Chapter 4: Duke Regan

Today is our entrance ceremony. Only first-year students and staff participate in the ceremony.

First, Duke Regan, who is also the headmaster, gives us a congratulatory speech.

"Hey, can you believe that's over 200 years old? High Elves are seriously outrageous."

Gon whispered next to me while looking at Duke Regan giving the speech. Indeed, no matter how you look at it, she only looks about twenty.

However, there was something bothering me more than that. That was the gaze from Duke Regan.

Some might think I'm being self-conscious. But that's not it. Rather than looking at me, she is viewing me. In other words, she seems to be Appraising me from the podium. Over and over again.

Moreover, every time I bathe in that unpleasant gaze, Duke Regan's expression clouds over. Is it possible that Duke Regan is also failing to Appraise me?

After Duke Regan's greeting ended, Karen, the Rank 1 of S-Class, gave a greeting as the freshman representative.

I wonder what the status of Karen, the top of the grade, is like? With this many people, she won't know who is appraising her. With such light feelings, I tried Appraising Karen.

[Name] Karen Lionel
[Title] —
[Status] Human - Second Daughter of the Fressbald Duke Family
[Condition] Good
[Age] 11
[Level] 28
[HP] 110 / 110
[MP] 502 / 502
[Strength] 33 | [Agility] 45
[Magic] 105 | [Dexterity] 65
[Endurance] 28 | [Luck] 10
[Special Ability] Charm Eye
[Special Ability] Whip Arts B (Lv 0/17)
[Special Ability] Chain Arts C (Lv 0/15)
[Special Ability] Fire Magic A (Lv 11/19)
[Equipment] Fire Spirit Staff (Salamander Rod)
[Equipment] Fire Spirit Robe (Salamander Robe)

As expected of Rank 1.

Karen seems to be a magic specialization type, and the magic she wields is Fire Magic, same as her burning hair color. She also seems suspicious? talents like Whip Arts and Chain Arts.

However, what bothers me most is the Charm Eye.

Thinking Should I Appraise this too?, I focused on Karen again, but Karen, who was giving the freshman representative speech, stopped speaking and glared at me.

Busted? I instinctively looked away.

Thinking calmly, this was basically admitting "I did the Appraisal," but I was flustered, so it couldn't be helped. Undoubtedly, she realized it was me.

Resigning myself to listen quietly to the freshman representative speech, chatter could be heard from all around.

"Hey. Everyone sitting on the podium is an S-Class student, right?"

"Isn't that silver-haired girl too cute? She's been smiling at me for a while now?"

"Not at you. She's smiling at me."

"The blond girl is my type."

"You guys have no eyes. It's gotta be the Elf."

Nobody was listening to the freshman representative speech; everyone was obsessed with Clarice and the others on the podium.

But I also heard some concerning voices.

"But all those girls will probably be taken by the Hero of the North."

"Yeah, Baron is famous for moving fast."

"According to rumors, he's already with Karen-sama... Kuu, I'm jealous."

The Hero of the North, Baron, is the guy with slicked-back brown hair and slightly hanging bangs who was standing next to Karen the other day—a guy who looks like he'd be popular. At first glance, he looks like a gentleman, but bad rumors about him are endless.

And one more. Dominic, a guy called the Sword Saint of the Deador Holy Kingdom with dark brown hair tied back, is also rumored to be a playboy.

The entrance ceremony ended without incident, and when we returned to the classroom, lessons began immediately.

Being at the bottom, my seat is in the very corner of the classroom.

And most of my classmates are older than me. I haven't Appraised everyone, but as far as I secretly Appraised, everyone except Gon and Carl was older. The oldest is fourteen.

Since not everyone is born on January 1st, presumably the eligibility for Lister National academy exams is up to fourteen years old. Meaning once you come of age, you're not eligible to take the exam.

Without self-introductions, the educational policy was explained briefly first.

At Lister National academy, even vanguard classes are obligated to learn magic. If you are a mage, you are told to be able to use two types of magic. However, there are exceptions; those trying to master a single magic seem to be allowed to concentrate on it.

From the perspective of those without magic talent, it might be quite tough, but apparently, if you work hard, you will be able to use some kind of magic by the time you come of age.

Graduation was also touched upon lightly.

Lister National academy is a five-year system, but they say you can graduate without being enrolled for five years. However, the conditions are strict, and it seems such cases only happen once every few years.

Finally, student ID cards will apparently be issued within a month, but at the same time, E-Rank Adventurer cards will be issued to all students.

