In a room in the Royal Castle of the Kingdom of Rynor.


　In the center of the luxurious room, there is a pentagonal table with five chairs surrounding it.
　One of the chairs is lavishly decorated with gold, while the other chairs, though decorated and carved, are of a much lower class. The quality of the seat seems to indicate the position of the person sitting on it, and such an intention is clearly visible.


　Naturally, the most luxurious chair is occupied by none other than the members of the royal family.


　The Crown Prince of Rynor, Ceylan Crosselrode.
　He wears a headgear like a Buddhist monk's hat with glittering ornaments, and his face is covered with a black masks. His hair and ears are obscured by the headgear, and his face is indistinct. He now wears a white robe embroidered with a golden dragon and rests his cheek on the armrest of a chair.


　There are three men in the room with Ceylan.
　They are the heads of the four dukes and duchesses who support the foundation of the kingdom and are in a position to sit with Ceylan.
　There are five seats, including Ceylan's, and there are four people in this room, including Ceylan.
　There is only one seat left empty, but no one in the room points it out.


　Yes, because that seat is always empty.


　Ceylan addresses the three people gathered here.


"First of all, let me thank you all for being here today.

"Your Highness, the Dauphin, you are too kind.

"I am willing to risk water and fire for the sake of our royal family.

"I am willing to risk my life for the sake of the royal family." "I am willing to risk my life for the sake of the royal family.


　Those gathered here today were the heads of the three houses of Romarius, Cyphreis, and Zeire.


　The heads of each family responded to Ceylan.


　Brendan Romarius, head of House Romarius. He is a man of advanced years, dressed in military uniform. His head is cropped and his body is muscular, and he looks like he fits the mold of a warrior leader, but even in a political situation like this, his eyes are unusually sharp, suggesting that his strength is not his only asset.


　The head of the Cyphreys family, Egbert Cyphreys. He is a tall old man with a stern expression on his face. His head is white and his beard is long like that of a hermit.
　He is now dressed in traditional noble attire, with a robe over his head, and is sitting on a chair, maintaining his serenity.


　Corridor Zeillet, the head of the Zeillet family. He is the youngest of the dukes and is younger than the other two. He is always smiling and amiable, and although he is far inferior to the two in terms of size and dignity, this is in a sense his weapon.


I have only met you, my fourth lord, twice in total. I am inexperienced, and I am not yet accustomed to finesse, so be patient.


　Brendan Romarius smiled warily as Ceylan said this.


This is a joke. My breastplate is always open.

"I see. Well, then I shall have to show a certain amount of discretion.

I beg your pardon. As a military man, I'm not very good at this kind of discussion.


　Ceylan and Brendan exchanged words that could have been a joke or an argument. Ceylan and Brendan exchanged a few words.
　Of course, they also knew that Ceylan had taken advantage of Marquis Gaston's outburst to put nooses around the necks of many nobles. They would not underestimate Ceylan just because he was still a child.


I can't wait to see your face.

"It would be no fun to see my face now. I've never met you face to face before, but I'm sure you already know what kind of face is behind this.

"No, no, there is a difference between what you can predict from the situation and what you can see face to face.


　Brendan's opinion was echoed by Corridor Zeire.
　On the other hand, Ceylan turned to face the old man, who was as calm as a plaster statue.


Egbert, do you feel the same way as they do?

"No, I am afraid not, sir.

"Mr. Egbert is a sober man. I am of a restless disposition. I'm in a hurry.

No, I'm like you both in my heart. I don't mean to disparage the traditions of the royal family, but if you're as talented as your highness, you don't need to be mocked.

"Haha, no, I agree with Master Egbert.

I look forward with all my heart to the time when the young leader of the kingdom will show his face.


　In the midst of this good-natured conversation, Corridor's eyes suddenly flashed.


"Yes, yes. Before we begin the agenda, I would like to take this opportunity to address His Highness Prince Ceylan. Your Highness, I know that it is extremely rude to interrupt the agenda, but please forgive me.

"Hmm, what is it?　Tell me.

Well, then, with all due respect. What I want to say is about His Highness' squire. It is known to all who enter and leave the castle that His Highness does not currently have a squire. Considering that Your Highness will become even busier in the future, I believe that a squire is necessary. Therefore, if I can find a suitable person to be His Highness' squire.

"Hmm. A squire. I see. Corridor, I'm glad you're thinking of me.

Ha.

And what is his name?

Kane Ra'srael. He is the eldest son of the Razrael family of the Confederacy.


　When Corridor mentioned the name of the person she was recommending, Brendan Romarius looked as if he knew the name.


"Huh?　The famous reincarnation of that hero?



"Haha. I've seen it firsthand, and I'm convinced he has the talent to be Your Highness' squire.

"I've heard that he's learned most of the magic in the South. Is that so?

"When I met him a while ago, he used the Grand Wall in front of me.

Hmm. The return of the hero, huh?


　Ceylan mutters to no one in particular.
　Brave. In the event you're not sure what you're looking for, there are a few things you can do.


It is said that this man may be the reincarnation of that hero.

