Chapter 21 - The Magic Geek Returns to the Capital
With the harvest season just around the corner, the sunset, once so late, was arriving earlier each day. The suffocating heat had long passed, and a cool air now drifted through the nights. On this day, a full moon, shining like a queen, hung in the sky, illuminating the world below with its dignified light.
The light of the full moon, brightening the long autumn nights, was a welcome thing for the common people. Normally, once the fires in the hearths and stoves died down, the lights inside their homes would go out. For the households that couldn't afford the expense of lamps, they surely all happily worked on their crafts and other tasks under the moonlight. Furthermore, under a cloudless full moon, those who stirred in the darkness held their breath. They who lived in the shadows of this world feared that their misdeeds would be exposed, and so they did not walk beneath the moon.
But for the wealthy, such circumstances of the common folk were of no concern. If one were to look down from the sky upon the Noble District in the capital of the Hanoku Kingdom, they would see a great many lights twinkling. In the larger manors, there were even magical lights lit atop the outer walls surrounding the property. From these great noble estates, one could hear the murmur of people, perhaps from a soiree being held, which would then melt away into the night sky.
In one corner of this Noble District, at the Arcalai Viscounty Manor, four men and women had gathered in the master's study. The study was illuminated by the light of a [Perpetual Light], but the window shutters were closed, preventing any sound or light from leaking outside. The figures seated on the sofa were, of course, the magic users of the Arcalai family.
"Sorry for calling you all together so often. Well then, shall we begin?"
"Then, I shall start,"
Ester began, and Levi followed her lead.
"The Noble Faction seems to have restrained its activities in the capital since the failed attack on the highway. Several of their bases have gone completely silent, and it's possible they have been abandoned."
Ester nodded for him to continue, and Levi went on with his report.
"Also, for the first time in several years, there have been unsettling movements in the Central Plains, and tensions are rising on the northern border. Some of the lords are once again calling for a foreign expedition, which I believe is not unrelated to the scaling back of the Noble Faction's covert activities."
"So the eyes that were turned inward have been turned outward. The Royalist Faction will likely have to suppress it again this time, but we must be wary of any sudden outbreaks."
The three nodded at Ester's words. The next to speak was Sarah.
"This year's social season seems to have a poorer turnout than usual. In particular, I've heard that all Four Marquis Houses of the Noble Faction will be sending representatives instead of their heads."
Once the autumn harvest passes, the subsequent winter is the social season for the nobility. A grand celebration is held at the royal castle for the New Year, so all the high-ranking nobles flock to attend. Before and after that, they themselves host parties and gatherings of various scales, where all manner of schemes are devised. During this time, the nobles exchange information, probe each other's intentions, and repeatedly form and break alliances.
For the nobility, socializing is a war waged without swords or magic. To send a representative instead of the head of the house is to accept being treated as a step down. This means the Noble Faction is, at least for this season, downplaying the importance of the central government. Ester, however, snorted and dismissed it.
"Their stubbornness is ingrained. I'd bet my life this is just for show, nine times out of ten."
"Mother, I think it's unwise to underestimate them. The current heads of the Four Marquis Houses are by no means foolish men."
Levi said this admonishingly, but the mocking expression on Ester's face did not change.
"When a household gets too big, there are things you have to do even if you know they're foolish. Even if the bosses don't want to, they have to show they're opposing the king, or their followers might abandon them."
"So even the leaders of ruffians have their own worries. Either way, I have no intention of sympathizing with people who would try to abduct those children."
Maria interjected into the conversation with a sharp tone. Ester chuckled and replied.
"Whether they oppose the royal family or cooperate with them, either way, our Arcalai family is a thorn in their side. They probably can't stand by and watch our family's power grow any further, but they've picked a fight with the wrong people."
Watching her smile from the corner of his eye, Levi couldn't help but pray. Goddess of Magic, please don't let a situation arise where Mother gains even more military achievements. At that moment, Sarah raised her hand, drew their attention, and began to speak.
"If I may? It's about Saki and Ruria."
Hearing this, Ester said, "Alright, the main topic," and turned to Sarah. Levi and Maria also leaned forward, awaiting Sarah's words.
"Saki and Ruria have both mastered their fourth spell."
