Chapter 2: The Mysterious Ability (Skill)

Isamu Matsumoto

Strength: 157

Endurance: 130

Agility: 139

Dexterity: 178

Spirit: 231

Intelligence: 256

Life: 112

Mana: 105

Ability: Magic Inspection Magi Debugger / Able to see the flow of magic but cannot manipulate it.

Isamu couldn’t understand whether these numbers were good or bad, and the concept of abilities was even more perplexing. The people around him remained still. Everyone in the room seemed to be reading this text.

After a moment of silence, whispers could be heard among those nearby. The conversations could be roughly categorized into three types:

“His spirit and intelligence are quite high…”

“There aren’t any particularly outstanding features…”

“What does ‘seeing magic’ mean…”

“Does ‘cannot manipulate’ mean it’s a lower-tier magic skill?”

The numbers were measured, but Isamu couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease as if he were being evaluated solely based on these figures.

“Magic Inspection Magi Debugger, huh? It seems to be a previously unrecorded ability skill. The ability values are generally a bit above average, but it’s safe to say that your spirit and intelligence values are quite high,” 

Felker explained after a slight cough.

“Is that so? By the way, what’s the average value here?”

“People who haven’t undergone training or anything of that sort have an average of around 100. Consider someone quite exceptional if they have 200. It’s said that those who excel in their field can exceed 400, but that’s rare. As for us nobles, we inherit exceptional blood, so our average is around 150. In that sense, Matsumoto-dono, you could be considered close to the noble average.”

“I see… So, what about this ability?”

“Since it’s an ability skill that we haven’t seen before, I can’t provide specific information.”

“I see…”

“Now, with the first part of the proceedings finished here, let’s move on to the second. The second part is more straightforward and involves determining which noble family will provide protection for Matsumoto-dono. As previously mentioned, protecting wanderers is generally rotated among the various noble families. However, there are exceptions. Everyone is probably aware, but I’ll explain again for Matsumoto-dono’s sake. In cases where someone in a noble family has an ability that closely matches Matsumoto-dono’s, or when the family’s environment and industry are incompatible with Matsumoto-dono’s, they can relinquish their turn by paying a certain amount. For example, if you have the blessing of fire in a region rich in water, it would be of no use. So, to ensure that wanderers are placed in suitable environments, this system was established.”

While listening to Felker’s lengthy explanation, Isamu couldn’t help but think that the system sounded fine on the surface, but in essence, it meant “keeping one’s turn by paying until a better ability arrives.” It was probably devised by affluent nobles. It was half true, so nobles without wealth couldn’t complain. It was a cunning approach. Isamu also wondered why Felker had brought this up now.

“Now, the ability to ‘see the flow of magic’ appears to be similar to what higher-level magic users can sense. Though I’m not entirely sure how it differs at this point. Given the similarity, it might pose a potential threat. Fortunately or unfortunately, I possess an ability skill related to manipulating magic, and I can not only see but also control magic. Because of this, I am recognized as a high-level mage in this country. On the other hand, Matsumoto-dono’s ability is explicitly described as “cannot manipulate.” Therefore, it might be difficult for Matsumoto-dono to display his talent and be active within our family, where magic manipulation is our strong suit.”

Felker covers both eyes with his right hand and shakes his head regretfully.

“ So, considering Matsumoto-dono’s situation, I’ve decided to pass him on to the Krlaufeldt Viscount Family, this time in order. As I recall, no one in the Klaufeldt family has any magic-related ability skills.”

Isamu thought as much. This Magic Inspection Magi Debugger was a relatively obscure ability. If he were a wealthy noble, he’d probably bet on a better skill arriving within the next few decades. Isamu felt a bit sorry for the Klaufeldt Viscount Family, but it was a matter of fate, and there was no other choice. While thinking this, he turned his eyes toward the direction where everyone was gazing at.

“What do you think, Klaufeldt-sama? Well, today, the master was indisposed, so it’s his daughter who attended the ceremony as his proxy.”

The focus of Felker’s gaze was a girl probably in her late teens. She had pale aqua-colored hair and striking sapphire-like azure eyes, making her a beautiful young girl.

“Indeed. As for our family, there are no issues, so we accept it with discretion.”

She said this with an apparent lack of surprise, as though she had incorporated this possibility into her expectations. Felker, as if to ensure they were on the same page, nodded in agreement.

