Ch. 91 - Summons

On the fourth day since I arrived in the Holy City, I was summoned by Diageo this morning. Today was supposed to be a chance to learn about healing magic and chants, so it was especially disappointing that I might not be able to visit the laboratory today.

Filled with dissatisfaction, I was escorted by Alabarta to the audience chamber.

I walked on the thick carpet like the last time and lowered myself to one knee at the designated spot.

Then I noticed that it wasn't just the imperial guards standing around.

Not only was Awald here, but Crown, Balblair, and Cameron were as well. In addition, there were other court magicians who served as teachers and researchers. They all seemed to be the people I had met in the past two days.

I looked up at the stairs and saw that besides Diageo and the prime minister, another figure was present today.

Two steps below where Diageo and the prime minister stood, there was Vice-Head Court Magician Gem Westmeath looking down at me with a sneering smile.

Something felt off with this audience.

As I was pondering this, a voice called out from the top of the stairs.

"Aoi-dono, how did you enjoy your tour of the Holy City these past two days?"

It was a superficial question, but I tilted my head slightly and nodded in response. "Yes, it was a very educational experience. I've discovered a different perspective on magic than what I've been researching, so I'd like to spend some time studying it…"

As I was explaining the results of my two days of exploration, the prime minister interrupted me, "Isn't that confidential information that His Majesty has not authorized?"

I tilted my head again. "While authorization to reveal magic was not granted, nothing else was mentioned."

Diageo shook his head slightly while touching his temple with his finger. "I promised to treat you as a high-ranking guest from another country, and you were given permission to tour the academy and laboratories. However, authorization to view classified magic books was not included."

He clarified the authority he had given me. I had assumed that I had been given tacit content during our previous discussion, but it seemed I was wrong.

In that case, I should formally request permission again. "I see. In that case, I don’t mind if you exclude any ongoing research, but may I have permission to view only the magic of past saints and saintesses?"

Diageo and the prime minister frowned and remained silent. Were they reluctant to share such knowledge?

As the silence spread, Gem shrugged and said, "Your Majesty, those words were practically a confession. I don't know how the head magician or the principal were led astray, but it appears they were about to reveal classified magic beyond what Your Majesty intended. We narrowly avoided a great loss for our country."

While speaking, he looked at Awald.

Awald ignored it and turned his eyes to Diageo. "Your Majesty, although I have only met Aoi-dono once, I can assure Your Majesty that there is no malice in her. Besides, Aoi-dono's magic is extraordinary, and there are certain aspects that could benefit our country's magic."

Awald looked at me as he spoke. His tone lacked its usual distinctive rhythm, which made it seem strangely out of place, but no one else seemed to notice.

Crown said, "Exactly. In fact, we should exchange information on healing magic and receive instruction on magic of other elements."

Gem lifted the corners of his mouth in a broad smile. "You have finally shown your true colors, Crown Windsor. Did you not realize that what you just said is tantamount to treason? Or perhaps you've already leaked critical information and are brazenly trying to cover it up? If you fear further investigation, it would be best if you confessed everything now."

Unable to hide his glee, he criticized Crown with a grin.

Diageo and the prime minister exchanged glances. This was not a good turn of events.

"Hmm, while the head magician's words may have some truth to them, Gem's argument also carries undeniable weight. Now, Balblair, you have remained silent so far. As the principal, do you have anything to say?"

The conversation turned to Balblair.

She looked a bit annoyed and said, "I don't like to lie, so I'll be clear. I was just about to resign as principal today. I intend to name Cameron as my successor."

The prime minister, visibly flustered, tried to intervene and asked in a voice that sounded like a scream, "W-wait a minute! Balblair-dono, why would you, one of the saintesses, resign from your position as principal…?!"

Balblair met his gaze directly. "As Awald-dono said earlier, I was deeply moved by Aoi-dono's remarkable knowledge and skill in magic. To be honest, we are inferior to Fiddiq Academy in every way. The only area where we are equal to Aoi-dono is in healing magic, but we are no match in other elements."

The moment she said this, even the imperial guards began to murmur.

Gem, looking annoyed, spoke again. "This is the result of focusing too much on developing new magic, as was the case with the previous saintess. Even if you have illusions about the magic of other countries, it will only lead to nothing. Those who are serious about magic do not stray into such side paths. They follow the path of magic with the proper means."

He spoke with a strong dose of his own ideology, increasing the tension in the audience.

Unable to hold back any longer, I said, "That's a big mistake. What you're saying, Gem-san, sounds like an excuse to avoid challenging difficult things or making the effort to learn new things."

Gem turned to me. "Are you saying I was mistaken?"

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