Chapter 101

“Graduate school…?”

At the unexpected word, Judith’s eyes widened in surprise.  

Graduate school was typically a place for commoners aiming to become high-ranking officials or for the second or third sons of noble families with an interest in academics.  

But for Rodesha, a young lady from a relatively well-off family, to say she wanted to attend graduate school was unexpected.  

Still, when Judith pictured Rodesha wearing glasses and engrossed in her studies, she thought it wasn’t such a far-fetched decision.  

After all, unlike Judith, who studied with the sole purpose of finding a job, Rodesha had always been a student who showed genuine passion for learning itself.  

In any case, it was a relief that Rodesha had decided on her path.  

The last time they talked, she seemed to be struggling with her decision, but it looked like everything had worked out.  

She had been worried that her parents would strongly oppose her decision, but it seemed the conversation had gone smoothly.  

Just as Judith was about to congratulate her with a happy expression, Rodesha spoke with a determined look in her eyes.  

“Of course, my parents don’t know I’ve decided to go to graduate school yet. I haven’t told them.”  

“…What? You haven’t told your parents?”  

Judith blinked in disbelief at the shocking admission. Rodesha let out a small sigh and muttered.  

“It’s not like I was deliberately hiding it. I tried to bring it up to them, but… every time I talk about my future, they don’t even try to listen to me.”  

“…”  

“And to apply for graduate school, I need to submit my application to the professor by the end of this week. If I tell my parents now that I’m planning to go to graduate school, I already know how they’ll react.”  

With a troubled expression, Rodesha continued.  

“My mother will pretend she didn’t hear me, even though she clearly did. My father will just silently stare at me. And then they’ll say there’s absolutely no way I can go to graduate school. If I’m lucky, I won’t have to hear them handing me a list of potential fiancés and telling me to pick one.”  

“…I see.”  

“They’ve already been nagging me constantly about getting engaged as soon as possible, and now that graduation is approaching, the pressure has only gotten worse.”  

It seemed Rodesha had been holding back her frustrations for quite some time, as she poured out her words without pause.  

“So that’s why I submitted the application without telling them. The results haven’t come out yet, but I’m confident I’ll get in. My parents will only find out when I move into the graduate dormitory.”  

After hearing everything, Judith felt a mix of emotions.  

Of course, she thought it was wonderful that Rodesha had decided to go to graduate school, and it wasn’t something she could discourage.  

After all, no one knew better than Judith, who had sat next to her in class, how brightly Rodesha’s eyes sparkled when she was engrossed in her studies.  

But realistically, Judith couldn’t help but wonder if it was truly possible for Rodesha to attend graduate school without her parents’ support.  

The academy’s welfare system was mostly geared toward commoners.  

For commoners, tuition fees for graduate school were often heavily subsidized.  

However, there were virtually no such benefits for nobles, meaning they had to pay much higher tuition fees and cover several years of expenses on their own.  

After considering this, Judith asked with a concerned expression.  

“If your parents get upset that you told them so late and refuse to support you, how will you handle the tuition and living expenses?”  

“I’ve thought about that too. Over the years, I’ve received a lot of gifts and allowances from my family and relatives for birthdays and other occasions.”  

“…”  

“I also have some jewelry sitting in my drawers. If necessary, I’ll sell all of it. That should be enough to cover my tuition and living expenses until I graduate. Or I could tutor younger students to earn some money.”  

It seemed Rodesha had already thought through every detail. Her determination to attend graduate school was clearly unwavering.  

“My parents won’t approve, but if I’m determined to go on my own, they won’t be able to stop me. Honestly, even though I’m saying all this, I’m still worried. Especially about what my father will say. I just hope I don’t get kicked out of the family.”  

Rodesha let out a deep sigh, as if the weight of her worries was pressing down on her. Yet, her expression as she spoke was calm and resolute.  

As expected, people need to live their lives the way they want.  

Though it might be difficult for Rodesha’s parents to understand her decision right now, Judith believed they would come around eventually.  

After all, no parent could win against their child forever.  

Judith silently hoped that Rodesha’s parents would come to understand and support the path she had chosen as soon as possible.  

***

Time flew by, and soon it was the day of the closing ceremony.  

Standing in the academy’s auditorium, Judith wore a slightly excited expression as she anticipated the long vacation ahead.  

