Upon arriving at the Steil house, the guards surrounding the group split left and right, opening a path. Seabas stood at the front, with only two people remaining behind Aoi.
“This time, I’m asking you to handle things as peacefully as possible,” Seabas said.
“That’s what I intend to do, but…” Aoi protested against Seabas’s words, finding them unfair. Seabas let out a deep sigh, gave a small shake of his head, and knocked on the Steil house gate.
After a while, a butler opened the door and appeared. It was Pott. He straightened his back and looked at them with a wary expression. After a brief pause, Pott saw Seabas standing before him and pulled in his chin.
“Welcome, Captain Seabas. And Marquis Glenn, Lady Aoi as well… Welcome to the Steil house. Would those people be instructors from Fiddiq Academy?”
While greeting them, his gaze shifted to Strass and the others. Glenn nodded in answer to his question.
“Yes. These are regular instructors Strass and Eliza. And we also have Shenley here, representing the students.”
“Strass Clyde, instructor.”
“My name is Eliza Woodford.”
“Ah, um, I’m Shenley… Shenley Lu Rosentiel …”
As Glenn introduced them, Strass and the others took turns introducing themselves. Pott nodded back and spoke.
“I am Pott, the steward of the Steil house. Please follow me, I will guide you. Ah, I’m sorry, but we can only accommodate up to ten people…”
“That’s fine. Please take Marquis Glenn’s party of five and five guards including myself,” Seabas replied.
“Understood.”
With that exchange, Pott opened the door to the mansion and guided them inside. They entered, and ten people fit into one hall. The hall was rectangular, with Seabas and the other guard members lining up at the far end, and the rest closer to the entrance. Chairs were available, but since none of the guards sat, the flow led the others to also remain standing while waiting.
An awkward silence dominated the hall. Strass aside, it was clear that Eliza and Shenley were nervous.
Aoi placed her hand on Shenley’s anxious shoulder and spoke softly. “It’s alright. I’ll do most of the talking.”
“That’s what worries me,” Shenley muttered, her troubled face echoed by Glenn’s quiet agreement.
Aoi felt misunderstood ever since arriving in this country and wanted to clear that misunderstanding by demonstrating rational conversation. Just as she glared at the door with that thought, it opened.
Pott appeared, gave her a suspicious look, then held the door open with one hand and ushered in the people following him.
The one who appeared was an elf with narrow, squinting eyes that left a strong impression. His hair was long and beautifully golden blonde. He wore white robes and held a somewhat large wooden staff in his hand.
Then, Brest and his mother, Pier, also appeared. They glared at the visitors without hiding their hostility and stood quietly behind the elf.
After confirming that the three had entered, Pott quietly closed the door and moved toward the wall.
Everyone was present. The squinty-eyed elf spoke.
“Welcome, Marquis Glenn. And welcome to everyone from Fiddiq Academy. I am Spire Jin Steil, the head of the Steil house. It seems my son Brest has caused you trouble on this occasion.”
Along with his greeting, Spire introduced himself. Glenn immediately adopted a humble posture, waving one hand side to side with a wry smile.
“Ah, no, no… This is a matter between children. If Brest-kun has reflected on his actions, I think that’s enough. Yes. I’m late introducing myself. As you may already know, I am Glenn Molt. Today, I am not here as a marquis, but as the headmaster of Fiddiq Academy.”
As Glenn greeted them, Strass and the others quickly introduced themselves. Feeling somehow like she was in a waiting line, Aoi introduced herself last.
“Aoi Konominato. I am an instructor at Fiddiq Academy.”
As she bowed while greeting, Spire’s eyes opened slightly.
“So you’re Aoi-sensei. I heard from my wife that you are a magic user who can rival even elves.”
When he said that, Aoi hesitated, wondering how to respond. Then, perhaps thinking something, Spire let out a small laugh.
“Well, that may be a bit of an exaggeration, but it’s rare for my wife to speak of another race that way… I must admit, it piques my interest somewhat.”
After muttering that, Spire turned his gaze back to Glenn.
“Now then, without further delay, shall we discuss my son, Brest?”
He gestured for everyone to sit in the chairs, and he himself sat down. As Spire brought the conversation back, not only Glenn but also Strass and the others tensed their expressions. Perhaps they were concerned about dealing with a prominent figure in the elf country. They may also have felt the weight of potentially angering a noble from another country and causing an international incident.
But that was that, and this was this.
The issue of bullying wasn’t about status or country; it had to be considered from the perspectives of students, teachers, and guardians.
With that resolve, Aoi turned to face Spire.
“Then, with your permission, I’ll speak about Brest-kun. Spire-san, are you aware of the details?”
Spire lifted the corner of his mouth and looked straight at her. His eyes showed no emotion, probing her intentions. A hint of intimidation lingered, but Aoi pretended not to notice.
“No, I don’t know the details… I did hear that the person he clashed with was apparently Marquis Glenn’s grandson.”
Spire said this with a troubled smile, deliberately ignoring Glenn’s earlier greeting and calling him “Marquis” again. If taken badly, it seemed like he was trying to conduct this as a matter between nobles.
If that was the case, considering Glenn’s position as a marquis, it became difficult to press the issue. It would make Glenn look like a noble who ignored diplomacy and came all the way to the elf country to start a fight for the sake of his grandson.
That held true both between nations and in terms of noble conduct. In other words, Spire might have been threatening them by implying he was willing to choose a politically disadvantageous move.
As evidence, Glenn’s expression tightened.
“No, I didn’t come because of my grandson, but for the sake of Brest-kun’s education…”
At Glenn’s faltering words, Spire gave a dismissive laugh and shook his head side to side.
“Is that human culture? Brest has already left the academy. Even if that sentiment isn’t revenge but genuine goodwill, I find it to be quite intrusive discipline, don’t you think?”
“Re-revenge, you say…” Glenn faltered, finally falling silent. Pier and Brest smiled openly, not hiding their satisfaction.
Not only Glenn but also Strass and the others looked at Aoi anxiously.
Then, as if drawn along, Spire also turned around with a knowing smile.
“Indeed, perhaps it’s none of my business,” Aoi muttered, lifting her head.