Chapter 7

After giving a brief lecture on original magic and promising to teach practical aspects later, I was finally released.

Guren, with a satisfied look, declared that I would be treated as a senior faculty member and immediately instructed Strass to show me to the faculty dormitory.

Senior faculty members include those in charge of grades or subjects, and they enjoy privileges such as priority use of facilities and personal laboratories within the academy. They also receive better accommodations and higher salaries.

In the past, only court magicians from other countries or renowned authors of magic books were immediately appointed as senior faculty members upon hiring.

Although I thought special treatment might cause some trouble, the privileges included a special library and a personal laboratory, which made me nod in agreement.

Before I knew it, we had arrived at our destination.

Strass stopped in front of the entrance of a medium-sized tower, turned back, and pointed to the tower behind him.

"…This is it. This building is for female faculty members. The first to third floors are for general faculty members, and the fourth floor and above are for senior faculty members. For more details, ask the dormitory head."

After saying that, Strass tried to leave, but I frowned and called out to him.

"Wait a moment. I would like to meet the dormitory head if possible."

Upon hearing this, Strass made a displeased face.

"…Men are not allowed in the women's dormitory or the female faculty dormitory. Even if you shout, the dormitory head won't come out…"

Just as Strass said this, a small woman appeared from inside the tower.

She had green hair tied in a braid, a youthful face, and large glasses that looked cute. Her ears were pointed, but she was a dwarf, not an elf. She wore traditional clothing in red and white, which was not commonly seen here but resembled the traditional dress of Switzerland on Earth.

She looked about fifteen years old, but dwarves are generally small and youthful-looking, so she was probably older than she appeared.

"Ah, Strass! What are you doing here!?"

The dwarf woman came over to Strass, shouting loudly. Strass ignored her and turned to me.

"…Good timing. This is Eliza Woodford. She's an earth magician. Despite her appearance, she teaches intermediate and advanced magic. For more details, ask her."

"Me!? You mean me!?"

Eliza protested against Strass's words. However, Strass sighed and shook his head.

"She's noisy, but she's not a bad person. Really noisy, but she means no harm. You might want to cover your ears, but it's fine to ask her."

Eliza, a small woman, jumped up and complained about Strass's comments.

"Noisy!? I think you're treating me badly! I demand better treatment! Besides, it's because Strass is so quiet that my voice seems loud! In the dwarf kingdom, I was known as a graceful lady!"

"…I never want to go to the dwarf kingdom…"

"What!?"

The two of them started arguing, ignoring me. It was lively and a bit amusing, but the conversation wasn't progressing.

I cleared my throat and turned to Eliza.

"Excuse me. I'm Aoi Konominato, and I'll be staying here from today. I would like to meet the dormitory head."

Hearing this, Eliza waved her hands frantically.

"O-Oh! I'm sorry! I didn't expect you to be a faculty member…! You're so young??"

I almost said, "I don't want to be called young by a noble lady," but I maintained my composure and tilted my head.

Eliza then lost her earlier enthusiasm and smiled sheepishly.

"A-Hehe… I'm Eliza Woodford of the dwarf race. You're a human, right? Nice to meet you. I'll show you to the dormitory head's room. Please, this way."

Eliza bowed repeatedly and started to guide me. Strass sighed deeply and raised his hand.

"…See you later."

"Ah, yes. Thank you."

We said our goodbyes, and I watched Strass, who suddenly looked exhausted, leave. Then, Eliza came to my side, looking very interested.

"Um, are you perhaps a member of the royal family?"

"No, I'm not. Why do you ask?"

When I asked, Eliza looked surprised and explained.

"When a duke's family member became a faculty member, there were rumors about the hiring process beforehand. Also, they usually stay at a regular accommodation before and after the hiring process… So, maybe you have an impressive background?"

"I don't have any particular background. I just devoted myself to training as a magician."

"Really? This dormitory only has one room available on the general floor, next to mine. So, you can teach intermediate or advanced magic, right? What kind of magic do you teach?"

"Water."

"Wow, that's a popular one! Water and fire are the most popular among students! That's great. Earth is a bit dull…"

With Eliza, the talkative dwarf, leading the way, I finally entered the dormitory.

"I'm the dormitory head, Glenora Novascotia. The dean just informed me. You're Aoi Konominato, right?"

"Y-Yes… I'm Aoi Konominato."

Intimidated by her presence, I answered hesitantly. The tall woman with brown hair frowned as she looked down at me. She was around forty years old, slightly plump, but her imposing presence made me feel like she was all muscle.

She looked like a professional female wrestler. Glenora scrutinized me from head to toe with a sharp gaze.

"…I see. I'll show you to the last available senior faculty room in our dormitory. Follow me."

"Understood."

Just as I responded, a high-pitched voice came from the side.

"S-Senior!? Aoi, you're a senior faculty member!? On your first day!?"

Eliza screamed, and Glenora silently approached her, landing a punch on her head.

A dull thud echoed, and Eliza was knocked to the ground.

"Be quiet."

"…Y-Yes… I'm sorry…"

Eliza responded in a meek voice while lying face down on the ground. Ignoring her, Glenora walked into the tower.

I hurried after her and felt Eliza staggering to her feet behind me.

I must never go against that dormitory head.

I secretly resolved this.