Chapter 12

My feat soon became known to everyone in the mansion.

As a result, dinner became a lavish affair.

"Wow..."

It's amazing, there's a whole roasted pig. To prepare something like this on such short notice is impressive.

"That's great! This is a celebration for Seika."

Iefa, who was helping to serve the meal, whispered to me with a smile. It made me feel a bit embarrassed.

But it would have been nice if they had prepared it yesterday. But I don't really care about birthdays anyway.

"Today, my son has achieved a remarkable feat."

As the meal began, Father deliberately brought up the topic.

"I've never seen an Elder Nut as large as that one. It must have been an old individual living deep in the mountains. Defeating it would not have been easy, even for experienced adventurers."

"Seika was brave, Father. He went to help a maid who was near the annex."

Oh, Luft praised me. This brother is usually normal but tends to keep his distance from me, so I'm a bit moved.

Wait, why is Grail glaring at me so intensely... Does he really dislike my achievement that much?

And Mother won't even meet my eyes. Well, I can't blame her.

"Thank you, Father, Brother."

"The ingredients for tonight's meal are gifts from the merchant guild. The council will present a letter of appreciation later, and the adventurer's guild will award a certificate of extermination and a medal."

"Is that so? That's a great honor."

"Seika, how did you defeat that monster? Can you tell your father?"

"Yes. It seemed to be weak against fire, so I used a fire spell."

"..."

What's wrong?

Am I being suspected?

"Well, I was so focused that I didn't really think too much about it..."

"...That's correct. The Elder Nut is a water-element monster, but it is actually weak against fire."

After a moment, Father responded as if nothing was wrong.

"You know a lot."

"I read about it in a book. And I heard that Father once repelled one with a fire spell."

"...Good judgment. You've studied well. But Seika, don't let this go to your head. You might not be able to defeat the same monster the next time. When you don't need to fight, prioritize escaping."

"Yes, Father. I think I was just lucky."

That's right. If I fought a thousand times, I might win once... No, I probably wouldn't lose to an opponent like that.

"However, it was a commendable act. I should give you a reward. Seika, is there anything you want?"

"If so, Father, I have a request."

I get to the point.

"I don't have any magical power. But even so, I couldn't give up on magic and have been practicing alone. Thanks to that, I can now use a little bit of magic."

I take out my staff and light a pale blue flame at its tip.

"I could use magic. Until now, I was satisfied with just that fact, but after this experience, a new desire has arisen in me. I want to use my magic to help others."

"..."

"I haven't decided how, but as a member of the prestigious Lamproug family and a scholar of magic, I want to contribute to the empire with my abilities. So, Father,"

I pause before continuing.

"Please let me enroll in the Imperial Rodnea Magic Academy."

"What!?"

I ignore Grail's shocked voice and continue.

"I've heard that the academy has produced many famous mages. I want to hone my skills there and determine my path. I'm still inexperienced, so I'd like to start from the elementary level, preferably from next spring."

It was a heartfelt speech, but Father remained silent for a while.

The dining table was quiet.

But I wasn't worried.

I had achieved such a feat. Even if he had some reservations, he should have to agree to this.

"...Alright. It's fine."

"Father!?"

"But just because we're a baronial family doesn't mean you're exempt from the exams. You must pass them on your own, that's the condition."

"Yes, Father. Thank you. I'll start studying for the exams tomorrow."

I add,

"And, there's one more thing I'd like to ask."

"What is it?"

"I want Iefa to accompany me to the academy as a servant."

"Eh, m-me!?"

Iefa is flustered, but after a moment of silence, Father nods.

"That's fine. Since you'll be leaving the estate, it's better to transfer ownership to you. Consider it a parting gift."

"Thank you. And... could you also allow Iefa to attend the academy?"

"What?"

Father frowned this time.

"That's impossible."

"Why not?"

"Neither her father nor her mother had any magical talent. It's rare for a commoner to have significant magical power. There's no point in her attending the academy. Give it up."

"If that's the case, it's not a problem. Iefa has already shown magical ability. I'll show you now."

I stand up and open the large window in the dining room.

Then, I walk over to Iefa.

"Seika, I..."

"Come here."

I lead the bewildered Iefa to the window.

"Iefa, if you want to come with me—cast a full-power Flame Lance outside the window. When you do, just say 'Flame Lance.'"

I whisper and hand her the staff.

