Chapter 22 - The Magic Geek Departs for the Academy
The official name of the magic school in our Hanoku Kingdom is the Talgum Magic Academy. It is often referred to simply as The Academy.
While there are said to be similar magic schools all over the world, the Talgum Magic Academy is the only one in the Hanoku Kingdom. Young people from all across the realm who wish to become magic users gather here. Its origins are said to be older than not just the kingdom, but the royal family itself.
Over thirty years ago, this land was a patchwork of twelve minor powers. They were united through war, giving birth to the present-day Hanoku Kingdom… but the Hanoku royal family was one of the most distinguished houses in this region long before that, with a history of at least three hundred years.
The Academy was founded even earlier. It might even date back to the fall of the ancient magic kingdom, some five hundred years ago. No records from that time remain, not even at the Academy. It is said that it was simply named after its Founding Academy Head… at least, that is what I was taught in my private academy’s history class.
Unless one enters and graduates from this Academy, they are not permitted to call themselves a magic user in this country. Naturally, its entrance exam is difficult, and it is apparently not uncommon for some to repeat the exam for years without passing.
This is the great challenge that Ruria and I will be undertaking at the tender age of seven. It is currently autumn, so there are only about three months until the exams are held after the new year. I imagine we will need to prepare quite thoroughly. However, I am not the fresh-faced recruit I appear to be. I am a veteran who has survived two exam wars—for high school and university—in my previous life.
The most important part of any exam is to first grasp its tendencies. Without knowing what kind of test you will be facing, you cannot possibly formulate a proper strategy. In other words, information gathering is key. And so, the day after I was told of my impending enrollment, I decided to seek out an Academy alumna for advice.
"The Academy’s exam? You two could pass it right now without any problems."
Contrary to my enthusiasm, the answer that came back from Maria was remarkably blunt. Uh, um, is that so?
"The exam has two parts, written and practical, but you two studied a great deal even before you joined the private academy, didn't you? You even caught up to the older students with ease… The Academy’s written exam only tests general knowledge, so it's not that difficult."
"Really? But I heard some people fail for years."
"Not everyone can afford to attend a private academy. I hear gifted children can sometimes get their tuition waived or pay it back after they find success. Otherwise, their only option is to study while they work. About a third of the applicants are people struggling to do just that."
Ah, I see. In this world, not everyone has the opportunity to study. Unless you are the child of a noble or a merchant, tuition is a major hurdle, and the number of private academies is limited to begin with. Ruria and I were born with quite a head start, it seems.
"What about the practical exam? What kind of test is it?"
"The practical is spellcasting, but if you can satisfactorily cast one spell, you'll almost certainly pass. If you can cast two, you'll pass with flying colors even if your written score is a little weak. In fact, I don't think there's ever been a child in the Academy's history who has mastered four spells before even enrolling, like you two have. I have no doubt they'll welcome you with open arms."
"Huh…"
What in the world? This is a total cakewalk. Hearing it was a difficult exam, I felt completely let down. It is not as if I was hoping for some perilous trial like a life-or-death battle against a skilled dark elf, but is it really okay for it to be this easy? That is my honest feeling.
Somewhat disappointed, I sat down on the bed in the children's room. On the same bed, Ruria was lying down, reading a book. She must have read every book in this room long ago, yet she still picks them up in her spare time and rereads them, never seeming to tire of it. As an occult enthusiast myself, I take pride in being a bit of a bibliomaniac, but Ruria’s obsession is a little extreme. She might be what you would call a true bibliophile.
"Then why did Father go out of his way to tell me to 'start preparing now'?"
As I murmured the question aloud, Maria answered with a knowing laugh. "Hee hee."
"He didn't mean you should prepare for getting into the Academy. He meant you should prepare for what comes after you get in."
As Maria said this, I heard a soft thump beside me. I looked over to see Ruria closing her book and sitting up, staring intently at Maria. It seemed she, too, had sensed something.
"Then could you tell us about these preparations for after we get into the Academy?"
"Very well. You should listen gratefully."
