--On this day, Risha Raytheft and her father Joshua were attending the announcement party for the magic meter.


　The announcement party was a large scale event held at the royal castle, and even the royal family was in attendance.
　Risha had attended parties held by mage salons and noblemen living in the royal capital before, but this was the first time she had attended a party of this scale.


　Perhaps because of this, my mother Celine's enthusiasm was so great that she was busy moving from place to place even though she was not attending the party herself.
　She took great care of the maids who helped her find and dress her dress, and she chose the ornaments that she wore with great care.
　Recently, the size of the dress I had been wearing was no longer suitable, so it was time to have it tailored, but even so, she put so much thought into it that I felt it was too much.
　The entire body was completely redone, and I had the impression in front of the mirror that he was much more beautiful than when he usually attended salons and parties.


　My father, Joshua, was dressed in traditional red aristocratic attire, holding a walking stick in his right hand, looking his usual regal self.
　He greeted the guests with his father.
　Now he is listening to his uncle Clive on the stage.


　Clive has his military uniform pulled over his shoulders, like a general who has come to the stage to give a speech before going to war.
　However, his usual open-mindedness has faded and his tone of voice is stern and powerful.
　The tone of his speech is stern and powerful. His inflection and inflection are very engaging. The precision and calculating nature of his speech was completely unimaginable from the usual gentle and dynamic Clive.


　Naturally, the invited guests were repeatedly surprised and interested.
　As for the explanation, he barely touched on the materials and principles of the magic meter, and only talked about the performance of the magic meter, focusing on what the magic meter could do and how much it could achieve.
　The content clearly shows that the magic technology of the kingdom has improved considerably compared to the high standard it had originally maintained.
　One of the most obvious examples is the significant improvement in chanting failure.


　Even ordinary mages usually failed two or three times out of ten, but now they almost never fail.
　Of course, the guests from other countries would have felt fear rather than shock.
　This would have dramatically increased the threat of mages, which had always been high.
　Now, they would not be able to think lightly about invading the kingdom.


　As well as the domestic mages, the mages of other countries were also restless, as if they wanted it and could not help but want it.


　While I was listening to the story of the magic meter, I suddenly became curious about what was behind me.
　I looked behind me, but there was no one there.
　There is no one, but there is something.


　Yes, the demon behind me is alive and well.
　After I freed him in the cave in Raytheft territory, he ended up following me around, talking to me every chance he got.
　At first, it was a little creepy because it was like a ghost, but it didn't play any tricks on me, and it was friendly, so I got used to it sooner than I thought.
　In addition, they tell me things that I can't perceive and share their knowledge with me, so these days I tend to talk to them more often.


　--See, that was a good deal, wasn't it?


　I could imagine her face full of pride when she said that, and I kind of hated her for it.
　I'm not in a position to say such a thing, since I'm actually relying on him.
　Anyway, when he talks to me, I am moderately involved in the conversation.
　Since people around me cannot hear his voice, if I were to engage in conversation, people around me would become suspicious.
　Recently, my mother and father have been telling me that I need to work on talking to myself.


　Suddenly, the demon speaks to me.


"Magic meter, huh? You used to use one too, didn't you, Lisha?　That.

"Yes, but what's wrong?


　The demon's voice is low because there are people around.
　He asks back, trying not to look suspicious, especially to his father.


It's not that there's anything wrong with it, but I just thought it was surprising that they made something like that.

What do you mean by surprising?

"What do you mean by surprising? It's not something that can be made with this country's technology. It's true that there are some remains from the past, so it's not absolutely impossible, but the fact that it's built like this is strange.


　That's how the demon explained it to me, but it didn't really make sense to me.
　When we are wondering, the demon asks us a question.


"Because it's made of denatured silver, right?

"Modified silver?　I heard it was called something else.

No, it's denatured silver. No, that's denatured silver. It's true that denatured silver can be used to measure the dose of magic radiation without being disturbed by other wavelengths.

"Is that so?

Yes. That measuring instrument derives its value by using the property of denatured silver to expand under the influence of the wavelengths of magical power being emitted. I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it.


　It seems.


The only problem is the refining of the 'compressed magic power' needed to create the denatured silver. You can't make that unless you have a magic high speed amplifier. That would be a reversal of the technology used to create it first.


　The demon explains it like that, but there are a lot of words that I don't understand, so sometimes I don't understand it very well.
　It's as if I'm listening to him.
　The difference between him and the demon is that the demon doesn't bother to explain in detail, but rather just blurts it out.


But I think it's quite primitive to reproduce that with a thermometer, and I think you've done a good job of it.

"What is the thermometer ......?

A thermometer is a thermometer. As it is, it's a tool to measure air temperature or temperature.

I've often heard that the temperature of the air can be measured using ...... tasers.

