After returning to the royal capital, Rest paid a visit to the Royal Academy for the first time in a while.
Though he was returning to the academy, there were far fewer students than before, giving the place a deserted atmosphere.
"It's gotten really quiet... Did something happen?"
"Something? Isn't it because of you?"
The one who answered with an exasperated expression was Maurice Louie, an old classmate of Rest's.
Greeting him cheerfully upon their reunion in the classroom, Maurice explained.
"Everyone's participating in the frontier development of the Sabnock Plains. It's a chance for advancement, right... So they're probably prioritizing that over their studies?"
"Ah, I see... So it really is because of me."
Rest gave a wry smile.
Rest had once, with the cooperation of the Second Prince Andrew, recruited participants for the plains development at the academy.
He hadn't known exactly how many students had joined, but it seemed the number of participants in the development was higher than he'd imagined.
"This country hasn't expanded its territory in decades, and the number of nobles and available land had hit a ceiling. Now, with a huge amount of empty land suddenly available, it's an unprecedented chance for second and third sons with no inheritance. It makes sense they'd prioritize this over their studies."
The Royal Academy was an institution for cultivating future talent.
The students attended with the goal of securing official positions or managing domains in the future.
If there was another chance to obtain land or a title, it was only natural their attention would be drawn there.
"The ones taking classes at the academy now are those who recognize their own inadequacy. And the ones whose futures are already decided."
"I see... By the way, Maurice, why are you here? You were participating in the development too, weren't you?"
"Yeah, I am. But... I'm set to inherit the family business. My participation in the development is just a part-time job on weekends only."
"Oh, I see."
"But what about you, Rest? You're supposed to be busy, aren't you?"
"I had a small errand. I came to see the headmaster."
Rest had come to the academy to speak with the headmaster about his recent encounter with Leonard Gascoigne.
Verroid Hahn, the headmaster, was a sage belonging to the Council of Sages and was sure to have some familiarity with Gascoigne as well.
He had already arranged an appointment through the servants of House Rosemary, and with time to kill before the meeting, he had come to take a look at how the classrooms were doing.
"Oh, looks like it's almost time. Well then, see you around."
"Yeah, see you."
After parting ways with Maurice, Rest headed for the headmaster's office.
He walked down the corridor—less crowded than before—and made his way to the headmaster's room.
In front of the headmaster's office, there was a reception desk, and a woman who appeared to be a secretary was standing by.
"Excuse me. I'm Rest Clover. Could I request a meeting with the headmaster?"
"Yes, Count Clover, I presume. I've been expecting you… Please wait just a moment."
The secretary disappeared into the room and returned shortly after.
"Permission to enter has been granted. Please, go right ahead…"
"Excuse me."
When Rest stepped through the door, he found himself face to face with an elderly magician sporting a magnificent long beard.
Verroid Hahn, the headmaster, stood behind a splendid desk, wearing a gentle expression.
"Well, Rest. Or… perhaps I should call you Count Clover?"
"Either is perfectly fine, Headmaster. You hold a far higher position than I, after all."
The headmaster was not a noble who held a domain, yet he was a man who wielded influence befitting that of a duke.
Those words carried weight that even royalty could not dismiss lightly.
"Ohohoho, is that so? Well then… It has been some time since we last spoke—since your entrance interview, in fact. Do you have business with me?"
"In fact…"
Rest brought up the matter of Leonard Gascoigne.
The headmaster listened in silence, but before long, his eyes widened in surprise.