第５８３堀：学院到着 (Part1)
**Chapter 583: Arrival at the Academy**
**Side: Kagura Kamishiro**
My place of learning came into view. Seeing it unchanged, I felt a sense of relief that I had finally returned. However, that sentiment was quickly swept away by the voices behind me.
"Oh. It's big."
"This is my first time seeing it as well."
"Indeed, it is quite an impressive sight."
These remarks came from Yuki, Princess Stasia, and Lord Jorgin—figures of such high importance that the word "VIP" feels like an understatement. If anything were to happen to these three here, Haiden would surely be plunged into the fires of war once again.
No, that’s not quite right. Haiden would be annihilated in the blink of an eye.
Setting aside Princess Stasia and Lord Jorgin’s Findar, there would be no resisting the Weed led by Yuki. With his "Dungeon" ability, he has already established a foothold in the Haiden royal capital. They could pacify the entire nation in an instant. His Majesty and the Princess understand this, which is precisely why this meeting was arranged, but...
"Why here, of all places...?"
Yes, the venue chosen for this summit is none other than my school, the Haiden Magic Academy. I understand the reasoning, of course. With the "Gathering of Wisdom" having operated in the shadows of Haiden and the mysterious "Haire Religion" mentioned, this academy—which has remained largely untouched by those influences—is the most suitable location.
But still... why did it have to be me?
For some reason, the preparations for this summit were placed under my leadership, Kagura Kamishiro. I know, I know—it couldn't be helped. There’s no way the Princess or His Majesty could come to the academy to handle the logistics themselves. As an active student with connections to Weed, Findar, and the academy staff, I suppose I was the logical choice.
I suppose so, but I can't help but complain. Though, Yuki seems to understand the burden he’s placing on me, as he often checks in on me through Amanda and Eoid. ...Plus, the Princess and His Majesty have been showering me with medals and rewards, so I can’t exactly refuse.
*Grrr...* So this is the dirty world of adults.
*Sigh.* Regardless, there’s no turning back now. I’ll just have to do it! If anything goes wrong, the responsibility will fall on Father, the Princess, His Majesty, and the Academy Principal anyway!
While I was busy steeling my resolve, the VIPs behind me continued their friendly chatter.
"Come to think of it, why did Prince George return while Lord Jorgin came here? Did you not need to seek permission?"
As Yuki pointed out, Lord Jorgin had returned to report to the Emperor of Findar, only to suddenly announce that he would be accompanying Princess Stasia to this meeting under the guise of an academy visit. The original plan was for the Weed to spend some time at the academy first, and only after safety was confirmed would we invite the Findar delegation. Lord Jorgin’s decision to change the schedule on a whim had made things incredibly difficult for me.
"Oh, it’s nothing. His Majesty instructed me to maintain close ties with Weed, and he also insisted that formal discussions with Haiden must take place somewhere. This was the perfect opportunity, so Princess Stasia and I decided to tag along. I’m glad I made it back just before departure. Honestly, I feel much safer being with you folks from Weed and Lady Kagura."
I see. As Lord Jorgin said, if Yuki is around, any trouble that arises can be dealt with. It’s the same for me—coming together saves me from having to deal with tedious procedures. For Lord Jorgin, tagging along now saves him from a mountain of bureaucratic headaches later.
"I see. So you sent the heir, Prince George, back for safety, and the two of you came instead?"
"Well, Haiden is still a bit volatile, after all. We couldn't very well let the heir, Prince George, come here. He returned to report, and he’ll be ready to move if anything happens."
How well-prepared they are. Or perhaps, this is just standard procedure.
"However, the summit is still a ways off. First, we must get them to acknowledge the existence of Weed."
"I am aware. If we from Findar are present and voice our recognition, it should serve as a strong endorsement for Weed’s legitimacy."
"Indeed. Furthermore, I am looking forward to the classes taught by Yuki and Hiiro; they will surely be beneficial for Findar as well. I cannot let Haiden keep such things all to themselves."
Lord Jorgin’s point is valid. If a heavyweight from Findar and a Princess acknowledge them, Weed’s recognition will skyrocket. It’s not just Haiden; even their former enemy, Findar, is vouching for them. Any nation that still doubts them after that would be considered a fool. I see—by acting this way, they are effectively doing a favor for Weed while also securing benefits for themselves. Everyone is so calculating.
"So, while we are at the academy, will the Findar delegation be here as observers?"
"That is correct. That is the plan."
"We are barely able to use magic ourselves. We can enhance our physical abilities a little, but we are completely incapable of emission-type magic."
"That is a mystery, isn't it? Magic power increases as one levels up, so it is strange that you can use internal-type but not emission-type..."
"I suppose it is a matter of talent."
"Indeed. I have practiced many times, wishing I could use magic, but it just never..."
As Lord Jorgin said, I believe talent plays a major role. There are many people who have magic power but cannot use magic. Only those who can cast spells can truly be called mages.
As we talked, we arrived at the academy’s main gate. Standing there, waiting for us, were an elderly man and a young woman.
"Principal... and, Big Sister?"
...Wait? Why is my sister here? She’s supposed to be at the Magic Research Department in the royal capital, isn't she?
"Ah, Kagura-kun. I’m glad you’ve returned safely."
"Surprised to see me? Regardless, it’s rude to keep our guests waiting. Why don't you introduce us?"
"Y-yes, of course!"
I hurriedly turned to Yuki and the others to begin the introductions.
"This gentleman is Grimoire, the Principal of the Haiden Magic Academy."
"A pleasure to meet you all, members of Weed and Findar. I am Grimoire, the one currently entrusted with this academy. I would like to offer my sincerest apologies for the trouble caused by my predecessor."
After the "Gathering of Wisdom" was purged from Haiden, the previous principal was found to be complicit in their actions—specifically, the imprisonment of students from other nations—and was executed. Grimoire had been appointed just this past month. He was originally an advisor to the Mage Corps in the royal capital, belonging to a different faction than the Saber Corps, and was highly trusted by His Majesty.
"I’ve heard the story. I am Yuki, the consort of Weed. Still, cleaning up after someone you don't even know is a pain, isn't it?"
"Haha, indeed it is. It’s quite taxing for an old man."
"I am Jorgin of Findar. Everyone seems to have a habit of working us old folks to the bone."
"And I am Stasia, First Princess of Findar. I suppose that only proves how much you are trusted. Please take care of us, Principal Grimoire."
I had braced myself for some sort of complaint, but thanks to Yuki’s lighthearted remark, the four of them began chatting quite harmoniously.
*Oh no.* How am I supposed to interrupt this flow to introduce my sister? And why is she even here? What is her standing? I haven't been told anything!
"And who is this lady? I believe Kagura referred to her as her sister?"
"Oh, my apologies. As Lady Kagura said, this is her sister, who works in the Magic Research Department in the royal capital..."
Unlike me, my sister—who wears her wavy blonde hair in a ponytail—received the Principal’s gaze, bowed gracefully, and began her introduction.
"A pleasure to meet you. Yuki-sama, Princess Stasia, General Jorgin, and everyone from Weed and Findar. As introduced, I am Kanna Kamishiro, Kagura’s sister. At the request of the royal capital, I have come to serve as the recorder for when Yuki-sama and the others begin teaching magic. I look forward to working with you."
I see. They did say they wanted to record the Weed’s teachings to acquire their techniques. I just hadn't heard who would be doing it. Since the Princess said she would handle the arrangements, I had been so focused on the Weed’s side of the preparations that I had left the academy’s side entirely to them.