Head Professor Grayton.
When I think of him, the first impression that comes to mind is, without a doubt, “underhanded”.
Depending on the player’s choices, he can be either an ally or an enemy.
He views students not as individuals to nurture, but more like investment assets.
More of a politician than a mage.
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the only reason he holds the position of Head Professor is because he evaluates everything strictly based on results.
Grayton’s office. I was having a private audience with him there.
“…You don’t want to do it?”
“That’s correct.”
This was about being the representative for the Cross-Department Exchange.
“Why is that? I believed there was no one more qualified than you.”
“I don’t have what it takes to be a representative.”
“That’s the dullest joke I’ve heard all year.”
I have no issue participating in the exchange itself. The problem lies in the title of “representative”.
Thanks to the NP system, I’m essentially cheating to use magic. There’s no way I could explain magic from the ground up in front of judges.
If it were the Inter-Academy Tournament, that would be different, but the Exchange isn’t focused on battle.
“I’m unfamiliar with the etiquette required for such a position. If I step forward, I’ll only end up disgracing the Magic Department.”
“No one expects etiquette from a mage.”
“Apologies, but before I’m a mage, I’m a ‘Bliss’. I cannot take on a role like that.”
“……”
The House of Bliss. A once-great magical family now fading into obscurity.
At first, I didn’t think much of it. Just another noble house, I figured. But now I understand it’s a bit more complicated than that.
Most people I’ve met seem to know the Bliss name as basic knowledge. That alone speaks to how powerful the family must’ve been.
“…I see. Because you’ll be recognized not as a mere student of Tane, but as the legitimate heir of the Bliss family… so you’re refusing?”
“It’s not a refusal. I just think it’s unfair to push me into the spotlight while ignoring the proper process.”
“Hmm.”
Grayton fell into thought. That was a good sign. The very act of considering my words meant he acknowledged the validity of my argument.
“Then let’s do this. We’ll proceed with the selection match as scheduled. But you’ll participate as well.”
“Even if I take part, I’ll just be eliminated. I can’t use magic.”
“At this point, no professor believes you’re incapable of using magic.”
Grayton’s monocle seemed to flash as he continued, eyes sharply fixed on me.
“You’ve just been hiding it all this time, haven’t you?”
“……”
“Whatever your intentions were… I must say, it was quite something to see all that effort undone by the demon’s barrier. But still.”
Was he pausing for dramatic effect? I gave a small shrug.
All this talk assuming a magic-disabled student was secretly hiding magic doesn’t really faze me.
“Don’t think you can keep hiding it from now on. The professors will be judging. If you try anything underhanded, I’ll abuse my authority as Head Professor and make sure you’re sent to the exchange.”
“That’s scary.”
“I assume you have no more objections. Putting an inferior student forward while someone far more capable is right here… that would be a stain on my honor. Adel Bliss, do your best.”
Fair enough. His suggestion worked for me. As long as I’m not the representative, I’m fine. Personally, being in a support or assistant role sounds ideal.
I gave a slight nod and stood from my seat. Just as I reached for the doorknob to leave the office.
“By the way, Bliss. Who do you think is most suited to represent the first years of the Magic Department?”
“Would it change anything if I said?”
“Talented people tend to have a good eye for others. I’m just asking out of curiosity.”
Hmm. Among the current first-years in the Magic Department, there’s only one playable character.
But right now, she’s still treated like a poor student, so there’s really no one worth recommending.
So I just threw out a random name.
“The Countess would be more suitable than me.”
“The Countess…? Ah. You mean the girl from the House of Rohton. She’s not quite at your level, though.”
So that’s her name. First I’ve heard of it.
But “Rohton” does ring a bell. If I remember correctly, that’s a well-established magical noble house.
“She’s probably received elite training since childhood. Maybe not outstanding in one area, but capable of handling various situations.”
“Hoh… And who would you say fits the role of vice-representative?”
“I think Sasha would be a good fit.”
“…Sasha? Sasha Koskov?”
Grayton’s expression changed dramatically. His reaction wasn’t good.
“What nonsense is that? Putting the daughter of a Koskov at the forefront of the Magic Department? There’s a limit to jokes, you know.”
“A joke?”
“She’s the daughter of the traitor, David Koskov. Just in case you weren’t aware, I’m telling you now…. stay away from her. She’ll stain your future.”
“……”
I heard something unexpected. But surprisingly, I wasn’t too shaken.
I’d already had a feeling from what I saw in the library.
Though I never imagined he’d be her biological father.
Instead, I decided to go on the offensive.
“I really don’t understand. What does it matter who her father is? Since when has Tane’s Magic Department let public opinion dictate its standards?”
“……”
“That’s odd. From what I’ve heard, Professor Grayton was supposed to be a passionate educator and a brilliant mage…”
“Hmph. That was a poor choice of words. My mind’s been all over the place lately.”
“I figured as much. Let’s pretend I didn’t hear it.”
Grayton gave a nod.
“Then I’ll see you this weekend, Adel Bliss.”
And just like that, I closed the door behind me.
“……”
Outside Grayton’s office. Someone was leaning against the hallway wall, clearly waiting.
I glanced at her briefly, then turned away.
“W-Wait!! Adel Bliss!! You definitely made eye contact with me just now, didn’t you?!”
“…Haah. Hello, Countess.”
“What’s with that sigh?!”
I found myself face-to-face with my red-haired classmate.
***
First-year Class 1-B of the Magic Department.
Among them, she was more often referred to by the title “Countess” than by her actual name.
