Magic Maker - How to make magic in another world - - Chapter 77

Magic Maker – How to make magic in another world –

Chapter 77   On the journey

Sigh

I let out a sigh. The vibrations of the carriage wheels were transmitted through the cabin, causing both Rafina’s and my body to sway up and down. If I had a tendency to get motion sickness, I would undoubtedly have felt nauseous. While acknowledging the greatness of modern cars, this was my first time riding an official carriage in this world. However, I felt neither sentiment nor dissatisfaction within me.

Sigh

Another sigh. With my gaze still on the necklace, I harbored a sense of frustration. Rafina sent me a look of exasperation from the side.

“For heaven’s sake, how about cheering up, Shion? You’ve been like this for two days already.”

We had already been on the road for two days. The memory of parting with everyone, leaving the village with high spirits, was still fresh. But that was then, and this is now. Being separated allows you to truly feel certain things.

“I understand that it’s lonely being away from your family, but at this rate, you won’t make it to the capital. You won’t be able to return to your hometown for a while.”

“I know, but… I was prepared for it. Still, it’s just…”

If it were for a short period, there might have been times when I had to part with my family. But being completely alone is a first. Of course, Rafina is here, and the loneliness is somewhat alleviated, but she can’t replace my family. Friends and family are still different. Although my mental age is already over forty, I wonder if getting older makes people more prone to loneliness.

It’s not just the feeling of loneliness; perhaps I’m worried. What if something happens to everyone while I’m not around? I think about that. Normally, I could dismiss such concerns as baseless worries with a smile. But in this world, in the current era, it’s impossible.

The existence of the demon race, the appearance of powerful magical creatures—these are real threats. In this world, I, who can use magic, am the most capable of countering these threats. Yet, I have to go to the capital. So, I wonder about my family, whether they are okay or not.

Even though I had decided to go to the capital after much contemplation, I’m still lingering on these thoughts. There’s another reason for my dejected mood.

“…And I can’t really perform magical experiments.”

“That’s right! I can’t do it!”

I involuntarily raised my voice. Rafina chuckled in response to my reaction. Just as she was about to say something, the carriage came to a stop. Something approached noisily, and the door of the carriage opened.

“Shion-sama! A magical creature has appeared! Please do not leave the carriage!”

“Understood.”

The stern and sweaty-faced leader of the escort unit, Goht Fals, directed a serious gaze at me. Despite feeling somewhat annoyed inwardly, I complied with Captain Goht’s instructions. Rafina sighed beside me, but she didn’t seem to have any intention of saying anything.

“This is Goht Fals, and I will protect Shion-sama with my life! Let’s go, brave soldiers!”

“Haa!”

The soldiers responded in unison to Captain Goht’s command. There were about two hundred of them, an excessive number for protecting a single person. I’m not a member of the royal family, and such a large escort is unreasonable. However, this is the reality. They have prepared an escort level comparable to that of the royal family. Well, if it’s just that, it might be appreciated. The problem lies elsewhere.

Sighing, I glanced at Rafina beside me. She opened the door, surveyed the situation outside, sighed in exasperation, and closed the door.

“…This time?”

“Two goblins.”

I could only manage a dry laugh. Goblins are dangerous magical creatures. There’s a risk of losing one’s life, even for an ordinary person. In fact, I had nearly been killed by goblins in the past. However, that presupposes people without the means to fight.

Here, we have robust soldiers. Each one is not an average soldier but clearly an experienced warrior with ample combat experience. They engage with full force to subdue the two goblins. That alone would be fine. Caution is necessary. It’s important to approach any opponent with full force. After about ten seconds, the metallic sounds approached again. The door opened.

“Shion-sama! The magical creatures have been defeated! It’s safe now, please rest assured!”

“Ah, thank you.”

“No, this is our duty! Also, it seems like a good time, so let’s have lunch here!”

“Oh, then outside…”

With hope in my heart, I casually tried to exit through the door. However, in an instant, I was surrounded, and Goht Captain blocked the way, sealing the exit.

