My Magical Career at Court: Living the Dream After My Nightmare Boss Fired Me from the Mages' Guild! Volume 5 E-Book

Shusui Hazuki

• Herausgeber: J-Novel Heart
• Kategorie: Fantasy und Science-Fiction
• Serie: My Magical Career at Court: Living the Dream After My Nightmare Boss Fired Me from the Mages' Guild!
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 238

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

Spell Boost! Less than a year ago, Noelle was stuck in the remote countryside, enduring the daily grind at a local mages’ guild. But since getting fired, she’s risen through the ranks of the prestigious Royal Court Magicians’ Division. And it’s no wonder she’s doing so well, after performing feats like befriending the Fairy Queen, exposing the nastiest aristocrat in the kingdom, and saving the third prince’s life!

But what’s this about a Seventh Unit? All of a sudden, the division is launching a new unit with Noelle and her old friend Luke in charge. Noelle is eager to have subordinates to mentor, but the new unit has two orders of business: dealing with pressure from court nobles and trying to work out who is manipulating events behind-the-scenes. It looks like Noelle’s new position will come with plenty of work...

And who knows—maybe Luke will finally make his move!

Leseprobe

Table of Contents

Cover

Dramatis Personae

Volume 4 Synopsis

Prologue: Before We Begin

Chapter 1: Day One in the Seventh Unit

Chapter 2: Getting to Know the Rookies

Chapter 3: Undercover

Chapter 4: Something Worth Protecting

Epilogue: Rendezvous in the Royal Capital

Extra Chapter: Fireworks in Winter

Afterword

Color Illustrations

About J-Novel Club

Copyright

Landmarks

Table of Contents

Volume 4 Synopsis

“Noelle Springfield, we don’t need a good-for-nothing like you at our workshop. You’re fired.”

After graduating from a prestigious academy of magic, Noelle was working at a mages’ guild in her hometown so that she could take care of her mother. Fortunately, her mother recovered, but Noelle still needed to put up with the mean, prejudiced guild chief, who finally fired her.

Just when Noelle was devastated after having her career in magic seemingly cut short, an old school friend appeared. Luke, Noelle’s erstwhile rival, had risen through the ranks as a royal court magician and reached the adamantite class faster than anybody else in history. He told Noelle that he wanted to nominate her as his mentee in the Third Unit of the Royal Court Magicians’ Division.

Noelle soon began working as a royal court magician, but although she had Luke as a mentor, nobody at the court was willing to believe in the abilities of a commoner like her. However, even with the odds against her, she smashed through the wall designed to test new recruits’ magical abilities, passed the so-called “Sixty Seconds of Blood,” saved a visiting queen, and fought a wyvern. She then went on to stamp out a sinister crime syndicate’s illegal weapons operation, and she even held her own against a master swordsman at the Royal Invitational Tournament.

She made it through every hardship with her own talent and hard work, her bonds with her coworkers, and her devotion to magic! These two young magicians—Noelle, the magic-loving commoner, and Luke, the heir to a noble household—have begun to usher in a new era in the kingdom!

Now, Luke has been tasked with starting up a brand-new Seventh Unit, and he wants Noelle to work as his first lieutenant. Entirely new challenges await the both of them!

I couldn’t help but dream. Even if that dream meant burning everything to the ground.

Prologue: Before We Begin

The seasons went by in the blink of an eye. After a month, I was swamped with work surrounding the launch of the new Seventh Unit. It was an experimental unit, established in response to evolving global challenges and magic-related crime. Magic was a serious matter in the Kingdom of Ardenfeld, and that meant any updates on the new unit made daily headlines. The kingdom’s neighbors were apparently reporting on it too. Many people had their eyes glued to the Seventh Unit, watching for the slightest hint of what role they might play.

And yet, for all the hubbub in the news, preparations for the unit’s launch were by no means going smoothly.

A magician from the general affairs section of the First Unit’s Central Administration Bureau sighed in exasperation. “See, Captain Ernest decided on his own to fast-track the establishment of the Seventh Unit. And that means we’re now up to our eyes in all the work that wasn’t ready ahead of time.”