Maria puffed out her chest with a proud look. It is a gesture Ruria often does as well. As I thought about how they really are mother and daughter, I could not help but shed a tear at the fact that both of their chests drew a beautiful, straight line.
"Saki? Are you thinking something strange?"
When I came to my senses, a smiling Maria was peering at my face from up close. In stark contrast to her expression, her voice was utterly devoid of emotion, and an pathetic "Eek!" escaped my lips.
Seeking help, I glanced to my side, only to find Ruria staring at me with half-lidded eyes. Her gaze was dry and cold. Stop, please stop. Don't look at me with the same eyes you use on Dani-ojisan!
In the end, I spent the rest of the day trying to get back into their good graces, and I never did hear about the important preparations.
The stories Maria told me over the next few days were, in essence, all about the noble society of the Hanoku Kingdom.
The vast majority of students entering the Talgum Magic Academy come from the various private academies across the land. Naturally, this means that a considerable number of them are the children of nobles and powerful regional figures. As a result, the relationships of their parents and relatives cast a shadow over the students' own interactions, creating unavoidable ties that cannot be ignored in Academy life. The sins of the father are visited upon the son, as they say.
Ostensibly, while there is a hierarchy between school years, students within the same year are considered equal, regardless of whether they are noble or commoner. But whenever people form groups, cliques and factions inevitably emerge. In such cases, it is only natural for them to band together for reasons like their families being close or coming from the same region. It is also an easy-to-understand dynamic for the children of high-ranking nobles to become the central figures in these gatherings.
Currently, the nobles of the Hanoku Kingdom are largely divided into two groups: the "Royalist Faction," which seeks to unite the country under the King and the royal family, and the "Noble Faction," which emphasizes the autonomy of the aristocracy. In the terms of my previous life, the former would be centralists, and the latter, localists. While the two factions do not clash openly, they are apparently locked in a fierce struggle behind the scenes. Given that their goals are polar opposites, I suppose that is to be expected.
"Which side is our family on?"
"We are staunchly Royalist. We've been vassals since the king was just a minor lord around the capital, and our house was elevated to the nobility thanks to my aunt’s achievements in the war."
The kingdom’s unification war, fought between two coalitions of twelve city-states divided five to seven, ended when the five-city alliance led by the Hanoku royal family defeated the opposing seven-city alliance. After the war, the lords of the four cities that cooperated with the King of Hanoku were each ennobled as Marquises, and the vassals of the King and the Marquises were also granted titles and lands commensurate with their military exploits. Our Arcalai family is one of the noble houses newly created in this way.
However, as soon as the war ended, the Four Marquis Houses began to distance themselves from the center of political power. While they appeared to obediently follow the royal family on the surface, they colluded behind the scenes to prevent any further expansion of the King's authority and to strengthen their own power. Outwardly obedient, inwardly rebellious. They were once masters of their own domains, so I can understand the sentiment.
And so, for the thirty-odd years since the Hanoku Kingdom was founded, the Royalist and Noble factions have continued to vie for control, dividing the country. This conflict has even extended to the students studying at the Academy.
"That's why you need to know which child's family is Royalist and which is part of the Noble Faction, or unexpected problems can arise. Even with the merchant children, there are all sorts of issues depending on which nobles their parents are close to. You have a mountain of things to learn, you know?"
"I don't think that's something you should expect a six-year-old to do."
"What choice is there? You two have advanced so far ahead that the academy is running out of things to teach you. At this rate, you might just meet the graduation requirements before you even enroll. We were supposed to teach you this kind of noble etiquette gradually, when you were a little older."
Is this what they call a side effect of skipping grades? Or maybe it's like a child actor getting a glimpse of the adult world in the entertainment industry and developing serious personality issues. Since my mind is effectively over thirty, it does not bother me much, but it might be a bit too soon for Ruria. I should probably try to support her as much as I can.
Ruria herself seems uninterested, listening to Maria's explanation with her head resting on my shoulder. But I know the truth. Behind those half-lidded eyes that seem to be looking at nothing, her little grey cells are whirring away at a frightening processing speed, etching every word her mother says into her memory without a single mistake. She probably has no interest whatsoever in the affairs of nobles, but it is in her nature to absorb all knowledge presented to her, regardless.