Yeah, it's kind of a simple method. What I'm talking about is a more convenient version of that. ...... Have you ever seen one that uses mercury?

I've never seen it. I've never even heard of it.

No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.

I don't know. Wouldn't it be like that if the denatured silver were easier to use?

"That may be true, but the order is reversed, isn't it?　In all likelihood, the thermometer was created first. In fact, if a magic dosimeter was created first, it would have a different shape, right?　Normally, it would be a device that uses a glass tube filled with a special gas to prevent other wavelengths from mixing in, and can only read magic rays. ...... No, to do that, you need electrodes first, so you'd need a thunderbolt. But we don't use lightning power here at all. ...... Hmm, it shouldn't be like a thermometer.



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

Was it your uncle who made that?

No, it was your brother.

Your brother?

Yes. He's over there.


　Then he looks at that man in the corner.
　Today, he was not wearing traditional noble clothes, but a sober colored jacket.
　I can't deny that it looks a bit worn, but it definitely suits him.
　With his silver hair and red eyes, he shouldn't be too hard to spot.
　Eventually, the demon seems to have read our gaze and found her.


"......, he's about your age?　I'm not sure what to make of it.　I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

"Yes.

"Yes." "What?　Is that for real?　Are you serious about that?　If he made it, when the hell did he start making it?

"I heard that he was about eight years old when he started making .......

"Wait a minute, that's crazy, no matter how crazy it is. ......

"Even if you say it's strange, it's because the finished product looks like that.

I'm not sure what to make of it.　And even though it doesn't have a thermometer, it's been incorporated into a thermometer for ease of use. You need a device to make denatured silver in the first place, so what the hell does this mean? ......


　The devil seems to be very confused. The demon seems to be very confused and is making sounds that I've never heard before.
　The magic meter is certainly an amazing invention. It is understandable that they are surprised that such a thing exists in reality.
　However, the demon seems to be shocked by something else than what they were blindsided by.


Lisha.


　The reason, they say, is that it's a step-skip development.


"Risha?

What?　Yes, yes!　What can I do for you? Father.

Lisha, what's wrong?　What's wrong with you?

No, it's nothing. I'm fine.

Hmm, are you nervous?　There are a lot of distinguished guests and senior nobles here. There will be more of this kind of thing in the future. Get used to it while you can.

Yes, sir.


　I replied firmly to my father so that he would not know that I was talking to the devil.
　On the other hand, I breathed a sigh of relief in my heart.


　That was close. I was so busy talking to the demon that I neglected to pay attention to my surroundings. I should be more careful in the future so that I don't look like I'm in the sky above.


"I let my guard down.

Whose fault is it? Whose?


　After a whispered exchange with the devil.
　Father Joshua looked around the hall.


"This is a royal party. It's a meeting hosted by the royal family. As expected, a magic meter would attract such a large number of people.

Yes.

They're all in important positions. It's an honor to be a part of such a gathering.


　As my father Joshua said, there are not only people of high rank at home, but also many foreign dignitaries.
　Normally, I would not be able to meet them, let alone talk to them.


I'm afraid there are some people here who don't belong in this meeting.

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


　Joshua's face twisted into a grimace of bitterness.
　It seems that my father was already aware of the existence of that man.
　My father looked at her as if she were a stranger to him.
　Even though they were supposed to be family, he looked at her coldly, as if he had seen an enemy.
　It would have been better if it had been just that, but my father stopped listening to Crabbe and walked towards her in silence.


"And you, Father?


　I called out, but Joshua didn't seem to hear me and continued on his way.
　I hurriedly followed his back. But there was no sign of my father stopping.
　Eventually, the man turned to look at us, as if he had noticed that my father was approaching.
　His face is swarthy. She, like my father, is waiting with narrowed eyes, as if an enemy is approaching.
　My father stood in front of her and began to quietly intimidate her.


"Why are you here?

I've come to escort your uncle today, is there something wrong?

"This is a royal gathering. It's not a meeting that a man like you can attend. Then it's normal for you to decline out of respect for yourself. Did you not understand that in your head?



No, I requested my uncle that I should do the same, but it was unavoidable if my uncle, who is the national mage, gave me a strong order, and this is how I ended up attending.


　Our gazes crossed and sparks flew.


You can always say you are not feeling well and back out.

It's a shame that you have to lie about something that can be easily exposed.

"Hmm. Can't you even use your head? That's why you're incompetent.


　When my father said that, he let out a big sigh.
　And then.


"Shut up, you son of a b*tc*!

What ......?

"What do you mean, you should know your place? You were just offended by my face, weren't you?　You can't even do your duty as a parent, so don't lecture me like a guardian every time.


　I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.
　Naturally, my father's face began to flush.


"You!

