With the little stir at the stables settled, Rei and Iskeld parted ways with Seto and headed toward the Staff Dormitory.
"Seto, was it? I expected him to make more of a fuss when you left, but he was quite obedient."
Iskeld cast a glance toward the Staff Dormitory visible in the distance as he spoke. Rei gave a small shrug.
"Being on the same grounds is a big part of it, I imagine. There’s some distance between us, but it’s not much different from when we stay at an inn. Besides, if Seto feels like it, he can come find me whenever he wants."
"While Seto’s presence is mostly unknown, having a Gryphon roaming the grounds would be problematic in many ways. I’ll need to make that clear to everyone later..."
Iskeld muttered to himself about Seto’s handling, but those thoughts ended when they finally arrived at the Staff Dormitory.
"I caught a glimpse earlier, but seeing it up close, it really is an impressive structure."
Rei had stepped into several historical sites before, yet he still murmured appreciatively at the building before him.
(Well, I’ve seen the castle in the Bestia Empire, so I’m not exactly floored.)
Compared to the palace in the Imperial Capital, the Staff Dormitory was not particularly shocking, though it was grand in its own right.
"It should be. The Officer Academy is an institution with a significant history, after all."
As those words were spoken, a man appeared from the entrance of the dormitory.
He looked to be in his thirties, but his physique was so gaunt that it was hard to believe he worked at an Officer Academy.
To say he was nothing but skin and bones would be a slight exaggeration, but he certainly didn’t look the part of a typical staff member.
(No, I suppose not every staff member here has to be a combatant. There must be administrative workers and the like.)
Even so, the image of the academy was so strongly associated with combat instructors in Rei's mind that he couldn't quite shake the sense of incongruity.
"A pleasure to meet you, Rei-san. I am Samaloon. I’ve been assigned as your caretaker."
"Caretaker?"
At the man's introduction, Rei turned an inquiring gaze toward Iskeld.
Seeing that look demanding an explanation, Iskeld gave a natural nod.
"I am quite busy with my duties as Knight Commander. Today was an exception. That is why you need someone you can consult with when things come up, right? That would be this man."
"As Iskeld says, please come to me if you have any trouble. I won't claim I can solve every problem... but I will certainly do my utmost to assist you."
"I see. Well, I’ll be in your care then."
Samaloon returned Rei's words with a smile and a nod.
"Yes. For my part, being able to serve the renowned Great Mage, Rei-san, is a true delight."
"Great Mage?"
At the unexpected title, Rei tilted his head for a moment, not quite processing the label.
He didn't think of himself as a Mage.
It was only natural. It was difficult for someone who swung a massive scythe longer than his own height and charged headlong into the fray to view himself as a Mage.
Rei recognized himself as a Magic Warrior.
Because of that, he was caught off guard by Samaloon's words, which were entirely outside his expectations.
However, Samaloon didn't seem to notice Rei's confusion and continued with a joyful smile.
"That's right. A Flame Tornado with enough power to annihilate an entire army... I cannot even begin to fathom the magic structure or the sheer magic power required for such a feat. I've also heard rumors that you can cast spells requiring massive mana consumption one after another. And above all else..."
"Ah—wait, wait."
Iskeld cut in as Samaloon continued to gush.
"What is it!?"
"...You really do get worked up when it comes to magic."
The casual tone, suggesting a deep understanding of the other person, indicated that these two were far more than mere acquaintances; they were old friends.
"In any case. I'm sorry to interrupt your passion, but I must return to my duties. Despite appearances, I am the Knight Commander, and I have a lot on my plate."
"Now that you mention it, that's true. Honestly, I wonder what they were thinking, letting someone like Iskeld be the Knight Commander. One has to wonder what Duke Quento was thinking."
"I'll have you know, I am a Knight Commander who is quite popular with the people."
Hearing the word "popular," Samaloon let out a sigh and shook his head.
It was a gesture calculated to be as irritating as possible.
Indeed, Iskeld's cheek twitched as he glared at the man.
"Listen here. Please do not make the mistake of equating a muscle-brain warrior with a mage who wields profound magic power."
"H-Ho... You've certainly got quite the attitude today."
"Amusing? I suppose. I feel as though I've been made to participate in a farcical spectacle. Don't you agree?"
Samaloon turned his gaze toward Rei, as if looking for a sympathetic ear.
"Ah... I'm more of a warrior who uses magic, to be precise. As for the technicalities of mages..."
"Why!? Magic is the most sacred power in this world! It is nothing like the crude strength of those muscle-brains!"
"...Listen, Samaloon, even I have my limits, gentle as I am."
"Heh. Gentle, are you? ...That is quite the joke."
"Ho, then please explain the punchline so even I can understand it."
Unable to endure the atmosphere that was becoming increasingly hostile for no apparent reason, Rei cut in.
"Iskeld, you're busy, aren't you? And Samaloon, you were supposed to show me to my room. It's probably best not to waste time here needlessly."
Even as he thought to himself, Why am I the one playing peacemaker? This isn't like me, Rei still spoke up to the two men bickering before him.
Whether they understood Rei's point or simply didn't want to waste more time, the two fell silent and stared at each other... or rather, they glared.
They broke eye contact at the exact same moment, proving they were in perfect sync.
"Fine. I'll let it go for now, out of respect for Rei's face."
"Those are my words. If Iskeld stays here any longer, his muscle-brain might be contagious."
