第１６８２堀：魔術大学の説明 (Part2)
"I have no particular classes today, so I was thinking of spending the time reading in the laboratory or perhaps working on my thesis," she replied.
"I see. Would you mind showing us around the university? I’d be interested to hear things from a student's perspective."
Perhaps it was unexpected, or perhaps it was only natural, but Nonoa had asked her to accompany us as a student representative.
"If that is what Nonoa-sama wishes, I would be happy to oblige. However, I am but a small child, and I worry—would you and the others of Weed not find my presence unpleasant?"
"We don't mind at all. In fact, I'm quite curious about you, Ruhau."
"About me?"
"Yes. I heard that one must graduate from a standard school before they can even enter the university. That means you were recognized as capable enough to attend at your age, right? Firia and Hiiro are curious, too, aren't they?"
"I am very curious!"
"Yeah, I'm dying to know!"
The two little ones seemed just as intrigued by Ruhau.
"You are interested in me? Usually, people tend to keep their distance because of my appearance. But, if you all truly do not mind, I shall guide you. I ask that you save any personal questions for after the tour is concluded."
She seemed quite level-headed, prioritizing the university tour as requested.
"Understood. So, President, how shall we proceed? Should we follow her lead?"
"Hmm. I imagine Ruhau-kun can explain the foundational courses and her own field of research in detail, but little else."
"Yes. I can only speak to the surface-level details of research I have not yet touched myself. Therefore, I can provide a unique perspective on how the students spend their time here at the school."
Well, that was only natural. One could hardly expect her to explain research outside her own field in depth.
"Very well. I shall leave the areas Ruhau-kun can explain to her, and I will handle the foundational details."
And so, the explanation of the university resumed.
Though, aside from the novelty of selecting courses to earn credits at the reception desk in the lobby, the basics were standard: six subjects—Arithmetic, Linguistics, History, Magic, Economics, and Etiquette. Completing thirty sessions of any of these subjects earned one credit. A total of twenty credits were required to advance a grade, and to graduate by the third year, one needed approximately sixty credits, after which one could go on to become a full-fledged university researcher.
Unlike universities in Japan, students here were not merely graduate students; they were employed as research staff from that point on, subject to annual research evaluations.
Naturally, the graduation thesis required to become a full researcher was rigorous.
It was judged not only by the President and the faculty but also by the central figures of the nation, including Nonoa, who would determine if the candidate was truly worthy of the investment.
One might think it harsh, but the state was footing the bill. It was taxpayer money—the people's money—being used. To admit someone incompetent would be a failure of the state.
"Huh, if the evaluation is fair, that's a pretty good system," Comet remarked after hearing the explanation.
"Come to think of it, Comet-san, didn't you attend a magic school back on the If Continent?"
"That's right. I created all sorts of things while I was there, but I kept getting told to hand over my research results, or that a woman shouldn't be doing such things. It was a matter of the nobles' pride, and the researchers' pride, too."
I had heard of this. The If Continent, in particular, was a region where chauvinism ran deep. Comet, a woman who could wield magic and possessed a talent for development, was simply not accepted by society.
"I see. So the state didn't support the researchers?"
"It wasn't zero, but there was no such thing as 'freedom.' It was more like fighting for a seat to become a state researcher. And since everything they researched was strictly for military use, I quit as soon as I could."
"Hmm. Nonoa-sama has told me about you, Comet-sama. To think they would let someone with your talent slip through their fingers..."
"Well, everyone wants prestige and money. It leads to a stable life. I won't deny that. But I won't stand for having my research stolen by others."
"If such a thing were to happen to me, I would flee as well."
Watching Ruhau nod in agreement with Comet, we continued our walk through the university.
Nonoa’s Magic University was clearly a cut above the academies of other nations. I wonder where the system of the "university" first originated in this world. It might be interesting to look into that someday.