Flattery and a Frosty Test
The airship Skyhigh descended, stirring up a gust of wind. Moments later, the side hatch slid open and a staircase unfolded with a mechanical clatter.
"Let's go."
"Yes…"
Enoch stepped down confidently, sunglasses still in place. Lakrina followed, gripping the railing as though her stomach were in revolt.
"The Skyhigh. Not bad for an impulse purchase. Wouldn't you agree?" Enoch asked, visibly pleased.
Lakrina nodded despite her queasiness. She had noticed the subtle expectation in her teacher's voice and responded accordingly.
—Nod. Nod.
"You look unwell. I did tell you to rest in the lounge."
Enoch clicked his tongue. The airship boasted a small pub, a lounge, a billiard room, and every other leisure facility imaginable. She could have relaxed comfortably instead of stubbornly remaining at his side. Enoch found himself newly aware of Lakrina's peculiar obstinacy.
—Thud. Thud.
While they walked, two men approached. One was blond and broad-shouldered; the other had a timid air. Chairman Waldo Ulrigan and Principal Anthony.
"A pleasure. I'm Waldo Ulrigan, chairman of the board."
"Principal Anthony. Welcome to the academy."
Anthony offered a slight bow. Waldo stepped forward and extended his hand. Considering Enoch's identity had not yet been publicly announced, the gesture was remarkably generous—likely thanks to the Tower Lords' influence. Enoch accepted the handshake while keeping that fact in mind.
"A pleasure. I'm the mage Enoch. I apologize for the trouble I've caused."
"Trouble… yes. It certainly was trouble. Quite a bit of it, in fact…"
"?"
Enoch caught the principal's oddly weighted tone. The man seemed strangely fixated on a simple greeting.
Ah. He must have had quite the ordeal.
The chairman's position carried responsibility equal to its authority, and Enoch's request had demanded a great deal of it.
I should offer him some well-placed praise.
Enoch chose his words with care.
"As expected of the chairman."
"…? What do you mean?"
"You went to considerable lengths to accommodate a mere mage's request. I can't imagine anyone more suited to lead the Academy of Learning. The students here are fortunate. Had I studied under someone like you, I might have risen even higher than I have."
"…Ahem. Enough with the flattery, young man."
Waldo cleared his throat and looked away, yet the corners of his mouth twitched upward. He was not normally fond of flattery, but when it came from someone favored by the Tower Lords, even steel could bend.
"You have a talent for making people feel awkward. Ahem."
The chairman hid his expression behind another cough. Enoch was proving far more agreeable than expected. He ignored the principal's pointed stare.
"Shall we go? Since you're here, I might as well give you a proper tour."
"In person?"
"A distinguished guest has arrived. Why not?"
"Excellent. Lead the way."
The group set off. Waldo's promise was no empty boast. He guided Enoch through the academy's facilities, proudly highlighting every improvement he had made. What he had not anticipated was how skillfully Enoch responded to each revelation.
"This is the academy promenade. I personally selected and planted trees that bloom differently with each season."
"A brilliant choice. It pleases both the students' minds and the eye. Truly well done."
"Ahem… Next, the dormitories. Built so noble children may live without discomfort—gymnasium, swimming pool, even a small shopping district inside the grounds. Commoner students reside here as well, of course. Education must not discriminate."
"The mark of a true educator. Many speak of equality yet fail at even this simple task. It seems you grasped long ago that truth often hides in small details."
"Ahem. You're not wrong."
"I hear Cassio Academy recently constructed new dormitories as well."
"……"
"So they simply copied your design."
"You noticed? Those fellows only know how to imitate. Pathetic lot, always clinging to others' coattails."
"What can one do? Jealousy tends to be that way. Please endure it with your usual generosity."
"Endure it I shall! Who else would?"
Waldo burst into hearty laughter. His earlier wariness had vanished. Enoch's manners were impeccable, and his reactions—perfectly timed and enthusiastic—were genuinely pleasing. The chairman grew increasingly animated, dragging his guest from the promenade to the dormitories, classrooms, principal's office, faculty lounge, and even the hidden research wing.
"Huh?!"
