Chapter 33

The Marquess Family's Magic Genius - Chapter 33 (33/324)

33

After entering the Marquess' study with Iris, I briefly explained the matter to Marquess Frantel, and he nodded as if he understood.

"So... you're saying that the way you cast magic is extremely valuable, and you're willing to teach it to Iris?"

"That's right. As long as we sign a magic contract."

"Can I see the terms?"

Magic contract.

Given that a poorly worded clause could make life miserable, the Marquess immediately asked about the terms.

"The terms are simple. I will be referred to as Party A, and Iris as Party B."

I began to write down the terms I had in mind on the paper.

The contract period between Party A and Party B will start on April 23, 298 of the Imperial Calendar and last for ten years. The terms below will also apply for ten years.

1. Party A will diligently teach Party B the magic casting method known as 'Hybrid Activation' whenever lessons are conducted.

2. Party B must make an effort to be kind to people she considers inferior.

3. Party B must make an effort to think at least three times before getting angry.

4. Party B must make an effort to reduce spending except for items she deems absolutely necessary.

5. Party B must not disseminate the magic casting method learned from Party A to anyone else.

6. In exchange for learning the magic casting method, Party B must diligently assist Party A when requested during the contract period. This assistance is limited to combat-related matters.

7. If the terms are not diligently followed, both Party A and Party B will be subject to a penalty, which is a mild stomachache. This stomachache will continue until the terms are diligently followed again.

8. However, if Term 6 is violated, Party B's magic circle will be destroyed.

The Marquess, who had slowly read through the contract, asked a question.

"Such a contract seems to require a powerful magic contract. Do you happen to have one?"

"I would appreciate it if you could help me with that, Marquess."

"Hmm... Alright. Let's set that aside for now. Let's start with the second term. How do you plan to conduct the lessons?"

"I plan to have the young lady visit me once a month for a day of lessons. Anything more would be difficult."

The Marquess hummed at this.

Well, since I am Party A, there's no need to cater to Iris's schedule.

Given that the Marquess is not a fool, he must have a rough idea of the value of the magic I use.

Naturally, she should come for such a valuable lesson. Why would she make it inconvenient to come and go?

"Alright, I understand. Terms 3, 4, and 5... It seems like you know your daughter's issues quite well... How did you figure them out so precisely...?"

The Marquess's words made Iris frown.

Seeing this, I smiled and looked at the Marquess.

"Does it meet your approval?"

"To be honest, the terms for my daughter are not bad... However, I'm worried that signing this will make her life difficult. A stomachache...?"

"To be honest, it's a stomachache that can be tolerated. However, if it continues, it will be quite annoying."

Effort is required.

This phrase is a surprisingly strong term.

Effort.

It means using both body and mind.

The key here is the mind.

A low-level magic contract might overlook a lack of effort.

But a high-level magic contract can read the sincerity behind the effort.

Pretending to change won't work.

The stomachache will be quite severe at first.

Initially, it will be tough, but as time passes,

Humans are adaptable, and she will gradually change.

Even if she starts reluctantly, her thoughts will eventually change.

It will have a brainwashing-like effect.

'This is really effective.'

I had experience using such contracts to reform capable but unruly characters in the game.

Iris will be no exception.

Arrogance, contempt for the weak, and a love for luxury.

These three typical traits must be eliminated.

Having two faces or being an actor.

These traits don't need to be eliminated.

Worshipping appearance is just like a girl who likes idols.

"Marquess."

"What is it?"

"First, isn't the young lady's consent the most important? Even if you agree, if she doesn't, it will be pointless. So..."

I then looked at Iris and asked.

"Do you agree to this contract, young lady?"

"..."

She seemed to be thinking.

"If you don't feel like it, you don't have to. I won't force you."

"...I have one question."

"Go ahead."

"If I accept these terms, will I not regret it? Is the... Hybrid Activation method really that excellent? Are there any unknown disadvantages...?"

"By using mana more efficiently, it allows you to cast magic faster and more powerfully than traditional methods. Compared to the traditional method, there are no disadvantages. I can write this in the contract if you wish."

I looked at the young lady and said confidently.

"I promise you, if you learn this method, you won't regret it. Of course, if you violate the terms of the contract and get a stomachache, that's a different matter."

"I'm a 2nd Circle mage..."

"I have no intention of stopping at 1st Circle. If I advance to higher Circles, I plan to apply this method to higher-level spells. If successful, I will certainly inform you."

"...I want to learn it."

"Young lady."

"What is it?"

"Effort is required. Don't take this phrase lightly. A high-level contract will judge your sincerity. Pretending to change won't help you avoid the stomachache."

