第１２０１堀：お姫様と幽霊 (Part1)
**Chapter 1201: The Princess and the Ghost**
Side: Fiora
"So, this is the Lancer Academy of Magic."
"Wow. It’s like... pure fantasy."
I nearly blurted out that Noriko-dono herself was the very definition of fantasy, but I held my tongue. While this academy is indeed a magnificent structure, to me, Noriko-dono is far more fantastical than any building.
"Hey, don't you realize that a 'ghost' is the definition of fantasy itself? Besides, didn't Weed have monsters, swords, and armor just like this?"
Yuki-sama said what I couldn't, without a hint of hesitation.
He was right. Weed possesses a truly impressive research institute for magic. I wonder what exactly Noriko-dono felt here that she didn't feel there?
To be fair, this place is steeped in a long, storied history. It feels a bit old—perhaps even a bit weathered—which, in my opinion, gives it the authentic air of a research and educational institution. As I pondered this, Noriko turned back to Yuki-sama.
"That’s not the point! And Weed just looks like a medieval European town built inside Japan, like some kind of theme park. It’s all cosplay and stuff. But this? This looks exactly like the magic schools I’ve seen in movies! It’s only natural to be stunned."
"Ah, I see what you mean."
"I understand. This atmosphere is quite appealing, isn't it?"
It certainly has a charm that differs from the facilities in Weed. Perhaps because Noriko-dono draws manga, she is particularly excited by this aesthetic.
"Exactly. That’s why I’m so glad I brought my digital camera. Perfect reference material! Snap, snap!"
Noriko-dono pulled out her camera and began taking pictures of everything in sight. Her eyes truly light up when it comes to her manga. Honestly, I find this side of her far more charming than her "vengeful spirit" mode.
"You can take pictures, but don't fall behind. And once the greetings are done, you’re free to do what you want outside of work, so keep it under control until then."
"I know, I know. Oh, that spot over there looks good too."
"I understand your feelings, Noriko-dono. A school of this caliber certainly possesses a certain dignity and style. Might I join you later?"
"Of course! We’re a team for this job, after all. Let’s explore this school together!"
"Yes, let's."
With that promise, we finally stepped into the main building of the Lancer Academy of Magic. It felt nostalgic, reminiscent of the halls of learning I once walked. No, the environment here is far superior to where I studied. Inside the classrooms, I could see instructors standing at their podiums, teaching magic to their students. As expected of the continent’s premier academy, the students were studying with remarkable fervor.
I wondered if Noriko would photograph such a scene, but when I looked at her...
"...The world is a harsh place, isn't it?"
She had lowered her camera, looking as if she had seen something deeply unpleasant. Yuki-sama, watching her, gave a wry smile.
"Studying is a straightforward way for people to grow. An educational environment is important, after all."
"...Ugh, I hate tests. Evaluating people solely based on numbers..."
"Um, isn't it precisely because tests provide objective numbers that they are easy to evaluate? If you were to rely on subjective personal judgment, wouldn't that just lead to dissatisfaction?"
"Gah!? Fiora’s logic strikes right at the heart!?"
"Eh!? Wait, Noriko!?"
For some reason, Noriko-dono was clutching her chest with both hands, looking as if she were in genuine pain. This is Noriko-dono, whom my sword and magic cannot touch. I was deeply concerned about what could have possibly happened.
"Leave her be. It’s an old trauma. I can’t say I don't understand the feeling, but there’s no need to worry about it."
"Oh... is that how it is?"
"Yeah, that’s how it is. Come on, Noriko, stop playing around and let’s go."
"The dark side of modern society is encroaching even into this fantasy world!? Can you really just ignore that!?"
"No, more importantly, do you realize that the manga you draw is beyond 'black' in terms of working conditions?"
"Eh? Oh, that’s fine because it’s fun."
Ah, so Noriko-dono is that type of person. If she finds something she likes, she dives in headfirst, but her efficiency drops significantly for anything else. Well, my kingdom of Dafaio has many such subjects. I suppose Yuki-sama struggles with that as well. Still, Noriko-dono is a charming person—well, ghost—to have as a friend.
"Sigh, let's just go."
"Yes, yes. Well, a school is just a school, I suppose. I had imagined something a bit more like that famous magic school."
"Well, that one is far too dangerous."
"Yeah, I get it. That school is filled with lethal traps, after all."
Eh? What kind of school is that? Are the magic schools that Yuki-sama and Noriko know truly such harsh places? As I wondered this, we arrived at the headmaster's office, and Yuki-sama knocked.
"Who is it?"
"It's Yuki. I brought some souvenirs from Eris, too."
"Come in."
"Right."
With that casual greeting, Yuki-sama entered. Inside, I was surprised to see Kagura-sama and the others slumped over the table. Beside them, however, others were calmly reviewing documents. One of them was Stasia-sama, who had been instructing Noriko-dono and me until yesterday.
"Oh, looks like you’re having a rough time. I suppose I asked for something unreasonable."
The moment Yuki-sama spoke to them gently, the three who had been slumped over snapped their heads up like spring-loaded toys.
"It’s fine! It’s not hard at all for Yuki’s side."
"That’s right. Mikos-chan and the others are just struggling with the problem of the 'Report for the Princess'."
"Yes. I’m working on the report for the Haire Church. Stasia is currently checking the report for Yuki."
I see. These three were not only Yuki-sama’s wives but also served as liaisons to their respective homelands. While I am a princess of a nation, my standing here is equivalent to Mikos-dono’s. There is a significant difference in how major powers and smaller nations are treated. Though, we have all agreed that such hierarchies are unnecessary among the wives.
"I see. But is it really necessary to change the reports so much depending on the country or the recipient?"
"That’s the difficult part. Things that are common sense to us might be incomprehensible to a Princess, you know?"
"Ah, I see what you mean."
"Exactly. It’s hard to get through to them using Mikos-chan’s usual way of speaking, so we’re summarizing it for the Princess’s perspective."
"Same for me. Since this is meant to encourage the Haire Church to support magic development in other continents, I can’t just say 'we support it because we’re friends.' I have to explain the 'diversity of magic' in detail. It’s difficult to know how to break it down."
"Exactly. Knowing the Princess, she’d probably say that simple support isn't enough."
"That sounds about right."
Yes. That is exactly correct. Every nation will have its own reasons, but it is always better to have the details clear from the start.