Chapter 55 - The Magic Geek Make A Hasty Promise
"I can see it now. That is the city of Meirave, where we will be staying tonight."
Just as the sun was beginning to dip lower in the sky, Professor Azadh spoke while looking back over his shoulder (which is to say, in the direction the carriage was traveling). We vied for position, sticking our heads out of the left and right windows to watch the city walls, shining brilliantly as they caught the evening sun, rapidly draw closer.
I have heard that the city of Meirave is northwest of Talgum Magic Academy and serves as the heart of Sheraha County. We have been traveling through territory under the direct control of the Royal Family ever since leaving the Academy, but from here on, we will be heading north through the domains of other nobles. Hmm? Wait a second.
"Professor. If that is the city of Meirave, then this is already the Count's domain, isn't it? I don't recall there being any checkpoints along the way."
That's right. During our journey so far, I don't remember this carriage stopping even once, excluding breaks. Normally, when traveling along such highways, there are checkpoints at the borders between territories to verify identities and collect tolls.
In response to my question, Professor Azadh showed a moment of contemplation with a "Humph," and after a brief pause, he answered me.
"Count Sheraha is a schoolmate and confidant of His Majesty the Current King—in other words, a close associate among close associates. Likely to make it clear that he harbors no duplicity (T/N: nishin, meaning 'two hearts' or 'treachery') toward the Royal Family, he has chosen not to establish checkpoints."
I see. No, I don't "I see" at all. Noam, Devora, don't you guys nod with those "Huh, so that's how it is" faces either.
Certainly, from the Count's perspective, not turning away those coming from the direction of the Royal Capital might be a proof of loyalty. However, a checkpoint between the County and the direct-controlled territory also serves the role of inspecting those coming down the Northern Highway from the north toward the Royal Capital. It would be inconvenient for the Royal Family if no checkpoint were placed there.
"Speaking from the perspective of a merchant, there is no doubt that the absence of checkpoints is a great help."
Eli-san stated this modestly, with her usual lack of confidence. Eli-san is an excellent student who entered the Academy almost entirely on her academic ability, so I think she could afford to have a bit more confidence. Between our Isak and Eli-san, is there some law in this world that people with large builds become timid?
Returning to the topic, as Eli-san said, the absence of checkpoints surely helps travelers, starting with merchants. They don't have to be kept waiting every single time to verify their identities, and the tolls collected at every checkpoint are nothing to sneeze at. I've also heard that depending on the lord's circumstances, caravans carrying specific goods or armed travelers might be denied passage. It's like those things I learned in history class in my previous life, like "cargo blocking" or "incoming guns and outgoing women" (T/N: iri-deppou ni de-onna, a reference to Edo-period border controls).
"Even if it's not quite at the level of the Academy City, this city looks like it has a huge amount of people coming and going."
Noam, who was still leaning out the window looking at the city, said this as he pulled his face back into the carriage. Certainly, as we approached the city of Meirave, the number of people traveling the highway increased, and the Academy carriage had slowed its pace from its usual abnormal speed to a leisurely walk. Given the hour, few people were coming out of the city, but at the city gate where the Northern Highway continued, a line of people waiting their turn to enter the city had formed.
"Meirave is a strategic point where the roads from the noble territories to the north and west merge into the Northern Highway. It may not reach the level of the Academy City, but it flourishes greatly as a city of commerce."
The Professor added his commentary with an expression that suggested it was only natural. Combining this with Eli-san's earlier remark, the high number of visitors likely also relates to the lack of checkpoints between here and the Royal Capital.
"Speaking of Count Sheraha, he is the lord served by the father of Isak-san, who is on good terms with Saki-sama."
"I hear the Count himself is also close with Lord Arcalai."
Noam and Devora shared what they knew about Count Sheraha. Ho-ho, so not only is he a heavyweight of the Kingdom, but he also has deep ties with our House Arcalai.
"In arranging for our lodging here in Meirave, Count Sheraha has been of immense help. Furthermore, he has made various arrangements for our journey thus far and for the road ahead. You all should be sure to thank the Count in your hearts, understood? Ah, though Saki and Ruria are exceptions."
"? Professor, what do you mean by that?"
