Chapter 57

Lucy and I walked through the streets of Bartlet as the sun began to set.

We still make an unbalanced pair. Whether it's Alyssia or Sarena, walking side by side with a celebrity is something I'm still not used to.

"Quite an energetic kid, huh? One of the young knights?"

"Yeah, you mean Kurni."

Just as I was about to get bored, Lucy started a casual conversation.

Indeed, Kurni can be described as the energetic one of the Reberio Knights. She was always bright even when she was at the dojo, and it seems her characteristic hasn't lost its shine, which is a relief.

"She's a good kid. Still young, but she has good potential."

"Sure, that's the best thing."

Lucy chuckled in response.

I don't really know much about the relationship between the knights and the mages. I've only seen Fissel come to the knight's headquarters to deliver potions.

However, from her reaction, it seems they aren't particularly hostile to each other, which is a relief. Since I have acquaintances in both groups, it's better if they get along.

I'm officially part of the knights, so if the atmosphere turns sour, I might get caught up in it, which is scary. I just want to live a peaceful life.

"…By the way, where are we going?"

I had been following Lucy without thinking, but I realized I hadn't asked our destination. She had only said she wanted to talk, but I hadn't asked where or about what.

"Hmm? To my house. It's in the northern district, so it's a bit of a walk."

"Okay, that's fine."

Lucy's house, huh? It seems like it would be a big mansion. Well, that's just my assumption.

Being invited to a woman's house is a situation that doesn't often come up for a single man, but with Lucy, there's no romantic spark at all.

Speaking of which, Mui is staying at Lucy's house now. I'm curious about how she's doing, so this might be a good opportunity.

"Is it something we can't talk about outside?"

Besides, if it's just a conversation, we could have a standing chat or go into a shop. The fact that she's taking me to her house suggests the importance and confidentiality of the matter.

"Well, a bit."

Hearing my words, Lucy smiled awkwardly.

Hmm, considering her usual carefree nature, this is a rather unusual reaction. It makes me wonder if there's some complicated situation behind it. I hope it's not some troublesome matter.

"By the way, you have an interesting weapon."

"Hmm? Oh, this sword?"

Lucy commented, looking at the weapon at my waist.

Well, it is quite unique. A red leather scabbard isn't something you see every day.

I had always thought Lucy was a pure mage, but does she have some knowledge of melee weapons?

"I got it through a bit of a connection. Are you familiar with swords, Lucy?"

"No, not at all."

That's a shame.

"However, I can faintly sense magic. It's similar to the magic aura of enchanted items."

"Really…?"

So you can tell that.

I can't sense magic at all and have no aptitude for it, but I guess a mage of her caliber can feel such things.

"Then, maybe I can cast spells too?"

"Probably not. The magic is very faint, so I doubt it."

"I see…"

I wasn't really expecting much, but it's a bit disappointing.

"Still, it's impressive that you can sense magic."

"There are individual differences, but I think those who can sense it will be able to."

I see. Since it's a field I know nothing about, it's hard to grasp. Maybe I should ask Fissel or someone next time.

Come to think of it, Alyssia, Sarena, and Kurni haven't said anything about magic, and I haven't asked them either. It seems that those with such abilities are limited.

"You mages are amazing."

"What are you talking about? You swordsmen can sense killing intent, right? It's the same kind of thing. If anything, I think that's more impressive."

"…I see."

Ah, yeah. I get it now.

It's true that sensing killing intent is something that ordinary people can't do. I can't explain how I sense it either. Sensing magic might be like the magical version of sensing killing intent.

"By the way, there's something that's been bothering me."

"Hmm? What is it?"

Since we were talking about magic, I decided to ask something that had been on my mind.

"You use magic, right? Why do you call yourselves 'mages' instead of 'sorcerers'?"

Well,

The word "magic" is common in this world, and those who use it are not rare, but they are recognized. So, logically, they could be called "sorcerers," but for some reason, they are generally called "mages."

It might just be a matter of terminology, but it had been bothering me, so I decided to ask.

"So, you really don't know anything about magic, do you?"

"Sorry, I'm just ignorant."

She sighed and pointed out my lack of knowledge.

Can't help it, the world of magic has always been far from me.

"Alright, I'll explain while we walk. You should be grateful; I usually charge for my lectures."

"Hehe, then I'll gratefully listen."

Lucy's house is in the northern district, so we still have a bit of a walk. It's a bit too long to walk in silence, so it's not bad to pick up some knowledge along the way.

"First of all, the term 'magic' covers a vast range. It refers to all phenomena that can occur through the medium of magic. So, in a broad sense, we are all sorcerers."

"Hmm."

Oh, it seems Professor Lucy's lecture is about to begin. I should listen carefully.

However, all phenomena that occur through magic? The scope is incredibly broad. I don't know what magic can do, but with the existence of enchanted items, the range must be incredibly wide.

"The concept of magic has existed since ancient times, but the ability to control it with human hands is relatively recent. Among these, phenomena that can be reproduced by human hands are called 'magic,' and they are distinguished from the broader term 'magic.'"

"…I see."

"In essence, magic is a broad category, and magic is a subset of it. The core is the same."

When Lucy uses phrases like "apparently" or "it seems," it suggests that the origin is much older than our time.

Swords have been weapons used by humans since ancient times, but magic has an equal or even greater historical weight. The sword techniques I use are also a continuous tradition, not something that appeared out of nowhere.

"So, no current mage can call themselves a sorcerer. If they did, it would mean they can handle all magic."

Even a mage like Lucy can't glimpse the depths of magic, let alone stand at its edge. It's a daunting field of study.

"Being a mage is quite a challenge."

"Hehe, that's true. It's a daily routine of research and practice."

The daily practice is similar to swordsmanship, but the density and precision must be far beyond that of a sword. I didn't become a swordsman easily either, but hearing such stories always leads to comparisons.

"Currently, the magic that can be reproduced by human hands is less than one-tenth of all the magic that exists in the world. It's a long journey ahead."

She concluded her valuable lecture with a somewhat resigned tone.

"I understand that it's a field I can't follow at all. Thank you."

"Hehe, it's no problem to explain this much."

For a mage, this must be basic knowledge, something taken for granted.

I feel a bit disappointed that I didn't know such things at my age, but in a small village like Bident, the information available is limited.

It's fine; I didn't need magical knowledge for village life. Besides, it's not bad to learn new things even at this age. I should approach things positively.

"…Here we are."

After walking and chatting for quite a while, we seemed to have arrived at Lucy's house.

It was around dusk, just before the world was swallowed by darkness. In a little while, the sun would set, and darkness would illuminate the world.

Depending on the content of our conversation, it might be night by the time I return.

"…It's big."

Looking up at the destination, a large mansion with an impressive gate stood before us. She really lives in a nice place. A bit envious. I wouldn't know what to do with such a big house in my position.

"Come in, don't be shy. We have a guest today."

We paused for a moment.

Following Lucy, who opened the gate as if it were second nature, I stepped into the garden in front of the mansion.

"…A guest?"

It seems I'm not the only one invited by Lucy.

I wonder who is waiting for us. I'm curious, but not particularly excited.

The sword was indeed impressive.

The world-building is quite solid, but I struggle with how much to include.

Since the last chapter, the story will be a bit slow for a few more chapters.

I apologize to those who are looking for a fast-paced plot. I appreciate your patience.