After the presentation and explanation of the magic meter, the guild leader Godwald concluded the meeting.
　The meeting was dismissed for the time being, but afterwards, the mages asked several questions individually.


　--How much can the magic meter produce per month?


　--If the national mage wants it, will it be given priority for delivery?


　--When can we start to handle them at the Academy?


　--Can you accept special orders for different purposes?


　--I'd like to be present and give advice when using it for medical purposes.


　And so on.
　In the middle of the discussion, the questions turned into requests, which was natural.
　After that, as a matter of course, there was a question about the reprocessing of magical silver, but as expected, there was still some resistance to the announcement of 【Renma】.


　There are still many things that need to be researched regarding this [Renma].
　The direct use of【Renma】for the consumption of magic power in spells is not possible, probably because the standards do not match.
　The use of [Renma] for engraving technology.
　There are still possibilities for the use of [Renma] alone.
　Since you don't know where and what will give you an advantage, you need to carefully assess the timing.


　In the event that you're not sure what to do, you can always try to find a way to get the most out of it.
　Perhaps because mages have the unspoken rule of 'not touching the confidential matters of other mages as much as possible', there was no particular insistence, and the conversation ended easily.


　After that, the detailed arrangements for the operation of the national army and medical institutions were discussed.
　However, since there was no need for me to be present, I left the conference room, leaving the important people, Godwald and Crabbe, to handle it.


　As I opened the door, I overheard a conversation from behind me.


I'm not sure how much of a noble family you come from, but I'm not sure you can behave in such a dignified manner here. ......

You're only ten or so years old, aren't you?　My nephew is about the same age, but he doesn't behave like that.

"He was very good with Lord Roheim.

Why is he called incompetent and disinherited? I still don't understand the house of the mage. ......

Did Count Clemellia know that the rumors about Arx Raytheft were groundless?

"Well, I've only recently learned of it myself.

I've only recently learned of it. No, no, it's quite enviable that you have such a connection with such a clever mage.


　That's what the generals are saying.
　Hearing that, I could feel that I was appreciated.


"Master Arx. I'm happy for you.

"...... Oh.

That's what's wrong with you so far. It's just too absurd to think that you need to get to this point to be appreciated.

Other people can't even get to this point.


　I know.
　It was probably unheard of for an unproven mage to directly attend a meeting of national mages.
　Normally, one would have to become a national mage or become very famous and then accumulate more achievements to attend.
　In this respect, I can say that I was able to come here smoothly because my uncle Clive was a national mage.
　If I didn't have such connections, even if I had made a magic meter, it would have been a very difficult road.
　If that had been the case, I wonder what would have happened.


　While I was thinking about this, someone ran next to me at great speed.


"Hey, little guy!　Thank you!　I'll use it right away!

"Yes, sir.


　It was Frederick, the national mage who had been playing with the walnuts.
　You'll be able to get a lot more than just a pair of shoes.
　There was no time for us to thank the higher-ups.
　He seemed to be eager to use the magic meter.
　It's a busy time, but it's understandable.


　Then, from right behind him, a voice said in some disgust.


He's a very busy man.


　When I turned around, there stood Mercurial String, the national mage.
　The woman wore a distinctive triangular hat with her eyes wide open.
　She has dark hair and eyes, which are rare in the kingdom.
　Her height is slightly taller than the current Arks.
　Her face is young, like that of a girl in her mid-teens.


　When I tried to give her a short but formal bow, she interrupted me with her hand and said, "It's fine.
　I guess she doesn't care about everything.
　Merkleya turns to Noah.


"Noah, it's been a long time.

"Mr. Merkleyer. It's been a while.


　Noah bows to Merkleya, who calls out to him.
　It's an exchange of politeness and friendliness.
　I guessed from that.


"Hmm?　Do you know each other?


　Noah asks, to which Merkleya responds.


Noah is the first student I've had since I became a teacher.

"Yes. He's my teacher.

