Chapter 25 - Chapter 24: Order to Enroll in the Magic Academy
One week had passed since the re-measurement of Mika's magic power.
During that time, Mika spent the days quietly on the surface, but his heart was not at peace.
If the judgment is made that he will be punished for "escaping the academy," the repercussions will extend to Amalia as well.
Kifrod says, "It's fine, leave it to me," but even so, the anxiety could not be erased.
Mika has not told his family about the re-measurement.
He did not want to stir up any more trouble for the Noisheim family, who had regained their peace.
Even if it was only for now.
And today, just like every other day, Mika spent his time at the church, being taught the contents of the holy scripture by Radi.
Mika himself had no interest in the holy scripture, but when Radi said with a sparkling smile, "Mika-kun should know more about the gods," it was hard to refuse.
Radi had been a source of trouble and worry for him non-stop, and he had been treated to lunch every single day.
More than that, she was also the one who saved his life.
He knew she was saying he should study because she cared about him, so he could not refuse her to her face.
In that way, although he started studying the holy scripture reluctantly, he found it more enjoyable than he expected.
When compared to the religions of his previous world, he became curious about the similarities and differences.
"...So, the names of the gods have not been passed down? Not even one?"
"That is not the case. It seems they are only written in the original text of the holy scripture, and only the Pope of the Gronoir Empire, who inherits the original text, can know them."
The Church of Light has six main gods, but their names are not known to the general public.
It is considered too reverent to speak their names, so they are only written in the holy scripture as "God of Light" or "God of Darkness," and no one other than the Pope knows their names.
And the Pope resides in the Holy Land, which can be said to be the headquarters of the Church of Light, located in the neighboring Gronoir Empire.
The Gronoir Empire and the Kingdom of Ektrem have had almost no interaction since the war that took place over 50 years ago.
The reason for this is that early in the war, the Pope declared, "It is the will of the gods to destroy the Kingdom of Ektrem."
Since the Pope claimed there was such an oracle, the Church of Light in both countries is now in a state of estrangement.
Since almost all citizens of both countries are believers of the Church of Light, relations cannot be repaired, it seems.
(To destroy a country of heretics was something that happened in my previous world too, but to destroy a country of the same religion... It didn't seem like a matter of different sects either. Is that Pope senile?)
But even if he is senile, the words spoken by the Pope hold immense influence, and it seems the current Pope, who has succeeded him, also supports this oracle.
This appears to be the situation of the two countries whose relations have not been repaired even though more than 50 years have passed since the war.
Currently, the Great Cathedral in the capital of the Kingdom of Ektrem seems to be the Holy Land for the Church of Light in the Kingdom of Ektrem.
They, in turn, uphold the Pope and accuse the Pope of the Gronoir Empire of spreading false teachings.
"A heretic who goes against the oracle"
"The head of a cult that deceives the oracle"
Thus, they are in a relationship where they insult each other.
(Personally, I think individual faith should be free... But the bad side of religion is really showing through completely.)
I understand it is only one aspect, but religion is very troublesome if handled incorrectly.
Everyone possesses both good and evil natures, but it is unusual for either of these to become extremely prominent.
This is because, unconsciously, people put a certain amount of brakes on both sides.
But the factor of religion removes this restriction.
Moreover, it even numbs the judgment of good and evil.
Kind people, because of their kindness, kill many people saying, "They are heretics," or "Their sect is different."
And they even take pride in it as a wonderful thing.
The Crusades proclaimed the recapture of the Holy Land and the extermination of heretics, repeating atrocities such as plunder, rape, and massacre.
During the Age of Discovery, missionaries were sent in as vanguard for national aggression.
Persecution and suppression of heretics and heretics, such as the witch hunts.
There is no end to the cruel acts committed in the name of justice.
There were parts where they were used by rulers.
But the Church also used rulers for evangelism.
(...I'm not good with fanatics, you know.)
In my student days, there was a classmate whose family was deeply involved in a new religion.
I got angry at their persistent persuasion and retorted, but no matter how logically I tried to explain, they would not listen at all.
After all, they believe that to be good intent.
They assume that the reason I am angry is because I have a guilty conscience, lack inner peace, and am a base person who does not understand good intent.
