第５８５堀：魔術演武 (Part1)
**Chapter 585: Magic Demonstration**
**Side: Yuki**
Well then, today is the day of the actual lecture. It’s an important day for selling the name of the country of Weed, but...
"Please, behold my power!!"
For some reason, Geman was standing in the training arena, making a flashy, attention-seeking display.
"How did it end up like this again?"
As I muttered that, Kagura and Kanna, who were standing next to me, bowed their heads repeatedly.
"We are truly sorry!!"
Both of them were desperate. Well, I knew it wasn't their fault. Besides, it wasn't like anyone had picked a fight with us.
"My apologies, everyone. Could you perhaps look at this as a young man trying to show off a bit?"
The Academy Principal spoke to us with a calm demeanor. The plan for today’s lecture was to start with a magic exhibition—or perhaps a martial demonstration—by Weed to help them grasp our true capabilities. However, Geman, whom we met yesterday, had raised his hand for some reason and insisted on having his skills evaluated.
"Yes. It’s a good opportunity for us to see the students' abilities as well. Momentum is important for the youth, after all," I replied, indicating it was no problem.
"But why did that Geman boy volunteer? Was it to make a name for himself?"
"That may be part of it, but it is likely due to Kagura-kun."
"Kagura?"
At the Principal's words, everyone’s gaze turned to Kagura, who flinched.
"Ah, it’s not that she did anything wrong. But the sentiment of male chauvinism is strong here. In such an environment, the fact that a woman fought, achieved military merit, and was praised during the battle at Baide is something he simply cannot stomach."
"I see."
So that was the reason. Come to think of it, this place was heavily patriarchal. We never really paid attention to that sort of thing. Baide is governed by Catherine, and none of my wives have ever been looked down upon. After all, doing so would be a matter of life and death. Well, I had been moving around as the representative to ensure no problems arose, though.
"In short, it’s jealousy toward Kagura."
"Exactly. And not just that—there is also the pressure he feels because his father is the captain of the Magic Corps."
I see, I see. It’s not just a "women shouldn't be here!" attitude; it’s also because he’s chasing his father’s shadow. Kagura looked thoroughly annoyed, but since she was maintaining the proper etiquette, I couldn't really say anything.
As I watched Kagura, Kanna whispered to her.
"Hey, Kagura. Looking at that attitude, this isn't the first time, is it?"
"...Yes. He’s been picking fights with me for a while, but I didn't think he’d go this far. I’m sorry, Onee-sama."
"Sigh, you don't need to apologize. I had people like that when I was a student, too... even in the research lab. But if we leave it like this, it will look like the Kamishiro Ducal House, which has been entrusted with this event, is being looked down upon. Kagura, you go after him."
"Eh!? B-but, Yuki-sama and the others..."
"Is that alright with you, everyone?" Kanna turned to ask us.
Since she didn't specify the content of their conversation, she must have known we were eavesdropping.
"It’s fine. It would be a hassle to be told to change our guide now," I said.
"Indeed. As a representative of the women, I’m counting on you, Kagura-dono," Princess Stacia added.
I gave my permission, and Princess Stacia’s comment about being a "representative of the women" really carried some weight. Male chauvinism is deeply rooted, after all. It still lingers on modern Earth, too.
"Ooooooh!?"
While we were talking, Geman’s magic display reached its climax. I looked over, drawn by the cheers of the audience, and saw a massive fireball floating in the air. As Geman swung both hands from the sky toward the ground, it began to fall, and upon impact, a roar echoed as a cloud of dust billowed up.
"*Cough*. Ugh, this dust is the worst!?"
Ria, who was standing next to me, complained as she was covered in the dust. Well, anyone would hate that. The other wives were also making displeased faces, so I manipulated the wind to blow the dust away to an area without spectators in one go.
"*Gah*!? *Gah*!?"
It seemed Geman had been caught in the dust cloud I pushed back, and I could hear him coughing violently. Well, in a sense, he brought it on himself. It’s a lesson to separate magic for show from magic for actual combat.
"For how flashy that was, there isn't much of a crater in the ground," Kanna noted.
"...I was holding back to about that much," Kagura replied.
"...I see. He just wanted to show that he was 'better' than you. But what about that wind just now?"
"That was Yuki-sama. You noticed the flow of magic power, didn't you, Onee-sama?"
"Yes. But to use such wide-range magic without an incantation, and to be able to control the direction so precisely... that’s incredible."
Kanna looked at me with admiration. Well, it’s fine that she’s impressed by me, but is that all she has to say about Geman? What about the Principal? I looked at the Principal.
"Splendid, Yuki-sama. Now then... Middle-rank student Geman. That was magnificent. Let us give him a round of applause for his hard work!!"
At the Principal's words, applause rang out for Geman, who was breathing heavily. There was no doubt he had worked hard. He had given his all to stand on this stage, and that deserved praise, so I and the others joined in the applause.
You did well!! You were a magnificent clown!!
"Next is the magic demonstration by our pride, the top student of the Haiden Magic Academy, who was hailed as a hero in the recent Baide defense battle: Kagura-kun!"
"Wooooooooh!!!!"
The students erupted at the Principal's words. The cheers were even louder than when Geman had finished his magic. Poor Geman; he looked quite displeased at the surrounding cheers.
"Listen, Kagura. Show them the prestige of the Kamishiro Ducal House! Show them the power of the Three Houses that has continued since the First Ancestor!"
"No, Onee-sama. If I use my full power, the training arena will be left in tatters, so I have to hold back..."
Kagura tried to soothe Kanna with a wry smile, but that worry was unnecessary.
"Don't worry about it. Go ahead and do it," I said.
"Yes?" Kagura tilted her head in confusion.
"The original purpose is to show the strength of Weed. Use all the power you have and wreck the training arena to your heart's content. I’ll fix it afterward. That will prove you’ve surpassed Kagura. Of course, it also means you’ve surpassed Geman, so there’s no problem. Is that alright, Kanna-dono?"
"Yes. Thank you!! Kagura, Yuki-sama says he’ll handle the cleanup, so give it your all! Your all!"
"Eh—!? Principal!?"
"Well, that should be fine. If Kagura-kun doesn't show her power here, Geman-kun will surely say something later. We teachers will help restore the training arena, so please, don't hold back. We can cover it as necessary expenses."
"...If you insist."
Kagura stood up, looking reluctant, and headed down to the training arena. Hmm. She didn't seem very enthusiastic, so I nudged Eoid.
"Kagura!! Do your best!!"
"Do your best!!"
"You two... okay, I’ll do my best!!"
Encouraged by Amanda and Eoid, she seemed to find some motivation, and a smile appeared on her face. Yes, yes. I’m happy to see the three of them getting along so well.
"It seems the plan is coming to fruition, Yuki-san."
"Yeah. Let’s watch over them warmly as friends, shall we?"
Touya and I watched as Kagura stood in the arena, feeling encouraged by her friends' cheers. One day, those friends might turn into lovers.