Quoted By:
"Yeah, I have a few questions." You said. After a few moments of silence you continue. "What more do you know about Rostchilde's influence in the Academy?"
"I suppose it hasn't been a close guarded of a secret, then, if you're asking what <span class="mu-i">else</span> I know." Todred gave a dry chuckle that sounded more like a scoff. "Rostchilde has been talking with the Board and the Principal. That Eastian offered tremendous assistance—for a price: Our greatest mages and artificers would be lent him, giving their full assistance in the creation of mass-produced golems and other magical constructs, while also providing him with exclusive rights to commercialize certain beginner magical spellbooks and scrolls. We would get a cut of the payments, as well as a fair wage for all of the mages he borrows."
"That doesn't sound so bad." Bertha said.
"Not at first blush," Todred responded "But it would in essence create a personal relationship between his company— Bed and Barn Inns— the Academy, and the Mage's Guild. He'd become a kingmaker, so to speak. While it's obvious to anyone that he intends to monopolize the hotel markets, fully accepting his offer would tie both the Mage's Guild and one of the world's most prestigious institutions of learning into said monopoly."
"The Academy would be the lesser partner, despite any wealth it might possess." Ayane realized.
"So eventually the Academy will become nothing more than a puppet." Aila finished the thought.
"Exactly." Todred nodded. "It wouldn't be a relationship like the Mage's Guild and the Academy have."
"That brings me to my second question." You said. "How exactly is the Mage's Guild affiliated to the Academy?"
"I imagine you don't want the official answer." Todred gave a hard stare. You didn't react. "Very well. In that case I shall say it plainly: The Mage's Guild and the Academy are essentially the same organization. Outward appearances might indicate that we simply have a close relationship with them, but in reality all of the professors are subject to the evaluation and approval by the Mage's Guild, the curriculum is written by the Mage's Guild, and only the brightest students of the Academy are able to get into high positions within the Mage's Guild."
"That's it?" You felt disappointed— this wasn't some evil kidnapping ring or an organization bent on ruling the world. "This is an 'Academy of Science and <span class="mu-i">Magic</span>' so it shouldn't be a surprise the Mage's Guild is extensively involved."
"Hah!" Todred clapped once, showing a rare smile. "If all people thought like you did, secrecy would be a vanity."
"Master!" Aila turned to you, looking agitated. "A Guild having so much influence in an Academy is unheard of! Especially a Mage's Guild, since they usually don't have that much power or influence anywhere in the world but tend to be close-knit."
