◆ That Which I Gained Through Study
In this world, upon reaching the age of sixteen, one undergoes the Coming-of-Age Ceremony.
At that point, whether one continues their studies at the Magic Academy, returns home to serve their family and nation, or embarks upon their own chosen path—it is a decision left to the individual.
I pondered my own course.
If I remained at the Academy for another two years, I could ascend to even greater heights, increasing the possibility of securing a position in the royal army.
The instructors, despite viewing my pursuits in the Alchemy Tower as a mere hobby, recognized my consistent diligence in military strategy. It seemed they were even considering recommending me for a position as a staff officer.
However, in the end, I was but the third son of a frontier knightly house.
A fool incapable of managing even his own fiancée.
From the moment the Grand Duke’s daughter instructed me to cease my involvement, I had completely severed ties with my betrothed. Yet, by doing so, I had marked myself as unfit for nobility.
A man incapable of properly managing a single woman would never be entrusted with a position of importance—such was the unwavering truth of noble society.
Even though my estrangement had been decreed by the royal court itself, the vast majority of noble families, who had no seat at the Morning Council, viewed both my former fiancée and myself as equally foolish.
And to make matters worse, I was now seen as nothing more than a dilettante.
Despite being a member of the Knightly Division, I neglected socializing with my peers in favor of sequestering myself within the Alchemy Tower—the very heart of the Alchemy Division.
To the military faction of noble society, my actions seemed to say: What could such a man possibly understand of warfare?
Thus, no matter how exemplary my academic performance in military studies, no noble scion of the military aristocracy would acknowledge me.
I was utterly isolated.
But that was of no consequence.
Companions need not be drawn solely from the Knightly Division.
I had built connections within the Alchemy Tower, among the common folk, and, most importantly, among my instructors—who, recognizing my potential, offered guidance whenever I sought it.
Even if I were ignored by my noble peers, there were countless ways to gather information.
However, considering my tarnished reputation within the Knightly Division, the notion of remaining in the capital to secure benefits for the frontier was utterly unfeasible.
Even if I tried, it would amount to nothing.
I was, after all, merely the third son of a house that barely qualified as nobility in the first place.
Worse still, my academic excellence might even work against me.
― The Futility of Seeking Office in the Capital ―
Thus, remaining in the royal capital to pursue a government position would bring me nothing but harm.
My skills, my knowledge of military strategy—these would be buried in obscurity if I remained at the capital.
Yet, if I returned to the frontier, they would become invaluable.
I would become invaluable.
No—I would make myself invaluable.
Thus, after my Coming-of-Age Ceremony, I formally announced my intent to return to the frontier.
To my surprise, my instructors spoke one after another, urging me to reconsider.
“It is true that, given your household’s rank, the capital presents many obstacles. However, your intellect would serve the royal army greatly. The revised military training guidelines you submitted as an assignment—both the Minister of Military Affairs and high-ranking logistics officers reviewed them and nodded in approval. Your entry into the Military Academy would be well within reason. Will you not reconsider?”
“That is an honor beyond words, yet… I am but the third son of a knightly house. The Military Academy is a gathering place for the brightest stars of noble society. No matter that my internal magic capacity is equivalent to that of a count; I remain nothing more than the son of a knightly house. Our family lacks the means to grant me a title of my own. In that regard, I stand as no different from the common people. The Military Academy would never accept one such as me.”
“But the military prides itself on meritocracy, does it not?”
*”Indeed—and for that very reason, I am unfit for such a path. Though my magic capacity may rival that of a count, my manifested abilities are far too specialized. In combat, I have only attained proficiency on par with common soldiers, and my offensive magic is rudimentary at best. Large-scale annihilation spells are an unattainable dream—such was made abundantly clear by the instructors of the Magic Division.
No matter how much further I refine my craft, I lack the raw power to serve as a Shield of the Kingdom.
Graduates of the Military Academy are invariably enlisted into the ranks of the Magic Knights. Two years would never be enough for me to reach such a level.
Instead, I choose to return to the frontier—where I will put my hard-earned knowledge and techniques to use against the threats of monsters and magical beasts, that I may stand as a shield against the kingdom’s enemies.”*
“…I see. So you have already chosen your path.”
“I have. My father and mother instilled within me the pride of our frontier house. My elder brothers, both brilliant and brave, surely bear great burdens in protecting our homeland. If I can lighten even a fraction of that burden—if I can be of use to the family that has cherished and raised me—then nothing could bring me greater happiness.”
“…Your resolve is unwavering. To think that such men exist in the frontier… A true noble’s pride dwells within you. I understand. I will say no more. May light guide your chosen path.”
“I am forever in your debt. You who held aloft a guiding light for those who walked in darkness—may your future shine ever bright. May light grace your path as well.”
― The Road I Chose After Graduation ―
Thus, I chose my own path after graduating from the Magic Academy.
To seek office in the resplendent capital would be an exercise in futility.
Even if I were to gain my father’s permission and change my patron house to that of a military family, I would be of no use.
The only future that awaited me in the capital was that of a disposable bureaucrat, shuffled into menial duties until I was used up and cast aside.
If so, then the wisest course was to return to where I truly belonged.
For my family.
For my homeland.
For my kingdom.
This was not self-deprecation, nor did I view myself as lesser.
It was simply the reality of my station.
And so, I stepped forward—toward the place I was meant to stand.