"What could you teach them here?" Vilsin said softly. "The history taught in Common Tongue is useless once they leave the classroom, isn't it?"
"Yes, there is," Boheng said. "Once they've gained a basic command of Common Tongue, they can go into the city as apprentices. Being able to speak District 3 Language is generally the minimum requirement, and Common Tongue is a major advantage on top of that—"
"Are there many?" Hesta asked. "People who end up going into the city?"
"...Not many, but some." Boheng led the group onward. "After all, they were born and raised here. Their relatives and friends are all in the mountains, so it's only natural that they don't want to leave home."
"Then why teach Common Tongue at all?" Vilsin asked.
Hesta's gaze shifted slightly toward Vilsin—she vaguely sensed a trace of mockery and deliberate undermining in her question.
Victoria smoothly took over. "You have a university here too, right? Is it nearby?"
"It's rather far, beyond walking distance," Boheng said. "We can't get there today. If you're interested, you can stay a few more days, and I'll take you around."
"No need, I was just asking. We'd be imposing if we kept wandering around." Victoria smiled. "Do Quicksilver Needles users like you and Eunice receive their education alongside ordinary people?"
"That wouldn't work. They have to be separated," Boheng replied. "Otherwise, accidents could easily happen."
"You'd also need a Reserve Base." Hesta looked at Victoria. "After all, there would be a lot of additional training."
Victoria nodded repeatedly, then quickly moved a few steps closer to Boheng. "...Could you take us to see it?"
Boheng let out another awkward laugh. "...I can't answer that right away. Let me ask first."
"Ask your teacher?" Hesta looked at him.
"Mm."
"What's his name?"
"Aji,"