Arx was visiting the Mage's Guild with Crabbe, Noah, and Kazi.


　The purpose of their visit was to discuss the magic meter.
　Yes, on this day, the official announcement of the magic meter will be made.
　However, the announcement was not a big one, but a private one.
　In a sense, it was a secret meeting, with only the national mages, generals, and other important military figures gathered.
　The reason why the announcement was made in such a form lies in the nature of the magic meter.


　The major advantage of using a magic meter is that it speeds up the learning of magic.
　This means that it is possible to produce mages with a certain level of competence in a short period of time.
　The direct impact of this is, of course, on the military.
　The more mages there are, the more the military will be strengthened, and the mages who belong to the national army will also benefit from this.


　With these things in mind.
　Let's say that we make a big announcement about the magic meter, and it becomes available to the public.
　If this happens, the magic meter will be immediately spread to other countries, and the kingdom will not be able to monopolize its benefits.
　Even if it is only a matter of time before the information is leaked, the difference between secrecy and non- secrecy is huge.
　This is why it is treated as an important military item.
　For now, only the national army, the mage guild, and facilities related to magical medicine can handle it, which is why the announcement was made in such a limited manner.


　The announcement was made in a room called the "Indigo Room" at the Mage Guild.
　This room is used to hold meetings with many people, and is also used when important meetings are held with the national mages.
　The room is rectangular and windowless.
　The floor is covered with a bright red carpet with embroidery.
　Tapestries hang from the ceiling.
　A number of royal flags are hung on the pillars.
　In the middle of the room is a glass U-shaped meeting table.
　On it is a name plate indicating the order of seating.
　The room was decorated in the style of a medieval European castle, a place that is often imagined as a meeting place.


　The room was already filled with national mages and generals of the national army who had responded to Godwald and Crabbe's call. Normally, I would have summoned the heads of other important military families as well, but for the aforementioned reasons, they were carefully selected this time.
　As a result, there is no sign of Joshua, even though there is a sign of Perce Clemmeria.
　Godwald and Crabbe may have taken this into consideration.


(I've made it this far. It's been a long time. ......)


　The Arks are in a simple waiting area indoors, shivering with joy.
　It took two years to create, adjust, and increase production.
　Of course, because of his age, he had to take into account the timing of the release, and had to be cautious, but it seemed an awfully long time for a young man.


　Suddenly, Crabbe, who was standing next to me, called out to me.


What is it?　Are you nervous?

Yes, I am. After all, it's an event like this: ......".


　Then the scary face behind me, the guild leader Godwald, said.


"Arx Raytheft. Make yourself comfortable. If there are any problems, we'll deal with them as they arise.

"Oh, thank you very much. Guild leader.

We don't know any more about this than you do, do we?

That's true.


　The guild leader makes a small smile on his mouth and agrees with Crabbe's words.
　The guild leader made a small smile on his mouth and agreed with Crabbe's words. ...... He told me to take it easy, but I still couldn't get rid of all the tension.


It's not like we have to be so uptight about it.

Look at that.


　As Crabbe said, I looked over from the side of the partition and saw that the people gathered were engaged in conversation.
　The generals are quiet, probably because they've heard that it's magic-related and don't want to be directly involved.
　Some of the mages, however, are talking animatedly.


　A slender male mage of indeterminate age.
　A graceful old mage in gentleman's clothes.
　A mage leaning languidly against a backrest, playing with a walnut in his hand.
　A female mage in a white dress with long bangs.
　A girl mage wearing a triangular hat, reminiscent of a witch.


　They all have their own characteristics and unique outfits.
　As I listened in on them...


　.


　The male mage who was playing with the walnuts let out a big sigh.


"What a pain in the ass. ......


　I don't know if it's because he has a thick skin or what, that he can say such a thing without hesitation even in a place like this where all important people gather.
　However, there was an air of seriousness in his voice.
　Then, the mage in the triangular hat sitting in front of him gives him a reproachful half-eye.


"If you're such a pain in the ass, why did you come?

"Because Mr. Molten Iron is in charge. It's not good if you don't answer, right?

I'm sure you're not the only one. I'm not sure what to say.


　The mage with the triangular hat asks, and the mage who was playing with the walnuts answers with a very serious face.


I have a very serious matter to attend to today.

