From Yuki's point of view...



　Alec-Keels and I were facing each other at a distance.
　This is a magical testing ground owned by the "Magic Guild".
　It's an amphitheater where Alec-Keels and I currently hold our magical battles.

　The site is covered with dirt.
　Alec-Keels and I are standing on the north and south sides, facing each other.
　There are two judges at a distance.
　They're supposed to stop us if they think we're in danger.

　What we're about to do, of course, is not killing each other.
　It's a magical shootout with a safety switch.

　Alec and I have the garland on our heads.
　To be specific, it's like putting flowers on a hairband.
　This hair band is said to be a replica of an 'ancient artifact'.
　When the wearer's body is about to be attacked, the band will automatically deploy a powerful shield.

　However, it can only be deployed three times.
　Moreover, it consumes a lot of magic power and can only be used for 10 minutes.
　The only place you can use it is here, where a special magic circle has been set up.

　Each time you use the shield, the decorative flowers will scatter.
　After using it up three times, the flower is gone.
　The first one to do so loses. Also, even if the decoration is taken away, the player loses.

　By the way, I heard that this decoration represents the princess whom the knight escort protects.
　While protecting the princess, the knight defeated the opponent.
　It is said that knights have held such mock battles since the olden days.
　I don't think it was done in my previous life. No, that's just because I'm a country boy.

　There are certain magic techniques that you can use.
　If you try to use offensive magic above a certain level, you will be stopped by the judge. It's a good idea to have a good time with them.
　In addition, the referee will also heal some injuries with magic.

　By the way, it is forbidden to communicate with the outside world during a battle.
　This is apparently because this is the battle of the 'guardian knights', and to see the resolve of each of them.
　Iris, I was going to fight while discussing with Odette how far I should go, but I guess it can't be helped.

'Hmm. You look nervous.

　Alec-Keels, in front of me, is laughing.
　I guess.
　This guy is a C-class magician, even higher class than me.

The "Magic Guild" started with trainees, and the rankings continued from E class to D class.
　Alec-Keels' C class is somewhere in the middle to the top.
Demeter-san, who came to the "guard knight selection exam" was a C-class, so for us trainees, he's on top of the clouds.

　What do we do now?
　To be honest, the reason I came to the magic battle was to see how much this Princess Salvia looks at Iris.
　Pulling out a C-level sorcerer is a hell of a lot better than that.
　You have that much to complain about my Alice? Why.

'I'm going to warn you before the game.

　Alec-Keels looked at me and said.

"I have been asked by His Highness Prince Salvia to remind you of the difference between you and me. I'm here to remind him of the difference in strength between us.
Huh.
'That's why I have to beat you perfectly. I owe you a lot of credit for that, my brother. If it weren't for you, my brother wouldn't have made a foolish mistake and the Keels family wouldn't have been embarrassed...!
''If you're referring to the 'escort knight selection test,' though Girvan-Keels later admitted to foul play and apologized to us.

　He's just trying to manipulate the undead into letting us through.
　And now he's being punished for it.
　I'm not angry about it, and Odette isn't angry about that.

This has nothing to do with it. It doesn't matter what you think, your brother has lost to you. The Marquesses admitted their guilt to the barons. This is a great shame for the Marquess of Kiels. His Royal Highness Salvia has given us an opportunity to wipe away the shame.
Does beating me take away the shame?
''Right now, you and I are not C-level mages and trainees, we are equal guardian knights. If we can fight and win in that position, it will prove that we are better than you.
Is that why you went to the trouble of being a knight escort?
'The Marquis of Keels cannot be looked down upon by the bastard son of a baronet.
I don't mean to be disrespectful to anyone, but...
That doesn't matter either.
Don't you?
''That's what being a noble is all about. The fact that you exist in the 'Magic Guild' as His Highness Iris's escort knight, and that you are living in a normal life in the royal capital, is what puts my family to shame. I will show you the overwhelming difference in power here and remind you of the difference in rank.
...is that the way it is?

　Yeah. I've found the highborn to be a huge pain in the ass.
　

　After all, it's best to get Iris out of the aristocratic society as soon as possible....
　But before we do, let's make sure we don't have any regrets.
　I'm the guardian deity of Fira Village. I'll do everything I can to help my descendants live in comfort.

Then, sir.
Hmm?
I will do everything in my power to fight for my heart.
Yeah. All right.

　Alec-Keels, a C-class sorcerer, quirked his lips (lips) and laughed.

'In that case, I'll give you the first blow. Show me what you can do. Haha.



　The moment Alec-Keils said this, a flute sounded.
　It's a signal to start the magic battle.



