**Chapter 25: Learning How to Fight**
“Now then… after studying, it’s time for some physical training.”
“Yes… please, guide me…”
In the training grounds of the House of Marquis Rosemary, Rest stood facing an elderly butler. The purpose was for training. The butler was set to teach Rest the ways of combat.
“We will be training in hand-to-hand combat as per your request, but… is something the matter? You seem rather worn out.”
For some reason, Rest looked utterly exhausted, and the spark of vitality had vanished from his eyes.
“If you’re feeling unwell, we can postpone the training…”
“No, please begin… In fact, I feel like I need to move my body and release some pent-up energy!”
“……?”
The butler, Diable, looked at him quizzically but nodded in agreement.
“Ah, before we start the training, allow me to introduce myself properly. My name is Diable. I was once a Court Magician and now serve as a butler.”
“I’m Rest. But why are you serving as a butler after being a Court Magician?”
Becoming a Court Magician granted one a title of ‘Viscount of Honor’ for life. Upon retirement, a generous severance package would typically be provided.
“I had to resign due to an injury. The previous master took me in.”
“Injury…?”
“It’s nothing serious now. In fact, the decline that comes with age is far more painful.”
With a gentle expression, Diable lightly rotated his shoulders.
“Now then… we will begin the hand-to-hand combat training, but first, please look over there.”
“?”
Diable pointed in a direction that seemed completely off. As Rest turned his gaze that way, a sudden impact struck his abdomen.
“Cough…!?”
“My apologies. What I wanted you to see was my foot.”
Diable’s heel had struck Rest’s abdomen with force, causing him to instinctively drop to one knee. He coughed violently, expelling the contents of his stomach.
“What… was that…?”
“The fundamental principle of hand-to-hand combat is that complacency is your greatest enemy. You never know what means an opponent might use to attack.”
“……!”
“They might launch a surprise attack. They could be hiding a weapon. They might approach disguised as an ally, or even take hostages… You must anticipate every possible tactic and prepare for the worst.”
“……”
Diable extended a hand toward Rest. As Rest reached out to grasp it, he hesitated just in time.
“Yes, that was the right choice.”
Diable revealed a slender needle hidden in his palm. Had Rest taken his hand, he would have been pricked by the needle.
“This is just a simple sewing needle, but an enemy intent on your life would likely use a poisoned one.”
“……”
“If your carelessness only endangers yourself, that’s one thing. You would only be putting your own life at risk. However… in actual combat, your death could lead to the loss of those you wish to protect.”
“Those I wish to protect…?”
He almost murmured that no one existed in that regard, but fell silent instead. There were those who had gone to such lengths for him. Those who had rescued him from that house and provided him with an environment to carve out a future.
(Viola… Primula…)
The faces of the Rosemary Sisters floated into his mind. If asked whether he felt love or affection for them, he would shake his head. Yet, if asked who he absolutely did not want to see harmed, their faces would be the first to come to mind.
“If you have people to protect, you must never allow yourself to be defeated. Use every means at your disposal, no matter how dirty, no matter how much you may be called a coward… fight and win to protect those individuals. There is no need for a magician to adhere to the chivalry of fighting honorably; losing because you fought fairly is meaningless.”
“…I understand.”
“Good. Now, regarding our training…”
“[Earth Sphere]”
As Diable turned to look behind him, Rest activated his magic while still seated on the ground. The earth magic shot toward the back of Diable’s head, but he tilted his neck to the side, evading the surprise attack.
“Excellent. That was a perfect score.”
Diable turned back, clapping his hands in praise, his face, adorned with a touch of gray beard, deepening with wrinkles as he commended Rest’s ambush.
“To achieve victory, one must be willing to become a dog or a beast… that is the true nature of a magician. You have great potential.”
“…Thank you.”
Rest frowned at the compliment. He had failed to land a hit. No matter how much he was praised, it meant nothing if he couldn’t win… that was Diable’s lesson.
“Hehe…”
Seeing Rest’s expression twist in frustration, Diable’s smile widened.
“Now, for the training ahead… there are two things you must do.”
Diable raised two fingers, bending them one by one.
“The first is to master magic. I will teach you spells useful in hand-to-hand combat, so please remember them.”
“…… Yes.”
“And the second. You will engage in mock battles with me. Not only will we have unrestricted combat, but you will also experience unarmed combat without magic, battles where you can only use specific spells, and fights with your limbs and senses restricted.”
“……”
“Unfortunately, my martial arts are self-taught, so I cannot teach you forms or techniques. You will have to learn on your own.”
“…So, you mean I should steal your techniques.”
Rest nodded and finally stood up.
Since this was hand-to-hand combat training, he had assumed it would involve practicing sparring or breakfalls like karate or judo. Although it was different from what he had expected… Diable’s approach was far more practical.
(If I can become strong enough to defeat Diable, I’ll definitely become much stronger…!)
He might even be able to defeat Cedric, and perhaps even his father, who was still an active Court Magician.
“Now, let’s begin with mastering magic. The first spell you will learn is called [Accelerator]. I will demonstrate it, so make sure you don’t miss it.”
“Yes, I look forward to it… Sensei!”
Rest said with determination, bowing his head to the man who would become his teacher.