Ch. 166 - Solare's Ally

"......Are you referring to Solare-kun?"

As soon as I greeted her and asked about Solare, the woman looked at me with a guarded expression. However, she noticed Glenn standing behind me and softened her expression.

"......I have heard the rumors, Aoi-sensei. Did Glenn-senpai ask you to come?"

"No, I was the one who asked Glenn-senpai to arrange a meeting for me with Solare-kun."

When I looked straight into her eyes and answered, she responded with a laugh.

"Hehe...... Just as I heard, you are a straightforward person, Professor. I also thought things couldn’t continue like this, so I’ll gladly cooperate. You must have something you want to ask, right?"

"Yes. And, though it’s a bit embarrassing, if I could also have something to eat..."

"Ahaha! Understood. I’ll bring it right away."

After this exchange, the woman took our orders and returned to the kitchen.

A short while later, as I sat with Glenn and Shenley, the woman came back pushing a serving cart.

"Here you are."

We all bowed to the woman as she arranged the dishes.

"Thank you very much."

"My apologies."

"Ah, me too... thank you."

After placing the dishes in front of the three of us, the woman sat down in her seat. Fresh, delicious-looking dishes lined the table, and driven by hunger, I naturally reached out. The soup had a gentle flavor, giving me a comforting feeling.

"It’s delicious."

Since Shenley had only ordered soup and a drink, she drank the soup with me, her face breaking into a smile.

Watching this with a gentle smile, the woman turned her face toward me.

"So, it’s about Solare-kun, right?"

Asking this, I immediately agreed.

"Yes. What kind of conversations do you have with Solare-kun?"

When I posed the question, she showed a thoughtful expression.

"......Mostly about food. I ask about his taste preferences, what he’d like to eat... But aside from fatty meats and certain fruits, he eats everything and always finishes his meals, telling me it was delicious."

She reported this with a smile. It seemed they had built a good relationship. That alone made her a valuable ally for Solare.

"......Do you know why Solare-kun doesn’t attend lectures?"

"I haven’t heard about that. I thought maybe asking might hurt Solare-kun..."

Hearing her say this with concern, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own actions. Perhaps I had been too direct earlier.

"Do you talk with Solare-kun every day?"

"Sometimes it’s just greetings, but we often have conversations."

"What time will you go to his room this evening?"

"Dinner is around five p.m."

After this exchange, we parted ways with the woman for the time being. Glenn, who had been quietly listening to our conversation, nodded deeply with a moved expression.

"......Her efforts have been truly remarkable. I had only ever thanked her for delivering meals, but I shall speak with her about other matters from now on."

I nodded at Glenn, who spoke with emotion, and looked at Shenley.

"That’s right. I think it’s a blessing to have someone you can trust when you don’t know who to rely on. If he could make friends among the students who could become such allies, perhaps he could start attending lectures."

When I said this, Shenley nodded repeatedly.

"That’s true. My academy life also became more enjoyable as I made more friends. Before that, I felt so out of place in the academy that I didn’t even know where I belonged..."

As Shenley spoke of her past anxiety, Glenn narrowed his eyes with a sad expression.

"It is a sad thing...... I have always wanted Fiddiq Academy to be a place free from discrimination based on status or race, but eliminating these biases has been difficult. My own lack of resolve is the primary reason, but changing the minds of faculty and students has also been challenging..."

Glenn lamented with a voice full of regret, and Shenley appeared downcast.

"......Regretting it won’t change anything. First, we must help Solare-kun, who is a victim of that elitist ideology centered on nobility and lineage. As we discussed earlier, I believe it’s crucial for Solare-kun to recognize us as allies and to increase the number of people on his side."

Switching gears, I shared my thoughts, and the two nodded deeply.

"I also want to help as much as I can!"

Shenley strongly offered her support, and Glenn looked moved, his eyes growing moist.

"Thank you, Shenley-kun."

While listening to their conversation, I racked my brain on how to increase Solare’s allies.

Ultimately, having him attend my lectures would be best, but it seemed unlikely he would agree to that. I had to find a way around this.

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