"Reincarnation? There are some references to reincarnation in the annals.

I don't know, but I think it might be .......

Hmmm. ...... Now that that's out of the way, Brendan, Egbert, what do you think of the squire's story?

If they are capable, I have no objection.

I think we should have a meeting.

"Then Egbert's right, we should meet once and find out. Corridor, prepare an opportunity to meet with this Kane Lazrael.

"Yes, sir. Yes, sir.

"Well, Brendan, Egbert. Do you know of anyone better who has said this?

Not yet. But I've heard that Mr. Egbert's grandson is quite gifted.

No, my grandson is still in his infancy. Besides, we have our duties at home.

"Hmm, the one in the basement of the wizard's house?

Yes. Your Highness and I are well aware of that. My family has been charged with monitoring it since before the rise of the kingdom.

...... I see. I'll have to deal with that sooner or later. That is also a direct concern of King's Landing. I would like to settle this matter before your father abdicates the throne.


　Egbert shook his head at Ceylan's determined and brave words.


Egbert shook his head. "No, sir. Your Highness, that was... Your Highness, it's already decided who to defeat.

"Already decided?　What do you mean by that?

Ha. In the prophecy of the kraki, there is one who will overthrow it. It is written in the prophecies of the kraki that the one who will overthrow it must never be touched until that one appears, and that no one else must touch it.

"The Book of Mormon and the will of the Founder. So, who is the one you want to overthrow?

"The Sage, sir.


　When Egbert said this, Corridor gave him a suspicious look.


"Master Egbert. "Master Egbert, are you referring to the Sage of the Three Sages as depicted in the Age of Spirits?

"That's right. That sage.

The sage. The Sage. The bell. I used to hear it as a bedtime story when I was a kid. But I don't think he's going to show up.

"Whether it's a reincarnation or a new sage, I don't know. But my family will have to wait for him.

Like the pact with the first king.

Yes. We have to wait for the Sage to overthrow him.

"Well, if that's what the Book of Prophecy says, ......, then it's not for me to mess with.

"A locked box is locked for a reason.

"Yes, there is. A locked box has a reason for being locked, though, doesn't it?


　Ceylan nodded his head as if he understood, and then talked about something else.


...... We're getting off topic. Now, let's get down to business. Would you like to do the same?


　When Ceylan urged them to move on to the main topic, the three of them responded in awe.


"First things first. I have something to tell you again.

"What is it?

"Well. About this.


　Ceylan took out a magic meter from his pocket and slid it onto the pentagonal table.
　Brendan was the one who reacted immediately.


"Oh, a magic meter?

"Yes, you know what it is.


　Corridor also smiled, as if she was pleased.




I've heard that the Guild has been opening more workshops lately. Speaking of the Guild, they've recently come out with a new model of switchable shining glass. This is interesting. By simply pulling on the attached string, you can turn on and off the glittering glass at will, freeing you from the annoyance of light leaking from the cloth you're wearing.

"Hmm. I touched a few of them when I visited the Mage Guild.

Oh. Oh, you've already seen it, Your Highness? Negotiations are already underway at my home to install one.

"Eventually, the one in the royal castle will be upgraded to that one. ...... I digress.

No, I apologize for interrupting Your Highness' conversation. Please forgive me, Mr. Brendan and Mr. Egbert.

No, no, I think we need to have this chat.

I'm sure your Highness will find it difficult to breathe with all that chatter.


　Both men were calm, but their inner thoughts were unknown. I'm not sure if they really think so, or if they're just annoyed with me, or if they're just impressed by the ease with which I'm trying to get into the Crown Prince's head.


So, I'm ready to make this public.

"So, finally.

"Hmm. The recent Nadar Incident was a civil war, and no matter how we fix it, we can't get rid of the impression that it was a civil war. Therefore, the royal family has decided to cover up the shame of it with this achievement.

"But, Your Highness, isn't there any particular connection between the war and the magic meter?

No, we've already deployed troops that have been trained with magic meters in that battle. In the event that you've got a lot of time, you may want to take a look at the following tips. 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.

"It's still about the chanting failure, isn't it?

"Hmm. I've heard that it never happened this time. Moreover, I heard that the timing of the exercise was perfect.


　Corridor poses a question to Ceylan.


Are you going to announce the maker at the same time?

No, not yet. Therefore, we will only announce the existence of the magic meter.

Why is that?　If we announce the product and its creator at the same time, the creator's name will be widely known to his subjects.

The idea is that more people will be grateful after they receive the benefit than before. The benefits will not be immediately apparent. As its usefulness spreads, so will the fame of its creator.

I'm sure that's as far as it goes. ...... No, I'm sure that's as far as it goes.


　Corridor was surprised at the amount of effort Ceylan had put into the magic meter.
　The Zeire family is not a military family, but a civilian family, so the benefits of the magic meter have not been mentioned to that extent.


　Suddenly, Egbert stared at the magic meter and tousled his long beard, as if lost in thought.


The magic meter is the greatest invention in the history of the kingdom. It rivals the invention of glittering glass. I think the person who made it should be rewarded handsomely.

