Chapter 15

Department Points

The assignment of this year’s Magic Department freshmen was so excellent that professors were saying it was a blessing from the goddess Kirelia.

There were no students caught in intense political conflicts between families, no overly controlling parents obsessed with education, and no royal family members—or nobles of comparable status—whose presence made others uneasy.

And most importantly—there was Nigel As, a student Heres had personally interviewed.

Nigel As had already become famous among the faculty even before enrollment.

And for good reason—he had received a perfect score from Professor Kledian, who was so strict he examined even the smallest particles in essays.

Although professors tried to treat all students equally, it was only natural to feel more attached to those in their own department.

Humans were adaptable creatures. Even though professors constantly complained about department points—the number one cause of incidents in the academy—they couldn’t hide their smiles when their own department won.

At the beginning of each semester, when professors bet on which department would win, no one ever bet against their own students—not even the rigid Kledian.

In such a situation, Heres couldn’t help but feel proud of Nigel.

No—he had every reason to be proud.

In past years, whenever he went to the faculty lounge to relax after handling incidents, he would be forced to listen to other professors brag about their students. Because of that, he often skipped the free snacks and returned to his office.

…But this time was different.

“Did everyone enjoy dinner?”

Heres opened the lounge door wide and walked in.

“Heres, last year you always looked like you were dying, but this year your face is glowing.”

“Seriously, we barely saw you in the lounge last year.”

“Oh, come on~ when was I ever like that?”

Heres sat down on the sofa, unable to suppress his smile.

What’s this? Did someone cast a preservation spell on the sofa during vacation? It felt especially soft today.

Sip.

As expected of an imperial academy, even the tea leaves were of high quality.

Plop! Plop!

Feeling good, he added two sugar cubes.

“Heres.”

A low, emotionless voice cut in.

“Cough—cough—P-Professor Kledian.”

Without a word, Kledian handed him a napkin and sat across from him.

Even after five years as a professor, Heres still broke into a cold sweat whenever he saw him.

“When you were making such a fuss before the entrance ceremony, I didn’t quite understand. But after seeing it today, I do.”

“…Pardon?”

Sip.

Kledian drank his tea without sugar or milk.

That must be bitter…

“I agree. After seeing him today, I want him too.”

“—!”

Crunch!

Without a sound, Rone appeared behind Kledian, draping her arm over his shoulder while chewing a sugar cube.

“Remove your hand from me immediately, Rone. I’ve told you before—this is an academy, not a knight order.”

“At this point, you’d think you’d get used to it, but you’re still so cold, Professor.”

Rone lazily raised her hands and plopped down beside him.

“…You’re talking about Nigel, aren’t you?”

“Yep.”

Rone’s eyes curved into crescents.

“Oh right, Kledian. I heard you tried to recruit Heres’s kid into the Politics Department today?”

“…What?”

“I only suggested it because it would be a waste of his talent. Don’t worry about it, Heres.”

Like that’s easy for me to ignore, Professor…

“…Yes.”

If Professor Kledian says not to worry, then I won’t.

“What a shame. If you had tried to recruit me, I would’ve switched to your side immediately.”

Rone leaned her face close to Kledian’s.

Tap.

“Be quiet. And don’t act like I’m the only one, Rone.”

Kledian pushed her away without hesitation.

“…Don’t tell me you too, Professor Rone?”

“Yeah. The kid’s smart—he’d make a great tactician.”

“I heard he rejected you outright, though.”

“Why? Same goes for you, Kledian.”

“At least he didn’t say he had no interest in politics.”

“Interest can fade over time. Oh, don’t misunderstand—I’m not talking about you, Dian.”

“…For the love of—stop that nonsense.”

Excuse me… he’s my student.
Also, could you two take your romantic quarrel somewhere else…?

It was no wonder students whispered that the two of them were dating.

Seeing their fiery exchange, Heres quietly stood up.

“…Sigh.”

Looks like he wouldn’t be enjoying free snacks in the lounge this year either.

Around 7 PM, after dinner.

At the very top of the western tower of the academy—the Magic Department student council room, marked by a large bell.

Nigel stood there after being summoned along with all first-year students.

If you’re older, does that mean you can just call people whenever you want?

Forget trust—Noah Besselion didn’t even speak to Nigel unless Nigel spoke first.

My life is literally on the line right now.

Nigel crossed his arms and stared at the student council members standing at the front.

“Nigel, why do you think they called us?”

Allen whispered with a grin.

“No idea. If they’re going to stand there glaring without smiling, then whatever this is probably won’t be pleasant either.”

“Come on, it’s interesting! It’s not just us—all freshmen were called. There must be something going on. Definitely.”

Allen said firmly.

“President, all freshmen are present.”

Nod.

A male student with dark green hair, like a forest at dusk, standing in the center, spoke.

“First, sorry for calling you here so suddenly during dinner. I’m Oliver, a third-year and president of the Magic Department student council.”

Clap clap!

The council members started applauding, and the freshmen awkwardly followed.

“Before we begin, if you have any questions about academy life, feel free to ask.”

Several students raised their hands.

“Yes, the red-haired student in the corner.”

“Since departments will be interacting anyway, why are uniforms divided by year instead of department? Isn’t that inefficient?”

“As expected of our department—great first question.”

Oliver grinned.

“Until four years ago, uniforms were divided by department: blue for Magic, green for Politics, red for Swordsmanship. But that year, a senior from our department ‘punished’ a student wearing red, and both ended up being carried to the temple half-dead. So from the following year, uniforms were changed to be based on grade.”

“…What?”

“In short—they fought like their lives depended on it and both nearly died.”

A female council member added cheerfully.

“Ah… I see…”

“That answers your question, right? Next?”

More students raised their hands.

“Yes, the blond student with glasses.”

“I don’t understand why students avoid getting along with other departments.”

Some students nodded.

“Hm… our department really is sharp and kind. Of course you can get along. Some council members even dated students from other departments. Though… it didn’t last a semester.”

“Hey! Why are you bringing that up?!”

“You’re right—it would be nice if everyone got along. But…”

His smile faded.

“This is a deeper issue. What’s your name?”

“Tom.”

“Nice to meet you, Tom. Do you think our Magic Department is inferior to the others?”

“Of course not.”

“Exactly. Every proud student of Sienia thinks the same. That answers your question, right?”

“…Yes.”

“Since we’re on the topic, let’s get to the main point. Although Sienia officially abolished department points over ten years ago due to conflict… we still keep score unofficially.”

Thud.

Oliver lifted a thick rulebook.

“Based on this rulebook agreed upon by all three student councils—Magic, Politics, and Swordsmanship.”

“…But why go this far?”

One student hesitated before asking.

“Because it’s fun.”

Oliver answered without hesitation.

“…Unbelievable.”

Nigel muttered blankly.

“Oh right—Nigel As?”

“…Yes?”

Nigel’s eyes widened slightly at the sudden call.

They didn’t hear me just now, right…?

“I heard Professor Kledian praised you during class. Is it true?”

“Yes…”

This academy is huge—so why do rumors spread so fast?

Clap. Clap. Clap.

Oliver suddenly started applauding, and the others awkwardly followed.

Clap… clap…

The applause quickly died down.

“Congratulations. That’s 2 points. Praise received during another department’s class is worth 1 point—but Professor Kledian is the only exception. His praise gives 2.”

“…I see.”

At this point, Nigel wasn’t even surprised anymore.