Following the teacher introduced to me by Glenn, I went to observe a class in the senior section.
The class was on intermediate fire magic.
The teacher in charge of fire magic, Famous Grouse, was known within the academy for his aristocratic ideology. He was in his forties with short blond hair and a refined air, and knowing his background made his noble-like appearance and demeanor all the more apparent.
Perhaps having me accompany this teacher first was Glenn's way of presenting a challenge.
It seemed he wanted me to experience firsthand the aristocratic dominance that the academy couldn't shake off.
While I was lost in thought, Famous, who had entered the classroom first, said a few words, glanced at me, and then said, "Today, we have a special guest teacher to introduce, Aoi Konominato. It's her first day as a teacher, and yet she has already become a senior teacher. Everyone, pay attention."
Famous introduced me with a notably loaded tone. I sighed and stepped into the classroom.
Up until now, the classrooms had only smelled of wood, stone, and fabric, but this one was filled with a mixture of scents similar to fragrant woods and herbs.
I moved to the podium, stood next to Famous, and glanced around to see the tiered classroom filled with students.
There were about twenty students. Most of them were aristocrats, who displayed a calm demeanor.
As I looked over the students' faces one by one, I opened my mouth to speak. "... I am Aoi Konominato, and I will be teaching here starting today. My specialty is water magic. Feel free to talk to me."
It was my first day, so I decided to start with a casual greeting and observe the situation.
But then Famous turned his palm towards me. "Konominato-shi, who has taken on the rare position of a senior teacher from the start at the prestigious Fiddiq Academy, is actually a commoner. Surely, she must have earned her current position through a lot of hard work. Everyone, applause!"
With the additional comment filled with undisguised hostility, sparse applause echoed from the students. Famous even clapped enthusiastically alone.
A student in the top row spoke.
The boy had a small stature and blonde hair. He looked young, but since he was in the senior section, he was probably around fifteen years old.
The boy gave me a brief appraising look before turning to Famous. "... Is there some mistake? The position of senior teacher is reserved for the most outstanding teachers in their respective fields. They are usually among the highest-ranking nobles. I find it hard to believe that a commoner could hold such a position."
The boy spoke in a mocking tone.
As if he had anticipated this, Famous shrugged his shoulders and shook his head. "Indeed, the position of senior teacher is awarded to the most outstanding magicians among high-ranking nobles."
He paused. About half of the students nodded. With a smirk, Famous looked at me. "In other words, she has the ability to push aside even the finest nobles to become a senior teacher. Amazing! I would love to see that power. What do you all think?"
Some students clapped their hands in amusement and cheered.
Nobles, who had brought talent from within and outside the country into their bloodlines, often had individuals with great magical talent. In contrast, families that had been commoners for generations rarely produced such talent.
This likely led to aristocratic elitism and instilled unnecessary pride in them.
Therefore, someone like me, a commoner in a prominent position, was unlikely to be well-received, and some might even suspect I was falsifying my abilities.
I took a deep breath and looked up. "First, let me state something. At this academy, I believe titles like nobility or royalty are unnecessary. Of course, I also despise hierarchy based on racial differences."
Looking around the buzzing classroom, I raised my voice. "Thus, I intend to reprimand anyone who treats others unfairly for such reasons equally."
I decided to convey an important policy upfront.
Immediately, the blond boy clicked his tongue and looked at Famous. "... Some delusional woman seems to be saying something, but what do you think, Famous-sensei?"
Seeing him speak irritably, I thought he was just a child.
But the middle-aged man standing next to me also showed a slightly irritated expression and a twisted smile. "... Barrel-kun, even if it's true, speaking that way to a teacher will reflect poorly on your character. However, let me properly educate Konominato-shi about position."
Though his face was smiling, his eyes held a flame of anger.
I looked at Famous with a serious expression and asked, "By position, do you mean the position between you, a general teacher, and me?"
All emotion disappeared from Famous's face. He drew a wand from his waist, pointed it at my face, and began chanting a spell.
A fire spell, and an offensive one at that.
"Using an offensive spell on a fellow teacher, in front of students, within the academy... In a normal school, you would be fired without question. [Action Seal, Freeze]."
Just before Famous finished his chant, I cast my spell.
Immediately, invisible ropes seemed to bind Famous. Fixed straight from head to toe, he looked like a rigid stick as he stared at me in shock.
I glanced at the immobilized Famous and then turned to the students.
The students exchanged looks of confusion or gazed at me with hostility.
Meeting their gazes directly, I said, "Not all evaluations are based on magical ability. Students should cooperate to become better magicians without comparing titles or magical ability. Of course, teachers should also assist sincerely regardless of titles or positions. Please rely on us if you have any questions or concerns. You will achieve better results than worrying alone."
My voice echoed in the suddenly silent classroom.
The students seemed unsure how to react, but I felt my message had gotten across.
"[Unseal, Release]." I released the spell, freeing Famous from his restraints.
"Ugh?! J-just now, what did you...!"
Keeping a wary eye on Famous, who was pointing his wand at me in confusion, I said, "Then, please proceed with the fire magic lesson. I expect a lesson that anyone can understand. Naturally, if any student can't keep up, it is due to the teacher's inadequacy."
I made sure to emphasize to Famous to eliminate bias and discrimination based on class or race.
However, Famous clicked his tongue and averted his gaze from me. "... This is Fiddiq Academy, the world's top magic academy. Anyone who can't keep up with my lessons doesn't belong here."
With that, Famous began his magic lecture.
I wondered what kind of lesson he would give, but it turned out to be relatively easy to understand.
Though he called it intermediate fire magic, he started from the basics. Perhaps he had actually listened to my words.