Chapter 34
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 34
Chapter Title: Northern Forest Mages (3)
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“Ah, the barrier's fine. It was just too small, so I enlarged the incantation formula.”
As I finally stopped laughing, Claus let out a deflated sigh.
“Enlarged? That's awfully convenient.”
In kingdom-style magic, where the incantation format, size, mana output, and everything else was rigidly fixed, something like enlarging or relocating a formula was unimaginable. You had to rewrite it from scratch.
“Well, yeah, it is...”
I scratched my chin with a wry smile.
That was precisely why Visible Mana was so useful in kingdom-style magic.
The incantation formula where mana flowed was visible as is. Add a bit of will to that, and you could make the Visible Mana manifest for others to see.
Once the formula was clearly visible, you got the bonus of being able to enlarge or move it without wrecking the structure.
“I've thought it over a hundred times, but maybe we should study your eyes before diving into imperial-style magic.”
Claus lifted his chin, firing a serious gaze my way. A chill ran down my spine, and I hastily averted my eyes.
Claus's keen insight was downright terrifying—he'd figured out about 'Visible Mana' ages ago.
It had come to light almost as quickly as my true identity.
“We'll get a chance if we keep researching imperial-style magic. For now, let's focus on this barrier, Master. It'll vanish in a few hours.”
I hurriedly changed the subject.
Due to the magic circle's poor efficiency, the red Eckronium's mana was draining fast.
Claus clicked his tongue and turned back to the barrier.
“Fine. Keep analyzing it, and don't mind me.”
Easier said than done.
I swallowed my retort and got back to work.
And so, we spent the entire afternoon hunting for ways to boost the barrier's efficiency.
Claus might not look it, but he was incredibly driven and competitive. Once he locked in, the world around him ceased to exist.
He'd probably be glued to this barrier for a while.
As the sky outside darkened and it neared time to head home, I started packing my bag.
Claus, meanwhile, fiddled with the now-colorless Eckronium, lost deep in magical contemplation.
“See you tomorrow, Master.”
I called out to his hunched back. His departing hand waved dismissively in lieu of a farewell.
Not just tomorrow, but the day after, and the one after that... and every day after.
I planned to hole up here throughout the break, immersed in magic research with Claus.
That was my entire vacation plan. Sounded fun to me.
Stepping out of the cabin, I saw the sky over the northern forest dyed red.
I drew in the crisp, cool air and stretched.
During break, I couldn't slack on physical training or sword practice. Otherwise, my grades might tank next semester.
Up until last year, I'd trained with Weddin, but this break might be tough.
If only Shuren were here right now...
Liberic.
As I gazed up at the crimson sky, a familiar voice called my name.
Ash poked his head out from between the trees.
Heading home now?
“Yeah. Let's go.”
Ash shook himself lightly and fell into step beside me.
To reach Althur Tower's main gate, we took a different path from the one we'd come by.
“What were you up to?”
Hunting.
“Tormenting more poor rabbits?”
Ash responded with a short growl.
My mana alone was plenty for him, so he never hunted small animals recklessly. But if peaceful critters bolted in fright, he'd gleefully give chase.
As the forest trail smoothed into a well-kept walkway, the massive tower gradually emerged above the treetops. Althur Tower.
Ash, who'd stuck by my side the whole way, vanished quietly once the patrolling guards came into view.
“Lib.”
Passing through Althur Tower's main gate, I suddenly halted.
Beyond the gate barring civilian passage, a welcoming voice rang out.
I looked up to see a black-haired knight standing there.
A bit leaner, a touch taller, skin slightly tanned since the last time— a young knight.
He grinned brightly and waved at me.
“How...?”
Shuren, who'd left for knight training a year and a half ago, was here?
Shock made my heart pound. Joy surged up, reddening my eyes.
“Bro!”
I bolted out the gate and threw my arms around Shuren. He chuckled, hugging me back.
“Whoa, you haven't changed a bit. Over a year gone by, and you barely grew.”
“Same to you. Knight training, huh? You're still skinny and light. You actually trained?”
“I bulked up on the inside, inside. This big bro doesn't fall for cheap taunts anymore.”
“Oh...?”
I burst out laughing.
For all his talk, something had changed.
His playful green eyes had deepened, shoulders broadened a bit.
The knight's uniform we'd prepared when he left for Prion was worn from countless trials.
Seeing the stitched cuffs and dried bloodstains filled me with pity and relief.
