The Magic Association.
It is an organization that manages magicians from all over the world. Almost all magicians are members of this Magic Association, each guaranteed a status as a magician.
That said, there are certainly magicians who do not belong to the association, and even among those who do, many do not show their faces. Rather, it seems that the gatherings of the association are often attended by higher-ranking magicians or nobles.
I had never been to the Magic Association before, but as the current “Ice Blade Sorcerer,” I had received an invitation from the president. By the way, I had already met the president, so we were acquainted.
It seems that the Seven Great Sorcerers are invited to summer and end-of-year parties every year, but it is rare for all of them to attend.
While Abby and Carol often attend, Master usually avoids coming because it’s a hassle. However, this time, it seemed appropriate for her to make an appearance, so I was now heading to the Magic Association with Master and Cara-san, who was pushing her wheelchair.
“Since this is my first time going to the Magic Association, what is it really like, Master?”
“…Well, it’s a hassle. Especially since there are many nobles. They contribute a lot of money to the association. But you don’t really need to tell everyone that you’re the Ice Sword. Just greet the president and the others casually. After that, just enjoy the good food.”
“I see. That’s very informative.”
“Well, Ray, you’re used to being around adults, so I’m not worried.”
“That’s true.”
Currently, I am wearing my academy uniform.
I had been feeling the pressure to wear something more appropriate, but Master surprisingly said that students’ formal attire is their uniform.
Master wore a casual shirt and a long skirt. Her hair seemed to have been styled by Cara-san today, tied back in a braid and arranged in a circular shape. Cara-san was dressed in her usual maid outfit.
The Magic Association is located in the central district of the kingdom. Specifically, it is situated slightly north of the royal castle, which is at the very center. The building itself is quite large; while it’s not as big as the royal castle, it is probably the second-largest building in the kingdom.
The pure white exterior walls stand out prominently.
As we entered the street leading to the Magic Association, I noticed that while the area was sparse, the number of sorcerers around us seemed to be increasing.
“By the way, Master, did you often participate in these events in the past?”
“Hmm? Well… it really depends on my mood. I would go when Abby insisted that I come, but otherwise, I often don’t attend. Besides, most of the Seven Great Sorcerers don’t come. It’s rare for someone like Abby to attend almost every time.”
“…Indeed, it seems that the members of the Seven Great Sorcerers don’t show up at gatherings like this.”
“Right? They’re all a bit crazy, so it’s no surprise they don’t come.”
“…”
“Hey, Ray. What’s with that look?”
“Nothing! It’s nothing at all!”
“I see… then that’s fine.”
Master stared at me with half-open eyes. It was clear she was suspicious of my inner thoughts, but as long as she didn’t voice it, there was no problem. Yes… there shouldn’t be.
I wanted to say “You’re just as crazy, master” but I held back.
The mouth is the source of disaster.
It’s best not to say unnecessary things. Master has a tendency to think of herself as quite the rational person, so it would be better not to reveal the truth carelessly.
Logically speaking, a sensible sorcerer wouldn’t engage in magical battles in the middle of the city.
Has she completely forgotten about the battle I had with Carol the other day? While there were no casualties, we caused significant damage to the inn and created quite a commotion.
As I pondered these thoughts, I suddenly felt someone hug me from behind.
As two soft spheres pressed against my back, I immediately recognized the scent of citrus perfume belonging to only one person.
“Ray-chan! Yay~! Lydia-chan, yay~!”
“Carol?”
“Hey, Carol! Get away from my Ray!”
“Okay, okay~!”
With that, Carol moved next to me and continued walking alongside me.
“Carol, why are you here? I heard you had work this year?”
When Master asked, Carol responded with a bright smile.
“This year, since Ray-chan is coming for the first time, I came as a senior~! But as expected, Lydia-chan! You’re so overprotective~!”
“I’m not overprotective! This is perfectly justified. Even though I’m no longer one of the Seven Great Sorcerers, I have been officially invited!”
Then master suddenly reached into her chest and triumphantly showed Carol the invitation. I always wonder why Master keeps various things in her chest. I had asked her about it before, and she said, “It’s convenient.”
