Chapter 34
I had expected it, but the little one was truly exceptional at learning.
Hybrid Activation Method.
To activate magic using this method, one had to memorize the intricate movements of mana along with the path I instructed.
To absorb that in just three hours—unbelievable.
Indeed, talent is essential to do well.
As the little one absorbed this activation method, her favorability towards me began to rise steeply.
From -10 to +10, no less.
She felt the power of the hybrid activation method with her entire being, which likely caused such a rapid increase in favorability.
Soon, Iris looked at me.
“Surely… there are no drawbacks. The only potential risk is if the mana is mismanaged,” she said.
“That’s the same with conventional magic. It’s common knowledge that activating magic using a predetermined path is the safest method,” I replied.
Iris nodded, seemingly in agreement.
“I have one question,” she said.
“What would you like to know?”
“I memorized the magic activation method you taught me. But why does it make the magic so much stronger?”
Well.
I didn’t know the answer either.
When I first applied that method, it was purely out of curiosity. It just felt better to use it that way, so I stuck with it.
I had studied the magic books in this place, but that didn’t help me uncover the reason.
Looking at Iris, I answered.
“I don’t know the reason either.”
“…What?”
“I just felt something was off while using magic. I couldn’t shake the feeling that there might be a better method. So, I tried it out, and that’s how I discovered the hybrid activation method.”
“Wait… does that even make sense? What if you caused a mana explosion or something while experimenting…?”
“If that had happened, I wouldn’t be standing here now, would I? Wouldn’t you agree?”
“…”
Soon, the little one looked at me in disbelief and asked.
“Then, starting from what you’ve taught me, does that mean you’ll continue to experiment with everything in the future?”
“Of course! You shouldn’t worry too much. I don’t plan on teaching you anything half-baked. Everything I’ll teach you in the future will be things I’ve tested myself. Just like with the magic missile.”
“What I meant was… isn’t that dangerous…?”
“Those who first invented magic discovered everything in that manner. Through trial and error. Even now, countless mages risk their lives and become cripples to discover a new magic.”
Well, I wouldn’t end up like that thanks to my Insight.
“…”
The little one fell silent for a moment.
Could it be that she mistook my words for some kind of noble spirit of sacrifice?
If that’s the case, then so be it.
It wouldn’t be a loss for me.
“Lady.”
“What is it?”
“Do you remember the clauses in the contract from earlier?”
“…Do you think I’m an idiot?”
Well, of course, she would remember.
I casually brought it up while looking at her.
“Since these are things I’ve risked my life to uncover, I hope you, too, will faithfully adhere to the terms of the contract while learning them. People can’t change overnight, but if they put in the effort, they can change gradually.”
“…Why do you want me to change? Especially while passing on such a valuable method…?”
Why, you ask?
Because your talent is too precious to waste.
If I cultivate you early on, it would be a great help to me in the future.
“Achieving the second circle at the age of eight—that itself is tantamount to having exceptional talent.”
Then, I looked into her eyes and spoke slowly.
“You resemble my childhood self quite a bit. I was once notorious for being a troublemaker too.”
“…Are you calling me a troublemaker?”
“Isn’t that right? There are rumors spreading around the territory near Enfelrum.”
“…”
As she was about to get angry, she suddenly started clutching her stomach.
“Ugh…”
“Before you get mad, try to think three times. Then, it should settle down.”
After I suggested a solution, she seemed to apply it immediately and lowered her hand from her stomach.
“…Phew. So, what is it you wanted to say?”
“It’s that it didn’t seem like a problem for others. With your talent, you will inevitably become a great mage one day. However, if you continue with such a temperament, I fear it would cause significant distress to those around you. If it’s like this now, what will happen when you gain more power?”
“…Isn’t that a bit too harsh?”
“I’m just stating the facts. That’s why I made this contract—to help guide you and nurture your magical talent. As you put in the effort, your nature will gradually change. Especially at your young age.”
“…You’re quite excessively honest.”
“If it’s someone like you, who’s essentially still a kid, would it make sense to lie to you?”
“What do you mean by ‘kid’?”
“Eight years old is still a child.”
That truth applied regardless of whether she was smart or not.
“Come on! There’s only a four-year age difference!”
Well, in terms of Kyle’s age, that was true.
“Lady.”
“Why?”
“It’s not good to have that kind of personality while living in this world. Right now, you’re being treated like a princess in the Count’s house, but the Count won’t be your shield forever. So, you need to make a lot of effort to change.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m not good at lying. Anyway, when you come next time, you need to study the magic I taught you diligently. Today’s lesson ends here.”
“No, you only taught me one thing! Teach me more.”
Was it a desire for knowledge that surged up?
Iris’s eyes were full of longing to learn something new.
“It’s late, and one lesson is already more than enough.”
“I’ve memorized that already. Are you saying that you’ll just brush it off with a single lesson?”
“Just one lesson, but it’s worth that much. Isn’t it?”
“…….”
“And beware of arrogance. The most dangerous time is when you think you’ve become proficient. Now is the time to master what you’ve learned, not to learn something new.”
