Chapter 30
The duel ended far too quickly.
In response to the result, the Count wore a blank expression.
Though he wasn’t well-versed in magic, he could immediately tell that this was an abnormal outcome.
From knights to wizards.
There was a reason why specific terms were used to distinguish different ranks; they were not arbitrary but held meaningful differences.
For instance, even between 1st circle and 2nd circle magic, despite the difference of just one number, the reality of their capabilities was vastly different.
A 2nd circle wizard could gather far more mana in both quantity and quality, as well as cast spells much faster than a 1st circle wizard.
That was the reason for distinguishing the circles.
To designate meaningful differences with specific terminology.
But now.
Before his eyes was an entirely different outcome.
Kyle Seltarion.
He had seized victory in an instant.
‘What on earth.’
Although Iris lacked practical experience, the skill she had honed through talent could not be overlooked.
The magic she displayed in this duel, as well as her countermeasures, were quite commendable.
Had she been a typical 1st circle wizard, she would have been unable to defend against the fire arrow, and the duel would have ended in an instant.
It was only natural.
Could a 1st circle spell defend against a 2nd circle spell?
However, Kyle was different.
Wind.
With just 1st circle magic, he easily blocked the 2nd circle spell and attempted a double casting, launching a sharp counterattack.
‘Double casting, you say.’
This was an incredibly difficult technique.
To activate two spells simultaneously required dividing one’s mental focus.
Of course, there were exceptions.
When a high-circle wizard used a lower circle spell, double casting wasn’t that difficult.
Just like how Iris had used Fire Arrow while simultaneously activating a shield.
But what Kyle had demonstrated with double casting was truly on another level.
‘For a 1st circle wizard to succeed in double casting…’
There was no circle lower than 1st.
Naturally, attempting double casting while still at the 1st circle was a significant challenge.
Activating spells suitable for one’s circle with double casting was a feat that even seasoned battle wizards could hardly perform.
The Count then looked at Kyle.
Only twelve years old.
Moreover, he had barely been practicing magic for less than two months.
If he was already showcasing such the skills of a seasoned battle wizard, how much more would he grow in the future? It was obvious.
As long as that talent didn’t go to waste, Kyle would undoubtedly become a wizard capable of shaking the Empire.
‘I’m really glad I found out now.’
The battle against the twin-headed ogre.
When he heard rumors about Kyle’s exploits there, he thought it was just a lie meant to flatter him.
How could a mere 1st circle wizard make a significant impact against an ogre?
Especially against one with not just one but two heads.
He dismissed it as a fabrication, and that was why.
But.
‘…It really could have been true.’
Now, that thought had changed considerably.
If he possessed such exceptional talent to demonstrate the power of 2nd circle magic with just 1st circle spells.
Then it seemed plausible that he could also make a meaningful contribution against the twin-headed ogre.
Such talent was indeed astonishing.
Kyle.
If he reached the 3rd circle, his standing would be worlds apart from now.
But as things stood?
It could be said that the only nobles paying attention to him were Marquess Remton and himself.
At this moment, the opportunities were abundant.
Iris.
Though she had her flaws, there was no denying her beauty.
Moreover, as a wizard, her talent was such that he could confidently say it was second to none.
‘Could there be a pair more suited than this?’
Since they were both wizards, there couldn’t be a better match.
Besides, as a potential son-in-law, wasn’t he also of good character?
Unlike his past reputation as a troublemaker, Kyle had transformed into a proper wizard, exhibiting commendable behavior.
And he belonged to one of the most prestigious families, the Seltarion family.
There was clearly nothing lacking in a son-in-law like him.
While he was lost in his thoughts, a magic missile approached near him, and Iris bit her lip tightly.
“…I… I can’t… accept this!”
Iris began to shout loudly as she looked at Kyle.
“Grr…”
The sight caused the Count to start rubbing his temples, as if he had a headache.
***
The magical duel with Iris was rather dull.
With experience, talent, and the quality of mana in the circle all favoring me, the outcome seemed predetermined.
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say the result was already decided.
When I glanced at the Count, I could see the desire in his eyes.
What that desire was, was evident without needing to look closely.
His mind was likely already conjuring images of presiding over our wedding.
“Well, that was easy.”
I spoke to Iris, who was staring blankly at the magic missile.
Was she jolted back to reality by my words?
Immediately biting her lip, she looked at me.
“… I-I can’t accept this!”
She shouted with a voice filled with anger.
“Whether you accept it or not, the duel is already over.”
“Let’s do it again!”
“Why would I?”
Her response seemed to catch her off guard.
Clenching her fists and trembling, she soon lowered her head.
“… If we do it again… I can win…”
“If this were real combat, you’d be dead. With a large hole in your body, no less.”
I tapped my temple, and Iris had no response.
With her brilliant intellect, she must have immediately understood what I meant.
“And you wouldn’t be able to defeat me even if we did it again. So, just acknowledge the result gracefully.”
“… What?!”
“Is my statement incorrect? I thought you already knew. Your magic doesn’t work on me.”
“…”
Circle Two Magic.
It was only natural that her highest level of magic would be easily blocked by my response.
