This Time, I Became the Fiance of a Duke’s Daughter. But She is Rumored to have Bad Personality, and Ten Years Older – Chapter 17

“You came all the way here to deliver the request yourself?”

“Yes. Since it’s a rather troublesome matter, I thought it would be best to discuss it in person.”

Dennis, whose smile never wavered, showed a subtle shadow in his voice and expression. Normally, requests from the Mage Association were relayed through teachers, but his direct appearance signaled an urgent need.

“Hey, shouldn’t we step out?”

“No, I appreciate your consideration, but this matter will likely be known to everyone by tomorrow, so please remain as you are.”

“Please, have a seat.”

“Thank you.”

Crysta prepared a chair, and Dennis, expressing his gratitude, sat down. Then, he began to explain the request.

“As you know, Duke Alway’s territory is located east of this Capital City, but this is a direct request from Duke Alway himself.”

“Duke Alway?”

“It’s unconfirmed information, but apparently a ‘Dragon Species’ has appeared in Duke Alway’s territory. That would have been fine, but the problem is… it attacked people.”

Jared and everyone else were speechless.

“A Dragon Species? That’s an incredibly powerful monster, far beyond a Wyvern! You’re not actually telling Jared to fight that thing, are you!?”

“That’s exactly right, Lord Herring. We wish to ask Master Jared Murphy to eliminate the Dragon Species.”

“Don’t be ridiculous!”

Laurentz’s angry shout echoed. It was understandable. Dragon Species referred to a lesser type of Dragon. The Wells Dragon Kingdom, a neighboring and allied nation to the Wethered Kingdom, was a land of Dragons. More accurately, the lands ruled by Dragons were called the Wells Dragon Kingdom. While Dragons rarely attacked humans, the lesser beings known as Dragon Species did. However, humans also preyed on these Dragon Species, so it was difficult to say who was in the wrong.

Many of the humans who attacked Dragon Species were adventurers, making them troublesome. They claimed their freedom and refused to obey any national commands. The Dragon Species were similar in that regard; their intelligence was inferior to humans, and when their food source dwindled, they would appear in populated areas and cause damage. It was only then that the Knights, Court Mages, or mages dispatched by the Mage Association, as in this case, would have to fight them.

The Wyvern Jared defeated was a species close to a Dragon Species, but because it inhabited areas throughout the continent, it was classified as a Magical Beast. Dragon Species also existed all over the continent, but they were larger and stronger than Wyverns. Most importantly, they could use magic, akin to humans, which made them particularly problematic.

“Calm down, Laurentz. Mr. Dennis, I’m asking purely out of curiosity, but is it possible for me to refuse?”

“Of course, you can. However, there are few humans who can defeat a Dragon Species—well, the Knights could defeat it if dispatched, but since we don’t yet know what kind of Dragon Species it is, it would be faster for mages to go. That said, a lone mage facing a Dragon Species would likely be defeated.”

“I see, so that’s why my friend Jared has been chosen.”

“Indeed. We do not wish to put Master Murphy in danger. At the same time, the achievement of defeating a Dragon Species would be immense. Slaying a Dragon is a rare feat. Even among the current Court Mages, only one has accomplished such a feat.”

In other words, he was being asked to earn merit as a Court Mage Candidate. Jared, however, didn’t feel much sense of crisis. Rather, he was interested in the Dragon Species, something he had never encountered before. The Wyvern he had fought, despite being named a Dragon, was merely a beast that could only breathe fire. He remembered feeling let down, both as a mage and as an individual.

But a Dragon Species was different. Even if called a lesser species, it was undoubtedly a Dragon.

“I’m interested.”

“Murphy!”

Crysta’s reproachful voice rang out. Not only she, but Laurentz and Lars also couldn’t hide their anxiety.

“Of course, the Mage Association has no intention of abandoning Master Murphy to deal with this alone. Duke Alway and the Association are currently preparing a subjugation force. Master Murphy is requested to go ahead as an insurance policy in case the subjugation force is too slow.”

“An insurance policy, going ahead, you say. Honestly, I find this unpleasant. Mobilize the Court Mages.”

“The Court Mages cannot be mobilized. Although they cooperate with the Mage Association, they cannot be commanded by it. Only the Royal Palace can mobilize them.”

“It’s pathetic how those with power cannot defy authority…”

No one denied Lars’s potentially insulting remark.

“I intend to accept the request.”

“Jared!”

“No, but if I don’t go, the people of Duke Alway’s territory will be in trouble, won’t they?”

“That’s true, but even if Murphy-kun doesn’t go…”

It was impolite, but he was genuinely happy that his friends were worried about him. He was incredibly glad to have made friends with such kindhearted people.

“In that case, I will go too. No, I will accompany him. I’ve decided.”

