"Now then. A seat..."
I walked into the classroom. I had decided to attend the Introduction to Sorcery lecture this afternoon.
It was a large hall, with tiered seating that rose higher toward the back; the front row was the lowest point. It was structured like an amphitheater.
Since I had neither friends nor acquaintances present, I had planned to take the lesson alone. However, I spotted a student sitting all by herself near the front.
—This is a good opportunity. Why not join her?
"Excuse me. Would you mind if I sat here?"
"Eh...!? Um... uh... well, please, go ahead..."
"Thank you."
I placed my notebook, textbook, and stationery on the desk and immediately struck up a conversation with the girl beside me.
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name is Ray White. I appreciate you allowing me to join you so suddenly."
"Ah... um... I am... Elisa Griffith..."
"I see. It is a pleasure, Miss Griffith. By the way, you may call me Ray."
"Ah, um... you can call me Elisa... too...?"
"I understand. Then, Elisa, I look forward to getting to know you."
"Yes. Me too..."
Her speech was a bit faltering, but she spoke with me properly. As I thought, this academy is full of good people. Even an Ordinary like myself is met with such sincerity.
I felt relieved from the bottom of my heart, having been proven wrong about the rumors I’d heard.
"Um..."
"Yes?"
"You're in the same class as me, aren't you, Ray...?"
"Hmm? The same class?"
"Yes... that's right."
"My apologies. It seems I haven't quite memorized everyone's faces and names yet. Please forgive my lack of awareness."
I lowered my head in an honest apology.
I had intended to memorize everyone's names and faces during the self-introductions, but I had clearly been overconfident in my own perception.
"Eh...!? Um, you don't have to go out of your way to apologize... I'm not very noticeable anyway..."
"I don't believe that's true."
"Eh?"
"That hood is quite distinctive. Why are you wearing it, if I may ask?"
"That's..."
Was it an unavoidable circumstance? Or something else entirely?
Regardless, I wasn't so ill-mannered as to pry further upon our first meeting. I needed to maintain a respectful distance, especially since she seemed to be quite introverted.
"Um... I, well..."
"Is it all right for you to tell me?"
"Yes... because I think... I have to show a little courage here."
With that, Elisa lowered her hood.
Her medium-length hair fluttered. It was a greenish hue, transparent and shimmering like fine silk. Even from the side, her features were strikingly well-defined.
She had an elegant, straight nose and lips with a healthy flush. Her eyes were framed by long, upward-sweeping lashes that made them look remarkably large.
But more than anything else, my gaze was drawn to one specific detail.
"An Elf? No—a Half-elf..."
"Yes... my mother is an Elf, and my father is a human."
"I see. That explains your ears."
"Are they... strange?"
Indeed. Her ears were slightly pointed.
I had met Elves before, but I recalled their ears being sharper. Their hair, too, was usually a deeper shade of green. Based on that experience, I’d guessed she was a Half-elf, and it seemed I was correct.
Half-bloods with demi-humans haven't been rare in recent years. In particular, Elves possess high magical aptitude, and it’s a well-known fact that noble families often try to produce mixed-blood heirs with them.
Elisa gazed at me anxiously. I met her gaze with a firm, steady attitude.
"Strange? Not at all. They look perfectly normal to me."
"Eh... but, in the past... I was bullied because of them..."
"Hmm... certainly, humans have a tendency to exclude those who are different. That remains true for adults, and even more so for young children. Perhaps it is an inherent nature shared by humans and animals alike. However, I would never mock you for it. Your ears are quite lovely, and your green hair is beautiful. Truly enchanting."
"Eh!? D—Do you really think so?"
"I do not lie. Well, I might on occasion, but this is my honest opinion. I find you beautiful, Elisa."
"I see... I'm happy to hear that. Ehehe..."
"Yes. Your smile is beautiful as well. It suits you."
"...Unya!?"
"Unya? What's wrong? Is it a seizure? I'll take you to the infirmary immediately—"
"I—I'm fine! I'm really okay!"
Elisa frantically waved her hands in denial. Her face was bright red, though; I wondered if she truly was all right.
As we spoke, a certain book caught my eye. It was lying on the desk in front of her.
"That book..."
"Ah. I was reading it until class started..."
"Ainsworth, huh."
"Yes... you see, I want to be... a researcher. He's my idol."
"Do you intend to specialize in Dual-Code Theory?"
"Yes... I'm very interested in codes as well."
"Then you plan to continue your studies after graduating from the academy?"
"Yes. I want to earn my Bachelor's, my Master's, and then my Doctorate... I hope..."
"That is admirable."
"Eh?"
"To have such a grand ambition at your age. You have my respect."
"I'm not really doing anything special..."
"No, there is no need for modesty. But... I see. This academy certainly attracts some exceptional individuals."
"...But, I think the nobles are much more impressive... you know?"
