We talk about what happened after I get home, and Hikari shows interest. Strangely enough, so does Chris.
After hearing them, Leila says she’s going to make arrangements right away, and goes back home with a smile on her face.
Is it really that simple? And is it already decided that we’re going to visit the academy just like that?”
I tell them not to talk about all the stuff I said about magic energy and whatnot when we go there, because I don’t think that’s how it’s commonly taught. I stress this more to Hikari in particular.
Two days later, Leila herself comes by to take us to the academy. I’ve walked close to it before, but now that I’m actually standing in front of it, it looks aged, but doesn’t give off the feeling of being an old stale place at all. Why’s that?
I feel like we stand out here, because everyone’s wearing their uniforms and we’re wearing our regular clothes. The three slaves are drawing attention too, but I actually feel like Leila is more conspicuous than them. And then there’s the fact that I’m wearing a mask…
I think it might be best to describe our visit here as less about attending classes, and more about seeing how magic is taught. And as a sort of trial.
Students receive general education here too, like how to read and write. And when that’s over, they start their magic lessons.
Everyone here knows how to read at least to some extent, but some of it feels strange.
Reading letters is particularly important, so the teacher standing on a podium explains it while writing words necessary for spells.
There are some letters that are only used in this context, so Rurika and the others quietly ask Leila questions.
I was wondering why Leila was here too, but I guess that’s why.
We’re also taken to a wide space where people actually use magic, and there are students here practicing. This is a class of students that have been here for about a hundred days, but for some reason, only less than half of the twenty students can use magic.
Of course, the only one over here that uses magic is Chris. Controlling magic energy and actually chanting spells and firing them aren’t the same thing.
It makes sense. Magic is something that’s assisted by skills. It’d be different if there was something like elementless magic that was like firing magic energy.
People are surprised to see Chris use magic, but they understand once they learn she’s an adventurer. They probably understand that it’s thanks to a skill.
Some of them look jealous. They like magic enough to join a magic academy after all.
We eat lunch in the school cafeteria, but I get the feeling we’re standing out even more, because we join up with Yor and the others. I’m sensing a lot more curious eyes pointing this way.
After lunch, we are taken on a tour of the academy’s facilities. Shouldn’t we have started with that? Apparently it’s because a lot of the upperclassmen take classes in the afternoon.
“What’s that?”
“The library. It’s like the reference room of the adventurer guild. Of course, it’s much more substantial.”
Answers Leila.
“What kind of books and documents are there?”
“All sorts. The knowledge of the world sleeps here~!”
…Who? A woman wearing glasses appeared all of a sudden. And she’s way too excited.
“What are you doing, Celes?”
“I’m so bored without any visitors~…”
Leila sounds exasperated.
She looks kind of air-headed, but I get the feeling a nicely fitted suit would look right on her. Maybe it’s just the fact that she’s kind of tall and has a nice figure that’s making me think that.
Her wavy hair moves in a strange way that grabs my attention every time she moves, but above all else…
“I haven’t seen you around here before, but you aren’t students of the academy, are you~?”
“They are here on a trial, so they’re taking a tour.”
“I see I see~. And the boy over there~… You were interested in books, right~? How about you come take a look~?”
I get the feeling that she looked at me and froze for a second. Am I imagining that?
“What do you think Sora? Wait, do you have any problems reading?”
“I don’t think I do. I’m a merchant, so I’ve been studying all sorts of things. But maybe there are books I’m interested in but haven’t read.”
“…What about everyone else?”
“What kind of books are there?”
“Mostly about history and reference books. Most books related to magic are in Fortuna~. Ah, but of course there are some~. Not many though~…”
Her unconfident tone tells me they really don’t have a lot.
Books uh… I’d like to read about elves and demons if they have anything about them.
But I can picture them having like a forbidden section of books or something like that.
“Then we’ll go have a look at other places with Leila. Are you going to be all right by yourself, Sora?”
“I don’t know when else I’m going to get the opportunity, so I’ll stay here and read. Go have a look at other stuff. Please show them around, Leila.”
“Very well. I am a bit worried, but please make sure you look after him, Celes.”
“Just leave it to me~. Do you have that little confidence in me, Leila~? Why are you turning away~? Hey wait~.”
Hey, don’t look at me.
“Oh well~. We have a good collection of books, so you can tell big sister here what you’re after~.”
“All right. By the way, I’m Sora. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Celes.”
She’s kind of strange, and has her own tempo. It goes without saying that my first impression of her is already shattered.
