第８４０堀：海上のロマンス始まる？ (Part2)
"Yes. It's about teaching magic to the people of Sea-Cypho."
"Ah, now that you mention it, we were talking about that, weren't we?"
Though we are conversing normally, we are not facing one another. I am seated before the shower stall, washing my body as I respond. The bathroom acoustics are resonant, so even speaking in this manner, our voices carry clearly.
*Sigh.* Do I need to shampoo twice? I don't feel like the fishy odor has faded in the slightest.
"So, how are they? The people of Sea-Cypho?"
"It’s intriguing, isn't it? Mastering magic in such a short span of time. Just how much of that is truly possible?"
"I’m afraid it’s not at a level where I can report to you two just yet. It’s only been two days, after all."
"Basically, these past two days were just lectures, right?"
"But everyone was listening with such earnestness. Today, we’re scheduled for our first practical training session outside."
"Ho-ho. The magic education at the Haiden Magic Academy is certainly a point of interest. Oh, come to think of it, didn't Agil go with Yuki?"
"I was assisting Taizo and the others, so I barely attended any classes. Besides, I was mostly acting as a temporary field commander during the conflict with the Haire Church. I didn't exactly distinguish myself, but I am curious about their magic education. I’d like to see how it differs from the Lancer Magic Academy."
"Ah, right, there was Popuri’s school as well. But setting that aside, practical training starts today. What do you say, Agil? The maintenance is mostly finished—would you like to come observe?"
"Hmm. Well, I’m interested, so why not? Though, I suppose we’d need permission from Yuki and the others. And before that, we’d have to see if Kagura and her group would even allow us to watch."
While we talked, I finished washing and stepped into the bathtub.
*Ahhh.* Pure bliss. If only I didn't have work and could just rest peacefully, I would be the happiest person alive...
Well, I suppose I must provide an answer.
"Mmm. This feels wonderful. As for me, I don’t mind at all. Having some of the Iff Continent’s foremost magic researchers present would be a great honor."
Having these two join the lectures would be nothing short of a blessing. They possess far more knowledge of magic than I do, and their prowess is undeniable. It also reduces the risk of being scolded by the Princess for sending incompetent personnel.
"Mikos-chan agrees, too. We’re severely understaffed, so having you two help out would be a godsend."
"Mikos-senpai, it’s observation, not helping."
Mikos seems to share the sentiment and welcomes their participation. Solo, ever the serious one, reminds Mikos that they are merely observers.
Still, even as observers, I am grateful. If these two watch and find no fault, it adds a layer of prestige to our efforts. Even if the personnel I brought over perform poorly, the Princess will likely view it as a failure of the system rather than our own negligence. If she were to complain about the selection, she would be criticizing a process that General Agil and Comet—despite not choosing them directly—had already tacitly approved.
As we were discussing this, Agil spoke up.
"Hm? I don't mind helping out. Most of the maintenance-related work is already done."
"Indeed. At this point, it’s just checking for errors, so we’re essentially free. Besides, going to the CDC would just be tedious observation duty anyway."
"...Comet. I understand the sentiment, but as a researcher, is that really the right attitude?"
"Oceanographic surveying isn't my primary field, you know. If this were magic-related observation, I could stare at it without a break. Even if it’s tangentially related, it’s like... a friend of a friend’s project, isn't it? Besides, Agil, you only said you’d help Kagura’s group because you were bored, didn't you?"
"Well, if you want to get to the heart of it, yes. But I thought it would be better to phrase it as an interest in the lectures to maintain a sense of dignity."
General Agil, I understand. Appearances are everything, aren't they?
"It’s no use trying to dress it up like that. Very well, once we’re out of the bath, let’s go talk to Yuki."
"Agreed. Kagura, will you join us? It wouldn't be right to move forward with plans while the parties involved aren't present."
"Yes, that would be fine."
*Yes!!* Now I have a reason to see Yuki.
Oh, no—this is strictly to improve the quality of the lectures and accelerate the speed of magic acquisition. It is absolutely not because I want to see Yuki, nor is it a ploy to avoid being scolded by the Princess!
If I happen to have a "moment" with Yuki, it’s purely coincidental!!
First, a greeting: a new era has begun. How is everyone faring? I hope for your continued support as we transition into this new era.
Now, this time, we have a man and a woman on the sea.
That is the beginning of a romance!!
Well, that’s only in the movies. Usually, nothing happens at all.
Oh, but Kagura seems to have a talent for panic horror!!
Zombies, fish-men... she’s really playing the part of the heroine.
In that sense, perhaps it *is* a romance, after all?