Chapter 65

After discussing with Zarasan, I decided to consult with the captain and Deputy Captain Berrie about my magic power value.

After school, I informed them that I had something to talk about and headed to the office where the two were waiting.

"I'm sorry for taking your time like this."

"Well, it's fine."

The captain was sitting in his chair at the desk, while Deputy Captain Berrie stood at attention.

I needed to talk, but my tongue wouldn't move.

An awkward silence continued.

It was the captain who broke it.

"---So, when are you getting married?"

The captain's unexpected words left Zarasan and me speechless.

Amelia made a drawn-out sound, "Queee," and muttered, "It's not about marriage."

"It was sudden. Well, it's good to start a family when you're young. What about Lislis the medic? I'd appreciate it if you continued working, but I guess that's not possible---"

"Wait, that's not it!"

Zarasan, with a red face, interrupted the captain.

"Not it... huh?"

"Sorry, but today's report isn't about marriage."

The atmosphere in the room became even more awkward.

It seemed that the captain and Deputy Captain Berrie had thought we were here to report our marriage. Why did they think that?

Deputy Captain Berrie looked out the window with a distant gaze.

"If it's not about marriage, what is it? You're not both transferring to another unit, are you?"

The captain looked worried.

He muttered about whether the headbutt or the rough carriage driving had caused it.

"Was it because of the training where I threw something, or the order to carry the luggage? No, it must have been the headbutt..."

"Captain, it seems to be something different."

"But I can't think of anything else besides the headbutt."

"It's not that."

Deputy Captain Berrie, as always, read the subtle expressions on our faces and helped move the conversation forward.

He deduced that the matter was serious from our expressions and suggested we talk slowly, moving to the break room.

Since it was around snack time, he prepared tea and light snacks.

He placed the tea and biscuits on the table and sat on the sofa, starting the conversation. He gave Amelia some dried fruit.

"---So, what is it?"

"Actually, it's about Mel's magic power."

The captain, who had probably seen the personnel files, remembered my magic power value and said that it wasn't a problem even if I didn't have magic power.

"Yes, but something significant was discovered recently."

Zarasan then recounted what had happened on the previous weekend.

"Red magic power... By the way, how did the team's measurement go?"

"There was a diagnosis from a medical practitioner."

When we went to the capital, the necessary documents given to us by the village chief included a magic power diagnosis.

The captain's eyes widened upon hearing this, and Deputy Captain Berrie lowered his head.

"Zara, are you sure you didn't make a mistake?"

"No, I'm certain."

"I see..."

Zarasan had apparently consulted the captain about a house before, and because the conditions were for a place where a griffin could live, the captain assumed she was getting married.

I couldn't believe they thought Zarasan and I were in a romantic relationship.

It was impossible. The idea of me, a short and skinny elf, and Zarasan, a beautiful woman from the snow country who was an excellent cook, a skilled embroiderer, and a calm person, getting married was absurd---and then I suddenly realized how much of a good wife Zarasan would be.

A moment of silence.

I drank my tea and nibbled on a biscuit. I had been worried about my stomach growling, but it seemed I was the only one who was hungry.

The biscuits were delicious. They were Zarasan's homemade ginger biscuits, spicy and fragrant with a hint of sweetness.

I needed to get back to the main topic.

"Regarding the slime attack, was it because of the magic power?"

"Probably."

The captain sighed deeply. Deputy Captain Berrie put his hand on his forehead and relaxed his frown.

"If we report this to the higher-ups, you will definitely be transferred."

"I don't want that."

I could only manage as a knight in the Second Unit. I had no intention of working in another unit.

"Fortunately, the magic power is measured only at the time of enlistment and not afterward. There are no penalties for not reporting an increase in magic power. Additionally, the Magic Research Bureau does not have the power to forcibly detain holders, so you can rest assured."

"I'm relieved."

Surprisingly, the captain was well-informed about the Magic Research Bureau and the laws.

Well, as a leader, it's natural to have knowledge, but seeing his usual bandit-like behavior, my respect for him increased.

The captain continued.

"It's a great help that you're here. I'm glad. But---"

The captain paused, frowning and looking as if he had bitten into a bitter bug.

Deputy Captain Berrie took over.

"Lislis the medic is like holding a naked sword."

"What do you mean?"

"A weapon you don't know how to use can hurt you. It's dangerous. Having great power means---"

Deputy Captain Berrie's words made me realize. Yes, I don't know how to use my magic power. There's no guarantee that nothing will happen in the future.

"What should I do---"

I can't go back to the village now.

I recently received a reply to the letter I sent to the medical practitioner.

Our suspicions were correct. In the village, people with high magic power are sacrificed to ward off disasters. The practitioner, upon realizing I had unusual magic power, had diagnosed me as having no magic power to hide it.

I have no intention of reporting this to the village chief or anyone else. If it were discovered, I would be forced to marry someone with magic power in the village.

Coming to the capital has overturned my previous common sense.

It would be impossible to accept the customs of the Forest Elf village in the future.

Perhaps, I should rely on the Magic Research Bureau.

"No, I don't recommend that. They're a bunch of lunatics."

I nodded in agreement. It would be a crime to say it out loud, but the director of the Magic Research Bureau, Vario Refla, had a dangerous aura. If I were caught, I would likely be used as a test subject.

"Personally, I think it's better to learn magic to prevent misuse. Whether to make it public or not is up to you. Unfortunately, I don't know any mages."

"The conditions are quite strict. Someone who can use magic, is not affiliated with the Magic Research Bureau, understands about mythical creatures, and is discreet---"

The only option left is to ask the Duke of Lichtenberg, Leiseroette's father, to take me as a disciple.

Mentioning his name, the captain and Deputy Captain Berrie had complex expressions. I'm sure Zarasan and I had the same look.

"---It's tough."

"Yes, but I think there was a misunderstanding between you and the Duke."

"Even so, it's not right to hit an innocent medic."

Unusually, Deputy Captain Berrie was emotionally agitated. The incident with the Mythical Creature Protection Bureau was truly tragic.

At that time, the Duke was probably overwhelmed by past events.

I still haven't forgiven being hit. I didn't want to see him, but he had healed Amelia's injuries with magic, and the capital had become a better place for mythical creatures to live, thanks to him.

Considering this, I thought it might be time to forgive him.

"I think the Duke is probably the only one I can rely on."

The room fell silent again.

Everyone had a serious expression.

"---I understand. I'll talk to the Duke of Lichtenberg once."

"Thank you."

Before that, he judged that it would be fine to talk to Gal, Urgas, and Leiseroette.

I bowed deeply to the captain.

"Thank you for your trouble. I look forward to working with you in the future."

"Of course."

The captain, leaning back, answered. Deputy Captain Berrie had a lowered brow and a wry smile.

This is a step forward. I don't know what will happen next.

But I have to do my best.