Kays Translations

Chapter 190: Like diamonds in the rough 

　I instructed them to make some regular cold remedies as well, and finished what I had to do that morning. Now we’re waiting for the “poisonous moth scales” from the Adventurer’s Guild. There is nothing we can do about this.

　In the first place, can we get it at this time of the year?　There were no seasons in the game, so I don’t really know about that. There was a lunar cycle, though. If they made the conditions so strict, will players leave?

　In the afternoon, I had magic training. It was target practice as usual. I don’t talk to Ijidol during the training. I don’t think it’s necessary to talk during training.

　However, some people don’t seem to think so. This is Pietro, the son of the magic division commander. He is still teaching magic with a smug look on his face. About ten children are gathered around him.

　Rather than having children teach each other, I think it would be much more helpful for them to hear from the instructor, the Magic Division Commander. I guess it’s hard to talk to him because the magic division commander has a tough face?

　I’m not the type to worry about things like that, so I kept asking questions about things I didn’t understand. As if inspired by this, Ijidol also asked questions together with me.

“Julius and Ijidol know exactly what they’re doing.”

“Doesn’t everybody pay attention,  Commander?”

“It’s all right. Not all of the children here want to become knowledgeable about magic. Some of them may have come here reluctantly because their parents told them to. I don’t want these children to have a bad feeling about magic by being too hard on them. They would get angry with their parents.”

　The Commander laughs as he says so. Then why is he teaching magic to children in a place like this? Why not leave it to someone else? I guess such a question must have appeared on my face. The commander laughed again.

　Ijidol was surprised to see the smiling face of the Commander, who rarely shows his smile. Hey, you’re being rude.

“Every once in a while, a gem in the rough like the two of you appears. Find them early, train them in basic magic, and secure them. That way, there will be a flavor to it. For that reason, it is better for me to be the face of the group. If I say to Ijidol, ‘Join the Magic Division. I’m counting on you,’ it’s like a promise of a future.”

　Is he seriously trying to woo Ijidol for this?　Ijidol’s smile is also drawn back. I guess that’s what he thinks the conversation is about right now. I’m having trouble deciding whether I should be happy or not.

　Seeing us like that, the Commander laughs again.

“Of course I meant what I just said. I have high hopes for Ijidol. I believe that he will join the mage corps in the future. If possible, I would like Julius to join as well, but I guess that would be difficult in a margrave family.”

　Why me?　I’m not supposed to stand out, you know. I’m supposed to be practicing magic along with the others. Like Ijidol, I do use magic in abbreviated form. …… I knew it was a bad idea?

“It’s not so much that it’s difficult, it’s more that it’s impossible, since I’m going to inherit my grandmother’s will and become a potions master in the future.”

“I see. I remember that the highest level Potion Master who passed away was from the Margrave Heine family. That would make it impossible.

“Huh!? Julius really doesn’t want to become a mage!?”

　Ijidol is really surprised. I think I’ve mention this a couple of times, but did he think I was joking? It’s not a joke. I’m dead serious.

“That’s right. I’m only here to practice magic.”

“So you won’t even join the Order then?”

“I’m not joining, okay?”

　Oh, it seems like Axel doesn’t believe in me becoming a potions master either, right? Before any strange rumors start, I need to make sure they understand. If I make sure they understand that, I won’t have to deal with any weird trouble from Pietro or Ovidio, the son of the knight commander.

“Did the knights notice you, julius?　You can use both sword and magic, which is very valuable. You should be a candidate for Sword Saint.”

“Please stop it, I don’t want you to start a strange flag, I mean, any strange rumors. You understand that, right?”

　I tried my best to smile and said so. Oh, Ijidol’s smile is getting tighter. But I won’t stop smiling  until he agrees!

“I-I understand, Julius. I won’t tell anyone that you’re a candidate for sword saint.”

“You don’t understand.”

　I released the pressure. The effect was spectacular. Ijidol’s face had turned blue. And he is holding his mouth with both hands and shaking his head frantically. It seems that he understood.

“So much ambition at that age. What a waste.”

　Here’s another person who says things that didn’t make sense. My head hurts. I’m glad it’s not time for swordsmanship practice. Ovidio would have definitely picked on me. He didn’t seem to tolerate people his own age who were stronger than him.

　Compared to him, Pietro, who feels his life’s purpose is to share his knowledge with others, is still better. At least he doesn’t try to pick a fight. Although he does ask to use more powerful magic.

　If you use magic like that, you’ll run out of magic power very quickly, you know? And if you’re not good at it, you’ll die, so it’s better to do it in moderation. Besides, there’s no chance to use magic that strong. Unless you’re fighting the Demon King or something.

“Commander, is there an easy way to increase the amount of magical power?”

　This conversation was over. I attempted a sudden change of subject. The truth is that Axel’s magical energy level is not increasing at all. I want to do something about it.

“If there was a way to do that, I would like you to tell me.”

“I guess we have no choice but to steadily use magic every day.”

“Yes, that’s right. The best way to do this is to master the control of magical power. The amount of magic power consumed will also decrease if you do so. That’s what target shooting is for. You are the only ones who understand that.”

　The magic division commander smiles bitterly when he looks at Ijidol and me. Maybe he knows we’re secretly playing target shooting. After all, playing darts with magic arrows is fun.

　

　Someday I hope to turn that target into a dartboard. Magic Arrow Darts. I think it will be popular among people who can use magic.

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