Chapter 93

October 11th.

After finishing Professor Laspade's afternoon guidance, I went to visit Quentin Wagman, who seemed to be in shock from yesterday's battle with the stray dogs. When we arrived at the expansive Wagman estate, the butler, Stewart, welcomed us and led us to the parlor. As we walked through the house, I asked about Quentin's condition.

"Master Quentin seems to be in shock and doesn't want to go to the academy today... We plan to keep an eye on him until Master returns."

As I expected, Quentin was holed up at home, still traumatized from nearly being killed by the monsters. The butler was at a loss and was waiting for the returning Senator Wagman from his business trip. In the parlor, a haggard-looking Quentin appeared. He greeted us in a mumbled voice but didn't say anything more.

When I said, "You look well, Mr. Wagman," he avoided my gaze and said he was feeling unwell and wanted to return to his room.

(He's completely shaken by fear. There's nothing we can do...)

I said, "Mr. Wagman, can we talk for a moment?" and stopped him as he was about to leave. I looked him in the eye and calmly stated the facts.

"Yesterday was your first battle, and you nearly died fighting a monster. That's why you're afraid of monsters, right?"

He looked regretful but didn't respond.

"My first battle was two years ago, when I was eight. My first fight was also with a stray dog. I was terrified, even though I was in a safe place protected by skilled retainers..."

Quentin looked disbelieving, but I continued.

"Unlike yesterday, we were in no danger at all. Miss Jakes, it was a hassle, but it was fine... Sharon's father, Guy, was there. He was an adventurer on par with Beatrice. Right, Sharon?"

Sharon, seemingly understanding my intention, nodded with a smile.

"Yes, later I heard that there was no danger at all, but I was crying on the way back. I don't even remember how I walked part of the way. If Master Zack hadn't held my hand..."

"We were scared too. Everyone is at first."

Quentin shook his head, tears in his eyes. "That's not true. You're strong."

"Then let me tell you about my grandfather. He was a common soldier who became a knight through his own strength. He's still known in the Razwell March for his swordsmanship. I'll tell you about his first battle..."

I recounted the story I heard after my first battle.

"... My grandfather almost put his allies in danger due to fear. I'll share the words he told me."

Quentin, drawn into the story, asked, "What did he say?"

"When I told him I was shaking in my first battle, he said, 'Feeling fear is not shameful. Those who do not feel fear cannot achieve true strength.' I still remember those words. I owe my ability to fight to them."

Quentin muttered, "Feeling fear is not shameful. Those who do not feel fear cannot achieve true strength..." and looked down. I thought I had failed, but I waited for him to look up. After about thirty seconds of fidgeting, he slowly raised his head. His eyes were still red, but the tears had stopped. He forced a smile, his face tense.

"Thank you. I feel a bit better. Mr. Rockhart... Can I call you Zack? I'd like you to call me Quentin..."

I nodded, and he looked pleased. We talked for a while, and I told him about my visit to Professor Laspade.

"Professor Laspade said he has no intention of guiding any other students. Even if the top student in the fifth year came, he wouldn't consider it worth his time. When you're told that, there's nothing to be ashamed of."

"Professor said that..."

"However, he also said, 'If Mr. Rockhart can't, but Miss Jakes can have an equal conversation about magic, then come again.' So, your goal for now is Miss Jakes, no, Sharon. She's your target."

Quentin declared this loudly, but Sharon, hearing this, was momentarily stunned and then widened her eyes in surprise.

We decided to leave because we had to make amends with Beatrice. As we were leaving, Stewart gave us a jar of wine, saying it was for Beatrice and Lidi. I gratefully accepted it, thinking it might improve their mood, and we left the estate.

At dinner, when we brought out the jar of wine, Lidi and Beatrice immediately cheered up. Beatrice said, "Well, it's his first battle, so it's understandable. He did well to handle it alone," and Lidi added, "If he can recognize Zack, he must be more normal than I thought." When I said, "We were bought off with wine," they denied it but didn't let go of the wine, so their argument lacked conviction.

Around 8 PM on October 11th.

After Beatrice returned to the inn, we had another visitor at our house. It was Piers Wagman, a councilor of the Mage Guild.

He had been on a three-day business trip and must have heard about yesterday's incident at the guild or the estate. His face was flushed, and he seemed to have rushed here. He apologized for the late hour,

"I heard that you saved my son, Quentin. I want to express my gratitude. Thank you very much."

We were surprised that a skilled politician would suddenly express gratitude. We thought he might invite us to the estate to thank us, but his expression was serious, and he looked like a worried father. Lidi later commented, "I didn't think he was such a good person." It's impressive that he could make Lidi, who is shy and has a fear of men, think that, but I was still suspicious.

