Chapter 42

Regarding Magic Circles
Brother Roland relayed the discussion we had in the throne room to Father, who was lying quietly in bed.
Listening silently, Father propped himself up with his arms.

"Father! Moving around will strain your body!"

"It's fine. I can't listen to such matters while lying down."

Sister Emilia, surprised by this, reached out to help Father sit up.
Seated on the bed, Father slowly looked at each of us, one by one.

"I understand. You want to develop the Kingdom of Critonia, to stand as equals with the Elfast Magic Kingdom and the Bardhain Empire, maintaining peace with both. Is that what you three agree on?"

"Yes."

"If that's the case, there's no other way but to strengthen the Kingdom of Critonia. Military power, technological prowess, economic strength, and diplomatic skill—without any of these, we cannot stand as equals with those nations."

"If we continue to meekly follow the commands of both nations, in a hundred or two hundred years, the Kingdom of Critonia will be destroyed."

"Indeed, I often thought about this when I was younger. At some point, I became complacent with the status quo."

"As I mentioned earlier, the Kingdom of Critonia is on the verge of development. Hence, I want to steer the Kingdom towards that path."

Brother Roland responded confidently, chest out.
Father nodded deeply upon hearing his words.

"Then, Roland, I appointed you as my deputy. Lead the Kingdom's future in my stead. Emilia, Ian, support Roland in his efforts."

We continued discussing recent events with Father for a while before leaving his room.

Brother Roland left to discuss Aria's protection with Commander Bamberg and Captain Lyshiria of the Royal Guard.
Sister Emilia returned to her room, and I went back to my room, where Orlan and Aria were waiting.

Entering the room, I found the two of them asleep, leaning against each other on a long bench.
I was tired too, so I decided to take a nap.

As soon as I lay down on the bed, I was quickly drawn into sleep.

When I woke up in the evening, Aria was the only one in the room; Orlan was gone.

"Huh? Where's Orlan?"

"She said she was going to the city and jumped out of the window a little while ago."

I had tasked her with guarding Aria, but since she's with me now, it's fine.

Changing my mindset, I sat on the sofa across from Aria and asked her a question.

"I have a question. Why is it that only magicians can analyze and develop magic?"

"Well... to put it in terms of magic incantations, when using large-scale magic, the incantation becomes long and complex. Similarly, multiple magic circles are needed, and they have to be drawn layered upon each other. A magic circle might look like a single pattern at first glance, but it's actually a multi-layered structure."

So, a single magic circle is like a part of an incantation.

The larger the magic, the more parts there are to the incantation.
It's like overlapping multiple incantations into one.
I understand why analysis is difficult now.

I straightened my posture and looked directly at Aria.

"Aria, the Royal family will take responsibility for protecting you. You can stay in the Kingdom of Critonia for as long as you want. While there's danger, you'll be prohibited from leaving the castle, but once it's safe, you'll be allowed to wander the Royal Capital as you please. In return, I have a favor to ask."

"In other words, you want me to analyze and develop magic circles. The only reason to shelter a magician like me is for that. If I can go out into the city once it's safe, I'll accept."

I thought she would be more resistant, but I'm glad she agreed easily.

"One more question: how are magic circles drawn and how do magic tools operate?"

"Generally, a magic circle is drawn on a metal plate, and magic is released from that circle. Sometimes, the metal plate is positioned vertically or diagonally. The size of the metal plate and the magic circle varies depending on the magic tool."

"Do you need special paint to draw the magic circles?"

"Yes. At the Elfast Magic Kingdom's research institute, we used the body fluid of farmed magic insects. If unavailable, the blood of magic beasts can be used, but it must be fresh, or the magic circle might not activate."

Hunting magic beasts every time a magic circle is drawn would be time-consuming.

I never thought of farming magic insects.
The Elfast Magic Kingdom is impressive.

Although many magic beasts inhabit the Primitive Sea of Trees, it would take about six weeks to transport them to the Royal Capital.
If fresh blood is needed to draw the magic circle, transporting it from that forest would be impractical.

There are forests other than the Primitive Sea of Trees occupied by magic beasts within the Kingdom of Critonia.
I will consult with Brother Adel when he returns.