Chapter 9

"――Please wait a moment."

The moment the decision was made, someone objected.

Everyone turned their gaze to the source of the voice.

Who is trying to overturn what we finally decided after so much discussion! Such hostile eyes—

The moment they saw the speaker, they were shaken with confusion.

It was the court magician, Carlisle. He had attended the meeting as an auditor for the examination. Many of the teachers had almost forgotten about his presence because he had been silent the entire time...

The greatest genius magician of the current era, favored by the king.

His words cannot be easily ignored.

"What is it, Sir Carlisle?"

The teacher in charge of summarizing responded with a stiff voice.

"Don't be so tense. I just want to have a word with you."

Carlisle tapped a piece of paper with his fingers.

The paper that read 'Examinee Number 389, Albert'—

"Can you explain why he was rejected?"

Carlisle picked up Albert's paper and read the evaluation written on it.

"Albert. Age 26.

First practical exam. Power, range, and precision all rated as Special A. However, it is reported that the power to easily destroy two targets is not typical of a regular Magic Arrow, suggesting some form of cheating.

Second practical exam. Dispel successful. Remaining time: 0 seconds.

Written exam: 68 points. ...From what I hear, it doesn't seem to be an outstanding score, but it appears to just barely exceed the passing line."

Carlisle continued.

"Both the practical and written exams seem to have been barely passed. Why was he rejected?"

"There is a limit to the number of students. While he is indeed on the borderline, considering the quota, other students should be given priority."

"Why is that?"

"Because of his age. Younger students tend to progress more in their studies. Moreover, compared to other examinees, he has a ten-year advantage. If that's the case, we need him to show overwhelming results."

"I see. That makes sense."

"Do you understand now?"

"However, I cannot accept that as an auditor."

Carlisle said firmly.

"The kingdom proclaims that 'everyone has the right to learn.' I do not approve of discrimination based on age."

The summarizing teacher groaned.

Other teachers tried to help.

"No, no, Sir Carlisle. This is not age discrimination. Simply put, his performance is not impressive. The second practical exam was completed at the last second, and his written exam was mediocre. The first practical exam also has some doubts. There is no way to save him."

"I see, a rather strong counterargument."

Carlisle laughed.

"Then, let me put it this way."

With a bang, Carlisle slammed Albert's paper on the round table.

"Let him pass. No reason needed."

The atmosphere in the meeting room became tense.

The true meaning of Carlisle's words was this: no more discussion. Follow my words.

The summarizing teacher raised his voice.

"Please! That is beyond the authority of an auditor! Are you planning to ignore the independence of the academy!?"

"I am no longer speaking as an auditor."

"Huh?"

Carlisle smiled and continued.

"I am ordering you as Carlisle, the court magician, who has higher authority than you. Let him enroll."

All the teachers in the meeting room were speechless.

Carlisle thought it was understandable. He had exercised his power, a power that threatened to crush anyone who opposed him.

"Is it such a big deal? Just one more student. You talk about quotas, but there should be room for that."

"Well, that's true, but..."

The summarizing teacher responded with a cracked voice.

"Why are you so fixated on this examinee, Sir Carlisle?"

"Because I see potential in him."

Carlisle said it briefly but with a strength that did not allow further questions.

"Please let him enroll. If you oppose, be prepared for the consequences. I will take my leave now."

After saying this unilaterally, Carlisle left the meeting room.

Back in his office at the royal castle, while sorting through documents, the magic academy teacher Philbus visited him.

Philbus, a man with a short beard as his trademark, was Carlisle's college classmate and a very close friend.

Not just a close friend—

He was also one of Carlisle's loyal subordinates.

"You're as ruthless as ever, Carlisle. The teachers were furious after you left."

Carlisle paused his work and responded.

"Hahaha, I have no intention of wasting time on pointless arguments. I have already made my decision. Once decided, I expect compliance. I will use authority and a high-handed attitude if necessary."

Carlisle tilted his head.

"So, will they comply?"

"Given what you said, no one can oppose you."

"Good to know they understand."

"By the way—why are you so fixated on that examinee? You will tell me, right?"