Since When Did You Have The Illusion That You Don’t Have Magical Powers?!

Characters in this chapter:

Sapphiras Perfectio, 2nd son of the Earl of Aldridge

Percival Belisario, 3rd son of Margrave of Vanderwall on the Eastern Frontier

Aurora Steinfeld, daughter of the Duke of Bloomfield

Veritas Perfectio, 1st son of the Earl of Aldridge, Sapphiras’ older brother

 

“Magic performance? What’s that?”

I tilted my head when he said, ‘it’s almost time for the magic performance, isn’t it’

It’s the break between classes. I was preparing for my next class when Riley Spotts, the class leader, spoke to me.

“That’s right, Sapphiras doesn’t know about it, does he? Magic performance involves selecting three representatives from the class and performing magic in front of everyone. Excellent students will be awarded a Stella Star1spy x family?. Every year, the Order of Magicians and the Order of Knights also come to see it. Some of the students are scouted because of their magic skills. Students aiming for the Order of Magicians in the future will naturally be fired up.”

I see? So it’s a magic version of the swordsmanship tournament. Certainly, it’s natural for a noble’s sons and daughters to have magical powers in this world, so it makes sense that there are tournement where magic is competed.

“Heeeh……and what happens when you win that Stella Award?”

“Students who win the Stella Award receives a star emblem. This is a great honour for us students.”

Come to think of it, I remember seeing some graduate students wearing star emblems on the collars of their uniforms. I think it was also on Veritas’ collar. Does that mean he won the Stella Award in his first year?

“And there’s a celebration for the class that the star pupil belongs to. Of course, Sapphiras will be one of the representatives!”

Riley talks like he never dreamt of me saying no to entering the tournament.

But I’m sorry, but I have no intention of participating in the tournament.

“I’m sorry. I’m not going to enter that tournament.”

When I said that, the class was in an uproar. It seems that everyone naturally thought I wouldn’t refuse. Well, everyone in this class knows about my magical prowess.

“M-maybe, are you still holding on to what I said before about you not having magical powers?”

No, no, as expected, there’s no such thing. How vindictive does he think I am? Even though he didn’t do anything directly, I wouldn’t hold on to it forever just because he was a little distant.

It’s not like that, it’s because the magic tournament won’t be very interesting if I participate.

There is an overwhelming difference in ability as a magician between the students of Creare and me. If you want to use an analogy, it’s like summoning a dragon to defeat a small magical rat.

“No, it’s not like that. I don’t care about that anymore.”

“Then, why……”

“I’m sure my ex-brother will be at that tournament. If I go there, it’s going to be a bit of a hassle.”

“Aah……Veritas Perfectio-senpai?”

When that name was mentioned, everyone nodded in agreement. I don’t know about the reputation of Veritas, who got a star in the first grade, but I’m sure he will be the representative again this year. In truth, though, I could show an overwhelming difference in power and crush Perfectio’s menace. But it’s not something I’d want to do if it interferes with the stage on which these magicians of the future can flourish.

“I won’t be at the tournament, but I can offer advice.”

“Advice?”

The rules of the magic performance tournament are that the representatives of the class have to perform magic, but I heard that most of the representatives show individual performances. So I’ll make a suggestion.

“How about the 3 people doing one act?”

“What? With 3 people?”

“Yes, it’s not bad to do it alone, but since we’re representing our class, I think we should all support our friends who are representing us. Besides, if 3 people work together, we can do magic that we couldn’t do alone, right?”

As first year students, it would be difficult for us to get a star if we were aiming for the Stella Award. So I suggested that instead of aiming for the prize, we should enjoy magic. I want people to remember that magic can not only protect you or attack you, but it can also move people and make them smile.

At first everyone was reluctant, but once I told them what I was thinking, they agreed that it would be fun. Above all, they were interested in being involved in the tournament as a behind-the-scenes player, rather than leaving everything to the 3 representatives.

The tournament is in a month’s time.

They have already learned the basics of magic at the academy, so they have plenty of time to prepare.

After the discussion, the two boys who had self-recommended and the girl who had been recommended by everyone were chosen as representatives.

It’s getting kind of interesting, isn’t it? Isn’t this what student life is all about?

 

“……And so, I suggested that instead of showing magic individually, why don’t the 3 of them work together to put on an act?”

At dinner that night, I tell Percival about what happened today, instead of a dinner dish.

“I see……cooperating to show magic. I hadn’t thought of that.”

“Because it wasn’t written in the rules not to cooperate. The first year students are not going to be able to win the Stella Award anyway. So I thought it would be more fun if we did it together.”

