School Again

"And that is why we're here?" Kate said, breaking the silence.

"Yeah," Shin replied, avoiding her gaze.

"Don't give me that look you seem excited! What about my say in all of this?" Kate said, peering out the carriage window, her eyes narrowing in mock annoyance.

"It's because you were busy talking to Grandma, so I didn't ask you and just agreed. Even Grandfather was on board immediately. And Grandma... well, she just appeared and agreed out of nowhere," Shin explained, fidgeting slightly under Kate's glare.

"You need punishment for not asking me, you brat!" Kate scolded, flicking his forehead lightly.

"You two are too noisy," Melinda said with a sigh, her voice a mix of amusement and irritation.

"Sorry," the two said in unison, bowing their heads sheepishly.

A moment of silence settled over the carriage, punctuated only by the gentle clatter of wheels on the road.

"Have you been enjoying your life here, Kate?" Merlin asked, his tone soft, yet curious.

Kate turned, surprised at the sudden question. "What's with the sudden interest, Grandpa? But yes, I'm having a good time here," she said, a smile spreading across her face.

Shin glanced at her thoughtfully before asking, "Don't you miss your family?"

Kate's expression froze, and the cheerful atmosphere inside the carriage shifted. She looked down, her smile fading slightly. "I don't have a family," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

The carriage grew quiet, the awkward tension filling the space. Even the light outside seemed dimmer, the journey taking on a different tone as the group sat in silence, each lost in their thoughts.

"I'm a normal human in my early life," Kate began, her voice soft but clear. The others turned their attention to her, surprised by her sudden openness. "Then something big happened. Researchers made a groundbreaking discovery and created a new race called the High Humans a semi-immortal race. That's what I am now. I don't even know how long I've been alive."

Her unexpected revelation left the group speechless. Merlin, Melinda, and Shin exchanged glances, their curiosity piqued.

"Now, I just do my job as an Archiver," Kate continued, "jumping from world to world, and universe to universe." A faint smile appeared on her lips. "So yes, I really enjoyed my past seven years here. Getting scolded by the two of you, playing with Shin, and even acting like a mother to him it's been fulfilling."

Melinda's eyes softened, and a warm smile spread across her face. "Don't worry, Kate. Over these seven years, we've come to see you as our granddaughter as well. I just don't always approve of your insatiable curiosity."

Merlin let out a sigh, shaking his head lightly. "Indeed. Is it really necessary to always satisfy that curiosity of yours?"

Kate's grin grew wider, a playful sparkle in her eyes. "Of course, Grandpa! I've been living for so long that boredom is my greatest enemy!"

The four of them laughed, the tension in the carriage lifting as the shared moment brought them even closer together.

"Don't worry, Shin, I haven't forgotten your punishment yet," Kate said, her voice mischievously light. Shin's eyes widened with worry.

"We're in this together, Shin," Kate continued with a grin. "Everything that happens with you needs to be known to me, or I'll put you under constant watch."

"HEY! What about my privacy?" Shin exclaimed, frowning.

Kate raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Well, it's only natural. I'm here to observe you, after all."

"I know, I know," Shin muttered, defeated.

"As the strongest human in this world, of course, the greatest change will start with you," Kate said, leaning back confidently. "But now, for your punishment… Hmm, how about something truly embarrassing?" She beamed with excitement.

Melinda groaned. "Oh no, not this type of punishment again."

Merlin chuckled. "You're in for it, Shin. She always goes for the most absurd ideas."

Kate's eyes sparkled as she announced, "How about you treat me as your mom for a month? I already acted like one when you were little, so why not make it official?"

The carriage fell silent as Melinda and Merlin exchanged shocked looks. Shin's face flushed with embarrassment. "I'm not even going to say anything," Melinda sighed. "This might just be the most problematic and unforgettable punishment Shin will ever face."

Merlin laughed heartily. "It's true. I doubt Shin will ever repeat his mistakes after this."

Shin sighed deeply, shoulders slumping in resignation. "Just for a month, okay?"

"Of course," Kate said, her smile wicked. "I'm quite looking forward to it. I'll make sure you experience a month full of shame as my 'son.'"

Shin buried his face in his hands, already dreading the month ahead. "I know. You always did love your plays and stories," he mumbled, resigned to his fate.

After a long journey, the four of them finally reached the towering walls of the capital city. The guard stationed at the gate stepped forward, his posture firm and authoritative.

"Excuse me, may I see your identification papers?" the guard requested politely.

"Here," Melinda said, handing over two identification papers.

