Chapter 75

"Indeed, it's quite spacious."

"Yes, new students sometimes get lost, too."

Guided by Kinera, I walk through the halls of the magician academy. We are currently on the first floor, but I wonder how many floors this building has. It seems to have at least four floors. Not only is each floor large, but with so many floors stacked on top of each other, it's no wonder students get lost.

"Mui, you need to get used to it soon."

"…I think I'll be okay… probably…"

Mui, unfamiliar with the scenery and the vastness, looks around nervously. Although she speaks with a strong tone, her voice is weak.

Well, not just her, but it's almost impossible to memorize the entire layout of a building of this scale in one day. I don't have the confidence to remember it all either. It's possible to get out, but knowing where everything is located is a different story. This place is just too big.

"Good morning, Mr. Kinera!"

"Yes, good morning."

Occasionally, we exchange greetings with students we pass in the hallway. As for me, I just nod. I'm not sure how to respond in my position. By the way, Mui looks awkward, avoiding eye contact or looking down.

I wonder if she'll be okay. Will she be able to make friends at this pace? I'm a bit worried.

"But everyone here is very polite."

Indeed, each student's demeanor is quite proper. They not only greet Kinera but also us. Maybe it's because this is a prestigious academy with a long history. The education here seems to be thorough.

By the way, regarding the students, just from a quick glance, their ages range from younger than Mui to those who are clearly older. Since the potential for a magician's talent to bloom is unpredictable, age is not a standard here.

In that sense, Mui might be able to fit in. When age and gender are fixed, it's harder for outsiders to blend in.

"They are potential magicians who might represent the country. That kind of education is also part of the curriculum."

"I see."

So there is that kind of education as well. It makes sense, as the Reberio Knights and the Magician Corps are representative organizations of the Reberis Kingdom. While the Knights value physical prowess, the Magician Corps places even more emphasis on character.

Not that the Knights are just about physical strength.

"By the way, Miss Mui, have you decided on your magic specialization yet?"

"Magic specialization?"

What's that? I've never heard of it. Lucy didn't use such terms either. Mui looks at Kinera with a puzzled expression.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Well, there are several major systems of magic. Most people have a system they excel at and one they don't."

"Ah, I see. So there are such things."

Magic seems to be more like a field of study. The fact that it is systematized to some extent means that's the case.

"…I can only produce fire."

"In that case, Miss Mui might have a high aptitude for offensive magic."

"Offensive magic?"

New terms keep coming up. As a parent of a child attending the magician academy, maybe it's not good to be ignorant about magic. I might ask Lucy again. But she's busy, so maybe I should find some time to learn the basics.

"Excuse me, but Mr. Beryl, how about your magic?"

"Well, to be honest, I'm completely hopeless. As you can see, I'm better with a sword."

In response to Kinera's question, I tap the sheath at my waist. I wonder how much my role as a special instructor has any real meaning. With the king's seal on the appointment, it's not just an internal position, but I haven't really talked about it with others, so I'm not sure how it works.

"I see. No, I'm sorry, I asked an impolite question. One's magical talent can bloom at any time."

"No, no, don't worry about it."

It's like saying there's still a chance for someone like me. Even if my talent blooms now, it would be a bit of a problem, and I don't have any magical talent to begin with.

I'm content just enjoying the path of the sword.

"There is a Sword Magic department at the magician academy, but there aren't many practitioners. I hope it grows in the future."

"Hmm, sword magic."

When I think of sword magic users, Fissel comes to mind. Actually, I don't know anyone else. It seems there aren't many practitioners.

"Fissel… Ah, she's a graduate of this academy, and she was very excellent."

"Ah, so Fissel was excellent."

I didn't expect to hear about my former disciple here. It's a bit nostalgic.

"Wait, do you know Fissel?"

Kinera's tone was a bit surprised at my reaction.

"Yes, I'm a bit embarrassed to say, but I taught her the sword…"

"Oh my…!"

Oh, Kinera's mood seems to have lifted.

"That's… I'm very sorry."