Even if she is a spoiled child.

I have no intention of cheating in the contract.

If I do, I won't gain her trust; I might just get a slap. If I do it, I should at least let her know what I'm doing.

I looked at Iris and continued seriously.

"The mild stomachache will be quite annoying. The process of change will be more painful than you think. Ten years is not a short time. Considering all this, do you still want to sign the contract?"

At that moment,

The young girl's eyes sparkled.

"As long as I can learn the magic I saw earlier."

"Alright."

With the bait taken, it was time to negotiate with the Marquess. We began discussing the terms.

The non-dissemination clause is a given.

The penalty of losing her magic circle if she violates it can be easily accepted. This is a common clause when teaching advanced techniques.

The stomachache as a penalty was also accepted without issue.

However,

"About the part where you must assist when requested. What exactly does 'combat-related' mean?"

"The young lady is a talented mage but lacks practical experience. This term is to help her gain experience and utilize her magic skills."

"...If a war breaks out, will you call my daughter?"

"Well, I hope it doesn't happen, but if it does... I will."

The reason for raising Iris.

To have an ally capable of defending against the villains' invasion.

Naturally, she must come to my aid when called. If not, there's no point in teaching her.

"That's a problem."

"I also find it difficult to compromise on this term."

"Isn't her life at risk?"

Indeed.

If the villains launch a full-scale invasion, the central continent will be in chaos.

Whether hidden or not, the risk will be the same.

The continent will be in ruins, and hiding won't save her.

In fact, the Neiron Marquess family will be one of the first to fall within a few years.

"I will do my best to protect the young lady. That's all I can promise."

A 1st Tier mage.

This is a force that must be protected.

Losing her would be a significant loss.

At that moment,

"I'll do it. The contract."

Iris's voice rang out.

"Child, you should think more..."

"The activation method you're teaching is much better than the traditional one, and it has no disadvantages. It's worth it."

"Hmm..."

"I understand your concern, but I will do my best to protect the young lady. I have a bodyguard, and I won't send her alone when I call her."

"That's true..."

"Besides, it's uncertain whether such a situation will arise. The empire has been peaceful for the past hundred years."

It's true.

Problems are expected soon, but saying so won't be believed, so there's no need to mention it.

"Alright. Then can we add the content you mentioned to the contract? The part about no disadvantages compared to the traditional method, and the promise to do my best to protect my daughter if the seventh term is followed."

"Sure."

"Then wait a moment. I happen to have a good contract."

The Marquess then brought out a top-tier magic contract. It was two levels higher than the high-level contract used for grain trading, and it would be worth about 200 platinum coins.

Of course, the lessons I teach are worth more than that.

"This is one of only three contracts. With this, all terms can be perfectly achieved, right?"

The Marquess seemed quite satisfied with this contract.

Indeed.

Teaching a revolutionary magic method and correcting a spoiled child's behavior.

Who wouldn't like it?

That's why the Marquess brought out one of the three top-tier contracts.

The Marquess is indeed a doting father.

"That's right. By the way, the young lady will have a tough time."

"Hmph! It's just a matter of correcting her. What's so difficult about that?"

It can be corrected, but whether it will be as smooth as she says remains to be seen.

We signed the contract using magic power.

At that moment,

The contract glowed and

Flashed!

Turned into powder and sprinkled on Iris and me.

Indeed.

A top-tier contract has a different effect.

'Alright.'

"Let's go. We should start the lesson now."

"Okay."

We moved to the training ground.

I then began to slowly explain the Hybrid Activation method. The first spell I taught was Magic Missile. I explained the differences from the traditional method, used Insight to examine her internal structure, and explained in detail how to move mana. If mana is moved incorrectly, a magic explosion could occur.

"Move it a bit more to the left..."

This is hard to explain with words.

A good idea came to mind.

"Wait a moment."

I took a piece of paper and drew a picture.

"Right now, the mana is here, and you need to move it like this..."

"Um."

"Yes?"

"Can you see the mana inside my body?"

"Roughly. I've been able to do this since I was young."

I couldn't explain Insight, so I said I've been able to do it since I was young.

"Is that a disease like Hermemuga?"

"It's not a disease. I just have a unique constitution. I'll explain again, so listen carefully and follow along."

Looking at the picture, she seemed to understand and slowly moved her mana as I instructed.

The crude drawing might not be great, but understanding is the key.

Clearly, she is very intelligent, and her learning speed was very fast.

After an hour of explaining the activation method,

A Magic Missile began to float above her hand.

"Can I shoot it?"

"A