Sarasa, after discussing the Divine Power Engraver update and the establishment of the Teleport Gate, then spoke about Sylvia’s son, Luca.
“Luca, you say?”
However, most of those present didn’t quite understand the sudden mention of Luca.
Everyone here belonged to the Merchant Division, so they had almost no contact with Sylvia, a Shrine Maiden.
Furthermore, her children were not deeply involved with the Merchant Division.
They couldn’t understand why Luca’s name had come up at this meeting.
“Yes. While some of you may know, Luca is Kousuke’s biological son.”
As Sarasa said this, several people turned their gazes towards Schmidt.
Those who hadn’t known Luca was Kousuke’s son were confirming it. Schmidt nodded deeply in response.
It was a near open secret that Queen Floria’s children were Kousuke’s, but word hadn’t spread as much about Sylvia’s children. It was likely only known by a select few.
Although Sylvia was an important Shrine Maiden in Razek Amamiya, she was perceived only as such. She didn’t hold significant political influence. Of course, as Kousuke’s child, Luca possessed some degree of influence, but not as much as Queen Floria’s children.
Unsure of the reason for mentioning Luca, who occupied such a subtle standing, Schmidt asked Sarasa, “What has happened with Luca?”
Schmidt had seen Luca before, but he didn’t think it had anything to do with the Merchant Division meeting of Crown.
“Yes. Schmidt, you probably know, but Luca has exceptional talent with magic circles.”
“That’s right. I know about that as well.”
“To further develop that talent, it has been decided that Kousuke will personally train Luca.”
At Sarasa’s words, Schmidt blinked in surprise. If that were true, it would indeed be big news for the Merchant Division.
“…I see. So that’s what it is.”
With Sarasa’s single statement, Schmidt instantly understood what she meant.
“Did Kousuke know about this announcement?”
“Of course he did. As he is directly involved with this, I would never speak of it without his permission, would I?”
“That’s true.” Schmidt nodded in agreement with Sarasa’s confident assertion.
The others present were completely lost amidst their conversation. They didn’t understand how Kousuke mentoring a child named Luca regarding magic tools could affect Crown. Despite being seasoned merchants, they lacked sufficient information about Luca to make a judgment.
“…Excuse me, what do you mean?”
In response to one person’s question, Schmidt began to explain slowly.
“As Sarasa-sama just said, Luca has talent concerning magic circles.”
Schmidt deliberately did not state it as a definitive fact because Luca was still a child who had not yet reached adulthood. He was hesitant to make a definitive statement as he didn’t know how Luca would develop in the future. Several people nodded, seemingly understanding his sentiment.
“However, if Kousuke-sama begins educating Luca, the situation could change.”
At this point, some people tilted their heads in confusion. It wasn’t strange for a parent to educate their child. Of course, it was a unique situation since the parent was an Avatar, but it wasn’t inherently strange for a god to educate their child.
“The fact that Kousuke-sama is starting his education signifies that he has recognized Luca’s talent.”
Suddenly, several people had a look of realization. They seemed to grasp Schmidt’s intended meaning.
“Could this mean that Luca also has the potential to create magic tools like him in the future?”
One of the individuals who had realized it asked this, and the other members finally seemed to understand what Schmidt was trying to convey.
“Yes. …However, I don’t want anyone to misunderstand. Since Kousuke is the kind of person he is, there’s also the possibility that he simply wants to teach him as a parent.”
“That’s true.” Sarasa agreed with a wry smile, to which Schmidt replied with a similar wry smile. Even those who had met Kousuke directly and personally seemed convinced.
“…Regarding this matter, no hasty actions are permitted. Especially you, craft supervisors, do not try to scout him prematurely.”
“Y-yes.” The craft supervisors, of whom there were several, replied in unison.
“However, it would be a shame to let him be taken by other guilds, so don’t forget to monitor and keep them in check.” Several people nodded in agreement with Schmidt’s words.
“But be careful, if you push it too hard, it might provoke guardians to appear.”
“Um… guardians?”
“Well, in a sense, beings more divine than an Avatar.”
Schmidt’s expression conveyed that he couldn’t say more. Those who had seen Kouhi and Mitsuki in the management layer’s meeting room turned serious. While he didn’t explicitly name anyone, there were things understood without being said. Naturally, only top-tier individuals could access the management layer, and seeing their expressions, the others understood that they should not pry further.
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“Still, I wonder how much we can expect from Kousuke-sama’s direct guidance?” Schmidt deliberately broke the slightly awkward atmosphere by asking Sarasa. Sarasa, also feeling the air wasn’t good, went along with the overt change of subject.
“Hmm? But Isunani mentioned that when it comes to magic circles, Luca might surpass him someday.”
“…To that extent?” Isunani was a talent capable of developing magic tools that could become Kousuke’s right-hand man. To think Luca might surpass him was astonishing.
“Of course, he said that if he continues to grow at his current pace until adulthood,” Sarasa added.
“Isn’t that a rather strict condition?” It was a common story in this world that someone talented as a child might become an ordinary adult.
“Perhaps. That’s probably why Kousuke-sama has decided to train him personally.” The attendees nodded, finding the reason convincing. They understood that showing him a high wall from a young age was meant to encourage continuous growth. However, a child’s characteristic is also their tendency to get bored easily. The key would be how to sustain his current interest while developing his talent. That would be the test of Kousuke’s skill as a mentor.
“I would love to see firsthand what kind of training Kousuke-sama will provide,” Schmidt murmured casually. Sarasa replied teasingly, “Oh? Why don’t you ask him directly?” Currently, Schmidt was only permitted to enter the management layer up to the meeting room. To go further, he would have to insert himself into Kousuke’s family circle.
“…I don’t have that much courage.” Schmidt’s dejected expression and reply seemed to say it all, in many ways.
This was about Luca. The fact that Luca would be involved in magic tool development in the future, which related to Crown, led me to incorporate this into the current chapter’s flow.
“Towards Further Development” will have one more installment. The author considers the final part to be the biggest change.
