"The Talented Dragon Hides Its Claws" ~ The Eldest Son of the Baron Family, Called Useless, is Actually One of the World's Strongest ~ - Episode 16

The post-war settlement was progressing smoothly, and the Arden Baron was experiencing a rare period of peace. Today, Ryu has been teaching Lena magic since morning. The magic book they are peering into was edited by Ryu in the past, so while it has some quirks, it is very easy to understand.

On the page that Lena was currently looking at, several basic spells were lined up.

“I’m curious about this magic.”

“Ah, the Torch of Light. It’s a very handy spell, so you should definitely remember it. Look, the activation conditions are written here.”

“Light Torch… Gather magical power at the tip of your index finger and whisper ‘Light’ in your heart.”

“But, big brother. When I observed the knight order’s training before, everyone was chanting at the beginning, right?”

“You’ve pointed out a good point. Actually, the spellbook I’m reading now is for advanced users.”

“Advanced users…? Do advanced users use magic without incantations?”

“That’s right. In fact, even A-rank adventurers were using magic without incantations.”

Lena tilted her head.

Why is it an advanced magic book? I’m still a beginner.

“That said, there might still be some questions, so let me explain in detail what Lena is thinking right now.”

Ryu cleared his throat.

“Most of the spellbooks currently circulating in the Empire are written for ‘beginners with low magical power.’ In other words, they are inefficient for advanced users with high magical power. Lena, on the other hand, not only has a lot of magical power to begin with, but she also possesses a solid foundation of knowledge. Moreover, her frequent experiences observing the knight order would give her a general idea of magic, wouldn’t it?”

Yes

“Just between us, if you can get a clear image of magic after seeing the real thing just a few times, that means you have exceptional talent for magic.”

“Y-yes”

“Well, you already understand without me having to say anything else, right?”

“It means that this advanced magic book is perfect for me, right?”

“Ah, without a doubt. If I had to point out one concern, it would be that I’m not very good at teaching as the teacher.”

“Ryu-nii-sama is not bad at teaching!!! He’s the best teacher ever!!!”

“Lena is so kind. Thank you.”

“Hmm…”

Not a compliment, but…

Here, Lena asks a very reasonable question.

“But I think at least an intermediate-level magic book would be good…”

“No way. Since Lena will become a great magician in the future, she should start with ‘this.’ What if she learns from a beginner to intermediate magic book and picks up bad habits?”

“But…”

Brother, you’re quite strict. It’s a bit surprising.

“I’ll teach you step by step, so don’t worry. Despite how I look, I’m a bookworm who has read hundreds of magic books.”

“Step by step… Is that really true?”

“It’s true. I swear by the name of Arden.”

“Then I’ll learn with this magic book!”

We resumed the study session, and about an hour has passed.

Charging magic into my fingertips… Firelight Torch.

At the tip of Lena’s index finger, a small, bright flame was born.

“We did it! Yay!”

“Alright, well done. Perfect. As expected of my sister. You will surely be listed among the Empire’s magicians in the future. Let’s keep up this pace.”

“You’re praising me too much! But I’m happy!”

After studying, the two of us enjoyed tea together.

“Your strongest magic is lightning, isn’t it, big brother?”

“That’s right. You know it well.”

“I remember when we were studying the basics the other day, I think I read in some textbook that lightning is one of the most difficult and troublesome types of magic to handle. So why did you decide to learn it?”

“Because I thought it was somehow cool.”

“Eh…”

Ryu-nii is also a solid boy, huh? So cute.

A few days later, the day finally came for Ryu to depart for the capital.

Originally, Ryu was supposed to go alone. It would be less conspicuous and save both time and money. However, upon hearing this, Silver said, “We can’t possibly let Ryu travel alone. For both common sense and face-saving reasons,” and in the end, only one bodyguard was assigned.

Currently, Ryu is waiting in the garden with his travel luggage in one hand for the escort.

“……”

This time, I’m taking a high-quality leather bag called an item bag, which has space-expanding magic. By the way, this is a magical tool that the previous head of the family acquired. It’s somewhat notorious as “my father’s possession,” but Ryu has a principle of using everything that can be used.

Then, Silva brought a female knight with her.

“I’m sorry for being late.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

The female knight gracefully bent her waist,

“I am Stingray, and I will be serving as Lord Ryu’s bodyguard this time. I look forward to working with you.”

“I am Ryu Arden. Your father has always taken care of me. I look forward to working with you.”

As Ryu just mentioned, she is actually Silver’s only daughter. Until recently, she had been traveling throughout the empire for knight training, but she returned to Arden due to the recent war and fought alongside the knight order.

Afterwards, with Silver’s recommendation, I joined the Arden Knights. Due to my extensive travel experience, I was assigned to be Ryu’s bodyguard this time.

Therefore, Ryu and she are meeting for the first time.

Hmm. So, this man is the rumored new head of the family, huh?