I immediately asked Professor Azadh back. Ruria was also staring at the Professor with dubious eyes. What he just said sounded as if Ruria and I didn't need to thank the Count. In response to my question, the Professor answered with a wicked smile while stroking his goatee.
"Having received this much help, we cannot simply pass through the Count's doorstep. We shall spend the night at the inn, and tomorrow, I shall take you, Ruria, and a few others to pay our respects. You two shall offer your thanks to the Count directly there."
The moment I heard that, I groaned "Ugeh" internally. Looking over, Ruria's usual half-lidded eyes were also clouded. Not only meeting one of the most important people in the Kingdom, but saying thanks too? Don't ask the impossible of a seven-year-old child.
"Don't make such a disgusted face. One way or another, you would have eventually had to go pay your respects to the Count, led by Levi. Isn't it easier to get it over with now, while you won't be strictly questioned on etiquette?"
The Professor set about persuading me in a somewhat amused tone. Eh, was it showing on my face? Is my poker face that bad, or is the Professor just that good at reading my expression? However, what Professor Azadh said certainly made sense. Since I will eventually inherit the title of Viscount anyway, there's no harm in gaining experience in these kinds of situations from now on. It's also true that even if I were to make a blunder now, it would likely be forgiven with a "Well, he's just a child."
And so, the carriage carrying two reluctant individuals ignored the line at the city gate and entered the city of Meirave on a "face pass." The Academy's prestige is insane, seriously.
The next morning. After finishing breakfast at the inn, Ruria and I, led by Professor Azadh, had arrived in front of the Count's castle. Count Sheraha's castle was located in the center of the city of Meirave, a grand structure equipped with a moat and walls. As far as could be seen from the outside, it didn't look like a "castle-like castle" with many spires like the Royal Castle, but rather like a grand mansion. Of course, compared to the Arcalai mansion in the Royal Capital, it was far larger and more luxurious. It might be better to call it a palatial residence.
Even so, the moat, which seemed to draw water from a river, was wide enough that even an adult would find it difficult to jump across, and the walls surrounding the residence in a square were thick and high. It was even equipped with watchtowers at the four corners and beside the gate. It was fair to say it was built to withstand practical use should a war occur.
Waiting in front of the drawbridge leading to the castle gate, Ruria and I were wearing the "going-out" robes we had brought just in case. They were made of slightly high-quality fabric and had our family crest on the chest. Professor Azadh was in his usual robe, but he had a badge or insignia-like object attached to his chest. It was a horizontal rectangle with four stars on it. It felt like a military rank insignia.
"Professor, that insignia on your chest is different from the one I saw before, isn't it?"
"That's because that one was from when I was in the military. This is a decoration indicating a magician's Echelon. You all will also receive one with a number of stars corresponding to your Echelon once you graduate from the Academy. I don't usually wear such a thing, but in a case like this, I must."
Ah, so this is the rank insignia worn by magicians. When I asked the Professor in detail, it seems it is indeed called an Echelon Insignia rather than a rank insignia. But if that's the case, does it mean there are effectively only four levels for a magician's Echelon Insignia (excluding my grandmother)? I bet there are voices calling for more subdivision.
While I was thinking about such things, Ruria, who was next to me, tugged on my sleeve. Noticing, I saw a group dressed in robes similar to ours approaching. At the lead was Professor Neri, whom I had spoken with briefly the other day, along with Professor Hazza and Professor Gitai. The students were Roche, Isak, Lady Elisha, and Yuli. What, it's the usual crowd. Though there's one extra mixed in.
"Everyone is here. Now then, we shall go pay our respects to the Count."
Professor Azadh declared this and waved his hand toward the towers on either side of the gate. A sentry must have been watching; the sound of metal grinding could be heard from the other side of the wall, and the thick chains that had been holding up the drawbridge extended, lowering it. Once the bridge was fully lowered and the moat could be crossed, the castle gates slowly opened inward. While walking across the drawbridge and passing through the gate, I approached Roche and spoke to him.
"Roche, were you called because of your father after all?"
"Yes, my father has a long-standing acquaintance with the Count. Even after he began serving at the Royal Palace, the Count has helped him in many ways."
"It's the same for Isak, right? Was Isak's father knighted by the Count?"
"N-no. Directly from the King. B-but, he usually works in the Count's k-knights."
