Whatever the case, I and the people I know are the only ones who can eat the fruit of the elders at this time of year. Even if it doesn't help us in battle, we're benefiting enough at this point in our daily lives.

'I'm not that fond of figs, but ...... hmmm. They're delicious when my brother Glass gives them to me.

　Kapu, biting with a small mouthful, Leslie moves her white throat to swallow the pulp.

　She looks healthy today - and the reason she cares about such things is because she sought out another profession while I was failing the court mage exam.

　That is, 'Spirit Doctor'. Among the pathways of spirit mages, very few people choose to be doctors - because the rewards they get from medicine are very low compared to the rewards that a combat mage can get.

　In the Royal Army's view, attack is the best defense. But I think that the 'spirit doctor', which is considered a curious profession, is also an important job that is needed in some cases.

　Most importantly, since a court mage is almost required to be a combat mage, becoming a spirit doctor was synonymous with giving up the path to becoming a court mage.

''...... What's going on?　Did you and Sven get into a fight?
'No, not really. Sven's been running around trying to get a job, though, so it's been hard to see him.
"Hmm.

　Leslie says, not looking too impressed. Sven is my roommate, and he's one of the people who drew an unfortunate spirit, just like the rest of us.

　He draws an unfortunate spirit at a ratio of about five unfortunate spirits per hundred people, but then he can't participate in the combat drill classes at all. The battle exercises are held on the assumption that they use earth-water, fire and wind spirit magic, so other spirit users can't participate in them.

　Even now there are mock battles being held at the training grounds, but we can't get out. That's why Leslie, who is three years younger than you, is here as a free agent. Normally she would be in her own class, but since there are no other students, she's on her own to study on her own. Me and Sven are in the same situation, though I can't speak for others.

''The 'air' spirit Leslie signed up for, though, looks like it could be used like a wind spirit.
'Wind' is 'wind' and 'air' is 'air'. They're not together.

　I know that Leslie's magic can be used in battle, if you will. I'm not sure if I've ever heard of this before, but I'm sure I've heard of it.

　For example, what happens if the oxygen in the air is locally concentrated? On the other hand, if you eliminate the oxygen - that's a bit of a radical idea, but it should have great potential, but it can't be evaluated by the academy's standards.

　That's also because the teachers at the academy are contracted with one of the Earth, Water, Fire, and Wind Spirits. The other spirits are 'evil' to the teachers.

　Leslie said something about wanting to see me pull an outlier, but she didn't seem to be that depressed about the fact that I'd pulled out the outlier too.

　Air spirits are probably a good match for plant spirits. However, saying that would seem to be an invitation to collaborate with her on research, so I'm currently unable to say it.

　Mage co-researchers often marry each other. Users of spirits of the same lineage are said to be compatible - they say that similarities don't work, but when it comes to spirits, it's a different story.

　When we had each finished eating the figs, Leslie lent me a handkerchief. I ask her as I wipe my hands.

'What did Leslie do today?'
I was in the dean's office. Then he told me to get my brother Glass next.
The dean?　...... Leslie, what did the dean say to you?

　Leslie was about to say something, but she kept her mouth shut. Then she put her index finger to her lips.

'So you mean don't tell anyone now? Okay, I'm going to go anyway.'
...... Sorry.
No need to apologize. If the dean is calling you, it's probably best to ask him in person.

　The fact that she apologizes like this means that what she's hearing from the head of the academy isn't something you can comfortably listen to.

'Well, I'll be off. Leslie, thank you for coming to call me.
Yeah. Brother Glass, I'll see you tomorrow.

　I leave Leslie and enter the school building and head to the dean's office. On the way there, I suddenly realized that I'm not going to be able to see her again before the end of the day.

　It's not impossible to see each other again before the end of the day, but Leslie said, 'I'll see you tomorrow. That's a bit tricky.

　At any rate, it's something you'll find out when you talk to the headmaster. The first time I saw the headmaster in a few days, I thought of him, and I quickened my pace.