Author: Yume Neiji

“Lendl-san, wait a minute. That person will be killed if I leave it as it is… In end, I’m also a magician. I can’t just do nothing and watch things before my eyes!”

“I will go too. Even if I look like this, I have the escort’s knowledge to protect Glass-sama.”

Lendl-san spoke as he carry a small sword in his hand. The male coachman on the other hand doesn’t know what to do – we can’t just leave things like this!

“Alongside the carriage, please hide by the side of the road! If possible, it would be helpful to return to the checkpoint station and call for help!”

“O-oh… Dear customers!…”

I’m fully aware that it seems to be reckless. However, there is still a chance of winning here. I can fight to some extent in this grassy place.

Goblins flood the man fighting to protect his sheep – the goblin who rode the boar let it hit against the hut, jumped off, and is now running on the ground.

Yes, as a plant spirit user, the “Tall Grass” responds to my words.

“The green grass that covers the ground, heed my call. Block and hinder my enemies… [Leg Entwine Trap Snare!]”

With my hand over the grass at my feet, I chanted. Since no one teach us, we have been improving the basic chant of spirit magic ourselves until we put it into practical use.

The destructive power of elemental magic is beyond reach. But that doesn’t mean I can’t fight at all…!

“Gyiiii!”

“Gyiiii! Gyii, Gi gi…!”

A goblin tried to leap up with a weapon like a broad-bladed knife. The moment its foot take off, the grass at its feet entangled its foot. If only it is finished when it fall down, I could attack further. It’s my first time to use magic in a battle, I can’t really sugarcoat it.

“The green grass that covers the ground, heed my call. Bind my enemies!…”

“Glass-sama!”

Simultaneously, I have stopped dozens of goblins. Until now, I didn’t understand how exhausting it was because I had no experience in battle.

My field of view fluctuates. The goblin, who was quickly released from the snare’s restraint, holds a bow towards me – but-

“ –Hyaaa!”

Lendl-san who broke in front of me puts his hand forward. He somehow used magic as the arrow that came towards me was thrown and hit the ground.

“I will never let you get hurt … I’m here for that …!”

Goblins escape restraint one after another. If it remains like this, neither the people of the ranch nor us can survive.

Even if I could not participate in the mock battle, I should have voluntarily trained in battle in preparation for the battle with demons!

It’s not like my spirit magic didn’t work on the goblins. My body wobbled a little. Even if I’m fully exhausted, it could only be few days in coma.

That’s fine as long as I don’t die. If we can survive…, Lendl-san who tried to protect me and those important to me, I’ll try to protect my important things!

“…Glass-sama, Don’t. You’ve done more than enough already!, furthermore is….”

Chanting the spell, Sven’s words cross my mind – “Magic that blows away enemies from a distance is said to be useful”

“To protect people… Isn’t it enough to just heal? Protecting nothing…”

– At that time, the sound of a loud horn flew across the plains.

With the whistle, something emerged from the western direction – three knights who bravely drive their horses.

There were three female knights with beautiful hair like platinum, a spear knight followed by bow knights on both sides.

“I can’t let go of any monster that hurt the territory. Trample them, Raquel, Dite.”

“Yes!”

Ferociously guiding the horses, the knights run through and kicked the goblins who had risen up. Faintly looking at the scene, I think –

If the person called ‘Sword Princess’ was that female knight, I wonder if she was so beautiful and strong enough to admire.

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About 30 minutes being rocked inside the horse-drawn carriage, I could sometimes see the scenery outside from the passenger seat’s window. Although public roads to the western territories are maintained, because it is surrounded by mountains on all sides, it is easy to be destroyed by beasts. Every time we approach a bumpy road, a big shake is transmitted.

“Lendl-san, are you alright? It seems like you can’t sit comfortably.”

“…A little, the shaking… It’s been a while since I’ve ridden a carriage…”

As expected, in this rocking, no matter how good the semicircular canals are, you will get dizzy. Speaking of myself, I don’t mind the shaking because I actually drunk a motion sickness medicine before I get on a carriage.

“It’s better to take some medicine. It may make you a little sleepy, but it should work.”

“……Yes, thank you very much.”

Mr. Lendl looks rather dizzily and pretty sick but for some reason, he’s hesitating to look at me while rubbing his back.

It’s hard to tell because the coat’s shoulders are bulky, but this person’s build… his shoulder’s doesn’t look that broad. I’m not sure if it’s because he’s wearing a hat, but the shape of his head is also androgynous… Some people have that kind of constitution, but it’s rare.

I want to avoid being suspected as a homosexual so I can’t tell him to take off his coat. However while sitting down, he looks so uneasy that he can’t help but put his hands on his knees. At first it was a slightly pigeon-toed, but when he realized that I was looking at him, his knees gradually opened up –it seems like he realized I was observing.

When I handed him a vial containing a medicine to prevent motion sickness, Lendl-san turned his back to me and pulled down on the collar that had hidden his mouth, and swallowed the medicine in one breath.

“Hngh…”

“Oh…”

Even the way his throat squeals is something strange! I have no hobbies like that. There are some aristocrats who like male sex, but it’s a culture unrelated to me born in the common people!

“Ah … it’s refreshing. Was this medicine made by Glass-sama?”

“A-aha… I made it by mixing fruit vinegar and tea extract. I feel refreshed because I use peppermint oil.”

“Wow, Amazing! It’s something like a food ingredient right? It could even be made into a medicine.”

Because it is basically made for people to eat it, all food ingredients such as herbs and fruits can be used as ingredients.

In my case, if it’s a “vegetable ingredient”, I can tell what kind of effect it has on the human body by putting it in my mouth. There is an unlikely event of being poisoned. Even though I only touch it, I can tell if it is poisonous, so I will not be hit by the poison of wild grass or mushrooms.

