Chapter 2: The House of Baron Dragals
Al had, by the emperor’s favor, been provided a carriage to travel to the frontier, allowing him a temporary return to his family home.
At present, the entire family had gathered in the dining room, and the long table at the center was laden with an impressive array of lavish dishes.
For reference, the Dragals family consisted of five members: the head of the household, his wife, the eldest son, the second son, and the eldest daughter.
Al’s older brother, Leonardo, raised his cup.
“To Al’s appointment as Court Magician—cheers!”
“““Cheers!”””
Before they could sip the celebratory wine, their father, Valz, collapsed into tears.
“Whaaaah! I never imagined that our Al would be appointed that prestigious Court Magician! A feat unmatched since our ancestors! I… I just can’t…!”
“Husband, stand up. You’re losing your composure. You’ve worked so hard to maintain your normally stern demeanor.”
Gently rubbing her husband’s back, Lucian, his mother, offered comfort. The couple was well-known for their exceptional closeness.
The “great achievement” Valz referred to was, in the distant past, their ancestor slaying a dragon that had attacked the kingdom. Originally commoners, they were ennobled for their deeds, and the family name Dragals was granted, in honor of the dragon—“Drago”—they had defeated.
As a side note, in this world, dragons and another type of magical beast called “ryu” exist. The latter are legendary creatures, said to even surpass dragons.
While smiling wryly at his parents, Al’s younger sister, Miledia, approached.
“Congratulations, Al-nii.”
“Thanks… though I wish it were under different circumstances.”
“Isn’t a Court Magician equivalent to a marquis?”
“Ah… the contract might have mentioned something like that.”
“And the salary—lots of it, right?”
“It should be, in theory.”
“Then buy me something!”
“Alright, anything you want.”
“I want a castle!”
“Well… I’ll try my best.”
Though a castle was obviously impossible, he didn’t outright refuse. This was one of the few charm points this young man possessed.
“Seems like the world just couldn’t leave you be,” Leonardo said, his tone unnecessarily dramatic. He was, after all, the heir to the family.
“Honestly, I wish I could be left alone. I really don’t want to work.”
“But His Majesty personally appointed you. You couldn’t refuse.”
“Besides, he specifically warned me not to skip the upcoming medal conferment ceremony.”
“Ahahaha! As expected of the Holy Flame Emperor… he sees everything, doesn’t he?”
For reference, both parents were 40, Leonardo was 20, and Miledia was 14. Al, having recently graduated from the academy, was 18. The children had all inherited the handsome and beautiful traits of their parents.
Leonardo’s previously soft expression darkened slightly.
“The most important matter now is deciding which noblewoman Al will be engaged to.”
The atmosphere grew slightly tense.
“…I want to remain single for life.”
“No way. Your value, having maintained the academy’s top rank for three years and recreated ancient magic, was already immeasurable. Now that you’re a Court Magician… nobles and royals will surely flock to the Second Estate in the Imperial Capital.”
In other words, Leonardo suggested that Al should decide on a fiancée quickly to avoid future complications.
Their father spoke next.
“Al hasn’t chosen anyone yet? Were there no suitable young ladies at the academy?”
“I’m proud to say I had no friends at all,” Al said, striking a mysterious, smug pose.
“Hmm… then how about Selestaria-sama, next in line of the Levian Ducal family? That would be the most advantageous for the Dragals family.”
“Of course…”
In the empire’s noble circles, factions existed. The Dragals family had traditionally belonged to the Levian faction. If Al were engaged to the heir of the Ducal family, the Dragals’ position would be secure.
His mother offered her opinion.
“There’s no need to rush. From here on, letters of engagement proposals will flood the Second Estate in the capital. You can choose whichever girl you like from them. If none are suitable, we can reconsider later.”
“Then that’s what we’ll do. No need to hurry.”
“Al-nii, you’re just putting it off because it’s troublesome, aren’t you?”
Miledia’s sharp retort hit the mark. In the end, they decided to follow their mother’s advice.
“Then, I’ll go to sleep now… yawn.”
With the main figure gone, the celebration became just an ordinary dinner.
◇◇◇
The next morning… or rather, afternoon.
“…Master… Al-sama, it’s about time to wake up.”
“Hm? …Ah.”
“Good morning.”
Opening his eyes, Al saw an elderly but dignified-looking butler.
“Sebas… good morning. It’s been a while.”
“Yes, it has been some time.”
This was Sebas, head butler of the Dragals household, who had served them for many years. To Al, he was like another parent. Always patient with the lazy Al of his youth, he had been a loyal and trustworthy companion.
(I’ve caused Sebas so much trouble over the years…)
Sebas was holding a sword in each hand.
“Sebas… those swords?”
“Ah, I happened to hear that a certain sword would be auctioned in the neighboring domain. I went to secure it in time for your return, Al-sama.”
“So Father asked you to buy the sword as a gift?”
“Yes. The head of the household wished to celebrate your appointment as Court Magician. I apologize for not greeting you in person yesterday while I was away.”
“No need. I appreciate you waking me up. It brings back memories.”
“Hehe, I feel the same. Now, please, take a look at this.”
The sword he handed over was unusual.
“Is this… a katana?”
The blade was slightly curved, single-edged, with a tempered hamon pattern. A guard designed to deflect attacks and balance the blade, a handle that was unique yet comfortable, and a scabbard bearing the signature of the swordsmith. It was unquestionably a katana.
“Yes. Al-sama has always favored wooden practice swords.”
“You remembered that?”
“Of course. It’s common knowledge in the Dragals family.”
“Such exaggeration…”
“Regarding this sword, its name is Kurikara, and it is said to have the unique ability to cut magic itself.”
“…That must have cost a fortune.”
“Hehe, no comment.”
A few minutes later.
“Sebas, please give this paper to Father.”
“Understood.”
“I’m heading back to the capital.”
“Eh?”
Al gathered his belongings, boarded the carriage, and left the Dragals estate without a word.
Later, Sebas delivered the paper to the head of the household. Inside, only a single word was written: ‘Thanks.’
“…Al still hides his embarrassment poorly.”
“Indeed… hehe.”
At that moment, the parents’ smiles were gentle and warm.
───Meanwhile, in the carriage.
The driver asked Al,
“Al-sama, how was your visit to the Dragals estate after such a long time?”
“Hm… it was okay, I guess.”
“I see… that’s good to hear.”
“………………”
(Maybe I should try a little… this Court Magician job.)
Al’s lips curved into a faint smile.