A month passed in the blink of an eye.
During that time, all the teachers were more occupied with preparations for the Cultural Festival than with their lectures, leaving the students bewildered by their frantic behavior.
Incidentally, participation was mandatory for all teachers. Each teacher was required to give some kind of presentation at designated venues throughout the academy. Furthermore, senior teachers had to present their research findings to the assembled guests.
Strass, apparently, was planning to present a showcase of precise Wind Magic control by flying paper airplanes. He would create a simple course, and the planes would weave through it in every direction. It was promised to be a very entertaining presentation.
Eliza was also planning something interesting. She intended to create a small mountain out of earth, which would gradually crumble, revealing a stone castle within. While the scale was small, many could imagine what it would be like if done on an actual mountain. It was a fine presentation, demonstrating the possibilities of magic.
Meanwhile, the senior teachers like Fore were simply showcasing high-level magic, like giant pillars of fire or tornadoes.
From my perspective, it wasn't quite what I had in mind. I preferred to see new attempts at magic. Innovative magic was the best, but new applications of existing magic were also acceptable. I believed in continuously creating new magic, applying it, and developing it further to accelerate the research of magic. Therefore, I intended to instill this mindset not only in the teachers of Fiddiq Academy but also in the magicians from all the nations.
To showcase that, my presentation had to be innovative in this world and inspire new possibilities in the realm of magic.
"Hehehehehe..."
As I planned out various possibilities, I must have laughed unconsciously. The students looked at me with a mix of unease and amusement. However, other teachers also had dark circles under their eyes, walked with a wobbly gait, or muttered to themselves while banging their heads against walls. So, my image hadn't suffered too much comparatively.
Before I knew it, it was three days before the Cultural Festival. It seemed the town had already started celebrating the event, not just on the day itself but several days beforehand.
With my preparations complete, I left Eliza and Strass, who were in the midst of a chaotic frenzy, and went out to explore the city. The central avenue was lined with street vendors selling food and clothing, bustling with tourists and merchants dressed in various national costumes.
This was incredibly enjoyable, even without any magic presentations. The people gathered from across all nations were here to witness the lively, joyous atmosphere of the city.
As I wandered through the streets, I spotted Rox and Felter. They weren't in their usual student uniforms, but dressed in cloaks and robes. Felter, in particular, looked very fitting in his attire, with his long, flowing hair resembling a lion's mane.
"What unusual attire. Are you two out for a stroll?"
I asked.
At my question, Rox took a step back, muttering.
"I'm here to greet people. This isn't a stroll."
Felter nodded in agreement, looking slightly annoyed.
"My family is arriving."
While Rox' reason was clear, Felter seemed somewhat reluctant. I tilted my head in confusion.
"Your parents are coming to see the Cultural Festival? It must be nice seeing them after so long."
At my question, Rox grinned, pulling up the corner of his lips.
"They came last year too, but Felter's father is quite eccentric, even though he's known as the Grand Duke of Bushmills. Maybe because there was war until Felter was born, he still trains Felter for combat, even though war has diminished."
As Rox explained about Felter's father, Felter's face grew even more bitter.
".....The only joy that man gets is confirming his own strength by using me and my brother. So, he's coming to Fiddiq Academy this year to beat me up and go home."
He sighed as he mumbled those words, causing Rox to finally burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! It's the only time you, who always walks around the academy with such confidence, gets put in your place. But hey, it's hard to complain when you're up against Ramsay, the Marquis, known as the strongest warrior of Bushmills."
He patted Felter's shoulder while laughing, offering him a word of comfort that wasn't much consolation. Felter let out a breath through his nose and shook his head slightly.
Seeing that, I nodded, an idea forming in my mind.
"Well, then, for this presentation, you should fight your father one-on-one, Felter."
"......What?"
At my suggestion, Felter raised an eyebrow, surprised. Rox blinked, looking dumbfounded.
"Ramsay, the Marquis, you said, the Grand Marquis of Bushmills..."
"I heard that just now. You happen to be presenting your Body Enhancement Magic, right? So, let's use this opportunity to showcase its results and fight your father."
I interrupted Rox' words and repeated my proposal. Felter remained silent, contemplating for a while, before letting out a sigh and laughing.
".....Interesting. So, I can finally punch back at that man's face."
He laughed wickedly and clenched his fist, tightening his grip.