The announcement of the magic meter has been made official.


　The exact date is still being worked out, but it is almost certain that it will be unveiled in the near future.
　The deciding factor for the royal family to make the announcement was the war waged by Poluk Nadar.
　In the end, the war was nothing more than a rebellion by the nobles in the country, an internal conflict that was not good for publicity. The royal family decided to use this announcement to counteract the ugly news that they were a country that was subject to rebellion, and to make a strong impression that the incident was a conspiracy of the empire and an outburst of one nobleman, and that the kingdom was still one of the powers.


　The invention of the magic meter is a revolutionary one. The story of a small rebellion by a nobleman would be dropped by this. At any rate, the mages of the Kingdom of Rynor, with its high level of magical technology, were promised to become even stronger with this. This announcement will make foreign countries more aware of this, and other countries that have been trying to take advantage of this opportunity will be forced to change their policies.


　If the enemy country also makes a move, they will fall prey to the mages of the kingdom.
　Even if it is a friendly country, if it antagonizes the kingdom, the negotiation for the introduction of the magic meter will be aborted.
　The diplomatic strategy against the Kingdom of Rynor will have to be fundamentally changed, and for the time being, every country will be hesitant to even make a move against the Kingdom.


　This announcement will also contribute to the unity of the nation.
　With strong military power behind them, the nobles will not leave the kingdom so easily, nor will they be tempted to revolt.
　This is a strong reminder to them that they will end up like Poluk Nadar.
　That is the intention behind this announcement.


　The timing couldn't be worse, either.
　We have already finished moving, so the timing is just right and we can prepare for it.
　However, it seems that they are going to postpone the announcement of the creator, and that the brand of incompetence has not been dispelled yet. This is because he thinks that the fame of the creator will increase after the benefits of the magic meter spread.
　Therefore, the announcement of the creator of the device will be made a year or two years in the future at the most.


　I wondered how the royal family could be so cavalier, but there was no way they could be so naive.
　In the meantime, Ceylan had a request for me.


"The making of magic, sir?

"Yes. I expect you to create some kind of powerful magic. It shouldn't be too difficult for you.


　Ceylan summoned me to the royal castle and told me this.


You're the maker of the magic meter. You are the maker of the magic meter, and it has already been decided that you will leave your name in the kingdom. Then as a mage, you need to be spectacular. Create magic that will make everyone's eyes widen and become a great mage.

"Yes, sir.

That's a good answer. I look forward to your further success.


　...... I agreed to Ceylan's instructions, but I had no idea what to do.
　There is no way that powerful magic can be created so easily.
　But it's also hard to say "I can't do it" on the spot.
　That's the situation. If a higher ranking person says something like that, you have no choice but to accept it.
　The problem in making it is the amount of magic power. I can't make a spell that consumes a lot of magic power because I have only the magic power of a common mage, and even if I try to make a spell, I will run out of magic power quickly.
　I thought the first thing to do was to find a way to solve this problem, but I didn't expect to be asked for a magic of a larger scale sooner than that.


...... It's getting late.


　In the event that you've got a lot of time, you'll be able to take a look at a few of the best ways to get the most out of your time.
　Thanks to the spread of glittering glass, the royal capital is basically bright, but even so, it can't compare to the "city brightness" that I know. In the man's world, most places are well-lit with lots of electric lights and lights leaking from the windows of houses, but here, as soon as you take a step into an alley, you will find yourself in a dimly lit place.
　I knew that a lantern was indispensable on the road at night.
　This is when I turned a corner.


　At the end of the alley, I saw a figure in the darkness.
　It was standing in the middle of the street, as if it were blocking the way for people passing through the alley.
　It was indeed disturbing to see him just standing there without a light.
　Do not approach a dangerous situation. I could have taken a detour to avoid contact, but I didn't want to take such a detour, as my house was just ahead.


　As he walked, he raised his lantern and casually looked around.
　The figure standing in the alley was wearing a hood over his eyes, and his face was indistinct.
　He is approximately between 160 and 170 meters tall.
　What is characteristic is its appearance. His clothes, which can be seen under his cloak, are reminiscent of elegant kimono, with the use of colors reminiscent of Japanese style.
　A nobleman who was forced to leave the city. For a suspicious person, he seems to be wearing a very conspicuous outfit.
　It's hard to tell if it's a man or a woman because of the ...... lack of clear-cut ups and downs in his attire.
　Is he a strange man or a suspicious man?


