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Chapter 15 – Selena’s Story
“So, Clare wanted my permission to help teach Selena about magic and the Great Sea of Trees…”
“Yes. I think that if we use that village as our base of operations, we can continue to help out. Based on what Rona just said, I think that by testing it, we can see what we’re good at and what we’re not.”
“I’m sure you don’t mind testing it. But before I reach that conclusion, there’s something I want to ask you. Selena. You’re from a noble family, right?”
When Rona turned her gaze to him, Selena confirmed his words with a serious expression, “Yes.”
“I don’t think I can get permission without telling you my situation. I’d like to ask Rona and Clare to hear this before they decide.”
“Well… that may be true. There’s a barrier in place.”
“Yes. I’d like to explain my situation a bit.”
Selena pauses and begins to explain her situation.
“I’m from Fonet, in the south of the kingdom – born into the Fonet Earl family.”
“Fonet, huh? It’s well-known for its mines, isn’t it?”
“Yes. However, a powerful monster took up residence in the mines, and the area became a dangerous zone, making it impossible to enter. I’m ashamed to say… Due to this situation, the Earl family’s finances have been gradually deteriorating for quite some time.”
“I’ve heard that before. I heard that a dragon took up residence underground.”
“Yes. It seems to have a penchant for collecting mineral resources, so mining, development, and transportation are difficult. Even if we try to defeat it, it’s a dragon, so…”
“So that’s also difficult?”
As Clare said, Selena closed her eyes, her expression clouded.
“Without money, we can’t gather enough people to defeat them. My parents and brother are busy with all sorts of things… They had high hopes for me because I have the magical power to use magic and a talent for the sword. But…”
“So your magic didn’t show any signs of growth. Whether it’s managing the territory or dealing with the dragon, it’s not difficult to imagine that you could do it with magic.”
“Yes. It costs money to invite someone who can teach you magic. Especially if it’s a famous person…”
You need money to do anything, and the financially strained Count Fornet family couldn’t afford it. They invited all the magicians they could get their hands on, but they didn’t have the knowledge or experience to teach Selena.
“Meanwhile, I was approached about marriage. He promised to provide financial support. But he was 40 years older than me…”
“So you took advantage of me…”
“Yes… I was fine with that. Even if I was confident in my sword skills, I couldn’t reach his dragon. Even if my parents, brother, and the people of the territory had high expectations of me, I was of no use. So I thought I would accept the marriage proposal. However,”
Selena said that both her parents and brother had rejected the proposal.
They said they couldn’t sell their daughter off for a little money, knowing that it would make her unhappy. It was a decision that considered not only her age, but also her partner’s reputation.
“But that wasn’t enough for me. If I can’t be of any use. If I can’t make magic grow. I need to find a way to do that.”
“So that’s why you’ve set your sights on Margrave Tolland.”
“Yes. Here you can train in swordsmanship and magic, and send money home to your parents. I don’t know if it will be enough to make the people of the territory rich, but you can get supplies to help them live. If you have the skills and achievements as an adventurer, you can make connections with powerful people.”
The Margrave Tolland territory and the Great Sea of Trees are based on meritocracy. If Selena’s talent for magic blossoms and her sword skills are recognized, further paths may open up.
“I guess it would also allow me to connect with capable people who have ambitions. I could save up the interest and ability for the honor of slaying a dragon, and the reward to pay the extermination squad.”
“That’s why I think my parents agreed with my idea. At the very least, it’s better than accepting the marriage proposals that have come my way. The reason I don’t use my family name is to avoid damaging the family name if nothing comes of it.”
Selena laughs a little self-deprecatingly.
“I see…”
Rona seems to have pondered for a bit after hearing Selena’s story, but eventually, she speaks as Clare and Selena look on.
“Well, it’s only natural that you’d come to ask permission to teach someone else what you’re learning from me. You could explain the situation and ask if you’re qualified. So, I’m willing to help you teach Selena under certain conditions.”
“Conditions?”
“Oh. It’s not that difficult. Just teach Clare there about dance, etiquette, noble etiquette, and the current state of affairs among the nobles of the kingdom. You’re learning those things, right?”
When Rona said that, the doll in Clare’s arms tilted its head and pointed at herself.
“Yes, I am learning, but is that the price for magic?”
“If you think that’s a small price to pay for magic, then it’s not. Value has different prices depending on the person and the place. In short, it’s something I can’t teach you. Even if I can tell you the basics, it’s just knowledge. Telling someone something you’re not familiar with isn’t teaching them.”
Originally, Rona was thinking about how to tell Clare about these things. That’s why meeting Selena was a godsend. There aren’t many people who can tell Clare such knowledge regularly and can be trusted to a certain extent.
In addition, Rona herself was interested in her because she has a different type of unique magic than Clare.
If Selena had approached her with Rona as her goal from the beginning, she wouldn’t have said this.
However, it seems true that Selena has just come to the capital and is not familiar with magic. Although she was nervous about being Clare’s teacher, she didn’t show much of a reaction when she heard her name.
Clare also didn’t want to rely on Rona too easily, and wanted to do things on her own. Considering Selena’s circumstances and other factors, she thought it would be fine.
“…I understand. If that’s the price, I’ll take responsibility and tell you everything I know, Clare.”
Rona nodded in satisfaction at Selena’s words.
“Good. Well, that’s for later.”
“So, Selena, you’re going to the hermitage too?”
“Is that a good idea? Going to the village every time you want to teach is a pain and inefficient.”
“If you want to do something more advanced, you might get noticed and that’s not a good thing.”
“Yeah. If you need money, you can sell what you’ve collected or made during your training to the capital. That will lead to jobs and achievements as an adventurer. But you’ll have to find the money yourself.”
Rona has enough savings to get by for now. Although she doesn’t necessarily need money in her life anyway. So, Clare and Selena can split the money from making medicines and selling materials, or they can discuss it and do what they like.
“Thank you, Rona.”
Clare thanks her.
“Iori, is that you?”
“Yes. Actually, we are a witch who lives in the Great Sea of Trees and her apprentice.”
“Eh…?”
“Fufufu”
Selena couldn’t help but speak out, and the doll shook its shoulders happily.
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