Chapter 4

Due to the sudden decision to hold a duel at the training ground, it was necessary to clear away the magic measurement device that had been transported there. As the magician hired by the Esterque family hurried to put away the machinery, he received a report from his assistant.

"Master, something's wrong with the machine."

"What!?"

This was a serious matter.

The magic measurement device was a legacy of the ancient magical civilization and a high-value artifact. If it were to break, the repair costs would be astronomical. Moreover, if the Magic Association found out it was broken, there would be severe consequences.

"We can't afford to lose our jobs."

Thinking this, the magician began to inspect the measurement device. He opened the inspection panel and analyzed the logs.

The ancient magical script appeared on the screen.

—No particular abnormalities were found.

"You, you scared me. There's nothing wrong at all."

"Ah, Master, the problem isn't with the machine. The readings are off..."

"Readings? What do you mean?"

This time, the magician analyzed the readings, which were the results of the previous measurement.

The number 332 was displayed.

"This reading is the magic power value of Lord Marks from the last measurement. What's the problem?"

"No, that's not it. It's the one before that."

"The one before? The foundling's?"

The magician analyzed the previous number and was stunned by what he saw.

"W-What! A magic power value of 1123!?"

"That's right. Isn't it strange? The number projected in the air was 11."

"Ugh... However, there's no damage to the device."

No matter how much he analyzed, there were no abnormalities with the machine.

This meant that someone had tampered with the projected number.

"...Could it be that someone manipulated the numbers in front of everyone..."

While he, a professional, was busy with the machinery, there were other magicians in the venue. It would be impossible to manipulate the numbers without anyone noticing.

"...No, with this level of magic power, it's possible."

A magic power value of 1123 was an extraordinary number.

It was five times the magic power of an average magician.

"...Could that foundling, Licht, be one of the best magicians in the Esterque family?"

Licht was the only one with the magic power to manipulate the readings at that scene. This was the only conclusion he could draw. However, what he couldn't understand was why he would do such a thing.

If his magic power was low, he would be expelled. Why would he need to fake his magic power? The magician couldn't comprehend this.

"...But perhaps that's just how the nobility are."

The world of the nobility was a place of intrigue and manipulation. As the saying goes, the nail that sticks out gets hammered down. Even with overwhelming magic power, life wouldn't be easy. Especially for a foundling like Licht, whose position within the earl's household was precarious.

"...What a pitiful boy."

Thinking this, the magician decided not to report this to the Esterque family, his client. Reporting Licht's magic power value would cause a commotion.

"...Well, I'm just a hired magician. My job is to ensure the machine works properly."

Leaving this statement, the magician decided to return to the capital.

A duel between Licht and Marks was scheduled for the afternoon, but he had no intention of watching it. His apprentice thought it was a waste, but to the magician, there was nothing more boring than a "pre-determined" duel. That noble's son, Marks, was hopeless.

Licht's magic power value was that outstanding.

"If you found this interesting"

"If you're eager for the next part"

"Please send me ★ points from the link below to encourage my writing."

If you enjoyed this, your support would be greatly appreciated.