Chapter 23: Magic Lecture
"Magic power is the force that resides in all things, and it is said that we can manipulate and interfere with its form and nature through our will... That is what they say. The formula we use in casting magic is essentially a formula and rule to clearly define the workings of the vague magic power we manipulate."
Travis, the instructor of practical magic, introduced himself and spoke fluently while moving back and forth slowly behind the lectern.
It was a meticulous class for students studying practical magic, starting from the basics of magic power.
"However, the problem arises with magic aptitude. Just as our physique, hair and eye color, and facial shape are all different, the quality... the quirks of magic power are also different for each person. Therefore, even with the same formula, the results vary depending on the method and system of magic power distortion. In other words, there are strengths and weaknesses."
Magic aptitude.
Each person has different attributes they excel in, and the types of magic they excel in may also differ across attributes. In simple terms, it's their preferred attribute, I suppose?
For example, in the case of Ashley and Rosetta, their magic power has very few quirks, making it easier to assimilate into someone else's body, and they excel in magic that affects the physical body. In other words, they excel in healing magic that transcends attributes.
As for me, I excel in offensive magic because I have excellent output. In reality, I've become too accustomed to various ways of manipulating magic power, so I no longer know what I'm really good at.
During BFO, the attributes I frequently used seemed to grow. I took the stance that any offensive magic would do, so I played around with various types.
As for Grace... it's more of a racial characteristic than magic aptitude. If I were to put it into words, it would be something like being inclined toward the erosion, absorption, transformation, and assimilation of magic power.
"Practical magic requires less magic power for activation, and the structure of the formula is simple, making it easy to handle. Until you get used to manipulating magic, it's best to grasp the tendencies of your own magic aptitude through practical magic and learn how to handle unfamiliar magic power. Of course, as the original purpose of practical magic, we recommend actively using them in daily life."
Using magic in daily life is the mainstream belief of the Tower Magician Guild, the majority of magicians.
Travis finished his introduction like that and asked the students to raise their hands for self-declaration, dividing them into two groups.
In other words, whether they can perceive the flow of magic within their own bodies or not.
If they can perceive magic, it can be assumed that they can also perform simple magic manipulation. In other words, in order, they learn the sensation of manipulating magic by moving it with formulas... something like that.
In short, if the magic of daily life is simple enough, you can reproduce the correct incantation and movements, and the magic formula will automatically replicate the flow of magical power.
Non-verbal spells involve intuitively memorizing the flow of magical power and reproducing it without incantations or movements.
And a magic circle is a device that releases all the incantations and movements through manipulation of magical power, draws a magic circle externally, and activates the spell by synchronizing it with internal magical power.
"Now, let me teach you the incantation for a simple daily life magic. Those who can recognize magical power should try to use daily life magic while paying attention to the movement of their own magical power. For those who cannot yet recognize magical power, you can assist each other during this time."
Travis taught three types of magic: a spell to create a tinder spark, a spell to collect water, and a spell to create a gentle breeze.
Since the tinder spark magic involved handling fire, everyone was taken outside to the courtyard for practical training.
Travis provided individual guidance to those who couldn't recognize magical power yet. Therefore, the group who already had magical power recognition was more like self-study.
I should also learn it properly without being lazy. Without knowing the correct procedure, I won't be able to perform non-verbal spells or create a magic circle.
"Oh, look. I did it!"
Ashley happily demonstrated the tinder spark magic.
A flame the size of a grain of rice was lit just a little away from her fingertips. Even when Ashley moved, the flame remained stable without any sign of extinguishing.
Ashley seemed unaware, but this was not just a simple activation, it was a more advanced technique.
"I'll give it a try too."
I chanted properly and tried to light a flame at my fingertips.
Hmm, I don't have to worry about control relying on the magic formula. It's very easy. When I light a firewood at home, adjusting the flame was quite troublesome. Compared to that, this is very convenient.
"Theodore-sama, did you not learn daily life magic until now?"
"Yes, there was a reason, so I only learned offensive magic."
"...I see, is that so?"
Ashley furrowed her eyebrows slightly.
"...No, it's not that serious of a reason. I just learned it because I had the opportunity."
...Well, it's true that I wanted power and I was studying the assembly of offensive magic from scratch in my father's study. I made some progress, but in the end, almost all the magic I learned was from the BFO system, so there was no desperate reason or intense dedication involved.
Although others have succeeded in activating it, since daily life magic is also for beginners, there are still not many who have reached the level of mastery.
There were five people besides us, huh? I'm not sure if that's a lot or a little.
For now, learning practical magic is easy. If possible, it would be better to learn it in a proper institution like a school. Although it's a simple magic, each practitioner has their own convenient arrangements, so strange habits can be transferred.
"Hey, you."
Tarukotto called out to me in a rough tone.
...Not me, but Ashley.
"What is it?"
Pretending to misunderstand that I was being called, I stepped forward to Tarukotto.
"Not you. The other one. You're Shilun's lord, right?"
Impossible. What is this? If he knows she's a lord, there should be appropriate etiquette. Despite being born into the Count's family, Tarukotto himself is just a child, while Ashley is a female baroness.
