37 - The Seven Sages of the Academy
"...So you live in a detached house,"
I was a bit surprised when I saw the residence after carrying the luggage to Miranda-san's home.
While it is common for most students studying in the Academic City to live in apartments, she owned a house.
It wouldn't be unthinkable for the children of wealthy nobles, but that would only be a small minority.
Miranda-san gave a wry smile and spoke with a slightly troubled expression.
"I am the eldest daughter, after all. I haven't been of much help to my family, but... what do you call it? Face? It was bought for the sake of appearances. I imagine they'll sell it to someone by the time I graduate."
They likely couldn't let the eldest daughter of the Sarkrai house live in an apartment while studying in the Academic City.
Hearing this, the Fifth Generation spoke.
『Face is important. Or rather, since they're just going to sell it later anyway, shouldn't you not worry about it? More importantly, Riel... what's the reaction from your skill?』
Told by the cautious Fifth Generation, I quietly activated my skill.
The Sixth Generation's skill judged Miranda-san as an ally.
Allies are blue.
Unrelated people or those felt indifferent toward are yellow.
Those with hostility or monsters are displayed in red.
Miranda-san seemed to have no hostility.
(Was I overthinking it?)
As I thought that, the Fifth Generation spoke up.
『Don't let your guard down. There might be a reason why the servants keep quitting... Now, get inside the house.』
I followed Miranda-san, who entered the house first while clutching her luggage.
It was a two-story detached house with a garden.
Even from the outside, it was clear there were many rooms.
"It must be quite spacious for one person to live in,"
When I said that, Miranda-san's expression clouded for a moment.
(What happened?)
However, she immediately smiled and shook her head.
"I have a younger sister. There are four of us sisters, but the youngest... her eyesight is poor. That's why I came here, I want to cure her eyes."
Miranda-san had come to the Academic City for her sister's sake.
It sounded like a heartwarming story, but the reactions of my ancestors were the worst.
According to the Second Generation—
『Eh~, no way. The eldest daughter shouldn't be doing something like that. Besides, she's Robed Nobility, right? Normally she'd be getting married.』
The Third Generation felt the same.
『It's a nice story, but I think she's putting her effort in the wrong place.』
The Fourth Generation spoke with a bit of tact.
『I think she's a good girl, but the parents who allowed this are the ones at fault. She's the precious eldest daughter, you know? She looks beautiful and has a pleasant demeanor, they should marry her off to a house they want connections with.』
The Fifth Generation was cold.
『The youngest sister's eyesight is poor? Isn't this just a way to keep her away from the family home? The eldest daughter just followed along to look after her and is giving a convenient excuse. Well, she herself might be serious about it, though.』
The Sixth Generation.
『...Well, it is a good thing to be considerate of one's sister. It is wonderful for sisters to get along well.』
Recalling the awkward conversation from last time, the Sixth Generation might have had various issues between siblings.
While sympathizing, I listened to the Seventh Generation's opinion.
『It is not uncommon to distance children who are problematic. Even in my era, there were various things behind rumors of confinement or strange sudden deaths. Even a simple death from illness often sparked odd rumors.』
What a dry clan.
I even felt a sense of admiration.
(This person is a good person.)
The dynamic of an older sister working hard for her younger sister was completely different from me and my sister, Celes.
(I'm a little envious. I wish I had an older sister like that. If I did, things might have been a bit different... no, they wouldn't change. It would just increase the number of people who are cold to me.)
A monster that twists even the environment.
Even my kind parents eventually stopped looking at me entirely.
"That's a lovely story. I wish I had an older sister like that too."
When I praised her, Miranda-san asked,
"Oh! Are you already aiming for me? Well, I'm not sure if I'm actually that good of a sister. What about your siblings, Riel-kun?"
While worrying if I was making the right expression, I gave a simple explanation.
"I have... one younger sister."
Whether she asked knowing the answer or just asked out of curiosity...
I couldn't tell, but in my skill, Miranda-san remained blue.
"Younger sisters are great, aren't they! So cute!"
"Y-yes, I suppose so."
As I forced myself to go along with the conversation, Miranda-san seemed to notice something and cut the topic short.
Perhaps she sensed something.
I headed to the kitchen with her and placed the ingredients I had bought on the table.
Looking around the house, it was being kept clean.
Other than the fact that there were handrails everywhere, it was an ordinary residence.
"I heard there were no servants, but it's very clean."
"Ahahaha... it's because they only quit two days ago."
She said that as days pass, things inevitably become untidy.
Chased by classes and assignments at the academy, it seemed the housework inevitably suffered.
I had intended to ask why they quit, but thinking it would be rude, I held back.
"Still, with a place this large, cleaning must be a struggle."
In the house I lived in back in Darion, Novem had kept it clean.
I hadn't noticed it then, but now that Aria lived there, cleaning seemed like a daunting task.
While thinking Novem was amazing, a house more than twice as large as that one with only two girls—
I honestly thought it would be difficult.
"That's true. I've only learned the basics of housework..."
Miranda-san also seemed to be struggling.
Just then—
"Sister, do we have a guest?"