　I invoked the ancient magic that I had drawn in both hands.

Then invoke the "flame god's barrage".
'Huh. I know that magic!

　Alec-Keels snickered.

''Low-level 'ancient magic'?

　A huge flaming bullet fired from my left hand landed on Alec-Keels.

　A few small ones. This one was a bluff that missed its target.
　Three large ones. We're the real deal.
　If all of them hit, the opponent should have used up all of our shields, but...

''Ah, ah, 'Anti-magical barrier (anti-magical shell) ughhhh!''

Before the shield of the Flower Bouquet could be activated, Alec-Keels deployed his own magical barrier.
　The flamethrower went straight into his barrier and - oh, it's shaking, it's shaking. The magic barrier is shaking with all its might.

　But it won't penetrate. That's a class-C magician.
　The impact of the impact made him go all the way down to the edge of the arena and he was able to block my flaming bullets. That's amazing.

　Since I changed the way I poured my magic power into it, the power of my "Efreet Blows" should have increased in its own way.
　While I was teaching Odette how to adjust the magic power, I also found out how to successfully pour the magic power into the Ancient Magic, so I took that as a reference. I guess it wasn't so good.

''........Ha, ha, ha.''
Can I have another hit?
Don't be silly.

　Alec-Keels spat.
　As expected, you're not going to let me take a second shot.

''Don't underestimate a C-level sorcerer, Baroness (Danshakuke) bastard style!

　Alec-Keels waved his wand.
　His fingertips and the tips of his wand begin to draw different emblems.

　I see. So that's one way to use a wand. This makes the activation of magic quicker.
　It's a good learning experience. If possible, I'd like to learn more at the 'magic guild'.

But I don't want to be under someone who looks down on others.
Activate.　"Red Lotus Star Bullet (Burning Meteor)!

　Alec-Keels activates the 'Ancient Magic'.
　On either side of him, spheres of fire, as big as a carriage, appear.

"If you give up, throw down your flower ornaments. That's the end of the game.

　Alec-Keels declares while glaring at us.

''With the power of this 'Ancient Magic', even a close-in bullet will react to the shield of the 'flower decoration'. Even if you use your own magic barrier to block it, you'll lose!
I see.

　I waved my right cane, lightly, with my right hand.
　With my free left hand, I pull out the other cane that I kept in my waistband.

''Well, before that, I'm going to try out this one, too, to see if it's comfortable to use.

　The weight of the cane is just right.
　The balance is also - fine.

　When you shake it, you can hear the sound of its contents.
　As expected of the Grail Company, they've made it according to my instructions.

''And I don't intend to give up yet. I can't let my lord's name be tarnished.''
'Either way, you're done here!　The referees!　Get ready for some healing magic!

　Alec-Keels waved his arms.
　Giant spheres of fire flew towards us from both sides.

''Peel off Yuki-Grossaria's shield!　"Red Lotus Star Bullet (Burning Meteor)!
Prevent it!　My wand!

　I swing my arms over.
　Then I threw the staff in both hands towards the sphere of fire.

"Activate. "Anti-magic barrier (anti-magic shell)!


　Buh.


　A translucent barrier was generated around the two wands I threw.

''──Foolishness!　It's a remote control (enkaku kakusha) magic barrier, whoops!

　Alec-Keels shouted.
　In the meantime, the ball of fire that he created slams into my 'staff'.


　Do-oh-oh-oh-oh.


'........Hey. What is that? The wand's magical barrier is catching the ball of fire.
''........The 'Burning Meteor' is a mid-level 'ancient magic', right?'''
"...what the hell was that?　How could a trainee do that to me!

　Someone is shouting in the audience.

　I remotely control my wand (enkakusasa) and continue to maintain the magic barrier.
　The wand is trembling, but it's withstanding Alec-Keels' 'Red Lotus Star Bullet'.
　I can feel it. That's not enough to break my anti-magic barrier.　

　The barrier created by the staff catches his Red Lotus Star Bullet...
　I just let it go.


Come back. My wand.


　Hmm.

　The 'wand' that was flying in front of me comes back to my hand while spinning.
　I'm going to be able to say that the experiment is a success. The experiment was a success.

What's that wand for?　Don't tell me it's a replica of an 'ancient artifact'!
'It's just a wand. It's been checked by the judges before the witchcraft battle.

　At my words, the referees standing in the arena nod.
　Alec-Keels bristles at their reaction.

　I'm not breaking any rules.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

　This wand has two tricks.
　The first is that the grip is designed to be able to draw a crest with my blood.
　It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get your hands on it.

