Reincarnated as a Genius Prodigy of a Prestigious Family

7. Teach Me Some Magic (3)

In my past life, studying was never an option for me.

Living under the constant threat of death, learning for the future was a luxury I couldn’t afford.

I did study swordsmanship diligently, but that was a matter of survival and not really up for debate.

Magic, on the other hand, is an academic pursuit that only becomes practical after reaching a certain level of mastery.

Unlike a sword, which can inflict harm the moment you wield it, magic requires a solid foundation in theory and experimentation before it can be considered useful.

“Ah, that’s the correct code. Go ahead and cast it!”

Learning magic was incredibly enjoyable for me.

The solid theoretical foundation I had gained from my older sister combined with my innate talent resulted in explosive progress with just a bit of guidance.

A sphere of light floated in the air, illuminating the surroundings.

“Very bright.”

It was a light spell, simple yet capable of blinding an opponent depending on its intensity.

The duration and strength of the spell depend on how the code is structured.

For some, it fizzles out the moment it’s cast.

“You can stop now. Maintaining it for twenty minutes on your first try is impressive. Most people can’t keep it up for five minutes initially.”

“That’s good to hear.”

“Good? It’s extraordinary.”

Sidraine nodded approvingly and counted on his fingers.

“That’s the fourth one… Four spells in two weeks is a phenomenal pace.”

Four.

That’s the number of rearrangement codes I had mastered in two weeks.

“It usually takes a month to master just one code, but you’ve done four in two weeks… Excellent, very excellent.”

Sidraine seemed delighted.

If I ever agreed to become his disciple, he might just do a cartwheel out of joy.

This was good news for me.

I had planned to learn more once I got to the academy, but at this rate, I’d be more than prepared before I even arrived.

“Alright, that’s enough for today.”

Sidraine said, then asked me,

“Do you have any questions?”

I did.

I asked about something I had recently read and found intriguing.

“I’m curious about magic potions.”

“Magic potions?”

Sidraine’s eyes lit up.

“Why the sudden interest?”

“I was reviewing some books in the library and found the section on magic potions fascinating.”

Magic potions.

A type of elixir made from magical ingredients.

Depending on how they’re used, they can be more potent than directly casting spells and are complex enough to have entire fields of study dedicated to them.

“So I was wondering if I could try making one.”

Sidraine burst into laughter.

“Ha! How did you know I’m quite the expert in magic potions? Haha!”

I knew because my sister told me.

“Ahem. Well, it’s usually not something easily taught, but I’ll make an exception this time. Haha!”

He seemed to be in a great mood.

My sister had said that the way to a wizard’s heart is through their area of expertise.

“Indeed, a genius. Showing interest in magic potions. I can’t understand those who find it boring!”

I understood.

My sister often complained about how tedious her magic potion classes were during our communications via the communication stone.

“Alright. I’ll teach you. Although I can’t stay indefinitely… If you became my disciple, that would be different… Not that you have to, but you could satisfy all your curiosity by becoming my disciple.”

Watching Sidraine subtly hint at it, I replied,

“On second thought, magic potions seem a bit tedious. Maybe I should practice more rearrangement codes.”

“That’s not true! Once you start, you’ll find it incredibly exciting! The thrill of combining precise ingredients to create a perfect potion is something you can’t experience otherwise!”

Watching him hurriedly try to persuade me made me feel a bit guilty.

“Really?”

“Of course! Absolutely! Let’s go get some ingredients right now. You’ll find even picking out the ingredients fun! I guarantee it!”

But what can I do?

Magic alone isn’t enough for me. I’m also interested in spearmanship, swordsmanship, assassination, and summoning.

Still, Sidraine seemed excited, and I was learning new things.

This was a win-win situation.

* * *

I left the estate with Sidraine.

My father had given his permission readily.

He also suggested I take a look around the territory while I was out.

Since I was nine, my father had taken me outside the estate occasionally to show me how the territory worked, how people lived, and why we were able to live in the estate.

So I had a general idea of what was out there, how people lived, and the overall atmosphere.

“Oh, young master Dane!”

“Young master! Come and get some cookies! We have a new flavor!”

“My, my. Your silver hair is as beautiful as ever. Meanwhile, my hair just keeps getting grayer!”

The territory was always peaceful.

Thanks to my father’s efforts to care for the people.

There was an air of leisure, peace, and warmth.

Not just because I was the son of the territory’s lord.

“I’ll be right back.”

“Hmm? Where are you going? That’s not a place for magic ingredients.”

“Those are really tasty. Would you like one?”

Riding through the streets with Sidraine, I dismounted and approached an ice candy shop.

