Published at 24th of December 2019 10:30 am

Chapter 66: Royal Court Magicians

This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml

　After the audience, Maine and I wandered around the court.

　Seemingly remembering the promise with me as well, Maine took the opportunity and allowed me to see the Fourth Form Grimoires with the excuse of “Showing me around the court”. Thanks to that, I got to “steal a glance” at them. I’m quite thankful for that. With this, I was able to acquire the Fire, Water, Air, and Earth Fourth Forms without having to suffer for it.

　For now, I raised all four attributes from the 16th class to the 5th class using the experience I had left. Incidentally, the Lightning Attribute First to Fourth Forms spells have been raised to the highest rank. As for the Fifth Form, since the amount of experience required wasn’t even close to Dragon King and Dragon Horse, I had to stop at Grade 1.

　And thus, we reached the final part of the trip. We went to the base of the Royal Court Magicians located not far from the Royal Palace in order to give my greetings.

　While standing next to Maine in front of the Royal Court Magicians, who were lined up in the training area, I noticed something.

　I’m not welcomed in the slightest.

　Right. It’s great to have become a『Special temporary lecturer for the First Royal Court Magician Division』, but.

　But thinking about it carefully, to suddenly have such a young lecturer assigned to them, the Royal Court Magicians, who are ranked as the elite of the elite, wouldn’t just jump on board and accept me.

　I wonder if it was a bad choice to have come alongside Maine? They surely must be thinking I got this position using my connection with the Second Prince. This will be hard to handle because I do have a connection with the Prince. But even if I complained about that, it would’ve been just as bad if Maine hadn’t come. At least they are lined up because the Second Prince is here. They have an air of almost breaking line as soon as Maine leaves this place. I even feel like they would say “We don’t need a lecturer” any moment now.

“He’s Second-san. For the following month, he will be a lecturer assigned to the First Royal Court Magician Division. Starting today, everyone should follow his instructions.”

　After Maine introduced me, the Royal Court Magicians nodded, answering in a mutter “Okay…” almost as if shrugging him off. You guys should properly answer Maine instead of glaring at me. Especially you, the black-haired short girl with a bob cut on the far right of the front row. Seriously, this hostility is almost as if I were their enemy.

“Looks like you’ll be alright. Well, I’ll be going then. Good luck, Second-san.”

“You too.”

“Yes!　Ehehehe.”

“Wait, don’t ‘Ehehehe’ me. How do you see this being alright?”

“I think you should be fine because it’s you, Second-san. Probably.”

“……That’s quite like you to say something like that.”

　I exchanged words in a whisper-like voice with Maine, trying to keep him from leaving the training grounds. At that moment, a 50-year-old, red-haired old man with the top of his head bald, who was standing in the middle of the front row opened his mouth.

“Prince, please wait!　There are many members who are not convinced. It’s clear that at this rate, the situation will not be resolved. If only you, Prince, could say something.”

　Ohh, this old man really has guts. To speak like this to the Prince, I can tell his position is quite high, and he really trusts him. Maybe this person is the leader of the First Royal Court Magician Division. It’s decided, let’s call him ‘Red Xavier’. No, Xavier shiny, Xavier best…… Although it’s quite hard no to call him Xavier 2P.

(TLN: one is like the pokemon with different colors, normally referred to as ‘Shiny’, the second one, I have no idea tbh. And the last one is like when in games, the player 2 selects the same character and that character appears with different colors. I’m pretty sure the Xavier needs no explanation.)

“Captain Zephyr. This isn’t something I, a prince, should be dealing with. Rather, this is something that you, the leader of the group and the lecturer who is buying feelings of antipathy, should work out. If I decide to speak then it won’t be taken as for the good of the group. Am I wrong? “

“Hmm…… not, but still.”

　Maine’s sound argument pierced Red-Xavi. So, this person was the leader after all.

　……Ehh?　Or rather, what’s with Maine, isn’t he trying to leave me to my own devices here?

　When I glanced at him, Maine had a face of saying “Crap” and hurriedly turned away. This guy might still be mad at my surprise visit yesterday at school.

　On the other hand, the Court Mages were nodding as if consenting. They seem to want to say the lecturer who’s causing this rebellious attitude is in the wrong.

