Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World

TL: Etude

Ladi asked, “So, how have you decided to deal with me now?”

Paul stroked his chin while looking at the female consultant, “Deal with? Why use such a cold term?”

The female consultant gave a bitter smile: “Isn’t burning witches at the stake the usual method promoted by the church?”

Paul stood up abruptly, “You saved the lives of many of us, I’m not an ungrateful person, and I won’t burn you at the stake, no matter what.”

Ladi’s heart, which had been hanging in suspense, eased a bit, relieved that her previous choice had not been wrong.

“Thank you, Count Grayman.”

“This is what I should do. Do you remember our conversation under the moonlight when you first came to Lakeheart Town? What did I say then—An animal, if it looks like a donkey, walks like a donkey, and brays like a donkey, then it’s a donkey—Ah, sorry, I was just making an analogy.”

He suddenly realized that comparing the beautiful witch sitting in front of him to a donkey might not be appropriate.

The female consultant burst out laughing, “That’s quite a refreshing analogy.”

Paul and Austin exchanged glances, feeling that the distance between them and the female consultant had somehow lessened.

“Anyway, I hope we live in an enlightened era. We will keep your identity secret for now and hope you can continue to live and work here as an advisor to the Administration Council, as before.”

“Aren’t you afraid of the consequences that might arise once the church discovers this?”

“As far as my investigation goes, so far, there is no explicit law that mandates turning over discovered witches or wizards to the church or burning them. The past instances were almost always based on the ‘conscience’ of the public and the rulers, though this ‘conscience’ was born out of their own ignorance and the church’s deception and coercion.”

Paul remembered how, when he first created the fire gun, Dean Leonard and Father Anderson had come to investigate his suspicion of witchcraft, and he was intimidated by their mention of the religious tribunal.

Ladi was surprised, sensing a disdain for the church in Count Grayman’s tone.

Paul continued, “However, given the recent events, I must have a comprehensive understanding of the mysterious group of wizards or magicians. I hope you can truthfully answer some of my questions.”

“Of course, Lord Grayman, I will tell you everything I know, but I do not wish to reveal information about other magicians.”

“I won’t ask you to betray your peers. So, I’ll start with my questions.”

Paul gave her a reassuring look and then began his inquiry.

“People generally call you wizards, but you said you prefer to be called magicians. These two terms sound similar, but is there any difference?”

“There’s no real difference; both terms refer to the same type of people. However, the church likes to use ‘wizard’ when demonizing us. Over time, this term has acquired a derogatory connotation. Since it has become widespread among the people, it inevitably affects us as well, given that most magicians come from the common folk. Therefore, we prefer to call ourselves ‘magicians’ to differentiate from the evil, corrupt image in the public’s mind.”

“How do you acquire or inherit these strange abilities, uh… I mean, magic?”

“Once a person becomes a true magician, they are qualified to take disciples. If they wish, they will look for children with potential in the public and teach them the knowledge of magic. A person who is just starting to learn magic can only be called an apprentice until their abilities are recognized by their mentor, after which they are qualified to be called a magician.”

“How did you become a magician?”

“I met my mentor when I was six years old. She taught me the knowledge of arcane magic. I’m sorry, but that’s all I can say about my mentor.”

“Alright, then when you look for apprentices, don’t their parents mind your identity? After all, the image of magicians among the public…”

“Considering the negative image of magicians in folk tales, we usually engage in extended interaction and mutual understanding with our potential targets before revealing our identities. We only take them as apprentices if they show interest. Some magicians spend their entire lives searching for a successor. However, there are a few evil magicians who use dishonorable methods to coerce or deceive others into becoming apprentices. There are also ordinary people who actively seek out and learn magic for special purposes.”

“Special purposes?”

“Wealth, power, hatred, and so on.”

“What kinds of magic do you all have?”

“There are direct attack spells, like the ‘Fireball’ which people commonly associate with magicians. There are also spells that can bewitch and manipulate minds, causing hallucinations or subconscious obedience to the magician’s commands. However, the conditions for casting such spells are extremely stringent. There are also spells that can enhance physical abilities. For instance, the magician in this incident made himself incredibly strong and invulnerable to weapons.”

“Enhance physical abilities? Incredibly strong?”

Austin, who was listening, suddenly thought of something and asked, “Can you create potions with magical effects?”

Ladi nodded in confirmation: “Some magicians who are also skilled in alchemy do create magical potions. The strength of the effects depends on the magician’s proficiency.”

Paul and Austin had discussed that the wizard they encountered had mentioned Gaden was his subordinate. It now became clear that the mysterious potions used by the pirates were provided by this wizard. The rapid rise of Gaden’s pirate gang was closely linked to the support of this wizard.

“How powerful can you be? How many ordinary people can a magician take on?”

“Sir, it’s hard to specify. Magic is not only used for combat. Many magicians can even be said to have no combat ability. If we talk about those specialized in combat, a novice magician just starting out could be defeated by an ordinary person if they lack certain targeted spells or are not proficient in magic. However, as their casting skills improve and their combat experience increases, they can gradually take on multiple opponents. But then, knights trained from a young age and experienced veterans can also easily take on many ordinary people. After all, apart from being able to cast mysterious magic, we are not much different from ordinary people.”

“The guy we encountered didn’t seem to think so; he was full of a sense of superiority.”

Ladi was silent for a moment before saying, “Indeed, some magicians believe they are above ordinary people. But, sir, such people exist in every group. Forgive my boldness, but don’t almost all nobles believe their lineage is nobler than that of commoners?”

“Hmm!” Austin cleared his throat, signaling that her comment was a bit too bold.

Paul, however, wasn’t offended and merely said sheepishly, “Uh… not all nobles think that way. How skilled was this guy among those who specialize in combat?”

Ladi frowned slightly and said, “Very strong. He must be one of the strongest close-combat magicians I know of. But if I hadn’t been inconvenienced these past few days… it wouldn’t have been so embarrassing!”

Paul didn’t quite catch her last words, “Hm? What inconvenience?”

The female consultant’s face reddened slightly, “Nothing, sir. Do you have any other questions?”contemporary romance

“Ah, no more for now. I’ll ask more if I think of any.”

Paul approached her and said with a smile, “Miss Ladi, it seems you’ll have to take on another role—my mystical studies advisor. How do you feel about that?”

Ladi looked up, searching his eyes as if trying to read his heart.

After a long while, the consultant responded softly, “I would be delighted, my lord.”

done.co