第１０９６堀：紹介されるときは緊張する (Part1)
**Chapter 1096: Nervous About Introductions**
**Side: Mikos**
"Right then, let's head to your classroom."
Following Principal Popuri’s suggestion, Mikos and the others left Comet-san behind and began navigating through the academy once more. I had thought about asking Comet-san to come along, but the moment she laid eyes on the research lab’s equipment, she began acting like a child gifted a new toy—staring intently at monitors and rummaging through digital files. She was a completely different person, so we left her to it.
Well, that’s just how researchers like Comet-san tend to be, isn't it?
As I was pondering this, Yuki-sensei suddenly spoke up.
"What do you think, Kagura, Mikos? It’s quite different from the Haiden Magic Academy, isn't it?"
"Yes. How should I put it... the layout here is surprisingly complex."
"Oh, I thought the same thing. At Haiden, the zones were clearly demarcated by function, but here at the academy, everything seems to be jumbled together."
Having been guided around earlier, I realized that the interior of this Magic Academy is incredibly convoluted. While it does have the requisite spacious areas for practical training—just like our academy—everywhere else feels like a completely different architectural beast. There are archives and research labs tucked away in the most inexplicable places.
"I suspect, based on what Principal Popuri said, that it’s because things diverged quite a bit from the original plans?"
"Indeed. Haiden Magic Academy was built with a clear objective—to create a house of magical learning—so the capacity and necessary facilities were meticulously planned from the foundation up. After all, the first-generation Kamishiro-sama was a Japanese person, just like Yuki-sama."
Stasia is right. Haiden was designed with a specific form in mind from the very beginning. Well, even then, we’ve used it for so long that we’ve made additions and renovations as needed, but I’ve heard that because it was so well-thought-out from the start, those additions were made using the empty spaces that had been accounted for.
...Thinking about it now, Kagura’s ancestors really did have monster-like foresight. Under normal circumstances, it wouldn't be strange for a place to end up like the Lancer Magic Academy—a chaotic, bizarre cluster of buildings.
As I was thinking this, Principal Popuri gave a wry smile...
"Haha, it’s truly embarrassing. As Enora says, the reason there are rooms scattered in such strange places is simply because we’ve expanded and renovated without much foresight. After all, the original plan was for something much smaller."
*Oh no.* Did it show on my face? As I broke into a cold sweat, Lara-san added a supplement.
"Yes. Given the location, you see. Initially, we only intended to raise the orphans brought here, but..."
"Those orphans were unexpectedly diligent, and they became capable of using magic. Furthermore, this environment made magic relatively easy to utilize. Because of that, the children who left the orphanage scattered to various nations, became famous, and began to support this place. That is how it grew to this size."
I see, so that’s the history behind it. Mikos-chan immediately took notes on what I’d just heard. Oh, and of course, I have my camera hanging around my neck, ready to record at any moment. After all, if I don’t produce a proper report, the Princess will be absolutely terrifying.
Still, summarizing what I just heard...
"Everyone just wanted to repay the kindness they received from Principal Popuri and the others, didn't they?"
"Yes. Mikos-chan felt that, too."
That’s right. The people who left this orphanage must have wanted to thank the Principal. They were raised here, taught the arts, and sent off with a smile by the person who cared for them; they wanted to give something back, and that’s how this place became what it is.
"I’m happy to hear you say that. Regardless, this place is a bit of a labyrinth, so if you ever get lost, make it your top priority to get outside the building. Once you’re outside, you can clearly determine your location."
"I do think we should organize the districts, but we simply don't have the budget for it. Besides, there are quite a few voices who want this academy to remain exactly as it is... Ah, Principal, that’s the classroom."
It seems we’ve arrived at the classroom we’ll be joining. Whoa, looking through the window, I can see a sea of students sitting properly in their seats, studying diligently.
...I suppose that’s the same everywhere. No, it’s not like they’re standing around playing while they study, but still...
"What’s with that look? You’re losing steam."
"No, it’s just... I realized that no matter where you go, the methods of learning don't really change, do they?"
Being an exchange student means I have to sit at a desk again and listen to a teacher’s lecture, right? I could listen to Yuki-sensei talk forever, but regular teachers? I don't know about that. Look, Mikos-chan is a practical, hands-on type, you know?
While I was feeling a bit melancholic, the Principal entered the room to introduce us. It’s getting noisy inside, as expected.
*"...And so, this class will be receiving students from the Magic Academy of the New Continent. I expect you all to sharpen each other’s skills and reach even greater heights."*
Just as I thought he was wrapping up...
*"Now, come on in."*
Hearing Principal Popuri’s voice, I looked toward Lara-san...
"Yes. It’s fine to go in now."
"Understood."
As expected of Kagura, she replied and stepped inside without a hint of hesitation. It’s impressive how she has no stage fright, even though she’s about to stand in front of all those students. Mikos-chan isn't very good at that sort of thing.
"What are you doing, Mikos? Let’s go."
"Yes. Let’s go."
"Oh, right."
*Darn it.* Come to think of it, Enora and Stasia are used to standing in front of crowds; they’re incredibly accustomed to it. Wait, am I the worst one here?
"Well, I understand the feeling, but go on. Besides, you’re here to gather information, aren't you? It’ll be impossible if you can’t communicate, won't it?"
"I know that. But standing in front of a crowd and being able to communicate aren't the same thing."
"True. Leadership is the ability to stand before others and guide them, while communication is about how well you can befriend people."
Yuki-sensei gave his usual sharp response, but that’s not what I need right now.
"Or would you prefer to be the lead who arrives late, standing out by being behind schedule?"
"I don't want that either."
And so, I hurriedly chased after the three of them and managed to enter the classroom, lining up as naturally as I could. As expected, every gaze in the room converged on us at once.
"These are the four who will be studying here at our Lancer Magic Academy. I shall leave the self-introductions to them."
"Yes. Nice to meet you, everyone at Lancer Magic Academy. I am from the Haiden Kingdom on the New Continent, and..."
From there, the "ordinary" introductions began. As the class froze in shock at the revelation of a Duke’s second daughter, a Priestess, and a Princess-slash-General, they seemed slightly relieved to hear that cute little Mikos-chan was just the daughter of a Baron.
Oh? Does this mean I’ll be flooded with conversations? Nobody wants to get involved with high-ranking nobles if they can help it, right? One wrong move and your head could roll. More importantly...
"Also, all of them are wives of Lord Yuki, so do be careful."
"..."
"Yo. Well, I don't think you’ll have much to do with this class... how was it again?"