　When I try to move to the side of the road, the other side seems to close the distance.
　So is it harmful?


　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. ...... Even though it's on the edge, this is a section of the royal capital where the nobility live. It's a good idea to take a look at your own personal life.
　Assuming the worst case scenario, you are aware of the sword at your waist so as not to look unnatural. I also picked up some magic that would be appropriate to use in this situation. Remember to pay attention to your surroundings, considering that it is a decoy.


　And then.


"Mage.


　Someone with a hood over his head called out to me like that.


　--The imam, there it is again. I remember that strange name being said to me by Chane.


　I was more than a little surprised to hear him use the same name that Chane had used, but no matter.
　The voice sounded cool and high-pitched, like the ringing of a silver bell.
　It must have been a woman.
　When we didn't respond to her call, the woman in the hood called out to us again.


"My Lord.

...... Are you talking to me?




　The woman in the hood lowered her voice a notch, as if she had made a mistake.


I'm sorry, ....... It seems that the excitement of finding the Imam still lingered a bit. I hope you will forgive my rudeness.


　The hooded woman quietly kneeled down on the spot.
　The hooded woman quietly kneeled down on the spot, and we could not help but be puzzled by her sudden action.
　This is as reverent as if you were in the presence of a lord. Even though I am a member of the nobility, I am still only a child. I have no intention of being treated like this, and it only makes me more suspicious.


　He pulls out his sword and thrusts it at the hooded woman.


You're crazy.

I understand that you may think that. But I'd like you to hear what I have to say first.

............


　In general, you don't need to listen to someone who acts like an ambush.
　But if you say the words that the imam ...... Chain said to you, it's a different story.
　It is possible that she is related to the spirits, and even if she is not, you can't deny the possibility that she knows something that you don't.


Will you please listen to me?

All right. First, get away from me. Then we'll talk.


　The woman in the hood obeyed the order quietly.
　Stand up and back away.
　Perhaps it was because she was wearing a long kimono, but her steps were invisible. You don't hear her stepping or scraping on the cobblestones of the alley. However, her upper body does not sway and is firm, so her torso is definitely strong.


　I keep my eyes on the woman, concentrating on her, but I also keep my distance.


　One step. Still dangerous.


　One more step. The danger is not yet over.


　One more step. I still have visions of being cut down in a single bound.


(......, the spacing is too wide)


　Gauge the hooded woman's timing through her movements. Perhaps it was because of his experience with Crabbe and Noah, and the battle at Nadar, that he had recently come to understand, albeit vaguely, such vague things.
　If he wanted to get out of the woman's range, he would probably have to keep enough distance that he would need to speak at a reasonable volume.
　Was this due to the woman's skill or her physical ability?


　Eventually, the woman asks for confirmation.


"Are you sure you want to do this?

"Not yet. Let me use my magic.


　As soon as she says that, she does.



　--Basic Performance.


　What I used was a spell to temporarily improve my physical abilities.
　If you combine this with [Concentration], you will not be beaten by ordinary things.
　I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do it.


You're very cautious, aren't you?

Of course. You're suspicious to me. It's only natural to be prepared when you don't know what someone might do to you.

No, I have no intention of harming the imam in any way.


　I have no intention of harming the imam," the hooded woman said, and announced herself by name.


I am a member of the Hyouga tribe. My name is Ursula of the Hyouga tribe.

"Hyouga?　I believe the Hyouga are from .......

Are you familiar with the tribe?


　The woman's face was covered with a hood.
　But what appeared was a breathtakingly beautiful face.
　A small nose with well-defined nostrils, thin lips. Under her slit eyes was a single weeping mole, a common feature of beauty in any world. Her age is not certain, but it is in the range of strange age. Her skin is very fine and seems to be free from pimples. She wears a hair clip like a hairpin on her long black hair, and her black hair has a luster that could be called a winning color.
　She is an extraordinary beauty. I've never seen such a beauty before. Exalted. Kingdom. She is a beauty for which such words are entirely appropriate. There was a miraculous form that could only have been created by painting.


　--The hyouga. They are said to live in the plateau region that extends from the northeast of the kingdom to the edge of the Northern Alliance.
　They do not belong to any country, but live in the neutral zone. They are in contact with the kingdom, and their textiles and goods are distributed in the royal capital.
　One of their physical characteristics is a small horn that grows on the upper part of their forehead, near their hairline. The Hyouga generally have a horn-like projection growing out of their forehead.
　They hold their lanterns high. This woman, Ursula, also had a small horn-like protuberance about 1 cm long, though it was not noticeable due to her hair.


