The Magic Association—an organization tasked with overseeing sorcerers worldwide. Nearly every sorcerer held membership within its ranks, which served as a guarantee of their social standing.
Of course, there were those who operated outside the organization, and even among its members, many rarely bothered to show their faces. It was said that the Association’s gatherings were primarily attended by high-ranking sorcerers or members of the nobility.
I had never stepped foot inside the Magic Association before, but I had received an invitation from the President himself in my capacity as the current Ice Sword Sorcerer. I had already met the man before, so we were already on speaking terms.
Apparently, the Seven Grand Sorcerers were invited to these parties every summer and winter, though it was rare for all of them to gather at once.
While Abby-san and Carol were regulars, Master usually skipped out, claiming they were a nuisance. However, she had decided that it was finally time for her to make an appearance. Thus, I was currently heading toward the Magic Association alongside Master and Carla, who was pushing her wheelchair.
"This is my first time visiting the Association, Master. What’s it actually like?"
"...A pain, mostly. Especially since so many nobles show up. They donate quite a bit of money to the Association, you see. But well... there’s no need for you to tell everyone that you’re the Ice Sword. Just give a half-hearted greeting to the President and the others. After that, all you have to do is enjoy the food."
"I see. That’s very helpful to know."
"Well, you're used to being around adults, Ray, so I’m not worried."
"True enough."
I was currently dressed in my academy uniform.
I had been bracing myself, thinking I needed to wear something more formal, but Master had offered a rare piece of sensible advice: for a student, their uniform was their most formal attire.
Master herself had opted for a casual shirt and a long skirt. Carla appeared to have done her hair today, styling her braids into a neat circular bun at the back. Carla, as always, was dressed in her maid uniform.
The Magic Association was located in the Kingdom’s Central District, situated just slightly north of the Royal Castle at the very heart of the city. The building itself was immense; while it didn't quite rival the Royal Castle, it was likely the second-largest structure in the Kingdom.
Its stark white exterior walls made it an incredibly conspicuous landmark.
As we turned onto the street leading toward the Association, the density of sorcerers in the area seemed to increase, though they were still relatively sparse.
"By the way, did you attend these often in the past, Master?"
"Hmm? Well... it depended on my mood. I’d go if Abby told me it was mandatory, but otherwise, I skipped more often than not. Most of the Seven Grand Sorcerers don't bother coming anyway. Someone like Abby, who attends almost every time, is the exception."
"I suppose most of the Seven Grand Sorcerers don't seem like the type to enjoy these kinds of gatherings."
"Right? Those people are all lunatics across the board. You can't expect them to show up."
"..."
"Hey, Ray. What’s with that look?"
"Nothing! It's nothing at all!"
"I see... fine then."
Master fixed me with a sharp, half-lidded gaze. She clearly suspected my inner thoughts, but as long as I didn't voice them, it wasn't a problem. Yes... no problem at all.
Aren't you one of those lunatics yourself, Master? I wanted to say, but I held my tongue.
A loose tongue leads to ruin.
It was best not to say anything unnecessary. Master seemed to be under the impression that she was a relatively sensible person, so it was better not to disabuse her of that notion.
Normally, a "sensible" sorcerer wouldn't engage in a full-scale magical duel in the middle of a city.
Had she already forgotten her battle with Carol the other day? Even if there had been no casualties, they had caused massive damage to the inn and created quite a stir.
As I was walking along pondering such things, someone suddenly hugged me tightly from behind.
The moment two soft spheres were pressed against my back, the citrus-scented perfume gave away the culprit's identity instantly.
"Ray-chan! Yahoo~☆ Lydia-chan, yahoo too~☆"
"Carol, huh."
"Hey, Carol! Get away from my Ray!"
"Okay, okay~☆"
After chirping her response, Carol immediately moved to my side and matched her pace with ours.
"Carol, why are you here? I thought you had work this year?"
When Master asked, Carol responded with a beaming smile.
"Since it’s Ray-chan’s first time, I decided to tag along as his senior~☆ But as expected of Lydia-chan! You’re so overprotective~☆"
"I am not overprotective! This is a legitimate appearance. Even if I'm no longer one of the Seven Grand Sorcerers, I was officially invited."
