The weather was bright and clear on graduation day. Each side of the stage was decorated with brilliant winter roses.
As the dean had hoped, there were many distinguished guests in attendance, but otherwise, it was not much different from the entrance ceremony—it was crowded, there were several speeches, and the students were bored. Ian was lauded the honor of valedictorian of the year. When he received his pin, Louise was so jealous she pulled the handkerchief in her mouth.
Finally, the time came for the dean to stand up to give his speech, and his eyebrows twitched when he looked at the manuscript on the platform. Louise gave a secret laugh. The dean glanced at Ian, but he couldn’t say anything to him and simply read the congratulatory speech that lasted for four minutes and thirty-six seconds. Claire’s edits were enough to stir the hearts of the audience, and the crowd burst into enthusiastic applause afterwards. The dean’s face also brightened.
When the graduation ceremony ended, and Louise felt a pang of both joy and sadness in her heart. It did not last long, however, as soon after began the “Graduates’ Exodus From Hell.” The faculty staggered the departure times so the area wouldn’t become congested with carriages, but adults rarely listened to other people’s instructions. Louise ended up at the front entrance to the dormitory helping with the trunks.
“Wait a second! Please wait here!”
There was a rush of students pulling out their luggage. Similar trunks were sometimes swapped with others, and some would go completely missing. Louise ran around looking for lost trunks, wearing a sash that said, “Student Council Helper.” Some time later, she even ended up loading carriages. She had no idea how she ended up doing this.
Occasionally, some familiar graduates would go up to Louise to say goodbye to her.
“O-oh, yes. Be safe going back. Later in the capital city—oh, if you put your luggage there it will get mixed up. What? Yes, I’ll see you again in the capital…Hey! You there! No outsiders can enter the dormitory building! Please wait in the carriage!”
She couldn’t share any proper conversations with anyone. This wasn’t the graduation Louise imagined; she thought it would be a more calm and elegant affair.
As the afternoon wore on, the number of people remaining decreased. The student council was also responsible for checking that each of the rooms were empty. If there was any luggage left behind, it would go with Ian to the capital. She wasn’t sure how many people would go to the Crown Prince for lost items.
By sunset, Simon was also preparing to leave the Academy. He promised to write back after his study abroad schedule was finalized.
“Simon.”
“Hmm?”
“Professor Hill said congratulations to your graduation.”
“Please tell him that I’m grateful. I wouldn’t have been able to graduate without the sanctuary of his greenhouse.”
“I will. And just as a reminder, don’t bring plants from other countries, okay?”
Louise looked on worriedly, but he simply smiled.
“The plants can get sick in different seasons or climates. And make sure you eat well, okay?”
“You don’t have to worry too much.”
“But you’ll be gone for two years.”
“I had a thought today about how short two years was…”
He smiled faintly.
“Did you feel that two years at the Academy were short?”
“Very. Especially this past year. Thanks to you, Louise.”
“I loved my first year thanks to Simon, too.”
“When I come back, I will try to help you. So Louise—”
At this point, Ian appeared after finishing talking to some staff members. Simon waited for Ian to come closer before continuing the rest of his sentence.
“If Ian lies, be sure to tell me.”
“…Huh?”
It doesn’t seem to be consistent with what they had been talking about. In any case, Louise nodded. Simon patted Louise on the head and climbed onto the carriage.
It was Claire’s turn to leave next. She made Louise promise to write, and she couldn’t forget to leave Dean Crissis an affectionate lecture to get a good night’s sleep.
When Claire left, Louise looked around again. The place had been so hectic earlier, but now the campus was still. Many of the guests had gone, as well as about half the students.
Louise turned around again and looked at Ian. Darkness was already starting to fall in the sky behind him.
“The President’s mission is finally over.”
Now the only carriage left was the one that belonged to the royal family. Hesse was sitting on top of the carriage and waving his arms.
“So…are you going now?”
