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The following day, during engineering class, an unexpected guest appeared in the classroom.

“Today’s special lecturer is Master Alchemist Melua Garnel. As you all know, she’s a second-year student here at the academy, so don’t hesitate to ask her anything.”
“Hii~! If there’s anything you don’t understand, just ask away~!”
“Sir Romeo and I have a few questions regarding Mecha Soldier modifications, forsooth!”

Smiling brightly, Melua waved to the class as Isaac and Romeo were the first to raise their hands.

“Coming right up!”

Melua cheerfully accepted and headed over to their seats.

With Isaac and Romeo breaking the ice, the other students soon began lining up to ask Melua questions as well.

Well…

The classroom was getting livelier than usual, but I’d better finish my report while I still had the chance.

That said, this was an engineering class. Even if Melua was a Master Alchemist, why had she been invited to participate?

“…Curious?”

Perhaps he’d noticed me glancing over at Melua, because the Professor approached and quietly whispered to me.

“I don’t think we’re at the stage where an assistant is necessary, so I was wondering why.”
“Naturally, it’s so I can ask her all sorts of questions about the magic cannon.”

Ah, I see.

So he was taking advantage of class time—a block of time he could use relatively freely.

Just as expected of the Professor. He was remarkably honest when it came to pursuing his own interests.

With little choice, I continued working on my report while giving him a simple explanation of the magic cannon’s concept and the mechanisms I’d implemented.

As he examined the blueprints alongside the scale model Melua had recreated with earth magic the previous day, the Professor let out an admiring sigh, his eyes shining with excitement.

“…No, no! Even as a model, it’s an extraordinary mechanism. Geniuses really do exist. You already demonstrated your talent more than enough at the Canalford Cup, but I never imagined you’d be able to turn these blueprints into something like this.”

I’d deliberately simplified the blueprints, so I’d braced myself for more probing questions—especially regarding the Blood Grail.

Instead, there was none of the shock he’d shown yesterday.

The Professor simply listened intently to my explanations, studying both the report and the design with unrestrained fascination.

Melua’s presence turned out to be a blessing in disguise. With her keeping everyone occupied, I finally had time to focus on both my report and the Professor’s questions. Perhaps he was enjoying having the chance to think things through for himself. It seemed that, just as much as uncovering every answer, he genuinely enjoyed the process of reasoning them out.

“That should wrap up your third-term assignment. Though if possible, I’d love to see just one more magical device you’ve created before then.”
“Just one? The way you’re saying that makes it sound like this’ll be your last year here.”

Having finished answering the students’ questions, Melua tilted her head as she casually accepted the report I’d written from the Professor.

“…Well, that’s not entirely inaccurate. I’ve been offered a position at another research institution.”
“Huh…”

Whether she simply wasn’t interested or was already used to hearing things like that, Melua was completely absorbed in reading my report.

Fortunately, that let me notice the subtle look the Professor gave me.

Apparently, once Ignis’ and the vice principal’s scheme had been foiled, his assignment at this academy would come to an end.

And the fact that he’d just said that meant he was already convinced Estea would be reelected.

Estea had been carrying a heavy burden, but perhaps this would prove that, during her time as Student Council President, she’d given the academy something even more valuable than our victory at the Canalford Cup.

Though I had a feeling I wouldn’t be able to tell her that until after the election was over.

“…Which is why I’d like you to have this.”

As he spoke, the Professor held out a business card.

The name printed on it was, of course, the same alias he used here at the academy, but the contact information appeared to be genuine.

“If you ever create another magical device you’re especially proud of, please let me know. Even if my affiliation changes, you’ll always be able to reach me through this address.”
“I get it—I totally get it, Professor! I’d absolutely want to see Master’s creations too!”

Rather than focusing on the fact that the Professor had given me his contact information, Melua wholeheartedly sympathized with his desire to keep up with my research.

“Ah, but that’s only a little over a year away, isn’t it!? What am I supposed to do after I graduate~?!”
“The university division is always an option. You’ll still be nearby.”

It was the Professor who effortlessly offered a solution to Melua’s anguished dilemma.

“You’re right! Then maybe I should keep pursuing research after all. Everyone’s been telling me to join the Alchemy Society once I graduate, but it wouldn’t be too late if I went on to the university division first!”

It almost sounded as though she was changing her career plans just so she could keep seeing my alchemy.

I couldn’t help wondering if that was really okay.

Still, it was Melua’s decision. Since it concerned her future, she’d surely discuss it with her parents and the other professors before deciding.

I’d always thought that day was still a long way off.

But perhaps the time had finally come for me to start seriously thinking about my own future as well.