　I wasn’t really angry, but after seeing that attitude I decided to get angry. Luckily, there are plenty of targets here, so I even have the ability to pick and choose.

“Alright, let’s do this then. Those who have a complaint can come at me. It doesn’t matter if it’s a many vs one.”

“Wai–, you can’t do that! “

　Maine hurriedly tried to stop me. However, it’s not that I can’t stop, I just won’t stop.

“Captain Zephyr seems to be the strongest. How old are you?　I’m 17.”

“I am 55.”

“Is that so? Then, I’ll especially teach you how much time you’ve wasted in those 55 years.”

“……What a funny kid. Haha, interesting. Hahahaha! “

　Although Red-Xavi laughed, he had a blue vein popping in his forehead. Looks like he’s quite irritated. Like this, the result is quite clear……

“I’ll do it, Captain.”

　But there was a woman who couldn’t read the air and butted in. On a second look, she was the short woman with a bob cut who was glaring daggers at me earlier.

“I was the one who sought this fight, so I’ll be the one to do it.”

“However, if the leader fights him due to personal motivations, then nothing will change in the discipline of the group. This is not how a captain should conduct himself. Furthermore, the Second Prince is here.”

“……Certainly, you’re right.”

“In that respect, the best thing would be to carry this out as a mere practice, in and out.”

“Understood. Sherry, you go.”

“Yes.”

　It seems my opponent has switched to a woman called Sherry. I thought Red-Xavi had the atmosphere of a man among men, but I guess I was wrong. It’s a shame.

“Hey you, don’t get too full of yourself. This is the place where the best mages in the Kingdom gather. Don’t think of this as a place where you can enter with just a little bit of effort.”

　Sherry then spoke with a huge sense of pride. Doesn’t she realize the more she talks like that, the bigger the flag she’s raising?

　……Alright, I guess this is okay. If I’m going to be a lecturer, I’ll be a lecturer through and through. It will be a ‘detour’ from the road to become the top in the world, but I think this is something that’s necessary for the survival of the Castall Kingdom. If the Castall Kingdom were to be invaded, the Title battles might disappear, and as someone aiming to become the world’s number one, this is a matter of life and death to me.

　Eh? Wait. If I think about it. Isn’t giving lectures and practical training to these guys, and produce results in a month kind of linked to the Title matches, so to speak? 　Ohh, somehow, I feel really pumped about it.

“I see, well, thanks for your keen opinion. Would you be my partner? “

“……Yeah, that’s right. You better prepare yourself. No matter how much you’re praised as a prodigy or a genius, in here you’ll be no more than an ordinary person.”

“Are you speaking about yourself? “

“You really like to piss people off, right? I was talking about you. I’m in the top ranks.”

“Hmm…… By the way, do you know the saying about the fish in the pond? “

“Yeah.”

“That’s referring to you.”

“…………! “

“Ahhhhh, don’t get angry. The angrier you get, the weaker you’ll become.”

　In a Player vs Player match, being overcome with emotions even for a second makes you lose; feelings are nothing more than a waste. It’s useless to think about anything. It’s up to you to cut back your thinking to a minimum using your daily training and past experiences. In other words, it’s about not saying anything even when your emotions are bare.

“Right now, you’re probably thinking this.　Why is such a young man an instructor? Even though it took me doing my best to become a Court Mage. I’m sure it’s because of his connection with the Prince. My pride doesn’t allow me to ask such a guy to teach me. And, what’s with this guy’s attitude? He’s looking down on us. I can’t stomach it, I don’t like it, it’s making me sick.”

“……Heee, so you at least know that. You are totally right.”

“I wonder if you’re frustrated to be looked down upon?　Sherry-chan.”

“……No, not really. And, could you stop talking to me so familiar?”

“There are some cases when you’ll look down on someone, and some cases when you can’t. In the former, the one being looked down upon is at fault. In the latter, the one looking down on you is at fault. You’re obviously the former. What’s a Royal Court Magician? I can take you on even with a hand tied behind my back.”

