Sicily and grandma came back. Sicily seemed to have calmed down. I'm glad.
"Sicily, have you calmed down?"
"Nn… I'm really sorry Shin-kun… I'm sorry to have involved you with my circumstances and gave you trouble…"
"That's why I said don't worry about it. I got involved because I wanted to. Understand? Now, lend me your uniform."
The uniform Sicily took off was now in her hands. Now, it was time for me to enhance it with magic. For that purpose, Sicily handed me the uniform.
"Shin."
"What is it, grandma?"
"When you use enchantment magic on the uniform, do it in front of everyone."
"Why?"
"What you're about to do, do you even know how preposterous it is? Let everyone see it."
Preposterous? Is it really?
"Look at the reaction of the people around you; see for yourself how absurd what you're doing is, and gain some awareness of it."
What a cruel thing to say. I am not doing anything outrageous, I think.
So, I immediately began the enchantment process by using "Nullification" on the enchanted uniform.
To start, I took out the cane used exclusively for nullification magic. The cane was narrow and short, specially made for precision work.
Then, I covered the uniform with magic power and imagined the characters used as enchantment emerging from the uniform.
"Wha, What? That is?
"Magic Protection? Shock Mitigation? Anti-Fouling?"
"No way… Are those the characters used as enchantment…?
"This is the first time I've seen this kind of spectacle degozaru."
When I started, everyone also started making noises.
Then, I activated magic using the cane, tapped the floating enchanted characters with the tip of the cane. When suddenly…
"The characters… they've disappeared…"
"No way… the Magic Enchantment have been nulled!?"
That's right, the effect will disappear after the characters have been erased. At this point, everyone was already stupefied with their jaw hanging open. However, the performance has just started.
"Haa~… Even though I'm seeing it myself, this spectacle is ridiculous…"
"Hohho, it's not something anyone can think of easily. He has really matured."
"It's because of you! It's because of you that Shin is… Shin is!"
Grandpa and grandma are flirting with each other.
They should really just get back together.
The enhancement granted on the blazer, shirt, and skirt has all been removed. Now, it's time to grant them my own enhancement magic.
First, I imagined the effects of 'Absolute Magic Defense.' Any magic with malicious intent will be dispersed by the magic barrier. Then, I transfer that image into the uniform. I went ahead and did it for three of the clothing because it was tedious if I imagine one image at a time.
"Did you perform the enhancement for three items at the same time?"
"Because it's tedious if I do them one at a time."
"That is amazing…"
Huh? Is it really!?
Next, I envisioned the effects of 'Complete Physical Impact Absorption.' I maintained the image of kinetic energy being dispersed once it touches the uniform, and also sequentially transferred the image to the three pieces of clothing.
Followed by imparting 'Anti-Fouling' and 'Auto Heal.'
During this time, nobody said a thing.
"I'm such in a state of shock where I don't know what to say…"
Such a thing shouldn't happen… at least, I think.
And so, the uniform which had been imparted with magic enchantment was now complete.
"By the way, Shin. Although you seem to have used characters you're familiar with, but what sort of effects do they have?"
"The effects of the four enchantment are 'Absolute Magic Defense,' 'Complete Physical Impact Absorption,' 'Anti-Fouling,' and 'Auto Heal'.
I just announced the names of the four enchantment but didn't bother explaining what they do.
"… For some reason, think I just heard some disturbing words."
"Is that so? You should just think of the enchantment as an upgraded version of what the uniform originally had. However, 'Auto Heal' is an addition."
"…So? What does the other respective enchantment do?"
"Absolute Magic Defense disperses all magic completely. Complete Physical Impact Absorption nullifies the kinetic phenomenon behind the physical impacts. Auto Heal can heal any injury, however, it cannot cure illnesses. And Auto-Fouling is the same as before."
With a somewhat weary face, Uncle Dis asked me once again.
"…Can you explain the effects in detail? To what extent of magic can the Absolute Magic Defense defend against?"
"Absolute Magic Defense causes magic itself to disperse. So, all kinds of magic."
"All kinds of magic…"
"That enhancement magic is a controversy to the existence of Magicians…"
"And, what about Complete Physical Impact Absorption?"
"It is similar. Physical attacks… or rather, it defends against attacks with any form of kinetic energy, such as physical objects."
"Even physical attacks…"
"Really, anything goes degozaru…"
"… I wonder, how much healing power does Auto-Heal have?"
