This Time, I Became the Fiance of a Duke’s Daughter. But She is Rumored to have Bad Personality, and Ten Years Older – Chapter 59

“Is that true? I’m so happy!”

When Conrad, who had just finished his meditation, was told that Jared would be teaching him magic, his eyes sparkled with joy.

The Duke and Therese could only offer wry smiles at his elation.

“Thank you. Older Brother—no, Master!”

“Ah, please, let’s avoid the title of Master. I am still inexperienced as a Magician myself, so while I will teach you magic, Conrad, we will not be forming a master-disciple relationship.”

“I see… Then, Older Brother it is.”

Conrad looked dejected for some reason.

Jared wondered if he had wanted to call him Master, but as he had just said, Jared was too inexperienced to presume to be a master.

He had also informed the Duke and Therese that he had no intention of becoming Conrad’s master, and they had agreed. He would simply be teaching him magic.

“That would be most helpful. For now, let’s start by properly sensing Magic Power through meditation. You have talent, Conrad, so if you take it step by step without rushing, you can become a Magician like me. Let’s proceed slowly and surely.”

“—What? I can become like Older Brother?”

“Someone like me, you can surpass quickly with your effort.”

“But I’m not gifted with a composite magic attribute, am I?”

“It’s a common misconception, but a composite magic attribute is merely rare; it is neither powerful nor superior. It simply means you have more options than others. In contrast, specializing in a single attribute makes the path clearer and is better.”

In reality, Jared’s earth attribute required him to learn extensively about earth, water, and fire attributes. Even if he dedicated his entire day to magic, it would not compare to a Magician with a single attribute in a lifetime.

However, it was also true that learning and wielding three attributes had its advantages. But that did not make him superior, nor did it make him powerful in combat.

Ultimately, it all depended on Jared’s effort.

“As I said, I am still inexperienced as a Magician. I started learning magic at about the same age as you, Conrad, so that’s natural. Therefore, a difference of a year or two is nothing significant. Rather, I want you to learn with the mindset of surpassing me. Understood?”

“Yes!”

“—And so it has been decided.”

Jared called out to the Duke and Therese, who had been watching the exchange between him and Conrad from behind.

“Please look after my son.”

“Murphy, please take care of Conrad.”

The Duke and Therese bowed their heads again in unison, but this time, Jared gratefully accepted their thanks.

“Then, I will teach you basic exercises that you can do on your own, and you will repeat them every day. When you meet with me, we will gradually incorporate practical application. Of course, please continue your swordsmanship as before. Depending on how you use magic—”

Jared made a sweeping motion with his right hand, and with a roar, a blade of flame materialized.

He could hold it in his hand, but since he was giving form to intangible flames, he chose to make it an extension of his arm. This way, the sword would not fall from his hand.

“—you can turn flames into blades like this. With application, you can even imbue a sword itself with flames. However, none of this is useful if you cannot use a sword. Therefore, please endeavor not only in magic but also in swordsmanship.”

“Yes, I understand!”

Conrad’s reply, his eyes shining, made Jared think he was such an honest child.

He should have been eager to try out various magic spells, yet he possessed the patience and perseverance to continue meditating as instructed.

Although Therese had mentioned Conrad’s struggles, he was working hard with a bright and forward-looking attitude without succumbing to despair or irritation, which was dazzling and something to emulate.

If it were him, he would have given up on everything long ago and ceased to care.

Conrad’s core, overcoming such circumstances and continuing to strive, was likely strong.

If his heart was strong, not his magic or swordsmanship, he would surely be able to move forward without being defeated, no matter what hardships he faced in the future.

Jared hoped he wouldn’t end up like his past self, who couldn’t move forward, stopped, and eventually ran away.

Conrad’s talent was not in possessing Magic Power, nor in his aptitude as a Magician.

Conrad’s own honesty and perseverance were the assets he should be proud of.

“Now then, Conrad, I will explain the training methods, so please listen carefully.”

“I’m looking forward to it!”

Seeing him happily receive even the beginner’s training, Jared recalled that he himself had never had such a charming phase.

When Jared first started learning magic, he had no intention of learning any special magic and had only begun reluctantly.

He hadn’t particularly liked magic until he had learned a fair amount as a Magician, wanting to become like his mother.

He had learned because it was necessary. That was all. However, now, magic was indispensable to Jared.

Without magic, he probably wouldn’t have met Olivier, and his relationships with his friends at the Academy would likely have changed. He wouldn’t have been summoned to the Ducal Family and met Conrad.

Grateful for the connections forged by magic, Jared began teaching Conrad the basic exercises.

Not only Conrad but also the Duke and Therese listened with keen interest.

Jared hadn’t expected to end up teaching in front of the Duke’s family, so he desperately tried to maintain a polite way of speaking.

As it was something he was genuinely interested in, Conrad listened attentively and learned quickly. How much he could absorb depended on his motivation, so he would likely improve rapidly.

Jared could tell with just a little interaction that Conrad was the type of person who would diligently follow through with his training. From his earlier practice swings, it was clear he didn’t dislike meticulous work.

Perhaps he would grow as a Magician beyond imagination; Jared found himself looking forward to Conrad’s future.