At the Academy of Magic.


　Next to Arx is Charlotte Cremeria, the daughter of a countess.
　On this day, Arx was in the middle of being shown around the Academy by Charlotte.
　On his first day at the academy, he was also given a tour of the academy and walked around the grounds, but he was not familiar with all the details of the academy, and there are rules among the students when it comes to using the facilities.


　Therefore, on this day, I asked her to show me around again as a senior student.
　I've been trying to find Suu, but she hasn't been around lately and seems to be hiding somewhere.
　I invited Lisha to join us, but she declined, saying that she had to talk to another nobleman's daughter.


　So now the two of us were walking along the corridor of the courtyard.
　A girl with long milk-tea colored hair tied in a lady's knot. Her gestures were gentle and graceful, as if she were a beautiful woman sitting by the window (Jacqueline) described in a book of legends. She is tall and slender, and wears the uniform of the Academy of Magic well. As a member of a samurai family, she is fond of swordsmanship, but on the other hand, she also has a feminine roundness, which has recently become more noticeable.
　In particular, she has a strong maternal side that is very prominent.
　He is still taller than her, and it will take some time before he can stand alongside her.


Charlotte, you're going to show up at the magic lecture, aren't you?

Yes. Even non-mage students are required to attend.


　I'm not sure if you've heard of it, but I'm sure you've heard of it.
　They are basically the children of non-mage military noblemen, and they seem to receive the same lectures on magic as the mage students.
　The children of military nobles are likely to go to war in the future, and they may have mages in their own army, or they may fight directly with enemy mages. Therefore, even if you are not a mage, it is implicitly understood that you should learn some knowledge of magic here.


　Charlotte is one of them. In this world, even women with talent can fight on the battlefield, so the Clemellia family probably decided to let them attend.
　It is also possible that this is within the scope of education .......


I heard that there are also lectures on physical arts and such?

"Yes. The instructors there are also very good.

Oh. ......


　If Charlotte says so, then it must be true. You may want to take physical training and sword fighting so that you can continue to fight even after your magic is gone.


　As I walked down the corridor, receiving an explanation about the Academy, I noticed an unusual group of people on the other side of the fountain.
　There were less than ten people in the group, but it seemed that they were all following a girl.
　The girl was quite well-dressed.
　The people around her are probably her cronies.


　In the center is a girl with shining blonde hair in a chignon. Like Charlotte, her manner is based on neatness, but she has the calmness of a high-ranking noblewoman oozing from every corner.
　Her body is in the middle of its growth period, and she has a body shape that protrudes where it protrudes and retracts where it retracts. Perhaps because of this, he seems to have modified his white uniform to some extent.
　He is smiling calmly as he talks with his cronies.


　Charlotte then whispered a warning to him.


Arx, you'd better remember this. That's the Empress who runs the Academy.

"The Empress?

Yes. Claudia Cyphreys, eldest daughter of the Dukes of Cyphreys.


　The Dukes of Cyphreys are one of the Four Dukes. The same rank as Suu's family.
　It's also one of the houses we didn't get to see at the announcement party.
　Earlier, Charlotte had described her as a [Empress], but from the smile she was flashing at her cronies, it was hard to imagine the arrogance that would follow such words.


She looks like a gentle lady to me.

"On the face of it, yes. On the outside.

Like Charlotte?

Yeah, what does ............ mean?

No, it doesn't mean anything. --No cheeks, no cheeks, no cheeks, no cheeks.

"Oh?　It's soft. I can see why Master Sucia likes you so much.


　In exchange for a bit of lightheartedness, after the flesh of her cheeks had been fully enjoyed, she was given a small gift.


"...... Arx, do you know what the role of the Cyphers is in the kingdom?

"Hmm?　Yes. They've been the head of the Academy of Magic for generations, right?

Yes. It started out as a private school that taught magic on the grounds. It's said that after some twists and turns, the current state has taken control of it. But...

But the power is still great.

Yes. That's why the next head of the family is also involved in the management of the Academy of Magic, and also takes his or her cronies around with him or her.


