Chapter 5: Powerlessness
…One day, in the headmaster’s office at Crawford Magic Academy.
Amidst the stifling air, Lina Restia was given an informal notice by Headmaster Rudolf.
“一Dismissal… you say…?”
For a moment, Restia couldn’t comprehend the meaning of Rudolf’s words.
“It’s not yet final… but I want you to prepare yourself for the possibility…”
Rudolf lowered his gaze, speaking in an apologetic tone.
“But… why… so suddenly…?”
“It’s not my wish either, but it’s the kingdom’s decision…”
As Restia’s expression darkened, Rudolf explained the situation.
一In recent years, neighboring nations had grown increasingly provocative, strengthening their military forces. Amidst this, the recent dragon attack had prompted the Gilbert Kingdom to solidify its own military expansion policy.
As part of this shift, funding would increase for Alvarez Knight Academy一whose graduates had achieved remarkable success within the Royal Knights一while Crawford Magic Academy, whose graduates contributed comparatively less to the kingdom, would see its funding reduced.
Most critically, plant magic classes, which had produced no notable research breakthroughs in over a decade, were slated for cancellation. The budget would instead be reallocated to strengthen combat-focused curricula.
Rudolf clarified that while plant magic wouldn’t be completely abolished一reduced to a few special lectures per year一the position of a dedicated instructor would be eliminated.
“…This can’t be…”
Restia’s voice trembled as she fought back tears.
“But as I said earlier, it’s not yet finalized…”
“……?”
Seeing the shock on Restia’s face, Rudolf continued.
“I’ve pleaded desperately with the kingdom to maintain our current funding… and they’ve set one condition for it.”
“A… condition?”
Rudolf exhaled heavily before speaking.
“The upcoming inter-academy tournament against Alvarez Knight Academy… Our victory is the kingdom’s requirement.”
“……!!”
“…As you know, our academy hasn’t won against them in over ten years. Their anti-mage combat techniques improve yearly, while we… Well, with all due respect to our students, the gap in skill between us and the Knight Academy is undeniable. We need three wins to claim victory. This year, with Alphonse Fried participating, there’s more hope than usual, but still…”
“…………”
The unspoken conclusion hung in the air, understood by both.
“That’s why… while it’s not yet decided, I must ask you to prepare for the possibility that plant magic一and your position一may end this year.”
“…!”
Restia pressed her hands over her mouth, stifling a sob.
Watching her anguish, the headmaster continued quietly.
“…Your predecessor was an old friend of mine. She entrusted you to me… Yet as headmaster, I lack the power to protect you. For that, I am truly sorry…!!”
Clenching his fist, Rudolf bowed deeply.
Restia wanted to respond, but tears spilled freely as she struggled to suppress her sobs.
“…Ugh…”
As she instinctively lowered her head, Rudolf apologized again.
“I truly… am sorry…”
…The day after his clash with Lloyd Sigurd.
Shion went about his usual school routine, submitting an assignment to his instructor after classes.
On his way back to the dormitory一
“(Huh…? That’s一)”
Walking down the hallway, he spotted a familiar figure from behind一a woman in a white coat, her flaxen hair cascading down her back.
The distinct attire made it unmistakable: Lina Restia, his homeroom teacher.
She seemed to be carrying a heavy load in both arms, her steps unsteady as she moved forward.
Shion hurried to offer help一
…Just then.
“…Eek一! W-Whoa一!?”
“(一!? That’s dangerous!)”
Restia tripped, lurching forward with her heavy cargo.
“(一Limit Acceleration: Límít Accel!)”
Shion reacted instantly, activating his magic.
“一Huh…? Wha…?”
Bracing for impact, Restia squeezed her eyes shut一but the collision never came. Cautiously, she opened them…
…Only to find herself and her belongings safely caught by Shion.
“Huh…? E-Eh!? I-Ichinose-kun…!?”
“You alright, Sensei? …Wow, this is heavy. Let me carry it. To your prep room?”
To Restia, it seemed as though he’d appeared out of thin air.
Before she could process it, Shion effortlessly lifted the load from her arms.
“…!! W-Wait, no! I-I can carry it myself一!!”
Flustered, she flailed slightly.
“…Soil and fertilizer inside, right?”
“Eh? Y-Yes…!”
“Then I’ll take it. If you fell and spilled this, it’d be a disaster.”
“…Ah…”
Having nearly faceplanted moments ago, Restia had no rebuttal.
“W-Well then… I’ll gratefully accept your help… Thank you, Ichinose-kun…”
Blushing, she bowed slightly.
“Don’t mention it.” Shion replied breezily.
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“一Where should I put these?”
“Ah, the floor…! Just set them down there, please!”
Following her instructions, Shion carefully lowered the bags.
“Th-Thank you, Ichinose-kun…! You’ve been a huge help…!”
“Don’t push yourself too hard. Well then, I’ll be一”
“一W-Wait!”
“…?”
As Shion turned to leave, Restia grabbed his sleeve.
“Um, if you’d like… w-would you stay for tea? I-I have snacks too…!”
“No, it’s fine. You must be busy一”
“Really!? That’s great! Then I’ll prepare some right away!”
“Huh? Wait, Sensei, you’re busy, so一”
“Yes! Please, take a seat and wait!”
