第５８０堀：次なる舞台へ (Part2)
"That’s why we’re using Kagura as a buffer. Well, I’ll make sure to follow up so she doesn’t collapse under the pressure, but there’s definitely another intention behind valuing her."
"Another intention?"
"Right. It’s about the depletion of magical power. We got caught up in conflicts between nations on the New Continent, but that isn't our main objective. Even chasing that group of monster-users called the 'Assembly of Wisdom' ultimately leads back to the same thing."
Exactly.
In the end, our primary goal is to uncover the cause of the magical power depletion.
What happened 500 years ago? There are many places that need investigation—the Princess Sacrifice Incident in the Findarl Empire, the Assembly of Wisdom in Haiden, the clandestine activities of the Haire Church, and so on—but there are areas that require priority.
"Magical depletion, huh? But how does that relate to Kagura... oh, I see."
Seraria seemed to realize it, her expression shifting to one of understanding.
"You mean we should investigate the Magic Academy in Haiden before tackling something that would take such troublesome amounts of time?"
"Exactly. Kagura is a student there, and she holds the status of a Duke’s daughter. She’s likely in a higher position than most of the teachers. She could gather information from students of other nations attending the academy, and she’d be more than happy to help raise her own standing. Since it’s an academy, they should have a decent collection of books and connections to research."
"So it’s perfect for us, then?"
I nodded in response.
Kagura’s status as a student is convenient for us.
It wouldn't be strange for us to show interest in the Magic Academy as her acquaintances, and the academy is the most likely candidate to have documents regarding the depletion of magic.
Besides, while the Haiden royal palace surely has its own library, getting permission to browse it seems like a hassle.
That will have to wait until Princess Carrie stabilizes the internal situation in Haiden.
For now, the decision is to infiltrate the academy to gauge the level of their magic while simultaneously sniffing out information on the depletion.
"What about personnel?"
"For now, I’m stuffing everyone from our side in. It’s not like we’re actually enrolling as students, so we don’t need to be there twenty-four-seven. We can just demand a tour from Princess Carrie. If we tell her it’s for 'mutual technological improvement,' I’m sure she’ll accept it gladly."
"Well, I suppose so. It would be strange to pass up the bait of potentially learning the magic we use."
"And then there are the folks engaged in magic research. Popuri, Zargis, Agil, and so on."
"What about Comet, Hifie, and Nonoa?"
"I think you know, but Comet is a Lich—an undead. We’ve confirmed she’s fine as long as she has a magic battery, but the risk is too high, so she’s out. Hifie and Nonoa are heads of state. They only visit Weed because they can return home frequently; they can’t afford to be away for such a long period. Besides, the time difference would surely wear them out."
"True. What about Amanda and Eoid?"
"I’m taking them. They’re friends of Kagura, after all."
"That’s a bigger group than I thought."
"It’ll make it easier to spread the existence of the other continent, Weed."
"Is that how it works?"
"It’s more credible if ten people tell the story rather than just one, right?"
If it’s just one person, some might dismiss it as nonsense, and since few people would actually meet them, they’d doubt if it were true.
But if there are ten people, the number of people they interact with increases, and it reduces the workload for each of us.
"Haiden aside, we’re still unknown to the other countries."
"I see. You’re going to interact with the budding mages gathered from various nations to raise awareness of Weed on the New Continent."
"That’s the idea. That’s exactly why Kagura’s cooperation is indispensable."
It’s necessary to broaden the range of our future options.
"Well, Kagura herself seems like she’s going to be incredibly busy."
"She’s still a student, after all. She’ll have to work hard to take responsibility for summoning us."
"A student, huh? I just hope there isn't an attack by magic sword users like there was at Lancer."
"Yeah..."
It’s painful that I can’t say it’s impossible.
...Even though I’m the one who suggested it, this academy infiltration mission...
It reminds me of the flags from the Lancer Magic Academy days.
It’s a cursed path for me.
I should recruit some help.
"Hello, Taiki?"
"Yes? What is it, Yuki?"
"Actually..."
Seraria, having watched that scene up close, remarked...
"Ah, this is bad. Something is definitely going to happen."
How rude!!
I’m making a meticulous plan precisely so that *nothing* happens!!
Taking Amanda and Eoid along is also a defensive wall for Kagura!!
Behold this well-prepared formation!!
Well then, the stage is set for the second academy!!
It’s not the same academy, but it’s a treasure trove of flags!!
I wonder what kind of clichés are waiting for us.
Will Yuki and Taiki’s countermeasures bear fruit!?
Or will something happen, just as Seraria predicted!?
Stay tuned for the next installment!!