As soon as she finished speaking, all three of them started talking at once. Sarah spread her hands to silence them all, then gestured to her husband to speak first.
"I hadn't heard about this."
"It just happened today. I thought it would be better for you all to hear it together, don't you think?"
"Ah, I see…"
With Levi silenced, Sarah next nominated Ester.
"Those children had only mastered two spells until just the other day, hadn't they? When did they learn a fourth?"
"I taught them their third spell today, but they each wanted to learn a different one. And well, Saki can learn just by watching, so…"
"Hah. Right, that's right. Then what about Ruria?"
"Saki went and taught her the spell he learned. I know I shouldn't allow it, but…"
"Honestly, really…"
Ester and Sarah sighed in unison. Every private academy that teaches magic strictly forbids students from teaching spells to other students. If a student with only a partial understanding teaches a spell, the one who learns it can develop strange habits. When that happens, even if a master tries to teach the spell correctly later, it often doesn't go well.
However, Saki could master a spell completely just by watching. And since Saki only taught Ruria, and Ruria also mastered the spells perfectly, the matter had been tacitly overlooked for these two. Another reason was that the other students (with one exception) were completely intimidated by the pair.
"Mastering a fourth spell after only half a year or so of attending an academy is unheard of. Isn't that the fastest ever?"
"Does that mean he's faster than you were, Aunt?"
"…My master was stingy and didn't teach me properly. If not for that, I could have managed four in six months too."
Ester answered Maria's question with a strange stubbornness. That's so like Mother, Levi thought, desperately clenching his teeth to maintain a serious expression and keep his face from breaking.
"So in the end, what spells did they learn?"
"[Armor] and [Shield]."
"Defensive spells, huh? Well, that's a relief, for now."
"But they've already learned [Magic Missile], so it's a bit late to be worrying about that now."
This time, Sarah and Maria sighed together. The spells used by magic users are powerful even at the First Tier, and when it comes to attack spells, caution is required in teaching them. It's even said that it's better not to teach them to those with difficult personalities or those with little prospect of entering a magic academy.
"Speaking of which, have you all tried that mana forging method? From the looks of it, you don't seem to have changed much."
At this point, Ester asked the three as if she had just remembered. The three looked at each other and then answered in turn.
"I received instruction from Saki, but honestly, it feels like I'm grasping at clouds. How should I put it… I don't feel any response from the training."
"Both he and I have many duties, so the problem is that we have little time to devote to training."
"To begin with, what does it even mean to 'feel the mana inside your body'? From that point on, it's all just incomprehensible."
"I see," Ester said, listening to all three varied opinions before crossing her arms and continuing.
"Well, don't rush. Just keep at it steadily. It won't hurt to do it, I guarantee it."
Seeing Ester's confident expression, Levi asked with an envious look.
"It seems you've felt some sort of progress, Mother?"
"I think I'll be able to show you the results in a visible form soon. You all should get proper instruction from Saki now and master it while you can. In a little while, you won't have the chance for some time."
"…Mother, that is—"
Levi's face changed at Ester's words. Beside him, Sarah and Maria exchanged a startled glance.
Ester took out her favorite pipe from her pocket, packed the bowl with tobacco, and lit it. She took two or three quick puffs, then slowly exhaled the smoke. Watching the smoke rise to the ceiling, Ester announced to the three of them:
"It's much earlier than I expected, but it's time to send those children out of the manor."
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After leaving Arcalai Village, where my family's ancestral home is, we returned to our manor in the capital on a similarly leisurely journey as our trip there. Along the way, I felt like Nathan-san and Laz-san, who had returned to guard duty, were being unusually wary of both sides of the road, but nothing in particular happened. We received the same warm hospitality in the two villages we had stayed at on our way there, and on the third day, we arrived safely home.
At the manor, my worried-looking parents were eagerly awaiting our return. It was just a short trip home, but they had even assigned us guards. I thought it was a bit overprotective, but I was grateful, so I expressed my thanks honestly. This was where we parted ways with Nathan-san. I still had many things I wanted to ask him, like about life in the army, but we promised to meet again and I saw him off.
