Chapter 61

The next day, when I was called to the principal's office again, Arabatha and Crown were already waiting there.

They seemed to be talking about something, but as I entered, they both fell silent and turned to look at me.

Arabatha clearly looked in a good mood, while Crown, in contrast, had a dissatisfied expression. For some reason, Glen also had a similar atmosphere.

"Good morning."

As I greeted them, the three of them responded in turn. While replying, I noticed Glen looking at me with a somewhat complicated expression.

Tilting my head, Glen opened his mouth with a troubled look.

"...What do you think of the magic of the Maple Leaf Holy Empire?"

"Maple Leaf's magic, you say? I can't really comment on it in detail yet, but I am interested."

As I answered, Arabatha smiled.

"Interested, huh! Great! Come on, Lord Glen! Next question!"

For some reason, Arabatha's mood lifted with my answer. On the other hand, Crown's face clearly showed more dissatisfaction.

Before I arrived, the three of them must have had some kind of discussion, but I didn't know the details. However, it seemed that my answer was definitely in a good direction for Arabatha.

As I was thinking this, Glen frowned and sighed.

"...By the way, what do you think if I said you could go to Maple Leaf for about a month to visit the research lab and the academy? I already know your answer, though."

"I want to go. I would like to see with my own eyes how far the magic research has progressed in other countries."

As I answered, Arabatha made a fist pump while Glen and Crown both sighed.

"Of course... I thought you would say that. It hurts to lose you now, Aoi. What should we do?"

Glen pouted like a child. Crown, on the other hand, dropped his shoulders and looked at me resentfully.

"...If I could stay at this academy for a long time, I could see the magic of other countries with my own eyes..."

Hearing Crown mutter this, I nodded in understanding. It seemed that Crown had wanted to prolong my recruitment to stay at this academy and do some magic research. Indeed, with various magicians from different countries conducting research at the academy, it would be easier to study the magic of other countries if I stayed here. He must be disappointed that his plan didn't work out.

On the other hand, Arabatha must be happy because his goal of taking me to Maple Leaf has been achieved.

"Then, I will take full responsibility for preparing the journey to the Maple Leaf Holy Empire. Lord Glen, please rest assured. Aoi's stay will be one month. I will arrange the itinerary to be one month each way to avoid any burden. All the inns along the way will be the best available..."

As Arabatha happily continued, Glen raised his hand with a frown. Everyone's movements paused for a moment at Glen's sudden gesture, but Arabatha quickly spoke up.

"...What is it, Lord Glen?"

Confused, Arabatha asked, and Glen looked at me with a wry smile.

"Sorry, but the decision to go to Maple Leaf is up to Aoi. I don't have the authority to decide."

"W-What!? Who would believe such nonsense!? Lord Glen is a high-ranking noble of the Verdade Kingdom and the principal of this academy. No matter how skilled a magician, if Lord Glen orders..."

"It's impossible."

Interrupting Arabatha's general statement, Glen firmly said no. Crown also raised his head and scratched his head, looking at the two of them. After meeting their gazes, Glen smiled and answered.

"After all, Aoi is only here as a teacher at my request. If he gets tired of it, it wouldn't be strange for him to leave the academy. The Verdade Kingdom would also be troubled if a magician of Aoi's caliber were to go to another country. So, ultimately, it's up to Aoi."

Hearing this, both of their eyes turned to me. I hesitated for a moment but quickly opened my mouth, as my answer was already decided.

"...For the sake of my own magic research, I want to see the unique magic of Maple Leaf. Also, if possible, I would like to take a few students with me."

"Take students?"

Nodding in response, I continued.

"If we can visit the Maple Leaf academy, I would like to observe their teaching methods. I also want the students to share their insights from a student's perspective. As a teacher, I can observe the educational environment of Maple Leaf, and the students can identify the good and bad points of the academy, which can help improve the systems and policies of both academies."

As I answered, Glen pinched his chin and hummed.

"Hmm, I see. Since each country keeps their secrets, there is little exchange between academies. This would give our academy a reason to send Aoi."

Seeing Glen nod in agreement, I turned to Arabatha.

"That's why I want to take a few people with me to Maple Leaf. Also, to shorten the travel time, we would like to take a different route to Maple Leaf."

"...Even if you say a different route, the one we take should be the shortest..."

Arabatha gave an ambiguous answer, unable to hide his confusion. However, Crown raised his head and looked at me with interest.

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