19 - Maid and Mentor
Ray visited the conference room after being summoned by Julius. His face was quite dissatisfied. Every day, Ray operated on a detailed schedule he had set for himself. Sudden summons like this disrupted that schedule, making it impossible to complete the training and study he needed to get through. That was the source of his frustration.
"I cannot refuse a summons from Julius-sama, but I am quite busy, you know,"
"Ah, my apologies. There is just something I want to investigate,"
"Something you want to investigate? In other words, an interrogation, right?"
"It is not something so exaggerated. Just a bit of confirmation,"
Julius said so, but the state of the conference room was quite exaggerated. There were four armed knights inside the room. Furthermore, Ray noticed that several others were guarding the exit outside the door.
"Well, fine. Please start quickly,"
"Yes. The person in charge has not arrived yet, but shall we start with what we can?"
"...Yes,"
Ray was surprised to find that Julius was not the one conducting the interrogation.
"Now, open your mouth,"
"Excuse me?"
"Could you open your mouth for a moment?"
"Hah,"
He did not know what the point was, but Ray opened his mouth as told.
"A bit more, your lips..."
With that, Ray understood what Julius wanted to investigate.
"Are you perhaps trying to see my teeth?"
"...Well,"
"Please just say so from the start. Here, is this alright?"
"...They look normal,"
"Are you only now doing that part of the interrogation? I thought you had already done it,"
"That is true. But I wanted to check once more,"
"Can the effects of becoming a subordinate manifest after so many days have passed?"
"I have never heard of such a thing,"
"Then, why?"
"That is difficult to say. In any case, it became necessary to investigate once more. That is all,"
"Hah. What is next?"
"Your skin color, perhaps,"
"You have already seen it, haven't you?"
"That is true... Ah, here he comes,"
The person who opened the door and entered the room was a man clad in a black robe.
"Well then, shall we begin immediately?"
The man took his seat without saying a word about being late and suddenly began to chant.
"O power of light dwelling within me. With thy pure light, illuminate this one and reveal their true form unto me. Judgment!"
Rings of light emitted from the man's both hands illuminated Ray's body from top to bottom.
(A CT scan? Or was it an MRI?)
Though the shape was quite different, seeing the rings slowly pass over him reminded Ray of hospital examinations. However, while he was thinking about that, another part of Ray was desperately dodging the man's magic as it extended from the rings of light to search his body, ensuring it did not touch his own magic. Since he did not understand the logic, he did not want the traces of Kamiira's magic remaining in his body to be detected.
"...There is a reaction,"
At the man's muttered words, the surrounding knights all became agitated at once. Some knights had already drawn their swords from their waists.
"To what extent?"
"Less than last time. In other words, it is the same as a knight returning from the battlefield,"
"I wish you had said that first,"
At the man's words, Julius and the other knights seemed to lose their tension all at once. On the other hand, Ray was internally quite shaken by the man's mention of "last time." Without letting that agitation show, he asked the man with a nonchalant face.
"In the end, what does this mean?"
"Ah, a slight reaction of a demon was felt from your body. But it was slight. It is a reaction often seen in those who have fought demons on the battlefield. Knights who have been bathed in demon blood or touched strong magic show such reactions. And that reaction gradually fades over time,"
"In other words, I am innocent. Well, I already knew that myself,"
"Well, I suppose so,"
"Was it intentional that you said it so suggestively?"
"Hmph. An examination has already been performed once. Why must it be redone? It was simply too boring and pointless, so I just spiced it up a bit,"
"Hah, I see,"
"Well then, I shall be going. Is that acceptable?"
"Yes, thank you for your hard work,"
After obtaining approval from Julius in an atmosphere that brooked no argument, the man quickly left the room.
"Who was that person?"
"He belongs to the Mage Corps,"
"In other words, he is a subordinate of Julius-sama, right?"
Julius was the Vice Commander of the Mage Corps. Everyone except the Commander was a subordinate.
"That is correct,"
"Pardon me, but his attitude did not seem like that at all,"
"Mages are all like that. Especially high-ranking mages. They are all eccentrics who have no interest in anything other than research. Their social skills are practically non-existent,"
"Even so, is that really alright, acting like that toward the Vice Commander?"