Waldo blinked, suddenly realizing he was personally brewing tea in his private reception room for Enoch and Lakrina.
W-what just happened?
He stood frozen, teapot in hand. Enoch tilted his head.
"Is something wrong?"
"…Eh? Ah, no. Nothing at all."
Waldo laughed awkwardly and resumed pouring. Rich black tea filled three cups.
"Phew… Forgive me. I must be tired. My head's been spinning all day."
"How thoughtless of us to add to your burden."
"Nonsense. I enjoy doing this. Pay it no mind."
Waldo chuckled dryly. He was exhausted because of Enoch, yet complaining now would ruin the mood. Besides, the flattery had been rather satisfying.
"Come to think of it, I haven't properly met the young lady yet."
"Ah, hello. My name is Lakrina."
"Lakrina. A pleasure. I'm Waldo Ulrigan, chairman."
He produced pen and paper. Recording a new student's details was ordinarily a staff member's duty, but summoning someone now felt like too much trouble. Waldo decided to handle it himself.
"First things first. How old are you, and where are you from?"
"I'll be sixteen soon. I'm from Magnusra, in the south."
"You wish to enroll, I take it. Can you use magic?"
"Yes. Freezing magic, at least. I'm also fairly confident with a sword."
"I see. Self-taught?"
"The magic was mostly self-taught. But without Teacher Enoch, I never would have awakened to it at all."
Lakrina spoke with quiet pride. Waldo's pen moved swiftly.
Name: Lakrina. Age 15. From Magnusra. Skilled with swords. Magic self-taught. Refers to Enoch as "Teacher." And…
He paused, glancing up. Lakrina's eyes kept drifting toward Enoch, who sipped his tea with perfect nonchalance.
Subtly concerned about Enoch. Likely adolescent affection.
"Very well, Lakrina. I'd like to test your magic."
"My magic? What should I do?"
"Show me what you're most confident in."
Waldo smiled kindly. After a moment's thought, Lakrina invoked the side effect of her freezing magic.
—Sssrrrk
"…For now, this is what I'm best at."
"…I see. Allowing the magic to consume you, then reversing its flow through precise control."
Lakrina's eyes had turned a glacial blue. Waldo watched with genuine interest. Awakening magic required talent, but mastering its backlash demanded something far rarer—an extraordinary sensitivity. The girl before him possessed it in abundance.
So this is why Lord Nordila spoke so highly of her.
Only Nordila had known her name beforehand. That meant he had already recognized her potential.
I may be sitting before the future Ice Tower Lord.
Waldo raised his internal valuation of Lakrina—and, by extension, of the man who had discovered her.
"Excellent, Lakrina. Most impressive."
"Thank you."
"Your speech has grown rather formal. The magic's influence lingers, I see."
He noted the observation, then asked curiously, "Your consciousness is currently shared with the freezing magic, correct? You're using that link to forcibly maintain emotional calm?"
"Yes."
"Then how strong is that state? What level of shock would be required to break it?"
"…I don't know yet."
Waldo smiled. "In that case, let's find out. Enoch, would you assist?"
"Me?"
"You'll be more effective than I would."
The chairman took a sip of tea and continued. "Lakrina, say something to Enoch you would normally never say."
"…? What do you mean?"
"A simple test of mental resilience. Don't overthink it."
"…All right."
"Enoch, say whatever you think might shake her. Understood?"
"Understood. This shouldn't be difficult."
The two faced each other. Lakrina spoke first.
"Teacher."
"What is it?"
"I hate adults like you the most."
"What a coincidence. I hate students like you the most as well."
"……"
—Tremble
"All right, that's enough."
Lakrina's composure shattered instantly. Waldo, sensing danger, ended the test at once. The magic had already dispersed. He and Enoch hurried to comfort the girl whose eyes had begun to glisten.
—Sob
"Calm yourself, Lakrina. It was only an experiment."
"Yes…"
She gradually steadied under Enoch's gentle reassurance. Waldo watched the pair and sighed inwardly.
Deeply concerned about Enoch.
…I suppose I should revise that note.
With a single stroke, Waldo crossed out the word "subtly."
Sigh.