And if I did get poisoned, I can search for plants that have the necessary components for detoxification. Although it was useful in the pharmacy class, it was not enough to be recognized as a talent because of the Academy’s structure.

“How about you Glass-sama?”

“No, I’m glad that your motion sickness was stopped. It may not be very effective for some people.”

“I am glad that the medicine made by Grass-sama is effective. When I catch cold, I can count on you to treat me right, Glass-sama?”

“There are various colds, but the best thing to do is to prevent them from happening. I’ll tell you some ways to preventive measures in advance in case the Knights catch some colds.”

Talking with Lendl-san, I think there’s a lot to do for me. Most probably, my skill as a Spirit Doctor is still lacking as a doctor.

“It seems that you used fruit vinegar to stop motion sickness … Did you use Fig tree fruits?”

“Oh, that’s right. You understand well, Lendl-san. Do you like fruit and vegetables?”

“No, I knew the flavor. I got it by accident.”

The Fig tree’s fruits I got from the elders helped me a lot to develop drugs. However, it was not possible to cure all diseases with only the plants within the school or within the reach of my feet.

Leaving the institute and looking for an unknown plant – the more injuries and illnesses that can be healed more. I had such a thought but I was hesitant to leave the elders alone.

But when I greeted the elders this morning, I was told to go. They said they can live for another fifteen years because of my care. I hope it will not revert back in the meantime.

The two fruits that have been handed to me as a farewell are wrapped in two pieces of paper in a bag. Other plants also asked to be brought themselves, so I brought bottled medicines with herbs for heat and cold detoxification. There are also bulbs and seeds that can be cultivated even in the west.

Other plants also asked to bring themselves, so I brought bottled medicines and grass for heat and cold detoxification into bottles.

“I have dry bread and dried meat for lunch. I also like fruits and vegetables, so I brought some.”

“When we take fruits, the nutritional deviation is reduced… is what my friend said.”

“Oh, that’s right. Vegetables, fruits, plant-based foods are basically good for your health. Meat and grains are important, but other things tend to be in short supply.”

I can diagnose which nutrient is deficient by touching life forms. The plant that should be taken to supplement also comes to mind. There are times that what comes to mind is an unknown plant that cannot be collected nearby. Some were monster-like plants, and I thought that there is no good or bad contract with the spirits.

―But I still don’t have a clue on what the mysterious sight I saw when I signed the contract and who that woman was. I think it’s okay to see it in my dreams even once…

“Then, it’s time to eat…”

“No… wait a moment, something smells strange…”

“…Glass-san, this is…!”

It smells like something is burning. A burnt tree – it’s faintly coming in through a window.

From the mountain road, a horse-drawn carriage, which had been running out into a hilly area with tall grass, suddenly stopped.

“Dear customers, it seems that things are going to be difficult … Wow, uh, demons… and there are so many hordes …!”

Going out of the carriage to see what’s happening, there was black smoke rising from the ranch huts in the hill. Something like an earth tremor could even be heard from the distance– it was the high-pitched cry of creatures. A number of fireballs flew into the clear blue sky, it shoot one after another towards the huts and spread the fire.

That was… I’ve never seen it near the capital. Goblins…!

A demon with a dark skin and a physique about a human child – formed into party of 10, it was attacking the ranch.

“The damn demons come shamelessly without discipline! I won’t hand over my sheep!”

A man jumping out of a hut shoots an arrow at a goblin. Yet even though it was a mere goblin, it used an iron helmet to deplete the arrow.

“Gyiiii-ii-i!”

The goblin at the end was riding at something – it was a boar that was one size larger than the goblin itself.

Kicking off the fence, all together, it beat down obstacles. While rolling up dust and pushing forward, the goblin cleverly took the bow and arrow and shoots at the man – it’s no longer a situation where you can keep on the sidelines!

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What made the Second Queen think about me as a court magician wasn’t clear, but the documents showing that I was recognized as a court magician were real.

My rank as a court magician is the hundred eighth place. However, it is not immediately respected as the 108th magician in the kingdom, but rather it is doubtful what kind of method was used to obtain the position.

In fact, there are many students who harass or look down on students who have drawn unlucky spirits. Though not all were like that, those who have excellent and bad grades often looks down on us.

“Well, this is an exciting topic. The world hasn’t thrown you away yet.”

My roommate Sven, was back in the room before me. When I told him that I was going to the West tomorrow, he was surprised with his eyes open wide at first, but immediately congratulated me.

Sven has a contract with the ‘rock’ spirit, which causes his hair to turn gray. He’s lamenting that he’s often mistaken for an old man, as he was only 19 years old.

Since he became my roommate three years ago, Sven and I came to each other without any quarrel. Although we were treated like those who similarly contracted unlucky spirits, we were not convinced and humbled by the surrounding evaluations.

“Unlucky spirits and the whole flop thing are labels made by hard-headed people – Though it’s coming from a ‘rock’ user.”

“Well, Sven is the head of the rock. It’s really good for combat, but everyone has no eyes.”

“It’s considered a magician’s job to blow away without approaching things, so there’s nothing I can do about it. I think it’s also necessary to defend as well as attack.”

Sven’s tone gives the impression that he is old. Leslie sometimes mentioned he’s “Like an old man”. That is also one of the reasons why he is seen older than his age.

“Sven, when I go, please take care of Leslie…”

“I refuse.”

“Oi… What’s with that. It may look like a joke but I’m actually serious…”

Me, Sven and Leslie. Often, we three acted together, and Leslie, a shy person, would see Sven as her only friend.

However, Sven shrugs his shoulders and grabs a homemade cigar I made in an experimental match. He ignites it and smokes. Even if it looks like this, it is a medicinal cigar that is used to suppress inflammation of the lungs and circulatory system, so it does not harm health.

