I, Locus Suria, 24 years old, am a man who, despite being an orphan from the slums, have, through circumstances, become court mage. What can I say, life has been exceedingly good to me, and I thank my friends and compatriots who’ve always supported me, my mother and father for having given birth to me, and most importantly, the Goddess, for giving me the strength of heart to strive to where I am today.

Truly, I have too many people to thank. I feel that it is imperative to give back to the world what the world has given to me. It is this that motivates me to do my best every day. The dazzling morning light I am greeted by convinces me that today too, I would live a fulfilling day.

“Good morning, Master, will you be checking on the experiment before breakfast?”

“Ah yes, thank you Julia, and good morning. Do go have breakfast with the others, I’m sure they’re waiting.”

“I couldn’t possibly. And the other maids aren’t so crass as to dine before their master either. I shall accompany you today, Master.”

Julia is such a kind girl. Of course the others are also very good girls. Maria, Cynthia, Sophia. I’ve been blessed with such good help. Loathe as I am to admit, I lack any and all ability for housework. So as I was granted a mansion by his Majesty, I was honestly at a loss.

The experiment was progressing well. As I withdraw my palm from the orb, the many values pertaining to its progress leaves my mind and I open my eyes. I’m actually quite proud of this little project. I’ve been working on this for the better half of this year.

When this is complete, I have hope that this contraption will not only boost the kingdom’s economy, but also improve our relations with the empire and the republic. Or at least, that’s what Matin, a good friend and successful merchant told me.

“Master, Cynthia has told me that valve 32 may be in need of some tuning. She’d apparently discovered the issue last night whilst you were still at the castle.”

“Hm… Oh, oh dear. That won’t do. Right, haha, I suppose I’ll have to reward Cynthia for her effort.”

“Master... I beg your pardon if I’m out of line but, I, all of us live and find happiness in our servitude towards you, Master. I’m sure Cynthia is more than satisfied just to be of use.”

Julia does say the darndest things. While her chief talent lies in cooking, she performs her duties as head maid perfectly. Still, I think she can be a bit too selfless sometimes. She’s strict on herself and on others. I have her to thank for keeping track of my regular schedule with such finesse.

That being said, the younger maids are more free spirited, and I’m sure they’d be delighted upon receiving an apt reward for a job well done. I am of the firm belief that positive reinforcement always leads to the best outcome.

“Oh come on, call her over. I absolutely must reward my assistant for her keen eye.”

“... As always, I am in awe of your kindness, Master. I will get her at once, please wait just a moment.”

“No hurry, I’ll be busy with this delicious coffee in the meantime.”  

Julia, being the considerate girl she is, had already prepared a few sandwiches and coffee in the laboratory since I had a tendency to forget myself during my morning checks. As the rich flavor of the dark coffee tickles my nose, I think on my day.

Today, being the 8th day of the week, is a rest day. Meaning that I can potentially spend my entire day away in the laboratory… but that isn’t healthy for my mind or body as Sophia says. If I remember correctly, I am supposed to go out to the new orphanage with her at around noon. After that, I was planning to investigate the sewers under the castle town on the matter of those mysterious disappearances that have been happening as of late. Oh, and I have to go meet Charlie in the forest. I promised to go see him when I get the time, but I’ve just been so busy with the new coronation and everything…

“M-Master, you, needed, something?”

“Ah, Cynthia, good morning. You look a bit pale today, have you been eating well?”

“Ah, um, the experiment...”

“She’s just awful, Master! No matter how I try to pry her away from the laboratory, she keeps sneaking in here. I swear, she’ll fall ill if she’s like this.”

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Julia looked frustrated with her subordinate maid, but I could understand how Cynthia felt. As a fellow seeker of knowledge, we research types simply cannot function if we leave our work hanging.

“Well, I suppose you and Sophia have your work cut out for you.”

“Like you wouldn’t know, Master.”

“Uh, uhh, that’s a, problem...”

“Well enough about that. Cynthia, I wonder if you know why I called you here? It’s about valve 32.”

“...!!”

Cynthia opened her eyes in surprise. She may be my assistant, but I don’t have her do much without my supervision. She mainly notes down data in my place when I’m out on my usual duties.

“I’m, sorry, I didn’t, mean to, but...”

“Ah, I’m not angry with you, if you’re worried about that. No, how can I be? If you hadn’t discovered that issue, half a year of progress would’ve gone down the drain in a matter of days. You’ve not only done a service to me, but the kingdom as a whole. How can I not be thankful about that!”

