第１０９６堀：紹介されるときは緊張する (Part2)
"Come on, try to remember your classmates' names. Besides, none of the people from that time are here right now. It has been several years, after all."
"Ah, you're right about that. So, the members from back then have all graduated, then?"
"Some are still here, and some have returned to their home countries. That said, even if they’re just out of their seats at the moment, there are still a few of them in this class."
"Oh? Who?"
*Geez, students who studied at this school alongside Yuki-sensei?*
*That’s something even I, Mikos-chan, am curious about.*
*To have studied side-by-side with the teacher—that must mean they’re something special, right?*
Just as I was thinking that, the door—a different one from where we had entered—swung open with a sharp click. A male student hurried inside...
"Yuki-dono!"
*Oh, he called Yuki-sensei’s name right away.*
*Does that mean he’s an acquaintance? Is he one of the people Principal Popuri mentioned who stayed at the school?*
"Oh? If it isn't Ardes."
"It has been a long time. My apologies; I was back in my homeland reporting on my research, so I’m late."
"Don't worry about it. Besides, you’ve grown into quite the man, haven't you?"
"Do you think so? I can’t really tell for myself."
"It’s hard to notice your own changes, isn't it?"
The look on Yuki’s face as he spoke was incredibly happy. It was the expression of someone reuniting with a dear old friend.
*Hmm-hmm-hmm. I don't know why, but that’s a little irritating.*
"Right. That’s enough. Ardes, 13th in unpopularity—I understand you’re happy to be reunited, but we are still in the middle of class. If you have no intention of attending, you may leave."
At Principal Popuri’s warning, the man called Ardes returned to his seat with a submissive nod.
"Now then, I’d like to say let’s resume the lesson, but since we have exchange students here, I shall take the podium myself. There’s no point in holding a lecture that leaves our guests behind."
From there, Principal Popuri took the lead, explaining the history of the academy and the overview of its curriculum in an easy-to-understand manner, all while posing questions to the students.
*Wow, so this academy is split into departments for those who specialize in using magic and those who specialize in crafting magic tools.*
*I see. At the Hayden Magic Academy, all of that was lumped together.*
*Actually, since so many people there could use magic to a decent degree, magic tools weren't really considered all that vital.*
*But here, since there are so many people who can't use magic, they put a lot of effort into developing tools that can cast magic on their behalf.*
*Well, it’s not like Hayden didn't do that at all, but come to think of it, I don't recall hearing about any notable breakthroughs.*
*Still, hearing it explained like this, it makes sense that convenient tools for those who can't use magic are necessary.*
*Yeah, I should take proper notes on this and write up a report later. The Princess would probably be happy to see it.*
As I was taking the class more seriously than usual, time slipped away in the blink of an eye...
"Oh, is it already this time? Very well, I shall conclude my special lecture. From here on, do your best to get along with the exchange students. Oh, and I shouldn't have to say this, but don't be rude. Also, Ardes. You support them."
"Yes. Leave it to me."
With that, Principal Popuri promptly exited the classroom. The lesson was supposed to be over, but not a single person made a move to leave their seat.
*Huh? I thought for sure they’d come over to talk to someone like me, Mikos-chan?*
*Why is that?* I looked around again, and...
*Scratch, scratch...*
"Ugh, th-they’re studying!?"
*No way. It’s break time, and they’re working on their studies? That’s not sane!*
*Wait, are all the students at this academy like this? Ugh, this is bad. I’m never going to be able to keep up.*
"Hey, hey. Are the top-tier classes always like this?"
"No, this is because Principal Popuri took the podium himself. It’s quite rare for him to teach directly. Especially these last few years, he’s been incredibly busy since the intercontinental exchanges began."
"Ah, I see."
"Besides, the content just now wasn't just about the academy; he also taught us a little about the magic systems of your lands—the New Continent, was it? For those of us studying magic, I’m sure everyone is busy recording it all."
*Ah, so that’s it.*
*It’s true, he did explain a little bit about Mikos-chan’s magic system, even if it was brief.*
*I see, so it wasn't just for our sake after all.*
*Well, of course. That’s what a lecture is, I suppose.*
Still, gathering information in a class this serious is going to be quite a challenge.
*Ugh, it’s going to be a real uphill battle to get close to them.*
*No, even a snowman gets nervous during self-introductions.*
*Well, I think people who don't get nervous are in the minority.*
*Unless you’re used to speaking in front of people, like a celebrity or a business executive, anyone would feel that way, right?*
And honestly, how many people even remember Ardes?
*The idiot, that is.*