　In short, she's like the student council president.
　From what she said afterwards, it seems that Claudia also acts as a bridge between the instructors and the students. I was dubious for a moment when I heard that she had power despite being a student, but it seems that she is not acting as she pleases.


I'm sure he'll stay in the academy after he graduates, since he cares about us non-mage students.

They respect you, don't they?

Yeah. ...... Most of them do.

What do you mean?　Is there something wrong with me?

It's not like I'm doing anything rude. It's just .......



Just?

Once you cross her, she'll make you follow her and cronyize you.

Yeah. ...... Yeah?　What's that?

That's why she often challenges other students to a duel, and there's always an uproar. Nowadays, Claudia-sama's dueling rituals are like a new specialty of the academy.

I'm sure you've heard of it, but I'm not sure if you've seen it.　Natural politicians are the aristocracy.

...... Arx, you're also a nobleman, aren't you?

But I'm a disinherited one.

You sometimes say things that don't sound like an aristocrat. Why is that?

I really don't know why.


　When I dodge like that, I get a disturbing look.
　I can only laugh at myself because my very existence is a disturbing thing.
　Anyway.


"But that's why there are so many people around him?

Apparently so. It seems to me that they are not reluctant to do so,......, but rather they seem to do it voluntarily.

It's a good thing for the other noble families. I'm sure it's only a good thing for the other noble families.


　It's a good thing she has a good memory. If she becomes the next Abbess, it won't be a dream to get a job at the Academy of Magic.


Do you want to join the cronies, Arx?

No, thank you. I've already had my fill of senior nobles.

Don't you think you'll make more and more acquaintances as you get higher?

You sound like a pain in the ass.


　As Charlotte and I were talking about this, she suddenly noticed something.


"Oh?　I see you're coming over.

"What?　I'm not prepared for what I just heard!


　I'm not prepared for what I just heard!" Claudia flinched in disbelief as the group's feet turned toward her.
　Claudia is heading straight for us, as if she doesn't know about the change in direction.
　Is there something you want? No, she's probably looking for Charlotte.
　Since they are the children of the same noble family, despite the difference in their family status, they are probably here to greet her.
　Since they were on campus, there was no need to kneel.


　From Claudia's mouth came the words, "Good day, Miss Charlotte.


"Good day, Miss Charlotte. It seems to be a beautiful day.

"Good day to you, sir. Miss Claudia. Are you patrolling the grounds today?

Yes, I thought it would be a good time to take stock of the new arrivals. It is my duty to keep abreast of the situation in the hospital.


　Claudia responded in a calm manner.
　Claudia was calm and composed.
　I'm not sure what you mean by that, but I can only assume that she is a dignified young lady of nobility.


What does it mean? "Oh, is that lovely lady over there ......?

(Hmmm!


　I'm not sure what to make of this.
　Sometimes the tongue is sharper than all the swords in the world, and that's exactly what happened here. The formless shock jolted my body, but I held my ground, bowed, and waited for Charlotte to introduce me.


This is my ...... friend, Arx Raytheft.

My name is Arx Raytheft.

I'm Claudia Cyphers. You and Raytheft are from the same east, I believe.

Yes. That's part of the reason I'm here to show you around.


　Suddenly, one of her cronies flipped through a document and read out the information on it.


"Arx Raytheft. You're a mage student and the head of the entrance exam, but you have less than two thousand magic power.

"Less than two thousand. ...... That's quite low for a nobleman.


　Claudia frowned when she heard what he read out.
　It's a bit sudden to point this out at the first meeting, but the other party is at the highest level of nobility in the country. It's not something that can be refuted lightly.


It is true that my magical power is very small, but I hope to learn a lot here and apply it in the future.

"Arks, you say?　Those who attend the Academy of Magic must be of high quality. Isn't that right?

...... is.

The Academy is the highest academic institution in the realm. If it welcomes everyone without consideration, its authority will be corrupted. As long as the Academy's name is known at home and abroad, its honor must be protected.


　I don't like the way this is going. I can easily imagine what will be said after this.


I also think that Master Claudia is right.