What?　What? Are you angry at me for defying you?　You've got a very low boiling point for someone who acts like he can afford it.


　Suddenly, I felt my father's arm lifted, and then his mouth unleashed a follow-up attack.


I don't know.　Do you want to hit me with your emotions like before?　Okay?　Go ahead and do it. The moment you do that here, the House of Raytheft is finished.

We only punish the unprincipled. There's no punishment in this house.

Is that so?　If you do that here, there'll be an uproar. I can do it myself if you want. If you cry like you're old enough, you'll get more attention. What would happen to your family if you interrupted the party?

What would that do to you?

I don't care. I don't care. I don't care if I die. I'll even take you into 'retirement on the estate' right now.


　He said that and glared at my father.
　It was a tightrope-walking attack that took advantage of the situation and his position.


　--Wow, your brother's really good.


　I can hear the devil's choked voice.
　He's fearless in these situations.
　Perhaps it's because he's walked a tightrope before. His resolve and guts are different from other kids.
　I guess my father won't be so easy to deal with if he's up against the family.


"You're getting carried away, ......!

Which is it? ......!


　That man and my father are ratcheting up the pressure.
　Their deadly gazes clash, making it seem as if sparks are flying.
　My father's intimidation is one thing, but that man's energy is quite something. In the past, she was just pressurized, but now she has become tolerable.


　But the way he hits you is too strong.
　If that's the case, people will notice.


(At this rate, I'll really be ......)


　I was trying to find a way to intervene.


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


　Suddenly, I heard a voice from the side.
　The voice belonged to a woman. However, the tone of voice is quite unpretentious for this occasion.
　When I turned around, there was Louise Rastinel, whom I had met at her house before.


"This is Her Excellency Louise .......


　When my father saw Louise, he came to his senses and made a short bow.


I'm sorry to have made you look so uncomfortable.

You look different. Is there a problem?

No, it's just a family matter. I hope you don't mind.

Oh, really?　I'm sorry if it's complicated. But this is a royal party. As His Majesty's vassal, I'd like to avoid anything that might interfere with the party as much as possible.

"I'm sorry .......


　In response to Louise's prickly words, her father bowed his head in a perfunctory manner.
　I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it.


I'm sure you'll enjoy it, Viscount.　This day marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of magic in the kingdom. If you were a mage, you'd feel the same way, wouldn't you?

"............?


　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　My father agreed with Louise's story and then hung his head with his eyes down.
　Louise turned around to make sure that the situation was completely under control.


"Miss Lisha. You look good.



Sir, it's been a long time.

Risha?　Are you acquainted with His Excellency?　Where did you get this?

Oh, a while back. I came to say hello to him with the princess of Clemelia.

Oh, I see. ......


　It is true that Louise's words are correct, because at that time, she misrepresented herself as Charlotte's escort.
　If I were to make a move, it would be here.
　I thanked Louise for her attention and called out to my father.


"Father, it's time to go to .......

"Yes. Don't do anything that will bring shame to your family.


　My father finally said this, but the man turned away and did not speak.
　My father was annoyed with his attitude, but I guess he couldn't talk back in front of Louise.
　He walked quietly back to where he had been.
　I bowed to the man who looked at me as if to say thank you, and followed my father.


　In the middle of this, the devil speaks to me from behind.


"...... was your father like this?

...... Yes.


　The devil has also seen my father from behind many times before.
　The reason why he asks this question now is probably because his father's current attitude is quite different from the face he saw then.
　After all, he seems to have questioned the family relationship of the Raytheft family.


'He's your brother, isn't he?　He doesn't even seem to be living with us, why again?

My father and mother don't like my brother because of his low magic power.

Ah, the magic supremacists. There are magic supremacists even in this age. No, well, it's not that there aren't any, but... I'm sure you're not the only one.

"...... Yeah.

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

"Is that how it is? ......

That's right. That's what people are like. You can't do anything about it once you start to dislike them because they are so close to you. That's because you're with them every day. You'll see things you don't want to see, whether you want to or not. That's how the disgust builds up.

Is that why my father and mother hated him so much?

"Yes. It's better not to think of them as family, or as immediate family, or as having any feelings for them at all.　You're a nobleman, after all. When money and power are involved, even parents and siblings fight ugly. The beautiful love between a parent and a child is just a myth. Hahahahahaha!

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


　When someone says that to me, I feel a sense of regret.
　I want to believe that this is not true, but the devil must be right.
　My father and mother will never be able to get close to her again.


Don't look at me like that. I'm just telling you the truth.

"...... You're really mean, aren't you?

Thanks a lot. You shouldn't have any hope of understanding me, Lisha. I'm not sure what you mean by that. That's when it gets really dark.


　That's what the devil said at the end.
　I felt that his voice was somehow true.