“Thank you, Klaufeldt-sama. Matsumoto-dono, you are now under the protection of Viscount Klaufeldt’s Family. For anything regarding your future, please inquire with the proxy of their family. Thank you all for participating. This concludes today’s Wanderer’s Ceremony. Please return safely.”

With a courteous bow, Felker said these words, and everyone began to exit the room.

Finally, Felker gave Isamu a final bow and then turned to leave. Then, a man referred to as Kalenberg, who had given advice to Felker earlier, approached and whispered to him.

“Was it okay, Felker-sama?”

“Yes. The potential for a magic-related ability skill is high, but it’s unlikely to be a threat with that level of magic power. Moreover, it clearly states that he cannot manipulate magic. It might have been troublesome if he ended up with a noble family that isn’t proficient in magic, and muscleheads started trying to teach him magic. But the Klaufeldt Family is all about trash magic stones, so there should be no issue.”

“Indeed. That family may be old, but they have nothing but trash magic stones.”

“That’s right.”

While having this conversation, the two of them quickly left the room.

And so, in the room, there remained only Isamu, Orihime in his arms, and the girl referred to as the proxy of the Klaufeldt Family.

The two of them were alone, and it felt awkward.

There was no responsibility on Isamu’s part, yet he didn’t know what to say to the proxy who was put in this position without her own choice.

What should he say?

Should he say, “I’m sorry for being a disappointment?” Or perhaps, “Please don’t be disheartened?”

No, that wasn’t right. There was no reason to needlessly belittle himself. It was unconscious, but as Isamu stroked Orihime’s neck, he thought of this.

After a while, the proxy finally spoke up.

“I’m sorry, Matsumoto-sama. I didn’t even introduce myself. I’m AnneMarie Klaufeldt, the eldest daughter of Viscount Klaufeldt’s Family. I’m here as a proxy for my father, who is bedridden.”

“Thank you for the introduction. I’m Isamu Matsumoto. It’s just that, well, I have a somewhat peculiar ability…”

Unable to contain his frustration, he blurted this out.

“I see. In the first place, Matsumoto-sama is not responsible for anything. And if there’s anyone to apologize, it should be us. If we were a high-ranking noble family like Marquis Felker’s Family, you might have lived a rich life without any inconveniences. Unfortunately, lower-ranking noble families like ours aren’t that wealthy. You were suddenly sent to an unfamiliar world, causing you unnecessary anxiety, and for that, I apologize.”

“Oh no, it’s not your fault, Klaufeldt-san! While it’s true that I was confused when they told me I was in a different world, I actually felt more at ease when I heard I couldn’t return. Hahaha.”

Isamu, flustered, realized he was causing distress to AnneMarie, who looked like an anime beauty. He hurried to make amends.

Seeing Isamu’s chaotic efforts, AnneMarie briefly widened her eyes and then burst into laughter.

“Hahaha, you’re a kind person. Indeed, lamenting won’t change anything. Besides, we can’t stay in this room forever. So, let’s begin by guiding you to our territory. It’ll take about five days by carriage, so please tell me more about yourself during the journey. I’ll also share information about this world, so feel free to ask anything you don’t understand.”

“Yes, I don’t know much about this place, so I appreciate your help.”

“Alright, then let’s go.”

Finally relieved to see a smile befitting her age, Isamu followed AnneMarie, who was leading the way.

Outside the room, two men in what seemed like armor stood on either side of the entrance, seemingly guards. When Isamu and AnneMarie came out, they noticed and put their right hands on their left shoulders, likely a salute customary in this world.

AnneMarie addressed them.

“Thank you for your hard work. Since we are the last ones, please take care of us.”

“Yes, thank you for your service!” 

They even addressed Isamu, the wanderer.

“Thank you for your hard work, wanderer-sama! Please lend us your power for the sake of our country!”

“I’ll do my best, although I’m not sure what I can do yet.”

Isamu hadn’t expected to be spoken to, but he hastily responded. While he had been passed over by the Felker family, it seemed that the wanderer himself was not ignored, which relieved him internally. The guards spoke to him again.

“Wanderer-sama, would you like to use these shoes?”

Saying that, one of the guards presented a pair of short boots. Isamu realized he wasn’t wearing shoes. He had been quite nervous.

