The Graduation Ceremony
The Graduation Ceremony
"Education... Minister?" Jilly felt puzzled. "What's that?"
Piper explained to her. "The minister is the one who's in charge of all the teachers. Isn't your favorite teacher Ferlin while you hate teacher Harben with his loud voice? Well, they all are under the charge of Lady Scroll."
"Where did you hear about this?" Jilly blinked her eyes. "I suppose you must have heard it from the big shot you've mentioned?"
"Well, of course." Piper smiled with pride and then said, "Besides, I also know that, not only will the officials of City Hall will be attending today's graduation ceremony, but the lord will also attend. How wonderful is that His Highness would come here?"
"Really?" Jilly's eyes brightened suddenly. "Do you think His Highness will talk to us?"
"Oh... That I don't know." Piper touched the back of his head. "He probably will."
After all, he heard this from his big brother Van'er. Speaking of Van'er, he was an amazing person who used to be a common knapper but became a captain who was in charge of a small platoon when he joined the Militia. Now that he was an officer of the Artillery Squad in the First Army, his monthly salary is 25 silver royals, and he had even talked and shaken hands with His Highness.
Although Van'er spent most of his time in the battalion area, he occasionally had many interesting observations and stories to say when he came back. His former neighbor and worshiper, Piper would go to his place and pester Van'er to tell him more about interesting things. Piper could always get some information from Van'er in advance.
For example, it was also Van'er who told him that the lord would attend this graduation ceremony. A week ago, the First Army had received the command to protect His Highness and guard against danger. They also practiced some manoeuvres near the school building.
Before long, a group of energetic soldiers in uniforms walked in with their heads held high. His Highness and his chief knight were in the middle of the parade,
the crowd could not help but become restless.
After the entrance of the school building was encircled by the soldiers, Roland stepped into the hall, waving to the multiple rows of students. "Hello, my subjects. I'm Roland Wimbledon who's in charge of the Western Region, the Lord of Border Town. Let me congratulate you all on your accomplishments and for having completed all the contents of your primary education, becoming the first batch of graduates in Border Town."
A hush fell over the crowd, which was not because they were indifferent to Roland's words, but because many of them were too excited to say anything.
Jilly grabbed Piper's arm and pinched it, looking very excited, and she said, "His Highness is talking to us."
Piper felt exhilarated too. Piper felt like he also had the same close contact with His Highness that his big brother Van'er enjoyed.
"The reason that you can pass the examination and graduate from school so soon is all because most of you are teacher Karl Van Bate's students. You've been ahead of others from the start. So don't be conceited and self-complacent as there's still a lot of knowledge which you need to study and explore." Roland continued, "Of course, today is still worthy of celebration, because from now on, you've already chosen a way which is different from others. You'll get a generous reward no matter what kind of job you'll engage in. Congratulations!"
"His Highness... live long!" someone shouted, then all of them exclaimed with excitement, "Long live, His Highness! We're willing to serve you!"
Waiting for the cheers of the audience to subside, Roland laughed. "Then I'll issue you your diploma as an honor certificate to prove that you've completed your studies." He opened a booklet and said, "Piper."
Piper shuddered when he heard Roland call his name. Staring at the prince, he opened his mouth and did not know what to say. Teacher Ferlin Eltek waved to him and said, "Don't be afraid, just go and stand in front of His Highness."
Piper walked toward Roland stiffly, and his heart beat so fast that he could even hear his own heartbeat. Suddenly, he thought about the military courtesy that Van'er had always mentioned which was simpler than the chivalrous courtesy and could show his loyalty toward His Highness. Given that it was also invented by His Highness himself, although he did not know the exact specific gesture, he still summoned up his courage to salute Roland, putting his hands on his forehead flatly.
The prince was amused. He nodded and handed Piper the booklet, saying, "It would be more proper if your hand moved backward a bit towards your ear... Congratulations on your graduation."
"Th-thanks." Piper took the booklet and walked back unconsciously. He only came to himself when His Highness started to issue the next diploma.
"Let me see, what did they write on it?" Jilly turned her head and asked curiously.
"What's the rush, you'll have one too," he mumbled as he opened the diploma's cover with trembling hands. There was a piece of exquisite parchment inside, In the top left-hand corner, there was a drawing of his own face portrait. In the middle was the royal emblem of the Kingdom of Graycastle which had several lines below it on the page. If it was half a year ago, Piper would have had to ask teacher Karl to tell him what the meaning was of these words. But now Piper had mastered the basic skills in reading and writing, so he simply read it to himself.
"The first batch of graduates in Border Town: Piper."
"President: Scroll."
"Issuer: Lord of Border Town, Roland Wimbledon."
...
After all the diplomas were issued, Roland clapped his hands to get their attention. "From now on, you're qualified to do jobs which common people can't do. These jobs have a generous salary, and the minimum wage is 10 silver royals per month. Next, I'll let Lady Scroll introduce the work content in the City Hall of Border Town." He raised his hands to stop them from chattering and continued to say, "You don't have to make a decision instantly, go back to home and discuss it with your family. You can come to City Hall to apply for the job you want with your ID card and diploma once you make up your mind."
Seizing the chance while Scroll was talking, Jilly turned her head and asked Piper, "Do you have any idea? I want to work in the bicycle plant, for the salary is higher than my father's. I'll also have the opportunity to get a new bicycle."
"It sounds wonderful," Piper answered without caring. Recently four massive plates were set up in the square of Border Town. Imprinted on the plates was the portraits of His Highness and several officers. This iron mount with strange shapes beside them had stirred up heated discussion among the citizens. Furthermore, the monthly salary of the bicycle plant was 15 silver royals. The plant would have been crammed with people if it did not have specific requirements that only people who had completed their primary education could enlist.
But there was one place that Piper wanted to go the most.
After the graduation ceremony, Piper could not help but get a rather crazy idea. He wanted to step up to the platform of the square and receive the honor from His Highness in front of thousands of people, just like his former classmate Nana.
According to the words of His Highness, one could only receive such honor when he made contributions to the town. He would never have the chance to receive such honor if he worked in the bicycle plant. Unlike Iron Axe, he could not be a soldier and go to the battlefield to fight against the enemies. He also did not have an amazing ability like the witches. The only man he could imitate was Chief Alchemist Kyle Sichi.
He had heard many times that if he could create a practical alchemical product which could bring wealth and fame to the domain, then he could be a great man. No need to be brave or born to a noble family, the only thing he needed was a little luck... it was the best way for him.
Thinking about that, Piper made up his mind.
"I'll go to enlist in the chemical laboratory," he said.