Magic Maker - How to make magic in another world - - Chapter 90

Magic Maker – How to make magic in another world –

Chapter 90   Of course if it’s a friend

Awakened.

I raised my upper body as if bouncing.

“Huh!?”

Rafi was beside me.

Upon checking my surroundings, it seemed like I had returned to my home.

I must have been lying on a bed in some room, as there was a blanket draped over me.

My clothes had also changed.

I wondered if Winona had helped me change while I was asleep.

“You finally woke up. How are you feeling?”

“… I feel kinda heavy, both in my head and body.”

“That’s understandable. After all, you’ve been asleep for a day and a half.”

“Really!? I slept more than I expected…”

I thought I had slept for about a whole day, but apparently, it was even longer.

By the way, sunlight was streaming in through the window.

It seemed like morning.

The chirping of birds reached inside.

The room had only a bed, a dresser, and a desk.

Although it was the first time I entered since coming to the capital, it might be my room.

It felt uneasy for some reason.

Unlike my hometown village, it was unnecessarily spacious.

“How’s your magical energy?”

“Well, I’d say about one-third. It has recovered quite a bit.”

“I see. You mentioned that you almost had no magical energy before fainting. I was worried you might develop lazy syndrome.”

“Probably not. I don’t think I’ll get lazy syndrome.”

“Is that so? If you say so, I feel relieved.”

The conditions aren’t clear, but it seems that there are rare individuals like me and Rose who don’t succumb to lazy syndrome. We are aware of the existence of magical energy and can control it, so I somehow understand. I don’t think I’ll develop lazy syndrome. If magical energy depletes, one might become lethargic, but it will always recover. The only time it won’t is when I die. As I mentioned this, Rafi sighed with relief.

“So, what happened afterward? Was everything okay?”

“Yeah, there were no major issues, or I’d like to say that, but various things happened. After you fainted, Winona and I planned to bring you here. However, doctors and families of patients offered their help. In the end, they assisted us and brought you to the mansion. But now, they’re worried about you and started asking if there’s anything they can do. While you were asleep, they brought ingredients, furnishings, so-called tokens of appreciation, and it became troublesome.”

“Oh, uh… You didn’t accept them, right?”

“I politely declined. It seemed like everyone was concerned about receiving treatment for free.”

“This time only, though.”

Normally, if any illness is treated for free, it would lead to unpaid work. If that happens, doctors and nurses cannot sustain their lives. If demanding compensation for treatment becomes the norm, it poses significant economic and medical problems. However, lazy syndrome is unique. It’s spreading globally, and so far, I’m the only one who can cure it. Doctors are humans too. They need money to live, and the compensation for individuals with rare skills is generally high. Demanding fair compensation for one’s achievements is only natural. That’s why it’s known that the first session is free. Not everyone in the world is kind. People tend to consider what they receive as a given, and this perception continues, and some may even believe it won’t change. Even people with common sense and morals can become numb to their feelings. Setting boundaries is necessary.

“And what about the others? The Queen’s envoys or something?”

“They came.”

As expected.

That’s how it should be.

It would be strange if they didn’t come.

Now, how should I handle this?

I have no regrets about my actions.

Honestly, I have a vague memory of what I did.

I remember blowing Fritz away.

I punched Fritz, who was assigned as an escort by the Queen.

I assumed I would be charged with at least obstructing official duties since it was technically during official business.

I hope it remains just my problem.

If harm comes to those around me, I’ll do everything to prevent it.

I should have the cards for that.

There’s no need to be humble at a time like this.

I anxiously waited for the next words.

Rafi, looking perplexed, finally spoke.

“The envoy said let them know when you wakes up.”

“… And?”

“That’s it.”

“That’s it? Nothing else?”

“Nothing. It seems there are no repercussions. There’s no order to surrender. Just report when you wake up.”

What does this mean?

I disrespected not only Fritz, who seemed like a noble, but also the nobles of the Adon Kingdom.

And yet, nothing?

Maybe it’s because I’m a Rugure, or perhaps because I’m the only one who can use magic and treat lazy syndrome – various reasons come to mind.

However, is it really possible for there to be nothing at all?

It’s strange.

The absence of any consequences felt eerie.

“What do you think, Rafi?”