“Glass, Don’t be mad. In behalf of Leslie, I have to tell you off. I can’t substitute for you or vice versa. In addition…”

“In addition?”

“No, nothing. Glass, I’m thinking of getting some kind of qualification like you. I’ll continue looking for a job. For the time being, I’ll be in this dormitory, I’ll leave the room as is in case you came back to the Academy.”

“Oh, that helps. Well, I wouldn’t just come back, but I’m sure there is a need to return to school.”

If I were to come back, it would be after being recognized by Her Highness, Astina. Perhaps it could also be when I made some achievement, established my position, and got a vacation.

Otherwise, it would be when I completed my role in the West. In any case, it will take a few years or dozen of years.

“Well, let’s go out to the city and drink today. Let’s toast for my best friend’s rise to fame.”

“Fame huh… I hope that happens. First of all, I have to make sure that they don’t say that I’m useless so that the court magician’s approval would not be revoked.”

Sven puts on a jacket from the wall, and I followed suit. We don’t have that much money to free up, so unlike other students, entertainment is limited to modest things.

Still, this day, I thought that I wouldn’t forget the taste of the cheap sake I had with Sven even if I went to the West.

◆◇◆

Next morning.

There would be a horse-drawn carriage coming to the front gate of the Magic Academy, I took my luggage and put on a long coat over the full set uniform and came out to the front.

Despite the early spring, it is sometimes chilly and sometimes frosty in the morning. It’s relatively warm today, but what about the West? — Since the northern border is high and the temperature is low, it would surely be plagued by snow, I would like to expect a more adaptable environment than that.

“Glass-Ni.., Glass Weed-sama. Is that perhaps you?”

“Uuu… Yeah, You surprised me. What do you want from me?”

I was suddenly called while waiting for the carriage. If that’s only the case, I wouldn’t be so surprised, but I was suddenly caught off guard by the strange appearance of the person who called me out.

The man – has a loud voice – wore a coat over a black butler-like outfit. He’s small, but he’s gaining height by wearing slightly thick leather shoes, and his eye level isn’t much different from me.

However, I was more surprised by being face to face. He wore a coat collar to cover his mouth, put on a hat and wore dark glasses that only some teachers use at the Magic Academy.

Such suspicious looking attire… No, Each person has his own circumstances.  Maybe he doesn’t show his face because he has a high voice and looks like a boy.

I managed to calm myself and accept the strange appearance of a man calling out to me.

“Congratulations to you as you have been selected as a court magician. I am Le…Lendl. I was appointed as Glass-sama’s attendant. Therefore, I will accompany you to the west.”

“Lendl… I’ve never heard of a student with that name. Or maybe, I just don’t know.”

“I’m not a student, I was dispatched by the Butler Association after being nominated by the Headmaster.”

When I become a court magician, I thought I’ll have a secretary like my stepsister. My stepsister has several female secretaries, but in my case it seems to be a male butler.

“Rather than butler, will you be my secretary?”

“Yes. Being a military doctor is a very busy job. Please tell me anything about managing the medical records of the knights. I will assist you in the treatment.”

To be honest, it looks suspicious, but it’s more encouraging to have someone come with me than to go to a land I don’t know by myself.

“Okay, I don’t know if I can go there and start working as a military doctor right away, but I’ll do whatever I can to do. Thank you in the future.”

“Same here, I’ll be in your care, Glass-n…Glass-sama”

When I held out my right hand, Mr. Lendl grabbed it back sparingly. Even if he wore gloves, it’s still petite, and his hands are one size smaller than mine.

“…this…”

“I-Is there something wrong?”

“No, I’m sorry, I somehow remember my friend. I hope she is fine.”

Leslie didn’t come to see me off, but hopes for me to write a letter when I arrive in the west safely. Actually I had already done it last night – I’m on the front line so we won’t know what happens.

“This is a letter to a friend. Is it okay to ask Lendl-san to keep it in case something goes wrong? I think the first request is a little heavy…”

“… No, it’s not heavy. Certainly, I will keep it.”

“Thank you.”

I gave the letter to Mr. Lendl. He locked it in his coat pocket. Though he is small, the chest part looks bulky.

“Lendl-san, are you doing any martial arts? Your packed chest is amazing.”

“Eeeh, no. How to say this… It’s an embarrassing story. It’s a pigeon chest, so I’m wrapping it up.”

“Ah…, is that so. I’m sorry, I asked something strange.”

“No, don’t worry about it. And I’m your secretary so I don’t need honorific’s.”

“Understood. Then as you wish… Lendl-san, the carriage has arrived, let’s go?”

Being a male of the same age, it would be nice to be able to build a friendly relationship with Lendl-san.

When I get on the passenger seat of the wagon, Lendl-san with his hat came afterwards. He did not take off his hat even when he entered the carriage –Well, there are people like that, so I did not pursue it deeply.

“… I am also new to the Western land, so I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of place it is.”

Thanks to Lendl-san who talked to me like that, it seemed like I don’t need to think about anything by myself and become anxious until I arrived in the West.

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“Is it possible to be a court magician by exception because I have been certified as a Spirit Doctor?”

“No, not. A court magician is a magician who reports directly to the royal family. Only His Majesty – the King, Her Majesty, and the Crown Prince who is recognized as the successor to the King, can appoint this time. The queen saw the academy’s materials and chose you as a squire for the Third Princess.”

The third princess is the daughter of the first queen. But the concubine, the Second Queen, chose the squire – there’s should be a reason!

The First Queen has retired for a long time and the second queen is strengthening her voice in the royal family. The second queen wants her second son to succeed the throne, and is trying to keep the First Prince and Third princess of the first queen away from the court.