Beaming, she flitted about the room, preparing tea.
“(…Hm…?)”
Puzzled but compliant, Shion sat.
“(Well, whatever… There’s something I wanted to ask anyway.)”
As he waited, his gaze wandered around the room一stacks of teaching materials and references piled everywhere.
Far more than necessary. He knew Restia sacrificed sleep to prepare these, all to make her lessons engaging.
“(…She really puts her heart into this, huh…? She truly loves this一both plants and teaching.)”
His thoughts drifted to his own magic training and recent triumphs.
Meanwhile, Restia hummed cheerfully as she brewed tea. Placing leaves into a pot, she set it atop a magic circle-inscribed Medium Paper and heated it with a spell.
Once ready, she poured the tea, arranged cookies on a plate, and brought them to Shion before sitting opposite him.
“Sorry for the wait. Here you go!”
“Thanks. …Hm, the aroma’s different today.”
“Yes! This is a new blend一helps with fatigue!”
“Smells great. Tastes good too.”
“I’m glad…!”
She smiled brightly.
“…Ah! That’s right!”
“…?”
Restia had been watching him sip tea with a dreamy smile when she suddenly stood.
“Here, Ichinose-kun. Please take this…!”
Rummaging through a shelf, she returned with a paper bag.
“What’s this?”
“Some peaches I received and ingredients for a new MP potion!”
Inside were two peaches and a jar of plants.
“Thanks. These’ll help. And the peaches… Are you sure?”
“Yes! Of course!”
“I appreciate it.”
With a bow, Shion lowered his head.
一The recovery potion Shion drank daily during training was homemade by steeping a special plant that secreted a unique extract in water. In truth, the plant that produced this extract一the key ingredient for the potion一was provided by Restia.
“No, no! Shion-kun is always the one helping me!”
Restia shook her head with a cheerful smile.
“Oh, if you don’t mind… next time, I’d love to hear how effective the new ingredient’s potion was!”
“I’ll… consider it.”
“Ehhh!?”
“Just joking. Of course I’ll tell you. No need to look so shocked. …Heh.”
Faced with Restia’s exaggerated reaction, Shion lowered his face slightly, covering his mouth with his hand as he chuckled. The gap between her usual soft, dreamy demeanor and this lively response was oddly amusing.
“…!!! Don’t tease me, sensei!!”
“My apologies… But I’m glad.”
“Eh…? Glad about… what?”
Restia blinked at him in confusion.
“…This morning, you seemed unusually down, and I was worried… But seeing you like this now… I feel relieved.”
“…!!”
Shion spoke with rare sincerity.
“Eh, ah…”
Restia’s mouth hung slightly open as she froze.
Then, immediately after一Bam!一she stood up abruptly, turning her back to Shion.
“…?”
“…Hmph! Hmph!”
Restia suddenly began stretching her arms and upper body, as if doing warm-up exercises for no reason.
“……?”
(Moooooo!! Moooooo!! His face… his face is just too unfair!! And his voice too!! Moooo!!)
Her face flushed crimson as she scrunched it up tightly.
To hide her embarrassment, she kept her back turned, moving her body aimlessly for a while.
Meanwhile, Shion…
(…! These cookies… 一packed with macadamia nuts… so good!)
Unbothered by Restia’s odd behavior, he happily indulged in the sweets.
Deep breath… “…Phew… Alright.”
After steadying her breathing, Restia finally sat back down.
“Are you alright, sensei?”
“Y-yes! It’s nothing, really… I’m fine!”
Waving her hands rapidly as if to fan her face, she replied.
“You sure? …Sorry. I’ve been worried since this morning.”
At Shion’s words, Restia’s expression dimmed slightly.
“This morning… right…”
Though he’d mentioned it earlier, she did recall why she might have seemed that way.
Last night, the headmaster had informed her she might be dismissed from the academy.
She’d tried her best to act normal, but her emotions were far from settled.
“…Did something happen yesterday?”
“…!”
As if reading her mind, Shion’s question struck at the heart of the matter.
“…Sorry. I thought maybe it was private, so I shouldn’t pry… But I couldn’t help wondering.”
“N-no, it’s… not that nothing happened, but… I’ll be fine! I’m sure I’ll sort things out soon…!”
She couldn’t outright lie一not to a student who cared so much. She answered as honestly as she could.
“…I see. That’s good then. …But if anything comes up, I’ll help however I can.”
“…!! …Y-yes… Thank you…”
Restia clenched her teeth, fighting back the surge of emotion.
Eyes glistening, she took a sip of tea to mask it.
“Shion-kun… you’re really kind, aren’t you…?”
“…What brought this on?”
Shion tilted his head at her sudden murmur.
“Nothing… I just… I’m really glad I got to meet a wonderful student like you…”
Her gaze fell, a faintly lonely smile crossing her face. Then…
“Just that alone… makes me happy I became a teacher here.”
Her smile carried quiet satisfaction.
……Shion studied her face silently before finally speaking.
“…Sensei, that… sounds like something someone says when they’re about to quit.”
“Eh…!? N-no! Wh-what are you saying, Shion-kun…!? Q-quit? That’s not…!!”
“……”
……Seeing Restia’s flustered reaction, Shion instantly regretted his words.
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