“Well, I could see respect toward Shion in the envoy. Even if it’s official business, one’s attitude tends to show a bit in their inner thoughts. The envoy didn’t seem disrespectful or arrogant; rather, they appeared somewhat intimidated. Therefore, I don’t think the Queen intends harm to Shion… Can I be frank?”

“Huh? What is it?”

“To be honest, I’m not good at using my brain. I’m not very smart.”

She said it while looking straight at me, and I couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

Is it really possible for someone to say seriously that they’re not smart?

Too earnest. But that’s one of Rafi’s good points.

Maybe because I laughed, Rafi snorted.

“Hmph. There’s no need to laugh that much. I’m aware of it!”

“Sorry, I wasn’t making fun of you. It’s just… hahaha, I didn’t expect you to say it with a straight face.”

“Hey, cut it out! I told you not to laugh! Seriously, what a rude guy! Really, I mean it! Anyway, that’s how it is! Listen to what I say with a grain of salt, got it!”

“Got it. Thanks.”

Looking at Rafi, who was pouting, my heart warmed gently. Even in the capital, I wasn’t alone.

“So, Shion, what do you think?”

“Well, who knows? It’s unlikely that the events of that day haven’t reached the Queen’s ears. Unless someone with considerable authority is manipulating information. I can’t imagine someone would go out of their way to do that, though.”

“In that case, either the Queen herself isn’t concerned about it, or even if it’s an issue, she’s choosing to ignore it.”

“It seems to be the case. The fact that there are no repercussions at all is a bit concerning, though.”

“No, it’s possible.”

“Oh? What’s on your mind?”

Rafi raised her index finger and said with a smug expression.

“The Queen probably disliked Fritz and that noble, so she’s relieved you knocked them around!”

Rafi grinned as if saying, “How about that!?” I could only manage a wry smile.

“Would the Queen make judgments based on personal feelings like that? It’s a considerable issue, especially since it involves a noble from another country, the ‘Great Empire of Adon,’ not just Fritz, who is a domestic individual. Even someone as ignorant of the situation as me can tell it’s a pretty big problem.”

The Adon Empire, the largest military state on the continent. A massive empire that dwarfs everything in Lystia many times over. I don’t know the details, but it’s evident that the Adon, a major power, and Lystia, a small nation, wouldn’t be treated on an equal footing.

In terms of economic strength, military power, and overall national power, Lystia is undoubtedly inferior. Globally, Lystia should be in a lower position. To defer dealing with nobles from that major power and to do so with a disrespectful attitude, all while it was under the Queen’s orders, is quite remarkable.

Something is off about the fact that there are no consequences. I can’t shake this uneasy feeling. Is it the calm before the storm?

“Huh, heh! Just kidding! I was testing you, Shion! Well done on catching that! I’ll give you praise! Hahaha!”

Her eyes were gleaming. She was genuinely serious. Since I felt there was no need to address it, I remained silent, sending her a warm gaze.

Rafi, seemingly evading the topic, changed it.

“B-but, you know! I never expected Shion to get so angry. I was surprised too. Usually, your gentle and mature. It was the first time I saw you got angry. You seemed like a different person.”

I don’t remember much about that moment. It seems I was quite furious, and my memory went blank. However, I do recall shouting at Fritz, the escort soldiers, and the nobles. Oh, and I vaguely remember blowing Fritz away. Honestly, I remember feeling quite satisfied about it.

“Well, actually, besides that incident, I don’t have any memories of getting angry in the past.”

Even when I was in Japan, I don’t think I ever got angry. I might have had disagreements or voiced dissatisfaction, but I don’t recall expressing anger emotionally.

“So, that means it was the first time in my life being angry, right?”

“Yeah, it seems so. I was pushed to my limits at that moment, both physically and mentally.”

In that state, I don’t think one can maintain rational thinking. I feel like I did something regrettable, but once it’s done, there’s no choice but to accept it. It weighs heavily on my mind when I recall it. I can’t just feel emotionally charged and think, ‘Well done!’ Even if there’s justification, the fact remains that I exposed my emotions without restraint.

“…Of course, Shion is human too.”

“Can you stop calling people monsters?”

Saying this with an exasperated expression, Rafi shrugged her shoulders.

“Not in that sense… Look, I’ll explain it to you since Shion doesn’t seem to see himself objectively. Despite you age, you have a mature and composed personality, knowledge beyond your age, courage, and initiative. On top of that, you possess the talent and tenacity to develop magical techniques on your own. You maintain a broad perspective in any situation and, in a sense, has the stubborn conviction like a wild boar that never stops moving forward. The insensitivity to keep going alone even in situations where ordinary people might give up is not something everyone possesses. A child or even an adult with all these qualities, don’t you think?”

