Please, Just Read It

Please just read this

Chapter 47

Post-Event (3)

“You’re taking the joke too far.”

[……?]

It was right then.

“Are you telling me that a mere low-ranking magician passed the first trial in half a day? That doesn’t make any sense.”

Someone’s voice broke the silence.

I turned my gaze towards the direction of the sound.

[What’s with that guy?]

Gilbert, the apprentice sitting next to Pamela, was huffing in anger.

Wasn’t that his name?

He looked pretty humiliated.

[Why the hell is he so mad?]

“I don’t know.”

What’s going on?

Could it be that he feels disgruntled over the attention shifting away from him?

“It seems so.”

[…Is he an idiot?]

Still,

We had only met relatively kind magicians until now.

Most magicians are similar to that idiot.

[Well, whatever.]

I was getting bored anyway, so let’s quietly watch this idiot’s ranting play out.

Just as expected, he started to speak again.

“The ‘Magic Interference’ spread across the Wilhelm territory cannot be easily breached.”

“…….”

“Moreover, the residual mana resulting from experiments or research by other magicians makes passive magic like Pathfinding less effective. You all know this, don’t you?”

Right, that’s true.

But that only applies to ordinary magicians.

Our Riley, with her exceptional affinity for mana, could easily leap over such obstacles, you fool.

“But that girl, being only a low-ranking magician, managed to find the administrative center in half a day.”

He pointed at Riley with his finger and continued.

“Honestly, I have my doubts.”

“….”

“I question whether that candidate is even qualified to take the final exam.”

Gilbert growled in a low voice.

“Stop being silent and speak up, Riley. If a mere low-ranking magician made it this far, then she must have used some foul means….”

“Hey.”

Just as Gilbert was about to cross the line,

Someone interrupted him.

“Are you saying she passed the selection test using foul means? I actually think that doesn’t make any sense at all.”

“That’s….”

“What was your name again? Gilbert, wasn’t it?”

Dorothy, resting her chin in one hand, stared blankly at Gilbert.

“Right. Gilbert. Let me ask you one thing.”

“…….”

“Do you think you can beat me in a fight?”

Before her words even finished, a small amount of magic stirred around Dorothy.

Gilbert froze upon seeing the display of magical power.

“Why? Can’t you answer?”

“…….”

No matter how talented Gilbert might be, he was still just a rough gem at this point.

In contrast, Dorothy was a veteran at the height of intermediate rank.

Could Gilbert really beat someone like Dorothy?

I don’t think so.

Maybe in the far future.

But right now, that’s just impossible.

Hehe─.

When the silence stretched on without a response, Dorothy smirked, looking amused.

“Then just shut your mouth, kid.”

Her voice, cold as ice, echoed again.

“Riley over there defeated both me and Arfel at the same time, you know, rookie.”

“W-What…”

“If you can’t even manage that, then just eat your food quietly. Don’t ruin the atmosphere.”

Upon hearing that Riley defeated both Dorothy and Arfel, Gilbert’s pupils began to tremble.

His expression conveyed disbelief as he slowly turned his head aside.

“I-Is that true, Sir Stingwood?”

“Haha.”

A confirming question.

Arfel Stingwood chuckled slightly at that.

“Gilbert-kun.”

“…….”

“Have you ever seen a magician from the Mage family contradict themselves?”

The middle name [Mage] is a title awarded only to the Five Great Towers’ prestigious magical families.

Every fifty years, the glorious title is renewed among those families.

Endorsed by the imperial family.

And among them, Dorothy Mage Greyard and Arfel Mage Stingwood, both members of such families.

It’s utterly foolish to offend them. Especially if you’re a fellow magician.

Gilbert, sensing the gravity of the moment, hurriedly denied Arfel’s statement.

“I-I didn’t mean that….”

“If not,”

Arfel interrupted him.

“Are you implying that you doubt Riley’s abilities?”

“…….”

Once again, there was no response.

However, the sharp gaze in Gilbert’s eyes still held suspicion towards Riley.

He was likely ignoring her. After all, Riley’s rank was merely low-ranking.

Honestly, I’m getting tired of these kinds of situations.

Being underestimated just because she’s low-ranking every time.

Perhaps it’s one of the reasons why Riley wanted to achieve a quick second awakening — to avoid situations like this.

“Riley-chan passed the second selection test more fairly than anyone else.”

“…….”

