Chapter 41

"That was quite a disaster, wasn't it?"

"Yeah, well, there was no damage, but we let him get away."

The next day.

In the usual training ground, while giving practice, I brought up yesterday's events in casual conversation with Hembritz Drought, the deputy leader of the Reberio Knights. He almost always comes to this training ground and puts a lot of effort into his training. His muscles might even be more developed than when we first met.

We also do mock battles, but recently he has been trying various attacks, not just relying on brute force, and it's clear that he has made progress, which is very good.

Well, I can't let him win yet!

Even though he is the deputy leader of the Reberio Knights, once I've beaten him, an old man has his pride and vanity.

"But... for Kurni to use a two-handed sword, that's quite a bold move."

While the other knights were training, the conversation shifted to the small knight who was swinging a large wooden sword in the corner, careful not to disturb the others.

"For now, I think it suits her."

Kurni's movements are unassuming.

She hasn't yet reached the stage where she can wield her sword with flair and distinction. She seems to understand this well and is repeatedly practicing the basics, such as stances and swings.

Her expression shows no signs of doubt or anxiety.

She must see potential in the Zweihänder. If I were to ask if she could be so energetic just because I recommended it, I would have some doubts.

"She might turn out to be something special in the future."

"That would be exciting. A knight's growth is always a joy. I can't let myself fall behind either."

With a good smile, Hembritz said this.

His tanned skin and sharp eyes add to his reliability.

He is a good person. He is straightforward in his approach to martial arts, and while he is competitive, he is also honest with those he respects. He is also good at taking care of others.

While it's true that Alyssia is extremely popular among the citizens and knights, from what I've seen, Hembritz is no less so. Well, that might be an exaggeration. I feel he is less popular in terms of popularity.

However, in terms of how he is admired by the knights, he is no less. While Alyssia has a certain aloofness, he is approachable to everyone. Of course, I don't mean that Alyssia is gruff.

To me, Hembritz is also a valuable male conversation partner.

It's not that I dislike women or anything, but being around only women can be a bit stifling. It's not that I dislike being with them or anything.

As an old man, I can feel more at ease just by having a conversation with someone of the same sex.

"But for Beryl to let a pickpocket get away... he must have been quite skilled."

"That's because he used magic. I involuntarily let go of the hand I had caught."

The conversation shifted back to yesterday's pickpocket from Kurni.

Well, I didn't intend to let him get away. I was taken aback by such a hidden ace.

"Magic...?"

At the mention of magic, Hembritz fell silent, as if deep in thought.

"Is there a problem?"

"No, not with Beryl, but..."

I braced myself, thinking he might say something like, "What kind of person lets such a person get away?" But it didn't seem to be a criticism of me, so I felt relieved.

No, I shouldn't be relieved. The fact that a troublemaker capable of using magic is hiding in the capital is something that can't be ignored.

"Usually, those who can use magic in the Reberis Kingdom almost always enter the Magic Academy. From there, they become part of the Mage Corps or adventurers... but for someone skilled enough to scare Beryl to be a pickpocket, it feels a bit off."

"Hmm..."

Yeah, that's usually the case. I thought the same thing.

In this world, just being able to use magic means you have talent. Since those who can use it are rare, the country doesn't let them go.

Missing a single mage directly affects national and military strength. That's why the Reberis Kingdom has a direct Mage Corps and a Magic Academy.

I don't know what other countries are doing, but from various perspectives, they must not be neglecting them either.

The Reberis Kingdom frequently announces to ensure they don't miss any talented individuals, and I hear the tuition fees are quite reasonable.

I believe, if you are sufficiently talented, it's free. It would be meaningless if someone with talent couldn't attend the Magic Academy just because they lack money.

By the way, the talent for magic can bloom at any time and place.

Various studies have been done on lineage, birth, and circumstances, but the causal relationship has not been determined. If it were, it would be much more efficient to increase the number of mages. For now, the focus is on finding and securing those with talent.

So, if you realize you can use magic, you can go to the Magic Academy and everything will work out. It's a surefire path to success. And at least, there should be no Reberis citizen who doesn't know this.

Being a mage is really enviable.

Now, back to the pickpocket.

If he can use magic, the easiest and most straightforward thing to do would be to go to the Magic Academy. There's no reason not to. He wouldn't need to resort to hiding in the dark and stealing.

But in reality, the pickpocket we met yesterday continues to do this. It's not his first offense; his movements were too smooth and decisive. It seems he has been doing this for a while.

One possible explanation... is that he is not a mage.

"Not a mage?"

How can someone use magic but not be a mage?

"Magic equipment. He might have had it for emergency purposes."

"Ah... I see."

Hembritz, as the deputy leader of the Reberio Knights, is quick to consider various possibilities. I only just thought of this possibility upon hearing the term "magic equipment."

The pickpocket, as a repeat offender, might have magic equipment as a means of escape in case of a mishap. It's not an impossible scenario. It's more realistic than the idea of a fallen mage.

"So, he's just a regular criminal, then?"

"Probably. There's no reason for someone with magical talent to resort to theft."

Hmm, that makes sense.

Just a regular criminal with offensive magic equipment. This explanation fits best. I regret letting him get away, but...

Well, it also raises the question of how a regular criminal could have relatively high-quality magic equipment, but that's not something I can figure out.

Let's leave it at that. It's not my problem anyway.

"Wow, the city is different, isn't it?"

"I don't feel like it's a compliment... but when people gather, various aspects become visible."

No, sorry, I didn't mean it sarcastically. I just honestly felt that way, with no ill intent.

"Oh, right. Speaking of pickpockets..."

Remembering yesterday's events, I showed the pendant I had picked up.

"This is... an accessory, right?"

"Yes, I picked it up yesterday. I didn't know where to report it."

The pendant isn't directly related to the pickpocket, but since it's part of the same timeline in my mind, I remembered it.

Hembritz examined the pendant in my hand closely.

From his reaction, it seems he is not very familiar with such things. Well, if you spend all your time training, that's to be expected. I can't really talk, though.

I don't have the ability to appraise.

I have no idea if this pendant is valuable.

However, I can tell if it has been treated with care. From that perspective, this pendant was definitely treated with care. If so, I hope it can be returned to its owner.

"In that case, there is a lost and found at this hall. I can show you where it is later."

"Thank you, that would be a great help."

So, let's leave the pendant at that.

There's no way I can find the owner on my own. Asking the local knights will increase the chances of it being returned.

"Then, Beryl, would you like to spar?"

"Sure, no problem. Let's go."

Seeing that the conversation had come to a close, Hembritz quickly challenged me.

Despite everything, his enthusiasm for training is a good thing. I'll put aside the topics of the pickpocket and the pendant and get back to my duties.

It's been a while, Hembritz.

Using magic once would be nice.

A spell to instantly dry laundry or to instantly clean a room, for example.