Ernest Maeterlinck, captain of the First Unit, was the de facto leader of the Royal Court Magicians’ Division. As the secretary-general of the division, Chronos Casablancas outranked Ernest, but Chronos had been off researching time manipulation magic for over a decade. Captain Ernest was thus extremely powerful and influential, and it was his approval that had set the wheels in motion for the establishment of the Seventh Unit.

“I was hoping we could prepare a proper office for you too, Noelle,” the First Unit magician said.

“Come on, don’t tease me,” I replied. “I’m not important enough to have an office!”

“Yes, you are. You’re the lieutenant of this unit.”

“Oh, I guess you’re right...”

It was incredible how little the reality of the situation was sinking in. The fact that Luke had nominated me to be the Seventh Unit’s lieutenant was a big deal. It was a huge honor to be entrusted with an important position in this high-profile unit, but it still didn’t feel real.

“Can somebody really become a lieutenant after less than a year on the job?” I pondered.

“It wouldn’t be the first time, but that was over two hundred years ago, when the Royal Court Magicians’ Division was still new. Your situation is totally different. In the division’s current form, this doesn’t happen. Ever.”

“That’s what I thought. And I mean, even Ryan isn’t first lieutenant yet.”

“Well, he’s in the First Unit. His position there is a big achievement. Rising through the ranks in some units is harder than it is in others, and new units probably present a lower barrier to advancement. But even so, Captain Chris used to hold the record, and he took four years and a month to be promoted to lieutenant. Beating that record by more than three years is seriously special.”

“I-I don’t deserve that sort of praise...” My head was spinning. I still couldn’t believe it.

“Anyway, it’s even more shocking that Luke became a captain in his fourth year as a court magician. I hear there’s been quite a bit of backlash from court nobles, so you shouldn’t worry too much about your... Is something wrong?”

My emotions must have shown on my face. I thought for a moment, then decided to just be honest. “No, it just grinds my gears to think that Luke outdid me.”

“That’s what you’re concerned about?”

“You’ll see. You’ll all see! One of these days, I’ll shut him up.”

“I think your energy might be misdirected...” The other magician shifted uncomfortably.

In any case, I knew that people had hopes and expectations for me. Luke was a unit captain, and I was a unit lieutenant. It was our job to build this place from scratch.

What kind of unit will we create? I wondered, smiling to myself as I pictured an exciting future. I hoped we could make something that was as cheerful and welcoming as the Third Unit.

“I heard that new recruits would start joining the Seventh Unit in the spring,” the magician pointed out.

“That’s right! It makes me so happy to think I’ll have juniors to look after. And that means I’ll be the one with experience! Will they be passionate fans of their cool superior officer? I’m so giddy thinking about it!”

“I bet you’ll be popular.”

“Believe it or not, I used to get chocolates from my underclassmen for Valentine’s Day when I was a student. They’d write about how I was so amazing and cute and freaky and funny. I guess I was just too cool for school.”

“Why do I feel like there’s a bigger, weirder story behind that?” Perplexed, the First Unit magician paused. “On that note, I can imagine Luke got a lot of Valentine’s Day chocolates too.”

“Loads. Good looks are all he had, but damn it, he had everybody fooled.”

“Fooled? I thought he seemed quite charming.”

“Yeah, it was all an act. He never even seemed happy about receiving gifts. But there was this weird trend where people thought that was cool. I don’t get it. If I were him, I’d be so pleased! I’d gobble them up!”

“What if he was waiting for someone in particular to give him chocolates? Maybe he didn’t look forward to them if they weren’t from the right person.”

“The right person, huh...?”

Suddenly, I remembered the incident when Luke and I were alone together in the hospital room after the World Magic Championships—the time he had held me.

Supposing he really has romantic feelings for me...could he have felt that way ever since we were students? In spite of myself, I couldn’t help but consider that possibility. No way, that can’t be right! That’s just my ego talking!

I tried to snap myself out of it. I had more important things to concentrate on in the here and now. I needed to focus all my attention on living up to everybody’s expectations. This was no time to let myself fall into a slump in the way I had after the WMC.

I wanna get better at magic. Deep down in my heart, that’s what I desire most of all.