Ah, I see. Isak's father is a Knight who also holds territory, but he is, so to speak, assigned under the Count's command. Or perhaps it's closer to the yorioya-yoriko (T/N: patron-client) relationship of the Sengoku period.
"In that case, what about Lady Elisha? Is it also due to your father's connections?"
"No, it is not as if our house is particularly close with the Count. However, since you all are going to pay your respects, I thought I would join you."
Lady Elisha answered while hiding her mouth with the sleeve of her robe, looking somewhat embarrassed. Well, I suppose so. If the sons of Viscounts, Barons, and Knights are coming to pay their respects, it might create unnecessary friction if the daughter of a Marquis house did not.
"I am the same. My older brother will inherit House Marquis Katzir, so there is not much significance in me paying my respects, but I cannot allow our house to be slandered as lacking in manners. Besides, it is not a bad thing to gain the acquaintance of His Excellency the Count on this occasion."
Yuli chimed in from the side, brushing up his hair as usual. I didn't ask you, was about to pop out of my mouth for a second, but I suppressed it. We have already stepped inside the castle gate; I cannot show a shameful display.
"Hey, keep the idle chatter to that. Our reception has already arrived."
Directing my gaze forward at Professor Azadh's cautionary voice, I saw the doors of the residence open and an elderly man wearing black butler's attire emerge. Several women in maid uniforms followed behind him, splitting to the left and right to form a line on the stairs leading to the residence doors. Ooh, to think I'd see such a sight in reality. As expected, the reception of a high-ranking noble is on another level.
"The professors and students of Talgum Magic Academy, I presume. Please, this way. My master is waiting for you."
Bending his perfectly straight back, the man who seemed to be a butler (or perhaps a seneschal, since this is the castle of a domain) showed an elegant bow and invited us in. Turning around, there was no opening even in his back as he led the way. Who was it that said the quality of the servants represents the status of the master of the house? Experiencing it in person, it feels like that's exactly right.
With Professor Azadh at the lead, the professors went first, followed by us students up the stairs and into the mansion. Seeing the maids on both sides bow their heads in unison as we climbed the stairs, my excitement shot through the roof. However, I must not look away. I can see it now: if I were to even glance at the maids, Ruria, who was clinging to my arm, would dig her nails in (physically).
I fixed my gaze forward with all my might and silently followed the professors' backs. The group, led by the butler, passed through a spacious entrance hall and proceeded down a corridor decorated with paintings hanging on the walls and elaborate vases. Good grief, it's a world of difference from our House Arcalai's mansion. Count and Viscount—the ranks differ by only one, yet the disparity looks overwhelming.
Well, this can't be helped. Our house is modest in all things regarding luxury, and Count Sheraha is no ordinary Count. The trust of the Royal Family, the possession of the strategic point of Meirave, economic favors like the removal of checkpoints, and the ownership of a knight order. What these indicate is that Count Sheraha is effectively a Margrave.
A Margrave is a noble rank said to be the origin of the Marquis in my previous life; it refers to a Count who possesses vast territories on the nation's periphery and maintains their own military force. Their raison d'être is to be the first to stand against invasions from abroad. It is precisely because they bear this heavy responsibility that Margraves are treated as higher in rank than other Counts and are considered equal to Marquises.
While Lady Elisha's House Shamir and Yuli's House Katzir hold territories at the edges of the Kingdom and are in a position to prepare for foreign threats, they are simultaneously potential opposing forces to the Royal Family. Count Sheraha has likely been entrusted with this land as a Margrave in the sense of protecting the Royal Capital from those Four Marquis Houses.
While walking down the mansion's corridor thinking about such things, the seneschal eventually guided us to a room near the entrance. It was a spacious room approaching the size of the entrance hall, with a fireplace burning quietly in the back. The four walls were brilliantly colored with paintings and various tapestries, and the floor... is that polished marble? Several high-quality-looking sofas with cushions were placed against the walls, and to my surprise, there was even a piano! Are you serious? This is the first time I've seen something like a piano since coming to this world. Haah, the Count is truly wealthy.
"Now then, everyone, please feel free to sit and wait for a moment. My master shall arrive shortly."
The seneschal announced this and left the room, leaving us behind. I instinctively looked toward the professors, and I saw Professor Azadh, who had turned around, flinch slightly. He was probably surprised that everyone's gaze was concentrated on him. That was the atmosphere.
