Magic Maker - How to make magic in another world - - Chapter 98

Magic Maker – How to make magic in another world –

Chapter 98   Good morning

“So, what are the results?”

In the queen’s private library.

It was the second time, but the queen’s usual figure, which I had already become accustomed to, was in front of me.

She sat in a chair, leaning on the arm of the desk while gazing at a book.

It was a sloppy appearance, but for me, it was easier to approach her this way.

Perhaps this was also one of her strategies to make me feel more at ease.

“We’ve narrowed it down to a total of 120 people.”

“Hmm, 120, is it?”

The queen seemed to be contemplating, but there was no sign of surprise.

“Was it the expected number?”

“Well, I can’t say for sure. But it’s a manageable number to provide treatment in each country, isn’t it?”

“…If we concentrate in the city center and have the patients move, it should be possible. It will take time, but it’s not a life-threatening illness.”

“However, if it’s a distant location, it will take time and funds to move. It’s not feasible to embark on expeditions to various places, and the burden on the patients will be significant. Even with a sufficient number of doctors, it won’t be easy to cure everyone. Instead, there’s an increased possibility of exorbitant treatment fees. If private physicians possess exclusive techniques, they can set prices freely, leading to a surge in treatment costs. I don’t demand treatment fees, and it’s public healthcare, so I won’t ask for a vast amount of money. This is likely true for other countries as well; in a sense, the ideal number of people for treatment in each country might be just right. Probably, if the citizens of a country can handle the treatment for lazy syndrome, and once they understand that it’s possible, they will naturally work to spread that knowledge to increase manpower. In other words, the students I’ve taught will teach the treatment methods to others, increasing the workforce, and consequently, the number of people treated per day will naturally increase. Magic supply involves sharing one’s magic power. Without a considerable total amount of magic power, treating several people will deplete the magic power. Since there is no one with magic power like mine, a large number of healers will be needed.”

“Even in our country, apart from Shion, we must educate physicians capable of treatment. The patients in the capital and Istria are almost cured, but the numbers are gradually increasing again. We must take action promptly to avoid economic repercussions.”

“…Despite that, there doesn’t seem to be much sense of crisis in other countries.”

“Most of the patients are commoners. While a king, to some extent, understands the importance of the people, there are many nobles who don’t see commoners as equals. If it’s commoners who are afflicted, there’s no need to panic, and there’s no need to be desperate. That’s likely the nobles’ true feelings. There will be a significant difference in the motivation of the participants. I apologize for burdening you…”

“No, I was prepared for this. However, you will accept my request as well.”

“Indeed. It’s about Winona. When she is determined, we will try to reach an agreement here. If there’s anything else, don’t hesitate to say. You are a treasure of the country.”

A treasure of the country, huh? Quite an uncomfortable phrase. Since arriving in the capital, I’ve exercised a lot of discretion in my judgment and actions. Right now, I don’t even have any escorts, and Fritz, in fact, couldn’t fulfill the role of a guard. However, I occasionally sense a presence. Probably, they are keeping an eye on me. Well, it may have the meaning of protection, too. I intentionally haven’t told the queen about it. If I say unnecessary things, countermeasures might be taken, and considering my position, I expected such things to happen. It’s a fleeting kind of freedom… Well, at least for now.

“Well then, I want to use magic.”

“No. It’s unclear where and who might be watching. It’s not wise to solidify your mysterious power as a certainty for now. It’s crucial to let it be a mere rumor.”

As expected, it was the reaction I anticipated, so I immediately voiced the prepared answer.

“Then, could you prepare a place out of public view? Somewhere with decent soundproofing, where no one can see. If possible, a spacious place would be better. Magic training involves quite a bit of movement and is dangerous, you see.”

“…I’ll consider it for a moment. Wait for the answer for a while.”

Whether this is to show a pose of having considered it for a moment or she genuinely intends to think about it remains uncertain. I want to believe that the queen is an honest person, so ideally, it’s the latter.

My interaction with her has been brief. I don’t believe in her wholeheartedly, nor do I take everything at face value. I got scolded a bit by Cole before, and it’s necessary to be skeptical of people. For now, this should be sufficient. At worst, there’s an alternative plan.

“Understood. I appreciate your consideration.”

“Well then, is there anything else?”

“Yes, for now, there isn’t. Once the training seminar starts, there might be various things.”

“I have a headache. It would be good if nothing happens, but it’s unlikely to go smoothly. I’ve already copied the relevant parts from the magic book I received in advance. Of course, it’s only related to lazy syndrome. It’s like a textbook, I suppose. It has already been transported to the venue. You should head directly to the training seminar venue. Today, provide explanations, and starting from tomorrow, commence with the classes.”