"I am not very skilled in magic. I am looked down upon,"
"But you are the Vice Commander, right?"
"The reason I became Vice Commander is thanks to my administrative abilities. As I said, the higher up you go, the more you find people who are essentially incompetent at anything other than magic. Someone like me who can handle paperwork is highly valued,"
"Highly valued, huh..."
In short, the tedious administrative work was pushed onto Julius alone, while the other people immersed themselves in their own research.
"This is not a very pleasant topic for me,"
"Ah, sorry,"
The reason Julius became Vice Commander was not only due to his administrative abilities, but also the influence of his family, which had produced excellent mages for generations. However, for Julius, this had become a strong complex. He knew that people spoke ill of him, saying he only had the position thanks to his family lineage despite having no magical skill. Therefore, Julius harbored ambitions for national politics. He wished to be involved in the administration of the state as a high-ranking civil official. Being put in charge of the Heroes was, for Julius, a perfect opportunity to create a stepping stone toward becoming a high official.
"Anyway, the suspicion against Kamui-kun has been cleared. Although, that leaves a problem remaining,"
If she had not been hit by Charm, where did Cecil's attitude come from? As her superior, this was a headache for Julius.
"A problem?"
"That is a matter for us. It should have no effect on Kamui-kun... presumably,"
"Somehow... well, whatever. Can I return to my room now?"
"Can we talk for a bit? I have something to consult with you about,"
"I do not mind, but..."
Having detained Ray, Julius told the knights in the room to return to their posts. Only Ray and Julius remained in the room.
"It is about the Hero, Fumiya-sama,"
"Hah,"
"Do you perhaps really hate him?"
Seeing Ray grimace overtly, Julius asked. He had thought that hating the Hero was half a pretense, but Ray's reaction did not seem that way at all.
"We cannot get along. If possible, I do not want to be near him,"
"Why to that extent?"
"He can only think of things based on his own values and his own convenience. That is how it felt to me. Being near a person like that only leads to pain. Moreover, the person himself often remains unscathed,"
"You analyzed him quite thoroughly. You have only spoken to him once, right?"
"Twice. If you include the time during transport, three times. Rather than speaking, it was more like I was unilaterally forced to listen to him,"
In reality, it was precisely because they had been quite close in their original world that he understood his personality so well, but that was not something he could tell Julius.
"This is troublesome. It has become difficult to consult you,"
"I cannot make any judgment unless I hear the story,"
"That is true. I hear that Fumiya-sama is saying that Kamui-kun should be a companion for the demons,"
"A companion?"
The Hero had taken the bait perfectly. Without letting his inner thoughts show at all, Ray continued the conversation.
"A conversation partner. Apparently, it is because it would be lonely to be alone in a dungeon. That seems to be the reason,"
"Dungeons are usually like that, aren't they?"
"Well, yes,"
"Surely you are not going to accept that?"
The fact that he was telling him meant he intended to accept it. Knowing this, Ray still voiced the question.
"I intend to. Provided I can get His Majesty's approval,"
"Do you go to such lengths to accommodate the Hero?"
"He is asking for even more unreasonable things. He is even saying to prepare a room for him within the castle,"
"I see. By granting requests that seem harmless, you are buying time,"
"Yes. Your intuition is as sharp as ever,"
"But it will not end with me just being a conversation partner, will it?"
This was Ray's concern. Fumiya would definitely try to use him. It was not that it would cause a problem, but simply that dealing with him would be tedious.
"Undoubtedly. First, he will ask what kind of conversations we had. I wonder what he will ask next?"
"To introduce him. How much he is worried, or what his personality is like,"
"So that is how it goes. And finally, he will ask to be allowed to meet. That is how it will go,"
"He will try to get me to facilitate it, right? He will probably say something like, 'I am the one who made it possible for you to meet,'
"Ah, I see. This would mean putting Kamui-kun in his debt,"
"Yes. In the Hero's mind, people who live in the same place all become close friends,"
"I see. Will you accept it then?"
