Glenn sighed heavily.
“…Oh, I’d like to rest a bit longer…”
“You can rest once we arrive,” Aoi replied.
“No, I mean, I won’t get any mental rest, or rather…” Glenn muttered evasively.
As Aoi stared at him for his attitude, Eliza and Strass stepped down from the carriage and walked over with troubled expressions.
“Well, let’s leave it at that…” Eliza said.
“What’s wrong? Why are you in such a hurry?” Strass asked.
Aoi shifted her gaze from Glenn to the two and explained.
“The Principal is throwing a tantrum because he doesn’t want to go to the elven country. He did the same thing last time. So, if he wants to rest, it’s more appropriate to do so after we reach our destination.”
At those words, both turned to look at Glenn in unison, as if pulled by invisible strings. Shenley, standing by the carriage, also followed their gaze.
“…N-no, that’s not true. Well then, shall we enter the elven country?” Glenn blurted, suddenly lifting his head and walking ahead under their stares.
Aoi gave a wry smile and, using flying magic, lifted the two driverless carriages as she walked along. Last time, they had landed directly in front of the elven country, which had made the guards wary. This time, she had decided to land at a slightly distant spot before entering.
The towering trees loomed like giants, a small stream flowed with crystal-clear water, and wildflowers patterned the green carpet. Shenley gazed at the scenery with rapturous delight.
“…The elven country, huh. I never thought I’d actually come here,” Strass muttered.
“I’ve never heard of anyone who’s been to the elven country. I’ll be able to brag about it when I return to Gransanz for a home visit,” Eliza added.
“…I see,” Aoi said, listening as the two walked beside her. Their initial reluctance toward the elven country seemed to have faded once they stepped off the carriage.
Curious, Aoi asked Strass, “Do you have some kind of problem with the elven country? You both seemed quite reluctant at first.”
Strass pulled his chin back with a grunt, while Eliza looked flustered.
“Is it something difficult to answer? I won’t force you, of course,” Aoi reassured them.
Strass sighed and shook his head.
“…No, I simply feel guilty. Because when someone bullied Solare, none of the faculty could help him.”
“You may not have been able to help if you weren’t there at the scene,” Aoi offered gently.
But Strass shook his head again, his expression clouded.
“From Solare’s perspective, all the faculty who didn’t help him are equally guilty. Even if not, we surely could have done something. That’s why I get angry at my own incompetence.”
Eliza furrowed her brows, sharing his sentiment. Seeing their dejection, Aoi smiled.
“Precisely because you two can think that way, I believe you can become wonderful teachers.”
She then pointed ahead.
“Now, we’re almost there.”
Everyone turned forward. They wove between the towering trees until the view opened up. Sunlight streamed through the foliage, brightening the scenery.
White stone city walls appeared before them. The last time, Aoi had seen them from above and hadn’t noticed their size, but now their grandeur was clear. Elegant in appearance yet sturdy at a glance, they stood tall.
“Wow, so beautiful…” Shenley exclaimed, gazing upward.
“Truly beautiful walls,” Eliza agreed. “I suppose large magical beasts appear in such a deep forest. Ah, but the walls don’t seem to have much damage…”
“Elves are a race skilled in magic. They can probably deploy magic that prevents attacks from magical beasts,” Aoi explained.
“Some kind of stone or earthen barrier?” Strass wondered.
“I’m not sure. From what I can see, there are no signs of raised earth or anything like that…” Aoi replied.
As they conversed, a powerful voice called down from atop the wall.
“You there! State your business for coming to this land!”
Recognizing the voice, Aoi looked up and used flying magic, lifting herself into the air while keeping the carriages afloat. She came face to face with the stern figure on the wall.
“It’s been a while, Mr. Seabas,” Aoi greeted.
Seabas pulled in his chin, his expression as stern as ever.
“…It hasn’t been that long, has it? Well then, it seems your group has grown a bit this time…”
He looked down at those gathered below.
“This time, I have brought other faculty members regarding the matter I previously discussed with the Steil family, and also so that Mr. Brest can hear their opinions. I thought I would get input from other teachers about the bullying as well,” Aoi explained.
“…I can’t explain why myself, but I’m starting to feel like I shouldn’t let you through, Aoi,” Seabas muttered.
“I would like you to permit us passage because of our agreement with the Steil family,” Aoi replied firmly.
Seabas furrowed his brow and stared intently.
“…Very well. However, absolutely, absolutely do not do anything reckless. Last time too, things were very difficult after you left.”
“Why would that be? You were only doing your job as captain of the guard, weren’t you?” Aoi asked, tilting her head.
Seabas sighed and shook his head.
“From the perspective of some people, it is equivalent to having invited a calamity.”
“…A calamity? No, I have no intention of causing any particular harm to the elven country…” Aoi replied, confused.
Seabas laughed sardonically and gave a small nod.
“That’s our situation. Don’t worry about it. Now, let me open the gates.”
He called out to the other guards, and the city gates began to open.
“I will be careful not to cause any trouble this time,” Aoi said, bowing her head.
“…I appreciate the sentiment, but I won’t get my hopes up,” Seabas replied with a soft exhale and a sardonic laugh.