Magic Maker - How to make magic in another world - - Chapter 68.2

Magic Maker – How to make magic in another world –

Chapter 68.2

“So, that’s why Sis and I didn’t have the opportunity to interact with other nobles?”

“Yes. Usually, when you become a noble, you’re required to attend various events and socialize regularly. However, we are free from such entanglements. Without titles, we can’t engage in political activities, so even if we make connections, it wouldn’t serve much purpose. We never had any intention of doing so, and it’s bothersome. It suits me just fine. Honorary nobles are essentially allowed to act as landowners, even without being granted land officially. In reality, I am a landowner, but nominally, I am not. I manage the territory under the jurisdiction of Duke Balkh, and although I hold real authority, I don’t possess the firm power that other local lords do. In simple terms, I am a direct subordinate of Duke Balkh, and my role is more like a servant than a lord. That’s why our position is known as the ‘less-known land.’ People in that village, not everyone, but some, have unique backgrounds. We, who minimize contact with the outside, take care of them.”

“Unique backgrounds?”

“Various things.”

It seemed she wouldn’t go into detail. Living in the countryside, minimizing contact with the outside world—it sounded like delving into it would only lead to unpleasant revelations. In the flow of revealing internal information, not speaking about it meant it was something she couldn’t discuss. Perhaps it was simply because it was someone else’s business, or it could be something that she couldn’t easily share.

“Anyway, it’s because of such a complicated situation that the ‘village has no name.’ Shion, you’ve probably noticed, right?”

My father directed a serious gaze towards me. In response to his words, I felt exposed. When he mentioned it, it was true. Our village, where we lived, had ‘no name.’ I hadn’t paid attention to it until now, just casually referring to it as ‘the village.’ Normally, there should be a place name. Yet, I had never thought about it. Let’s be honest. I had little interest in anything other than magic. Although I had learned a lot as knowledge, without curiosity or interest, I didn’t pay attention to contradictions, perhaps even in my own village.

“W-well, yeah, I-I noticed! Y-yeah!”

In my agitation, or maybe to conceal my true feelings, I stammered in response. Anyway, this topic was dangerous. I needed to change it.

“S-so, um, originally, neither Dad nor Mom lived in that village, right?”

“Yeah. I, as an Ornstein, in other words, married into Emma’s family. However, the house in that village doesn’t belong to the Ornstein family; I purchased it. Also, when Emma and I got married, neither of our parents was there.”

“My family was noble, but we were already in decline. During that time, Father passed away due to illness, and Mother followed shortly due to stress. Although we technically had a title, it was on the verge of being revoked. I was left alone, not knowing what to do. It was tough back then. If your father hadn’t been there, it would have been really challenging. But your Father was with me all the time. Unlike the other nobles, he was honest, serious, kind, clumsy—a wonderful person.”

“H-hey, Emma. Th-that’s enough about the past.”

“Oh, is it? Well, it’s not just back then. Even now, he’s wonderful.”

My father coughed as if to cover up his relaxed expression. This way of deflecting was similar to my sister. Or rather, my sister resembled my father. Suppressing the urge to laugh, I prompted the conversation.

“Um, so, did they entrust me to Dad because you were planning to become the lord of a land with minimal contact with the outside?”

“Yeah, that’s part of it. If Shion’s existence were brought to light, there might be potential issues. While few people are familiar with the Rugure tribe, it doesn’t mean there are none. If Shion is indeed a Rugure, capable of magic… others might want to exploit that power, and I had considered that.”

“And you couldn’t stop the processing of the Thunderstone?”

Glast explained with a wry smile.

“Yeah, well, that was actually a way to test Shion. I really wanted to know if Shion was a Rugure or not. Rugure were known not just for magic but also for extensive knowledge, and they were quite renowned back then. Considering Shion had knowledge of insulators, I thought maybe Shion could come up with some ideas. I knew Shion could use magic, but I wondered if there was something else Shion could do. Shion knew a lot of things.”

“…I thought you were just being too greedy and had come crawling to Shion?”

When Dad said that, Glast hurriedly shook his head.

“Hey hey, I wouldn’t do something like that! Well, maybe just a little, but…”

Faced with Dad’s stern gaze, Glast averted his eyes. It seemed like he wasn’t entirely free of personal desires.