I could only improve myself if I worked hard to fulfill the role I’d been given as a lieutenant and superior officer to the incoming new magicians.

“Huh?” the First Unit magician said suddenly. “Someone is here from the King’s Guard. That doesn’t happen very often.”

I looked up and saw someone disappearing up the stairs. I had a hunch about where they were going. I bet they’re here for Luke.

Most people hadn’t noticed, but lately, Luke had been visiting Crown Prince Michael Ardenfeld’s private chamber a lot. I didn’t know the purpose of those visits, but I had a feeling it had something to do with me.

“I am here with a request for the Third Unit magician Noelle Springfield. I would like you to join the King’s Guard as its chief magician, as soon as you can—starting next month, if possible.”

I still wasn’t over the shock of hearing those words. According to Captain Gawain, that request was on hold for now, after Luke had had several meetings with the crown prince.

“Ever since you joined the Royal Court Magicians’ Division, His Royal Highness has been a fan of yours,” Gawain had told me in his office, protected from bugging by a magical barrier. “I don’t know what will happen. Just keep your guard up. Anyway, I don’t think his true goal was to recruit you into the King’s Guard this time around.”

“What other reason could he have?”

Gawain glanced out of the window. “After hearing that request, Luke was left with no other choice than to nominate you for lieutenant of the Seventh Unit. Originally, Luke wanted you to be third-in-command. We’d talked about it beforehand and decided that it was too early to make you the unit’s lieutenant. Luke agreed too. However, our original plan wouldn’t have been enough to prevent you from having to accept His Royal Highness’s offer.”

“And that’s why he appointed me to this position.”

Gawain nodded. “As a result, court nobles have begun viewing Luke with suspicion. Not only is he the youngest captain yet, but he gave the role of lieutenant to his old friend who joined the division less than a year ago. Even though it’s true that your achievements have caused a stir, it still isn’t a good look, to be honest.”

“I guess they think it’s favoritism.”

“There’s a good chance that the new unit will face severe criticism, but even knowing that, Luke picked you.”

“Why would he do that...?”

“Because he believes that you two can overcome it together.” Gawain sighed, then looked right at me and quietly went on. “This is, without a doubt, the biggest challenge of Luke’s career. If he fails, he might lose everything, but he took a chance. He truly believes that with you, victory is possible. Please, lend him your strength.”

That secret conversation with Gawain had sent my motivation through the roof. My dear friend—the very one who had found me and brought me to the Royal Court Magicians’ Division—was in the midst of the fight of his life. He needed someone he could count on, and he’d chosen me. Nothing could’ve given me greater encouragement than that.

I’ll make sure he wins this battle. The Seventh Unit is gonna be just as great as all the others!

I was utterly determined to be of use to Luke.

Not that I’d ever tell him.

◇ ◇ ◇

Two weeks after the establishment of the Seventh Unit, Luke Waldstein met with Prince Michael in his office.

“I would like to ask you to withdraw your offer to make Noelle the chief magician of the King’s Guard.” Luke’s voice bounced around the elegantly furnished room.

The crown prince remained silent for a moment, before finally replying, almost like he wanted to provoke Luke, “And what if I refuse?”

Prince Michael was praised highly throughout the kingdom and beyond for his great intellect. He had always been innately clever, and his father had taught him from an early age that intelligence was the most noble thing to aspire toward. His golden eyes seemed like they could see right through anything.

One wrong move against such a shrewd opponent could spell doom, but Luke’s gaze was unwavering. He was prepared to do anything to be with her. He’d been resolute all along.

“I understand the strength of Your Royal Highness’s desire to bring Noelle into your inner circle,” Luke said. “Ordinarily, going against your intentions might violate my professional responsibility as a royal court magician. However, I wish to express my view that withdrawing your offer would be the most judicious choice. I believe that would be the best means of producing the outcome you seek.”

“Interesting,” the prince responded coolly. The look in his eyes sent a chill down Luke’s spine. “Care to explain?”

