It’s apparently been seven years since I arrived in this world.
Not that it actually took me that long to figure out what was going on. In fact, I’d pretty much gathered all the information I needed within the first month.
Anyway, allow me to introduce myself. I am the genius high schooler, Minato Habata—no, scratch that.
"Luka-cha~n! ♡"
"…Yes, what is it?"
Let’s try that again. Hello, I am Luka Noctear.
Due to various circumstances, it seems my name is now Luka. I say "it seems" because I still haven’t fully wrapped my head around the situation myself.
Well, even so, there’s only one logical conclusion to be drawn. I didn't spend over a decade alive for nothing; I can figure this much out. I’m not just some clueless high school kid, you know?
Thus, the answer derived by my self-proclaimed IQ of 500 million is…
"Isekai reincarnation!"
"…Luka-chan?"
That’s what it has to be. I mean, this lifestyle is just way too "medieval nobility" to be anything else.
There was a theory about time-traveling to the past, but honestly, both options are equally detached from reality. Plus, looking out the window, I can see my older brothers swinging swords around. Way too dangerous, lol.
By the way, the person standing there with a blank expression is Luka’s—meaning my—mother. It didn't actually take that long to accept the situation, and after seven years together, I’ve realized that everyone in this household is a good person.
…Though Mother is a bit over the top.
I just turned seven the other day, and as you can see, she’s constantly clinging to me. To be honest, it's a nice perk, so I don't mind it at all.
As I was lost in thought, Mother stopped stroking my head and her expression sharpened slightly.
"Luka, it’s almost time."
Time? For what? A nap? A snack? Or perhaps another round of "mommy perks"?
Ignoring my expectations, Mother continued.
"The magic instructor is coming today."
"…Magic?"
My voice accidentally went up an octave.
No, no, stay calm, me. First of all… Isekai confirmed! Boom!
Well, it makes sense. They’re out there swinging swords, after all. You don’t exactly see that in modern Japan, do you? (Actually, you don’t see it anywhere.)
"You don’t seem very interested," she noted.
"No, I am. I’m incredibly interested."
I replied instantly. In my previous life, magic was something reserved for eighth-graders with overactive imaginations or people who stayed virgins until they were thirty. Of course I was going to be curious.
"Fufu, very well."
With that, Mother stood up, took my hand, and led me out of the room. The hallway was, as always, needlessly wide. To the legs of a seven-year-old, it was practically a dungeon crawl.
In the room she led me to, a man I didn’t recognize was standing alone. He wore a black robe and radiated a calm atmosphere. He was the quintessential "magic teacher."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Master Luka. I am Harrier, the magic instructor."
"…Hello."
When I gave a small bow, the man’s eyes widened slightly.
"Oh, you are quite composed for your age."
"D-do you think so?"
Well, I’m a high schooler on the inside, so it’s a bit awkward to be compared to your average seven-year-old.
"Then, let us immediately test your mana capacity and aptitudes."
"Aptitudes?"
I had a bad feeling about this. Tests, exams, aptitude evaluations—those were trauma-inducing words from my previous life.
The man placed a small crystal on the desk.
"Please place your hand here. Your talent will be revealed by the way the crystal glows."
—Ah, here it is. The "talents laid bare" plot point.
Wait, this is bad. Could you hold on a second? I’ve never held anything heavier than a game controller, you know.
"Luka? What’s wrong? Hurry up. I’m sure you’ll be just as amazing as your brothers!"
Mother looked at me with eyes full of expectation, while sweat beaded on my forehead.
No, it’ll be fine… I mean, I was reincarnated as a noble, right? In settings like this, nobles are usually overflowing with talent. That’s how it works. Oh, look! Mother even said I'd be as good as my brothers. I’ll be fine. Yeah, totally fine. Seriously, what am I even worrying about?
After hovering my hand over the crystal, I steeled my resolve and touched it.
"Here goes!"
Flash!
Oh? It glowed! It actually glowed… but, wow, it was pathetic. What even was that? Was this some leftover toy from a clearance bin?
"Harrier-san, what about this…?"
"T-this is!?"
Harrier-san peered into the crystal. Wait, is it actually impressive? Is it that amazing?
"…I will state the conclusion plainly," Harrier spoke clearly. "Master Luka’s mana capacity is below average."
"Gah!"
"Yes. I see no special attributes or outstanding aptitudes either."
"…"
The words stabbed straight into my chest. Precisely because they weren't sugarcoated, they hurt even more.
"If you study, you should be able to use basic magic, but… it may be difficult to expect results on par with your older brothers."
"Waaaah! Luka-chan, I won't ever abandon you!"
You’re crying too soon, Mother! I’m the one who wants to cry here, so please stop.
Mother wailed as she pulled me into a hug. Well, my isekai reincarnation start-up is going great (sarcasm).
…Goodbye, my dreams of being an overpowered protagonist. It seems that even in another world, I’m not much different than I was before.
The next day.
I decided to treat yesterday’s events as a bad dream. Currently, I was being made to sit in an excessively formal-looking room. Plush chairs, a needlessly luxurious desk, and strongly scented tea.
—That time has come again.
"Today, members of House Gladio will be visiting," Mother informed me.
We have a long-standing relationship with House Gladio. Or rather, it’s far too deep—I think it could rival the Mariana Trench. After all, my second older brother is engaged to their eldest daughter.
As a result, beyond the family ties, there are regular tea parties and frequent meetings between the children. Meaning, I get dragged along too.
My father and mother have already told me to get along with their younger daughter and eventually get engaged to her. I’m a believer in romantic freedom, but I thought that might actually be okay. I mean, she’s just so cute. One look at her and your mind will be blown.
—Well, I’m only seven for now. I don’t think I need to think about it too seriously yet.
While I was lost in thought, the door to the room opened quietly.
"Excuse me."
Along with a clear voice, a girl appeared, wearing a pale blue dress. Her long silver hair was tied back in a single ponytail. She wasn't flashy, but her features were incredibly refined. Every single movement was graceful, perfectly reflecting her high-class upbringing.
"I am Elysia Gladio, the second daughter of House Gladio."
She introduced herself and gave a beautiful bow.
…Yeah, I know. We’ve met a few times. But seeing her officially like this, she seemed so composed that it was hard to believe we were the same age. Well, I’m technically older, but she definitely has more poise than I do.
"It has been a long time, Master Luka."
"Hello. It’s been a while, Lady Elysia."
When I replied, Elysia narrowed her eyes for just a fleeting moment. It was an expression that seemed to say, "I’m glad you remembered me."