That’s a sensation I, as a man, cannot understand.
“I see~! So Ray-chan’s escort is just an afterthought, huh~!”
“Y-yeah! I’m just reluctantly tagging along!”
“Huh? But I said I would be fine on my own, didn’t I?”
“…You said you wanted me to come with you, didn’t you? Ray, right?”
“…Ah! That’s right!”
Master looked at me with an unyielding gaze, clearly indicating, “If you don’t tell the truth, I’ll kill you.”
At that moment, my instincts told me not to oppose her.
As I casually told a lie, Carol suddenly changed the subject, as if she had nothing more to say.
“Oh! By the way, there’s Amelia-chan, Ray’s friend, right?”
“Oh, yeah.”
“She’s probably a candidate for the next Seven Great Sorcerers~☆ It’s been a while since one has emerged from the Three Great Nobles~☆”
“Amelia Rose, huh? I met her when Ray brought her over the other day, but I never expected her to possess a unique sorcery that interferes with concepts. Moreover, that seems to originate from the butterfly effect in chaos theory. Is this the second magic that interferes with causality?”
“Just like Lydia-chan said~☆ To think that another unique sorcery of concept interference would appear is amazing!”
Listening to their conversation, I started to recall something.
That’s right. There is indeed another sorcerer who possesses magic that interferes with causality. I haven’t met them directly yet, but they should be one of the Seven Great Sorcerers.
However, it’s true that Amelia’s causality butterfly has that kind of potential. I think it’s still early for her, but by the time she reaches her twenties, she might be listed among the Seven Great Sorcerers.
Well, she still has some immaturity, so I would like to support her in that regard.
“Now then, we’ve arrived! So, Lydia-chan, let’s go with Carol!”
“Huh!? Why!? What are you planning to do leaving Ray alone!?”
“We have greetings to exchange from our military days! Besides, Ray can manage on his own, right?”
“Of course. Well then, Master, Carol, and Cara-san, see you again.”
“Yeah! Bye-bye, Ray-chan!”
“R-Ray! Be careful!”
“Ray-sama, excuse me…”
With that, Master and the others entered the church building ahead of me and headed off somewhere else, so I decided to follow the flow and head to the party venue.
Looking at the interior, the pure white walls seemed new, almost unbelievable for a place that has existed for over a hundred years.
Perhaps there had been significant renovations in recent years.
As I was moved by the modern interior and following the signs, I spotted two familiar faces.
A woman with long black hair and a glossy aura, and another with beautiful pure white hair. Yes, they were the Bradley sisters.
“Rebecca-senpai! And you brought your sister Maria-san along. It’s been a while. You both look lovely.”
“Ray, it’s been a while for me too. By the way, were you invited as well?”
“Yes, I have a few connections.”
“I see. Oh? But why do you know Maria’s name?”
“Ah, um… I knew about you two since you are famous as the Three Great Nobles!”
“I see, so that’s how it is.”
Thinking about it now, I realized that as someone from a common background, I probably seemed out of place here.
I haven’t told Rebecca-senpai that I am the Ice Sword Sorcerer. I could tell her, but there are issues with that here… so I decided to dodge the topic this time.
Then, Maria, who had hidden behind Rebecca-senpai, was staring at me intently.
“Maria, please greet him. He will be your senpai.”
“…”
Now that I think about it, I had met Maria before, so I had spoken to her casually… but that was when I was introduced as Lily White. In other words, Maria doesn’t know Ray White.
That’s why she seems so wary.
“…Maria Bradley.”
With a sulky face, she said that without looking me in the eye.
I see, so this is how she usually is.
I then exchanged greetings.
“I’m Ray White. I’ve received great care from Rebecca-senpai. I hope to get along with you, Maria.”
“…Hmph!”
Maria turned her head away. Seeing this, Rebecca-senpai gave me an apologetic smile.
“Now, Maria. You have to behave properly. I’m sorry, Ray.”
“No, I don’t mind at all.”
“Oh! Speaking of which, I just remembered I have something to attend to. Excuse me, I’ll be stepping away for a bit. If you don’t mind, please chat with Maria.”