　You'll be able to get a good idea of what you're looking for.
　I learned it from watching Odette use it.
　Thanks to this, I was able to put up the barrier in no time.

　Secondly, there's a hollow in the staff to hold my Mystel Blood.

The Mystel Blood is like a limb to me.
　Now the staff itself has become a part of me by filling its contents with my blood.
　In the same way that I can fly, the staff, which is a part of me, has gained some ability to fly.
　However, it can only be used for a short time.

.........hey. What was that?

　A voice came from the audience.


..............Wow. Have you ever seen magic like that?
I don't know. But I do know it's a great magic.

　The buzzing gets louder.
　So, I guess it's time for the girls to come out.



''That's a mid-level 'Ancient Magic', 'Object Manipulation 《Animate Object》'!
'Is that so?　Odette!


　Odette and Iris' cries echoed through the arena.
　Okay. Good timing.

''Yes, Your Highness. The "Object Manipulation 《Animate Object》 is an "ancient magic" that uses matter as an extension of a limb by passing magic power through it. That's why it's possible to activate the barrier (shouheki) by remote control.
'Is that so, Odette? That kind of 'ancient magic' is in place, isn't it?
Yes. There's no mystery to it!
'Come to think of it, I remember seeing a description of an Eastern magician using such 'ancient magic'. There was a similar record in the books in the 'Magic Guild' collection!　Yes, I have!

　Iris takes over Odette's commentary.
　Thanks for the follow up, both of you.

"...Yeah. That's what I thought.
I've seen my share of C-level wizards using their wands as limbs.
Does that mean he's equal to Mr. Alec?

　The crowd goes quiet.
　I think I managed to fool them.

　This time, I asked Odette to join me in practicing magic.
　The purpose of this is to have a fighting style that is 'like the ancient magic that exists in reality'.

　The 'ancient magic' I use is my own arrangement, so it's strange in many ways.
　So, as much as possible, I had Odette check it out to make it look like a normal sorcerer.
　If it seems strange, Iris and Odette are supposed to follow up with me like they do now.

Now we can fight without any problems.

　I took out the third 'wand' that I carried at my waist.
　I tossed it lightly and it started to spin around me, along with the other two wands.

'd*mn!　You!　What's with that wand!


　I'm sorry. Goin' in. Gaijin!


　Alec-Keels strikes with a series of flaming magics.
　From the right, from the left. From the front with a feint.

　The 'wand' flicks the ball of fire that falls down, while moving.
　There is no need to catch it. You just need to deflect it.
　This one too. I'm getting pretty used to using it.

It's not a good idea.　Why!　I've been given the opportunity to take you down!
I'm supposed to be the knight in shining armor for the princess.

　I rewrite the emblems on both hands.
''From 'Flame Barrage (Efreet Blows)' to 'Physical Enhancement (Boosted)'.

''I'll do what I can to improve my child's living environment. Activate!　"Boosted" double!

　I kick the ground and start running towards Alec-Keels.
　I'm aiming for his flower decoration.

　I'm Princess Iris's knight now.
　I'm going to take the flower and win beautifully for the sake of his honor.

"──Invoke 'Ancient Magic' - 'Fire Spirit Summoning' - Flock!　My men!

　Alec-Keels activates "Ancient Magic".
　A magic circle is born on the ground, and from it, a lizard covered in flames appears.
　It's the same summoning technique that Brother Xellos used. But the numbers are different.


''Giiiiiiiiiiiiii!


　The screams of the fire lizards echoed through the arena.

　The 'fire spirits' that appeared were twenty in number.
　They all rushed towards me at once.

''Come!　My 'wand'!

　Huh?

　Three wands fly in front of me.
　Each one becomes a triangle that forms a single side and deploys a triple-layered "anti-magic barrier".

"Giiiiiiiiigaaaaahhhh!

　With a bang, the 'flame spirit' that had hit the barrier screamed.
　One....two...five more. Five more.

　The flaming spirits that were blown away were moving away.
　They can't catch up with me, running at twice the physical strength.

　Alec-Keels himself is slowly backing away.
　With a pale face and trembling, he's trying to deploy his next magic trick.
　You still have the technique. That's a lot of drawers, C-class magician.


　Just then, there was a bleep...........


“Don’t!　Alec-Keels!　That level of art is not something you can use here!　That 'Ancient Magic' is far beyond the defensive capabilities of the 'Flower Decoration'!

　The judge shouted.

''This sorcery battle is a contest of skill and tact in fighting while protecting your own princess. To try to crush a lower-ranked opponent by force, you're still a C-level magician!
'Please shut up judges!　As soon as all the shields in his Floral Decoration disappear, I will deactivate it!　I........I have to beat this guy on the honor of the nobility!

