We searched for our destination while looking down from above the forest.
"Principal Glenn, you really don't remember the location?"
"No, I was just a child, you know? It was about a hundred years ago, after all."
"...That's troubling. I thought we might find it if there was something like a castle."
We exchanged these words while systematically scanning the tops of the tall trees. Then, I noticed a slightly open space deeper in the forest.
"That area over there has no trees. It's a bit far, but..."
When I pointed this out, Glenn narrowed his eyes and gazed at the spot for a while. Then he let out an "Oh."
"Come to think of it, I have a vague memory of a small lake in the elf country."
"You should have said that sooner. That's our only clue in this forest, isn't it?"
"You're right... I had completely forgotten about it."
Glenn muttered while placing a hand on his head with a troubled expression. When he discussed academy matters or conversed with nobles from other countries, he's very sharp, but in situations like this, his elderly side suddenly came to the forefront. Yet he becomes like a child when he sees new magic, so it's perfectly clear where his interests and attention truly lay.
"Well then, let's proceed to visit the elf country. Since we don't have much time, we'll visit the target student's home, have our conversation, and then return immediately. Understood?"
"I appreciate you asking for my opinion, but have you actually adopted any of my suggestions these past few days?... No, never mind. Do as you wish, Aoi."
With that, Glenn spoke as if respecting my views. Nodding in acknowledgment, I looked down at the white stone walls and the castle now coming into view before us.
"Then, let's descend."
After this exchange, we landed just outside the elf country's walls. I thought it would be best to formally enter through the gate.
However, the moment we set foot on the ground, people immediately gathered atop the walls and trained their bows and arrows on us.
"...Who are you? State your reason for suddenly appearing in our country."
Despite his calm tone, his voice carried clearly. Looking up, I saw an elf man wearing a robe standing atop the gate. He appeared to be in his late twenties, but with elves, it's impossible to determine their age. Given his appearance, he might even be older than Glenn.
"We have come from Winter Valley, a special autonomous territory of the Verted Kingdom."
After saying this, I turned my face toward Glenn.
"Is it alright to give our names? Would mentioning your name, Principal Glenn, be problematic?"
When I confirmed this, Glenn narrowed his eyes with a strained expression.
"O-oh... So you do care about my reputation after all? But if you were going to ask, I wish you had done so before we left."
"My apologies. So, about your name?"
"I really dislike this, but I suppose I have no choice. They won't let us in if I don't say it."
Hearing Glenn's words as he deeply furrowed his brow, I nodded and turned back toward the gate.
"We are Glenn, the Principal of Fiddiq Magic Academy, and Aoi Konominato, a faculty member. We request permission to enter the country."
As I announced this, the elves on the walls stirred with some commotion. It seemed the name of Fiddiq Academy had even reached this country.
The elf looking down at us from atop the gate observed us with stern eyes, as if scrutinizing us.
"Are you indeed Glenn Mort, the half-elf who left this country and gained fame in the human lands? I heard you hold the rank of Marquis in the Verted Kingdom, yet you appear to have no private soldiers with you...?"
He questioned us with suspicion. It seemed they harbor various doubts. Even so, I could detect a certain sharpness toward Glenn in his words.
"We have come this time not as a Marquis, but as the Principal of Fiddiq Academy and a faculty member. Our purpose is a home visit. If you are concerned, we have no objection to you assigning guards, so please grant us permission to enter."
After I answered, a brief silence followed. Then, after a short discussion atop the gate, the same man showed his face again.
"...Understood. As per your suggestion, we will assign the First Mage Corps from our guard force to accompany you. Is that acceptable?"
"Yes, no problem."
I immediately accepted the man's proposal. After waiting another minute or two, the gate opened.
"...The First Mage Corps represents the elite of the elite, even within the elf country. It seems they're quite wary of us."
"Of you, Principal Glenn, right?"
"...Yes, that's probably it. Your reputation, Aoi, likely hasn't reached the elf country yet. Unfortunately, it seems they think I might do something."
Glenn surmised this with a sigh.
"Before you enter, let me have a word with you."
Just then, the elf in the robe from earlier appeared, accompanied by over a dozen attendants. The man's eyes cautiously alternated between me and Glenn.
"...The woman beside you appears quite young, but she's not a half-elf, is she?"
"I am human. My name is Aoi Konominato."
When I answered, the man nodded.
"Aoi, understood. Now, I hear you have business called a home visit today. What is that?"
A straightforward question. I responded with an equally serious attitude.
"I heard there is a student who previously studied at Fiddiq Academy, and I came to speak with them. As our discussion involves personal matters, I was hoping to also talk with their family members if possible."
"...I don't fully understand, but I see. And what about you, Lord Glenn?"
"I'm just accompanying her."
Glenn answered honestly as well. The man then cast a slightly suspicious glance his way.
"...Understood. I apologize, but we will have a guard constantly watching you, Lord Glenn."
"Fine with me."
Glenn nodded and accepted the man's decision. And so, we finally managed to gain entry into the elf country.