Dinner at the manor, for the first time in several days. Uncle Dani, reunited with his wife and daughter after a few days, was relentlessly annoying, but he quieted down after a while. Hey, Maria, I know how you feel, but aren't you using spells a bit too casually? If you keep petrifying him at every turn, I'll start to feel sorry for the old man. Despite that, the meal at the manor after about a week was delicious. It really feels like I'm home.
After dinner, we all gathered again in my father's study. I could hear Uncle Dani on the other side of the door, looking so frustrated he might bite his handkerchief, but it's the rule, so it can't be helped. We gathered with only the magic users (and their apprentices) to report on what happened in Arcalai village.
"I heard from Mother that you and Ruria deciphered that scroll. You said you wanted to study its contents further, but…"
"I have completely memorized both the letters and the diagrams written in the scroll. For now, I would like to continue my own analysis."
"Hmm. Since it has been passed down in our family for generations, it must be related to magic. What do you think, Saki?"
"At this point, I can't say for certain. When I have some results, I will report them to you then."
I decided not to speak in detail about the scroll that recorded the [Evocation] ritual. I don't think they would understand at all if I tried to explain evocation without any prerequisite knowledge of ritual magic.
By the way, in ritual magic, there are two types of rituals for summoning higher beings: evocation and invocation. The difference between the two is that evocation summons the target to a point separate from the practitioner to be commanded, whereas invocation summons the target into the practitioner themselves to receive revelation or blessings.
To put it in terms of imagery, evocation is like summoning demons and spirits from the lower worlds or the depths of the earth, while invocation is like calling down gods and spirits from the upper worlds or the heavens. Of course, this is just an image, and there are many examples that don't fit this pattern.
Therefore, my summoning of the [Fire Elemental] would be an evocation, and Sister Magisa's descent while Ruria was performing the [Consecration] ritual would be (in terms of form) an invocation. The latter was more like an accident, though.
Oops, I got sidetracked. In any case, I must be cautious about disclosing knowledge of ritual magic. It would be troublesome if I accidentally let it slip and attracted the attention of some strange people.
"Still, to think you could decipher something that even Mother-in-law and Levi couldn't. Is that also thanks to the knowledge you received from the goddess?"
"Yes, yes, is that true? The story about receiving a message from the Goddess of Magic?"
Both mothers questioned me about the divine oracle, but I simply replied, "It's true," and evaded the details.
"I have heard from Mother that we have agreed not to pry into the matters you have learned from the goddess. The goddess must have profound reasons for imparting wisdom to you, and we do not wish to do anything that would interfere with that. However, before you teach that knowledge to others, you must consult us. Please promise me that."
"Yes, I understand. In that case, Father, I have a matter I'd like to consult you about right away."
"Yes, yes… huh?"
At my words, not only my father but my mothers as well froze with a start. I paid them no mind and began my lecture on the Lesser Heavenly Cycle, explaining that it was a training method to strengthen mana. My parents are incredibly busy people, so I couldn't miss an opportunity like this. It was already getting quite late, but I didn't care. Ruria and I taught the adults the practice of the Lesser Heavenly Cycle.
Unlike with Grandma, the three of them couldn't get the hang of it right away, but it seems I managed to convey the main points. Ruria started to get drowsy and looked like she wanted to sleep, so I cut the lecture short. The rest is up to them to work on individually. Of course, if they request it, I'm ready to provide guidance or whatever is needed right away.
I left my parents, returned to the children's room, and lay down in bed with Ruria. Ah, there's nothing like your own bed. An unfamiliar ceiling isn't bad, but having a place to return to where you can feel at ease is the best. Sleepiness quickly washed over me, and my trip home was officially over. From tomorrow, my usual daily life would begin again.
"Today, I'd like to teach you two a new spell."
One day, some time after returning to the manor, during our magic lesson at the academy, Mother Sarah said this to me and Ruria at our usual practice ground.
Alright, a new spell after a long time. Ever since I learned a spell just by watching Roche-kun use it, I haven't been taught anything new. I've only learned two spells since joining the academy, but apparently, that's a remarkably fast pace.
Speaking of which, my classmate Roche-kun, the only one who treats us normally, said he's about to get the hang of his third spell, likely thanks to his training with the Triple Circle Method. It's also useful as 'scrying' training, so I'd be happy if he becomes a partner in my magic research in the future. It's definitely not because I have few friends and no one else to turn to. Absolutely not.