And now, she recalled the words she’d just overheard.
– The Countess would be more suitable than me.
– She’s probably received elite training since childhood. Maybe not outstanding in one area, but capable of handling various situations.
“……”
Grayton’s office was far from the usual classroom. The only reason she’d made her way all the way here was to make a protest about the exchange representative issue.
While she’d been hesitating and loitering nearby, what she overheard instead was… unexpected praise.
Without thinking, she clenched her fists in triumph.
So you are capable of saying something reasonable once in a while?!
Adel hadn’t put any special thought into what he’d said, but of course, she had no way of knowing that.
Hearing words of recognition from Adel whom she had, at some point, come to see as a rival simply made her happy.
But that joy was short-lived.
– What does it matter who her father is? Since when has Tane’s Magic Department let public opinion dictate its standards?
Standing up to the infamously harsh Professor Grayton head-on. Speaking in a calm, unwavering tone that wasn’t cowed by the title of “Head Professor” or the fact that he didn’t even teach first-years.
To her, those words… carried the weight and presence of someone she could only describe as an “adult.”
“……”
Before she realized it, she found herself a little… impressed.
Which is probably why—
“I never imagined you thought that way.”
—She was now trailing after Adel, someone she wasn’t even close with.
“I usually just felt sorry for her, that’s all. You’ve been eating with her lately, haven’t you?”
“You found out, huh?”
“You go pick her up without fail every lunch break. How could rumors not spread? Fufu.”
“Rumors sure travel fast. You’re not the source of them, are you?”
“Of course not! Do I look like the kind of woman who would flap her lips over some cheap gossip?”
“……”
“Wh-What is that silence supposed to mean?!”
This time, Adel opened his mouth.
“Anyway, about that thing….Koskov, was it?”
“Ah… yes.”
“Could you tell me roughly what that incident was about? I don’t really know the details.”
“That’s quite sudden… But since you’ve helped me out, I’ll assist you just this once!”
With her spirit quickly rising again, she placed her hand on her hip; she was completely unaware that Adel had let out a quiet chuckle.
And then, snap! she opened her fan with flair.
“It was drugs! And they’re connected to demon worshippers!”
***
At the same time.
Someone else had gone to Professor Grayton’s office. After heading to Class B in search of Adel and hearing what had happened, the student had followed after him.
However, rather than continuing, the figure concealed around the corner opposite the direction Adel and Countess Rohton were heading… discreetly retraced their steps.
“……”
They had realized, at last, that continuing to look away wasn’t an option.
Clinging to kindness only causes trouble. And not just the kind of trouble that’s merely annoying….it might even block someone’s path forward.
That thought alone sent their mind spiraling.
“……So this is how it ends, huh.”
Emotionally, though….surprisingly, the figure felt calm.
But the way the world around them seemed to be pushing them to accept reality… even someone used to situations like this couldn’t help but feel a little disheartened.
And so, slowly….taking a path students didn’t usually use, they began heading back toward the dormitory.
That was when they ran into someone.
On a deserted path.
“……Professor.”
The figure gave a brief nod and tried to pass by.
“……Sasha. Your heart must be hurting a lot.”
The other person called out first.
But Sasha wasn’t in the mood to reply. She left behind a predictable line, something along the lines of “I’m fine.”
Yet the other person didn’t seem to mind. With a kind smile, they held something out.
“This is for you, Sasha.”
“……?”
“What was it again…? Ah, yes. It’s called a ‘Wishing Stone’. They say if you truly wish for something, it’ll come true.”
“That’s just a superstition.”
“Still, you never know. I’m giving it to you with hopes that it might help you feel a bit stronger.”
She meant to say she didn’t need it but missed the timing. The professor, having handed over the stone on their own accord and waved lightly, had already disappeared into the distance.
“……”
That professor’s reputation wasn’t exactly bad.
So maybe this was a kind of goodwill, too. There were people like that sometimes….offering sympathy in their own way.
She slipped the Wishing Stone into the pocket of her skirt.
…Wishing Stone.
There’s no way something like that would actually work.
But if it really could grant wishes, Sasha thought—
She’d want to go back.
Back to that time.
Ten years ago.
Back when her real father was still in his right mind.
***
“What was it again…? Oh, right! ‘Mirage Oasis’!”
“…What?”
“I mean, Mirage Oasis! Apparently it’s the name of a drug?”
“…No way.”
I stopped for a moment and looked at the Countess.
“Wait, is it that one? The incident where a regular civilian ripped a knight to pieces?”
“Hmm… I’m not sure if I should say this. I heard that’s what was officially announced. But apparently it’s connected to the Special Forces Knights, so it was kept under wraps…”
“I see.”
Something’s off.
“……”
Mirage Oasis isn’t a drug related to demons.
If it really were, even the Black Alley’s black market dealers wouldn’t be able to get their hands on it so easily.
And on top of that, it’s not even a narcotic. Its effects are strong, but so are the side effects. So it’s avoided, but it definitely isn’t addictive.
That much, I’m sure of. If anyone can be sure, it’s me.
Because I’ve taken it myself.
“…Koskov…”
Now that I think about it, that name feels oddly familiar. A record I once saw suddenly came to mind.
…That’s it. The auction house records!
“…Was the suspect in that incident David Koskov?”
“So you know? Then why are you asking?”
As my classmate narrowed her eyes, I sank into thought.
Don’t tell me… the Special Force bastards…?
There’s something suspicious going on.
Leave a Reply