「Grey, Yuna, what do you say about becoming instructors for the Royal Academy's alpha class?」Ernes

An unexpected question came out of the king's mouth. It was a question that never in our wildest imagination could we have predicted.

「That is a wonderful idea, otou-sama!」Galleus

「I know right?! If it's Grey-kun and Yuna-chan, they should be able to handle the job more than perfectly!」Vanessa

「It is exactly as onee-sama said, if Grey and Yuna were to teach the alpha class's students, there should be no problem in disciplining them. Their parents wouldn't be able to complain about it either.」Kurt

While Yuna and I were still in shock, Kurt and Vanessa-neesan along with Galleus-sama once again discussed the advantages of us becoming the instructors. And the way they were phrasing it, it seemed like the suggestion had already been decided.

「Wait, wait, wait! Ernes-sama, what do you mean by that?!」Grey

「It's just like what I said. I want the two of you to become the alpha class's instructor. With your strength, a bunch of kids should be easy to handle.」Ernes

「Even if that's true, aren't there already enough instructors in the academy?」Grey

「And Ernes-sama, you can't possibly expect that the students will follow someone as the same age as them.」Yuna

「Ah, right.」Ernes

The king answered with a face and tone of voice as if he just remembered, leaving everyone in the room dumbfounded.

「Well, if they won't follow, you could just subdue them by force. Being B-rank adventurers yourselves, that should be a fairly easy task. As for why I'm asking the two of you to become instructors, it's because of what happened 3 weeks ago.」Ernes

Three weeks ago... I remember Tilda-san mentioning something about that...... Ah!

「You mean that malfunction accident?!」Grey

「Yes, that one. Seems like you already heard what happened.」Ernes

「Yeah, we heard about it from Galderia.」Grey

「We also heard rumors about how it wasn't just a simple accident.」Yuna

When Yuna said those words, silence swallowed the room and a slightly gloomy atmosphere fell upon it.

「That's right. It was a suicide attack made by the remaining members of a criminal organization we arrested a few months ago. Luckily, it was a weekend and we were able to avoid the worst outcome.」Ernes

So the rumors were right... Looks like even a place as secure as the capital can't escape the threat of criminal organizations.

The king must have ceased the spread of information to stop the populace from panicking and causing chaos in the city. Looks like even royalties and nobilities got it tough.

「Actually, we have been recruiting temporary instructors to replace the spot that the injured instructors have left, but even up until now, we weren't able to find instructors for the alpha classes of years 2 and 3.」Ernes

Unlike the ones in japan, the education system in the Merusia is divided into three levels, namely, elementary school, middle school, and the high school, all consisting of 4 years each.

In elementary schools, basic subjects like math and etiquette are taught. In middle schools, much more complex subjects are the focus. And in high school, specialized fields like magic, culinary, and business are taught, making it similar to college back on Earth.

The royal academy is an institution focused on nurturing the future knights of the kingdom, with students aging from 14-18 years old, just about the same age as me and Yuna.

And as luck would have found it, the academy only needs two more people to fill in the places left by the injured instructors. It felt like fate was telling us that we are the destined ones for it.

「Well, it's still up to you if you'll take the job or not. I don't want to force something to the two of you just because I'm the king.」Ernes

I'm grateful that he's being considerate to us, but even if he says that, we still can't simply refuse an order from the king.

Haah... What a troublesome predicament we are in...

「Alright, we'll take it, but are you sure about this Ernes-sama? You don't even know if we have the capability to do the job.」Gey

「You don't have to worry about that. From the stories I've heard from Vanessa, you two are very exceptional at teaching. You were even able to train a child to be on par with a hobgoblin in just a few days.」Ernes

Eh? How did Vanessa-neesan know of thatー

Such a question was going through my head when I suddenly remembered that Gustav-san was her subordinate, and the fact how much she likes coercing people to do something she wants.

Ah, right... It's Vanessa-neesan we're talking about...

「Well, now that it's decided, why don't we sign a contract right now.」Ernes

Shortly after Ernes-sama said that, he ordered Anderson-sama to get a special type of paper and then wrote the contract on it.

The contents of the contract include me and Yuna becoming instructor in the Royal Academy's alpha class years 2 and 3. The contract lasts until the day before our awarding ceremony and the payment will be a platinum coin of each of us.

