That's how much we can accomplish. We, the Zamelites, will change the history of the Magical Guild. Isn't it only natural for you to give way?　Isn't that right, Class C sorcerer Demeter-sama you there, sorcerer?
'Okay. Use the target golem there.

　Flora-Zamel looked pouty as I said it.

'Dr. Demeter,'
Hey, what's up?
'If you can't use the target, I'd like to try out the magic I've learned against the demons in the dungeon, if that's okay with you?
................What?

　Alec-Keels' eyes widened.

''Right now, we are preparing to explore. Unless there is a reason to enter the dungeon - 'Elysian'. No, do you want to use the "Ancient Magic" that you have just learned in a real battle?　How confident you are!
I just want to familiarize myself with the dungeon before I explore it.

　Fighting here is a waste of time.
　I'm neither the Zamel nor the Cain faction.
　I don't want to get involved in troublesome factional battles.

　For me, I don't care whether it's the Zamelites or the Cainites that will make a difference and change history.
　It's fine with me as long as I can take Iris back and research immortality.

Amazing.

　I noticed that Flora-Zamel was looking at me.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

''So, Demeter-sensei. Is it possible for me to dive into the 'Elysium' of the giant dungeon from now on?
'It would be possible. We can't use the 'target golem' anymore because of a clerical error on our part.

　Dr. Demeter thought about it for a moment and then

'You'll have to apply for it, but it will pass if it's to learn magic. I'm free today myself.
Okay, please.
All right. You should be ready to dive this afternoon.
That's what I'm saying. You don't need a target golem anymore.
.....

　Alec-Keels snorted (nodded).
　After all, was it harassment that took away the target's reservation?
　What about Flora-Zamel──?

..................

　He took a breath of relief.

'I'm going. Lady Flora!
Okay.

　At the sound of Alec-Keels' voice, Flora-Zamel straightens up, with a jolt.
　She pauses, trying to turn her back, as it were.
　She glances over her shoulder at me. What is it?

'Yuki-Grossaria here.
...What?
That's my name.
'Yes!　Thank you!

　She laughed at that.

'Dear Flora!　Quickly!
Yes, yes!

　Flora-Zamel runs out of the room at the call of Alec-Keels' voice.
　She bowed to me one last time and ran off.

　She was a strange girl.
　Maybe she was harassing me...but I didn't feel any malice at all.
　But since the family name was 'Zamel', she would definitely be a 'Zamelite'.

''Is Flora-Zamel the family of the A-class magician Zamel-sama?
She is my granddaughter. She's a grade E magician at the moment.

　My question is answered by Dr. Demeter.

'It's the girl who joined the guild this semester. She's your classmate. Normally she would be treated as a trainee, but since she's being educated by Old Zamel personally at her parents' house, she's joining the guild as an E-level magician.
"You're the grandson of the head of the 'Zamelites'........

　For that, you had an uneasy look on your face.
When it comes to the granddaughter of the 'Zamel School', she's probably skilled in 'Ancient Magic', and I guess she should be more dignified.

''As for her.......we as educators don't know much about her either. She's the only one who hasn't been tested locally, unlike the other trainees.
I haven't taken the test either.
What more do you need to accomplish than defeating the D-class mage Kachel and the summoned griffon?

　Dr. Demeter shrugged his shoulders and smiled.

''Don't worry about her. Instead, let's proceed with the imparting of your 'Ancient Magic'. I can impart it without a target, but you want to hide in the dungeon, right?
Okay. I want to get used to it before we go on a real search.
All right, a C-class mage has the right to explore. I'll make an application, so you'll have to wait a bit. The members are yourself, you and anyone else you want to take with you?
May I speak to Odette-Slay?
I don't mind, but I'm not sure her schedule is safe.
I'm listening. I just need to have a quick word with you.
Okay.

　Dr. Demeter nodded.
　Then we put together the parchment on the table.

'I'll go apply for the dungeon search after I return this material. Yuki-Grossaria, you can go talk to Odette Srei. The dive into 'Elysian' will start in the afternoon. Be sure to finish your lunch.
Yes, sir.

　Me and Dr. Demeter locked up the lab and decided to go out.




　─ Flora-Zamel's point of view



You'll have to do better than that. Lady Flora-Zamel.

　This is the laboratory of the 'Zamel School'.
　Standing in the corner of the room, Alec-Keels looked at Flora with tight eyes.

''If you make a difference, I'm supposed to be sent back to the C-level mages.
I understand.
''Although I am no longer His Highness Salvia's escort knight, I will not end up like this. For that reason, you must be aware that you are the successor of the A-class sorcerer, Master Zamel.
'I'm telling you I know. Alec-Keels.

　Flora screamed.

　Alec-Keels politely bowed his head and left the laboratory.
　I guess he's going to apply for permission to explore the huge dungeon 'Elysian'.

　Flora and Alec-Keels were asked by the "Zamelites" to explore the "Cainites" who are close by. They have also been told to interfere with that action if possible.
　That's why I unreasonably twisted the reservation of the golem for the target to the office staff.

''But........I didn't know that person was Yuki-Grossaria-sama.......''

　Flora's body begins to tremble.
　When I first met him, I didn't think he was a sorcerer.
　It was because he wasn't wearing the guild's robes.

　But then I noticed when I saw Alec-Keels' expression.
　That boy was Yuki-Grossaria, the one who defeated the C-class sorcerer Alec.

　I know him from my grandfather.
　He's the most sought after boy among the newcomers who entered this term. His abilities have surpassed even Odette-Slay of the duke's family. As Princess Iris's guardian knight, he is also highly trusted by the royal family.

　He was even personally appointed by His Highness Prince Cain, the Second Prince, as a regular member of the Elysian Search Quest.
　He willingly accepted it, they say. Even though it's too heavy a task for a rookie.

　Yuki-Grossaria joined the 'Cain Faction' - that's what the 'Zamel Faction' thinks.
　If it weren't for that much merit, I wouldn't have undertaken the 'Elysian Search'.

''........But Yuki-sama.......seemed to be a kind person.

　When Flora heard about him, she thought he must be a fierce boy.
　He fought the C-class magician Alec-Keels willingly, obtained the "Ancient Artifacts" and was on the road to success. I thought he was a boy full of strength and desire for success.

　But that was not the case.
　Flora met Yuki-Grossaria, an ordinary, kind boy.
　He didn't get angry at the slightest bit of harassment from her, but easily dodged it.
　On the contrary, it was even Alec-Keels who was angry that the harassment was ignored.

''........Must I continue to interfere with that person?

　It was an order from his grandfather, the A-class magician Zamel.
　My grandfather seemed to be angry at Yuki-Grossaria.
　Not long ago, you said he was a talent that should be incorporated into the 'Zamel School'.

　It seems that he didn't like the fact that the 'Beast King Rider' that Yuki had obtained was in the hands of the 'Cain Faction'.

That's fine........

　Flora turned her attention to the window, which was still open.
　Outside the window is a tree. I'm good at climbing trees.
　If she jumped onto a branch with an aide-de-camp, she should be able to escape without Alec noticing her.

　When she thought about that...

Sorry for the wait, Flora. I managed to get through the morning's application for a search (tansa kushinsei). We need to get ahead of them and see what they do.

　Flora's escape plans had to be interrupted for Alec-Keels to return in a great hurry.