Villainess and the Stalker - Chapter 26 - Acquaintance

Chapter 26 : Acquaintance

「Well, since everyone already understands, the students who choose the confrontation method can go anywhere but the labyrinth to look for their contract partner. For those who do so, you’re probably curious about what time is best. Every year, students can apply for their respective teacher to accompany them.」

Mirana replied to my question.

「In regard to the application, how should we go about it.」

Another student piped in with their question.

「First, albeit least important, you need to know what kind of animal or demon you want to make a pact with. No need to be specific, just a rough estimate is enough. For example, one that can fly or a docile one. After that, I’ll present you with several options to choose from. Naturally, you can be more specific, but there’s been a few cases every year of people faced with something far beyond their capabilities, so please don’t overdo it. If that happens, it’s straight to rejection and onto the direct summoning method. In addition, if you can pinpoint a suitable summonable beast and their rough location, please send an application to said place. A confrontation contract means you have no other choice but to face that specific individual. Even if you’ve faced similar demons or animals in the past, they vary greatly depending on their habitat. Thus, for those who choose this method, I recommend looking into the habitat too…」

Though the hurdle was considerably high, it was a natural consequence since those who chose this method tended to be rather picky in regard to their contracted summon beast.

That’s why those fussy-type people shouldn’t bemoan the time needed to investigate.

After all, if it were truly too troublesome, they might as well give up and choose the other method instead.

Direct summoning itself wasn’t complicated. As the fruit of arduous research, the summoning formation itself was adjusted to bring forth a being most suitable for its summoner.

That’s why I see no problem in choosing the direct summoning method.

In fact, Conrad had told me before that most students choose that route.

「… Regarding the teacher who will guide us, can we choose?」

This question came from a student from Class-1.

The reason was obvious.

They might be implying that they didn’t wish to be led by Mirana-sensei.

In my opinion, it would be more reassuring that Mirana-sensei was the one to guide me, but it seemed that not many others agreed.

At a glance… we were in the extreme minority.

Mirana-sensei replied to that student.

「My apologies, that’s almost impossible. We also have many duties as academy professors. It’ll take a really long time to adjust schedules with another teacher if a student were to suddenly nominate said teacher as their guide. In short, it’s troublesome. That’s why the guide will be chosen based on whichever teacher is available.」

Though her words were rather straightforward, I understood that the job of becoming a guide to assist in looking for students’ summon beasts was a low priority.

Though I absolutely wouldn’t tell anyone here that it was important, this academy might have some sort of regulation for that.

The student who asked that question seemed to be frustrated by Mirana-sensei’s answer. In the end, however, there was no doubt that the teacher’s abilities far surpassed those of their students.

Since her answer left with no room for argument, the student was forced to accept her words.

「Well then, I guess that’s the gist of it. Any other questions?」

When Mirana-sensei’s gaze swept over her students, no one raised their hand, most likely unable to think of any other questions.
Mirana-sensei nodded in satisfaction.

「Great. Let’s begin the lesson. We will start with those who chose the direct summoning method. Since we already have four summoning circles drawn here, everyone please prepare to summon by pouring your mana into that summoning circle. I don’t mind if you make one on your own, but be aware that anything summoned from it, no matter how weak, is your own responsibility. Understand?」
There was a huge variety of things that could come out of summoning sorcery.

This was especially the case for a person’s first direct summons.

However, there was a problem: it was the responsibility of the summoner to account for the beast’s living quarters and bringing out its full potential. It didn’t matter if the summoned beast wasn’t the one they wanted, it was their duty.

In some cases, the summoned beast was a little insect, hardly a threat. There was never a case, however, in which the summoned beast was an unbridled powerful being.

Well, the latter was close to impossible unless the summoner had an exorbitant amount of mana. The former was possible for almost anyone, and naturally, it would be a real pain if both cases happened.

That’s why the students, including the one from Class-1, followed Mirana-sensei’s advice and used the pre-prepared magic circle.

「Ah, it’s about to begin. Let’s take a look, Ryuu.」

Conrad motioned for me, but….

「… Uhm?」

I saw a familiar face amongst the students of Class-1.

Actually, I saw two of them..

The first one was a petite girl with blue hair and eyes.

And the other one was a dog as big as an adult.

「Is something the matter, Ryuu?」

「Nay… I just saw my acquaintance. I’ll go greet her.」

「Yours? That’s a surprise. I thought I was the only one you knew… Let me go with you too.」

Despite what Conrad said, I think that girl would get quite a surprise if I suddenly came over with Conrad.

「Can you wait here for a while? My acquaintance is rather reserved, after all.」

I told Conrad.

I couldn’t help but wonder whether Conrad would have some unpleasant thoughts on this matter.

On the surface, however, he didn’t seem to mind.

「I see. Well, it can’t be helped then. I’ll go look at the direct summon ceremony over there… But make sure you introduce me later, okay? I’m your friend, after all.」

「I want to agree, but I guess it’ll take a while, Conrad.」

「Aah, a while, huh…」

Thus, Conrad left my side.

After confirming that he was at a safe distance, I approached the girl.

The girl finally noticed me.

「… You are…」

「Hey, it’s been a while. How do you do, Hecate?」