第１１９８堀：魔術学府のレポート (Part1)
Chapter 1198: The Magic Academy Report
Side: Enora
"Sigh, the fun times always fly by so quickly, don't they?"
"Hey, pull yourself together. We are here to 'work,' remember?"
Kagura was chiding Mikos, who was slumping over in her usual lazy fashion while complaining. I couldn't exactly blame Mikos for feeling that way, though. We had just returned to Weed after fully enjoying the exchange gathering.
Initially, I had wondered why we even had to go, but once it started, it was far more enjoyable than I’d anticipated. It was a great opportunity to interact with people I don't usually get to spend much time with. Above all, being able to have a proper conversation with Orelia and the others who had recently joined Yuki’s side was a positive experience.
My only dissatisfaction, if I had to name one, was losing in the martial arts tournament and the battle royale. If there’s a next time, I’ll absolutely win it all.
As I was reminiscing about those fun moments, Ardes approached us...
"Lady Enora, Lady Mikos seems a bit exhausted. Is she quite alright?"
He asked me, glancing sideways at Mikos, who was still face-down on the desk, and Kagura, who was busy trying to jump-start her motivation.
"Oh, she’s fine. She just got a little too excited during the break and wore herself out."
"I see. It sounds like you enjoyed your time off quite thoroughly. Might I ask what you were up to?"
"Nothing of much consequence. There was an event in Weed to help us get better acquainted with the newcomers. Just meals, conversation, games, and the like."
I felt bad for Ardes, but I couldn't exactly give him the full details, so I kept it vague. It wasn't exactly classified, so I suppose it wouldn't have been a problem to tell him, but Ardes had fought Yuki before, and I didn't want him to feel left out.
"Is that so? Lady Mikos must have enjoyed herself immensely."
"She loves that sort of thing. That said, I do think it’s a problem that she can’t focus on her studies like this."
"Haha. Lady Mikos doesn't seem to have much interest in 'deepening her knowledge' to begin with, does she?"
"I’m afraid you’re right. I apologize for that."
It’s true. An exchange student with no motivation must be quite frustrating. I was just thinking that I should probably give her a stern talking-to myself when...
"It’s quite alright. We have students here who aren't interested in that kind of magic, too. Part of the purpose of our Lancer Magic Academy is to see how we can craft lessons that pique the interest of such students."
Principal Popuri walked in as she said this. Naturally, with the head of the academy present, Mikos couldn't stay face-down; she quickly stood up and bowed. She clearly realized her attitude had been poor, as she was dripping with cold sweat.
"I am terribly sorry."
"It is also a failure of my supervision. My apologies."
"Haha, there’s no need to apologize. I’ve heard from Yuki-dono just how difficult things were for you all during the break. I’ve even told him to include me next time. Well, I’ll be counting on you then."
"Yes. We won't hold back when that time comes."
"Good, and I won't hold back either. But, putting that aside, where is Lady Stasia?"
"Stasia is currently in Weed preparing for that certain matter. Did you have business with her?"
Stasia was with Noriko, explaining the sequence of events regarding the Fiora situation. She was scheduled to come here as soon as that was finished. Principal Popuri should have known that, though...
"Ah, that matter. No, that’s fine. You see, Yuki-dono asked me to review the reports."
The reports. They were the proof that the Lancer Magic Academy would remain necessary in the future. Every day after our classes at the academy, we compile our reports and submit them to Principal Popuri. However, it would be problematic to release them to the world exactly as they are, so the arrangement is for Principal Popuri and Yuki to edit them first.
But...
"We submit our reports to the Principal every day, don't we? You could just forward those to Yuki. Is there something specific you need to check?"
"That’s true. I want you yourselves to review the reports you’ve submitted so far. You’d be surprised at the new discoveries you make when you look back at them later. Isn't there anything you’d like to change after having submitted them?"
"That is certainly true. Besides, if I don't fix the typos and omissions before showing them to the Princess, Mikos-chan is going to get scolded."
True. That was a valid point. Personally, I had already made those corrections and was ready to send them to the Haire Church at any time. Of course, I wouldn't send them until Yuki finished his check.
"That is why I want you to confirm those parts once more. Yuki-dono said he wanted to check the progress of the reports, so I plan to gather all the reports submitted to me and hand them over. Naturally, you’ve been handing them to Yuki-dono daily, but this is about confirming and revising them before they are officially 'issued from the academy'."
"I see."
So, he wanted the reports that had been formally verified. That’s why he was consulting with Principal Popuri.
"With that said, Ardes, I’ll be borrowing them."
"I was only here for casual conversation, so that is no problem at all."
"Then, let’s move immediately. This isn't the sort of thing to discuss here, after all."
She was right. These were important reports that would determine the future of the academy; they weren't meant to be discussed in a classroom. We followed Principal Popuri out of the room.
"But wasn't the plan to submit our reports to the various countries much later?"
"Yes. It’s still a while before Mikos-chan and the others finish their exchange and leave the academy."
"Was there some kind of pressure applied regarding that?"
"No, it’s not like that. Yuki-dono suggested that we show the reports to the various countries in advance to secure their support. It’s better to argue that it is 'indispensable in such-and-such a field' rather than just claiming the academy is necessary and valuable, isn't it?"
"Indeed. So we are starting now to include those aspects as well."
"Exactly. For now, if there are any overlaps between your reports and the projects we plan to push forward, we intend to consolidate them in that direction. Besides, we have gathered some experts as well."
"Experts?"
Were they gathering mages from various countries? I didn't think there were many mages more talented than Principal Popuri, though. Well, perhaps there were specialists I wasn't aware of.
As I thought this, we entered the Principal's office.
"Oh, you’re here. I’ve been waiting."
"Pardon the intrusion."
"Excuse us."
The people who greeted us were...
"Agil-san, Curse-san? And Shou-san?"
"Why are the three of you here?"
Indeed, for some reason, Agil and Curse were sitting in the Principal's office, relaxing and drinking tea.
"It’s nothing strange. This is still a matter we want to keep within Weed for now. So, I asked for people well-versed in the magic of various countries within Weed to come. Personally, I would have liked to have Narjia-dono, Taizo-dono, and Zargis-dono here, but for some reason, Yuki-dono said no."
Well, that would be a disaster, wouldn't it?