第１１１１堀：嫁さんたちの反応 (Part1)
Chapter 1111: The Wives' Reactions
Side: Yuki
"That went surprisingly smoothly."
"It wasn't exactly content that would be denied, after all. Though, I must admit, I didn't expect them to say absolutely nothing regarding the handling of Nairua."
Indeed, the fact that the report meeting concluded so quietly left me feeling a bit deflated. As Kirika had suggested, I’d braced myself for at least a little friction over the Nairua situation.
"It was your decision to initiate this, Yuki. They all know there’s no stopping you once you’ve made up your mind."
"That’s true. If you were the type to quiet down just because everyone opposed you, I’d be grateful. Or perhaps you’d prefer we put a collar on you instead?"
Milly and Seraria chimed in with those remarks as we walked home together. The others—Eris, Ratz, Tori, Riel, and Kaya—had already returned to their respective duties. Everyone is always so busy.
"Setting that aside, Milly is one thing, but Seraria, will the kingdom be alright with the Queen away?"
"It will be fine. If a mere absence like this caused problems, I wouldn't be able to travel for diplomacy at all."
"Fair point."
In this world, it isn't particularly rare for a monarch to be away from their country for days, or even months, for diplomatic purposes. Thanks to the opening of the Gates, those trips have been reduced to a week or a month at most, but the principle remains. If a country teeters on the brink of collapse just because the ruler is away for a short time, it simply means the state was already in its terminal phase.
"Still, aren't you concerned about Nairua?"
"I am curious, of course, but since she isn't becoming your wife, it’s not as if I need to conduct a personal interview. Besides, it isn't just you—Kagura and the others are already there at the Lancer Magic Academy, making their own assessments."
"Exactly. I wanted to go see for myself, too, but I refrained because Kagura and her group are already there. It would imply a lack of trust in them, after all."
She’s right. There’s no point in having them training over there if we don't trust their judgment. I suppose the real test for Nairua and Wazfi will come once they arrive here. I just hope they don't stumble before then.
"So, what is the status of our support for the Lancer Magic Academy? We sent Kagura and the others as exchange students specifically because Popuri asked us to advocate for the academy's necessity, didn't she?"
"That's right. The idea is that if people from Weed—and Kagura’s group, hailing from the New Continent—testify that it’s a magnificent place of learning, the naysayers will finally quiet down."
Truth be told, that was the primary public objective for sending them to the Lancer Magic Academy, but with the Nairua and Wazfi situation cropping up, it feels like the original mission has been relegated to a mere side note.
"I heard the root of this is just foolish nobles holding a grudge against the academy and trying to drag it down?"
"Yeah, that seems to be the case. The Lancer Magic Academy is, after all, the premier institution for magic on the If Continent. The nobles love to try and throw their weight around to get their way."
"That sounds about right. Honor and prestige are everything to those types."
"...I can understand why they feel that way, but living in Weed, that sort of thing just seems like a nuisance. Besides, it’s nothing but a bad influence on the children, isn't it?"
Seraria offered a wry smile, while Milly’s face twisted in open distaste. Seraria understands the way of the nobility, while Milly’s perspective comes from the belief that if one truly cares for their children, they shouldn't burden them with such heavy expectations. Both viewpoints are valid; it’s simply a matter of what one chooses to prioritize.
"I understand how you feel, Milly, but as a noble, one cannot simply discard what their ancestors and they themselves have built. If anything, they want to elevate the family name even further. That’s why they want their children to attend the best schools, and more than anything, they want to believe their own children are gifted. You understand that, don't you, Milly? You want Yumi to attend a good school and meet excellent mentors, don't you?"
"...I suppose you're right. *Sigh*, is that how it is? So they resent the academy because it didn't recognize or accept their children?"
"That’s it. Well, there’s the legitimate reason that the children didn't meet the required academic or talent standards, but magic is so heavily dependent on innate talent that they probably can't accept it. They’re convinced their child has the talent and would flourish if only they were given the chance."
"Eh? But that just means they didn't meet the criteria set by Popuri and the others, right? Is there really any room for 'potential'?"
"Who knows. But if they don't set strict standards, they’d be forced to accept anyone, and the quality of education would plummet. Besides, Popuri’s original intent for the academy was to help orphans and those in need; she never intended to cater to the nobility..."
But reality is cruel. The reason Popuri accepts the children of nobles is...
"But in the end, without their money and support, she couldn't feed the orphans. And that’s how the current situation came to be. The nobles are the benefactors."
"So, if they lose that support, the academy can't be maintained? Popuri and Lara could manage on their own, but they can't abandon the orphans..."
"Exactly. And we can't just openly take over or become the sole financiers; if we did something clumsy like that, Popuri wouldn't be able to help the orphans anymore. That’s why we have to maintain the academy as it is."
It’s a frustrating situation. There are things you simply cannot let go of, precisely because of the current circumstances.
"...It’s truly difficult. Well, I suppose it’s the same for those who want to become adventurers. Everyone wants to be a hero if they can. But we can't let them die in vain, so we have to implement rank systems."
Milly finally seemed to grasp that it was the same principle as the adventurer guild.
"Exactly. Even if everyone wants to become a famous adventurer, they don't aim to die by doing something reckless. They’re all reaching for a bright future. The academy is the same, really—no one is trying their hardest just to fail."
"Well, there’s no need to think about it too deeply. It’s just a case of standards being set and some people failing to meet them, leading to petty spite and interference."
"That’s right. So don't worry about it, Milly. It’s just like an unskilled adventurer complaining because they want a high-rank job."
"Ah, when you put it that way, it makes sense. Even commoner children have to pass the same exams, after all."
Exactly. They’re just being foolish. Though, as for the lack of magical talent, it seems like the skill-granting items Nairua is creating might just be able to compensate for that.