“She’s like you, then?”
“I suppose... Wait a moment, what do you mean by that?”
“Uh, well, no...shing... Pleash let go of my cheeksh!”
“My, they’re rather soft. I can see why Lady Susia adores them so.” She let go once she’d had her fill. “Do you know of the responsibilities given to House Saifice, Arcus?”
“Hm? Yeah. The head of the house is expected to become headmaster of the Institute, right?”
“Correct. It is said that these grounds once belonged to a small private school that taught magic until, following a complex chain of events, it was transferred into the hands of the kingdom. However...”
“It still has a ton of influence.”
“That’s right. That is why, as the next headmistress, Lady Claudia is involved in the running of the Institute. You will also often see her making her rounds with her followers in tow.”
Arcus was reminded of a student council president. According to Charlotte, Claudia acted as an intermediary between the pupils and lecturers. Initially, he had thought it dubious for one student to have so much power, but it sounded like she wasn’t completely free to do whatever she liked.
“She is awfully kind to us nonmagical students too. I daresay she will remain at the Institute even after her graduation.”
“Sounds like she’s well respected.”
“By the majority of students, yes.”
“Not everyone?”
“She isn’t unreasonable by any means. However...”
“However?”
“If you defy her even once, you are made to become her follower and obey her every command.”
“Right. Wait, what?”
“She has a tendency to pick fights with other students, which can cause quite a stir. Lady Claudia’s duels have recently become something of a special event at the Institute.”
“And you just said she isn’t unreasonable. So basically, anyone who tries to turn against her gets held captive? I guess she’s every bit as political as nobility should be.”
“Do not forget that the same should apply to you, Arcus.”
“I got disinherited, though.”
“Even so, there are times when you say things that one would not expect from someone of a noble background. I wonder why.”
“Good question.” Though Arcus tried to brush it off, the suspicion in Charlotte’s gaze remained. All he could do was smile awkwardly; his very existence was made up of countless dubious points, after all. “Anyway, is that what happened to all those people tagging along with her?”
“It would appear so. Strange that none of them look the least bit resentful. In fact, they all seem rather willing.”
“Maybe because she’s a future duchess. As far as nobility is concerned, only good things could come of associating with her.”
The benefit to her followers, however, depended on her memory. And, since she was set to become headmistress of the Institute, her favor could translate into a cushy job.
“Are you considering joining them, Arcus?”
“Nah. I’ve got plenty of contacts in the noble world as it is.”
“You know, the further you go, the more those contacts will naturally increase.”
“That sounds like death.” Arcus sighed.
“Oh!” Charlotte suddenly said. “She’s coming this way.”
“What?! There’s no way I’m ready to face her after the bombshell you just dropped on me!” he cried.
Claudia and her group were making a beeline straight for them.
She probably wants something with Charlotte...
Perhaps only a greeting. Their ranks may have differed, but they were both noble daughters. Students didn’t have to be as formal to each other as they would outside the school, and so neither Charlotte nor Arcus was required to kneel.
“Good afternoon, Charlotte. What lovely weather we’re having.”
“Good afternoon, Lady Claudia. Are you making your rounds of the Institute?”
“Yes. I thought it would make for a perfect opportunity to speak with some of the new students. It is my duty to know what goes on here, after all.”
Claudia gave off a remarkably cordial impression, given the savagery Arcus had just learned she was capable of. He was starting to question Charlotte’s account.
“And who is this adorable specimen?”
Ack!
Claudia’s innocent words sent a dagger straight through his heart. He could see now why they said that a tongue could cut deeper than the sharpest of blades. Even though she likely hadn’t meant to hurt him, Arcus had to stop himself from wobbling as he bowed and waited for Charlotte to introduce him.
“This is my...friend, Arcus Raytheft.”
“A pleasure to meet you,” he said.
“I am Claudia Saifice. The Raythefts hail from the east, yes?”
“Yes, My Lady,” Charlotte said. “I was showing him around.”
One of Claudia’s followers flicked through some documents, then read aloud: “Arcus Raytheft. A magical student. While achieving top marks in the entrance exam, his aether falls below two thousand mana.”
“Below two thousand? That is rather lacking for a noble.” Claudia furrowed her brow.
It seemed a bit sudden to have his aether pointed out on their very first meeting, but she came from one of the country’s most powerful families. He couldn’t exactly object.
“My aether may be lacking, but I intend to learn as much as I can here, that I may serve my country going forward.”
“Arcus, wasn’t it? People expect Institute students to be held to certain high standards. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“Yes, My Lady.”
“The Institute is the greatest educational establishment in all of Lainur. To allow just anybody to attend would ruin our prestige. Its reputation must be protected, so that its name continues to be revered, here and abroad.”
Arcus could guess what was coming next. He didn’t like it. “I completely agree, My Lady.”
“Then you ought to return home. You belong to a magical house, yet your lack of aether makes you unworthy. You do not belong at this establishment.”
His suspicions were proven right.
“My Lady!” Charlotte protested. “If I may—I believe your judgment is too extreme. While it is undeniable that Arcus’s aether is low, I am of the opinion that his results in the entrance exam would heavily outweigh that.”
“The results mean very little in the grand scheme of things, when students learn and develop. Please understand, Charlotte, that this is a consequence of his social standing. Those who stand at the top must be superior, lest only shame befall everyone. His aether falls below the standards set by the martial houses. Simply put, he is a bad example to others.”
In this instance, it could be argued that the aethometer’s creation had backfired, as it had made definitive the difference between Arcus and others.
Quite apart from anything else, he didn’t appreciate his personal information being shared in the open like this, nor the lax procedures that had led to it being harvested in the first place. He wondered if he should bring it up as a concern next time he had a meeting with Mercuria. If he was able to remain at the Institute, that was.