Skip Magician 45

Test

Chapter 45. Relaxing Time During Class

"It's the worst getting caught up in this... The Chancellor is the mastermind and is quickly demoted, but isn't it too fast? Wasn't there a proper trial?"

"Who knows?"

"For the nation's Chancellor to betray the country... that's absolutely unforgivable."

"I wonder who'll be the next Chancellor... I hope Froedil-sama, the Minister of Interior, takes over."

"If it's Froedil-sama, I can trust him."

Oh, wow... there are so many rumors flying around the academy.

With Chancellor Albrecht, the mastermind, arrested, the incident has quickly calmed down, and classes have resumed today. Naturally, no one is concentrating after such an incident. Even the teacher giving the lecture is awkward, so there's no need for special attention... Still, it's amazing how rumors spread so easily without the internet.

"...To think the Chancellor was the mastermind. Theodore, did you hear about it?"

"Huh? Oh... yeah... through some connections."

"Connections? Isn't it just a rumor?"

Oops, I seem a bit distracted. Ash is a bit suspicious of me.

"Well, it might be a significant loss for the kingdom... But to be frank, Chancellor Albrecht only held the title of Duke and Chancellor because of his bloodline. In terms of internal affairs, there might be no issues at all."

That's harsh. Even if it's true, he was still the Chancellor and a Duke. If even an upstart baron talks about him like this, it's pointless.

"Still... I heard the Minister of Interior suggest to the King that we should strengthen the nation's military power in response to this incident. This incident happened because we relied too much on the Magic Knights to maintain order in the capital, but it seems a bit hasty."

"Strengthen the military, huh... I hope that doesn't worsen relations with neighboring countries."

"It won't worsen. That's why the Foreign Minister and the Second Prince were sent to the neighboring Elgrant."

Ash is surprised by Ivy's sudden interjection. This woman is always popping up unexpectedly, probably because of her grimoires. It's understandable to be surprised.

Ignoring why Ivy knows the Foreign Minister and the Second Prince are heading to the neighboring country, the fact that the Foreign Minister is going there is quite significant information.

Elgrant Empire, located on an island west across the sea, is a small country with less than half the territory of the Kuria Kingdom, but its military power is said to rival or even surpass Kuria Kingdom.

In the past, Elgrant was colonized by countries on the western continent, but Kuria Kingdom helped them gain independence. Since then, even after becoming an empire, they've maintained a good relationship. During the war with the neighboring Closter Kingdom to the east several decades ago, Elgrant provided significant support, so Kuria Kingdom views Elgrant Empire as an equal.

"The important thing is to understand the intention behind this incident."

"The intention... wasn't it that Chancellor Albrecht aimed for royal power? At least, that's how I see it."

"Ash, it's not that simple."

Oh... When Ivy says it, it sounds entirely convincing, so please stop.

"Sounds like an interesting conversation. Let me join, Theo."

"...No, Nina, you joining won't help."

You have no interest in political matters.

"Hey, it's class. Don't you think you should be a bit quieter?"

"You should tell that to others, Princess Elissa. Most of them are talking louder than us."

"I'm implying it. Don't discuss such sensitive national matters during class."

She has a point.

"She says so, Ivy."

"But this is an important matter that involves Princess Elissa too."

"Even so... What if our conversation causes unease among the people? It's not wise to spread baseless speculations and cause unnecessary worry."

Wow... Princess Elissa is showing a rare display of royal dignity. Usually, she just gives a ditzy impression. Except, of course, I'm one of those people!

"Then, let's stop. We can talk later."

"Uh, no thanks, that sounds scary."

Elixira, who had been trying hard to ignore everything, declined. Well, Elixira generally avoids trouble, not just this incident.

"If there are too many disturbances, we won't be able to attend the academy... I recently started thinking I might finally become a Magic Knight, so I don't want to get involved."

"...I understand, Theodore."

"Why are you asking me like I'm the leader?"

It's strange... Why me?

"I heard you captured Chancellor Albrecht, Theodore."

"Is that true!?"

"...Theodore, is it true?"

Ash and Princess Elissa reacted immediately.

I glance at Ivy, who, as usual, has a suspicious smile. This girl... saw me fight the Chancellor in the old library and hand him over to the Minister of Interior.

"That's not true. The one who captured the Chancellor was the Minister of Interior, right? He declared it himself, so there's no doubt about it."

"Let's leave it at that."

"Theodore, we'll talk later."

"Ugh..."

I don't want to talk alone with Princess Elissa... It's obviously going to be about this issue, right?

"Huh? Theo has a duel with me today. If you want to cut in line, you can fight me first."

What, I didn't hear about this.

"A duel? Is this to change your ranking with Theodore?"

"No. Theo doesn't like to raise his rank, so it's just a practice match. Do you have a problem with that? Or does Princess Elissa want to be alone with Theo?"

"N-no way! Why would I want to be alone with such a rough guy!"

"Princess Elissa, please be quiet during class."

"...I'm sorry."

Noticing the teacher's reprimand and the stares from around, Princess Elissa turned red and buried her face in her desk.