Chapter 42

### Morning at the Academy

Absorbed in practicing with the magic sword, I arrived at the cafeteria later than usual. Twisted woman and Cavendish, for some reason, always start their theater performances during the busiest times, so they were already gone by the time the crowd had thinned out. The cafeteria seemed to have a more relaxed atmosphere than usual.

I sat at my usual spot by the window and placed my order. The conversation naturally turned to the magic sword practice from earlier, which Yugram had praised as a groundbreaking use of magic.

By the way, I've been wondering, if there was no way to cast spells from a wand until now, what was the purpose of having a wand?

When I asked Yugram, he explained that wands were necessary to channel magic into magical artifacts. Magical artifacts are tools imbued with magic, and if left unused, the magic would naturally dissipate. Once a magical artifact is completely drained of magic, it cannot be recharged and used again. However, since magic has different properties depending on the person, simply channeling magic into a magical artifact would render it unusable.

I recalled that when I made a magic bag, people were surprised that it was customized for me. To avoid this issue, a wand acts as a medium to amplify magic and channel it into the artifact in a way that doesn't specify the user.

I understood the purpose of the wand, but then why did we practice channeling magic through the wand earlier? Yugram blushed slightly and said,

"I don't have a natural aptitude for weapons, so I just tried to mimic Professor Tailsmya and wrap magic around the wand."

Hmm, in that case, wouldn't a regular metal rod be better? It would be more durable and could be used as a weapon to knock someone out in a pinch. When I suggested this, he was surprised and exclaimed,

"Oh! That's a great idea! I'll try that tomorrow! I've never run out of magic before, so I forgot about that! You're right, anything can happen outside!"

"But tomorrow is a day off, and I think a lot of students from other classes will be at the training grounds for practice, since it's before the exercise."

"Oh, right! In that case, we'll need to find a suitable training ground."

"I have a suggestion."

"What is it, Prince Alshain? A suggestion?"

"Yes, the magic technique we practiced today is groundbreaking, as Yugram said. It's not something we should keep secret. While it might take some time to spread it throughout the academy, I think it should be introduced to the military first. I plan to return to the castle tomorrow and discuss it with my father and the general. I'll show them the magic sword as an example, and I'd like you two to help me. The castle has plenty of training grounds, and there are many experts in weapon handling. There will also be people who can advise Yugram."

"That would be wonderful, but is it okay to visit the castle so suddenly?"

"I've mentioned you two in my letters a few times, so it shouldn't be a problem. If you have other plans, feel free to decline."

"I want to go! Visiting the castle is like a dream for a commoner like me! I just don't have much confidence in etiquette."

"It's not an official visit, so you don't need to worry about etiquette."

"In that case, I'd love to! I want to practice with the magic sword too!"

"I'll come along as well."

"It's settled then. See you tomorrow."

With that, we agreed to visit the castle the next day.

### The Next Morning

Good morning.

The weather is partly cloudy. Is this considered overcast?

After breakfast, we're heading to the castle. Alshain sent a letter last night, so a carriage will be coming to pick us up. Thanks to the voice of the fourth son Shuta, the magic sword I made on a whim is becoming a big deal. I'm a bit nervous and hope they'll laugh it off and forgive me!

While I was thinking of excuses, Shera came into the room, and I got dressed. Today's outfit is a white short-sleeved T-shirt and navy overalls for easy movement.

When we arrived at the cafeteria, Yugram and Diggory were already there. We greeted them and sat down. After placing our orders, I was about to discuss today's plans when a high-pitched, sugary voice interrupted,

"Gram~ It's been so long~ I was worried you were sick~ Hey, hey, will you have lunch with me today~?"

The overly sweet voice was very unpleasant. The two-timing woman, who usually hangs around with Cavendish, had targeted Yugram. I had been ignoring her existence lately, so I had let my guard down and forgotten to put up a barrier!

As I reflected on my carelessness, Yugram, with a scary expressionless face, said,

"I've already told you before, I never gave you permission to use my nickname or even my name. And I have no plans to have a meal with you in the future!"

"What~? Are you blushing? Oh! Or are you jealous because you've been hanging out with Dish and Echette? Hehe, I'm still available, you know. If you come to me, I'll be nice to you too, Gram! You're such a shy guy!"

This was extremely unpleasant. I unconsciously put up a barrier, which pushed her away. She started pounding and kicking the barrier, shouting something. I couldn't hear her because of the soundproofing. The waiters could still pass through, so there was no problem.

