Chapter 84

In the end, the discussion at the magic academy ended up focusing too much on political aspects, and there was no time left for exchanging information about magic circles and magic.

Balbrea said that next time, she would definitely make time, and with that, the day came to an end at the academy.

Incidentally, the students seemed to have been thoroughly given a tour of the academy and were talking about the lecture methods and content.

The next day, Crown Windsor came to greet us this time.

It was just as we were finishing breakfast and chatting in the dining hall, which was fortunate, but he immediately suggested going to the laboratory without much of a greeting.

"Good morning. I’ve been wanting to show you my laboratory, Aoi-dono. Let’s go. What should I show you first? Should I start with the healing magic research that has made significant progress, or should I show you the magic currently under development and get your opinion?"

He was probably trying to guide us, but the excited Crown started to ask himself questions halfway through. To the troubled Crown, I told him to calm down.

"Crown, please calm down. We’ll go as soon as everyone is ready."

Crown said, "Understood," and started pacing restlessly.

I watched the fidgety Crown, thinking he looked like a child waiting to get on a ride at a theme park.

When the women returned after going back to their rooms to prepare, Crown’s face lit up.

"Alright, let’s head to the laboratory. First, I want to show Aoi-dono the water magic."

"Water magic?"

"Yes, I can’t forget the ice magic I saw before. I want the researchers to see it too."

"I see."

While having this conversation, we headed to the laboratory with Crown leading the way.

The laboratory was built to the rear of the castle, hidden away. It was a single-story building in a semicircular shape, which made it somewhat unusual compared to other buildings, which were mostly combinations of squares and triangles.

Additionally, there was always a square building attached to the semicircular building, about half its size. Crown pointed to the square building and explained.

"This building is for research on magic of each attribute, and it also stores materials used in research."

He then headed towards the main building, which, like the others, had white walls but a door made of black metal.

"This is the water magic laboratory."

Crown said this and opened the door without knocking.

The room inside was dim, and as the light from outside streamed in, the interior gradually became visible.

There was a long table in the center, and behind it stood three people, two men and one woman. They had been discussing something spread out on the table but stopped and looked at us in surprise when the door was suddenly opened.

The back wall was lined with books, all of which were likely magic books.

This was going to be quite interesting.

As I was thinking this, Crown entered first and addressed the people inside.

"Good morning. I’ve brought Aoi-dono, a senior faculty member from Fidic Academy. Show me the magic you’re currently researching. I want to hear your opinions."

"K-Krown Windsor!? W-What are you doing, just barging in like this!?"

"A senior faculty member from Fidic Academy!? There’s no way we can show you!"

The two men frowned and shouted at Crown, who had appeared out of nowhere with such an unexpected request.

Not only was the introduction abrupt, but the demand was also unreasonable. Perhaps Crown had said he would be busy in the laboratory all day but hadn’t informed anyone.

I lightly tapped Crown on the back, who had instantly created a hostile atmosphere.

"Excuse me."

I stood next to Crown and looked at the three people behind the table. They all looked at me suspiciously.

"I’m from Fidic Academy. My name is Aoi Konominato. These are also faculty members and students. We have received permission from His Majesty to visit this laboratory today."

After explaining that we had proper permission, I bowed, and the three of them hesitated, looking at each other.

"From His Majesty?"

"I heard about it, but I didn’t know it was this laboratory..."

After whispering to each other, they turned back to us and nodded slightly, as if gauging the situation.

"...Aoi-san, right? I’m a bit worried about Crown being here, but since we have His Majesty’s permission, I have nothing to say. Please, feel free to tour the magic laboratory."

The woman in the center finally gave us permission, and it seemed the matter was settled.

Indeed, if you explain things carefully and politely, people will understand.

With this thought in mind, I nodded and spoke.

"Thank you. Then, could you please tell us about Mapleleaf’s unique water magic?"

Upon hearing this, the three of them froze, their faces contorting.

Then, they looked at each other and started whispering.

"...Hey, isn’t this just like Crown?"

"Is the permission from His Majesty really valid?"

"That’s what I heard..."