I was currently in the Kingdom's Central District.
I headed toward my destination, invitation in hand.
"Now then."
I stopped and looked over the invitation once more.
Two days ago, an invitation had arrived for me from Amelia’s family home. It was a formal missive from House Rose, which had come as a surprise.
I assumed Amelia’s mother had arranged it, but I hadn’t expected to be welcomed quite this warmly.
Did this mean they evaluated my worth as the Ice Sword Sorcerer that highly?
I had heard a fair amount about the world of sorcerers from my Master, but her knowledge was mostly surface-level. Even she and the other Seven Grand Sorcerers lacked detailed information on the inner workings of the Three Great Noble Families.
That was precisely why I needed to dive into the center of it myself.
Under normal circumstances, there might have been no need for me to do this. No reason to personally engage in the dangerous act of leaping into that world.
However, I already had personal ties to members of the Three Great Noble Families.
Each of them possessed a wonderful personality. In order to continue my association with them, I supposed I should resolve myself to live as the Ice Sword.
"...It should be around here," I murmured softly.
Today, as usual, I was heading to Amelia’s family home in my school uniform. Although I did actually own a suit, I wore the same attire as when I visited the Magic Association, given my status as a student. Naturally, I had taken care to ensure my grooming was impeccable.
After all, my destination was House Rose, the head of the Three Great Noble Families.
Since it was morning, the sunlight wasn't yet overwhelming. I was only sweating slightly.
I lightly wiped my brow with the handkerchief in my pocket and spotted a large mansion at the end of the street.
The Noble District.
That was where I was now.
The residential areas of the Kingdom were primarily in the East and West.
However, the nobility lived in the South District, near the Central District. If one went deep into the South District, there was mainly nothing but farmland, but the area before that was entirely noble land. They utilized that vast territory to create luxuriously decorated estates.
House Rose was located in the most prominent spot; I was able to see it the moment I entered the South District. Incidentally, its neighbors to the left and right were House Bradley and House Algren.
The mansions of the Three Great Noble Families stood side by side in a single row.
As I continued walking forward, I saw my friend Ariane standing there.
"Ariane, it's been a while."
"Ray? I heard you were coming, but you are quite early, are you not?"
"Yeah. It would be rude to be late, so I decided to arrive ahead of schedule."
Even during summer vacation, Ariane’s attire was, as expected, flawless. She wore a white dress, the intricate embroidery asserting its high quality.
Furthermore, her lustrous platinum hair was beautifully curled vertically, just like always.
"That dress suits you well, Ariane. You look beautiful today."
"Eh...? I-is that so?"
"Yeah. It's the first time I've seen you in private clothes. I can tell you've put a lot of care into your appearance."
"Th-thank you very much."
Ariane twirled her hair around her finger, her cheeks flushing a slight shade of vermilion.
As the two of us stood before the gates of House Rose, a maid immediately approached and escorted us onto the grounds.
Beyond the gate was a fountain, and past that stood the mansion. I had heard it was a luxurious estate, but seeing it in person made me realize once again that Amelia truly was a high-born young lady.
Ariane and I followed the maid toward the entrance.
"Ray. Let me give you one piece of advice."
"What is it?"
"Please be careful around Lady Eleonora."
"Amelia's mother? Why?"
"I'm sure you will understand once you meet her. Even so..."
Ariane looked up at me with a narrowed, suspicious gaze.
"You really are no Ordinary person, are you? For an Ordinary to be invited to the home of the Three Great Noble Families is simply unheard of."
"...I suppose so."
"You admit it?"
"The fact that I come from an Ordinary background remains unchanged. But yes. As a sorcerer, there is no doubt that I am an exceptional—or rather, special—existence."
"Hmph. Well, I shall leave it at that for now."
"I'm sorry. When the time is right, I'll tell you everything, Ariane."
I felt that it was fine to tell Ariane that I was the Ice Sword.
However, the problem was the relationship between the Three Great Noble Families behind her.
It was unknown what kind of influence my existence as one of the Seven Grand Sorcerers would have on the nobility while I was still a student.
According to Master, it would surely be a bolt from the blue for the nobles. Furthermore, because I was from an Ordinary background, she believed it was not something they could normally tolerate.
