Chapter 55
Chapter 55
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 55
Chapter Title: Erdi Billet 1
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The Baron and Duke Montella came to visit my father's territory.
Valkares Academy.
Since the branch campus here would be opening soon,
they must have come to check if the construction was completed properly.
They probably also intended to offer their congratulations on the side.
Since it was a visit from such important figures, I had considered preparing a banquet, but Duke Montella flatly refused, so it ended up being canceled.
"I am ashamed that I cannot host you two properly."
"Ashamed? You are the one who worked so hard; why should we be the ones to be welcomed?"
The Duke said this with a calm expression and reached out to shake my hand.
"I have high expectations."
"You will not be disappointed."
We headed toward the lot where the final construction work was underway, along with the two of them.
"...I can't believe it."
A gasp escaped Duke Montella's mouth as he stood before the building.
His lips trembled as if he were genuinely shocked.
"Is this what you call an academy?"
"That is correct."
"...It is far more astounding than when I saw the designs."
The Duke's head shook up and down repeatedly.
The Academy Head was the same.
This was the reaction I had expected.
Who could see this and not be amazed?
The pentagonal outer wall achieved a level of symmetrical precision that made it hard to believe it was a medieval otherworldly style.
Five sharp corners.
A form with a hotel and museum positioned on either side.
Upon entering, a theater of immense size greets the visitors.
On one side of the spacious area, there is a garden and a fountain, with booths for selling tickets and even temporary chairs prepared.
A complex cultural space that encompasses everything related to the arts in the capital.
"I already knew, but seeing it in person, the structure is truly bold."
"I received a great deal of help from Hugo Kahn, the stonemason of the Architecture Guild."
If it weren't for him, such experimental architecture would have been impossible.
Experts are important wherever you go.
A masterpiece born from the meeting of a craftsman's skill and an artist's creativity.
Anyone who sets foot here will be overwhelmed by the futuristic and sophisticated atmosphere.
Just looking at Duke Montella and the Academy Head, who had forgotten their composure and were gaping while looking around, makes that clear.
"It looks much better than the Academy in the North right away. You always surprise me."
The two of them said this almost simultaneously.
"You are praising me too highly."
"Haha."
Well, I don't think they are wrong.
The Academy in the North is a cradle of knowledge that has transcended history.
A place where tradition and order, continued for a long time, are infused.
A splendid heritage that has proudly claimed to be a pillar of the Empire for decades.
In contrast, the branch campus in the capital we created is far from having that heritage.
In fact, we made an effort not to rely on it from the start.
We intentionally distanced ourselves from conventions.
Future-oriented architecture.
We poured all the latest technology into the exterior construction, and we decorated the interior with magic.
It was Hugo's suggestion.
Since I kept funding him, he enthusiastically brought various ideas.
Lights instead of chandeliers on the ceilings.
Every wall and floor has soundproofing, and every classroom where classes will be held is equipped with a large stage and a grand piano.
Each one could be considered a small theater.
A space designed solely for the innovation of art.
'This is a new world.'
I stood before the two of them, who were exclaiming in admiration at the front gate.
Up to here is still just the tip of the iceberg.
"There is something I want to show you."
I also have a proposal to make.
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We entered the academy building together.
Warm sunlight passed through the stained glass, dyeing the atrium orange.
Passing by the tables and chairs placed here and there, we climbed the stairs to the second floor.
"What is this place?"
Duke Montella asked.
"It is a hall created so that students can freely practice their performances."
"The more I look, the more amazing it is."
I can understand why they think that.
Because the structure breaks common sense.
We walked between the pianos arranged like decorations.
Someone was sitting at one of them.
He met my eyes and bowed his head slightly.
"This is Erdi, my colleague. You have met him once before."
"It has been a while."
The three of them exchanged greetings while shaking hands.
The atmosphere is still good.
Then, what about this?
I am thinking of dropping a bombshell around now.
"Academy Head, and Duke Montella."