Julius was not very worried about Fumiya's additional requests. He expected that if Ray could skillfully dodge them, it would make things easier for them.
"I cannot refuse, can I? Especially if the King's approval is granted,"
"Well,"
"May I ask for compensation? This matter is quite painful for me. Talking with her is fine. But dealing with the Hero... I expect it will take up quite a bit of my time,"
"What are the terms?"
"Permission to bring a practice sword into my room for swings, and also..."
"Wait a moment. Not permitted?"
"I asked on the first day of training. I thought I might at least be able to do practice swings in my room,"
"That request did not reach me,"
"I see. I was ignored,"
It was not that it had not been permitted. Ray realized that the request had not even been passed along.
"I have heard about the Knights' response. I have already told Bacchus-dono to ensure that Kamui-kun is properly guided,"
"I appreciate the consideration, but even if they do it reluctantly, it will be no different from before. Rather than that, is there anyone else? Someone who can just teach me the basics would be enough. I wanted to ask for that as the other compensation,"
Not only did he not expect anything from the Knights, but he did not want to ask the Knights who were close to the Heroes. He did not want to show his hand. There was also the risk of his identity being revealed. Ray wanted to keep as much distance as possible from the Heroes.
"The basics of the sword,"
"Even for practice swings in my room, I thought I might be too much of a self-taught amateur,"
"In your room,"
"On the premise that permission to bring in a practice sword is granted,"
"...There is someone. There is just the right person,"
Without needing much thought, a candidate came to Julius's mind.
"Really?"
"The problem is whether permission for a personnel transfer can be obtained. But the person themselves desires it. If I use that skillfully... Alright, I will start coordinating that immediately,"
"Please do,"
◇◇◇
A report meeting attended by the King was held a few days after Ray and Julius spoke. Fumiya's words and actions greatly exasperated those at the center of national politics, but since they only had to endure it for about another month, they instead supported Julius's plan to buy time. The report that Ray's training was progressing more smoothly than imagined also seemed to be a reassuring factor. Furthermore, Julius sought approval right then and there in the presence of the King for the bringing in of a practice sword to support this, as well as the selection of a new instructor. This was based on the idea that if he could get the King's approval, the trouble of other adjustments would be saved. As a result, things proceeded exactly as Julius intended. However, Julius did not notice. The Knight Commander of the Kingdom, whose face was shamed when reports of the negligence in Ray's instruction reached the King's ears, and the Prime Minister, who was dissatisfied with Julius's forceful way of proceeding, both harbored grievances. That would eventually make Julius's position precarious, but that was a story for a bit later. For now, Ray gained a new instructor for the sword.
"I am called Miria. I look forward to working with you,"
"Uh?"
"From today, I will be teaching the sword to Kamui-dono,"
"Yes. I have heard that from Julius-sama. But is a maid going to teach me the sword?"
Miria's appearance was the same as Cecil's. She was still in maid's clothing.
"T-This is a special case because we are within the castle. My original status is a Royal Guard Knight,"
"A Royal Guard Knight, so you are under the direct command of the King?"
Royal Guard Knights, who bear the duty of protecting the royalty, are mostly within the castle. Miria's explanation was strange, but Ray at this point did not notice it.
"No, I am in a position to protect the Princess,"
"The Princess..."
The Royal Guard Knights were the King's personal guard. To Ray, who only had that knowledge, the meaning of serving the Princess was unclear.
"Um, Kamui-sama. It is decided that all members of the royalty within the castle are assigned Royal Guard Knights as guards. As guards, the Royal Guard must always be by the side of the royalty. Due to those circumstances, female knights are assigned to female royalty,"
Cecil explained the Royal Guard to Ray, who seemed unable to grasp the situation. Through that explanation, Ray understood that Royal Guard Knights were like SPs for the protection of important persons.
"Ah, so that is the reason. But if you are in such a position, would it not be fine to wear knight's attire even in the castle?"
"That is..."
"Is there a reason?"
"Kamui-sama, Miria has been taking care of the Hero-sama and the others as a maid. If she were suddenly seen wearing knight's attire, it would not be very favorable,"
"So there are such circumstances. But, Cecil-san,"
"Yes?"