After diligently attending classroom lectures in the morning, I went to the Cafeteria Building for lunch with Gon and Carl.

The Cafeteria Building is strictly divided by class: the third floor of the three-story building is accessible only to S-Class and A-Class, and the second floor is accessible up to C-Class. The first floor is available for any class.

Also, the menu differs on each floor. Apparently, quite luxurious meals are prepared on the third floor. By the way, all meals are free.

I'm increasing muscle mass and caring about health, so protein-rich chicken and salad are enough for me. Fortunately, these two items are offered even on the first floor.

While we were eating on the first floor, three trays lined up in front of us.

"Can we join you?"

The ones who called out were Clarice, Ellie, and Misha.

"Of course."

It seemed very rare for people wearing uniforms with red lines to eat on the first floor; the surroundings began to buzz.

Regarding their meals: Clarice had almost the same menu as me, but the amount of salad was considerably larger. Misha also imitated us with chicken and salad lined up in front of her, but the problem was Ellie.

What Ellie brought was: Beef, pork, and bone-in chicken. None of them were on the first-floor menu, so she probably brought them from the third-floor cafeteria.

As Ellie deliciously stuffed her cheeks with meat, Clarice placed the extra salad she brought in front of her. Ellie directed a gaze at me begging for help.

"Ellie. You have to eat salad too, okay?"

"...Don't need... Eat salad... Die..."

Of course, that wouldn't happen.

"No~pe. Eat."

Clarice force-fed vegetables to Ellie, practically coercing her.

"...Ogre... Demon..."

While resisting, Ellie was fed vegetables by Clarice as usual.

Gon and Carl were captivated by Clarice and Ellie playing around.

"Hey everyone, can I ask something? Do you know what Charm Eye is?"

"Charm Eye?"

Clarice and Ellie tilted their heads, but Gon and Carl seemed to know and started talking proudly.

"Charm Eye is, you know. The strongest Magic Eye that can control the opposite sex with lower magic power than oneself at will! For the same sex, it apparently has the same effect as Binding Eye, sealing their movements! Though it seems it can't restrain as long as Binding Eye. And surprisingly, there are two users of Charm Eye in this academy! They are..."

Control at will!? That's too dangerous! And two people means there's someone besides Karen.

Clarice and I focused our attention on Gon. However, it was Carl who opened his mouth.

"It's Duke Regan and Karen-sama. By the way, Charm Eye is apparently a very precious Magic Eye, with users rumored to be countable on one hand in the whole world."

Carl speaks casually only when talking to Gon, but uses polite language as usual when talking to me.

"Hey! I was saving that up to say it!"

Now Gon and Carl were playing around.

Just then, Sasha ran to our table looking flustered.

"Finally found you. Mars. Can you come with me right now?"

"Hello. Sure, but where to?"

"Principal's Office."

Principal's Office!? Why am I being called to such a place?

"Mom. Why is Mars being called by the Principal?"

Misha asked Sasha in my stead.

"Yes. When Mars took the exam, Duke Regan was away at the Round Table Conference. Since she returned yesterday, I reported about Mars's exam, the inability to Appraise him, and Mars's ability as far as I know, and she said she definitely wanted to meet him."

Round Table Conference? Another unknown term popped up. Well, I felt like it wasn't relevant to me, so I ignored it.

"In that case, it wouldn't be good to keep her waiting. Let's go immediately."

"It helps that you're quick to understand. Follow me."

When I stood up led by Sasha, jealous gazes from surrounding students came again... though the ones emitting those gazes most intensely were Gon and Carl next to me.

"Duke Regan. It's Sasha. I have brought Mars."

When Sasha knocked on the large door, a person who seemed to be a staff member inside opened it.

"Excuse us."

With Sasha in the lead, I, Clarice, Ellie, and even Misha entered the Principal's Office. The three were worried and came along.

In front of the desk where Duke Regan sat was a pile of documents.

"As I thought, you were Mars. Even from the podium, I knew at a glance it was you. Could I ask for a self-introduction just in case?"

Holding the feeling of Why did she know I was Mars?, I answered.

"Yes. I am Mars Bryant, second son of the Bryant Count Family of the Kingdom of Barcus."

For some reason, Duke Regan widened her eyes at my introduction.

"Bryant Count Family!? Could it be that Mars has an older brother?"

Polite language toward me? Is it because she is an educator before being a Duke?

"Yes. I have a brother named Ike who comes of age this year. I believe he is under your care at this academy... is my brother doing well?"