Until then, there was a part of my heart that was optimistic, thinking, "If anyone talks it out, they will understand."
But since then, I learned that "there are people you cannot talk to in the first place."
If you cannot talk, mutual understanding is impossible.
It was an experience where I gained a precious lesson in life.
To Mika, Radi also smells quite dangerous.
However, in Radi's case, it might be her original personality, so she does not say anything too persistent.
Or rather, she probably thinks Mika is a believer of the Church of Light as well, doesn't she?
As part of the upbringing by Amalia and Loretta, Mika also prays before meals without complaint.
Even the prayers at the church, he mimics the form at least.
While thinking in his heart, "This is troublesome."
(I don't believe in any god! If I shout that out loud, there's nothing to be gained from it.)
With the Japanese-like spirit of "go with the flow," going along with it is not painful.
If there were another faith, it might be hard to accept, but for Mika, who cannot find any meaning beyond form and aesthetic style, it can be settled with that.
While listening to Radi's lecture, Mika asks questions about things he is curious about.
"There are many subordinate gods besides the main gods, but are there no bad gods?"
"Bad gods?"
It seems that in this world, gods are thought of as beings of good nature.
There seems to be no such thing as so-called "evil gods," and no matter how powerful they are, they are not gods but "beings belonging to demons."
Gods of Darkness and their subordinate gods govern human mischief and jealousy, but they are treated as hearts that anyone can have.
It seems that beings of absolute evil are not gods.
(It's a bit rare for a polytheistic religion to have no evil gods or wicked gods... Maybe I just don't know.)
In the case of polytheism, good gods are the center of faith, but it seems they often place evil gods as opposing beings.
Enemies are often turned into monsters or beasts, but I have never heard of a case where there are absolutely no opposing evil gods.
(Japanese mythology also has few evil gods, but they are not completely absent.)
Due to duality, it is common for good gods to take the face of evil gods.
Wrathful gods sometimes act like evil gods.
But in the Church of Light, the multifacetedness and diversity of the gods do not seem to be treated as "evil."
(Well, even "false gods" are not treated as evil gods. Maybe it's because there was no need to set up "gods" as the axis of opposition. It's a thought close to monotheism.)
In monotheism, the god who governs absolute good is the only existence, and all enemies are demons, etc.
There is a Demon King, but he is not an existence like a god.
(Well, I am not a scholar of religious studies either. There might be countless examples in indigenous faiths.)
In the first place, there are things that do not make "gods" the object of faith.
Examples of finding mystery in their existence or phenomena, such as the sun, moon, mountains, seas, rivers, and earth, and making them objects of faith can be found all over the world.
What is believed in and what is considered evil changes with each era.
You cannot understand it just by hearing the surface talk.
(...Radi's Church of Light lecture was more enjoyable than I thought. Talks about gods and demons always tickle the chuunibyou heart.)
I loved settings where gods and demons opposed each other in games and novels.
I have always bought setting data books and read them thoroughly.
While Mika was thinking such things, it was getting close to noon.
Just as he was about to prepare for lunch, the Village Head came to the church.
"Sister, where is the priest?"
"Hello. I think Master Kifrod is in his private room... Shall I call him?"
"Please."
Radi went to the back of the church to call Kifrod, leaving Mika and the Village Head behind.
(...C-c-creepy.)
The Village Head, with a somewhat tense expression, waited there for Kifrod.
If Mika were to go somewhere now, it would look like he was avoiding him outright.
(But this level of awkwardness is nothing for a working adult!)
When I worked at a company before, I once ended up alone in a meeting room with an executive I never usually interacted with.
I killed time pretending to prepare for the meeting, but in my heart, I could not help but wish, "Please, someone come soon."
Of course, the preparation for the meeting was just a pretense, and it had long been finished.
So, while waiting quietly, Radi soon returned with Kifrod.
"You kept us waiting, Village Head. What's the matter?"
"...A message has arrived from the Lord."
"What does it say?"
"At 10 o'clock tomorrow, he says to call Mika-kun and Amalia-san to my house."
Saying that, the Village Head glanced at Mika and handed a piece of paper to Kifrod.
Kifrod, who received it, ran his eyes over the paper and made a difficult face, sighing...
"...With just this, I cannot tell what they are coming for."
"Yes. Nothing is written about 'escaping the academy'."
