第１６８２堀：魔術大学の説明 (Part1)
Chapter 1682: An Explanation of the Magic University
Side: Yuki
Stepping into the main building, the first thing that struck me was the sprawling lobby, complete with a reception desk. It felt, for lack of a better word, exactly like a university.
In our dungeons, we usually stick to specific, scheduled lessons, but that has its drawbacks. Since students rarely take the initiative to apply for things themselves, we don't really have a space like this.
Here, however, the university is centered around research and fostering connections with the outside world. The lobby—the reception area—serves as a massive hub for that kind of interaction.
More importantly, they don't use a rigid class-based system. Instead, students choose their own departments and accumulate credits. It’s a university system in the truest sense of the word.
Well, it is a university, so I suppose that’s to be expected.
Still...
"It’s awfully quiet, isn't it?"
"Most are currently occupied with their lessons or hard at work in their laboratories, you see."
"I see. I thought they’d be more curious about us, but it seems they aren't. Did you not tell them we were coming today?"
"No, we informed them. But those who come to this university are driven by a thirst for knowledge, not a desire to meet celebrities. In fact, for individuals buried in their research..."
"Ah, they aren't fond of 'important' people."
There were a few students manning the reception, but they merely offered a polite nod to the President and Nonoa before returning to their business, showing no real interest in engaging with us.
They knew we were from Weed, but they had no idea what kind of people we actually were.
Besides, these are people who gathered here because they wanted to pursue their own unique research. Many of them have likely had their requests for support rejected by nobles and merchants time and time again.
I doubt anyone would be willing to pour money into something that doesn't turn a profit, and I’m sure these researchers have been told some pretty harsh things by people trying to drive them away. In the worst-case scenario, it could even jeopardize their standing.
"If that's the case, will anyone even attend our lectures?"
"Oh, they will. There are those who are interested in knowledge, even if they aren't interested in people. Haha..."
"Ah, I see. That kind of crowd."
They’re only here for the knowledge. Well, that’s researchers for you.
Though, I imagine they’ll talk once they’ve acknowledged our worth.
...Which means if I don't pique their interest in the very first lecture, I’m done for.
"Come to think of it, Nonoa, everyone here is an adult. Are there any children from the younger group?"
As I was pondering this, Riel asked the question.
Right, a university is typically a place for adults. It’s not exactly a place where children—the younger group—would be hanging around.
"Naturally, the children slated for the younger group aren't usually at the university. However, as a special exception this time, we have invited about twenty candidates to visit. We have a program designed to introduce the university as a place to aspire to, and we are utilizing that."
An "experience campus" day, then? Or perhaps volunteer work for the kids.
A university occupies a large amount of land and hosts a high number of students, so it has a significant impact on the surrounding area—both in terms of money and public safety. To prevent a vicious cycle from forming, the university actively reaches out to the local community.
After all, they’re conducting experiments that cause explosions like the one we saw earlier. It wouldn't be strange for the locals to worry about collateral damage, so the university takes the initiative to build bridges.
Since the university is state-supported, they likely receive funding from the government, and given the number of researchers here, that’s probably their primary lifeline.
As I was thinking this, Rushi suddenly spoke up.
"Is that child over there one of the invitees?"
Following her gaze, we looked toward a study area with tables and chairs set up in a corner of the lobby, where a child was reading a book.
"No, that child is a student who skipped grades to enroll in the university."
It wasn't the President, but Nonoa who answered first.
"Skipped grades? She must be brilliant."
Japan doesn't have a grade-skipping system, but it exists in other countries. Our policy is to encourage emotional growth by having children study alongside their peers. In places where grade-skipping exists, the argument is that studying in an environment that matches one's interests is better for communication.
Neither is necessarily wrong, and considering the environment of the Logari Continent, a grade-skipping system might actually be a better way to protect talented children and give them a head start.
"Yes. She came to knock on the university's gates all on her own."
"Huh? She did that herself? What do you mean?"
Rushi tilted her head, clearly confused, so Nonoa explained.
"Exactly as it sounds. I happened to be visiting at the time, and I witnessed a child in rags arguing with the guards at the front gate. Naturally, I was curious about what was going on..."
The story was long, so I’ll summarize.
Nonoa, being a Queen, intervened in the discussion—or rather, she stepped in to protect the child. It was the natural thing to do, and apparently, the guards were at a stalemate because they couldn't allow a child into the university.
The child’s demand was, "Let me meet the President." She had no appointment and no connections, so the guards couldn't even contact anyone, which was why they were stuck.
Nonoa, hearing this, realized the child was making an unreasonable request, but she introduced herself and tried to ask for the child's name and background...
"Oh, Nonoa-sama, President, what are you doing here-shyu?"
It seemed she had noticed Nonoa and the President, as she closed her book and walked over to us... but did she just say "-shyu"?
She didn't seem embarrassed at all. Did I mishear her?
"Ah, Ruhau. These are the guests from Weed I was telling you about the other day."
"We were just showing them around."
The two of them didn't seem to mind the speech pattern at all, and the child called Ruhau turned to face us.
"Oh, I heard that the Consort would be coming. Are you the one?"
She fixed her gaze on me and asked.
Hmm, is that a variation of "desu"? Well, she’s just a child, so I suppose it’s fine. I’d better answer her.
"Yeah, I’m Yuki, the Consort in Weed. And you are?"
"Pardon my rudeness. I am Ruhau, and I attend this Magic University-shyu."
So it’s a type where the "su" in "desu" becomes "shyu."
Well, never mind that. She’s greeting me politely, so she clearly has proper manners.
"I see. We’re planning to give talks and hold classes for the next ten days, so I look forward to working with you."
"I look forward to it as well-shyu. I’ve heard many stories about Weed, so I’m very excited-shyu."
"Ruhau, what’s your schedule for today?"