Chapter 44

Foa spoke of Aoi's qualities as a teacher in her own class, stating that she possessed the appropriate knowledge and skills to be a senior teacher.

"You should all try it once."

The students of the advanced department were surprised by Foa's words, as were they by Aoi, who had been spoken of so highly.

This shocking rumor quickly overshadowed and washed away the initial bad rumors.

As a result, Aoi was recognized by many, except for the students with a strong sense of nobility and those who were wary of what the other senior teachers might think.

This was the beginning of her true life as a teacher.

When Aoi heard the rumor from Eliza, she resolved to tighten her resolve once again.

---

【Mapleleaf Holy Empire】

Originally, it was a country skilled in magic, especially in healing magic, which was unmatched by any other country.

However, after the Fidic Academy was established in the Varted Kingdom, this impression was almost entirely taken away.

The six major countries funded it, and a special autonomous area was also provided. However, the special autonomous territory of Winter Valley is still in the Varted Kingdom.

While this did not decide everything, the country with many excellent magicians had a different level of influence.

Even in the Central Council, it became difficult for everyone to object to the Varted Kingdom's statements.

Feeling a sense of crisis, each country tried to create a magic academy to rival the Fidic Academy, and Mapleleaf was no exception.

However, no matter what methods they tried, they could not match the reputation of the Fidic Academy.

Even appointing court magicians as teachers could not change the image of the academy as a gathering place for students who could not enter the Fidic Academy.

While feeling frustrated by the lack of success, a regular report came from Hiram, who attended the Fidic Academy.

It stated that Foa Perno Roses, the senior teacher our country prided itself on, had been defeated by a new senior teacher as a magician.

With over twenty court magicians and a more diverse magical force than other countries, the impression of other countries would focus solely on the fact that Foa had been defeated.

"Ugh...!"

I almost tore the letter but restrained myself.

Shaking my shoulders and breathing heavily, I called for the guard.

"Alabata!"

"Hai!"

When I called his name, a tall, middle-aged man in white armor stepped forward and replied.

Without his helmet, his face, which was even more stern than an iron helmet, faced me. On his head were animal ears that seemed out of place, almost like horns.

"This letter contains quite an infuriating message."

After this preface, I conveyed the contents.

Alabata grunted with a difficult expression.

"Your Majesty's thoughts..."

Uncertain, Alabata did not express his own opinion but sought mine.

"Bring this magician, Aoi Konominato, before me."

In response, Alabata bowed his head and said quietly.

"Hai! Then, please grant me authority and accompanying subordinates."

"How many?"

"...Ten from the guard. Also, considering the opponent, I would like to request the court magician, Crown Windsor."

Hearing that name, I couldn't help but laugh.

Indeed, that magic enthusiast would follow without needing an order.

"Understood. You may act as my representative. I will provide you with a letter."

"Hai!"

He replied with a forceful voice and bowed deeply.

Well, let's see what this witch from the Fidic Academy is like.

I smiled and tore up the letter from Hiram.

---

【Eliza】

"So, then, incantations and magic arrays, when pushed to the extreme, are the same thing...!"

"That's right. However, since they are words, the nuances change. Expressing those nuances in a magic array is quite difficult. The reverse is also true."

"Phew, pheww!"

Hints kept flowing into the research I had been stuck on for years.

The research on magic arrays, which I had been exploring in the dark, was not just illuminated by a ray of light but by a flood of light.

Excited, I asked questions, and Strass frowned and tapped the edge of my glass with his.

The sound made me look over.

"...You're being too loud. Save your research questions for another time."

Saying that, Strass gnawed on a piece of meat on a skewer, looking unhappy, and took a sip of fruit wine.

Involuntarily, the sweet and savory taste of the meat spread in my mouth, and the fragrant smell made me stop moving.

"...The meat here is delicious, isn't it?"

"The ingredients are good. The seasoning is good, but the sweetness of the meat is quite something..."

As we were talking, a slender silhouette approached from the back of the shop.

It was Speyside, the teacher with lustrous blue hair from the magic academy.

"...You again."

Sighing deeply, she continued.

"Come over here. I'll show you to a private room."

"Eh?"

The sudden words made all three of us freeze. Looking up at Speyside together, we received a mysterious smile in return.

"Foa Perno Roses is also there, so it's perfect."

She said something unbelievable.

If I sat with Foa, she would undoubtedly bombard me with questions more than I would.

"No way! Today, I wanted to forget about work and foster our friendship..."

Seeing me about to refuse, Strass spoke as if he couldn't help it.

"Who are you to say... mmmph."

I stuffed a skewer of meat into Strass's mouth to stop him from saying something unnecessary. Strass looked at me in protest as he ate the meat silently, but he wasn't very intimidating.

Seeing us, Speyside sniffed.

"Aoi-sensei. It would be more meaningful to have a meal with me and Foa-sensei than with these two."

"I appreciate the offer, but I made plans with them today."

Aoi firmly declined Speyside's words.

"...Is that so? Then, please join us next time. Goodbye."

Saying this with a slight look of regret, Speyside turned her back.

But before leaving, she left a parting shot.

"This is a public place. Please be quiet."

We three bowed our heads in response.

"Sorry."

After apologizing, Speyside raised a hand and left.

Her unusually soft attitude and gestures made us exchange glances and laugh, then we toasted again.

Since Aoi's arrival, the atmosphere in the academy has dramatically changed.

Although it has only been a short time, many things seem to be moving in a positive direction.

And it's still just the beginning.

We laughed and talked about classes, students, magic, and Aoi's unconventional nature.

"That's quite a stretch."

Aoi said with a wry smile, but Strass and I didn't budge.

As we enjoyed our meal, the disgruntled Speyside reappeared, and we were scolded again.

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