"The nobility... perhaps. However, the magical aptitude of an Elf is also quite high."
"...I'm a bit of a failure. My magic... isn't very good."
"I see... but everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. I believe you should focus on developing the areas where you excel."
When I said that, Elisa let out a soft chuckle.
It wasn't a mocking sound, but a genuine laugh from someone who was truly enjoying themselves.
"Fufu..."
"What is it?"
"You kind of talk like a teacher, Ray."
"Do I?"
"Yes. I can't really imagine... that we're the same age."
"I see... to be honest, I'm told that quite often."
"I can see why... I... think so too..."
"Haha, you're quite blunt, aren't you?"
"Fufu. I suppose so."
"Now then, I’ll ask properly. Would you like to be my friend?"
"A friend... but I've never had any friends before... and, um... I don't really know how it works..."
"If you and I both consider each other friends, then we are friends. It can be as simple as that. Friendship is something that exists beyond logic or reason. There is no need to overthink it."
I reached out my hand.
She timidly extended her own and grasped it. Her hand was thin and delicate. But she had made the choice to become my friend of her own free will. That made me happier than anything.
"I look forward to our friendship."
"Yes... me too..."
Shortly after, the instructor arrived and the lecture began.
We sat side-by-side, focusing intently on the lesson.
◇
The class ended, and I made my way through the school building. I had already parted ways with Elisa and was heading for a specific destination.
Once I arrived, I gave a sharp three-beat knock.
"Ray White. I have arrived."
"...You may enter."
"Excuse me."
I opened the door softly and closed it just as quietly behind me.
Standing before me was one of the Seven Grand Sages, Abby Garnet herself. This was the Principal's office; I had been summoned here secretly and now stood before her.
She sat in her chair, the light of the setting sun from the window behind her making her fiery red hair glow even more intensely.
"Well, Ray. It’s been a while since the Far East Campaign."
"Yes. It has been a long time, Colonel."
"Stop that. I'm retired now. And you're... well, that’s a conversation for another time."
"My apologies. Then, how should I address you?"
"How about... Abby-chan?"
"Understood. Then I shall call you Abby-chan. I look forward to working with you, Abby-chan."
"...Pfft. Hahaha! It was a joke, of course! You haven't changed a bit, Ray."
"Naturally, I understood that. Then... how does Miss Abby sound?"
"Ah. I like the sound of that. Although, not being called Colonel by you is a little lonely... but it can't be helped."
"Will you be focusing your efforts on training the next generation now?"
"I suppose. But I'm still an active member of the Seven Grand Sages. I have other duties as well."
"Will you be heading back to the field?"
"It’s possible. Though I doubt I'll be seeing combat on the front lines. But the same could be said for you, Ray White. You achieved far more in the Far East Campaign than I did, after all."
"No. In my case, it was because the Major... no, because my Master was there."
"I see... still, to think that little boy would succeed as the Ice Sword Sorcerer. It’s no wonder time seems to fly."
"You are as beautiful as ever, Miss Abby."
"Haha, that's the result of that person's training, I take it?"
"Yes. 'First, always compliment a woman's appearance.' That rule has been etched into my very being more than I'd like to admit."
"Fufu... I see. My, it brings back memories. That battlefield was absolute hell. But because I had comrades like you, Ray, I was able to survive this long."
"I am honored by your words."
"Now... old stories are fine, but I have a request for you."
"Yes. I shall humbly accept. You were kind enough to facilitate my enrollment here, Miss Abby."
"I didn't intend for this to be a condition of your entry, but..."
Miss Abby pulled an envelope from her pocket and handed it to me.
"Allow me."
I scanned the contents.
Understanding the situation immediately, I returned the document to her.
"I see. The possibility of Imperial spies within the Arnold Kingdom... is it?"
"Exactly. There is a chance they’ve infiltrated this academy. I've notified the faculty, of course, but I want you to let me know if you notice anything unusual, Ray."
"Understood! If I find them, should I apprehend them alive?"
"Yes. It would be a headache if you killed them by mistake. Well, in your case, killing them might be faster... but we have political issues to worry about."
"I understand perfectly."
"Then I'm counting on you. On another note, how are you finding academy life?"
"I am extremely satisfied. I seem to be blessed with good classmates. I cannot thank you enough for providing me with this opportunity."
"I see... I'm glad I could fulfill that promise. Use this time to recover well."
"Yes. I intend to use this chance to re-examine myself from the basics."
"Fufu, you're as stiff as ever. But that's part of your charm. Until next time, Ray."
"Yes. If you'll excuse me."
I saluted once more and left the room.
Life at the academy has been peaceful so far. There are no roars of battle, no screams, no desperate shouts like there were in the Far East Campaign. It is a tranquil place. However, I would eventually come to learn that even this place was far from safe...