“Mr. Gis, how have you been?”

“Oh, young master Dane. You seem to grow taller every time I see you. Haha. And Hermann is with you?”

Mr. Gis greeted us warmly.

I eyed the display of ice candies, swallowing in anticipation.

The transparent, bead-like ice candies.

Popping one into your mouth would fill it with a sweet, refreshing taste.

A snack I liked as much as tarts.

“I think I’ll come here to buy ice candies even when I’m grown up.”

“Ha! That’s quite the compliment. By then, I might be retired.”

We laughed, and I handed over a crown silver coin.

“Six, please.”

“Six? It’s almost dinner time. Won’t Lady Sogress be upset?”

“I’m sharing them.”

I glanced back at Sidraine, and Mr. Gis nodded.

“Then I’ll pick out the biggest ones for you today.”

I returned with four ice candies, handing two to Sidraine.

“Try these. They’re one of my favorite snacks.”

Sidraine took one and popped it into his mouth, looking pleasantly surprised.

“Ah, how refreshing.”

“Isn’t it?”

“What’s it made from?”

“They extract the essence from a plant that only grows in the south.”

It’s a type of mint that grows exceptionally well in the southern climate, making it very refreshing.

“The south has so many wonderful things. The snacks, the weather, and… the people.”

Sidraine added,

“You don’t see scenes like this in the capital.”

I wondered what the capital was like.

It couldn’t be worse than the battlefield, could it?

Sidraine and I headed to the only magic ingredients shop in the territory.

I had never been there before.

My sister had mentioned that the owner was a retired wizard. Would he know Sidraine?

“Young master, we’ve arrived.”

Hermann announced our arrival.

The territory’s only magic ingredients shop.

We tied up our horses and entered.

“Goodness, the tower master! The rumors were true! I didn’t think you’d really be here.”

He knows him well.

The shop owner greeted us warmly as soon as we entered.

“Haha, do you know me?”

“Of course! Who would have thought the tower master would enter the forbidden forest and eat a poison mushroom!”

“…”

The rumors were quite detailed.

“Ahem…”

I avoided Sidraine’s glare.

“Haha. It’s an honor to have the tower master in my shop. If you need anything, just let me know. I’ll throw in some extras today.”

“That’s very kind of you.”

Sidraine replied with a less-than-enthusiastic expression and began browsing the shop.

“And you must be young master Dane? It’s an honor to meet you. Silver hair and green eyes aren’t common around here.”

“Nice to meet you. How’s business?”

“Oh, you know. Not great. Haha. There aren’t many customers for magic ingredients in a place like this. Mostly outsiders or parents buying for their kids.”

He glanced at Sidraine and smiled.

“But I’m glad I opened my shop, if only to meet the tower master.”

Indeed.

There are very few towers in the empire, and Sidraine leads one of them.

But why does this shop feel familiar?

Is it because I’ve learned some magic?

“Take your time browsing. If you need any help, just ask.”

The shop was full of fascinating items.

From mana stones to various unknown materials and dried plants I recognized from my past life.

One side of the shop had magic tools.

“Oh, that’s a magic lighter. It lights up when you infuse mana. It’s used to light cigars. Wizards used to light them with their hands, but now they use these stylish tools.”

In my past life, I used to smoke a pipe to relax after battles. This would have been handy.

I have no intention of smoking now, though.

“And this one also operates with mana…”

The shop owner explained various items, quickly satisfying my curiosity.

“Remarkable.”

“What is?”

“The tools respond to your touch. Your mana sensitivity must be very high.”

Sidraine interjected.

“You have a good eye. His sensitivity is indeed exceptional.”

“His affinity must be impressive as well. Sensitivity and affinity usually go hand in hand. How pure must his mana be…”

Well, this is awkward.

I needed something to focus on to hide my embarrassment. What’s this? I approached a stone-like object.

Just as I was about to touch it-

“That’s just a decoration, young master.”

“…”

“Haha, did we embarrass you?”

“Come over here and help me pick out potion ingredients. Hmm, moonroot would be a good base.”

“An excellent choice. Moonroot is used in fifty different potions. These are top-grade, dried and treated by me.”

“Impressive work.”

I shrugged off my embarrassment and walked back to them. But just as I was about to rejoin them-

Buzz.

I felt something.

From the object I almost touched.

I turned back.

And reached out again, just in case…

Buzz!

The stone began to react.

“What’s going on?”

Hermann asked.

“I feel something.”

I raised my mana.

Then-

Buzz!

The stone vibrated.

What is this?

Could it be reacting only to my mana?