Chapter 73

In the magical city of Arsvell, six academies were evenly arranged in a circle.

At the exact center stood a grand tower-like building, which served as the city hall managing the city's operations.

In the conference room on the top floor of the tower, six magicians gathered around a round table.

All of them were of the highest rank.

"It seems everyone has gathered!"

The one who confirmed this with a loud voice was the head of the Red Academy, the "Sorcerer King" Redra Ackerman. A burly man who didn't look like a magician, he was forty-two years old and a user of red magic. Known for his bold and straightforward personality, he was beloved by his subordinates but was also the most belligerent among the six.

"There's no need to state the obvious; anyone can see that."

With a slight frown at Redra's voice, the head of the Blue Academy, the "Sorceress Queen" Bluna Aoline, coldly replied. Described as strict or neurotic, she was forty years old and a user of blue magic. Her personality and magic were incompatible with Redra's, and they were known to be at odds.

"This is an important meeting to decide the future of the city. Both of you, don't be so tense."

Intervening between the two who were glaring at each other was the head of the Green Academy, the "Sorcerer King" Grin Ermidori. A middle-aged man with a beard that lent him an air of authority, he was fifty-one years old. As a user of green magic, he was the most sensible among the six heads of the academies and often had to mediate to keep them in line.

"Hehehe, it's just right for the young to be a bit hot-blooded, isn't it?"

Laughing heartily was the head of the Yellow Academy, the "Sorcerer King" Yellowa Kiressi. A short, white-haired old man, he was the oldest among them at eighty-five. Despite his jovial demeanor as a user of yellow magic, he had ruled the city for many years and was a cunning and shrewd individual.

"Well, then, Mr. Yellowa, you should also consider your age a bit more, shouldn't you? Do you think I don't know about your attempts to seduce our students?"

The one who called Yellowa out was the head of the White Academy, the "Holy Maiden" White Alciron. A beautiful blonde, her charming smile was said to have healing powers. At thirty-four, she was the youngest among them. As a user of white magic, she could even repair physical defects, and patients from all over the world came to her.

"…hurry… start… the… meeting… my… research… is… falling… behind…"

A mumbled voice was heard.

The speaker was the head of the Black Academy, the "Dark King" Brag Lackro. Standing nearly two meters tall with a wiry build, his face was hidden by his long, black hair, making his appearance indiscernible. His age was unknown.

He was the foremost user of black magic but was also extremely introverted.

"Then, let's begin immediately."

Declaring the start of the meeting was a middle-aged man with a pleasant smile.

His name was Noel.

The only one among them who was not a head of an academy, he was the mayor responsible for the overall operation of the magical city.

He was here to facilitate the meeting and mediate between the heads of the academies, who often had conflicting opinions.

It was likely that only he could remain unfazed in the presence of the gathered top magicians.

"First, let's discuss the allocation of funds."

As soon as he mentioned this, the atmosphere in the room changed.

With the end of the fiscal year approaching, it was expected that the meeting would discuss the allocation of funds to each academy, as it did every year.

The tense atmosphere before the meeting was even more pronounced because of this.

Currently, more than half of the city's tax revenue was allocated to the academies.

Since the city's existence depended on the magic academies, it was natural for them to receive preferential treatment, but the issue was the distribution ratio for each academy.

The six academies did not receive the same amount.

Due to differences in the number of faculty and students and their contributions to the city, disparities were inevitable.

Naturally, each head of an academy tried to secure as much funding as possible.

To achieve this, they often exaggerated their academy's achievements and criticized other academies, which had become a tradition in the meetings.

"Actually, we have an incredible new student this year!"

Redra, speaking loudly and happily, was responded to by Noel.

"Such a student that even Lord Redra speaks of. Indeed, I am very much looking forward to it."

"Yeah! He might even be the one to succeed me as the head of the academy!"

At this, Bluna interjected.

"Have I heard this five times before? And unfortunately, I haven't heard anything about the achievements of those individuals."

"What did you say?"

Redra's voice grew harsh, but Bluna ignored him and continued.

"Actually, we have a genuine future candidate for the head of the academy this year."

"Hmm. At the Blue Academy? That's quite promising."

At this point, Grin spoke up.

"Yes. In fact, we have a student with a very promising future at my academy."

"At the Green Academy?"

Grin's confident statement was rare, and Noel looked surprised for the first time.

Then,

"Hehehe, actually, we have one at my place too."

"Oh, how unusual. My academy also has one."

Yellowa and White joined in with similar claims.

"That is indeed… quite unusual."

Noel tilted his head at the seemingly coordinated claims of the heads of the academies.

---

"Ahchoo!"

For some reason, I suddenly sneezed.

Is someone talking about me?