Klarion stepped out into the warm afternoon air, the sun high up in the sky, casting long golden rays over Blacksword Manor and the surrounding empty dorms. Hatsune was close beside him, her ears moving back and forth to track the sounds of the campus around them as they made their way into the more populated areas.


    As soon as they were out of sight of Blacksword Manor, the campus was bustling with activity. Young scions, out of their school uniforms and wearing richly embroidered tunics and fine cloaks, moved about and socialized, their bodyguards trailing behind them. Though still early in the year, Klarion noticed that some already had servants attending to them as well. Some carried books and satchels, others simply tending to their scions’ whims. The hum of conversation filled the air, a strange blend of college life and aristocratic privilege.


    Klarion couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of . Everyone and everything he passed on their walk was so reminiscent of his own experience in college back on Earth in many ways. Yet, the closer he listened to the surrounding conversations, the more it stood out exactly just how different his second time through college would be. Back on Earth, students talked about course loads, social events, and the best coffee spots on campus. While there was some of that here as well, he also caught snippets of discussions about many other things that would never have been talked about back on Earth, such as which kinds of servants were best suited to enhance their scions’ success in the Academy, which seemed to be the focus of more than a few conversations.


    “—A chef and a personal tailor are essential, of course, but having an elite trainer possessing an Essence can make all the difference in the Trials in the next few years. Speaking of—”


    “—which is why my lord father sent me some money. I hear the House of Bonds has a new batch of alchemical assistants— supposedly ones capable of brewing potions tailored to enhance your capacity to learn magic skills. An investment, really, and—”


    "My father insisted on a strategist as well as a bodyguard. Someone to oversee my preparations for the battlefield assessments next year, and to ensure I develop proper command techniques. You’re only as strong as your retinue, after—”


    Trainers and Tutors, disappearing inside.


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    absence of certain races.


    Name: Erynn Vaselle


    Race: Forest Elf


    Class: Ebon Ink Scribe (Rare)


    Level: 18


    Cost: 45 Coins of Service


    Name: Leoric Stonearm


    Race: Hill Dwarf


    Class: Iron Artificer (Rare)


    Level: 15


    Cost: 40 Coins of Service


    you directly. A good Butler will organize your schedule, manage visitors, and make sure your personal needs within the estate are met.”