Master abruptly reached into her chest and pulled out an invitation, showing it to Carol with a smug look. I’d always wondered why she used her cleavage as a storage compartment. I had asked her about it once, and she’d simply said it was "convenient."
It was a sensation I, as a man, could never truly grasp.
"I see~☆ So escorting Ray-chan is just an 'afterthought,' then~☆"
"T-That’s right! I’m only tagging along because I have to!"
"Eh? But didn't I say I would be fine on my own?"
"...You said you wanted me to come, didn't you? Ray, isn't that right?"
"...Ha! That’s right!"
Master stared at me with a gaze that brooked no argument. It vividly declared, If you tell the truth, you're dead.
My instincts screamed that I must not disobey her at a time like this.
As I smoothly delivered the lie, Carol abruptly changed the subject, perhaps deciding not to poke the bear any further.
"Ah! Come to think of it~, you have that friend, Ray-chan~. Amelia-chan, right?"
"Yeah."
"She’s probably a candidate for the next Seven Grand Sorcerers~☆ It’s been a while since a Seven Grand Sorcerer was born from the Three Great Noble Families~☆"
"Amelia Rose, huh. I met her when Ray brought her over before, but I never expected her to possess a Conceptual Interference Magic Origin Magic. Moreover, it's likely derived from the Chaos Theory's Butterfly Effect. Does that make her the second person to possess magic that interferes with Causality?"
"Exactly as Lydia-chan says~☆ It’s incredible that another Conceptual Interference Magic Origin Magic has appeared~"
As I listened to them talk, I recalled something.
That’s right. If I remember correctly, there is one other sorcerer whose magic interferes with cause and effect. I haven't met them directly yet, but they are supposed to be one of the Seven Grand Sorcerers.
Still, Amelia’s Butterfly Effect certainly had that level of potential. It might be too early now, but by the time she reaches her twenties, Amelia might very well be listed among the Seven Grand Sorcerers herself.
Of course, she still has her immature points, so I intend to keep supporting her development.
"Well then. We’ve arrived~☆ Okay, Lydia-chan is going with Caro-caro~☆"
"Ha!? Why!? What do you plan to do, leaving Ray alone!?"
"We have greetings to make because of our ties from the military, don't we~☆ Besides, Ray-chan will be fine alone, right?"
"Of course. Well then, Master, Carol—and Carla-san as well. I'll see you later."
"Yep! Bye-bye! Ray-chan!"
"R-Ray! Be careful~!"
"Ray-sama. Excuse me..."
Master and the others entered the Association building first and headed off in a different direction, so I followed the flow of people toward the party venue.
Looking around, the pure white interior looked brand new, to the point where it was hard to believe the building had stood for over a century. There had likely been major renovations within the last few years.
I was feeling a bit impressed by the modern decor as I followed the signs when I spotted two familiar faces.
One was a woman with an elegant atmosphere and long black hair. The other was a girl with beautiful, pure white hair. It was the Bradley sisters.
"Rebecca-senpai. And I see you're with your sister, Miss Maria. It’s been a while. Both of you look lovely."
"Ray-san, it’s good to see you again. But wait, were you invited as well?"
"Yes. I have a few connections."
"I see. Oh? But how do you know Maria’s name?"
"Ah, um... the two of you are famous as members of the Three Great Noble Families, so I’ve known of you for a long time!"
"I see. That makes sense."
I realized then that since I came from an Ordinary background, people would likely think I was out of place here. I hadn't told Rebecca-senpai that I was the Ice Sword Sorcerer either. It wouldn't really matter if I did, but it would cause complications in this setting... so I decided to keep it vague for now.
Miss Maria, who had quickly ducked behind Rebecca-senpai, was staring intently at me.
"Maria, greet him properly. He’s your senior, you know."
"..."
Come to think of it, because I’d met Miss Maria before, I’d reflexively spoken to her like an acquaintance... but right. Back then, I had met her as Lily White. In other words, Maria didn't know Ray White at all.
That would explain why she looked so wary.
"...Maria Bradley."
Maria muttered her name with a sullen face, refusing to meet my eyes.
I see, so this was her usual demeanor.
I offered a greeting of my own.