Well, she is extremely quiet and painfully shy, so the opportunities to witness that exceptional memory and formidable intellect are few and far between.
"But this doesn't mean we shouldn't be friends with children from the Noble Faction, right? If trouble ever arises, we wouldn't even be able to negotiate a settlement without some connections."
"That's the thing, normal six-year-olds don't say things like that."
With a look of profound disappointment, Maria stood up from her chair and sat down on the bed with us. She then stole Ruria from my side and placed her on her own lap before pulling me close with her free hand and embracing me.
"Still, Saki, you really do take after your great-uncle. He was always like that, too, going around to all sorts of people to consult with them, asking favors, and having favors asked of him. Though most of it was just cleaning up the messes your great-aunt made."
Held in the arms of my wet nurse, Maria, for the first time in a long while, I thought about Maria's uncle—my paternal grandfather. He had passed away around the time Ruria and I were born, but in my mind, he is a certified saint for having been my grandmother’s husband.
"I wonder what Grandfather was like."
"He was a very gentle man. He always had a quiet smile on his face, and I never once saw him get angry."
No, no, I'm definitely nothing like him. To always be smiling while cleaning up after Grandma… it wouldn't be strange if he had been beatified even while he was alive. The temple should get on with canonizing my grandfather right away.
"…"
As Maria and I were talking, Ruria silently slid off Maria's lap. She squeezed herself into the space between us, hugged me, and then stared at her mother with a reproachful gaze. Maria looked at her daughter with a puzzled expression for a moment, then let out an exaggerated sigh. "Haaah," she said.
"Alright, alright, I'm not going to take him from you. Besides, Ruria, are you going to be alright? Once you're at the Academy, you'll be living in a dormitory, and the dorms are separated by gender, you know?"
"!?"
Right, of course, the Talgum Magic Academy is a boarding school. That makes sense. We are the exceptionally young ones; the other students are probably at an age where they are sensitive about such things. They obviously cannot have adolescent boys and girls living in the same space.
For Ruria, however, this was apparently a complete surprise. Her usually sleepy eyes went wide, and she stared at Maria's face as if to devour it. After a moment, she gave a faint shake of her head, tightened her grip on my arm, and declared, "Not going to the Academy."
"I am not going to a place like that. Neither am I, nor is Saki."
"Me too!?"
Swept up in her resolute declaration, my true voice slipped out in a shout. Maria was staring at me with wide eyes. She looked so much like Ruria had a moment ago that I nearly burst out laughing, but I somehow managed to hold it in. I tried to smooth things over with a theatrical cough, "Ahem," and attempted to correct the situation.
"It would be a problem if I couldn't go to the Academy. I'm going to succeed my father as the head of the Arcalai family one day, so I absolutely have to graduate."
"That's right, and if you don't graduate from the Academy, you can't become a magic user, and you'll be forbidden from using magic from now on. You want to become a magic user, don't you?"
Maria and I tried desperately to persuade her, but Ruria refused to meet our eyes, keeping her face down in silence. It seemed that in her mind, the Academy had been deemed a place not worth going to. This was troublesome. Once this childhood friend of mine makes up her mind, she has a stubborn streak and will not bend.
After that, Maria and I tried various approaches to change her mind, but by the end of the day, we still had not managed to make her nod in agreement.
In the end, our attempts to persuade Ruria would continue right up until the day we were to depart for the Academy.
A few days later, four young boys and girls gathered in the private academy’s magic practice grounds. There was me, Ruria, our senior and only friend at the academy, Roche-kun, and one other person.
It seemed Roche-kun had been training diligently with the Triple Circle Method I taught him, for he had rapidly improved his skills and surpassed the other senior students. And now, he had been chosen as one of the four students from our Arcalai academy to take the exam. I felt my efforts had been worthwhile. And then there was the other one.
"I-I am Isak, firstborn of Baronet Heim Begin. It is an honor to meet you again, Saki-sama, Ruria-sama."
The one greeting us, stiff with tension, was the last of the four examinees and the eldest among us, Isak-senpai. If I recall, he was four years older than Ruria and I, and one year older than Roche-kun.
