Ch. 61 - Outside the School

The next day, I was called to the principal's office again. When I arrived, Alabarta and Crown were already waiting for me.

It seemed they were discussing something, but when I entered, they both closed their mouths and turned towards me.

Alabarta was clearly in a good mood, while Crown looked dissatisfied. For some reason, Glenn also seemed to share the same atmosphere.

"Good morning."

I greeted them, and the three returned the greeting. I looked at Glenn, who was looking at me with a somewhat complicated expression.

I tilted my head in confusion.

Glenn said with a difficult expression, "Aoi-sensei, what do you think of the magic of the Maple Leaf Holy Empire?"

"The magic of Maple Leaf? I can't say much, as I don't know enough to give an opinion, but I am interested."

Alabarta smiled. "You're interested, right?! Great! Now, Glenn-dono?! The next question!"

For some reason, Alabarta's excitement increased with my answer. On the other hand, Crown's face clearly showed more dissatisfaction.

It seemed the three of them had discussed something before I arrived, but I still didn't know the details. However, it was clear that my answer had turned things favorably for Alabarta.

While I was pondering this, Glenn frowned and sighed. "Just out of curiosity, how would you feel about going to Maple Leaf for about a month to visit their laboratories and academy? Well, I already know the answer."

"I would like to go. I want to see with my own eyes how far the magical research in other countries has progressed."

Alabarta twisted his body and pumped his fists in excitement, while Glenn and Crown both sighed in unison.

"As expected… No, I thought you would say that. Right now, it will be painful if we lose you, Aoi-kun. What should we do…" Glenn pouted like a child.

Crown slumped his shoulders, looking at me with resentment. "If I can stay at this academy for a long time, I can see the magic of other countries with my own eyes…"

Hearing Crown mutter this, I nodded in understanding. It seemed Crown wanted to extend his stay to continue researching magic at this academy. Certainly, with various magicians from different countries conducting research at the academy, it would be easy to study foreign magic here. Crown must be disappointed that his plan didn't work out.

On the other hand, Alabarta seemed happy because he believed he could achieve his goal of taking me to Maple Leaf.

"Then I will take responsibility for preparing the journey to the Maple Leaf Holy Empire. Glenn-dono, rest assured. Aoi-dono's stay will be one month. I will arrange the journey plan to ensure it's not burdensome, with the best accommodations along the way…"

As Alabarta happily began to make arrangements, Glenn raised his hand with a frown. Everyone paused for a moment at Glenn's sudden gesture, but Alabarta quickly spoke up.

"Wh-what is it, Glenn-dono?" Alabarta asked, looking bewildered.

Glenn looked at me with a wry smile. "Sorry, but the decision to go to Maple Leaf lies with Aoi-kun. I don't have the authority to decide."

"What…?! Who would believe such nonsense?! Glenn-dono, you’re a high-ranking noble of the Verted Kingdom and the principal of this academy. No matter how skilled a magician she is, if you give her the order—"

"That's impossible," Glenn interrupted Alabarta's statement, which seemed to be common sense. Crown looked up in confusion.

Glenn returned their gaze and answered with a smile, "You see, Aoi-kun is here because I asked her to teach at the academy. If she wants to leave, she can do so anytime. The Verted Kingdom will be troubled if a magician of Aoi-kun's caliber goes to another country. So, ultimately, it's up to Aoi-kun to decide."

Both pairs of eyes turned to me.

I hesitated for a moment before giving my answer. "As for me, I would like to see the unique magic of Maple Leaf for my own research. Additionally, I'd like to bring some students along."

"Students?"

I nodded. "If we can visit the academy in Maple Leaf, I'd like to observe the teaching methods as well. I believe having students observe from their perspective can help improve both our academy's system and Maple Leaf's."

Glenn stroked his chin and nodded. "Hmm, I see. There is little interaction between academies to maintain confidentiality. This gives our academy a good reason to send Aoi-kun."

With Glenn showing his approval, I turned to Alabarta. "That's why, along with me, a few others will accompany me to Maple Leaf. Also, to shorten travel time, we plan to take a different route."

"Even if you say another route, the one we have is supposed to be the shortest…" Alabarta replied ambiguously, unable to hide his confusion.

However, Crown widened his eyes, looked up, and stared at me with interest.

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