Chapter 8

"Is this it? I didn't know there was a school in Elm."

I mutter these words to myself, standing hesitantly in front of the grand entrance. Glancing sideways, I see that Mina still has a frown on her face. In other words—

(She's still angry.)

But since I don't know what I did wrong, I can't apologize. However, the fact that she's wearing the scarf I gave her suggests that she's not furious. As I was pondering this,

"Hey, Jade and Mina. Good morning. Good to see you, Mina. You managed to wake up early. Early rising is the key to getting silver coins. It looks like you've already gotten something good, hehe."

"Huh? Good morning."

Scarlett's sudden use of a proverb leaves a question mark in my head, but I respond with a greeting. However, it seems Mina understands—

"Good morning, Ms. Scarlett. I think it's better to keep work and personal life separate at school."

She directed her familiar angry smile from the past two days at Scarlett.

"Oops, sorry, Ms. Mina. You're right. Well, let's stop the jokes and start the tour of the school. Oh, by the way, I have the principal's permission."

It seems she was teasing Mina again. Scarlett is really persistent. But, given that we're at work, she tightened her face and began speaking in a more serious tone.

"So, Jade, welcome to Elm Academy. Hehe, the name isn't very creative, but it's easy to remember. Let's start the tour right away. First, we enter through the main gate, and this is the schoolyard. It's where all the students from different departments do their physical activities. The building you can see over there is the Dueling Arena, and that one is the Magic Arena."

Scarlett started the tour without checking my reaction. I hurried to follow and nod along.

"They all look so spacious and beautiful."

"Yeah, this school was founded just ten years ago. All the facilities are top-notch. That's because the principal is very passionate about education, especially in magic."

"That's impressive. I would love to meet the principal and hear from him."

"Sure, you'll meet him later. This is the school building. The large tower is the General Tower. The tower on the right is the Magic Tower, and the one on the left is the Knight Tower. The General Tower houses the classrooms for the General and Commercial departments. The towers on the right and left are for the respective departments."

The school building was grand, not as grand as the capital's castle, but stylish in a way that doesn't seem to fit a border city. As we walked through the school building, the Dueling Arena, and the Magic Arena, Scarlett explained, and Mina occasionally added details. Interestingly, Scarlett looked very pleased when Mina provided additional explanations. From what I heard yesterday, Scarlett is in charge of Mina's education, so she must be happy to see her junior and subordinate growing.

"Ms. Scarlett, growth is truly admirable, isn't it?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah? What's with the sudden question?"

"Huh? No, I just—"

"Oh, I see. Yes, you're right, Jade."

"Exactly. By the way, I noticed there are no students around?"

That's right. During the tour, there were no students in the school building or the training areas. I thought it might be early, but even after a while, no students arrived.

"Hmm? Oh, it's winter break right now. The first day of school is the day after tomorrow."

"Oh, I see. It's that time of year."

And there was the answer. Mina, don't look so smug just because I made a small mistake.

The tour continued for about an hour. Finally—

"This is the principal's office."

A heavy, thick wooden door appeared in front of me. To be honest, I was a little nervous. Mina must have noticed, as she looked at me with concern. But I'm not a child. I forced a smile. Seeing this, Mina smiled slightly. I wonder why?

"Hey, can we come in now?"

"Ah, yes!"

"Sorry!"

After our exchange, Scarlett, who had been waiting, looked exasperated. I suppose it's embarrassing to be nervous about meeting the principal at my age. I tightened my face and straightened my gaze.

"Haha, Jade, you're quite amusing. I was actually exasperated for a different reason than what you're thinking. But, well, never mind. Let's go in."

What does she mean? Is my thinking that obvious? I have many questions, but Scarlett laughed and knocked on the door.

"Come in."

A man's voice responded from inside. Scarlett opened the door with a click, and Mina and I followed.

"I've brought him. This is the former court magician, Jade."

"Nice to meet you, I'm Jade."

"Ah, nice to meet you. I'm Bent."

A well-built middle-aged man in fine clothing introduced himself as Bent. Could it be—

"Yes, that's right. I'm also the border lord in charge of this city."