At the far end of the party venue stood another door. I gave it three light knocks, and a voice answered from within.
"You may enter."
"Excuse me."
Upon hearing the man’s response, I slowly pushed the door open and stepped inside.
Unlike the main ballroom, this room had a modest atmosphere. Sofas were arranged to face each other across a long table. Two teacups sat upon it, and the faint aroma drifting through the air told me they were filled with black tea.
The man sitting on one of the sofas rose briskly. He turned toward me, his face breaking into a smile.
"Ray! It’s been far too long!"
"President. My apologies. I’m sorry it took me so long to visit the Association."
"No, no, think nothing of it. It’s rare for any of the Seven Grand Sorcerers to show up at all. I’m just happy you’re here, Ray."
The man had salt-and-pepper hair swept back in a sharp style and wore a black suit. He was roughly 175 centimeters tall, but his frame still possessed a solid, disciplined thickness. The one welcoming me was the President of the Magic Association.
His name was Gregg Imston.
While not a member of the Three Great Noble Families, he was a high-ranking noble in his own right. We had interacted several times in the past, and he had helped me on many occasions, but this was our first meeting in several years.
"So, Ray. How do you find life as one of the Seven Grand Sorcerers? It’s been three years now, hasn't it?"
"That’s right. When I think about how three years have already passed, I’m struck by how quickly time flies."
"I see... I must admit, I was shocked back then when Lydia told me there was a sorcerer ready to succeed the Ice Sword. A twelve-year-old child succeeding one of the Seven Grand Sorcerers was entirely unprecedented. Rumors of Ray's existence had been whispered in the shadows—that the great Ice Sword had taken a disciple. To think that child has now become the Ice Sword himself..."
"It brings back memories. For my part, I’m simply grateful the Association accepted me."
The President adopted a thoughtful pose for a moment before continuing.
"At that time, well... because Lydia had been wounded, there were voices arguing that the Ice Sword should be removed from the Seven Grand Sorcerers. However, there was no other sorcerer qualified to take the position. The Seven Grand Sorcerers are symbols. As those who stand at the pinnacle of magic, a vacancy cannot be permitted. That was when Lydia made a certain proposal."
"And that proposal... was me."
"Indeed. Your existence was already known to some degree. Reports had reached the Association that Lydia was keeping a boy she had rescued during the Far East Campaign close at hand."
"..."
I recalled those days.
The succession of one of the Seven Grand Sorcerers was a situation without parallel. Normally, the title was not something passed down, because the specific abilities of a Seven Grand Sorcerer were considered unique and impossible to replicate. When the membership changed, the title usually shifted to represent an entirely different sorcerer.
Despite that tradition, the unprecedented succession of the Ice Sword had taken place.
I had heard that Master had to endure a great deal of pressure from the higher-ups because of it. Eventually, I met with the sorcerers of the Association—including the President—at my home, where my abilities were assessed. That was how I reached the position I hold today.
"It truly is nostalgic. To think the boy from back then is now a student like this... I can say this now, but at the time, I didn't trust you at all, Ray. In fact, I feared Lydia had lost her mind due to her injuries in the Far East Campaign. She always was a bit eccentric. I went to see you quite reluctantly, but... your existence overturned the very raison d'être of a sorcerer."
"I am... humbled."
"No, we were truly that stunned. A twelve-year-old boy of Ordinary origin—not from a sorcerous lineage or the Three Great Noble Families—not only inherited all of Lydia's abilities but had even mastered an entirely new form of magic."
"The Anti-Material Code was only possible because of my master's guidance."
"But Lydia herself cannot use it. That is a magic only you possess in this entire world. You should take pride in that, Ray."
"No, I..."
"There's no need to be modest. However, Ray... while we are keeping your identity as the Ice Sword hidden while you are a student, what do you plan to do after you graduate?"
"After, you say?"
"Yes. The path you choose to walk is a matter of great concern to us as well."
