I was exposed as the strongest magician to my sister, who has severe brother complex. I can no longer hide my abilities at school!

Chapter 23 : Marking

Alvin and Layla arrived at the royal capital, parked the carriage in front of the inspection point and proceeded on foot into the heart of the city.

Naturally, it was essential for children to be stopped if they attempted to enter the inspection area. Therefore, once again, Alvin used his ability to create ice pillars at his feet to scale the external walls surrounding the royal capital.

From then on, Alvin and Layla walked through various parts of the royal capital.

“Um… all the children we picked up so far are here.”

Perhaps due to the kidnapping incident, the royal capital seemed unusually deserted. In the midst of it, Alvin peered into a house from the roof.

Through the window, he saw a child sleeping soundly. With golden hair and a youthful appearance, the child shared common features with the kidnapped individuals.

The initial plan of Alvin and Layla was to ‘inspect the homes of the picked-up children’. They couldn’t predict who would appear today or which child might be targeted. Nevertheless, to identify the elusive culprits, they had no choice but to narrow down the list of known victims.

It was a tedious process, but Alvin thought it was the only option and didn’t complain.

“It would be better not to be kidnapped.”

“Yeah, that’s true. Nothing beats not being kidnapped.”

Alvin pointed his finger at the child visible through the window. Crystals appeared above the child’s head and slowly descended to his chest.

“I’ve been watching for a while, but what are you doing?”

“It’s a mark. I created this magic to locate the bandit’s hideout before. Surprisingly, it’s quite useful.”

Magic that conveys information to a mage by touching others. During sleep, there wasn’t much contact with others. If someone was kidnapped, they would inevitably come into contact with someone. This would send a signal to Alvin.

If the signal was sent in the morning, there was no kidnapping. If it was sent during the current time, there was a high possibility of kidnapping. With this, they could prevent events like ‘inspecting after the kidnapping,’ so Alvin marked them as he wanted.

“Wow, you’re really skilled, huh? You seem good at sewing and stuff.”

“Despite appearances, I’m good at embroidery. My sister and I have an art exhibition every week.”

“I can’t think of anything else besides saying you both get along well.”

“We have a good relationship. It’s just that one side takes it to the extreme.”

“Well, but if it had been done with the kingdom’s knights, it might have been faster. I don’t mind providing information.”

“Actually, I kept it a secret… but I’m allergic to authority.”

“So, you’ve already got the allergy now?”

“If it’s just the academy, I can keep it under wraps, so I will be fine…!”

People can’t even control their own mouths. Is he even aware of that?

Layla looked at Alvin, who showed a desperate expression, and smiled wryly.

“Alright, let’s move on. We need to go around everyone quickly, or your sister will worry when we get back.”

“…If I’m not next to her when she wakes up, I can already see her rushing out with a sword in hand.”

“Wait, are you two sleeping together?”

“It’s a misunderstanding. She just snuck in on her own. Wait… I beg you, please remove your hand from my shoulder.”

Layla, who had her hand on Alvin’s shoulder with a fading highlight in her eyes, shook her head and firmly denied.

Certainly, it’s strange for an adult brother and sister to sleep together, but why was this girl making such a scary face? Alvin wondered and couldn’t help but question it.

“By the way, Sophia also has the same golden hair.”

“That’s right. And Cecil-sama has the same golden hair too.”

“Nee-san is strong, and I’m here, so there’s no need to worry… but I’m worried about Sophia.”

“Well, but if she’s not in the royal capital, it should be fine—”

“She’s here.”

“She’s here!?”

Layla’s words surprised Alvin and his worry increased rapidly.

However, seeing Alvin, who checked the list of potential candidates for kidnapping handed over by Layla in a hurry, quickly calmed down.

“That girl is living in the house I lent her.”

“Why?”

“I occasionally return to that house from the academy. I thought it would be better to go together if we’re going anyway.”

“As expected of a childhood friend.”