Chapter 139: Water Magic Demonstration
After Yuan’s Swordsmanship demonstration ended and a short interval had passed, Simon, the steward, quietly stepped forwards.
“Next, Young Lady Yona will demonstrate her Water Magic.”
In one corner of the garden he indicated stood two large flowerpots, each containing the same plant with broad, beautiful green leaves.
Yona stood before them. She glanced around, looking a little restless, then faced the pots again and took a deep breath. She extended both small hands. Magic power glittered along her shoulders and arms to her fingertips.
“Water.”
Her young voice rang through the silent garden. The air shimmered faintly and a small sphere of water appeared. It floated over the first plant, then splashed down over its leaves. Droplets ran from the leaves into the soil, darkening the dry earth.
“Oh…”
“My…”
Sounds of admiration came from the guests.
Yona watered the second plant in the same way. When she finished, she bowed slightly. It had been a modest but flawless and graceful demonstration.
“Beautiful control.”
“Being able to distribute the water that evenly at seven is more than sufficient.”
Applause followed the guests’ praise.
Yona smiled shyly and looked around. When her eyes met Ren’s, she beamed. Ren smiled back and added his own quiet applause.
The guests surrounded Yuan and Yona, praising their skills and discussing the demonstrations. Mother rested a hand on Yuan’s shoulder and smiled.
“…Do you think those flowerpots came from a demonstration kit?”
“Probably. I’ve seen a similar one before, though it had three pots.”
Marcus and Frank were pointing at the pots and talking.
“A demonstration kit…?”
Eugene heard Ren murmur the unfamiliar words. “It’s a standard set of tools used to present a newly acquired skill. They probably bought it from a merchant.”
“They bought flowerpots just to show Water Magic at the demonstration?”
“Yes. Using a standard format reassures both the person demonstrating the skill and the people watching. For example, rather than lining up ten pots and staggering around from depleted magic after watering them all, people prefer a noble-looking, composed performance like Yona-chan’s, where she waters two pots evenly.”
“Are there sets for skills besides Water Magic?”
“Yes. Fire Magic uses a jar that receives flames, Wind Magic may use flags, and Earth Magic has kits for forming flower beds.”
“I see…”
As Ren listened, Yona ran towards him.
“Ren-niisama, did you watch me?”
“Yes. You looked a little nervous, but you did very well.”
“Yes! I could’ve handled three more pots. I think I could manage five!”
“Hehe. That’s amazing.”
Ren imagined Yona standing before a long row of flowerpots and laughed. She pouted slightly.
“There were three pots when the merchant came to sell them, but then there were only two.”
“What happened to the other one?”
“Mother said two were enough, so she returned one.”
“I see.”
(Was it to save money…?)
Ren kept that thought to himself.
Yona spotted Liese and went over to her. Some of the guests were already returning to the hall. Father and Mother had begun walking back with Yuan. Ren found Grandmother. She wasn’t speaking to anyone.
(Should I try talking to her now…?)
He swallowed, drew a deep breath, and took a step. Grandmother began walking with the flow of people, so he hurried after her.
“…Grandmother.”
His strained voice came out slightly hoarse. Grandmother stopped and turned.
“…What is it?”
“I’d like to speak with you…”
One of her thin eyebrows twitched.
“About what?”
“Um…”
Ren glanced at the people streaming back to the hall. Lewis looked back at them while walking.
“Speak quickly.”
“…I’d like to speak in a room somewhere.”
“We are in the middle of a celebration. I must attend to our guests.”
Her calm, stern tone already made Ren feel as though he were being scolded.
“Right…”
“If you cannot say it here, leave it until later.”
Ren’s brows and the corners of his mouth drooped at her sharp dismissal. He hesitated, then looked around. Everyone had returned to the hall, leaving only Grandmother, Eugene, and him in the garden. A servant stood near the hall door, but they were some distance away.
Ren inhaled and spoke.
“I heard about making me an attendant…”
“Ah… So you heard.”
Grandmother’s expression and flat tone didn’t change.
“I am searching for a family to accept you.”
“I…”
Ren clenched his fists.
“I want to attend the Academy.”
Grandmother looked slightly surprised, but she quickly shook her head.
“The Academy isn’t a place everyone should attend.”
“But—”
“Ren.”
She cut him off quietly.
“I am considering how a child without a combat skill will survive in the future. If you can serve a good family as an attendant, you won’t have to worry about making a living. Some families may allow you to enter the Academy with your master. What more could you ask for?”
Ren tightened his fists and lips, then met her gaze.
“I want to attend the Academy for myself!”
“For yourself?”
Grandmother frowned.
“With your Small Box skill?”
She sighed.
“Face reality. It’s difficult for a child who can’t fight to live independently. I am arranging this so that you won’t suffer.”
Ren took a short breath and looked steadily at her.
“I have things I want to do too. I don’t want to go as someone’s follower. I want to attend the Academy so I can learn for myself.”
Grandmother slowly shook her head and sighed again.
“A child cannot live on dreams alone. I have bowed my head to one family after another out of concern for your future. You should be grateful.”
Ren clenched his fists harder.
“I… can earn money properly. At the Adventurers’ Guild—”
“The Adventurers’ Guild?”
Grandmother gave a brief laugh and looked at Eugene, who stood a short distance behind Ren.
“Did you put some idea into Ren’s head?”
Eugene stepped forwards to stand beside Ren and patted him on the shoulder.
“I haven’t told Ren-kun to reject becoming an attendant and work at the Adventurers’ Guild. But he has been working hard there, and the guild’s staff recognise his efforts. Is there any need to arrange an attendant position for him now? Ren-kun doesn’t want it. I don’t believe forcing him into such a position would end well.”
Grandmother narrowed her eyes and looked sharply at Ren.