Chapter 204:
Chapter 204: Confident in Missing the Win
I visited the Dean’s office after returning to the academy.
I wasn’t the only one invited, so there were quite a few people gathered. The Dean of the Magic Department, Conette, had invited all the representatives here.
Of course, Yusia was an exception. Apparently, she had personal matters to attend to.
When we finally gathered, it seemed that Conette was the only one not yet present. The representatives exchanged glances occasionally, greeting each other silently while we waited.
Nobody touched their teacups. The ice inside occasionally floated to the surface, making a clear sound. The scenery outside the window was quite peaceful.
Becky was the first to speak.
“Recently, I’ve been training to the point of death… It’s been a really long time since we all got together like this.”
Becky’s words weren’t a lie. In reality, the representatives, who had reunited after a long time, had a significantly improved aura. It was evidence that they hadn’t been neglecting their training.
“So why are we gathered here?”
Maiev mumbled when,
“I will explain that now.”
A mesmerizing voice echoed. For a moment, there was an illusion that the Dean’s office had brightened. Probably everyone here felt the same way.
The owner of the voice was Conette.
She was already seated, looking at us with her peculiar heterochromatic eyes.
“…!”
Surprise flickered across the representatives’ faces.
In the past, it would have been simply a fascinating occurrence. But now, having devoted ourselves solely to training, we understood just how incredible this feat was.
Perhaps I was the only one who remained calm as usual. Conette’s gaze, which had been surveying the surroundings, finally landed on me.
“First, Flan, how have you been lately?”
“I’m still just focusing on magic.”
“Good. By the way, is there anyone you currently consider a competitor?”
Conette’s attitude was slightly different from her usual casual greetings. This question definitely had an underlying intention.
I answered honestly.
“No, not really.”
“Anyone at all?”
“Yes.”
Conette showed a satisfied smile.
“I knew you would answer like that. It’s reassuring to confirm this attitude before discussing something important.”
“Excuse me, Dean…”
Becky, who had been listening quietly, asked very cautiously.
“Is it because of the royal decree that we’re gathered? The Hero Tournament?”
“You were expecting it.”
Conette nodded slightly.
“The Hero Tournament, hosted by the royal family, was originally a place to select the Sword Saint among the knights, but this time, wizards are allowed to participate. It’s an unprecedented event.”
“Really…? Why did they allow it?”
“In that regard, I must thank the representatives. Two times, three times, however many times.”
Conette continued calmly.
“It seems there’s been a slight change in power within the royal family, and they quickly reflected the recent actions of the Magic Department. What do you think about this, Miss Maiev?”
Maiev, whose name was suddenly called, blinked her eyes.
“Me?”
“Yes. I’m curious about your feelings, now that wizards can participate in this significant event.”
“Um… It’s going to be an interesting spectacle?”
“You’re still looking at it from a spectator’s perspective.” freēwebnovel.com
Conette looked around at the representatives again.
“Upon checking, it seems quite a few paladins on the verge of becoming Sword Saints are participating. The wizards who participate will be competing against them.”
Becky, who was listening beside me, took a deep breath.
“Wow, paladins…”
### “The Issue is that all Wizards Think Like Miss Maiev. They See It as an Interesting Spectacle, but Don’t Dare to Participate.”
Conette let out a deep sigh.
“Now that wizards are officially allowed to participate, if no wizard steps forward, there will be ridicule.”
Maiev nodded.
“That’s true. If, despite being allowed, no one participates, it will be said that wizards have been using the ban as an excuse for being cowards.”
“But it’s understandable why most are reluctant to participate. The reputation of the paladins is formidable. Before I became the Dean, I had faced them a few times…”
At those words, the representatives’ eyes widened. Becky reacted the most dramatically.
“The paladins’ combat power, how strong is it? We haven’t seen them in action.”
“All the paladins from that era have retired. Anyway, depending on who the opponent is, it varied, but it was rare for me to win. Back then, I was a 5th-tier wizard.”
Conette continued with a nostalgic look in her eyes.
