Dear Broom Knight.

Chapter 978 The Children Ready to Depart
Of course, Antirochus knew that there was no such thing as a perfect person in this world, and perhaps Louis was just born unable to do math.

But if you insist on calculating it even though you don't understand it, then there's a problem.

He didn't think Louis was that kind of stubborn person.

However, he also didn't think Louis was an ally of the tree.

Shaking his head, he suppressed those speculations completely... In any case, they had received Louis's sincere care, so it was best not to pry too much into other people's secrets.

These useless old habits don't have to be changed, but they must be controlled.

Antirochus went back to the living room, placed the food basket on the small round table for four placed by the window, and opened it.

Then he raised an eyebrow as he looked at the three-tiered tray that popped up.

This is indeed a very basic alchemy item, but its market price is around one hundred gold.

The fact that the Dark Night Church was given to guests to use not only proves the Church's wealth and confidence, but also that the alchemy class here is not just a shell.

Of the courses he booked this time, the alchemy course was the most expensive, with the introductory course alone costing 300 gold coins, and it was specifically stated that the cost of materials was not included.

But Antirochus still signed himself and his sister up.

Even if you don't learn it, the money isn't wasted; at least you've gained some real understanding of it.

Even now, before attending class, Antirochus already knows that the most basic alchemy is not exclusive to magic-based professions.

Knights can learn it too.

It seems that alchemy has a high ceiling, but its lower limit is not as...unique as some mages claim.

After taking out the food plates and arranging them, Antirochus turned to stare at Euphemia's still motionless doorway and launched a dash: a very standard air attack.

With a loud bang, the sound teleported into Euphemia's room.

"Ugh!" A suppressed cry followed, and a rustling sound came from the room.

Antirochus nodded in satisfaction... Although she had a rare good night's sleep, Euphemia hadn't forgotten what she needed to do.

The movements of hiding and dodging were extremely standard.

"Get up!" he shouted from outside the door, his face expressionless.

Euphemia broke down and screamed, "Antilochus! What are you doing?"

“I’m calling you to get up.” Antirochus turned to look at the clock. “You have fifteen minutes to wash up, then twenty minutes to eat. Remember to wear your best protective clothes. Don’t just focus on looking good; no one here will be watching you.”

"Aaaaaah!" Euphemia let out a few helpless growls, then slammed her fist on the bed a few times before calming down and replying, "I understand."

Euphemia acted quickly; after all, she and her brother had been living a life of hardship lately, and it was a blessing if they even had time to wash their faces and brush their teeth.

They had tacitly abandoned the leisurely pace and meticulous details they had developed in the castle, even if they hadn't forgotten them.

It's actually quite good.

Antirochus had never understood why brushing his teeth had to be such a performance.

Unfortunately, he never enjoyed the honor of being the heir to a grand duke, but was forced to do foolish things that even heirs might not have to do... In the palace, those who were best at looking down on others used their power like a tyrant.

If the master is weak, even if they can't do anything openly, the rules become the best way to oppress the master.

Even if the royal palace of a duchy is just a castle, it doesn't matter.

If he and Euphemia do anything that doesn't meet the standards of a prince and princess, they will immediately face attacks from all sides.

Even crown princes of respectable countries probably don't have the same level of etiquette as Antirochus and Euphemia.

After all, what respectable person would waste their heir's time on how to perform a proper tooth-brushing ritual in front of the mirror?

If any servant dared to be so nitpicky, they would be utterly doomed.

After leaving that damned place, the first thing Antirochus and Euphemia did was laugh at each other.

They laughed heartily, revealing their teeth, squinting their eyes into slits, bumping into each other, and letting their hair become a messy bird's nest.

For the first time in my life, I was so unrestrained.

Who would miss the days when they could only smile elegantly at their own younger sister whom they had raised?
This won't do, that won't do, why don't they say that it won't do for Antirochus to take care of Euphemia?
Isn't this the Duchess's job?

Thinking about the past makes me feel that life now is unbelievably wonderful.

Looking at Euphemia, who was dressed extremely neatly and whose long hair was even fixed with a gold-plated hairpin, Antirochus nodded in satisfaction: "Eat quickly, and then we'll go downstairs."

"Huh? Wasn't it said that the gate to the central square would open in two hours?" Euphemia hadn't found a reason to stay in bed.

“The one who just delivered the food is a kid my age.” Antirochus cut the apple pie into four equal pieces with a knife and fork, and then cut the roasted tomatoes in half. “From what he said, these local kids can get directly to the central square via Laurel Street.”

But you have to leave an hour early.