Envy, jealousy—I didn't know what might happen to me because of those emotions. Master had warned me that I should wait and see for now.
"Ray! And Ariane too, welcome!"
When we entered through the front door, a vast space spread out before us. I had expected it from the size of the mansion, but the interior was indeed opulent. The walls were decorated in shades of red, as was the thick carpet.
Amelia, who welcomed us at the entrance, was dressed differently than usual.
She had partially braided her hair, letting it flow so it blended with the rest of her locks. She wore a pure white blouse with ruffles and a bright red skirt.
However, that skirt was unusually short—or perhaps this was the current fashion.
Amelia's supple, beautiful legs were almost entirely exposed.
"Amelia, you... aren't you a bit too fired up? No matter how much Ray—"
"W-waaaah!"
Before Ariane could finish her sentence, Amelia hurriedly moved to cover her mouth. The two of them whispered urgently in a corner before returning to me.
"Is something wrong, you two?"
"It's nothing!"
"...It's quite unsatisfying, but fine, it's nothing."
"I see. Regardless, it's been a while since I've seen you in private clothes, Amelia. It suits you well. Your legs are beautiful—you're very attractive."
"R-really!?"
"Yeah. I wouldn't lie about something like that."
"I see... Ehehe..."
As Amelia smiled, I truly felt she had changed. The current Amelia was laughing from the bottom of her heart. I could feel it.
On the other hand, Ariane let out a sigh.
"Haa... Ray, that quality of yours is truly natural."
"What are you talking about?"
"No. That too is a virtue, I suppose. However, I pray that it does not lead to disaster someday."
"I don't quite understand, but thank you for the advice."
As the three of us were chatting, a maid called out to me.
"Ray White-sama."
"Yes. What is it?"
"The Madam is waiting for you. She requested to meet with you first."
"I understand."
When I looked at Amelia, she seemed somewhat awkward... but I couldn't exactly refuse. I followed the maid's lead.
"Then, Amelia, Ariane. I'll see you both later."
"Yeah. Be careful, Ray."
"Well, please do your best."
I was guided deeper into the mansion until I came before a large door. The maid announced, "He is here."
Since I was meeting a sorcerer of a noble house—the head of the Three Great Noble Families, no less—I knocked slowly four times.
Then, from inside, I heard a very beautiful voice say, "Come in."
"Excuse me."
I bowed respectfully as I entered. Amelia's mother greeted me with an elegant smile.
"Ray White-san. I have been waiting for you."
"Thank you for inviting me today."
"No, no. Please, have a seat."
"Thank you. Pardon me."
The drawing room was decorated simply. Similar to when I spoke with the President at the Magic Association, there were two sofas facing each other across a long table.
Once I sat down, several maids placed tea, sweets, and black tea on the table before silently exiting the room.
Their movements were fluid, and the tea service was prepared in the blink of an eye. They were exactly the sort of staff one would expect from House Rose.
"Now then, first, let me introduce myself once more. Eleonora Rose. I am the wife of the current head of the house. It is a pleasure to meet you."
"I am Ray White. It is a pleasure to meet you as well."
"Fufu. Please call me Nora. My close associates do."
"Then, Nora-san... may I call you that?"
"Yes, that is fine. I shall call you Ray-san as well."
"Thank you."
With that, Nora-san added a single sugar cube to her tea, stirred it, and took a sip.
After returning the cup to its saucer with elegant movements, she began the conversation with a gentle smile.
"Amelia was singing your praises, you know?"
"I'm honored."
"This is going back a bit... but that child was a pitiable one."
"..."
"As the eldest daughter of one of the Three Great Noble Families, the expectations placed upon her are beyond measure. Compared to ordinary sorcerers, she possessed extraordinary talent and put in a great deal of effort. She is my pride and joy."
"..."
"However, Ariane-san of House Algren and Rebecca-san of House Bradley were always ahead of her. As she continued to compare herself to them, Amelia began to lose sight of herself."
"Was that so..."
"Yes. I wondered if a parent should intervene. I consulted my husband as well, but he simply said that Amelia would surely overcome it. Honestly, even though I have been worried all this time."
Nora-san changed her tone as if joking slightly. She continued speaking with an air of enjoyment.