“Lord Laurentz!?”

Berta shrieked at Laurentz’s sudden declaration.

“Wait, wait, Laurentz wasn’t requested by the Association!”

“Then why are you, who could have refused, heading into danger as well!”

“That’s…”

“Of course, I am worried about Jared. But more than that, I want to fight to protect the people who are afraid of the Dragon Species. Otherwise, what’s the point of aiming to be a mage!”

It was a statement filled with Laurentz’s characteristic sense of justice. They would be facing an unknown creature, a Dragon Species. He wanted to be the only one to face danger. More than anything, he was filled with anxiety at the thought that Laurentz, whom he had finally befriended, might get hurt.

“Jared, no matter what you say, I’m coming with you. I may not be much to the Mage Association, but I’m a top-class mage within the academy. I promise I won’t be a burden, and if I become one, you can leave me behind.”

“No, the Mage Association isn’t neglecting Lord Herring, but rather…”

“That doesn’t matter! Can I accompany you or not?”

Dennis crossed his arms, as if contemplating. Then,

“Personally, I don’t mind. However, Lord Herring, please write a letter to your family, especially Count Herring.”

“A letter?”

“Yes. It’s in case something unfortunate happens to you. I don’t like to say this, but requests from the Mage Association always involve danger. In fact, it’s the same for adventurers, but for that reason, we require a written consent form. Especially since you are both minors, we’d like written permission from your guardians.”

Belonging to the Mage Association alone doesn’t require a consent form. However, if one wishes to accept a request, it is necessary. Jared had already signed the consent form, and his guardian, his grandfather, had approved it. This meant that even if Jared were to die due to this request, Baron Daum would have no lingering resentment. The Mage Association was an organization of the Wethered Kingdom, and disputes with the kingdom’s nobles were inconvenient.

“Master Murphy is to depart in an hour. Before that, please write a letter to Count Herring, and upon receiving his permission, you may accompany him.”

“Understood. Kurt, can you do me a favor?”

“But…”

“I appreciate your concern, but please.”

“…Understood.” With a reluctant reply from Kurt, Laurentz stood up from his chair.

“I’ll write a letter to my father. I’ll get a reply within the hour, so please wait.” Berta and Kurt hurried after him.

“He seems to be thinking things through, so while I wouldn’t call it a reckless charge, this has turned into quite a situation.”

“Please tell me you’re not going to say you’ll come along too?”

“I won’t. I want to help my friend, but unfortunately, I’m not good at combat. Now then, man from the Mage Association, I have a few questions.”

“Yes?”

“Why hasn’t Laurentz been exempted from classes by the Mage Association and the academy? In terms of skill alone, he may not be Jared’s equal, but Jared is an anomaly, so that’s understandable. However, compared to other students who have been exempted, I find it somewhat questionable.”

Dennis nodded vigorously at Lars’s question.

“Regarding that, you are absolutely correct. Both the Association and the academy wished to exempt Laurentz Herring from classes and allow him to gain practical experience. However, his family objected.”

“This is the first I’ve heard of it. Does Laurentz know?”

“Judging by his reaction a while ago, he doesn’t seem to.” Indeed, if he knew, he wouldn’t have said something that sounded like he was demeaning himself. The Laurentz they knew was positive.

“His father, Count Herring, was in favor of this proposal as he sought a place for his son to gain experience as a mage. However, his mother, well, how should I put it, she tends to worry about her son a bit too much, if you catch my drift.”

“In other words, she’s overprotective?”

“Well, something like that.”

“Then doesn’t that mean Laurentz-kun’s father is in favor, and his mother is against it? If so, won’t he be approved this time? After all, Laurentz-kun is writing to his father, isn’t he?”

“Likely.” Dennis probably knew this and told him to write to his father to get his approval. Indeed, if he accepts the request, he needs his family’s consent. The Mage Association likely wants to use this opportunity to give Laurentz a task.

“Count Herring has been inquiring about having us give Laurentz requests for some time. If he wants to fight alongside a friend in crisis, he won’t refuse even a dangerous request. Of course, I don’t know what his mother will do afterward… but that’s a family matter.”

“You’re quite harsh. But are you sure? I can’t take responsibility if anything happens.”

“Of course, I will take responsibility. If anything happens to Lord Herring, or Master Murphy, I will atone with my life.”

“With your life… I’ve heard rumors that the people of the Association put great effort into mage development, and that it’s true, isn’t it?” Jared muttered, slightly astonished. Dennis affirmed without hesitation.

“We at the Mage Association are an organization for mages. We wish to protect mages, but true protection doesn’t come from the organization shielding them. Sometimes, they must be allowed to gain experience through danger. Only then do mages grow. However, it is unacceptable for only Association members to be safe. Therefore, we also put our lives on the line. We have always done so.”