Chapter 30

The Marquess Family's Magical Genius - Chapter 30 (30/324)

30

The match ended far too quickly.

The result left the viscount with a dazed expression.

While he was not an expert in magic, he could immediately tell that this was an abnormal outcome.

From knights to mages.

The division into specific categories was not done arbitrarily. It was done because there were meaningful differences.

For instance, even between 1st Circle and 2nd Circle.

Despite the difference of just one number, the actual performance in reality was vastly different.

A 2nd Circle mage could accumulate more mana, both in quantity and quality, and cast spells much faster than a 1st Circle mage.

This was the reason for the distinction between circles.

To name the significant differences with specific terms.

However.

Right before his eyes, a completely different result was unfolding.

Kyle Seltarion.

He had secured victory in a single breath.

'What is this?'

While Iris lacked practical experience, her talent and the level of skill she had honed were not to be underestimated.

The magic and responses she displayed in this match were not bad.

If it had been a typical 1st Circle mage, they would have been unable to block the fire arrows, and the match would have ended in an instant.

It was a given.

How could a 1st Circle spell defend against a 2nd Circle spell?

But Kyle was different.

Wind.

With just a 1st Circle spell, he easily blocked a 2nd Circle spell and immediately attempted a double casting, launching a sharp offensive.

'Double casting?'

This was an extremely difficult technique.

To cast two spells, one had to divide their mind into two.

Of course, there were exceptions.

For a mage with a higher circle, double casting was not as difficult when using lower circle spells.

Like how his daughter had used Fire Arrow while simultaneously casting a shield.

However, the double casting Kyle demonstrated was a technique of a different dimension.

'A 1st Circle mage successfully performing double casting...'

There was no circle lower than 1st.

Naturally, attempting double casting at the 1st Circle level was of considerable difficulty.

Casting circle-appropriate spells with double casting was a feat that even a seasoned combat mage could not easily demonstrate.

The viscount then looked at Kyle.

Just twelve years old.

And he had only been studying magic for less than two months.

If he could already display such a skilled combat mage's demeanor, how much more different would he be in the future? It was obvious.

With such talent, Kyle would undoubtedly grow into a mage capable of shaking the empire.

'I'm glad I found out now.'

The battle with the Twin-Headed Ogre.

When he heard the rumors of Kyle's performance there, he thought it was just a fabricated story to boost his reputation.

How could a mere 1st Circle mage perform well against an ogre?

Especially one with two heads.

He dismissed it as a lie for that reason.

But now.

'...It might have really happened.'

His thoughts had changed significantly.

If Kyle possessed the innate talent to display the power of a 2nd Circle spell with just a 1st Circle spell.

He could have made a meaningful contribution in the battle against the Twin-Headed Ogre.

It was that astonishing a talent.

Kyle.

If he had reached 3rd Circle, his status would have been worlds apart from now.

But now?

The only noble paying attention to him besides Marquess Remton and himself was a good situation.

Now, there was ample opportunity.

Iris.

Though she was a poorly behaved child, her beauty was genuine.

And her talent as a mage was something she could confidently claim was not lacking.

'Could there be a more well-matched pair?'

Since they were both mages, there could not be a better match.

Moreover, as a potential son-in-law, his character was also excellent.

Unlike his past reputation as a troublemaker, Kyle's behavior had changed to the point where anyone could see he was a proper mage.

And his family was the prestigious Seltarion Marquess family.

He was a son-in-law with no apparent shortcomings.

While he was lost in such thoughts and smiled contentedly,

Iris, who saw the magic missile approaching her, bit her lip tightly.

"...I... I... can't... stand it!"

She began to shout at Kyle.

Ugh.

The viscount, seeing this, began to massage his forehead, as if his head was throbbing.

* * * * *

The magic duel with Iris.

The process was incredibly one-sided.

Given her experience, talent, and the qualitative difference in the mana gathered in her circle, the outcome was already decided.

Glancing at the viscount, the desire in his eyes became apparent.

What that desire was, was obvious.

By now, the viscount was probably imagining himself officiating the wedding.

"Well, that was easy."

He spoke to Iris, who was staring blankly at the magic missile.

Did she snap out of it?

She bit her lip tightly and looked at me.

"...I... I... can't... stand it!"

She shouted with a voice full of anger.

"Whether you acknowledge it or not, the match is already over."

"Let's do it again!"

"Why should I?"

Her words seemed to have left her speechless.

With her fists clenched, she trembled and then bowed her head.

"...If we do it again... I can win..."

"If it were a real battle, you would be dead. With a large hole in your head."