“That’s a very Sapphiras way of thinking.”

“Everyone is also very motivated. I’m sure they will be able to show off their magic.”

“I see. I’m looking forward to the day of the tournament.”

Percival smiled like a Knight of the Sun. His smile is as bright as ever.

Certainly, this guy would be liked by everyone. It’s not like I don’t understand Nigel’s feelings either. You’re a guilty man, Percival!

“……I don’t care what kind of magic you show me, we’re too different in ability to begin with. As long as you stay out of my way, you can do whatever you want.”

As I was moved by Percival’s smile, I overheard a conversation in a nearby seat. I thought it was a very dismissive tone and looked over to see that it was Veritas, who was having dinner with a few classmates. I didn’t notice him at all, even though he was so close. When we accidentally made eye contact, Veritas blatantly raised his eyebrows.

“……Why are you still at the academy?”

“Well well, it’s Perfectio-senpai. It’s been a while.”

“Answer the question. You are no longer a noble, so why are you here?”

What, Veritas didn’t know that I had the support of the Duke? That’s why he didn’t report it to the Earl. On the contrary, the Earl wouldn’t tell Veritas about the tea party at the Duke’s house either.

“Perfectio senpai.”

With a clatter of the chair, Percival stood up.

Eh? What’s the matter? While thinking that, I look up at Percival. The sun smile that was there earlier is gone.

“……What is it?”’

“Sapphiras is recognised as an excellent magician and attends the academy with the backing of the Duke of Bloomfield.

“Excellent magician? You incompetent, useless person? Haha, what a foolish thing to do. It makes me laugh that you, who has no magic power, is excellent.  What kind of dirty tricks did you use to get in with the Duke’s family? Did you take advantage of it? The Duke of Bloomfield is completely insane to support such an idiot.”

He’s not shouting, but there are a lot of people at this time of night at dinner time. You’ve said a lot in a place like this where you don’t know who’s listening.

And are you still talking about that? The information is too old. That’s why you don’t know how your house is regarded by the nobility around you.　

“Perfectio-senpai. I suggest you watch your mouth.”

“What? What do you, the third son of a Margrave, say with such an air of dignity?”

You too. What does the heir apparent of a failing magical earl family have to say?

“Is there something wrong with our Duke of Bloomfield house?”

A dignified voice interrupted. Aurora, who had been there for some time, smiled. It is a beautiful smile, but her eyes are not smiling at all.　

“Good day, everyone. I have just heard the name of our ducal house. What are you talking about?”

Look at that. The air around you has frozen because you didn’t know what to do. The people sharing the table with Veritas have gone pale.

Aurora opens her fan and quickly covers her mouth. Liliana, standing behind Aurora, is expressionless.

“……The academy’s sponsorship scholarship system is only available to those who have passed a rigorous examination. Currently, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Melchior is focusing on nurturing young people who will become the Kingdom’s talents. In particular, he has been thinking about the management of the Academy and its educational policy, and discussing it with the principal. If you have any doubts about our scholarship system, you can ask His Royal Highness the Crown Prince directly. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has always said that he wants to hear frank opinions from the students of the Academy. I am sure that he will listen to you sincerely. You may, of course, ask my father, the Duke of Bloomfield, directly.”

Having been told that if he had a complaint, he should address it directly to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince or the Duke, Veritas silently got up from his seat and left the cafeteria as it was. His classmates are bewildered to be left in such an atmosphere. Besides, why didn’t he at least clean up his own tray before he went? Who on earth is going to clean it up?

“I’m sorry, Aurora. It’s my fault that the Duke’s family was insulted. And I’ve made Percival uncomfortable too.”

Veritas looks down on me. He said that I, Sapphiras, am incompetent, useless and a disgrace to my family, and I’ve been severely indoctrinated by the Earl. He was just trying to discredit me, but he never thought Aurora would hear. If he is similar to the Earl, he may be proud but not brave. Veritas, who was pressed by Aurora, should be pale and trembling by now.

“No. No need for you to apologise, Sapphiras-san. Please be proud to say that you have the backing of our Duke of Bloomfield house.”

Aurora, who had completely returned to her usual beautiful girl self, snapped her fan shut and smiled at me, and Percival patted me on the shoulder.

“……Thank you, both of you.”

While their concern tickled my back somewhat, Veritas’ classmates were gone before I knew it. It must have been hard to stay in this place of quicksand. They were just involved with Veritas and had nothing to do with it. I felt a bit sorry for them.

Incidentally, the tray that Veritas had left behind had been properly cleared away.

1spy x family?