I don't approve of that phrasing

Lakto Moon is a teacher. Among elves, those who teach magic must naturally possess considerable skill.

One of Lakto Moon's original spells is Clay Target.

He developed it to allow for unlimited shooting practice, and he has particular standards for how the target should look. It's only because he has a grimoire containing the incantation that he can create targets at the desired distance with such a short chant…

And yet, today's examinee—Karina—reproduced it without any preparation whatsoever. What's more, she made a target sprout in the exact same spot. Lakto Moon had told her to hit the target, yes. But this was something else entirely.

… And the sheer amount of mana consumed to do so was incomprehensible.

At Lakto Moon's level of skill, he could sense mana in the air brushing past his ears like a physical presence. He hadn't let it show on his face, but standing near Karina was like standing at the base of a great waterfall.

It probably wasn't even Earth Magic. The mana that had nearly destroyed the measuring crystal earlier—that was clearly no exaggeration. The overwhelming torrent of power had almost made him want to weep, adult though he was. It was reproduction through sheer, overwhelming force.

"… Perhaps I could teach you how to conserve mana? Though I'm not sure if you'd need it."

And yet Karina had been completely unfazed after expending all that power. At that rate, she could probably fire off several dozen more without breaking a sweat.

If Lakto Moon used Clay Target about ten times in a row, he'd be gasping for breath. He'd need at least fifteen minutes to recover.

"She said it was a secret, so it's probably best not to pry…"

Karina apparently just wanted to enjoy school life. Best to leave well enough alone.

Haah. Lakto Moon let out a sigh as he made his way back to the staff room, only to be intercepted by a colleague.

"Oh my, Lakto-sensei. How was that human the failure prince brought along?"

"… I don't approve of that phrasing, Iz-sensei."

Izumikane—a teacher notorious for being harsh on underperforming students. She was a graduate of this academy and one of Lakto Moon's former pupils. She pushed up her glasses with a self-satisfied smirk.

Honestly, Lakto Moon thought, she's from a good family and could probably succeed in any number of other places.

"Huhu, no need for pretenses, Lakto-sensei. Not showing favoritism just because someone's royalty—that's what Academy City is all about, no?"

"Be that as it may, there are still limits."

Power and education are separate. That's the official position—but one should still show some consideration.

Especially when you receive a request like, "I stake my royal name on guaranteeing her abilities. The royal family will pay the tuition and fees. Please. I'm begging you. I'm really asking here." The sheer humility and desperation behind those words had been almost frightening.

"At the very least, I don't know any student called a 'failure prince.' Today's visitors were Deasalt-kun and his referral."

"What's wrong with stating facts? A failure is a failure, isn't he?"

"To begin with, it's a teacher's job to help those who struggle become capable. To set aside your own skills as an educator and say such things—I find that rather questionable."

"It's by nurturing the talented further that one gains recognition. The world is run by a handful of geniuses, you know?"

"And it's by raising up the majority that geniuses can flourish. Building foundations is our job. If the foundation is solid, geniuses grow on their own. Just like you did."

"Mmph! Don't just praise me out of nowhere—you're making me blush…!"

Good grief. Lakto Moon gave a small shrug.

She'd held these views since her student days. It would be nice if she matured a bit.

Being so prickly was just a sign of youth, Lakto Moon supposed.

"Hey! Don't change the subject! How did the exam go?"

"Well, it's nothing to hide from faculty, so I'll tell you—she got a perfect score."

"Oh! Now that's someone worth teaching! I wouldn't mind having her in my class."

"No. She's requested to be in the same class as Deasalt-kun, so we'll be granting that wish. Now, if you'll excuse me."

For some reason, Lakto Moon felt like he shouldn't let Izumikane and Karina meet.

Something outrageous might happen.

With that thought, he tried to end the conversation—but a hand clamped firmly onto his shoulder.

"By the way, Lakto-sensei, on a different topic… where are your glasses? Did you drop them? Want me to lend you a spare?"

"Glasses? Oh. Yes. I don't need them anymore."

"Huh!? Wait, what—huh? Sensei, glasses, huh? Don't need? Wh-what do you mean!?"

"My eyesight improved… Well, these glasses were expensive. It would be a waste to throw them away, so would you like them?"

"What! Really!? Thank y— wait, that's not the point! You can't just take off your glasses, Lakto-sensei!?"

"… What kind of argument is that?"

Lakto Moon tilted his head in bewilderment.

"Lakto-sensei's glasses are part of who you are!! Why do you think I wear glasses!!"

"You speak as if my glasses are my true form… Besides, what does your eyesight have to do with me, Iz-sensei?"

"Th-that's true, but! That's true, but it's different! Aaah, what is going on!? Explain yourself properly, Lakto-sensei!"

"… Mm, that just now reminded me of when you were a student, Iz-kun. How nostalgic."

"Never mind that! If your prescription changed, let's go to the optician and get new glasses! Okay!?"

"Well, it is true my face feels bare without them. Perhaps I'll buy some non-prescription ones."

"Yes, yes! Honestly, I'm a bit disappointed they won't have prescription lenses, but it can't be helped! I'll treat you—I'll pay! Okay!? Okay!!"

"… No, I'll buy them myself. I have enough savings not to be swayed by something like that."

Getting swept up in Izumikane's unusual insistence, Lakto Moon made his way back to the staff room.