I ignored the two-timing woman and ate my meal. In my past life, there were many annoying women, but I rarely felt such strong dislike. Why do I hate her so much?

When I glanced over, the student council president was trying to calm her down, and she was clinging to him with teary eyes. I still found it unpleasant. I didn't want my breakfast to taste bad, so I stopped thinking about it.

I enjoyed the usual children's meal for breakfast. After finishing, while drinking tea, I discussed today's plans. The student council president was outside the barrier, pounding and shouting something. I ignored him.

When the barrier suddenly disappeared, he stumbled in. I asked coldly,

"President, what is it? I have plans after this, so make it quick."

"You! How dare you be so rude to the Holy Maiden! You should kneel and beg for forgiveness!"

"Who is this Holy Maiden? She's a royal from a border country, isn't she? If she calls herself a Holy Maiden, that's the problem, isn't it?"

"! You! Are you trying to do something to her?! I will never allow it!"

This was also very unpleasant. I unconsciously pushed him out of the barrier. Alshain chuckled, Shera secretly burst out laughing, Yugram patted my head, and Diggory waved at the student council president. Outside the barrier, the student council president was shouting and pounding, but I ignored him.

We left the cafeteria with the barrier still up and headed to the main gate of the academy. We quickly boarded the castle carriage and set off. As we drove away, I saw the student council president stomping his feet in frustration. With no one to care, Shera burst out laughing, and Diggory and Alshain joined in. Yugram remained expressionless, but the atmosphere was light, so he must have cheered up.

The carriage moved slowly through the city. I had apparently fallen asleep on Alshain's lap. I woke up to the jolt of the carriage stopping, and we had arrived at the castle.

Since we were not part of the royal family, we entered through the main gate. The sight of the castle gates being opened by fully armored knights was truly impressive! Fantasy!

Despite using magic all the time, I was moved by this. The butler, Duran, greeted us.

"Prince Alshain, Lord Kaita, welcome back. Lord Assen and Lord Raver, welcome to the castle."

"Thank you. Have you informed my father and the general?"

"Of course, they are very interested."

"Thank you for the sudden visit."

"Please don't worry. I understand that the prince invited you. We appreciate your cooperation today."

"Thank you for your hospitality."

"Welcome, Lord Raver. There's no need to be nervous; everyone here is very approachable."

"Thank you!"

"Duran, I'm back. The princess is waiting eagerly."

"…Yeah."

We greeted each other and walked down the long, long corridor. I was being carried, so it was easy for me, but the castle was huge!

We were meeting the king and others in a part of the castle where the royal family doesn't live, so we passed through unfamiliar areas. I already felt like I couldn't find my way back.

The sounds of clanging and thudding filled the air as we approached the room. The butler, Duran, opened the door, and inside were the king, the general, the prime minister, and Ingrid, who were already having tea.

Alshain and I entered with a light bow, but Yugram and Diggory were about to kneel until Ingrid told them to relax. They entered the room, a bit embarrassed.

Alshain, Yugram, and Diggory sat on a three-person sofa, while the general, the prime minister, and Ingrid sat opposite them. The king sat in a single chair at the back. Since Alshain had already sent a letter, they knew the content.

"So, can I use this magic sword?" Ingrid asked, eager to see it.

Ingrid, who is not good at controlling magic, was curious about this.

"Yes, since the teacher, who is also not good at controlling magic, could use it, I think you can too, brother."

It wasn't meant to be a jab. It was just a fact, and everyone chuckled.

"Then let me see it right away!"

Ingrid, excited by the new possibilities, stood up, but the general told him to let the two nervous people have some tea first. Ingrid left the room, saying he'd go ahead.

"He's just excited about the possibility of learning a new technique," the general laughed. The general was also very interested, though he tried to hide it.

We quickly had some tea and then moved to the knight training grounds.

### At the Training Grounds

The training grounds were bustling with activity. Ingrid, eager to see the magic sword, was already there. We demonstrated the magic sword, and Ingrid tried it out. He was amazed by its effectiveness and immediately wanted to practice more.

The day passed quickly, and we returned to the castle. The king and the general were very impressed and thanked us for our demonstration. They promised to spread the technique throughout the military and the academy.

We said our goodbyes and returned to the academy, feeling accomplished and excited about the future possibilities of the magic sword.