With his rather square, slightly stern features and a height that could be mistaken for a middle schooler's, he had an imposing presence that did not seem like he was only ten or so. On the other hand, his greeting just now was in a high-pitched, pre-pubescent voice, creating a jarring gap. The fact that not just his shoes but his ankles were visible from under his robe was likely because his tailor could not keep up with his growth spurts. Now, now, Ruria-san, please stop hiding behind me and staring at him like he's some rare beast.
Isak-senpai was born into the family of a knight who serves a Count with close ties to our Arcalai family, but he is an oddity who chose the path of a magic user despite being the eldest son. His parents were apparently quite troubled by this, but seeing their son's firm resolve, they appealed to their lord, the Count, who introduced them to this private academy. From what I can see, his magical radiance is stronger than Roche-kun's, and since he was permitted to take the Academy exam, he must be an excellent student. Still, looking at his physique, I think he would have done just fine as a knight.
Knights in this world, or rather, in this country, are not so different from the knights I knew in my previous life. They are armed with armor, swords, and spears, ride on horseback, and serve as frontline commanders or a main military force, forming the core of the army. If there is a difference, it is that knight and noble are not necessarily synonymous. There are knights like Isak-senpai's Begin family, who have been granted a knighthood and a fief by a higher noble or the royal family, and there are also knights who are directly employed by a king or noble to serve as deputies or in military positions.
The former, though at the lowest rank below a baron, are legitimate nobles, while the latter are, technically, of the same status as commoners. Of course, even if that is the official stance, it is self-evident that someone who can call themselves "Sir So-and-so" is more distinguished than an ordinary commoner.
Incidentally, knights vastly outnumber magic users. The exact figures are unknown, but while there are said to be several hundred magic users in the entire Hanoku Kingdom, the number of knights is believed to reach the tens of thousands. Also, families like ours, the Arcalai, who are both magic users and nobles, are apparently very rare. I do not know why.
In any case, if the four of us can safely pass the entrance exam after the new year, we will become classmates. The reason we gathered like this was to deepen our friendship now so that we can get along as students from the same private academy after enrolling. The idea, of course, was mine. As came up in my conversation with Maria, the four of us will likely be spending a lot of time together as we are from the same academy. It is better to get acquainted now.
"The pleasure is all mine. Also, Isak-senpai, there's no need for such formalities with us. Please, just call me Saki, and her Ruria."
I spoke in a gentle tone with a smile, hoping to help the perpetually fidgety Isak-senpai relax. Hmm, déjà vu. I feel like I said the exact same thing when I first spoke with Roche-kun.
However, Isak-senpai's nervousness did not subside. He repeatedly fidgeted with his clasped hands in front of his robe, his gaze darting between me and Roche-kun. What's with him? Contrary to his appearance, he has a very small-animal feel to him. Perhaps he is quite timid on the inside. As I was thinking this, Roche-kun threw him a lifeline, looking as if he had no choice.
"I understand how you feel, Isak-san, but Saki would be happier if you just spoke normally. And Ruria doesn't care either way."
"Eh… but…"
Even with Roche-kun's support, Isak-senpai remained flustered. Seeing that we were getting nowhere, I joined the conversation a bit more forcefully.
"Is it really something to be so formal about? I am a viscount's son, but I'm not yet an adult, nor have I been officially named the heir. Besides, I'm the most junior student at the academy, am I not?"
"You may say that, but I am the son of a baron whose title is for one generation only, and Isak-san, while from a baronet family, is not the heir. That means he's a commoner. On the other hand, you, Saki, are the direct descendant of the Arcalai family and the future head of the viscounty. Moreover, in the very year you enrolled, you surpassed all the other students and mastered your fourth spell. It's asking the impossible to tell us not to use formal language. To be honest, some of the students have taken to calling you 'Young Master'."
"Th-that's, right."
Tragic news. It seems I was thought of as some kind of mentor who disciplines students by saying things like, "If it doesn't hurt, you won't learn." When I pressed them for details, I learned that since Roche-kun's skills had improved so rapidly after he started talking with us (mainly me), the other students began to whisper that "Roche improved because the Young Master taught him." Well, I did teach him the Triple Circle Method and all, but still…
While I was at it, I decided to ask about something that had been on my mind.