"It'll heal to some extent, such as cure minor wounds or replace any damaged cells. However, it doesn't work on illnesses."
"Up to a certain amount of damage…"
"Wait a moment… how does that work out?"
Somehow or another, everyone was muttering, but this is far from perfect, okay?
"Well even if I said this, because this is a magic tool, right, it won't work unless it's imbued with magical power. And on top of that, it needs quite a bit of it. Therefore, you should take caution because it's not something you should always be using. It also won't necessarily trigger to protect you during a surprise attack. Nevertheless, I think it should prevent the situation of receiving an attack in the middle of chanting because aren't there plenty of magic made to gather on you when trying to use magic?"
This is something I want them to understand. A uniform is a magic tool and it needs magic power to activate, and, therefore, cannot be used continuously. It's similar to the saying 'although lamps and candles produce light, firewood is still necessary for a fireplace.'
One can think of magic power as a form of an energy source coming from a battery, and without it, the magic tool cannot be activated. With this theory, I tried to come up with something that can store up magic power, however, I couldn't think of anything. I wonder if there's something out there?
"I see, now I understand what Melinda-shi was talking about. Certainly, it this was to be released to the public, without a doubt, it would be an item of a national treasure level. And to be able to able to easily grant this kind of enchantment, I guess I should say, it as expected…"
"It is an amazing item, no doubt. However, Father, this is…"
"Ah, I understand. Shin-kun, do you mind?"
"What is it, Uncle Dis?"
"Shin-kun, the magic enhancement you've imparted it amazing. No, it's actually too amazing. However, it would cause a serious issue if it was to be sold in the market. That's why, you must absolutely not reveal it to others."
"It's not like I had that kind of plan to begin with, however, what would happen if the word gets out?"
"It's about that. When that happens, if the word about this enchantment gets out to the military…"
"If the word gets out to them…?"
"There is a high possibility that our military will voice their desire to declare war to nearby countries."
"Declare war!?"
"They won't have to fear any magic attacks, and also, bow, spear, and sword attacks will be rendered ineffective. They also don't have to wear heavy armor, nevertheless, as long as they are not heavily injured, they will receive immediate healing. If a massive amount of soldiers wearing armor with such enchantment were to gather… Don't you think it will be possible for them to overwhelmingly trample over armed forces of other countries?"
"Tha-that is…"
"Human beings are susceptible to temptation. When they think they have an overwhelming advantage against other countries… it's highly possible that they will declare war. A person who gives into that temptation… will surely appear."
"Tha-that is…!"
I… was thinking that it would have the power to defend everyone… However, didn't have thoughts apart from that… I didn't think thoroughly about its capabilities of being a tool of war…
War is an act most modern Japanese people repulsed. Thus, I didn't think about it.
…Somehow… I wasn't aware of the differences between the reality of this world and my thoughts…
"I see… That should be how it is… I really didn't think of such possibilities."
"Ah… Shin has… Shin has reflected for the first time!"
Grandma looked like she was impressed with something. How rude; in the past, I have reflected on some things! So that I won't make the same mistakes again…
"Nn, nn, it's good as long as you understand. About this…"
"To be honest, I also wanted to do the same for Gus' uniform… However, it'll be bad if it becomes widespread."
"Eh? Shin-kun? Wait a minute….."
"I'm sorry, Gus. I cannot grant these enchantments on your uniform."
"Wait a minute, Shin-kun! Certainly it's bad if it gets revealed, but it doesn't change the fact that it's very useful. Don't you think it'll be alright as long as he doesn't misuse it?!"
"What you said is true. It is not originally made as a tool for war."
"That's right, that's right; it's nothing more than a tool meant to use for self-defense. And also, I think it is necessary for a royalty to have a decent amount of defense. Yup."
"Uncle…"
"Father…"
Uncle Dis was desperate… However, since I originally had the intention of granting the enchantment on Gus' uniform, it saved me the trouble of asking for permission…
"I never wanted to see Father with such appearance…"
Gus had a complicated expression on his face. Ah, I see; inside the Royal Palace, the only appearance he ever saw was one of dignity. However, whenever he escapes to my house, this kind of expression is often seen.
"Gus, it would be good if you start getting accustomed to it. Since this kind of appearance is often seen in my house."
"… Is that… Is that so…?"
In the end, it was decided that the same enchantment would be applied to Gus' uniform. When it was suggested for the others to have their uniforms enchanted as well, Maria and the other two refused.