The guard's eyes widened as he glanced at the documents, and realization swept over him. "I-It's the Magi Master Merlin and Guru Melinda-dono!" he exclaimed, his voice loud enough to catch the attention of nearby citizens.

A murmur rippled through the crowd as people turned their heads, whispers quickly spreading. "The Heroes?" a villager gasped, and soon the entrance buzzed with excitement.

"It's an honor to meet you two, the heroes of our kingdom," the guard said, his voice now tinged with awe. He then shifted his gaze to the two younger figures Sitting Opposite to them. "But may I ask, who are these two?"

"Shin Walford, our grandson, and Kate Walford," Merlin said, placing a hand on Shin's shoulder and giving a subtle nod toward Kate.

The crowd's murmuring grew louder as the guard stepped back with a respectful bow, signaling the gate's opening for them. The four passed through the gate, the eyes of the onlookers following their every move with a mixture of reverence and curiosity.

In front of their new residence in the capital, Kate glanced up at the grand structure and sighed, "Ugh, I already miss my simple life." The imposing house stood as a testament to the Walford family's newfound prominence.

"Let's go," Melinda said, urging them forward.

As they stepped inside, Shin's eyes widened at the sheer scale and luxury of the interior. "HUGE! Is it okay for us to live here?" he exclaimed, unable to mask his awe.

A line of servants awaited them, bowing respectfully as the four entered. "Diseum probably sent them here," Merlin muttered, taking in the scene.

An elderly, dignified woman stepped forward. "I am the head maid, Marika," she said with a graceful nod.

"And I am the head butler, Steve," added an older man with sharp eyes and a stern face.

"I am the head chef, Correl," announced a man wearing a pristine chef's uniform.

"There's even a chef?" Shin said, still marveling at the sight.

"Can you be quiet?" Kate said, shooting a glare at Shin that silenced him instantly.

"Are we starting today?" Shin asked, his shoulders drooping at the thought.

"Of course!" Kate replied, her voice firm.

"I see," Shin responded, resigning himself to his fate.

"Just get out of here and buy something, or see the outside world!" Kate said, shooing him off with a wave.

"Right! I guess I should do that," Shin said, perking up at the idea of exploring. With newfound energy, he headed for the door, ready to dive into the bustling life of the capital.

At noon, after their arrival, the family gathered at the dining table. The soft clinking of plates and the warm glow of the room made the atmosphere inviting.

"Did you enjoy your walk, Shin?" Merlin asked, looking over at his grandson.

"Yes, Grandpa. I also checked out the prices of enchanted items, and they're ridiculously high!" Shin said, still slightly taken aback by what he saw.

Melinda nodded. "Indeed, enchanted items are usually priced at a premium."

Merlin shifted his attention to Kate. "What are your plans, Kate?"

Kate leaned back slightly, thinking aloud. "Hmm, I guess I should summon the Ancestral Order and start the Archive System here."

"The Archive System? What's that?" Melinda asked, intrigued.

"It's an automatic recording system that logs significant events as they happen. It's part of my role as an Observer," Kate explained. "I'm also considering starting a company, perhaps an enchanting business or something similar to keep myself occupied."

"I see, enchanting, huh? That sounds interesting," Melinda said, a thoughtful look on her face. "But it seems you haven't made up your mind yet."

Kate nodded with a smile. "Yes, Grandma, but whatever I do, I want to earn a lot of money. It'll be fun to see how things unfold."

The room filled with a shared sense of curiosity and anticipation for the days to come.

After some time, Kate realized something. "How about bringing the technology from my world to here?" she said with a smile, only to be immediately shut down by Melinda.

"You know that's a bad idea, right?" Melinda's voice had a serious, almost ominous tone.

This time, Merlin nodded in agreement. "I have to side with your grandmother. Your plans might be too dangerous for this world, Kate."

"I see." Kate's smile faded briefly before she smirked again, an idea brewing in her mind. "Then, how about this Shin, give me 50% of the shares once you start your own business?"

"Huh?" Shin blinked in surprise, his expression confused. "Why would I do that?"

"Because I'm going to give you something you'll love," Kate said, a confident gleam in her eyes. "How about it?"

Shin seemed to consider her words, his interest piqued. "Hmm, I guess it's not that bad. But I have a bad feeling about this," he added, casting a wary glance at Melinda.

Melinda's eyes narrowed. "What exactly are you planning, Kate?"

Shin leaned forward eagerly. "So, what are you going to give me?" he asked excitedly.

Kate thought for a moment before responding, "How about a weapon?"