It seems that the message contains nothing other than "Wait at the Village Head's house."
"Have you already told Amalia? If not, I can tell her myself?"
"No, that is my duty. But it would be helpful if you could accompany us."
"Hmm. Even though things have settled down a bit, hearing this will make her agitated again. It would be better if we go together."
Kifrod looks at Radi, and Radi nods firmly.
"I will come to pick up Mika by evening. I would like to tell her at that time, if possible..."
"I understand. ...If I tell her now, she won't be able to work in the afternoon anyway."
The Village Head seems to have understood what Kifrod wanted to say.
If you hear such news, you certainly won't be able to work in the afternoon.
"I will come again in the evening. If you arrive first, please wait for me."
"I understand."
When the Village Head left, Kifrod placed his hand on Mika's head with a pat.
"...It has been a week since then. Probably as we expected, but do not tell Amalia. The shock if our prediction is wrong would be too great."
Mika nodded silently.
Meeting tomorrow with optimism, the shock if the prediction is wrong is immeasurable.
If so, it is pitiful, but he wants to give her time to prepare until tomorrow.
Because it is still unknown what the result will be.
Mika and the others have a rough idea, but this is only a prediction.
There is no possibility that it will not be wrong.
Even in that case, Kifrod is supposed to take measures to avoid the worst result.
"We must settle this quickly and free Amalia..."
Kifrod muttered while stroking Mika's head.
■■■■■■
The next day, Mika and the others were at the Village Head's house.
When the Village Head told Amalia the news after picking up Mika yesterday, Amalia collapsed right there.
Thanks to the encouragement of Kifrod and Radi, she seemed to have recovered somewhat.
After that, she did not shut herself up at home, but it seemed she was crying while hugging Mika when she was sleeping at night.
Seeing that, rather than Amalia, Mika himself felt he could not endure it and almost told her about what happened a week ago.
He stopped himself thinking about what would happen if the prediction was wrong, but thinking of Amalia's feelings, Mika could not sleep afterwards either.
When morning came, Loretta insisted on going with them, but this was rejected.
The order from the Lord wrote to call parents as escorts, but there were no other instructions.
"It's not written, so it's safe, right?" That theory, unfortunately, does not apply in this case.
The judgment was that doing extra things would only worsen the situation, never improve it.
Thanks to Kifrod and Radi's persuasion, Loretta was left to watch over the church.
The only exception was clergy members, and it seems it is customary for clergy members to accompany them in important situations.
Radi also intended to accompany them, but since she could not leave Loretta alone, she was left to watch over the church.
Even when the time came, no messenger from the Lord arrived.
Mika, Amalia, and Kifrod were left waiting in the living room of the Village Head's house.
The Village Head was waiting at the entrance to welcome them.
After waiting for a while, the sound of a carriage could be heard, but Amalia, who was waiting, had a pale face, and everyone was worried she might faint and collapse at any moment.
Standing up from her seat to wait for the Lord's messenger, the room door was opened immediately.
First to enter was an elderly man, followed by the Village Head.
The elderly man seemed a bit younger than Kifrod.
He was wearing fine clothes and holding a large bag.
His white hair and mustache were distinctive, but his receding forehead was also impressive.
His manner was soft, completely different from the Lord's messenger from the other day.
"We are a little late. Well, shall we settle this from here first?"
Saying that, the man placed the bag on a chair.
Standing up, he took a piece of paper from the bag, straightened his posture, and held up the paper respectfully, then extended his arm straight out at eye level.
Mika and the others also straightened their posture there and listened attentively.
"Um... Mika Noisheim. You are ordered to enroll in the Magic Academy starting next year. This is the order from Baron Limpēre."
Saying that, the man handed the paper to the Village Head.
The respectful atmosphere until then was like a lie, replaced by a casualness.
The Village Head blinked his eyes back and forth, took the paper, but did not try to see it.
"This is it, Village Head. Don't you check it carefully?"
When Kifrod called out, the Village Head hurriedly checked the contents written on the paper.
"Oh, and there was a message from the Baron too. Um... 'With special grace, approval is given. Normally, even if unintentional, going to the facility is unavoidable, but enrollment in the Magic Academy is specially permitted.' It seems there was some trouble, but well, this is just a formality."