“Your Royal Highness wants to employ Noelle because you expect great things from her in the future. The decision is also rooted in the existence of people targeting the Kingdom of Ardenfeld. The kingdom has major potential to access reserves of important resources from the frontier, especially the Weissrosa Abyss. Those people have taken notice, and there are signs that they are working to destabilize Ardenfeld.”

“Keep going.”

“The King’s Guard is effective at dealing with external threats. Bringing in Noelle would enable you to train her personally and turn a young prodigy into the greatest magician in our kingdom’s history. Is that not Your Highness’s intention?”

“Not bad. I understand the logic.” Prince Michael smiled. “Let’s say that is indeed my intention. How would your suggestion help achieve that goal?”

“I will aid you in your plan. After years of friendship, I know Noelle better than anybody else. That will allow me to guide her. I know the best means of cultivating her abilities and turning her into a great magician. And if you and I coordinate our efforts, that also brings advantages.”

“Do you mean to say that I could gain influence not only over Noelle Springfield, but also you and your new Seventh Unit?”

Luke nodded quietly. “I pledge my full cooperation. However, I would of course reserve the right to make my own decisions.”

“It’s certainly an interesting proposition. There is one last thing I need to ask, though.”

“What would that be?”

“I need to know whether you and the Seventh Unit are really that valuable.” Prince Michael interlaced his slender fingers and lowered his gaze. “As the division’s youngest captain and lieutenant, the two of you are setting new precedents. I’m sure you are aware that there are whispers of doubt in the palace. Do you really have what it takes to withstand that pressure?”

Silence fell upon the room. The crown prince locked his golden eyes on Luke.

Luke responded carefully. “Allow me to remind you of the recent Count Wilhelm affair. He had a dungeon relic that prevented the activation of magic sequences. It was very similar to the Magician Slayer relic used in the attack on Evangeline Runeforest. I understand that you commanded the very best of the King’s Guard to investigate his supply channels.”

“That’s right.” Ever prudent, Prince Michael was still watching Luke. “I learned many interesting things.”

“But there was information they couldn’t find.”

“Are you saying you have that information?”

Luke pulled out a single piece of paper and calmly presented it to the prince.

Prince Michael quietly glanced at the paper. “What is your impression?”

“It is as you imagined, Your Highness. Count Wilhelm was in contact with enemies of Ardenfeld. He obtained the relic from the same people masterminding plots against the kingdom.”

One could have cut the tension with a knife.

“Who have you told about this?” the prince asked.

“I’ve informed Captain Ernest. I was also planning to speak to one other person and ask for their support.”

“What about Noelle Springfield?”

“I think I’ll wait until the details are clearer before I talk to her about it. She isn’t the best at keeping secrets.”

Prince Michael took another look at the paper Luke had given him. “Two months ago, Secretary-General Chronos Casablancas initiated a verification test for time manipulation magic. This is his fourth major experiment. The previous three resulted in Chronos being sucked into hitherto undiscovered dimensions, from which it took several years to return to our world. Since the start of the latest experiment, we have once again lost contact.”

“So we’re in a situation where the secretary-general may be unable to return for years at a time?”

“Precisely. It’s also possible that our enemies have figured that out and are taking the opportunity to act.” The prince paused and looked at Luke. “Probing this case seems like it might be beyond the Seventh Unit’s capabilities so early in its existence.”

“I think I can be more useful than the people under Your Highness’s wing.”

“You sound quite confident.”

“Put it that way if you wish,” Luke said. “I’ll prove myself by getting results.”

“Well, I look forward to it.” The prince smiled. “I hope to hear some good news from you, Luke Waldstein.”

Once their meeting concluded, Luke walked through the restricted area of the palace on his way out.

I won’t let him have her, he thought.

Nevertheless, he understood that he’d been placed in a much trickier situation than he’d planned. He had felt the cold stares of the high-ranking aristocrats present at the announcement of the Seventh Unit’s founding.

“With the royal family’s finances in the state they’re in right now, I don’t see why the Royal Court Magicians’ Division should be launching a new unit.”

“Aren’t there other actions that should be taken before we start thinking about hitting the nobility with tax reforms?”

“Even if this is supposed to be a small-scale, experimental unit, the young captain and lieutenant lack experience. Is it correct that the lieutenant joined the division less than a year ago?”