Mr. Egbert, do you think the magic meter is a great thing?

"Yes. I was thrilled beyond my years when I touched it. Those who aspire to become magicians will naturally have this in their hands. Nothing makes me happier than that. You'll be able to learn each and every spell faster, and you'll be able to use the time you spent on it for something else.

"Egbert. The delay in the introduction of magic into the academy has always bothered me, as it did your father.

I'm sure it's nothing to be ashamed of. Things are what they are, and no one can say no. ......


　Egbert bowed his head in response to Ceylan's words.


And I will also officially notify you of the maker. It's Arx Raytheft of the Eastern Military House. Brendan was there, so he knows his name and face. Did you know him too, Egbert?

"Yes. I knew his name.

"Oh, you've heard of us, Egbert? When I first saw him at the Mage Guild, I didn't think it was possible.

"So you're young.

Well... At the time, I thought it was an announcement from Lord Arbent, but no, I was really taken aback by that.


　Corridor, who hadn't been privy to this conversation, opened his mouth.


"I believe you're the eldest son of the Raytheft family, aren't you?　I heard that he recently accompanied His Highness on a mission and played an important role.

"Hmm. If it weren't for Arx, I might not be here.

It's widely rumored that he was disinherited due to his incompetence in the mage army.

It's just that the current head of the family is not a good judge of character. In fact, his skill with the sword and his knowledge of magic were both worthy of being entrusted to my care.


　After Ceylan, Brendan and Egbert opened their mouths.


"My brother is a national mage, and my brother, the head of the family, is a hero of the east who has done much good as the spearhead of a different race. Both brothers are capable, though. ......

It's a good thing that you're not the only one. If you have not refused to be elevated to the rank of marquis at different times, your family should have surpassed the Cremeria family as the main family and should already be a marquis.

"Is that so?



"Well, it's a long story. There's a story there, you know.

I've heard that too. That's why the Raytheft family is famous as one of the most prominent families in the country, despite being of low nobility.


　Then Egbert starts to talk about it.


"According to what I've heard, right after the rise of the kingdom. At that time, the kingdom was still small and there were only a few families that followed the royal family, but the leader of Raytheft intercepted them with a fire giant to buy time for the royal family to build up their strength. After that, the unity of the eastern part of the country and the strength of the royal family were established, and the invasion was repulsed, but the leader of Raytheft was killed in battle, and his territory and people were severely damaged. As a result, the House of Raytheft lost much of its power as a noble family and came under the protection of the House of Clemellia.

This is why the relationship between the House of Raytheft and the House of Clemmeria is closer than that of other eastern houses. That's why the relationship between House Raytheft and House Clemmeria is closer than it is in other eastern houses. It's also why Perce Clemmeria wanted his daughter to join House Raytheft.

The reason why he refuses to be promoted is because he is proud to be the eastern protector of the kingdom of Rynor and the royal family. Perhaps that's why he's so adamantly adhering to the old family tradition of being a military man.

"His loyalty to the royal family is unshakable. There is an old saying that no matter what other family leaves, only the Raytheft family will follow the royal family to the end. ...... Nowadays, many people do not know this.


　I'm not sure if it's a good idea or not.


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

"That's the pity. If he had more magic power, he could have been called a hero, just like Kane Razrael, who was mentioned earlier.


　I'm not sure what to make of it.


I'm thinking of that Arx Raytheft as a national mage.


　Seiran's abrupt statement was met with surprise by the three of them.
　Brendan frowned.


Brendan frowned. "Your Highness, isn't that a bit of a leap of faith?

"Huh?　I think I deserve a reward, and I deserve a position.

You're playing games.

No, no, no, that was a joke. No, no, that was a joke. I know I'm talking too fast.


　Ceylan laughs it off, while Egbert complains with a serious face.


"Your Highness, if you don't let them take the test, you won't make an example of yourself to the others.

Of course, I would not be so arrogant as to let him pass without taking the test. But he doesn't have to take the test. Even if you make him take it, you know the result. Just go to .......

The amount of magic?

I'm sure the rest of the mage army won't take kindly to a below average amount of magic.

So you're saying this is a way to get the word out?

I'm not sure. But I don't want you to take an active role. In fact, we don't even have a magic worthy of the title of national mage yet. Remember, you're the maker of the magic meter, and your father and I are watching you closely.


　Ceylan's statement here means that the royal family has high expectations of Arx, and that they are watching him. By extension, it also means that they are spitting on him, so don't mess with him.


　Corridor, who has been playing the role of inquirer, asks Brendan.


"What do you think, Brendan?

"His only achievement is the invention of the magic meter. It's certainly an unparalleled achievement, but I'm not sure if it will lead to becoming a national mage. After all, as His Highness said, it would require immense magic and power befitting a national mage.

How about Lord Egbert?

"Without seeing him, the answer is difficult to say. Without seeing him, it is difficult to answer the question. I am in the Academy of Magic, so I have a better chance.


　Corridor's question was met with a bland answer from both of them.


"Anyway, there will be an announcement on the magic meter soon. Now, on to the next topic...


　After that, Ceylan continued to lead the discussion.