Chapter 121: The Grand Evaluation and Annual Tourney Begins

Isamu and Selfers were happily talking about how Marquis Chartreuse had enchanted them with a listening device during dinner after returning from their meeting with him, much to the dismay of those around them.

“Selfers-sama, even though His Excellency the Marquis made it clear to you, why do you seem so pleased about it?” 

Diluc, the leader of the knights and dubbed “First Recoil, Unit-01” asked the lord with a grimace on his face.

“Hmm? Well, I talked to Isamu afterwards, but either way, if Isamu’s abilities are made public, it becomes clear who’s on which side, and we’ll end up having to counter our enemies. So, it’s better this way, knowing the potential enemies beforehand.”

Selfers spoke cheerfully, but as the conversation turned to the eavesdropping magic tool, the knight tasked with security couldn’t help but feel uneasy.

“Isamu-san, even though my father says that, is it really going to be okay?”

Anne-Marie, known as “Second Recoil, unit-02” expressed her concern for Isamu, albeit with a drawn face.

“We’ve come this far, so there’s no turning back. Besides, there’s nothing we can do but do our best to protect ourselves. And as my father-in-law said, it’s not just enemies but allies who become clear. So, it’s not all bad, I think.”

“That may be true, but…”

Isamu tried to reassure Anne-Marie with a soft smile, but her worries seemed unabated.

“I was thinking of dismantling that eavesdropping magic tool for now. Is that okay? Or should I just say it was forgotten?”

“Ah, I forgot to mention! I think that thing will probably self-destruct if you try to dismantle it. Phew, good thing I remembered before you did…”

Selfers answered Isamu with a face that said, “Oops.”

“Huh? It’ll self-destruct? …Is it for evidence tampering, or rather, to prevent duplication?”

“It’s probably both. That thing is what’s known as a secret magic tool. Since it hasn’t been registered with the magic circle, it’s officially not being sold. But its existence itself is an open secret, and it’s rumored that even the royal family uses it.”

Secret magic tools are a general term for magic tools that are secretly traded on the market despite not being registered with a magic circle. Among them, eavesdropping magic tools are likely one of the most famous.

Most of them are likely to be used for dubious purposes, and if the magic circle is made public, many of them will become prohibited items and can no longer be manufactured and sold. However, there is demand for them, so they are secretly produced and sold.

Although it is illegal, it is the responsibility of the royal family and the nobles who should enforce it, but if they enforce it strictly, they will not be able to use it themselves. Even if they are not using it themselves, there is a possibility of retaliation from other nobles who are using it.

Therefore, except for things that have such a bad influence that they cannot be overlooked, the situation is tacitly approved.

By the way, the Felis series used by Isamu and the others themselves are called covert magic tools and are legal.

In other words, whether it remains for personal use or not is the criterion for judgment, and it is currently considered legal in the gray zone up to free provision.

“I see, secret magic tools… Do they explode?”

“I’ve never heard of that. But given his job, Marquis Inoccenti, the border count, might know more about it?”

Being in contact with enemy countries, the border count’s family would have to become knowledgeable whether they like it or not.

“That’s right. Just to be safe, I’ll suspend it and keep the magic stone without removing it. If it turns out to be a magic circle that can be read if dismantled, it’s a gain.”

After listening to Selfers’ explanation, he hurriedly decided to stop dismantling it.

“I wonder what expression the Marquis will have when he finds out that Isamu can read magic circles. He’ll probably regret putting the eavesdropping magic tool so easily.”

Saying that, Selfers smirked darkly.

The next morning. By now on Earth, people would be exchanging New Year’s greetings, eating New Year’s dishes, watching comedy shows, and feeling the New Year’s atmosphere.

In this world of Ethersia, it seems that it is customary to go to the church to pray after breakfast. It must be something like the first shrine visit of the year.

Therefore, it seems that the annual festival will begin in the afternoon.

Thus, after finishing a New Year’s breakfast that was not much different from usual, Isamu and the others saw off Selfers.

Since only the lord himself and the escort knights can participate in the grand council, Isamu and the others have to stay behind.

“Well, I’m off.”

“Good luck. Sorry we can’t help with anything.”

