Chapter 97

Now that Theo had finally arrived at the academy city, everyone decided to take a stroll to see how long it would take to walk from the dormitory to the lower school building.

The dormitory where we were staying is located at the center between the lower and upper schools. The other dormitories are situated closer to the lower school building for the lower school students and closer to the upper school building for the upper school students.

Since it is within walking distance, horse-drawn carriage commuting is prohibited. Of course, that makes sense. There would be the question of who would manage those carriages, after all.

"It's just as I heard; the roads are well-maintained and impressive."

This academy city used to be a large fortress, I wonder? It is surrounded by a high stone wall, and the city is inside it.

However, the planted lawns and street trees all feel well-maintained.

"I am honored by your praise."

Theo jumped at the sudden voice.

"Good afternoon, everyone."

It was Hedda who greeted us with a smile. Hilt and Princess Einhorn were with her.

"Hello. You've already arrived at the academy, Hedda?"

"Of course. Are you going for a stroll?"

"Just to check the route from the dormitory to the lower school building."

"May I join you?"

When I looked at the others, Theo nodded, and Izy also agreed.

"Sure. What about you?"

By "you," I mean Princess Einhorn. Hilt had already rushed over to Nebel when he saw him, so only Princess Einhorn needed to respond.

"Of course."

Hedda answered! Well, it's fine.

We'll be moving in a group of children, but there are guards following us from a distance. Besides, there are no slums here, and no troublemakers, so it should be fine.

"By the way, you mentioned being honored by the praise. Is this academy city related to the Hunt-Airfolk?"

In response to Theo's question, Hedda answered cheerfully.

"My ancestors founded this academy city."

According to Hedda, the academy city was established during the reign of the king three generations before the current king. At that time, a royal family member who had married into the Hunt-Airfolk family reformed the royal academy, which was not functioning as a place of learning, by purchasing this land and rebuilding it as a new academy city.

Currently, the academy city and the royal academy are fully supported and managed by the Hunt-Airfolk.

The Hunt-Airfolk produce many magicians, but this is because many people who enjoy learning, not just magic, are drawn to the academy.

"At that time, there were no departments like the current land management, lady, civil servant, and knight departments, and there were magic classes. Even now, the lower school has basic magic classes. Before my ancestors took over the management, it was a situation where noble children were gathered in one place to study, but it was unclear whether they were motivated or not."

It was Hedda's ancestor who spoke up about this.

"There were also issues with the church. So, they decided to completely dismantle the academy, which was not functioning as a school, and rebuild it from scratch."

For the first two years, the curriculum included review classes of what they had learned at home and basic magic classes to determine if they could continue at the academy.

Students who could continue would advance to the upper school and choose their desired course. However, due to family circumstances, not everyone can choose the course they want.

"Issues with the church?"

In response to Izy's curious question, Hedda explained.

"The Wis religion has a 'Holy Maiden' who is blessed by the goddess, with light magic attributes and the ability to use healing magic. It seems that this church's favored 'Holy Maiden' caused trouble with the royal family and high nobles. I won't go into the details, but..."

Was it a honey trap? Perhaps she tried to break engagements by seducing students and using 'true love' to destroy various engagements.

"So, it was decided to entrust all specialized magic to the magic towers and only teach the basics of magic use at this academy. It makes sense, doesn't it? Magic should be left to magicians."

It's like leaving the making of rice cakes to the rice cake makers.

Before advancing to the upper school, there is a guidance session where students who want to become magicians can choose to switch to the magic tower course instead of advancing to the upper school.

"Was the academy once dismantled partly because of the issues with the church?"

"That's correct. My ancestor who founded this academy city had almost no magic power but was a great lover of learning. They were very upset with the state of the royal academy before this academy city was built."

Hearing Hedda's response, I thought, "I see, as expected."

Could Hedda's ancestor who founded this academy city have been a reincarnated person? It feels that way, doesn't it?

While talking, we arrived at the lower school building before we knew it.

Hmm, the architecture reminds me of the Palace of Versailles. I might like this kind of building. I'm really curious about the design. I can't wait to attend this school.

"What's around here?"

"It might be a good idea to carry a map of the city until you get used to it."

"I want to take detours after classes."

"There seem to be dining places and shops exclusive to lower school students nearby."

"I'd like to visit them."

Behind me, Nebel and the others were chatting.

"Prince Albert"

Princess Einhorn, who had not joined the conversation, called out to me, who was staring at the school building.

"Hmm? What is it?"

"Thank you for all your consideration."

With that, Princess Einhorn bowed deeply to me.

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