　In the world of ...... men, there are also cases of pimples and calluses that have hardened and turned into horn-like objects. This is not the case in the world of men, where pimples and calluses have become hardened and turned into horn-like objects. These are basically sudden changes because they appear in one or asymmetrical forms, but this one was different because it had bony objects growing in contrast.
　Its beauty, however, begs the question.




What does this Ursula of the Hyouga tribe want with me, a child of the nobility?

"I'm here to greet you, Master.

I don't understand, is this imam something that a person from the Hyouga tribe would have to come all the way to the capital to greet?

It's as you say.

You got the wrong guy. See you later.


　She said casually, sheathed her sword and tried to leave.
　I still can't figure out what her intentions are.
　In the first place, I wonder how she identified herself as the mage.
　I need to find out first.
　If he shows any sign of leaving, there will be some approach.


"Hold on. I have proof.

Where is it?

Probably on your left arm.

Is it ......?


　I couldn't help but let out an indecent squeak. Why is he talking about his own left arm there?
　Right now, my left arm is bandaged. Is the fact that I have a bandage on my arm proof of this? If the person with the injured left arm is the imam, it is a very poor reason.


　But Ursula seems to be extremely serious.
　Her calmness, she doesn't seem to be playing with us at all.
　When I tried to ask her what she meant, she said


I'd like to ask you something first before we talk about it. Are you familiar with the Book of Prophecies?

I do. And please don't be an imam. Don't presume to know anything about it.

Well... Then may I call you Master Arx?

Do you even know my name? ......


　So, you can assume that my identity is already known.
　The fact that he contacted me after that suggests that he has made a lot of preparations.


"Well... Lord Arx has the same characteristics as the one who leads the Hyouga tribe as written in the prophecy of Kuraki.

"He who leads the Hyouga?

"The prophecy says. "The Oracle says he is a young man with silver hair and red eyes.

Those are the traits of a man of House Raytheft. Besides, I'm sure there are people with silver hair and red eyes in other countries if you look hard enough.

I'm sure you're right. In the meantime, I'd like to see your left arm. If you're the Imam, you'll also see a phoenix on it.

"A phoenix. ......


　When I heard Ursula's words, my heart jumped for a moment.
　There is no such pattern on my left arm as she describes.
　There is no such thing, but there is a bruise that looks like it. I only became aware of it when Suu pointed it out to me just the other day when she was treating me.


　What is this strange coincidence?


"He has a phoenix on his left arm. He will give peace to his family.

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


　It's true, the bruise does look like that.
　It's not hard to see why people would want to believe in such an uncertain thing.


　...... Apparently, I was subconsciously looking at the bruised area.


So the prophecy is true.

"It's just a ...... resemblance.


　When I took off the bandage and showed it to a frowning Ursula, she had an emotional expression on her face, as if she was happy that the prophecy had come true.


Oh, ...... sure.

"What a coincidence. Besides, it's just like .......


　--I really think I'm a character from a fairy tale.
　But Ursula shook her head, as if to drown out our denial.


But there aren't many people who share the same traits. I'm sure there's no mistake. Besides, Master Arx, you must have some idea of what it means to be called a mage.　Otherwise, you wouldn't have to listen to me.

...... There may be no doubt that the features match. But how can you be so sure?　Aren't prophecies usually uncertain?

No, everything in the book of prophecies is relevant to what is to come.

That's what they say. ......

"In fact, it has been reported to be true.

What do you mean, "......"?

All forty-two clans of the Hyouga have overcome hardships under the guidance of the previous masters.

So you're expecting me to do the same?

"....... I know it's presumptuous of me to suddenly appear in front of you and ask you to guide and help me, but this is also a provision written in the prophecy.


　She seems to be aware of the fact that she is impudent.
　In other words, she was aware of this, but still needed to contact him.


　I don't know how you can believe in something like that unconditionally in the first place, but a prophecy is absolute for those who believe in it. In fact, she's right, the people of this world recognize the text in the book of prophecies as a definite event that will happen in the future.


　This is one of the reasons why the mages are putting so much effort into deciphering it.
　Chain, the spirit of the vine, also hinted that the contents would come true when he stood in his dreambed.


