Shinji Matou at Your Service

The seemingly casual words contained weighty content that could alter the balance of power in the Clock Tower.

Although the overt influence of the El-Melloi classroom might not match that of long-established magus families, its potential impact was not to be underestimated. Whichever faction could secure its allegiance would undoubtedly gain an advantage in the future. This was a fact recognized by the higher-ups of the Clock Tower, and it wasn't as if powerful figures hadn't made moves before. However, none had been as direct and casual as this old woman.

"I appreciate your kind offer. But I'm just a teacher without magical talent. I'm content with my current role of instructing students, and I don't dare to aspire for more," Waver replied cautiously and skillfully as if he had repeated this many times before.

"Excessive modesty can come across as insincere, young man," Lord Valualeta said with a smile, but Waver's face was full of bitterness.

"It's not modesty. There was an element of luck in my attaining this rank."

"Heh, only shallow fools would say such things. In my view, few magus are more suited to this position than you. The fourth level of the Kabbalistic Tree of Life is Tiphareth, which represents beauty. Beauty is fitting - you and your teaching are beautiful. I guarantee this as an artist."

"Thank you for your praise."

Waver's expression seemed to soften somewhat, but Reines could tell his mood had worsened.

He had tried to use his low rank as a starting point, but unexpectedly found himself outmaneuvered - and with a conclusive argument at that. When it came to beauty, who could be more professional than this Department Head of Creation who studied aesthetics? This was a classic case of digging one's own grave.

"But-"

"Don't be hasty to refuse me."

Lord Valualeta swirled the whiskey in her glass, her movements exuding a boldness that other Lords lacked.

"Since I've come to invite you, naturally I'm prepared to look after you. How about this - you don't need to declare your allegiance, just prioritize giving lectures on my side when you can. I can arrange one or two classrooms for you."

Reines' eyes immediately lit up, and even Waver was somewhat moved. This condition was excessively generous. The authority over classrooms wasn't a big deal, but all the classrooms owned by Valualeta were attached to some of the Clock Tower's rarest spiritual lands. This was exactly what the Modern Magecraft department lacked. It was well known that Waver had nearly gone bankrupt recently trying to secure spiritual land. If it weren't for Shinji making a fortune from the Castle Adra incident to fill the hole, Waver would likely have faced a long period of debt-ridden life.

"I... I'll consider it."

It took Waver several seconds to give this answer, unclear whether he truly intended to consider or was simply stalling for time.

"Then I await your favorable reply. While there are some political considerations in my invitation, your inherent beauty is also an important factor. As I said before, there's no more suitable place for us than here."

"I'll keep that in mind."

Hearing Lord Valualeta's words, Waver respectfully nodded.

At this moment-

"Excuse me."

-a very polite voice spoke up.

Seeing it was Gray, Lord Valualeta gestured for her to continue.

"Yes, what is it?"

"Why... isn't Valualetai aristocratic?"

"Hmm."

Gray's question nearly made Waver and Reines' jaws drop.

"G-Gray..."

"I've heard that magus in the Department of Creation are mostly artists. Aren't artists closer to aristocrats?"

It was truly a simple question. Simple yet deadly, like a poisoned bamboo spear, possessing the destructive power to pierce through carefully constructed barriers at their weakest point. Even the naturally unassuming Flat and Svin felt the shock.

But Lord Valualeta let out a hearty laugh.

"My, my! Not bad at all! It's been decades since I last heard this question!"

The laughter was so boisterous that it attracted the attention of several magus who turned their heads.

However, upon seeing it was the renowned idealized image of a Magus of the Clock Tower - Lord Valualeta - none dared to meet her gaze.

Lord Valualeta paid no attention to those magus who hurriedly turned away. She began to speak:

"Because art must first move the hearts of people in its era."

"The people of its era, is it?"

Gray tilted her head.

Lord Valualeta nodded gracefully.

"That's right. Some say true art can withstand the test of time. But that's no longer art. It should be called history. Of course, history has its respectable value, and those aristocratic folks place great importance on it. But that's not what we pursue."

Lord Valualeta's eyes narrowed.

Value is not merely based on reality and history; it also gazes towards distant ideals. She spoke with conviction:

"Beauty is exquisite. Even if it's just for a moment, its mere existence has value. All we need to do is traverse that instant. Similarly, this era should be managed by the people of today, without being bound by past bloodlines. This is our belief."

Her resounding speech was filled with the pride of a Lord of a faction.

"...I think I might understand now," Gray nodded.

Although her words were somewhat vague, her expression showed she had given it serious thought.

"Oh ho. I'm pleased to hear that. Since you're Velvet's disciple, you're welcome to visit me anytime."

Lord Valualeta spoke cheerfully, but her eyes were serious.

This made Waver and Reines' expressions grow even more troubled, as the initiative had been completely seized by this old woman. Just as the two were feeling frustrated, a figure interjected.

Byron Valualeta Iselma.

"Here you are, Lord Valualeta."

"Oh, Lord Byron. I'm having quite an enjoyable evening."

Lord Valualeta downed her whiskey in one gulp again. Byron leaned in close and spoke softly.

"There's something I'd like to discuss with you."

"Oh?"

The subsequent whisper caused a subtle change in Lord Valualeta's expression.

"Well then, I'll take my leave now - until we meet again, Professor Velvet and his excellent students."

The old woman flashed her neat white teeth, smiling at Waver and his group.

Only after the two figures had disappeared into the banquet hall did Waver tug at his tie, gasping for air in a manner somewhat unbecoming of his image.

"Phew, what a disaster - My lady, is this how you usually spend your time?"

Normally, Reines would have responded with something like "Ara ara, have you finally realized your cute little sister's hardships?" or "Well, whose fault is it that you are such a homebody?" But right now, the young lady was in no mood for such banter.

"How could that be possible? She's a Lord. This time, she came out to see us because of my brother's reputation. At most, I only interact with branch family heads like Byron."

"In any case, thank you for your hard work."

"It's nothing. I'm used to it."

Seeing this scene that would never be witnessed under normal circumstances, Shinji couldn't help but tease:

"Two tsundere, why couldn't you be this honest from the start? Although a romantic comedy is nice, life should be like this, shouldn't it? Hmm, hmm, I invited you to see a good show, but I ended up seeing one myself. Not bad, not bad at all."

"Hey, Shinji!!!"

"Please spare me, Mr. Matou."

The two who had suffered a fatal blow forgot even to maintain their facades. Their embarrassed state made Flat, Svin, and Gray all burst into laughter.

"Ahaha, Reines is blushing."

"So even the professor can make such an expression."

"But it doesn't feel bad, does it?"

"Yeah, yeah."

"You lot!!!"

Waver finally lost his temper.

"When we get back, all your assignments will be doubled, doubled!!!"

To this, everyone remained calm.

What's the big deal about doubled assignments? They were already used to it. In Flat's words, "Increasing assignments is the teacher's way of encouraging students." So everyone happily completed their assignments.

It must be said that the atmosphere in the El-Melloi classroom was truly good. Isn't this exactly how students should be - studying diligently and completing their assignments seriously? Don't learn from those Japanese high school students who neglect their studies, doing everything but actually attending classes and studying properly!

That's right, I'm talking about you, Shinji Matou. You're enrolled at Homurahara Academy, but you've barely attended any classes so far. How dare you call yourself a high school student? You should learn from your peers around you.