“The third princess is called as the ‘Sword Princess’. Although she is a princess, she has been polishing her swordsmanship since she was a child and she has been recognized for her ability. Now she is leading an army to protect the border. She did not incorporate any magicians when she formed the Knights. However, after it was decided that the third princess would be put on the front line for a long time, the second queen advised His Majesty that a magician should be assigned. Therefore, in the form of His Majesty, the arrow of white feathers stood on you.”

“…Is that because I’m not a combat magician, a magician who doesn’t help the military directly?”

A magician who is not suitable for battle comes under the control of a general on the front line. If you think normally, it doesn’t make sense.

However, there is no doubt that the Second Queen will choose me. In that case, it is inevitable to choose a magician who is ‘not usable’.

“… Did you hear about the rumor that the Second Queen is following her second son?”

The battle for the right to succeed the throne is of great concern to the people. It can be even heard by people like me who have no interest in politics.

“Hmm… If the rumor is true, then it’s possible that the Second Queen would send me in to pull on the Third Princess, who has the right to succeed the throne.”

“…Though it’s not limited to that. Regarding to the reason for selecting you, the Second Queen said, ‘There is a shortage of military doctors on the Western Front.’  Sure, that’s true to what the current situation is.”

At that point, the qualification of a Spirit Doctor who took refuge in a quiet land would be noticed.

I, who has no fighting power, goes to the front line as a military doctor. Work in the Knights under the leadership of the Third Princess – which also means putting my life on the line!

It cannot be refused if it takes the form of a royal decree. My stepsister has an odd look, which is probably because I feel hesitant.

“…I’ll leave the decision to you. If you don’t want to be a military doctor…”

“No. I’m going. To serve the royal family, I need the title of a court magician. Even with such reason, it was indeed my dream to become a court magician. Though they aren’t expecting much, I will get results and be truly recognized as a court magician. I’ll see to it that you’ll not be ashamed of me. Nee-san, I’ll make you proud!”

I wouldn’t be evaluated at this academy, but if I asked if I could go outside and be evaluated, it wouldn’t be easy.

However, as a Spirit Doctor there, I can treat injured soldiers. By doing so, I may change the perception that flop’s are useless.

“Glass, you give me an answer more than I can imagine. That is the strong spirit required of a court magician. The Western Front is now stable, but there are sporadic battles at borders. The princess won’t let you accompany her in battle, and if you walk around carefully, it’s never a dangerous place. Additionally, the surroundings are all strong female knights.”

“Ah?… Isn’t there a male knight?”

“The entourage of the Third Princess is all female. By their intention, only women belong to the Western Army. It seems that there is a danger that the military history will be disturbed if there is a man.”

I think that it is not such a problem and that both men and women should cooperate to protect the country, but such a theory does not seem to work here…

“Women are more prevalent in this country, and it’s no wonder, because 70% of the students at the Magic Academy’s are also women.”

“Err…That’s right …”

“If you only think all about women, you’ll be expelled. Keep your mind and work hard. I will go to visit the team if I get a vacation. Since I’m an acquaintance of the third princess, I would like to introduce you to her directly… What’s with that face? Tomorrow you’ll leave to the west you know, it’s too late to do that now.”

Knights have extraordinary fighting power compared to ordinary people. Both men and women can be knights, but since I haven’t trained in combat, I basically have only physical abilities like ordinary people.

If I get to the Princess and knights bad side, it’s over… I need to avoid being considered as incompetent, I need to give it my all.

“Normally you look gentle but when you think, you have those little sharp eyes… You just need to behave so that you don’t get them too alarmed. Even though there are men in the territory, you are the only man in the garrison station. They will be a little wary of you so you should be prepared.”

“But shouldn’t it be a female military doctor? Considering physical examinations, medical examinations, and treatments, I think women are definitely better.”

“Did you not hear the story? You were chosen because you were a ‘magician’ who reports directly to the princess, and you are also a Spirit Doctor, I’m proud of your for that.”

Even though I was sent to a dangerous battlefield, it seems to me that my stepsister is happy and proud that I became a court magician, even if it was due to the intention of the Second Queen.

However, I’m no longer a kid and I’m not particularly baby-faced yet my stepsister acts like a mother and indulge me. I wonder why she put out an indulgent attitude. Her previous serious look now turned warm.

“I just said, I am proud of you, you know?”

Arms crossed, she wave out her index finger. When my stepsister does so, it meant that she’s frustrated as she could not do what she wanted. This I could tell even if I’m not a Spirit Doctor.

“I’m an adult now too, so I’m not sure of how you expected me to react or be moved by those word…”

“Kuh… How long have you been so twisted? When I first met you, Every time I go home a few times a year, you’d loved to say, ‘Onee-chan, Onee-chan.’”

“There is no such fact, but… the way I called you did change though.”

My stepsister looked at me with a grudge– Honestly, I don’t really feel that this person caused a storm on the battlefield and was feared by allies and enemies.

“…Okay fine, I want to send you off with a hug but I’ll save it when you’ve safely returned.”

“W-wait, when I come back, wouldn’t it be necessary to ask for my permission first?”

“… What you have to think about now is to survive no matter what. Even military doctors may be involved in combat, and the Knights are also sweeping demons to protect the territory. Humans are not the only enemy.”

I only need to manage the physical condition of the knights’ and have them stay in perfect condition. With that, I will not really get involved in battle – I feel like I’m being shielded and I wonder if it’s a role I really wanted…

My stepsister may visit when she is free. Though it is a moving reunion, when that time comes… do I really need to dive into her chest where the robe can’t even be closed?– I would like to somehow decline because it’s too luxurious as a reward for surviving!

Whether knowing my inner feelings or not, my stepsister suddenly looked into the far distance then she spoke to herself.

