DMHS 12

“To Eddie?”

“We must tell him you found your mate. If we delay the message and that person is disqualified, that would be terrible.”

“Ah, thank you. But Walter, did you not just say that I was too quick to be sure that person is my mate? I was thinking of taking your words seriously and thinking it over.”

“I thought so too, but not anymore. Do not waste your energy needlessly. Then I will go write the letter to His Majesty.”

Walter got up from his seat. As Lucien had said, Walter had thought for just a moment that Lucien might have been mistaken. But it seemed the peculiarity of his race could not be ignored.

On his way to the study, Walter recalled a passage from the diary his father had left.

July 7, 358

Lately the master had been strange. The unusual behaviors that stood out were the following.

His face flushed red. He was happy then sad by himself, his mood jumped up and down. He asked completely irrational questions while pretending to be smart. He repeated the same words. He asked questions with answers already set. He paced round and round in his seat restlessly.

Should I call a physician?

(Added on August 7. There was nothing to worry about. When the master showed the above behaviors it meant he had met his mate. When these symptoms were confirmed, one should arrange a meeting with His Majesty the King and push for a wedding ceremony as soon as possible. The processes and detailed items needed for the wedding ceremony are as follows…)

***

Four days after the first test ended.

“What are you looking at like that?”

Gavin, with his eyes narrowed, spoke in a displeased tone. Kian, liking that reaction, blocked the doorway and smiled broadly.

“I am curious where you go every day.”

When the first test ended, a rest period followed. With nothing to do, it was only a boring time. With the temporary pass used in the selection tournament, the places one could go in the palace were limited.

The library was not allowed, the large garden was not allowed, and going outside the castle was even more out of the question. But except for Kian, the other candidates quickly disappeared after finishing breakfast.

So that morning, Kian caught his roommate as he was leaving the room and was searching for where the others went.

“Where would I even go? I practice magic at the vacant lot.”

Gavin, who had just graduated from the academy that winter, was the youngest of the candidates. To Kian’s words, which others would have ignored, he at least replied bluntly each time.

And teasing very young kids was one of Kian’s favorite things.

“Is there a vacant lot near here?”

“Of course. Though Sir Semes will not be able to use it.”

“Is it a vacant lot not just anyone can enter?”

“Yes. The vacant lot we use can only be used by South Party people. The North Party would also have received a space for their use. If you want to use a vacant lot it would be best to join one of the parties even now.”

Of course Kian had no intention of joining either side. Even if he tried to join, it was unknown whether they would accept him. But Kian’s daily life had been far too boring the past few days.

“Would it not be fine just to watch?”

“If you are trying to gauge our strength it will be useless. Even if we are practicing, everyone hides their real skill.”

“Whether they hide or not does not matter if it is shoddy the moment I see it. I am asking because it would be better than staring at unmoving furniture in the room.”

Gavin was surprised.

“What?”

“If you dislike it, just pretend you did not hear me and go on your way. I will sneak after you on my own.”

“Are you openly saying you will tail me? Such behavior goes against the dignity of a noble.”

“My family is already completely ruined.”

“Completely ruined… enough. Talking with Sir Semes only gives me a headache.”

“That is because a youngster like you is pretending to be an adult and stiffening your shoulders. If your shoulders get stiff the blood to your head is reduced and that brings headaches.”

Gavin blinked slowly.

“What did you just say?”

“I emphasized the importance of a relaxed posture.”

“There is no need to speak further. I will leave now.”

Kian whistled as he followed after Gavin. The place Gavin arrived at was a vacant lot not far from Freesia Palace. Seeing that the boundaries were only marked with dirt sacks, it seemed like land chosen before a building was put up.

Kian sat down on a spot where sacks were piled suitably. The number gathered was about fifteen, scattered all over the vacant lot practicing magic.

‘At least there is someone who knows how to put up a basic barrier.’

Kian crossed his legs and rested his arm on them.

‘Shall I take a look at their skill?’