"I see, so that's it... that explains a lot. Gre... Ike is doing well. He is an indispensable existence for this academy."

I wanted to know what explained a lot, but I couldn't ask such a thing to a Duke. For now, hearing that Ike is doing well is good enough.

"I heard about Mars from Sasha. I Appraised Mars from the podium earlier, but even with my Charm Eye, I couldn't Appraise you. Are you equipping something that obstructs Appraisal?"

Duke Regan boldly declared she had been Appraising me.

"No, I am not doing such a thing, but..."

When Duke Regan nodded, her eyes glowed bewitchingly. At that moment, I fell into a sensation of being sucked into her eyes, but it was only for an instant.

"Eh!? Even the Charm Eye doesn't work!?"

Duke Regan's voice echoed in the room, seemingly very surprised.

"What does this mean? I would think there is no one whom Duke Regan's Charm Eye wouldn't work on at this distance... Mars, are you wearing equipment with status ailment resistance?"

Sasha asked, but of course, I wasn't equipping such things.

"I've lived for nearly 300 years, but someone like Mars is a first. If you don't mind, could you tell me your status?"

Self-declaration, huh... With the Bracelet of Disguise, I'm suppressing most stats to less than half, but Sasha knows I exchanged sword blows with Cyrus. If I declare too low a status, I might get caught, but I don't intend to tell the whole truth.

I'll declare a status that seems just right, and if they question it, I'll think about it then.

Thinking so, I declared Strength and Agility around 60, Dexterity and Endurance at 50, Magic at 40, and for Special Abilities, only Swordsmanship, Fire Magic, and Wind Magic. And I lowered the levels for those too.

While I was declaring, Sasha's well-shaped eyebrow twitched. Well, of course she knows it's a lie.

"Is that so... To think we almost failed such a talent in the first exam. But since Appraisal by Magic Eye is impossible, this outcome is inevitable. If we were to raise Mars to S-Class now, students might doubt if our Appraisal was wrong, and that could lead to failed examinees demanding re-examination. So Mars..."

"Yes. I am fine with E-Class for the time being."

Phew... Thanks to Sasha not saying anything, I avoided being exposed. Still, even though I intended to suppress my stats quite a bit, it's equivalent to S-Class?

There is a reason I hide my status this much. Zeke warned me not to overdo it. Standing out doesn't bring anything good for us Holy Magic users. Well, Clarice stood out more than anyone at today's entrance ceremony, so it's already too late though.

"Thank you. I will do my best to allow you to transfer to S-Class as soon as possible, so please bear with it. As a substitute, shall we say, I will exempt you from tuition fees."

Since it's an exam based on Appraisal and they can't Appraise, it can't be helped. Besides, tuition exemption is grateful. After all, the tuition for this academy is surprisingly high.

However, there was one person dissatisfied with this decision.

"...No... Mars... Number one..."

At this late stage, Ellie threw a tantrum.

"You are, if I recall..."

Saying so, Duke Regan looked down at the documents at hand. It seems the documents on the desk contain information about us freshmen.

"Eh!? Could it be you are Barnes's!?"

Raising her face, Duke Regan Appraised Ellie without asking.

"To think the heir of the Seleance Duke Family would enroll in this situation... And with these stats for a vanguard... Mars, Ellie, and Karen. If we put Baron, Dominic, and Misha with these three, it would be the greatest party in Lister National academy history..."

A smile spilled from Duke Regan's face as she muttered to herself. But only until she noticed Ellie's piercing gaze.

"Ellie. Please wait. I admit Mars is strong, but we have our circumstances..."

Still, Ellie wouldn't yield.

"...No..."

The opponent is the Headmaster and one of the Twelve Dukes of the Lister Federation. I feel both respect and nervousness for Ellie, who sticks to her opinion without flinching. Misha also seemed surprised by Ellie's resolute attitude.

However, at this rate, it will remain parallel lines forever.

There, Clarice's help came in.

"Ellie. Don't trouble her too much. If you endure a little, you might be able to be in the same class as Mars... no, if it's Mars, he can do it. Endure until then."

Ellie, who had stubbornly refused Duke Regan's words, hesitated when told by Clarice.

"...But..."

"It's okay. I'm with you."

"...Understood..."

When Clarice gently persuaded her while patting her head, Ellie nodded as if giving up. As expected of Clarice. She is used to handling Ellie.

Duke Regan's interest shifted to Clarice, watching their interaction.

"Umm... you are..."

She looked down at the documents again, but Clarice introduced herself with a splendid curtsy.