“You……! “

“See? Didn’t I teach you this just a few seconds ago? I told you not to get angry. Do you understand my words? “

　Sherry-chan was so angry she was trembling. Maine said “You’re going too far! ” after poking me with his elbow. Replying with a “This is a lecture”, he just “Huh? ” me, not knowing what else to say.

“Sherry?　Uhmm, I brought this, but……I think you should stop.”

“……Thank you, Irie.”

　Then, a woman called Irie handed something over to Sherry. Does this mean she wasted all this time just while waiting for this to arrive?　I wonder what that is? Judging from its size, it looks like some sort of accessory.

“Now, let’s have a match using this “Game Crown”. I won’t let you run away.”

　Sherry-chan said while looking extremely confident and handed me the Game Crown. I won’t let you run away, you say? She looks extremely serious.

　…………

“Nbububu, bubu-hahahaHAHAHAHA! ! “

“W-What is wrong with you!? “

　I couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

“Hahahahaha, no, it’s just that, hihihi! “

　It’s impossible not to laugh at this.

“Haaa, what a laugh. God, you’re amazing.”

“Like I said, what’s with you? Are you making fun of me? “

“Yeah. Do you guys always train using this? “

“–That’s right. Well, not that this is any of your business.”

“……Amazing. Awfully amazing.”

　In a way, it’s quite amazing. I said, “It doesn’t matter if it’s a many vs one, just come at me”. However, even after giving them plenty of opportunities, nobody has attacked me yet. I even carelessly chatted, and even pretended to look away at the training grounds and dared to turn my back on them, yet nobody made a move.

“Haaa-“

　I exhaled one long sigh, then opened my mouth.

“Even with that confident face, you mean this as only a game?　That you won’t let me run away?　Don’t fuck with me. Enough with the peace idiot play. There are only three people who are passable. Captain Zephyr, Sherry-chan, and Irie-san. Except for these three, the rest of you are garbage.”

　Red-Xavi was always on the lookout. He could probably have a nice match with me, but he relegated himself to the sidelines, yet he seemed focused enough to butt in at any moment. In other words, he didn’t see this as a game.

　Moreover, Irie who brought the Game Crown to Sherry-chan and said “This is not the time for this……”. I didn’t feel the will to fight from her, but she understood the point.

　Sherry-chan doesn’t have any good points like the others. However, her facing me head-on is kind of cute. She has plenty of room to grow. In a nutshell, she’s a mass of possibilities.

　Other than them, the rest of the trash’s thoughts were as clear as day, “In the end, it’s only a game”, “It has nothing to do with me”. They just felt like extras looking at the development of things between me and Sherry-chan. I don’t really like it.

　Still, it’s my job to make those not interested get to a notable level in this month. I decided to do it, so I’ll see it through. Since I have the chance, let’s make them the strongest magician group in the world. Good for you guys.

“Listen here, everything inside the ‘game’ is virtual. It doesn’t hurt when you’re attacked, you don’t die, you don’t need to recover; it’s easy, convenient and you can do it as many times as you want. You might think this makes for great training, but you are quite mistaken.”

　In the world of Mobius, there was a penalty for dying. In specific terms, some of your stats were slightly lowered. It wasn’t really a big deal for the average player, but for the top rankers, this was way too painful. Therefore, although in a different sense from this world, everyone was afraid of dying. And that fear was indeed quite important.

“You will surely lower your guard. You’ll definitely become over-confident. I can receive one hit, after all, it doesn’t hurt. I can overdo it, after all, I can’t die. That “After all” remains deep in your consciousness. And then, because this can be done easily as many times as you want, the real battle becomes difficult. You wouldn’t think that to be the case, but you simply don’t realize it’s already happening unconsciously.”

　I thought there would be some complaints, but surprisingly, everyone was silently listening. Alright, then let’s keep talking.

“The problem is, if you’re not good enough, you’ll die. That moment when, after receiving an attack, it’s too painful to attack back. That’s something I know. Those who are accustomed to playing games, nine out of ten become easily scared. When attacked, you can’t think of how to attack back, and when it’s time to attack, you can’t help but to overthink it. And even if it’s just a moment of hesitation, there are a lot of tough guys who won’t miss it.”