The temple on her forehead.

Tapping it, I continued, and Iris could not provide an answer.

With her excellent intellect, she would have immediately understood the meaning.

"And even if you were to die and come back to life, you still couldn't beat me. So, accept the result gracefully."

"...What?!"

"Is what I said wrong? You already know, don't you? Your magic doesn't work on me."

"..."

2nd Circle magic.

Given that her maximum effort was easily blocked by my response, it was a given.

While we were talking,

The viscount, who had approached us, spoke with certainty.

"The match is already decided. Iris, do you intend to keep showing this ugly side to Sir Kyle? Admit your defeat."

"...But!"

"Tsk! You've already committed a grave offense by being rude to a guest. Do you intend to continue disappointing your father?"

The viscount's pressing tone made the girl's eyes redden again.

She must have been quite upset.

After all,

She had intended to settle the score from the earlier humiliation in this magic duel, but ended up being thoroughly defeated.

It was understandable that she was angry.

Now, she was finally acting like a child.

At that moment,

"...Gulp..."

A voice came from where Iris was standing.

Huh?

This was clearly the sound of someone trying to hold back tears.

Is this kid crying?

They say that assumptions can be dangerous, but my guess was spot on.

Tears, like chicken droppings, began to fall from the girl's cheeks.

"...Gulp..."

The viscount's eyes showed confusion upon seeing this.

Fidgeting.

He seemed at a loss for what to do.

'Could this be the first time he's seen her cry?'

What a surprise.

How much did he pamper her to react this way to a little crying?

No wonder her behavior is so spoiled.

Seeing the viscount, who was at a loss and started stomping his feet, I couldn't help but chuckle.

I had to help somehow.

Approaching Iris, who was still sniffling, I spoke quietly.

"I have no intention of having another match. It's already over. I won, and there's no going back. You said earlier that you dislike dragging things out. Think about it. What's the difference between what you're doing now and that?"

Bullying the weak.

Given that I possess this despicable trait, I had to make it clear who was in the superior position.

Otherwise, it would be tiring.

It was the same when we talked earlier.

Hearing my words, Iris's eyes filled with tears.

She looked as if she was about to burst into tears.

Maybe it's time to give her a carrot.

"But."

The girl, who had been bowing her head, lifted her face.

Seeing her, I smiled and continued.

"I can help you with practice, not a match. Do I not suit you?"

"..."

She nodded shortly after.

Well.

Do you really dislike it that much?

Her nod was a clear indication.

"If you accept the result of this match gracefully, I'll give you a chance."

"...Gulp. A chance...?"

"For example, I could allow you to cast spells at me to your heart's content. I'll only defend and dodge. How about it? Isn't it a good opportunity? In return, you must genuinely accept the result. Make it clear to me."

At that moment,

Her eyes began to sparkle.

The tears that had been welling up in the corners of her eyes started to evaporate.

She must think this is a golden opportunity.

"...No changing your mind, right?"

"Of course not. Of course, you must also genuinely accept the result of this match."

"...I lost."

The moment Iris spoke,

I looked into her eyes.

It's fine.

You can tell if someone is lying just by looking into their eyes.

Clearly, she was speaking with some sincerity. Not 100%, but that was not expected.

This is enough to pass.

"Alright. Since you've kept your promise, I'll keep mine. Did you hear that, Viscount?"

The viscount, who had been quietly observing us, nodded.

"...Are you sure it's okay?"

"It's fine, which is why I made this offer. After all, with your level of magic, you can't even touch a single hair on my head."

Grinding her teeth,

Iris glared at me.

"How much time will you give me?"

"Five minutes. Isn't that enough?"

"Give me more."

"I refuse. If you can't hit me in that time, you won't ever. This isn't a child's game. Five minutes is enough. Take it or leave it."

"...I..."

"Don't want to do it? Just say so."

Kid.

You won't beat me in a lifetime.

Seeing her point to the training ground, I understood.

"...Stand over there quickly. I'm going to cast spells."

"Alright."

For the next five minutes, all sorts of spells were cast at me.

But what can I do?

I could predict what spells she would use and the paths they would take.

Even if I didn't know, dodging or blocking them wouldn't be a problem, but knowing made it even easier.

Iris.

She cast spells until the mana in her two circles was completely drained.

From 1st Circle to 2nd Circle, she used all the spells she knew.

Unfortunately, not a single one hit me.

I could see everything clearly, so even if I wanted to be hit, I couldn't.

"Stop! Time's up!"

Is it already over?

It was so easy that I almost yawned.

The opportunity given to her flew away more easily than expected.