第１６５７堀：教育は難しい (Part2)
"We are attempting to study the science of natural phenomena, but for now, we must keep it within our own circle, operating in the shadows to avoid detection. The world at large has yet to grasp the significance of such things, and we’ve concluded that the backlash from those who have built their status upon traditional magic and medicine would be immense. It is, frankly, a tiresome affair—both His Majesty and I agree on that."
"Still, I understand why they find our truth so difficult to swallow. The fact that they have been the pillars of magic and medicine for so long makes them defensive. We have no intention of excluding them, but I suppose they cannot simply acknowledge us without threatening their own standing."
"Well, that sort of friction is inevitable. In my case, I managed to build a rapport with the leadership of Litea early on."
"True, though in your case, Yuki, that was largely thanks to your wife."
"The marriage came much later, actually. Regardless, once you bring the top brass into the fold, things become much easier. That’s where the efforts of people like Seraria and Schans will be put to the test."
Indeed, as Yuki-sama suggests, the future development of this technology rests squarely upon our shoulders. One wrong step could lead to a casus belli, so we must proceed with the utmost caution.
"Also, it occurred to me—what is the status of physical arts and swordsmanship in your curriculum?"
"Hmm. We cover the basics, but naturally, the focus remains on the mages. Isn't that right, Schans?"
"Yes. We are aware that most of the students for this intake are coming from the magic academies, so we haven't placed much emphasis on physical or sword arts. That said, as this is geared toward warfare and combat, we do maintain a moderate level of training, but..."
I answer, though I harbor doubts about the direction of the question. Weed’s International Exchange School is recruiting students experimentally from the institutions Yuki-sama has established ties with—namely, the schools of magic. Consequently, we have been gathering students who excel in the arcane. As I mentioned, we are dealing with fields that require intellectual rigor: magic, medicine, and technology.
It isn't that those who cannot use magic are inferior, but if half the curriculum is inaccessible to them, the priority of physical training naturally diminishes. As I ponder this, Yuki-sama seems to sense my hesitation.
"Ah, I’m not saying you need to prioritize physical arts or swordsmanship. It’s just that if you only train mages, you’re going to run into resentment later on."
"Ah, that is a fair point."
"The 'mages are superior' sentiment is something we’ve dealt with in both Seraria and Hein."
Frontline warriors and rear-guard mages are often organized into separate units, and it is only natural for such factions to clash. Of course, there are those who recognize the necessity of the other and display breathtaking coordination, but the friction remains.
"In other words, you need to find a way to incorporate that side of things eventually."
"Yes, it is necessary. Absolutely."
"I agree. Magic is not the only metric by which to measure a person."
"Since this current batch is selected entirely from the magic schools, the question is how to frame that transition."
"Hmm..."
The two of us are left to ponder Yuki-sama’s words. The first time might pass without issue, but by the second or third, it will look like nothing more than blatant favoritism toward mages. Suddenly, Tori-sama speaks up.
"Um, it’s not as if those who use magic are incapable of physical arts or swordsmanship, is it?"
"Well, that’s true."
"I can use magic well enough, but I excel at swordsmanship. Couldn't you just recruit people who are proficient in both from now on? Seraria-sama and Schans-san, you both have martial skills, don't you?"
"Ah."
Struck by her words, I realize the truth. While both His Majesty and I are perhaps more inclined toward magic, His Majesty once crossed blades with the Emperor of Hein using a spear, and I am well-versed in staff arts and hand-to-hand combat—I certainly wouldn't lose to an average soldier. Above all, we both understand that both disciplines are essential.
"Tori-dono is right. It should be a given that one is capable of both and understands the value of each."
"I cannot use those who claim one is superior to the other."
Exactly. We gathered them because they could use magic, but ultimately, true excellence lies in being proficient in both. We need leaders who can guide others, not just specialists. It isn't a trivial matter; the ideal is a person who understands the breadth of their craft and can act accordingly.
"So, is that a conversation we need to have?"
"Indeed. If it comes from you, Yuki-dono, it will carry more weight and raise their awareness."
"I agree."
And so, this preliminary inspection proved to be a source of invaluable insight for us. Providing education to everyone is a difficult task. All one can do is find the most efficient path possible. It is the same with work—all I can do is apply the optimal methods derived from my experience thus far.