Chapter 46

"Whoa, I'm sorry for startling you. I'm Lucy Diamond, the head of the Royal Reberis Kingdom's Mage Corps."

Lucy, who had her excitement at an all-time high, somehow managed to calm down.

This person is still so small. Clearly smaller than Mui, who is supposed to be a girl. It's hard to believe she's the head of the Mage Corps.

"...What, you're just a kid."

"Who's a kid! You're the one who looks like a little boy!"

"Who looks like a little boy!"

"Alright, calm down."

There it is. It always goes this way.

Mui's predictable response and Lucy's predictable reaction. I feel a bit nostalgic as I try to mediate between them, almost like a parent.

"Mui, she really is the head of the Mage Corps."

"...Really...?"

Even after I explain again, the suspicion in her eyes doesn't fade.

Hmm, when it was my turn, she demonstrated magic clearly. Lucy accidentally produced flames, but doing that in this small room would be inconvenient. However, I need to find a way to make her believe. What should I do?

"Here. Can this convince you?"

"...!"

Just then, Lucy produces a small flame in her palm.

You could have done that when it was my turn. Why did you produce a huge flame back then? I can't accept that.

"...Well, I'll believe you're a mage."

Seeing the flame Lucy produced, Mui's perception changed slightly.

At the very least, only a mage can produce flames in mid-air. I'm grateful she believes me, but why didn't you do that when it was my turn? I know it's not the time to ask, but I can't help but wonder.

"So, you have a talent for magic, do you? Oh, how wonderful. Mages are always in short supply."

Lucy, who put away the flame, spoke cheerfully.

"Before that, Lucy. She has a rather complicated situation."

"Hmm?"

At that, Alyssia interrupted.

Judging from her sudden change in mood, it seems she hasn't been informed about Mui's details. I don't know how Alyssia informed Lucy about the situation, but the almost immediate reaction suggests she rushed over.

If Mui's background and the term 'resurrection magic' had been conveyed, things wouldn't have gone this way.

Even if we put aside her usual attire, Lucy, who is deeply sincere about magic, wouldn't have ignored the topic.

"Lucy, I have a question."

"Hm? What is it?"

Is it right to ask this in front of Mui?

However, I think it's necessary to tell her the truth sooner or later.

If she has the talent, it's probably for the best, and Lucy wouldn't let it go to waste. If she doesn't, it's better to prepare to support Mui.

I can only hope she doesn't lose control.

"Is there such a thing as resurrection magic?"

"No."

Lucy, who had been in a good mood, suddenly stopped.

Her answer was brutally simple and cruel.

"Lie! You're lying!"

"I don't lie. Resurrection magic doesn't exist in this world. I'd stake my life on it."

She cut off Mui's sudden outburst.

Lucy's expression was serious. It was clear she wasn't joking. I was surprised she could even make such a face.

As the head of the Mage Corps, she is likely the most knowledgeable about magic in this country.

Lucy's unequivocal denial left no room for doubt. Of course, there's still a possibility that the method hasn't been discovered yet, but she wouldn't make such a definitive statement if that were the case.

"Lie... It has to be a lie... How... How...!"

From Mui's reaction, it was clear that this wasn't just a joke about resurrection magic. Lucy's gaze shifted from me to Alyssia and back to me.

Why not ask Alyssia? If it's between an ordinary man and the head of the knights, you'd ask the head of the knights, right? Why me?

Alyssia, noticing Lucy's gaze on me, seemed to completely hand over the storytelling to me.

"Ah... Actually..."

Well, there's no other way.

I told Lucy about how I met Mui, her magic, and the story of her sister and the resurrection gold I had heard.

"Ah, I see."

Lucy, who had listened quietly to the explanation, nodded.

Her face showed no contempt or pity, only serious attention.

"Well, Mui..."

"Damn... Why... Why...!"

Lucy spoke to Mui, but she didn't respond. Her head was bowed, her gaze wandering, and she continued to mutter to herself.

I had expected this, but she seems to be in shock.

However, the fact that she hasn't given up completely shows her mental strength. She's still a young child, and it's a testament to her resilience that she's holding on.

Even if someone hears about resurrection magic, they would usually dismiss it as a joke or not take it seriously. This is because, with general knowledge, one can recognize how unrealistic it is.

However, when dealing with a young child, the situation changes. Especially if they haven't received proper education, they are more susceptible to being misled and drawn into a path of wrongdoing.

I haven't experienced it myself, but I've heard many stories.

Even among the children who attended my dojo, there were those who were bright and well-mannered, and those who were shockingly ignorant.

A child's world is surprisingly narrow.

Expanding their knowledge is limited by their young height.

In such a situation, it's understandable that they would believe the sweet words of an adult who appears rational and friendly.

--That's why it's unforgivable.

Swordsmanship is not just about teaching how to wield a sword.

It's a place to teach and learn many things through the sword. At least, that's what I believe.

I don't expect everyone to be saints, but at the very least, adults have a responsibility to guide children who know nothing.

Whether as a parent, a superior, or a teacher, those who misled Mui are not fit to be called adults.

The one who needs a harsh lesson is not Mui, but rather the mastermind behind her.

Well, I can't do anything concrete, but I feel a growing sense of frustration.

"Hey, Mui."

"Such a thing... How can such a thing exist..."

"Mui!!"

"...!"

Lucy's near-shout echoed in the room.

Hearing her voice, Mui finally raised her gaze slightly.

"Who taught you about this?"

"...What good will it do to know..."

"I'll take them down."

Her answer was as brief as before.