"Who exactly are you, Cecil-san, to call the Royal Guard Knight Miria-sama by her name without honorifics?"
"Ah!"
Ray's question seemed to have completely caught Cecil off guard, and she was unable to deflect it. Her cry of surprise was the same as an admission.
"Well, I already knew, but. I suppose you are a subordinate of Julius-sama?"
"...Yes,"
"In other words, a mage, right?"
"...Yes,"
"Cecil. Is it alright for you to reveal that?"
"Kamui-sama had already noticed long ago. But why did you bring it up now?"
Ray had been pretending not to notice despite knowing. If so, Cecil thought there must be a reason for making what he knew clear here.
"Because I want to be taught magic as well,"
"But, Kamui-sama..."
"The magic I use is not something I use while consciously thinking of it as magic,"
"What does that mean!?"
Something different from the magic she knew. Upon learning this, Cecil was surprised. This was due to Cecil's curiosity as a mage.
"Miria-sama, as a knight, can you feel the bloodlust of a hidden enemy?"
"I-I have not yet reached that level..."
"But it can be done if you train. There are people who can do it, right?"
"Ah, of course,"
"That is what I mean. I can detect the presence of things around me. But even if I am using magic power, it is not magic. It feels like I have sharpened my sense of detecting danger using magic power,"
"I feel like I understand, yet I do not,"
There was no way she could understand. Ray's explanation was a lie to disguise the fact that it was demon magic. Even if one is not a mage, if they are a master of the sword, they can detect an enemy's presence. He wanted her to think it was the same thing.
"I cannot explain the difficult logic myself. What I want to say is that I cannot use normal magic. If that exists, I want to become able to use it,"
"...Julius-sama's permission is necessary,"
"Then please ask him. Ah, will he be angry if he finds out my identity has been revealed?"
"No, Julius-sama also believed that your identity would eventually be revealed,"
"Then, is it alright?"
"You are very kind,"
"Yes?"
"To show such consideration for someone like me,"
"Eh, no, I do not think it is something to be thanked for,"
Cecil was blushing and acting shy. Ray was bewildered every time he saw this side of Cecil.
"I-Is this reality? Cecil, who is called 'Cold Blood' and the 'Witch of Ice and Blood,' is blushing?"
And Miria, also surprised by Cecil's attitude, let slip words that did not need to be said. The words Miria spoke were the nicknames given to Cecil by those around her, based on her attitude of barely showing emotion and her magical skill.
"Miria..."
Being called by name, Cecil glared at Miria with a cold and severe gaze befitting the name of Ice and Blood.
"It is nothing,"
"Are you two perhaps friends?"
"No way!?"
"But you seem close?"
"Miria became a Royal Guard Knight and I joined the Mage Corps around the same time. We are the same age, so, well, various things. I think it is different from being close,"
"Ah, so you are what they call rivals?"
"Rivals?"
"...It seems to mean competitors. Opponents who compete because neither wants to lose to the other,"
Ray learned that the word 'rival' did not work in this world either. Language problems were Ray's greatest worry. Even among loanwords, there were words that were understood and words that were not. He could find no regularity in this.
"Is that also a word from the demon language?"
"Yes,"
"Eh? Kamui-dono understands the demon language?"
"Only a few words. In the first place, the language demons usually speak is the same language,"
"Heh, I have never encountered a demon. But someday, definitely,"
"Let us stop the talk here and can you start teaching me soon?"
Ray forcibly changed the flow of the conversation, which seemed to be heading in a bad direction.
"Ah, ah, that is true. From where?"
"For now, please start from the beginning. I might have remembered things incorrectly,"
"Understood. Then, for now, try swinging once,"
"Understood,"
Ray held the sword in his hand in a high guard and swung it down all at once.
"Should I continue?"
Looking at Miria, she was looking at him with a difficult expression. Ray thought that she had not understood anything.
"No, not that. Why do you swing it that way?"
"Is it strange after all?"
"That is, you know, you are trying to cut, aren't you?"
"Eh? Am I not supposed to cut?"