I took a moment to think.
What did I want to do?
The Seven Grand Sorcerers lived as they pleased—that much was clear from watching Master or Carol. While there were serious people like Abby, they were the exceptions.
Given that, my mind went back to the conversation I’d had with Clarice.
"Even if my Magic Area Overheat is completely cured, I don't think I will ever return to the military. I understand the need to use magic for self-defense, but... these hands are already far too stained with blood."
"..."
The President listened with a serious expression as I spoke my mind.
"That is why I feel this way. This time, instead of hurting people with magic, I want to be in a position to protect them and watch over their growth. Just as my master did for me, I hope to become a mentor for someone else... That is my wish."
"In that case, do you intend to become a teacher?"
"That is my plan for now."
"A noble aspiration. It seems you have grown into a truly wonderful man, Ray."
"That is because I was surrounded by my master and so many other incredible people."
"I see... You were truly blessed."
"Yes."
We both took a momentary break and sipped our tea. The mellow aroma filled my senses. I swallowed the tea, letting it soothe my throat, and set the cup back on the table.
The President then shifted the topic.
"That reminds me, Ray. There is one thing I would like to ask of you."
"What is it?"
"It’s about Amelia Rose."
"...You mean the Butterfly Effect?"
"Yes. Details of that ability have already reached our ears. Among all the magics currently identified, it is likely of the highest caliber in the world. It is on par even with Fiction."
"I share that assessment."
The Butterfly Effect. An Origin Magic capable of interfering with the causality of this world.
With Amelia's current level of skill, it wasn't a threat yet, but the problem was its control. If an Origin Magic with such overwhelming power were to run wild, there was no telling what impact it might have on the world. Amelia herself might not fully realize it, but her magic was that potent.
I had lost control and suffered a Magic Area Overheat myself, and I didn't want Amelia to follow that same path.
It’s something only those who have experienced it can truly understand, but it brings chronic, hellish pain to the caster. Immediately after I developed the condition, I repeatedly lost consciousness from the extreme agony. I had to endure that unbearable pain for a very long time.
Power that is too great comes with a heavy price.
I hadn't mentioned the specifics to Amelia yet, and while the President would likely eventually speak to her, the real issue was her daily life. I understood exactly what the President was trying to say.
"So, Ray. I understand you are in the same class as Amelia Rose at the academy, and that you have built a friendly relationship with her."
"That is correct."
"I want you to watch over her and ensure she doesn't stray from her path. It is highly likely that she will be a candidate for the Seven Grand Sorcerers in a few years. It would be a tragedy to lose such a gifted sorcerer now."
"Understood. I will do so."
"My apologies. This should technically be our responsibility."
"No. If I can support a friend, I would be more than happy to do so. I will treat this as a priority."
"No, this isn't an official mission. It’s a personal request from me."
"...In that case, I will take it as such."
"Good. Well then, I’m sorry for taking up so much of your time. Let’s meet again, Ray."
"Yes. I enjoyed our conversation today as well."
We stood up at the same time and shook hands. I gave a respectful bow and took my leave.
The party was nearing its conclusion, but many sorcerers were still lingering and chatting. As I headed toward the exit, I felt several gazes fall upon me.
There was no doubt I was drawing attention.
I hadn't intended to stand out today; my plan had been to greet the President and leave immediately, which was why I had requested the meeting in a separate room. My conversation with the Colonel had been fine since the room was mostly empty then, but the real issue was Princess Olivia’s outburst. To make matters worse, I had spoken with Amelia's mother afterward. Interacting with such famous figures in the magic world was bound to make me a target of curiosity.
By now, most people probably realized I was more than just a typical student.
"..."
Regardless, I kept walking with a nonchalant expression. Partway to the exit, a man stepped into my path.
He was of average height and build, and while his hair was flecked with grey, his face still looked young. He spoke to me with a pleasant smile.
"You must be Ray White-kun."