"NO!" Merlin and Melinda shouted in unison, startling everyone at the table.

"Eh? Why not?" Shin's excitement turned into disappointment.

Melinda crossed her arms. "You already have enough destructive power as it is. Adding an advanced weapon from Kate's world would be irresponsible."

Merlin sighed deeply, rubbing his temples. "We can't risk it, Shin. This world isn't prepared for that level of technology."

Kate chuckled, anticipating their response. "Alright, no weapon then," she relented. "But I can offer you something else."

Shin's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Like what?"

Kate smirked. "How about advanced enchanting techniques or rare materials that don't exist in this world? Imagine what that could do for your business."

Shin's expression lit up. "That… that could be incredible!"

Melinda's stern expression softened, though only slightly. "Kate, you really do push the boundaries."

Kate shrugged playfully. "It's in my nature, Grandma. But Shin will need something unique if he's to stand out in the world."

Merlin's frown turned into a small smile. "Just be careful, both of you. This world isn't ready for everything you might bring."

Kate's gaze softened, a hint of seriousness crossing her face. "Don't worry, Grandpa. I know where to draw the line… most of the time."

Shin sighed, already resigned to the whirlwind of ideas Kate always brought. "I guess this means I'm in for another adventure."

Kate laughed. "That's the spirit!"

"No matter what, I can't think of anything concrete," Kate said with a slight pout. "Let's just settle on a request. How about that?"

Shin raised an eyebrow. "A request?"

Kate nodded. "Of course, I can't allow a request that would interfere with my observation duties," she added, emphasizing her boundaries.

"I see," Shin said, leaning back in his chair. "But I guess that's good enough. You're the type to do whatever you want, anyway. You don't even really care about your job; you're just using that as an excuse," he remarked with a teasing grin as he took another bite of food.

Kate laughed lightly. "Caught me there," she said, eyes twinkling with mischief.

Melinda, who had been quietly observing, smiled. "I guess a request is a reasonable option. It will give you some flexibility but still keep things under control."

"Indeed," Merlin agreed, nodding thoughtfully. "It also ensures you don't bring anything too extreme into this world without oversight."

Kate's smile widened. "Great! Then it's settled. Shin, when the time comes, think carefully about your request."

"I will," Shin replied, a hint of excitement in his eyes at the prospect.

The room settled into a more relaxed atmosphere, the tension lifted as the family shared a quiet moment of understanding.

"Tomorrow is the entrance exam. You two should sleep early," Melinda advised, casting a pointed look at Shin and Kate.

"Indeed," Merlin agreed before turning to Kate. "But what are your plans, Kate? You can't just walk into the academy with Shin. That might attract unwanted attention."

Kate nodded thoughtfully. "I know, Grandpa. We can't go together. I have a plan for Shin's punishment, so I'll head over early to establish myself. This way, no one will suspect our connection."

Melinda rolled her eyes. "Is this ridiculous punishment still happening?"

Kate smirked. "Of course it is, Grandma. I'm committed to this."

Melinda sighed. "Fine, you do you. You two are old enough to handle yourselves."

"But there's still the matter of your power," Merlin interjected, his expression serious. "Even if you try to suppress it, there's a limit to how much you can hold back. You could still draw attention."

Kate's eyes met Merlin's, her expression softening. "You're right, Grandpa. Even at its lowest, my power might still be too noticeable. I'll just have to be extra cautious."

Merlin shook his head, a hint of concern in his eyes. "Make sure you don't push yourself into a corner, Kate."

"I won't," Kate said confidently. "I'm ready for whatever comes."

The next day, Melinda called out as Kate and Shin prepared to leave. "You two didn't forget anything, right?"

Kate nodded, clutching her belongings. "I've got everything, Grandma. Thanks. I'll be off now." She turned to Shin with a mischievous smile. "See you inside, kid."

At the academy, Kate arrived earlier than most students. "I'm pretty early. Looks like I'll be able to get this done quickly," she murmured. She scanned the board for her exam number and room, taking a mental note before heading down the corridor.

The written exam proceeded smoothly, with Kate effortlessly answering each question. She couldn't help but smirk as she flipped through the pages, her mind well-acquainted with knowledge far beyond the scope of the test.

After the written portion, the practical exam followed. Students lined up to showcase their magic abilities on test dummies, chants echoing through the room as spells were unleashed.

"Next up!" the proctor called, raising an eyebrow as he glanced at Kate. "His Majesty mentioned you. Remember to keep your power under control."

