"Pardon me. If you would be so kind."
"Understood. Have a safe trip."
The weekend had arrived at last. After submitting my outing request form, I set out for a certain destination.
"…Phew."
I was in the Arnold Kingdom, a land that stretched far in every direction. The north was particularly rugged, filled with dense forests and mountains, and the academy was situated nearby. The east and west served as residential districts, while the south was largely dedicated to farmland.
The center of the kingdom was, of course, the most prosperous region and the most densely populated. It was especially congested on holidays, teeming with people from all walks of life.
I walked with a steady, unhurried pace until I reached a carriage station, where I boarded a coach heading toward the far western reaches of the territory.
"Will this suffice?"
"Sure will, lad."
After paying the fare, I stepped down from the carriage and continued further on foot. It wasn’t exactly a forest, but the area was lush with trees and vibrant with nature. If I looked closely, I could see local wildlife; a rabbit even popped its head out to observe me for a moment.
It was a peaceful, heartwarming sight.
A faint smile touched my lips as a western-style mansion came into view.
"..."
I gave the door a polite double-tap. I had sent word of my arrival time, so I expected someone to answer shortly.
"My, my. Master Ray, it has been quite some time."
"Carla-san. It has indeed. And how is Master?"
"She is waiting for you inside. Please, come in."
"Excuse me..."
With a respectful bow, I stepped into the house. A grand chandelier hung from the ceiling, and the interior was decorated with a luxury that felt both familiar and imposing. Ornaments glittered as they caught the light. Keeping them in my peripheral vision, I was led toward a specific room.
"Please, make yourself comfortable. I shall bring tea and refreshments shortly."
"Thank you, as always, Carla-san."
I had known Carla-san for exactly three years now. She had served as Master’s maid the entire time, yet I had never seen her expression change even once. She was an incredibly taciturn woman. Of course, the fact that she was exceptionally competent at her duties was undoubtedly why Master employed her.
"…Pardon me."
"Hm? Oh! Ray! It’s been ages! Have you grown taller?"
"I haven't, Master."
"Is that so? Well, I suppose most people have to look up at you these days anyway. Unlike the old days, eh?"
"I suppose you're right. And you remain as beautiful as ever, Master."
"Heh, naturally."
"Indeed. Your expression seems softer than it used to be."
"Well, I’m no longer a soldier. I live as a researcher now, so I have no need for that old ferocity."
"…I see."
Even my own manner of speaking became somewhat gentler in her presence. Having known her for so long, I suppose it was only natural.
Her line of sight was much lower than mine—roughly at the level of my waist. This was not because Master was exceptionally short.
It was because Lydia Ainsworth—my Master—was sitting in a wheelchair.
"How is your health, Master?"
"Ah… it’s been much better lately. But as for this… not quite yet."
She patted her legs. Master hadn't lost her legs during the Far East Campaign, but she had been left paralyzed from the waist down. For the past three years, she had lived her life in that chair.
"Well now, Ray. Have a seat."
"Thank you."
At her invitation, I sat in one of the chairs at the dining table. The last time I had seen Master was just before my enrollment, meaning nearly two months had passed. It felt strange to be living apart from the person I had spent every day with for years.
"Now then, let me ask again: have you been keeping well, Ray?"
"Yes, Master. However, as expected…"
"I see. So that part isn't ready yet. Well, by my estimation, it will likely take about five years. But remember…"
"I know. Using that is strictly prohibited, correct?"
"Exactly. But if it comes down to a true emergency, you have my leave. After all, you are the Ice Sword Sorcerer who succeeded me."
"I understand. Your teachings have been thoroughly etched into my soul."
"Hehe… good. It brings back memories."
"The Ainsworth-style Boot Camp. Even I feel nostalgic for it now."
"Ahahahaha! You were just a child when you cleared that! Ah… I laughed so hard back then. Even the toughest men in the military were begging for mercy, yet you clung on until the very end."
"It was the only thing I was good at…"
"To think that little Ray is already a student… time truly flies."
"Abby-san said the same thing."
At the mention of that name, Master laughed even louder.
"Hahaha! Did she now? Come to think of it, that woman is running the academy as the principal, isn't she?"
"Yes. She seems to be doing a very thorough job."
"Heh. I see… things really have changed. Every member of that unit has gone their separate way now."
"Indeed. Time moves quickly."
