In his own class, Fore acknowledged Aoi's qualifications as a teacher, stating that she possessed the knowledge and skills appropriate for a senior teacher.
"Everyone should take her class at least once."
Fore's statement surprised the senior section students, who were also surprised by Aoi's abilities that had prompted such praise.
This shocking rumor quickly overshadowed and washed away the initial negative rumors.
As a result, Aoi was accepted and recognized by many, except for students with a high sense of nobility and those who were still wary of what other senior teachers thought.
This marked the beginning of Aoi's true life as a teacher.
After hearing the rumor from Eliza, Aoi resolved to redouble her efforts.
———
【Maple Leaf Holy Empire】
Originally, this country excelled in magical research, particularly in healing magic, to an unparalleled degree.
However, since the establishment of Fiddiq Academy in the Verted Kingdom, most of the reputation had been taken away.
The Six Great Nations funded the academy and granted it special autonomy, yet the special autonomous region of Winter Valley was located in the Verted Kingdom.
While this did not decide everything, a country with many excellent magicians had a different level of influence.
Even in the Central Council, it was becoming difficult for others to oppose the Verted Kingdom's statements.
Feeling a sense of crisis, each country, including the Maple Leaf Holy Empire, scrambled to establish magic academies that could rival Fiddiq Academy.
However, no matter the method, they couldn’t match Fiddiq Academy's prestige.
Even with court magicians employed as teachers, they couldn’t overturn the image of being an academy for those who couldn't get into Fiddiq Academy.
While the Maple Leaf Holy Empire was frustrated by the lack of success, it received regular communication from Hiram, a student at Fiddiq Academy.
According to him, the country's proud senior teacher, Fore Pern Roses, had been defeated as a magician by a newly appointed female senior teacher.
The empire had over twenty court magicians and more diverse magical organizations than other countries. However, other countries would likely focus solely on the fact that Fore had been defeated.
"Hmph!" I nearly tore the letter in anger but restrained myself.
Breathing heavily, I called for my guard. "Alabarta!"
"Yes." A large, middle-aged man in white armor stepped forward.
Without his helmet, his stern face was more imposing than any iron helm. He had animal ears resembling horns growing from his head.
"This letter contains quite unpleasant news." I proceeded to tell him the contents.
Alabarta frowned deeply. "Your Majesty, what do you think?"
Unsure of what to do, Alabarta refrained from expressing his own thoughts, seeking my intentions instead.
"Bring this magician named Aoi Konominato before me."
Hearing the answer, Alabarta quietly bowed. "Understood! In that case, please grant me authority and companions to accompany me."
"How many do you need?"
"Ten royal guards. Additionally, considering the opponent, I request the court magician Crown Windsor."
Hearing this name, I couldn't help laughing.
Indeed, that magic fanatic would follow orders regardless of what they were.
"Very well. You will present yourself as my spokesperson. I will provide a letter."
"Yes!" Alabarta replied in a loud voice and bowed deeply.
Now, I shall see what kind of person this witch from Fiddiq Academy was.
Alone in the room, I turned up the corners of my mouth and tore up the letter received from Hiram.
———
【Eliza】
"So, chants and magic circles are essentially the same thing…!"
"Yes. However, being words, the nuances change. Expressing those nuances with magic circles is quite challenging. The same goes for the reverse."
"Oh, ohhh!"
One after another, clues flowed into me for research that had been stalled for many years.
The research on magic circles, which had been done by groping in the dark until now, became illuminated by numerous lights.
As I excitedly asked questions, Strass frowned and clinked his cup against mine.
The clinking sound drew our attention.
"You're too noisy. Save the research questions for later."
Strass grumpily bit into a skewer of meat and sipped fruit wine.
The sweet and spicy taste of the meat filled his mouth, and the savory aroma made him pause. "This meat is delicious."
"The ingredients are good. The seasoning is nice, but the sweetness of the meat is quite something."
As we conversed, a slender figure approached from the back of the restaurant.
It was Speyside, a teacher with lustrous blue hair at the academy.
"It's you again." He sighed deeply. "Come with me. I'll show you to a private room."
"Eh?"
His sudden words made all three of us freeze. When we looked up at Speyside, he returned our gaze with a mysterious smile.
"Fore Pern Roses is here too, so it's perfect."
He said something unbelievable.
If we sat with Fore, he would undoubtedly bombard Aoi with questions more than I did.
"We can't! Today, we planned to forget about work and deepen the friendship between the three of us…"
Seeing me about to refuse, Strass spoke up unexpectedly. "Which mouth said… Mmph—"
I stuffed a skewer of meat into Strass's mouth before he could say something unnecessary. He silently ate the meat, glaring at me, but it wasn't very intimidating.
Seeing this, Speyside snorted. "Aoi-sensei, it will be more beneficial to dine with Fore-sensei and me than with these two…"
"I decline. Today, I have an appointment with these two." Aoi interrupted Speyside and clearly declined.
"… I see. Then, please join us next time. Excuse me." Speyside, Slightly regretful, turned around.
But before leaving, he left a parting remark. "This is a public place. Please keep quiet."
The three of us obediently bowed our heads.
"Sorry."
Hearing our apology, Speyside raised one hand and waved slightly before leaving.
His attitude and mannerisms carried gentleness we had never seen before. We laughed and toasted each other again.
Since Aoi's arrival, it felt like things had changed dramatically at the academy.
Although It had only been a short time, many things seemed to be moving in a positive direction.
And it was still just the beginning.
We laughed together and talked about classes, students, magic… and Aoi's absurdity.
"I'm very offended," Aoi said with a wry smile, but neither I nor Strass gave in.
As we enjoyed our meal, an annoyed Speyside appeared again, and we were scolded once again.