“Knights only for women… If you throw a man there, it’s like throwing boned meat into the cage of a beast… Even though you’re a man, you can’t stand the strength of a well-trained woman, like if every night… so, I wonder how should I take responsibility…?”

“I-I don’t think that anyone can be placed in such an environment…”

“You’re also a doctor, Isn’t there any knowledge that the instinct of a woman becomes very strong from their thirties?”

“Well, it’s a general theory that I know even if I’m not a doctor, and I think the knights are probably all pure and honest people…”

My stepsister is only 21 years old this year, so it’s still far from the age of 30, but if I was to ask if she too have such desire, I feel like I can’t leave this room safely.

In any case, I have to go west and serve Astina-denka. If I’m not a combat magician, can they recognize my value as a military doctor? –No, I must be recognized!

It‘s a matter of survival and the title of the court magician should not be a mere decoration. In order to do that, I must do something to convince everyone around me. However, there is one thing that I remain concerned about – my stepsister calling Leslie before me…

“By the way, Nee-san, what did you talk with Leslie?”

“I can’t say anything about it. I think it’s a thorny path for Leslie, but she still wanted ‘that’ and I just accepted it.”

Leslie wasn’t really called and she visited the headmaster’s office herself – I really can’t help but be more concerned of what they talked about.

“She’s an adult too, No need to be overprotective… though you could also be telling that back to me.”

“No…, to be honest, I’m thankful to you Onee-san. I don’t think its overprotection either. It kinda feels like a lion pushing his own cub from a great height.”

“I’m your sister, not your parent. I just want to correct that.”

In the past, my stepsister used to pat my head at such a time however she stopped herself along the way.

She too counts on me. If I could meet that expectation, I feel that I could accept the kindness of my stepsister more naturally.

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On the door of the headmaster’s room, there is a sign that says “Millenia Weed” is inside.

Yes, the school headmaster is my older stepsister. She is called the school’s most talented woman. In the entire history, she is also the youngest one to take over the headmaster’s position.

My stepsister took office three years ago, and since then, I have been called in about once a week to report on my recent circumstances. I think that I’m not that unreliable to still be supervised by my stepsister, but I can’t say “I’m an independent adult, don’t call me too often” when I face her.

“What are you doing? Why don’t you enter the room when you’re already there?”

“Err… Sorry Headmaster. Excuse me, I’m coming in…”

Inside the school, I don’t address the Headmaster as my older sister.  It should have been such an arrangement, but that rule is not applied to this room – Ah no, that should be until outside of the room only. Since I got inside, I would also change the address from here.

As soon as I enter the room, my stepsister looks at me intently.

“Umm… Nee-san…” I wanted to ask what is the problem – ah never mind.

Sunlight shines through a thin curtain from the window behind my older sister, and her long, jade-colored hair appears to shine. She used to have chestnut-colored hair in the past but it changed when she contracted with a higher spirit of the wind element. The color of hair and eyes changed to the color that symbolizes ones spirit attributes.

If we were not a family, I would have been ten times more nervous than I am now! – It’s not so often that you can find such a beautiful woman.

My father remarried when I was still young and that’s when my stepsister came about. At first, I didn’t know what to do with my father’s remarriage partner’s child but it seemed that she was the same. I was able to get over it little by little because of my mother-in-law’s mediation. Now, I have been treated as a younger brother to the extent that I would like to refrain from being one.

When she left her seat, she walked around the big desk she used all the time and came to me. The light that shined on her through the window was dazzling, but eventually my eyes were getting used to it. My stepsister is wearing a black cloak over her white shirt. It must have been customized as it would undoubtedly expose her big chests if not.

The cloak she wears also proves her identity as a court magician. In addition to that, the gold pendant locket she hangs around her neck was engraved with the number “17” – meaning magician of the country, at the seventeenth rank.

“What happened? You couldn’t take part in the mock battle class again because you’re still depressed?”

“I already get used to it. Since I contracted my spirit, I lost few of my friends but it’s not like they are distancing themselves because they hate me – or does that sound like I’m acting tough?”

“With your contracted spirit, you are inevitably left out in this school. To some extent, it is not unusual to get close to someone you will fight in a mock battle, or to get close to someone with the same contracted spirit as you. That’s not impossible.”

Frankly speaking, I’d rather do something refreshing. If you cannot draw elemental spirits, there is no choice but to live as a flop in this academy.

No matter how excellent your grade is, it is not evaluated. In the end, one would only be categorized by the lineage of their contracted spirits. I was even treated like a roadside grass by my classmates. I’m so used to the current situation and as a plant spirit user, I don’t need to indulge in self-mockery.

“But if this country weren’t surrounded on all sides by an enemy nation, it might be possible to focus not only on the lines of military use but also on the spirits of you, Leslie, and Sven. Is what I think.”

“… I know that the history of this country is accompanied by war. Alumni of the academy have also been thrown into the front lines and are achieving results. In the Eastern Front, it is possible to push back the border line after a long time.”

I think it’s ironic. There can be no enemies in this country for the next 100 years – my stepsister, who was a member of the Southern Front of the military, understands the current situation much better than I am.

My stepsister has a contract with a spirit called ‘Tempest’, which is one of the highest spirits in the world, has the power to stop the army of 1,000 people. I’ve never seen her on the battlefield, but I heard rumors that even the male knights of the battle-hardened men were afraid of her and followed her commands.

Why was she able to leave the front line and move to the Silvana Magic Academy? It was because of her achievement that she entered into a cease-fire agreement with a southern enemy.

The military magician can return to the office by living and returning from the front. She will return to the army if the ceasefire agreement is broken, otherwise she will not be forced to join another front.

“My friend who is coming from the Eastern Front will be able to come back safely if things go as is. I was hoping to let you two meet but…”

“Nee-san, what is the errand that you called me here for? The way I see it, I think I’ll be leaving the school…”

I did say so because scouts for graduate students from the outside are mostly communicated by the headmaster.

