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And while those two nobles and their familiar still had their suspicions, it was understood that at the very least you weren't manipulating her or taking advantage of her status as a princess and/or Saintess. Aila was allowed to keep one of the artifacts for her own use, to act in reserve for her flying broom in case she couldn't use it. She described the artifact you made as "<span class="mu-i">A strange pallet made of stone and metal. I thank you, Master, for having the foresight in giving it a more modular system to add some more modern gadgets to make it viable for flight</span>". You were happy to hear this 'hoverboard' invention worked well on her end, as you attempted to replicate flying carpets and witches brooms.
Your elf slave answered your other inquiries to the best of her abilities. She mentioned how many students had skipped classes to celebrate the death of the Bandit King, though Aila was one of the few that remained in the Academy to focus on her studies (and hopefully get access to an ancient spell).
"<span class="mu-i">I cannot celebrate with my peers— for not only do I know not of East or West or their sufferings under the King of Bandits, but I take no joy in the deaths of others, no matter how evil. But still, I take solace in knowing that you were the one that all these people should thank. Such a joyous days, of gift giving and celebration, all before the Day of Artifice no less, all thanks to this handsome Master of mine. I pray to the Goddesses every every night in thanks; for being under such a wonderful Master like you is nothing short of a miracle and a blessing for me</span>..."
A few more paragraphs like this later, and she then reflected on how the professors and faculty appeared to be more stressed than usual.
"<span class="mu-i">Behind all the festivities there was a dreadful tension in the air — as though a single word could act like a spark that ignites a barrel of gunpowder. It didn't solely concern the active faculty of the Academy (long has Academy life been my world, so I trust my own judgement on the matter), but the worry extended to my peers to a lesser extent. But the most pressure remained upon most of the administrators and the faculty itself; According to rumor, Todred recently was in an argument with certain members of the Board. I do hope they haven't foolishly trusted Rostchilde's word (though I know not of what that Eastian businessman had done to warrant your ire, I trust your judgment on his matter and will support you against him, Master).
Nonetheless these incidents and complexities remind me of how agitated the noble houses would become when their ploys were threatened, or when times of strife came down upon the elvish homelands..."</span>
Your Saintess continued to compare the Academy's troubles and the times when the petty arguments between the factions of Elfalior's priestly court caused instability. You recalled there was still the unresolved issue of the wands, of which you'd not heard much since you'd last spoken to Todred.