“I reached the 6th tier, but now I can’t participate for different reasons. Because of my position as Dean.”
The Dean extended three fingers.
“There are three phases for a wizard.”
“Three phases?”
“Yes. In youth, a wizard is evaluated by the ability of their master. In adulthood, by their own skill. In old age, by the students they have raised.”
The representatives nodded quietly.
“Now, it’s time for me to be evaluated by my students’ abilities, not my own. Why don’t you give it a try? I strongly recommend it.”
“Us, participate?”
Becky stammered.
“Uh… Is this right? Competing against paladins isn’t just a simple task, it’s a huge deal…”
“Winning would be great, but even in defeat, it’s an experience. Few wizards have experience dueling paladins. It will surely be a valuable foundation.”
While Becky hesitated, Trixie spoke up.
“I will definitely participate.”
The blue-haired girl’s statement was not impulsive. It was filled with a sense of conviction that suggested thorough consideration.
“I don’t mind if I lose. However, I won’t be seen as a head of household who avoids fights in the eyes of my followers.”
The other representatives looked at Trixie with quite impressed expressions. It seemed they were quite influenced by her resolute attitude.
Becky suddenly asked Conette.
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“Dean, what happens if you become a hero?”
Trixie narrowed her eyes.
“…You won’t become a hero.”
“No, I’m not saying I’ll become one, I’m just curious! Our generation has never seen a hero.”
Watching the two girls bicker, Conette smiled.
“It comes with tremendous honor. And that honor won’t be limited to humans alone.”
“What does that mean?”
“Typically, heroes are given proper respect by other races as well. There will be many opportunities for interspecies exchanges.”
Becky’s mouth gaped open.
“Wow… That’s amazing. So, you’ll get stronger based on all those exchanges. That’s really incredible.”
Becky’s fascination had its reasons. The title of hero, known as the strongest among humans, had been vacant for several decades.
Conette said,
“Come to think of it, none of you have seen a hero. Do you know why?”
“I don’t know.”
“It’s because of the skill gap between knights and wizards.”
The term “hero” originally referred to the strongest among humans, but as knights repeatedly won, its meaning gradually faded.
More precisely, it had diminished in value compared to the Sword Saint.
### “Sword Saints, High-ranking Knights, Paladins… The Hierarchy Among Knights Became More Significant. The Very Meaning of a Duel Between Wizards and Knights Has Diminished.”
“Ah…”
The atmosphere became somber.
All the representatives were from the same generation. They had lived their entire lives during a dark period where being disregarded by knights was the norm.
Maiev asked cautiously,
“Currently, you’re known as a 6th-tier wizard, the highest rank among human wizards. Wouldn’t it be worth participating now?”
“While there are many paladins, I am the only 6th-tier wizard. A knight’s defeat would be seen as an individual’s loss, but my defeat would be seen as a loss for all wizards.”
She spoke with a genuinely heartfelt tone.
“And, of course, there are other reasons.”
“Other reasons?”
“Yes. Even if I were to reach the 7th tier, it wouldn’t be right for me to participate. A Dean has the role of a Dean. The academy is precious to me.”
Everyone silently nodded.
Indeed, watching Conette, one could feel her indescribable affection for the academy. The kind of affection that could suppress her identity as a wizard.
Conette spoke again.
“Anyway, I understand that everyone will participate. Thank you. Regardless of the outcome, I sincerely hope the representatives of the Magic Department will become even more outstanding.”
“Yes.”
“Yes!”
Everyone responded in unison. I was the only one who didn’t, so Conette’s peculiar heterochromatic eyes turned to me.
“I’d like to hear Flan’s opinion too.”
“I’m not confident.”
Everyone’s heads turned sharply towards me, including Dean Conette, who tilted her head slightly.
“…Why?”
“Because I’m confident I won’t miss the win.”
At that, there were sighs from all around. It was hard to tell if they were sighs of relief or just exasperation. Some even let out a chuckle.
“As expected, that’s just like Flan.”
When Louis made this comment, everyone burst into laughter.
Thus, the decision to participate in the Hero Tournament was made.
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