The words sounded lighthearted, but they contained a heavy content that was enough to change the power balance of the Clock Tower.
The apparent power of the El-Melloi Classroom may not be as great as that of the long-established magician families, but its potential influence cannot be underestimated. If anyone can win it over, they will undoubtedly have the upper hand in the future. This is a fact recognized by the senior officials of the Clock Tower, and some bigwigs have taken action for this, but no one has been as direct and casual as the old woman.
"I appreciate your kindness. I am just a teacher without any magical talent. I am already very satisfied to be able to teach students like this. I don't have and dare not have any extravagant expectations."
Weber's answer was measured and practiced, as if he had repeated it many times.
"Excessive modesty can come off as hypocritical, young man."
The old man spoke with a smile, but Weber's face was full of bitterness.
"I'm not being modest. I was able to obtain the altar due to some luck."
"Haha, those who say that are shallow and ignorant fools. In my opinion, there are few magicians more suitable for this level than you. The fourth level in the Kabbalah's Tree of Life (Sephiroth) is Tiphareth, which represents beauty. Beauty is enough. You and your teaching are beauty. I guarantee it as an artist."
"Thank you for the compliment."
Weber's expression seemed to be relieved, but Lanis could see that he was actually in a worse mood.
He used his low rank as a starting point, but he didn't expect to be defeated by the opponent, and it was the final conclusion - when it comes to beauty, how many people are more professional than this creative lord who studies aesthetics? This is a typical case of reaping what one sows.
"but-"
"Don't be quick to reject me."
The old man shook the wine glass in his hand, and his action revealed a generosity that other lords did not have.
"Since I have invited you, I am naturally prepared to protect you. Let's put it this way. You don't need to state your position. As long as you can give priority to giving lectures here, it will be enough. I can decide to give you one or two classrooms."
Lanis' eyes lit up instantly, and even Weber was somewhat moved. This condition was simply too generous. The power of the classroom was not a big deal, but the classroom owned by Baru Yereta was all attached to the Clock Tower's rare spiritual land, which was exactly what the modern magic department lacked. You know, Weber almost went bankrupt recently for the spiritual land. If Shinji hadn't made a fortune from the Stripping City incident, Weber would probably have to live in debt for quite a long time.
"I'll... think about it."
It took Waver several seconds to come up with this answer. It was unclear whether he was really considering it or just procrastinating.
"Then I will wait for good news. Although I have some political considerations in inviting you, your beauty is also an important factor. I still say that there is no place more suitable than us."
"I'll keep that in mind."
Hearing what Inolai said, Waver nodded respectfully.
At this time—
"that."
—A very polite voice sounded.
After seeing that the other party was Gray, Inolai motioned for her to continue.
"Um, what's wrong?"
"Why is Baruyereta not aristocratic?"
"Hmm."
Gray's question almost made Weber and Lenise's jaws drop.
"Gray..."
"I heard that most magicians in the Creative Department (Baruye) are artists. Aren't artists closer to nobles?"
What a simple question. Simple yet deadly, like a bamboo spear coated with poison, it has the destructive power to break the carefully crafted barrier at its weakest point with one blow. Even the natural Flat and Sfin were stunned.
But Enola laughed heartily.
"Oh, that's good! I haven't heard this question in decades!"
The laughter was so hearty that it even attracted several magicians to turn around.
However, when they saw that it was the famous heroine of the Clock Tower—Lord Baruyeleta, no one dared to look her in the eye.
Inole didn't pay attention to the magicians who turned away in panic, and she spoke.
"Because art must first touch the hearts of the people of its time."
"People of your time, eh?"
Looking at Gray who tilted her head, the old woman nodded gracefully.
"That's right. Although some people say that true art can withstand the test of time, it's no longer art. It should be called history. Of course, history has its own value that deserves respect, and people like aristocrats attach great importance to it, but that's not what we pursue."
The old woman's eyes narrowed.
The word "value" is not only based on reality and history, it also gazes at the ideal in the distance, she said with certainty.
"Beauty is wonderful. Even if it is only for a moment, its mere existence has value. All we have to do is to get through this moment. Similarly, this era should be left to the people of today to manage, and not be bound by past bloodlines. This is our belief."
The loud speech was filled with the pride of being the leading magician of a school.
"... I think I may have figured it out."
Gray nodded.
Although her statement was rather vague, her expression showed that she had thought about it seriously.
"Oh, I am very pleased. Since you are Velvet's disciple, you are welcome to come and play with me anytime."
Inole also spoke cheerfully, but her eyes were serious.
Weber and Lanis looked even more distressed because the initiative was completely controlled by these old women. Just when the two were feeling unwilling, a figure intervened.
Bailon Baruyereta Izeluma.
"You are here, Ms. Enola."
"Ah, Lord Byron, I am having a very pleasant evening."
The old woman drank the whiskey again in one gulp, and Bailon put his face close to her and whispered.
"There's something I want to tell you."
"oh."
The next whisper caused a subtle change in Inolai's expression.
"Well, I'll take my leave now. See you later, Professor Velvet and his excellent students."
The old woman showed her neat white teeth and smiled at the group led by Waver.
Only after the two of them disappeared into the banquet hall did Waver tug at his tie and breathe heavily, which somewhat damaged his image.
"Phew, what a disaster - ma'am, is this how you usually spend your time?"
Under normal circumstances, Lanis would definitely answer with words like "Oh my god, do you finally understand how hard your lovely sister works?" or "Or, who made my future husband a stay-at-home?" But the girl is in no mood to do so right now.
"How is that possible? That's the lord. This time she came out in person for her brother's sake. The most I can do is to contact the head of a branch family like Bailong."
"Anyway, thank you for your hard work."
"Nothing, I'm used to it."
Shinji couldn't help but tease when he saw this kind of scene that he would never see normally.
"Wouldn't it be better if these two guys who say they hate each other but act honestly were honest earlier? Although romantic comedies are good, life should really be like this. Yeah, I invited you to watch a good show, but I didn't expect to see one myself. Not bad, not bad."
"Hey, Shinji!!!"
"Please let me go, Mr. Matou."
The two people who were hit by the fatal blow even forgot to disguise themselves. They looked so embarrassed that Flat, Sfen and Gray couldn't help laughing out loud.
"Ahahahaha, Lainie is shy."
"The professor also has a similar expression."
"But it doesn't feel bad."
"Yeah yeah."
"You guys!!!" Weber finally got angry and said, "Double your homework when you go back. Double it!!!"
Everyone remained calm about this.
Isn't it just double the homework? I've gotten used to it. In Flatt's words, "adding homework is the teacher's way of encouraging students." So everyone finished their homework happily.
I have to say that the atmosphere in El-Melloi's classroom is really good. Aren't students supposed to study hard and complete their homework seriously? Don't learn from those Japanese high school students who do nothing all day and do everything except skipping classes and studying hard!
That's right, I'm talking about you, Matou Shinji. You're enrolled in Hokunbaru Academy, but you haven't been to classes for a few days. Do you still have the nerve to call yourself a high school student? You should learn more from your peers.