I'm embarrassed. I'll praise him more.

No, no, no. I'm not complimenting you.

...... I did say "mentor.

I think Mr. Merkleyer has misunderstood the meaning of the word "mentor.



Take it as an honest compliment. At all.


　Merkleya said, turning her eyes half to Noah.
　Then she lets out a big sigh.


"Noah is still the same.


　Apparently. After all, he's always been like this.


"Are you now a follower of Arx Raytheft instead of Master Melted Iron?

"Yes. After the incident with the magic meter, I was attached to Master Arx. Thanks to him, I've been living a very fulfilling life.

That's true. It must be very exciting to come up with such an item.

It is. I've been in a sealing tower in the heavens before.

A sealing tower?

Yes.

Oh, you know, the one at .......


　He tried to cover it up, but Mercurial had an idea of what he was talking about.
　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.


I can't believe you guys did that!　Thanks to you, I've got a lot of work to do after that!　What are you going to do about it?

"Well, well, well. ...... I didn't know there was another pathetic victim of the Marquis of Gaston here. The Marquis is really a sinful nobleman.


　Noah made a lamenting gesture and shifted the blame.
　He even wiped his tears with a handkerchief, overacting.
　The Marquis is responsible for the whole incident.


　But Merkleyer doesn't listen to him, and jumps up and down.


"Who's the poor victim?　I mean, how did you escape from there?　I'm going to have to come up with a plan on how to break out of here!

That's a secret of Lord Arx's.

Guess you'll have to escape that way. ......

Yes, sir. Yes, I will escape.


　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it.
　She looks at Noah, then quickly turns to face him.


Noah has a strong personality, despite his appearance. Be careful.

"That's true.

"Yes. We must be on our guard.


　Noah, on the other hand, doesn't seem to be affected at all.
　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not.


　In the event you're not sure what you're looking for, you'll be able to find it on the web.


I'm sure you're not the only one.

"Ugh!


　I'm not sure what to make of it.
　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it's a good idea.
　Of course, what she let out was nothing short of disgust.


What do you mean, "Ugh? What is "Ugh"?

"Master Merkleya. Are you acquainted with Mr. Kazui?

He's a junior at the academy. I didn't know he was also a squire.


　Then Kazui came up to me with an unhappy expression on his face, as if he had given up trying to escape.


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

It's a meeting of the national mages. It's only natural for me to be there.

"Opposing forces?


　While I was thinking about the two names, Noah overheard me.


You were given the name by His Majesty the King because of your research into countering the magic of enemy mages.


　So, Merkleya is also the key to national defense.
　He seems to be a much more serious person than his appearance would suggest.


　Suddenly, Merkleya calls out to Kazi in a reproachful tone.


"No chains. There was an enthusiastic call from the guards. You disappeared right after you left the academy, what were you doing?

Well, a lot of things. Lots of things.


　Various.
　I heard something about that.


Is it Marquis-related?

"......, something like that.


　As Noah said, the Marquis is guilty.


And the chains. Qasim was looking for you, sir.

Oh, so it's him.


　Qasim. That name sounds familiar. He's one of the national mages that the guild leader mentioned during the meeting earlier. Casimir Laury, the Mage of the Daze.




　I don't know if you've heard of it, but I'm sure you've heard of it.


"Mr. Kazui. What is your relationship with the Dazed and Confused Mage?

Yeah. He's my junior, like Lisa.

I'm a junior, just like Lisa. - This guy has an evil face, but he's very caring. It was a problem that he would poke fun at seniors and lecturers, but thanks to his unconventionality, he was respected by juniors. Kasim, the dazzling mage, is one of them. He has a terrible face, though.

"Don't worry about your face.


　I'll follow up with Kazi, who's been called a lot of names.


No, I've cleaned myself up a bit, you know?

Hey, that's not a very protective thing to say!

"Master Arx. Arks, aren't you becoming more of a scoundrel?

Hmm.

You can't talk about your face either!