“Ha ha ha, it can’t be helped. Besides, we’re basically just listening to conversations. Not falling asleep is like our job.”

“You’re not wrong.”

Selfers laughed dryly in response to Isamu’s embarrassed apology at the entrance and then left for the royal castle with Viscount Dafyyd Jansen, who was staying at the same inn.

Isamu had planned to dismantle the eavesdropping magic tool and have some fun, but since he couldn’t do that, he ended up with some free time.

While playing with Orihime in the living room, Anne-Marie, seeing this, invited him to tour the annual festival, so he decided to head out to the town in the afternoon.

“Wow, this is amazing…”

Isamu couldn’t help but marvel as he arrived with his four exclusive guards at one of the main streets leading to the central square, which served as the main venue for the festival.

Completely different from the scene just this morning, it was now bustling with people and festive atmosphere.

On both sides of the main street, stalls were lined up densely, selling everything from meals and drinks to sweets that were not usually available, souvenirs from various territories, toys for children, and daily necessities.

“In this country, it’s considered good to get new dishes and other items used daily at this time of new beginnings.”

“I see, so that’s why there are many shops selling household goods.”

Isamu, who was curiously observing the numerous shops selling household goods, including tableware stores, was explained by Annemarie. I think I’ve heard a similar story in Japan, where it’s considered lucky to start using a new wallet at the beginning of the year.

And then, Isamu noticed another common sight: numerous stalls selling something.

There were many stalls selling something like round steamed buns, and people of all ages and genders were buying them, lured by the steam rising from the storefronts.

By the way, it seemed that cooking was done using simple firewood kilns or stoves.

“That’s Pan, the Sun Goddess Bread. It’s shaped like that in homage to the sun, which announces the new year. Inside the steamed bun, there are various fillings, and one out of every several tens contains a small statue of a goddess. It’s said that those who find it will have good luck for the year.”

While poking at Orihime, who was curled around his neck, Tiramisu, who had tagged along despite not being part of the escort, explained.

I see, it’s like a combination of a bonus snack and a fortune slip. In any world, products that subtly appeal to gambling instincts seem to go well with festivals like this.

“Wow, that sounds interesting. Shall we all buy various things and try our luck?”

“That’s a great idea! Then let’s get the not-so-sweet one over there, and the sweet one over there!”

Tiramisu, running happily to buy the Sun Goddess Bread, suggested.

Isamu and the others found a vacant spot in what seemed like a makeshift rest area and decided to enjoy the freshly steamed buns right away.

The first one Isamu tried was the “not-so-sweet” one, according to Tiramisu.

Inside, there was a filling of minced meat and diced vegetables, seasoned with a hint of spices, resembling a curry bun.

“Oh, this is delicious! It’s perfect as a snack since I was feeling a bit hungry.”

The group quickly finished the not-so-sweet buns and moved on to the “sweet” ones, which were still piping hot.

As soon as they took a bite, a refreshing acidity and a faint cinnamon aroma escaped from their mouths to their noses. In the next instant, a sweetness reminiscent of apples spread throughout their mouths.

“This is made by simmering a fake apple made from pom fruit with honey to make it like jam. The subtle cinnamon flavor is nice.”

Giving quite a food review, one of the exclusive guards, Mizeroi, remarked. His expression had softened since Orihime had climbed onto his shoulder earlier.

In the kingdom, sugar was a precious commodity. Similar to Earth, it seemed to be made from plants like sugarcane, but since it only grew in warm regions, they inevitably had to rely on imports.

While spices were abundant as they could be cultivated in the kingdom’s climate, sweetness was a luxury.

Indeed, this “sweet” bun was being sold at more than three times the price of the “not-so-sweet” one.

It seemed that children looked forward to this time of year when purse strings loosened for New Year’s.

“Huh? Oh, it’s a goddess!”

As they were enjoying the sweet buns, Felix, the captain of the guard, stood up with a triumphant pose, holding up a small goddess statue that had come out from inside.

“””Huh?”””

While it was certainly an auspicious item, wasn’t he too overjoyed? Isamu wondered, but soon understood the reason.

“Oh, congratulations, knight!”