If that's what you think, then leave the academy. If you think so, leave the academy. You are a member of the aristocracy involved in magic, but your magic power is too low. You are not worthy of the Academy.




　I knew it would come to that. I'd already guessed it from the way the story was going.
　Charlotte puts her beak in it.


"Master Claudia. With all due respect, I think you're overstepping your bounds. It is true that his magical power is on the low side, but shouldn't the fact that he took first place in the entrance exam be appreciated?

The results of the entrance exam can be overturned depending on your future studies. And Miss Charlotte?　This is because he is a nobleman. It would be a shame if the person in charge is inferior. If your magic power is below the average of the military nobility, you will not be able to show it to others.


　...... In a way, this is a negative effect of the availability of magic meters. Because the amount of magic power was quantified and made clear, the difference became clear.
　I would like to ask you to stop revealing personal information. I don't know how you got such information, but you're too controlling. I'll have to report this as a concern the next time I have a meeting with Merkleyer.

　But that's not good.
　That's when I thought.


"But instead... I'll take care of you from now on. Passing the Academy's examinations means you're powerful enough. I'm sure you can handle a difficult job.

......?

So, ......, yes. You can start as an apprentice, but how about a clerk in a hospital or an attendant in a high-class government office?　If you wish, you can be employed by the Cyphers. You'd have to take a separate exam, though.


　The conversation took a sudden turn.
　All of a sudden, they were talking about getting rid of him, and now they were talking about finding him a job.
　In fact, if you want a stable future, the conditions are much better there.
　The conditions are so good that you may forget for a moment what you were told.
　His cronies were saying things like, "As expected of Claudia," and "Excellent decision making.
　I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one.


　...... In other words, this is her idea of assigning the right people to the right places, rather than just kicking them out because she doesn't like them.
　She has shown some kind of leadership in a strange way.
　That's a problem.


"This is an extraordinary offer, but it is too much for me. I would like to decline.

"...... You're refusing my offer?

Yes. I would like to continue my studies at the Academy.


　Yes, this is non-negotiable. Because as long as you aim to become a national mage, you can't throw away the advantage of graduating from the Academy of Magic.
　Even if you don't, you have a big disadvantage in that you have low magic power. You can't just throw it away.


"Arx Raytheft. Didn't you understand that I just told you that you are not worthy?

No. However, I believe that the difference in magical power can be reversed by learning.


　Claudia wrinkles her brow. Claudia wrinkles her brow, as if she's dealing with a child who doesn't listen well.
　This is troubling. I'm in trouble.
　Charlotte protests again.


"Master Claudia. Master Claudia is a student of the academy. I think it's a bit excessive to ask a student to leave the academy.

As the next head of House Cyphreus. As the next head of the Cyphrus family, I must act to protect the honor of the Academy and, by extension, the Kingdom. This is part of that.

"That may be so, but ......


　I'm not sure what to make of this, but I think it's a good idea.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. The house has extraordinary power, so it's not impossible.
　Just when I was thinking about how to get out of this...


"Oh?　Isn't this Master Claudia?


　In the midst of my troubled situation, I suddenly heard such a voice.
　The tone of the voice was neat and clean, and was comparable to that of Charlotte and Claudia.
　However, the sound of the voice was quite familiar to me.
　I turned around and there was--


"This is Mr. Sucia.


　This is Su Shi'a ...... Su.
　Her long black hair, well combed, with two chignons and a hair ornament, reminded me of a Chinese style.
　Her skin is well-groomed and healthy in color. Her long eyelashes and lapis lazuli eyes with a hint of jade. Her eyes, which are usually wide open with vivacity and sometimes narrowed with swordsmanship, are now hidden.
　Her body is just as feminine as Charlotte's.
　Lately, I've been seeing her in so many ways that I can't help but be aware of her.
　She is dressed in a white uniform with an elegant fan made of sandalwood at her waist.


　But right now, she looks very different from usual. She looks so quiet, so neat, so different that you might think she is wearing three layers of cats. For a moment, I even rubbed my eyes to see if I was hallucinating, to make sure I wasn't using some kind of assistive magic. The three stuffed cats that I saw above me for a moment were now a mirage. Because she is so different from the girl I usually see, I can't stop looking at her.


