episode_0054
by fnovelpiaThe whole conference room was in an uproar. Of course, Professor Esther and I were not.
“That seems like a good alternative.”
“I think so too. But… .”
As Professor Esther said, the plan presented by President Damien seemed like a good idea.
The annual event of the Chaldea Imperial Academy’s annual class duel is held every June. It is unprecedented to cancel this event, and it is also not appropriate to postpone it.
The reason for being in such a difficult situation is the sweltering heat, so all you have to do is go to a place that is less affected by the weather.
Yes, it was a very simple solution. But the reason why no one mentioned it was… .
“That’s unprecedented!”
Yes. This too, must be because it is unprecedented. I looked back at where the loud noise came from.
The head professor of the third year was Professor Armstrong. His eyes were wide open like those of a ferocious beast, and the other professors sitting around him slowly distanced themselves from him.
“President, please reconsider this! This is an important event that demonstrates the fighting spirit and skills of Chaldea Imperial Academy students! It would be a shame to hold such an event outside… .”
“Isn’t that a better thing?”
“Yes, yes?”
“We can show off the proud skills of our academy students to the public, so it is the perfect place to prove the academy students’ fighting spirit and skills.”
“… … .”
Professor Armstrong became dumbfounded. His lips, visible through his stiff beard, were constantly moving, but he had nothing to say in rebuttal.
“Do you need more explanation?”
“… No.”
“Then please take a seat. The people sitting behind you are uncomfortable.”
In the end, Professor Armstrong had no choice but to sit down, his drooping beard an impressive sight.
“Okay, any other opinions?”
No one was willing to take action. Even Professor Armstrong, who had some authority among the professors, had fallen miserably, so there was no one of great character who dared to challenge President Damien’s opinion to represent his opinion.
“Then… . Hmm?”
I slowly stood up from my seat. I felt everyone in the conference room, including Professor Esther who was sitting next to me, focusing their eyes on me.
“Lu, Professor Lucio… ?”
Professor Esther looks at me with surprised eyes. I wonder if it’s really that surprising.
“I am Lucio Antonelli, the professor of theology for Class 1-A. President Damian. Please allow me to speak.”
When I asked to speak in a flat tone, President Damien, who had been blankly staring at me, twitched the corners of his mouth.
“… That’s unexpected. I didn’t think Professor Antonelli would come forward in a place like this. Yes. Go ahead.”
“Nothing else… .”
“Nothing else?”
It was quite burdensome to have everyone’s attention focused on me. But, someone had to say something. That’s what I thought.
“By any chance, has the location for the sparring session already been decided? If so, I would like to know in advance.”
A heavy silence fell over the conference room where tension had been high.
“… Professor Antonelli. Is that all you want to say?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Huh… .”
President Damien made a bewildered expression. So did Professor Esther, who was sitting next to me.
I don’t understand why everyone reacts that way. Shouldn’t someone step forward and ask this question?
“It’s not certain yet, but the port city of Brittany is a strong candidate. Once the location is confirmed, we’ll announce it again.”
“Thank you.”
Even when I sat down again, the gazes on me did not stop.
* * * * *
Despite the grand name of an emergency meeting, it ended more futilely than expected.
No one disagreed with President Damien’s words, and it was ultimately decided that this year’s grade-level sparring would be held outside the Academy.
The agenda items that followed were all minor, from the cooling pump malfunction to the contract extension with the Academy’s teaching materials supplier.
Most of the agenda items went smoothly. This was because there were no particularly special agenda items.
Seeing the professors who had attended the meeting standing up one by one, I also gathered my bag and stood up from my seat.
“Professor Lucio… Sometimes, when I see him, he seems like a bit of a strange person.”
There was definitely some substance to Professor Esther’s words as she stood up following me. I stared at her blankly.
“What do you mean?”
“No… . It’s just like that.”
I felt a little uneasy, but Professor Esther never told me what she meant. I sighed faintly and started walking away. I was planning to go back to the professor’s office.
“Look here.”
If only a wicked hand hadn’t gently wrapped around my shoulder. I would have naturally turned my head.
“… Professor Armstrong?”
The man with thick, wooden arms was Professor Sylvester Armstrong. When I told him his name, he looked a little embarrassed.
“Um… . Are we old friends? How do you say my name… .”
“I know the reputation well.”
“Oh… .”
They say praise makes even whales dance? Although he didn’t say it out loud, the corners of Professor Armstrong’s mouth twitched as he listened to me.
“I see… . I guess my name comes up often among the new professors. Professor Antonelli.”
“Do you know me?”
“No. I only heard your name during the meeting, but I don’t know the details. Can you introduce yourself formally?”
He was a man with a bit of a shameless side. I stared blankly at his hand on my shoulder, then opened my mouth.
“… Let me introduce myself. I am Lucio Antonelli, the professor of theology for Class 1-A.”
“Yes. Nice to meet you. I’m Professor Sylvester Armstrong, in charge of the third-year combat department. What about you?”
