第１０９２堀：学府の状況 (Part1)
Chapter 1092: The State of the Academy
Side: Popuri
*Crunch, crunch...*
The sound echoed relentlessly through the Headmaster’s office.
Or rather, to be precise, it was coming from my own mouth.
Ah, honestly, I’m not the type to eat like this, but if I don’t, I simply wouldn’t be able to keep going.
What a nuisance.
As I grumbled to myself, scanning the documents spread out before me...
"Headmaster. Please, try to eat them more sparingly. Even if it has become easier to obtain hard candies lately, if you keep consuming them at this rate, our supply will be depleted in no time."
"Hm? Ah, my apologies, Lara."
Pulled back to reality by the Vice Principal’s reprimand, I glanced at the jar where I kept my precious candies. Before I had started my paperwork, it had been half full, but somehow, it was already down to a quarter.
"Besides, taking in too much sugar isn't good for your health. Please, show some restraint."
"I know, I know. It’s just... this document here..."
I said, fluttering the paper I was currently reading.
"Does that document contain a reason to justify such a massive intake of candy?"
"Ah, see for yourself."
I handed the document to Lara. She scanned it quickly, and...
"……This is."
Just like me, a deep furrow appeared between her brows.
"Quite a comical story, isn't it? A thesis claiming that if one wishes to study magic, they shouldn't do it here, but rather on other continents."
"Where did this come from?"
"One of the students we sent abroad. It seems they were under someone’s influence. It’s quite bold to be so blatant about it."
To put it simply, the document stated:
*The Lancer Magic Academy is an inappropriate place to study magic. If one wishes to study magic in earnest, they should go to Weed on the Logari Continent or to the Land of Magic, as it is far more efficient.*
"Well, in a sense, it might not be a lie. It is true that the If Continent suffers from a more pronounced phenomenon of magical depletion compared to other continents. Because of that, many people here can’t even cast magic in the first place."
"However, even if they go to another continent and become able to use magic, there is no guarantee they will still be able to use it once they return to the If Continent, is there?"
"You’re right, Lara. Even if they can use magic elsewhere, it doesn't mean they'll retain that ability upon returning. Though, I suppose it could be argued that it helps in 'blooming' one's talent. In fact, the mages who come here are actually praised for learning how to optimize their usage."
"Yes. To exercise magic on the If Continent, where the magical environment is harsh, requires consuming more mana than on other continents. One must be careful to cast spells with minimal mana. Through that, they learn the technique of adjusting their magical output."
As Lara said, there are things that can only be learned here, at the Lancer Magic Academy.
It is true that we are at a disadvantage compared to other continents when it comes to actually exercising magic, but that is precisely what makes this such a good environment—it leads to a natural form of 'training' that more than compensates for the handicap for those who use magic.
"And, as Lara just said, we have already submitted reports on this to the various nations. Even if some fool calls us 'inappropriate' now, the nations aren't going to move based on that."
After all, it was because we completed such thorough preliminary research that these exchanges began in the first place.
Nevertheless, it is a fact that many people find the Lancer Magic Academy itself to be an eyesore.
"Fortunately, we must do something about the backers who prompted this letter to be sent, otherwise it will become a headache later."
"It is best to treat a wound while it is still shallow."
"Exactly. So, please investigate the connections behind this child."
"Understood. And how shall we proceed with the handling of this?"
"Let's see. For now, report back to me once you've uncovered their background. We'll think about it after that. As it happens, a consultant is coming today. We’ll figure out the best course of action then."
When I said that, Lara tilted her head.
"A consultant? However, wouldn't it be better to handle this within the Academy? Consulting with someone from another country so carelessly is..."
"You don't need to worry about that. They are practically family, or rather, the person I intend to consult is my superior. Lara, you know who is scheduled to visit today, don't you?"
"Ah, I see. The consultant is Yuki-sama."
That’s right. Today’s meeting is with Yuki-dono and his group.
There is no problem at all with consulting them.
After all, they have absolutely no reason to disparage us.
"If I recall, the main topic was the investigation of the Great Forest, correct?"
"That’s right. An investigation into the magical depletion phenomenon. The Lancer Magic Academy had been under Yuki-dono’s protection, so the investigation was put on the back burner, but they are finally coming here."
"And you intend to consult on this matter while they are here?"
"Exactly. Well, it is also a problem regarding intercontinental exchange. We can't ignore it, and I doubt Yuki-dono and his people will just stand by and watch."
If they were to discard the Lancer Magic Academy, I wonder if Comet-shishou would... get angry?
Ugh, I’m starting to worry.
That person seems to be living a very fulfilling life, buried in research over in Weed.
No, that’s not the point. This is a case involving issues with intercontinental exchange, so in that sense, Yuki-dono should be willing to act.
"Indeed, if the Lancer Magic Academy were to fall into chaos or disappear, it would be synonymous with Yuki-sama and the others losing one of their bases on the If Continent. And there is no place better suited than here as a base for investigating the magical depletion phenomenon."
"Ah, after all, this academy is located near the Great Forest."
Well, to those who cannot fly, this magic academy was a difficult place to reach, requiring one to cross treacherous mountain ranges.
That hasn't been much of an issue lately, as travel between nations has become easy thanks to Gates, but when it comes to an investigation, that is a different matter entirely.
While we were talking, Yuki-dono seemed to have arrived...
"Yo. Doing well?"
"Ah, I'm doing well."
"Yes. We are doing well."
Yuki-dono and his group walked straight into the Headmaster’s office without any hesitation.
Well, I had given them permission.
Besides, in this Lancer Magic Academy, there is no one who doesn't know who Yuki-dono and his group are.
After all, there’s Eris-dono, who defeated me in a fair fight, and Yuki-dono, who overwhelmed Ardes with his sheer power during the Duel Festival. Anyone who doesn't know their names and prowess could be considered an outsider.
So, no one is going to complain about something like this.
"Though, it’s not like we haven't seen each other in a long time, so asking if I'm 'doing well' is a bit..."
I see Yuki-dono often over in Weed, after all.
But it seemed to be different for Lara.
"Wasn't it about two weeks ago when we last met?"
"Ah, it’s been about two weeks since I saw Lara."
"It seems it’s been quite a while for Lara, then."
"After all, while the Headmaster was enjoying herself in Weed, I was busy managing the Academy."