When one door is shut, another door is open. I expected that already – apparently this would be those too good to be true offers.

With a mysterious face, my stepsister handed me a paper that was on the desk.

“This…  isn’t this a military convocation order?… –No. It’s from the royal family, an imperial decree…?”

“Yeah. Congratulations, Glass. You have been qualified to the last seat of the Court Magician, with special exception.”

“Me?… a court magician…?”

Indeed, it was a blue sky.

Since Leslie was also called, I expected it would just be the usual call for status updates – I can’t even think that I, who cannot participate in mock battles, will be chosen as a court magician.

I knew that it wasn’t a good story simply by looking at Millenia-nee’s face. It was something, such as a grim resolve. Seriously, I can’t just avert my eyes.

“You always have high classroom grades, magic theory, spiritual architecture, science, natural sciences, political science, commerce even pharmacy. Almost all subjects were marked ‘Excellence’.”

Since there are only three types of evaluation at the magic school, excellent, good and bad. Even if it is said to be good, it will be so if you get a decent score. Certainly, no student will take credit for as many subjects as I do.

However, since there is no place to show the skill of spirit magic, the skill is treated as zero or no evaluation. If I put a total of 100 points in both practical skill and classroom learning, I will get only 50 points no matter how hard I try, and I will be below the average rank.

As a result, even if one submits an application, he could not take the examination of the court magician. It is only a miracle that I was exempted from the exam and selected as a court magician.

–Or are you involved in some kind of plot?

If that is the case, I can only agree that this was not some kind of blessing.

“And not only good grades, but you’ve also been qualified as a Spirit Doctor this year.”

“Ha – Yes, Sorry, if I could only ask your approval afterwards”

“To some extent, I get a report from my secretary to understand what kind of activity you are doing at the school.  I’m rather happy that you’re trying to find a path to independence and make utmost effort.”

Arms crossed, my older stepsister looked at me with kind eyes that is making me so embarrassed. As always, she treated me as a child – I’m an adult and I even struggle to divert my attention from that big breast on her arms!

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Anyway, only me and my acquaintance can eat the fruit of the elder at this time. Even if it’s useless in battle, it’s still a blessing in everyday life.

“I don’t really like fig tree fruits… but I’m glad Glass-nii gave me this.”

With a cup, her small mouth took a bite, Leslie’s white throat moves as she swallows the pulp.

She looks healthy today, and I’m worried about that because I was busy looking for another profession while I was on the exam for a Court Magician.

That is the ‘Spirit Doctor’. In the path of the Spirit Magician, very few choose a doctor because the reward for medical treatment is very low compared to the reward for a combat magician.

Attacks are the greatest defense in the Kingdom’s view. However, I also think that Spirit Doctors, which is regarded as a lesser profession, is an important job that is sometimes needed.

Most of all, it is essential that a court magician be a combat magician, so becoming a Spirit Doctor was synonymous with giving up the path to a court magician.

“…What happened? Did you fight with Sven?”

“No, that’s not the case. Sven is running around to get a job, so we can’t meet easily.”

“Fu-n”

Leslie says it doesn’t look very impressive. Sven is my roommate, and he is one of the guys who, like us, have pulled an unlucky spirit.

About five out of every 100 people draw unlucky spirits, and then they cannot participate in combat exercise classes at all. The combat exercises are conducted on the assumption that the spirit magic of the earth, water, fire, wind elements will be used, so other spirits cannot participate.

A mock battle is still taking place at the training ground, but we can’t go there. So Leslie, who was three years younger, was also free to come here. Originally, I was in my class, but because there were no other students, I became a self-study student. Although I and Sven are in the same situation, we are of different tracks.

“The air spirit that Leslie contracted could be used like the wind spirits.”

“Wind is ‘wind’, air is ‘air’. Not the same.”

I know Leslie’s magic can be used in battle. It can be very scary depending on how you use it because you can interfere with the spirits that reside in the ‘air’ – which is everywhere.

For example, what happens if the oxygen contained in the air is locally concentrated? On the contrary, if you lose oxygen – it’s a little radical idea, but it should have great potential, but it is not evaluated by the standards of the Academy.

That is because the teachers of the school have contracted with one of the elemental spirits of the earth, water, fire and wind. Other spirits are “evil ways” for teachers.

Though Leslie said that she wanted to see me pull a flop, she also ended up doing the same thing but she didn’t seem too depressed about it.

Air spirits probably go hand in hand with plant spirits. But if I said that, it would seem to be an invitation from me to do joint research with her, so I couldn’t say anything.

Magical collaborators often get married. It is said that the users of spirits of the same system are compatible with each other. Although it is said that similar things do not work well, it is a different story about spirits.

Leslie lent me a handkerchief when I finished eating the fruits and vegetables. I wiped my hands and ask her.

“So what did you do today Leslie?”

“I went to the headmaster’s office and I was told to call Glass-nii.”

“The headmaster?… Leslie, what did she say?”

Leslie tried to say something but then she just placed an index finger on her lips.

“I understand. It’s a secret right? I’ll go then.”

“……Sorry”

“Don’t apologize. If it’s a call from the headmaster, it’s better to tell me directly.”

That she apologizes in this way means that the Headmaster’s talk is not easy to listen to.

“Well then, I’ll go ahead. Leslie, thank you for coming.”

“Yeah. Glass-nii, see you tomorrow.”

Separated from Leslie, I entered the school building and headed for the headmaster’s office. Along the way, I suddenly realized. Leslie said ‘See you tomorrow’, although there is chance of seeing her again today. This somehow caught my attention.

In any case, I will understand everything once I talked to the headmaster. I speed up my pace while thinking of the headmaster who I would see for the first time after a while.