Iefa looks at me for a while, then turns her gaze to the outside.

She quietly points the staff at the sky.

It looks more like a commander's baton than a magic staff—

"—Flame Lance."

With a roar, an orange pillar of flame pierced the sky, which was just beginning to darken.

It stretched endlessly, spreading and illuminating the outside scenery in a red glow.

"Huh!?"

"Flame Lance is a mid-level fire spell... but what incredible power..."

Grail and Luft stand up, stunned.

It's a familiar flame.

The fox's fire magic can burn mountains, but this one was probably a four-tailed class.

She's improving quickly. Iefa definitely has a talent for commanding spirits.

"What do you think, Father? Iefa used fire magic to protect the maid from the Elder Nut. She was born with a rare magical talent. I think it would be a waste to let it go unused."

Father was silent in surprise for a while, then finally lowered his eyes and said,

"...Alright, do as you wish. But the condition of passing the exam remains. Understand?"

"Of course. Thank you, Father."

I turn to Iefa.

"Sorry, I went ahead without asking. I remember you said you wanted to leave the estate and see the world... Would you like to come with me?"

"Y-yes, Seika... I..."

"It's not over yet. You have to pass the exam. We'll be studying hard until spring."

"Okay, I'll do my best! ...If I'm to be a servant, I need to improve my manners, right? S-Seika-sama."

"It's fine, just like before."

"But..."

"It feels weird, and we'll be classmates from spring onward."

And I don't want to overlap with Yuki.

"O-Oh, I see... I understand..."

"---I can't accept this!!"

Suddenly, Grail slammed his hand on the table, shouting loudly in the dining room.

"Father, what are you thinking!? Sending a magic-less dropout and a slave to the Imperial Magic Academy!?"

Iefa cowered in fear.

"Besides, Father! The Lamproug family has never let brothers follow the same path! I'm supposed to transfer to the academy next spring! There's no value in breaking tradition for this guy! He should join the military! Isn't that right, Father!?"

"...That's correct, Grail."

Blaze answered calmly.

"The Lamproug family has never let brothers follow the same path to contribute to the empire with their magical talents. And I have no intention of breaking that tradition in my generation."

"Then!"

"So, Grail—join the imperial army."

"Huh?"

Grail's eyes widened, and he was speechless.

He might not even understand what was said.

"You have physical strength and talent with the sword. You'd be well-suited for it. Do you remember Cousin Petrus? He's now a commander stationed along the eastern border. I'll arrange for him to take care of you after you enlist."

"Why... Why me! I'm the second son, and unlike him, I have magical power! Yet..."

"Then, Grail, what have you been doing these past few years?"

Grail is speechless again.

Yeah, that's what happens when you're asked that.

"During the time you should have been studying at the elementary level of the academy, did you make any new discoveries? Did you try anything? Did you make any effort to improve yourself? Grail, all I've seen is you obsessed with swords and playing with low-class people in town."

"..."

"Do you understand what the most important quality for a researcher is? It's enthusiasm. I don't see that in you."

"B-But..."

"On the other hand, Seika has worked hard and shown results. That's all that matters."

Grail, who was told the truth, was speechless and his face turned purple.

"...A duel."

"Huh?"

Grail suddenly points at me and shouts.

"Seika!! I challenge you to a duel! The stakes are our paths to the academy!!"

"Grail, stop it..."

Luft tries to stop him, but Grail doesn't listen.

"If you lose, you have to leave the house immediately! Got it!!"

"Um..."

But the tuition is paid by Father, right?

I look at Father, who has a pained expression and says,

"Seika, is that okay with you?"

"Blaze!"

Mother, who had been silent, suddenly speaks up.

I look at her, but she quickly averts her eyes.

Huh? What's going on?

I'm confused but answer Father.

"I'm fine with it."

"Grail, are you okay with this?"

"Yes, Father. I'll prove that I'm more skilled in magic. When I do, please recognize my path as a researcher."

"...Alright."

"Grail! Stop this nonsense. A duel between brothers...!"

"You be quiet."

"But—!"

"Mother, this is between Seika and me. I have my own principles too."

"Then it's settled."

Father stands up.

"The time is noon tomorrow. The rules will follow the official procedures of the empire, but the use of real swords and mid-level or higher attack spells is prohibited. I will oversee it. You can rest for today."

With that, Father leaves the dining room.

Before I knew it, it was already twilight outside the window.