“May I? I came here without shoes, so it would be helpful…”

“Of course, please take them. It seems that wanderers who aren’t wearing shoes sometimes arrive, so we keep them on hand.”

I see, the custom of taking off shoes like in Japan may be rare, but it’s quite possible to be summoned while you’re sleeping, and it’s understandable that there are people who wander in without shoes on.

The shoes appeared to be made of some kind of leather and looked new. They were somewhat stiff but large enough to accommodate Isamu’s feet comfortably. However, since it’s a one-size-fits-all size, it was able to fit my feet in easily. He tied the laces around the ankle area to secure them. It felt more like wearing thick socks than actual shoes. The soles were also made of leather and seemed to consist of several layers.

After expressing his thanks for the shoes, Isamu followed AnneMarie out of the room. As they walked through the building, they were greeted by several more guards. It appeared that the building was solely dedicated to guarding the arrival of wanderers, and Isamu didn’t see any other buildings nearby.

Upon exiting the dimly lit interior into the bright outdoors, Isamu squinted due to the brightness. It seemed like it was still daytime.

As his eyes adjusted, he spotted a group of guards, about ten in number, clad in matching armor. They were standing in a row, and one of them appeared to be the leader, wearing a tailcoat.

When Anne Marie noticed that Isamu was looking around, she quickly approached, and when she came close, the man in the tailcoat saluted and addressed her.

“Welcome back, young lady.”

“Thank you, Rudolf.”

Rudolf then turned his attention to Isamu and greeted him with a nod.

“Young lady, I see you’ve brought a guest. This gentleman must be…?”

“Yes, we have a wanderer under our family’s protection now, This is Matsumoto-sama.”

“I’m Isamu Matsumoto. I’ve come under your care by chance. This is my precious family, and I call her Orihime. Nice to meet you.”

With Orihime in his arms, Isamu introduced himself with a polite bow. In response, Rudolf also introduced himself.

“You’re very courteous. I’m Rudolf, in charge of the Klaufeldt family as the house steward. Matsumoto-dono, I understand that you may feel bewildered, but please trust our family and feel free to reach out if you have any concerns.”

Rudolf gave a graceful bow as he spoke.

Observing this, AnneMarie addressed the guards too. 

“Felix, give your greetings as well.”

“Huh, I’m Felix, the deputy commander of the Klaufeldt family’s knights. The escort to Klaufeldt territory will be handled by me and the ten of us here, so you can rest assured!”

Felix took a step forward, saluted by putting his right hand on his left shoulder, and introduced himself.

“Now, we’ll go prepare the carriage, so please wait a moment.”

After Felix finished his greeting, Rudolph said that and headed to the carriage with several knights.

As they waited for the carriage, Isamu noticed that Annemarie’s gaze was suddenly fixed on something. Not on him, but on Orihime who he was still holding close to his chest. When Annemarie realized that Isamu had noticed her staring, she quickly looked away.

Is something the matter? Isamu hesitated to ask, wondering if he should say something, but the carriage arrived before he could.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. Young Lady, will Matsumoto-dono ride alone?” 

Rudolf asked. Annemarie shook her head. 

“No, there are some things I’d like to discuss along the way, so for now, Matsumoto-sama will ride with me in my carriage. Rudolf, you come with us too.”

“Very well. Matsumoto-dono, please get in here.” 

The carriage they were guided to was not only lavish in appearance but also seemed incredibly sturdy. It was a two-horse carriage with what looked like a crest on the sides. Perhaps the crest of the Viscount’s family?

“Excuse me, I’ll go ahead,” 

Isamu said and climbed into the carriage. Annemarie and Rudolf followed, and a young woman entered last.

“Matsumoto-sama, this is Karina. She takes care of my daily needs.”

Annemarie introduced her quickly. 

“Matsumoto-sama, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Karina, the Head Maid to Annemarie-san. Please do not hesitate to let me or our House Steward, Rudolf, know if you have any needs during the journey.”

“I’m Isamu Matsumoto. I apologize for any trouble in advance. Thank you for your assistance,” 

Once the introductions were over, Rudolf knocked on the door to the driver’s compartment three times and said.

“Alright, please start moving.”

They heard a brief response from the other side of the door, and the carriage began to move slowly.

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