　Let's assume this story is true.
　But still.


"It's not like we're suddenly expected to lead ourselves, and I don't have the power to do anything about it.

Well, maybe you will be able to.

And when you are in a position to do so, will you help us?　Is that what you guys need in the first place?

"Well... We, the Hiouga people, are landless and have moved from place to place at different times in our history. A safe place to live is a longing for us.

We live in ...... a part of the Lamakan Plateau and the Cross Mountains to the northeast.

We moved more than a decade ago and have settled in our current location, but there are many things that do not fit. The climate and terrain are fine.


　The rest. The first thing that comes up when people say they have trouble living in a place is.


The water is not good?

Is... That is correct, sir.


　A change in drinking water is one of the causes of health problems caused by a change in location.
　Urticaria occurs because it does not suit your constitution. Skin rash. You get sick to your stomach.


...... I don't think you need to rely on me. I think you could easily get a large territory or two if you wanted to.

I don't know. It is as you say, Master Arx.


　Even though the Hyouga have no territory, they are highly skilled fighters, and although they are a small tribe, their power is comparable to the military power of a small country.
　That's why each country is always trying to welcome the chieftain as a duke and take him in as a fighting force.
　Of course, the Kingdom of Rynor is no exception to this.
　When I talked about this with Ursula, she said.


But it's not as if the territories and titles that are given with such intentions will lead to security. It is the consensus of the clan that it would be better to wait for the one spoken of in the prophecy to appear.


"So let's see which one is better. Well, it's the cheap shot.

I apologize for my rudeness.


　It's okay that you don't try to hide the fact that you want to take advantage of me.
　In fact, if they weren't bound by the prophecy, they wouldn't even need to contact this little boy.
　For them, too, this may be a matter of puzzling over how to handle.


I know I'm being presumptuous. I know that I am being presumptuous, but I would like to ask you for your help. Of course, we don't think it's a good idea to just rely on ....... I promise you that if you ask, the Hiouga will assist you with all the power of our clan. As proof of this, I would like to take the oath of master and servant. ......


　Ursula suddenly said this.


I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that," he said. "Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. ...... You're talking too fast for me.


　I don't want you to do this to me suddenly.
　If we make such a contract, we will be forced to cooperate.
　This is like having a huge bomb. I don't mind if the bomb explodes without my knowledge, but if it explodes while I'm holding it, I can't avoid serious damage. The responsibility will fall on us as well. There is no way we can take it easy.


As I said before, you're talking too fast.

Don't you believe me?

"Of course. "Of course not." In the first place, you've just heard a one-sided story, and you don't even know for sure whether the description actually exists or not. In fact, you don't even know where it is, do you?

It's at .......


　Ursula falls silent.
　As I suspected, it's only been handed down from generation to generation, and not actually found by reading the Book of Prophecies.


　That said, though.
　The name "imam" was mentioned by Cheyne, and the bruise on his arm is consistent with the contents of the prophecy.
　Perhaps what Ursula is saying is true.
　However, my cautious self in the back of my mind asks me if I can believe it unconditionally. Is it really the right thing to believe unconditionally in something as uncertain as a prophecy?
　In other words, it proves that I have been influenced by that man's life.
　Besides.


"......, why did you just appear in front of me?

"The first time I saw Master Arx was at the discussion ceremony. I thought it might be more difficult if I delayed my contact.

What made you think that?

The higher your position, the more difficult it will be for you to make contact.

What do you mean I'm not?

When you've been awarded the Silver Cross at your age, it's easy to see what the future holds.

The only time to talk to ...... is now, is it?


　It is true that I want to have a solid position as a mage. If you can do that, she's right, you won't be able to contact her easily.
　It's not so urgent that it's now or never, but I understand why she came to the conclusion that contact should be made as soon as possible.


　Anyway, what should I do?


　First of all, we should not take it easy. As I mentioned earlier, if you do, you may end up with a bomb.
　That said, it would be a mistake to reject it out of hand. The fact that it has the same name as the chain of spirits in the chain of vines means that there is no denying the possibility that it may have an important connection in the future.
　The central point of this story is the existence of the prophecy book. In his world, it may be a strange existence, but in this world, it is a book that writes down the truth and facts. It is better not to have any preconceived notions.


　So, here goes.


"Believe ...... or not, I'll remember you.

