第１２３０堀：こっちもこっちで頑張ります (Part2)
"Haha, that’s a tall order. Though, if you’re willing to limit it to just you, Charl, I suppose I could make it work if you came to be my bride?"
"That’s truly a pity, but I’ll have to decline. Doing that would mean usurping my sister’s position, and if I were to disappear, Gartz’s trade relations would fall into absolute chaos."
"I know I’m preaching to the choir, but if you don’t cultivate your successors, you’re going to find yourself in a world of hurt later, you know?"
"Yes, I’m well aware. But I’m an elf, after all. I tend to take things at a leisurely pace. My father and brother don’t fuss over such things, either."
"Well, having a long lifespan certainly has its advantages. But I digress. How much information do you think would be appropriate to teach?"
When I asked that again, Charl wore a troubled expression...
"Regarding magic, including the 'phenomenon of mana depletion' is a given, of course."
"That goes without saying. Also, I’m considering proposing that magic be placed under a 'licensing system by the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance.'"
"A licensing system?"
"Exactly. Magic varies wildly depending on individual talent, and having someone whose identity is unknown using powerful magic without authorization is a threat in and of itself."
"So, it’s about regulating mages. But I imagine there will be significant backlash."
"Yes, that’s a possibility. But wouldn't the fact that they 'studied abroad and received a license' be a plus in a different sense? It would mean they are 'mages who meet the standards and common sense of the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance.'"
"Ah, I see. That would certainly make them trustworthy from our perspective as well."
That’s right—this is something my brother has been grumbling about regarding magic for a long time.
The power of magic can change based on individual talent, and new spells can be created at will. But that doesn’t mean it’s always used for the benefit of others. It’s a fact that has been proven time and again: magic can, and often does, threaten people and nations. My brother had suggested a licensing system as a means to manage it.
Until now, we hadn't pursued it because it would have simply looked like us imposing regulations, and we knew the other parties would resent that. But with this study-abroad program, if we frame it as having the "seal of approval from the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance," the narrative changes. It’s no longer about being restricted; it’s about being "recognized as a talented mage of good standing."
"But wouldn't someone like Nonoa from the Land of Magic be quite opposed to that? And what about the academies and institutes on other continents?"
"Yes, which is why we intend to consult with them thoroughly in advance and introduce a common licensing system in the future. For this pilot, we’re planning to have the licenses granted after inviting instructors from the Lancer Magic Academy, the Haiden Magic Institute, and the Land of Magic itself."
"Ah, in that case, it would only increase the credibility. And in the future, we could even crack down on unlicensed mages as illegal, couldn't we..."
"Yes. That is also part of the objective."
Indeed, magic is, in a sense, like carrying a concealed firearm at all times. Within Weed, we use the dungeon’s functions to place constraints on magic, and it seems important locations like royal palaces in other countries do the same. However, in the ordinary towns of nations that lack such magic-nullifying spaces, incidents and accidents caused by mages—of varying scales—are constant. For those in power, being able to curb that through a licensing system would be a welcome relief.
"...And have you mentioned this to the other major powers?"
"Not yet. You’re the first, Charl. Or rather, I wanted to ask for your help as a friend to draft the proposal."
"I see. Nice. That means we in Gartz get to have our say on everything."
"Well, I suppose so. But please, keep it under wraps. It would be a headache if people like Alstaire started throwing complaints our way."
"I understand. She’d likely start demanding things like 'what about recovery magic?' and the like. Or rather, since her country shoulders that burden, she’d have plenty to say."
"That’s only natural. Well, I hope to iron out the details so as not to ruffle any feathers, and if that works, I’ll be satisfied."
"In that case, wouldn't it be better to involve someone like Rurua as well?"
"Oh? You’re already thinking that far ahead?"
"Naturally. This isn't a matter that ends with just me and Ratz, is it? If we bring in Rurua and Seraria, the backlash from others should diminish."
Yes, she really is sharp when it comes to these things. I was right to choose her as a consultant, but...
"So, what shall we do about our 'leisurely afternoon'?"
"Ah... let’s see. Shall we call Rurua and go for a cake buffet?"
"That sounds perfect. We have to make the most of our time off, after all."
And so, we enjoyed a cake buffet while discussing the details of the student exchange program.