“Congratulations!”

“congratulations!!”

“May the Goddess bless you!”

“And may you share in that good fortune!!”

Everyone around him began to congratulate Felix as he held up a small statue of the goddess.

“There is a legend that if you bless someone who has been blessed with good fortune in this way, you will receive a share of the blessings. Therefore, the person who wins the goddess statue will be happy with everyone by holding it up in an easy-to-understand way.” We share it.”

Annemarie explained to Isamu who was staring blankly.

“Huh, I guess I’ll share my happiness with you. That’s a good custom.”

“I think so too”

Annemarie smiled gently next to Isamu who was watching the scene with narrowed eyes.

“Why is it that the dark-hearted captain always has good luck? I don’t understand!”

That’s when Tiramisu looked angry and looked unconvinced.

“There’s a fire!! There’s a fire coming out of the stall!!!”

A loud cry echoed.

Looking around in a hurry, a small pillar of fire could be seen rising in the distance on the main street.

“Ah!! Anne, what do we usually do in times like this?”

“Well, we inform the guards, and the firefighting squad with water magic will extinguish it.”

“But since it’s a stall, and in this crowd, we don’t know how much damage will spread before the firefighting squad arrives… If we help with firefighting, will we be blamed or complained to? Like, for ruining goods with water magic, we’d have to compensate?”

Isamu fired off questions rapidly.

“N-No, I’ve never heard of such a thing…”

“Got it! Everyone, let’s head to firefighting right now? Anne, Liddell, and I will start with firefighting first. Marcela will stay ready from a different location to check for injured people in case of another fire outbreak! Felix and Mizeroi will organize the onlookers while moving and removing anything that might catch fire. Tiramisu, please hurry and go call the guards!! Disperse!!”

“Hai!!!”

With Isamu command, everyone started to move at once.

The group, led by the large-bodied Mizeroi, pushed through the crowd and headed towards the scene.

“Make way! We’re the Klauffeldt Viscount’s knights. There are magic knights too! We’re here to fight the fire, so clear the way!!”

Shouting loudly, Mizeroi cleared the path. As they approached, the full extent of the fire became visible.

Already, what seemed to be a stall was engulfed in flames, with a large blaze rising.

The stalls on both sides had caught fire as well, and the fire was intensifying. It seemed like it was about to spread even more to the neighboring stalls.

Upon arriving at the scene and confirming the situation, Isamu immediately gave instructions.

“Anne and Liddell, please use Water Ball to extinguish the stalls on both sides. I’ll use Fog Curtain to stop the spread. At this rate, it might spread all at once. Felix and Mizeroi, can you move the surrounding stalls a bit away?”

“Roger!”

After giving the instructions, Isamu immediately began chanting a spell.

“Water, turn into fine particles and fill the void. Fog Curtain!”

As Isamu magic activated, the surroundings were covered in white mist. The surface of the stalls not yet on fire and the hair and clothes of people covered in mist suddenly became damp.

From the stall that had just caught fire, a hissing sound and white smoke rose.

In the common sense of this world’s magic, Fog Curtain wouldn’t have such an effect.

“What!? What’s this?!”

“Wow, is this fog??”

Spectators and stall owners alike exclaimed in surprise.

Then, Anne and Liddell’s magic flew in.

“Water, gather from nothingness into my hands. Water Ball!”

To extinguish the fire, it would suffice to throw a large water ball, but doing so would crush the stall and have too much impact on the surroundings.

Considering this, Anne and Liddell produced about ten water balls the size of a volleyball each and threw them evenly at both sides of the stalls.

Even with Water Ball, according to the common sense of magic in this world, pushing it beyond two or three balls was considered extraordinary.

The first three or four shots made a sizzling sound, but as they continued, the fire visibly weakened.

Then, Isamu, who had finished using the Fog Curtain, joined them.

“Alright, the fire is weakening. Both of you, aim the Water Balls at the stalls on both sides again. I’ll extinguish the center.”

“”Yes!””

“Water, come forth from nothing and gather in my hands…”

As the three chanted together, many water balls appeared above their heads.

“Oh! Are they going for another round already?”

“Alright, let’s make it disappear!”