"I also need to thank Miss Beatrice, but I thought it was most important to thank you first..."

Wagman had returned to the guild headquarters an hour ago and heard that Quentin had almost gotten lost in the forest. After returning to the estate and hearing the details from Stewart, he learned that we had saved Quentin.

"You seem to have saved him more than once. I'm also grateful that you helped him recover."

He was suspicious of Quentin's calmness and learned that I and Sharon had visited the estate after school to encourage him.

"When I heard that Quentin nearly died in his first battle, I thought he was overwhelmed by fear... If there's anything I can do, please let me know. Nothing is more important than my son's life."

I couldn't help but feel distrust toward the sincere-looking councilor.

(The distrust of politicians might be influenced by Japanese media. I feel petty, but I can't fully trust this man. I know about him and he threatened me with a cold expression during our last meeting...)

"I've already received your gratitude, and Beatrice and Lidi are satisfied with the good wine."

I signaled to Lidi, and she agreed, "That's right. We weren't in any danger, so that's enough."

"Besides, Sharon and I are Quentin's friends, so it was only natural."

Sharon nodded in agreement.

"I see... I can't outmaneuver you, can I?"

His face had changed from that of a concerned father to a cold politician. He suddenly bowed and said,

"There are people trying to spread false rumors. You know who, Isherwood."

I sighed, thinking it was another political issue, but asked, "False rumors?"

"They're attacking my leadership, saying I can't control my own son, let alone reform the academy. They're using Quentin's actions as an excuse."

I wondered where he heard this but didn't want to get involved in anything messy, so I let it slide. I understood what he was asking for.

"I understand. Yesterday, Quentin went into the forest with Lidi. Stewart didn't know and panicked, so he requested help from the Adventurer Guild. Is that the story?"

Wagman's expression didn't change.

"Yes, please. Since he's not injured, it can be treated as a false alarm, and it won't damage me."

Lidi made a displeased face, but I ignored it,

"Lidi, please. Regardless of the councilor, Quentin is a good kid. If this becomes a big issue, he'll be hurt. Please, Lidi."

I bowed to Lidi, thinking it was okay to be a bit rude. The councilor smiled but didn't say anything.

Lidi, not looking at the councilor, said, "Fine. I'll do it for you," and left the room. I told her, "I'll also tell Beatrice not to say too much," and then asked about something that had been bothering me.

"Why did you let Quentin go into the forest? I warned you, but you didn't do anything?"

The councilor looked puzzled and asked, "What are you talking about?"

I explained that five days ago, on October 6th, I had given a warning note to the guild receptionist.

"It doesn't seem to have reached me. Do you remember who you gave it to?"

He narrowed his eyes and asked. I said I had insisted that the young clerk pass it on, and he nodded,

"It seems the attacks on me are continuing. I have a good idea of who is behind it."

He gave me a chilling smile. I felt a cold shiver down my spine and decided not to get further involved.

I sighed, "I don't want to get more involved in politics..." and said, "Please tell Quentin I said hello," hinting that the conversation was over. The councilor seemed to understand and put on a friendly smile,

"I will definitely show my gratitude for this. Is there anything you want?"

I said, "I understand that politicians don't like owing favors..." and hesitated, almost adding, "Dealing with politicians is troublesome."

"I don't want anything. If I must, please teach Quentin directly. If possible, take him to the forest to gain experience."

The councilor seemed to want to say more but then said,

"Come to me if you need anything in the future. I'm truly grateful for saving my son. I'll thank you again."

He bowed again and left the house.

The next day, we were planning to go into the forest. When I told Beatrice about the visit, she made a sour face.

"The wine was good, but the aftertaste is bad."

"If you're okay with it, I won't say anything... But it's surprising that you know a politician, and such a big one. Well, he's the father of a classmate, so you might know him..."

Beatrice didn't know about the political conflicts involving Wagman. I didn't want to get involved, but I felt bad keeping secrets from my companions.

"I don't like politicians, and he's the busiest person in town, so he won't bother us anymore."

Lidi and Beatrice were more energetic than usual that day. They were still processing the political implications of helping someone. Normally, the minor enemies would be left to Zack and Sharon, but they were being dispatched to relieve stress.

(I understand, but our goal is to level up...)

I wanted to say something, but I knew better than to provoke them when they were already irritated.

Wagman's plan seemed to work, and Quentin's story didn't become exaggerated. Quentin returned to the academy the next day, but by the time we got to class, the rumors had died down.