Brest and Pier looked at me with mockery after my statement. Now then, what kind of magic should I use to make them realize humans are capable too? The prestige of humanity rests on my shoulders.
As I pondered this, the elven captain of the Guard quietly approached me. I believe his name was Seabas.
"Aoi... I won't mince words. Withdraw your statement. Elven nobility is not for show. Families with long histories, close to the elven ancestors, universally tend to possess high magical skill. The Steil family is particularly ancient among them. You may have your own thoughts, but it would be best not to oppose them."
Seabas spoke in a firm voice. He seemed genuinely concerned for me and Glenn. Seeing an elf react with the common sense I was familiar with reassured me somewhat.
However, I couldn't bend my principles just because of his warning. I wanted them to at least feel some remorse toward Solare.
"Thank you for your concern. But as an instructor, I cannot back down either. First, I intend to change their perception that elves are somehow special."
When I said this, Seabas furrowed his brow. Had I wounded his elven pride? No, he didn't seem the type to take offense at that.
As I thought this, Pier sighed and raised one hand.
"I hear elven magic is something other races cannot handle. What do you think?"
Pier murmured this with an intimidating smile and began chanting. Her incantation involved borrowing the power of spirits, making it difficult to discern her intent. It resembled prayer more than a typical chant.
As I watched with interest, Pier finished her chanting and spoke mockingly.
"Can you not even use magic to defend yourself? Or are you so confident you think I wouldn't actually cast it? Either way, it's utterly foolish."
With that, she spoke a magic name in a strange language. The moment Pier activated her spell, the guards inside the room erected walls of water before me and Glenn. These water walls, like thin membranes, had a somewhat unusual quality, as if their properties had been altered. In contrast, a blue flame floated gently before Pier.
"My lady. Surely attacking guests without provocation is problematic, regardless of the circumstances. I believe a magnanimous attitude would better enhance the Steil family's reputation."
Seabas carefully tried to discourage her from using magic without provoking her pride. However, Brest responded with a sadistic smile.
"No, no. Judging the impertinent is precisely what maintains the Steil family's honor, wouldn't you say?"
When Brest declared this, Pier nodded.
"Exactly. Now then, show us how you receive this magic."
She said this triumphantly and directed her activated spell toward us. Just the approach of the flame gradually eroded the guards' magic. Slowly but surely, the water membrane was being worn away.
Seeing this, Seabas spoke urgently.
"Cease this magic immediately! This has gone beyond a joke!"
His words carried the weight of a final warning. Casually checking my surroundings, I noticed several guards preparing to cast spells on Brest and Pier.
This was genuinely becoming problematic.
"Ice Time"
I quickly cast my spell, freezing both the blue flame and the water membrane, shattering them into pieces.
"...There. No problem now."
I had prevented a critical conflict. I breathed a sigh of relief. Then, Pier, Brest, and even the guards turned astonished eyes toward me.
"W-was that you just now?"
"Impossible!"
Pier and Brest exclaimed in shock.
"...No way, wordless casting?"
"When did she prepare a spell of that magnitude..."
The guards, with Seabas at their forefront, muttered in bewilderment. Seeing this, Glenn stroked his goatee and spoke.
"...I'm sorry to say this, but Aoi-kun is a top-tier senior instructor even at Fiddiq Academy. You two cannot defeat her."
For some reason, Glenn announced this proudly.
"...Doesn't that sound a bit provocative?"
I asked worriedly, but Glenn wasn't listening. Seeing him looking down at Pier with a smug expression, I realized he had been angry despite his silent listening.
I understood his feelings, but there was no way Pier and Brest would stay quiet.
"Aha! You must possess an elven treasure that controls ice! Otherwise, a human couldn't possibly use magic like that."
"T-that's it! As expected of Mother!"
Brest accepted Pier's speculation with a sycophantic attitude. Perhaps they were an unexpectedly amusing mother-son pair. I slightly revised my opinion of the Steil family while interjecting into their conversation.
"By elven treasure, do you mean a magical tool? I also research and create them. If I showed you one of my magical implements, would that prove my knowledge of magic?"
This might be a good opportunity to gain recognition from elves. I suggested this, but Pier simply frowned.
"I would appreciate it if you didn't equate elven treasures with the mere magical tools a human mage might cobble together. In that case, how about earth magic, which is difficult to defend against with ice magic?"
Smiling fearlessly, Pier began chanting anew. Noticing this, Seabas, determined this time, stepped forward with his hand raised.
"My lady! Stop this at once! This could very well become grounds for arrest...!"
Please, don't cause any more problems. I could sense Seabas's desperation in his voice. He was clearly under pressure due to their shared national nobility. I was starting to feel genuinely sorry for him.
"It's alright. We won't press charges regarding the use of magic. We intend not to make a big deal of this, so please everyone just watch without worry."
When I said this, Seabas looked at me as if I were insane.
"N-not press charges? Using magic like that indoors will certainly cause a major incident..."
While Seabas was bewildered, the guards ignored my words and began their own chant preparations. The guards were behaving appropriately, so I had no complaint with their actions.
During this, Pier finished her chanting and invoked her spell. Again she spoke the magic's name in that special language.
"It's too late for regrets."
Pier said this in a cold voice. Immediately, spherical rocks the size of bowling balls appeared around her. The floating rocks multiplied as if dividing, eventually numbering over twenty.
If those were to fly at supersonic speeds, they'd be a considerable threat. They would likely equal the power of a cannon firing iron balls.
Recognizing the threat, I responded swiftly.
"...Sand Blast"
The moment I spoke the magic's name, a wall of high-density sandstorm scoured away everything between Pier and me. Not only the rocks Pier intended to launch, but also the furniture, parts of the walls, and sections of the floor were eroded and vanished.
The entire process took less than a second. In the blink of an eye, a pitch-black wall appeared where the original wall had been, which had vanished with a tremendous roar.
Only those familiar with such magic could understand what had transpired.
As proof, not only Pier and her son but also the guards watching from a distance stood frozen, their eyes wide.
