Adventurer Class will include a basic literacy test and a mock battle.” (Staff)
“Does that mean passing the battle ensures admission?” (Minerva)
“No, the assessment will be based on their combat stance and body movements.” (Staff)
Minerva frowned in dissatisfaction at the explanation.
“Hmm. The purpose of this school is to teach those things. Rejecting them during the selection exam would be counterproductive.” (Minerva)
“Then, what criteria should we use?” (Staff)
Minerva had to consider what was most fundamental for adventurers beyond skills and techniques.
“Adventurers form parties, correct? Personality, communication skills, and teamwork are the most important traits.” (Minerva)
“Understood. How about a survival challenge? Applicants could be grouped into teams of five and given tasks.” (Staff)
“That’s a great idea! That would allow us to gather candidates suited to adventuring.” (Minerva)
The Mikanda region was vast and relatively free of dangers like bandits and wild beasts compared to other areas, making it an ideal location for survival exams.
“Let’s proceed with a survival test for the Adventurer Class. Please work out the exam details, pass and fail criteria, and safety measures for the applicants.” (Minerva)
Further adjustments could involve consulting with adventurers like Mia and Rishu, as well as instructors like Polo. For now, the basic framework of the Adventurer Class selection exam was established. This process would also be applied to the Military Class and Scholarly Class. Though there was still time before the selection exams, Minerva aimed to tackle the preparations early.
—
The bell marking the start of the day rang.
“Well, I’ll be off to class now.” (Minerva)
Minerva was responsible for teaching the Scholar Class, aimed at those aspiring to be civil servants or merchants. She set aside her duties as principal, picked up her teaching materials, and left the office.
“Stand! Bow to Minerva-sensei!” (Students)
““Thank you for teaching us.”” (Students)
“Thank you. Let’s continue our study of the history of the Laplace Kingdom today.” (Minerva)
The Scholar Class was designed to teach knowledge necessary for becoming civil servants or merchants. It was much smaller than the Military or Adventurer Classes, with only about 20 students.
Unlike the physically demanding Military and Adventurer Classes, the concept of “training the mind” was less tangible and therefore less popular. However, Minerva took pride in the fact that the students who joined the Scholar Class were often more diligent and promising compared to other classes.
Some were from noble families, but most were ambitious commoners. Many sought to escape generations of poverty through roles as civil servants or merchants. As a result, they were hard-working and kept up with Minerva’s strict teaching, steadily improving over time.
“That’s all for today. Students who wish to have individual consultations, please come to my office by dinnertime.” (Minerva)
With nearly a year passed since the university’s opening, individual consultations regarding future plans were now held after classes. The university had no set graduation period. Each year, students could choose whether to stay and continue their studies or graduate.
Minerva conducted interviews with each student who visited her office, learning about their plans one by one. Several students came by today as well.
“With the decision period approaching, what will you do?” (Minerva)
“Yes, I’ve been summoned to return to my family’s viscountcy, so I’ll be graduating this year.” (Student)
“Understood. Please make the most of your time here until the end.” (Minerva)
Students from noble or influential families often graduated after one year. Their families adopted an educational approach emphasizing hands-on learning after basic academic studies. Though it was regrettable for Mikanda to lose these trained talents, having alumni establish themselves in noble houses or the kingdom would ultimately benefit the Warden Household in the long run, serving as a form of investment.
“I’d like to stay and continue my studies.” (Student)
Most commoner students chose to stay. At the university, food and lodging were free, encouraging students to focus entirely on their studies without financial concerns. For commoners, it was like a dream come true.
The Warden Household welcomed their decision to stay, hoping these students would later contribute to Mikanda as staff.
As the day waned, Minerva was preparing to leave after finishing the consultations when there was a hesitant knock at the door.
“Excuse me, Sensei. Are you still available?” (Student)
“Yes. It’s fine. Please come in. ” (Minerva)
The one who hesitantly entered the room was a student, Mira. She had a timid personality and was never the most noticeable, but her grades were excellent, and it was clear that she had put in a lot of effort. She was one of the students whose future looked promising.
“Well then, Mira. What will you do?” (Minerva)
Mira nervously answered, looking down.
“Yes. I have to return to my hometown.” (Mira)
“Your way of saying that is interesting.” (Minerva)
“Actually, my father arranged a marriage with a local government official. So, I will be graduating from the university.” (Mira)
“I see.” (Minerva)
Mira’s family was a merchant family, if she remembered correctly. It wasn’t uncommon for families to arrange marriages with officials for political reasons. Minerva, who also came from a merchant family, wasn’t particularly surprised, though Mira had revealed the information as though it were a major secret.
It didn’t matter what path Mira chose in the future. However, Minerva was concerned about her overly passive attitude.