Although it wasn't initially part of the contract with our request, the king agreed to make it an official quest in the guild, where we will be awarded 35,000 points each. It was quite the bargain if I say so myself.

「And, to finalize the contract, please hand me your identification cards.」Ernes

Just as Ernes-sama said, Yuna and I handed him our guild cards, but when we did, he gave us a peculiar look with one of his eyebrows arched.

「Is there something wrong, Ernes-sama?」Grey

「No, it's nothing. I was just wondering, did the two of you receive your privilege cards already?」Ernes

Ah... It's another term that's not imprinted in my 『Memory』. What the heck is a privilege card?

「Judging from your reactions, looks like you haven't.」Ernes

The king said with an exhausted voice and all Yuna and I could do was smile in silence.

「Listen, the privilege card is what would equal to a crest for nobles. It's a card used other than to prove your identity, it also acts as a pass to certain areas only nobles can access. It also makes negotiations easier for the both of you.」Ernes

So it's basically a VIP card for nobles.

「But we already have guild cards, what use is that for?」Grey

「It's to restrain you guys. Before you can get a privilege card, you will need to sign a contract first wherein you will be forbidden to fight against other high-rankers, cause troubles for any kingdom, and many others. Violation of the contract will not only lose you of your privilege but will also make you a criminal across all nations of Merusia. In short, you can access things more easily but in exchange, your freedom will be limited.」Ernes

I see... So it's made in order to stop reckless high-rankers from causing more trouble. Just being branded a criminal is already scary, however, becoming an enemy of the world is much scarier than that.

「So I can't fight as much anymore......」Yuna

While I was worried about something someone normally should be, Yuna mumbled something under her voice with a disappointed look on her face.

Her priorities really were... odd...?

Well, leaving Yuna aside, looks like we need to sign another contract. I doubt the king just mentioned that randomly, he must be implying that we take it.

「Where can we sign the contract for that?」Grey

「If you want, we can do it right her, right now.」Ernes

Looks like he really was implying it... Well, whatever, we'll have to sign it sooner or later anyways. This will save us from the trouble for later.

After we agreed to sign another contract, Anderson-sama once again left the throne room to get the necessary things for the contract. When he returned, he was carrying another set of special paper and an odd looking device with him. It looked like a radio with a crystal ball on top for some reason.

『Appraisal』.

-----------------------------------

【〔Device〕】

【Name】Power Gauge

【Description】

Measures the combat power of ones who let their mana flow through it. The stronger the user is, the longer it will take for the device to measure it.

-----------------------------------

Ah... So it's basically a like a sc*uter from Dr*gon B*ll but on device form.

「Grey-sama, Yuna-sama, please place your hands on top of these devices and let your mana flow through it. With these, we will be able to measure your combat power.」Anderson

「After that, we'll issue your card depending on the results of the measurement. Of course, you'll need to sign the contract before we give the card to you.」Ernes

「Alright.」Grey

「Un.」Yuna

「Then, who will go first?」Ernes

「Um... I'll go.」Yuna

Yuna said whilst racing her hand, and with a nod from Ernes-sama she went forwards and placed one of her hands on top of it. When she did, the crystal on top of the device started glowing and numbers appeared on it.

The numbers on the crystal didn't stay constant and rose continuously, from 30 to 100 to 320 and so on and so for. And the numbers rose, the intensity of the light also brightened.

「Amazing. She's already past the threshold of B-rank and there still no sign of the gauge slowing down...」Galleus

「If I remember correctly, Yuna-chan should be at A-rank, or at least that's what Kris-san told me.」Vanessa

The scene continued for about two more minutes and by the time the device stopped gauging...

「5,057... That's S-rank...」Galleus

「Hahaha! What a spectacular result!」Ernes

「I knew Yuna-chan was strong but to think you're an S-ranker. I'm really proud of you, Yuna-chan!」Vanessa

「With her strength, she could easily beat General Sallerta-sama.」Kurt

... everyone was in awe as to how powerful Yuna was. They just couldn't believe that such a young and delicate girl would have the strength to wipe mountains in a single strike.

Well, of course they would be. After all, S-rankers like us are considered as multi-city level threats. We are essentially living nukes that can strike again and again and again.

Speaking of threats, B-rankers are considered multi-village level threats, A-rankers are city level threats, Calamity-rankers are regional level threats, Disaster-rankers are national level threats, and Catastrophe-rankers are multi-national level threats.