After finishing my answer, I looked at the little girl.
“When the time comes, I’ll teach you more. Now, I must go.”
After spending a night at the Count’s residence, the next morning, I retrieved the mana carriage I had left behind to leave.
The Count’s eyes were filled with regret as he saw me off.
“Are you really leaving already?”
“Yes. In fact, staying overnight wasn’t even part of my schedule. I’ve been quite busy lately, perhaps because I’ve become a magician. I appreciate your understanding.”
“I see. After talking with Iris last night, I can tell my daughter is truly satisfied with her lessons. It’s said that it’s magic that can open a new era? I’ve heard there are no downsides to it. Thanks to you, I feel a bit relieved.”
Of course, she should be satisfied.
There’s no magician in the world who uses magic like mine.
“I’m glad to hear that my lady is satisfied.”
While conversing with the Count, he suddenly looked behind me and started laughing heartily.
What’s going on?
Naturally, I turned around to see a ponytail in shades of purple.
How did she get here?
Looking at the favorability gauge above her head, the number had increased from 10 to 20.
It seemed the magic I taught her had made quite an impression.
“Ha ha. My daughter has come to see Kyle off, I see.”
“That’s… not it! I just came to check on you.”
“What do you mean?”
At my question, she wiggled her fingers.
“Are you really going to teach me more next month when I come? Right?”
“Didn’t I tell you yesterday? Are you asking to confirm that again?”
“Just checking once more because you never know. I’ll visit in May, so prepare for the lessons in advance.”
“Of course.”
Since the successor ceremony is in June, I had no issues with that.
As long as I avoided June, that was all I needed to do.
“And… be careful on your way. If you get hurt, it could interfere with the lessons…”
“My escort knight is quite skilled, so you don’t need to worry about that. You should also bring a capable knight when you come. Although it’s a main road, I can’t say it’s completely safe.”
“I’ll make sure of it.”
After exchanging brief goodbyes with the Count and Iris, my party and I climbed aboard the carriage.
[Destination: Trastan Territory.]
Soon after, the mechanical sounds of the mana carriage began to resonate.
As I took my seat, Leonhardt, who had been staring at me intently, spoke up.
“That’s interesting.”
“What is?”
“Your behavior towards the lady is quite surprising, considering the rumors about you. Is it due to the magical contract?”
The fact that the lady and I had made a magical contract was something my escort knight was aware of, having followed me closely. He couldn’t possibly have missed it.
However, he didn’t know the details of that contract.
I had been outside when the count notarized it.
Perhaps only the count and the countess knew its content.
It wasn’t something that would be widely spread.
“That, and I think she genuinely liked the magic I taught her.”
“Well, that’s true. Your magic is special. But aren’t you worried about what you shared with Iris?”
“You mean the content I taught her?”
“Yes.”
Worried? Not at all.
After all, I intended to unravel this magical formula over time. Of course, that meant the villains would eventually learn about it too, but…
‘That can’t be helped.’
Still, there were far more ordinary people than bad guys, so spreading it wouldn’t be a loss.
From various magic towers to magic associations, there were plenty of places where I could sell the information for a nice profit. It was better than hoarding it and having it backfire on me later.
Moreover…
“I don’t think it’s a big deal. There’s no need to hoard it. You know my magic operation method, right? It revolves around two concepts.”
The ability to create the power of spells from the first circle to exceed that of the fourth circle in an instant. That knowledge existed only within my mind.
This was something I planned to keep secret.
Right now, I couldn’t use it freely due to mana consumption and dizziness, but once my circle level increased, I would be able to utilize this method effectively.
“…Are you sure it’s okay to discuss this here?”
“What’s the harm? The only ones listening are you and Erciel.”
Both were trustworthy subordinates I had diligently built a relationship with over time.
If I couldn’t trust them, I would be living a truly lonely life.
At that, Leonhardt glanced at her.
“…Erciel.”
“Yes.”
“You probably have an inkling, but the young master is quite special.”
“I know that too.”
“Now that you’re officially the young master’s exclusive maid, you’ll hear more of these kinds of stories. Of course, this fact is…”
Before he could finish his sentence, Erciel boldly replied, “Even if a knife is placed at my throat, I won’t say a word to anyone.”
Wow, that was a bit intense.
Is her favorability really at 93 now?
Looking at her, I felt she would indeed keep quiet even if a knife were really thrust into her.
“No, if a knife really gets into you, just tell on me and survive. That’s what I wish for.”
“No. I cannot be a burden to the young master…”
“That won’t happen, but if it does, just go with it. That’s an order.”
I didn’t want to brush it off lightly; it genuinely felt like it could happen, and that made my skin crawl.
Losing a valuable buffer would put me in a very difficult position.
“…”
It took several tries before I could finally get a response.
Phew.
This kid sometimes gets too serious, which can be a problem.
We spent a full week in the carriage like that.
Soon, familiar scenery began to appear outside the window.
Trastan Territory.
After a long journey, we were finally arriving at my main base.
—
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