The man crumpled the paper with the message from the Baron and put it in his bag.
Kifrod pulled the order from the Village Head and checked it quickly.
Then he looked at Mika and Amalia and nodded firmly.
"It is correct. 'Escaping the academy' is settled with this."
"Good!"
At Kifrod's words, Mika did a victory pose, but Amalia did not react at all.
It seems she was completely in a state of shock.
"Mom, it's okay now. The Lord has forgiven us."
When he pulled her hand to tell her, Amalia looked at Mika with slow movements.
Then, she collapsed onto the spot with a "hen-hen-hen..." sound.
"Mika... Mika...!"
Hugging Mika as if clinging to him while shedding tears, she called his name over and over again.
"I'm sorry for worrying you. It's okay now."
When Mika hugged her back, Amalia nodded "un-un" many times.
"You did your best. It's okay now, you did your best."
Kifrod kept saying "You did your best" to Amalia many times.
Watching that scene, the man shrugged his shoulders.
(...It seems difficult to continue the conversation like this. Shall we wait a little until she calms down? ...Ah, Village Head, could you please give me a glass of water? It has become somewhat cool, but it is still very hot.)
Called by the man, the Village Head hurriedly left the room.
After waiting for Amalia to calm down, the discussion resumed.
Kifrod had already returned to the church and told Loretta and Radi the results.
"I apologize for the delay. I am Bartaf, who handles affairs related to the Magic Academy in the Marquis Leventein domain."
The man was an official of the Marquis Leventein domain.
It seems that in this world, they are called officials, not bureaucrats.
"I am going around explaining to those scheduled to enroll in the Magic Academy next year. It is the first time I have come to explain out of season... Well, it seems there were various things, but once enrollment is decided, it does not matter. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate. It will be a hassle to inquire later, even if we want to confirm."
Bartaf handed over the materials.
It was about 10 sheets of paper, slightly smaller than A4 size.
"The details are written there, but let's explain briefly first."
Listening to Bartaf's explanation while looking at the materials.
"The Magic Academy exists to train future mages. A mage is someone who can use [God's Miracle], but they are distinguished from the healers of the Church."
In other words, Radi is classified as a healer, and she is different from a mage.
"Actually, there are more detailed classifications, but let's leave that for now. The nation puts effort into training mages, and lords also operate Magic Academies in various places to support that talent."
Bartaf explained the overview of the Magic Academy and mages.
"In the Hailhord Region, there is a Magic Academy in the Marquis Leventein domain, where everyone gathers to study together."
Bartaf looked at Mika and showed a smile.
"How many people are there?"
Curious, he asked.
He did not know how large the Hailhord Region was, but if they gathered, there seemed to be a considerable number of people.
"Six were scheduled to enroll next year. You will be the seventh."
(Too few!)
Gathering scheduled candidates from one region and having only seven people.
He was surprised by the unexpected small number.
He did not know how many there would be in the entire country, but surely the nation would put effort into training them.
Thus, he received a general explanation.
They advance every two years: Junior Department, Elementary Department, Middle Department, and High Department.
The Marquis domain's Magic Academy is two years, and the Magic Academy in the capital is six years.
In other words, the Marquis domain's Magic Academy is the Junior Department, and the capital's Magic Academy is the Elementary, Middle, and High Departments.
And, for now, they just need to go to the Marquis domain's Magic Academy by the deadline.
As long as they have a minimum change of clothes, nothing else is needed.
They will stay in a dormitory, and three meals a day will be provided.
Saturdays and Sundays are half-days in the morning, and sunny days are a day off.
Schools used to be like that, a bit nostalgic.
Half-day Saturdays were natural for Mika's generation, but since it changed to two days off a week, young people might not know.
(All the necessary items for daily life are provided in the dormitory, and bringing personal belongings is also fine. Since I don't have any special favorite items, it seems I can go with just my clothes.)
It was his first time living in a dormitory, but the conditions did not seem bad.
"Also, five silver coins are provided every month."
"Huh?"
"Eh?"
Mika and Amalia couldn't help but make strange sounds.
Food and housing are guaranteed, they are allowed to study, and they are even given cash?
At this point, Mika's alertness rose to the surface.
Silver coins should be worth more than 1,000 yen.