"So, how is life as a civilian? Are you enjoying the academy?"
"Not being in the military… it still feels a bit strange. But yes, I am enjoying my time there."
"Hehe, I'm glad to hear it."
Master gave a gentle smile. She had cut her once-long golden hair into a shoulder-length style, and her aura had softened significantly. She was unrecognizable from her days as a Major. Yet, those piercing blue eyes remained the same. Master was still Master… as beautiful and sharp as ever.
As we spoke, Carla-san returned with tea and sweets. It was Earl Grey and pound cake, just as I remembered. Carla-san’s baking was particularly exquisite; in truth, her cake was one of the things I looked forward to most when visiting.
"However, I’ve already been saddled with the derogatory nickname of 'Withered Wizard' at the academy."
"Oh? They’ve started on you already?!"
"Yes. It seems being an 'Ordinary' student doesn't win many favors."
"Hahaha! I should have known! I bet it’s the nobles looking down their noses at you. Not that anything they say could actually get under your skin."
"True. But since I still cannot use sorcery with any proficiency, their assessment isn't entirely wrong."
"Hehe… even so, 'Withered Wizard,' eh? It’s a double meaning, isn't it?"
"Yes. A play on 'sorcerer' and 'withered.'"
"Typical nobles. They really do have a talent for petty insults. Pfft, ku-ku-ku…"
"Master, you’re laughing too much."
She eventually ended up clutching her stomach, shaking with laughter. Watching her, I felt a wave of nostalgia, but also a deep sense of comfort. My heart was always at ease when I was with her.
"Haha… sorry. It was much the same for me back in the day… ku-ku…"
"For you too, Master?"
"Yeah. Even though I came from a sorcerer family, my bloodline was nothing special. I was from the absolute bottom of the heap."
"Ah… come to think of it, you did mention that once."
"Ku-ku… the nobles gave me the same treatment back then. Their bullying techniques were world-class."
"And what did you do about it?"
She gave me a bold, defiant smirk.
"Hm? I kicked them all into the dirt, obviously."
"Heh. I should have known. It’s a very easy scene to imagine."
"You should try it too, Ray."
"No, thank you. I am quite content with a peaceful student life."
"I see… well, just ignore that level of harassment. They’ll grow bored eventually. Besides, I’m the only one allowed to tease you."
"Hehehe. I suppose you're right."
As our laughter died down, Master’s gaze suddenly sharpened, her playful mood shifting to something more professional.
"Now then, Ray. Let’s talk seriously for a moment."
"Yes, Master."
"Lately, a certain rumor has been circulating among researchers."
"A rumor? One significant enough to catch your attention?"
"Yes. It concerns Engrams."
"Engrams…?"
"Yes. Let me explain."
I listened intently as Master began to speak about the nature of these Engrams.
"First, let’s go back a bit."
Master took a sip of her tea, letting it settle as she spoke with a quiet elegance. She looked the part of a refined lady enjoying a graceful afternoon.
Despite her often blunt personality, she possessed a natural poise that always left a lasting impression on me.
"Do you remember when I discovered the Dual-Code Theory?"
"Yes. Though you’d already formed the hypothesis during the Far East Campaign, hadn't you?"
"Correct. The theory itself was already fully constructed. Once the war was over, I just threw a thesis together and published it."
"As expected of you."
My Master was a genius. She possessed a level of talent I could never hope to rival. Not only were her combat skills as the Ice Sword Sorcerer legendary, but she also conducted world-class research under the name 'Ainsworth.' She was, in every sense, a peerless intellect.
"And how do Engrams relate to that?"
"I’ve had a theory for a long time. Ever since my own academy days, actually."
"And that is…?"
"Most people focus their research on the sorcery itself, don't they?"
"Yes. Analyzing Code Theory, discovering new Codes, or attempting to integrate new processes into the four existing stages of the theory."
"As expected of my disciple; you understand the basics. But I didn't focus on the magic. That’s exactly how I was able to discover the Dual-Code Theory."
"Then where did you focus your attention, Master?"
I had known Master for over a decade, but I didn't know everything about her origins. I knew her as a soldier, but I was less familiar with her life as a researcher—mostly because I wasn't a researcher myself.
Master tapped her temple lightly.
"Right here."
"Your head… no, the brain?"
"Exactly."
The explanation continued.