"I understand about myself, but what about Ruria? She's a relative of the Arcalai family, but she's a commoner. Is there really a need to add '-sama' to her name?"
At my question, Roche-kun and Isak-senpai looked at each other. With the height difference, it was a rather heartwarming scene. After a moment, Isak-senpai explained, albeit haltingly.
"W-well, Ruria-sama is, everyone says she is, Master Ester's successor."
"She is the one who will inherit the title of 'The Witch' and become the leader of the Arcalai faction, you see. Though she herself is likely unaware of it."
So that is it. I turned around and looked at Ruria, who was still clinging to my back. With her usual sleepy eyes, she simply tilted her head, a question mark floating on her face. Yep, she understands, but she doesn't care one bit, this one.
Lately, through studying about nobles and the state of the kingdom, I have come to understand something. The power our Arcalai family wields is immense, far beyond what one would expect from a mere viscounty.
As a noble house, the Arcalai family is not particularly remarkable. We are an average viscount family in the kingdom, with our main territory in Arcalai Village and a few scattered exclaves. We are reasonably wealthy due to the position of Royal Magic Advisor, but there are countless higher-ranking nobles with larger territories and greater fortunes.
However, our family also has the aspect of being "masters of magic," and it is this fact that grants us such tremendous influence in the Hanoku Kingdom.
Of the several hundred magic users currently active in the Hanoku Kingdom, an astonishing half of them are students of my grandmother or students of her fellow disciples. Magic users are said to have a strong independent streak, but the relationship between master and disciple is a different matter. And all these magic users respect, and in some cases, even worship, my grandmother, and would not hesitate to lend their aid should the need arise.
Magic users in this world hold high status, and their combat abilities are feared by all. They are a far superior military force to knights, as evidenced by the fact that the Royal Magic Corps is said to be the kingdom's strongest. My grandmother stands at the pinnacle of this massive faction that dominates the world of magic users, and with her backing, my father holds significant weight in the court as the Royal Magic Advisor. To put it bluntly, our Arcalai family is a house that even the royal family would not want to make an enemy of.
And it is the top position of this "Arcalai faction," as it is called, that everyone around us expects Ruria to one day assume. In my past life, it would be like the grandchild of a major corporation's chairman joining the company as a new employee. That comparison is a little too on the nose. Given the circumstances, it is no wonder that Isak-senpai and Roche-kun, who are not even full-fledged employees but still in training, feel so intimidated.
"Well, well, they say once we're in the Academy, there's no distinction between nobles and commoners. So for now, let's just try to be more casual."
"Do you have any idea how much of an unreasonable thing you're asking? Though I've gotten quite used to it."
"I-I'll do my best."
Hmm, Isak-senpai is still so stiff. Compared to him, Roche-kun has adapted so well. I feel like his treatment of Ruria and me has become a bit casual lately, but I find it comfortable in its own way. A friend should be at this kind of distance, after all.
Well, there is still some time before we enter the Academy, and by then, maybe Isak-senpai will be able to interact with us more casually. I was able to hear from the two of them how Ruria and I are perceived by others, so I would say the "Let's Get Closer as Fellow Examinees" operation is off to a decent start, wouldn't you?
No matter what, friends from your student days are precious even when you grow up, and they will become an invaluable network for me when I inherit the viscounty in the future. Besides, I have that other goal in mind, so I am starting to get excited about what lies ahead.
All that is left is to persuade Ruria, who is glaring at the three of us as we talk about our lives after enrolling in the Academy, looking thoroughly displeased. Really, what am I going to do…
The pleasant autumn passed, and a real winter arrived. The Noble District, usually quiet and far removed from any clamor, began to fill with that unique, bustling atmosphere as the year's end drew near.
As our Arcalai manor also grew busy with preparations to welcome the new year, I began my final preparations for taking the Academy exam: making my rounds to say goodbye. Once I pass the entrance exam, I will be living in the Academy dorms for several years, and I will not be returning to the royal capital during that time. Before that, I wanted to visit the people who have helped me so far to express my gratitude and bid them farewell.
