Chapter 15 (2/2)

“Is that true?!”

After hearing Sedam’s concise explanation, the female knight called Rio aside, even Gillion shows an extreme reaction.

“Anki, you said anki! On top of which, a nest!? Alright! Alright! Where is it?! The Carbanera Knight Order! The great me shall smash it to dust!” (Gillion)

“Sedam, are you sure? If that’s true, then we must do something about it……” (Lioria)

“Gillion-dono, Lioria-dono, there is no sense of realism at all to this report. Please do not believe it.” (Espine)

“............”

Both Sedam and Claura are struck dumb by the three very different reactions. Gillion and Lioria seem willing to hear us out, but I don’t know their standing within the Order. There is nothing more unproductive than meetings where no one knows who’s in charge of what.

No helping it, then.

The salaryman part of me is loathe to do this, but let’s go with the ‘I’m a great wizard’ strategy.

“It is a pleasure to meet you both, Gillion-dono and Lioria-dono.”

I slowly stand up, praying that I look composed, and place one hand on my chest as I take a bow.

“Who on earth are you? New guy with Sedam’s?” (Gillion)

“You appear to be a magician, but……” (Lioria)

“No, I am not a magician. I am the ‘Great Wizard’ Gio Margils.” (Gio)

Gillion and Lioria exchange looks. Considering that they are brother and sister, their relations.h.i.+p might be actually not that bad.

“He’s not joking. He used his wizardry to bring down the magician who had been leading the mountain bandits near Yuule, and even annihilated an army of anki before it could do anything.” (Sedam)

“...... What the h.e.l.l?” (Gillion)

“That really does sound quite hard to believe.” (Lioria)

“If it is my ability that is in doubt, debate will be unnecessary. For it shall speak for itself.” (Gio)

I stretch out a hand while flapping the edge of my robe in an exaggerated motion, and point towards a spot on the floor.

“By means of this spell, may the stone statue in my possession be summoned. [Apotsu].”

(T/N: The author’s spell names have all been English up to now, but not this one. I can’t seem to find the English counterpart, but Apotsu is the j.a.panese term for the instantaneous transportation of something other than the caster, such as the summoning of an item. Please comment if you know the English counterpart. Accio doesn't count cus it’s not instantaneous.)

The s.p.a.ce above where I’m pointing to distorts, and from it the statue oozes into view, Jyagul’s face still petrified in a mask of terror.

“Whaaaa?!” (Espine)

“Nga……” (Gillion)

“Kyah!” (Lioria)

The staff officer’s, Gillion’s, and Lioria’s eyes all look about to pop out with surprise. I was told that magic is only ever used for attacking, which is why I decided to use this spell as a demonstration.

“This man is the leader of the mountain bandits that attacked a caravan of the merchant Irudo from Lelis and also kidnapped said merchant’s daughter. I hereby hand him over to be processed by the law of this land.” (Gio)

I actually don’t know whether this Order has such authority or not, it was just something that I added on the spur of the moment.

“However, he can hardly be interrogated or made to pay for his crimes in his current state. As such, we shall now revert him. By means of this spell, may all magical power within a 3m radius be reduced to nothing. [Dispel Magic].” (Gio)

The spell that I just used was to dispel his [Stoned] status. The stone statue s.h.i.+nes brightly for an instant. As the light fades, we see a miserable-looking man collapsed on the floor, prostrate and drained of all spirit.

“A…… ua……” (Jyagul)

Even more than the summoning, it seems that the statue turning into a real, living human is a greater shock.

Staring at Jyagul, who can’t even speak properly, much less stand stand up, the knights have mouths as well as eyes wide open, looking completely befuddled.

“The st-, the statue, human……” (Espine)

“Awawa…… awawa……” (Lioria)

“A-, amazing……” (Gillion)

In front of the three dumbfounded people, I slowly walk towards Jyagul. Stay calm, stay calm.

Looking at Jyagul’s vacant, empty eyes p.r.i.c.ks my conscience a little, but I ignore it and reclaim my Wizardry Staff from his hands.

“This is my personal possession.” (Gio)

“Y-, you…… Who on earth are you?” (Gillion)

The large knight’s forehead is covered with cold sweat as he repeats his question from the start in a completely different tone. When I take a second look, I notice that he’s taken a step forward, as if to protect the redhead female knight. I somehow like him already.

“Once again, I am the great wizard Gio Margils. By my name, I have a request for the ill.u.s.trious Carbanera Knight Order. I wish to report about the anki menace before either the Grand Cross or someone who can represent the entire Order. If this will require time to arrange, then I wish to request permission to stay here in the meantime.” (Gio)

I try my best to appear dignified by speaking slowly and solemnly. As a finisher, I strike the b.u.t.t of my Wizardry Staff against the floor, causing a ringing ‘ton’ sound.

“Regarding permission from headquarters and all such, I have faith that it shall be procured without trouble, yes?”

The knights are nodding so hard that I can almost hear their teeth rattling inside their skulls.

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