Ashley apologized to me before... that was a rare case, I suppose.
"You are--"
"Lord Theodore."
I thought of admonishing him loudly about manners for now and making him back off. Ashley gave me a signal and stepped forward. It seems she wants to handle it herself since she was the one mentioned by name.
I think Kennel's education and Ashley's actions are correct. That is, if the other party has common sense.
If things go wrong, I'll handle it with an air bullet or something.
I discreetly clenched a magic circle in my hand, ready to activate it.
"Indeed, I am Ashley=Rhodias=Shilun. What do you want from me?"
"A while ago, your father sent a marriage proposal letter to your place. What happened to that?"
...Ah, this idiot. He's bringing up this topic here?
About a year ago, Tarukotto accidentally lost control of his magic and injured his fiancée, who was the daughter of a wealthy merchant, causing the engagement to be broken. The candidate for a concubine was also involved, so he was completely ignored.
It was said that they were on the verge of marriage. In his desperation, his father sent marriage proposal letters to unmarried noblewomen, trying to cover up the shame.
It's not like you'll hit the target if you shoot blindly. Who would nod their head right after such a scandal?
The reason for not caring about appearances is said to be because tax revenue has decreased and the kitchen situation is difficult. It seems his intention was to secure financial assistance by arranging a marriage with the daughter of a wealthy merchant, but it ended up being broken.
Ashley also had a bewildered expression. Of course. This guy doesn't even introduce himself by his own name.
"Please wait. Which household are you from?"
"I am Talcott from the Earl of Cardiff's family. Don't you know me?"
Ashley probably doesn't know. There's no way Kennel would have mentioned something like this.
"I see. I am aware of the name of the Earl of Cardiff's family, but this is the first time I've heard about a marriage proposal. It might be a misunderstanding. Since it concerns our families, I would like to confirm with our estate before giving a response to the Earl's family."
As expected, it seems Kennel has turned them away. Knowing Kennel, he probably gave a response, but Talcott hasn't been informed about the individual results. If he were to be told that it was a complete failure, he might throw a tantrum and unleash his magic.
But well, Ashley's response is perfect. It adheres to etiquette, avoids hasty replies, and doesn't give any commitments. Kennel may have been a bit overprotective and biased, but he must have provided a solid education.
Later, an officially reasoned rejection response will reach the Earl of Cardiff's family, and this matter will be over.
Perhaps realizing from Ashley's expression and unfavorable response, Talcott clicks his tongue and glares at me.
"I heard the Lord of Shiln doesn't have a fiancée. What about you?"
"I am Theodore-Gartner. I am a friend of Ashley-sama."
So, did he find a reason to react negatively towards me?
Well, that's easier to understand.
"Gartner... Ah, a local noble family. Are you from a higher rank or a lower one?"
"Neither of those."
Now, what should I do?
Should I pretend not to know anything and ask about the fiancée? I could say that as a local noble, I wasn't aware of the scandals in the capital.
With that, I can come up with an excuse that I only tried to protect myself if he loses his temper, and it would provide me with a moral justification. If he shows self-restraint, he'll probably back down.
"What happened?"
However, before I could put that into action, Travis returns from the other side. Talcott clicks his tongue and moves away from us.
Ashley lets out a relieved sigh.
"That was unfortunate, Ashley-sama."
"No, I'm fine. It's you, Theodore-sama."
When our gazes meet, Ashley smiles wryly.
Now, several groups are formed, with the advanced group teaming up with the latecomers to observe each other's life magic. Travis will go around and provide guidance to those groups.
My team has somehow become entirely composed of younger children. Well... It's probably because Ashley gets along well with them and they're close in age. Ashley handles the girls, while I take charge of the boys.
"Ashley-sama, how do you manage to keep the fire going for so long?"
"Well, you see, I slowly and gently release the magical power from my fingertips..."
"Teo, you're amazing!"
"If you chant properly, the spell formula will manipulate the magical power for you. It's good to learn the control gradually."
And so, the training went on like this.
Travis was talking about serious matters, but the atmosphere of the lecture itself was quite relaxed.
"Why can't you even do something like that?"
...There were some who endlessly complained about the magic of their fellow team members.
Travis cast a slightly cold gaze, but he decided to ignore it and continue instructing the other teams.
Talcott must be taking this lecture because he caused a magical mishap. I've heard stories about how harsh the head of the Cardiff family can be, but apparently, they couldn't leave Talcott's magic, which caused a blow during an important time, as it was.
In that case, Travis, the instructor, might have received the full story. If that's the case, Talcott will be heavily criticized when his turn comes... in front of everyone.
"Why do I have to deal with such trivial magic... When I, who can handle intermediate magic, am here. Can I skip the lecture if I actually demonstrate it?"
Talcott is still muttering complaints.
But his words were carried by the wind and reached my ears, making me lift my head in surprise.
Talcott's words had somehow changed and were no longer directed at the surroundings.
Is he... reciting the incantation for Firestorm!? What is this idiot thinking!?