Magic Maker - How to make magic in another world - - Chapter 160

Magic Maker – How to make magic in another world –

Chapter 160   Consequence theory

“The buildings in Ajolam are constructed using trees. It seems to be based on the Mediph philosophy of cherishing nature. And the castle of the capital, Ajolam, had an appearance as if it were made by combining trees and stones. A natural yet artificial, mysterious exterior – how should I put it? Artistic or avant-garde. Anyway, it was overwhelming.

The interior had a faint scent of nature, creating a pleasant atmosphere. We were led to a waiting room and took a seat on the sofa.

“It has an interesting structure.”

“Mediph tends to value nature. These trees are alive as well.”

“Oh, interesting… It’s quite natural. Though, I imagine there might be a lot of bugs.”

“Hahaha! Indeed, that’s true. Well, we’ll just have to accept it.”

Even in the modern age with advanced science, insects remain a nemesis for humans. Well, some people like bugs, and there are times when bugs help us, so they’re not absolute enemies. I wondered if we would get bitten or stung by insects. The door was knocked, and it immediately opened.

“We apologize for the wait. Please come this way.”

Led by several maids and guards, we moved through the castle. Upon reaching a massive door, two guards standing beside it opened the door for us. Guided by the guards, we entered, finding ourselves in a grand audience chamber. The combination of wood and stone in the room gave it a peculiar yet harmonious ambiance.

Guards were arranged in formation inside the room. Two opulent chairs, resembling trees, were positioned at the front. Seated in one of them was an elderly man, robust and likely around 70 years old – undoubtedly the king of this country, Ralfgang Fort Mediph.

Beside him, wearing a gentle smile, sat a woman who was likely the queen. She appeared considerably younger than King Ralfgang, perhaps in her 40s. We stopped about 5 meters away from the throne, kneeling and bowing our heads. It was a familiar ritual for everyone. In the procession, Count Goltba led, followed by Dominic a bit behind, then me further back. Next in line were Sister and Winona. While not strictly in a single file, the formation naturally took shape, considering each person’s status.

Considering titles, I should be in the front, but as a guest of Count Goltba and a human from Lystia, this positioning seemed most appropriate.

“Rise, all of you.”

A deep, solemn voice echoed through the room. Laden with dignity, the voice prompted me to slowly lift my head. Now, let’s see what he has to say. If there’s any sign of punishment, we’ll escape. I’ll make sure to take everyone with me. I swallowed hard, awaiting King Ralfgang’s next words.

An overwhelming sense of pressure filled the room. Despite the terrifying weight, I oddly felt relaxed and devoid of tension. I was surprisingly at ease, which soon became apparent to me.

The reason became clear as I sensed magical energy emanating from King Ralfgang’s body. Our eyes met, and after staring at each other for a few seconds, my cheeks inexplicably loosened. King Ralfgang, too, wore a warm smile.

And then…

“I forgive everything related to this matter.”

With those words, King Ralfgang made his proclamation. I swallowed the statement without feeling any surprise. Amidst the spreading unease, Count Goltba tentatively broke the silence.

“…So, does that mean you are pardoning us, granting us immunity?”

“That’s right. I’ll forgive everything – your pursuit of and extermination of monsters in Alsphere, the failure to report, and your unauthorized search.”

“Why? Didn’t we neglect our reporting obligations?”

“It’s part of the exchange conditions.”

Ah, I had a vague idea.

Considering King Ralfgang’s attitude, the way he looked at me, and the fact that he possessed magical energy – piecing it all together…

“It seems that the research on fairies has made significant progress. Also, there have been developments regarding the use of magic for treating Laziness Syndrome. Moreover, you requested a linguist to decipher ancient texts, didn’t you?”

I remained composed. I thought it wouldn’t be surprising if they had investigated me to this extent. It fell within my expectations.

From Count Goltba’s demeanor, intense agitation could be inferred. Publicly sharing information about fairy studies should be fine. However, I had asked him to keep quiet about magic. King Ralfgang referred to magical power as magic – indicating that, as of now, he wasn’t aware of the existence of magic itself. However, if he learned that I, who developed a method for treating Laziness Syndrome, had discovered new possibilities for magical power essential for the treatment, he might naturally want more information. Teaching the method to treat Laziness Syndrome had allowed the Lystia Kingdom to form alliances with various countries, securing several years of peace. World leaders were already aware of its considerable value.

In other words, King Ralfgang is saying this: he will grant us immunity, but in return, he wants more information about magic. Information about fairies may be just a side request. It’s doubtful whether he truly knows the real value of fairies. While fairies are undoubtedly significant to the Mediph, whether he considers information about fairies important is a different matter. Well, I still don’t know much about fairies myself.

Now, this is all speculation on my part. There’s a possibility that I could be wrong. However, I don’t think I’m entirely off the mark.

I have two choices: to escape or to accept. …Do I even have a choice?

Instead of the hesitating Count, I spoke up.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

The Count turned towards me in surprise, but after I nodded subtly, he seemed to understand and nodded back.

“What about him?”

It was an obviously formal question. This was a charade, but it was also a necessary formality.

“My apologies. I am a Marquis from the Lystia Kingdom, Shion Ornstein.”

“I’ve heard of you. You’re the one who organized the seminar on Laziness Syndrome treatment, right? Many of our Laziness Syndrome patients are on the road to recovery. I appreciate it.”

“It’s an honor.”

“Now, Ornstein. Regarding the previous question, you are conducting research on fairies and magic in Alsphere, and you have commissioned a linguist for deciphering ancient texts, correct?”

“Yes, that is correct.”

“Alsphere is a crucial place in the Mediph Kingdom. All cultures, knowledge, and interests in that land must be returned to Mediph. Neglecting to report is equivalent to a state treason offense.”