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At Silvana Magic Academy, all students must find another job by the age of 20 and voluntarily leave the school unless they become assistants or other staff members of the school.

Graduation ceremonies at other schools do not exist at this institution. After the “Spirit Selection Ceremony” is completed, the students would receive more and more scouts and exit, so the opportunity to get together with all the classes is gone.

Five years from receiving the “spirit of choice” at the age of 15 to the age of 20. The time given is sufficient for ordinary students, but students who have pulled out flop will not be able to get a job by being scouted if they do it normally.

Elemental spirit users can be classified as a force prepared for military use, and since the absolute number of magicians is small, they are sought after in all directions.

The assessment of which spirits are superior and which are inferior, which is derived from the history of 200 years at the institute, cannot be easily overturned.

I thought I first had a contract with a “grass” spirit, but it was exactly a “plant spirit”. From the time I signed the contract, I could hear the grass and I could talk to the trees. However, hearing those voices is normal, but when the flowers on the side of the road are likely to be stepped on by people, they are seeking help, with that, they can’t be left alone.

Today I was walking in the courtyard of the school listening to the voices of plants.

The spirits of a large tree, who can be said to be the master of the courtyard, are planted from the beginning of this school – like an elder. When I get near, it shakes the branches slightly and greets me.

“Gee, you got better than yesterday. Tell me if there are too many branches and I’ll give you a haircut.”

Cutting off branches would be what we would normally call pruning, but since I was able to talk to trees, I began to see them like living things. Therefore, it is ‘haircut’.

“Sorry Glass-kun. We can’t cut the branches ourselves, so we’ll ask you again if it gets too heavy. I can only thank you like this, but will you please?”

“I’m doing it because I want to do it, so no need to say thank you…”

“Really, I want to thank you more, so here you go.”

Until a while ago, the elder had become too weak because the branches were too heavy and the trunk was overloaded. None of the academy came up with the idea that the branches are spreading and the trees are weakened by the weight.

I also thought that the branch was splendid, and I thought it could not be helped because it died when it died. Being able to talk to the spirits of plants has changed my perception significantly –plants live by thinking about various things, and when they aren’t in good shape, they sometimes get sick.

This elder is a “Fig” tree, and although the fruit is not growing this season, it has matured two for me and dropped it from the branch.

“Thank you. If you make fruit in that way, it might put a strain on your body.”

“There is nothing like that. Originally, the magical institute’s soil contained more magical power than other lands. The exhausted power could be sucked up again from the soil.”

It may be that the elder can do this because he is a spirit that has lived for a long time.I lifted the fruit and thanked him again. With a promise that I would come again, I then headed to the resting place in the courtyard nearby.

I love such a scenic view from here. Maybe that’s one of the reasons why I was chosen as a plant spirit. I truly like to spend time in nature and I find it a pleasure to eat while watching the trees. That’s why I don’t have to worry about how Professor Hendrick and other teachers treat me.

“The dream of a court magician has been virtually cut off. If you have a track record in other jobs, it may not be impossible.”

Those words obviously hold double sided meaning…

I have been applying for the exam of a court magician for two years, but I have been dropped just because I was a flop. Since I can’t take classes with other students, I have more time to study classroom lectures, so the score from the other examinees should be above the average.

It can’t be helped if it’s the norm here.

I sat on the wooden chair at the resting place, spread the cloth on the table, and put the two fruits on it.

“Glass-nii~ I knew you were here after all!”

“Oh, Leslie. The elder gave me some fruit. It looks really good.”

It is said that the juice of fruits from fig trees could easily give you rashes, but the condition of the fruits changes depending on the relationship with plants. The more familiar it is, the sweeter the fruit, the more toxic ingredients may disappear, or the stronger it may be depending on the application.

The fruits that the elder gives are not ordinary fig tree fruits, and the juice does not irritate the skin. I can’t believe it when someone tells me that it can’t happen that way. For me, even poisonous plants can be eliminated through dialogue.

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“—Glass-kun, are you all right? Glass-kun!”

When I heard Professor Hendrick’s voice and returned to my senses, I was held and supported on both sides by Leslie and another person.

“I-I’m sorry, I’m okay. I just spaced out for a moment.”

“Oh- It’s something that happens a lot when making a contract. If your fine, there’s no need to apologize to me.”

Professor Hendrick’s current attitude was different from his normal description. Professor Hendrick was said to be stone-headed and strict but right now, this teacher is kind.

No—not really. Right now, the expression in his eyes…

“… People can’t choose spirits. No matter how hard you study, they won’t answer you. It’s not your fault.”

I could understand immediately how Professor Hendrick felt about me – it was sympathy.

Heh… There was no other reason than me getting a flop!

“I know from your homeroom teacher what your old goals are. I know that, even if the road is closed, it doesn’t end there. As an educator, we are your path. We will seek out together.”

He then leaves the room. Another student goes out and the remaining one –Leslie, also moved towards the door. As she passed by me, she stopped.

With a very weak voice she spoke, “I-I might also pull out the same thing three years later. At that time, you can scold me as much as you want…”

She did say earlier that she wanted to see me pull out a flop but when I actually pull it out, she was now shrinking as she thought it’s her fault.

When I see her like that, I don’t feel like getting depressed.

“If it’s Leslie, you’ll surely get a jackpot!”

Standing up, I smiled. “You know even though it’s a flop, I’m glad I got a contract. Now I’m a magician too.”

Leslie with her eyes turned a little reddish was now troubled to face me. Really, if you’re this kind-hearted, you shouldn’t have said something so mischievous for you not to feel distressed.

However, it was not surprising that she was careful. I’m trying to behave comfortably, but in fact, as a magician – I’m off course.

