The Distant Trail Of Ciara Badvia

The Saria Magic Academy
Part 1: The Solzarand Royal Castle

TYRIL’S RESPONSE

Tyril’s body tensed. She placed both fists on her knees, tightly bit her lower lip, and gulped. Still, in the end…

“I… I understand. I promise to become a splendid mage and use my powers to assist the king.”

She couldn’t fathom where these strong feelings of hers came from. The desire to become a mage and to stake her entire future on it—she didn’t know when it had taken root either. However, driven by a strong sense of urgency and determination, she found herself uttering those words.

King Elm let out a sigh. Prime Minister Luxor as well, but his seemed to come from a place of personal fulfillment and satisfaction, rather than interest or admiration.

For the first time, Nestiroy was observing her closely; he leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand and peering at Tyril’s face, then sniffed half-heartedly. “I thought you were just a timid country girl, but I suppose you do have some courage,” he muttered with a bored tone. “Getting involved with the royal palace isn’t going to end well, though.”

Nestiroy showed a momentary hint of interest before he quickly killed it. Chuckling lightly, he sank back into the sofa. Tyril couldn’t quite understand what he meant or what he thought of her.

“Very well, then, Miss Zeeland. I’m sorry, but please bear with me while we go through the procedures of the contract.

“We, the Solzarand Kingdom and the Royal Family of Haag, promise to provide full support for Tyril Zeeland’s training and study at the Magic Academy, as well as the necessary expenses and other material assistance for life in the city of Saria. Tyril Zeeland pledges to enhance her magical abilities and develop her talents at the Magic Academy, dedicating her powers to the kingdom and the royal family.”

So King Elm formally proclaimed. The prime minister also stood up, prepared a pen and a piece of paper—a rare and high-quality one made from lamb’s skin—then placed them in front of the king. The king wrote something on it before handing it to Tyril.

She had seen something like this in a book before. It was a formal contract paper.

“Please, sign it. With that, the scholarship agreement comes into effect.”

Tyril took the pen. The paper had the same text as the king’s earlier proclamation, and at the bottom was his name, freshly written. Beneath it was an empty space where Tyril’s name should probably go.

The hand holding the pen trembled. This moment was the most nervous Tyril had been in today. But, unlike when she met the king, she felt no fear or intimidation.

Party A: Elmyr-Sol Haag

Party B: Tyril Zeeland

Her name, the most distorted of all the names she had written so far, was now inscribed there.

“Mhm. The contract is hereby established.”

When Tyril returned the paper to the king, he smiled in satisfaction and handed the contract to the prime minister. Then, he stood up, extended his right hand, and asked for a handshake from Tyril.

Is this how politicians do it?

In a fluster, she responded by reaching out her hand as well. The king’s hand seemed rough and large but surprisingly soft and smooth.

“Well then, Miss Zeeland, we shall take our leave here. You must head to the magic academy and strive to participate in lectures and training as soon as possible.”

“Ah. Y-yes. Understood.”

After releasing the handshake, the king moved as if to leave the room.

Following his lead, Luxor and Nestiroy also rose. It seemed the audience was coming to an end, and Tyril finally felt the tension leaving her spine.

“I’m glad we were able to talk. I’ve come to understand that you are a trustworthy individual.”

“Oh… Thank you very much.”

As King Elm left the room, Tyril deeply bowed her head. Luxor silently followed suit, but Nestiroy smiled slyly and added a few words before leaving. It looked like he was somewhere between amused and bored.

“You’re an interesting subject. If it’s true that you’re Badvia’s daughter, you’ll become a great mage if you train diligently. That’s why I’d rather not have you get involved in politics. Not that I’ll complain about the path you chose.”

With that, Nestiroy also left the room. In the end, Tyril still didn’t quite understand what Nestiroy was trying to say.

Once the three of them left the audience chamber and the door was closed, her body went limp. Tyril collapsed on the sofa like a marionette with its strings cut. She let out a sigh and took a sip of the herbal tea; despite having cooled down, it still had a refreshing aroma and comforting taste, calming Tyril’s heart.

The maid who had gone outside to see off the king’s party returned in a moment. As she put away the three cups for the three guests, she smiled gently at Tyril.

“Well done for today.”

Tyril chuckled, not knowing how to reply. “Um, thank you very much,” she said in a bit of a daze.

“There is a carriage waiting at the front entrance to guide Miss Zeeland to the magic academy… Are you able to walk?”

Did she take her slumped appearance as exhaustion? Tyril held back a giggle out of consideration.

“It’s okay, I’m fine. It’s not like I can’t move, it’s just… um…”

A bit hesitantly, she held out the teacup.

“Can I have a refill, please…?”

The maid smiled warmly and accepted the cup. “Of course.”

—————

For more from the author, visit:

Narou: https://mypage.syosetu.com/1258514/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/inui_takafumi