“Mira, what do you want to do?” (Minerva)
“Huh?” (Mira)
“I want to hear your opinion.” (Minerva)
“I will follow my father’s instructions for the sake of the family.” (Mira)
That wasn’t the answer Minerva was looking for. Did she not have any personal desires?
“If there were no marriage arrangement, what would you choose? If you were free, would you prefer to graduate or stay?” (Minerva)
“That’s…” (Mira)
Had she never even thought about it? Mira hesitated and fell silent. Her lack of ownership over her life was so apparent that Minerva patiently waited for her to speak, as Mira tried to find her true feelings.
“I would… like to stay.” (Mira)
“Good. You said it well.” (Minerva)
“But my father…” (Mira)
“As your teacher, I want you to make the decision yourself. I’m not denying that getting married is a wonderful thing, and following your father’s wishes is not wrong. But if you want to continue studying, you must not kill your own desires. Whether you stay or graduate, it’s up to you to decide, and you must take responsibility for it. If you decide to stay and need to convince your father, tell me. I will help as much as I can.” (Minerva)
“R-really? Thank you!” (Mira)
Mira’s face lit up with joy, and it seemed as if the weight on her shoulders had lifted as she left with a brighter, more cheerful expression.
—
…This was last week.
“…Otou-san is here!?” (Mira)
After class, as Minerva was about to return to her office, Mira suddenly caught her in the hallway and said this.
“Yes. He’s a merchant, but he happened to be in Mikanda. He wants to meet with you, Minerva-sensei.” (Mira)
Since Minerva had said she would help convince her father, he must have thought to leave the persuasion to her. However, Minerva could only assist with the persuasion. She couldn’t do it for Mira. After all, it was Mira’s life, not hers. If she took over the persuasion, it would only shift the dependency from her father to Minerva, and it would still be a passive life.
“…Understood. Mira, I can support you, but convincing your father must come from you. I’ll be watching, so speak your true feelings.” (Minerva)
In the end, she told her that it was important for her to persuade her father on her own.
“Excuse me.” (Mira)
“Please come in.” (Minerva)
That evening, Mira entered Minerva’s office with a man of average height and build—Mira’s father.
With an unremarkable face and simple attire, he didn’t stand out, but the fact that he was able to continue his business with such a presence-less appearance likely meant he was conducting his trade honestly.
As both were merchants, they exchanged cautious handshakes, sizing each other up.
“Good evening, Sensei. My daughter has been in your care.” (Mira’s Father)
“It’s nothing. Please, have a seat.” (Minerva)
True to his merchant nature, he was humble. He sat at the far end of the sofa.
“So, how is my daughter doing?” (Mira’s Father)
“Yes, she’s been very diligent and has excellent grades.” (Minerva)
Minerva quickly used the afternoon to prepare Mira’s academic records and explained them in detail.
“Ah, that’s wonderful. You see, my daughter is about to marry a local government official. I want her to develop the skills she’ll need to support her husband after marriage.” (Mira’s Father)
With a smile, the father brought up the topic of marriage.
Now, it was time to speak up.
Minerva glanced at Mira, sitting next to her father, and gave her a silent cue. Though Mira trembled with nervousness for a moment, she finally gathered the courage to speak.
“Father… about that…” (Mira)
The room fell silent. In the midst of that quiet, Mira’s voice was the only sound that resonated.
“I want to study more here.” (Mira)
Her father’s face turned pale as he processed her words.
“What are you saying? The marriage date has already been set!” (Mira’s Father)
“Yes, but the more I study, the more I realize how ignorant I am. The more I realize my ignorance, the more I enjoy studying. That’s why I want to study more.” (Mira)
*Bang!*
A loud sound echoed through the room as Mira’s father slammed his hand on the table. Mira jumped up in shock, her body physically recoiling.
“Don’t be selfish! You must get married and fulfill your role as a woman!” (Mira’s Father)
“I don’t want to be the wife of a country official! I want… I want to show my strength on a bigger stage! I don’t want to be the wife of a government official. I want to be the official myself!” (Mira)
The first to have their anger triggered was her father, but soon the fire spread to Mira. Perhaps because they were family, or perhaps because it was unimaginable that someone so timid could harbor such strong will, she found herself standing her ground in a way no one could have predicted.
“That’s why I opposed you studying! But your mother kept saying ‘Let the little girl travel,’ so, as expected, you’ve become a spoiled, rebellious daughter who doesn’t listen to her parents!” (Mira’s Father)
“Otou-sama, with all due respect…” (Minerva)
“This is a family matter! Don’t you dare interfere!” (Mira’s Father)
The criticism soon expanded to the university as well, and just as Minerva, the principal, was about to speak, her angered father cut her off with a sharp tone. However, there was something in his words that Minerva simply couldn’t tolerate.
Anyone!?
Minerva snapped with frustration.
