第１２１３堀：私たちが側にいる意味 (Part1)
Chapter 1213: The Meaning of Our Presence
Side: Yayui
"Alright, everyone. Please make sure you remember this part well."
As she said this, Lady Narjia circled a sentence on the whiteboard with a red marker.
"In short, the 'Mana Depletion Phenomenon' is a life-or-death issue for any creature in this world rooted in mana..."
Her explanation continued, but I didn't have the luxury of fully absorbing it. I was far too busy frantically scribbling down the massive amount of text covering the whiteboard into my notebook.
Orelia and Hobis were no different; they were bobbing their heads up and down, their expressions desperate as they raced to keep their pens moving across the page.
Yet, it seemed that not a single one of us was actually keeping up with Lady Narjia’s lecture...
"Now, next, when investigating this Mana Depletion Phenomenon..."
She began to manipulate the board eraser with her mana, preparing to wipe away the text with effortless ease.
I was at a loss, as I hadn't even finished copying it down, when—
"Lady Narjia. Please, wait a moment."
The one who called for a pause was none other than Lady Schans of the Zurable Empire.
Unlike us, she had a genuine interest in the Mana Depletion Phenomenon and had volunteered to attend this lecture.
"This is my first time attending a lecture on this subject, and I would appreciate it if you could slow the pace a little, as I would like to hear the details more thoroughly."
"Oh, my apologies. Ah, you’re right. I suppose I was moving a bit too fast. I inadvertently matched the pace to Kagura-san and the others, who should already have the basic knowledge. Well, since we’ve reached a good stopping point in both the material and the time, let’s call it self-study for today. Everyone, when the time is up, please disperse and return to your respective workplaces."
With that, Lady Narjia walked out of the lecture hall, leaving the whiteboard exactly as it was.
"Phew..."
Hearing that, I could hear everyone remaining in the room let out a sigh of relief.
Yes, *everyone*.
Not just us or Lady Schans, who had asked for the pause, but Lady Kagura and the others as well.
"Oh? Lady Kagura and the others look quite exhausted as well? Have you not taken this lecture before?"
Lady Schans voiced the very question we were all thinking.
"Ah, yes. It’s just that Lady Narjia’s lectures always make me so nervous."
"Tell me about it. I mean, we’ve learned what she explained today once before, but she always moves at such a strange, breakneck speed."
"It’s just how she is. Lady Narjia is a craftswoman to the core. She’s the 'learn by doing' type, so she believes in rushing straight to the practical application."
"Ah, I see. So that’s why the explanation felt so rushed for a teaching session. It certainly felt that way."
It seemed it wasn't that we were stupid or lacking in effort; it was simply that Lady Narjia’s lecture speed was abnormally fast.
"Besides, today is the day Agil and the others are supposed to return. She must have been eager to hear the results. Isn't that right, Yayui?"
Lady Stasia turned to ask me.
"Yes. Today, Lady Agil, Lady Comet, Lady Nilua, and Lady Wazfi are scheduled to return after finishing their survey of the Great Forest. Um, at this hour, they should be back by now."
As I checked my notebook and relayed the schedule, everyone nodded as if it all made perfect sense.
"So that’s why she was in such a hurry. *Sigh*, Taizo-san and the others are over there too, so she must have been restless, wanting to hear the news."
"I mean, we’re all worried about Mikos-chan and the others, too. But at least we got word that everyone is safe."
When we checked for ourselves, as Lady Mikos mentioned, there was indeed a call confirming that Lady Comet and the others had returned safely with no physical issues.
"Well, Yuki only gave permission because there was little risk of that to begin with, so it’s only natural. With this, the survey of the Great Forest is concluded for the time being."
"Um, what does that mean?"
I didn't understand what Lady Enora meant by "for the time being," so I asked.
Right now, Yuki-sama is putting a lot of effort into the Great Forest survey, even going so far as to visit the Academy to conduct research.
And this time, the survey was supposed to be just covering the outer perimeter.
So, normally, I wouldn't think it would be "concluded."
"Ah, Yayui, you wouldn't know that much. A 'survey' isn't just something you finish and then immediately start the next one as soon as you return."
"Enora is correct. Well, we only know this second-hand from Comet and Agil, but unless it’s an emergency, we thoroughly analyze the data collected before planning the next step. So, there won't be any further movement on the Great Sea of Trees until the data organization is complete."
"I see..."
As a former slave, I had no idea what a "survey" actually entailed, so that was all I could say.
All I knew was that it sounded like an incredibly difficult task.
"Hmm, hmm. I had a basic understanding, but it was only superficial. I barely understood even a fraction of the equipment at the Lancer Magic Academy, and the methods and effort put into the survey I was shown were beyond my imagination. So, all the talented people in Weed are gathered to conduct this research."
"Yes. That is how serious we are about this 'Mana Depletion Phenomenon.' Please, convey this to Emperor Eupia."
"Leave it to me. I will be sure to inform His Majesty Eupia."
Just like that, Lady Kagura conversed naturally with Lady Schans, a high-ranking official of the Zurable Empire.
She truly has the dignity of a "Diplomat of Weed."
Ah, I admire her so much.
Just as I was staring at her, Lady Kagura noticed...
"I know it’s tough for you too, Yayui, but keep up the good work."
"Y-yes, ma'am!"
Oh no, I meant to answer normally, but my voice cracked.
I really need to get used to this already.
Especially since I’ve been entrusted with the general correspondence for the August Kingdom—I really need to be more composed...
Just as I was thinking that...
"Come to think of it, Lady Narjia’s lecture today wasn't just for Lady Schans’s sake, but for Orelia and the others too, right? It’s your first time, isn't it?"
"Yes. It was my first time hearing about it."
Orelia answered Lady Enora’s question clearly and immediately.
"But~ at the Lancer Magic Academy, we were taught about those kinds of things together~"
As Hobis said, we had heard plenty about the "Mana Depletion Phenomenon" during our time at the Lancer Magic Academy, so I did have a vague understanding of what they were talking about.