kscans

Chapter 20 - The Magic Academy

"Thank you for your patience. We have arrived at the Magic Academy."

""...!""

One moment we were enveloped in white light, and the next we were in an unfamiliar land. We were in the center of a wide, garden-like area. Before us stood a large, five-story building that stretched out horizontally. The off-white walls and dark blue roof were stylish. I thought the walls were made of brick, but they were actually solid blocks of magic stone. Amazing… I was simply overwhelmed by the difference in scale.

"Whoa, so this is Grossa Magic Academy. It’s my first time here, but what a magnificent building. I mean, I guess that’s to be expected."

Incidentally, the faint worry I had about my organs floating turned out to be unfounded. I was a little relieved, but I kept that a secret from the other two.

"Even the national army facilities are rarely this grand."

"As expected of the Magic Academy. It truly has an impressive air about it."

As Militar and I sighed in admiration, Iz spoke with a gentle smile.

"The situation may be what it is, but this is a beautiful school. This garden is also a precious place that helps heal our daily fatigue."

"I’m jealous of anyone who gets to study at a school like this. It must really motivate the students."

"I would have liked to attend a school like this at least once."

"As you say, its excellence as an educational institution is a major reason for enrollment, but so is the beauty of the school building. First, I will guide you to the Academy Principal. I have already informed her about you, Dareth-sama."

I followed Iz’s lead. She seemed to be very efficient. I needed to learn from her… We walked between neatly maintained flowerbeds and entered the school's main entrance. The inside was just as beautiful. The dark blue floor, the same color as the roof, was polished to a shine, and golden letters were inscribed along both sides of the hallway. Magic spells, perhaps. As I was thinking that, we arrived in front of an impressive room. I knew without being told. This was the principal’s office.

"Excuse me, Academy Principal."

Iz knocked on the door without a hint of nervousness. I glanced at Militar beside me, but she also had a calm expression. It seemed I was the only one who was nervous.

"Please, come in."

A beautiful voice, like the ringing of a bell, was heard, and the door opened on its own. As expected of a magic academy. Everything was automatic.

"Academy Principal, I have brought Dareth-sama."

"So you are the blacksmith who made Iz’s staff. Oh, Legion Commander Militar-san is here as well. I am Elena Grossa, the principal of this academy. It is a pleasure to meet you."

"Th, the pleasure is all mine."

A large chair swiveled around to face us. Seated gracefully in it was an incredibly beautiful person. She had fluffy, glistening silver hair and silver eyes that matched. Wow, she was just like a spirit. ...Wait, I feel like I've seen her somewhere before… Isn't that Her Majesty the Queen.

"The Academy Principal is Her Majesty the Queen’s younger sister."

"H, her younger sister. Your Grace. This is…"

No wonder they looked so similar. I never would have thought they were twin sisters. ...Hold on a second.

"S, so that means you’re kind to the competent…"

"And I run things strictly for the incompetent."

My tension skyrocketed.

"I am certain Dareth-sama will be able to find a clue from the staff."

"I am expecting good results."

A whip was casually displayed on the wall. I see. This was a bigger job than I could have ever imagined.

"Well then, we shall take our leave."

We bowed and exited the room. I was exhausted just from the greeting.

"It’s a bit sudden, but let’s go to the underground warehouse where the staves in question are stored. Please follow me."

"Yeah, lead the way."

"We must proceed with our wits about us."

We headed towards the stairs at the end of the hallway. Just as we were a few dozen steps away, a high-pitched male voice echoed from behind us.

"Wait a moment, Chief Instructor Iz. And who might that man be."

"V, Vice Principal Byre."

Iz spun around with a start. I looked in the direction of the voice and saw a man of considerable volume. His hair was parted 70-30, and he wore large, round glasses. His right hand was on his hip, while his left hand constantly fiddled with the tip of his mustache. To reiterate, he was a person of considerable volume.

"Bringing a suspicious person into the academy without permission suggests a lack of awareness as a Chief Instructor. Goodness me, it can’t be helped. It seems personal guidance is in order. Now, come to my room."

"This is Dareth-sama, the national army’s exclusive blacksmith. He is here regarding the matter of the staves. The Academy Principal should be aware of this."

"There is no way such a filthy old man could be an exclusive blacksmith. Now, come to my room."

"I, I will not go to your room, Vice Principal."

This guy sure repeated "come to my room" a lot. His ulterior motives were so obvious it was embarrassing for me to watch. And let me tell you, you’re plenty of an old man yourself. I was thinking he had the same vibe as Shion when Militar smoothly stepped forward.

"Vice Principal Byre, I will vouch for Dareth-dono’s skill. I would like you to retract your previous statement."

"Well, well, Legion Commander. You look as beautiful as ever today. I, Byre, am overjoyed to see you."

The moment he saw Militar, Byre switched into full bootlicking mode. It seemed he was the type to change his attitude depending on the person. Well, I wasn't surprised by that sort of thing anymore.

"Nevertheless, Chief Instructor Iz. Since you will not listen to what I say, personal guidance is necessary. Now, come to my room. Come to my room. Come to my room."

"N, no."

Vice Principal Byre grabbed Iz’s hand and tried to forcibly drag her away. So, I grabbed his arm and stopped him.

"Mmm. And what is it, you. Do you intend to defy me, the very embodiment of the collected wisdom of Grossa Magic Academy."

"She clearly doesn’t want to go. Please stop."

"Grr… you…."

Byre’s arm was thick with fat, and my fingers sank into it when I gripped it. His sweat was seeping out, which was disgusting, but I couldn’t let go for fear he would go after Iz again.

"You are being far too tyrannical. Just because you’re the Vice Principal doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want."

"L, let go of me at once. I am the Vice Principal, the very manifestation of Grossa Magic Academy’s status and honor. Have you no shame, you country bumpkin."

"Will you stop harassing Iz."

We weren't getting anywhere, so I squeezed his arm a little harder. The Vice Principal continued to blabber on about this and that, but eventually he spoke as if he had given up.

"...Tch. Fine, I get it, so let go. And don’t say such slanderous things as ‘harassing’. I was merely recommending personal guidance."

When I let go of his hand, the Vice Principal shot a parting glare and walked away. After watching him turn the corner, Iz bowed her head deeply.

"I am sorry for the commotion, Dareth-sama, Militar-san."

"No, don’t worry about it at all. If anything, you were the one who had it rough, Iz."

"It must have been awful to be harassed by such a creepy person."

"...Thank you, both of you. I am fine. Well, I’m used to it."

As Iz said she was used to it, a small, dark shadow crossed her face. She was probably being pestered by him on a daily basis. It would have been good if I could have made him reflect on his actions. Man… guys like that are everywhere, aren't they. I wouldn’t have thought one would be at a distinguished school like Grossa Magic Academy. Just as I was thinking that, Iz deliberately spoke in a bright tone.

"In any case, first I will show you the staves in question. Please follow me."

Guided by her, we headed towards the underground warehouse where the staves were said to be stored.