The Ultimate Sage Who Faked Incompetence and Was Disinherited Just Wants to Enjoy His New Life! - Episode 1: The Frontier Town, Colibri

Episode 1: The Frontier Town, Colibri 

After transferring between multiple carriages, I finally arrived at the frontier town of Colibri in the Kingdom of Fortune. As soon as I stepped out of the cramped shared carriage, I stretched my arms wide. 

“Ahh, being able to move freely really is the best.” 

“I know, right? I couldn’t even talk to you, Fel. So it was seriously boring.” 

“That’s a lie. Lilia, you were pranking people the whole time—waking up sleeping passengers by tapping their shoulders and blowing wind on that balding guy’s head. I had to pretend I didn’t see anything!” 

“Oh, come on, relax. Thanks to me, that guy didn’t miss his stop. And the old man seemed pretty happy about feeling cooler, didn’t he?” 

Lilia clearly didn’t think she had done anything wrong. As expected of a mischievous Fairy. Pranks were a part of her everyday life. She didn’t even consider them worth worrying about. 

It had been nearly ten years since I met Lilia. Yet, her love for pranks—or rather, her boundless curiosity—hadn’t changed at all. 

“Why are you staring at me like that? Don’t tell me you’re thinking about something dirty?” 

Lilia grinned mischievously, bringing her face close to mine. She was about the size of my palm. She was flapping her seven-colored, translucent wings just three fists away from my face. I quickly averted my gaze from her rather revealing outfit. 

According to Lilia, it was a traditional Fairy outfit. But the tight-fitting green garment clung to her body like a single sheet of fabric. The lower half was shaped like a lance, tapering to a point. 

Whenever she moved too energetically, her backside would pop out. And I had seen her several times tugging the fabric back into place with a single finger. I swear, I’m not a pervert—I just had a completely normal reaction for a guy my age. 

“N-No, it’s not like that! I was just thinking about when we first met!” 

“Ohh, back then? Yeah, that was a real lifesaver for me. I thought I was going to be stuck inside that book forever.” 

Suddenly, Lilia’s tone softened as she clung to my face. I gently patted her. 

“Well, we saved each other. Thanks to you, I’m alive and free. I really mean it—thank you, Lilia.” 

“Ugh, stop that! You’re embarrassing me!” 

Lilia rubbed her face against mine in mock protest. Somehow, I started feeling embarrassed too. So I changed the subject by heading toward my destination. 

It was near the center of town, close to a large crossroads. The building stood taller and more impressive than those around it—five stories of stone, lined with numerous windows. It made it look almost like a grand inn. 

Adventurers’ Guild: Colibri Branch 

Starting today, I would live as an adventurer. 

For one reason only—to spend my life with the one I love, Lilia. 

— 

Pushing open the swinging doors, I stepped into the Adventurers’ Guild. The first thing I noticed was the many round tables and chairs scattered throughout the room. Hardly anyone was sitting. 

It was just past midday. Any adventurer loitering in the guild at this hour was either wealthy enough to take it easy or unable to find any work. 

I approached an open reception counter. It was where a petite, adorable receptionist greeted me with a smile. Her cat ears twitched atop her head—a beastkin. 

“Um, I’d like to register as an adventurer…” 

“Is this your first time registering?” 

“Yes.” 

“In that case, there will be a short test. Please wait a moment.” 

The receptionist’s politeness was reassuring. However, she tilted her head slightly when she noticed Lilia sitting on my shoulder. 

After a short wait, I was told, “The preparations are complete.” And I was led through a door in the back. Beyond it was a small courtyard. It was enclosed by a sturdy wall about twice the height of an adult. 

“So, you’re the new adventurer?” 

A towering man with streaks of white in his hair gave me a cheerful grin. There was no hostility in his expression. But I could feel a certain pressure—like an invisible force pressing down on me.

“Yes. Starting today, I’ll be an adventurer.” 