　A huge magic circle was born under Alec-Keels' feet.
　It was the same as when the teacher Kachel summoned the gryphon. 'You're trying to summon a messenger.

''Go!　My messenger, Flare Garda!


"Kiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!


　Alec-Keels called out a bird of fire, much larger than a human.
　At the same time, he kneels down. You're out of magic.

It's an accident. It's just a bunch of sorcerers getting overexcited by a magical battle.

　Alec-Keels said.

'His Highness Salvia will take care of the rest.
Why are you doing this to me...

　I really don't know.
　The game time is over in about 3 minutes.
　If Alec-Keels had just kept on the defensive, we could have called a draw.

"If you don't want to lose, a draw is fine. Why are you doing this to me?
'A country aristocrat has no idea of the pride of a highborn!　

　The next moment.

　The wand I had deployed in front of me was swallowed by the "flaming bird".
　The high heat generated by the bird causes the staff to transform.

''........don't worry. I won't kill you.

　Over the bird, I heard Alec-Keels' voice.

'I'm disqualified as a C-level sorcerer. You will bear the wounds that you deserve. Isn't that fair?
No. I don't want to worry my kid.

　The wand that I deactivated the anti-magic barrier beforehand fell to the ground.
　It's warped by the heat and has holes in it. It's useless now.

　The heat emitted by the birds causes the floral decoration to start blinking.
The garland's shields automatically deploy. A seven-colored shield will form in front of me.
　If this shield disappears and it deploys twice more, I lose.

　But my preparations are already done.
　Once the wand is broken, the evidence will be destroyed.

"I made my son cry a long time ago, you know. I won't do it again.

　My wand has another hidden function.
　That is, it serves as an injection of "magic blood" into the target.

　If the wand is punctured, the witch will take my "magic blood" into her body.
　And if that happens, it's all over.

"──Uncretion (hacking)!

　Internal magic, analysis begun.
　The user's central nervous system has been infiltrated.
　Seizing control of the user's headquarters - Success.

　Retrieving control of the user's bird of flame──completed.

　My "magic blood" is literally a lump of magical power.
　If I hack it before all the blood is vaporized, I'll be able to seize control of the messenger.
　Just like this (..........).



　Bikun.




The 'flame bird' stopped moving.

''What's the matter!　My errand boy!　Defeat Yuki-Grossaria!　Why aren't you moving!
"Kiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!

The flamethrower is on the move again.

'Oh!　That's right. You're Yuki-Glossaria - ohhhhhhhhhhh!

　Alec-Keels makes a pouty face.
　This is because the "flaming bird" that he called out, ignored me and flew up directly above me.
　The bird rose vertically and then flipped in the air, and as it did...


　The fourth princess Salvia-Lestia's seat in the west bleachers - the ground in front of it - was struck and exploded.
　Flames erupted and crashed into the transparent barrier separating the arena and the bleachers.


"Ah, ah, ah, ah!
Hey.

　Alec-Keels exclaimed.
　In the meantime, I took the floral decoration from his head.


I got the 'flower decoration'. I guess I win.

　After a slight delay, the ref blew the whistle.
　The match was over.

"........why, why eeeeeeeeeeeeee?

　Huh?
　A voice comes from the flower ornament.
　If you look closely there is a magic tool hidden behind the hair band. What is this?


"Alec-Keels. What do you think you're doing?　Can't you see I'm telling you to hurt Iris' guard knights!　Why do you send the messenger over here?''


　At the same time, Princess Salvia is making noise in the west bleachers.
　I see.
　This magic tool is connected to the Salvia princess.
　I'm sure it's not a bad idea, but I don't think it's a bad idea. You can't help but look at me as an enemy in front of Princess Salvia, right?

''Beat it!　Attack my sister's knights-in-arms!　It doesn't matter if you win or lose!　How could that impudent, disgusting sister of immortal blood, who joined the Magic Guild before us, be better than her illegitimate son, who is a son of a royal consort?
"Your Highness, Salvia...

　I muttered.

'It's a foul to give orders to a guard knight during a match.
"...what?
And it is foul to lay a hand on my princess. My job is to protect my princess. Please don't hurt my people. Don't use other people. That's all.

　I 'hacked' into the magical tools.
　I poured an unacceptable range (overflow) of magic power into the communication circuit of the magic tool.

　There was a bang, and the magic tool was blown away.
　At the same time, I saw Princess Salvia tumbling off her chair in the west auditorium.