　That's what the three of us are arguing about.
　Anyway, Kazi was a highly regarded person.


　When I looked at Merkleyer inquiringly.


"He's still the top student. In other words, he's one of the best in the history of the Academy. There's plenty of room for him to become a national mage. It'll take a lot of effort, of course.

It's a pain in the ass, so I'll pass.

You sound like some kind of sullen bastard. It's all .......

I mean, Kazi, how can you talk to a national mage like that?


　I'm not sure what to make of it.
　I'm not sure what to make of it.
　Of course, the Marquis of Gaston is incomparably more intimidating.
　I'm only a little freaked out about it, but I'm not sure how to talk to someone like that.


"Well, he's my senior and I know him. "Well, you're my senior and I'm familiar with you, so it's normal for you to talk to that old man, right?

"My uncle, well, he takes it easy on me.


　Yes, that's because he cares about me a lot.
　If I had to deal with him in a serious manner, I would probably fall down several times a day.
　That's about the extent of my knowledge. It may even be more than that.


Lord Arx is probably paralyzed. Even a normal person would be too nervous to utter a single word under the authority of a national mage.

"What?　Is that so?

Yeah. In the past, when I was at the Academy of Magic, just being near Merkleya-sama made everyone, including the other instructors, tremble constantly from nervousness.


　I'm sure you're not the only one.


The national mage is a symbol of the power of the kingdom. He must have the power to make others fear his presence alone.


　I look at the man who is not afraid to speak disapprovingly of the national mage.


"I've had that old man working on me for a month now. I'm not sure I can afford it, but I can handle it. ...... I don't know how you became such a monster after not seeing your face for a few years.

It's just that the forbidden chain wasn't working hard enough. I'm not sure what to say.

"Oh, really, that sycophant. ......


　Kazi was shocked, perhaps because he did not fit the image.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.


I'm going to leave now. I'd appreciate it if you'd let me use this.

"Yes, sir. Please let me know if you have any problems.

All right. Also, I'm willing to help you out, so please take care of the special order for me.


　Merkleyer added, sticking out his tongue.
　It's very shrewd of her to offer a request right after offering assistance.
　This is why it's called a "battle", according to Kazi. In the event that you have any kind of questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.


　This is the only place where I've seen ...... Noah and Kazi's faces and thought they were all people who didn't look like they did.


　Merkleya leaves with a skip in her step.
　Just as I was about to leave, too.
　I noticed a familiar presence approaching.


　You quickly turn around and slowly kneel down.
　And there he was, Perce Clemmelia.
　Charlotte's father, a general in the national army, whom she had met during the incident with the Marquis.


　As soon as she thanked him, he told her to make herself comfortable.


"Arx. I haven't seen you since the Marquis' garden.

"Your Excellency. It's been a while. I'm sorry you had to come to this meeting.

Hmm. I didn't realize you were working on something like this in secret.




　The Count spoke up.


I am not a mage, so I cannot speak for myself. I'm not a mage, so I can't speak for myself, but I'm sure this will contribute to the further development of the kingdom.

As a mage, I'm happy to help.

"I also operate a unit of mages in my position. I always have a hard time organizing my troops, but I'm sure this will make things much easier.

I'm glad that I was able to take away some of your difficulties.

"An invention that will benefit the royal family and ultimately the country. It's brilliant.

No, it's all due to your uncle's efforts.

Okay, ......, but you need to work on your facial muscles a little more on your modesty.

Ah, .......

Ha-ha-ha.


　The Count seemed to see the unconcealed joy on his face.
　He must have seen the corners of his mouth rising and falling from time to time.
　He gave a cheerful laugh.
　This made the humility he had been displaying seem too bland.
　I felt embarrassed by it and turned my head.


"...... Arx. You haven't told Joshua about this magic meter, have you?

Yes. I'm too anxious to tell my father.

I see.


　Does the Count have any thoughts about not telling his father?
　His eyes narrowed slightly.


