Chapter 74

"If that's the case, we can certainly look forward to the next 'Magical Deity Festival,' can't we?"

At Noel's words, the deans nodded confidently.

The Magical Deity Festival is a biennial event held to honor the Magical Deity, who is considered a legendary [Super-Class Profession]. It takes place at the end of the academic year, and this year happens to be the year of the festival, with preparations already underway throughout the city.

The "Six Academy Magic Competition," jointly hosted by the six academies, is one of the main attractions. Faculty and students from each academy participate, competing with their magic.

Indeed, the amount of the next year's grant, which is currently being discussed, is often adjusted based on the results of this competition. Therefore, every academy goes all out to win, which contributes to the excitement of the event.

"The current distribution rate for next year's grant, as we have considered, is as follows."

As she spoke, Noel distributed the documents to the deans.

The basic process is to use this as a starting point for discussion and reach a final decision. However, for this year, when the magic competition is held, it is usually a provisional decision at this meeting, with the final decision pending the results of the competition.

After reviewing the documents distributed by Noel, the deans did not raise any objections, which was unusual. This was partly because they were confident in the magic competition, but more importantly, the distribution rate for each academy was significantly higher than in previous years.

However, there was one person who, upon seeing the document, trembled with anger.

The dean of the Black Academy, Brag Racro, was the only one whose grant was drastically reduced.

"Wh-What is this...? W-Why is it... more than 40%... r-reduced from last year...?"

Brag glared at Noel, his eyes visible through his unkempt bangs, with a look that seemed ready to curse her to death.

Noel, slightly intimidated, replied firmly.

"Rather, the amount has been too high in the past. The Black Academy, in terms of faculty, student numbers, and contributions to the city, does not even reach one-tenth of the other academies. Yet, it has been receiving too much grant money. The other academies have consistently expressed the opinion that it should be reduced even further."

The five deans other than Brag nodded in agreement.

"Therefore, we have decided to adjust the amount for next year to a more appropriate level."

"B-But that's ridiculous... With this amount... it's impossible to conduct proper research..."

Brag's voice and body trembled as he protested. Redla snorted in response.

"Hey, has your place ever done any proper research? All you do is crazy, messed-up magic, don't you?"

"B-Black magic... d-don't insult it...!"

Brag's voice cracked as he shouted in anger.

"Black magic is indeed a dangerous magic, banned in some countries. Perhaps it's time for this city to reconsider its stance."

White said. As a user of white magic, she had a deep aversion to black magic.

"Y-You mean... b-ban black magic...!?"

"Yes, that's what it means. Of course, it's just a suggestion for now. ...For the time being."

To break the tense atmosphere, Noel cleared her throat loudly.

"Ah, we don't plan to discuss such matters today."

"Oh, that's right. I apologize for bringing it up unnecessarily."

"Shall we proceed with the provisional plan I just presented? Of course, the final decision will depend on the results of the magic competition."

"‘No objections’"

Everyone nodded, but Brag, of course, glared at Noel, clearly dissatisfied.

"No, no, Dean Brag. As I said, there's still the magic competition. Depending on the Black Academy's performance, it's entirely possible to receive the usual amount."

Noel said this, but the deans were all certain that there was no chance of that happening.

After all, the Black Academy had been shrinking in size year by year. Brag had taken no measures to address this, and he lacked the skill to implement any reforms at this point.

Eventually, the meeting ended, and everyone hurried back to their respective academies.

Brag, in a daze, also returned to the Black Academy. However, his initially unsteady steps gradually quickened.

"Mutter, mutter, mutter..."

He seemed to be thinking about something, muttering in a creepy voice as he walked. Passersby turned to look at him in shock, but he didn't seem to notice.

By the time he returned to the academy, which resembled a collection of ruins, he was almost running. He stumbled into someone along the way but ignored it and headed straight to his laboratory.

"Hmm? This academy still has a lot of strange people."

"...You're one to talk."

"Did you say something, Mathieu?"

"Nothing, Master."

Upon reaching his laboratory, his eyes, instead of showing despair, glowed with a dangerous madness.

"Hehehe, hehehehe... hahaha! Cough, cough, cough..."

He choked on his unfamiliar laughter.

"...This will work. I'll show you the power of the black magic you've insulted..."

His eyes were filled with a dangerous light, and he seemed to be on the verge of madness.