“Understood. Then, if you’ll excuse me.”

“Well then, take care.”

I bowed and turned my back to the queen. There’s almost no tension. I wonder why. Even though I don’t trust her. Without understanding the reason, I left the room with a vague and uneasy feeling.

○●○

Winona, Egon, and I left the castle and headed towards the venue. Unlike the lazy syndrome treatment facility, the venue was quite spacious. In the relatively large central garden, there was a fountain. The flowers and grass were well-tended, creating a refreshing scene. The building was about two or three times the size of my estate. According to the information, there were several large rooms inside the facility used for training and meetings. There were also wide spaces like a hall or gymnasium, making it versatile for indoor events. It had the appearance of a retro-style school, but it looked aged only because it was well-maintained. In this world, it was a luxurious building to the extent that commoners couldn’t step foot in. Since calling it a training venue felt somewhat odd, I decided to refer to it as a school.

“…It’s larger than I expected.”

“…It’s amazing.”

Winona and I exclaimed in admiration as we looked around and entered the school. The entrance hall had a soaring atrium leading to the second floor. Staircases were set on both sides, leading to the corridor on the second floor. It had a design reminiscent of a small castle. However, most of the small items and furniture were quite modest. Well, this facility wasn’t meant for someone to live in, and there was probably no need to unnecessarily spend money on decorations. However, that wasn’t the only surprising thing.

“Good morning, Shion-sama!”

The moment I stepped into the building, ‘everyone’ bowed their heads towards me. A carpet stretched straight from the entrance, with maids lined up along its sides. There were probably over a hundred of them, most likely assigned to each participant. The maids moved in perfect unison, bowing their heads and then straightening their backs. It was evident that they were well-trained. I turned to Egon, wondering what was going on.

“These individuals will assist Shion-sama during the training seminar, especially taking care of the participants in the seminar.”

“I see, so that’s how it is…”

I didn’t need a lot of help for my classes. I already had the textbooks ready, and I only required a little assistance. With Winona by my side, who had gained a reasonable amount of knowledge about lazy syndrome treatment, including aiding in treatment as my assistant, she could handle most situations on her own. The need for a hundred caretakers was likely for the noble participants. It seemed to be getting more complicated than I had expected.

I turned to face the maids, examining them closely. Upon closer inspection, their expressions were quite stiff, indicating nervousness. Well, for those who didn’t know me, I was a rather peculiar presence. Being a noble and tasked by the queen with conducting training for lazy syndrome treatment, I couldn’t afford to be disrespectful. I also started feeling a bit nervous, but I couldn’t dwell on that. I tried to maintain a soft expression as much as possible.

“Good morning, I’m Shion Ornstein. You’ve probably heard the news, but starting today, we’ll be conducting a three-month training seminar. There might be some challenging moments, but if anything comes up, feel free to report it to me. Over these three months, we are a team, and there will be situations where we need to collaborate. If any problems arise, don’t try to solve them silently on your own. If something happens, approach me, or if you find it difficult, talk to Winona here, or Egon over there.”

I could sense a ripple of unease among the maids. While they didn’t become visibly restless, their expressions showed confusion. I used to wonder why this happened in the past, but from my current perspective, their reaction was only natural. They seemed to understand my position a bit, but I didn’t want to come off as arrogant or authoritative.

“You’ve probably heard various things, but our goals should be the same. I’m here to treat patients with lazy syndrome, and that’s why I’m conducting this training seminar. So, I hope you work with that in mind. It’s not about being considerate only towards me.”

Some of the maids’ expressions turned stern. It wasn’t nervousness but rather a kind of determination.

“Well then, that’s it for now. I appreciate your cooperation starting from today.”

As I lightly bowed, the maids hurriedly followed suit.

“Thank you very much!”

Compared to the initial greetings, it was a bit scattered, but I felt their emotions in those voices. I allowed a small smile at this change and turned to Egon.

“All right, let’s go.”

“Yes. Please follow me.”

Egon guided me as if nothing had happened. As we walked, the gazes of the maids were directed towards me. The initial tension seemed to have slightly faded. Instead, various emotions in different shades were now directed at me. I couldn’t discern what those emotions were, but it didn’t feel uncomfortable. Suddenly, I noticed Egon glancing at me.

“Is something the matter?”

“No, my apologies. There’s nothing.”

“Is that so?”

As I tilted my head, Egon immediately turned back to face forward. His back still gave off the same rigid impression as before. Winona and the other maids followed behind me. It was quite a spectacle with this many maids. As I continued forward, I casually pondered such things.