It goes without saying that magicians are rare, but you are also an “Earth Attribute Mage.” Among magicians, those with multiple magic attributes and a proven track record in monster subjugation and other achievements will not be ignored by either the Royal Palace or the Mage Association.
The Earth Attribute that Gramps is talking about refers to composite attributes that possess multiple magic attributes, such as Earth, Fire, and Water. There are also composite attributes like Sky and Sea, but individuals with multiple attributes are extremely rare.
While each individual attribute may not be exceptional, it’s an attribute name given to those with multiple attributes who possess a certain level of power, and in some countries, their rarity is considered invaluable.
Crudely put, nobles who wish to absorb a magician’s blood sometimes arrange for their children to engage, and pay a large sum.
Fortunately, in the Wethered Kingdom, the Mage Association and the Royal Palace do not permit such arbitrary actions. The Mage Association, in particular, is prepared to protect magicians if anyone tries to buy their blood, considering it an insult to magicians. While luring and engagement are permissible, demanding only blood is unacceptable. They are prepared to defend any magician who is approached with such a proposition.
In fact, when Jared discovered he was an Earth Attribute Mage, an executive from the Mage Association sternly warned him to seek their help if he ever encountered any trouble.
“I was also surprised that Jared was nominated as a Court Mage Candidate. Since he is still a minor, the discussions were first held with us, his guardians. I apologize for keeping it a secret. We were also troubled. Although this country appears peaceful now, in reality, it is not.”
“That unknown secret organization?”
“Precisely. A group formed by remnants of defeated nations and those dissatisfied with the current continental situation is causing trouble, which Jared is well aware of.”
Jared is already fighting against this secret organization. He encountered them while on a job from the Mage Association, and they attacked him without question simply because he was a resident of the Wethered Kingdom. The Royal Palace also seems unwilling to let the organization, primarily composed of remnants from defeated nations, run rampant. Knights have been dispatched several times, and small-scale battles have occurred. These secret organizations, whose names are not clearly known—conveniently referred to as the “Chaos Forces”—have been carrying out terrorist acts against prosperous nations on the continent like the Wethered Kingdom and its neighbors. Their motives and members are completely unknown. Some say they are mainly comprised of disgruntled individuals within the Wethered Kingdom and anti-royal faction members. However, in recent years, it’s rumored that remnants of a nation annihilated twenty years ago have joined them. Ultimately, the truth remains unknown, but their repeated acts of terrorism and their attacks on cities using controlled monsters cannot be overlooked. Consequently, the Royal Palace, the Mage Association, and even the Adventurer’s Guild are all aiming to eliminate them as enemies of the continent.
“While you say magicians are rare, when battle ensues, it’s essential for them to stand on the front lines. This applies to the Court Mages and the Court Mage Corps they lead as well.”
“There are exceptional individuals among the Knights as well, but it’s a fact that magicians are superior in combat power. No, that’s not quite right. Both are indispensable.”
“And if I become a Court Mage Candidate, does that inevitably mean I’ll be sent to the battlefield? Well, I’m already fighting monsters and bandits almost every week, so it’s no problem if the opponent simply changes to an unknown organization…”
“But what is it?”
Seeing Jared’s hesitant expression, his grandmother peered at him with concern.
“I believe only half of the Court Mage positions are filled. Normally, one would expect the vacancies to be filled from the Court Mage Corps, wouldn’t they?”
“We also found it strange and asked, but according to the Mage Association, there are no suitable candidates to become Court Mages.”
“Also, I don’t want to get caught up in factional disputes.”
“Hmm… Factional disputes exist even within the Knights. Depending on whom you align yourself with, you gain allies but also create enemies. Ideally, everyone should unite for the sake of the country, but it’s regrettable. That said, I’m also part of a faction, so I can’t speak too grandly.”
“Are there factions among the Court Mages as well?”
“It seems so. Also, there are connections with the nobles behind them. Factional disputes seem to occur within the Mage Corps as well, and I have no idea what will happen now that I’ve become a Court Mage Candidate, but I have a strong premonition that troublesome things are bound to occur.”
Factional disputes exist even within the Royal Academy that Jared attends. It is not uncommon for nobles of higher rank to gather followers and clash with rival families. The academy essentially serves as a practice ground for future conflicts. Fortunately, Jared is not aligned with any faction, but this itself has made him many enemies. However, these enemies do not openly oppose him; their actions mainly consist of malicious gossip and harassment. Nevertheless, since Jared is exempt from attending classes and instead undertakes requests from the Mage Association, he rarely visits the academy, making him the recipient of little actual harm. Magicians are envied, resented, and coveted simply for being magicians. If they can be swayed to join a faction, they are treated favorably as allies; if not, opposing them is the norm. Ultimately, as they are still children before adulthood, their actions are straightforward.
“This has become a difficult situation. If Olivier hadn’t made becoming a Court Mage a condition for the engagement, perhaps a different future would have been possible.”
“Um, Grandfather. Is there no option to break off the engagement with Olivier?”
“There’s no reason why there should be.”
“I see. Well, I just wanted to ask.”
Being a magician alone makes his presence at the academy uncomfortable. If word gets out that Jared of the Baronial Family is engaged to Olivier of the Ducal Family, it’s unpredictable what will happen, especially combined with rumors about her. Furthermore, with his nomination as a Court Mage Candidate, even the nobles who had previously ignored him will likely start to stir. It’s not self-conceit. Magicians on the Frigia Continent are generally treated this way in any country.
“Earlier, I mentioned factions, but our Daum Barony belongs to the Alway Ducal Family’s faction. While the engagement with Olivier might be considered a mismatch in social standing, it’s undeniable that the Duke, who favors you as an excellent magician, would not want to lose you, whether the engagement proceeds or breaks. Or rather, perhaps the Duke himself doesn’t think that way, but those around him certainly do.”
“How troublesome.”
“What are you saying? Factional disputes are trivial things. We women face far greater hardships. Indeed, things happen frequently that would make men lose faith in women if they knew about them.”
“Oh dear.”
“Whether you are a noble or a commoner, human relationships are complex and difficult. If you dislike it, you can abandon everything and live quietly in the mountains. However, if you choose to live within society, you must accept and overcome troublesome and unpleasant matters to survive.”
Jared nodded at his grandmother’s perfectly reasonable words. Jared himself finds it troublesome but has no intention of abandoning everything and cutting ties with all worldly affairs. Having been born a magician and thankfully inheriting talent from his mother, he had anticipated a life fraught with complications. However, the fact that events have taken a completely unexpected turn is beyond his prior assumptions, though he believes he can still steer the course.
“What Marte says is not wrong. I feel bad for you, but I want to help the Duke, who is in a difficult situation. Therefore, I cannot annul the engagement. However, if you truly feel, after meeting Olivier, that you cannot consider a future with her, then I apologize to the Duke, but I will prioritize my grandson’s happiness above all else.”
“Grandfather… I’m grateful.”
“Nonsense. You are enduring hardships I’ve caused. Don’t hesitate to ask for my help in anything I can do. However, given the current engagement with Olivier, I will accept the condition of becoming a Court Mage Candidate.”
“Please do.”
Jared’s spirits soared, thinking, “This is exactly what I wanted.” It is natural for a magician to aim for greater heights. More importantly, if he can reach the pinnacle that his mother, of whom he has only faint memories, stood upon, it is an unparalleled opportunity. Ultimately, this is merely an acceleration towards a destination he must eventually reach.
“Putting Olivier aside, I will do my best regarding the Court Mage Candidate matter.”
