第１０９７堀：学府の上位 (Part1)
Chapter 1097: The Upper Echelon of the Academy
Side: Stasia
As expected of a top-tier institution, the students here at the Lancer Magic Academy seem remarkably diligent. Even after the lecture given by the Principal herself concluded, they remained hunched over their desks, frantically transcribing their notes to ensure every detail was etched into their memories.
Well, I suppose there is a hint of hesitation and a desire to impress us mixed into that fervor as well...
*Sigh.* It seems my position as a princess of a nation and a general is, as always, an obstacle to genuine interaction. Perhaps I should consult with Agil about this later? I hear she attended this academy in the past; she might know a way to bridge the gap and get these students to open up.
That said, that is a conversation for after we return. For now, I must conduct myself as appropriately as possible. After all, I am here not only at Yuki’s request but also at the behest of Principal Popuri. I really must gather some information...
So, I decided to start with someone familiar.
"Ardes. My apologies for interrupting your conversation with Yuki, but might I have a moment of your time?"
Yes, speaking with an acquaintance of Yuki’s is the most logical course of action.
"Certainly. What can I do for you, Stasia?"
"You needn't use honorifics with me, though I suppose asking you to stop might be a burden in itself... I shall adjust my own tone as well. Very well. What I wanted to ask is, what is your relationship with Yuki? I understand you were acquaintances when he was a student here, but I am curious about the nature of that bond."
If I can befriend Ardes, it will be the best way to prove that we are not the type to flaunt our status or act in an arrogant, high-handed manner. With that in mind, I intend to listen to the story of Yuki and Ardes.
In fact, it seems I am not the only one interested; Kagura and the others are leaning in, their gazes fixed on us with keen curiosity.
However, for some reason, Yuki just offered a wry smile.
"Ah, how should I put this... Well, Ardes and I once had a duel."
"A duel!?"
The shocking revelation from Yuki’s lips caught me entirely off guard. What could have possibly transpired to lead to a duel with Yuki? Does this mean Ardes possesses the strength to face Yuki head-on?
No, Yuki’s true power does not lie in such things. He is the type of person who creates situations where fighting is unnecessary in the first place...
As I stood there in utter confusion, Ardes wore a look of profound sheepishness.
"It was a duel in name only; it was more of a lesson. At the time, I was jealous of the fact that Yuki was surrounded by so many beautiful women, so I challenged him."
"Pardon? You did, Ardes? You don't strike me as the type to do such a thing."
"True. Ardes-san seems so composed."
"Haha. Well, it is embarrassing to admit, but I suppose it just goes to show how young and foolish I was back then."
I see. So he was merely a hot-headed youth being put in his place. Still, for Yuki to engage in combat himself is a rarity indeed. I have sparred with him many times, and it always ends the moment he takes a single step. That is the level at which Yuki operates. Thus, receiving such a "lesson" from him was, in a sense, a truly precious experience.
"Now that you mention it, if I recall correctly, weren't you ranked 13th back then, Ardes?"
"Yes. I have been working hard over these past few years, and I have finally reached 5th place. But I still have a long way to go. I haven't even reached the level where I could be compared to the Yuki-dono of that time."
"It’s good to have ambition, but you should acknowledge how far you've come, too. I can tell that you’ve grown stronger, Ardes."
"I am truly happy to hear you say that. However, having been taught by you, I feel it would be a disgrace if I couldn't reach the top spot..."
Indeed, it does seem a bit lackluster not to be the top student after receiving personal guidance from Yuki. That said, while I do not know the full extent of Ardes’s current strength, he seems quite capable. And to be 5th in the entire academy is certainly an impressive feat. I am quite intrigued that there are people even above him.
And it seems I am not the only one.
"I don't know much about Ardes-san's strength, but it's interesting that there are still people above him."
"Come to think of it, didn't I hear that Cleena and Samantha were in the top ten as well?"
"Ah, I remember hearing that. Wasn't Cleena 3rd and Samantha 10th? And Ardes is 5th now. That means there are still four people above him."
Kagura and the others seem interested in those ranked above Ardes as well. Well, for Kagura and Mikos, who specialize in magic, and Enola, who excels in recovery magic, this is only natural.
I, too, am deeply interested in their capabilities from a tactical standpoint. Principal Popuri and Vice Principal Lara have told me that the military strength of this academy rivals that of an entire nation. That would put them on par with the Haiden Magic Academy. I am curious to see just how formidable those top four individuals truly are.
However, to find that out, one would need to speak to them directly.
"Come to think of it, 8th place was Soel, who became Taiki-kun's wife. Actually, even back then, I never did find out who the top-ranked people were, other than those three. And since some time has passed, have they been replaced like Ardes?"
"That is correct. Samantha-dono and Cleena-dono graduated after marrying Yuki-dono, and other students have taken their places. However, the 1st and 2nd rankings have remained unchanged since that time."
"Huh? Wait a minute, you mean the top spots haven't changed in several years? They're students, right? Is it really okay for them to stay like that?"
Indeed, the condition for this ranking is that one must be a student. That would mean they have remained stagnant since Yuki was here. What could that possibly mean? They are ranked above Cleena, so they must be exceptionally talented...
"Haha, the 1st and 2nd place students are both very... unique women."
"So they are women, after all."
"Yes. When Yuki-dono was here, five men were in the top ten, which was a great struggle, but currently, nine out of the ten are women. It seems magic talent is more prevalent among women."
...I see. Does this mean that in this continent, women are more likely to have their magical talents blossom? But more importantly, I wonder how old these 1st and 2nd place individuals are.
"Ardes. And where might these two women be?"
"Do you intend to meet them?"
"Yes. To understand this academy, I would like to speak with those who possess the highest level of skill."
"That's right. I was the valedictorian at the Magic Academy, too. I'd love to hear from someone in the same position."
"Are they like Kagura?"
"I wonder?"
We were merely curious as fellow students, but for some reason, Ardes wore an incredibly troubled expression.
"...My apologies. If you wish to meet the 1st and 2nd place students, I would advise you to obtain permission from Principal Popuri first."