Chapter 20

"Ah, Professor Beryl. Good morning."

"Hey, Fissel."

One day.

I was about to head to the training ground for my usual knight training when I met Fissel, who belongs to the Mage Corps, at the entrance of the knight headquarters.

"...You're carrying quite a lot of stuff, aren't you?"

"Yeah, this. It's a delivery for the knights."

"Delivery?"

Fissel, dressed in her usual robe, was carrying a significant amount of goods in her hands and on her back. The weight of the goods could be felt.

"Potions. The Mage Corps supplies them to the knights."

"Wow, potions."

With a "heave," she took a breath and put down the goods she was holding. Upon closer inspection, the sound of clinking could be heard when she put them down, indicating that the contents were in bottles.

Potions are widely used to heal wounds. Drinking them directly can temporarily enhance the body's healing ability, and they can also be applied directly to severe wounds.

"Since the Mage Corps is supplying them, are they magical potions?"

"Yes, there are also regular herbal ones."

There are several types of potions.

Broadly speaking, there are those extracted from herbs, those combined with magic after extraction, and those refined solely through magic. The further down the list, the more potent and expensive they become.

In Bidden Village, I've only ever seen potions derived from herbs. Magical potions are that rare. I've only heard of their existence; I've never seen one in person.

Herbal potions can be made by village apothecaries, but things change when magic is involved. Without someone who can cast the necessary spells, they can't be made, so the supply is limited and the price naturally high.

As a sword instructor, I've relied on potions quite a bit.

Given my line of work, I have constant minor injuries. The difference between having and not having potions is significant.

Oh, right.

"By the way, I met someone named Lucy the other day."

Speaking of the Mage Corps, there was Lucy, who suddenly engaged in battle with me the other day. In the end, it was unclear whether she was truly the leader of the Mage Corps, but she was definitely a mage. If so, Fissel might know something.

"Leader Lucy?"

"Yeah, so she is the leader."

"Yep."

It seems Lucy is indeed the leader of the Mage Corps.

In that case, the next thing that comes to mind is her appearance and manner of speaking. She looked like a ten-year-old girl, but the aura she exuded and the magic she used suggested she was much older. If her claim of being older than me is true, she must be at least in her forties. Her appearance and age don't match at all.

"She said she's older than me, but is that true?"

"Yeah, that's—"

"Lucy maintains her current appearance through magic."

Fissel was about to explain when another voice interrupted.

"Oh, it's Alyssia."

"Yes, Fissel, you've been working hard too."

"This is part of the job..."

Alyssia, who had been listening to our conversation, joined in and approached. Fissel seemed a bit uncomfortable, which was rather endearing.

"Maintaining her appearance through magic... that's impressive."

"Yes. She has been the leader of the Mage Corps since before I became the leader of the knights, and her appearance hasn't changed. It's quite mysterious."

It seems the information about Lucy being my age or older is correct.

Hmm, magic can do anything, it seems.

I don't have any magical talent, so I've given up on using it, but I still feel envious. Fissel's sword magic, Lucy's youth maintenance? The range of magic is incredibly broad. Magic is amazing.

"However, why did you meet Lucy, Professor? Did you go to the Mage Academy?"

"Yeah, about that..."

It's not something I'd normally talk about, but it's fine with Alyssia and Fissel.

I briefly recounted my encounter with Lucy and the sudden challenge, with a hint of exasperation. Alyssia's eyes widened, and Fissel looked a bit embarrassed and lowered her head.

"That's so... typical of Lucy..."

"Typical? Is she always like that?"

"Yes, she loves testing magic..."

I couldn't help but sigh.

It's amazing she can be the leader of the Mage Corps. Maybe she usually keeps it under control. When we fought, she seemed like she couldn't hold back anymore.

"Professor Beryl, I'm sorry. I mentioned you."

"No, no, Fissel, you don't need to apologize."

If asked who was at fault, it would definitely be Lucy, not Fissel.

"But, how did you describe me?"

I don't blame Fissel, but she must have overestimated my abilities before challenging me. Lucy herself said she heard about me from Fissel, so Fissel must have told her about me. However, I have some doubts about how she described me.

"...Secret."

"...I see."

If it's a secret, there's nothing I can do.

I don't have the means to press further. A girl's secret should be kept confidential. I don't know why, but that's how it is.

"By the way, why are you here, Alyssia?"

"Yes, Lisandra said she wanted to talk to me."

"Lisandra?"

We're at the entrance of the headquarters. There's no need for the knight leader to come out during office hours. Given that even a Black Rank adventurer like Lisandra can't easily enter the knight headquarters, it must be a meeting at the gate.

"Citrus, sorry to keep you waiting... Oh, Professor is here too."

As we were chatting, a familiar red-haired woman approached from down the street.

"Lisandra, what's the matter? I'm not free, you know."

"Don't rush. Since Professor is here, it's convenient."

She must have a habit of it, as she pushed back her proud red hair while advising Alyssia. And it seems she has something for me too.

"Then, I'll go deliver the potions."

"Ah, Fissel, be careful."

"Okay."

Fissel, who was in the middle of her delivery, left. It wouldn't be right to interrupt her work with idle chatter.

"So, what's the matter?"

With Fissel gone, it was just Alyssia, Slena, and me.

The combination is still unbalanced, but it's a relief to be in front of the knight headquarters where there are few people around. Being with these two draws unwanted attention.

"Actually, I'd like to borrow Professor for a bit at the Adventurer's Guild. I've come to get the necessary permission. I have a letter from the Guild Master."

"Why?"

Why?

My question was carried away by the wind in Balthrain.

Old man: "Why?" (second time)

Monthly High Fantasy 5th place

Monthly Overall 9th place!

Thank you.