Bullying was wrong. Discrimination was not acceptable. But if asked whether I myself had never engaged in such behaviors, I could not answer that clearly. While I do not intend to treat people differently based on their background, I might unconsciously discriminate against others without realizing it.
Nevertheless, I believed we should not leave Spire's discriminatory mindset as it was.
Therefore, I decided to ask directly what we should do.
"...Mr. Spire. What do you think we must do to gain recognition that excellent mages exist among other races as well?"
When I asked this, Spire let out a laughing sigh and turned his palms toward us. He looked at me, Strass, Eliza, and Shenley in turn, then opened his mouth.
"If all of you who do not carry elven blood in your veins demonstrate magic that astonishes us, I might recognize the need to reconsider my views somewhat."
After saying this, Spire laughed out loud as if to say such a thing could never happen.
However, this proposal put us in a difficult position. Unfortunately, for Strass, Eliza, and Shenley who was still a student, performing magic that would astonish an elf presented a very high hurdle.
I wish they had at least attended my lectures for another year, but I suppose nothing could be done about it now.
As I wondered what to do, Shenley stood up with a serious look in her eyes and opened her mouth.
"...Th-then, let me, as a student, perform some magic..."
When Shenley announced this, Strass and Eliza's eyes widened in surprise. No, I likely wore a similar expression. Shenley, who always had a timid personality and never stepped forward on her own, voluntarily said such a thing.
Spire, meanwhile, deepened his smile and nodded.
"Please do. I will deploy protective magic throughout this hall, so use your magic without concern."
Spire said this and performed the magic in just a few seconds. The incantation used a language I had never heard before; I could not discern its rhythm, but it sounded like a melodic whisper. A faint light covered the hall's walls, floor, and ceiling, creating the sensation that the entire room was softly glowing.
It appeared to be something like a thin membrane of magical energy. Without thorough analysis, I could not determine this scientifically, but it seemed to be a barrier that blocked various substances, whether gas, liquid, or solid.
Though I could not verify it, perhaps its nature resembled a repulsive force.
The urge to study Spire's magic overwhelmed me, but Shenley took priority right now. With a reluctant feeling, I tore my gaze away from the magic deployed around us and turned my attention to Shenley.
Shenley already had her eyes closed and began her incantation, concentrating magical power before her with both hands.
"...This is lightning magic, I see."
I immediately recognized what magic she was performing upon hearing her incantation and began preparations in case of a runaway reaction. If a violent electrical discharge occurred and electrocuted someone nearby, an unprotected person could die. This held true even for myself or Owen.
Of course, I had prepared countermeasures using magical tools, but if those failed to activate, one could lose their life in an instant.
Spire, Pier, and Brest watched Shenley's incantation with amusement, but their expressions changed as they saw a small sphere form and gradually grow larger.
Then, the moment visible electrical discharges appeared, their expressions turned grim.
"...Artificial lightning generation? No, impossible, a beastfolk child...?"
Their expressions and voices contained none of the mockery that had lingered just moments ago. Pier and Brest showed the same reaction.
As the three failed to hide their astonishment, a voice tinged with urgency called out from behind us.
"A-Aoi! Is her magic safe?! If it grows any larger, people will get hurt when it goes out of control!"
The one who shouted is Seabas. Looking around, Strass and Eliza had already retreated to the walls, and not only the guards but also the butler Potts exuded tension.
I raised my voice so everyone could hear while preparing my magic.
"Please rest assured. If it seems about to misfire, I will deal with it immediately."
Even as I sais this, Shenley's lightning sphere expanded while growing increasingly violent. It had already reached nearly a meter in diameter, radiating a pressure akin to a highly developed thundercloud compressed to its absolute limit.
"...Can you truly neutralize this even if it activates?"
Spire asked this with a serious gaze. What did he intend to do if I answer that I could not? Such thoughts crossed my mind as I gazed at the lightning sphere floating before Shenley.
"No problem. However, if it grows any larger, it might touch someone even without misfiring."
After answering, I called Shenley.
"Ms. Shenley. I think that is enough for now..."
"Eh? Ah, y-yes, you're right...!"
When I called out to her, Shenley opened her closed eyes and noticed the expressions of those around her and the tense atmosphere within the hall. She answered in a flustered manner while beginning to suppress the magic.
However, controlling this small thundercloud that had grown quite powerful seemed extremely difficult. She could barely manage to keep it from growing larger.
"Ugh...!"
Shenley let out a groaning cry, and Pier and Brest behind Spire gasp and step back. Spire's face also tightened.
Then, several people in the room began incanting magic. Since I still could not understand the elven magical language, I worried that some might be using offensive magic, so I quickly cast my own spell first.
"Lightning Rod, Hiraishin."
The moment I activated the magic, a metal rod appeared before Shenley's eyes and drove itself into the ground. I apologized for piercing the mansion's floor, but I would ask for forgiveness by promising to repair it later.
The lightning, having gained a path to the ground through the floor, immediately ceased its discharge and released its power into the earth. The now-powerless lightning sphere vanished in an instant.
Everyone in the hall clearly saw that the crisis had passed and heaved a sigh of relief.
"I-I'm so sorry..."
Shenley bowed her head in apology. I smiled and waved a hand at her.
"It's fine. I managed to handle it."
When I answered this, Spire made a sour face and opened his mouth.
"...It seems a hole has opened in my family's floor."
"Ah, I truly apologize about that. I will repair it immediately."
Startled by Spire's words, I apologized and quickly began preparing a magic circle.
"Excuse me for a moment. I will clean up now."
After this preface, I used simple earth magic to draw a magic circle over the hole in the floor.
"...What are you doing?"
"I thought I would plug the hole... There, all done."
I answered his question while completing the magic circle. Then, I crouched down, touched the magic circle, and poured in magical power.
The crude magic circle made of earth glowed faintly, and the wooden floor began to move as if it were alive.
