Ch. 165 - Solare's Resistance

As we spoke, it seemed like he was a more sociable child than I'd imagined. Although he appeared nervous, the fact that he could voice his own opinions meant there was no real problem.

If he had truly been unable to speak at all, it might have taken a long time, but since he could converse this well, he could attend lectures almost immediately.

Feeling relieved, I smiled at Solare.

"If you are looking for a magic lecture, please do attend mine. That way, I can teach you magic directly. All the students in my lectures are good kids."

When I said this, Solare's expression froze solid. The atmosphere clearly grew heavy, and Glenn's expression also changed.

"...A-Aoi, sensei. U-um... I... I won't... attend lectures..."

Solare stiffened and clearly showed his refusal. That rigid expression and voice revealed a resolute will.

"If there's a student you're concerned about, someone you dislike, please tell me. If you're anxious, I can come to get you before the lecture. If it's my lecture, I can keep an eye on things at all times. You should be able to attend with peace of mind."

I told him this with confidence, but Solare just looked down without saying anything.

"...What is it that you dislike so much?"

I asked him this, but Solare didn't answer. He remained silent, sitting on the bed and motionless. I racked my brain, wondering how to reach out to Solare, who seemed to have completely closed his heart.

"...Solare. Even just once would be fine. Please try attending a lecture. I promise I will protect you."

I tried persuading him again, but Solare wouldn't meet my gaze.

"Solare, Ms. Aoi is a very good teacher, so at least hear her out."

Glenn interjected from the side, but Solare gave a small shake of his head. He was like a prickly hedgehog on guard, his attitude screaming 'Don't touch me.'

Wondering if I could at least find a single opening, I tried talking more about magic and scientific knowledge, but there was no reaction at all.

"...We'll leave for today. If the academy is the problem, perhaps we could go out to the city for a meal sometime. Please consider it."

With no other choice, I said this and stood up. Glenn also stood, placing a hand on his head with a troubled look. We left the room, glancing at the slouching figure of Solare.

"Thank you for meeting with us today."

Saying this, I closed the door. Glenn stood in the hallway with slumped shoulders, saying nothing.

“...He was unusually talkative just now. Perhaps it was too soon to ask him to attend lectures?”

Seeing Glenn's worried expression, I spoke up.

"Does Solare never leave this room at all? What about meals?"

When I asked, Glenn stroked his chin and groaned.

"...One of the cooks who works in the cafeteria brings his meals. He's one of the few who know about Solare."

"Then let's go talk to that person."

"...Surely you don't mean right now?"

Upon reaching the cafeteria, most students had already finished their meals, and the area was sparse. Among them, I also saw Shenley.

"Ah, Ms. Aoi!"

"Shenley."

Shenley ran over happily. When she got very close, she noticed Glenn.

"Huh? Headmaster Glenn is also... are you having dinner in the cafeteria?"

Shenley tilted her head cutely. Feeling warmed by her appearance, I nodded in reply.

"That's right. We haven't eaten yet."

"...I'll just have some soup and a piece of bread."

It seemed Glenn didn't have much of an appetite. Shenley looked back and forth between our faces with a puzzled expression.

Watching her face, I suddenly remembered that Shenley had suffered bullying in the past. She was also one of the students who had received terrible bullying and had even considered leaving the academy.

"Shenley, do you have some spare time?"

"I do, but is something wrong?"

I had asked for her time without giving a reason, but Shenley agreed immediately.

"We have a bit of a problem... Is that alright, Headmaster Glenn?"

I checked with Glenn as a courtesy. Glenn glanced at Shenley's face and nodded right away.

"Miss Shenley should be fine."

"Thank you. Now, the person who prepares the meals..."

"...Oh, she's there. That woman."

When I inquired, Glenn looked around the back of the cafeteria and immediately spotted a petite woman, pointing her out. There, a long-haired woman wearing an apron similar to a kappougi was wiping tables and tidying up.

She appeared to be in her forties.

"Then let's request our meals from her."

Saying this, I headed toward the woman.

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