I see... that's all the trouble our predecessors went through before humans were able to master the ManaVolt II.
That's right. It's not necessary to know every single detail of the background to learn and use magic, but the institute I studied at in Halicon advocates that it's more effective when you have a deeper understanding. Of course, I've felt it myself.

　And - I was giving a lecture on magic.
　I was lecturing one of Sharon's older brothers, a quiet girl named Kate.
I'm no stranger to the special magic used by witches, but when it comes to the general magic used by the wizards at large, I'm as knowledgeable as anyone here in Vivera hara.
　And in the past few days, Kate has often come to attend my lectures.


　It all started when Kate had come to me for advice on her own before.

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that my sister and I, and more importantly Isabella and Tina, have been sluggishly growing in recent times. I think all four of us have never neglected our training as witches.... Isabella doesn't hesitate to say that her master is to blame, and her sister says it's because of the war, the war, that she hasn't been able to devote herself to her training, and Tina agrees with both. But I don't think that's the reason. Because it's common for many witches in the past to struggle at our age...

　Kate was horrified and asked me, an outsider, to summon up the courage to ask her.

I was impressed by the way Henri had changed the face of warfare by operating a troop of wizards. That's why I came to you for advice, to see if you, with your values outside of Vivera hara, could give us some surprising insights.

　And that courage was not in vain.

'I have an idea as to why you're sluggish,'
Oh, really? Really?
Yeah.

　To be more precise, thanks to the Strategy Book, we have an understanding of the natural law (system).

A witch's 'level' is not supposed to exceed a wizard's 'level'.
Well, I've never heard of that.

　It can't be helped.
　I'm sure you'll find that the inhabitants of this world--including me, of course--have little means of knowing their level of expertise.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on in the world, and I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on in the world, and I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on in the world, and I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on in the world.
　That's the reason why people are usually unaware of their own level, and usually don't even think about it.
　That was the case for me too, before I met the "Strategy Guide".

　Therefore, there may be witches who are empirically aware of the natural (systemic) limitation that a witch's level cannot exceed that of a wizard. That witch's school of witchcraft may be able to provide the right guidance.
　But it was no surprise that it wasn't generalized in Viverrahara.

'Kate. You began your training as wizards at Nebula first, and eventually you were discovered for your witchcraft qualities and began your training in that direction late. And in your desire to make it big as a witch, you neglect your training as a wizard. Do you see a tendency like that?
There it is. That's exactly what I'm talking about...
'That's why my growth as a witch is going to come to a head. Because I'll never be able to catch up and exceed the level of a wizard.
Well, I see...

　So, when he resumes his training as a wizard, it will go up, along with the level of the witches.
　That's all there is to it. That's the only story.

Well, I suppose it's a little out of the ordinary for you guys. Believe it or not, it's your choice.
I believe in what you say, Henri!

　Kate replied immediately with a bite.
　And then she squirmed again.

'Well, so, if you don't mind, would you mind giving me a lecture as a wizard...?　If you don't mind... but...
I don't mind, but....

　I'm not a magic fanatic, frankly, I'm more of a magic fanatic I love talking about magic and being talked about it, and teaching it and being taught it.

'But wouldn't it make sense to learn from Lord Sharon?　She's a pretty good wizard, too.
'But as a wizard, Henri-san is far superior to your master, right?
"M

　I should have refrained from acting like I was noticed.

'I can communicate easily with the golem.
That's another rare talent.

　As expected of a witch's "blood".

Henri-san often lends a gladius to my troops, doesn't he?
You're the only one in your unit that listens to me.

　I chuckled and nodded.

'So, Gladius-san told me. Henri-san hides his powers, but he's really an awesome wizard.
He's more talkative than I thought.

　I chuckled more and more.
　I'd thought I had a quiet professional temperament.
　No, I envied him. I'd like to have a chat with him, too.

You're hiding it from me, so you have your own set of circumstances, don't you?　I'm not going to tell anyone, so don't worry.
I'll believe it. I'll take your word for it. You've been doing a very solid job of that recently.
Heh.

　What makes you so happy," Kate said, with a grimace.


　--It's a good thing that you're not going to be able to find a way to make a living.
　I don't know why Chocolat looked so dissatisfied.

I'm sure it's time to go. I'm sure you'll be able to find a lot of good ways to make your life easier.　I think it would be counterproductive to put too many eggs in the basket.

　Again today, in a terribly sarcastic tone of voice, you let me know when the lecture is scheduled to end.

'Oh, so it's time for tea, then?　I've been baking sweets again today.

　Kate holds out a package of baked goods.
　Maybe it's to thank her for the lecture, but she dutifully brings her own sweets every time.
　And for some reason, it makes Chocolat, who is supposed to have a sweet tooth, more and more grumpy.

　Anyway, I asked the head maid, Mirei, to prepare tea for the three of us, and then we ate Kate's sweets.
　And then I get some of Kate's sweets.

"J~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

　Chocolat observes the browning of the pastry with a vicious look, as if she were her mother-in-law snubbing her daughter-in-law.
　If there is even the slightest irregularity in the baking, it's an attitude that says, "I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt.
　I don't know what he's doing.

　I'm taking it easy and throwing it into my mouth, but....yeah. Today's is also very tasty.

"Oh, does it suit you, Henri?
'Yeah. I always thought Kate was a good baker.
That's........this much is normal for a witch. I usually do things that require delicate work such as mixing secret medicines, and making sweets is much easier than that.
I see.
"Ku.....

　Chocolat finally takes a bite and lets out a frustrated voice at the stingy deliciousness.
　I don't know what she's doing.

　Anyway, while enjoying the delicious sweets and tea, we were chatting for a while.
　The topic of conversation was mainly about the future of the war.
　.........I can't possibly provide a topic that girls like, can I?
　Besides, it's okay that Kate is smiling and listening!
　I'm sure this kid is a military fanatic or something.

　　　　◇◆◆◆◆◆.

　The small tea party ended without a hitch, with Milay right beside him to serve.
　Kate returned to the mayor's residence.
　She was replaced by Pauli, who appeared in her place.

I'm glad to see that you've taken to her completely.
She's a simple girl.
That's it?
What's your point?
No, not really. It would be easier if the other kids were more honest, though.
Yeah.

　I agreed with Pauli, who cowered her shoulders.

　With the exception of Kate, Sharon's three highest ranking brothers are still acting selfishly on the battlefield, and are disrupting each other's footsteps.
　These witches are truly noble and independent, for better or worse. Just as Viverrahara would have been destroyed long ago if the Black Witches had been truly monolithic, rather than a token union.

　It's a good thing Kate is doing her job well, and thanks to the 'strategy book' and the magic firepower support unit, we're currently able to string together a series of victories.
　If a tougher battle situation arises in the future, for example, when the cornered Black Witches are forced to seriously cooperate with each other, Isabella and the others who are dragging them down will only be a source of anxiety.

　Sharon can't come out strongly to her disciples either, or, frankly, she's licked.
　Her uncharacteristic sweetness for a demoness is both a virtue and a flaw.

Would you like me to take care of that for you?

　Pauli twisted the scar on his cheek and started to look bad.

'Criminal activity cannot be overlooked, can it?
Quite legally and in a straightforward manner. I'm a reformed man now.
Do you swear by the siren?
I wish you weren't making fun of me!
I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

　I laugh and apologize to an exasperated Pauli.

'Well, can I leave it to you then?'
Yes, sir.