Kate met his eyes, expression calm. "Understood." She stepped forward, taking a moment to consider her approach. "What should I do?" she thought, a flicker of a smile crossing her face. "Ah, I can use that."

Raising her hand, she focused on the test dummy. "I'll use transformation magic simple but effective," she thought. As she concentrated, the dummy abruptly turned into pure fire and vanished in an instant, leaving the spectators stunned.

"What… just happened?" one of the onlookers whispered.

The proctor, momentarily speechless, gathered himself. "Is that enough?" Kate asked, her voice even.

"Y-Yeah," the proctor managed, noting her name with a shaky hand. The room buzzed with murmurs as Kate stepped back, unfazed and ready for what came next.

After finishing the exam, Kate made her way back home, feeling accomplished and ready for a bit of rest. Suddenly, a loud explosion erupted in the distance, sending a plume of smoke into the sky. BOOM! Kate's lips curled into a smile. "That must be Shin," she mused, amused by his antics.

As she turned her attention back to the road, she accidentally bumped into someone. A surprised gasp escaped the girl she collided with. "I'm sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going," the girl said hurriedly.

"It's okay, I wasn't paying attention either," Kate replied, stepping back slightly. Her eyes fell on the girl, instantly recognizing her. Sicily...

The girl looked up at Kate with wide eyes, taking in her appearance. "She has pearl-like skin and striking hair," Sicily thought. Her gaze lingered on Kate's unique locks, black at the bottom but fading to a silvery white on top. "Is she sick? I've never seen anyone with hair like that before," Sicily pondered silently.

Kate gave a small nod. "Well, I need to go now," she said, walking away without further conversation.

Sicily stood there for a moment, watching Kate's retreating figure. "I wonder who she is," she murmured before turning in the opposite direction, curiosity tugging at her mind.

After arriving at the house, Kate settled into the living room, gazing up at the ceiling in deep thought. The soft creak of the floorboards announced Merlin's approach, and he took a seat opposite her. "You're back early," he remarked, studying her expression.

"The exam was easy, Grandpa," Kate responded with a small shrug. "On my way back, I saw an explosion at the school," she added, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.

Merlin chuckled, shaking his head knowingly. "That must be Shin."

Melinda entered the room, her expression shifting to one of mild exasperation as she sat beside Merlin. "Seriously? That kid…" she muttered. "This is what happens when you don't teach him properly."

"I know, I know, and I've already apologized!" Merlin defended himself with a resigned sigh.

The room fell into a brief silence, and Melinda's eyes narrowed slightly as she noticed Kate's distant stare. "What are you thinking about?" Melinda asked, leaning forward with concern.

Kate blinked, snapping out of her thoughts. "I don't know what to do next," she admitted, a rare hint of vulnerability in her voice.

Melinda's stern expression softened into a warm smile. "I see. That is indeed a problem with a simple solution," she said, catching Kate's attention.

Kate's eyebrows lifted in surprise. "What do you mean, Grandma?"

"How about just doing what you want?" Melinda suggested. "You've said it yourself you take on the role of Observer because there's nothing else to occupy your time. Why not try relaxing a bit, or perhaps take something seriously this time around?"

A small, genuine smile broke across Kate's face. "I see… Thanks, Grandma."

Melinda reached out and patted her hand. "Anytime, dear."

Kate sat quietly, her mind drifting to the complex web of reasons that kept her occupied. "That mysterious figure who put a curse on the Void Archives... being forced into anything is infuriating," she thought, irritation flashing across her face. But she couldn't ignore the unique nature of this experience. "Yet, this universe transfer doesn't come with any specific tasks. Is this really just a vacation for me?" Kate pondered, tapping her fingers against her chin.

A sudden idea sparked, and she stood up with a determined expression. "I should take inventory of my abilities and plan my next move," she muttered under her breath.

Melinda glanced at her curiously. "Where are you off to now, Kate?" she asked as Kate's sudden movement caught her attention.

"Grandma, I'll be heading back to our house in the forest for a while. I need some time to clear my head," Kate said, sounding more resolute with each word.

Melinda's brows furrowed, but she nodded in understanding. "I see. Well, when you come back, I want you to have a better idea of what direction you're going to take," she said, a knowing smile softening her features.

"Right!" Kate replied. With a swift movement, she conjured a GATE, a technique Shin had taught her during one of their many training sessions. The shimmering portal opened before her, crackling with ethereal energy.

With a final glance back at Merlin and Melinda, Kate stepped through, feeling the familiar pull of magic as she transported herself back to their secluded home in the forest.