On this day, Risha Raytheft and her father Joshua were attending a mage salon hosted by a certain nobleman.


　--Salon. It's a meeting where the host invites intellectuals to enjoy intellectual conversation.
　It is a place for the upper class to socialize, and in Europe, it is said that the private gatherings of the French aristocracy were the first of its kind.


　A mage's salon naturally falls under this category.
　They invite famous mages to speak about their knowledge of magic and enlighten those who attend.
　Naturally, only those in the upper echelons of knowledge as mages are invited to these salons, and only those of the highest rank are allowed to attend.
　It is a gathering that requires not only magic, but also refined manners and political knowledge.


　The salon that Lisha is attending this time is hosted by the Marquesses of Rondiel.
　Gastarkus Rondiel, the most famous mage in the country. It was started by his third son, Cassista Rondiel, and among the many mage salons, this one is only open to a select few.


　This was the second time that Lisha had attended.
　Her father, Joshua, had taken her to several mage salons before, but this one made her particularly nervous. Usually, I only attend salons of mages who are of the same family rank and use the same type of magic, but this salon is different from those.


　The House of Raytheft and the House of Rondiel are two different factions of mages.
　On the one hand, they are mages who prefer to use fire, and on the other hand, they are mages who are involved in material manipulation.
　There is naturally a difference in the way they think about magic, and in the salons they sometimes talk about the secret techniques of their factions, so you have to be careful about sudden differences in conversation and taboos.
　It's not so much ...... hostile territory, but some of the gathered people are overly cautious, and I feel somewhat constrained.


　Even so, Joshua was able to attend because of his skill.
　The Raytheft family is one of the oldest families in the entire kingdom, and has produced powerful mages for generations.
　They have been particularly active on the battlefield, so naturally there are not many nobles who refuse to attend.
　When Cassista Rondiel heard that "a mage of a different school is going to be invited to the salon," she was the first to raise her hand and make the necessary arrangements, and thus was able to attend.


　At the back of the hall was the organizer of the salon, Cassista Rondiere.
　She was in her mid-forties.
　She is slim and strong.
　She is wearing not the traditional clothes of the nobility.
　He's wearing a jacket and long pants, the latest fashion.
　He has a few medals on his chest.
　He has a friendly smile on his face and seems to be in a cheerful mood with the participating nobles.


　The military people that Lisha knows are usually very neat, always full of dignity, and have an air of authority according to their status and ability, but he gives her a very gentle impression.
　Perhaps it's because of his lineage that he often talks to women.
　If you look closely, you can't help but notice that the bridge of his nose seems to have grown longer.
　According to my father, people of the House of Rondiere are [womanizers].
　Starting with Gastarkus Rondiere, all of his brothers and sisters seem to love pretty girls.


　...... I don't know much about that.


　I'm not sure what to say.


I'm not sure about that. You can't help but be a little nervous, but you shouldn't miss the opportunity to talk with a mage. Do not miss the opportunity to talk with the mages. Be willing to join in the conversation.

Yes, sir.

There are many children of noble families in this society. I'll be careful myself, but before you speak to them, you should carefully assess their position by their behavior, clothing and ornaments.


　In response to the words of caution, he replied with approval.
　In this kind of situation, it would be rude for a person from a lower noble family to address a person from a higher noble family first. In addition, since there are children in this group, there is a complication of superiors and inferiors, but basically, they are all of the same rank or higher, so it is necessary to pay attention to them at all times.


　It's difficult to set a standard for the nobility these days because of the remarkable changes in dress, both traditional and new.


　As I was listening to Joshua's warning again, a voice called out to me.


"Isn't this Lord Raytheft?

"Oh, Lord Ra'srael. "Oh, Lord Ra'srael. I'm glad to see you are well.


