第１２２６堀：留学生受け入れ構想 (Part2)
I should settle matters here before proceeding with the next topic.
As I reached for my tea while lost in that thought...
"Father, I want to visit Weed!"
With a bang, the door flew open, and Fusora burst into the room, declaring exactly that.
It seems she had been eavesdropping.
"Fusora, behave! How rude of you to interrupt Yuki-sama! My deepest apologies, Yuki-sama. Now, Fusora..."
"I-I am terribly sorry."
Well, the Viscount didn't let the eavesdropping slide, scolding her firmly.
Judging by the state of the town and the way he treated Fusora, he seemed to be a decent parent.
Granted, he was likely putting on a bit of a front, but there was nothing egregious about his conduct so far.
"It is quite alright. I accept your apology. However, some nobles can be rather strict, so for your own sake, Fusora-san, you must learn to follow the rules from now on."
"Yes. I am sorry."
Hmm, Fusora’s own character didn't seem bad either.
I had gathered as much during her magic demonstration yesterday; she didn't appear to have a twisted personality.
I couldn't yet know how she would treat those of lower standing, but that was something I would have to address through education later.
If we were to establish a school for international students in Weed, the children of foolish nobles would inevitably show up as well.
I would need to devise countermeasures for such idiots.
After all, the memory of Seraria losing her temper and turning everyone into headless corpses was still a trauma I hadn't quite shaken...
Besides, I would need to explain the situation to the residents of Weed.
Ah, my stomach is starting to hurt. I really want to back out of this.
Then again, it wasn't as if anything was set in stone yet.
For now, the focus was on Fusora.
"But tell me, Fusora, why do you want to come to Weed so badly?"
"I saw the magic you and your companions performed yesterday, Yuki-sama, and I thought it was truly amazing. And I realized that I could help Father and the others much sooner if I learned from you."
"Ohhh!!"
The Viscount burst into tears at Fusora’s words.
He was a complete doting father.
Yes, I should make sure I don't end up like that.
"Having a goal is a wonderful thing. But do you understand that you must not make your father and the others sad or worried in the process of achieving it?"
"……Yes."
"Fusora-san, you are a bright child. That is precisely why it is better to ensure everyone understands your intentions and sends you off with their full blessing. There is plenty of time. You should take your time and talk it over with the Viscount and his wife."
"I understand! I will definitely convince them!"
Good grief, she was fully committed to the persuasion. It seemed she was determined to follow us, come what may.
I sent a wry smile toward the Viscount, who was busy wiping away his own tears with a similar expression.
Saying anything more would likely only make them more stubborn.
"That reminds me, for the sake of safety, it would be best if you visited Weed once to see what kind of place it is, wouldn't it?"
"That is certainly true. However, isn't Weed located quite far away?"
"Not at all. It is no different from traveling from here to the Haiden Kingdom. We have something called a 'Gate,' you see."
"I have heard rumors of such a thing, but is it truly based on teleportation magic?"
"Is such a thing really possible!?"
As I expected, in a small, provincial town like this, the truth rarely reaches even the nobility.
Or rather, it reaches them, but they lack the capacity to comprehend it.
It was much like the news of the Wright brothers' first flight, where many experts and university professors claimed that "mechanical flight is scientifically impossible."
Because it lies so far outside their "common sense," they refuse to believe it is the truth.
Hmm, hearing it from the source like this, it seems that welcoming international students would not only foster mutual understanding between nations but also help align our common sense.
Perhaps I should put more effort into this than I initially thought?
"Yes, the Gates are real. It is precisely because of them that we were able to arrive here so easily."
"Indeed. If one can travel to distant lands in an instant, that is truly revolutionary."
"Whoa..."
"Yes, and since Haiden, Findall, and Seasifo are already utilizing the Gates, mutual travel and trade have become quite simple."
"In other words, if one goes to Haiden, one can immediately reach other countries as well?"
"Precisely."
"Amazing! Father, let’s go together! If that’s the case, time is no issue at all!"
"Hmm..."
And so, Viscount Kinao spent the entire night under the assault of an utterly excited Fusora, agonizing over the prospect of a visit to Weed.
Ignoring the struggles of that father and daughter, I went to sleep early for the sake of the next day—which, I suppose, was only natural.
Student exchange programs really are the pinnacle of international diplomacy, aren't they?