“Understood.”
Rebecca-senpai seemed to remember something and hurriedly ran off in the opposite direction.
And so, it was just the two of us left.
We could head to the party venue together, but for some reason, Maria kept staring at my face.
“Hey, you…”
“What is it?”
“Are you not after my sister?”
“After? What do you mean? I’m not thinking about anything like assassination.”
“Huh? That’s not what I meant. Are you stupid? I know my sister is super popular.”
“That’s true. Rebecca-senpai is a very attractive person. I also know she is popular among both men and women.”
“…Hmm. You’re different, aren’t you? Most guys flirt with my sister, but you don’t seem to do that… Do you perhaps have a girlfriend?”
“No, I don’t.”
“Is that why you’re acting like that?”
“Ah, yes. Rebecca-senpai is a wonderful senior whom I respect. I’m just treating her with respect.”
“Hmm… And you’re not surprised by my appearance at all.”
As before when we met, Maria’s pure white hair and bright red eyes remain beautiful as ever. The earrings she is wearing seem to be intentionally showcased, indicating that she puts a lot of effort into her fashion.
“Well, I have some acquaintances. Plus, your pure white appearance is very beautiful. Especially those earrings—did you do them yourself? I think they suit you very well.”
“Huh? Are you flirting with me?”
“No, it’s a purely sincere impression. I understand that women put time and effort into their fashion. Complimenting that is only natural. Especially with earrings, since there’s a possibility of infection, managing them must be quite a task. Maintaining that many is something to be admired.”
“You’re kind of… different, you know.”
“I get told that often.”
“…Speaking of which, you seem familiar. There’s something oddly comforting about you…”
“…”
Cold sweat trickles down. She’s probably looking at me, Lily, who was cross-dressing that time. And as if she has come to a realization, Maria exclaims, “Ah!”
“Wait! Tell me your name again!”
“…Ray White.”
“！ Could it be that you’re Lily-oneesama’s sibling!?”
“…Y-yeah.”
I instinctively told a lie at that moment.
Right now, I have no choice but to do this.
Unlike a moment ago, Maria’s voice raises a tone, and her eyes shine even more.
With such a joyful expression, who could say that one who she’s looking for is me who was cross dressing? I couldn’t possibly do anything to shatter that dream…
“Y-you mean you’re onee-sama’s brother?”[TN: really find it hard to put it in English without this]
“W-well, yes… Lily is, um, her twin sister. But she’s quite frail, so she can’t go out much.”
“Oh, I see… That’s unfortunate for onee-sama.”
“W-well, I accept your sentiments.”
“That’s why I thought you looked so similar! You should have said so sooner!”
Suddenly closing the distance, Maria laughs and playfully slaps my back. She feels like a completely different person now, approaching me with such enthusiasm.
“I don’t like men, but I’ll make an exception and allow you to call me Maria! I’ll call you Ray too!”
“Ah, but you… no, Maria, you seem to have a completely opposite personality compared to Rebecca-senpai.”
When I said that, a slight shadow crossed her face.
“Hmm? Well, my sister is graceful. She’s not conniving at all; I really think she’s a good person. But me—I’ve been compared to her, you know? Plus, with this appearance of mine, it’s only natural for my personality to be a bit warped, right?”
Maria says this with a somewhat self-deprecating laugh, but there’s a hint of loneliness in her demeanor. And I, not out of sympathy but from pure thought, voice my opinion.
“No, your appearance is mystical and beautiful, and your personality is honest and good. There’s nothing wrong with that. When I said the opposite, I meant it in a pure sense and wasn’t mocking you at all. I just thought both sisters were beautiful inside and out. Like Rebecca-senpai, I think you, Maria, are a very charming person.”
“…Oh, really!? Well then, let’s go!”
“Ah.”
She turns her face away with a pout, her cheeks slightly flushed. It stands out even more because of her pure white appearance, but I genuinely found it endearing.
And so, we proceeded toward the party venue.
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I’ll be trying to catch up to the chapters backlogs. {Sponsored chapters – 7 remains}