Chapter 37: Three Years Later (1)

Melody’s teaching opened up a whole new world for Michael, who had originally been held back by his poor potential. Once he grasped the concepts of mana control, he became consumed by the allure of magic.

Though the circumstances surrounding his ascension to Crimson Mage remained a mystery, knowing about them likely wouldn’t have changed anything.

So, he ignored it—for now, focusing on the things he could control.

Michael took his role as Melody’s butler seriously, all the while discussing mana theory whenever he had the chance. On the surface, the two got along well, surprising most of the servants in the manor.

The Lord and Lady were pleasantly surprised by this development, thinking their plan was working out better than they had intended. Of course, they were unaware that the two children had reached an agreement that mutually benefited each other.

When alone, Melody would revert to her real personality—the always teasing and sometimes crass girl who wasn’t afraid to speak her mind and insult someone.

At first, it had taken some getting used to, but Michael was adaptable. He soon found a way to deal with it, treating it as a sign that trust was building between them.

They attended tutoring lessons with Charles every night while he wasn’t at the academy. At other times, the lord had an older man teach them. Though his methods seemed a little outdated, his knowledge of spells was wonderful.

Like this, Michael settled into a routine. Every day without fail, he would follow Melody around as she attended her lessons, meals, and even noble parties. Though he was far busier than when he had lived as a noble, he no longer felt useless.

Seasons passed like the tide, and soon three years had gone by since Michael had appeared on the doorstep of Whitevalley town.

“Good morning, sunshine~” A familiar voice called in a sing-song tone.

A low grumble sounded in response, clearly unhappy with the interruption.

“Michael…” Shirley huffed, “get out of bed before I make you,” she warned, her tone dangerous.

“I’m up!” Michael sat up at once, his tired state obvious. He shot the woman a small glare before letting out a yawn and swinging his legs off the bed.

Shirley let out a deep sigh, shaking her head. “You used to be such an obedient boy,” she lamented dramatically, “now you’re staying up late doing God knows what.”

“I was studying… Don’t get any weird ideas,” Michael replied flatly. “The entrance exam for Arcadia is today. I can’t afford to fail.”

“Entrance exam?” Shirley asked, tilting her head. “I thought you were already accepted through association with the young miss?”

“You think the best academy in the nation would just let anyone in like that? Even Melody needs to take the entrance exam, despite being invited by the academy board.” He explained.

The young maid evaluated him for a few moments before she finally nodded, patting him on the shoulder. “Well, good luck, sweetie. Tell me how you did when you get back.”

“Shirley… If I pass, I won’t be back for quite a while.”

Michael felt her body stiffen at his words. He was sure Shirley knew he would be leaving for Arcadia Academy, but perhaps she hadn’t expected it to be so soon.

“I see…”

Before he could comfort her, he was suddenly pulled forward into a rib-crushing embrace. He was not a stranger to the maid’s inhuman strength, but this time it had caught him off guard.

Thankfully, after the initial crushing sensation, she loosened her grip on him, allowing Michael some space to breathe. Eventually, he hugged her back, patting her back gently in response.

Over the past three years, the two had gotten closer. Not a day had gone by where she hadn’t woken him up and served him breakfast, caring for him as if he were her little brother.

Michael could tell that she had no ulterior motives, nor did she expect anything in return for her care. It was like having a big sister who always looked out for him.

“I’ll miss you,” Michael admitted.

“Damn right you will…” she replied, her tone slightly hoarse.

Shirley pulled back and held him at arms length, “You’ll take care of yourself right? Make sure you bathe every day and don’t forget to eat…”

“Of course,” Michael replied, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

“Mmm, good.” She said, wiping away a tear from her eye with the back of her hand. “You’re a good boy Michael, I’m sure you’ll make plenty of friends your own age at the academy.”

Michael didn’t exactly share her optimism, but he nodded anyway, not wanting her to worry. The two spoke for a while longer before the maid said her goodbyes, reminding him a few more times that he needed to take care of himself.

Only when she left his room did Michael relax, letting out a small sigh. He had been worried how their goodbye would go, but it seemed that everything turned out okay.

It had been the first time he’d seen Shirley get overly emotional, which only showed how sincere the young maid was.

Michael glanced over and saw the breakfast she’d brought in, an array of eggs and cured ham with a fresh bread roll. He wasn’t sure what the meals were like in the academy, but none would taste as good as the breakfast he received from Shirley every morning, that much he was sure of.

After devouring his meal, Michael got ready, dressed in his work clothes. He had needed to visit the tailor quite often over the past three years after experiencing a growth spurt.

As he stood in front of the mirror, he took a look at himself.

His green eyes shimmered like emeralds as he evaluated his appearance. Blond tousled hair, a sharp and defined jawline and a strong chin. This paired with his symmetrical face and healthy complexion gave him the look of a young noble.

It was unsurprising since he used to be one.

Michael took a step back and adjusted his collar, taking one last glance at his outfit. He could no longer be considered scrawny, though he had inherited his father’s length. The hours of menial work he performed and his large appetite had done well to fill out his frame.

Nodding with satisfaction, he felt a bout of anticipation.

“It’s finally time…”

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