"Alright, everyone, just as your uncle promised, here is a 'Congratulations on Your Academy Graduation' cake."
I gifted them a two-tiered wedding cake to celebrate their acceptance into the Academy.
"What is this, uncle? It's so beautiful."
Riese said that. I inferred that perhaps no cake like this had ever existed in this world before, or such cakes were only exchanged among nobility.
"This is actually a cake given at weddings in my hometown. Cakes like this are also presented at birthdays or any major celebration."
"Oooohhh"
"Well then, who wants to try it first?"
"Me! Me!"
As usual, it was Alice and Airel. My little foodies.
"Alright, just for today, the first slice goes to our two little princesses, Alice and Airel. Next will be for Princess Aira, who takes care of our little ones. Then third to Riese and Anna, and lastly, Rain. Hahaha... Men must defer, Rain."
"Hahahaha"
I cut the cake and gave out the slices to Alice and Airel simultaneously.
After tasting it, they were in awe of the cake I had presented.
"Oh my, this is delicious!"
"Really?"
"Yes, I love it, uncle!"
"I do too, it's sweet and tasty!"
"Hahaha, I'm glad you enjoy it."
Next, I presented a slice to Aira.
"Thank you, uncle."
Haha, Aira does indeed resemble a princess of nobility. I'm puzzled whether to label Aira as serene or shy, nevertheless, she is still a child.
"Is it good?"
"Yes, I like it, uncle."
Then I served Riese, Anna, and Rain their slices. We joyfully savored the cake together.
Once we had finished, I spoke to them.
"Ahem, as promised, I have gifts for you all for passing with flying colors."
"Yayyy!"
They all seemed excited.
"Since those under 14 are not permitted to carry weapons, uncle will give you school bags, and for the girls, in addition to bags, I will present cosmetics to you. Consider this a trial. However, I guarantee they're perfectly safe."
"Thank you, Uncle!"
Upon seeing the bags, they were genuinely thrilled, as this was new to them. Typically, commoners only carried pouches at their side, while crossbody or backpacks were unheard of. For the nobility, their servants carried their belongings. Moreover, textbooks here are so exclusive they're not allowed to be taken home. Thus, their bags could be utilized to carry their food provisions.
"Here are your cosmetics."
I gave them moisturizer, sunscreen, powder, blush, and lipstick. For now, that's everything. Ah, I forgot to mention, everyone in my family is already familiar with shampoo and bath soap, even Anna. Indeed, their appearance has drastically improved since before.
I taught Riese and Anna how to apply the cosmetics, and the result was that they looked just as exquisite as Eleanor. In reality, they were already quite beautiful.
I invited them to look in the mirrors I had placed in their rooms.
" Aaaahhhh, is that me?"
It was clear Riese and Anna were shocked. Their faces glowed, the dullness erased by cleansing, heightened by lip color which made them more striking.
"Do you like it?"
"Is this really me, uncle?"
"Riese, pinch me, am I dreaming?"
They seemed to love it. For girls their age, beauty remains an idol. I'm convinced they'll stir things up at the Academy tomorrow. My business should promptly take off.
"Sis, You look so beautiful!"
"Yes, Sis Riese and Sis Anna are so pretty."
"Can I be like them when I grow up?"
Alice, Airel, and Aira commented on Riese's and Anna's makeup. Girls will be girls everywhere. Ah, it looks like Rain is blushing too. He must find them attractive but feels shy to compliment directly.
I'm looking forward to tomorrow's surprise when I show up at the school too. The children are going to be so astonished.
***
The first day of school
"Uncle, we're heading in."
"Alright, be careful."
I saw them off to the gate, where parents typically accompany children aged 5-8, while those from other regions staying in dorms are escorted by the dormitory staff. Supervision for them is crucial. I feel this country, or rather, this kingdom, has a bright future ahead.
Next, I headed towards the teachers' entrance.
"Good morning, everyone."
"Good morning."
"Oh, Go-Good morning, Miss Ela."
Eleanor, I must confess, is indeed beautiful, from her luscious long hair and sparkling blue eyes to her perfect posture. Okay, that's enough flattery.
"Good morning, Mr. Martin. I have arranged the task distribution for us. Since there are just the two of us, I will take on the practical lessons and you the theoretical. Can you manage?"
"A-Ah, that's fine, no problem."
As ever, she's still quite assertive with me.
"Good, let's get ready. Class is about to begin."
"Yes."
Wow, she truly is a professional, dedicated to her craft. Though slightly haughty, I think she's a good person.
We began preparing the day's lessons. According to the school's syllabus, we're to teach the basics of reading and writing, introduce magic, arithmetic, physical training, and the kingdom's history.
These subjects are all basic, it should be easy. Oh, wait a second, the history of the kingdom? I am not familiar with that at all.
"Uh, Miss Ela..."
I approached Eleanor hesitantly.
"What is it, Mr. Martin?"
"I'm not versed in the kingdom's history, could you cover it for me just this time?"
"Hmph, alright, but this is a one-time thing. Next time you must know it."
"Issue is, I don't know where to study it, any recommendations?"
"The library has the books, you can study there."
"Thank you, Miss Ela."
As I suspected, she's kind but a bit haughty. I hope we can work well together in the future.
Ah, based on the information I received, there are 80 children aged 5-8 who passed the Academy, 50 commoners and 30 from nobility and major merchants. For the 9-13 year-old class, they number around 100, evenly split between commoners and nobility. The same applies to the advanced classes.
Today, I'll be teaching basic class A, and Eleanor will run class B. We parted ways at class B's door. After saying hello, I headed to class A.
I entered the classroom.
"Good morning, everyone."
"Good morning, Mr. Teacher"
"Ah, Uncleee!!!"
Apparently, Alice, Aira, and Airel are in this class. I'm relieved they're together; it'll make interaction easier for them.
"Introductions first, I am Martin, you may address me as Mr. Teacher Martin. As you've heard, I am the uncle of Alice, Aira, and Airel seated over there. Now then, shouldn't we all be friends? Let's get to know each other."
I said this with my best smile in hopes of quickly fostering a warm atmosphere.
"Eh, do we have to be friends with everyone?"
Hmm, is this the logic of a child? I was taken aback by such a statement.
"Indeed, indeed, Miss, if we are friends, we'll have company for play, learning, and helping each other out."
"But Daddy says we should only be friends with those who are useful."
Ah, typical noble logic. I'm not sure what to expect from the older classes, and I can't bluntly tell her her father is wrong. I need to find a logic that fits for children.
"True, Miss, everyone is useful for something; we all have our strengths. Doesn't that align with what your father says?"
"That seems right. Thank you for explaining, Mr. Teacher Martin."
Phew, noble children are quite shrewd. I must tread carefully in my teachings.
"Alright then, to get more acquainted, shall we introduce ourselves?"
And with that, my first lesson commenced.
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