"No, no, no, no, don't worry about it. I don't feel offended at all."

But then she seemed to shrink back.

Well… what was the right response here? I don't know.

"Fissel's sword magic is very graceful… I thought she had a good teacher."

"Hehe… I'm flattered…"

To have a teacher at the magician academy say this, it seems Fissel is doing something extraordinary. She usually seems so absent-minded. People are not what they seem.

And for some reason, I'm feeling the aftereffects. I'm starting to feel embarrassed.

"Anyway, I'm more interested in the magic systems."

It seemed like Kinera's gaze was starting to turn in a not-so-good direction, so I hurriedly steered the conversation back.

I'm getting a bit used to being praised by my students… no, that's a lie. I still don't get used to it. Being praised by someone I don't know makes me feel uncomfortable. I feel more embarrassed than happy.

"Ah, sorry, let's talk about the magic systems. There are five major systems of magic: offensive, defensive, healing, enhancement, and daily life. Some magic spans multiple systems, and some don't fit into any."

"Hmm…"

So there are various types of magic. Since Mui can produce fire, she might be good at offensive magic.

However, according to Lucy, the magic systematized in this country is less than ten percent of all magic. It's a deep and complex field.

"However, at first, you'll learn the basics of all magic, including the theoretical aspects. Specialization comes later."

Kinera continues her explanation. I've thought since the first meeting that she is very polite. She is kind and considerate to everyone. If the world were full of people like her, it would be much more peaceful.

"We've arrived. This is the staff room. Do you have the transfer documents?"

After walking for a while, asking about magic and the academy, we seem to have reached the room where the teachers gather.

Regarding the transfer documents, I do remember writing them, but I left them with Lucy.

"Thank you for the guidance. The documents… I gave them directly to Lucy… ah, the principal."

"I see, that makes sense."

I hope the documents Lucy took to the magician academy have been processed. She wouldn't have forgotten, right?

"In that case, we'll check them later. There will be an explanation about enrollment and dormitory life. Miss Mui, please come this way. What about you, Mr. Beryl?"

"Hmm…"

Should I listen to this as well? While enrollment is important, dormitory life is something Mui can handle.

"Generally, parents also often listen. After all, entrusting one's child can be worrying."

"Then I'll listen."

I'll listen. It would be a lie to say I'm not curious. It's not that I'm overprotective or anything.

Also, should I mention that Mui and I have different last names? It's something that can be seen in the documents, but I'm a bit unsure about how much to explain.

"…I can understand it on my own."

"Hehe, well, I'm curious too."

Mui seems embarrassed by my presence, but I'm not lying, so I'll let it go.

"Hehe."

"? Is something wrong?"

Hearing our conversation, Kinera lets out a small laugh. I wonder what she found amusing. At most, Mui is just cute.

"No, I just thought you usually say 'I'…"

"…Ah, well, I'm a bit embarrassed…"

Oh, this is a bit embarrassing. I tried to put on a formal front, but it didn't work. The facade easily fell off.

"Please come in. We have some explanations to give."

"Ah, yes. Come on, Mui."

"Shut up. I know."

I prompt Mui to move, partly to change the subject. She gives a curt response.

However, Kinera doesn't say anything about Mui's attitude. I'm glad she sees Mui as just a bit strong-willed. Mui's words are harsh, but she's not a bad person. It would be nice if people understood that.

But who would have thought I'd be stepping into the magician academy. The world is full of surprises.

Inside, many eyes of what seem to be teachers turn to us, but they quickly look away, as if they are used to it.

Not being stared at strangely is a small relief. Since coming to Baltrain, I've been dealing with unfamiliar gazes, mostly due to Alyssia, Srena, and Lucy.

"Please, have a seat."

We are guided to a seating area at the end of the room. The sofa, while not luxurious, is well-made. It's quite comfortable. Even the furniture here exudes quality.

Well, let's listen seriously. This concerns Mui's future.

Kinera is a good person.

And this is completely personal, but I'm getting my first vaccine shot today.

I'm afraid of injections. I'll do my best.