kscans

Chapter 260 - The Meeting with Magam 1. Greetings

Around the time the clamor of the Grand Spring Market had subsided and peaceful daily life had returned to the town of Laurenzen, a guest visited Adon's mansion.

"It has been some time, Professor. My apologies for not coming to greet you sooner."

"Not at all. I imagined you were swamped with matters concerning the famous Yuri-kun. And speaking of which, where is this famous individual?"

"Right this way. Yuri-kun has also been looking forward to meeting you, Professor."

This was Magam, one of the Rivairein Kingdom's foremost magicians and the Chief Professor of the Magic Department at the Royal Academy, who had been eagerly anticipating a meeting with Yuri. Having heard about Yuri through Adon and Faren, he had awaited this day with such impatience that it felt as though each day were a thousand autumns, hoping to meet the rumored maverick, Yuri, and witness his renowned magic for himself.



In the room Adon led him to, a boy who looked to be no more than ten years old was sitting primly on a chair. The old man standing beside him was likely the man named Audel whom Adon had mentioned. It seemed he acted as Yuri's guardian.

(Hmm... so he does indeed have the blessing of the 'Goddess Anatea'.)

As expected of the kingdom's leading magician, he had seen through everything, from the matter of the Goddess Anatea's divine protection, to the fact that Yuri had received her blessing, and even that he was apparently trying to conceal said blessing with a magic tool. For the record, he had not done anything as ill-mannered as using Appraisal. He had deduced these facts purely from his experience and knowledge. Of course, he had also obtained information from other sources that supported his views, but that was a matter for another time.

(...However... that means he himself doesn't know his own exact status. I wanted to know how much magic power he has... but this makes it impossible.)

He had heard that Yuri routinely performed the outrageous feat of bleeding his game using Water Magic. Just how much magic power would that require? It was only natural that Magam, and indeed anyone, would be curious.

(But... for now, forming a friendship with this boy takes precedence over any unnecessary prying.)

Having made up his mind, Magam spoke to the boy who was sitting there looking somewhat uncomfortable.

"You must be Yuri-kun. My name is Magam. I find it rather unbecoming of my station, but I hold the position of professor in the Magic Department at the Royal Academy. I hear my disciple Faren has been in your care, and I have been wanting to speak with you to offer my thanks."

Perhaps Magam's friendly approach eased his tension, as Yuri, looking relieved, bowed his head in return.

"To Master Magam, I humbly rejoice to see you in such fine health. It is I who am indebted to Lord Faren for his uncommon and daily kindness, for which my gratitude knows no bounds. To have been introduced to one so talented is a gift far exceeding the station of my humble self..."

Perhaps it was his past Japanese life at work, as Yuri began to string together polite, respectful, and humble phrases rarely heard even in the royal court, but...

"Ah, please, there's no need for such formality. I am but a mere scholar. I am not in a position worthy of such treatment."

...he was quickly cut off by Magam. Magam himself had a friendly disposition, and he seemed to be fed up with the storm of honorifics Yuri was showering him with. Of course, while he was fed up, he wasn't offended. In fact, he was impressed by the greeting, which, though somewhat exaggerated and old-fashioned, was perfectly in line with etiquette. Even a typical noble would have trouble offering such a formal greeting. Adon, hearing Yuri's expression of utmost respect for the first time, an expression that could almost be taken as feigned politeness, was wide-eyed, but Old Man Audel, who had been present at the meeting with Baron Darren, seemed used to it. Yuri's origins were unknown, but the 'grandfather' who had taught him his manners must have been a rather grandiose and formal individual.

Now, having been asked to act a little more casually, Yuri glanced at Adon. After seeing him give a small nod, Yuri changed his demeanor to be similar to how he acted with Adon.

"...My apologies. I heard from Adon-san that you were a great magician, so I was worried about being rude..."

"Oh? From Adon-kun, you say...?"

Magam glanced at Adon, but then said,

"Well, you should save that sort of exaggerated courtesy for royalty. It's unnecessary for someone of my standing."

He warned him that, depending on the person, it could be taken as insolence masked by courtesy.

"That wasn't my intention... what should I do?"

"Your current attitude is perfectly fine. Getting worked up over a child's manners would just be advertising my own narrow-mindedness, after all."