“Hmm, looks like you’re ready for it. So, the one sitting on your shoulder—is that a Fairy?” 

“Yes. This is Lilia, a Fairy.” 

While traveling by carriage, Lilia had used magic to make herself invisible. But now that we had arrived in town, I had her reveal herself again. 

I’d heard that the Kingdom of Fortune was home to a diverse mix of races. That’s why I figured it would be fine for Lilia to be seen. 

“I’ve heard rumors, but this is my first time seeing a real one. Are you her contractor?” 

“Yes.” 

The large man with streaks of white in his hair eyed me up and down. It was as if he was assessing my worth. It wasn’t a great feeling, but I couldn’t blame him. Fairies were apparently quite rare companions. 

“What’s your problem, old man? Got something to say?” 

“Lilia, stop that!” 

“My bad, my bad. I was just a little surprised. I’ve heard that fairies consume a huge amount of their contractor’s magic. That kid didn’t look like someone who had that much to spare, that’s all.” 

The man pressed his hands together in front of his face, almost as if in prayer. Did he think fairies were terrifying creatures? No, that wasn’t it—he was probably worried about becoming the target of one of Lilia’s pranks. That would make sense. 

“Hah? Are your eyes broken, old man? Fel is a Sage, you know. A Sa-ge. Don’t lump him in with the rest of those nobodies.” 

“Wait, what? I’m a Sage?” 

“Huh? I never told you?” 

“No, you didn’t!” 

As I flailed in confusion, the old man—who was probably enjoying the spectacle—stopped me. 

“Alright, calm down. I’m Aslan, the Guild Master of Colibri’s Adventurers’ Guild. I look forward to working with you, Sage.” 

“O-oh, it’s an honor. I’m Fel. Thank you for having me.” 

We shook hands. It seemed like Aslan was only half-listening to Lilia’s words. Which honestly worked in my favor. Lilia, however, was giving us a long, narrow-eyed stare. 

“Now then, Sage, it’s time for your adventurer test. A magic test should be fine, right?” 

“Yes, that’s fine.” 

“Okay, okay. Show me the magic you’re best at.” 

“Understood.” 

“Fel, go all out! Blow this guy away with your power and make him eat his words!” 

Lilia leaned in, fired up. I had no idea why she was so competitive with the Guild Master. 

“If I go all out, I’ll wipe out every building in the area. If they ask me to pay for damages, I’d have no choice but to flee to the neighboring country. That wouldn’t be ideal, would it?” 

Seriously, what a hassle. I needed to keep the buildings intact while still passing the test. Maybe blowing a huge hole in the middle of the yard would be enough? I raised my hand, preparing to cast an explosion spell. 

“Wait—wait, Fel! What exactly are you planning to do?” 

“Huh? I was just thinking of making a big hole in the ground with an explosion spell.” 

I pointed to the center of the yard. 

“Wait! Hold on! I was wrong! Just show me a beginner-level spell—the weakest one you’ve got!” 

“Uh… okay, sure.” 

Aslan’s face was filled with desperation. I didn’t want to risk upsetting the Guild Master and not getting my adventurer’s card. So I decided to comply. 

“Fire Arrow.” 

A massive number of flaming arrows appeared around me and hovered in place. They were  waiting for my command to strike. 

Now, what should I do? Should I try hitting all the targets? Even then, I’d still have extra arrows left over… 

“You cast without a staff, shortened the chant to the bare minimum, and even made the spell float in midair?! That’s insane… Fel, I understand your abilities now. You pass—so please, for the love of god, make those Fire Arrows disappear!” 

The Guild Master’s voice rang with pure desperation. I followed his command and dismissed the magic as if nothing had happened. Looks like I passed. 

Lilia flashed a mischievous grin at the Guild Master. 

Lilia, you look way too smug right now. 

Meanwhile, the receptionist who had brought me here had collapsed to the ground. Her legs gave out beneath her.