"Kaiser... do you know why I called you to my office?"
"If you've called me to your private office, it usually means you have a task or a mission for me."
"You're quick to catch on, Kaiser. That's right. I have a task—or rather, an important mission—for you."
So that's the reason. The principal of Valkhein Royal Academy had personally called me in. I had been wondering why he wanted to see me in private—something he rarely ever did.
"I want you to become a private tutor for a noble girl. Her name is Claire de Noir. She's the daughter of Duke Louis de Noir, the ruler of the northern province, known as the City of Eternal Winter."
I was speechless. A private tutor? I wasn't worried about teaching—I had been a teacher at this academy for years. But still, I had never been assigned as a personal tutor. It was a different kind of job—more demanding, more personal.
"So, Kaiser... will you accept the mission?"
"Well," I replied, "I'll accept it. Besides, I've been wanting to try something new. Maybe I'll gain something from this experience."
The principal smiled, his gaze filled with high hopes—and something deeper, like ambition.
"Hahaha! Good. I knew you'd say yes. You were one of our top students, and you've even received an award as the academy's best teacher. I'm confident your methods can help Miss Claire with her... magical difficulties."
He handed me a document containing more details. After a brief nod, I left his office.
"I hope you can help that poor girl," he added as I reached the door. "Not only is she unable to use magic... she also lost her mother the day she was born."
Back in my quarters, I packed my suitcase without delay. I would be departing for the Northern Province early the next morning.
"A private tutor, huh?" I muttered to myself. "This could be the beginning of a new adventure. It's been years since I last left the capital. Let's hope something interesting awaits me there."
The next morning, I arrived at the train station. The principal had arranged a ticket for me, which helped cut down on travel expenses.
Once aboard, I stowed my suitcase in the luggage rack and took a window seat. Ten minutes later, the train departed, and I found myself quietly enjoying the passing scenery as my journey began.