　It's a foul for the princess to give instructions to her escort knights during a game.
　It wouldn't be possible to make it public anyway, so this is fine.

'....you.......what......did you do?

　The next thing I knew, Alec-Keels was looking at me with a blue face.

''My──the 'flame bird'──why would my──'──'Princess Salvia'──''
'It's because you use 'ancient magic' that causes you to lose your magic power. You lost focus and lost control, didn't you?
Well..........yeah......... This is my....limit....?

　Alec-Keels reached for his ear.
　He seemed to be looking for a magic tool to help him hear Princess Salvia's words.
　Realizing that he couldn't find it, Alec-Kealus sighed tiredly.

''Shame ... or shame ... I'm more unseemly than my brother. If I go this far........and lose.......I won't be in the 'Magic Guild' anymore.........


　Kakuin.


　Alec-Keels lost consciousness.
　He had really used up his magic to the limit.

　When he looked up, he saw Princess Salvia leave the room.
　While taking it out on the surrounding maids, she left towards the back of the room.
　She looked at me for the last time - making eye contact with me - and...

　With a jolt, I saw her shudder and sit down in her chair.
　Then she left the room, supported by her maid.
　Me, Iris, and Alec-Keels didn't even try to look at her anymore.



''Well no, that was the suicide of the eldest son of the Marquis Alec-Keels family!　You've run out of magic for foul play.
''But it also means that Yuki-Grossaria has pushed us to that point.
''Where did Princess Iris find all those people........''


　The auditorium begins to buzz again.
　The two referees carry Alec-Keels away as he passes out.
　The game is over. Let's go home.

　With that in mind, I walked out of the arena through the north entrance.



'.........hahahahaha. Yuki-sama.

　Across the aisle, I see Iris.
　She's bright red-faced and out of breath. She seems to have been running as fast as she can.
　Her forehead is covered in sweat. The hem of her dress is bare to the knees from lifting it up so much. The princess will do that. Hey, man.

Yuki..........
As a knight escort, I have done my duty. My Lord.
I told you to be careful.
Is that all of a sudden? My Lord.

　I replied, and I heard a bang and a clap of hands.
　Behind Iris, there was Odette in a dress.
　She mumbled in a whisper, 'I've been paid. 'Ready.

'That's it all of a sudden? Iris,'
You're the one who has to watch this.
You tell me if someone's bullying you.
My Lord, you're crazy!
I'll only do what I can do.
You do things that are not within my mental capacity!
I don't know.
This is my home.

　A teary-eyed Iris gave a little pause and

'As my guardian knight, you have fought well. Yuki-Grossaria.
Don't go into princess mode all of a sudden.
As a token of my appreciation, I invite you to visit my palace.
In the palace?　You mean in Iris' room?
Yes. To protect you.

　Iris said, then held her chest and bowed.

''Having shown so much power against the C-class sorcerer Alec-Keels, you will be the center of attention for a while. If that's the case, I think we should show those around you that this Iris-Liestier trusts you to avoid any unforeseen circumstances, don't you think?
What do you really think?
I think it's okay for us to talk in private for a bit.
Okay. A little bit.
'Yeah!　My Lord!

　Iris said and laughed.

''And according to the people from the 'Magic Guild', it seems that My Lord will get the right to explore the giant dungeon 'Elysian'.
Right to explore?
Yeah, he said he's been recognized as being as good as a C-level magician.
How far would you go with a search?
"Elysian" through layer three.
It's a hierarchy where the 'sanctuary churches' who were driven off the face of the earth long ago are said to have been holed up.

　Odette took over Iris's words.
　Shaking her golden hair, she stands next to Iris and tells her.

''I've heard that the person who steps through there is recognized as a C-level magician. Since those from the 'Sanctuary Church' have been holed up there, there are rumors that the lost 'Ancient Artifacts' are hidden there.
What do you think we'll learn about Otto Lyle and Auntie Remilia?

　Iris said as Alice's expression turned to her face.

The third layer of "Elysian"?
　If there are 'ancient artifacts' there, I'd like to go there.

''Anyway, that's only after we've completed our face-to-face meetings and procedures at the 'Magic Guild', though.
I know it's a pain in the ass too, but it can't be helped.
'That's fine. We're doing this era of people.

　I said and patted Iris on the head.
　Iris closes her eyes in a somewhat ticklish manner.
　Seeing her reaction, I realize now that Iris is Alice's reincarnated body after all.

　Let's see.
　Now that we're done with the sorcery battle, let's just be quiet for a while.
　I'm sure Martha and Remy will want to hear about this time.

　And so I left the arena with Iris and Odette.