第５８１堀：学生な理由 (Part1)
**Chapter 581: The Reason for Being a Student**
**Side: Kagura Kamishiro**
For the first time in a while, I was savoring a sense of liberation and accomplishment.
After all, Weed had been officially announced to the public, and I had successfully managed to bring the dissenters within the government under control. Initially, there were quite a few hurdles, but by hammering home the existence of the If Continent—which Yuki had told me about—and the immense profitability of trade, the outcome was decided in one fell swoop.
The "Gathering of Wisdom" had been working in the shadows, causing the warmongering factions to lose their influence, and this public announcement of Weed served as the final nail in their coffin. Under normal circumstances, there would have been backlash regarding the occupation of Baide, but since I had already proven that trade with another continent was possible and could lead to massive profits, there wasn't a single fool left who could complain about it.
The only remaining issue was some minor bickering over profit distribution, but the announcement of Weed itself was accepted smoothly. My work, for now, had reached a milestone.
Thanks to this achievement, my position as the diplomat to Weed was firmly established. I received words of praise not just from the Princess, but from His Majesty himself, and I was even to be awarded a medal for my contributions during the previous defensive battle in Baide.
Yes, it meant that the internal situation in Haiden had finally settled down enough to allow them to award me a medal.
I had thought that with this, I could finally return to my family home and take a vacation. However, Yuki made another out-of-the-blue proposal, and here I was, once again having an audience with the Princess and His Majesty.
"So, leaving you aside, what is the meaning of this request for an audience with my uncle?"
The Princess directed a sharp gaze and tone at me. She was likely on guard, wondering if some troublesome issue had arisen regarding Weed. Well, since I had never directly requested an audience with His Majesty Saug before, she must have assumed it was something quite serious.
However, in response to the Princess’s stern attitude, His Majesty Saug spoke up with a friendly demeanor.
"Carrie, don't make such a sour face. You're going to make Kagura shrink away."
"But... I am the one entrusted with the diplomacy regarding Weed..."
"I know that. But the fact that Kagura has come before me like this means that Lord Yuki or Queen Seraria must have made a request, right?"
"Yes. That is correct."
I replied, then took out the letter I had been holding and handed it to the attendant. As the attendant was about to check the letter for any issues before passing it to the Princess, His Majesty walked over from the side and snatched it away.
"Uncle!?"
"If Lord Yuki and the others had the power they do, they wouldn't need to resort to such petty tricks. They're wearing rings, too; there's nothing to worry about."
"...Uncle, do you even know why etiquette exists?"
"It's a private audience, so there's no need to be so stiff. You're just like your brother in that regard."
"I think you are far too free-spirited, Uncle..."
"Did you hear that, Kagura? The Princess who personally tortured the members of the Gathering of Wisdom is lecturing me on etiquette."
"Nghhh..."
Wow.
To see the serious-mode Princess lose a verbal sparring match was quite something. I didn't even know the Princess was capable of making an expression like that. Had she really been holding back so much until now?
Thinking about that, I felt a pang of regret that I hadn't been able to support her more. I didn't think I could ever replace Prince Age or Princess Stasia, but knowing she had been sharpening her blade for the sake of the country every day while playing the fool...
"...So, Uncle. What does the letter say?"
Ah, I mustn't get distracted. I can support the Princess later. Right now, it’s about the letter. How would His Majesty react?
"Hmm. No, I see. This is interesting."
"Interesting?"
The Princess tilted her head, asking for clarification. His Majesty had interpreted the contents of the letter that way. Phew. Honestly, I was relieved. I had been worried he might get angry. After all, the content was...
"To explain the letter's contents briefly, they wish to tour the Haiden Magic Academy. Not just the people from Weed, but also those from Findar, and even the If Continent."
That’s right. For some reason, they wanted to tour the Magic Academy I am—or was?—attending.
"Hah!? Please let them!"
"Calm down. Don't tear it. Here."
"Are you a child!?"
The Princess said this while taking the letter and reading through it.
"...I see. The tour is just a pretext. Is the real purpose to use the students of the Magic Academy as witnesses to proclaim to all nations that a reconciliation has been achieved?"
"Indeed. The current problem for Haiden is where to hold the talks with Findar. Since both sides have had their share of history, holding the talks in either of their capitals is considered difficult."
"So, the letter suggests that it would be better to hold the talks at the Magic Academy, where people from various countries are gathered, with Weed acting as a mediator."
"Exactly."
I see. So that was their intention. I knew they didn't just want to tour out of mere curiosity, but I hadn't expected it to turn into something like this.
"So that is why Lord Yuki mentioned Kagura."
"Eh?"
"Under normal circumstances, the diplomacy with Weed should have been passed on from you to your father, Duke Sou Kamishiro. It is unheard of for a student to serve as a diplomat."
"Um..."
Sensing that I couldn't keep up with their conversation, the Princess explained it for me.
"Lady Catherine would have been a fine choice as well. It would have been more convenient for Catherine, who governs Baide, to become the diplomat. You understand that, don't you, Kagura?"
"Ah, yes."
"In other words, Lord Yuki took note of the fact that you are a student. Or rather, he recognized the value in it. Weed wants to make their existence known not just to Haiden, but to these other countries as well, so they likely intended to utilize our Haiden Magic Academy."
Ah, I’m starting to get it.
Because I am a student, the topic of the academy naturally comes up. And from there, the scheme is built where Yuki and his group take an interest in that academy. I had mentioned early on that the Magic Academy gathered and educated elites from various countries, and they must have set their sights on that.
That was why I was made a diplomat for Weed.
I didn't feel shocked at being "used." Honestly, knowing that I had been chosen for a concrete reason lifted a weight off my shoulders. After all, there’s no way a young girl like me could properly handle the duties of a diplomat. But if the diplomat work wasn't the main goal, and Yuki’s true objective was to gain a foothold in the Magic Academy, then I had fulfilled my duty perfectly.
"However, that is not all. Since it says they will invite people from the If Continent as well, they likely have the objective of assessing our country and this continent."
"Indeed. They likely intend to use this to their advantage as well. This is quite a massive undertaking."
"Yes. I will accept this proposal. There are still many who acknowledge Weed but refuse to acknowledge their true power. We can use this to correct the misconceptions of such people. That is exactly why the Magic Academy is the perfect place."
"...The academy is going to be blown to smithereens, isn't it?" I muttered.
It was true that they had magic training, but even my own *Summoned Lightning* couldn't be fired at full power there; there was no way the training grounds could withstand the full power of Yuki and his group. In fact, it wouldn't just be the school building—the whole area would be blown away.
"Is it really that powerful?"
"Uncle. The power of Lord Yuki and the others truly transcends common sense. Well, in that sense, I think having them perform at the Magic Academy will be effective in suppressing those who might think of doing something foolish in the future."
I agree with that opinion, too. If they see the power of Yuki and his group, they won't dare to try anything reckless.
"Then, let's make this 'Magic Technology Exchange' the official pretext. Instead of just a tour, how about we make them temporary instructors? If that happens, we might even be able to hope for an improvement in our country's magic."
"I agree with that, but..."
"But?"
"The academy cannot be moved by my or Your Majesty's decision alone."
"Ah, that's right."
Saying that, their gazes converged on me.
"Eh? Wait, why me?"