“I won’t allow it! We don’t know where the assassins might strike from! Shion-sama, please spend your time in the carriage! We will provide everything, including meals!”

So, this is it. For two days, this is how it is. I can’t go outside. For meals, sleep, and even during travel, I have to stay in the carriage. Captain Goht never lets me go outside, permitting only a brief exit for toilet breaks. Even then, almost all the guards accompany me. It’s a torture. But no matter what I say, Captain Goht won’t listen. He’s serious and seems to have a stubborn personality. I can protect myself, and I have magic. With a natural shield, most attacks won’t affect me. Even if I say it’s not a problem, Captain Goht only responds with, “If you let your guard down, you might lose your life! I’ve seen plenty of people like that.” While that may be true, I still think this is excessive.

It feels suffocating. I can’t even conduct magical experiments. Inside the carriage, the most I can do is practice releasing magical power. Not being able to use magic, which is a significant stress reliever, makes things even worse. Oh, the stress is piling up. I wonder how long this will continue, and the thought is making me increasingly uneasy. Seeing my reaction, Rafina sends a sympathetic glance my way.

“Captain Goht, wouldn’t Shion like to breathe some fresh air outside? This way, he might feel better before reaching the capital.”

“Spirit can be lifted with determination! But the body can’t be ignored! If you can endure for about ten days, I can safely take you to the capital. Please endure until then!”

Bringing up psychological arguments is futile. People like this just don’t understand. Even if there’s a problem, they only say to handle it with spirit and that it’s a lack of determination. Having dealt with teachers and bosses like this painfully, I’ve learned to give up. I lightly pat Rafina’s shoulder, who seemed like she wanted to say something more. I weakly nod at Rafina, who turned around, and she fell silent in hesitation.

“Well, that concludes our discussion! Please wait for a moment! I’ll bring your meal!”

With a swift closing of the door, the grating sound gradually fades away.

“Sigh.”

Once again, I let out a sigh. What a stifling journey. I thought I would have more freedom of movement.

“…It can’t be helped. Shion is the only one who can treat the Lazy syndrome and counter the threat of the Demon race. It’s not strange for you to be treated so carefully. Maybe you’ve had too much freedom until now.”

“Yeah, maybe.”

Come to think of it, that might be the case.

The lazy syndrome spreading worldwide. The looming threat of the Demon race. The only means to resolve and counter them is magic. I’m the only one who can use magic, and if something happens to me, it’s all over. Whether what’s written in the magic book I gave to my sister can be practiced by others is doubtful. Without me, solving these issues immediately would be challenging. I’ve become an important figure, it seems. Even so, this treatment…

I wonder if the royal family is treated like this too. Thinking about it, I realize that kings and noble people must have a tough time. I inadvertently let out another sigh.

“Shion, I understand your feelings, but try not to show that attitude in public. Most of the people you’ll be dealing with from now on don’t know Shion. First impressions are crucial, and it could also create pressure on patients and those teaching treatment methods.”

“Yeah, I get it. I’m just being casual because it’s Rafina. I don’t intend to act like this in front of other people.”

“Huh? Oh, is that so? Th-that’s right. Maybe it’s because your in front of me! Uh-huh, yeah, that must be it!”

Rafina happily laughs in a troubled manner. She seemed flustered, but I wonder what happened. As I tilt my head and look at Rafina, she begins to act bewildered.

Top of Form

“Oh, right! So, you know, close friends call me Rafi. Shion, you should call me that too!”

“Got it. From now on, I’ll call you Rafi.”

“Huh?! Oh, yeah! Th-that’s fine!”

For some reason, Rafi starts grinning. She’s someone whose expressions change easily. Like my sister, Rafi has an honest personality and can’t tell lies. Thinking about it, they share quite a few similarities. Both are straightforward, but my sister is more reliable.

Anyway, I’m grateful to have Rafi here. If I were to spend nearly ten days in this state alone, it would really take a toll on me mentally. So, I passed the time in the carriage, chatting with Rafi. That was the only source of enjoyment.