"I don't want to bear the responsibility of keeping the features of the uniform a secret…"
It seemed like she genuinely hated the idea. As for the two guards, after having stressed that it was absolutely necessary for them to have it, it was decided to be applied to their uniforms as well.
And thus, I enchanted three additional uniforms. When I finished Sicily's uniform and tried to pass it onto her, she said it was not permissible for her to receive one before Gus, and so, I gave one to Gus first. How troublesome!
"Thank you, Shin-kun. Although it's a little scary… I can see that Shin-kun is seriously trying to protect me. This makes me really happy."
Sicily gave me her thanks while smiling.
…As I thought, she's really cute… I want to personally protect this child somehow… However, I won't always arrive on time to do so…
"Shin, with this, are we all done?"
"Nn. But as I said before, this tool is not perfect. However, as long as it's not in a state of an emergency, there are other things that should be done…"
"Hoho, if that's the case, I have an idea in mind."
"Eh!? What is it, Grandpa!?"
"But before that, I wish to confirm something with the young lady. Young lady, how far is your house from this place, and also, could you tell me how you commute to school?"
"My house is about ten minutes away from here. As for commuting to school, I plan on walking there with Maria."
"In reality, there aren't any problems with walking to school since the security of the Royal City is good… however, the commute to school would still be the most dangerous time for the young lady. The possibly of being attacked during that time is high."
"No way…"
"Therefore, I think it would be a good idea to have Shin meet the young lady at her house, and commute to school together with her every morning."
"Merlin! You… you really said something good!"
"Hohho, I think so too, I think so, too."
Grandpa said proudly. Since grandma dominated the discussion a while ago, he wanted to somehow redeem himself.
What from!?
"But… wouldn't that become a big burden on Shin-kun? To have him come to my house every day before school… I cannot ask for such a thing."
Because Sicily was worried about burdening me, she wanted to somehow deal with Cart alone. She really is a gentle child.
"Fufu, if that's the case, there's nothing for you to worry about. Shin has some kind of magic he can use to pick you up."
"Melinda… I was just about to explain that…"
Grandpa is losing ground.
"In that case, explain it quickly."
"Then, I'll explain it now… Young lady, there's nothing for you to worry about. Shin has a certain convenient magic he could use. And the plan consists of him taking advantage of it."
"Convenient magic?"
"Ah, that magic…"
Uncle Dis suddenly had a distant look in his eyes. Although I understood why, he didn't have to make that of expression.
"Shin, why don't you show them that magic?"
"Sure, but where is our destination?"
"Hmmm, let me think… the house in the forest would be fine."
"I understand."
I imagined the house we used to live in, and then…
?Gate?
A magic name easy to understand was cast.
And suddenly, a glowing gate appeared in front of our eyes.
Puzzled, everyone approached the gate while looking at it skeptically. I then instructed everyone to walk through it and went ahead of them.
On the other side of the gate, was a nostalgic sight. It was the home which I have not seen for several months.
Then, everyone came out of the gate one after another. As soon as they got out, they were all wide-eyed.
"This magic is amazing as ever."
"It's been a while since we came to this house, but appears that the barrier is still fully functional."
"Of course, it is. Who did you think made this large barrier."
Maybe because the adults had already seen it once, they were more calm about it, however, my classmates were all left speechless.
"This is the house where I lived in until a short while ago."
When I explained, Gus recovered and started talking.
"Wait a minute, if I am not mistaken, you said you used to live deep in the forest."
"That's right. This place is exactly deep in the forest."
"How did we get to this place?"
"Because I used 'Gate.'"
"Gate?"
"Yes, it's a magic that connects where you currently are and the location of where you want to go."
"No way… transference magic…"
"Nn~ But it's a little different from transference magic."
Even if I were to explain the concept to them, they probably wouldn't understand it, so I didn't explain.
In the past, when I explained it to grandpa, he wasn't able to understand it. But despite that, he has the ability to use extra-dimensional storage space.
"Tra, transference magic…"
"That kind of magic, are those that appears only in stories, right…?"
"Everyone says that you don't know common sense, but seeing it now, this is…"
"This certainly doesn't fit the common sense of magic degozaru…"
It's fine as long as I can imagine it and use it.
When I glanced at the house, I suddenly noticed it.
Huh? How come the magic tool that's casting the barrier is able to operate continuously?
"Hey, grandma."