"What is it?

Sleep.

"You must die once and for all.


　What came out of his small mouth was a cold stare and words.
　A cold stare and words.
　While this exchange is going on, a mage in a white dress asks a male mage sitting above her.


"Lord Roheim. Do you know anything about today's announcement?



Yeah, well, I've heard a lot of talk about it from the guild leader.

What's that?

I don't think I have to explain it here, since the announcement is about to be made.

Yeah, I know. I'm sorry, .......


　The woman in the white dress must have thought that I was pointing out that she was uncouth.
　She apologizes and bows her head in an overdone manner.
　On the other hand, the male mage, who seemed to be of indeterminate age, did not intend to go that far and said kindly, "You don't have to apologize.


　Then, the walnut mage smiles suggestively at the male mage.


"In fact, the Grand Master of the Water Mill doesn't know either, does he?

"Hmmm... ......


　I'm not sure what to make of that.
　It seems that the walnut mage was swept up in the smoke by that smile.


"Hey, Grand Master. Don't be stingy, just tell me.

"Master Waterwheel. He's definitely going to say he'll leave after he hears it.

"What?　Why not?

Well, well, well, Mr. Frederick. You won't regret attending today's meeting.

"Ugh. ......


　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.
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I see. So that's all the research you'll be presenting this time, is that right?

"Yes. But, Master Gastarkus, didn't the guild leader tell you?

I've been busy designing a new fort and training my apprentice. I have been busy designing a new fort and training my apprentices, so I have not been able to listen in.


　The old mage then turned to Perce Clemmeria, one of the generals next to him.


What about Count Clemmeria?　I believe you are related to Lord Arbent.

"No. Marquis de Rondiere. This matter has not even come to my attention.

I see that ...... has been very careful in its research.

Is that so?

Hmm. This kind of information is always leaked to someone. When you buy the necessary goods for research, scour the books, and borrow the wisdom of the same national mage. Therefore, someone or something knows or knows about it. But this time there is none of that.


　Perth and the other generals let out an impressed "huh".


"I didn't hear anything about them doing anything. So you must have been very careful to keep it a secret.


　The old mage said this and looked again at the male mage sitting in front of him.
　And the male mage said.


"It seems that the research to be presented is that of a mage other than you, Crabbe.

"Hm?　Even though it's a call from Molten Iron's husband?

What does that mean?

Let's wait for the announcement. It seems the preparations are in order.


　The mages tried to find out, but when the guild leader appeared, everyone had to be quiet.


　...


　The guild leader, Godwald, stepped out of the simple waiting area.
　When he arrived at his position, he thanked everyone present with a stern voice.


I would like to begin by thanking all of you for taking time out of your busy schedules to be here.


　As the guild leader looked around at the assembled people, the atmosphere tightened.
　The guild leader, Godwald, was the first of the national mages.
　Even the generals in the crowd were in awe of him. The only ones who looked comfortable were an old mage in gentleman's clothing, a male mage of indeterminate age, and Perth, who seemed to be the oldest of the generals.


　Among them, there was one person who showed a strange attitude.
　A mage dressed in a witchy triangle hat and robe.
　As I watched her curiously, Noah whispered in my ear.
　That's Merkleya String, one of the national mages," he said.
　She looks like a girl, but she's in her mid-twenties.


　For some reason, she was covering her face with her hands.


"...... Merkleya. Why do you cover your face with your hands?

The guild leader is afraid of faces. That's why.

"............


　Apparently, he doesn't want to face the guild leader head-on just because he's afraid of his face.
　I feel sorry for the guild leader.
　After a while, the mage in the tricorn hat, Merkleya, moved his covered hand slightly and said.


"...... Are you okay now?

"Yeah. I'm not looking over there.


　The guild leader says that, but in reality, he is not, and he is looking at her.


　On the other hand, Merkleya believed what the guild leader said and moved her hand away.
　So it's only natural for her to be distraught.


"Hee!　This is a lie!　You're lying!

You can't scare me just by looking at me!

Oh, no!　I'm sorry!　I'm sorry!　Please don't kill me!


　When the guild leader yells at her, Merkleya half cries and starts begging for her life.
　As was the case when I visited the Mage's Guild before, I wondered why the word "kill" came up when everyone looked at the guild leader.
　I'm not sure if there is such a thing as a bloody purge in the past.


