“I refuse.”
Silence rippled through the air. The students turned their astonished, bewildered gazes towards Laurentz, who had rejected the offer without a moment’s hesitation.
“Could you tell me the reason?”
“You said it was for magicians, but I— I want to do what I can as a magician for everyone who lives in this Kingdom.”
Laurentz saw his friend nod with a smile within his line of sight, confirming that his answer was not wrong.
“Ah, perhaps my words were poorly chosen and caused a misunderstanding. I don’t intend to slight non-magicians. Even if they aren’t magicians, they are still citizens. I would never discriminate.”
“That’s not it. I question if there’s any need to differentiate between magicians and non-magicians in the first place. More than anything, I dislike the word ‘non-magician.’ While I use it when there are no other words, I don’t feel the need to distinguish simply based on whether one can use magic or not.”
The term “non-magician” is, after all, used to differentiate those other than magicians. Whether one is a magician or not implies that the standard is, in fact, the magician. While it may be used in daily life when differentiation is necessary due to a lack of other words, it is also used when magicians discriminate against those who are not, so it is not a word Laurentz likes.
“It’s regrettable, but it seems my way of thinking differs from yours, Lord Leonard.”
“Hmm. Everyone has their own way of thinking. It’s a shame, but you should walk your own path. I support your endeavor as a Court Mage Candidate. Do your best.”
“Thank you.”
Leonard, who had ended the conversation by offering support for Laurentz’s refusal, which was unclear if it was genuine, was bowed to. It was not wise to further complicate the situation by saying something unnecessary. It was urgent to report this matter to the teachers. Time was of the essence.
“Let’s go, Lars, Crysta.”
Under Leonard’s unnervingly persistent smile, Laurentz grabbed his friends by the arms and pulled them along without further ado. He wanted to leave the place as quickly as possible. Feeling daggers in their backs, the three left the courtyard.
“Hey, Herring. Was it okay to turn down the scout like that?”
As they walked down the corridor leading to the school building, Crysta’s worried voice made them stop.
“It’s fine. If I had given a vague answer on the spot, the students would have resented us. They would have thought we were weighing the Court Mage Candidate position against being a Member of the Royal Mage Corps.”
Being selected as a Court Mage Candidate does not automatically guarantee becoming a Court Mage. A candidate is just that—a candidate—and it is not uncommon for them to not be able to become a Court Mage. Many candidates end up becoming Members of the Royal Mage Corps or utilize their talents elsewhere. Some even deliberately decline the candidacy to pursue other desired professions, leveraging the title of candidate.
If Laurentz had not outright refused Leonard’s offer then and there, it could have been perceived that he was weighing the position of Court Mage Candidate against being a Member of the Royal Mage Corps, choosing the more advantageous option. Of course, refusing the offer without hesitation would not have pleased Leonard or the members of the Mage Corps. Ultimately, it was unavoidable that some negative impression would be formed of Laurentz regardless of his choice.
“I understand, but… with how you refused, the Royal Mage Corps might think…”
“I’m alright. Thank you, Crysta.”
Laurentz thanked his friend for her concern. Considering future prospects, it would have been better to avoid creating a negative impression with the Royal Mage Corps, as Crysta feared. However, Laurentz could not bring himself to have a good impression of those who seemed to be scheming. He was aware that this led him to act rashly.
“I’m worried about Laurentz too, but we should report what happened to the teachers first.”
“Yeah, you’re right. Let’s start there.”
“Okay.”
Laurentz decided to focus on the immediate issue, telling himself his own concerns could wait. Just as he was about to step forward again, a chill ran down his spine.
“Laurentz, what’s wrong?”
“Lars, Crysta—behind me. Someone is looking at us with hostility.”
Laurentz’s senses, honed through practical training with two Court Mages, were exceptionally sharp. While intuition played a part, he was also acutely sensitive to hostility, as he was feeling now. In battle, one never knew where the multitude of enemies might attack from. Therefore, the means of survival was to immediately identify and respond to any individuals radiating hostility. Laurentz, who did not have extensive combat experience, was first trained in this by the Court Mages. The more he fought, the sharper his senses became, and the wider his perception expanded. Though still unrefined, he would not miss a clear intent of hostility within the confined space of the rather narrow corridor, even if the source was unseen.
“I don’t know if you’re testing me or if you’ve neglected to suppress your killing intent, but I know someone is here, even if I can’t see you. Show yourself honestly.”
He glanced behind him. He had to protect his two friends, no matter what. This was especially true for Crysta, who lacked combat skills, and Lars, as a Noble of the Wethered Kingdom, and he had to ensure Lars escaped this situation, even at the cost of his own life.
“Laurentz, I–”
“Lars, if they show even the slightest opening, please take Crysta and escape.”
“But–”
“Please. Protect Crysta.”
Laurentz’s words, “Please protect her,” made Lars quietly lower his gaze.
“—Understood. I’m sorry about this. But you must also remain unharmed, alright?”
“Yeah, I promise.”
Shielding his friends, Laurentz waited for the enemy to appear. Simultaneously, he prepared for an attack, putting himself in a combat stance. He had already heightened his Magic Power and was ready to unleash magic that required no incantation. Now, it was up to the enemy. The likely enemy was—
“I thought you were just a kid, but you’ve apparently been chosen as a Court Mage Candidate.”
From the shadows of the corridor emerged a man and a woman, both clad in the uniforms of the Royal Mage Corps. It was the development he had expected. He had anticipated this would happen the moment he refused Leonard’s offer. He didn’t know what they were thinking when they recruited students, but Laurentz had refused their offer. And he had done so in front of the students. He didn’t think they would let someone who had disrupted their recruitment drive go unchecked. However, the unexpected also happened.
“To think the Vice Commander of the Royal Mage Corps would appear. Should I ask if there is something I can help you with?”
“Silence. Not only did you refuse Leonard’s offer, but you also disgraced him in front of the children—you deserve death.”
