Chapter 5

While walking down the well-maintained stone-paved road, the shops lining the street lifted my spirits.

Winter Valley, a major trading city and a special autonomous territory of the Varded Kingdom, is home to the finest magic academy, and is under the protection of the six great nations.

The fear of being drawn into war is minimal, and since many of the students are nobles from the royal families centered around the six great nations, it is a wealthy city economically.

Merchants from various countries bring their goods to Winter Valley, which has only increased the city's opulence.

As a popular tourist destination, this main street is particularly vibrant. The smell and sound of grilled meat on skewers, fried dishes, and drinks made from squeezed fruits, along with stalls selling precious spider silk clothing and precious metals, and even weapon, shield, and armor stalls, line the street.

Not only the number of shops and the variety of goods, but the people strolling about are also diverse, making it undoubtedly the most bustling city I have ever seen.

I recall that at the entrance of the city, there were shops dealing in slaves, carts, and trained magical beasts.

I've also heard that there are underground casinos on the backstreets, and there are likely many mafia-like figures as well.

"Everything has its two sides, I suppose."

Muttering to myself and nodding, I continued down the street when my eyes suddenly caught a side alley.

Compared to the main street, it was dirty and dim. At the end of the alley, something seemed to be lying on the ground.

It looked like a pile of rags...

Squinting, I quickly realized.

No, that's not right. It's not something that fell. Someone has collapsed.

I rushed over and prepared a healing spell.

"Are you okay? Are you conscious...?"

As I called out and reached out, the woman, wrapped in rags, spread her arms. In each hand, she held a curved sword.

"Don't move."

With a low voice for a woman, the tip of a blade was pointed at my neck.

From what I could see, she didn't seem skilled enough or equipped to hurt me, but I stayed still and asked.

"Are you a noble? I just arrived in this city, so I don't remember offending anyone."

In response, a mocking laugh echoed.

"Still don't get it? There are no injured or sick people here. The only one here is a fool who's been tricked."

The woman laughed, her face twisted, and two men appeared from the depths of the alley.

"Wow, what a catch."

"A gift from the gods for our hard work, huh?"

With a lecherous grin, the two men approached and examined my face.

"...I don't have much money, though."

In response, the three of them burst into laughter, and the two men each took something out.

A chain and something that looked like an iron ring.

"Are you an idiot, country bumpkin? Selling you will turn into gold coins."

"Maybe even two gold coins?"

Laughing, the men approached. I sighed and opened my mouth to counterattack.

At that moment, a strong wind blew.

The wind, which blew with a sound, seemed to freeze everyone in place.

It must be a wind mage's binding wind, and from the looks of it, it's quite precise.

Normally, one could move their hands, fingers, or neck, but it seems they can't move a muscle.

"...Are you okay?"

A low male voice was heard.

While the two men, unable to move, were breaking out in cold sweat, a tall man appeared, walking slowly.

Even in the dim alley, his shining silver hair caught my eye. He wore a black mage's outfit that was a mix of a suit and a robe. The college emblem on his chest and right shoulder, embroidered in gold thread, indicated that he was a faculty member, not a student.

"Fine. Thank you for helping me."

In response, I pinched the blade at my neck with my fingers and pushed it away.

Glancing at the woman, who was on the verge of tears from fear, I brushed off my knees and stood up.

Looking up, I saw the man's face, furrowed in confusion, but with a well-defined appearance. His eyes were too sharp, and combined with his black attire, he had a hitman-like aura.

He must be in his early thirties.

As I thought this, the man tilted his head slightly and spoke, making a surprisingly cute gesture.

"...Did you weaken my magic? Are you a mage?"

"Yes. I was trying to go to Fidic Academy today, but I was turned away at the gate by someone with blue hair."

"Blue hair... Speyside, huh. He's... well, let's get you registered. Follow me."

The man, seemingly satisfied, turned around.

"Wait, just a moment."

Unable to help it, I called out to his back, and he turned his profile toward me.

"Hmm... Ah, these guys. I'll inform the guards. They'll stay like this until then."

"No, I mean... I haven't gotten your name yet. I'm Aoi Konominato. What's yours?"

When I asked, the man raised an eyebrow and turned around.

"...I see. I'm Strath Clyde. I teach wind magic at the middle school. The campus is large, so we might not meet often, but feel free to ask for help if you need anything."

Saying this gruffly, Strath started walking again.

He may be clumsy, but he seems kind on the inside.

Smiling as I watched his silver hair sway, I silently followed.

When we returned to the academy, I was led inside the gate. Beyond the thick walls and gate, the massive castle and spires loomed large, filling my field of vision.

"Wow..."

I couldn't help but exclaim. Majestic and opulent, it was a truly breathtaking scene. The light from the gaps in the clouds illuminated the academy.

As I admired the view, a voice called out from behind me.

"...Aren't you going to register?"

Turning around, I saw Strath standing in front of a building that looked like a house on the other side of the gate, with a small old man beside him.

Approaching the old man, I straightened my posture and spoke.

"I've been asked to work as a faculty member here. My name is Aoi Konominato. Can I meet Chancellor Glen?"

"Ah, a young lady. Are you sure you're not a student?"

"I'm already twenty years old."

Upon hearing this, Strath turned to me with a shocked expression.

"...I'm twenty years old."

Being mistaken for my age is a common occurrence. Sighing, I replied, and Strath's surprised expression didn't change as he spoke.

"W... You're only four years younger than me? You don't look the same age as my sister..."

"Huh? Twenty-four? Strath is?"

I was also surprised by Strath's statement. I had thought he was around thirty, so it was quite awkward.

We stared at each other in silence with wide eyes until the old man nodded and laughed.

"I understand the reason. In fact, I just received a message from Chancellor Glen. Mr. Strath, could you please escort her to the chancellor's office?"

At the old man's words, Strath and I nodded in unison.