第５１５堀：学府の今後の運営計画と渡りに船 (Part1)
### Chapter 515: Future Operational Plans for the Academy and a Convenient Opportunity
**Side: Popuri Lancer, Principal of Lancer Magic Academy**
Today, just like any other day, I’m clearing through paperwork in the principal’s office. I glance out the window to see clear, blue skies.
All is well in the world.
It is peaceful.
Even today, the students at Lancer Magic Academy are diligently attending classes to master the art of magic.
"I honestly didn't know what would happen at first. But well, I suppose that’s just what one would expect from Yuki-dono, isn't it?"
"Indeed. We were even considering organizing our own troops to intervene. It’s a relief he’s safe. After all, there is no one who could replace him."
"I’m sure he’d hate being talked about in such a position, though."
"We must prevent the supply of cake from stopping at all costs."
"You’re right, Lara."
" "Fufu." "
We share a lighthearted joke and bring the cake on our plates to our mouths.
I’m truly glad it was just a joke.
I never imagined that Yuki-dono and his companions would be kidnapped via summoning.
When I heard about it from my master, I knew that if things went poorly, it could have sparked a full-scale war between the Rogari and If continents.
Yuki-dono is now an incredibly important figure on both continents.
If he were to go missing, mutual distrust would skyrocket.
It wouldn't just be a matter of intercontinental exchange anymore.
When we heard the news from our master, there was even talk of us joining the rescue team.
He is a benefactor to us, after all.
Saving him is only natural.
He solved the deep-seated issues involving our master, the Holy Sword Users, and the gods themselves. On top of that, he protected our students and even took some of them as his wives.
Though they are technically affiliated with August and Roday, it was practically the Lancer Magic Academy that pushed them onto him.
Well, Cleena is one thing, but I had actually intended to use Samantha.
No, I *did* use her, and I received a painful kickback for it.
Currently, both of them are happily doting on Yuki-dono, so I suppose all’s well that ends well.
"Come to think of it, Cleena and Samantha seem to be doing well, but how is the education of Eoid and Amanda coming along?"
Now that I mention it, I’ve been so busy helping Weed on the Rogari continent that I’d left that matter entirely to Lara and completely forgotten about it.
In the first place, those two are only here to serve as the faces of Lancer Magic Academy and as camouflage for Yuki-dono’s group.
Still, they are legendary Dragon Knights—or was it Dragon Riders? I can’t quite recall.
Even calling them "legendary" is a stretch; in terms of Weed’s military strength, they’re barely middle-of-the-pack.
Fufu... it’s a disparity that makes you want to ask, "What even is a legend?"
"Eoid-san and Amanda-san are being instructed by Difes-sama, Claudia-sama, and Sia-sama."
"...Excuse me? The Holy Sword Users? Why them?"
"Difes-sama is capable of military command, and her personal swordsmanship and martial arts are superb. Claudia-sama is of the Hunter tribe, like myself, so she is perfect for magic instruction. Sia-sama is skilled in recovery magic, so there is no issue even if she pushes the two of them a bit hard during training."
"Lara, you understand, don't you? Never mind the reasons—weren't they supposed to be busy with their own affairs?"
I recall they were supposed to be working with Noble and Hifie to handle various national issues, as well as gathering intelligence on bandits and criminal organizations.
"It might sound overwhelming when put that way, but essentially, it’s just a summary of the surveillance using the dungeon functions that Yuki-san installed. Even with one person stationed in each of the six countries, four are left over. And if the Holy Sword Users were to move openly, it would inevitably cause a stir."
"Ah, I see. So, the Holy Sword Users only cause trouble if they step out. Their main job is surveillance via the dungeon functions?"
"Yes. Though, the surveillance and intelligence gathering are primarily handled by members dispatched from Yuki-san’s place. They are the newcomers, after all."
Right. To me, they are battle-hardened veterans who have walked through history alongside me, but to Yuki-dono’s group, they are newcomers with whom they have a short history.
I wouldn't know the first thing about using dungeon functions for surveillance, either.
Intelligence gathering is fundamentally a numbers game, and we can’t exactly use the fame of the Holy Sword Users, so they don't have many opportunities to shine.
"...I see. So when you asked, they were happy to help?"
"No, not exactly."
"Yes? What do you mean?"
"The other Holy Sword Users, aside from those currently training them, basically prefer to relax in Weed and refused to take on the training. I wanted to ask Kishua-sama, who is skilled in fire magic, to instruct Amanda-san, but she refused. I also asked Alfin-sama for instruction as a Monster Tamer, but..."
"Well, Alfin would be impossible. But even Kishua refused?"
She used to love combat, didn't she?
"She said it’s more fun to be an adventurer in Weed."
"Ah, I see."
That makes sense.
It’s definitely more fun than gathering intelligence over here.
"The others also complained about things like wanting to eat cake or the lack of hot springs... I find myself wanting to ask, 'Are you really the legendary Holy Sword Users?'"
"It just goes to show that they are human, too. Or perhaps it’s the backlash of having their shackles removed. 'Freedom' was something far removed from their lives until now."
"...That is certainly true."
"Yuki-dono isn't complaining, so let’s let them take it easy for now."
"Speaking of complaints, Alfin-sama serves sweets without limit, so we’ve received a complaint—or perhaps a word of caution—from Steve-dono."
"Impossible. Steve-dono will just have to be the sacrifice."
"Indeed. Even for us, that was quite tough."
Alfin has been influenced by Weed’s culture and often mass-produces sweets, relying on those around her to consume them. Or rather, she uses them as taste-testers.
Of course, she has no malice, so we can’t scold her too harshly.
We all try our best to finish them.
Cakes are one thing, but what are we supposed to do with a mountain of cookies?
"It seems like she might end up being disliked by her love interest, Steve-dono, instead."
"He’s not the type to like or dislike someone over something like that. He’s a good man."
*“Excuse me, Popuri-san, Lara-san, I have a bit of a consultation regarding Alfin...”*
*“Hey, Steve. I tried making this.”*
*“Wait...”*
*Static...*
" "..." "
I thought I heard Steve-dono scream for a split second, but it must have been my imagination.
"...And that is the reason why they are currently undergoing training."
"I see. How is their progress?"
"They are head and shoulders above the rest of the academy."
"Within the academy... yes."
"Yes. They could never hope to reach the level of Weed’s main force."
"I’m not aiming that high. With intercontinental exchange starting in a big way soon, I was hoping they’d at least be on par with the generals of each country, but is that too difficult?"
"That is indeed difficult. They lack actual combat experience, and this is, after all, an academy—a place of learning."
Even if they have combat ability, they lack experience with people and high-level negotiation skills, so it can't be helped.
This academy is merely a place for talented young people to learn magic.
Afterward, they scatter to various countries to become officers or find employment.
"I understand that, but once intercontinental exchange begins, they will be compared to the mages of the Rogari continent."
"...That is true."
"In that case, the standing of Lancer Magic Academy could be in jeopardy. The level of magic they use is simply different."
"Are you saying mages from the Rogari continent will flow in at a lower cost?"