The Distant Trail Of Ciara Badvia

The Saria Magic Academy
Part 1: The Solzarand Royal Castle

THE KINGDOM’S INTENTIONS

“Badvia’s power played an unparalleled role in controlling the battlefield. She was undoubtedly the most instrumental figure in the decades-long war of Enea, and we keenly feel the loss of her power. Upon reflection, however, we realized it was too valuable to be wielded only for war. We cannot help but imagine how wonderful it would have been had her power been used for the development of Solzarand’s magic, the cultivation of more skilled magicians, and ultimately, the betterment of the lives of the people.”

As she listened, Tyril was increasingly drawn in with the king’s impassioned speech.

Ciara Badvia was undoubtedly an exceptional magician. It was due to the stage that was the war that she was able to leave her mark in history, but Tyril had never seen her legend as a mere figure confined to that tragic stage. It made sense when she thought about it. If she were to become a great magician like Ciara but then had to go to war, she would never call it a fortunate situation.

Tyril realized that she had created her own image of Ciara’s character and felt a bit guilty for it.

“In the end, our search was in vain,” Luxor continued. “Miss Badvia had already passed away. The news only reached us recently. Fortunately, she left behind a daughter. As soon as we knew, we immediately convened the council to discuss the matter. There were some objections to the unusual treatment being a burden to the state for providing the education and research expenses, but in the end, we unanimously decided to invite you, Miss Zeeland, to Saria and support your enrollment in the academy.”

Luxor’s expression contorted, though it actually seemed like he was smiling. Tyril tried her best to suppress rude thoughts about finding him scary or creepy, but her nervousness didn’t seem to ease. The faint smile she returned also ended up looking stiff and unpleasant, she realized.

But there was a silver lining to it—Tyril got so distracted by such an irrelevant thought that she didn’t fully grasp the importance of Luxor’s story, and thus her body avoided shaking even more than it already had.

“That is the first thing you should understand.”

The king spoke up this time. His expression turned stern and authoritative, as though he was giving an order and not conveying a message. Luxor had on a similar expression, while Nestiroy continued to have a faraway and half-asleep look to him.

“I hope you do. To be blunt, we invited you because we seek the magical power of Ciara Badvia that you possess. You will have our utmost assistance in developing your talent, and we will create an environment for your studies as you desire. However, we expect you to live up to our expectations in return.”

“Y-yes!” Tyril managed to control her trembling voice. “I, erm, heard about it from Mr. Theodore, who came to pick me up. Besides, I know there must’ve been a significant reason for the king to call upon someone like me. Um, I was raised without knowing I was Ciara Badvia’s daughter, so I have no confidence in my abilities… But since the king has given me this chance, I will do my best to become a mage. That’s what I believe.”

She bowed deeply, expressing her genuine thoughts. Finally, Tyril was able to gradually relax, managing a smile that wasn’t too stiff in front of King Elm.

The King seemed satisfied with Tyril’s words, as he nodded firmly and returned a faint smile. It put her heart at ease, knowing that her feelings were understood and well-received.

But there was more. It started with a sudden bout of laughter from Lord Nestiroy.

“What with the serious answer, young lady? No, really, if what you just said was the honest truth, then you’re either a hopeless goody-two-shoes or a genuine idiot.”

“Lord Nestiroy!”

It fell to the prime minister to reprimand him, but it looked like Nestiroy’s usual way was to pay no heed to his reproach. He ignored Luxor’s stern gaze and Tyril’s bewildered expression, then started to explain his reasons behind the mockery.

“You see, young lady, this king is saying that you’re a mere substitute for Badvia. They were actually hoping to find your mother but found the daughter, so they had no choice but to raise and use you instead. And on top of that, they’re demanding that you become the world’s best magician, repay their favor a hundredfold, and work for the country.”

“U-um…”

“What the king is saying is that they’ll pay for your education, but in exchange, you’ll give them your entire life. You get it? Now that you know, can you still say the same thing you did?”

Luxor rose from his seat and slammed his hands on the table, his voice raised. “Please watch your tongue, Lord Nestiroy! How dare you utter such vulgar remarks!”

Nestiroy only snorted loudly, unfazed, and leisurely crossed his legs.

Still confused by Nestiroy’s piece, Tyril could only watch the intense exchange unfolding before her.

“It is disrespectful to say such a thing as someone who serves your own country! As citizens, it is our honor to serve the kingdom! To speak of it as if it were forced labor…!”

“Hah. Serving the country is an honor, you say? You hold quite the outdated beliefs.”

“C-calling it outdated is the height of insolence! How do you view the traditions of the royal family and the kingdom—”

“Enough, both of you!” the king roared, and the room fell silent.

Luxor acted like a younger brother being scolded by his parents after a petty argument, his shoulders slumped in defeat and his head lowered in front of the king. On the other hand, Nestiroy acted like an older brother, stubbornly turning his face away and closing his eyes like he was unbothered. Tyril finally had a grasp of the dynamics of their relationship and felt slightly amused deep inside.

“Miss Zeeland.”

King Elm’s gaze prompted Tyril to straighten up.

“Y-yes!”

“Harsh as it may be, Nestiroy spoke true. Our goal is not simply to make you a successful mage. It is to make you successful and then use your power for the sake of this country, to contribute to the advancement of magical knowledge and technology. That is our ultimate desire.

“Our royal family and the Solzarand government are planning to aid you with that goal in mind. Were it only for your personal growth, the council would never have granted full support for a student’s research activities. Moreover, if news of you were to spread, those with ill intentions might seek to exploit your power. Much like Badvia, your power might be perceived as a tool for violence, potentially bringing the world back to an era of conflict. There is a risk you might find yourself entangled in such a scheme in that case, and if that were to happen, our kingdom will have no choice but to eliminate you with full force.”

What sort of complexion did she have at those words? She must have turned pale, as if someone had smothered her with blue paint. Tyril was being told to dedicate the rest of her life to the kingdom, and to stray from that path would be to forfeit her life. Each word far surpassed Tyril’s hardened resolve.

Her strong and steadfast determination to become a mage was shaken, on the very verge of falling apart.

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MTL Note: Ngl, I was at a complete loss as to what to do with the part below

…It made sense when she thought about it. If she were to become a great magician like Ciara but then had to go to war, she would never call it a fortunate situation.

Tyril realized that she had created her own image of Ciara’s character and felt a bit guilty for it.

I 100% botched that somehow.

Also… points for honesty from the king, I guess?

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