“I'm so glad you made it back safe. Really.”
“Me too.”
Shuren grinned and ruffled my hair. His hand felt a little bigger than before.
That evening, a welcome feast celebrated Shuren's safe return.
Mom and the cooks had pulled out all the stops for him.
Even on such short notice, Shuren was thrilled by the gesture.
“Welcoming Shuren, who has safely completed his knight training and returned.”
Father raised his glass, and everyone at the banquet lifted theirs.
Attendees included Mom, Clemence and Weddin, Shuren's friends and seniors/juniors, and all the mansion staff.
“Thank you, Blue Guard Knight. And thank you all for gathering on such short notice despite my sudden return. I made it back safe thanks to all of you...”
His emotional speech dragged on until his friends heckled softly. Shuren cracked up.
“Got it, got it. The Blue Guard Knight's given the okay, so let's party hard tonight!”
Shuren downed his glass first amid applause and cheers.
The lively banquet rolled on.
Shuren bounced between tables, chattering away, his glass refilled endlessly.
Even Father shared a drink, toasting his safe return. Shuren let out a choked cry, overwhelmed with emotion and at a loss for words.
I ate at a table a bit apart with Weddin and Clemence.
No alcohol for us fifteen-year-olds—just sweet fruit drinks.
“At this point, I gotta take a second look.”
Weddin murmured, watching Shuren laugh and banter with senior knights.
I smiled faintly.
“More than that—he's amazing, right?”
A full year and a half roaming a world crawling with magical beasts and demons, back in one piece.
Plus killer graduation scores—units were already clamoring to snag him.
His smug bragging was so Shuren, I couldn't hold back a laugh.
“But now I can relax. Big bro Shuren's back safe.”
Clemence smiled softly. In her pale dress, seated demurely, she looked drained today.
“Yeah. I was so worried he'd get hurt...”
“Now we've only got one worry left.”
Weddin stood.
I knew exactly what 'worry' he meant.
“Dinner's done—let's chat somewhere quiet. What do you say, Clemence?”
“Ah... yeah. Sure.”
Thankfully, she nodded without protest. Still down, but willing to talk with us.
We left the rowdy entrance hall for my room upstairs.
They used to drop by daily like it was their own home, but knight school kept them busy lately—no time to hang.
First visit in months for both.
“Hasn't changed.”
Clemence glanced around cautiously.
Furniture was the same, but kid games and toys had thinned out. Magic books and tools filled the gaps.
“Nope. Want something to drink?”
“Water's fine.”
Weddin pulled up a chair by the table and poured water into empty glasses.
I folded the curtains and cracked the window for some air.
Night had fully fallen; garden birds chirped faintly.
A full moon hung high in the treetops.
Clemence peered at my bookshelf.
“All tough reads.”
“Not much change there.”
Weddin snickered. I had no comeback, just a wry smile.
“So, Clemence. You okay lately? You look wiped.”
“Hm...”
Instead of answering, she sat quietly on the desk chair.
“Not great, but not awful either.”
“Heard you're going with the Lesion delegation. That it?”
Weddin asked carefully but bluntly.
Clemence stared at her hands, pondering how to reply.
“I've been meaning to tell you two eventually.”
“What's up?”
She looked at us with a faint smile.
“Not a fun story. You both know my grandpa's Lesion royalty, right?”
“Everyone in Prion knows that.”
Weddin shrugged.
Clemence's grandfather, White Guard Knight Petron Lesis, was hero Allen Lesis's eldest son.
He'd been first in line for Lesion's throne but gave it up to carry on his father's legacy with Prius.
His noble sacrifice earned endless praise.
“Grandpa renounced the throne and all rights to interfere in Lesion affairs.
His sister, Pionia Lesis, became queen and rules to this day. Her eldest, Karon Lesis, is king now...”
“What’s that got to do with you?”
“Nothing... It shouldn't, anyway.”
Clemence's face grew wistful. First time I'd seen that look.
“I was raised by Grandpa and Grandma. Mom and Dad were always gone, never came back.
No one said what they did, so I figured they were off on Prius work.”
Weddin and I exchanged stunned glances.
We'd all assumed that—White Guard Knight's son and daughter-in-law, had to be Prius business.
Come to think of it, I'd never heard Clemence's parents mentioned anywhere...
“They live in Lesion. As Duke Lesis... royalty. Fighting all this time to reclaim the status and power Grandpa gave up.”