Yarin's POV:
Scandals related to the royal family were the media's favorite feast, at least for some media outlets. I believed there were still people in this world with a conscience. If I really cared, I would have driven myself crazy a long time ago.
However, after that turmoil, Sivir Academy started receiving more enrollment applications as the new school year began. People weren't fools; they could naturally see that the royal family had really tried to protect Sivir Academy during the fugitive incident. This was enough to prove that Sivir Academy was indeed in a good position.
Gossip was one thing, but it didn't stop people from seeking personal gain or avoiding harm.
In these four years, Sivir Academy had expanded its enrollment by about one-sixth, the campus kept growing, and many personnel were changed. For example, Mrs. Maggie was no longer the principal of the junior division; she had become a member of the 'Joint Board of Directors'.
This organization was responsible for the administrative affairs of Sivir Academy, equivalent to dividing the administrative work of various department heads. From then on, the principal only dealt with academics, while the Joint Board of Directors handled other matters concerning students and staff.
Of course, I didn't mention this casually. Emery, who had once been an elf assistant, was now working on the Joint Board of Directors. As a special secretary, he was specifically responsible for matters related to exchange students. He truly had a knack for it.
Speaking of exchange students, with the opening up of the werewolf pack to the outside world, more and more races entered the werewolf territory—not just humans.
In fact, for a long time, various groups had maintained relationships of mutual recognition but minimal contact. Some established countries would send emissaries to each other, and there would be formal diplomatic interactions, but that was about it. Even the incident involving the elf race seeking help during my grandfather's rule was a rare occurrence in the history of the two races.
Other races that had already been extinguished or had never formed nations were even more distant. Perhaps, by chance, they became neighbors, but more often than not, they had an attitude of 'I don't care who you are or where you're from, just don't bother me'.
But now, all of this was in the past.
In this much-anticipated new century, it seemed that some mysterious force had truly crystallized the stagnant situation of many years and set it in slow motion. The werewolf pack was not the only race and nation announcing its existence to the world.
Witches and wizards, dwarves, giants, and many supernatural races that had been uncertain or were simply considered 'legends' in human understanding appeared in the world. Even the elf race had become known to the world.
Of course, this didn't mean these groups had suddenly changed their ways; it was just that news of the civil war could no longer be concealed.
So, when I woke up one day, I was surprised to see that the streets had more foreigners. They weren't all tourists or workers; exchange students comprised a significant portion. A 'royal academy' like Sivir Academy was a natural choice for exchange students.
The composition of students and staff became increasingly complex, creating the Joint Board of Directors.
But Emery was quite capable himself. While caring for other elf exchange students, he also managed institute affairs. Surprisingly, he hadn't made any mistakes. No wonder Mom trusted him so much.
It was summer vacation, but not a complete break.
After just three days of carefree fun, Mom told me that Dad had invited Gapes to teach us.
"After all, Chekov is getting older and must also take care of the guards. It's inevitable that there are times when he's not up to the task," she said. "Gapes is younger, not much older than you, and I think you'll have common topics."
Before I could protest, I was bundled up with Heller and Cynthia and sent to the training grounds.
Gapes had already been waiting there. He was a thorough military man, always dressed in military combat uniform. Even though he had a mild attitude, he was not one to joke around. Compared to Chekov, Gapes had the military's touch. He focused on practicality and didn't have as many 'sneaky tricks'. I didn't mean to belittle Chekov; I knew these differences were due to the nature of their work. But Gapes was more demanding, and every movement and posture had to meet strict standards. After a day of training, I felt like my limbs were about to fall apart.
But for some reason, after this day of exhausting training, I felt that the gap between me and Gapes wasn't as severe as before.
"Old man, do you treat the students at Sivir Academy the same way?" I teased him. "If you stay for another two years, I can guarantee that military training will become one of Sivir Academy's top subjects."
Gapes brought us towels and mineral water and replied, "I don't treat students so rigorously. Most haven't undergone systematic training, and their physical fitness isn't up to standard. The training for recruits in the military is also gradual; otherwise, it will lead to injuries." "..." I was embarrassed, thinking he probably believed I was joking. Honestly, in front of Gapes, sometimes I really questioned whether I was being too frivolous.