第１０９７堀：学府の上位 (Part2)
"What do you mean? Why would the principal's permission be required for something like that?"
"I am not privy to the finer details myself, but... the Lancer Magic Academy is, as you know, a premier institution for the study of sorcery. It is common knowledge across the If Continent that those who hone their skills here return to their respective nations to achieve great things. However, for individuals to remain here for years, holding the top two ranks without ever returning home, it suggests..."
"...Ah, I see. They’re considered liabilities by their own countries, aren't they?"
*Huh?* I couldn't quite grasp the meaning behind Yuki-sama's words.
This Lancer Magic Academy is supposed to be the pinnacle of magical education, much like the academy in Heiden. To think that those who hold the honorable positions of first and second place are not allowed to return home? Is such a ridiculous thing even possible?
"After all, even Cleena-dono, who is ranked third, was... well, you know."
"...I cannot deny that."
"Eh? What is it, Yuki? Is something wrong with Cleena?"
For some reason, Yuki-sama offered a wry smile when Cleena's name came up.
"Cleena speaks normally now, but she used to be a total bookworm with no friends. She was entirely focused on her studies and magic. You know how she sometimes just replies with a single word, right?"
"Ah, now that you mention it, she does do that when she talks with Mikos-chan. But I think that suits Cleena; I find it quite cute."
"Suiting her and being difficult to communicate with are two different things. So, judging by Ardes-dono's words, are you saying those two can't move freely due to political reasons?"
That is likely the case.
Moreover, individuals in such positions possess top-tier ability.
It is understandable that their nations would find it difficult to welcome them back into the fold.
I see. So, they were entrusted to the academy—or rather, kept in confinement...
"I cannot speak to that with certainty. However, when I saw their faces upon enrollment, they did not look like they were happy to be here."
"I see, understood. Thank you, Ardes."
"Not at all. I am glad to have been of service."
"I'll look into the first and second-ranked students on my own, but I'd like your help with another matter. Would that be alright?"
"Yes, of course. The principal has instructed me to cooperate, and I personally wish to assist as well. What is the specific request?"
"It's about..."
Yuki-sama cut the conversation regarding the top two students there. He asked for cooperation in gathering information for his time at the academy, and they concluded that it would be best to collect intelligence from the students through Mikos. Just as they reached this agreement, the teacher for the next class entered, and the discussion was interrupted.
We are here strictly as exchange students.
First and foremost, we must fulfill our duties and produce a proper report.
I was preparing myself to listen to the lecture, but then, the same door the teacher had just entered through swung open with a sharp *clatter*, and a woman walked in.
Who could she be? She didn't seem to be carrying any study materials. She looked to be around the same age as the others in the class, and she was wearing the academy uniform, so perhaps she is a student here?
*Click, clack...*
What’s more, she didn't offer a single word of greeting to the teacher; she walked right past the podium with an air of complete indifference.
Normally, one would offer some sort of apology for being late, especially when passing in front of an instructor, but she said nothing.
Above all, the teacher, who should have been offended by such rudeness, merely stood there with his mouth agape, staring in utter shock.
No, it wasn't just him—the other students seemed stunned as well.
Even amidst such an eerie atmosphere, she continued her stride without a hint of hesitation and, for some reason, came to a dead stop right in front of Yuki-sama.
"Are you Yuki?"
"I am. And you are?"
"I am trash."
"Hm? Sorry, I didn't catch your name. Could you say that again?"
"I am trash, discarded here. That is name enough, and my previous name has no meaning."
...Eh? A person who calls themselves trash?
It is rather shocking. Even Yuki-sama seemed at a loss for how to respond, but perhaps judging that silence was not the best course of action, he hesitated for a moment before saying:
"Hah. For now, if you're belittling yourself with a name like that, change it. Think of something better. It’s a problem for me to call you by such a thing."
"...True. However, I am forbidden from using my former name. Very well, I am ranked first, so call me 'Ichi' (One)."
"Wait a minute, what do you mean by 'first'?"
"My rank in this academy. I assume it has not changed."
*Eh?* This woman?
The student that Principal Popuri and the others recognized as the top of the academy?
But, there is something... something about her that looks completely... broken.
The mystery of the academy's top student has finally been revealed!
Who on earth is she?
Don't go thinking this is the start of a new Yuki harem!
I'm already prone to forgetting the details about the wives as it is.
Also, the DMM game has entered its 2nd-anniversary event!
Thank you, everyone!