"Hey, don't just go treating people like they're infectious."
Rei let out a weary sigh at the exchange, which had started up again immediately.
(Still, Iskeld really does have many different sides to him.)
That was Rei's takeaway from watching the man.
When Iskeld had first met Rei upon his arrival in the City of Gracial, his attitude had been nothing short of dignified. While guiding Rei to the Officer Academy, he had been slightly more casual. And now, in his interactions with Samaloon, he was acting like a man dealing with a troublesome rival.
People change their behavior depending on their company, but seeing such stark differences was interesting to observe.
"Hmph, remember this. I'll make you regret it someday."
"Right back at you. Stop acting in a way that keeps churning out more muscle-brain cases."
Once they finished their exchange—which sounded like nothing but insults to Rei—the conversation reached a natural conclusion.
Iskeld turned to Rei.
"Well then, I'll be going now. I've left the rest to this bag of bones, annoying as he is, so I'm counting on you. It goes without saying, but as long as you're training them as an instructor, don't worry about whether the student is a noble's child or a commoner. It would be a nuisance if people who received that kind of biased education entered the Knight Order."
"...Even if you tell me that, I'm only going to be an instructor here until spring. At the earliest, it'll be two months... at the longest, I won't be here for more than three."
"I know. But someone as intense as you is going to be an instructor. The influence of that will be significant. Furthermore..."
Iskeld trailed off as if it were difficult to put into words, but Samaloon finished the thought.
"Since he won't be showing any restraint toward the nobles, there's no doubt his presence will influence the other instructors and staff as well."
"...Indeed. I'm looking forward to the results. Samaloon, you make sure to eat properly for once."
Leaving only that behind, Iskeld walked away.
Watching his back, Samaloon muttered with a sour expression.
"Hmph. He thinks a good meal solves everything. Typical muscle-brain."
And yet, it was certainly not Rei's imagination that the man's tone felt somewhat softer than it had been moments ago.
However, that fleeting warmth vanished in seconds.
As if to suggest that what just happened had been an illusion.
"...My apologies, Rei-san. I just can't help myself whenever I deal with that muscle-brain. Now then, let me show you to your quarters."
"Yeah, lead the way."
Rei followed Samaloon into the Staff Dormitory.
Perhaps because classes were currently in session, there was almost no sign of anyone else.
They went straight up the stairs to the second floor.
The room was located immediately at the top of the stairs. That was the room prepared for Rei.
"Here we are. Please, come in."
Urged inside, Rei found that the room was well-equipped with everything necessary: a bed, a desk, a chair, a sofa for guests, and even a water pitcher.
"Heh..."
"How is it? I tried to prepare it reasonably well."
"Yeah, it's fine. Most of the gear and tools I need are in here anyway."
"...Come to think of it, there was a rumor that Rei-san was an Item Box User..."
Looking at the Misty Ring on Rei's right arm, Samaloon muttered in a daze.
It seemed he had dismissed the reports as mere hearsay and hadn't quite believed that Rei actually possessed an Item Box.
"An Item Box truly is a marvelous thing. ...Hmm?"
Samaloon had been staring intently at the Misty Ring on Rei's arm, but he suddenly turned his gaze toward the window.
There, a small bird sat perched.
If that were all, one might have dismissed it as a bold little bird.
In fact, Rei felt a slight sense of incongruity—that it didn't fly away despite their presence—but that was the extent of it.
Samaloon, however, reacted differently, letting out a small sigh.
"The Academy Director? ...In other words, you want me to bring Rei-san?"
Samaloon asked the bird, and the creature gave a small, sharp nod in response.
On top of that, it stomped its feet repeatedly, as if to say, "Hurry up."
From an outsider's perspective, it almost looked like the bird was throwing a tantrum.
"I understand, I'll go right away. ...My apologies, Rei-san. Originally, I intended for you to rest today and take you to the Academy Director's Office tomorrow, but a summons has come. If you don't mind, would you accompany me to the Academy Director's Office now?"
"I don't mind, but... is that a familiar or something?"
When he asked, remembering Iero, the familiar created by Elena's Dragon Language Magic, Samaloon nodded with a sigh.
"Yes. The Academy Director is quite proficient in magic and occasionally uses familiars like this to give instructions to the staff. To be honest, some people find it difficult to get used to."
"You seem accustomed to it though, Samaloon."
"Yes. I am a mage, after all."
Samaloon wore a slightly proud smile, but from Rei's perspective, his appearance made the claim perfectly convincing.
Unlike Iskeld, who was built with solid muscle, Samaloon was slight.
It was hard to imagine him engaging in Close Combat; if he were holding a staff, he would look like the quintessential mage.
(Or perhaps a scholar?)
Given his dynamic with Iskeld, he was likely a mage... but as Rei was thinking this, the bird made a sharp tapping sound with its feet, urging them on.
Seeing that, Samaloon let out a sigh of resignation.
"I understand, so please don't rush us. Rei-san, let's go. It seems the Academy Director is very eager to meet you as soon as possible."
Perhaps dissatisfied with the delay, the bird tapped its feet again.
"...True. Familiars are interesting. It might be worth hearing what they have to say."
"And here I thought you'd be used to it, having a Gryphon and all, Rei-san."
Even as he joked, Samaloon seemed to realize that keeping the Academy Director waiting any longer would be troublesome. He led Rei out of the Staff Dormitory.