"In the end, even though I am her mother... I wasn't able to do anything for that child. It sounds nice to say I was watching over her, but in truth, I think I was running away from her. But Amelia has changed. Thanks to none other than you."
"...No, I believe Amelia changed on her own. I was merely a catalyst."
"You are quite humble. However, the reason Amelia obtained such an exceptional Origin Magic must be due to your teachings, right?"
"..."
It seemed she had done her research; she was surely referring to our Ranger Training. It appeared I couldn't keep secrets from her.
Her sharp gaze pierced through me like a predator hunting its prey.
"I only did so because I wanted to be of help to her."
"Yes. You are a wonderful person who cares for his friends. But that is exactly why I found it strange. The number of people in this world who can guide Amelia is limited. There was no mistake that she possessed extraordinary talent. So, when I looked into it, what came up was... the Ice Sword Sorcerer."
Her words began to carry a certain intensity. Nora-san continued, seemingly lost in her own world.
"I had heard that Lydia Ainsworth was injured in the Far East Campaign. On the surface, it was said she was focusing on treatment while continuing her duties as the Ice Sword. Most likely, other nobles still believe she is the strongest of the Seven Grand Sorcerers. But when I looked deeper—through my own unique methods—it seemed the Ice Sword had been passed on. To a certain boy."
I answered her without a moment's delay.
"That is me. There is no mistake."
"To reach the Seven Grand Sorcerers, and even the legendary Ice Sword at that age... I haven't researched your past, Ray-san, but I'm sure it must have been something harrowing. One does not reach that position through mere luck. It is the pinnacle of sorcery, a place an ordinary person could never reach. I, who aimed for that position more than anyone, understand that well. That's why your existence is such an outlier. I truly don't know what to say..."
"I'm honored."
After a light cough, Nora-san's expression became even more serious.
"So, I have a proposal for you, Ray-san."
"What is it?" I asked calmly.
This was likely the true purpose of the visit.
"I want you to guide Amelia."
"...Does that mean in the sense of being a sorcerer?"
"Yes. That child's Origin Magic is too powerful. This might be bias as her mother, but there is a possibility she could become a sorcerer comparable even to that 'Fiction'."
"I am of the same opinion. Magic that interferes with causality is far too powerful, and dangerous."
"Exactly. If used incorrectly, it could trigger a Magic Area Overheat and leave her in a vegetative state. You should understand that better than anyone, shouldn't you?"
"Yes."
It seemed she even knew about the Magic Area Overheat. As expected, she was not to be underestimated.
"Can I ask this of you?"
"I intended to do so from the beginning."
"I see. I expected as much. Just to be sure... or rather, it's a mother's heart. I feel bad for leaving this to you, Ray-san. In exchange, if you ever find yourself in trouble, please let me know. While it might be difficult for House Rose to intervene, I will cooperate if I can help you as an individual."
"Thank you very much."
I bowed my head. At the same time, I felt the tension begin to relax.
It seemed that Nora-san's main business had concluded.
She must truly care for her daughter. That was the impression I walked away with. I had been concerned about her motives, but it seemed my worries were groundless.
"Ah. Also, this is just a bit of idle talk."
"What is it?"
"What do you think of Amelia?"
"I believe she is a good friend. I have much to learn from her as well, and I hope we can continue to grow together."
"That child is dressed quite enthusiastically today... what do you think about that?"
"I think she is a wonderful woman who can properly care for her appearance because she expects a guest."
Nora-san made a somewhat disappointed expression and let out a deliberate sigh.
"Haa... I see. I see, I see. It seems you aren't lying. That child has it rough, too."
"What do you mean by that?"
"No. It doesn't mean anything in particular. Just talking to myself."
It was an unsatisfying answer, but it seemed the conversation was over.
"Well then, please relax at our mansion today. I'll leave the rest to Amelia and the maids."
"Yes. Then, if you'll excuse me."
I stood up swiftly and bowed once more.
And so, I successfully concluded my conversation with Nora-san.
At the end, I felt as though a lingering gaze was fixed on my back, but surely that was just my imagination.
"Now then, the problem is how to make Amelia and him... but..."
Nora-san's voice grew distant.
Without paying much mind to her words, I proceeded through the mansion.