However, it didn’t seem like it would be a completely leisurely break.  

First, she needed to visit the Cardandy estate to have a conversation with the Earl. She also had to look for a new place to live.  

On top of that, she had promised to assist Professor Karel by attending academic conferences with him. She also needed to prepare to hold supplementary classes.  

But it was true that she would still have plenty of time to spend with the people she loved.  

Judith turned to look at Chase, who was standing right next to her, with a cheerful expression.  

“Yawn.”  

Chase let out a big yawn, seemingly tired from waiting.  

He had been intensifying his training in preparation for joining the Imperial Knight Order, so aside from the short times they spent eating lunch or dinner together, he was usually very busy.  

“Are you really tired?”  

“Mm… A little? Anyway, what do you want to do after this, Judith?”  

“Aren’t you busy with training again?”  

“Training is important, but I need to go on dates with you sometimes too.”  

Chase added, “I already told them I’m taking today off,” and smiled sleepily.  

Just then, a group of first-year students entered the auditorium. Among them was Rodein, who spotted the two and ran over.  

“Senior Judith!”  

Chase paid him no mind as Rodein approached Judith with a bright smile.  

“Once the break starts, I won’t get to see you for a while. I’ll miss you. You’ve helped me so much with my studies…”  

Even after the supplementary classes ended, Judith had occasionally helped Rodein study at his level.  

Since he was naturally smart, he learned quickly, and teaching him wasn’t too difficult.  

“Rodein, you don’t have to be so modest. You would’ve been the top student even without my help.”  

Just as Judith had consistently held the top spot throughout her four years at the academy, Rodein had maintained his position as the top student since his enrollment.  

Some students even whispered that Rodein might be the second coming of Judith.  

Rodein, aware of such rumors, smiled softly.  

“Since you’re graduating, Senior, I’ll make sure to keep the top spot from now on.”  

At that moment, Chase interrupted their conversation with a displeased expression.  

“Why are you here chatting with Judith instead of hanging out with your sister?”  

“My sister is busy talking to a professor about graduate school. Probably something about applying for dormitories.”  

So Rodein knew about Rodesha’s plan to attend graduate school.  

Well, with graduation so close, it wasn’t something she could hide forever.  

Judith cautiously asked, testing the waters.  

“Rodein, how did your parents react? Did Rodesha tell them everything?”  

“Ah… No, our parents still don’t know. My sister said she wants to tell them at the very last moment. I think she just wants to enjoy her last break in peace.”  

“…I see. You must’ve been surprised when Rodesha suddenly said she wanted to go to graduate school.”  

“Oh, not really. I was the one who suggested it in the first place when she was hesitating. Honestly, can you imagine my sister as a married noblewoman? It just doesn’t suit her.”  

Rodein spoke nonchalantly, but Judith was secretly surprised by his words.  

“You suggested it?”  

“Yeah. I even told her to just submit the application first and figure out the rest later. Once everything’s set in stone, even our parents won’t be able to overturn it.”  

“…”  

“I also promised my sister that I’d try to persuade our parents. I’m not sure how well it’ll go, but…”  

“That’s a relief. I’m sure Rodesha feels much more at ease thanks to you.”  

Judith couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy at the close bond between the siblings, who always seemed to bicker yet were clearly fond of each other.  

Chase, who had been quietly listening, rested his chin on Judith’s shoulder and chimed in.  

“So… you’ll still be at the academy next year, meaning you’ll get to see Judith regularly?”  

“…? Of course. If Senior offers supplementary or advanced classes, I’ll definitely take them.”  

Hearing Rodein’s answer, Chase frowned and muttered.  

“Then isn’t there no need for you two to stick so close together and chat like it’s your last time seeing each other?”  

Just then, the professors began organizing the students into lines.  

Seizing the opportunity, Chase raised his voice and called out.  

“Professor! There’s a cheeky first-year over here—”  

“That Senior… Anyway, Senior, please call me if you get bored during the break! Let’s meet up with my sister and hang out again.”  

Looking around nervously, Rodein quickly wrapped up his farewell and dashed off to join the first-year group.  

Satisfied with the now-quiet surroundings, Chase smiled smugly. Beside him, Judith shook her head in exasperation.  

“You’re so childish…”