The plan to leave school early ran into a deadlock. As a matter of fact, it was from the very beginning, but that's about it.
The next plan I came up with after asking Professor Tia's advice was the "stay-at-school plan".
I feel a huge contradiction, but don't think about it too much.
If it is judged that I don't need to attend lectures or practical classes, then I should be able to withdraw from the school under the guise of doing my own research on campus or something.
However, it is not that easy.
In fact, I feared that it would be more difficult than expulsion.
"What's so difficult about it? I think it would be easy for Mr. Hurt to silence the teachers."
Riza plopped down on the floor and cocked her head.
I asked them to gather in my room in the dormitory with Hurt C. and Riza. Charles and Frey were not invited because they might complicate the conversation.
"First of all, your lecture is quite biased in your knowledge."
I seem to have some knowledge of the subject, but it is limited, since I have been stuck with Charles' gifted education for a while. I'm sure I'll be out of shape when I have to face more difficult subjects in the future.
The practical skills are even more doubtful.
I'm only allowed to use magic of the [earth] attribute system, so the restrictions are tight and I need to be extremely careful.
"If you make your abilities known, I'm sure everyone will think that you don't even need to attend the academy. We should aim for the fastest graduation possible. It's easier that way."
What a tempting proposition: ....... No, but that's not really possible, is it? And, you know.
"It's not good to stand out too much."
I'm good at bluffing with warding magic, and I can manage within the range of earth magic, but then there would be those who would suspect <.
In fact, Professor Tia seems to have had similar doubts.
He could get over his suspicions because of the existence of , but not if he was known to be capable of crazy magic.
"So you're saying that you're trying to find the right balance between showing off your abilities in moderation and letting people know that you're not up to Shiva's level."
Hurt C. chuckles.
"That's impossible."
"Yes, I do."
I don't think I'm capable of fine-tuning, do you?
"Let's put the practical skills aside for now and see what we can do about the lecture classes," says Hurt C.
"I really shouldn't put them there, but that's just it. I've chosen only the most difficult classes in the best universities in the country. It's hard to get near perfect scores in all subjects. So let's think about that first."
I crossed my arms and thought, and something flashed in my mind. We both clapped our hands at the same time.
"Did you notice that, Hurt C?"
"Yeah, I didn't even have to think about it."
"Well, you don't have to attend the lecture in the first place (・・・・・・・)."
With a firm handshake, the two men shake hands.
"Well, isn't there a problem with suddenly skipping class ......?"
Riza is understandably puzzled.
I have the king's recommendation, and it would be a disgrace to my father if I skipped class all the time.
"But only if you get results, if you get results.
I smile evilly.
Lecture classes will be evaluated by exams. If you get a perfect score or something, they won't complain if you don't show up for class. I've come up with the secret.
And since we can't expect Prof. Tia's political power ......, we can use Mr. Porkos and Prof. Belkam to silence the other teachers.
"I see."
Riza looks relieved <, but you're not irrelevant either, are you?
"As I said before, my knowledge is biased. As I said before, my knowledge is biased. Or rather, it's too much trouble. So..."
Me and Hurt C. moved closer to Riza.
"Uh, um, what ......?"
It is imperative that you and Professor Tia cooperate."
"I ......? What do you need me to do?"
We say it out loud together.
"Cheat!"
Send the exam questions to the girls who are waiting somewhere and ask them to solve them. They will then inform me of the results via the warding magic of the communication system.
It was a simple answer. I thought he'd be open to it, but this guy's really a teacher.
"Of course there's a risk for me, but it's nothing compared to the benefits I'll get.
"What are the benefits?"
I've been asking a lot of him lately, and I'm getting nervous that he's going to ask me for some weird favor.
Where do you think you're going to skip class?
It's my room in the dorm.
I'm going to have Hurt C. guard it and I'm going to relax at home in the middle of nowhere.
"I'm going to skip class, just because is not enough. It's a fair tactic to say that you have other things to do."
"What else is ......? Oh, you mean, like the study of magic?"
"Yes! Then, you see, it's not so convincing in my room in the dorm, is it?"
No, not really.
"It's not enough!"
I'm sorry to be so hard on you, but...
I'd rather keep Hurt C in the dorm than stay at home with him.
"Look, think about it. You've got the perfect place right here. A place with a lot of material on ancient magic, with good facilities, and with leading experts in the field."
Hmmm, that's it in a nutshell. This guy..,
"Do you want my attention?"
"That's not what I meant! That's what I'm talking about!"
What do you mean?
"You are valuable research material for me. I'm not asking you to mind your own business, but I am asking you to study ancient magic with me!"
Oh, I see.
But research material? How do you say it?
"I'm not going to dissect you or anything. I'd be happy to let you."
That's the thing, you don't have any more friends than I do.
"So let's make room for one more. Make yourself at home in the research building."
"No, but, sir. ......"
I look around the messy room. It really is a mess. I don't even want to describe it.
But if you give me a room, I guess it doesn't matter.
If I can remodel it to my liking, I can keep Hurt C's complaints at bay and I can get to and from my out-of-the-way base.
A tap on my back.
Riza's face is staring at me, and I put my ear to her face to see if she wants to talk to me privately.
"It's not safe to live by her side. She might know things."
Actually, I'm the one who told you all that. He's confessing that I'm Shiva. But I didn't tell Riza and the others.
I don't know if the Round Table has officially recognized Professor Tia as a member yet, so it's hard for me to say that I told them.
I'll find a time," I say, putting the matter off.
"It's a good chance to see if Professor Tia is someone we can really trust.
I'll say something like that,
"You've really thought this through. That's what I'm talking about, Mr. Harte."
I feel guilty when he responds with a carefree smile.
Anyway.
I'm on track to pass the written exam. I can now legally skip more than half of my classes.
The problem is the practical classes that have been left on the side.