Most of the nearly 1,000 students of the Magic Academy selected one of the elements of the earth, water, fire, wind. Although there are differences between upper spirits and lower spirits, they are certified as “combat magicians” who can have a role in military fields etc. to be done.

Apparently, I wasn’t one of them. Above all, I seemed to have pulled out the worst out of all the flops, where even Professor Hendrick lost interest on the spot.

Leslie should not feel responsible though. Usually as thanks for attending the ceremony, one needs to pay for it. In fact, the other one, except for Leslie, should get the part-time fee I paid through my teacher.

“Anyway, thank you for helping me out. I’ll treat you to some good food next time.”

“Uhm yeah… Glass-nii’s home cooking is good. I haven’t eaten it for a while.”

Even though I was depressed, I said something like that. My cooking is not a big deal, but I’m pretty confident in making something that can be eaten in its own way with ready-made ingredients.

“I think it’s better to eat out but if Leslie says so, I’ll make sure to make it as it has been a while.”

“Really? I just tried to say it. I’m glad I went to your ceremony.”

Fiddling her hair, Leslie smiled then left the ritual room.

“…In the end, I couldn’t show you a cool part…”

I murmured softly, being alone, I suddenly looked at my feet.

The power of the spirits dwelling on me has spread, and the magic circle has changed. A fire spirit produces flames, and a water spirit springs water –not both. Grass is growing along the shape of the magic circle.

Where was the grass coming from? This was certainly a stone floor… could this be…

It’s certainly the power of the spirit. In other words, my spirit wasn’t the elemental spirit I was hoping for – apparently it was the spirit around “grass”.

◆ ◇ ◆

Leslie also received a ritual three years later at the age of fifteen, and although it is a system different from mine, it was a spirit that is said to be flop.

Since she attended my ceremony I was also told to do the same. But since I would be confirming the ‘spirit mark’ on Leslie’s body – I couldn’t!

The main reason is that though she was still innocent at the age of twelve, by the time she was fifteen, she had grown far beyond my imagination.

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Silvana Magic Academy

This is the only school in the kingdom that trains spirit magicians.

Seven years after I entered school, I was now fifteen years old, and I was about to undergo a ceremony to decide my future destiny.

“Glass Weed. From now on, I will carry on your ‘Spirit Selection Ceremony’.”

I came to the ceremonial room of the academy, and was told by Professor Hendrick.

Students who turned 15 would undergo the ‘Spirit Selection Ceremony’. The ‘Spirit Selection Ceremony’ is a ritual to make a contract with the spirit, but it is not known which spirit will be selected until the contract is made.

The Spirit Magician uses the power of the spirit to exercise magic. The spirits also have a special character, and the spirits of the four major elements such as Earth, Water, Fire and Wind are especially high ranks, and students who can contract them are said to be excellent.

However, some spirits dwell in substances and other living things, and these are subordinated, so to speak, they are called as ‘Flop’.

For example, if the spirit of fire is powerful, it creates destructive power enough to cross the army of one country, but the spirit of the ‘cat’, which is off the mark, becomes able to talk to a cat, and temporarily becomes a beast human. Although it can be done, it seems to be less useful.

In this case, I also want to hit a jackpot!

If I do so, my dream of becoming a Court Magician will surely come true. It is difficult to be selected as a Court Magician no matter how much effort you make if you lose the margin.

Just like my stepsister who became a school principal at a young age, I wanted to become a Court Magician and become a person my family would not be ashamed of.

“Then, we will make a final confirmation of your ‘Spirit Mark’. Mr. Glass please remove your shirt.”

“Yes Teacher.” I then took my shirt off.

Before the ritual, a ‘Spirit Mark’ was written on the whole body – this is a mark for holding a spirit in the body of a magician, and it disappears when the contract ends.

Professor Hendrick asks the two female students he brought as an assistant to check the marks on my body. It’s necessary, but it’s embarrassing to see that one of them is my friend Leslie.

Three years younger than me, Leslie is always on hand. Seeing her, I can’t help but feel a little nervous. Being an assistant of the ‘Spirit Selection Ceremony’ is all voluntary so Leslie must have come up by her own request.

But I was not informed about it! I didn’t have any idea why Leslie came to attend the ceremony.

“Glass-nii~ I’m going to watch you intently! I’ll watch you get a flop!”

Leslie whispers in a very soft voice as she approaches to see my back markings. She doesn’t speak too obediently, but that’s always the case, so I’m not particularly angry.

After the confirmation, only me remains in the magic circle to make a contract. Leslie, with her shiny black hair and eyes of the same color, was deeply hooded just like another student, and her expression disappeared.

“Glass-kun, which spirit you contract with is determined by the bloodline you were born with, the nature of your magical power that has been developed over the last 15 years, and your personality. The Academy is not responsible for what your signing a contract with. If that’s okay, I’d like to your blood pressed on this contract. “

“Understood.” I replied shortly.

Slowly, I put the short blade of a dagger on my thumb and stamped the contract with smeared blood. Bleeding will immediately stop if you apply powdered herbal medicine to stop the bleeding then smeared it with oil. This is a very effective family medicine that has been passed down to my mother’s family.

The ritual is about to begin – I believe it will be a good result. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and tried to calm myself.

“To the one who controls all things, or the great one who dwells in all things, I, Glass Weed, seek a contract with my blood. Heed my summoning and came forth!”

Wow…!!!

At that time, I saw a mysterious scenery that I had never seen before, but it somehow feels very nostalgic. It’s in the deep forest. Someone is bathed in the brilliant light of the sun, amidst flowers and grass that I have never seen.

I truly felt that someone was waiting for me.

Then a beautiful girl in white clothes that shines brightly, unlike anything else in the world came to be. It’s beautiful – I’m so dumbfounded that I could only come up with such mundane impressions.

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