At present, there aren't any Catastrophe-rankers. The strongest people in the world are two Disaster-rankers, both emperors of their own kingdoms.

I wonder when Yuna and I will reach such a level of strength? It might take us years, no, it might even take us decades.

「Alright, Grey, your turn.」Ernes

「Ah, yes.」Grey

While I was thinking of random things inside my head, Yuna already finished signing the contract and her privilege card has been issued. It was a quick process.

Just like what Yuna did, I placed my hands on top of the device's crystal and as soon as I did, the numbers appeared once again and the crystal started emitting radiant light.

The process took about 5 minutes, and my combat power was displayed in numerical form. It was measured at 8,342, exactly the same as how appraisal said it would be. The device was insanely accurate. The one who invented it must be an unparalleled genius.

「As expected of someone who defeated a lesser dragon... His strength could already rival the generals of nations stronger than Alfrione.」Galleus

「I agree with you, Your Highness. And with Yuna-sama being in the same party, it wouldn't be an understatement that they could defeat Alfrione's army with just the two of them.」Anderson

「Grey-kun! You're just as amazing as Yuna-chan!」Vanessa

Well, even if we're this strong, I still don't think we can win against Vanessa-neesam. She's just too overwhelming for us...

After receiving a lot of praises like Yuna, the situation finally moved forwards and I was able to receive my own privilege card.

The card itself was made out of Argonite, engraved with intricate designs and an emblem with the symbol of S-rankers. With the materials used for it, the card should cost at least a hundred thousand kiels. It was very expensive.

「Don't worry about the price. Consider it as a gift from us.」Ernes

A gift, huh... As expected of royalty, they just casually gift expensive items to anyone. I could already buy a plot of land and build a house with the coat of this card.

Well, I am not one to criticize them. After all, we gifted Liz with a sword that cost more than a million kiels. Is my sense of money getting twisted?

「Since you have your cards already, just let it touch the contract form and let your mana flow through it. It will act as your signature.」Ernes

Like what Ernes-sama suggested, both Yuna and I let our cards touch the contract form and let our mana flow through it. The card then glowed and when the glow vanished, a printed copy of the card appeared in the contract form.

Although the signature looked printed, it was actually made out of the mana we poured unto the cards. It was something that was impossible to replicate because each person's mana is unique. It was similar to DNA.

「With that, the contract is finished. I look forward to your future achievements, Duke Grey, Duchess Yuna.」Ernes

Ernes-sama said as he extended his right hand to me and Yuna. And as a polite response, Yuna and I shook it one after the other

Well, I'm happy that he's looking forward to it. But by the way he addressed us, it seems like it's going to be more troublesome for us from now on.

After that exchange of ours, we talked some more about our jobs of being instructors at the Royal Academy. We were then dismissed by the king shortly after and went back to the training grounds.

Upon our return, the knights were still training but General Sallerta and Commander Elbourne were already gone, leaving only Vanessa-neesan's husband, Ranzel-san, to facilitate the training along with the colonels.

「Welcome back, dear. How did it go?」Ranzel

「It went very well! His Majesty agreed that Yuna-chan and Grey-kun will become instructors at the Royal Academy!」Vanessa

「I'm happy to hear that.」Ranzel

「And guess what. Yuna-chan and Grey-kun really are S-rankers! I knew Grey-kun was am S-ranker, but Yuna-chan being one gave me a surprise!」Vanessa

「I see, I see, you must have been quite surprised.」Ranzel

「I really was...」Vanessa

Seeing Vanessa-neesan act so like a spoiled child in front of Ranzel-san made me want to spoil Yuna too.

Ahh... I want to spend time with Yuna more.

「Yuna, let's go. It seems like we're done here.」Grey

「Ah, eh?」Yuna

Holding Yuna's hands tightly but gently, we tried to leave the training grounds but before I could, suddenly, out of nowhere, Vanessa-neesan appeared behind us and grabbed our shoulders.

「Grey-kun, Yuna-chan, where are you two going?」Vanessa

「Umm... Leaving?」Grey

「Aren't are jobs done here, Vanessa-neechan?」Yuna

「It is, but you haven't forgotten your promise to cook pizza, did you, Grey-kun?」Vanessa

Vanessa-neesan asked with a frightening smile. Just that smile was enough to send shivers down my spine.

「You'll cook for me, right?」Vanessa

「Y-Yes!」Grey

CHAPTER 57 END