Turning around, a girl was standing there. She stood as if clinging to the door, but there was a strangeness to her gaze, she was looking toward us, yet not seeing us.
The Third Generation spoke.
『I imagine this girl is the blind youngest sister.』
The still-small girl had pale purple hair. She resembled Miranda-san in things like the waves of her hair.
She was looking this way with golden eyes, but since she couldn't see, I felt her focus was off. As she tried to come toward us by feeling her way, Miranda-san hurriedly rushed over.
"Shannon! I told you to stay in your room!"
"I'm sorry, Sister... more importantly, we have a guest, right? Is it a gentleman?"
Whether it was through conversation or sensing the atmosphere...
I tried introducing myself. With the intent of testing Miranda-san, I gave my family name as well.
I used my skill to probe if the opponent held hostility.
(I wonder how it'll turn out? Will she be wary?)
"Nice to meet you, miss. I am Riel Walt. I'm an acquaintance of Aria's. I just stopped by while helping with some luggage."
Saying so, I gave her a smile for the time being.
The Fifth and Sixth Generations were reacting as they looked at the girl before me, Shannon Sarkrai.
『Quite a...』
『This too is what they call blood, I suppose.』
I found it strange, but since I couldn't ask back, I observed the two of them.
Shannon was looking at me, and in that moment, I strangely felt that I was being seen.
"...I see. Thank you, Riel-san. I am Shannon Sarkrai. I am Sister Miranda's younger sister. I apologize that I can only greet you in this manner due to my visual impairment..."
To the downcast Shannon, Miranda-san spoke.
"I-it's okay, Shannon! Riel-kun doesn't mind things like that."
She turned her gaze toward me, so I nodded.
"...Thank you."
Being told that, I directed a smile toward her.
For just a moment, Shannon's blue display changed from yellow to red, then immediately returned to blue.
Miranda-san did not change.
The one who reacted to the name Walt was Shannon.
While receiving tea in the kitchen, once Miranda-san returned after taking Shannon back to her room, I was able to ask about Alamsars.
Mainly, from her, it was about the academy.
As expected of a current student, she had interests in various things, and I obtained information different from what Clara had given me.
"The Seven Sages of the Academy? Are they amazing people?"
When I heard about the Seven Sages of the Academy, Miranda-san began to giggle.
I had become curious since they came up in conversation, but apparently, they weren't the kind of people I imagined.
"They are certainly amazing, but they're not the kind of people you're thinking of. They're the Seven Sages in the sense that they're the most outrageous individuals since the academy's inception. Some have already died, but currently, there are about three? Some have retired, and only two remain at the academy."
It seemed that the seven people who had made a name for themselves as problem children since the academy started were called the Seven Sages.
"Just problem children?"
When I said that, Miranda-san said, "But you see,"
"They're normally excellent. Perhaps the academy was troubled because they were too excellent. Many of them are first-class mages and have left amazing achievements... but they're just, how should I put it, eccentric."
Are they what you'd call geniuses?
The type whose values differ from others and who aren't understood.
"What kind of people are they?"
"The one I know is Damian Barre, who became a professor at a young age. The other one is currently in the Academic City Council, so I've never met them. Damian Barre... 'Damian the Puppeteer'."
If he even has a nickname like the Puppeteer, he might truly be amazing.
I asked for more information about him.
"He's an oddball, but he's quite excellent and apparently created a unique magic called Golems. The skill itself is supposedly for operating those golems, but regardless, he's someone passionate about research. Since he's a professor, he's on the teaching side, but he's famous for immersing himself in research regardless of that and being disciplined by superiors many times. He gives lectures now, but he's still famous for showing no motivation."
What a person.
Because he's capable, they can't fire him, making him a nuisance.
"Wouldn't it be better if he were just a researcher?"
"...The research funds are different when you're a professor. That's why he became one... but since the content of his research is a bit terrible, it seems he can't afford to quit being a professor either. He might not get a budget otherwise."
What kind of research is he doing?
As I wondered, Miranda-san blushed slightly while explaining.
"Um... do you know about Automatons? Not things made with magic tools, but beings close to humans created with ancient technology, he intends to restore them."
"He doesn't create them with magic tools? That's rare these days... As for Automatons, are they dolls that move on their own? Like with a spring?"
What I imagined was a toy moved by winding a spring.
However, Miranda-san said that was not it.
"That's a bit... no, that's why he's called a pervert, but apparently, what he wants to create is a human being itself. According to him, 'I want to create the ideal woman'."
Even I was surprised by that.
While thinking he's too honest with his own desires, it might be a dream-like story for a man.
However—
(I have Novem, so I'm fine.)
"What an amazing person. Doesn't anyone around him stop him?"
"They're Automatons of ancient technology, you know? If he can restore them, the Academic City expects it will be profitable. In fact, he's a genius, and people say that if he can't do it, no one will in the future. His passion is off the charts. Everyone says that's why being recognized as one of the Seven Sages isn't just for show."
I understood that he was someone I didn't want to get involved with.
"However, as for whether he'll succeed, the higher-ups seem unable to judge. That's why they let him be a professor without providing research funds. Even without the passion, there are many mages who want to learn Damian's magic, so he's quite popular."
