Chapter 17: The Princess Early Morning

Chapter 17: The Princess Early Morning

Arc 2: The Daily Life of Class 4, Year 1

Karen, you have an extraordinary talent.

Before Karens eyes was a black-and-white image of her fathers face.

Oh, its just a dream.

At the first flash of the vision, she realized she was dreaming again, as usual.

There is a formidable and monumental amount of power residing within Karen. One slip-up might lead to misfortune for everyone, but on the other hand, given proper maneuvering, blessings can be bestowed upon the people of this country.

Then how can it be put to good use?

As a young child, she would always pose such a question to her father.

Her father would pat her head tenderly with his hand. Even though it was not visible from here, her face at that time must have been brimming with happiness.

Well, each person has to seek their own way. To do that, you have to talk a lot with people of different races and countries. In grown-up language, it means to broaden your horizons.

Her young self tilted her head at this point. Was it because she did not possess even this level of knowledge of the language that her father was no longer in this world? To this day, it was a mystery to her.

I guess this is still too complicated for you. But I just hope that you remember this, that you will exchange conversations with many people, assimilate, and develop into the individual Karen Ortesia that you are.

Hearing this now, she can comprehend her fathers reticence to speak at this time.

Karen failed to grasp even half of the meaning of her fathers words but nodded with the brightest smile she could muster, for she wanted to see him smile.

Yeah, I get it!

Her mutterings of you liar didnt reach her young self, nor her father.

I see, youre a wise girl, Karen!

Her father took her in his arms and spun her around in a circle. Holding her in his arms, her young self continued to smile with an innocent expression.

That was when Karen awoke. It was an abrupt awakening, as usual.

She rose from her languid position and rubbed her eyelids.

After having that dream, she always would fall into a state of self-loathing. It served not as remorse for a past that would never be restored, but rather as a force that propelled Karens back toward a future that was yet to come.

No, perhaps the propelling was a gentle thing. It was already a kind of obsession.

Let yourself elevate. Let yourself elevate.

Oh, thank you very much. Now then, we want to devote ourselves to running, so well see you back at school.

Kanakis mouth almost shut at Karens nonchalant demeanor. From the events of the morning of the entrance ceremony, Karen assumed that he was a foolish teacher, but apparently he has recently been attempting to cajole Fina. Even Fina, who has been with Karen for many years, must have been influenced by Karens mindset, but to her surprise, this man has apparently earned somewhat of Finas trust. He may not excel at magic, but he seemed to own a triple-tongued[i] that could work wonders. The realization of this led Karen to be more or less wary and uncomfortable with the man in charge of her class.

But its kind of mysterious. A magician of both of your caliber would have more than enough physical ability with body enhancement magic, right? But why do you two train your body so meticulously?

Karen was blatantly disappointed and disturbed by Kanakis words, which sounded like he was attempting to press out a response.

How could he not even understand such a thing? Thats why this man is so incompetent. In any case, he must not even have undergone much training in magic.

T-Thats a matter of being well-prepared for battle at all costs; if you suddenly rush into battle without preparation, your physical abilities will be affected to no small degree.

Fina was the first to catch on to Karens fury.

On behalf of the master she served, she gave Kanaki a thorough explanation.

A well-trained knight can close the distance of about ten meters in an instant when facing a magician. Even if it is rudimentary magic, it takes only a short time to be activated, and that split second can be the deciding factor on the battlefield. Needless to say, if we consistently practice, even we magicians are effective against them.

I see. Does that mean its effective in our academys mock battles, which start with the process of generating magical power?

As Kanaki nodded his head with a triumphant expression, Karen shot him a sideways, icy glare.

Thats what I meant. If you understand, may I ask you to leave now? You are an ordinary magician, and running at this speed would be too much for you to bear for todays work, Teacher.

No, well, thats all right, but, yeah

The cynicism of Karens remarks was softly washed away, and Kanaki next to her raised his gaze in contemplation. The cool expression on his face evoked a tinge of unease in Karen.

Now that I think about it, how can this man keep up with us so effortlessly when he doesnt appear to be using his magical power

Yeah, well, this is about right. Do you two have some time now?

What?

As her attention was jolted back and Karen reflexively turned to look next to her, Kanaki offered a strangely reassuring smile.

Would you like to practice martial arts a little with me from now on?

T/N:

[i] Triple-tongued is double-tongued but with a stronger emphasis in Japanese