Chapter 34

The Young Duke's Magical Genius - Chapter 34 (34/324)

34

As expected, the kid was a prodigy, learning at an extraordinary pace.

The mixed activation method.

To activate magic using this method, one had to memorize the path I taught, along with the delicate movements of mana.

To master it in just three hours...

Indeed, to excel, talent is necessary.

After absorbing this activation method, the kid's affection towards me began to rise sharply.

From -10 to +10.

Having felt the power of the mixed activation method with his entire body, his affection must have risen so quickly.

Iris then looked at me.

"Indeed... there are no drawbacks. Except for the risk of moving mana incorrectly, of course."

"That's true for traditional magic as well. It's common knowledge that the safest way to activate any magic is by following the set path."

Iris nodded in agreement after hearing my words.

"I have one question."

"What is it?"

"I've memorized the magic activation method you taught. Why does moving in this way make the magic much stronger?"

Well,

I didn't know that either.

At first, I applied this method out of pure curiosity. I found it better, so I stuck with it.

I studied the magic books here, but I couldn't figure out the reason.

I answered Iris.

"I don't know the reason either."

"Really?"

"I just felt something was off when using magic. I couldn't shake the feeling that there must be a better way. So I tried it, and that's how I discovered the mixed activation method."

"But... does that make sense? If a mana explosion occurred, what would you do...?"

"If that had happened, I wouldn't be standing here now, would I?"

"..."

The kid, looking at me with disbelief, asked another question.

"So, are you going to experiment with everything from what you've taught me to what you'll continue to create?"

"Of course. Don't worry too much. I have no intention of teaching the young lady half-baked theories. Everything I will teach her, I will test first. Like the Magic Missile."

"But... isn't it dangerous...?"

"Originally, the people who first created magic also discovered it through trial and error. Many mages still become disabled or die while trying to discover new magic."

Well, thanks to my Insight, that won't happen to me.

"..."

The kid fell silent after my words.

Is she thinking I have some noble spirit of sacrifice?

If so, that's fine.

It wouldn't be bad for me.

"Young Lady."

"Why?"

"Do you remember the terms of the contract we signed earlier?"

"Are you calling me stupid?"

Of course, she would remember.

I casually brought it up.

"Since I risked my life to find these things, I hope the Young Lady will earnestly follow the terms of the contract. People can't change overnight, but with effort, they can change gradually."

"Why do you want me to change? Especially when you're teaching me such valuable methods...?"

Why?

Because your talent is too precious to waste.

If I cultivate you early, you could be a great help to me in the future.

"Reaching the 2nd Circle at the age of eight. That's a sign of exceptional talent."

I looked into her eyes and slowly said,

"Young Lady, you remind me a lot of my younger self. I was once known as a troublemaker."

"Are you calling me a troublemaker now?"

"Isn't that the case? The rumors about you have spread throughout the Enferium estates."

"..."

She started to grab her stomach.

"Ugh..."

"Before you get angry, try to think three times. It will calm you down."

She seemed to apply the advice immediately, lowering her hand from her stomach.

"...Phew. So, what do you want to say?"

"It's not like it's someone else's problem. With your talent, you will surely become a great mage one day... but if you keep this personality, the people around you will suffer. If you're like this now, imagine how much worse it will be when you gain power."

"...Isn't that a bit harsh?"

"I'm just stating the facts. That's why I made this contract to reform you and cultivate your magical talent. With effort, your nature can change. Especially at your young age."

"...You're really too honest."

"Considering you're practically a kid, why would I lie to a child?"

"What? A kid?"

"At eight years old, you're a kid."

That's a truth that applies regardless of whether she's smart or not.

"Come on. We're only four years apart..."

Well, by Kyle's age, that's true.

"Young Lady."

"Why?"

"Such a personality is not good for life. You may be pampered within the Duke's household now, but the Duke's household won't always be your shelter. You need to make a lot of effort to change."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm not good at lying. Seriously. Next time you come, study the magic I taught you today. That's all for today's lesson."

"But, you just taught me one thing? Teach me more."

Perhaps her desire for knowledge had been sparked.

Iris's eyes were filled with the desire to learn more.

"It's late, and one is plenty.

"I've memorized it already. Are you going to just teach me one and call it a day?"

"Even one is valuable enough, isn't it?"

"..."

"Also, overconfidence is dangerous. The most dangerous time is when you think you're proficient. Now is the time to repeat and master what you've learned, not to learn new things."