“So probably, the same goes for the first test.”

Arfel Stingwood broke the silence again, his voice calm.

“Doubting her qualifications is essentially doubting the Five Great Towers that presided over the selection test.”

“…….”

“Moreover, it’s also an insult to all of us who passed the same test as she did.”

He smiled, continuing as if advising Gilbert.

“I believe Gilbert-kun understands what it means for a young magician who hasn’t even reached adulthood to surpass the apprentice rank and reach low rank.”

“…….”

Magicians capable of surpassing the apprentice level before their second awakening are rare.

And such irregulars typically grow into pivotal figures in the magical community.

“So let me ask you again.”

Having finished his speech, Arfel fixed Gilbert with a lingering gaze.

His voice, though soft, bore an inexplicable weight.

“Do you still think Riley lacks qualifications in your eyes?”

“…….”

That was more a warning than a question.

A warning to not cross the line any further.

“Haha, hahaha…!”

As the situation intensified slightly, Pamela, who had been observing, jumped into the fray.

“Oh no, it seems my disciple made a big blunder!”

“…….”

“Since she only ever trained in her room with me, she doesn’t quite understand some things. I’ll give her a stern talking-to later.”

Pamela gave an awkward smile and then playfully slapped Gilbert on the back.

“What are you doing, kid! Apologize quickly!”

“…….”

After being lightly struck, Gilbert reluctantly stood up.

His face looked a bit disgruntled but he hid his emotions well as he bowed deeply.

“…I’m very sorry for my rudeness.”

Well, he may still be immature, but at least he faithfully listens to his teacher.

I’m relieved he’s not just a stiff idiot.

Of course, his lingering hostility towards Riley remained, but that petty attitude was none of our concern.

Clang─.

Nonetheless, along with Gilbert’s apology, the heightened atmosphere gradually calmed down.

Stingwood silently picked up his utensils, while Dorothy continued her meal, seemingly unfazed.

“Gilbert.”

After a bit of time, Garon Theobalt, who had been watching quietly, spoke up.

“Everyone understands how you feel.”

“…….”

“It’s true that Riley-chan is young. And she’s certainly of low rank. If a girl who passed the second test is still just a low rank, I doubt anyone would harbor any suspicion.”

He pointed to himself and said.

“You’re not the only one. Initially, I looked down on Riley, just like you. Dorothy suffered because she underestimated her. Well, the same goes for Arfel-kun.”

“…Cough!”

“…….”

Upon hearing that, both Arfel and Dorothy turned red in the face simultaneously.

Regardless, Garon Theobalt continued his discourse.

“It’s no issue to question the abilities of your opponent.”

“…….”

“Rather, it’s the quintessential quality of a magician to continue doubting.”

Doubt. Exploration. And endless observation.

As Garon Theobalt said, those were essential qualities for a magician.

“However.”

“…….”

“I’d like you to think seriously about whether it was necessary to voice those doubts in a situation like this.”

But in every matter, there is a suitable time and place.

A gathering for celebrating the passing of the second test.

Did he really need to express his doubts and hostility in front of seasoned magicians far more experienced than himself?

“…….”

The moment Gilbert heard that, his face grew slightly flushed.

Not from embarrassment but rather from resentment.

He clenched his teeth and muttered.

“…I’m sorry.”

“That’s enough. Just don’t do it again next time.”

Garon Theobalt continued.

“If you really doubt Riley’s abilities, seek her out later. A one-on-one duel between the two of you wouldn’t be a bad idea.”

“…….”

“I think Riley would welcome that.”

He smiled and turned his gaze toward Riley.

“Wouldn’t you agree, Riley?”

At that question, Riley looked at Gilbert with a smile.

“I’d be honored.”

“…….”

“I’m always up for a duel, Gilbert-kun.”

As she responded, Riley sent a look filled with intent.

A warning for him not to act foolishly again.

The chilly glare she had developed from surviving the Thieves’ Guild pierced through Gilbert.

Gulp─.

“……!”

In the very next moment, Gilbert trembled at the sharp killing intent that pricked at his skin.

However, no one else noticed anything unusual besides him.

And rightly so, Riley’s killing intent was exceptionally subtle.

[…Was there really a need to emanate killing intent at the end?]

‘Well, getting cocky again could be a hassle.’

[Aha.]

Well, that’s not a bad approach.

“Haha! So, speaking of which…”

Anyway, with Riley’s response, the atmosphere of the gathering was rekindled.