　...... Well, the other side of the wound. I'm sure there is.


　And then the old mage said, somewhat sorrowfully.


I'm not sure. I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you. That's Godwald.

"Master Gastarkus ......


　The guild leader seemed to falter at the old mage's somewhat misplaced impression.


　I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but I think it's a good idea.
　Crabbe is the guardian this time, and Noah and Kazi are his assistants.
　They all looked at each other strangely when a child who didn't look like an assistant or a staff member came out, but they stayed.


　When they took their positions, Crabbe bowed and greeted them.


I can't thank you all enough for taking time out of your busy schedules to be here.


　I can't say thank you enough for taking the time to be here.
　It is probably because there are people of higher rank than Crabbe in the room.
　It was reminiscent of how he had condescendingly responded to Perth sometime before.


　After Crabbe's greeting, the walnut mage calls out to him.


"Master of Molten Iron. Keep it short today, will you?　If it wasn't for you and the guild leader, I'd have hit you.

What do you mean, "you"?　Are you saying you wouldn't have answered if the call had come from old Gastarkus or Maester Roheim?

What?　No, that's not what I meant. ......


　I'm not sure what to make of that.
　In the event that you're not sure what you're looking for, you'll be able to find a lot more information on the web.


　And then a male mage of indeterminate age held up his index finger and said.


I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one.

"......

That's what he said.

...... Shut up.


　In the event you're not sure what you're looking for, you'll be able to find out more about it here.
　I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one.


"No, Master Roheim. I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out.

"That's obvious without explanation, isn't it?


　I'm sure you're not the only one.
　Uncle Crabbe, it seems, is quite the mischievous fellow.
　The mage who called him "Master" chuckles, and Crabbe looks unhappy. It seems that he, like Godwald, is one of those people that Crabbe can't get over.


　Cleve coughs away his embarrassment and looks around at the others.
　And then.


I know ...... Alicia's not here, but what happened to Renaud and Qasim?


　The guild leader answered Crabbe's question.


Renault is on a tour of the south, while Qasim has been hastily assigned by His Majesty to oversee Alicia.

"I see. I would have liked to have all the national mages in the country if I could. Let's just say the three of you were unlucky.


　I'm not sure what to make of this, but I think it's a good idea.


Bad luck, huh?

"Yes. Yes, the worst. I can see Renaud's frustration later on.

"I can't imagine Mr. Renault being disappointed.

No, I'm sure he'll grit his teeth at least once.

Oh dear, the two of them are still the same.


　But even if the three of them are combined, not all national mages are .......


(......) Noah. I'm not sure what to make of it.　I'm not sure what to make of that.

I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on. The hunted mage Shreya Limarion is one of the mages and generals of the allied nation of Sapphireburg. The other mage, who bears the name of Gale, is His Majesty King Al-Rizelli Bardin of the Kingdom of Zerips, an independent monarch under the Kingdom of Rynor.

(...... Ah, so you appoint mages from other countries as well?


　If you're a mage from another country, no wonder you're not here.
　In the event that you've got a lot of money, you'll be able to use it to buy a lot of things.
　In the first place, in this case, both of them are from other countries, so they may have been cautious about calling .......


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"Mr. Crabbe, who is that girl who appeared with you?　From the color of her hair, I'd say she's a relative of yours. ......

"Hmm. In another five years, she will be a great beauty. Mmmmmmmmmmm ......


　The old mage followed with such a merciless prediction and a creepy smile on his face.
　It was right after that.
　The old mage followed with such a merciless prediction and an eerie laugh.
　I see the old mage giving me the look of a dirty old man.


"Well, old Gastarkus. He's my nephew.


　Then the mage who was playing with the walnuts rolled his eyes.


"Nephew?　Is he a man?　He's just a kid.　Well, I guess that's what happens when you're a kid. ......


　In the meantime, the old mage who asked this froze in both behavior and expression, as if he had received a great shock.
　And that quickly changed.


So, you're a man. You're so pretty, but you're a man? Well, ...... that's very, very disappointing. ...... d*mn!


　He must have thought it was a girl. The old mage began to feel blatantly depressed.
　I'd say don't be sobbing over it.


