"That concludes today's lecture... White. Do you have a moment?"
"What is it, Instructor Gray?"
The Introduction to Sorcery class had just ended, and I was on the verge of heading to the cafeteria for a meal when she called out to me.
"Just a bit of small talk."
"...Understood."
I wasn't entirely convinced, but I had no reason to be discourteous and refuse. I followed along behind her.
"So, how are you finding life at the academy?"
"Personally, I am quite satisfied."
She had led me to a place called the consultation room. True to its name, it was a space for students to discuss their career paths and other concerns. I didn't have anything in particular to talk about, but I gathered the instructor had something on her mind regarding me.
We sat across from each other on sofas with a small desk between us. Instructor Gray had even brewed some coffee for me. I’d asked for mine black and found the flavor to be excellent.
"You know they're mocking you, calling you the Withered Wizard?"
"Of course. However, I expect it is merely a passing phase."
"Are you holding up okay mentally? Honestly, I'm worried about you. Being the first student from an Ordinary background since the academy's founding is already a lot, and you don't seem to have much of a handle on sorcery... yet. It stands to reason you'd be an easy target for bullying."
"Your point is valid, but it cannot be helped. Even if I were to react and lash out, wouldn't that just be adding fuel to the fire?"
"So you don't want the faculty to intervene?"
"As long as it is merely verbal abuse, I do not mind. Though I would be troubled if it escalated to physical violence."
"True... and that reminds me. Someone was singing your praises."
Instructor Gray offered a gentle smile.
"? And who might that be?"
"Elliot."
"Ah, Instructor Light."
"Yeah. Apparently, you're quite the athlete."
"Indeed. I spent my time running through the mountains back home. I have a bit of experience fighting monsters as well."
"I see... well, everyone has their strengths. I won't tell you to improve across the board. What the world needs after you graduate are specialists. Devoting your life to mastering a single field is a perfectly valid path."
"Yes. Thank you very much for your advice."
"Think nothing of it. In the past, there was a student who dropped out, and I couldn't do a thing for them. I don't want to carry that kind of regret this time."
"I see... you are a model instructor."
"Hardly. If I were that impressive, I wouldn't be losing students to begin with."
With a distant look in her eyes, Instructor Gray took a long, noisy sip of her coffee. I had heard that quite a few students left this academy. It only went to show how rigorous the curriculum truly was.
"We'll stop here for today. Sorry to have kept you. It seems you're more of a big shot than I gave you credit for."
"Yes. I am humbled."
"Heh. You've got quite the attitude, too. Well, excuse me."
Standing up, she cleared away the coffee and left.
I see. Even an academy of this level offered substantial support to its students. Just as Master said, I was glad I had come here.
◇
"...Munch, munch."
I sat alone on an outdoor bench, eating my meal. I’d decided it was too late to bother with the cafeteria and settled for a sandwich and water from the shop.
The bench overlooked the flowerbed I had built, and I gazed at the beautifully blooming flowers as I ate. With the vast blue sky overhead, it was a pleasant way to enjoy nature while I had my lunch.
"Oh? Is that you, Ray?"
"Mm... President Rebecca. It has been some time."
I quickly chewed, washed it down with a gulp of water, and stood up to greet her. I had learned that since this wasn't the military, a salute was unnecessary. A simple bow was more than enough. It was proof that I was finally acclimating to the academy.
"May I join you?"
"Certainly. Please, have a seat."
"Thank you..."
As she sat, a faint scent of camellia drifted from her flowing hair. She pulled out a sandwich of her own and began to eat with delicate bites.
"Oh? Do you like fruit sandwiches too, Ray?"
"Indeed. I tried them for the first time after arriving at the academy, and they were more delicious than I expected. I find myself buying them quite often now."
"Is that so? I'm glad to hear it. After all, I was the one who lobbied to have them sold here."
"Was that your doing?"
"Yes. I am the President, you know?"
Rebecca puffed out her chest with a touch of playful pride. The gesture was a bit childish, and I found it rather charming.
"You are the President... That is quite an achievement. So you are the head of the student body?"
"That's right. So you're allowed to praise me more, you know?"
"That is truly impressive... It seems even the President's position is reserved for the beautiful. This is quite enlightening."
I didn't know much about the academy's social hierarchies yet, so I simply spoke my mind.
"Eh... u-um, it's not exactly like that, but..."
"What is the matter? Your face is a bit red... Have you fallen ill? It is the change of seasons, after all. Please take care of yourself."
"Yeah... r-right," she replied, her words trailing off awkwardly.
"By the way, how is your life at the academy going?"
"I am satisfied."
"...But I hear you've had a difficult time of it."
"Ah, so the rumors have reached you. It is fine. I do not pay them any mind."
"I see... but you can rely on me if you need help, you know? I am from one of the Three Great Noble Families, after all."
"Thank you very much. Ah, that reminds me..."
"What is it? You can ask this President anything!"
She turned a beaming smile toward me. I decided to ask her about a thought that had just occurred to me.
"Is the other member of the Three Great Noble Families not at this academy?"
"Ah. House Rose, House Bradley, and House Algren. Those are the Three Great Noble Families. But the Algren family has traditionally attended a different academy. While this is the largest academy in the world, there are plenty of other prestigious schools out there."
"I see... And I believe the Magics Chevalier is approaching soon?"
"It is indeed that season. The representative selection matches begin in July, and the battle to determine the strongest magic swordsman takes place over two weeks starting in early August. First-years compete in the Newcomers' Tournament, while those in the second year and above enter the main tournament. By the way, I was last year's champion. Ahem!"
"What! That is incredible! Does that mean you are the strongest magic swordsman among the students?"
"Hmm. I'd like to say yes, but there are plenty of rivals. I was lucky enough to win last year, but I don't know about this year. Last year was the first time I actually took the title."
"I see... Given the nature of a tournament, a guaranteed victory is difficult. I imagine there are giant-killings as well."
"Aren't you interested in competing, Ray? There are rumors that you're quite strong in a real fight..."
I noted that rumors about me were spreading in various directions, but I immediately shook my head. Rebecca's gaze had lost its usual softness, becoming a bit sharper.
"No. I have no intention of participating."
"Oh? Really?"
"Yes. It is not that I lack confidence in combat, but I simply do not have the physical stamina for it."
"You look like you'd have plenty of stamina, though. Your build is impressive—anyone can tell you're well-trained just by looking at you..."
"Well... that is a separate matter. I intend to watch from the sidelines this year. Besides..."
"Besides?"
"I'm sure Amelia will be participating, so I want to support her."
"Ah. Amelia is already a top contender for the Newcomers' Tournament. But the Eldest Daughter of House Algren has enrolled as a first-year at another academy this year... Effectively, those two are the favorites to win."
"I see... It seems the information is already being dissected."
"Yes. The Magics Chevalier is a high-profile event. It's well known that a good performance there opens up all sorts of career opportunities."
"That is quite educational. Thank you."
We chatted idly for a while longer until the bells chimed.
"Oh, is it that time already? I find it so easy to talk to you, Ray, that I lost track..."
"It was a meaningful experience for me as well. I look forward to the next time."
"Yes. Until then, good day."
"Yes. Excuse me."
I offered a bow and headed toward my classroom.
But I couldn't shake the feeling... the distinct sensation that I was being watched from afar.