"Let's meet outside the academy on the next holiday."
I bid her farewell after making that rather vague promise. As I exited Solare's room, I found Glenn sitting in the corner at the end of the corridor, hugging his knees.
His gaze remained fixed on a single spot on the wall. His figure radiated such a surprising air of melancholy that Shenley looked back at me anxiously.
"……Headmaster Glenn? We've finished our conversation, so shall we get going?"
When I called out to him, Shenley looked surprised. Ignoring her expression, I moved over to Glenn, who seemed lost in a daze.
"Headmaster Glenn."
I tried calling his name again. Glenn then startled, craning his neck to look up at me.
"O-Oh. It’s Aoi... H-How did it go? Did Solare say anything?"
Glenn asked with a complex expression. He probably wanted to ask many things, but perhaps directly inquiring required more courage than he had. The vague way he phrased his question seemed to convey that.
Understanding this, I nodded and answered.
"Yes, he told me various things. He also mentioned you, Headmaster Glenn."
When I told him this, Glenn stood up and turned his whole body towards me.
"……Is that something an old man like me is permitted to hear?"
"I think it will be alright."
As I answered, Glenn stepped closer.
"Is it something that will hurt this old man?"
"Probably."
When I answered, Glenn took a step back.
"……D-Does Solare hate me?"
"……I don't think that's quite it."
When I answered, Glenn stood frozen on the spot. He seemed to be deeply troubled, unsure of what to do.
"Let's talk somewhere else. Shenley, do you have time?"
When I checked, Shenley nodded, although she seemed a bit hesitant.
…
The place we moved to was the restaurant Shenley had recommended before. Glancing at the terrace seating surrounded by trees, we entered the restaurant, and the beastkin master behind the counter gave a slight nod.
"Welcome."
I returned a small bow to his manly greeting.
"We need to have a bit of a private meeting. Do you have a good room available?"
When I asked, the master pointed upstairs.
"I'm sorry to ask you not to sit in the usual place, but please sit on the terrace on the second floor... By the way, Aoi-sensei, what about that old man over there..."
The master checked with a tension in his voice unlike his usual self. Glenn stroked his beard lightly before giving a nod.
"Glenn Molt. I am the headmaster of the Fiddiq Academy."
At that introduction, the master's back straightened slightly.
"……Welcome. I'm surprised, I never expected the Headmaster himself to visit our restaurant."
"Ah, no, no... please, just treat me as an ordinary customer."
Glenn replied with a wry smile to the flustered master.
As I thought, Glenn's presence here in Winter valley seemed to rank higher than that of ordinary dignitaries. The master's different attitude made me understand Glenn's status and renown anew.
The master whispered something to Shenley, and Shenley nodded with a wry smile.
"Well then, Headmaster Glenn. Allow me to guide you."
For some reason, Shenley politely offered to show us around like a waitress. It seemed the owner had asked her to look after Glenn.
Shenley also seemed to find it amusing, cheerfully leading the way in front of Glenn.
When we reached the terrace seating upstairs, Glenn narrowed his eyes appreciatively.
"Oh my. This is a rather fine seat indeed. Looks like we can relax here."
"Yes. The food is delicious too."
Perhaps happy to hear the restaurant praised, Shenley advertised it. Glenn smiled, saying "I look forward to it," and sat down on a chair. Seeing this, I also took a seat.
Then Shenley brought menus, took our orders, and returned downstairs to the master. Watching him, Glenn blinked in surprise.
"Does Shenley work here?"
"No, she's just a regular customer."
"She seems remarkably accustomed to it for just a regular."
As we were having this exchange, Shenley returned with drinks on a tray.
"Here you are. The master will bring the food once it's ready."
Shenley said this and sat down. Confirming that the three of us were seated around the table, I began to speak.
"Well then, I will explain to you, Headmaster Glenn, what I discussed with Solare today."
With that introduction, I summarized Solare's words and conveyed them to Glenn.
The bullying that had occurred at the academy because of his elven blood. That he felt Glenn hadn't protected him. And that while he refused to attend lectures at the academy, he still harbored the desire to learn magic.
Based on these points, I explained that I would conduct magic lessons outside the academy for Solare and Shenley.
Hearing this, Glenn's eyebrows drooped sadly.
"……So, to Solare, both the academy and his grandfather... me... are unforgivable existences."
At Glenn's sorrowful words, I tucked my chin and opened my mouth.
"Solare believes you didn't help him or protect him, Headmaster Glenn. Why do you think that is?"
When I asked, Glenn let out a deep, long sigh.