　In the midst of the tension, the one who greeted me casually was Viscount Razrael.
　He is a member of the nobility with a domain in the south, and he himself is a mage who specializes in magic involving rocks.
　I hadn't seen him at the previous gatherings, but it seems he was present this time.
　Next to Viscount Razrael was a child about his age.
　He had the same brown hair as his father.
　A boy's dignified appearance.
　He was dressed in the clothes of a nobleman.
　He was a boy with a gentle expression and a strong will at the same time.


　First, after greeting each other's parents.


"Kane Razrael. Nice to meet you.


　The tone of his greeting was quite broken, but his bow was as neat and tidy as if he had been molded.
　His gestures were beautiful from beginning to end, and it was apparent that he had received a strict education.
　Perhaps his parents, the Viscount Razrael, have made him do so intentionally.
　He made sure to be polite, but friendly in his attitude.
　In a noble family where formal speech is the norm, this gives a very fresh impression.
　I suppose it's a way to make friendships work.


　--Kane Razrael.
　This name is well known in mage circles.
　He possesses an abundance of magical power, and when his magic was first measured, many who witnessed it were surprised at the length of time it was released.
　It is rumored, true or false, that she is the second coming of the heroes mentioned in the annals.


"My name is Risha Raytheft.


　In response to Kane's greeting, I replied with a basic greeting.
　I'm Risha Raytheft, and I'm here to give you a basic greeting," Kane said in a rather broken tone, but with a hint of confidence.


I've heard a lot about you. I've heard a lot about you. Let's get along well as people who will support the kingdom with the power of magic.

"Yes. I look forward to working with you.


　The greeting seemed familiar for a first meeting, but the carefree smile helped me to let my guard down.
　As I listened to the conversation between the fathers, they seemed to be paying attention to someone else.


"......, over there, the Dukes of Cyphrus.



"......, Princess Claudia. I've heard that she also has a wealth of magical power.


　The two of them looked at the figure of a graceful girl.
　She was about the same age as myself and Kane.
　Claudia Cyphers.
　I'm not sure what to make of that.


I've heard that this age group is more diverse than other years.

One of them is a son of your family.

Including your son and daughter.


　Joshua and the Viscount laugh at each other.
　Joshua and the Viscount laugh at each other. Such flattering exchanges are part of the greeting, but the child who hears them can't help but feel uncomfortable.
　While they are looking at each other with embarrassed faces, the parents can't seem to stop bragging about their children.


I'm embarrassed to be such an idiot. I'm embarrassed to be a fool, but I can't wait for my son to enter the Academy of Magic. I'm sure he'll become one of the most famous mages of all time.

My daughter will be no different.

Hahaha!　We're both looking forward to three years from now!

"Indeed.


　While the two were conversing in a good mood, Cassista, who was making her rounds, appeared.


"I'm sorry to interrupt your conversation. May I say hello?


　At the call, Joshua and the Viscount immediately erased their previous moods and adopted a reverent attitude.
　Following suit with Kane, the Viscount Razrael greets them first.
　They are not strangers to each other, as they are both southern nobles and mages of the same school.
　Cassista responded to them cheerfully, and now turned to me.


"Mr. Cassista. I'm Joshua of the House of Raytheft.

"Lord Joshua and Miss Lisha. This is the second time you've attended this evening's meeting. I'm sorry I didn't spend more time with you the other night.

No!　It's a shame to receive an apology from Mr. Cassidy. ......

I'm just the third son of a noble family. I'm only the third son of an aristocratic family, and my father gave me an extra viscount's title.

Please be humble. ......


　Joshua was half embarrassed by Cassista's insolence.
　It's a good idea to take a look at the actual information on the web and also the internet.
　The same is true for this mage salon.
　It is not possible for a single viscount to hold a salon of this magnitude.
　And yet, is it his nature to keep a low profile like this?


　After Joshua, I bowed to Cassista.


I've heard that your family puts a lot of effort into the education of magic. Miss Lisha, how far along are you in your magical studies?

"Yes, Miss Cassista. Just a few days ago, I was able to destroy stone with the magic of the Flamrune.

Oh my!　Is that true?