“Ah!”

“Ah.”

Julia yelped and I let out a similar but more awkward sound, as I spread out my arms to express my joy. In my jubilation, I noticed too late that the coffee cup was still in my hand, and the contents within were now all over the wall, desk… and some important documents.

Documents that Cynthia worked hard to compile over the past few weeks. Oh no. How could this be? I feel so awful having ruined so much work. Right. No time to sulk now, I need to try and salvage as much as I can before the ink washes out. Darn, I should’ve casted a ward on them just to be safe. No, enough excuses, I need some tissues, quick…

“Ah, Master, I can...”

“Huh, Cynthia!? Oh, I’m so sorry, but, right, Julia, where are the tissues again!?”

“M-Master, I, can, fix this!”

Cynthia raising her voice, quite a rarity for her, threw cold water over my panic. But, huh? She can fix it? Wait, what’s she doing?

“Time is my master but not my chain, flows eternal but no course maintained. I speak the truth, I know what is, I know what was. Kahla hear me, answer, realize my wish = Minute Reversal!”

As the words flowed smoothly out of Cynthia’s mouth, time magic, one of the 3 great magics, was invoked to return the stained wall and papers to their original state, along with the coffee, which was now once again inside my cup.

Time magic deals with dangerous forces. If the caster cannot appropriately limit their area of effect, this type of magic can cause the structural integrity of its target to become very unstable. The risk is even deadlier on living targets as having only part of a body reverse can cause blood to clot in the vessels, and skin to tighten and tear.

Thankfully, Cynthia is a genius in her mana control, a trait I envy as a fellow mage, but am in awe to every time I have a chance to witness it.

“Well, that was interesting, I didn’t know you’d already learned that spell, Cynthia. What can I say, good work?”

“Master, I’m sorry, I’ve been spending time, practicing, in my spare time.”

“Oh I know about that, but it’s still fast. You continue to amaze me. So let’s get you that reward, already. Not only for finding the issue with the experiment, but also for just now.”

“Ah, um, thank you, Master.”

“Hey, I should be the one thanking you… where did I keep it?”

I put the coffee cup on a desk, carefully, and went to the other side of the room to search.

“You know, as much as I know how you’re so absorbed with the arcane, I’m glad that you’re at least showing some interests befitting your age. I’m, of course, talking about that boy at Craven’s place, the apprentice tailor.”

“Wha!? Mast-, but how!?”

“Haha, Let’s just say I have a source in the wives’ network. They sure love their gossip. Anyway, I wanted to give this to you once you two were a few more steps into the relationship, but I think this is a good an occasion as any. I’ll be out for the whole day from noon, so go see him.”

I turn around and give Cynthia a pair of leather gloves.

“Good on you, Cynthia. I’m sure he’ll love them.” Julia chimed in.

“M-Master, I can’t, accept these...”

“Sure you can. Look, I know this is way above something you can afford, but it’s been lying around in my storeroom for ages. I’ve even recharged the dexterity enchantments on them. I’m betting he’ll find these very useful in his line of work.”

“T-thank you, so much, Master...”

“But it does make me a little sad. After all, you’re such a great assistant. But you deserve your share of happiness just as much as anyone. Well,” I gave her a wink, “you’re welcome to come visit anytime.”

“Master, you tease her too much, look how red she’s gotten. She’s a long way off from leaving to get married. I believe she told you that she wants to be a full fledged mage under Locus the Dazzling on the day you two met. And that surely hasn’t changed, isn’t that right, Cynthia?”

“That title is a bit… well, I suppose she did. But do you still feel that way, Cynthia?”

“...” Cynthia fidgeted for a few seconds, “... Yes. I do. I want to, become a strong, wise, mage, like Master!”

What can I say, being told that brought a sloppy grin to my face. I know I should learn to maintain a more stoney expression what with my position and all, but I just can’t help it in a situation like this. Truly I’m blessed even for the sole fact that these girls are a part of my life.

After that, Julia, Cynthia, Sophia and I had breakfast. Julia had prepared a feast as usual, since Sophia was such a big eater. Maria wasn’t feeling well today, and was resting in bed. Julia said she will take care of it and told me not to worry. I spent the rest of the morning in the laboratory, making various preparations before Sophia came in to remind me about the visit to the orphanage that I’d completely forgotten. I put on my outside robes, Sophia got her sword, and we headed out.