第２４９掘：冒険が始まる！！ (Part2)
“Wait, you’re Eris, right? The same Eris who defeated the Principal yesterday?”
“Yes, that’s right. I’ll be joining the third-year class. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Oh, right. I mean—wait, what?! Why the third year?! Someone like you, Eris, should easily be in the tenth year!”
Amanda seemed genuinely shocked by Eris’s placement as a third-year transfer.
It was understandable. Eris had soundly defeated the academy’s strongest mage in a direct confrontation. She had even gone out of her way to match the Principal’s power level just so the spectators could follow the fight.
As for why she was starting in the third year...
“Our status as students of the Magic Academy is merely a formality,” Eris explained.
“...A formality?”
“Yes. This academy is supported by investments from major powers like Zilba, Enaria, and Lady Samantha’s home, Roday. While the Principal’s efforts are commendable, the investors cannot continue their funding without confirming that the academy is functioning as intended. No one likes to waste money, after all.”
“I... I see...”
“That sounded a bit complicated, didn't it? To put it simply, we’re here to conduct an inspection. Even if my skills are exceptional, I wouldn't be able to see how the new students are progressing in the third year if I were tucked away in the tenth, would I?”
“Ah, I get it now. Oh, wait... then that means... what happened earlier was...”
Amanda accepted Eris’s explanation, but then the realization of her own recent behavior hit her. Her face turned a shade of pale.
“I-I’m so sorry!! It wasn't Amanda’s fault!! It was mine for carelessly opening her door and seeing her while she was changing!!”
Eoid suddenly jumped in front of Amanda as if to shield her.
Well, he certainly looked the part of a hero, but the reason for the mess was as cliché as it gets—and yeah, it was his fault. Even Eris looked a bit exasperated after hearing the details.
“Are you two a married couple?”
“No! I’m not in that kind of relationship with this guy!! We’re just childhood friends!!”
“...Childhood friends,” Eoid echoed.
Even if they weren't lovers, having your childhood friend deny it that vehemently has to sting, Eoid.
“Hmm. Well, I don’t intend to meddle in your relationship, but you should resolve this before you cause trouble for others. Also, if I may speak personally, the one who peeks at a girl changing is the one in the wrong. You might get away with it because you’re childhood friends, but normally, you’d be handed over to the guards.”
“...Yes, ma’am. I’m sorry.”
“See, Eris is right! Honestly, Eoid, no matter how many times I tell you, you never learn!”
“That’s because you won’t wake up! You’re the one who told me to wake you, but you stayed asleep, so I had no choice but to go in! Your mom even gave me permission!”
“...W-Well, that... maybe that part is my fault?”
Yeah, these two are hopeless.
It’s too much of a cliché. It’s not even about who’s right or wrong anymore. Well, strictly speaking, it’s Amanda’s fault. Telling someone to wake you up, refusing to wake up, and then chasing them with a toilet mop because they saw you changing in your sleep-deprived state isn't just merciless—it’s irrational.
Still, watching them bicker, it was clear they were just flirting.
“Ugh. This is so sweet I think I’m gonna barf...”
“Me too. Oh, Lady Samantha, are you alright?”
Before I knew it, Lady Samantha had emerged from the bushes, having finished tidying her clothes.
“My apologies. I’m sorry you had to witness such an unsightly display...”
“Not at all. I could never find someone as cute as you, Lady Samantha, to be unsightly.”
“C-Cute...?”
Wait, what?