Visit my patreon to see photos of the characters for free.
patreon.com/zennin12
After the Headmistress's opening declaration, which involved crashing through the roof,
The ballroom, which had been momentarily in an uproar, soon settled into a pleasant atmosphere.
The decorations weren't particularly impressive, the food wasn't incredibly exquisite, and the music was just average, but no one complained.
It wasn't because they were afraid of the Headmistress, the host, but because everyone knew that the academy had suffered a terrorist attack just a week ago. They were surprised that the academy had managed to prepare this much despite the difficult circumstances, and no one dared to ridicule them. Those nobles who lacked such basic decency couldn't even attend in the first place.
Especially since this could be considered the first time in decades that the Headmistress, who had been confined to the academy, properly showed herself in front of the nobles.
"Headmistress, on behalf of the Count Crouton, I offer my deepest condolences for the recent terrorist attack. You may not know, but I was also a graduate of Grandis Academy, so although it's a small amount—"
"You were a graduate of the 57th class, right? I remember."
"H-Headmistress!? How…?"
"I'm the Headmistress of the academy. I remember all the students, graduates, and staff who have been a part of this academy."
"Goodness!"
The Headmistress, appearing before the nobles once again, was completely different. No, actually, there wasn't much that the nobles would consider different.
It had been at least decades since the Headmistress was called the Human Slaughterer, the Mad Dragon. Unless they were Rank 7 or 8, humans couldn't live past 100 years. Most of those who knew the Headmistress from that time had either died of old age or were too frail to come here.
Therefore, all the nobles 'knew' about the Headmistress was what they had heard from their parents. A Rank 8 war hero, a rampaging Mad Dragon, and now the Headmistress of the most prestigious academy in the kingdom.
And people tend to believe what they see rather than what they hear.
Very few people associated her past notoriety with the Headmistress, who was now showing a perfectly proper demeanor. Her youthful appearance, which seemed to be in her early twenties, also played a role.
The fact that all of this was the result of coaching by a certain Finance Director was a secret, but…
It was still true that she had memorized the list of all graduates and students, so it wasn't a lie. She herself said it was something even a 'foolish Headmistress' could do.
As countless nobles talked with the Headmistress, expressing their condolences, anger towards the terrorists, and discussing donations,
There were a few who remained seated instead of approaching her.
Clink.
"As expected of the Mad Dragon. The polymorph is excellent."
"…Tower Master, it's been a while."
"Even though I haven't lived that long a life, Billend, this is the most surprising thing I've seen. To think that the Mad Dragon could polymorph so perfectly."
"Polymorph, you say?"
"I know her. Of course, I do. She barged into our village with a spearman, a swordsman, and a mage, demanding something, and when the conversation dragged on, she immediately resorted to her fists. I understood why humans called her the Mad Dragon."
"…Is that so?"
"And now she's acting so docile. Her true nature can't have disappeared. She must be hiding it, and that disguise is so perfect that it's worthy of praise as polymorph."
Clap. Clap.
The green-haired young man, the Elven Archmage, held a glass in one hand and lightly clapped as if genuinely impressed. He seemed truly moved, not joking at all.
There was a small bump on his head, but it gradually disappeared in sync with the clapping.
As if the bump had never been there in the first place.
"Are you perhaps… one of the two idiots the Headmistress mentioned?"
"It was me and the spearman. The spearman deliberately took the hit even though he could have avoided it. So I also created a bump on my head with magic. If I hadn't done that, the Mad Dragon would have attacked even more fiercely, so it was a wise decision."
"What did you do to make the Headmistress resort to violence?"
"It was nothing special. I just did what I had to do as a parent of my family. It's a shame, Billend, you almost became a candidate for my family… It's truly a pity you couldn't become one of us."
"…It would be a lie to say I wasn't tempted by the name Billend Piste. But I'm happier now."
"I see. That's something to celebrate."
The Elven Archmage took a sip of champagne from his glass and quietly set it down.
His eyes were intelligent, but at the same time, they held something unfathomable.
Was it simply because he was a different race from humans, or was it due to the Elven Archmage's unique characteristics?
He, who was out of place among the elves, was getting along even better among humans.
"The Mad Dragon has weakened. She's like a crazy hatchling now."
"What do you—!!"
"You wouldn't know, Billend, but I can see it. If it were her in her prime, she wouldn't need to deceive me with magic; I would have been sent flying with my head literally caught in her hand. I wonder if she's simply rusty, or if she's injured…"
With a casual wave of the Elven Archmage's hand, various magic circles appeared and disappeared in the air. All of that magic was something that even Billend, the Dean of the Magic Department and former member of the Imperial Magic Tower, couldn't understand.
The Rank 8 'Archmage.' There were two other Rank 8 mages in the Empire, so why was this young man of a different race the only one called the 'Archmage'?
Billend, witnessing his past connection, couldn't help but tremble with fear. Unlike the Headmistress, who restrained her aura and killing intent out of consideration for the staff, the Elven Archmage didn't hold back.
And so it was with the Magic Tower. The political strife and power struggles among mages for a disciple, a 'family member,' to be recognized…
Wasn't that why she left the Tower and came to the academy?
Billend, trembling with fear but determined to sacrifice his life to protect the Headmistress if the Elven Archmage attacked her, said,
"…But that doesn't mean I can win."
"Excuse me?"