After finishing my answer,

I looked at the kid.

"I'll teach you more when the time comes. Until then."

After spending a night at the Duke's household,

the next morning, I retrieved the mana-powered carriage I had left behind to leave.

The Duke, seeing me off, had a look of regret in his eyes.

"Leaving already?"

"Yes. Actually, staying overnight wasn't part of my schedule. As a mage, I've been quite busy lately. I appreciate your understanding."

"I understand. Last night, my daughter seemed very satisfied with the lesson. You mentioned a new era of magic with no drawbacks. It's a relief. Thank you."

Of course, she should be satisfied.

There's no one in the world who can use magic like mine.

"I'm glad the Young Lady was satisfied."

While talking to the Duke,

he looked behind me and started to laugh.

What is it?

I naturally turned around and saw a purple ponytail.

When did you get here?

Looking at the affection level above her head,

it had increased from 10 to 20.

It seems she really liked the magic I taught.

"Hehe. My daughter came to see you off, Sir Kyle."

"That... isn't the case. I just came to check."

"Check what?"

In response to my question, she fidgeted with her fingers.

"Are you really going to teach me more when I come back in a month?"

"Did you come to ask me again about what I said yesterday?"

"Just to make sure. I'll come in May, so prepare the lesson in advance."

"Sure."

Since the succession ceremony is in June, it wouldn't matter if she came then.

As long as she avoids June, it's fine.

"That... and. Be careful on your way. If you get hurt, it might affect the lessons..."

"My bodyguard is skilled, so you don't need to worry. When you come, bring a skilled knight with you. The road is safe, but there are still risks."

"I will."

After a brief farewell to the Duke and Iris,

I and my companions got into the carriage.

The mana-powered carriage started to make mechanical sounds.

As I sat down, Leonhardt, who had been staring at me, spoke.

"Interesting."

"What is?"

"Considering the rumors about the Young Lady, I was surprised by the healthy attitude you showed earlier. Was it because of the magic contract?"

The fact that the Young Lady and I had a magic contract was known to my bodyguard.

Since he had been following me closely, it was impossible for him not to know.

However, he didn't know the content of the contract.

He was outside when the Duke notarized it.

That content,

probably only the Duke and the Duchess knew.

It wasn't something to be widely spread.

"It's partly because of that, and partly because she really liked the magic I taught."

"Indeed. Your magic is special. I don't know what contract you made, but isn't it a waste?"

"Are you talking about what I taught Iris?"

"Yes."

What a waste.

I planned to gradually reveal this magic formula over time. Of course, when it's revealed, the villains will also know it.

'But what can I do?'

Still, there are far more ordinary people than bad guys, so spreading it wouldn't be a loss.

From various magic towers to the magic guild,

there are plenty of places where I can sell it for a good price. It's better than hoarding it and losing it.

Besides,

"It's not really a waste. There's no need to be. You know my magic activation method has two forms."

The real magic activation method, which can turn even a 1st Circle spell into something with the power of a 4th Circle or higher,

is only in my head.

I plan to keep it hidden.

Right now, I can't use it freely due to mana consumption and dizziness.

But as my Circle level rises, I'll be able to use it properly.

"Is it okay to talk about this here?"

"What's the harm? The only ones who can hear are you and Ersiel."

Both are subordinates I trust.

I've worked hard to build a relationship of trust with them.

If I can't trust them, I'll have a lonely life.

Leonhardt looked at her.

"...Ersiel."

"Yes."

"You probably have an idea, but the young master is a special person."

"I know."

"Since you are now his personal maid, you will hear more of these stories. Of course, you must keep this a secret."

Before he finished,

"I won't tell anyone, even if a knife is put to my throat."

She answered confidently.

Oh, wow.

Why is your expression so intense?

Is it because your affection level is now 93?

Looking at her eyes, it seems she really wouldn't talk even if a knife was put to her throat.

"No. If a knife is put to your throat, just talk and live. That's what I want."

"No. I can't do anything that would harm the young master..."

"Such a thing won't happen, but if it does, just do as you're told. This is an order."

If I let it slide, I might really end up in that situation, which would be terrifying.

Losing a good buffer would be very troublesome.

"..."

It took several attempts to get a response from her.

Phew.

This kid is sometimes too serious.

We spent a full week in the carriage.

Soon, familiar scenery appeared outside the window.

The Trasden Estate.

After a long journey, I had finally returned to my base.