Chapter 66

"Welcome. Everyone, you may relax."

Hearing these words, I lifted my head.

In the vast hall with its stone walls and pillars that exuded a solemn atmosphere, I, Strass, and Eliza were kneeling on the red carpet laid in the center. Behind us, only Coat accompanied us as the student representative.

The hall was somewhat dim, perhaps due to the lack of natural light. Lamps were installed on the pillars and walls to compensate, but they only added to the heavy atmosphere.

In front of us was a staircase with ten steps, and at the top stood a middle-aged, thin man dressed in a golden robe. His hair was thin and lacked volume. Dark circles under his eyes and sunken cheeks gave him a somewhat meager appearance. He wore a golden crown on his head, but it seemed to fit him poorly, even as a joke.

This is what it means to be dressed by one's clothes.

While thinking this, I looked up at the emperor of the Mapleleaf Holy Empire, who was seated on a grand throne at the top of the stairs, looking down at us.

Seeing me lift my head, Aravatta, who was kneeling diagonally in front of us, cleared his throat and spoke.

"Hem. To reiterate, Your Majesty Dijio. This is Aoi Konominato, a senior teacher from Winter Valley, Fidic Academy. And these are Strass Clyde and Eliza Woodford, also teachers at the same academy. Lastly, this is Coat Hedge Butler, an excellent student from Fidic Academy. A few other students have also come, but they are waiting in another room."

After bowing once, Dijio nodded approvingly.

"Hmm. You all seem quite young. To be a teacher at Fidic Academy at your age is truly impressive. I recognize Coat, but that is fine for now."

Nodding in satisfaction, Dijio then fixed his gaze on me.

"And Aoi Konominato. You are the magician who was suddenly invited as a senior teacher, are you not? Your appearance is different from what I imagined, but I am glad you have come to our country."

In response to his words, I tilted my head slightly and replied.

"Thank you."

Dijio then chuckled, shaking his shoulders.

"Did you wonder what I imagined? No, due to the herald that you are a magician surpassing our country's top magician, Fore, it was difficult to guess your age. I imagined a mysterious woman, perhaps older than me. Please forgive me, I meant no offense."

Saying this, Dijio continued to laugh pleasantly. It was good that he seemed in a good mood, but his tone was a bit off. As I observed him, Aravatta cleared his throat again and spoke.

"Your Majesty, shall we proceed to the main topic?"

"Hmm? Oh, yes. Then, I have a request for you. You may have heard from Aravatta, but I want you to contribute to the development of magic in our country. The reward will be as much as your achievements warrant. Ah, and your treatment in this country will be at the level of a minister from another country. I will provide a ring as proof of this. Is this acceptable?"

Dijio presented the request, conditions, and treatment, and finally checked my reaction as a formality. The content was not only acceptable but likely an exceptional offer.

Dijio seemed to follow the formalities, not expecting a refusal. This was fine with me, and I even thought he might be an approachable king.

However, there was something else I wanted to confirm first.

"May I ask a moment, please?"

As I spoke, Dijio and Aravatta both turned to look at me. I could feel gazes from behind but ignored them.

"Your Majesty Dijio. I understand the request and the treatment. However, I have a request regarding the reward."

Upon hearing this, Aravatta furrowed his brow and pursed his lips. Dijio tilted his head and asked in return.

"What is it? A valuable magical tool or something?"

Shaking my head slightly, I replied.

"No, that's not it."

"Then what is it?"

He asked again, a bit impatiently. Nodding, I spoke of what I most desired.

"What I want is for all the magic of the Mapleleaf Holy Empire to be disclosed to me. Additionally, I would like a part of that magic to be made public to the entire world."

Upon hearing this, both men froze, their eyes wide open.