"Yes. It’s an honor to meet you. I am Ray White."
"I am Bruno Bradley, the current head of House Bradley."
"Thank you for the kind introduction. I am deeply indebted to your daughter, Rebecca-sama."
"Haha. So I’ve heard. My daughter told me she has quite an interesting junior."
His sharp gaze was clearly probing me.
The nobility was certainly not a unified front. Given the circumstances, Rebecca-senpai’s father had likely investigated me. But had he reached the core yet? Did he know for a fact that I was the Ice Sword?
I couldn't gauge his true intentions. Nothing could be read from that seemingly friendly face. It was unclear why he had approached me here, but I needed to maintain the proper etiquette.
"I see. However, I am still a student of limited experience. I intend to continue dedicating myself to my studies."
"...Well, let's leave it at that for today. I look forward to our next meeting."
"Yes. If you'll excuse me."
I walked past him with composure.
At that moment, I realized something. The Three Great Noble Families were in an entirely different league from other sorcerers. While others were casting inquisitive glances my way, as soon as Mr. Bruno stepped aside for me, those gazes quickly averted. I didn't yet understand the factional politics of the nobility, but I felt a certain sense that some vast, hidden will was moving behind the scenes.
"Ray, are you all done?"
"Master. And Carla too."
When I stepped outside the Association building, Master and Carla were waiting for me. Carla gave her usual bow, and I returned it. Master, on the other hand, looked exhausted.
"Master, are you tired?"
"Hmm? Yeah, a bit. It’s been a while since I was here. I had people trying to catch up with me, but it was such a hassle that I cut them off and left."
"Haha, that sounds just like you."
"So, how did it go?"
We began walking side by side. As she sat in her wheelchair, Master asked for my impressions, and I told her exactly how I felt.
"It was very educational. It was good to see Colonel Fahrenheit and the President again. However..."
"Bruno spoke to you, didn't he?"
It felt like a bolt from the blue. I was genuinely surprised. Master hadn't been there, yet she knew Mr. Bruno had approached me.
"Master, how did you know?"
"Word is the nobility has been acting strangely lately. Whether it's factional infighting or something else... what we do know is that the heads of the Three Great Noble Families are at the center of the storm. House Rose is the current Head of the Three Great Noble Families, but rumors say Bruno is trying to elevate House Bradley’s status even further."
Master spoke with a more serious tone than usual. Her words made me reflect on the encounter.
So that meeting wasn't a coincidence after all...
"Well, your identity as the Ice Sword shouldn't have been leaked yet."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah. Your information is being handled by Carla and the rest of the Hale family. Though Eleonora of House Rose managed to see through it. Honestly, she’s a terrifying witch."
"...I see."
"It doesn't really matter if it's known, anyway. Carol and Abby are open about it. But still, time and place matter. The Seven Grand Sorcerers have enough influence to change the entire political landscape on their own. Well, I suppose it’s about that time."
"...Meaning?"
"It’s time for you to make a choice. If you want to live as a sorcerer, you need to know more about the world. You can’t survive on strength alone. With that said, come to my house. I’ll teach you everything you need to know about these matters."
"I would appreciate that."
"I am sorry, though. I really should have told you sooner... I suppose I was being too casual about it. The relationship between the nobility and the Seven Grand Sorcerers is actually quite a headache. Especially since none of the Seven Grand Sorcerers currently come from the Three Great Noble Families."
"I understand. I look forward to learning."
I went to Master's house and listened to her explanation of the internal affairs of the sorcerous world. However, it seemed even she didn't know the deepest secrets of the Three Great Noble Families. Apparently, those were secrets that even the Hale family, experts in intelligence, could not uncover.
Master once told me that the world of sorcerers is much like the Abyss.
The more you know, the more you are swallowed by its darkness, and she said one has no choice but to live while carrying that darkness within.
In the future, I would come to understand. I would learn that there are things in this world that cannot be overcome by strength alone.