“I’m sure you’re wise enough to know what will happen if the new unit doesn’t succeed.”

Expecting backlash, Luke had taken advantage of the dirt he had on certain aristocrats to make them serve his needs. Even so, over eighty percent of court nobles expressed opposition to the Seventh Unit’s establishment. It was as if somebody had planned this all out in advance.

I thought Prince Michael might be behind it, but his reaction makes me think that can’t be right. No, it’s most likely somebody else with just as much influence over the aristocracy. Luke bit his lip. The Big Three.

There were three noble families that held great sway in the Kingdom of Ardenfeld: the Albarns, the Enneagrams, and, of course, the Waldsteins.

The most realistic possibility is that the Albarns and Enneagrams oppose the idea of me, a Waldstein, being promoted to captain.

Making an enemy of two of the Big Three inevitably meant making an enemy of a majority of court nobles. On top of that, because of Luke’s poor relationship with his family, he couldn’t count on the Waldsteins for support. He was in a tight spot with no allies.

Regardless, surrender was not an option for him. He sought something of unparalleled importance, and he didn’t care what he would have to sacrifice along the way. He was working to fulfill his forbidden dream. To do that, he had to become one of the kingdom’s foremost magicians—a magus—so that no Waldstein could ever influence his decisions. He would become someone with the power to make her happy, and secure a future where they could be together.

He would do anything to achieve that aim, even if it meant alienating the whole world. There wasn’t a shred of doubt in his sapphire eyes as he looked up at the headquarters of the Royal Court Magicians’ Division.

Now, if there’s a chance she might help me...

“It’s not often that you come to see me,” Letitia Lisette-Stone remarked. The Third Unit’s lieutenant was surprised to see Luke in her office.

“I’d like to ask for your assistance. I need the support of the division’s most skilled investigator and somebody with an intimate knowledge of the aristocracy’s inner workings.”

Letitia shook her head. “You give me too much credit. Plenty of people are more talented than me.”

“At the very least, the aristocrats in my sphere of influence fear nobody more than you.”

“I suppose I should take that as a compliment.”

“Of the people I can rely on, you’re the best.” He looked her straight in the eye.

Letitia looked out of the window and sighed. “You’ve really developed a knack for pulling strings.”

“I’m telling the truth.”

“I suppose that’s also something you’ve improved at.”

“If I have, it’s because I’ve been watching you and the captain.” He sounded genuine.

Luke had always had his sights set on becoming captain. Seeking that goal must have made him grow stronger without even thinking about it. He had grown so quickly in his efforts to make his dream come true. When he’d first joined the division, he’d been sharp and aloof, uninterested in seeking help from anyone, but now he acted like another person entirely. By this point, his interpersonal skills had developed so much that Letitia believed he truly was ready to captain a unit.

But at the same time, it’s all very risky, Letitia thought. Inexperienced new recruits. A new unit. There’s no way to know how this is going to play out.

She was sure that if anyone knew how difficult the situation was, it was Luke. He was likely to have every court noble against him. Vanishingly few would be willing to take his side. Letitia had made quite a few enemies among the aristocracy herself through her investigations of corruption, but even for her, it was arguably unwise to work with Luke.

However, it didn’t take her long to make a decision. After all, he was pivotal in the Count Wilhelm case.

“All right,” she said. “I’ll help you.”

“Thank you. I really appreciate it.”

“Now, how do you plan on turning things around?”

Luke handed Letitia a stack of documents and explained what he knew. He told her about the shady operations targeting Ardenfeld for its potential access to valuable resources in the frontier land. The same people had been behind the assassination attempt at the Red Rose Ball and caused both the appearance of the goblin emperor in the Misty Woods and the wyvern’s rampage on the western border. They had even contributed to the rise of the crime syndicate Nightfall and secretly supported Count Wilhelm.

“This is unbelievable,” Letitia murmured. “Could it really be more than just a conspiracy theory?”

“I wish it was that simple, but evidence has emerged. The crown prince has dispatched people to track them.”

“If this is true, it will have a huge impact on the country!”