"We can too?" Euphemia forked a piece of apple pie and took a big bite.

“The child’s accent sounds like he’s from the Violet Kingdom,” Antirochus replied calmly. “He earns his living by delivering breakfast to inns.” Euphemia nodded. “I understand.”

Although they had only been there for a day, they had earned Louise's approval... She looked up: "Have we submitted our timetables?"

Only in this way will the child see them as half one of their own, and if he catches up, he can join their group.

“Probably.” Antirochus forked a piece of roasted tomato for her. “Don’t be picky, Mir.”

Euphemia sighed, stuffed the tomato into her mouth, and then looked slightly surprised: "Ann, tomatoes can be sweet too!"

Antirochus forked a piece and ate it himself, then a mocking smile appeared on his lips: "Perhaps sweet tomatoes have always existed in this world, we just haven't tasted them."

Euphemia tilted her head and thought for a moment, then reached for the stewed pork that neither of them was interested in, scooped out a bite and put it in her mouth.

Then, a slight twitch appeared at the corner of her mouth, and a hint of tears suddenly welled up in her eyes.

“Mir?” Antirochus asked worriedly.

“Ann, this meat isn’t fishy or gamey at all.” Euphemia put down her spoon. “There’s no need to use those so-called spices that we can’t afford to season it.”

Antirochus also took a bite with a serious expression: "Hmm... it seems that in the world outside the castle, neither pork nor spices are that expensive."

So, Mir, can you change your mind about going to the Earth Church to grow spices?

Euphemia said blankly, "Even Emilia's free food is better than what we used to have."

Then she immediately shook her head, leaving the confusion and sorrow behind: "I'll try the Dark Labyrinth first."

She stretched out her finger, a shadow flashing nimbly across her fingertip: "Looks like I'm still pretty lucky."
-
"You're here." The boy, who had been eagerly waiting outside the hotel, quickly waved.

Upon seeing this, Antirochus approached him with his sister: "Good morning. Thank you for reminding me. I am Antirochus, and this is my sister Euphemia."

"Hello~" the boy replied cheerfully, "I'm Cole Zorc, I was worried you wouldn't make it!"

“How could that be?” Antirochus replied earnestly. “Good intentions should not be wasted. Thank you again, Cole.”

"Hmm... don't take it so seriously." Cole scratched his head. "There are more commoners kids here, so we don't talk as formally as you guys."

Aren't you going to be taking classes with us from now on?

“Yes!” Antirochus replied with a smile. “Just call me An. A long name isn’t a good thing.”

Euphemia looked around and stood quietly behind her brother.

Although Cole was indeed very friendly, not everyone welcomed their arrival.

Cole noticed her subtle movements, frowned slightly, and then said, "Ignore them."

Conflicts will exist everywhere, but taking out one's resentment towards others on innocent newcomers only proves their narrow-mindedness.

You'll learn about these things when classes officially begin.

Louis said you guys are good kids, and after getting to know you, I also think you're a nice person, so we can start communicating.

Even if disagreements arise in the future, those will be our own issues, not due to unfounded prejudices.

His voice wasn't low; anyone nearby could definitely hear it.

But those people only stirred slightly, and had no intention of coming out to confront him.

Antirochus immediately realized that among the children, Korzok was probably one of the most important.

They were all people who attended classes at the Church of the Night, and there might even be many descendants of Night believers among them. Yet, it was Cole Zorc from the Land of Violet who was so intimidating... This guy must be very strong, and his way of doing things is also very convincing.

Judging from Cole Zorc's attitude toward them, he must be a warm and fair person.

really not bad.

Emilia City is a place where only those with both strength and high moral character can stand at the top.

Otherwise, no matter how outstanding Cole Zorc is, he could never have a higher status than a child from the Church of the Night.

“Oh, they’re here.” Cole Zorc waved to the other side of the street and said loudly, “Luciano! We’re all here. We can leave anytime.”

So, his name is Luciano!

Antirochus, of course, recognized the man dressed as a playboy in front of him.

"Why are you dressed even more flamboyantly today?" Cole couldn't help but ask. "Wasn't you already dazzling enough before?"

“I’m going to the Labyrinth of the Night too!” Luciano replied earnestly. “Of course, I want to meet the goddess in the most perfect form.”

“Oh~ the Goddess of the Night will be very pleased to see the night so bright.” Cole replied with a smile, “Of course, there are other benefits as well.”

For example, if someone on an island relatively close to you is one of your own, they'll definitely be able to recognize you.

Laughter erupted from the crowd.

(End of this chapter)