Chapter 25: Learning How to Fight
“Now then… after studying, it’s time for some exercise.”
“Yes… please take care of me…”
In the training ground of the Rosemary Marquis House, Rest stood facing an elderly butler. The purpose was training, as the butler was set to teach Rest how to fight.
“We will be conducting interpersonal combat training as per your request, Rest. However… is something the matter? You seem quite worn out.”
For some reason, Rest looked utterly drained, the spark of vitality missing from his eyes.
“If you’re not feeling well, we can postpone the training for another day…”
“No, please start… In fact, I feel like I need to move my body vigorously to release some pent-up energy!”
“…………?”
The butler, Dibble, looked at him with a puzzled expression before nodding, saying, “Very well then…”
“Ah, before we begin the training, allow me to introduce myself properly. My name is Dibble. I am a former court magician and currently serve as a butler.”
“I’m Rest. But why are you working as a butler after being a court magician?”
Becoming a court magician granted one a lifetime title of ‘Honorary Viscount.’ If one served until retirement, they would receive a substantial pension.
“I had to resign due to an injury. The previous lord took me in.”
“Injury…?”
“It’s nothing serious now. In fact, the decline that comes with age is far more painful.”
Dibble maintained a gentle expression as he lightly rolled his shoulders.
“Now then… we will begin the interpersonal combat training, but first, please look over there.”
“?”
Dibble pointed in a direction that seemed completely unrelated. As Rest turned his gaze that way, a sudden impact struck his abdomen.
“Cough…!?”
“Apologies. What I wanted you to see was my foot.”
Dibble’s heel had struck Rest’s abdomen with force, causing him to drop to his knees. He coughed violently, expelling the contents of his stomach.
“What… was that…?”
“The fundamental principle of interpersonal combat is that complacency is your greatest enemy. You never know what means an opponent might use to attack.”
“…………!”
“They may 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 method and prepare for the worst.”
“…………”
Dibble extended a hand toward Rest. As Rest reached out to grasp it, he hesitated just in time.
“Yes, that was the right choice.”
Dibble revealed a thin 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 needle.”
“…………”
“If your carelessness only puts you in danger, then that is 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 are trying to protect.”
“Those I’m trying to protect…?”
There was no one like that… he almost whispered, but fell silent. There were those who had gone this far 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 in his mind. If asked whether he held feelings of love or affection for them, he would shake his head. Yet, if asked who he absolutely did not want to see hurt, their faces would come to mind first.
“If you have people to protect, then defeat is absolutely unacceptable. Use every means at your disposal, no matter how dirty, no matter how much you may be called a coward… fight to protect them and achieve victory. There is no need for a magician to adhere to the chivalry of fighting honorably. If you do not win, it is meaningless.”
“…I understand.”
“Good. Now, as for the training ahead…”
“【Earth Sphere】”
As Dibble turned to look behind him, Rest activated the spell while still seated on the ground. The earth magic aimed at the back of Dibble’s head, but he tilted his neck to the side, evading the surprise attack.
“Well done. That was excellent.”
Dibble clapped his hands as he turned back, deepening the wrinkles on his face adorned with romantic gray hair, praising Rest’s ambush.
“To win, 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 been evaded. No matter how much he was praised, if he did not win, it meant nothing… that was Dibble’s teaching.
“Hehe…”
Seeing Rest’s expression twist in frustration, Dibble’s smile deepened.
“Now, for the training ahead… there are two things you must do.”
Dibble raised two fingers, bending them one by one.
“The first is magic acquisition. I will teach you spells that will be useful in interpersonal combat, so please remember them.”
“………… Yes.”
“And the second. You will engage in mock battles with me endlessly. Not only will we have all-out combat, but you will also experience unarmed combat without magic, battles where you can only use specific spells, and combat with restrictions on your limbs and senses.”
“…………”
“Unfortunately, my martial arts are self-taught, so I cannot teach you any forms or techniques. You will have to learn on your own.”
“…So you mean to steal my techniques, is that it?”
Rest nodded and finally stood up.
Since this was interpersonal combat training, he had assumed he would be practicing sparring or breakfalls like in karate or judo. Though it was different from what he expected… Dibble’s method was far more practical.
(If I can become strong enough to defeat Dibble, I will definitely become much stronger…!)
He might even be able to defeat Cedric, and perhaps even his father, who was a current court magician.
“Now, let’s begin with magic acquisition. The first spell you will learn is called 【Acceleration】. I will demonstrate it, so make sure you don’t miss it.”
“Yes, please guide me… Teacher!”
Rest said with determination, bowing his head to the man who would become his mentor.