Skip Magician 52

Test

Chapter 52. Conversations Between Men Have No Substance

When it comes to what’s important for students, what do people imagine? Most people would immediately answer, “studying.”

Humans tend to regret past actions with thoughts like, “If only I had done this back then.", or “If I could turn back time, I’d make this choice.” I don’t think that's bad, but... constantly telling kids to “study” because of that regret is not good. I understand the urge, but... don’t impose what you couldn’t do in the past on children.

So, going back to what’s most important in student life... I think it’s “youth.” Saying “youth” in one word is vague, but... simply put, it’s about “friends” and “love.” There’s a common belief that those who haven’t experienced love in their student years become unappealing as they don’t even get the chance. I think there’s some truth to it.

Why do I think so? Because having gone through school days without ever having a girlfriend, I am utterly helpless in matters of love even now!

“Got it? This is my theory.”

“...No, I don’t get it.”

“Sorry, I don’t really get it either.”

Even though I explained it without mentioning reincarnation and all that, Ash and Jeremiah didn’t agree at all. Well... these guys will probably find wives from somewhere without needing love in the future... but still, isn’t this lack of interest a bit much?

“I don’t know about Ash, but as for me, being the only son of a duke family... I can only marry someone chosen for me. On top of that, I might have to take multiple wives.”

Being from a duke family... and quite close to the current king’s bloodline. To put it bluntly, if the current king collapses and all the princes and princesses die, the next king would undoubtedly be chosen from the Frisberg duke family. The current duke of Frisberg is... the king’s cousin, I think.

“Free love is a distant dream. Still... being born into a blessed environment as a duke, I must use myself for the country’s sake.”

Oh... I wish some headstrong princess could hear this.

“I don’t have such strict restrictions, but since I’m from a newly established barony, newly risen nobles are generally disliked, so I hope I can marry by currying favor somehow.”

“Life’s tough.”

“That’s the nature of noble families. I’m somewhat better off as I was born after my father became a noble.”

Had Ash been born before his father became a noble, he would have harbored many complaints about various noble-related issues, but he can accept it all as “because I’m a noble.”

I’m glad I wasn’t born a noble.

“Theodore, you don’t seem to be very interested in love matters. It’s like... you prioritize yourself and would hit anyone, whether they’re female or male, if they get in your way.”

“True. Theodore would even punch a royal if he realizes they’re causing him harm.”

“Hey, is that really how everyone sees me? Is it some consensus behind my back?”

Both Princess Elissa and Ivy said the same, and now hearing it from Jeremiah and Ash means everyone sees me this way?

“Oh, by the way, even if you don’t get knighted, becoming a magic knight will allow you to marry into noble families. Many aim to become magic knights for that reason, as magic knights are highly respected.”

“Why are you telling me this now... do you need excellent grades to become a magic knight at Chronos Magic Knight Academy?”

Focusing only on nurturing young talent sounds good, but... wouldn’t the academy face a manpower shortage if fewer people apply?

“I understand your concern, but a shortage of magic knights... unless there’s a major war causing massive casualties, it’s unlikely.”

“Right. Magic knights are special in the Kingdom of Curia, and becoming one means a stable future. Even after retiring due to age, they can be hired by nobles as swordsmanship instructors.”

“But many of those nobles also go through it, right?”

Jeremiah is from a duke family, and Ash is from a baron family. Elixir and Hilda are nobles, and Princess Elissa is royalty.

“Well... it’s a peculiar pride of the nobility...”

“Enrolling in Chronos Magic Knight Academy, being recognized with excellent grades, and being granted the title of magic knight is a significant achievement in noble society.”

“So, in simple terms, they enroll in Chronos Magic Knight Academy to boast in social circles?”

“Put plainly?”

What crap.

“There are some practical benefits, like earning favor from merchants or getting recognition from the country, which allows them to have strong private armies... but mostly, it’s for show.”

Nobility is crap after all.

“By the way, joining the Magic Knights doesn’t require graduating from Chronos Magic Knight Academy.”

“Is that so?”

I thought it was an elite position that hired about 100 new graduates a year... but they also have mid-career hires.

“People who make a name for themselves like adventurers can join the Magic Knights as honorary knights. Of course, they undergo a conduct check.”

“Wow... somehow, the term ‘honorary knight’ sounds cooler than just ‘magic knight.’”

“That’s your perception.”

Maybe... probably.

“I don’t know what path you’ll take after graduating from this academy, Theodore, but in the past, there have been those who achieved excellent grades but declined the title of magic knight and made a name for themselves as adventurers. So, do what you like. Personally, I’d like you to become a magic knight, though.”

Hmm... refusing the title of magic knight to become an adventurer... sounds like an eccentric. But... I understand the allure of being an adventurer. It’s quite romantic. I’m slightly tempted too... by that way of life.