The first place I visited was the Dalet Trading Company, run by the father of Hanna, my and Ruria's maid. The company president, Seda-san, must have been incredibly busy at this time of year, but Hanna had arranged the meeting for me, so I was able to see him without any trouble.
Seda-san was overjoyed to hear that Ruria and I were taking the Academy exam and was so eager that he even offered to give us a graduation gift. I politely declined, of course, but since I plan to continue relying on the Dalet Trading Company, I asked him to lend me his strength when needed, even after I go to the Academy.
My original goal of researching magic has aspects that require various resources. To acquire the various ritual implements used in ceremonies and magic weapons like my Fire Short Sword and Ruria's Water Chalice, the existence of a trustworthy trading company is a blessing. My research is currently on hold due to the upcoming exam, but I have a mountain of things I want to try with magic experiments, so I hope to maintain a good relationship with them in the future.
The next place I visited was the Central Temple. My purpose was to say goodbye to Laila-san, the librarian.
From Laila-san, I was able to hear about the Great Library at the Academy. As befits an academy with such a long history, its Great Library houses books on not only magic but all fields of knowledge, and its scale is said to be incomparable to the temple's library.
"I'd love to go myself, but only students and graduates are allowed in the Academy's library, you see."
To a disappointed Laila-san, I promised that I would tell her all about the real Great Library when I returned to the capital. Of course, Ruria would be with me at that time. Isn't it obvious? I brought her with me today, didn't I? I wouldn't go to see you alone, so could you please stop glaring at me? Yes.
And so, with my preparations to take the Academy exam completed without a hitch, Ruria and I welcomed the new year and turned seven years of age.
One morning, sometime after the new year had begun, many people were bustling about in the courtyard of the Arcalai manor since early in the morning, preparing for departure in the crisp winter air. Today was the day we would set off for the Academy to take our exams.
Just like when we went to Arcalai Village, a carriage was parked in the courtyard, being loaded with various luggage. What was different from last time was that there were two carriages prepared, and Roche-kun, Isak-senpai, and even their parents were here at the manor.
As we were the examinees from our family's private academy, the four of us were to travel to the Academy together in carriages provided by our house. The Arcalai family was also covering our accommodation expenses there. The parents of the two boys were here to thank us, to see their sons off, and to offer New Year's greetings, which is why they had visited the manor so early in the morning. They would probably have various discussions inside the manor after we departed.
I was introduced to them and greeted both sets of parents. Roche-kun's father, Baron Lamed, was a portly, middle-aged man, while Isak-senpai's father, Baronet Begin, was a robust man who looked every bit a knight. Both of them politely asked me to look after their sons. I wondered why they were asking me, but I suppose it cannot be helped given my position. When the four of us stand together, Isak-senpai looks for all the world like an older brother leading his younger classmates, though.
And then there was my childhood friend, Ruria, who today, as always, made no effort to hide her displeasure. It seems she finally agreed to go to the Academy at the very last minute, as she was here with us. I asked Maria with my eyes, "How did you convince her?" but all I got in return was an exhausted look and the reply, "It's better if you don't ask." She probably is not truly convinced. I will have to appease her with some sweets and quell her anger sooner rather than later.
As these thoughts were running through my head, it seemed the preparations for departure were complete. Just like last time, the male servants of our house mounted their horses to serve as the carriage's escort. I spotted Nathan-san among them again this time, and when our eyes met, he gave a slight nod in acknowledgment. Are soldiers really that free? No, this must be our grandmother or father pulling some strings. Thank you for your hard work, truly, every time.
We each boarded our respective carriages, and the coachman, Yoram-san, called out and cracked the reins. At the same time, the carriages began to move, and we set off on our journey to the Talgum Magic Academy.
What about Dani, you ask? Oh, Maria turned him into a statue first thing.
Last time, I said the story was moving to a new stage, but in the end, we couldn't leave the royal capital. This time, the setting will finally shift to the Academy, so please don't give up on me.