C3
Shirone jumped back in surprise.
'Wh-What should I do?”
'Should I run away, or should I answer? No. Do I, a commoner, even have the right to answer?'
Alpheas continued.
“There's no need to panic. Come over here. I would like to see your face.”
Shirone, who continued to question himself, walked to the wall as if possessed.
If he didn't cross that wall right then, he felt like he would never be able to cross it.
As Shirone climbed the wall, he saw a white-haired, elderly man who would look quite common on the street.
In truth, he was a certified Grade 4 mage, recognized by the kingdom. He was well known in other countries for his high virtue.
Alpheas, sitting on a rock, waved.
“Come. Are you here to be my friend?”
Having gained confidence from his kindness, Shirone jumped over the wall and entered the academy.
Under the shade of the tree, children around Shirone's age sat in a circle.
One child frowned.
“Headmaster, he's not a nobleman. I think he's a commoner.”
“Huh? Really? Commoners aren't allowed here. Hey, get out of here!”
Alpheas looked puzzled for a moment, as if he was expecting someone who was of noble status, but soon spoke warmly.
“It's all right, come this way. So, what part of this old man's words drew your heart?”
Shirone hesitated.
He wanted to get closer to Alpheas, but the eyes of the children were preventing him from doing so.
“Show me magic.”
“Hoho, have you never seen magic?”
“I've read about it in books, but I've never seen it in person.”
A child pointed his finger at Shirone.
“As if! What kind of commoner can read?
When Alpheas looked into Shirone's eyes, it certainly didn't seem to be a lie.
However, it was the nature of children of that age to deceive adults.
“Okay. What kind of magic do you want to see?”
“It doesn't matter. I don't care. Anything is fine, so show me. Please.”
Shirone realized his situation, so he lowered his head. Then Alpheas waved his hand and laughed.
“This old man's one and only joy is to show his magic to his honey buns. Alright! Then this time, I'll show you magic that creates wind.”