“To be honest, I was conflicted, but I didn’t know how Shion’s actions would affect the world. According to that woman, if Shion is the savior of the world, there are parts where we must not stop Shion’s actions. Of course, we’ve already informed the queen in advance. We got permission and incorporated Shion into the ore processing.”

“But Dad, didn’t you once stop me from researching magic?”

“I did… Maybe I didn’t want to believe that Shion was a Rugure. I didn’t raise Shion because Shion was a Rugure. I raised Shion as my own son. So, I didn’t really believe that woman’s words. I wished it wasn’t true. But in reality, Shion turned out to be a Rugure, capable of using magic. Ideally, I just wanted Shion to live a normal life, but I found out that Shion wanted to live that way. So, I couldn’t stop it. At that time, I didn’t know if Shion being a Rugure meant being a savior of the world, and if it did, stopping Shion could be dangerous. Besides, seeing the earnest and happy face of my child, as a parent, I couldn’t stop it.”

I see. So that’s why Dad said those things. I selfishly insisted on what I wanted to do, while Dad considered various things and denied it. Faced with this difference, I felt dismayed and ashamed of my selfishness. I hadn’t considered Dad’s inner pain, even if I didn’t know about it. I involuntarily lowered my head.

“It’s not something you should worry about, Shion. You can even blame us.”

“I won’t blame anyone. I’m grateful to Dad, Mom, and everyone. I’ve never thought about getting angry or hating anyone.”

“I see. Thank you.”

Dad and Mom smiled with a complex expression. I just found out now, but maybe they’ve known and struggled with it for a long time. If even a bit of their feelings were relieved by expressing them, that’s good.

“…Hey, Shion. I’ve been curious about something for a while. I understand that you can use magic as a Rugure, but why do you know so much?”

To Glast’s question, I hesitated. I’ve been reincarnated. I have the memories of an adult. Memories from a different world, another world. In a world far more advanced in science than this one. So, I have various knowledge. Should I talk about it? Everyone seems to be talking openly. I should probably talk too. I’m reluctant to lie.

—But. It’s just that I feel guilty for keeping quiet. Is it really okay to talk about it? Even if we’re not connected by blood, there’s no way they wouldn’t be troubled to know that their child is older or about the same age as them. If I were in Dad and Mom’s position. It would be difficult to come to terms with. Whatever I say or do, I’m a child and an adult just like them. That kind of thought would keep bothering me. I thought for a few seconds and then answered.

“Well, I don’t really understand it myself, but that knowledge is just stored in my memory. Um, the woman who brought me here might know something.”

It was an escape. But I thought there were no other options. Actually, the reason I was reincarnated might be something that the woman who brought me knows. She brought someone who survived the extinct Rugure tribe about a thousand years ago. She might know about reincarnation. Father, mother, and Glast had grim expressions at my answer. I wondered if they had figured out that I was lying. Even if they did, I decided to play it cool. Sometimes, telling a lie can save a person. I chose to believe in that.

“Um… could you tell me more about the Rugure tribe?”

“Hmm. Currently, there are very few who know the Rugure. Moreover, the details of the Rugure War have hardly been passed down. So, historically, the Rugure War is rumored as ‘various countries cooperated to repel a large army of monsters.’ But in reality, the enemies were the demon race and monsters from a thousand years ago. And ordinary weapons were ineffective against the demon race; they could barely inflict any damage without using the power of the Rugure tribe. Thanks to the efforts of the Rugure, the demon race was sealed. However, the kings of that time concealed this fact. That is the true history. The armies of various countries were doing their best to subdue inferior monsters.”

“But the king of Lystia at that time documented the facts of this war. Perhaps he felt guilty, but there’s no one left who knows the true intention.”

“…Why was that history lost? Is it something to hide to that extent?”

“It’s because the Rugure… they are a hybrid race of demons and humans.”

Demon and humans? Is the same demon blood as Einzwerf flowing in me? I didn’t feel discomfort. It was surprisingly easy to accept. Did I already know it deep down in my heart?

“A thousand years ago, demons were in full-scale conflict with humans. The Rugure, a hybrid of demons and humans, suffered persecution. Unable to coexist with humans, they lived in hiding. But when demons invaded in earnest, the Rugure took the initiative to stand with the humans and fight. While accepting Rugure’s cooperation on the surface, humans used and then, after the Rugure risked their lives to seal the demons, ‘erased the existence of the Rugure from history.’ They distorted the history and claimed the achievements for themselves, not wanting to leave the fact that a hybrid of demons and humans saved the world.”