“Isn’t your tone getting harsher each time we talk?”

“It’s your imagination. Anyway, if there’s a person like that, those around might wonder if you’re truly a child or a human being. Of course, since you are human, this expression is more like a metaphor. It’s simply admiration and awe for someone so different from ourselves.”

“Admiration and awe, huh.”

Should I be happy about this?

I’m not happy at all.

“For my part, I feel a bit relieved. Someone who consistently moves forward, always in the right, can be precarious in the eyes of those around.”

“Why is that?”

“Because we can’t understand what’s in their hearts. When Marie was sick, did you complain to us or silently research lazy syndrome without a word? You might have told your parents, but we didn’t hear about it. That situation continued for over a year and a half. As friends, it’s natural for us to be concerned.”

Even if someone says it, I don’t recall ever complaining. I probably didn’t tell my dad or mom either. It’s not like I had a choice; I decided to do it, and I thought I was the only one who could. Besides, if talking to someone wouldn’t solve the problem, it would only burden them unnecessarily. I didn’t want to do that.

I feel like I burdened my sister quite a bit, though. Perhaps, for me, my sister is special. That doesn’t mean I don’t trust my parents or friends, though. It’s challenging to put it into words.

“I didn’t really have any complaints. There were things to do, and even if things didn’t go well, I just kept looking for solutions each time.”

“…That’s the reason people around you would worry. Ordinary people, when faced with failure, either give up or, if they attempt it again, their spirits wear down each time. They tend to harbor dissatisfaction, despair about the future, and it’s natural for them to share that with someone. But you overcame many difficulties on your own. Each time you faced a setback, you silently found the right path, searched for a solution, and executed it—all on your own. In other words, without borrowing anyone’s strength, you usually handle everything by yourself. This incident, too, was mostly resolved by Shion, and those around you couldn’t do much. While it’s understandable, friends still want to contribute.”

Upon hearing this, I couldn’t help but be surprised at how I was perceived. Looking at it that way, there might be some truth to it. It’s natural for friends to worry about someone who doesn’t share their troubles. She’s watching over me. That made me happy.

“If you’re a friend, huh? Rafi really did worry about me.”

“If you’re a friend, this much is natural. Don’t do anything reckless. Although there’s not much I can do, I should still be able to help in some way. Remember that I’m here by your side.”

“Yeah, thanks. I’ll remember that properly.”

When I smiled, Rafi seemed awkward and averted her gaze. In some ways, she resembles Cole.

“You sly one, really. I can’t say anything more when you look at me like that.”

Contrary to her words, Rafi had a gentle smile. As Cole mentioned, good people have gathered around me. I’m grateful. I shouldn’t forget that I’ve been blessed with good people around me.

“Thanks, Rafi.”

“No problem. Don’t worry about it.”

It’s a matter of course. That’s what her expression said. When she responded in a light tone, I couldn’t say anything. I’ve been taken care of in many ways by her. It’s essential to understand that this isn’t something to take for granted.

If something happens, I want to repay her in some way, even if it’s not necessary. When I have time, I’ll invite her to a meal. Whether in Istria or the capital, time has always been tight, and the time spent with friends has been short. Even when we were together, it was mostly about work or mission-related discussions, more like colleagues than friends.

Eventually, when there’s time to relax, I’ll invite Rafi. As I thought about it, the image of my sister looking angry for some reason popped into my head. And I felt like the red necklace shining on me gleamed. No, it’s probably my imagination. It was just a reflection of light. I wonder if Dad, Mom, Sister, and everyone else are doing well. I want to see them again.

“Anyway, rest a bit more. When you’re feeling better, you can report to the castle. You should discuss the details about the lazy syndrome.”

“Yeah, got it. Thanks.”

“All right then, I’ll be heading back. I have work to do. Make sure to get some proper rest.”

Rafi raised her hand for a farewell and left the room. I wonder if she had been accompanying me all this time. Rafi never mentioned such things. She might have her tough times too. Thinking about my proud and reliable friend, I sat up.

My stomach growled.

I wonder if Winona is outside. I should have her prepare a meal.

With that in mind, I left the room.