Professor Armstrong’s eyes turned to Professor Esther. Professor Esther flinched, then grabbed my sleeve tightly and answered.
“Hey, nice to meet you. My name is Esther Garrett, a first-year fantasy magic professor.”
“Hmm. Professor Garrett, and Professor Antonelli. I remember.”
He took his hand off my shoulder and this time offered me his large hand. I held it and shook it gently.
Likewise, Professor Armstrong, who was shaking my hand, soon looked at me with slightly surprised eyes.
“I just noticed, but you’re more fit than I thought. Do you usually work out?”
“There is no separate training.”
“Oh my… . The body is not finished with making it, but it is important to maintain it by managing it until the end. I will help you with training later.”
“… Thank you.”
I reluctantly nodded, thinking his words were probably just a formality, like, ‘Let’s have a meal together later.’
Even after exchanging brief greetings, Professor Armstrong was staring intently at me. At this point, I began to wonder what his intentions were in talking to me.
“Professor Armstrong. Excuse me, is there anything you want to say to me?”
“Huh? No, it’s nothing.”
Even as I waved my hand, his eyes scanned my body thoroughly. It was like looking into the eyes of a wild beast.
“I was just curious. I apologize if I offended you.”
“It’s okay.”
“Oh, Professor Armstrong?”
At that moment, a languid voice was heard from beside us. Professor Armstrong and I turned our gazes at the same time.
“Are you harassing another professor? You’re really low-quality~.”
“… Professor Underwood.”
The person who approached us with a captivating smile was Professor Scarlett Underwood, who had just been arguing with Professor Armstrong in a raised voice.
Professor Armstrong was the only one who raised his voice, but anyway.
Professor Armstrong’s expression hardened. I don’t know what happened, but the two of them didn’t seem to be on good terms.
Professor Armstrong opened his mouth curtly.
“Why are you here again? And, I wasn’t harassing you, I was just saying hello.”
“Professor Armstrong, you seem to be a little less objective.”
“… What does that mean?”
Professor Underwood smiled mischievously. I grabbed Professor Esther’s arm and pulled her away from them slightly.
“Professor Armstrong. Isn’t it rude to suddenly appear behind someone and suddenly judge someone else’s body? The other professors are so scared.”
“What on earth is scary about me… .”
“Look in the mirror. Your whole body is swollen. You don’t look like a gangster, do you?”
“… Are you done talking?”
“Hehehe. I’m sorry if you felt bad.”
Professor Armstrong’s face was getting hotter. Professor Esther, who was standing right next to me, was looking thoughtful.
Professor Underwood, who had been leisurely gazing at Professor Armstrong, soon turned his gaze towards me.
“Nice to meet you. My name is Scarlett Underwood. I am in charge of the third-year Destruction Magic Department.”
“Yes. Nice to meet you. I am Lucio Antonelli, the professor of theology for Class 1-A.”
Professor Underwood, who had been staring at my face for a moment, soon smiled faintly.
“Professor Antonelli is more handsome than I thought.”
“… Thank you.”
“Ugh… . It would be nice if it was decorated a little more.”
“… Professor Underwood. I think you told me earlier that it is impolite to judge another person’s body.”
“Is the way Professor Armstrong speaks the same as my elegant way of speaking? I’m a little confused.”
When Professor Armstrong grumbled, Professor Underwood also did not back down and fought back. The two began to bicker again.
I grabbed Professor Esther’s frozen arm and dragged her along, slowly walking away. The two professors didn’t even realize that we were moving away.
“Whew… I was so nervous… .”
As we gained some distance, Professor Esther wiped her cold sweat and sighed. I glanced back at them. I could see the fierce expressions of Professor Armstrong and Professor Underwood here as well.
“Why are those two fighting like that?”
“Hmm… . I don’t know about that either… .”
“Aiming for the next president position.”
“Ouch!”
Professor Esther screamed. I looked back silently at the source of the sound.
When I first took up my shift, it was Professor Andres who gave me the handover. I bowed to him.
“Aren’t you Professor Andres?”
“Haha… It’s been a while.”
While I was not looking, a single strand of hair faintly revealed its presence on his shiny crown. Did he experience a miracle somewhere?
By the way, the next president?
“Are you talking about the next president?”
“Yes. Professor Armstrong and Professor Underwood. They are the most senior members of the Academy. Therefore, they are the candidates for the next president.”
So, in the end, it’s a power struggle. Is that it?
“There are some factions among the professors. They must have come to you to bring Professor Antonelli to their side.”
“Thank you for the explanation, but I’m not interested in that kind of thing.”
“Well, there are some people like that. I’m one of them too.”
Professor Andres gave a brief explanation and then disappeared like the wind, saying he would see me next time.
As I was leaving the conference room with Professor Esther, I looked at the two professors still conversing.
“You really want to do it with me!”
“Are you scared?”
To my eyes, it didn’t seem like a very constructive conversation.
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