“It’s a typical story. The authenticity of the transmitted history is not easily discernible. Even historians often misinterpret the truth. Whether the history of a thousand years ago is correct or not, no one knows. And especially for the citizens, they would rather not know. Humans are forgetful creatures. They forget past pain and gratitude, thinking that it never existed. That’s humans. But at the same time, there are those who remember everything until they die, continue to be grateful, and live on. That’s also humans.”

“It’s not a very pleasant story, is it?”

“That’s right. However, you can wear an even more unpleasant expression.”

I used to be an adult. Unlike children, I am well aware of the human flaws. Humans cannot live in innocence. Knowing this makes it difficult to easily deny or criticize.

“Except for me, Glast, Lord Gawain, and Lady Emma, only a few people in the capital know about Shion. We were secretly in contact, but until now, we didn’t believe in your personal affairs or the crisis in the world. However, the situation has changed. We’ve learned that your magic, and you yourself, are the key to saving this world. The demons are not united. More powerful monsters are likely to appear each time a seal is broken. Harbingers of this phenomenon have arrived, and the demons from a thousand years ago have started to roam. Not only demons but powerful monsters are also emerging. The influence of the weakening seals may be causing the spread of the Lazy syndrome. If the legends are true, most of these issues can only be resolved with magic, if not outright magic. Demons can only be defeated with magic. As if you appeared according to a prearranged plan, you generated magic and saved this city. There’s no choice but to consider this fate. You must admit that you are the Rugure who will save the world.”

“But other people also had magical power, right? All the Lazy syndrome patients had magical power, and my sister could use magic, albeit with less power.”

Regarding that, there is a description that no one could use magic a thousand years ago. If that is true, there might be some reason for changes in constitution over a thousand years, leading to an increase in humans with magical power. The possibility of Rugure blood mixing is there, but that is a weak reason given the large number of humans with magical power. Besides, there are no humans with bright red hair and eyes other than me. There are humans with a reddish tint, so it’s not particularly conspicuous.

Having seen various people, I think that some people don’t possess magical power to the extent of using magic. In fact, those with magical power at the level to manifest magic are very few, at least in the context of Istria.

“So, currently, Shion and your sister are the only ones who can use magic, right?”

“That’s how it is.”

This hair and eyes, along with the ability to use magic, seem to be proof that I am a Rugure. There was already a suspicion that I might be a Rugure when the mysterious woman brought me here. A thousand years ago, only a Rugure could use magic. However, over this millennium, it seems that humans with magical power have emerged.

“May I confirm something… Are there no detailed descriptions about magic?”

Based on the events and reactions so far, I could anticipate the answer, but I wanted to make sure.

“Due to Rugure’s magic, there is only information that the demons were sealed. In fact, Shion recognizing this as magic is the first time we’ve acknowledged it. If we had known, we might have been able to provide a bit more assistance…”

Otherwise, there should have been at least some information or assistance available even if not directly involved in the treatment of Lazy syndrome patients. In other words, no one knew about the magic I developed.

“But it’s a bit worrisome. Shion’s magic seems more like repelling demons than sealing them. The expression of Rugure’s abilities handed down in rumors feels subtly different.”

“I was also concerned about that. My magic is not something that can seal things.”

Einzwerf should have shattered into explosive debris. It seems unreasonable to call that sealing. Also, the fact that Einzwerf, a demon, referred to my magic as sorcery and reacted with curiosity to my methods. Are my magic, Rugure’s sorcery, and demon sorcery all the same, or are they different… It’s intriguing. But it seems there is currently no way to understand. It’s unlikely that Duke Balkh or my father would need to hide anything at this point, and if they don’t know, then they simply don’t. I’ll have to find a way to investigate on my own.

Top of Form

The more I thought about it, the more my head became muddled. Even if they talked about the world, demons, history, or Rugure, it didn’t feel real. It was beyond the scope of understanding. The facts that surpassed the contents I had speculated about triggered a rejection reaction in my head. However, I forcefully tried to digest everything. Father, mother, and Glast didn’t deny any part of the story. If the three people I trust didn’t deny it, then it must be true. I am the descendant of the Rugure, a mixed race of demons and humans, who perished a thousand years ago. Currently, only my sister and I can use magic. My sister’s magic has low power and is not at the level to be used for attacks. In other words, if I don’t defeat those demons, those monsters will indiscriminately kill people. At that time, Father and the others’ attacks reached because there was a disturbance in magic. And that disturbance in magic happened by chance. Do I have to fight against demons of the same level or even more powerful? Do I have to fight if everyone is going to die?