　When I glanced at Sherry-chan, she was simply staring at the ground with a sullen expression. ‘I think he is right in a sense, but I don’t like it, so I can’t help but to feel frustrated’. that sort of feeling.

“The game is something where you can play and experiment. But it’s not something that’s useful for real combat. You should remember it. Otherwise, you’ll be ashamed. Is there anyone who brings out cards to play after picking up a fight? “

　I heard the laughs of a few members. The atmosphere warmed up a bit. I thought it would become something more exciting, but I guess this is fine for today.

“Alright, today’s lecture ends here. I’ll come again tomorrow.”

“Hey, wait a moment!　I still don’t know what you’re capable of! “

　Just as I finished saying what I wanted to say and tried to go back along with Maine, Sherry-chan called me to stop. My abilities…… I see. I guess in her mind, only an idiot would like the idea of being taught by someone weaker than themselves. Or is it for religious reasons? Or maybe she simply doesn’t like me? Yeah, I get the feeling that she just doesn’t like me.

“…………”

　If I think about the future, then I’d like to do something flashy…… I wonder if there’s a good performance I can show them?

　Suddenly, the Game Crown in my hand caught my eye. Yeah, this is good.

“There.”

　I threw the Game Crown towards a direction where no people were close. Then, immediately after I prepared a 《Lightning Attribute・Fourth Form》 spell adjusting it towards the location where the Game Crown would fall.

“What do you think you’re――”

　It happened the moment Sherry-chan tried to rebut me.

　PAAA――Along a dazzling flash that could almost be heard, a roaring bang shook the ground. Everyone closed their ears, panicking about what just happened.

　《Lightning Attribute・Fourth Form》 is basically a ranged attack magic of lightning strikes. It inflicts heavy lightning attribute damage to every object within a certain range of predetermined coordinates. And speaking of how powerful it is, each strike is comparable to a Third Form spell. If there are five monsters inside the range, then it’s like shooting five Third Form spells at once. It’s quite the big deal in terms of efficiency.

“……A-A thunder, fell……? “

　Turning my back towards Sherry-chan and the others, who didn’t realize it was my magic, I left the training grounds together with a confused Maine while saying “See ya tomorrow”.

　After walking for a while, Maine opened his mouth with incredible momentum.

“That was, something you did, Second-san? “

“Yeah.”

“I’ve never seen or heard something about thunder magic……”

　Well, I guess so. I was also under the idea that “players can’t use Lightning Attribute Magic”. And it’s a skill that I automatically acquired from Angolmois with the sense of unity. Maybe, it’s a magic originally of this world.

“…………Eh?　Wait a moment. Lightning Attribute, lightning attribute……Where have I heard it……”

　Suddenly, switching to a pose as if trying to remember something, Maine began muttering. Then, a few seconds later, he turned towards me with a face as if saying “Could it be?”.

“Second-san. The Great Spirit King……have you heard of that? “

　So, you know about it, Maine!　Was it written in a book about Summoning Magic or something?　As expected, he’s really diligent.

　And since we’re already at this point, I decided to call out Angolmois using 《Spirit Summoning》 and have him introduce himself.

　With a rainbow twisting from out of nowhere, an incredible medieval beauty appeared exaggeratedly while slowly turning around as if dancing and quietly descending.

(TLN: I remind you that Angolmois’ gender is still undecided, so just for ease I’ll keep calling him as a man unless explicitly stated that he decided his gender to be a woman. And yeah, Second refers to him in this line as a “beautiful woman”, but I just said “beauty”.)

“――My name is Angolmois. The one and only ruler over the four major elements, the Great Spirit King.”

“………………”

　Maine could only say “Whoa! ? ” in surprise, then he collapsed in that spot, falling on his butt.

　He managed to stand up with the assistance of a maid who rushed up noisily. Crap, I think this might’ve been too shocking.

“Sorry, sorry.”

“Don’t “sorry” me as if this was nothing, seriously…… I thought my heart would stop.”

　Maine glared at me while holding his chest with his hand. His cheeks are dyed in red and his breathing is a little rough. He totally looks like I sexually harassed him.

“Still, it’s unbelievable. I can’t believe you have the Great Spirit King……No, this is beyond the level of incredible. With your magic skills and this first-class summon, are you trying to become a God, Second-san? “

“Both my Archery and Swordsmanship skills are also top-notch. But other than that, everything is normal.”