"I am honored to meet you. I am Clarice Lampard, eldest daughter of the Lampard Baron Family of the Kingdom of Barcus. Thank you very much for placing me in S-Class along with Ellie."

Duke Regan was at a loss for words for a moment at her smile, which was like a flower blooming in full glory.

"...Y-Yes. Clarice is currently... eleven!? Could it be you are!?"

I know what Duke Regan is trying to say. She probably wants to say Holy Magic user.

However, Clarice has taken thorough measures besides the Bracelet of Disguise to be ready for such remarks.

"No, I am a Water Magic user, and I can handle a little Wind Magic too."

Yes, in this world, Holy Magic users cannot use other magic. Or even if they could, it is common sense that the level is low. Duke Regan was no exception; she slumped her shoulders after Appraising Clarice.

Incidentally, the Appraisal result should show her age as twelve. After all, today is mine and Clarice's birthday.

"It seems so... However, Clarice helped me out. I want to ask one thing: Clarice and Ellie seem close, but what is your relationship?"

Ellie didn't listen to her, a Duke, but obeyed Clarice. It's natural to wonder.

"The two are my fiancées. I plan to welcome Clarice as my lawful wife and Ellie as a concubine."

Thinking I should explain the relationship, I explained.

"Clarice is the lawful wife!? Not Ellie!?"

Duke Regan didn't seem convinced.

"...Clarice... stronger than me... benefactor..."

"Clarice is... stronger than you, a Golden Lion Tribe member? I can't believe it, but..."

At Ellie's words, Duke Regan Appraised Clarice again.

Actually, the two haven't fought seriously, but even if they did, Clarice would likely win. Ellie would have a hard time getting close to Clarice, and even with the cooldown, Barrier Magic can withstand Ellie's attack once. Plus, Sound Magic is powerless before the Magic Arrow.

"Is that so... In any case, I think it will become clear soon, so I will look forward to that time. That is all for my questions. Do you have anything?"

I had quite a few things I wanted to ask, but while I was agonizing over whether I could really ask, Clarice asked Duke Regan a question.

"Thank you for the wonderful room. Regarding that, I have one question: do I have to live alone?"

"Yes. Even if you are engaged, please refrain from living with Mars..."

"Eh!? No, not with Mars, but with Ellie! When I was under the care of the Bryant Count Family, I shared a room with Ellie."

When Clarice hurriedly explained:

"Fufufu, from that reaction, you haven't yet... Very well. I allow living with Ellie."

Duke Regan responded in a soft tone mixed with jokes. Clarice, perhaps realizing she was being teased, dyed her cheeks cherry blossom pink.

The atmosphere in the room softened considerably just now. Maybe I can ask now?

"I also have one request... May I Appraise you?"

When I asked what I wanted to know most, the smile momentarily vanished from Duke Regan's face.

"Could it be Mars also possesses a Magic Eye?"

Crap, I might have messed up. But since I asked, I can't turn back.

"I have an ability called Magic Eye of Magic Power that allows me to see the flow of magic power..."

"Magic Eye of Magic Power!? Yes, if I recall that is also one of the Magic Eyes. You may Appraise me."

Since I got permission, I immediately looked.

[Name] Sarah Elizabeth
[Title] Water King / Wind King
[Status] High Elf - Head of the Regan Duke Family
[Condition] Good
[Age] 284
[Level] 78
[HP] 245 / 245
[MP] 1106 / 1206
[Strength] 82 | [Agility] 102
[Magic] 302 | [Dexterity] 122
[Endurance] 74 | [Luck] 1
[Special Ability] Charm Eye
[Special Ability] Water Magic B (Lv 15/17)
[Special Ability] Wind Magic A (Lv 17/19)
[Equipment] Ring of Magic

Aside from the age, what's surprising is the status... While Barnes was specialized in vanguard, Duke Regan is completely specialized in rear guard. Magic 302 and Titles like [Water King] and [Wind King]...

"Thank you very much. It's my first time seeing someone with Magic over 300."

"Yes. More importantly, what Mars did just now was Appraisal, right? It felt a little different from other people's Appraisal... not X-ray vision, but like being looked at all the way to the inside..."

Looked at to the inside? It is true that I can see more details than other people's Appraisal, but she can tell even that?

"Yes. It is definitely Appraisal."

"Is that so? Understood. I have my next schedule soon, so let's end here for today. Sorry for calling you out."

Urged by Duke Regan, we left the Principal's Office.

"See you after academy."

Parting with Clarice and the others, I returned to the E-Class classroom.