　Cassista shouted in astonishment.
　I'm not sure if the nobles and their children around me were listening, but they turned to me in surprise.
　Magic requires not only the chanting skills to cast the spell correctly, but also the accuracy of imagination. Even if you have learned the spell and are able to use it, if your imagination is not accurate or if you are not able to put in the necessary magic power, you will not be able to achieve the expected power.


　For this reason, the destruction of rocks and other hard objects with the [Flamrune] is considered to be an indicator.
　Fire is a phenomenon.
　It is also something that cannot be discussed as matter.
　In the kingdom, you can say that you have learned this magic only when you can destroy matter with it.
　In addition, [Flamrune] is one of the basic magic used in the national army.
　If you can use it, you can go into battle at any time.
　Cassista, with a surprised look on her face, let out a sigh of admiration.


It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.


　[Shijukai].


　This is not a salon or any other kind of gathering, but a kind of private school for training in magic.
　It's also a great place to learn about the history and culture of the country.
　In a sense, it can be said to be a magic version of a dojo.
　This [Shijukai] has produced many talented mages, and many of them are said to be instructors at the Academy of Magic.
　Even in such a place, it is said that those who can use magic at the age of around ten are rare.


"Wonderful. Is this all thanks to Lord Raytheft's guidance?

"No, it's due to my daughter's talent. I remember when I was Risha's age, I had a hard time using magic.


　When Joshua said this, Viscount Razrael and his son Kane let out a gasp of surprise.


I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that the Raytheft family has already taught you that much at this age. ......

I've only just learned to use my rear zapper.

"No, I'm not even close.


　"No, I'm not ready yet," said Cassista, interrupting her modesty.


"Are you comparing me to your father?

"............ Yes. My father is a powerful mage.


　The reason why there was a pause was because the first thing that came to mind when I compared him was that he was that person.
　I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do it.
　You don't need to tell me how much magic you have.




　However, I still can't help but think of that person.
　That's right, she was able to use magic even stronger than [Flamrune] two years ago.
　The other day, when I went to see my parents behind their backs, that person taught me magic.
　It's a spell called [Scrap Armor Sleeves].
　It seems to be a modified version of the original spell he created before.
　The number of original spells that he has created now exceeds twenty, including those that are not very useful.


　Even though my father says that it takes a lot of effort to solidify his imagination to create a new spell.
　My brother gives the impression that he can easily create spells as long as he has the words.
　It's as if he has so much magic to create that he's in trouble.


　...... For a while, until the mage's lecture began, my father talked with Viscount Razrael.
　I'm not sure if you've heard of it or not, but I have.
　At that moment, there was a loud cheer near the entrance of the hall.
　At the same time, the road opened wide.
　There was an old man dressed in the same kind of men's clothing as Cassista.
　He was accompanied by a retinue on either side.
　In his hand a walking stick with a bent handle.
　On his head is a hat, the latest fashion in the world.
　Awe-inspiring murmurs of "It's Master Gastarkus ......" could be heard around him.


　Gastarkus Rondiel. He is a hero of the kingdom and one of the national mages.


I apologize to all those present for intruding on your silence.


　As he started to walk away, the nobles stepped back from the scene.
　Or reservedly.
　Or fearful of his majesty.
　The barriers of humanity naturally parted to reveal a large path.
　The nobles all bow in the highest salute.
　As the Gastarks approached.
　The air in the hall became tense with his powerful gust of wind.
　The air grew tense and dull, as if lead had been shackled around his limbs.
　Still, the gaze of admiration was directed at Gastarkus.
　All of the nobles and mages in the room are afraid of him, but at the same time, they admire him even more.
　As a hero of the kingdom.
　As a great mage.


　The only one who can treat him as normal is his son, Cassista.
　Joshua, too, was nervous as he bowed.
　I can't move as well as I'd like.
　I can feel the lead in my fingertips.
　The tension in the room eases as Cassista approaches with a graceful gait.


"This is Father.

I'm sorry for the unexpected visit.

No, you're always welcome here, Father.