　I'm sure the ...... Count knows about his family relations.


It's such a great achievement. There's going to be a lot of trouble. Have you thought about how to deal with that?

"Yes. I'll just try to avoid them.

It's important to be careful, but it's also important to gather people you can trust. Eventually, you will need more people. You might want to consider seeking out some of those people.

I appreciate the advice.


　You're right. The Count is right. The more friends you have, the better. Even if you notice some kind of trick, you may not be able to deal with it in time if you don't have enough help.
　The Count's advice will mean a lot as we move forward.


　After thanking the Count for his teachings.


"Well... I know I'm being presumptuous, but I have a favor to ask of you.

Say it.

I know you'll be seeing my father often. I don't want him to know who made this.


　It's a small measure of self-preservation.
　Joshua is the head of a house of mages. Now that the magic meter has been announced and is out there, it's only a matter of time before people hear about it.
　And if they find out who made it, there's no telling what they'll do.
　Since the announcement has already been made, it is unlikely that they will take away our achievements, but as long as they are not interested in us, it is quite possible that they will harass us, and it is also quite possible that they will point the finger at Lisha.


　This appeal was made to avoid that, if at all possible.


But that's the head of the family, too. If we start looking into it, it's only a matter of time before we get there.

It'll buy us some time. It's just a small gesture of resistance, hoping to gain a foothold before then.


　Then the Count, his eyes downcast.


"Arx. Do you have a grudge against Joshua?

"Yes.


　The Count's face showed a slight hint of surprise as I said it without hesitation.


"Then you can use the magic meter as a target.

It's too early to do that now. It's too early to do that. I don't think I have the strength to withstand it now. I'll save it for when I'm older and stronger and able to fight it. And--


　--One day I will crush the House of Raytheft.


　I swallowed those words. I had to swallow it.
　With those words, the contingency would be the leader of the eastern nobility. He would not be able to remain silent in the face of a budding disturbance.


"...... will you not fight a war you cannot win?

Yes.

Joshua seems to have made a formidable opponent.


　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　As if to prove it.


"Arx. Isn't it a sad thing when parents and children fight?

I think so too. But I know that some battles are unavoidable.


　And...




Sir. Male parenthood is the first barrier that a boy must overcome. What to others may be an internal barrier, to me it is simply something that stands in front of me, earlier than others, and in a very overt way. Then the means to overcome it must be tangible.

That's an interesting way of thinking about it.

I have to think about it that way.

It's ...... unfortunate. It is unfortunate that you have been forced to make such a decision.


　The Count looks up at the ceiling and says so.
　The Count looked up at the ceiling and said, "Are you taking my situation into consideration?


"Perhaps it's fate for your family.

"Fate.

No, that was a mistake. Forget it.

Forget it.


　The Count is silent for a moment, and then he asks a question to the ceiling.


"Arx. What is it you're aiming for?


　What I'm aiming for.
　That's what I told Suu once.
　To be great.
　To be great.
　But that's not the answer to this question.


　So.


"...... I don't know.

"Right. I don't think it's that clear at the moment.


　The answer has not yet been found.
　Who am I going to be? Who do you want to be?
　Even if you get a position, establish yourself, and get a job, what you do from there is another thing.
　Only when you have decided what you want to be, will you be able to answer the Count's question.


Arx. If you just want to be great and strong, you may lose your way. That may not be enough for now, but you should answer that question as soon as possible. Find out who you're going to be, so you don't lose sight of the path and yourself.

"Yes.


　And the Count.


"I hear what you want. Just remember, I can't help you.

"That's good enough for me, sir.


　The Count has his place. To favor yourself is to disrespect Joshua. It's an act that disrupts the order of the noble family. As the head of the powder keg that is the military, you can't do that.


　But you also worried me.
　The advice he gave me that day was a sign of that.
　The Count left with some of his followers.


　Seeing off the back of a parent, Noah, Kazi and I left the Mage's Guild.