"Ah—it likely won't be long, so we shall all wait standing. When the Count enters the room, everyone bow your heads. Do not be slow."
No sooner had the Professor finished saying that than the sound of the room's door opening was heard again. I instantaneously lowered my head, fixing my gaze on my feet so as not to look directly at the master of the mansion. The sound of hard leather shoes treading on the marble floor echoed, and when it eventually stopped, a calm voice rang out.
"Ah, everyone, please raise your heads and make yourselves comfortable."
One must not hurriedly raise their head here. In noble society, to show respect to a superior, a gesture is required where one waits with their head lowered even after being spoken to the first time. It is only after being told to raise one's head a second time that one is finally permitted to behold the other's face. Don't say it's tedious; when having an audience with the King, this is repeated twice.
"No, no, please do not be so formal; I would like you to raise your heads."
The voice came again, and after taking a full breath, I raised my head. Standing before us was an elderly man wearing a cloak over a long tunic. The cloak was decorated with various embroideries in gold thread, and particularly around the neck and upper arms, luxurious band-like patterns were sewn in as if encircling them. Gleaming from the tunic sleeves peeking out from under the cloak were what appeared to be silver buttons. His trousers were not visible due to the ankle-length cloak, but his feet were clad in slender leather shoes polished without a single blemish. Taking a quick look, it was formal wear that would be no problem even if he were to attend court just like this.
The Count himself had a gentle countenance, and his receding blonde hair was noticeably mixed with white. Perhaps because we were indoors, he did not seem to be wearing any headgear. Softening his cheeks, which were etched with many wrinkles, the Count smiled at us.
"At ease, at ease. I am old, so I shall take a seat, but you all may also sit on the nearby sofas."
Saying so, the Count sat in the chair that seemed to be the seat of honor near the fireplace. Wondering what to do, I glanced at the professors, and with a brief "Then, if you'll excuse us," Professor Azadh sat on the sofa closest to the Count. The remaining professors sat on the same sofa, and we students somehow ended up standing in a line behind that sofa.
"First, Count, I cannot thank you enough for the wide-ranging assistance you have provided for the Academy on this occasion. On behalf of the Academy Head, I, Ahab Azadh, have come once again to offer our thanks."
"Not at all, not at all. If it is a request from none other than the Commander, I shall do whatever I can. Oh, but you had already retired from the military, hadn't you? Should I have called you Excellency Baron Azadh?"
Professor Azadh took the lead in offering words of thanks to the Count, but the Count lightly brushed it off with a joke. Still, it seems "Commander-teasing" directed at the Professor is a staple even in the upper class. Is the image of when he was a Division Commander that strong, or is it thought that his current role as a professor doesn't suit him? Probably both.
"Please spare me the 'Baron.' It is like a tip for someone who served in the military until this age and then retired; it adds no prestige. I would much rather have my pension increased than such a thing."
The Count laughed at the Professor's retort, and the Professor laughed along with him. Oh, Professor Azadh and the Count seem to be on quite friendly terms. Since I was meeting a heavyweight of the Kingdom, I had honestly approached this with a considerable sense of tension, but a very relaxed atmosphere was drifting about from the start, which was convenient. At this rate, even if there's a bit of a failure, it looks like it'll be laughed off and overlooked.
"We are truly grateful to the Count for even arranging the inn where our group is staying. And at such a high-class inn at that..."
"No, no, normally I should have entertained you at this castle residence. However, even this mansion does not have the preparations to host such a large number of people. Rather, I must apologize for the circumstance of having you stay dispersed here and there."
Well, I suppose that's true. Professors and first-years, over forty people in total. For this many people to stay, no matter how large this mansion is, there would surely be a shortage of beds. Also, since they're entrusting those luxurious Academy carriages, it would be impossible unless it was a reliable, high-class inn.
"That aside, Professor Azadh, would you mind introducing your companions?"
"Oh, my apologies. Well then, first, Professor Abishai Neri. He is an exceptionally brilliant professor even within the Academy..."
"I am Neri. I hope this finds the Count in good health. I am truly... for your assistance with our Academy's off-campus activities on this occasion..."