While we exchanged words, the Count had approached us and declared firmly.
“The outcome is already decided. Iris, do you intend to continue showing such shameful behavior in front of Kyle? Acknowledge your defeat.”
“… But!”
“Ah! Just the fact that you’ve already been rude to our guest is a significant mistake. Are you going to continue disappointing me like this?”
With the Count’s scolding tone, Iris’s eyes began to redden again.
She must have felt quite humiliated.
After all, she was eager to repay the humiliation from earlier, only to end up being utterly defeated in this magic duel.
It was understandable that she felt frustrated.
Finally, she was starting to behave like a child.
In that moment.
“… hmp…”
A voice began to emerge from Iris’s direction.
Huh?
It was clear at a glance that this was the sound of someone holding back tears.
Is that little one, perhaps, crying?
Didn’t they say that “expectation leads to disappointment”?
My predictions were spot on.
At that moment, the little one’s cheeks began to glisten with tears that fell like droplets of chicken dung.
“……Ugh….”
The count’s eyes were filled with confusion as he witnessed this.
Fidget.
His fingers twitched as if he didn’t know what to do.
‘Could it be that he’s never seen someone cry before?’
How amusing.
How spoiled must he have been to show such a bewildered expression at a mere display of tears?
No wonder the child’s behavior has become so bad.
Seeing the count start to stomp around helplessly made me want to laugh.
I figured I should probably help out a bit.
I approached Iris, who was still sniffling, and quietly opened my mouth.
“I have no intention of rematching. That matter has already been settled. I’ve won, and there will be no reversal. You said it yourself earlier, my lady? You dislike being sticky. Think about it carefully. How is what you’re doing right now any different from that?”
Disdain for the weak.
With such a despicable trait, I needed to make it clear who held the upper hand.
If they’re treated like the weak for no reason, it becomes tiresome.
It was certainly so when we talked earlier.
As I spoke, Iris’s eyes began to fill with tears again.
She looked utterly distressed.
At this rate, it seemed she was about to burst into tears.
Maybe it was time to offer a carrot.
“But.”
At my words, the little one raised her head from where she had been staring at the ground.
I smiled at her and continued.
“If it’s not a match but just practice, I can definitely help you. You don’t like that, do you?”
“…….”
The little one nodded almost immediately.
Really now.
Do you dislike it that much?
The way she nodded was quite evident.
“If you cleanly accept this match, then I’ll give you that opportunity.”
“……Ugh. An opportunity…?”
“For example, you could allow me to let loose my magic on you without restraint. Something like that. I will only defend and dodge. What do you think? Isn’t that a good opportunity? But, you must genuinely accept it. You need to make sure it truly resonates with me.”
At the mention of “the weak,” I needed to ensure she understood who held the power here.
The little one’s eyes began to glisten with tears again, brimming with frustration.
It seemed like she thought a golden opportunity had come.
“……You won’t change your mind, will you?”
“Of course not. But you will also need to sincerely acknowledge this match, won’t you? That’s a requirement too.”
“……I lost.”
As soon as Iris spoke those words, I gazed into her eyes.
Not bad.
Whether she was lying or not, one could simply tell by looking into her eyes.
It was clear that this little one was speaking with a degree of sincerity. Not a hundred percent, but I never expected that either.
This level of sincerity was more than enough for me.
“Very well. Since you kept your promise, I will keep mine as well. Did you hear that, Count?”
At my words, the count, who had been quietly observing Iris and me, nodded.
“……Are you sure this is okay?”
“It’s fine; that’s why I made this offer. After all, with the level of magic skills the lady possesses, it wouldn’t be able to touch even a hair on me.”
Clench!
At my words, Iris bit her lips tightly and began to glare at me.
“How much time will you give me?”
“Five minutes. Isn’t that enough?”
“Give me more.”
“No, thank you. If you can’t hit me in that time, it’s the same as never being able to hit me. Fighting is not child’s play. Be satisfied with five minutes before I change my mind.”
“……Ugh….”
“Don’t want to? Then feel free to say so anytime.”
Little one.
With words alone, you can never win against me.
Seeing that she had no choice, she pointed toward the training area.
“……Go stand over there quickly. I’ll be using magic.”
“Sure.”
Soon, for the next five minutes, a barrage of magic began flying toward me.
But what could I do about it?
From what spells she would use to the trajectories they would take, I could predict it all clearly.
Even without knowing, I wouldn’t have any trouble dodging or blocking, but knowing made it all the easier.
Iris.
She unleashed her magic until the mana from the two circles in her heart was completely drained.
From the first circle to the second, she used every magic she knew.
However, unfortunately, not a single spell managed to hit me.
Was it that she couldn’t hit me even if she wanted to, considering I could clearly see what magic she would use and where it would go?
“Stop! Time’s up!”
Is it already over?
It was so easy I could almost yawn.
Thus, her given opportunity flew away more easily than I had expected.
—
Read More at – GENZNOVEL.COM!!
PLEASE JOIN OUR DISCORD AND SUBSCRIBE THE ROLE TO RECEIVE LATEST NOTIFICATIONS!!
Click here -> https://discord.gg/S8c2kGVr2g
Comment