"She may have weakened, but she's still a hatchling dragon. Young or not, I don't want to challenge a dragon and die. I'm sure most Rank 8s in the Empire feel the same."
"Most, you say?"
"Well, there are those who would be eager for a fight. Out of ten, there might be one consumed by recklessness."
Let's see…
The Elven Archmage, tilting his head as if it were a good opportunity, muttered several names with a hint of amusement.
"The Surveyor and the Sculptor abhor fighting in the first place, and the others know about the Mad Dragon, so they'll be similar to me… There are only two that come to mind. The Guardian Dragon and the Emperor of Honor."
"The latter is understandable, but the former…?"
"You wouldn't know. I heard that back when the Mad Dragon was called the Mad Dragon, the Empire also sought out a strong individual and gave them the title of Dragon. It was a laughable farce, but the name 'Guardian Dragon' stuck. Because of the reason for its creation, he'll have a strong inferiority complex and sense of rivalry towards the Mad Dragon."
"You mean he's an enemy of the Headmistress?"
"Enemy? Just as humans can't defeat a mad human, a dragon can't defeat a mad dragon. Even the current Mad Dragon would have no problem. It might be different with the Emperor of Honor, but—oh dear."
The Elven Archmage, about to continue his ominous words, suddenly stopped with a bright smile.
It was because the person he had been waiting for had arrived.
"It's been a while, Master."
"Chloe. I've been hearing your voice, but it's been a while since I've seen you. Have you already met Billend here?"
"Yes, I've already spoken with the Dean several times."
"Well done. And Billend? This is a family matter now, so please excuse us."
"…I'll be going, Piste."
"Yes, Dean."
It was a rather harsh remark to someone he had been talking to amicably just moments ago, but Billend seemed used to it and simply nodded to Chloe before stepping aside. He looked a bit worried but headed towards the Headmistress.
And in the meantime, Chloe approached as politely as possible in her dress.
"You've achieved great things. As a parent of our family, I'm overjoyed. A child's growth is always a delightful thing."
"Thank you for your praise, Master."
"If you continue like this, you'll soon reach Rank 6. It's truly admirable. But…"
Suddenly…
The Elven Archmage's eyes clouded over for a moment, then his pupils split in two.
Elves were inherently gifted with special 'eyes.' Although the type of eyes varied from individual to individual, the Elven Archmage's eyes were the most unique.
A mage obsessed with his own eyes, who even extracted and studied the eyes of his deceased kin.
His eyes now held various types of vision.
One of his split pupils focused on Chloe, while the other stared at the space above her head.
As if there was another being there.
"How strange. How strange."
"…What do you mean?"
"You've obtained a destiny. A higher spiritual entity that even I can't fully grasp at once."
"...…"
As if expecting him to notice, Chloe's reaction was quiet. Rather, she seemed pleased that her master couldn't see through everything.
Another spiritual entity residing in the mind of his disciple, his family member.
Normally, it wouldn't be something to welcome, but…
"It seems like you've obtained it several months ago… But you're still my 'family,' so it doesn't seem to be causing much harm."
"Don't worry, Master. I'm still Chloe Piste."
"Of course. Whose family are you, after all? It's a relief that there's no need to extract it immediately. Ah, and…"
The Elven Archmage, casually moving on from that matter,
Slightly changed his tone as he spoke to Chloe, who was politely clasping her hands in response.
Chloe flinched at his voice, clearly laced with 'expectation.'
"Are you close to that child? Beatrice, I mean."
"…Are you referring to Amatriuss Delphia Beatrice?"
"She's not in this ballroom, but I've sensed several powerful magical flows since entering the academy. One is yours, another is that half-baked prophet's, and the last one… must be Beatrice, that child. She finally overcame her chronic illness!"
"…Yes."
"Then I should go see her right away. I'm looking forward to seeing if she still has the gift I gave her. Chloe, would you like to come with me?"
"I, I…"
"We can part ways if you want to enjoy the ball. I value the freedom of my family. Speaking of freedom…"
"Yes?"
"I've taken care of the Finance Director matter. Judging from how he's next to the Mad Dragon, he must not value his life, so don't go near him. You won't be swayed by any futile temptations."
"What do you—?"
──See?
"Don't worry. I always cherish my family. Increasing the family through mating is something that can only be permitted between family members, so I'll find you a good partner someday. Forget about the Finance Director."
"...…"
──See? I told you.
The voice of another Chloe echoed in Chloe's mind.
As if noticing even that small conversation, the Elven Archmage turned his split pupils towards Chloe's head again, but…
"…N-no."
"Chloe?"
"I don't want that!"
The Elven Archmage hurriedly looked at Chloe at the unexpected rebellion from his family, his child, and…
Chloe, gritting her teeth, shouted,
"Apologize to the Finance Director! And take back everything you said!"
"What…?"
"I'd rather…!"
"R-rather?"
"Give up the name of Piste!"
"…!!"
***
"So that's what happened… I don't understand what I did wrong…"
"...…"
"Is this why the elders said raising a child is pointless… I was only thinking of my child and family, how could she say such a thing?"
"…Hmm."
"Please talk to her. I'm begging you."
"What can I do?"
"If you, the object of her affection, speak to her directly, Chloe will give up, won't she? Please persuade her that love and mating are impossible with anyone outside the family."
This is driving me crazy.
And who are you…?