“This is a sudden revelation. It’s natural to be confused. Fortunately, it should take some time until the next Kakuya night. I don’t know for sure, but there should be a few years of reprieve.”

“Did Duke Balkh know when Kakuya night would come?”

“No, I didn’t. I also didn’t know the specific dangers of Kakuya night. However, I knew that Kakuya night wouldn’t happen in a short period. Whether it’s a few years or several decades, I don’t know… I thought it was a dubious claim, but now I believe it.”

It doesn’t seem to be happening immediately. I felt a small sense of relief. Fighting against such monsters without preparation would be insufficient no matter how many lives I had.

“Regarding Rugure, the information we know is as I’ve mentioned. Is there anything else you want to ask?”

“One thing. What should I do from now on?”

“Most likely, you’ll receive an invitation letter from the Queen. Follow the instructions outlined in it. Details about rewards will probably be communicated at that time. We’ve already reported about Shion, what happened in Istria, and what is likely to happen in the future. Of course, Shion’s opinion will be respected. We’ll try to accommodate your wishes as much as possible. But… refusal might not be an option.”

“I see. Well, honestly, I don’t really need any rewards. I understand what will happen from now on.”

The ability to use magic, the key to saving the world, lies only with me. It’s only natural for me to act as a ruler. Duke Balkh shows a surprised expression.

“Is that all? Are you sure? We just talked about all this a moment ago. Don’t you find it unreasonable? You, after experiencing such dangerous situations as a child, and now you’re willingly crossing an even more perilous bridge?”

“But if I don’t do it, everyone will die, right? I don’t want that. I may not be boasting about wanting to save people worldwide, but if I’m the only one who can do it, then I’ll do it.”

Saying this, I thought I sounded too casual, as if making light of the situation. I should have spoken more seriously. Regret would come later, and everyone seemed perplexed.

“I don’t like scary things, painful things, or troublesome things either. But still, for Dad, Mom, Sister, and Glast-san… for friends, comrades, acquaintances, and everyone I’ve met until now, I want to do my best if I can help them. Although, I feel like there’s not much sense of reality.”

“I see. I apologize, Shion. It’s not something someone who relies on you in many ways should say, but…”

“No, it’s okay. We still don’t know how things will turn out. Besides, I don’t dislike it. It doesn’t feel bad that my magic can be helpful to others. I never thought the power I selfishly created for myself would turn out like this.”

“…Talking to you, I feel like I’m talking to someone older.”

When I think about it, the mental age of Duke Balkh and me might be similar. It feels strange to think of us as being the same age.

“But if you’re invited to the royal capital, what about Marie?”

Duke Balkh’s voice sounds strained, containing a strong sense of bitterness.

“That’s the thing. It might be resolved somehow.”

“Shion. What do you mean by that? Are you saying you can cure Marie?”

Father, who had been silently listening, spoke up in a hurried manner. I nodded immediately.

“Not certain, but probably.”

My body is filled with magical power. If there’s this much magical power, then maybe. In the state shortly after waking up, my magical power wasn’t very stable. Now that my consciousness is awakened, the magical power is circulating well within my body. With this, maybe I can supply magical power. I got out of bed and checked my physical condition. No problems. On the contrary, I feel remarkably well.

“Shion-kun, are you okay? Don’t push yourself.”

“Yeah, I’m fine. I’m in pretty good shape. Who’s taking care of Sister?”

“Rafina, Brigit, and Rose are taking care of her together.”

“I see, everyone is.”

My parents moved to flank me. They’ve been worried about me all this time. I’m really sorry, both of you. And everyone else.

“I’ll go back home. I have some work to do… I want to skip it… Ugh, troublesome. Well… Shion, sorry, but I’m counting on you. If there are any results, I’ll ask for a report later. I pray for Marie’s recovery.”

“Thank you.”

Duke Balkh left, shoulders drooping. I changed from my pajamas to regular clothes. Then, the four of us—me, Dad, Mom, and Glast—headed to my Sister where everyone was waiting.