Everyone maintained smiles as they resumed their meals.

The banquet hall had returned to its initially bright atmosphere.

With the exception of Gilbert, who was terrified from the killing intent Riley had sent.

Seeing that situation, Riley finally wore a more relaxed expression.

‘It feels peaceful again.’

[Yes.]

‘Now I can eat to my heart’s content without being anxious.’

Indeed.

Go on, eat, eat.

It was a bit noisy for a moment due to that childish brat, but now it should stay quiet, unless something special happens…

[…Wait a moment.]

Suddenly, a foreboding thought entered my mind.

‘What’s up?’

[Well, that is…]

Knock, knock─.

[Ah….]

And then, just like that.

The very next moment, the thing I had dreaded unfolded.

“So, I was saying! Back then I… Umm?”

A sound of someone knocking on the door.

Pamela paused her speech and tilted her head in confusion.

“Is anyone else supposed to come at this hour?”

Arfel snapped his fingers as if recalling something.

“Oh, right! There was one more guest! I completely forgot!”

“Oh! A new guest! That’s exciting…”

Creak─.

A woman entered through the door.

“Um… A, a, hello?”

With messy hair covering her eyes and an oddly unconfident voice.

It was Olivia.

And upon witnessing her, Pamela suddenly began shrieking in terror without any warning.

“AHH! P-Please, please save me! No torture, please!”

Chaos ensued.

Pamela, clutching her head and trembling, Arfel and Garon Theobalt trying to calm her down, and Dorothy just grinning like a Cheshire cat.

“AHHH!”

“Pamela, what’s wrong…?”

“AAAH! Please, don’t let them torture me!”

It seemed like the meal was set to become quite loud for the foreseeable future.

*

“Umm.”

Before I knew it, it was late evening.

Having finished our meals, we retreated to the room and began discussing “Understanding Second Awakenings and Elemental Manifestation.”

“So then…”

Riley summed up the concepts I had explained thus far.

“So, within my mana heart, there’s this thing called an ‘Elemental Seed’, right?”

[That’s right.]

“And… Once my mana surpasses a certain threshold, the seed will naturally manifest?”

[Exactly.]

The method of manifesting an element is simple.

Just awaken the seed asleep in the mana heart.

And to awaken that seed, as Riley mentioned earlier, the owner’s mana must exceed a certain value.

“Umm….”

It was a straightforward mechanism.

But upon hearing the explanation, Riley tilted her head, expressing confusion.

“I don’t get it.”

[What don’t you get?]

“The reason I want to achieve an early awakening is to compensate for my insufficient mana.”

Isn’t that right?

“But to awaken early, I need to have high mana levels?”

[Yes.]

“That doesn’t add up.”

[Oh. That’s just how it is.]

“……?”

Those desiring an early awakening usually have low mana levels.

But to go through early awakening, their mana must actually exceed a certain threshold.

A paradox.

As Riley said, this concept doesn’t align at all. However, the truth is that early awakening inherently manipulates this contradiction.

“Well…”

Hearing what I had said, Riley took a moment before swallowing her words.

“Alright then. What should I do from here?”

[You just need to do what you do best.]

“What’s that?”

I replied.

[Lying.]

“……Huh?”

To clarify for Riley, I repeated my answer.

[You have to lie.]

“…….”

That’s right.

Lying.

From now on, we’re going to lie.

To make Riley’s mana heart believe that “Oh, she has a lot of mana!” until it gets fooled.

That way, the seed dormant in her mana heart will naturally manifest.

[What do you think will happen once the Elemental Seed blooms? Her body will recognize, ‘Ah, she has finished her second awakening,’ right?]

Because that’s the rule of this world. Elemental manifestation occurs automatically after completing the second awakening.

[Then from that point onward, her body will naturally transform into that of a second-awakening magician.]

Her mana will increase even though she hasn’t experienced the second awakening.

The mana circuits will grow wider, and the strength of her mana heart will become sturdier.

Deceiving the mana heart.

Creating results without a process. Making the processes we didn’t experience follow through naturally.

A paradox.

An inconsistency.

Of course, it couldn’t be anything but illogical.

That’s because early awakening is a concept that operates by completely twisting causality.

[It’s a bit complicated, but do you more or less understand?]

Riley confidently replied.

“I don’t understand at all….”

[Yep. Let’s just drop it.]