There were no classes on the first day of the new semester at Atlas.
Even in Frondier's class, after he and the students introduced themselves, they were dismissed early.
However, even in that short time, Frondier was quickly imprinted in the students' minds.
Along with Elodie, who had entered with him.
The two of them, with their outstanding looks and extremely young age, drew the attention of the students around them whenever they passed by.
It was the same when they walked down the hallway, where they even ran into each other from opposite directions.
"Hello, Mr. Frondier."
They exchanged brief and simple greetings, passing each other with very friendly smiles.
It would be troublesome if their acquaintance was discovered within Atlas. That's why they were supposed to have met for the first time here. The same went for Pielott.
Frondier became a teacher with the design of the three-dimensional map as his achievement, and Elodie touted her success in the three-element combination.
In the case of the three-element combination, Elodie had already completed it last year, but it was a rare and remarkable achievement on this continent, even more so than on the Falind continent. The concept of a four-element combination hadn't even been established yet.
Therefore, while Frondier also received considerable attention, he still couldn't surpass Elodie. This was especially true since Frondier was in charge of theoretical classes.
Students were more interested in practical training, and Atlas, whether consciously or not, was emphasizing the importance of practical skills to the students.
This worked out well for Frondier. He had become a teacher for the purpose of investigation and information gathering. There was no need for him to stand out.
"...This is a bit inefficient."
However, his thoughts changed slightly when he checked the teaching materials distributed in the faculty room.
"Well, Mr. Frondier."
A middle-aged man approached Frondier as he was looking over the teaching materials.
"The faculty room has become brighter since such a young and handsome teacher arrived. Hahaha."
Giotto patted Frondier's shoulder and made a lighthearted joke.
"The design of your three-dimensional map, it's truly fascinating. Is such a thing really possible?"
"There are already companies that have started production based on the blueprints I completed."
This was true. Of course, it was Arald who had conducted various negotiations. It was because the practical effectiveness had been proven that Frondier was able to become a teacher.
"That's truly amazing. Hmm, but you see..."
Giotto moved his face a little closer to Frondier's.
"Ms. Elodie, the teacher who joined this time with you."
"By any chance, do you have some kind of acquaintance?"
Frondier answered neither too quickly nor too slowly. It was only natural for such suspicions to arise. However, that was not the case. It was the rhythm and answer that encompassed all of that.
"You're from the same country, and you both became teachers because of your great achievements. Besides, you're both handsome and beautiful."
"Hahaha. I have nothing to say about appearances, but isn't Atlas a wonderful place? There are many people who want to be here besides me. This time, I was just lucky enough to become a teacher. I'm sure Ms. Elodie feels the same way."
"Is, is that so? I'm sure that's it. Haha, if you happened to be acquainted, I was going to ask you for an introduction..."
Just as Giotto spoke in a suggestive tone,
Elodie, who was passing by, stopped in her tracks as if she had overheard their conversation.
"Please retract that statement."
Her voice was firm yet dignified. Giotto was flustered by Elodie's words.
Did she misinterpret his intentions as wanting to be set up? As he worried about this, Elodie's gaze turned towards Frondier.
"Retract it, Mr. Frondier."
"What are you referring to?"
"Saying that you were lucky. You may have been, but I wasn't."
Elodie looked down at the seated Frondier with emotionless eyes.
"I became a teacher at Atlas with clear, definite qualifications. It wasn't by some lucky chance like you."
"Oh, by chance, you say."
"Isn't it obvious? A three-dimensional map, such a thing, it's not even certain if it will truly benefit the continent. It's still an incomplete invention."
"Are you saying that's not the case with you?"
Elodie frowned as if she found it unpleasant that Frondier even bothered to ask.
"For a mage, even a single successful three-element combination is enough to guarantee their future. But I went further and achieved stability for a more certain success."
"Of course, that's remarkable, but it's not something you could have achieved alone. As a teacher, shouldn't you teach that to your students?"
"I will teach it. Even if not all students can achieve it. A teacher should be a role model for their students. It would be meaningful even if the students just strive to be like me. How about you, Mr. Frondier? Are you skilled enough for the students to trust and follow you?"
Frondier and Elodie's gazes clashed in midair. Giotto stood there awkwardly, watching the scene unfold.
As Frondier remained silent, Elodie turned her head away.
"I understand that you like to feign humility, but don't try to belittle me in the process. I'm not someone who got in by some stroke of luck."
Elodie walked away. Watching her go, Frondier sighed and shook his head.
"As you can see, we have no prior acquaintance. I'm not sure what kind of misunderstanding you have."
At some point, Giotto was looking at Frondier with a pitiful expression.