After the graduation ceremony ended, I immediately joined up with Zanoba.
Ginger and Julie are dressed up with a bouquet pinned behind them.
No one else is dressed like that.
I wonder if it's a tradition of Shirone.
"Zanoba, congratulations on graduating."
"Ah! Shishou! Thank you very much!"
Zanoba is wearing the Ranoa Magic University's uniform.
Although it is designed for young people, rather than Shirone's formal wear, it suits him.
"I had turned my back on anything related to My own graduation.... So I was taken aback when a few days ago I suddenly received a letter from the University."
"It's nice isn't it, to have this kind of event to mark transitions in your life?"
As expected, having a ceremony at life's important transitions is best.
That Sylphy could not also participate in her graduation ceremony is something I regret a bit.
However, Zanoba may not recognize it as anything but a hassle.
He is royalty.
"Or perhaps you dislike this kind of thing?"
"No, I thought it would be troublesome at first, but after I've come here, it turned out to be unexpectedly not so."
While we were talking Zanoba was overlooking his surroundings.
The graduates and alumni were circling around to greet the teachers.
A heartwarming scene unfolds.
No, the person at the center of that crowd is Norn.
Holding her hand is a Demon Race boy looking guy with a blushing bright red face.
Norn's face appears troubled, and the student council officers surrounding them are grinning. I wonder if this is a confession event.
Or possibly it's something more pleasant, and that student is just there to shake the hand of the president.
Norn's handshake event.
I wonder if I included tickets for a Norn handshake with the Ruijerd dolls if those SS people (fan club) would buy a lot?
No, making money isn't my purpose for selling those dolls. Still...
A little ways off, surrounded by girls, is Roxy.
About five schoolgirls are lowering their heads to Roxy with tearful faces.
Roxy is smiling slightly, but it looks like she's holding something in. An emotional young girl, crying, throws her arms around Roxy.
With a troubled expression, Roxy pats the girl's back, pon-pon.
The crying began in earnest as it spread to the neighboring schoolgirls.
In addition, graduation events are taking place in various surrounding locations.
The graduation ceremony's particular, slightly damp, atmosphere is refreshing.
However no one came close to Zanoba and me.
I do not attend school much anymore and have few acquaintances left here; somehow it's a little lonely.
Well, that's fine.
After this, I have reservations at a tavern.
Pursena, Rinia, and my family as well.
Nanahoshi was also invited, it should be a fun banquet gathering with everyone together.
Orsted can't really attend, but received the congratulatory address.
Just because this event is lonely doesn't mean I don't have buddies.
Well, I'll just go home nice and quick.
"Rudeus-sama."
As I was thinking that a man approached me.
With blonde fluffy hair, it's a guy about 20 years old.
He kind of reminds me of something.
Where did I see this kind of person before?
"Nice to meet you, my name is Brooklyn von Eruzais."
Oh yeah, this man was the graduation representative!
I just saw him a little while ago.
"Ah, Graduation Representative, congratulations."
"Thank you very much."
When I lowered my head he also gave me a return bow gracefully.
"However I was only able to graduate at the head because of my family's influence.
In test results, I was second place to Cliff-sama the same as always."
"Again with the modesty..."
I almost break out in a cold sweat.
I wasn't thinking when I just opened my mouth.
I don't know how long these two people have been competing with their scores.
"However, thanks to my family's standing, I was able to get a victory against Cliff-sama at the very last moment. I ended up winning...."
Indeed, because he was the graduation representative, if you look at the results, it is a win.
It's enough to be called a victory, even if it's not really one.
"... so, Rudeus-sama."
Brooklyn looked directly at me.
His eyes were filled with sincerity.
I wonder what this is about. Do you mean he's here to confess, maybe?
He's going to confess now that he's finally won over Cliff?
It's that kind of setup?
No stop, I have a wife and a wife and a wife[3] and children...
"From you, I would like to request a duel."
That's different.
A duel.... ?
Recently, probably because it's become known that I am under Orsted, such fellows occasionally show up, but...
But I wonder why it is you want a duel because you won over Cliff?
"Why?"
"Yes, I was interested in how strong I was from before.
And then, over the last several years, I've understood that your strength is beyond the average level."
Well I do stand out...
But come on, that isn't even okay as a joke.
Maybe I should just give him one or two knocks on the head and then leave.
"Yes, Rudeus-sama, would it be alright to proceed?"
"...I guess so?"
"I have wanted to challenge you so much.
It's been ever since the incident where you defeated the Demon Lord Badigadi, the whole time."
Brooklyn said this while strongly clenching his fist.
"I come from a warrior family.
When I return to my home country I will inherit a position where I am responsible for my subordinates.
Then, at that time, the opportunity to test my own ability will disappear."
"When you gain that great position, you won't be able to indulge in your own convenience."
"Exactly. So now, this is my last chance; please accept my challenge!"
Brooklyn swiftly bowed.
I understand the situation.
All young men want to know the measure of their own strength.
This young man knew that he was above average.
He finds people who are stronger than him.
He can see he will probably lose, but he still wants to challenge himself.
There is just one thing I don't understand.
"How does this kind of thing spring from defeating Cliff?"
"Eh?"
When I asked him that, Mr. Brook's face went blank.
"I had heard that in order to challenge Rudeus-sama, that a person had to defeat his Six Demon Group.
Rinia-sama, Pursena-sama, and Fitts-sama graduated, and there is no longer any sign of Badigadi-sama....
Only Zanoba-sama was left to defeat..."
" .... "
Six Demon Group...
Come to think of it, there was something like that.
I have no idea who began saying that kind of thing.
If you do not defeat everyone, or something, you can't challenge me.
This guy, he has been dutifully obeying that...
"Then against Zanoba, you won?"
"I was able to win more than once in a mock battle, during class, yes."
"I see."
When I glanced over at Zanoba, he diverted his eyes.
... Well, in a battle of only magic, Zanoba can't be expected to win.
However Cliff held out this whole time, so this guy has come sliding up here.
I don't think that he was able to finally beat Cliff, but since graduation would rob him of his chance to try, he is asking in this way now.
I see.
It's to commemorate graduation.
"As expected, I have to defeat even those who have graduated..."
His intention is to completely honor that rule.
Even to the last distinction.
It is similar to confessing because you have nothing to lose.
"No. It's fine. Let's do it."
No matter what world it takes place in, you'll want to do something for your graduation ceremony.
" .... ! Thank you very much!"
When answering me, Brooklyn bowed swiftly.
"Zanoba, sorry, but I'll have you be the referee."
"I understand, Shishou."
I entrusted my jacket to Zanoba.
Things like the Magic Armor flashed into my mind for an instant, but even without it... I'll be fine.