Giving 5,000 to 6,000 yen in cash every month was surely too much.
"What is this? Why are they giving money too?"
"If you belong to the Magic Academy in the Marquis domain, you will be treated as quasi-military personnel. The silver coins are that allowance."
"Quasi-military personnel...?"
He did not know the difference between military personnel and quasi-military personnel.
Furthermore, he did not understand what military personnel were either.
(...So the Magic Academy is an institution that trains future soldiers? That's why the nation and the lord are giving money, huh?)
That makes sense.
There is no way they would spend time and money training someone if it brings no benefit.
The nation spends six years training mages.
There must be corresponding benefits to do so.
Lecturers and facilities are not free.
Building dormitories and taking care of their lives requires that much benefit.
(In that case, the dorm fees and such must be deducted from that allowance. So the remaining five silver coins is it? They probably want you to buy necessary items from that.)
Mika thought about the meaning of the five silver coins.
He did not know how much the original allowance for quasi-military personnel was, but surely not five silver coins.
He thought the lord was simply paying for the academy and dormitory, but it seems there is a burden on Mika and the others as well.
Well, even so, there are only seven people.
It would be a drop in the bucket burden.
"Military personnel... that's it."
"Quasi-military personnel. Do not be mistaken."
Bartaf immediately corrected Amalia's mutter.
"Will you also be treated as quasi-military personnel at the Magic Academy in the capital?"
"I am not in charge of the Magic Academy in the capital, so I cannot answer that."
His soft manner with a smile remained unchanged, but Bartaf did not seem to want to answer anything outside his jurisdiction.
(...Finally, the bureaucrat side is showing up. Mr. Bartaf.)
The bureaucratic nature became obvious, and Mika found it a little funny.
(Even if the world changes, bureaucrats do not.)
Anyway, for now, he wanted to confirm the overview of quasi-military personnel at least.
He did not know if there was anything Bartaf could talk about, but he was not stopped from asking questions.
He decided to ask as much as he could.
"I do not understand the specific treatment of quasi-military personnel. Can you tell me?"
"By the Lord's order, you will learn various things. Also, since all mages within the domain belong to the Domain Army, those who belong to the Magic Academy will also belong to the Domain Army. ...I cannot tell you any more than that."
In other words, even if they are apprentice mages, they are mages, so they belong to the Domain Army.
He was declared in advance, "I will not answer anything else," so asking further would be useless.
"Well, I have conveyed what is necessary, so I will leave now. If you have anything, please ask the Village Head to inquire with Baron Limpēre."
Saying that, Bartaf immediately started to prepare to leave.
Told to ask the Baron through the Village Head, the Village Head turned a blue face.
Well, there is no point in asking any more.
No matter what he asked, it was confirmed that Mika would go to the Magic Academy, and it seemed the Magic Academy itself could be managed with just one's clothes.
Mika and the others saw off Bartaf's carriage in front of the Village Head's house.
After seeing him off, Mika and Amalia were to go to the church.
("...Magic Academy...")
At the parting, the Village Head muttered softly, but said nothing more and returned home unsteadily.
(Is he okay, that old guy? He's stumbling around.)
Messengers from the Lord might be a partner that exhausts the spirit terribly for the Village Head.
Or rather, is everyone in this world like that?
It is a feeling Mika does not quite understand, but if one thinks that dealing with superiors is tiring across all nations, it is understandable.
"Mika!"
When they entered the church, Loretta tackled... no, hugged them with great force.
She was so forceful that he almost fell, but he managed to hold his ground.
"Big Sister, that's dangerous. Be a little gentler."
"But..."
He patted Loretta's back, which was sobbing.
He had worried Loretta a lot too.
"Mika-kun, I am so glad."
Radi came and made a gesture of a brief prayer.
"We have been truly taken care of by you two. Thank you."
Mika expressed his gratitude to Radi and Kifrod.
Kifrod looked more like a kind old man than usual and smiled at Amalia.
"Amalia, you really did your best. Now you can finally rest assured."
"...Eh, yes."
While everyone was happy, Amalia's expression did not clear up.
Seeing Amalia like that, Radi spoke up.
"Let's talk a little inside."
Radi led them to the back of the church.
Thus, they decided to discuss the future at the church.