"How much do you know about the history of Arcanora?"
Hikari had asked the moment Kazuki arrived, expecting a martial arts lesson but encountering a different topic.
"Not much, honestly. I only know the basics that most commoners are aware of and nothing about the noble society," Kazuki replied.
Hikari nodded in understanding. "If you are going to represent me, you must be well-versed in everything. There are seven key households you need to be aware of: The Royal Family and the six Dukedoms of Arcanora."
"The Royal Family, the Arashiyama, is more symbolic than influential. They employ talented mages, mercenaries, and adventurers, with the Inquisitors and the Knight Guard protecting the Kingdom."
"Arcanora was neutral until 200 years ago when it formed an alliance with the Invictus Kingdom of Magic, the most powerful of the three kingdoms. In exchange for the alliance, Invictus provided Six Sacred Scrolls detailing the process to summon the Six Spirit Kings and Queens of Nature. This opportunity allowed us to form contracts with these powerful entities.
The Lux Arcena Kingdom was incensed by this outcome as it had always wanted to ruin the Invictus Kingdom who had always preferred to live like primitives as they say, and solely relied on magic while they were incorporating magic in advanced technology and become superior to natural mages.
It didn't have much effect in swaying our Kingdom towards their side as even though Invictus Kingdom only relied on magic, they were undoubtedly the strongest among the 3 Kingdoms.
The Arashiyama Family distributed the scrolls to the Six Strongest Mages of the time, leading to the formation of the Six Dukedoms we have today. Each Duke swore fealty to the Arashiyama Family in return.
The Arashiyama Family wisely chose not to hoard the scrolls but to empower the strongest mages. Since only the Best of Mages could hope to form contracts with the Spirit Rulers."
"Isn't this confidential information?" Kazuki interrupted, feeling anxious.
"It is, but you don't need to worry too much. This information will help you navigate the nobility," Hikari reassured him.
"As I said earlier, the 6 Scriptures were given to the 6 Strongest Mages of that time, which had formed their respective Dukedoms,
The Kazuma Dukedom formed by Kazuma Hirosaki had inherited the summoning scripture of Spirit King of Fire. Their current heir is Kazuma Takumi.
The Mizuno Dukedom formed by Mizuno Aoi had inherited the summoning scripture of Spirit Queen of Water. Their current heir is Mizuno Haruka.
The Yamada Dukedom formed by Yamada Kiyoshi had inherited the summoning scripture of Spirit King of Earth. Their current heir is Yamada Riku.
The Kazehana Dukedom formed by Kazehana Yuriko had inherited the summoning scripture of Spirit Queen of Wind. Their current heir is Kazehana Airi.
The Kagayaki Dukedom formed by Kagayaki Akiko had inherited the summoning scripture of Spirit Queen of Light. Their current heir is Kagayaki Aiko.
The Yamikage Dukedom formed by Yamikage Shouhei had inherited the summoning scripture of Spirit King of Darkness. Their current heir is Yamikage Shin.
There are many other Noble Families but you can ignore those for now, even if you offended them, they can't do anything as I am standing behind you.
The Duke Families however are a different case, they not only hold a lot of power but also govern almost all the territory of this Kingdom. They also hold a lot of sway over the general public, offending them will not do you any good."
"So as long as I don't make an enemy out of them, everything else is fine?"
"Pretty much, I'll do my best to support you in the outside world but I can't show favoritism inside the Academy, so you'll have to make do on your own." Hikari brazenly shrugged off the issue as if it didn't matter to him.
Hikari's frivolous attitude exasperated Kazuki to no end but there wasn't anything he could do about this. So he decided to gather as much important information as possible.
"Is there anyone in particular among them that I need to watch out for?" Hikari approvingly nodded before answering his question.
"Kazuma Family is Prideful but Trustworthy, they won't take action against you if you don't rile them, they would also not discriminate against you just because you are a commoner.
Mizuno Family is filled with cool headed individuals, unless you make it necessary for them to target you, they won't be a problem.
Yamada Family is much more tame than the Kazuma Family, they aren't the scheming type, so you can ignore any possible hostilities from their side as well, but they will give it their all if you do incur their wrath.
Kazehana Family follows a policy of not involving themselves in challenging situations. They also seem to enjoy the struggles of others, but when the situation arises when they have to act, they will support you with everything they have.
Kagayaki Family is one of the strongest magic families of our Kingdom, they also avoid participation in underhanded politics and mostly focus on helping the general populace of their region. This is the reason they have the best public image in our Kingdom. It would do you good if you were able to garner their support."
Up until now Hikari had just been rattling off the information he had on the duke families but now he made a solemn face while telling him about the last Duke Family of Arcanora.
"Yamikage Family is the other strongest magic family of our Kingdom, they, unlike the Kazehana Family are deeply involved with the Underworld Politics, they also don't mind getting their hands dirty if it benefits them, the head of their family, Shouhei is an astute Individual, he is also the one responsible for the unbalanced power their family enjoys.
But what you need to pay close attention to is their son Yamikage Shin, even though he doesn't possess as much talent as the other Heirs of Duke Families, he is extremely arrogant and short-tempered, I am almost certain you'll be targeted by him when you join the Academy.
I don't want you to just take everything he throws your way, you are free to respond, but let me make it clear, no matter what happens, make sure you do not take it too far and make the entire Yamikage Family your enemy, because then, even I will have trouble defending your position."
Kazuki silently affirmed, he had no intention of doing something so bothersome.