"What is it?"
"That, what is that tool that's continuously maintaining the barrier?"
"Th-that is what it is! That! Is grandma's super-technique!"
"Super-technique…"
"Rather than that, look! Since you've already showed them your magic, let's return!"
"I-I understand…"
And so, I once again opened the gate, and we went back to the Royal City.
* * *
'Th-that was close…'
Having asked by Shin, Melinda was forced to give him a fabricated response to deceive him. It really was extremely difficult to fool him…
In fact, the tool Shin has envisioned; one which stores magical power and enables the continuous use of a magic tool already existed. A tool that stores and releases magical power also exists.
If that's the case, why not tell Shin about it? First of all, the object that can store magical power is extremely expensive in addition to being exceedingly rare. In reality, even Melinda only had one in her possession, and at the present time, she could not make it available for Shin. And the biggest reason out of all reasons was…
'If Shin comes to know about the existence of a magic stone, no one knows what kind of event would occur.'
But there was something else that frightened Melinda above all. And that is…
'If it's Shin, it is highly possible that he might even start producing these magic stones…'
Magic stones are something that takes many long years turn into crystals by the energy originating from this world. In reality, the principle of crystallization has not yet been clarified. Since they are mostly discovered below the earth, various research has been conducted regarding the process, such as unique underground composition, but so far, no conclusion has been reached.
'Ha~a… But since he will probably learn it in class, it's only a matter of time before he finds out about it…'
There was no end to Melinda's worries.
* * *
Grandma was forced to fabricate her response. She can't say it, or doesn't want to say it; either way, since grandma doesn't want to tell me, it can't be helped. However, it looks like there is a method one can continue to use a magic tool, and although I cannot comprehend it presently, I'm sure grandma will teach me one day. Leaving that aside, let's continue with the story of commuting to school.
"You understand it now, right? Every morning, Shin will use this 'Gate' to go to young lady's house, pick her up, and come back to this house. It's better for them to walk to the academy from here instead of going directly to school because it might cause a commotion. Then to get home, they'll come back to this house, and Shin will once again use 'Gate' to bring her home. With this, there shouldn't be any problems, right?"
"Merlin brought up quite a good suggestion. Sicily, why don't you commute to the academy every day dropping by our house!"
"Ah? Oh, I see. This way, there isn't much burden to Shin-kun, is there?"
"That's how it is. That's why you don't have to worry about Shin's burden, right?"
"Okay. Shin-kun?"
"What is it?"
"Umm… Can I ask that of you?"
"Oh, of course!"
"Well then, let's immediately set off for the young lady's house."
"Eh? Why do we need to go to my house?"
"Ah, that's because I cannot use this magic to go to places I have never been to."
"That's how it is. That's why it's necessary to go to young lady's house."
"Heh, is that so."
"Since that's the case, let's go quickly."
Grandpa and grandma are both all geared up and ready to go.
"Why are grandpa and grandma also coming?"
"Hohho, you will be entrusted with the young lady's safety in the future, so isn't it right that I go?"
"It's only natural to greet the parents."
It looks like it's something of the norm. Is that really true?
"Alright, if that's the case, let's get ready to go."
"Wait a minute, Uncle Dis."
"What is it?"
"Is it okay for a King to easily decide to go to a house of a vassal of this Kingdom?"
"That's right Father since I'm exercising self-control, Father should also hold back."
"Ah, I got found out. I thought I would be able to take advantage of the moment of confusion."
In the end, the people who went to Sicily's house were me, grandpa, grandma, Sicily and Maria; it became the same members who came back from school.
It was a ten-minute walking distance and doesn't even take five minutes by horse-drawn carriage. When we arrived at Sicily's house, it is as expected, a large mansion befitting of a Viscount. And when we approached the gate, a gatekeeper came to greet us.
"Pardon me for asking, but who might you be?"
Hmm? Oh, I see. Because she's not riding a carriage which belongs to the household, he didn't notice Sicily.
"It's me, Mike-san. I have just returned."
"Young mistress?! Since you're riding a different carriage, did something happen?!"
Because of the turmoil caused by Cart, it looks like he's considerably uptight.
"I'm alright. It's only because I accepted their offer."
"Is that so… And the people here are…?"
"They are Magi Merlin-sama, Guru Melinda-sama, and their grandson, Shin-kun."
"Ma! Magi-sama!? Magi-sama!"
He was extremely surprised. It's only natural. Especially when a hero suddenly appears before him.