　...... is not good. He looks like a gentleman, but he's a pervert. He's what we call a perverted gentleman.
　The women who are looking at the old mage are not so much disgusted as they are slightly turned off.
　This means that he is completely recognized as such a person (a dirty old man).


　But that old mage, he was called Gastarkus.
　In other words, the mage of the citadel, Gastarkus Rondiel.


　Arx has heard that name before.


(Oh, the kingdom's greatest hero is a perverted gentleman. ......)


　He is probably the most famous mage in the kingdom.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for and what you're not looking for.
　...... is a perverted gentleman.


　You will find a lot of people who are looking for the best way to get the most out of their lives.


I'm Arx Raytheft. Thank you for your time today.


　As I greeted him, a few people started to buzz.
　Some of you may have heard the name before, as Joshua has been touted as incompetent.
　The walnut mage raises a question.


"And?　Why is your husband's nephew here?

"Because he's the one who's going to present his research, not me.

What?　That little guy?　Not your husband?

Yeah.


　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.
　The guild leader nodded, and before the room could become even more noisy.


"Quiet, people. I know there are many questions about this matter, but first...


　When the guild leader said this, everyone gathered in the Indigo Room stood up at once, as if they knew what he was going to do.


In the event that you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.


　The guild leader's grave, stern voice echoed through the room.
　And so it goes on.


The first thing I want to say about the mages who are not here is that the fifth seat, the mage of the wall, Renaud Einfast, the eighth seat, the mage of the gale, is here. The eighth seat, the mage of the gale, His Majesty King Al-Rizelli Vardan of Zerips. At the tenth place, the mage of the hunt, Shreya Limarion. Eleventh, Kasim Laury, Mage of the Daze. Twelfth, Alicia Rotterbell, Mage of Drought. All of the above national mages were too busy to attend.


　The guild leader broke off at that point and said in a voice loud enough to be heard in the room.


"And now, ladies and gentlemen. I wish you all eternal loyalty to the royal family.


　Just after he said that.


"Everlasting loyalty to the royal family!


　The mages.
　The generals.
　In unison, without a hitch, they all declared their undying loyalty to the royal family.
　From the gesture of arms on chest and heels on the floor.
　The sound released was so heavy that it shook the entire building.


　The next thing I knew, my body became terribly heavy, as if gravity had increased several times.


(What, ......?


　I groaned in my mind.
　My vision reddened as if I had been hit by a G, and my eyes flashed before me.
　It didn't take me long to realize that it was due to the bluster that naturally oozed from the bodies of those present.
　As I looked around, the calm faces changed. He had an almost demonic expression on his face.


　Not only the generals, who were probably relaxed due to the fact that it was a magic-related announcement.


　The small female mage who was frightened by the guild leader's face.
　The languid mage who said it was too much trouble.
　The old mage who thought I was a girl and looked at me like I was dirty.
　Even my uncle Crabbe, who is now standing next to me.


　All of them showed a look of devotion that could be called insanity beyond seriousness.
　It can be seen that they are devoting all of their heart and blood to the kingdom.
　There is no doubt that in their eyes, they are willing to die for the kingdom.


　...... If you were to ask the people present here today, they would probably give you the same answer.
　It is truly an iron bond.
　If it weren't for the resistance I've developed through continuous exposure to Crabbe's bravery, I'd probably have collapsed.


　Suddenly, Noah put his face close to my ear.


(......Arks, is everything alright?)

(...... I'm alive, somehow. Noah?

(...... I'm finding this a little tough, too.)


　As we were whispering these things, Kazi's expression became fatigued.


(...... makes me want to leave)

(......No)

(......No.)

(............, right?)


　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it. I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure I'm not the only one.


　When the oath was over, the guild leader got down to business.


"Today's announcement concerns the research results and creations of Arx Raytheft, the eldest son of the Raytheft family here. It will bring about a major change in the history of magic technology in the kingdom, so I ask that you all listen carefully.

"Revolutionary?

Yes. I'm sure of it.

No, but ......

I know you have a lot of questions. But I'd like you to hear it first. ...... Arx, please step forward.


　I said yes to the guild leader's words and got on the platform that Noah had prepared for me.
　I resent the fact that I'm short, but I'll take it for now.


I'm going to present a tool that can quantify the amount of magic power.


　The big day has finally arrived.
　The first curtain has just been raised.