　I'm dizzy.
　Round and round.


What's going on with all these people?　Oh?　You're here too, Miss Charlotte.

Master Sucia. You're looking very well.

Yes, how do you do? You look quite swarthy, what were you talking about?


　She smiles softly and speaks in the language of a lady.
　She smiled softly and spoke in the language of a young lady. No, it's just that my conversation with her is a special case, but this is probably normal for those who met her at the Academy.


"We were talking about Arx Raytheft there.

"Oh, what's wrong with him?

"They say his magic is below average for a military noble. I told him he didn't belong in this academy.

Did you tell him to leave the academy voluntarily?　Isn't that a bit excessive?

This is a prestigious wizarding academy. Those who study here must have a certain level of ability.


　Suu then gave Claudia a worried look.
　Claudia lifted one eyebrow, as if noticing the pity in his eyes.


"...... Master Suu Seer, what is it?

"Master Claudia. I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.　You seem to be very tired.

Master Sucia. I'm not the least bit tired.

Do you think so?　Claudia, who is usually so attentive to detail, must be feeling quite absent-minded at the moment.

...... What are you trying to say?　Can you please tell me?

I know. I think you're not paying attention to him at all, especially around his left breast.

Left breast?　--What?


　It's a good idea to have a look at your own chest.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　Suu's voice changes from a calm tone to a sharp one.


"Master Claudia. If you're the son of a nobleman with a military family, you should know what kind of medal you're wearing. If you know what that silver gleam is, Claudia-sama, then so be it. I'm sure you're tired.

"Silver, Cross of the Order: ......

"I'm afraid to say that Arx Raytheft here is the one who accompanied the Dauphin on his first campaign and did a great job as his aide. His Majesty the King personally presented him with the Order of Merit. How can we, the subjects of the royal family, say that he is talentless? And do we, who are still only his children, deserve to discuss it?


　I'm not sure what to make of that.


I'll admit that this person has a certain level of ability. But this is a school of learning that nurtures and develops magical talent. Isn't it unseemly for a mage student to be lacking in magical ability?

I've heard that His Majesty gave this medal to him in recognition of his magical skills as well.

So I'll tell you how much magic I have.

Master Claudia. I have always believed that a mage's superiority should not be based on the amount of magic power alone. It is the knowledge of words that should be discussed. I'm sure you're right.

...... You have a point, but I think the flower of a mage is still the amount of magic power.


　I'm not sure what to make of it.
　And then she uses it to hide a smile of mockery as she does so.


I'm sure you're right. I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

".......


　You can see the irritation clearly on Claudia's face.
　I'm not sure what to make of it. It's also a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your money. If we were to talk about who the strongest student in the academy is, her name would surely be the first to come up.


The most important thing for a mage to respect is the amount of magic power or knowledge. I'm sure you're not the only one who has a problem with that.

I'm not sure what to say.　Is it me?

Yes. Why don't you go get Mr. String right away?

"Mr. String"?

If it's not appropriate for us to discuss this, it would be more constructive if someone who is qualified to do so would come. Oh, if Claudia-sama says that Lecturer String is not suitable, then you can call the Abbot.　He's the head of the academy and Claudia's grandfather. I'm sure he'll make a good decision.

"No, I'm afraid that's not possible.

I'm sure. I'm sure the Abbot will say there's no problem.




　Of course. If you pass the exam and then turn around and say that you didn't pass, the authority of the Academy of Magic will fall to the bottom of the earth.


Don't you feel the same way, Miss Charlotte?

Yes. Master Sucia. I've been saved by Mr. Arx's magic myself, so I'm aware of his talent.

Of course. As his friend, I can't wait to see him earn his next medal.


　Suddenly, such a line was thrown in.
　The bar has been raised without my knowledge.


　Or rather, listening to this tone of voice, I feel as if a bug is crawling on my back. It's tight. It's so tight. I want someone to praise me for holding back my screams so hard.
　I want to get out of here right now. I want to run for my life. Lisha, help me! I really wanted to scream.