In that manner, the self-introductions of the members participating this time began. The professors each briefly stated their names, then offered their thanks to the Count before passing it to the next person. The Count nodded magnanimously to each, returning only a word or two. Well, the Count is likely busy, so these formal greetings have to be done speedily.
"Also, I have brought a few students with me today. Saki and Ruria, your greetings."
Oops, just when I thought the professors were finished, it's suddenly me. And since Ruria was named as a set, it means I'm supposed to speak for Ruria too. I pulled Ruria's hand and stepped forward to a position next to the professors' sofa, not too far out, and introduced myself to the Count.
"I am extremely honored to be granted an audience with Your Excellency the Count. I am Saki, the eldest son of House Viscount Arcalai. This is Ruria Sharon, a relative of our house. We are truly grateful for the immense support you have provided to the Academy and to us on this occasion."
Saying so, I bowed deeply. Beside me, I felt the presence of Ruria giving a quick bow. When I raised my head, the Count was gazing at us with the smile of a kindly old man.
"I have heard rumors of you two. They say you are about to snatch the title of 'Greatest Genius since the Academy's founding' from that Ester-dono. As expected of those who follow the Arcalai lineage."
The Count said this looking to be in a good mood, then changed his tone slightly and spoke as if leaning in.
"Actually, one of my granddaughters might be taking the Academy entrance exam around next year. If she successfully passes, would you mind looking out for her?"
"Yes, I would be happy to."
I answered that reflexively. It's fine, right? The Count is said to be close with my father, and looking after a junior isn't that big of a deal. No, wait, a granddaughter means her dormitory would be different from mine, so if our school years are different, we'll have almost no contact, won't we? Shoot, that might have been a bit of a glib promise.
Then, I felt my arm being pulled with a tug. Looking over, in her usual expressionless face, there was a faint look of displeasure, as if she were reproaching me. Ah, I see, even though many people were to follow us in greeting, I talked a bit too much with the Count.
I bowed to the Count once more and silently moved behind Roche and the others. For some reason, I feel like the strength in Ruria's hand grasping my arm has been strangely intense for a while now. I peeked at her out of the corner of my eye, but her expression was already back to normal. What is it, did something bother her?
While listening to Professor Azadh's voice introducing Lady Elisha, I pondered over the state of this childhood friend's temper.
And so, the audience with the Count concluded without any particular problems (except for Yuli trying to give a long-winded self-introduction as usual and being silenced by Professor Azadh). The Count must indeed be busy, as he exited the room promptly. The seneschal entered the room again, and under his lead, we headed toward the mansion's entrance.
While being seen off by the lines of maids just as when we arrived, we crossed the drawbridge again and went outside the castle residence. Watching the bridge being pulled up by the chains, we (including the professors) all rejoiced at the release from tension with various gestures, thinking, "Ah—it's over."
"Now then, let us hurry back to the inn and prepare for departure. If we do not reach the next city today, we shall end up moving up the schedule and doing camping training."
After stretching out the stiffness in our shoulders for a bit, at Professor Azadh's declaration, we quickly split up according to the inns we stayed at last night and began walking. Even if it's decided that we'll do it eventually, I want to postpone sleeping outdoors as much as possible if I can. Everyone must have been thinking the same thing; their pace was as fast as the wind.
"Even so, Saki, you're quite the smooth one."
On the way back to the inn, I heard Professor Azadh mutter that under his breath. I thought about it for a bit but nothing came to mind, so I asked back, "What do you mean by that?"
"It's fine if you don't understand."
The profile of Professor Azadh as he answered was, how should I put it, relaxed in an unpleasant way. To put it bluntly, he was smirking.
"Ow."
Pain shot through my upper arm, and I reflexively looked to the side. In Ruria's eyes, the look of displeasure had returned. Eh, why? Did I do something?
The Professor did nothing but smirk, and Ruria remained silent as usual. There was no one to answer the question in my heart, and in the end, Ruria's mood did not improve until we returned to the inn and resumed our journey.
Later, when I was told by Professor Azadh that the Count's request had indirectly carried the meaning of "How about taking my granddaughter as a bride?", I could do nothing but fall into a speechless daze.
As I reported the other day, the first volume of "Magic Otaku's Magic Revolution" will be released on February 25th. I was late because of the work for that, but I managed to post a new episode. I will continue to post in parallel with the books, so thank you for your support.