“Exactly. So if I identify them, the court nobles’ opposition to the Seventh Unit will disappear.”

Letitia quietly looked through the documents. “All right, let’s say this shady organization really exists. But then there’s another question: how deeply has the enemy infiltrated the kingdom already? They’re linked with Count Wilhelm, one of the High Court’s most influential figures. We could reasonably assume they’ve sunk their claws into other regional nobles too. Even worse, they could be in contact with high-ranking figures within the palace.”

“I’m certain that’s already the case. I’m particularly concerned about the Royalists, given their proximity to the royal family. The enemy must be very keen to establish bonds with them. It would benefit them tremendously. With that in mind, the weakest link must be...”

Letitia gulped. “Surely not the Big Three?”

“Precisely.”

“That isn’t possible. How on earth could they have gained such a powerful foothold?”

“That’s a sensible question. However, I was born and raised within one of those families, so I have a different perspective.” Luke continued quietly, “Something about it has seemed strange to me this whole time. Things have been moving too quickly. Now, if the power of the Royal Court Magicians’ Division increases with the addition of another unit, their links to enemies of the state could be exposed. They’re scared of that happening. It makes sense from that perspective.”

Letitia was lost for words.

She thought about that possibility. As some of the most influential families in the Ardenfeld aristocracy, the Big Three were practically untouchable to lowly court magicians. Perhaps those families thought the risk of driving a wedge between themselves and the royal family was worth having this ally, as dangerous as they were.

Letitia could feel herself beginning to sweat. “If all this is true, then this must be the most dangerous investigation you’ve ever conducted.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Luke’s voice was calm and steadfast. He made it immediately obvious that he had no intention of backing down.

This really doesn’t sound good, Letitia lamented. Logically, she could have refused to help Luke, but she couldn’t ignore the lasting influence of someone she respected above all others. Her esteemed teacher would surely have offered Luke his support; he had always done what he thought was right, whatever danger it implied.

“How do you want to divide the work?” she asked.

“I’ll ask you to look into the Albarn and Enneagram families.”

“And the Waldsteins?”

“I’ll handle them,” Luke answered resolutely.

“Are you sure that’s a good idea? Personal feelings can cloud your judgment. Plus, there’s a strong chance people will think you’re trying to protect your family members.”

Luke shook his head. “That won’t happen. Frankly, I’m trying to do the opposite.” He smirked, looking as sharp and intrepid as when he’d first joined the organization.

“If anyone catches onto you, tell me right away.”

“I will.”

“Are you going to ask Captain Gawain for help too?”

“I’ll just make sure he knows that you’ve agreed to help me. Knowing him, that should be enough to make him get involved of his own accord.”

“Wow. You are good at pulling strings. And I’m not so sure that’s a good thing.”

“I just know that you’re special in his eyes.”

“Special...?” Letitia didn’t quite understand. “It’s true that we’ve known each other for a long time, but he’s just as protective of all his friends. You must know that.”

“Maybe you should pay closer attention to what’s going on right under your nose. That’s my advice to you, as another fool who’d sacrifice everything for a single dream.” Luke smiled. “Well, I hope I can count on you, Letitia.”

Letitia continued to ponder over the meaning of Luke’s last comment after he left her office. Maybe he had just been joking or bluffing, but she got the sense that he’d had something to back it up.

Does he know something about Gawain that I don’t?

Left alone with that lingering question, she couldn’t stop thinking about it.

Chapter 1: Day One in the Seventh Unit

“Here’s a list of this year’s new recruits,” Marius said. “Mark the names of all the people you want in your unit.”

We were in the general affairs section of the Central Administration Office. Marius was the division’s chief of Human Resources. As I took the list and tried to respond, I couldn’t relax.

Do I really get to pick staff...? I thought. It had been less than a year since I’d shifted over to the Royal Court Magicians’ Division from my job at the Mages’ Guild, and I’d been at the lowest possible rung on the corporate ladder there.

I still feel like I’m a rookie myself.

I couldn’t quite get used to the idea that I’d ended up in such an important position, but at least I recognized that my new role came with important responsibilities.

I am a lieutenant now, after all.