“We’re counting on you, big bro and big sis!”

Excited cheers erupted from the crowd that had been anxiously watching.

“Water Ball!”

At the same time, the magic activated and flew towards their respective targets.

Finally, the fire was extinguished. As Isamu’s Fog Curtain dispersed, revealing the soaked and steaming burnt stalls.

“Wow! We did it! It’s gone!”

“Amazing! The three of them put it out!”

“What a great sight to see at the beginning of the new year!”

“I remember someone saying they were knights from the House of Klaufeldt?”

“Yeah, they mentioned having a magic knight! As expected!”

With the fire extinguished, cheers erupted, and now the attention turned to Isamu and the others who had executed it.

Just then,

“We brought them back!”

Breathless, Tiramisu returned with the guards.

“Pant… Huh? Did you already put it out?”

Gasping roughly, Tiramisu looked at the burnt stalls emitting white smoke.

“Yes, Tiramisu-san, thank you. We just put out the fire.”

“That was fast… As expected of Isamu-sama, the young lady, and Liddell-san.”

“Isamu-sama, some people fell or bumped into each other while escaping, but no one was seriously injured.”

As Tiramisu expressed surprise, a report came from Marcela, who had been assisting the injured.

“Thank you, Marcela-san. That’s good to hear, that no one was seriously injured.”

Relieved to hear the report, Isamu breathed a sigh of relief.

“Um, are you the one in charge?”

A guard tentatively approached Isamu.

“Yes, I am. I’m Isamu Matsumoto, serving as the magic advisor to the Klaufeldt House Knight Order. This is the eldest daughter of the viscount, Annemarie Klaufelt-sama, and the others are all knights of the viscount’s house.”

Isamu introduced them casually. Since deciding to win the trial in the imperial tournament, Isamu had been actively instructing magic to the knight order and was now serving as their magic advisor.

“O-Oh, so this was the advisor of the knight order and the daughter of the viscount! My apologies. I am Maurice, serving as the second squad leader of the Royal Capital Guard! I heard from your Tiramisu that there was a fire at the stall, so I rushed over…”

“Thank you for your trouble. Since we were able to extinguish it ourselves, can we leave the rest to you?”

“Y-Yes! Thank you very much for your cooperation in extinguishing the fire before it spread! Thanks to you, we were able to prevent a disaster at the beginning of the new year. Thank you very much!”

“No, no, we’re just glad everything turned out alright. After all, it’s the annual festival. Well then, we’ll take our leave.”

“Yes!! Thank you for your cooperation. Please enjoy yourselves and take care!”

Maurice and the members of the second squad saluted simultaneously. Isamu and the others returned the salute and left the scene.

“Captain, did they really extinguish the fire with Water Balls?”

“What do you mean?”

Maurice and his team remaining at the scene were examining the stalls for verification.

“Well, judging from the amount of water pooling on the ground and the way the stalls burned, they should have used quite a bit of water to put out the fire. However, aside from the burned stalls, there’s hardly any water sprayed around, and the burned stalls themselves aren’t bent from water pressure…”

“Indeed. If they had thrown this many Water Balls, the stalls would collapse, and there would be more water splashed around.”

“That’s right. But if they were throwing small Water Balls, wouldn’t the fire spread faster than they could extinguish it?”

As the team and Maurice tilted their heads, one of the onlookers, dressed like an adventurer, spoke up.

“Captain, those folks were each floating about ten Water Balls at once before they started throwing them, you know?”

“Huh? Ten each? Even so…”

“No, he’s right, isn’t he? When the three of them cast their magic together, it was impressive. A bunch of Water Balls were floating around, swaying gently.”

“Yeah, that’s right. Then those balls started flying around and completely put out the fire.”

Not just the initial adventurer-looking man, but all the onlookers were saying the same thing, so it couldn’t be a lie or a mistake.

“Ten Water Balls capable of extinguishing a fire simultaneously… That’s something that even court magicians might not be able to do, isn’t it?”

Maurice muttered softly as he took notes for the report.

From that day on, rumors of the Klaufeldt House Knight Order elegantly extinguishing a fire began to spread gradually among the residents and adventurers of the royal capital.

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