(Alright, I've decided not to take any requests from that person.)
Looking at the clock in the room, it was already quite late. Since it would be bad to overstay, I decided to head home.
"I've stayed a bit too long. I'll take my leave now."
"Ah, it's already this time. Sorry. It's just been a while since I've talked like this."
Miranda-san, who attends the academy and has the care of her sister and housework waiting for her at home.
It must be genuinely difficult.
Can't she bring servants from her family home? I thought that, but since it wasn't my business, I couldn't say it.
However, I was concerned about Shannon, who had shown hostility for just a moment.
As I stood up with Miranda-san, she had an expression as if she had just thought of something.
"Oh, I know!"
"...What is it?"
After returning to the inn, I spoke with Novem and Aria, who had visited real estate agents.
After finishing dinner, we decided to tell each other about the day's events before spending some relaxing time.
I told the two of them about Miranda-san's proposal.
"...Are you serious about that?"
Aria's expression was serious.
"I believe it is best to do as Riel-sama wishes."
Looking at the smiling Novem, I remembered having a meal with Clara at noon.
(Damn it! Because the Fourth Generation said those things, I can't stop thinking about it!)
What would Novem think if she found out I had a meal with a girl?
I somehow avoided that topic and talked about the adventurer situation around here as information I heard from Miranda-san.
And the last topic I brought up was—
"Miranda-san was serious. She said she'd be grateful if we were there. She's anxious with just her sister, and she said that if it's Aria, she'd probably know about Shannon too."
The proposal was that if we hadn't found a place to live in Alamsars, we should come to the residence.
For my part, I wondered if it was okay for a man like me to live in the residence.
However, even if public safety is relatively good, there are still dangers.
Miranda-san had said that having a man's help would be convenient for various things.
As for me, I was concerned about Shannon's reaction, but the ones who agreed with the proposal were the Fifth and Sixth Generations.
The others were opposed.
As a result of the discussion, it settled on leaving the decision to Novem and Aria.
"I'm a bit negative about it. Miranda-san and Shannon-chan, was it? It's strange for a man like me to live in. However, the rent is cleaning and laundry for the house. In other words, doing the housework. Apparently, I don't have to worry about it when I'm working."
Being able to live in the residence just by doing housework was appreciated.
There seemed to be rooms, and basically, the only cost would be food? Miranda-san said she'd cover that too, but I felt hesitant to let her go that far.
Aria looked bewildered.
"Two people? What happened to the servants!"
"I don't know. Besides, can I even ask? 'Why did you quit?' and so on. She said several people had quit, so I think there's some kind of problem..."
Looking at Miranda-san, she didn't seem to be the problem.
However, the one I was concerned about was Shannon.
(...I hope it's not what I think.)
Then, Aria began to agree.
"I-I'm in favor. It saves money..."
At Aria's sudden change in attitude, the Second Generation clicked his tongue.
『This brat changed her opinion.』
The Third Generation was laughing.
『The Second Generation really does hate Aria-chan. For my part, I'm opposed, but the Fifth and Sixth Generations seem to have their reasons, so I think it's fine to take this offer. Well, it depends on Riel.』
The Fourth Generation.
『The Third Generation is fine as long as he can go to the library, right?』
The Fifth Generation spoke.
『If possible, I'd like you to take Miranda's proposal. From my perspective, those people are also descendants. I'm telling you, they're your descendants too.』
This time, the Seventh Generation was dry.
『She is a daughter of another house. Even if you call them descendants... well, in my time, there were dealings between houses, so I suppose it's better than a stranger?』
The Sixth Generation spoke to me.
『Riel, despite some potential issues, I want you to take this proposal. It doesn't look like House Walt is keeping a close eye on things, but there are things that concern me.』
Neither the Fifth nor the Sixth Generation would tell me what those concerning things were yet.
It was also a fact that living in the residence was financially more helpful than continuing to live in the inn.
"What about you, Novem?"
When I asked, Novem thought for a moment and spoke.
"Miranda-san, was it. Her sister is also with her and is visually impaired... I need to verify. I understand. I will judge after living together."
Novem's response somehow bothered me.
"Judge what?"
"Eh? I mean, as a member of Riel-sama's harem plan? Riel-sama seems to like large breasts, after all."
Aria reacted to Novem's misunderstanding.
Or rather, I only just found out that I was thought to like large breasts.
"You! You're still thinking about that! Even after saying you're not involved or not interested!"
I hurriedly tried to clear up the misunderstanding.
Novem was giggling as she looked at us.
"N-no! That's absolutely not it! Besides, the one who proposed it was Miranda-san, not me! Novem, say something!"
Then, Novem put her hand to her cheek and tilted her head as she spoke.
"Let me see. In my estimation, she passes. That's wonderful, Riel-sama."
I clutched my head with both hands and screamed.
"I SAID NOOOO!!"
The Fourth Generation muttered under his breath.
『Is Novem-chan actually doing this on purpose?』
I didn't want to believe that Novem was actually dark-hearted, so I didn't want to agree with the Fourth Generation's opinion.
Novem is a good girl. She must be!