“Mira is no just ‘anyone’! She is my student! What is the problem with a teacher caring about the future of her student?!” (Minerva)
This was the woman who, even her sister Yanna would say, “The scariest thing about Minerva is when she’s angry”. With one sharp rebuke, both father and daughter froze in place. After briefly asserting her dominance in the room, Minerva returned to her usual gentle demeanor.
“Otou-sama, please discard any emotional prejudices such as ‘she’s rebelling against my opinion’ and listen to your daughter’s wishes. She is not being selfish. She wants to know how she wants to live her life. Why not listen to her honest feelings?” (Minerva)
Then, she gestured towards Mira, who was still frozen. After meeting Minerva’s gaze, Mira snapped out of her trance and began to speak her mind once again.
“Otou-san, the world is becoming increasingly unstable.” (Mira)
“Which is why I want you to marry the official…” (Mira’s Father)
Her father attempted to interject, but Mira raised her hand, signaling for him to stop.
“No, that’s why I want to be a woman who can live on her own strength. Whether as an official or a merchant like you, it doesn’t matter. I want to study at this school, and become someone who can carve her own path. I know you’re looking out for me, pushing forward the engagement. I understand how much you care, but I want to live on my own feet. I want to fight with my own mind.” (Mira)
Mira’s voice cracked as she spoke, and it became evident she was on the verge of tears. For the first time in her life, she was taking responsibility for her own future. It was as if she was facing a completely different life, one where she didn’t just follow her father’s commands. Overcome by the weight of her own decisions, she seemed almost crushed by the pressure. Yet, she fought against it and conveyed her wishes desperately.
Her father was silent. It was unclear whether he was processing his daughter’s words or simply thinking it over, but a long silence ensued. After what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke again.
“Mira might not understand yet, being a student, but this world is full of unfairness. It’s very difficult to make it on your own. You should just quietly follow orders…” (Mira’s Father)
Minerva was aghast. She was enraged that he wasn’t listening to Mira’s resolve.
It was clear that he thought of Mira’s declaration as a rebellious phase, something to be soothed, but he wasn’t truly considering her wishes. Instead of listening earnestly, he seemed to want to convince her to fall in line. This infuriated Minerva so much that she was about to interrupt when—
“Just follow my orders, follow them! Can you take responsibility for my life?!” (Mira)
The sudden shout startled both her father and Minerva. For a moment, they weren’t sure who had shouted, but it was only Mira left in the room.
Mira was gasping for air, her voice trembling as she shouted with all her might.
“This is my life! I will take responsibility for it! Therefore, I will make my dreams come true by myself!” (Mira)
With that, she screamed at the top of her lungs and stormed out of the room.
“…” (Mira’s Father)
“…” (Minerva)
The room was left in an awkward silence between father and Minerva.
But with Mira’s shout, it seemed that her father finally decided to face the reality of the situation. Minerva patiently waited for him as he struggled with his thoughts. After a while, her father spoke again.
“I might not have known anything about my own daughter. I never realized she could be so adamant about her own opinions.” (Mira’s Father)
“A woman with a strong core may not be suitable as an official’s wife. But such strength is necessary if she is to live independently. I believe this is something your father, as a merchant, would understand.” (Minerva)
Minerva subtly made her point that Mira’s talents were too valuable to be wasted as just a bureaucrat’s wife. She supported Mira’s desires. Her father fell into another long moment of thought, but it seemed he had finally made up his mind. He straightened his posture and faced Minerva seriously.
“Sensei, what exactly can be learned at this school? After graduation, what kind of work can she do? Could you explain it in more detail?” (Mira’s Father)
“Yes, of course.” (Minerva)
Minerva nodded with a smile.
—
The following day, Mira entered the headmaster’s office. She looked completely different from before. She was full of confidence.
“After talking with Otou-san, the engagement is officially called off. He said I can stay at the university for another year.” (Mira)
“That’s great to hear.” (Minerva)
“For this year, I will decide whether to become an official, a merchant, or follow my own dreams. I’ve been looking into opportunities, and the Forth Town of Mikanda is still recruiting officials. Maybe I should apply there?” (Mira)
Minerva handed Mira a recruitment flyer for the Forth Town.
“That’s a good idea! I’ll definitely consider it.” (Mira)
Mira spoke shyly, still a little embarrassed but grateful.
“But, I’m so glad you were there for me, Minerva. If I hadn’t come here, I’d have been nothing but my father’s puppet, and my life would have been meaningless. You saved my life, you really did.” (Mira)
“I only helped a little. You’re the one who opened the door to your own future.” (Minerva)
Minerva gently patted Mira on the head. Just then, the school bell rang for the start of classes.
“Well then. Let’s go to class together, shall we?” (Minerva)
“Yes!” (Mira)
Beneath the warm sunlight, the two walked down the corridor side by side.
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