"This time, I'll teach you a spell to protect yourselves. There are two options, so you can choose whichever you like."
Oops, this is an important lesson. I need to focus on what Mother is saying.
"Mother, please tell us about those two spells."
"Of course. The first spell is [Armor]. A real set of armor doesn't appear, but the caster's body is enveloped in magical power, protecting them from danger. The other is [Shield]. This one really does create a shield that floats in front of the caster. This shield is invisible, but you can touch it, and it won't hinder your movements."
"The fact that they exist as separate spells must mean their uses are different. Are their properties different in some way?"
"A good question. The main point of [Armor] is that it protects the caster's body from all directions, so you can be at ease even if you're suddenly attacked or caught in an accident. Of course, there's a limit to the threats it can defend against, and its duration is limited. Still, it can protect you without issue from the swords and spears used by ordinary soldiers. [Shield] only protects your front, but it's very strong against projectile attacks like arrows. It can completely block the [Magic Missile] spell, in particular."
I see, I see. I knew it, but this is a completely combat-oriented spell. The explanation is in full-on battle mode. I understand that magic users in this world need to be strong in a fight, but the sheer number of spells that contribute nothing to intellectual pursuits only reinforces my desire not to become a magic user.
At any rate, being able to protect myself is important. I'm still a child, and since I was born a noble, I could be kidnapped. So, which of the two spells should I learn… Here, I glance over at Ruria next to me.
Nod.
The moment our eyes met, Ruria gave a small nod as if to say, "I know." You've got to have a childhood friend who understands you without words.
"Then I would like to learn the [Armor] spell, and Ruria will learn the [Shield] spell."
"You're choosing different spells?"
Mother asked with a slightly perplexed expression. I kept my expression unchanged and asked back as calmly as possible.
"Yes, is that not allowed?"
"It's not that it's not allowed, but… is that alright with you too, Ruria-chan?"
Mother asked Ruria, but Ruria just nodded silently. Mother seemed suspicious, but she didn't seem to press any further. If things had gotten complicated here, I was prepared to argue my case and persuade… I mean, convince her, but this was a stroke of luck. I decided to have her teach me first.
"For the [Armor] spell, you form a square sign with your fingers. Then, you imagine your body being enveloped by a mysterious power and chant [Armor]. Like this."
Saying that, Mother drew a square shape in the air with her fingers. A bright yellow line of light followed her finger movements, remaining in the air as a square image of light. I heard her murmur "[Armor]," and her body was enveloped in a round ball of magical light. The diameter of the sphere was about two meters.
I approached Mother and pushed the sphere of mana with my hand. Surprisingly, a springy sensation came from my palm. The sphere seemed to change shape accordingly, but my hand couldn't advance beyond a certain distance and was pushed back. It felt like pushing a giant balloon or a rubber ball. Interesting.
"Now, you try."
Urged by Mother, I began the incantation. But before that, I decided to replenish my mana just in case. I held my palms facing each other in front of my chest and visualized a sphere of light floating between them. I imagined the particles of mana drifting in the air being drawn to that sphere, and the sphere of light gradually growing larger. The ambient mana in the air was actually being sucked into the sphere.
Once the surrounding mana was gone and I confirmed the sphere had grown, I closed my hands and took the sphere of mana into my body. The light traveled up my arms to my abdomen and mixed with my own mana. Alright, I'm ready.
As my mother watched with a puzzled expression, I began the spell's gestures. Along with my finger movements, a yellow light beam formed a square sigil in the air, which I visualized. I imagined my entire body being enveloped in a resilient ball of mana and chanted, "[Armor]."
Just like with my mother, my body was enveloped in a sphere of mana. Mother, having dispelled her own [Armor] spell, approached and touched the [Armor] surrounding me to check it.
"Yes, it's done correctly. Still, to learn a spell in just one try again. The sign, the chant, it's all so polished, I can't find any fault. Should I be happy to have such a capable son? Or should I lament that there's no challenge in teaching you?"
Mother said with a troubled voice, her hand on her cheek. Well, well, you can be honest and proud of your brilliant child, Mother.
