Synchronized, nearly mechanical footsteps echoed on the stone pavement. There was a high-pitched clinking of metal, and the footsteps of horses pulling a large carriage were moving through the center.
A group of knights on horses advanced with the rugged sounds and then halted in front of the academy. The leading knight dismounted smoothly and approached the reception desk.
"We have come from the royal capital. His Majesty, Her Majesty Queen Rhea, and four royal guards wish to enter."
"Yes. This is the first reception in the morning. All weapons are to be stored here. Now, please register your names one by one."
"Hmm, one by one… We cannot afford to spend that much time…"
"Sorry, but that's the rule. Now, I'll lend you the ledger."
The knight took the notebook handed to him and instructed his subordinates to write their names.
An hour later, King Middleton Inish Kilbegan and his entourage entered Fiddiq Academy.
The teachers and academy staff were in a panic. Students watched from a distance, amused by the commotion.
The royal party followed their guide and walked through the chaotic academy. Due to the need for the royal guards to check the path ahead, three guides accompanied them. One of them was Speyside.
Sweating nervously, Speyside explained the situation to Middleton, who nodded magnanimously while casting a sharp glance around the academy.
"There are quite a few students wandering around. Are classes not in session?"
"Classes will start shortly. This morning, there’s a meeting with the principal, and in the afternoon, the plan is to observe some classes."
"Hmm… I heard that the person who summoned us today is a new teacher named Aoi Konominato."
"Y-yes, that information is correct. My apologies."
With each word from the king, Speyside grew more anxious as they headed towards the reception room on the second floor of the academy.
The heavy double doors opened to the reception room, where there were four leather sofas arranged around a low table. Principal Glenn was sitting on the farthest sofa at the back, with Aoi standing beside him.
Accompanied by two royal guards, the king and queen entered the reception room.
"Welcome to Fiddiq Academy. We are honored by your presence," Glenn greeted casually.
The two royal guards glared, but the king stopped them with a wave and smiled wryly. "You haven't changed, Marquis Glenn Molt. Having you in our kingdom prevents the other five great nations from looking down on us. We are counting on you."
"Hahaha, that's too much praise for an old man."
Seeing their friendly banter, the queen laughed. "My, you two are quite close. But it's rude to keep the teacher waiting while you chat."
Hearing the queen’s gentle chide, the two smiled awkwardly and turned to Aoi.
"Hmm, you must be Aoi Konominato. I am Middleton Inish Kilbegan, king of the Verted Kingdom. I hear you have something to discuss regarding my son, Rox, the second prince. I look forward to it."
Rhea stood beside him. "I am Rhea Berl Kilbegan, his wife. Pleased to meet you."
Rhea smiled warmly and moved to the sofa.
Middleton and Rhea sat side by side, facing Aoi, who sat alone on the opposite sofa.
Facing the two, Aoi said seriously, "Nice to meet you. I am Aoi Konominato, a new teacher here at the academy."
"Hmm." Middleton nodded magnanimously at the introduction and waited for Aoi to continue.
"Today, we have invited you, the parents of Rox-kun, who is studying magic in the senior section."
"Hmm, that sounds somewhat ominous." Middleton raised an eyebrow.
"Yes. Therefore, I will speak to you not as a king and queen but simply as the parents of a student."
Hearing Aoi's clear statement, Speyside, standing by the door, turned pale, his face tightening. Glenn stifled a chuckle at the sight.
Middleton frowned deeply and nodded. "I see. I will listen carefully."
Rhea smiled brightly. "It's alright. We've heard reports from his friends’ families and their attendants. They say Rox is diligent in his studies and is even considered a genius at the academy…"
Rhea's proud words were met with a sad shake of Aoi's head.
"Unfortunately, that's not true.."
Rhea froze, as did the smiling Glenn and Middleton.
Unfazed, Aoi continued at her own pace. "Rox-kun may have more talent for magic than the average person, but he lacks diligence. I would like him to take his studies more seriously, but that's a separate issue."
Speyside nearly fainted and struggled to stay conscious.
Middleton said with a grim expression, "Is my son not studying seriously?"
"Yes. From what I have seen, he has even disrupted other students' studies. Some teachers no longer wish to teach him."
"Is there some kind of mistake? The reports are quite different from what you're saying," Middleton queried.
Aoi replied firmly, "No mistake.
"That is also an issue, but the main point today is something else."
Aoi then truthfully recounted Rox's daily behavior and his rough actions without any embellishments. Throughout, only Aoi's calm voice reporting the facts sounded, except for Speyside saying he felt unwell and left the room.
"That's all. Do you have any questions?"
By the time Aoi finished, Middleton's face had a terrifying expression, Rhea was on the verge of tears, and Glenn was expressionless.
In the silent room, Aoi nodded. "Since there are no questions, let's discuss the future steps."
"Wait a moment." Middleton's low voice interrupted Aoi. The two royal guards started sweating profusely.
"Yes?"
Middleton looked bitterly at Aoi. "Is there no possibility that the child from Viscount Shenley's family, whom Rox was said to have bullied, is the instigator? We should hear from my son as well…"
"Regardless of the reason, it's unacceptable to use magic to injure classmates. Ganging up on weaker peers is wrong for any person, let alone royalty. It's also wrong to belittle beastkin, lower-ranked nobles, and commoners. It's wrong to use magic against teachers too, isn't it?"
Aoi's icy gaze and words rendered Middleton speechless.
Rhea glanced at the speechless king and said tearfully, "I can't believe my son would bully a girl. Do you have proof? If word of royal misconduct spreads within the academy and attracts the attention of the Six Great Nations, it could damage our nation's influence. Isn't it possible someone has such motives…"
Hearing Rhea's tearful plea, Aoi coldly denied it and replied, "Because the eyes of the Six Great Nations are on us, poorly planned schemes will only backfire on them. However, if you still aren’t convinced, I will show you the evidence."