“My Second is the best man in the world. And I’m the greatest Spirit King in the Spirit World. In other words, we’re the best of both worlds.”

“I’m starting to think that it’s great that you’re on my side, Second-san……”

“Incidentally, the best tactician in the spirit world has a strong crush on my Second. In the Spirit World, she does nothing but speak about my Second. Only my Second could make that person become like that.”

　This is the first time I’ve heard of this. Or rather, isn’t she just speaking like that because she’s bragging that “I got such a strong piece”?

“Tactician?　Ahh, Windfield-san…… Eh? Does that mean that person is also a spirit! ? “

“Umu.”

“Eh? Didn’t I tell you?”

“I never heard of it!　Seriously……”

　After meeting him for the first time in such a long time, Maine has been nothing but surprised. It’s unforgivable to keep my friend in this much shock. Just who on earth did this? Seriously, that person is crazy.

“Well, with this, everything is rock solid. I couldn’t hope for a more perfect line up.”

“Huh?　What does that mean? “

“The tactician is a spirit, right?　Unless her master is identified, there’s no way to assassinate her, right? She has overcome the weakness of a tactician. And furthermore, there’s Second-san, and even the Great Spirit King. Even if I try to think about it, this is way beyond my ideals.”

　I see, an assassin. If I think about it that way, then certainly, Windfield is the ideal tactician. Because she’s a spirit, her strength is superior to that of humans, and she doesn’t need to eat nor sleep.

“You, I like you. I’ll recognize you as a member of my Second’s alliance.”

“T-Thank you very much.”

　To speak to a Prince with a you (kisama)…… as one would expect from that Angolmois-sama. And Maine looks happy for some reason.

“Still, even if it’s rock-solid, the people won’t be convinced if we win by force.”

“That’s right. Because a country is its people. I too have to steel myself.”

“No, you only need to do that after you become a King. Until then, just leave it to us.”

“……Yes? “

“Using the solid formation you said, I’ll gradually drive away the imperial dogs and the idiots who follow them to a corner. And then, I’ll catch the whole herd, making sure none of them return alive. Moreover, never in their lives will they try to go against the Castall Kingdom again…… is what Windfield will do.”

“Is that alright? ……Or rather, isn’t this something you planned, Second-san?”

“I’m just one of Windfield’s pieces in this political strife.”

“This is the first time I’ve seen someone talk about themselves as a piece while being this happy……”

——

——

　After that, I continued to chat with Maine for a while and left the court when the sun was going down.

　Starting tomorrow, I’ll have to work in earnest as a lecturer. I began to think that maybe I should plan out my lectures. And while I was thinking about such things, I walked towards the place where Cubero should’ve been waiting for me with the carriage.

　However, neither the figure of Cubero nor the carriage could be seen there.

　But, in exchange for them, in that place was――

“……Silvia? “

“U-umu. You took a long time, Second-dono. I was starting to get tired of waiting.”

　The figure of a dressed-up Silvia, who seemed to be quite tense. I’m used to seeing her in plain clothes after all this time, but she looks pretty good since she’s beautiful in the first place.

　And then, Silvia began to speak, her cheeks dyed in red.

“The promise, you remember? Of the spirit ticket……Or did you f-forget it? “

“No, I remember it. But didn’t you say to go shopping on a holiday? “

“I’ll be busy from now on. So, just a little is fine, go on a date with me. And after looking at some shops, how about d-dinner? “

“Yeah, sounds good. Quite good actually. It reminds me of the old days.”

“Umu. Now that you say it, it was about half a year ago, but…… somehow, it doesn’t feel like a long time at all.”

　We had a trifling conversation, laughed with each other, went inside some interesting stores, and enjoyed a drink at the bar on the first floor of the inn we used to stay at.

　Just like I thought, Silvia is very suited for a relationship like the one you’d have with your male friends.

　……Or, so I thought.

　As the two of us continued to drink, the atmosphere gradually began to heat up.

　Silvia’s fierce appeal suddenly exploded.

　And between this and that.

　We decided to move places to the second floor――

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