Jared and the others were shown into Tres’s office and prompted by his Secretary Officer, they took a seat on the sofa. Ernesta and Ari watched with apparent admiration as the Secretary Officers moved fluidly to prepare tea.
“Once again, I apologize for the unpleasantness earlier. While we Court Mages cooperate with the Royal Mage Corps, there’s surprisingly a rift between us.”
“A rift, you say? I heard that Court Mages sometimes direct the Royal Mage Corps?”
“Yes. In practice, we do issue commands. However, in my experience, it’s usually to give instructions to the commander and then leave the rest up to them. After all, there aren’t many large-scale battles that require the Mage Corps.”
Large-scale battles bring to mind war. In recent years, there have been skirmishes, but no battles on the scale of war. If war were to break out, the country would founder and its people would suffer. Here in the Wethered Kingdom, war is not condoned.
“To put it more frankly, we Court Mages are expected to resolve situations with the minimum number of people involved. Even when seeking the assistance of the Mage Corps, it’s usually just a few Members at most.”
“For that matter, they were speaking quite condescendingly, weren’t they?”
“Court Mages are Human too. What one person can do is limited, so skilled personnel are essential. Without their cooperation, we’d be in trouble. Of course, to deliberately withhold help while knowing that is, frankly, questionable.”
Jared felt the same. Whether one was a Court Mage or a Member of the Royal Mage Corps, their duty was to protect the Kingdom and its people. Cooperation should be natural, and anyone who tried to impede progress out of dislike should immediately resign from the Mage Corps. Jared couldn’t discern if it was because he himself was being underestimated, or if the Members who confronted him earlier had a low sense of duty, but there was a possibility he might be obstructed in the future.
“It’s regrettable to admit, but the relationship between the Court Mages and the Royal Mage Corps is not close at present. I don’t know how you’ll navigate this going forward, but it’s best to decide on your approach.”
“My approach?”
“Yes. For example, some, like myself, may not borrow Members unless necessary, while others, like Adelina, may have no intention of seeking their help at all. The relationship with the Mage Corps differs for each Court Mage. Some even poach Members to make them their exclusive subordinates; it varies greatly.”
Court Mages have their own duties, and the Royal Mage Corps has its own. Even if their relationship is minimal, it seems there’s no issue. After all, the Royal Mage Corps has individuals holding positions like Commander and Vice-Commander. No matter how high a Court Mage’s status may be, the one being commanded might not take kindly to it. That, too, seemed like a problem.
“Nevertheless, it’s probably best for you to avoid involvement with the Royal Mage Corps for a while. Although it was their own fault, you did send their Vice-Commander flying in front of the other Members.”
“I have no intention of getting involved unless it’s necessary. Especially not with such unpleasant people.”
“Wise. It’s possible some may pick a fight with you based on your age, the fact that you’re not yet an official Court Mage, or your status as a Duke’s Fiancé, but there’s no need to engage with them; just ignore them. If you ever get into trouble, please don’t hesitate to ask for help. I owe you a great debt, and I’d like to repay even a little of it.”
“Thank you, Lord Tres.”
“…I’d also like you to change how you address me. I’m older than you, but from now on, we’ll be colleagues as Court Mages. I’d be happy if you’d call me by my first name, Tres, as it would feel more familiar.”
“Um, I’ll try my best.”
“Yes. I’ll be looking forward to it.”
Tres smiled cheerfully, but it was difficult to casually call someone ten years his senior, and moreover, his senior colleague as a Court Mage, by their first name. However, since the person himself desired it, perhaps it would be better to become able to call him by his first name in a friendly manner, even if it took time. As Jared pondered this, Tres’s Secretary Officer placed iced tea before him.
“Please don’t feel too pressured. Lord Tres simply wants to become good friends with Jared and wants you to treat him accordingly.”
“I will do my best.”
The woman who smiled seemed less like a Secretary Officer and more like his confidante—no, more intimate. Having served as his secretary for many years, their relationship might be deep.
“Before I forget, we’re also arranging for Jared’s Combat Uniform and the uniforms for those ladies. You should receive a notice from the Mage Association about it soon.”
“Combat Uniforms, yes, but even Secretary Officers’ uniforms?”
The women standing behind Tres were also dressed in the same color as him. While there were differences between male and female versions, they likely served as both uniforms and Combat Uniforms.
“The Combat Uniforms will be of high quality. For us, Combat Uniforms are formal attire. You should receive several identical sets. It will be the same for them. Above all, to clearly distinguish them as Court Mage Secretary Officers, they must be visibly different from others.”
“Well, I am happy that we will receive Combat Uniforms that are the same as yours, Lord Jared.”
“…It feels excessive, but yes, I am happy.”
Ari beamed, and Ernesta let out an expectant sound.
“Regarding the uniforms, please consult with the Mage Association at your leisure. For as long as you remain a Court Mage, you will be wearing that uniform.”
“Understood. Thank you for your advice.”
“Yes. I look forward to seeing your uniform. Tres concluded with a smile, then his expression turned serious.
“Actually, today I had intended to show you around and explain various things about the Mage Corps, but the situation has changed.”
“I am sorry to have caused this.”
“Ah, no, that’s not it. My apologies, I phrased that poorly. It’s not because of the earlier disturbance, but rather, I’d like you to help me with my work.”
“I don’t mind, but what kind of work is it?”
“Thank you. Do you know about—Magician Supremacists?”