By the way, I was surprised myself when I used the [Armor] spell, but the mana consumption was less than I expected. I did gather mana beforehand to increase my capacity, but it was still much less than anticipated. At this rate, I could probably cast another spell and still be fine. Is the mana consumption for [Armor] low, or is there another factor at play?
"Alright, next is Ruria-chan."
As I was pondering the spell's mana consumption, Mother started teaching the [Shield] spell to Ruria. Oops, I need to watch carefully too.
The sign for the [Shield] spell was a yellow square, just like [Armor]. When Mother chanted "[Shield]," a shield made of mana appeared in front of her body. It was about a meter in length and width, quite large. It was shaped like the bottom of an iron for pressing clothes—square at the top and pointed at the bottom. It was strange how the mana shield moved with her without any support.
However, the fact that the signs for [Armor] and [Shield] are the same means the only differences are the chant and the image upon activation. It's a mystery how that produces such different effects. What principle allows the spells to generate these phenomena?
"[Shield]."
A small, whisper-like voice was heard. As expected, Ruria had also succeeded with the [Shield] spell on her first try. Mother touched the shield floating in front of Ruria, completely concealing her body, and said happily, "You two are really amazing." Ruria, as usual, was expressionless, but she seemed to be puffing out her chest with a hint of pride.
Then, an idea struck me. Can [Armor] and [Shield] be layered? The [Armor] spell I cast earlier is still covering my body, and I still have a decent amount of mana left. I imagined a mana shield appearing just as the two of them had done, formed the square sign, and chanted.
"[Shield]."
Whoa. It worked. Outside the [Armor] sphere enveloping my body, an iron-shaped shield is floating. The mana consumption was a bit severe, and I felt a little dizzy, but I'm fine. The mana shield stays close, continuously positioned in front of me as I move. [Armor] and [Shield] don't seem to interfere with each other; they stick together as if they were one. Hmm, interesting.
Speaking of which, the [Shield] spell is strong against [Magic Missile], right? Maybe next time I should have Ruria cast a [Magic Missile] at me in this state? No, that's probably too scary. [Magic Missile] has enough power to pierce steel armor. Using myself as a test subject is a bit too dangerous.
"Saaakiii?!"
A voice from behind made my heart leap. I turned around to see my mother, smiling but her eyes not smiling at all, standing with her hands on her hips, looking down at me like a disapproving goddess. Her indescribable presence made me shrink, and I could only ask in a trembling voice, "Y-yes?"
After that, I got a thorough scolding from my mother, Sarah. Just like when I learned [Magic Missile] before, apparently it's not okay to learn spells just by watching others use them. If you don't learn under the supervision of a proper magic user as a teacher, you can develop bad habits that can't be undone.
As the other students watched from a distance, I was lectured for what felt like thirty minutes. During that time, Ruria didn't defend me; instead, she repeatedly cast and dispelled the [Shield] spell she had just learned. As carefree as ever.
And so, I was finally released from my mother's scolding, only to be scolded again immediately after for teaching Ruria the [Armor] spell.
The next evening, Ruria and I were in the children's room after dinner when Laz-san, the attendant, came to get us. Our parents, who had returned home late as usual, were calling for us in the study.
Ah, this is a continuation of yesterday's scolding, isn't it? Not just from Mother, but a lecture from Father as well. It had been a long time since I'd been scolded by a parent, and because I knew they were angry out of concern for me, it was painful. With Ruria holding my arm, I trudged toward the study, led by Laz-san.
In the study, not only my parents but also Maria were waiting for us. Yep, this is the setup for a major scolding. As Laz-san closed the door and left, I approached the three of them with as solemn a gait as I could manage.
"I have something important to tell you two today."
As I waited with my head bowed and my gaze lowered, my father spoke to me in a serious tone. What could it be? I have a bad feeling about this. Could it be that because of yesterday's screw-up, I'm going to be disinherited? I don't think it would happen so suddenly, but what if it does? As various terrible future scenarios raced through my mind and I felt an unpleasant sweat on my brow, I heard unexpected words.
"Once the new year begins, you two will be enrolled in the Academy. Start your preparations now."
I am posting the twentieth chapter. From the next chapter, the story will move to a new stage, so I hope you will continue to follow along.