　On the other hand, Claudia couldn't argue and was biting her teeth.
　Suu gave her a gentle smile.


"Master Claudia. I'm not just defending him, you know.　I'm not just protecting him, Claudia-sama, I'm also worried about you.

I'm not just protecting him.　Did you hear me?

Oh, I'm sorry if I sounded like that. I'll be more careful.


　Suu apologized honestly. She is really good at what she does.


...... I understand. I'm not sure what to say. I'm sure you'll find a lot of people who'd like to know more about it. I'm not saying I approve of it.

I look forward to the opportunity to discuss this with you in the future, Claudia-sama.


　Claudia's shoulders tightened as Suu's smile followed. If it wasn't for the fact that they were equal, she might have jumped on him.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.


　I'm not sure what to make of it. It seems that now you have been completely spotted.
　Claudia quietly said "Have a nice day" and left the scene with her cronies.
　When Claudia was out of sight, I felt relieved.


It's a scary conversation anyway.


　After Suu came on stage, she took control of the conversation from start to finish.
　She even interjected some righteous sarcasm into the conversation.
　The mood was so bad that it sent chills down my spine. It seemed like the dawn of an ice age beyond the blizzard.
　Then Suu said in his usual tone.


This is what upstream conversation is all about, you know?　It's just a bunch of sarcasm masquerading as smiles. There are a lot of people who are better at playing each other.

"I'm learning, Mr. Sucia.

No, thank you. Thank you for your help.


　Suu and Charlotte smiled at each other.
　Seeing this exchange, I felt a little calmer.
　But there's something that's bothering me.


But why would Claudia-sama say something like that?


　Even if she is from a family that has been the head of the school for generations, it is still too arrogant to recommend that she leave the school voluntarily.
　I wondered why he had decided to mention the authority of the Academy, even though he had been admitted according to the rules.
　Then Charlotte replied.


I don't know about you, Claudia-sama, but you seem to be in a bit of a hurry lately.

"Is that so?

"As far as I can tell. What do you think, Miss Sucia?

I don't see him that often, so I don't know the details. I don't see her that often, so I don't know the details.

Mmm-hmm.

That's to be expected. Your parents are already in hiding, and the Director is old. If that's the case, Claudia, as the heiress, will be under a lot of pressure. ...... I think the expectations of those around her will make her work even harder.


　It's not that I'm spinning my wheels," Suu paused.


It's a good thing I'm not spinning my wheels. It's a good thing I'm not spinning my wheels.

You're good at your job, and you're good at what you do, so this is particularly troubling.

Yes, it is. I'm sure it won't be the last time.

Whoa.

Sorry to hear about your troubles, Arx. ......


　I am. I wonder why so many troubles keep popping up like this.
　I hope it's just luck, inspiration for development, or money.


　Anyway.


"Thank you, Suu. Thank you.

Don't thank me. Just give me pudding every day.

You're so clever, even at a time like this.


　When I was half-amused by her words with a big smile on her face, Charlotte suddenly asked me.


What is pudding, Mr. Arx?

"Hmm?　Oh, it's a pastry I made the other day.


　When I explain the pudding to Charlotte, Suu starts to pout for some reason.


"...... Mmm. Why did you try to hide it when it was me, but say it honestly when it was you, Charlotte?

What?　That's .......


　I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it.


"Master Sucia. I think that's how much Mr. Arx trusts me. Right?　Arx-kun. Isn't that right?

Yeah, well, I'm sure he trusts you.


　No doubt, but why are you emphasizing it now?


...... Hmm. I see. I see. Hmm.


　Suu's expression suddenly became grim.
　But it wasn't directed at me, it was directed at Charlotte.
　Suu and Charlotte's gazes meet.
　From behind them, you can almost hear the earth shaking as it gurgles.
　To be honest, it felt more dangerous than before.
　Why is this happening just because we're talking about sweets?

　So be it.


"Ah!　That's right!　I've got an important lecture later on ......!

Arx?

Mr. Arx?

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!


　Needless to say, the two people who were smiling at me were terrifying.