[Interlude] The少年's Journey – Inside the Ship

After recovering for a full day, I pretended to offer my thanks and immediately started a conversation with Taro.

"Mr. Taro, you're known as a magician, aren't you?"

"I've never claimed that title myself, but people often call me that. Yes, I suppose I am."

"I see. There's something I'd like to discuss regarding yesterday's incident. Would you mind coming with me?"

Well, what do you think? Will he come along without resistance? I just hope he doesn't react negatively.

Understood."

Taro replied, following behind me. Good. It seems to be going smoothly.

We arrive in front of the room I'm using. I instruct the maid and guards to wait here. Most of them listen, though there are always a few who don't take orders easily.

"Anne, please wait here."

"But Master William, that's dangerous. At least let us assign some guards to accompany you."

As expected, she protested.

"Fine! Wait here."

Anne teaches me the proper conduct befitting a noble. Yet, it sometimes stings.

Especially when she scolds me for seeking advice from adventurers—something a noble shouldn't do.

Yet, magic stones work equally for all, regardless of status.

Thus, it's well known among nobles that commoners are steadily rising in strength and economic power.

Everyone seems dissatisfied, but clinging to status means missing out on opportunities to grow stronger. We can't afford to be picky.

I'm sorry to Anne, but let's wait outside her room. She looks utterly dejected. It pains me to see her like this.

Entering the room. Once I confirm the door has closed behind me,

"Thank you for yesterday. You saved my life."

I'd lowered my voice to appear dignified, but due to nervousness, it came out higher than intended. Feeling a bit embarrassed, I force it through anyway.

Mr. Taro, I'm truly grateful. Thank you so much! You're amazing. How do you even manage to use recovery crystals? What kind of magic is that lightning spell you use?

I blurted out everything I'd been wondering about at once.

"Wait a moment—asking me all that at once, I can't answer right away. Honestly, are you really like this? You're not usually like this, are you?"

Taro seemed oddly surprised.

That was true—my sister had once told me I was the complete opposite of my usual self when I was out in public, and she found it amusing.

"I'm not myself when I'm in noble mode. But I have to do it, so I do. Honestly, who cares about that? That's why I kicked the maid out. Anyway, how did you learn to use magic?"

Taro looked stunned, but somehow seemed to understand.

"Got it, got it. I'll answer each question one by one, so just ask."

"I can perform fire magic, but I can't use it properly. Whenever I try to cast a spell, it always fizzles out halfway through."

"Even though you can use magic, you still went abroad for studies?"

"Well, there were various reasons for that..."

If only I weren't a noble.

"Anyway, I absolutely must learn to use magic. Could you please tell me about how you learned to use magic, Taro?"

"It was... like this that I learned to use magic..."

After glancing around briefly to check the surroundings, Taro explained his experience and practice methods for mastering magic in a casual, matter-of-fact tone.

No one besides my older sister had ever spoken to me like this before, so it felt strangely refreshing. I suppose I'm just not used to noble ways.

Still, what an exhilarating story. I really want to become an adventurer now.

I never thought the practice of magic would involve small-scale activation. I always assumed magic was meant for attacks, so I only focused on how to unleash it with full power.

"That's amazing, Taro-san! Could you please become my magic teacher?"

Taro furrowed his brow slightly.

"If I get the chance, but first you need to get home safely. You're still recovering from illness—come on, let's rest for today."

He's clearly trying to escape. But I can't give up now.

His knowledge of magic, and his experience with rare illnesses—

He might just be able to solve the problem I'm facing right now.

As I'm thinking of a way to keep him, Taro suddenly opened the door to the room.

To my surprise, the maid Anne and the adventurer Alex were fighting each other.

"What are you doing, you two?"

Taro stared at them, utterly bewildered.

I was equally shocked. I had just been about to scold maid Anne when this happened.

"Master, they really are just common thugs. I'll take care of them right now."

Why had it come to this... Anne is usually so calm and reliable.

However, unexpectedly, Anne raised her longsword and charged at Taro. Dangerous—this way, Taro might get hurt!

I was thinking this when Taro remained calm, gripping a glowing gemstone in his right hand.

In an instant, a loud crackling sound and a bright line of light shot between Taro and Anne, causing Anne to fall to the ground.

No way—she's unconscious? Amazing! That was Taro's magic. Geometric patterns are swirling around Taro's right hand.

Even though my precious Anne has fainted, I couldn't help but glisten with excitement at Taro's dazzling technique.

I—no, I mustn't. I called over another maid and had her carry Anne into my room. There are too many people around here for proper care.

That's right—let's stop Taro and the others to ask about this matter. I have no choice but to use whatever is available.

With that, I immediately set to action.