第１６８１堀：ロガリの魔術の学び舎へ (Part1)
Chapter 1681: To the Rogari Academy of Magic
Side: Samantha
As the carriage swayed, a massive structure, distinct from the castle, came into view.
Yes, we were currently heading toward the Academy of Magic, governed by Lady Nonoa.
"Before I knew it, we had already arrived at the Academy of Magic."
I honestly couldn't tell if I should be astonished that we reached this point in a mere three days after consulting with Yuki-sama, or if I should say it took longer than I had anticipated.
Just as I was thinking that...
"…Working so much is exhausting. Still, I hope I can get at least a little bit of rest here."
Cleena-san replied with her usual lack of motivation.
Well, calling it a "rest" might be a stretch, as we had front-loaded our work and finished a fair amount of it just to be able to come to the Academy of Magic, so it was certainly exhausting.
However...
"Please be serious. We didn't come here to take a vacation. We came here specifically to search for any unknown technologies."
"More than 'unknown,' I'm looking for magical systems or theories that haven't found a practical application yet."
That’s right. Cleena-san and I had come to the Academy of Magic to investigate whether there were any spells or theories that might be useful for Weed—or rather, for people in general.
"Must be nice for you two, huh?"
"We’re just student assistants again this time."
Hearing our conversation, Narjia-san and Wuzfi-san joined in.
"You two are here to promote the fact that you belong to Weed, so please make sure you put in the effort."
"…If I go back to Ifu at this point, I’m finished, so I’ll be serious."
"I know."
"It’s too late to leave Weed now, so I’ll be fine."
Their positions are rather delicate, after all.
If they don't use this opportunity to emphasize their affiliation with Weed, they could potentially face execution for the incident involving Enaria in the Ifu Continent.
Well, judging by their words and attitude just now, they seem to have settled into life in Weed, so it shouldn't be a problem.
Just as I was thinking this, the carriage stopped. We arrived at the gate of the Academy of Magic and stepped out.
"Welcome. We have been expecting you. Yuki-dono, and everyone from Weed."
"We have been waiting for you."
With those words, Lady Nonoa and a man in remarkably fine attire, whom I had never seen before, greeted us.
Judging by the situation, I assumed he was someone associated with the Academy of Magic, but...
"Thank you for the welcome. We will be here for about ten days; I look forward to working with you."
Yuki-sama offered his greetings.
We bowed lightly from behind him.
"The pleasure is ours. Thank you for responding to our sudden request."
"Not at all. I apologize that this is our final visit."
After exchanging the necessary formal pleasantries, we moved on.
"Now then, let us get to the main topic."
"Indeed. But first, who might this be?"
"Ah, my apologies. This is Magis-dono, the President of the Academy of Magic."
"A pleasure to meet you. I am Magis. I celebrate the visit of Yuki-sama and the others from Weed with all my heart."
The President greeted us with great care.
His etiquette was impeccably refined, suggesting he held a position of considerable status.
"He is someone I consider my right hand, and one of the central figures who has supported this nation of magic. Therefore, he is aware of my position as well."
"I see. Then, he knows our position, too?"
"Yes. I have heard from Lady Nonoa. And, I apologize for the trouble caused previously. We had been gathering information, but regarding the gods..."
Ah, that was back when he was working with Nogosh, and Faide-sama came to speak with Weed.
However, we hadn't really suffered any harm, so Lady Nonoa didn't hold any ill will.
"No, no, that couldn't be helped. Since it was Nogosh who caused trouble for Weed, there is no issue. Besides, it was Lanks who actually suffered the consequences."
"Yes. Naturally, we have already offered our apologies to Lanks as well."
He is a very earnest man.
Then again, considering the nature of interactions between nations, perhaps this level of formality is only natural.
"Now, President Magis. Let us set aside the diplomatic talk for later; please guide us through the academy."
"Oh, my apologies, Lady Nonoa. Now, everyone from Weed, please follow me."
With that, we entered the academy grounds.
Inside, there was a large plaza, from which several paths branched out, leading to numerous buildings.
"Huh, so each building has a different role?"
"Yes, that is correct. Our academy is a place for those who have mastered the basics of magic and wish to pursue further exploration of the arcane arts, should they desire."
"Meaning there are other schools of magic elsewhere?"
"Precisely. It is a school open to anyone, and upon achieving certain grades, one graduates. To advance to the university curriculum, one must pass further examinations; only those who succeed are admitted to this institution."
Hmm, is it similar to the high schools and universities in Yuki-sama’s homeland, Earth?
"I see. Magic education here is indeed more advanced than in Weed. Back home, once you graduate from school, you go straight to a laboratory or another workplace."
As Yuki-sama said, education in Weed ends at what would be high school on Earth; there is no "university" for further study.
The next step is simply the workplace.
"Weed is still a young nation, so it would be difficult to justify having people pay to attend a university."
"That's true. The absolute number of people is still small, and we haven't gathered enough talent yet."
Indeed, the idea of building a university to foster specialists has been raised, but the consensus was that it would be better to have them work in the field while learning. It is a luxury that can only be afforded when a nation truly has the resources to spare.
One must prepare land, buildings, and personnel separately, so it is impossible unless there is genuine surplus.
"Besides, Weed has such a wide variety of fields. It’s hard to decide how to handle that. My institution focuses solely on magic."
"True, that makes it easier. Well, I doubt it's as 'easy' as you make it sound, though."
That is true.
Even if you narrow it down to one field, you still have to deal with questions like: What are the admission standards? What about tuition? Where do you find the staff?
It would still be difficult for Weed.
If one were to go to a university and pay money, it would be more practical to just work for a living. One has to wonder if it is truly worth the nation’s investment.