I called out to them in a polite tone.
"I am thinking of appointing Erdi as a professor at the academy."
Just as expected, the two of them froze in shock.
But only for a moment.
"That is a good idea."
Huh?
Duke Montella answered with a benevolent smile.
"I saw Erdi's performance at the recital competition you hosted a long time ago."
Right.
Now that you mention it.
"Didn't he win? I remember him having excellent skills."
"That is correct. He is one of the few people I acknowledge."
However, the Academy Head's opinion seemed a little different.
"Hmm..."
He narrowed his eyes and let out a groan quite openly.
"But Mr. Erdi is..."
"A commoner."
That must have been what he wanted to say.
"You say he is a skilled person you acknowledge, so I trust that... but his status will be an obstacle to appointing him as a professor so rashly."
A very honest opinion.
'It's better that he is this upfront about it.'
I never thought I would get an immediate 'yes' from the start.
Erdi must have been prepared for this much as well.
It took me months just to persuade him.
"There will surely be strong opposition. You know this as well, Young Master?"
"I will make it possible, so don't worry."
I don't even know how many times I've had that conversation.
Anyway.
I have no intention of backing down easily either.
"Count Korsolin also highly values Erdi's talent. He even said he was several levels above himself. The reason I planned this Academy of Arts was to spread music to more people. Erdi will surely be a great help."
"I see. I understand what you mean. But."
Even after I explained this so passionately, the Academy Head continued to ponder while stroking his chin.
He is not an easy man to deal with after all.
"This cannot be done without an agreement. It is not something we can decide unilaterally."
So that is the problem after all.
To place Erdi in the professor's seat at the academy, the permission of the Academy Head or Duke Montella is not enough.
Of course, that is also important.
But above all, we must persuade the 'students' who will enroll here.
We must explain the proper reasons to them and their families first.
If we cannot make them understand the exact grounds for being taught by a commoner first, everything will be for nothing.
No matter how much we praise Erdi among ourselves, it will only look forced to the eyes of the nobles who value tradition and rules.
I can already imagine what kind of complaints will arise.
"Once the theater is completed, I plan to hold a solo concert for Erdi first."
It would be right to make them imprint his skill first.
There is no more certain method than that.
"I apologize to you two, but..."
However, for some reason, the Academy Head showed his difficulty without changing his voice at all.
"Even if we show his skill, this is not a problem that can be easily solved. Because an excellent performer and a person who can be respected are different. He is surely a talented artist, but can he be respected by the nobles for that reason alone?"
Now that I hear it, it makes sense.
Nobles showing respect to a commoner.
This is really not an easy thing.
They could become fans after hearing Erdi's performance.
That part is probably easy.
But would they go further and want to learn from Erdi?
I cannot be sure of this.
"A commoner as a professor..."
"I acknowledge his skill, but being taught by him is a bit..."
Reactions like that could come out.
If that happens, it becomes a huge headache.
'This is more difficult to solve than I thought.'
I won't know until I try, but...
Is there no choice but to give up?
I was racking my brain while unconsciously tilting my head when the Academy Head spoke.
He seems to have thought of something.
"If you truly want to run the academy together with him, there is one method."
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"What will you do now?"
"Leave it to me. I have a plan."
The method the Academy Head hinted at to me.
Get signatures from the nobles who acknowledge Erdi's qualifications.
As many as possible.
It is definitely a good idea.
If we do that, it might not be impossible for Erdi to enter high society with his commoner status.
It means that the names proven in high society will serve as his backing.
We will create a list of guarantors in advance.
The first people that came to mind were my father and Count Harborland.
Those two would surely help us without a doubt.
I also sent a letter to Aiolin.
She will definitely reply.
'And Duke Montella is practically an ally as well.'
Isn't this enough?
No.
It is still not enough.
We need to seal the deal more firmly.
I should leave a message with the Rosley March just in case.
And finally.
I have a secret weapon.
"I must go to the Imperial Palace."