"Hohho, is it alright for us to enter?"
"Y-yes! Please do!"
"Thank you very much."
"U-umm!"
"Hmmm?"
"M-may I shake your hand!?"
"Hohhohho, I don't mind."
"Thank you very much!!"
"Please continue to earnestly protect Sicily's house."
"Yes!!!"
Ah, it looks like his eyes are also becoming watery.
And so, we entered the house. After verifying our identities, the gate opened.
When we entered her house, her parents, who had previously returned after the entrance ceremony, came out to greet us.
"Oh! Sicily, you have returned! Now, come inside and let us hear all about Magi…-sama and… Guru…-sama…"
"Father, Mother, I have returned. And at the same time…"
"Ma-Ma-Ma-Ma-Magi-sama!? Guru-sama!?"
"Nice to meet you, I'm Merlin."
"I'm Melinda."
"Ni-nice to meet you! I am Cecil von Claude! I am… very… honored… to meet… you…"
He burst into tears! Sicily's father did!
"Oh, honey, really. I'm really sorry about this. I'm Sicily's mother, Irene von Claude. And to what do we owe the pleasure to have Magi-sama and Guru-sama here in our house?"
Sicily's mother asked curiously. Sicily's mother is a splitting image of her. She gives the feeling of being a grown up Sicily, but with a shade darker than Sicily's navy blue hair.
By the way, her father is a handsome man [ikemen] with blonde hair and blue eyes. An aristocrat! He exudes an atmosphere of elegance. Although he's currently crumbling with tears…
"Before that, Shin."
"Nice to meet you. My name is Shin, and I'm Merlin and Melinda's grandson."
"My grandson…"
Huh? This time, it was grandma who was tearing up.
"Oh, Shin-kun was the one who helped Sicily, right? Thank you so much for helping Sicily."
"Oh, that's right, Shin-kun!! Thank you so much for helping Sicily! You are Sicily's, no, the benefactor of our household!"
"N-no. It was only a matter of course."
"Regarding that matter, there's something we'd like to discuss."
"Something to discuss?"
Grandpa immediately brought up the conclusion of the discussion we had at home. It was the matter of me picking her up and sending her home.
"No, but… No matter how I look at it, depending on Shin-kun too much is… wouldn't it be too much of a burden for him?"
"I have no problem with it."
I once again opened 'Gate' and went back home.
"Hmm? You've already returned?"
Uncle Dis was still there. He still hasn't gone home. Do some work.
"Your majesty!?"
Ah, Cecil-san was immensely surprised. It was only right. That's why he should go home and do some work.
"Ah, I was just about to explain how 'Gate' works."
I ignored Uncle Dis and went back to Sicily's house.
They were surprised by the magic called Gate, however, since the King of the Kingdom is on the other side of the gate, it was only right to be surprised.
"That's how it is; with this magic, Shin can pick and drop her off. There's no burden, and above all, it's safe."
"To go that far to helping her, thank you very much."
"Ah, you guys don't have to stand on ceremony too much. That aside, the two of you, lend me your ears."
"Eh? O-okay…"
Grandma whispered something to Sicily's parents' ears. The both of them looked at each other, and then the three started to shake hands. What is it? What did they talk about? Also, grandpa was left out of the loop.
"…"
D-do your best Grandpa!
I then selected the destination for 'Gate.' Because of its sudden materialization, the members of the household were utterly frightened, so it was then decided that I was to be given a spare room where I could cast it. And to tell someone that I have arrived, I would knock from inside the room.
This matter was disclosed to all servants, with a promise that they would absolutely not reveal it.
"Then, with this, are we done? If so, let's go back home. Sicily, I'll come pick you up tomorrow. And Maria, sorry to keep you waiting."
"Nn. Thank you very much for today. From now onwards, I'll be in your care."
"Hmm, it'll be bad if I also tag along [become a third-wheel]."
"What are you talking about? Since Maria just lives next door, it's not a problem to send you too, you know?"
"No, I was thinking it'd be bad if I intrude between you two…"
"Don't get any strange ideas!"
The atmosphere will become strange!
"Tomorrow, then."
"Nn, see you tomorrow."
"See you later!"
With that, we returned home.
* * *
After Shin and the others went to Sicily's house, Augusto muttered.
"In regards to him being assigned as her bodyguard, no one would dare oppose."
He saw through grandpa and grandma's plan.