　After a few moments of easygoing conversation.


After a few moments of pleasant conversation, the two of them began to talk.

"Yes, yes, yes!　No, they are all beautiful ladies and young ladies with a bright future. ......


　For some reason, they started to talk about girls.


The girls over there are lovely.

"In five years, they'll be ......


　And so on.
　I could almost hear the strange sneer of "ehehe......" and "dehehe......" coming from the two of them.
　Needless to say, the tension in the hall was destroyed.


　At any rate, the aristocrats in the hall took the opportunity to bow out.
　The reverberation of the wind still lingered, and the silence was still maintained.
　As I stopped nearby, I could hear the conversation between them.


"So, how was your day?

I had to gather my family urgently.

"What?


　What?" Then Gastarkus asks Cassista.
　Gastarkus asks Cassista, and Cassista's complexion changes instantly.
　A look of surprise crossed her face.


"Is that true, ......?

"Mm.

But who in the world would have done such a thing?　Other national mages?

I can't tell you who made it. I can't tell you who made it, but I'm sure you can guess what it is.

It's ......!　Yes, .......

Godwald has loaned me some of them. Of course, the use of these is conditional.

So, this meeting...

As you can imagine. It's been a long time since you've been in charge, so be prepared.

"Of course, sir!


　Cassista squealed with delight.
　She's just jumping for joy.


　Joshua and Viscount Razrael see this and whisper to each other.


...... Something good has happened, I see.

Yes, it seems so.


　It's a good idea to take a look at the website to see if you can find any useful information.
　It's a good idea to take a look at your own personal life.


　And then he looks as if he's noticed something.


"So that silver hair of yours is from the Raytheft family?


　And then, as if to add, Cassista said.


"Well... It's a good idea to get to know the mages of other schools from now on. I'd like to thank Viscount Raytheft for raising his hand this time.

"Hmm. It is fortunate that one of the most venerable families in the kingdom acted quickly.


　With that, Gastarkus approached me.
　Despite being an old man, he is hale and hearty.
　Although he is only a little taller than my father, he seems to be three times larger.
　The nobleman he had defeated before had been a marquis, but he seemed like a pea.


　Joshua kneels down to bow.


"Marquis, it's been a while. I'm Joshua Raytheft. This is my daughter.

This is my daughter, Lisha. Lord Marquis, it's a pleasure to meet you. ......

"Mmm.


　My body was bound by tension, but I was able to succeed in greeting him.
　I suppose I owe this to my father's education.
　He trained me to get used to strong pressure.
　My father is also a powerful mage, though he is not as powerful as my uncle Clive.
　The majesty he unleashes is enough to bind the body.


　Then Gastarkus said in a voice of admiration.


It is a great thing that you are able to deal with this old man in a proper manner. You have a bright future ahead of you.

"Yes, sir.


　The people around you are surprised to hear words of praise from His Excellency," "That's wonderful," and so on.
　It's not only the embarrassment of having all these eyes on you, but also the nervousness of having a national mage in front of you.


　It was then that Gastarkus mentioned something that was bothering him.


"I met your brother today.

"What ......?


　I can't help but be confused.
　He wondered why Gastarkus was talking about his brother.
　When I was puzzled, Gastarkus said in a voice that was both kind and stern.


"Keep up the good work. If you do not work hard, you will soon be unable to keep up.


　That's what he said to me.
　My confusion is still there, but I have one answer.
　I don't want to be left behind by my brother.
　That's why.


"I will strive for even greater heights.

"That's good.


　Gastarkus nods, and Joshua opens his mouth.


"I hope you'll forgive me for questioning you, sir. What did you mean when you said...

"Viscount. That is not for this old man to say. Good.

"...... haha.


　With Gastarkus' words, Joshua's pursuit was completely blocked.
　Eventually, Gastarkus left the hall with his retinue and Cassista in tow.
　The salon continued on at Cassista's request, but needless to say, the bitterness had not left my father's face until the end of the day.