Chapter 179 (2/2)
“Nothing more than what I said!”
“Wasn’t it just the other day that a commoner sponsored by Viscount FitzClarence was given the rank of baron…?”
“That’s right! He’s someone that has earned Lord Fahren’s respect. A great magician more powerful than a thousand mages.”
“A-Aren’t you going too far dragging Lord Fahren’s name into this?”
“Absolutely not.”
“How can you say that?”
“This man is a more powerful magician than Lord Fahren could ever hope to be!”
“….”
“But his impressiveness isn’t strictly limited to his magic. Ufufu~”
Ester-sama spoke with the utmost confidence.
I’m sure Tanaka-san would be overjoyed to hear this.
“It’s clear the Viscount FitzClarence’s accusations are originating from a place of jealousy, and I believe someone that would wish to condemn a teacher of this academy based solely on falsehoods and accusations without any evidence or witnesses should be punished for slandering my name and the reputation of the academy.”
“You can’t be serious.”
“I stand by what I said earlier. T-This research was mine and mine alone.”
The FitzClarence name was clearly having an effect on Nannuzzi-sama. She was still trying to put up a fight, but she was clearly on the defensive and her voice was shaking much more than when it was just the Elf-san and her.
Ester-sama’s argument seemed to have less ground to stand on than the Elf-san’s, but the difference in their status accounted for so much more than the words being exchanged.
I know I’m just a simple commoner, but I really don’t understand how anyone could work or conduct any form of research in such a cutthroat and chaotic environment. I don’t see how it’s possible. I wonder if Fahren-sama would even bother answering if I were to ask him about it.
I’m actually curious, but I’m far too scared to ever ask him.
“You all feel the same as me, don’t you?”
Perhaps I’m not the only one afraid of addressing Fahren-sama.
Nannuzzi-sama had turned her focus to the gathered nobles in the audience.
It didn’t take long for the audience to join in the discussion.
“It’s improper to call a researcher’s results into question based only on an accusation without any form of evidence.” “Yes, I believe so as well.” “The actions of Viscount FitzClarence have become increasingly unbecoming of a person of her status.” “I believe that this newly appointed baron is actually involved in a secret tryst with the Viscount.” “So that’s the type of person the daughter of the FitzClarence family is!”
The louder voices most likely consisted of a faction that directly opposed the FitzClarence family as a whole.
Teachers and students of the academy all belong to their own factions outside of the school. It’s not surprising that these connections would then begin to appear within the walls of the academy itself. However, everything they said was actually spot-on and I don’t see how Ester-sama can refute it.
The only bright side is those few that spoke up are the only people that Nannuzzi-sama can consider her allies. Fortunately, they all appeared to be lower-ranking nobles with the highest ranking among them to be of similar status to Nannuzzi-sama.
With the power they hold on their own, they could never match the might of the FitzClarence family. They’re taking this opportunity to band together in the hopes of striking a significant blow to Ester-sama’s family. It’s also possible this was Nannuzzi-sama’s plan coming into this event.
Or maybe I’ve just read too many stories.
There was a similar development in the climax of a book I read not long ago.
However, Ester-sama was the anomaly. A character like her never appeared in any of the books I’d read in the past.
“Those that wish to voice their complaints should tell me your names so I can see to it that you receive a deserving punishment for your impudence!”
As soon as she said this the room fell silent.
So cool.
But also scary.
Thankfully, she’s regained control of the situation.
“Nannuzzi, would you care to hear a suggestion?”
“What would that be?”
“I want you to meet the alchemist all of this controversy revolves around. A person I respect and my respect is hard to earn.”
“…w-what?”
“Are you against that idea?”
“D-D-D-Don’t be absurd! It would be my pleasure to meet someone that you say has earned Lord Fahren’s respect. I too wish to pursue my dreams of magic and it would be my honour to meet with someone of such high esteem.”
“That’s good to hear.”
“But, umm, this alchemist that’s respected by Lord Fahren….”
The two of them are going to meet.
That does seem like the best course of action. I believe that if Tanaka-san gets involved there’s no way things will end badly. I don’t really know why myself, but I feel like he’s the type of person that can solve any problem.
“I believe it best if we bring an end to this discussion for today. This event is meant to showcase the discoveries of our staff and have others compete with them, recognize each other’s achievements, and, ultimately, improve one another in order to achieve our common goal of mastering the magical world. It is not, however, a place to throw out unfounded accusations. Doing so dishonours this event and I would be ashamed to call myself director if I allowed this to continue.”
Magic — Fharen-sama’s one true love — was never far from his mind.
It’s easy to forget but Tanaka-san has been gone since before everything involving Nannuzzi-sama started. He has no idea what she’s done.
Fahren-sama remained composed on stage as he looked out over the audience. His words may have seemed harsh but, in reality, he was just staying true to his character. He is no one’s ally nor is he anyone’s enemy. He is a magician above all else.
“O-Of course….”
“With that, we’ll bring this discussion to an end for the time being….”
As Fahren-sama was bringing things to a close, voices erupted from the crowd.
“Fahren-sama, if such a person exists then I would like to meet them as well!” “I would give anything to meet such a powerful mage that has earned your respect, Fahren-sama!” “M-Me too! Please, allow me to accompany you!” “If she’s coming then I demand to come as well!”
I immediately understood who these people were.
Fans of Fahren-sama.
A group of a couple dozen or so that were occupying the first row.
They consisted of about eighty percent women and twenty percent men.
I’m sure most of the men wished to suck up to Fahren-sama and as for the women, I recognized a few that the other maids had spread rumours about. They were all single and pursued any eligible bachelor that had enough money or power, but their main focus was always Fahren-sama.
In addition to Fharen-sama’s fans, the anti-FitzClarence faction began demanding they be allowed to witness this meeting as well. This led to others unrelated to either of these groups wanting to take part in the meeting until the entire room had people shouting and raising their hands.
The venue was filled with a loud commotion.
“Well, I….”
There were many factors to consider which caused Fahren-sama to hesitate for a moment.
After a brief pause, Fahren-sama nodded.
“…fine, I understand. I won’t refuse anyone that wishes to come.”
How much must he trust Tanaka-san?
These words signalled the end of the discussion and the Academic Conference as a whole.
Understanding everything that had been said was difficult and even though I wasn’t directly involved, listening to all the fired up nobles yelling has caused me to sweat profusely. My armpits have become soaked at an unprecedented pace.
I feel like my sweat is starting to smell stronger than usual.