Kian’s eyes swept slowly over the vacant lot.

Perhaps because many expected the second test to be a physical trial, most were practicing wind magic. But controlling wind was not easy. Most of them fell face first onto the dirt or were blown off in the wrong direction into the sky.

‘Of course. The essence of wind magic is moving air.’

Things unseen were harder to control than things seen. One mage started moving rapidly from one end of the vacant lot to the other.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.

It was truly movement that had become one with the wind. The South Party people applauded.

“Amazing! That was a clean success!”

“As I heard, your skill is outstanding, Sir Frederick!”

When he pushed back the hood attached to his robe, a familiar face was revealed. The one who had succeeded in the magic was Frederick.

“It is nothing. This is only a child’s trick. If you see me fight you will be truly surprised. Hahaha!”

Despite his words, Frederick laughed so wide it nearly split his mouth.

“I am curious how great the skill of the Third Tower’s pride, a battle mage, really is.”

A battle mage?

“I can subdue most knights in the blink of an eye. How dare mere knights oppose mages. The thrill of crushing them with strength cannot be described with words. This is why I am a battle mage. Hahaha!”

Kian had also heard of battle mages. They were said to strengthen their bodies with mana and specialize in close combat.

‘They said they use martial skills and magic at the same time. So Frederick really was a battle mage.’

No wonder his competitive spirit was high for a mage.

“Sir Frederick, by the way.”

While conversation went on, one man whispered to Frederick. Hearing the words, Frederick’s expression turned cold. The once cheerful atmosphere became tense.

“In the meantime, a rat has been hiding here. You there! I already know who you are so come out quietly!”

Frederick’s fingertip pointed at the spot where Kian sat. Under the gazes of the South Party people, Kian stood up.

“I was only watching because I was bored. Your skill was impressive, Sir Frederick.”

“Do not make me laugh! You were sneaking around spying on us, what harm were you planning to do?!”

“At the very least I cannot agree I was sneaking. I was sitting plainly in a spot anyone could see.”

“That arrogant brat again!”

Frederick walked with big steps across the vacant lot. The other South Party people hurried after him.

Before long Frederick stood before Kian and pulled a handkerchief from his inner pocket. There was no time to stop him. Frederick threw the handkerchief at Kian’s face.

“I formally challenge you to a duel. Kian Semes!”

The handkerchief slid down just before it touched Kian’s face, blocked by an invisible barrier. But in Frederick’s excited eyes, it was as if he did not see it.

“Be grateful there has not been such an occasion until now. But it seems your luck ends here! The sin of manipulating the sacred mate tournament, the sin of arrogant words that offended people, the sin of passing tests by cowardly means! I will punish filthy you in the name of Lady Celestia!”

Those beside Frederick were in a commotion trying to stop him. Especially Gavin, who grabbed Frederick’s arm in panic.

“Do you remember what uncle warned you? Brother, you are someone who even fights Royal Knights one-on-one. If you show your strength, that kind of rookie will die!”

Kian raised his hand and stepped forward.

“What if I vow not to make it an issue?”

The people holding Frederick back now turned toward Kian.

“Good grief, get a grip. You grew up in the countryside and do not know the ways of the world, but Sir Frederick is someone whose name is even mentioned as a candidate for the Second Tower’s master.”

“Have you even heard of battle mages? Sir Frederick is exactly a battle mage.”

“If you value your life, back off now. A man must choose between pride and life.”

Kian read the worry in their eyes. It had been truly a long time since so many people had worried for him. Feeling strangely touched, Kian smiled.

It was a faint grin. Smiles spread to the corners of others’ mouths as well. The grim atmosphere eased and a warm air spread. Without erasing his smile, Kian took out a handkerchief from his inner pocket. His movement was so graceful that the others did not even find it strange while watching. The moment they came to their senses, they heard a loud sound.

Thud!

The handkerchief Kian threw hit Frederick’s face directly. Kian lifted one corner of his mouth in a crooked grin.

“If you are scared, just run away.”