"I’m Ray White. I’m quite indebted to Rebecca-senpai. I hope we can get along, Miss Maria."
"...Hmph!"
Maria huffed and turned away. Rebecca-senpai gave me a wry, apologetic smile.
"Honestly, Maria. You have to behave. I’m so sorry, Ray-san."
"No, please. I don't mind at all."
"Ah! I just remembered I have a quick errand to run. Excuse me for a moment. If you don't mind, please look after Maria for a bit."
"Understood."
Rebecca-senpai seemed to have remembered something urgent and hurried off in the opposite direction.
And then there were two.
We could have headed toward the party venue, but for some reason, Maria was staring fixedly at my face.
"You..."
"What is it?"
"Are you... after my sister?"
"After her? Whatever do you mean? I’m not planning anything like an assassination."
"Huh? As if. Are you stupid? I know how it is. My sister is incredibly popular."
"That’s likely true. Rebecca-senpai is a very charming person. I am well aware that she is popular with everyone, regardless of gender."
"...Hmm. You’re different, though... most guys look at her with lust, but you don't have that... do you have a girlfriend or something?"
"No, I don't."
"And yet you act like that?"
"Yes. Rebecca-senpai is a wonderful senior whom I respect. I simply treat her with the deference she deserves."
"Hmm... and you aren't surprised by the way I look either."
Just like when we had met before, Maria’s pure white hair and crimson eyes were strikingly beautiful. She seemed to be intentionally showing off her piercings, suggesting she took great pride in her style.
"Well, I have an acquaintance with similar features. Besides, your appearance is mystical and beautiful. Especially those piercings—did you do them yourself? They suit you very well."
"Huh? Are you hitting on me?"
"No, it’s a genuine observation. I understand that a woman’s fashion takes considerable time and effort. It’s only natural to praise it. Especially with piercings—they carry a risk of inflammation, so they must be difficult to manage. Maintaining that many is truly admirable."
"You’re... kind of strange, aren't you?"
"I get told that often."
"...Actually, you look familiar. I feel a weird sense of closeness..."
"..."
Cold sweat began to prickle my skin. She was likely sensing the resemblance to Lily—my female persona. Then Maria suddenly let out a loud "Ah!" as if everything had clicked.
"Wait! Tell me your name again!"
"...It’s Ray White."
"! Are you Lily-oneesama’s brother!?"
"...Y-Yes."
I blurted out the lie on the spot.
It was the only way. Maria’s voice had jumped up an octave, and her eyes were shining with newfound excitement.
She looked so genuinely happy; who could ever tell her that the "oneesama" she admired was actually me in a dress? I couldn't bring myself to shatter her dreams like that...
"So you’re her brother?"
"W-Well, yes... Lily is my twin sister. But she’s a bit sickly, so she can't go outside very often."
"Heh... I see. How tragic for her."
"W-Well, I’ll pass along the sentiment."
"So that’s why you look so similar! You should have just said so from the start!"
Suddenly closing the distance, Maria laughed and started slapping my back. She was like a completely different person now, her wariness replaced by instant familiarity.
"I hate men, but I'll give you special permission to call me Maria! I'll call you Ray too!"
"Sure. But you... no, Maria, you’re quite something. Your personality seems to be the polar opposite of Rebecca-senpai’s."
A slight shadow crossed her face at my words.
"Hmm? Well, my sister is refined. She isn't calculating at all; she’s a genuinely good person. But me? I've always been compared to her. And looking like this... it’s only natural my personality would get a bit twisted, isn't it?"
Maria gave a self-deprecating laugh, but there was a flicker of loneliness in her eyes. I didn't speak out of sympathy, but because of what I truly felt.
"No, I think your appearance is mystical and beautiful, and your personality is honest and refreshing. There’s nothing wrong with either. I only meant 'opposite' in a literal sense; I wasn't teasing you. I just think both of you are beautiful, inside and out. Like Rebecca-senpai, I think you’re a very charming person, Maria."
"...Whatever! Come on, let's go!"
"Yeah."
She turned her face away, but I could see her cheeks flushing a deep red. It was especially noticeable against her pale complexion, and I found the sight rather endearing.
With that, the two of us made our way toward the party venue.