That's enough for now. That's enough for now. Thank you, Master Arx, for your flexibility.


　With that, Ursula moved to the side of the road. She was like a vassal kneeling in the king's path. Is that the kind of thing an imam is supposed to do?


(Are you an imam ......? If that's really the case, then maybe that's how they do it.)


　Thinking like that for a while after passing the road.
　I look back over my shoulder.
　Ursula is still kneeling there. Like a plaster statue, she doesn't move a muscle.
　He turned his gaze back to the road ahead and headed home.



　.



　After Arx had left the alley.
　Ursula, who was kneeling at the end of the alley, stood up and stared at the place where Arx had disappeared for a while.
　The alley, located in a valley of buildings, was already dark, and only the moonlight was visible.
　Sooner or later, the place she was in would be shrouded in darkness.


　Ursula took out her cantera and lit the wick.
　The walls of the alleyway were illuminated by the hue of the flame, and a growing shadow appeared there.
　The shadows stood still, while the darkness, which the light of the lamp could not reach, grew even darker.


　At that time, Ursula made a show of looking up somewhere, and then called out to someone.


"Yahanni. Are you there?


　In response to her assertive phrasing, the person who called out reacts.
　In the corner of an alleyway, where the light of a lamp does not reach. In a corner of the alleyway, where the light does not reach, a hooded figure emerges from the gloom.
　He was shorter than Ursula, but just like her, he wore a windproof cloak over an elegant kimono. With his hood pulled tightly over his eyes, he responded to Ursula.


You're a mage, aren't you? The bruises on your arms and your appearance are just as the legend says.

"Yes. He seemed to have an idea of what it was, and he was probably right.

He denied it at all costs, though.


　Yahanni was toying with him, but Ursula didn't seem to change her color.


I guess that's the way it has to be. You've calmed down a lot considering your age.

"I suppose so. He didn't talk like a child of that age could.


　Neither was his caution. From both Ursula's and Yahanni's eyes, Arx's behavior did not seem appropriate for his age.
　When Yahanni shrugged her shoulders, Ursula said.


You should examine Lord Arx carefully. You should study Master Arx carefully, but only on condition that you don't be rude to him.

Are you sure?　Won't they be more wary of us if we're sneaking around behind their backs?

First of all, we have to know you well. If we don't, we won't even know what constitutes disrespect.

"We're going to check on you to make sure you don't offend the imam. So you're sure you don't want to be rude?

Yes.

That's difficult.


　However, if you don't say you can't do it, it means you are confident that you can do it.


I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.

"Yahanni. You doubt the lore?


　I'm not sure what to make of that.


I've been hearing about prophecies since I was a kid, and I'm not so sure about them when I see them firsthand.

Didn't it look like that to you?

No, I don't. Do you see it that way, Ursula?

............


　Yahanni's question went unanswered.
　Ursula is one of the most devout women of the Hyouga tribe. Yahanni knew that she was a firm believer in lore.


Are you sure you want to follow the lore?　As the Imam said, it's not hard to steal a country if you want to.

"To do so would be to violate the laws of our fathers.

I don't think it's right to destroy a clan according to the law.

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


　Yahanni is right, the Hiouga tribe is on the decline.
　This was partly due to the lack of permanent settlements, but also due to the fact that the nations adjacent to their current settlements were exerting pressure on them, and recently the situation had developed into a skirmish.


　There were many who were concerned about the current situation.


　Like Yahanni, there were many people who were concerned about the current situation.


Indeed, there are many who, like you, dismiss the Code as old-fashioned. That's how far we've come.

"This just reinforces it. This time it was even stronger, because he was so cute.


　I'm sure you'll be able to understand that I'm not the only one.


So you are the opposite of me.

"Well. So you think Ursula has seen something?

"On the outside, you look lovely, but inside you are real. She saw my slightest gesture and recognized my timing.

"Oh, so that's how she moved. I see. The Silver Cross is not a bad thing.


　However, even with all his achievements, Yahanni did not think that Arx was worthy of being a mage.
　It was probably because his impression of Arx was far different from the image he had originally had.
　When Yahanni did not speak any further, Ursula opened her mouth.


We're pulling out. And contact that guy as planned.

Are you sure you want him to take care of this?

Yes, he'll be fine. You'll have to keep that in mind.

Yes, sir.


　After the exchange, the two of them disappeared into the depths of the darkness of King's Landing.