"Even if you intend to cut, you cannot cut through armor, right? Unless you have an incredible sword,"
"Armor. I see,"
Ray remembered the knights' equipment. What the knights wore was Western-style armor that covered a large part of the body. As Miria said, it should be impossible to cut with a normal sword.
"Then, what should I do?"
"The swing changes depending on whether you are striking or cutting. From that guard, it is a strike,"
Ray swung the sword with the image of cutting the shoulder from a high position. The shoulder covered in armor cannot be cut. That is what Miria wanted to say.
"Then, when is it for cutting?"
"When you aim for the gaps in the armor. Like the neck from the side, or cutting up from the feet. Well, it depends on the opponent's equipment,"
"As expected,"
"W-Well,"
"Huh?"
Being praised, Miria seemed somewhat awkward. Ray found that reaction strange.
"No, it is just that Fumiya-sama was told the same thing by Bacchus-dono. I was just imitating that,"
"I see,"
At that point, Ray noticed his mistake. Ray's sword was a Japanese sword, and his image was based on period dramas. That was not the way of thinking for swords in this Western-style world. The only ones who knew that were Fumiya and the other Japanese people from another world.
"Well, thanks to that, I could give good advice,"
"That is true. It was a help. But what is it like?"
"Shall I show you?"
"Yes. Please,"
Taking the practice sword, Miria immediately took a stance and began practice swings. Rather than practice swings, it looked like a kata. She swung the sword one after another in a flowing motion.
"W-Wait, please do not damage the room,"
"Ah, right. Then, that is the end,"
"Thank you... However, I see,"
The sword kata Miria showed him exceeded Ray's imagination. The direction of the blade did not matter. It almost looked like she was just swinging it around. What surprised him most was that Miria gripped the blade part and swung the sword.
"You held the blade part, didn't you? Is that alright?"
"In reality, I am wearing gloves. As long as I do not slide it sideways too much, I will not be cut,"
"I see... This is difficult,"
(A stick. At first, go with the intention of swinging a stick)
(A stick? I see. Rather, if you know, teach me quickly)
(You, do you have any idea how hard it is to organize memories? And now there is new knowledge. I cannot keep up)
Kamiira's knowledge had entered his head. However, to fully utilize those memories, he had to organize them properly and make them easy to retrieve. That was something that required considerable time.
(Well)
(Besides, at first, practice swings are just a form of muscle training. You were the one who thought it was fine to be approximate)
(That was true. Sorry. But a stick, huh. I think I have a bit of an image now)
"Hey? How long are you going to be troubled? You will not improve your sword skills just by thinking in your head,"
Miria, growing impatient with Ray who had been silent for a long time, called out to him.
"Ah, sorry. Thanks to you, I understand a little,"
"Then, try it,"
"Yes,"
This time, without consciously thinking about the direction of the blade, he just swung the sword. As if tracing the movements of the knights in his memory. With that image, Ray repeated the practice swings several times.
"How is it?"
"...I think it is quite good?"
"Ah, is that so. But for now, I am doing it while thinking. I need to let this soak into my body,"
"A-Ah,"
"Am I doing it wrong?"
"Not that, but somehow, it seems I will be out of a job soon,"
Miria was surprised that Ray's swing had changed completely just by seeing her kata once. There was another Ray inside him who had been watching the knights' exercises and studying the sword. There was no way Miria could know that.
"That cannot be true, can it? We are just getting started,"
"That is true, right? You think so, right?"
"Of course. There are many things I can learn from Miria-sama,"
"...I am going to Julius-sama,"
Cecil, who had been watching the two from the corner of the room, suddenly announced this.
"Yes? What happened so suddenly?"
"I am going to get permission to teach magic to Kamui-sama,"
"Ah, I would be happy about that, but you do not have to rush so much,"
"No, I will get permission immediately, so please wait for me, alright?"
"Ah, yes,"
Ray did not understand why Cecil was rushing for permission. The one who accurately understood Cecil's feelings was Miria.
"I-Is this jealousy? The Cold Blood Cecil is jealous?"
"Miria, be quiet,"
"...Yes,"