Tension dominates the air. In the midst of the tense atmosphere, I don’t feel any agitation. I somehow understood the words that would follow.

“From now on, include scholars recommended by our country in your research. Report all knowledge and information about monsters, magic, and fairies obtained in Alsphere. If you adhere to these two conditions, everything will be considered innocent, and I promise to acknowledge your future research.”

It was the expected demand. Rather, it’s almost a miracle that it ended with just this. There are no fines or punishments, and it’s just a matter of making sure to report properly from now on, albeit under strict surveillance. From King Ralfgang’s perspective, it’s a natural requirement. It’s an obligation to properly report research results obtained in a place managed by the country. Regardless of the reasons, it was our negligence in reporting.

“I understand.”

“That’s good. In the future, we will increase the number of troops in Alsphere and strengthen security. Leave countermeasures against monsters to us, and you should focus on your research. Since scholars will be selected here, you should wait until the decision is made. Now, you may leave.”

A bewildered atmosphere fills the space among the five. We try to leave the audience chamber.

“Jorg, I won’t allow any more freelancing. Don’t forget your official duties from now on.”

“Yes.”

Top of Form

The king’s sharp voice conveys Dominic’s unease. Dominic is a royal knight and the count’s guard. Considering his past actions, it’s reasonable for the king to find them objectionable. However, I felt a slight discomfort in the king’s words. After all, the royal knights are a unit that guards the monarch. So, why would Dominic and the other knights be guarding the count? I’ve heard from Dominic that it’s a royal decree. Still, it seemed unnecessary for the royal knights to provide protection.

Perhaps I’m overthinking it, and it might be common for royal knights to guard important individuals or guests. However, Dominic’s actions felt quite unrestrained. Although he took action ostensibly to address the monster problem, given that he neglected to report to the king, some form of punishment would have been more natural.

However, that didn’t happen. Could it be that Dominic and the king share a close relationship, or perhaps…?

As we leave the audience chamber and exit the castle, there are no knights, guards, or surveillance accompanying us. In other words, it seems they don’t expect us to escape.

“W-What on earth just happened? I didn’t expect the king to let us go so easily…”

I understand Winona’s agitation. Even my sister seems unable to comprehend it. Count Goltba wears a complicated expression, indicating he’s contemplating something. I ponder the situation.

“I have a vague idea of the reason.”

“And that is…?”

To Winona’s inquiry, I nodded nonchalantly.

“The king has magical power.”

Everyone looked puzzled.

Well, that’s understandable.

“As a preliminary point, I believe King Ralfgang recently acquired magical powers. If he had possessed magic beforehand, he would have been aware of the magical emanations from Alspehere. In that case, he should have conducted further investigations and raised questions about magic and the Lazy Syndrome. But there was none of that. Therefore, it can be inferred that, since the Lazy Syndrome Treatment Seminar, King Ralfgang learned about the existence of magic and underwent training to become a magic user. Right, Count?”

“…Indeed. I don’t think he knew about magic before.”

“However, he did possess magical powers. Meaning, after the Lazy Syndrome Treatment Seminar, he became aware of the value of magic. Well, it makes sense. If gaining the power to cure the Lazy Syndrome is possible, anyone would seek it. Moreover, by possessing magic, he would notice the magic in Alsphere. It’s not surprising to consider there might be some potential in this power. Amidst this, we appeared in Ajolam, where Count Goltba and I are supposedly studying fairies. We obtained research on magic and ancient texts, and they heard from the Royal Knights that we even requested a linguist to decipher them. We also discovered the habitat of fairies, using magic to open its entrance. Moreover, this magic can apparently detect the presence of monsters. Once you know all this, anyone would think…”

“To establish a friendly relationship with Shion, gather information, and obtain knowledge and technology,” my sister interjected.

“Exactly. As my sister said, he likely wants to investigate magic and fairies. However, if he were to give me orders forcibly or try to restrain me, it would become an international issue. I’m a Marquis of the Lystia Kingdom and a guest of the count. Above all, there’s a possibility that I might not cooperate. If I managed to escape abroad, it would be over. So, they chose to overlook the crime of neglecting the report, create a sense of indebtedness, and facilitate surveillance and cooperation.”

“Well, the reason they kept it to that extent is probably because they don’t think I’m worth much. At this point, they likely see benefits only in areas that are uncertain for the national interest, such as research results on magic and fairies. My value would skyrocket once they realize that I’ve learned about magic, and only magic can defeat the demons. Still, I have no intention of reporting anything related to magic.”

“As expected of you, Shion sensei. It’s truly admirable that even I, who has had a long association, can readily understand things that have become clear.”

“Well, I had predicted this outcome, so I had thought about it beforehand.”

“In that case, your insight is even more splendid! Individuals who can extend their thoughts to that extent are indeed rare.”

I always think this, but the Count is good at praising people. Moreover, it seems to come from the heart. You can sense his kindness, but sometimes it makes for a slightly awkward reaction. When I chuckled, the Count laughed heartily. However, his laughter seemed less energetic than usual. His voice gradually weakened, and he seemed a bit dejected.

“… I apologize. It seems I’ve fallen into that guy’s calculations.”

“Well, don’t worry about it since I was the one who suggested not reporting the monsters and resolving it ourselves! It can’t be helped now. Let’s use this situation to our advantage. If other scholars come, it’ll be helpful, and we might receive the King’s assistance if something happens.”

“Hmm, that might be true. Especially concerning fairies, there are still many unknowns. It might be better to have more collaborators.”

The origin of monsters, the ecology of fairies, ancient texts, fairy language, and so on. There are still many things we don’t understand. If specialists come, there might be progress. Believing in that, we returned to the Count’s residence.