Chapter 670

Adelia Academy Tour
I had planned to have tea with Oniisama in the salon building and hear all about things once he returned, but the talk of the town himself showed up, and now I’ve ended up giving him a tour of the academy.

… How did it come to this⁉︎

“I had heard Adelia Academy specialized in magic education, so I assumed it was only for nobles, but I see now that it also puts effort into nurturing commoners.”

Prince Kaldor said with admiration as he walked beside me.

Since I wouldn't be able to keep up with an adult’s stride, I had intended to just follow behind, but Prince Kaldor said, “I want to take a good look,” and adjusted his pace to match mine.

While I was doing my best to lengthen my stride at the cost of my ladylike composure, everyone else’s steps were so modest it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call them reserved… Ugh, the gap in stride lengths is like a compass difference!

That said, I didn’t want to be rude, so I’ve been trying to walk a bit faster than usual—but now it’s starting to wear me out… Nnngh, I hope I won’t be sore tomorrow.

It’s around the final period of afternoon classes, and we’ve just finished observing the intermediate magic course, as well as the home economics course that trains butlers and maids.

“That’s true. Since nobles generally have higher magic power, most of the students are from noble families. But of course, commoners also attend. After all, magic isn’t just for the nobility. The academy supports students so they can make use of their abilities for the future.”

Crown Prince Raymond explained proudly as he walked slightly ahead of Prince Kaldor.

“Unfortunately, children who cannot use magic aren’t eligible for admission, but recently in the royal capital and some territories, churches and orphanages have begun teaching basic reading, writing, and arithmetic. They’re also starting initiatives to help place capable individuals in suitable jobs.”

Oniisama added from beside him, walking just ahead of me.

Oh, really.
I thought literacy rates among commoners were pretty low until just a few years ago.

Come to think of it, before I enrolled, I vaguely remember asking Otousama if there were any educational opportunities for commoners.

At the time, his answer was “not particularly,” so I had suggested setting up something like study groups at churches or orphanages—basically like temple schools… but wow, maybe someone really took that idea.

I’m sure there were others who thought the same.

“That’s admirable. In my country, education doesn’t reach the lower classes, so they remain poor, unable to get decent work. Perhaps I’ll start by setting up basic education in my own territory, following Doristan Kingdom’s example.”

Prince Kaldor looked forward with a bright expression as he spoke.
Standing slightly behind him, Tika-san looked at him with a pleased smile.

Somehow, Tika gives off this “older brother” vibe toward Prince Kaldor.
Ah, right—they were raised together as milk brothers.

“There’s not much time left before classes end. If we’re going to see anything else, it would be the magic beasts course or the magic tools course…”

Oniisama suggested the next destination as we moved through the training wing.

Um, Oniisama?
I get that Prince Kaldor probably wouldn’t be interested in the ladies’ course, so that choice makes sense, but the magic beasts course…

If he witnesses Teacher Neil’s perv—er, I mean, unparalleled love for magic beasts firsthand, won’t the Doristan Kingdom’s impression of us change…?

“Hmm, the magic beasts course does sound intriguing, but I find Doristan’s magic tools fascinating as well. I’d like to visit the magic tools course.”

Prince Kaldor said.

“Understood.”

Oniisama smiled and led us toward the magic tools course’s training room.

Phew, what a relief.

… Wait, but hold on a second?
Now that I think about it, the magic tools course is full of eccentrics too.

It produced that magic tool artisan who opened a shop in the artisan district of the Ellisfeed territory—you know, the one with obsessive love for magic tools and an extreme fixation on functional beauty (not a perv, per se). Even among the currently enrolled students and instructors, the magic tools course is full of unique characters.

That otaku tendency to get super talkative and fast-spoken when talking about something they love, and then completely shut down and mumble to themselves while analyzing or developing magic circuits—that’s basically textbook introvert behavior. It reminds me of my past self.
Ugh, my chest hurts…!

Prince Kaldor is the extroverted type, so I wonder if he’ll be able to handle that environment…

With my nerves on edge, I followed Crown Prince Raymond and Oniisama into the magic tools course’s training room.

“I’m telling you! This part is completely unnecessary! Because of this, it ends up requiring way more magic power, doesn’t it!?”
“No, this is essential for fine-tuning the operation. It’s only natural that it consumes a bit more magic power.”

“But what’s the point if it can only be used by a limited number of people⁉︎ Why don’t you go back and study the basics of magic circuits again?”
“What was that⁉︎ You’re just a first-year—don’t get cocky!”
“You two, calm down!”

… They're fighting.
Whoa, they’re grabbing each other by the collar.

Well, both of them are pretty lanky, so even if they get into a scuffle, it’s unlikely anyone will get seriously hurt.

I mean, if it’s all for the sake of research, I can kind of understand it, but to an outsider, it just looks like a fight…

Ah, see, Prince Kaldor and Tika-san are clearly taken aback.

“What are you two doing!”
“We have guests—show some restraint!”

Oniisama and Crown Prince Raymond raised their voices in unison. The students, realizing their mistake, immediately let go and bowed.

“O-our deepest apologies. We’ve shown you something most unsightly.”

The one who apologized was the eldest-looking student, who had been trying to mediate.

“I don’t mind passionate debates, but raising hands is unacceptable.”
“I understand. I’ll make sure to give them a stern warning.”
“See that you do.”

It looked like Crown Prince Raymond was going to let it slide with just a warning, and the scolded students looked relieved, though still remorseful.

Huh? That one sulking in the back… isn’t that Ronnie-sama?
So it was Ronnie-sama arguing with the upperclassman.

“… By the way, what were you two arguing about so intensely? Hmm, what kind of magic tool is this?”
“… Wait, who is this?”

Prince Kaldor had approached the magic tool that seemed to be the source of the argument and was examining it closely.

What do you think about this chapter?